Wednesday, December 2

Darby Library events
A free help session, “Make Your Christmas Letter,” will be held on Wednesdays, December 2 and 9 at 11 a.m. in the library meeting room. Resolve to make that holiday letter this season with the help you need. Space is still available for this mini workshop.
The annual Friends of the Darby Library Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Thursday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Families are welcome to StoryTime every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the children’s room. Also, the after-school Techie Table in December is Math Art. Join Volunteer Herlene after-school on Thursdays to make gum drop trees, parabola ornaments and cards.

Stevensville Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club will meet Wednesday, December 2 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., in Stevensville. Members will be discussing and finalizing the bazaar/boutique and Christmas luncheon. After the meeting, members will be decorating up and down Main Street with swags and decorations they made. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, call Sue at 369-0406.

Spiritual Masters Video Series
What happens when you bring together one of the most inspirational spiritual teachers of all time and the Master Sages of the Universe? A magical, insightful, invigorating encounter you will never forget. Come to a showing of a conversation between the late Wayne Dyer and Esther Hicks, who speaks through the wise Collective Consciousness known as Abraham, on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears). Free will offerings taken.

Thursday, December 3

Memory fitness workshop
Memory loss touches everyone at some point. St. Francis Health and Wellness Ministry and Cyndi Kenck, Outreach Coordinator for Valley View Estates, are hosting “How to Keep Your Memory Fit” on Thursday, December 3, at 3 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, S. 5th St, Hamilton, presented by Alan Baum, RN, Executive Director, Valley View Health Center. Everyone is welcome. No RSVP needed. for information call 363-1385.

Soccer signup
Ravalli United Soccer Club will be holding a registration night for its 2016 spring competitive teams on Thursday, December 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Higher Ground Brewery in Hamilton. Boys and girls aged 11-18 are invited to sign up at that time and get some free slices of pizza. Players can also signup by mail. Visit www.ravallisc.org for more information and registration forms.

Friday, December 4

North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 4 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be former County Commissioner Suzy Foss. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

St. Mary’s Mission holiday events
You are invited to share in a Country Christmas at Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Gift Shop. The Christmas Village and Rosary Exhibit opens on Friday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 2016 Founders Day Calendars are available, with illustrations by Ella Buckallew who will autograph her work from 5 to 9 p.m. St. Mary’s Chapel Open House is from 6 to 9 p.m. View the Christmas Exhibit on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Mary’s Gift Shop is open on Saturday, Dec.12 and Dec.19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All Gift Shop purchases will be discounted 10% in December.

Bitterroot College Open House
Bitterroot College of the University of Montana will host a holiday open house on Friday, December 4 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at its new location at 103 S. Ninth St. in Hamilton. The Montana A Capella Society will perform from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
The public is invited to attend and explore the college. The Bitterroot Fabrication Laboratory, or “Fab Lab,” located at 404 S. First Street and operated through the Bitterroot College Advanced Manufacturing program, also will be open during the holiday open house hours.
Attendees are encouraged to visit both locations to see the educational opportunities available to Bitterroot Valley residents.
Participants will have the chance to explore both buildings and meet students, faculty and staff members. Student and faculty presentations and research projects will be displayed in the classrooms, as well as in the art and science labs.
Refreshments will be provided by members of the Bitterroot College Advisory Council and by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce.
For more information call Bitterroot College AmeriCorps member Kate Johnson at 375-0100 or email kjohnson@mtcompact.org.

K of C Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold their December First Friday Dinner on Friday, December 4 from 5 to 6 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton. Start your Christmas Season off with an interesting twist! The Knights will be serving all-you-can-eat Christmas crepes with scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. Hot and cold beverage and dessert will also be served. This is an excellent opportunity to get out of the house and let someone else do the cooking for you. The price for the meal is $10.00 per person; children under nine eat free, so bring the kids! As a special offer a family of four or more (2 adults and 2 or more children) will eat for $35. For more information contact Nick Hooper at 381-1200.

BEAR benefit ski film
Ski season is here and BEAR is ready to get you pumped! Kick off the ski season with Warren Miller’s latest film, “Chasing Shadows,” on Friday, December 4 at 6 p.m. at 223 S. Second, Hamilton. Silent auction, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drinks for purchase and door prizes will round out the evening.
Come celebrate the legacy of Warren Miller while supporting local youth in enjoying the mountain slopes too! All proceeds will benefit BEAR, serving over 300 local youth annually, offering adventures that help youth to build meaningful relationships with mentors, the landscape, and their own strengths. BEAR’s activities are free or have scholarships available.
Advance tickets are $8, available at Bob Wards in Hamilton or Rockin’ Rudy’s in Missoula. Tickets at the door: $10. Children 8 and under free (donations for kids appreciated).

Library music concert
Renowned pianist Arthur Kostuk will be performing on Friday, December 4 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library. Kostuk has performed at concert halls in New York, Boston, Montreal, St. Louis and Seattle and is known for his ability to perform rapid and complex passages of music. This concert is free. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

Playhouse production
Stevensville Playhouse presents “The Neverending Story” adapted from the work of Michael Ende by David S. Craig. Give yourself and someone else the gift of fantasy this season. Show dates: December 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and December 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at Valley Drug, by calling 777-2722 or log on to www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org.

Saturday, December 5

Flea market
The Eagles Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Bitter Root Aerie of Hamilton, is hosting a flea market in the Aerie Hall on Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come see what the vendors have for sale. Table rental proceeds go to charity. The public is welcome.

Florence Holiday Bazaar
You’re invited to the annual Florence Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Florence-Carlton School Old Gym. Quality crafts, jewelry, ornaments, clothing, baked goods & more! Supervised children’s activities while you shop. Entertainment featuring area musicians. Delicious hot breakfast and lunch entrees. Event charity: Bring food or a monetary donation for the local food pantry. Free photos with Santa until noon.

Stevi Booster Club Bazaar
The 32nd Annual Stevensville Booster Club Craft Bazaar will be held Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stevensville High School gym. For booth space, contact Becki at 240-0077. To donate soup or pies call Brandy at 381-6696.

Saturday Bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on December 5. Doors open at 12 noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used. Free refreshments. Must be 18 to play. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.

Holiday coping workshop
The holidays carry many memories of traditions and gatherings as well as societal and family pressure to be involved in all that comes with holidays. As these times and special days approach, they can bring a sense of dread for those who have experienced the death of someone close to them.
In an effort to provide a sense of hope and comfort, Hamilton First Christian Church, in collaboration with Partners In Home Care Hospice, is presenting the workshop, “Coping with the Holidays During Times of Grief.” This is an opportunity for persons who are grieving to learn some coping strategies that can help turn those dreaded holidays into healing days.
The workshop will be Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the community room at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. Facilitator is Rev. Dan Dixson, chaplain and grief counselor for Partners In Home Care. The workshop is open to the public and free of charge.

Square dance
Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a square dance on Saturday, December 5 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Golden Age Center, 727 S 5th, Hamilton. Ray Dunbar will call plus tips from 7 to 7:30 p.m. with a mainstream dance to follow from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. All square dancers and visitors are welcome.

Rumi Night
The Dances of Universal Peace will host their annual Rumi Night on Saturday, December 5, with a potluck beginning at 6 p.m. and dances from 7 to 9 p.m. The group will be celebrating the 13th Century poet Rumi by focusing on lyrics of the heart that awaken compassion and community. All are welcome. Dances are simple and taught each time. Live music. This is a scent-free event. Children are welcome. $3 donation for rent at Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). “Love is the merchandise which all the world demands; if you store it in your heart, every soul will become your customer.”

Sunday, December 6

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Star Jameson presenting “Time Out – Being In The Stillness” on Sunday, December 6 at 10 a.m. Join in a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration as CSL begins a month of “Listening To The Stillness.” Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:15. Come early for Meditation at 9:30 a.m. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For further information call Dave at 381-2355 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.

Monday, December 7

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, peas & carrots, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagels or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajita, Spanish rice, apples, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tuna salad sandwich, taters, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Spaghetti, tossed salad, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, toast, fruit, milk; Lunch – Chicken tenders, baked beans, mixed fruit, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk

Rotary Club
Kate Johnson with Americorps Vista will be speaking on the Bitterroot College at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, December 7 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.

Victor Museum Chocolate Tasting
The 19th Annual Chocolate Tasting Party with Silent Auction will be held Monday, December 7 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Victor Heritage Museum, corner of Main and Blake in Victor. Homemade chocolates, “all you can eat,” silent auction and horse-drawn trolley rides will be available. This is the only fundraising event held by the Museum each year. The Victor Heritage Museum is an all volunteer organization and relies on the community for support. The cost is $5.00 per person. For more information call 642-3997 or 363-3165 or email victormuseum@cybernet1.com.

Corvallis Madrigal Dinner
Take a couple of seconds to conjure up a mental image of knights and their ladies at a medieval feast. Imagine a fanfare trumpeting the arrival of the king and queen. Share the merriment as they offer a wassail toast and the fun begins.
The Corvallis High School Music Department is proud to present the 6th annual Madrigal Dinner at the Cornerstone Bible Church in Hamilton on Monday and Tuesday, December 7 and 8 at 6:30 p.m.
The evening is a scripted event with processionals and music accompanying each item on the menu. The CHS orchestra and jazz band will offer harmonious strains of holiday cheer. The Chanteur Choir will present choral selections throughout the evening as wewll as a short concert before releasing you back to the 21st century living.
As one of the favored guests, you will partake in a sumptuous meal – a fowl dinner including the ever famous Cornish game hen. Entertainment provided by the Fool Hardies jesters, actors, and musicians. The evening includes a wassail toast, presentation of the boars head, the meal and dessert. All performers are in character and dressed in Renaissance garb designed by Gretchen Spiess of Stevensville; but still practicing modern hygiene – the best of both worlds.
The CHS musical theatre class will present “Jester, The Body, Ventures Forth!” The plot begins with the upcoming visit of Good King Wence from the Kingdom of Jibber who is trying to marry off his two daughters. Unbeknownst to him there are only two eligible bachelors left in the kingdom, neither of whom want to marry Gorgonzola.org (the oldest). A battle ensues with both the Jester and Lord of Misrule trying to lose so they can marry the youngest daughter Olivia the Fair. The battle wages with French bread and insults ala Shakespeare.
Ticket prices are $25.00 each and may be reserved by calling the Corvallis High School band office at 961-3201, ext 124 or going online and reserving at http://www.corvallis.k12.mt.us/ – then go to programs – scroll to music.
Tickets are available by presale only. They must be ordered, purchased, and picked up by 3:30 pm on December 4th.

Tuesday, December 8

Raptor presentation
Wild Skies Raptor Center experts will be visiting the North Valley Public Library on Tuesday, December 8 at 6 p.m. to showcase a number of their magnificent birds and answer questions about their organization and the animals. This is a free presentation suitable for families and children ages 7 and up. The program will be held in the library’s Community Room. Wild Skies Raptor Center is a Montana-based group that works to rehabilitate and release injured wild birds. Come and see these wildlife experts and their birds at the Library. Space is limited so register by calling 777-5061 or email maryw@northvalleylibrary.org.

Wednesday, December 9

Garden Club Boutique/Bazaar
On Wednesday, December 9, the Stevensville Garden Club will be selling boutique/bazaar items, raffle and 50/50 tickets to purchase, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street in Stevensville. Currently, the $10 luncheon tickets are sold out… but if you come for the boutique sale, there might be luncheon cancellations and seating available. For information call Sue at 369-0406.