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.

Holiday Events at Darby Library
The Darby Community Public Library has a full slate of kid’s, community and holiday events planned for December.
Events for the month are:
• Holiday Newsletters 101, Wednesdays, December 9 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Bring any photos you’d like to share with friends and family, whether they are on your CD, flash drive, digital camera or cell phone, and learn how to create holiday cards or newsletters. Bring your own laptop, or use a library laptop, and all device accessories. Remember to bring your sense of humor and a willingness to try new things.
• Techie Table Challenge: Math Art. In keeping with the holiday season, kids will learn how math and art go together while making Christmas tree ornaments on Thursdays of the month from 3:30 to 5 p.m. On December 10, it’s string ornaments; and on December 17 kids will use colored pens, rulers and protractors to create ornaments or cards.
• Children’s Storytime, held every Tuesday at 11 am for kids from birth through age 5, offering early literacy, games, songs and books.
• Adult Coloring Table. Come and check out the library’s art table and the latest artistic craze – coloring books for adults. These coloring pages have more intricate designs and patterns than children’s and they offer a fun and unique way to unwind and express creativity. Available during regular library hours.

Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism class will be held Wednesday, December 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. First, Suite C in Selway Commons (north of Sears) in Hamilton. A class on the fundamental teachings of the Buddha as taught by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh including exercises of mindful breathing, listening, walking, eating; the Eightfold Path with the basic teaching on Mindfulness; the Five Precepts for living in the world; and the Heart Sutra will be led by Jill Davies (642-3601). Donations accepted.

Thursday, December 10

Eye health class
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital’s next class in the Healthcare Education Series is about Eye Health on Thursday, December 10 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Blodgett and Canyon View conference rooms as Dr. Calderwood from Bitterroot Valley Eye Associates teaches how aging can bring changes to your eyesight. Learn how your weight, diabetes and overall health can impact your eye health. Get tips to protecting your vision as you age and learn how common eye problems can be easily treated. For information about the “Eye Health” class and other upcoming classes visit mdmh.org/hes or call 363-2211.

SPWBCH
Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen will celebrate the holiday season by having an assortment of holiday treats along with the usual coffee, tea and hot cocoa! There will also be several drawings to win a prize! The next general meeting is on Thursday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Forest Service Bldg. It’s that time of year for membership renewals, elections and a look back on a great summer of projects, packing and mountain trails! Guests are always welcome for snacks, drinks and lots of “trail talk”. Entrance is in the rear. For more information contact Kathy at 363-8230.

Circus of Science
Stevensville Public Schools will be hosting the Family Science Night on Thursday, December 10th from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Middle School lobby. The “spectrum” program funded through the Jane S. Heman Foundation will be providing this free Science and Engineering exhibit for all ages.
The traveling exhibit is designed to spur student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs and careers. The exhibit includes a larger-than-life spinning Turntable, a Gravity Well, Bernoulli Blower, Flying Cups, and “spectrUM’s” popular Flight Simulator.
Stevensville Public Schools encourage all families and interested community members to visit the free exhibit and participate in this event exploring the fun surrounding the field of science. For further information, contact Tracey Rogstad, principal, at Stevensville Middle School, 777-5533.

Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, December 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book “Healing Without Medicine: From Pioneers to Modern Practice” by Albert Amao, Ph.D.
“As a man thinketh, so is he”. Thus is the biblical King Solomon often quoted by proponents of New Thought, one of the most influential native religious movements in America.
Amao provides an engaging and serious history of this and related movements from the 18th century to the present. Amao’s aim is to provide an explanation of the power of thought to heal the mind and body. All methods of mind/spiritual healing are self-healing, he says; we all have an inner capacity to heal ourselves. He examines cases of contemporary New Thought leaders who healed from ‘incurable’ diseases free of medicine and he describes the mechanism that triggered their healing. Their experiences have benefited millions of followers worldwide.
Dr. Amao is a writer, speaker, and holistic counselor. He has written extensively on metaphysics, New Thought philosophy, and Hermetic Qabalah. As an ongoing Ageless Wisdom seeker he has belonged to several metaphysical, philosophical, and esoteric schools to study their claims by direct experience.
The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month in the West Meeting Room of the Bitterroot Public Library and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well being.
Call 363-1670, or email jacostant@gmail.com for more information.

Friday, December 11

Story Time for Kids
“Ah-Choo!” is the theme for the preschool story time at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton on Friday, December 11 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Tamara Stoker and Sally Blevins will meet you in the meeting room of the library for stories and early literacy activities. Call 363-1670 for more information.

ACA info session
Need help enrolling for health care in 2016 or just interested in learning more about the Affordable Care Act? The North Valley Public Library will host an information and enrollment session on Friday, December 11 at 5 p.m. in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library.
Christopher Coburn and Kate Duggan, a Certified Application Counselor, will be at the library to answer questions about the Affordable Care Act and help enrollees choose and apply for their health insurance in 2016.
Laptops will be available for the public to use and the session is free. Come to the library to receive one-on-one answers to your questions, compare plans in the Marketplace, and get help with the application process. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.

Eagles Taco Night
Tacos and more will be served Friday, December 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas and taco salads can be ordered by item. The public is invited. Due to the holidays, this will be the only Taco Night in December.

Special Family Night
Sing and dance with Chip and Cove Jasmin at Special Family Night on Friday, December 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Special Family Night meets the second Friday of each month and is for children with autism or other disabilities and their families. Casein-gluten friendly snacks are provided; newcomers are welcome. Sponsored by the Bitterroot Public Library with thanks to the Rapp Foundation. For more information contact Jessica at 406-210-2937 or Sally at the Library at 363-1670.

Stevensville Playhouse production
Winter is a time of wonder, belief, and fantasy; a time when we all try to share a little more of ourselves with each other. And what better gift than a spectacular adventure through incredible places, peopled by astonishing creatures? Here we learn that everyone can be the hero of the story. In a land devoured by The Nothing, only one boy can save everything. All he must do is believe in Fantastica, believe in imagination, and believe in himself. “The Neverending Story” was originally written by Michael Ende as a children’s book. The story was later made into a well-known hit movie of the same title in 1984 with several subsequent sequels. Now this wonderful tale of fantasy and imagination comes to life on the Stevensville Playhouse stage with David S. Craig’s adaptation. Give yourself and someone else the gift of fantasy this season. Show dates are Dec. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at Valley Drug, by calling 777-2722 or visiting www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org.

Saturday, December 12

Beekeepers of the Bitterroot
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will meet Saturday, December 12 at 9 a.m. at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Hwy, south of Hamilton. There will be a short meeting followed by a social hour with a potluck meal and honey tasting. The agenda will cover ordering bees for 2016, planning the January beginning beekeeping meeting, discussion of the direction of the club, and finding a good way to deal with organizing and distribution of medications. Members can meet Jacob Wustner, the new president, and get information on ordering bees, a January beginners workshop and getting equipment ready. Beekeepers are also invited to bring a labeled sample of their honey for a round of tasting. The new mailing address is: Beekeepers of the Bitterroot, 883 Leese Lane, Stevensville MT 59870.

Holiday bake sale
Stevensville’s Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool is hosting a holiday bake sale with a difference on Saturday, December 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Yes, you can find yummy treats like Grandma used to make. But the catch is, you get the recipes so you can make them yourself for holiday gift-giving. All proceeds benefit Genesis House. Our Savior is located just south of Stevensville at 184 Pine Hollow Road, the first major intersection off the Eastside Highway after Middle Burnt Fork. Turn east, cross the tracks and the canal and turn in at the church with the three white crosses. Call 777-5625 weekday mornings for more information.

Clothing Giveaway
The Place Church will sponsor a free Clothing and Household Item Giveaway on Saturday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Hamilton City Hall, 223 S. 2nd. Families can come and find Christmas presents to give each other and also to meet their household needs. If you’re interested in donating or need more information call Jesse at (406) 350-2360 or email h2hm@hotmail.com.

Hospice Tree of Lights
Marcus Daly Hospice staff and volunteers are hosting their 24th annual Tree of Lights ceremony on Saturday, December 12 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. All are welcome to join in the annual Tree of Lights ceremony which is a time to reflect and remember those we love during this special time of year. The Hospice Volunteers are hosting a cookie reception prior to the ceremony which begins at 3 p.m. in conference rooms B/C. The Celebration of Light ceremony will follow at 3:30 p.m. and take place in the new MDMH Blodgett/Canyon View conference rooms. This celebration will include holiday music, local musicians and the reading of loved ones names who have passed away. The event will conclude with the lighting of the tree at the Hospice Center entrance.
Remember your loved ones during this special time of year with a light or ornament in their memory. Your donation of remembrance is extremely valuable; in joining us you will help continue with the important work done by Marcus Daly Hospice. The donations available are:
· $5 or more you can have a loved one’s name remembered with a light on the Tree of Lights.
· $15 or more you will receive a beautiful angel ornament for your or someone you select on your holiday tree.
· $100 or more you will be recognized as a Tree of Light Sponsor and receive a letter of appreciation.
· $250 or more you or your business will be recognized as a Beacon of Light on your letter and in our publications.
To purchase a Tree of Lights memorial ornament or light, call 363-6503.

Community Christmas Party
The Fort Owen American Legion Auxiliary will hold its annual Community Christmas Party on Saturday, December 12. The potluck dinner will be at 6 p.m. at the Post Hall on Middle Burnt Fork Road. Santa will be sure to stop by. For more information call Mary Jette at 529-9592.

Christmas benefit concert
“Christmas in Stevensville,” the 12th Annual Community Christmas & Benefit Concert presented by members of the Stevensville Community Choir, will be held Saturday, December 12 at 6 p.m. at the Stevensville High School gym. Free admission. Donations will be accepted to benefit Meggie Raymond-Morgan.

Square dance
Barry Bartlette will call Boots ‘n’ Calico’s square dance on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Golden Age Center, 727 S. 5th, Hamilton. Round dancing will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. All square dancers and visitors are welcome.

Sunday, December 13

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts LeGrande Harvey presenting “Using Your ESP” on Sunday, December 13 at 10 a.m. Come for a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration as a month of Listening To The Stillness continues. Come early for Meditation at 9:30 a.m. The Christmas Potluck and Party follow at 11:30 with great food and caroling. The group will serenade residents at BeeHive Homes following the potluck. Bring a friend. 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.

Accordion club
Five Valley Accordians is having the December dance and jam on Sunday, December 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rustic Hut in Florence. This is the Christmas dance and annual bake sale. Admission is $3 for members and $4 for non-members at the door. Memberships are $10 per year and include newsletters with lots of info about the club. Everyone is welcome.

Qigong event
Qigong, a Moving Meditation, will be held at the First Christian Church on Sunday, December 13 at 1 p.m. Qigong is a breathing exercise that promotes improved energy and calmness by harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. This special event is free and the community is welcome to attend. First Christian Church, located across from the high school at 328 Fairgrounds Road, and JBJ Dojo are sponsoring this free community event. JBJ Dojo is an alternative Martial Arts School, located in Kalispell. Martial Arts instructors Murray J. Jewett and Melinda R. Cole teach an ethical approach to living through Martial Arts training.

Christmas concert
In its 43rd season, the Bitterroot Valley Chorus will be offering its gift of Christmas music to the community on Saturday, December 12 at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday, December 13 at 1:45 p.m. in the Hamilton Performing Arts Center at 327 Fairgrounds Road.
This year’s performances are dedicated to the memory of Judy Paul, horn player and collaborative pianist for the Bitterroot Valley Chorus. Judy died in an automobile accident in late September. She was a superb musician and cherished friend, and the Chorus family misses her terribly. Judy will live on in the Chorus’s music and its memories of her.
The concert this season begins with a Christmas jazz prelude program featuring instrumentalists John Wilson, Chris Porter, Bob Prince, Jack Barnings, Dick Skultin, and Tim Wilson. John has arranged a number of Christmas carols for the group that are sure to delight the audience. You won’t want to miss it!
The Conductor/Artistic Director for the BR Valley Chorus is Peggy Bucheit, who is in her 20th year at the helm. The musical program she has chosen for this season features music that is uplifting, inspiring, joyous and sometimes very funny! Program highlights include the slightly irreverent “12 Days After Christmas” and the powerful Sanctus from Mass by Leonard Bernstein. The audience will be treated to two lovely a cappella pieces performed by a select ensemble from the Chorus, as well as a solo performed by George Mason and a duet performed by Jenica Burrows and Eric Monson in collaboration with dancers Max Naidl and Reyna Post.
The 2015 adult Chorus has 80 members, comprised of a diverse group of singers from around the Bitterroot Valley. The Chorus is joined by a 40-member Youth Choir. Our Youth Choir features children from public, private and home-school educational settings who come together to make music with each other and the Chorus every year.
Instrumentalists for the main Chorus program include Tricie Callaghan-Stover and Dr. Gay Garard-Brewer, piano and keyboard; Ellen Holleman, flute; Jack Barnings and Caleb Hill, percussion; John Wilson, trumpet; Chris Porter, trombone; Bob Prince, saxophone; and JT Vineyard, tuba.
Admission to the concerts is free, but a $5 donation is suggested to help defray the expenses of the Chorus. The Bitterroot Valley Chorus is a 501c3 non-profit organization and is dependent on the generosity of sponsors and donors to continue providing these high-quality Christmas concerts to the community.
The business of the Chorus is managed by an all-volunteer Steering Committee. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the Chorus, contact Tricie Callaghan-Stover, Secretary, at 360-7362 for more information.

Monday, December 14

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pulled pork sandwich, taters, applesauce, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco salad with chips & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Christmas dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, mixed veggies, salad bar, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chili & crackers, fresh carrots, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, toast, fruit, milk; Lunch – Sea Wonders, green beans, Mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk

Rotary Club
The Hamilton High School “Guys & Dolls” will be presenting a Christmas program of song at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, December 14 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.

Drum Circle
African Drum Circle will be held Monday, December 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears), Hamilton. Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and be part of the fun. No drums? No worries, there are instruments to share. Drum Circle meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. For information, contact Jerry at 381-7220 (jelb229@aol.com) or visit CSLBitterroot.

UFO, ET discussion group
DVDs and discussions about UFOs and ETs continues on Mondays, December 14 and 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library meeting room. DVDs from the International UFO Congresses will be shown. Recorded speakers will discuss ‘our’ truth embargo and how other countries have disclosed their sightings and much more. On December 14, Joan Bird, author of “Montana UFOs and Extraterrestrials,” will be the guest presenter. For information call 381-5032.

Fish & Wildlife Assn.
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association will hold its December general meeting on Monday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at Daly Leach meeting room, 1010 W. Main in Hamilton. Along with elections, there will also be a power point presentation of check station results. Meetings are open to the public. Anyone interested in wildlife issues is encouraged to attend. For further information, call Tony at 381-0587.

Tuesday, December 15

RASS training
Western MT Addiction Services will be holding a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service training on Tuesday, December 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 102B Main Street, Stevensville. The cost of the training is $15 (cash only) for materials. The “Let’s Control It” curriculum is approved as a state-mandated RASS training by the MT Dept of Revenue and participants will receive a certificate of completion. For information or to register call 532-9149 or email ffavara@wmmhc.org by December 14.

RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 15 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, December 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. These meetings are open to the public.

Family concert
Fun for the family! The North Valley Public Library hosts Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau program, “Singing the Westward Legacy” with Neal Lewing on Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Library. The presentation is free and open to the public. Partial funding for the Speakers Bureau program is provided by a legislative grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Neal Lewing offers an entertaining performance on America’s musical legacy from Lewis and Clark to Custer, with traditional and original folk songs, history, and a few laughs. The show contains many traditional tunes, such as “Shenandoah,” “Down in the Mine” and “160 Acres,” plus a few from Lewing’s internationally acclaimed albums, like “Milwaukee Road,” “Riverboat,” and “The Irish Sing and Dance.” The program examines the role of music in our history, our heritage and our cultural evolution, and why its importance is no less vital today.
Lewing is an actor, singer/songwriter, recording artist, playwright, poet, storyteller, author, and historian, and managing director of the Port Polson Players theatre. He has served as technical advisor to the Custer Reenactment in Hardin, and a term on the Montana Arts Council and performs with the Montana ShamRockers.
The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

Thursday, December 17

Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen, a group of folks dedicated to keeping trails open for you, host their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 17, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. A silent auction and the annual membership drive will take place, and all members who have paid their dues for 2016 are eligible to win raffle prizes. Guests are welcome, and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.