Wednesday, January 6

Darby Library events
Educational events for all ages are scheduled at the Darby Community Public Library in January and the first Monday in February. The events are:
• Organize Your Photos 101, Wednesdays, January 6 and 14, 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Use your own laptop or borrow one from the library. Bring your physical or digital photos on a CD, flash drive digital camera, cell phone, or other device along with your device accessories. Also, bring a sense of humor and a willingness to try new things.
• Computer Basics Workshop, Mondays, January 25 and February 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. Instructor Brian Bridges, IT Administrator at Darby Schools, will focus on computer familiarity including hardware, software and programs; operating system navigation and using Windows; internet and email usage, and troubleshooting. Registration required.
• Techie Table Challenge. Kids will design and program a Lego Destruct-o-Bot and do battle with a competition, Thursdays, January 7, 14 and 21 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sign-up required, teams allowed.
• Children’s Storytime, held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. for kids from birth through age 5, offering early literacy, games, songs and books. Stay and Play Activities follow Storytime every first Tuesday of the month.
Starting the first Wednesday in February, the Library will host a monthly open computer lab from 10 to 11 a.m. with on-site support and assistance available to users. Coloring Table will also be available for interested adults.

Stevensville Main Street Assn.
The monthly meeting of the Stevensville Main Street Association will take place Wednesday, January 6 at 12 noon at the Main Street office, 102B Main in Stevensville. Lunch is $6. The program will be by Dave and Heidi Hammermeister, owners of Huckleberry Express Taxi. There will be information, announcements, and 2016 event dates.

Stevensville Garden Club
On Wednesday, January 6, the Stevensville Garden Club will start off their New Year program with “Award Time”… learning how the projects you choose can lead to winning award entries. Presenters and SGC members will be JoAnne Gibbons and Mary Baughn. Every first Wednesday of the month, the club meets at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street in Stevensville. Everyone is welcome – those new to the “world of gardening”, those who know some, and those who are master gardeners with valuable information and experiences they can share! For more information call Sue at 369-0406.

Horse ownership classes
Mark your calendar! Western Montana Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation Inc. is presenting the first of four free monthly “Responsible Horse Ownership” classes, scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month. Topics of the next three classes will be announced no later than two weeks prior. The first class will be held Wednesday, January 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Cowpoke Ranch Supply in Corvallis. The topic is “Vehicles/Trailers/Transporting.” A handout will be provided.

Spiritual Masters Video Series
Enjoy a video presentation of “Stand Up for Your Life.” Cheryl Richardson, life coach and inspirational speaker, offers insight on how to honor your life’s priorities and live a life of meaning. This informative PBS special is based on her best-selling book. Cheryl shows you how to take a leadership role in your life, develop courage, define and live your values, build inner confidence, increase personal power and meaningfully contribute to others. A discussion will follow. Join in on Wednesday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears).

Friday, January 8

K of C Fish Fry
Knights of Columbus Council 6130 of Hamilton will hold a Friday Night Fish Fry on Friday, January 8 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th in Hamilton. The all-you-can-eat meal of fish, fries, coleslaw, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage is $10 per person; children under nine eat free so bring the kids! As a special offer, a family of 4 or more (2 adults and 2 or more children) can eat for $35. Wine can be purchased separately. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Eagles Taco Night
Taco Night will be held Friday, January 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, at 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas and taco salads are available. The public is invited.

Saturday, January 9

Lions Club Ski Bus
The Hamilton Lions Club sponsored Ski Bus to Lost Trail Powder Mountain will begin running on Saturday, January 9. Since 1975, the Hamilton Lions Club has provided skiing opportunities to Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Families, kids, young adults, and adults are welcome to ride the bus to Lost Trail Powder Mountain and get discounted lift tickets. The bus operates every Saturday from January 9 through February 20. Single rides are $10. Bus riders save $20 by buying the $50 season bus pass. Passes are available at Big Sky Eye Care, or Bob Wards and Valley Bicycle and Ski in Hamilton. Discounted lift tickets can be purchased on the bus: Under 13, $20.00; Over 13, $30.00. Please bring exact amounts for riding and skiing, cash only. The bus departs from Hamilton Middle School (6th Street) at 8:30 a.m. and returns by 5 p.m. Call Big Sky Eye care for more information, 363-2020.

Flea market
A flea market will be held Saturday, January 9 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Snacks and lunches are available. Rent a table for $5. Call April at 363-0112 for more information.

Beekeepers
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will meet on Saturday, January 9 at 9 a.m. at Canyon View Church, on Skalkaho Road, south of Hamilton. The club meeting will run from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by a Beeginning Beekeeping class by Jacob Wustner, until 12 noon. Since there may be a full house, please register for the class at the Beekeepers of the Bitterroot website in advance.

Storytelling Series
Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) invites you to enjoy the 2016 Winter Storytelling Series at Travelers’ Rest State Park throughout January and February.
On Saturday, January 9 at 11 a.m., Philip Burgess will tell the story of his “Great Grandfather’s Montana Journey.” The series continues each Saturday through February. Visit travelersrest.org for a complete list of presenters. Admission to Winter Storytelling events is $5 per adult or free for Travelers Rest Preservation & Heritage Association (TRPHA) members and includes treats and coffee provided by Florence Coffee Company. A free Trekker Kids children’s programming coincides with the presentation each Saturday morning. For more information call the Travelers’ Rest State Park Visitor Center at (406) 273-4253.

MCT Darby production
MCT will be presenting “Aladdin” under the direction of Maria Norris and Charlotte Rawls on Saturday, January 9 at the Darby Junior High School Gym. Performances will be at 3 and 5:30 p.m. The company arrives in Darby on the January 4 to begin auditions and rehearsals, they come with a set, lights, costumes, props and make-up, everything it takes to put on a play…except the cast. MCT will cast 50-60 Darby students to perform in the production. Darby school children will be the stars of the show. Also included in the residency are three enrichment workshops presented by Norris and Rawls. Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills, and self-esteem are all characteristics that are attained through the participation in this unique, educational project. MCT’s mission is the development of lifeskills in children through the participation in the performing arts.

Square dance club
Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, January 9 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th Street in Hamilton. Ray Dunbar will call a plus dance from 7 to 7:30 p.m. with a mainstream dance with plus tips from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Come see if square dancing might be for you. Classes start January 18. For information call Ray at 370-4414.

Sunday, January 10

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Jon Bradbury presenting “A New Design For Living – A World That Works For Everyone” on Sunday, January 10 at 10 a.m. Enjoy a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration for 2016. Refreshments and delightful 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.

Accordion jam
Five Valley Accordian Jam and Dance will take place Sunday, January 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center and Sunday, January 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rustic Hut in Florence. Admission is $3 members, $4 public Get your winter exercise the fun way! Everyone welcome.

Monday, January 11

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, peas & carrots, pineapple, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Egg rolls
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagels & cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco salad, chips & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Chicken nuggets
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken & noodles, tossed salad, apricots, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Pizza
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tater-tot casserole, green beans, grapes, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Burrito
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken sandwich, California blend veggies, peaches, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Hamburgers.

Green Thumbs Up
The Green Thumbs Up Garden Club will meet Monday, January 11 at 2 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Samantha O’Byrne, formerly of Sam’s Spade and currently of O’Hara Commons, will talk about Companion Planting, and Peter Allen will present a mini program on The Garden Planner Program by Mother Earth News. Green Thumbs Up meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, call Carol at 363-2403.

Drum circle
African Drum Circle will be held Monday, January 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 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 at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears). For information, contact Jerry at 381-7220 (jelb229@aol.com).

Stevensville Playhouse auditions
Auditions for the musical “Working” will be held on Monday, January 11 and Wednesday, January 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stevensville Playhouse, 317 Main Street, Stevensville. The book “Working” was written by Studs Terkel after his tour of the country interviewing working class people. He found their stories inspiring. No job was too small not to take pride in. Years later Stephen Schwartz (of “Wicked,” “Godspell” and “Pippin” fame) worked the book into a musical with the help of musicians such as James Taylor. Performances run March 4-20. Perusal scripts are available at North Valley Public Library and River’s Mist Gallery next to the theatre. Those auditioning need to bring a calendar, be prepared to read one of the monologues, and sing something simple (a capella). There are parts for eight men and eight women (maybe more) with only one young part. Older teens will be considered for a few parts, but most parts are for mature actors. For more information call director Gretchen Spiess at 777-0520.

Tuesday, January 12

Stevi school board
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular board meeting on Tuesday, January 12 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.

American Legion Post 47
All veterans are invited to attend the Hamilton American Legion Post 47 monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 12 at 7 p.m. at the Post located at 322 S. 2nd Street. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month.