Wednesday, January 13

Dog and cat reading
Read to dogs and cats. The Bitterroot Public Library invites you to bring a book to the Bitterroot Humane Association on Wednesday, January 13 from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. to read to a dog or cat. The goal is to read to 100 dogs and cats in 2016. Animals are great listeners and that encourages young readers to increase fluency and enjoy reading aloud. The animals become more socialized and ready for their new homes. Pre-register by calling the library at 363-1670.

Zen Buddhism class
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 held Wednesday, January 13. The class meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is led by Jill Davies (642-3601). By donation. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton.

Thursday, January 14

RASS training
Western MT Addiction Services will be holding a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) training on Thursday, January 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 209 N. 10th Street, Suite C in Hamilton. The cost of the training is $15 for materials (cash only). 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. Register by January 13.

Building Community Book Club
Help make your community strong! Join the book discussion of “The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace” by M. Scott Peck. This six-week book discussion will explore the true meaning of community and the four stages of community building, according to Peck. It will also look at patterns of group behavior, our capacity for transformation, and the stages of spiritual growth. This discussion will be valuable for anyone interested in building a vibrant, healthy community. Purchase the book from your favorite book source. The first session is Thursday, January 14 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 S. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). For more information call Kris at 307-274-6850.

ACA enrollment
Did you miss the ACA January enrollment deadline? Open enrollment for 2016 health coverage ends January 31. If you need help enrolling for health care in 2016 or are just interested in learning more about the Affordable Care Act, the North Valley Public Library will be hosting an information and enrollment session on Thursday, January 14 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 helping answer questions about the Affordable Care Act and helping enrollers to choose and apply for their health insurance in 2016. Laptops will be available for the public to use and there is no charge. 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.

SPW Back Country Horsemen
It’s time to start dreaming of the mountains and warm spring trail rides. Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen will meet Thursday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Service building, 1891 N. 1st, Hamilton. Entry is on the west side. The group will be discussing cookouts, camp outs, pack trips, group activities and work projects. Visitors and guests are always welcome. If you need a break and would like to start planning your 2016 “in the saddle” lifestyle then attend the next meeting of Selway-Pintler WIlderness BCH for coffee, snacks and “trail talk.” For more information contact Linda at 961-1435.

Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will meet on Thursday, January 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book ”Living in the Light: A Guide to Personal and Planetary Transformation” by Shakti Gawain.
In this classic work, Shakti Gawain introduces a powerful new way of life: that of listening to one’s intuition and relying on it as a guiding force.
The author elaborates on this concept by showing how every individual has the potential to become “a channel for the creative power of the universe.” The key is in learning to listen to our intuition, and to act on it at all times, even at the risk of going against old patterns, expectations, and belief systems. The rewards are personal fulfillment, aliveness, and creativity, as well as complete transformation of the world around us. Gawain gives clear explanations and practical guidance for anyone who desires to develop their intuition and learn to follow it, using their creative abilities to the fullest.
Shakti Gawain has been a pioneer in the field of personal development for over twenty-five years. Through her seminars and books she helps people heal and develop all levels of their being – spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. She has appeared on numerous nationally syndicated programs and her books have sold over 10 million copies in 30 languages.
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.

Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, January 14 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 208 Buck Street. Agenda items include discussion/decision on funds for Stevensville Fire Department purchase of a ladder truck; election of 2016 Council President; discussion/decision on Mayor’s re-appointment of Dustin Wood and appointment of Lake Shinn, Craig Thomas and Don Lorenzen to the Stevensville Airport Board; discussion/decision on Mayor’s recommendation of Councilmembers to Airport Board, Park Board, Planning & Zoning Board, Stevensville Main Street Association, TIF District Board.

Friday, January 15

North Valley Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, January 15 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be legislator Matthew Monforton who will be talking about the lawsuit to close the primary elections. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Saturday, January 16

Lone Rock Park Board
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Saturday, January 16 at 7 a.m. at the Three Mile Fire House. The public is welcome.

BEAR Day of Service
BEAR outdoor-based mentoring for local youth in the Bitterroot invites friends and families to attend the annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, January 16 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Every year in honor of the MLK Jr. Day of Service and National Mentoring Month, BEAR youth and community members volunteer to serve their friends and neighbors in the Bitterroot Valley. This year they will be helping to cut waste in the valley by picking up recyclable materials from homes and delivering them, free of charge, to the Ravalli County Recycling Center in Hamilton. Community members of all ages are welcome to attend the event as a volunteer, or as a guest to the lunch.
If you’d like to attend the event or if you are interested in signing up for a free recycling pick up on Saturday, January 16, contact Val Aerni at 363-5410 or email val.aerni@bearmt.org. There are a limited number of slots available for pick-ups on Saturday, so be sure to reserve your pick up early. For more information or to see a detailed schedule, visit the special events page at bearmt.org.

Dog Day Derby Sled Dog Race
The Montana Mountain Mushers and Bitterroot Mushers will hold the 9th Annual Dog Day Derby Sled Dog Race on Saturday and Sunday, January 16 & 17 at Lost Trail Pass/Gibbons Pass Road (#1260). Races begin at 9:30 a.m., usually concluding by 1 p.m. Races include 8-, 6-, 4- and 2-dog junior and senior categories. Peewee races are held Saturday for children ages 5-10 following the conclusion of the races (about noon). $5/child, dogs and sled provided; bring a helmet. Peewee races are limited to 10 racers so come early to register. For more information on the races visit www.bitterrootmushers.org or email bitterroot mushers@hotmail.com. Happy trails!

Square dance club
Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, January 16 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.

Stevensville Playhouse production
“Main Street Souvenirs” by Scott Kirby will show on Saturday, January 16 only at the Stevensville Playhouse. Scott Kirby, composer and artist, brings his multi-media celebration of Americana, featuring 150 years of American music from the ‘heartland’ and small town America, to his original work “Main Street Souvenirs.” The Stevensville Playhouse is proud to host this one night only event January 16 at 7:30 p.m. Reservation and tickets at Valley Drug, 777-2722, or www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org.

Sunday, January 17

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts I Serenity presenting “Using Spiritual Law To Create A World That Works For Everyone” on Sunday, January 17 at 10 a.m. Enjoy a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration for 2016. 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.

Golden Age Club
Attention chili lovers! The Hamilton Golden Age Club will resume the Sunday
Dinner-Dances on January 17. At 1 p.m. the club will serve a chili dinner including chili, corn bread, relish tray, ice cream and coffee. Following the dinner there will be music for listening or dancing by the slightly famous Jammers. If you would like to play cards or other games, feel free to bring your players and cards or games and enjoy a favorite activity while the music plays. Check out the freshly painted front room. Help the club pay for the paint by making a dinner reservation. Call Bob at 363-0142 to ensure a chili bowl at the table. Admission for the dinner and dance is just $6.00 per person. Make plans now to start the new year right with a good meal, good music and good company at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. Fifth Street in Hamilton.

Monday, January 18

Stevi school menu
Monday: Martin Luther King Day – No school
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken enchilada casserole, Spanish rice, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheeseburgers, taters, apples, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese-filled breadsticks, glazed carrots, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Ham & scrambled eggs, hash browns, applesauce, bread & butter, milk.

Rotary Club
The next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club will be Monday, January 18, 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.

Nonviolent Communication Discussion Group
Learn to communicate in a non-violent way at a discussion group based on the book “Nonviolent Communication—A Language of Life” by Marshall Rosenberg. ion Monday, January 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (on-going on the first and third Mondays of the month) at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). Come and learn Marshall’s simple technique to communicate and build healthy, strong relationships in a non-violent, peaceful, and respectful way. Purchase the book from your favorite book source. Free will donations accepted. For more information call Salim at 241-1292.

Amateur Radio Club
The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club (BARC) meets Monday, January 18 at 7 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public and visitors are encouraged. Many people who are interested in getting into Ham Radio and emergency communications begin by visiting or joining the club. This month’s meeting will include installation of the new club officers for 2016 and a presentation on current and future club emergency capabilities.

Corvallis Civic Club
The Corvallis Civic Club will hold its first meeting of 2016 on Monday, January 18, at 7 p.m. in the Corvallis High School Library. Meetings are open to the public and the Civic Club welcomes the participation of all interested community members. Regular meetings generally take place on the third Monday of the month.
The Corvallis Civic Club is a volunteer group dedicated to facilitating projects of benefit to the Corvallis community. Past projects include: school/community tennis courts; tree plantings and benches on Main Street; the Corvallis to Woodside pedestrian/bike path; pathway east along Willow Creek Road; and Welcome to Corvallis signs. Most recently the group has spearheaded efforts to construct a pedestrian/bicycle bridge across the Bitterroot River at Woodside and to improve pedestrian and bike crossings in the Corvallis school zone and along the Woodside Cut-Off Rd.
For more information, contact Allen Bjergo at 961-4538 or Tonia Bloom at 363-3485.

Bitterroot Audubon
Bitterroot Audubon’s January program will feature Skip Horner, well-known Adventure Guide, popular lecturer and accomplished photographer. Skip will recount his expedition into India’s remote and officially inaccessible Eastern Karakorum Mountains to climb Rimo I, 24,230 feet, one of the highest unclimbed peaks in the world at the time, and to raft the wild and un-run Shyok River that drains it. Skip describes this expedition as ”the biggest adventure of my life”, which is saying something as he has guided a wide variety of adventures worldwide for over 40 years. Skip’s presentation is scheduled for Monday, January 18th at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy. 93 at the north end of Hamilton. The meeting is free, and the public is invited. Enter on the west side of the building. Contact Kay Fulton (642-3794) for more information.

Tuesday, January 19

RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, January 20 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.

Thursday, January 21

Friendly Gardner’s Club
The Friendly Gardener’s Club of Darby/Conner will be having their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 21, at 12 noon. You are invited to join in this fun, social get together – an interest in gardening is not essential. For meeting location and further information contact the club president at 821-2229.

Building Community Book Club
Help make your community strong! Join the book discussion of “The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace” by M. Scott Peck. This six-week book discussion will explore the true meaning of community and the four stages of community building according to Peck. It will also look at patterns of group behavior, our capacity for transformation, and the stages of spiritual growth. This discussion will be valuable for anyone interested in building a vibrant, healthy community. Purchase the book from your favorite book source. The second session is Thursday, January 21 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 S. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). For more information call Kris at 307-274-6850.

Balance workshop
“How to Improve Your Balance and Prevent Falls and Injuries” will be presented Thursday, January 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Pastoral Life Center, 5th Street, Hamilton. This presentation by local Physical Therapists will include a balance assessment and tips on how to strengthen your balance and make changes to prevent falls and injuries. Everyone is invited, bring a friend! No RSVP needed. For information call the St. Francis Health & Wellness Ministry at 363-1385.

Main Street business social
The Stevensville Main Street Association will hold a business social on Thursday, January 21 at 6 p.m. at Lutzenhiser Jewelry, 118 Main in Stevensville. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and hear how Kate and Robert Lutzenhiser have maintained a successful jewelry business for over 25 years with their unique style of marketing and promotion. Learn some marketing tips that really work and network with other downtown Stevensville business owners. Call Joan at 777-3773 for more information.