Thursday, January 28

Bike/Walk Group
Ravalli County cyclists and pedestrians are invited to express their views when the nascent chapter of Bike/Walk Bitterroot gets together on January 28 to map out its work plan. Anyone with an interest in cycling or pedestrian issues in the Bitterroot Valley is invited to participate.
Matthew Rohrbach is serving as the local liaison with Bike/Walk Montana, a Helena-based non-profit that aims to make biking and walking safe and accessible throughout the state. The local group is working out an affiliate relationship with the state group, and Melinda Barnes, Executive Director of Bike/Walk Montana, will attend.
All interested citizens are invited to participate in a facilitated discussion on Thursday, January 28, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. According to Rohrbach, the strategic planning meeting is an opportunity for citizens to identify issues impacting biking and walking in the Bitterroot Valley, and to help identify specific projects and programs to address those issues.
“Bike/Walk Bitterroot is looking for ideas from Bitterroot Valley citizens on how we can improve biking and walking in the Bitterroot from the perspective of safety, economic development, and accessibility,” Rohrbach said, with a one to three-year time frame in mind. Those may include policy as well as infrastructure issues, to be addressed at the local, county, and statewide levels.
Attendees will be asked to identify what they currently love about cycling or walking in the valley, to aid in promotion of those resources, but they will also have a chance to spotlight issues that make them “sad or mad,” according to Rohrbach.
Attendance is free and open to the public, but donations will be solicited to defray the costs of the session. Refreshments and snacks will also be provided.
For more information, contact the group at bikewalkbitterroot@gmail.com.

Neck pain class

Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital’s Health Education Series continues with a class about “Neck Pain” on Thursday, January 28 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Blodgett and Canyon View conference rooms as renowned neurosurgeon, Richard Day, MD, from the Rocky Mountain Neurosurgery Center, explains how age can bring on arthritis, disc problems, bone spurs and neck pain. Advanced cases may result in spinal stenosis. Learn about neck health and holistic and traditional medicine treatment options. For information about the “Neck Pain” class and other upcoming classes visit mdmh.org/hes or call 363-2211.

4-H info meeting
Join 4-H! Come learn what 4-H has to offer at the informational meeting on Thursday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. 4-H clubs are groups of families that work together to share knowledge and to help kids learn practical skills and important values. For more information, contact your MSU/Ravalli County Extension Office to find or start a 4-H club in your area, ravalli@montana.edu or 375-6611 for more information.

Victor park board
The next meeting of the Victor Park District will be on Thursday, January 28 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor. The main topics will be the 2016 budget and grant applications for the new restroom in Victor Park. There is currently a vacancy in the Park District Board of Directors. If you are interested in helping to keep Victor Parks looking nice and developing new amenities, contact Roger at 961-3953.

Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet on Thursday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall at 206 Buck Street. Agenda items include: discussion/decision on Resolution No. 383, amending the budget for the purchase of a ladder fire truck; discussion/decision on Resolution No. 384, relating to $1,250,000 Sewer System Revenue Bonds; First Reading of Ordinance No. 159, creating a Joint Advisory Board for the North Stevensville Tax Increment Financing Industrial District (TIFID) and the Airport Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD); discussion/decision on Mayor’s appointment of Dan Ritter to the Stevensville Planning & Zoning Board; and discussion/decision on Oath of Office Re-take for Councilmember Bob Michalson. The meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 6:30 on the proposed budget amendment to purchase the ladder truck.

Saturday, January 30

Scholarship workshop
A free Scholarship Workshop for students and parents will be held Saturday, January 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the MAPS Media Institute, 515 Madison, Hamilton. Education coordinators Wendi Fawns and Patricia Meakin will be present to help you navigate financial aid and student loans. They will show you how to find scholarships that will cover part or all of tuition costs. To register call (406) 531-8338.

Photo contest
Saturday, January 30 is the submission deadline for Ernst Peterson Photo Contest & Show at the Ravalli County Museum. 18 & Under is $2.00 per entry and 18+ is $4.00 per entry. Amount of entries is unlimited. Visit www.ravallimuseum.org for more information or call 363-3338. The museum is located at 205 Bedford St, Hamilton.

Salish Story Telling
The 2nd Annual Bitterroot Salish Story Telling with Tony Incashola, Director, Salish-Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee, will be held Saturday, January 30 at 2 p.m. at River Street Dance Theater, corner of N. 2nd and River Street, Hamilton. If winter weather is present, Tony will be able to tell Coyote and Creation Stories – learn how Sleeping Child Hot Springs got its name, along with other locally inspired stories. The event is free. Snacks and beverages follow presentation. Volunteers are needed to help with this event so come a little early and/or stay a little late if you can. The event is sponsored by Sleeping Child Hot Springs for All through a grant from Humanities Montana.

Square dance club
Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a Luau Party dance on Saturday, January 30 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th Street in Hamilton. Barry Bartlette will be the caller. Pre-rounds will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with a plus tip.

Sunday, January 31

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Salim Matt Gras presenting “There Is No Way To Peace: Peace Is The Way” on Sunday, January 31 at 10 a.m. Join in a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration while observing A Season For Non-violence. This is Potluck Sunday. Bring your favorite dish to share at 11:30. 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, February 1

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Mac & cheese, mixed veggies, peaches, bread & butter, milk: Ala Carte – Chicken nuggets
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagel or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch -Quesadillas, refried beans, apples, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Burgers
Wednesday: Breakfast – Ham Bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sweet & sour chicken, rice, stir fry veggies, mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Egg rolls
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Shepherd’s pie, tossed salad, bananas, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Hot dogs
Friday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Ham & cheese sandwiches, Fresh veggies, Pears, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk; Ala Carte – Chicken sandwich.

Rotary Club
The next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club will be Monday, February 1, at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.

Nonviolent Communication Discussion Group
Learn to communicate in a non-violent way. Peace and violence start within each individual and are expressed by the way we communicate with one another. This discussion group is based on the book “Nonviolent Communication—A Language of Life” by Marshall Rosenberg. 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 and come on Monday, February 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (ongoing on the first and third Mondays of the month) at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). Donations accepted. For more information call Salim at 241-1292.

Tuesday, February 2

Sons of Norway
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will meet Tuesday, February 2 at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 175 Hattie, in Hamilton. There will be discussion about possible winter activities. The program will be about Norway and there will be a language lesson. The Lodge will provide a main dish, drinks and service. Members and visitors are invited to bring a side dish. The public is welcome. For more info call Jackie Bjergo at 961-4538.

Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot will meet Tuesday, February 2 at 7 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Cocktails and dinner are optional. Guest presenter is FFB’s club President Bob Prince. The program will be the annual slideshow featuring all of the great photos and videos club members have captured on their outings the past year. Bob is a music teacher and assistant high school tennis coach for the Hamilton School District. He is also a fly fishing guide on the Bitterroot River. For additional information call Terri Taylor 961-2448.

Wednesday, February 3

Spiritual Video Series
Enjoy a viewing of “Inside Out,” a delightful animated video nominated for “Best Picture” at the 2016 Academy Awards. This insightful movie delves into the mind of an 11-year-old girl who has let her emotions rule her world. The movie explores how understanding and the acknowledgment of our emotions can change our life experiences for the better. Enjoy the movie, discussion and popcorn on at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3 at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears).

Thursday, February 4

Health and Wellness series
“How to Strengthen Your Memory – Part 2” will be held Thursday, February 4 at 3 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton. Memory loss touches everyone in some way. Alan Baum presents key information to help you keep your brain active and strengthen your memory including tips on nutrition, exercise, supplements, etc. Everyone is invited and bring a friend! No RSVP needed. For information call the St. Francis Health & Wellness Ministry at 363-1385.

School open house
Valley Christian School is having an Open House on Thursday, February 4 at 5:30 p.m. for all families interested in learning more about preschool through high school Christian education. Parents and students are encouraged to attend. Valley Christian School focuses on whole-child education for 4-year-old preschool students through high school graduation. Attend this event for your chance to win a $500 scholarship for the 2016-17 school year. Come see for yourself how Valley Christian combines academic excellence with a Biblical worldview to create an education for eternity. RSVP at admissions@valleychristian.org or 406-549-0482 ext. 231.

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. During this six-week book discussion the group will explore the true meaning of community and the four stages of community building, according to Peck. The group 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 next session is Thursday, February 4 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). For more information call Kris at 307-274-6850.