Wednesday, February 3

February Kiwanis meetings
Kiwanis holds regular meetings each Wednesday at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Upcoming programs are:
February 3: JC McDowell, Darby Mayor and Bandit Brewing Co. owner, will discuss his brewery, small business, and small-town governance.
February 10: Alyssa Barnes and Jim Maunder (Bitterroot Valley Kiwanian) will present Ravalli Electric Coop’s new solar project to the club.
February 17: Jane Samuelson, President of the Local PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), will address the club.
February 24: Program to be determined.

Stevensville Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club will meet Wednesday, February 3 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street in Stevensville. This month’s program will feature JoAnne Gibbons, master gardener and National Garden Flower show judge, who will demonstrate the easy steps on how to design an award-winning tray for a flower show. The club meets every first Wednesday of the month and welcomes everyone interested in all aspects of gardening: those new to the “world of gardening”, those who know some, and those who are master gardeners with valuable information and experiences that they can share! If you have questions or need more information, call Sue at 369-0406, email: sjfalk@live.com.

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

Blood drive
The American Red Cross strives to collect over 700 pints of blood to meet the needs of patients in this area alone. In the Montana service area every 27 minutes someone needs blood. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (MDMH) will help the American Red Cross meet this need by sponsoring a blood drive on Thursday, February 4 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in hospital conference rooms B/C. To schedule your blood drive appointment, call Gary Schulz at 375-4451. Donors please remember to bring your identification with you and prior to donating blood eat complete meals, avoid caffeinated beverages, and drink plenty of water. Visit mdmh.org for more information.

Darby Library events
Open Computer Lab, Wednesday, February 3 from 10 to 11 a.m. One-on-one help with computers is available; no registration needed.
Techie Table, Lovin Art and Science, every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Kids will do candy chromatography on February 4 and 19, learning how their favorite candies get their color. On February 12 and 26, they’ll build an electronic Love-O-Meter and test their Valentine’s hot factor. Prizes will be available, including a credit union gift certificate.
Children’s Storytime, held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. for kids from birth through age 5, offers early literacy, games, songs and books. Stay and Play Activities follow Storytime every first Tuesday of the month.
For more information go to darbylibrary.net, or contact the library by phone at 821-4771.

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.

Friday, February 5

North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, February 5 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Elaine Willman who will give an update on the CSKT Water Compact, legal actions in play, and other federal policies coming to Indian reservations, specifically the Flathead Reservation. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

First Friday at NV Library
Bring your favorite mug to the Library for “Tea, Tranquility and Tchaikovsky” on Friday, February 5 at 6 p.m. in the community room of the North Valley Public Library. Talented violinist Anna Walter will be performing live music. There will be tea and hot water, or bring your own blends if you prefer. Grab a chair and listen to music, join in discussion with others, or grab some colored pencils and try your hand at an array of stress relieving coloring sheets. Walter is a talented violinist who plays for the Missoula Orchestra and is currently studying music at the University of Montana. This event is free and open to the public. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

HeART of Winter Art Show & Sale
The 2nd Annual HeART of Winter Art Show at the historic Wood’s House opens Friday, February 5 at 2200 Eastside Hwy, Mile Marker 11. Hours are Friday, 12 noon to 10 p.m. with the reception starting at 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Six local artists will be showing oils, water-media, ceramic sculpture and bronzes. For more info call 961-3887.

Friday Night Fish Fry:
The Knights of Columbus will hold their First Friday Fish Fry on Friday, February 5 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. The all-you-can-eat meal consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. The price is $10.00 per person; children under nine eat free! As a special offer a family of 4 or more (2 adults and 2 or more children) will eat for $35.00. Wine can be purchased separately. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.

Saturday, February 6

Senior Center Bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on February 6. 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.

Renewable Energy Initiative
launch event
MTCARES (Montana Community Affordable Renewable Energy Saves) supporting I-180 will meet Saturday, February 6 at 11 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton, and at 4 p.m. at Corvallis United Methodist Church, Eastside Highway at Cemetery Road. Statewide meetings are being held to explain the initiative, begin community discussions, and organize this petition drive. I-800 has been certified by the Montana Attorney General and Secretary of State for signature gathering. I-800 promotes renewable energy development and justice for fossil fuel workers and others affected by climate change. 25,000 names will be needed to place this issue on the November 2016 election ballot. Printed signature gathering material will be available and signatures also will be collected. For more information about I-180 and climate change go to the MTCARES website www.mtcares.org.

Sunday, February 7

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Dave Schultz presenting “Who Are You, Really?” on Sunday, February 7 at 10 a.m. Enjoy a morning of music, sharing, and inspiration and kick off February’s theme of Our Global Vision – Awakening To Our Spiritual Magnificence. 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, February 8

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, peas & carrots, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco salad, chips & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tuna salad sandwiches, 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 – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken Tenders, corn, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk.

Rotary Club
Flora Buoy of Alpine Granite, founder of the “Back Pack Program” for school kids, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, February 8 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.

Green Thumbs Up
Green Thumbs Up Garden Club will meet Monday, February 8 at 2 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Ravalli County Extension Agent Katrina Mendrey will speak about the concerns of gardening in the presence of soils potentially contaminated with residual herbicides. She will talk about how to identify and avoid a problem as well as options available if you are faced with soils contaminated by herbicides. 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, February 8 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) or visit CSLBitterroot.

Tuesday, February 9

Sapphire Quilt Club
The Sapphire Quilt club will meet Tuesday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center. Charlie Kirk will be presenting a program called “Strip Tease – X Marks the Spot.” It will be a presentation that builds a block which can be scrappy or coordinated. Quilters who are trying to ‘use up their stash’ should really pay attention. Be sure to bring notepaper and any questions. All visitors are welcome from beginner to expert quilter. For more information call Rebecca at 273-9078.

Stevensville school board
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting Tuesday, February 9, from 6 to 7 p.m. for the Superintendent evaluation in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room with the regular board meeting to follow at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 10

Darby Library program
The Darby Community Public Library is hosting a series of free programs with a focus on historical and contemporary cultures. “A Black Homesteader’s Struggle” with Philip J. Burgess, will be presented on Wednesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. Burgess uses his poetry and storytelling skills to describe a black family’s experience as early settlers in the Missouri River valley of eastern Montana. Seeking refuge from the lynch-mob racism of the post-Civil War South, they found dignity and independence on a beautiful and isolated homestead. Although safe from the lynch-mob’s rope, they still had to deal with the less virulent but more complicated racial attitudes of Richland County, as well as the vagaries of Northern Plains weather and the wandering Missouri River. Philip J. Burgess of Missoula, Montana, is a veteran, poet, storyteller, ex-gypsy, ex-therapist, ex-cabdriver, et cetera, who still nourishes and honors his eastern Montana roots. He is the author of the collection of poetry “Badlands Child.”