Wednesday, February 17
Lenten Lunches
Come grab a bowl of soup with your neighbors and enjoy a light-hearted, thought-provoking conversation about topics that matter. Jesus prayed we’d all be one — Lent Lunches help us get there. And you’re back to work on time, too! “Because we ARE one Body in Christ!”
February 17: “God”, Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton
February 24: “Jesus”, St. Francis Catholic Parish, 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton
March 2: “Salvation”, Corvallis United Methodist Church, East Side Hwy & Cemetery Rd., Corvallis
March 9: “Cross”, UMAB/St. Paul’s Episcopal, 211 N. 6th Street, Hamilton
March 16: “Bible”, First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton.
For additional information contact Faith Lutheran Church at 363-3964.
Victor Baseball signups
Signups for Victor Baseball League will be Wednesday and Thursday, February 17 and 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Middle School Hallway. This is for boys and girls ages 4 to 18 years. Contact Crystal at 239-4034 for more information.
Building workshops for women
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County will be holding three workshops that are open to women ages 16 and up who are interested in volunteering on the next house to be built in Stevensville. These one hour workshops will be held on the Wednesdays, February 17 and 24 and will run from 6 to 7 p.m. at the ReSale Center, 131 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. These free workshops are designed for women who are new to the building trade, and will focus on the very basics of building. Contact Erin, Volunteer Coordinator, to register for your spot today. Space is limited. Call 375-1926, 531-4353 or email volunteerfhrc@yahoo.com. Come join Team Women Build for Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County.
Thursday, February 18
Gardening clinic
In conjunction with Ravalli County Master Gardener volunteers and the local Extension Agent, there will be two days of garden planning at a Drop-In Crop Rotation Clinic on Thursday, February 18 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Saturday, February 20 from 12 noon until 3 p.m. at The O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. Stop in anytime between the hours listed above. Bring a map of your 2015 garden or a layout of your garden to be and receive help planning for this upcoming season. This will not be limited to rotating crops, but will include companion planting and how to add flowering plants in order to attract more beneficial insects and pollinators. Make it edible and keep it chemical free! Free and open to the public. Any questions should be addressed to: oharacommons@gmail.com.
Darby Garden Club
The Friendly Gardener’s Club of Darby/Conner will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 18 at 12 noon. You are cordially invited to attend this fun, social get together – an interest in gardening is not essential. For meeting location and further information contact the 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. During this six-week book discussion participants will explore the true meaning of community and the four stages of community building, according to Peck. They 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 18 from 12 noon 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.
Health and Wellness series
“Living with Mental Illness” will be presented by Jack Shifflett, VP, NAMI/National Alliance on Mental Illness-Missoula on Thursday, February 18 at 3 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton. Helpful information for families and people living with mental illness; learn resources and how to better support them.
Lutheran Lenten services
Regular Thursday Lenten services at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Stevensville begin February 18, and continue until the Thursday before Palm Sunday, March 20, the beginning of Holy Week.
A soup and sandwich supper is prepared weekly by Our Savior families for each Thursday evening Lenten service. Food is shared in the fellowship hall at 6 p.m. Bring your family to eat and then join the congregation to worship in a simple service of the Word and prayer.
Our Savior, affiliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. Head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. Roughly one mile past the Burnt Fork Market, turn east onto Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and Our Savior will be on your left, marked by three crosses. Call 777-5625 weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon for more information.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 18, 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. It’s time to start planning spring and summer activities, so ideas for trail projects will be solicited. Program speaker is Thayer Jacques, DNRC’s new Hamilton Unit Forester. He will describe his job responsibilities and trail conditions on state lands in the valley. Guests are welcome, and if it is important to you to preserve and maintain trails for riding and hiking, check out this group. For more information, call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Historic photography lecture
A free lecture by Kristi Hager entitled “Starting with Huffman: Photographers of Montana’s High Plains” will be presented on Thursday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the at Ravalli County Museum. From the 1880s to the present day, photographers have been motivated to capture the elusive high plains under hot, cold, windy, dusty, muddy, and lonely conditions. Their photographs have inspired people both to fill the land as well as to preserve its emptiness. Starting with L.A. Huffman, audiences look at how each photographer uses the sky and geology to celebrate a wide, open and often inverted landscape. The museum is located at 205 Bedford in Hamilton; phone 363-3338.
FWP public hearing
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking public review and comment on its proposal to accept the donation of approximately 215 acres of land adjoining Threemile Wildlife Management Area (WMA) northeast of Stevensville. This proposed “Antrim Addition” to the WMA was offered as a bequest in the will of Priscilla Antrim, the late owner of the property. FWP Wildlife Manager, Mike Thompson, says that benefits of this generous donation include protecting additional elk winter range and enhancing public access to the WMA and nearby National Forest lands. FWP will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposal and take public comment on Thursday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Teller Wildlife Refuge’s Slack Barn (1180 Chaffin Lane) near Corvallis.
A draft environmental assessment on the proposal and opportunity for comment can be found online at fwp.mt.gov under “Submit Public Comments,” or directed to shrose@mt.gov or by mail to Region 2 FWP, 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula 59804; phone 406-542-5500. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 8, 2016. The Fish & Wildlife Commission will make a final decision on the acquisition at its April 14 meeting in Helena, and the Montana Board of Land Commissioners must also consider the proposal for approval.
Stevi COW meeting
Stevensville Town Council Committee of the Whole will meet Thursday, February 18 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Town Hall immediately following the re-take of the Council Oath of Office. Topic for discussion will the proposed Town Council Rules.
Friday, February 19
Textile show
The Montana Bricolage Artists will host the 9th annual “An Affair of the heART” Textile Art Show and Sale Friday, February 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, February 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd Street, Hamilton. Admission is $3. An art quilt is an original design that reflects the artist’s style, shows personal expression of color, design and techniques, and deviates from traditional patterns and settings in an innovative way. The Montana Bricolage Artists will also be presenting their Transformation Challenge. For more information, contact SueAnne at 360-0658 or Susan at 360-9458.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, February 19 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Sheriff Chris Hoffman who is running for County Commissioner. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Beekeepers
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will hold a free beekeeping class on Friday, February 19 at 6 p.m. at Wildwood Brewery, just north of the Stevensville Junction on the east side of Highway 93. Jacob Wustner will demonstrate equipment, and discuss site selection, bee management and philosophies of beekeeping for beginners and active beekeepers. He was recently featured in Rodale’s “Organic Life,” a national magazine.
Friday Night Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus will hold their second Lenten Friday Fish Fry this coming Friday, February 19 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, mac n cheese, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. The price for the meal is $10.00 per person; children under nine eat free so bring the Kids! As a special offer a family of 4 or more (2 adults and children) eat for $35.00. Wine can be purchased separately. 100% of all proceeds go toward charitable giving within the community. Entertainment by the Shenanigans. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Saturday, February 20
Fastpitch Softball Skills Camp
Sparks Fastpitch will host the 2nd annual Softball Winter Skills Camp on Saturday, February 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Stevensville Elementary School Gym. Players will receive instruction from Sparks coaches and current and past Sparks players. Topics will include throwing, fielding, hitting and base running. The camp is for girls of all skill levels, which includes Bitterroot Valley league players, Missoula Little League players or any girl that is new to the game of softball. Cost is $20 and includes a Sparks camp t-shirt.
Ski Patrol steak fry
Lost Trail Ski Patrol’s 32nd annual steak fry is Saturday, February 20 – ski or board all day and then join the members for a delicious steak or burger dinner followed by a torchlight parade on South Face! Lost Trail Ski Patrol is an all-volunteer patrol serving Lost Trail skiers and boarders since 1938. This event raises money for training and medical supplies for the patrol. See you there!
Family dance
A Winter Community Family Dance will be held Saturday, February 20 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the LDS Church, 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. Travis McLean with Aerial Maneuvers will be the DJ, and there will be great music, dancing, food, and lots of fun. Everyone is welcome. Sponsored by Stevensville 2nd Ward LDS Church.
Square dance
Boots n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, February 20 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th, Hamilton. Pre-rounds will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance.
Sunday, February 21
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Z’eva Singer presenting “Now You See It; Now You Don’t – The Magnificence of the Spiritual” on Sunday, February 21 at 10 a.m. Enjoy a morning of music, sharing, and inspiration as February’s theme of Awakening To Our Spiritual Magnificence continues. 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.
Ravalli County Democrats event
The Ravalli County Democrats are gathering on Sunday, February 21 at The Catered Table in Stevensville from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be a no host bar along with some tasty snacks! All Democrats are welcome. Meet your Precinct people who will be representing you at various gatherings. There will be discussion on the many issues that are so important to Ravalli County. The voting records of our current County and State representatives will be studied. Be ready to share your ideas and concerns as we move into the election cycle of 2016. RSVP to jan_abel@mac.com.
Golden Age dinner
The Hamilton Golden Age Club will have a dinner dance on Sunday, February 21. The dinner menu will be potluck. Bring an entrée, salad or dessert. Dinner will be served at 1 p.m. The club will furnish coffee. Reservations are not needed for this dinner-dance. Following the dinner, there will be music for dancing or listening by “The Jammers.” Guests are encouraged to bring a favorite game to play after dinner. Have some of your friends join you for the dinner, dancing or playing a game. The club will furnish cards for pinochle. Admission will be by donation to help pay for expenses. This should be a fun way to spend a late winter Sunday afternoon. The Golden Age Hall is located at 727 S. Fifth, Hamilton. Call Bob at 363-0142 for information.
Monday, February 22
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Breakfast pizza or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza pasta, green beans, pears, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagel & cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken enchilada, Spanish rice, apples, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheeseburgers, taters, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese-filled breadsticks, glazed carrots, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Ham & scrambled eggs, hash browns, applesauce, bread & butter, milk.
Lenten Supper
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 203 Main St., Stevensville, would like to invite the community to a free Lenten soup and bread supper, every Monday at 5:30 p.m. starting February 22nd through Lent, ending March 21st. Immediately following each meal there will be a bible study on the Epistles (books) of John, James, Peter and Jude. Father Richard Reynolds will be presiding. Everyone is welcome.
Drum Circle
African Drum Circle will be held Monday, February 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears) in 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).
Fish & Wildlife Assn.
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association general meeting will be Monday, February 22 at 7 p.m. at the Daly Leach Meeting Room, 1010. W. Main St. in Hamilton. Along with regular business, guest speaker will be Kathyrn QannaYahu from “Enhancing Montana’s Wildlife & Habitat.” This Bozeman based organization focuses on Putting the Public back into Public Trust. For more information check the website at emwh.org. For information, call Tony at 381-0587.
Tuesday, February 23
Republican Women’s Club
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, February 23 (fourth Tuesday) at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court.
Cottage Food Bill talk
On Thursday, February 23 from 12 noon to 1 pm. at The O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th in Hamilton, Jan Tusick, from Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, will lead an hour-long discussion on the new Cottage Food Bill that went into effect October 2015. Jan is a steering committee member of Grow Montana, a statewide policy coalition. Grow Montana was instrumental in getting the cottage food act passed. This discussion should help you understand how the bill may affect you as a Cottage Food Operator. Learn about the changes in access to markets, including the limitations and the benefits of the legislation. This is good timing as growers and small producers are gearing up for the 2016 season and will be a great opportunity for anyone considering entering venues like farmers markets, roadside stands or special event sales. There is an extensive application for registration with Health Departments, but this talk may remove some of the questions and allow you to connect with future training opportunities.
Marathon training session
The Missoula Marathon is coming fast so make sure you don’t miss this free training session at the North Valley Public Library. Whether or not you are racing the 5K, half-marathon, or full marathon, this session will be helpful for understanding both the physical and mental toll racing will have on you. This information session will be held in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library on Tuesday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. Racer and health enthusiast, Brian Shonebarger, will share valuable information from years of experience. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Wednesday, February 24
Driver safety class
An AARP Driver Safety Class will be presented on Wednesday, February 24 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive in Hamilton. The class will begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately four hours. While this safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The class fee is $15.00 for AARP members and $20.00 for non-members. There are no written exams or driving tests and, Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates. Pre-registration is advised. To sign up, contact Jones-Korman Insurance at 363-6583 or, for further information, call Thom Ainsworth, District Coordinator, at 369-0149.
Foster Grandparent Program
An orientation for potential volunteers to mentor children in our local schools will be held on Wednesday, February 24 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton RSVP Office, 401 Main Street, Suite B in Hamilton. The program is looking for seniors, age 55 and over, with a desire to mentor children of all ages in schools, churches, homeless shelters, the juvenile system and after school programs. Potential volunteers are invited to learn more about the program. Refreshments will be served. There will be program staff and current volunteers available to answer questions. For more information call Nancy at 406-883-7287 or 1-800-266-4188.
Lone Rock community meeting
The Lone Rock School Board of Trustees, along with school administrators, will host a community meeting on Wednesday, February 24 at the school to discuss the pending retirement of Superintendent Dr. Roger Samples. The meeting, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., will be held in the school cafeteria. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about current events at the school as well as provide input regarding the search for a new superintendent. All community members are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Lone Rock School at 777–3314.