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.
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 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.
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.
Building workshops for women
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County will be holding a workshop open to women ages 16 and up who are interested in volunteering on the next house to be built in Stevensville. This one hour workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 24 and will run from 6 to 7 p.m. at the ReSale Center, 131 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. This free workshop is 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.
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.
Thursday, February 25
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, February 25 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 206 Buck, Stevensville. Agenda items include: discussion/decision on Resolution No. 385, a budget amendment to purchase a fire truck; discussion/decision on Ordinance No. 160, amending Article II and Creating Articles IV and V of Chapter 18 (Parks & Recreation) of the Stevensville Municipal Code; discussion/decision on Ordinance No. 161, adopting Article XV – Swimming Pool and Spa Code – as part of Chapter 6 of the Stevensville Municipal Code; discussion/decision on Ordinance No. 162, amending Chapter 6 Article XIV of the Stevensville Municipal Code; discussion/decision on whether to study effects of Utility Bill Reduced Rate Program, to name a few. The regular meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 6:30 to take comment on proposed Resolution 385 and proposed Ordinances 160, 161 and 162.
Victor Park Board
The Victor Park District will meet on Thursday, February 25 at 7 p.m. in the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor. The board will be discussing summer projects and fund raising for the new restroom in Victor Park. The Victor Park District currently has a vacancy on its board. If you are a Victor resident who appreciates Victor’s parks and highway plantings and want to help keep them nice, contact Roger De Haan at 961-3953.
Friday, February 26
Eagles Taco Night
Tacos and More will be served Friday, February 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Order tacos, burritos, quesadillas and taco salads, by item. The public is invited. Money earned at these events help support Auxiliary activities in the Aerie home and in the community.
K of C Fish Fry
Knights of Columbus Council 13093 of Stevensville will be holding a Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, February 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center. The meal will consist of fish fillets, french fries, mac and cheese, vegetable, coleslaw, dinner roll, beverage, and dessert. They will also be offering a baked gluten-free fish fillet. The cost is adults $9.00, children 12 and under free. The public is welcome.
K of C Fish Fry
Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold a Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, February 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Francis’ Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton. The all-you-can-eat meal consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, and 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) will eat for $35.00. Wine can be purchased separately. All proceeds go toward charitable programs. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Saturday, February 27
Fermented foods talk
Heath N. Carey, founder of Nourishing Cultures based in Missoula, will talk about the benefits of fermented foods on Saturday, February 27 at 11 a.m. at The O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, 111 South 4th Street, Hamilton. Fermented foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha. They contain colonies of beneficial bacteria and yeasts, also known as probiotics. A health colony of bacteria is good for your gastrointestinal tract and research shows that regular consumption of probiotics strengthens the immune system, boosts the psyche, decreases inflammation, and increases digestive efficiency. Carey is a fermentation specialist, producing a wide variety of fermented vegetables and kombucha flavors. There will be tastings of a few of Carey’s products, such as garlic brined dills, sauerkraut, giardiniera and kombucha. How can something so healthy be so fun? Send an email if you have questions: oharacomimons@gmail.com.
Peace Festival planning meeting
Help bring in a Season of Peace this summer! You’re invited to participate in a brainstorming session to ignite the vision of a Hamilton Community Peace Festival, to be held in July and would include as many diverse cultures and ideologies the community has to offer; celebrating unity and honoring differences. The inaugural kick-off planning session will be on Saturday, February 27, at 10 a.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living. If you are interested, but unable to attend, let Luanne Cathey, 406-830-4408, know of your interest. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, just north of Sears in Hamilton.
Square dance club
Boots n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a Sadie Hawkins Party Dance on Saturday, February 27 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th, Hamilton. Ray Dunbar will be the caller, with a plus tip from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance with a plus tip from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Come out and watch the dancing and see if square dancing might be for you.
Sunday, February 28
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Rebecca Lellek presenting “The Circle of Love – Where the Light of Your Magnificence Shines” on Sunday, February 28 at 10 a.m. Enjoy a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration as February’s theme of Awakening To Our Spiritual Magnificence continues. Potluck Sunday at 11:30! Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy delightful conversation in a loving community. 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.
Miracle Café
The Center for Spiritual Living presents The Miracle Café on Sunday, February 28 from 12 to 2 p.m. The Miracle Café is a fun opportunity for people to express their beautiful, creative natures in a supportive, ‘open mic’ setting. Be a presenter or an audience member. Contact Z’eva Singer, 544-0864; zsinger76@gmail.com. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton.
MCT auditions
The Missoula Community Theatre is holding an open audition for actors, singers, and dancers to play the approximately 40 roles in “Mary Poppins–The Broadway Musical.” The audition will take place Sunday, February 28, at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on the third floor. Use the Main Street double door entrance. The audition is open to performers ages 10 and above. Children (ages 10-16) may audition 12:30 to 2 p.m. while those ages 17 and above will be auditioned from 2 to 4 p.m. No preparation is needed. Some of the roles to be cast are nanny Mary Poppins, chimney sweep Bert, the two Banks children, and George and Winnifred Banks. The performance dates are April 28-May 1, 4-8, and 10-15. All performances will take place at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. For questions regarding auditions, or to inquire about a perusal script, call MCT at 406-728-7529, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The theatre is located at 200 N. Adams, Missoula.
Monday, February 29
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Meatballs, mashed potatoes & gravy, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chalupas, refried beans, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chef’s salad with ham & cheese, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sloppy Joes, taters, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wrap or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sea wonders, coleslaw, pineapple, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
The next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club will be Monday, February 29 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. This meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information call 363-2960.
Tuesday, March 1
Self-Mastery Book Club
Gain greater awareness to eliminate self-limiting beliefs in a five-week book study group reading “The Fifth Agreement” by Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz. As a sequel to “The Four Agreements,” this book introduces a powerful Fifth Agreement that will take you to a deeper awareness of the power of Self which can transform our lives. This five-week discussion group is offered on Tuesdays at two different times: 10-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. Purchase the book from your favorite book source. The session begins Tuesday, March 1 at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 S. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). For more information call Pat at 360-5568.
Florence Civic Club
The Florence Civic Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. at the Florence Fire Dept. All citizens are encouraged to attend the fun, informative meetings. Upcoming events for discussion: Bitterroot Bike Trail banners and flags, Old Pick Up Show, Get Outdoors Day and the annual Golf Tournament. Call Ann with questions: 406-403-6491.
History talk
John Stroud will give a talk on the three ghost towns of the Three Mile area on Tuesday, March 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Lone Rock Elementary School Library. The public is welcome.
Flyfishers of the Bitterroot
Flyfishers of the Bitterroot will meet Tuesday, March 1 at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Social hour is from 6 to 7 p.m. with cocktails/dinner optional. This month’s presentation is from Heather Barber, Executive Director of the Bitter Root Water Forum. BRWF is a local nonprofit dedicated to clean water for all through restoration and education. The talk will focus on BRWF’s organizational evolution and priority focus areas, with special emphasis on their largest ever restoration project, currently underway in the headwaters of Sleeping Child and Rye Creeks. The public is welcome for this educational program and camaraderie with fellow fly fishermen! For more info, call 363-0744.
Wednesday, March 2
Red Cross blood drives
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types are needed to help accident and burn victims, patients undergoing organ transplants, those receiving cancer treatments and others who rely on blood products.
Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App at redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Corvallis
3/2/2016: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Corvallis High School, 1045 Main Street
Florence
3/7/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Florence Carlton Community, 5505 Eagle Court Suite B
Hamilton
3/8/2016: 1 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane
Stevensville
3/11/2016: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevensville High School, 300 Park Street.
Spiritual Video Series
Join in a video conversation with Dr. Tara Brach as she discusses “Attend and Befriend: Healing the Fear Body” on Wednesday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). In this talk, Tara shows how you can change your Fear Body focus into one that Attends and Befriends. Fear management strategies–versions of fight/flight–contract your body and mind, and separate you from others. As you learn to pause and contact the bodily fear with a gentle, mindful awareness, your sense of being enlarges into an evolution of consciousness. Tara is a Counselor and Buddhist Meditation Master who founded The Insight Meditation Community of Washington, D.C. in 1998. Dr. Brach’s teachings blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to inner life, and a full, compassionate engagement with work.