Wednesday, March 9
Read to Dogs and Cats
The Bitterroot Public Library invites you to bring a book to the Bitterroot Humane Association on Wednesday, March 9 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
Zen Buddhism class will be held Wednesday, March 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. Jill Davies (642-3601) leads this 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. The class meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Admission is by donation.
Cultural presentation
The Darby Community Public Library is hosting a series of programs with a focus on historical and contemporary cultures. The history and traditions of many cultural groups have shaped and will continue to shape our Montana community. “Perspectives on Islam” with Samir Bitar will be presented on Wednesday, March 9 at 6 p.m.
Life in Muslim societies is an intersection of religious, social, cultural, and political realities. Thus, for one to develop a well-rounded understanding of Muslims, their perspectives, and aspirations, one must look at all the dimensions of Muslim life. For that purpose, literature can provide a valuable lens to view the Muslim societies. Bitar uses literature, film, and other resources to familiarize audiences with the heritage of Islamic civilizations around the globe and the religion of Islam.
Bitar is professor of Arabic language and cultures at The University of Montana. A native Palestinian, Professor Bitar came to Montana when he was 16 as a freshman in college. He has been teaching at The University of Montana since 1999, offering instruction in Arabic and an introductory course on Arabic poetry and literature. He has a master’s degree in linguistics, teaching methods and cultural geography and has also traveled around the state to train the Montana National Guard in essential Arabic language and culture.
Presentations are free and open to the public. Partial funding for the Speakers Bureau program is provided by a legislative grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Contact the Darby Community Public Library for more information about these programs from Lifelong Learning at the Library, by phone at 821-4771 or email at librarian@darbylibrary.net.
Thursday, March 10
Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club
Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club will meet Thursday, March 10 (second Thursday) at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 128 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. This is the time of year to make new friends and start new hobbies. Come and join the Bitterroot Women Newcomers club, where you can enjoy both. The club is not just for newcomers to the valley. All women are welcome whether you have lived here for 5 minutes or 50 years. For information call Val Dannels, President, 406-360-0770.
Lunch Time Learning
The public is invited to a lunch discussion on Seed Pathology with Ravalli County Extension Agent Katrina Medrey on Thursday, March 10 at 12 noon at The O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. Some plant diseases are carried on the seed itself. Hear about symptoms, how to address those diseases and prevention. Call 369-6451 for more information.
TOPS
An organizational meeting of a new evening chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) will be held Thursday, March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kootenai Creek Village Clubhouse. Call Judy Burke for more information, 777-2743.
Selway-Pintler BCH
The Selway-Pintler Wilderness BCH will meet on Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Forest Service Building, 1801 N. 1st St., Hamilton (use west entrance). As people start thinking of longer and warmer days ahead, thoughts turn to trail riding. Most of the evening’s discussion will be about trails, which includes planning the summer projects ahead, scouting trips, pack trips and other group activities. Guests are welcome to attend for coffee, desserts and trail talk. For more information contact Linda at 961-1435.
Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, March 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book “The 8 Laws of Change: How to Be an Agent of Personal and Social Transformation” by Stephan A. Schwartz.
Inspired by his own powerful experiences during 30 years of major social movements Stephan Schwartz spent 16 years researching successful social transformations, uncovering the science and patterns behind them all.
Schwartz found that the most successful and enduring avenue to create social change was brought about by small individual choices based on integrity and shared intention. He explains how the dynamics of change are learnable, and through research in medicine, neuroscience, biology, and quantum physics, reveals the science of how these laws of change work.
Schwartz explains the eight laws of individual and social behavior that can enable any person and small group – even ordinary people without great wealth, official position, or physical power – to bend the arc of history and create successful lasting transformation. He shows how these laws cultivate a sense of ‘beingness’ in the individual and, through compassionate and life-affirming changes, provide the key to lasting change on the personal, social, and global levels.
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, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include first reading of Ordinance No. 160, Amending Article II and Creating Articles IV and V of Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code; discussion/decision on Utility Bill Reduced Rate Program Survey; discussion/decision on Eagle Scout Michael Zelinsky’s request to move the Town Fire Bell to the Stevensville Museum; discussion/decision on Mayor’s appointments of Nathan Bean, Bill Perrin and John Kellogg to the TIFID/TEDD Board, Joe Moore to the Planning & Zoning Board, and Chee Burnsides as Town Judge, to name a few.
Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.
Friday, March 11
Hospital Auxiliary Bake Sale
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will hold a Bake Sale on Friday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in Hospital Conference Rooms B and C. Homemade cakes, pies, cookies, caramel corn and candy will be for sale. Come early!
Chocolate and Authors benefit
Time to party once more. The 21st Annual Chocolate and Authors Fundraiser will take place on Friday, March 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library, Main Street, Stevensville. It’s still the best bargain around because the $5.00 donation admission has never changed in all these years. Children 12 and under are free. Come meet 24 talented local authors, greet your friends and neighbors and eat delicious desserts, many of the chocolate variety, of course. Door prizes every hour, special entertainment by Stevensville songstress Deb Goslin at 5 and 7 p.m., and tickets for raffle prizes to be purchased at $1 each or 6 for $5, will make this another evening to remember. Three chances to win in the raffle: $125.00 Cash; three Gift Certificates for $35.00 each from Cottage Garden Nursery, Stevensville, Moellers Nursery, Corvallis, and The Catered Table, Stevensville; Big Basket of Books and box of Montana Chocolate Co. candy. The authors who will be attending are: Angela Breidenbach, Dale Burk, Jim and Janene Cotton, Kathy Dufresne, Maire Estar, Bob Gensemer, Norma Gibson, Brandon Griffin, Molly Hackett, John Hansen, Patty Holmes, Michael Hoyt, Jane Lambert, Mark Lewing, Donna Maddux, R.L. McCallum, Kathleen Meyer, Elliot Oppenheim, Rebecca Ondov, Alicia Sprinkle, Craig Thomas, Riga Winthrop and Ed Wolff. Have a grand time and support your library as well. What could be better than that?
K of C Fish Fry
Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold a Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, March 11 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 & 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. Knights will host the Ravalli County Special Olympics “Star” Team. All proceeds will go to the team for support. Come out and meet the Olympians and their coaches. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Eagles Taco Night
Tacos and more will be served Friday, March 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas and taco salads will be available. The public is invited. Money earned at these events help support Auxiliary activities in the Aerie home and in the community.
Family Fun Night
Want a wonderful way to spend some time with your family? Come to Friday Family Fun Night sponsored by the Bitterroot Cares for Kids Network on March 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hamilton City Hall (Bedford Building), 223 S. 2nd St in Hamilton. There will be a great meal, fun for the kids, time with your family, and bingo complete with prizes and lots of laughs, all free. This Family Fun Night will feature The Load and Lock Campaign! Come and get your free lock box and help keep kids safe from prescription drug abuse. Call 532-9149 for further info.
Stevensville Playhouse production
Stevensville Playhouse, in celebration of its 25th year, is presenting “Working” by Studs Terkel, adapted to the stage by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso. Performance dates are March 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on March 13 and 20. Directed by Gretchen Spiess, “Working” is a musical for anyone who has ever punched a cow, a clock or a boss. In the words of Terkel, “Working” is a celebration of the “ordinary” people, whose daily lives are unsung. The anonymous many, whose lives touch ours every day without our realizing it. The extraordinary dreams of ordinary people. Those we call ordinary are aware of a sense of personal worth, no matter how demeaning their jobs may seem. Their spirit transcends. It’s about the search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying. Perhaps immortality, too, is part of the quest. To be remembered was the wish, spoken and unspoken, of these heroes and heroines. In a sense, they were speaking for us all. Tickets may be purchased at Valley Drug in Stevensville, through the website at www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org, or by calling the theatre at 777-2722. The Stevensville Playhouse is located at 319 Main Street.
Saturday, March 12
Pancake breakfast
The Florence Fire Department will hold a free pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 12 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Florence fire station on Holloway Lane, behind the Town Pump in Florence. Fresh pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage with hot and cold juices will be served. The public is welcome.
Flea market
A flea market will be held Saturday, March 12 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Tables can be rented for $5 by calling April at 363-0112. Food will be available for purchase. For more information call 363-5181.
Horsemanship seminar
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen invite the public to a horsemanship seminar on Saturday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at C-Max Stables, 657 Bass Lane, in Corvallis. The morning session will be followed by a chili feed and a packing demonstration. Participants should bring a chair and wear warm clothing. Topics covered (using demonstration stock) include equine behavior, safe handling, catching, tying, saddling and groundwork. Safe mounting and dismounting, riding basics, equipment, tack, clothing, foot care, equine first aid and trailering will be demonstrated. The packing demonstration will cover pack saddles, mantying trail items, balancing loads and preferred hitches to secure packs. For more information, contact Bonnie at (406) 381-9021.
Scholarship workshop
Looking for a way to pay for college? Don’t wait until your senior year! A Scholarship Workshop for students and parents will take place Saturday, March 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. Wendi Fawns and Patricia Meakin, Education Coordinators, will be present to teach you how to organize, market yourself, and obtain college scholarships. There is a $5 registration fee for this class. To register call 777-4421 or email wrfawns@yahoo.com.
Owl Day
Montana State Parks is hosting “All About Owls” at Travelers’ Rest State Park on Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m. “Whoooooooo” is ready for a fun filled program about one of the fascinating types of birds in the U.S.? Join in for a morning of owl facts and learning. Play an owl inspired game and make your our own craft owl! Don’t miss out on the fun. This program is also part of the Trekker Kids series and is open to kids around 5-10 years old. Trekker Kids is a series of activities and programs for children and families that celebrate the outdoors of western Montana and the rich history of the Travelers’ Rest site. The $2 fee goes to support further Trekker Kids programs. For more information, call Loren Flynn or Dani Staunton at 273-4253. Travelers’ Rest State Park is located at 6717 Highway 12 W, Lolo.
AniMiles benefit run
A 5K Fun Run to benefit the Bitterroot Humane Association will be Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m. starting at the Stevensville Ranger District parking lot. Cost is $15 per person or $45 for a family of 4 or more. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed to join in on the run and the fun! Stay afterwards to enjoy refreshments, raffles, and other prizes. There will be a special contest for the best dog and owner costume! Pre-register to guarantee a race bag. Register online at http://animiles.timedsports.com/. Proceeds will go to the Bitterroot Humane Association. Also on race day donations of dog/cat food, bleach, paper towels, toilet paper, grooming supplies, training supplies(leashes etc.), dog/cat beds, pet toys, etc. will be collected. This event is part of Elizabeth and Rachel Brown’s Senior Project. For more information call (406) 529-1609 or (406) 529-7011.
Gardening talk
The public is invited to a free presentation on “Cover Crops & Green Manures”
on Saturday, March 12 at 12 noon at The O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. Rod Daniel will discuss the benefits of utilizing cover crops and green manures in the organic garden. He will cover varieties, sowing times and management of crops. This talk will be followed with a discussion on the “Benefits of The Minimum Till Garden” on March 26. For more information call 369-6451.
Turkey Shoots
The Corvallis American Legion Post #91 is hosting a Turkey Shoot on Saturdays, March 12 and 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. just south of Sheafman Creek Road on Highway 93 watch for the signs. This event is part of the post’s celebration of the American Legion’s birthday. Admission to the Turkey Shoot is free and open to the public. Participants can bring their own 12 gauge shotgun or you can use the post’s shotgun. All ammo will be supplied. Practice shots $2. Each Flight shot cost $4. Buy a shot and then compete against nine other marksmen. There are different flights such as: Turkey Flights, Challenge Flights, Ammo Flights and Special Legion Flights. Come early and shoot all day. Support some great American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary programs. All shotguns will be cleared on and off the range by the safety officers. Proceeds will go towards sponsoring Boys and Girls State delegates.
In the spring juniors from Corvallis and Victor are chosen to attend American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State in Helena. Around the first of June the selected students travel to the capital city. The delegates stay at Carroll College and learn about state government. One delegate to Boys State costs the post $250. This year the post is hoping to send at least seven boys. One delegate to Girls State costs the auxiliary $300. This year the auxiliary is sending seven girls. For more information call Doug Mason at 546-4244.
Family Movie Night
Don’t miss out— fun for the whole family! Free family movie night on Saturday, March 12 at 6 p.m. at the City Hall in Hamilton hosted by The Place. The movie showing is “Woodlawn.” Free soda, free nachos and cheese, and free popcorn will be served. All are welcome. For more information contact Jesse at 406-350-2360.
Square dance
Boots n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, March 12 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. Ray Dunbar will call. A plus tip will begin the dance from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with plus tips.
Sunday, March 13
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Saladin Frank Pelfrey presenting “The Unconditioned Mind” on Sunday, March 13 at 10 a.m. Come for a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration as March’s theme of Realizing the Power of Mind continues. Children’s program provided. Refreshments and delightful 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.
St. Patrick’s Irish Brunch
Irish or not, wear your green and join the Bitterroot Celtic Society volunteers for a delectable Sunday Brunch on Sunday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes dining hall, 501 N. 10th Street, Hamilton. Choose from a traditional Irish breakfast or gourmet brunch options. There will also be a silent auction, discounted BR Celtic Society items, and Irish trivia fun. All-inclusive meal is $12 per person; kids age 6-12 $6, 5 and under free. Proceeds support the annual Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering which will be held August 20-21, 2016 on the beautiful grounds of the historic Daly Mansion. Did you know that there are more Americans of Irish origin than there are Irish in Ireland? 36 million Americans claimed Irish ancestry in 2010; the population of Ireland was 4.4 million at the time. That’s nine times the population of Ireland itself! For more information, call 406-274-8886 or visit www.BCGG.org/.
Monday, March 14
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, peas & carrots, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagels & cream cheese 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 sandwich, taters, apricots bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Spaghetti, tossed salad, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken tenders, corn, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
During the month of March, meetings of the Hamilton Rotary Club are focusing on Medical Services provided by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. John Courchesne, M.D., will be speaking at the next meeting of the Club on Monday, March 14 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st, Hamilton. Dr. Courchesne will discuss the role of the Hospitalist physician at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. The Club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 North 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Hamilton Garden Club
The Hamilton Garden Club will meets Monday, March 14 (2nd Monday) at 1 p.m. at the O’Hara Commons and Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th Street. Guest speaker is Jacob Wuestner, President of the Beekeepers of the Bitterroot Learn how to support these beneficial pollinators.
Green Thumbs Up
Green Thumbs Up Garden Club will meet Monday, March 14 at 2 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Dr. Zach Miller, assistant professor and superintendent of the Montana State University-Western Ag Research Center (WARC) in Corvallis, will give an introduction to the MSU-WARC, its history and current research including a statewide, small fruits trial focusing on antioxidant-rich fruits, so called superfoods. This project is evaluating several fruits that thrive in a variety of soils and can survive our winters including Haskaps, Aronia, Saskatoons, Currants, and Dwarf Sour Cherries. Dr. Miller’s expertise is in plant and pest ecology and integrated pest management. He is collaborating with scientists at MSU and across the country to improve integrated pest management of weeds and disease in a variety of crops. In horticultural crops, Dr. Miller is researching a variety of fruit and vegetable production topics, including vegetable varieties suited for organic projection, maximizing yields and returns for high tunnels, cold-hardy fruit, and cider apples. More information about Dr. Miller and the research conducted at WARC can be found at (http://agresearch.montana.edu/warc/). For club information, call Carol at 363-2403.
Learn to Use a Telescope
North Valley Public Library has recently purchased a telescope, which will be available for checkout to patrons starting in April. The telescope was purchased with funds from the USDA Forest Service and North Valley Public Library. A presentation on learning how to use the Library’s telescope will take place Monday, March 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with Nick Wethington, President of the Western Montana Astronomical Association. This free event is for children ages 10+, families, and adults. Come and learn how to care for the telescope, use it, and what to look for in the night sky. Contact the library at 777-5061 or maryw@northvalleylibrary.org for more information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.
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, on Monday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. 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. “In this church, there shall be no outcasts”. Everyone welcome.
Drum Circle
African Drum Circle will take place Monday, March 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. 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).
Tuesday, March 15
Workplace Education Series
Tuesday, March 15: 21 Steps to Lower Work Comp Costs, 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Marcus Daly Hospital Conference Room C. Speaker: Fred Miller, Safety Specialist/Trainer for the Department of Labor and Industry
Tuesday, April 19: Overview of Americans with Disabilities Act, 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Bedford Building (Hamilton City Hall), 223 S. 2nd Street, Hamilton. Speaker: Stacey Weldele-Wade, Voluntary Resolution and Outreach Coordinator, Human Rights Bureau
Tuesday, May 17: Emotional Intelligence – What is it?, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Marcus Daly Hospital Conference Room C. Speaker: Jimmie Rude, Employment Specialist for the Bitterroot Job Service
Cost is $15 each or $40 for the series. Lunch and refreshments included.
To register or for more information contact Vickie Steele, JSEC Coordinator, at 375-6045 or by e-mail at vsteele@mt.gov. Presented by Bitterroot Job Service Employer Committee.
Pasty sale
The spring pasty sale, sponsored by Ravalli County Democrats, will be held Tuesday, March 15 at the Rocky Mountain Grange Hall in Hamilton. The pasties will be made with organic beef and the usual mix of vegetables and spices. They may be ordered baked or unbaked. There is a limited vegetarian option of 100 for those first ordered, first reserved at $3.50 each. Place your order early with Lisa at 777-3145. Pasties may be picked up at the Grange Hall south of Hamilton between 1 and 6 p.m. on March 15.
Alaska cruise presentation
Holland America Line’s complimentary “On Stage Alaska” presentation will be presented on Tuesday, March 15 at the Stevensville Playhouse, 319 Main. The event provides a glimpse into the state’s history, spectacular scenery, wildlife and local hospitality for travelers interested in planning an Alaska vacation. The presentation also showcases destinations in the Yukon Territory that are available on some Holland America Line Land+Sea Journeys. Learn about the “Silks at Sea” 7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle, escorted by Stevensville silk artist, Georgine Forgatch. This sailing departs Seattle on September 24, 2016. For more information contact Connie or Georgine: connie.thompson@protravelinc.com (619-453-0559) or lasilks@gmail.com or stop in and sign up at Lisa Archer Silks, 213 Main, Stevensville.