Wednesday, March 23
History presentation
The Stevensville Public School will host the Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau program “Jeannette Rankin: American’s Conscience” with Mary Jane Bradbury on Wednesday, March 23 at 10:15 a.m. in the elementary gym. The presentation is free and open to the public. Born to privilege in 19th-century Montana, Jeannette Rankin found her passion working for child labor and welfare reform. Humanitarian, pacifist, and tireless advocate for social reform, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to US Congress and the first to vote against US entry into both world wars. Bradbury brings Rankin to life to tell about her journey from grassroots suffragist to being the first woman to participate in United States government. Hear in Rankin’s own words her views on equality and government reform, words that ring true today. Mary Jane Bradbury is a scholar and actress who brings history to life for audiences of all ages in the Rocky Mountain region. She teaches for the Colorado Humanities, and is an historic interpreter for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. 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. For more information call Stevensville Middle School at 777-5533.
After School Program
North Valley Public Library is having another free sculpture and art lesson on Wednesday, March 23 during the After School Program, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. If you attended last month and made a sculpture, it will be available for you to pick up and decorate. There will also be plenty of clay for kids who couldn’t make it last time, and those who may want to redo theirs. Kids can also create intricately designed Easter eggs with wooden and foam eggs. There will be lots of color involved, so paint shirts will be available. These art classes are suitable for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and any and all skill levels are welcome. To RSVP or for more info, call Mary at 777-5061.
Zen Buddhism class
Zen Buddhism class will be held Wednesday, March 23 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.
Thursday, March 24
Nepal presentation
The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center will be hosting Nicole Ichtertz’s presentation “Details of Nepal” on Thursday, March 24. Ichtertz will be discussing the recent earthquake in Nepal (April 25, 2015) and the families affected by it. She will share first-hand experiences and stories about what she has witnessed and what Conscious Impact and YUWA are doing to help. The presentation is at 6 p.m. and will begin with a potluck where attendees are encouraged but not required to share Nepal-inspired dishes. Ichtertz is part of Conscious Impact and YUWA Unity Nepal, two organizations that are currently performing relief work in Nepal. Conscious Impact works to use sustainable solutions for global challenges. This organization has committed itself and its volunteers to the long-term efforts and rebuilding of rural communities seeking healthy solutions. YUWA Unity Nepal is Youth’s Unity Working for Awareness Nepal. Both groups are working towards spreading community and peace in Nepal.
Stevi town council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck Street. The meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Proposed Ordinance No. 160, an ordinance amending Article II and creating Articles IV and V of Chapter 18 of the Stevensville Municipal Code. Meeting agenda items include discussion/decision on Mayor’s appointment of Chee Burnsides as Stevensville Town Judge; second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 160; proposed new Council Rules; FAA grant application for Stevensville Airport Runway Reconstruction Project; Mayor’s appointment of Terri Nickless to the TIFID/TEDD Board; approval to proceed with bid solicitations for Park Street rebuild from 5th Street to 3rd Street; and Patty Johnson’s request regarding denial of Utility Billing Reduced Rate Program Application, to name a few.
Our Savior Lutheran Easter Week
Pastor Andrew Eckert and the congregation of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Stevensville welcome visitors to the celebration of Holy Week and Easter, God’s Promise fulfilled. These holy days are occasions to bestow God’s gifts of eternal life and salvation through Christ’s Word of the Gospel.
- Maundy Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m. – Sacrament of the Altar. Public confession and absolution also presented
• Good Friday, March 25 – Tenebrae Service of Darkness, 7 p.m. - Holy Saturday, March 26 – Easter Vigil.
- Easter Day, March 27 – Sunrise Service, 7 a.m.
Easter breakfast approximately 8 to 9 a.m.
Sunday School and Easter egg hunt – 9:15-ish.
Divine Service – 10 a.m.
Our Savior, a congregation of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. Approximately one mile south of Burnt Fork Market, turn east on Pine Hollow, cross the tracks and the canal. The church will be on your left, marked by the three crosses of Easter. For more information, call the Church office weekday mornings at 777-5625.
Victor park board
The Victor Park District will meet Thursday, March 24 (fourth Thursday) at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of Farmers State Bank in Victor. Board members will be discussing fundraising for the new restroom in the park, contracting with a landscaper for summer maintenance, and various projects that need doing. Volunteers are needed to help with the parks and landscaping in Victor. Call Roger at 961-3953 with questions, or visit www.victorparkdistrict.com.
Friday, March 25
Driver safety course
The newly designed Smart Driver Safety Course is being offered Friday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. The four-hour course will emphasize how driving has changed, new vehicle technologies, safe driving practices and skills, recognizing the importance and benefits of assessing driving skills, and safe driving actions. The state of Montana mandates discounts for qualified drivers. There are no tests or exams to complete. The course is sponsored by AARP and the cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-AARP members. Call 363-6583 to make a reservation. Space is limited.
Tulip sale
The Bitterroot Chapter, Preceptor Sigma, of Beta Sigma Phi will be holding their annual Tulip Flower Sale on Good Friday, March 25 beginning at 10 a.m. The proceeds this year will be donated to the CASA program here in Ravalli County. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. These advocates are volunteers who support children that may be displaced from their homes or in foster care and they follow them through the court system. The tulips will sell for $8 per bunch (10) and can be purchased from members in front of Ravalli County Bank and K-mart and walking members on Main Street. Flowers may also be purchased in Hamilton at Parker’s Cannery Warehouse, 307 Hwy 93N. (enter through the alley way at the big doors, just west of the light at N. Hwy 93 and Pine Street). Come and support your local community and have fresh flowers for the Easter weekend!
Eagles Taco Night
Tacos and more will be served on Friday, March 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd in Hamilton. The public is welcome.
Light of the Valley Easter events
Light of the Valley Assembly Resurrection Week Celebration includes a Free Movie Night on Good Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. The Bible Series: Episode 9, “The Passion” will be shown. The kids will be watching a kid-friendly movie of the Passion. Bring the whole family out and enjoy a night of fellowship and reflecting on the reason for the season. Come and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord on Sunday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. It will be a day full of celebration and reflection for the whole family. Light of the Valley Assembly is located at 103 N. Kootenai Creek Road, Stevensville, phone 777-5859.
Saturday, March 26
Christian Veterans March
The Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot will hold a March for Jesus Christ on Holy Saturday, March 26. The march will start at 7 a.m. at the Angler’s Roost Bridge south of Hamilton and proceed north along the U.S. Highway 93 pedestrian path to the Set Free Christian Fellowship Church in Lolo. Walk 1 mile, 3 miles, 20 miles or the entire 40 miles to Lolo. All Bitterroot Valley churches are asked to participate by walking a three-mile section as a group. If you can’t walk it, then provide a station with water, power bars, drinks, etc., to help those who are walking. Last year churches, organizations, families and individuals carried the Cross in three-mile increments from Lolo to Hamilton. Cross bearers are needed for this year’s march. You don’t need to be a veteran to participate in the march.
Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot is a group made up of followers of Jesus Christ who have served in the military. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and a veteran, then you have a place in this group. The motto is “give back with love,” and the group’s goal is to help fellow veterans, their families and the local community through prayer and work. The group wants all Christians, particularly veterans, to know that they are not alone and it is here to help them. The group believes it is time for local Christians to stand up and show solidarity with fellow Christians here and around the world. For more information go to http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/ or call Doug Mason 546-4244 or attend the prayer breakfast at BJ’s every Monday at 7 a.m.
‘Sounds of Nature’ program
Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is hosting ‘Sounds of Nature’, a Trekker Kids program, at Travelers’ Rest State Park, 6717 Hwy 12 W, Lolo, on Saturday, March 26 at 11 a.m. Exploring the great outdoors is often done with your eyes, but what about using your ears? What sort of noises do animals make? Why do they make those sounds? What else in nature makes noises? Learn all about the Sounds of Nature with us at Travelers’ Rest and make your own Sound ID guide!
Cost is $2 per child; adult chaperones are free. Child admission is free with Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association Family Membership. For more information, call Loren Flynn or Dani Staunton at 273-4253.
This program is 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. Regular programs are held on Saturdays at 11 a.m. unless otherwise posted. The program fee goes to support further Trekker Kids programs.
Easter Egg Hunt
The Three Mile Fire Department will sponsor its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 26 at 12 noon at 1064 3 Mile Creek Road. Children ages 0-10 are invited to bring their baskets. There will be lots of eggs and great prizes. Call Colleen at 777-3710 for information.
Victor ham dinner
Naomi Chapter #19, Order of the Eastern Star, will be serving a Ham Dinner on Saturday, March 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Victor Senior Center. Cost is $15.00 for adults and $7.00 for children under 10. Proceeds will help sponsor the Val Moore Music Scholarship, Victor Girl State and numerous charities. Reservations are not needed. Contact Syble Rudd at 961-5624 for more information.
Sunday, March 27
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts James Olsen presenting “The Power of Holding Fast to the Truth in the World of Politics” on Sunday, March 27 at 10 a.m. Join in a morning of music, sharing, and inspiration as March’s theme of Realizing the Power of Mind continues. Children’s program provided. Special music with LeGrande Harvey. 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.
Eagles Easter Egg Hunt
The Bitter Root Eagles Lodge of Hamilton will host its annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 27 at 1 p.m. at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. There will be three age groups 0-4, 5-8 and 9-12 with a gold and silver egg prize to be won in each age group along with other prizes. The lodge has been able to hold this event for 50 years, thanks to the support of the local grocery stores, the Chamber of Commerce, and many other local supporters including the many members who work very hard for this event. It is open to all children 12 and under. Come and enjoy!
Monday, March 28
Stevi school menu
Monday: Spring Break – No school
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tacos, refried beans, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk: Lunch – Chicken & noodles, tossed salad, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Shepherd’s pie, green beans, pears bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken sandwiches, fresh veggies, pineapple, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
Daniel McNeely will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, March 28 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st, Hamilton. McNeely will be discussing Cardiac Rehabilitation at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Excel class
Basic Microsoft Excel Computer classes will be offered at the Darby Community Public Library beginning Monday, March 28 at 4 p.m. Participants will learn the very basics of Microsoft Excel, and will be able to build simple worksheets. Requirements for this class include the ability to use a mouse (click, double-click, right-click, click-and-drag) and ability to type on a keyboard. This two-session course, led by volunteer instructor Loyd Rennaker, is scheduled for March 28 and April 4 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Class topics will include navigating to accomplish tasks, entering basic data into Excel, moving and copying data, using functions, basic formatting, creating basic Excel formulas and working with worksheets. Registration closes on March 25th. Contact the library for more information at 821-4771.
Drum Circle
Join the African Drum Circle on Monday, March 28 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).
Stevensville Playhouse auditions
Stevensville Playhouse will be holding auditions for Jim Sperinck’s “Treasure Island” on Monday, March 28 and Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. There are parts for all ages in this hilarious pantomime.
Friday, April 1
First Friday at NVP Library
Renowned pianist, Arthur Kostuk, will present a Spring Piano Concert at the North Valley Public Library on Friday, April 1 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the Library. Kostuk has performed at concert halls in New York, Boston, Montreal, St. Louis and Seattle and is known for his ability to perform rapid and complex passages of music. This concert is free and is an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy the skill of an incredible pianist who has performed to audiences around the globe. This is entertainment and education in one as Arthur not only serenades listeners with engaging musical ability, but also delivers insightful information on the pieces, the period of music, and the composers. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.