Wednesday, April 6
Kiwanis
Bitterroot Kiwanis meets Wednesdays at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st, Hamilton. Guest speaker on April 6 will be Bill Fulbright, Ravalli County Prosecuting Attorney, talking about Emma’s House. There will be no meeting on April 13 as members will be attending the Hamilton High School Community Luncheon. Brad Mohn, Hamilton Fire Chief, will be the speaker on April 20. Kiwanis Membership Recruitment Luncheon, for anyone interested in finding out more about the local Kiwanis club, will be April 27. For information contact Justine Wagner, 777-5591.
Stevensville Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club will meet Wednesday, April 6 (first Wednesday) at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street in Stevensville. The program will be, “From Seed to Plant” with Sue Burrows as speaker. Members will be planting seeds, so bring some seeds to share, tools, gloves, or anything else you might want to use for planting. Anyone interested in gardening at any level is welcome. For more information, call Sue at 369-0406.
Cultural presentation
The Darby Community Public Library will host a talk on “Chinese in Montana: Our Forgotten Pioneers” on Wednesday, April 6 at 6 p.m. with Ellen Baumler, Montana Historical Society interpretive historian, on April 6.
Chinese pioneers have been neglected in Montana’s written record even though in 1870, they comprised 10 percent of the population. By the 1950s, very few remained. Chinese homes and businesses fell victim to urban renewal programs. Time erased their remote mining and railroad camps. Traces of their culture disappeared, and their stories have become obscured in myth and legend. What happened to these pioneers and where did they go? Baumler explores Montana’s urban and remote Chinese settlements through archaeological sites, artifacts, and rare remaining landmarks. These recall the contributions of Montana’s Chinese and the cultural footprints they left behind.
Ellen Baumler earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in English, classics, and history. She has been the Montana Historical Society’s interpretive historian since 1992 and is the author of numerous books and dozens of articles on diverse topics.
The presentation is 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 at 821-4771 or email at librarian@darbylibrary.net.
Spiritual Video Series
Dr. Bruce Lipton will discuss his new book, “Spontaneous Evolution” in a video presented on Wednesday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears), Hamilton. Dr Lipton presents compelling scientific evidence that shows how our collective perceptions are contributing to global crises and how, by changing those perceptions, civilization will take an incredible step forward in the growth of our species and thrive in the future. A discussion will follow.
Thursday, April 7
Gardening talk
It’s springtime in the Bitterrroot and that means that Molly Hackett, the valley’s own gardening expert, will be at the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library, Main Street, Stevensville, on Thursday, April 7, at 12 noon. Bring a gardening question, your lunch if you wish, and beverages and dessert will be provided by the Friends of the Library. How does your garden grow? A lot better after taking Molly’s gardening advice. Everyone is welcome.
DPL Techie Table
“Solar Car Racing: Build It” will be held Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. The Library’s April Techie Table will be devoted to solar racers. Teams are encouraged. Pick up materials at the Library beginning April 1 and design a solar-powered race car with your ideas and the library’s parts. Prizes available, including $25 first prize. For more information, visit darbylibrary.net or contact the Library by phone at 821-4771.
Friday, April 8
Lone Rock kindergarten registration
Lone Rock School will hold kindergarten registration on Friday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the school multi-purpose room, 1112 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville. Bring birth certificate and immunization records. Students must be 5 years old by September 10, 2016. Call 777-3314 to schedule an appointment.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
The New South Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, April 8 from 12 to 1 p.m. at BJ’s Family Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street at Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. Guest speakers will be current state and county candidates for public office. The public is welcome to attend. Pachyderm Clubs are the educational arm of the Republican Party. For further information call 961-4406.
Book study group
Join in to discuss and study the book, “Waking the Tiger” by Peter Levine, founder of the innovative trauma therapy Somatic Experiencing. Somatic Experiencing is grounded in neuro-science, but uses simple awareness practices to gently unlock the healing capacity of the body. The group will spend time outdoors practicing some of these awareness techniques as well as discussing the book. This six-week book study group will begin Friday, April 8, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 S. 1st Street, Hamilton. Books are available for purchase from Drea. For more information call Drea at 258-7182.
Krout memorial reception
A reception for Stevensville Senior Center President Ken Krout will be held on Friday, April 8 at the Senior Center, 100 Mission Street, after a memorial gathering to remember Ken’s life at Whitesitt Funeral Home at 3 p.m.
Stevensville High School drama production
Stevensville High School presents Thornton Wilder’s “The Matchmaker” on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m. at the Stevensville Playhouse. This show is sure to be an immediate hit! The audience will be swept through an entertaining show full of romance and comedy. With a talented cast and crew, “The Matchmaker” will be great fun for the whole family! Cost is $5 for a student, $6 for an adult, and $20 for a family of four. Call 777-5481 to reserve your seats.
Saturday, April 9
Florence pancake breakfast
The Florence Firefighters Association will serve a free pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Fresh pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage will be served at the Florence Fire Station on Holloway Lane in Florence (behind the Town Pump). Everyone is welcome.
Florence Bike Trail clean-up
The Florence Civic Club will begin cleaning debris and weeds from the Bitterroot Bike Trail on Saturday, April 9. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Florence Fire Hall. All citizens and groups are welcome. The Florence Civic Club currently has groups designated for specific segments of the Bitterroot Bike Trail. If your group would like to adopt a segment of the Bitterroot Bike Trail, call Ann at 403-6491. Safety vests and trash grippers and bags are provided. Bring your own gloves!
Jefferson Jeopardy
Montana State Parks will host a free Trekker Kids program “Jefferson Jeopardy – A Birthday Celebration” on Saturday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at Travelers’ Rest State Park, 6717 Highway 12 W, Lolo. Enjoy a birthday party to celebrate Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States and the man who commissioned the Lewis & Clark Expedition. If Jefferson were alive today, he would be 273 years old. Test your knowledge and learn new facts as you play a game of Jefferson Jeopardy! For more information, call Loren Flynn or Dani Staunton at 273-4253.
Toastmasters Anniversary Bash
The Hamilton Toastmasters Club presents its 5th Anniversary Bash, “How to Bake a Toastmasters Cake: Our Recipe for Success” on Saturday, April 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street in Hamilton. There will be exciting live speeches with speakers sharing how Toastmasters Club trains people to Think in the Moment, Be Present, Evaluate, Communicate, Prepare, Lead, and Inspire. Come and enjoy a free demonstration and a slice of cake. For information call Kris at 307-274-6850 or JoAnn at 406-274-6850 or visit Bitterroot.ToastmastersClubs.org.
Bitterroot School of Music dedication
A new Teaching Studio will be dedicated to the memory of Jean Matthews and Judy Paul on Saturday, April 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bitterroot School of Music, 100 Skeels Ave, Ste C, Hamilton. A short ceremony will be followed by student recitals. For more information call 363-5491.
Sunday, April 10
Accordion Club
Five Valley Accordion Club will hold dances on Sundays, April 10 and 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rustic Hut on Hwy 93 S in Florence. Come and enjoy the music and dance. Bring your friends! $3 for members, $4 at the door. Call Helen at 406-369-1839 for more information.
Baby Remembrance Service
A special All-Faith Baby Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. at the St Francis of Assisi Church and Pastoral Life Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton, honoring babies who died during pregnancy or infancy. It is important, and always appropriate, to honor the life and death of a baby who has left handprints deep in our hearts, never to be forgotten. The service will include a naming and candle lighting ceremony; a reception will follow. For more information, call Nancy at 363-1385.
School of Music benefit
A benefit for Bitterroot School of Music will be held Sunday, April 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bitterroot Brewery, 101 Marcus St, Hamilton. There will be live music by Jenn Adams, Chip and Cove Jasmin and Shakewell as well as a silent auction and Celtic Harp raffle. Proceeds benefit student programming and teaching studio expansion. For more information call 363-5491.
Monday, April 11
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 – Burrito, Spanish rice, 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 – Ham Bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sea Wonders, green beans, pineapple, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
Bill Fulbright, Ravalli County Attorney, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, April 11 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, April 11 at 2 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Kellieann Morris, Ravalli County Noxious Weed Coordinator, will be the guest speaker. She will discuss the harmful effects of noxious weeds and the ways to combat them in methods commensurate with our respective budgets and lifestyles. Green Thumbs Up meetings are open to the public. For more information, call Carol at 363-2403.
‘Peter and Wendy’ audition
An audition will be held for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “Peter and Wendy” on Monday, April 11 at 3:50 p.m. in the Stevensville Public School multi-purpose room. Those auditioning should arrive at the start time and plan to stay for two full hours. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show. There will be many roles to fill including Peter, Wendy and Tinkerbell. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for rehearsal immediately following the audition. Students eligible to audition are Kindergarten through 8th grade. Rehearsals will be every day after school until the production on Friday, April 15. For more info contact the school at 777-5613.
Drum Circle
African Drum Circle will be held Monday, April 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears). 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).
Book study group
A five-week book study and discussion on “Spontaneous Evolution: Our Positive Future (and a way to get there from here)” will begin Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears), Hamilton. Dr. Bruce Lipton and Steve Bhaerman present compelling scientific evidence that shows how our collective perceptions are contributing to global crises and how, by changing those perceptions, civilization will take an incredible step forward in the growth of our species and thrive in the future. Purchase the book from your favorite book source by first meeting. For more information call Pat at 360-5568.
RML Community Liaison Group
The Rocky Mountain Laboratories Community Liaison Group (RML CLG) will meet on Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at the Golden Age Club, 727 S. 5th St. in Hamilton. Agenda items include: an overview of Zika virus, including projects at RML; the status of RML construction and renovation projects. The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting. The RML CLG includes representatives from local government, education, business, medical and emergency services, and community and civic groups. The RML CLG represents a long-term commitment to structured interactions with the community. The group began meeting in 2002. RML is a component of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), based in Bethesda, MD. NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID Web site at http://www.niaid.nih.gov.
Tuesday, April 12
Blood drive
There will be a Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, April 12 from 1 to 6:15 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton.
Bingo for Books
North Valley Public Library invites you to celebrate National Library Week. Play Bingo for Books on Tuesday, April 12, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the library at 208 Main, Stevensville. Play Bingo and win books, including picture books, popular young adult books, and adult fiction and non-fiction. This event is free, and is intended for families and children ages 5 and up. For more information, contact maryw@northvalleylibrary.org.
DPL Mother Goose Night
Mother Goose Night will be held Tuesday, April 12 at 5 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. In honor of National Library Week and National Poetry Month, the Library will provide an early literacy family event to explore the fun of rhymes and interactive play. The first seven families to register will take home finger puppets to re-enact their favorite rhymes. The event will include seven nursery rhyme stations that parents can experience with their pre-school aged children. Self-guided play stations focus on the five things parents do to prepare their children for success including Reading, Writing, Singing, Playing, and Talking. Get ready to jump with Jack Be Nimble, roll with Jack and Jill, repair Humpty Dumpty have lots of fun in the Library. For more information go to darbylibrary.net or contact the Library by phone at 821-4771.
Art of Glacier National Park lecture
North Valley Public Library will host the Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau program “The Art of Glacier National Park” with Rafael Chacón on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library. The presentation is free and open to the public. From its creation over a hundred years ago, Glacier National Park has been a mecca for visual artists who have found much to appreciate in its natural and scenic beauty. In a 40-minute illustrated presentation followed by discussion, Chacón presents the rich visual history of the park, especially the role played by the Hill family and the Great Northern Railway in developing the park’s infrastructure as well as promoting this national treasure. The lecture focuses on the early years of tourism in the west and the importance of art as a lure to millions of visitors. Chacón is professor of art history and criticism at The University of Montana. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Gem & Mineral Society
Has anybody ever told you that you have rocks in your head? Join the Bitterroot Gem & Mineral Society because they do too! BGMS will educate you about rocks and ID any rocks you have questions about. Fun field trips take place in spring, summer, and fall for more rocks! Dues are $5.00/year individual and $10.00/year family. Meetings are at 310 2nd Street in the Corvallis Community Church CE Building.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. The next potluck will be Saturday, April 30 at 12 noon. The fabulous Mineral and Gem Show will be May 21-22 at the fairgrounds in Hamilton. For more information call Steve Vieth, 381-7597, or Wayne Farley, 375-1341.
Stevensville school board
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular board meeting on Tuesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.
Wednesday, April 13
Read to Dogs and Cats
The Bitterroot Public Library invites you to bring a book to the Bitterroot Humane Association on Wednesday, April 13 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.
Emma’s House events
Emma’s House Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting several exciting and educational events to celebrate April as National Child Abuse Prevention month and to bring awareness to the issue of child abuse and how we as a community can keep our kids safe.
On Wednesday, April 13, Backroad Cider is hosting a fundraiser for Emma’s House. Purse for the People will be selling beautiful purses and will donate proceeds from the sales to our organization. The event is from 6-9 p.m. at 98 Marcus Street, Hamilton.
On Thursday, April 14, there will be a child abuse prevention training for parents, caregivers and the general public at Hamilton City Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring child abuse survivor, Tara Walker Lyons. This event is free and dinner will be provided. Childcare available by request only. Registration online at Emma’s House Events page.
On Thursday, April 28, Emma’s House is hosting an all-day “Let’s Keep Kids Safe” training for professionals working with children (teachers, counselors, medical personnel, etc) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall. The “Paper Tigers” movie, a true story of a trauma-focused education model used in an alternative school in Walla Walla, WA directed by James Redford will be shown. Also included in the day will be an ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) presentation and the Brain Science Behind It with Todd Garrison from ChildWise Institute; Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) model overview by Amy Foster Wolferman from the University of Montana School of Social Work and a panel discussion with local community leaders that work with kids. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. CEUs and renewal credits are available, online registration at Emma’s House Events page.
In the evening on Thursday, April 28, there will be a condensed version of the daytime training from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., open to the general public at Hamilton City Hall. The evening program includes ACE study introduction by Todd Garrison, the “Paper Tigers” movie and a panel discussion. Event is free and dinner is provided. CEUs and renewal credits available. Online registration is at Emma’s House Events page. Childcare available by request only.
On Saturday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m., the annual We Care About Kids Bike Parade will start from Emma’s House, 800 N. 2nd St, Hamilton, to the Farmers Market where there will be live music and the Maypole dance. Bikes, strollers, scooters and any other human powered devices allowed. Helmets required.
For more information contact Kierstin at 363-7216.
DPL Cowboy Poetry Night
Cowboy Poetry Night will be held Wednesday, April 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. All are invited to one of the Library’s most popular events, a fun night of poetry and song celebrating the cowboy and featuring cowboy poet and singer Doug Hogan and local poets Verna Molenda, Dominic Farrenkopf and others. For more information go to darbylibrary.net or contact the Library by phone at 821-4771.