Wednesday, April 27
NVPL After School Program
Join the After School Program on Wednesday, April 27 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library community room. In connection with National Library Week, the project will include bedazzled, stitched and beaded bookmarks! Come and make your own bookmarks in various colors. Supplies on hand will include beads of all shapes and sizes, lace, yarn, paint, glitter and more. Pam can show you how to use the lace, paint and beads. All you need to do is bring your imagination! Call 777-5061 for more information.
Zen Buddhism
A Zen Buddhism class will be held Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, Hamilton. The class will focus 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 Wednesday evenings and is led by Jill Davies (642-3601). Donations accepted.
DPL Conversations that Matter
Conversations that Matter will be held Wednesday, April 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. Lowell Jaeger, poet, editor and professor at Flathead Valley Community College, will facilitate a community discussion using poetry as the springboard for discussion. Jaeger uses stimulating short pieces of literature to generate lively, thoughtful, engaging conversations concerning topics important to our everyday lives. These guided discussions honor diverse perspectives and are a great way to bring people together for an hour of shared thoughts and surprising insights. Participants often rediscover how pleasing a meaningful conversation can be. And how much fun! For more information go to darbylibrary.net or contact the Library by phone at 821-4771.
Thursday, April 28
Seed exchange
A seed exchange will be held Thursday, April 28 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and Saturday, April 30 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the O’Hara Commons and Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th in Hamilton. Sort through your seed packets. Any extra packets, half used or full, could be a treasure to another gardener. You are welcome to bring your own saved seed as well, participants are asked to label varieties. Swap seeds with one another, increasing the diversity of gardens, and share experiences about growing novelty or unfamiliar crops. In conjunction with the Seed Exchange, you will have an opportunity to learn about The O’Hara Commons Seed Library. Members of the Seed Library Committee will be on hand to introduce you to the library, seed saving and share with you how to get involved. The event is free and open to the public.
Grief Institute
Nationally renowned clinician and author, Dr. John (Jack) Jordan, will be the keynote speaker at Tamarack Grief Resource Center’s 12th Annual Grief Institute on April 28th and 29th. Nearly 200 care professionals from the region will gather in Missoula for this inspirational two-day conference. Joan Nye, Chair of the Montana Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, explains, “It is a gift to have Dr. Jack Jordan, a cutting-edge leader in the field of suicide bereavement, come to Montana to train our state’s clinicians for their work with suicide loss survivors. This type of bereavement therapy rarely is taught.”
The 2016 Grief Institute will offer two separate day-long trainings: “Suicide Bereavement Clinician Training Program,” by Dr. Jack Jordan will be offered on Thursday, April 28. “Creative & Inclusive Approaches to Grief,” by Alesia K. Alexander will be the topic on Friday, April 29. Alexander offers a unique approach of addressing how inequalities in race, gender, and sexual orientation impact the understanding of grief and loss.
Grief Institute will be held at Providence St. Patrick Hospital. The 2016 Institute is presented by Tamarack Grief Resource Center and premier sponsor, the Montana Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, with support from Hospice of Missoula, Hospice Care Foundation, Montana Department of Health and Human Services, Missoula City-County Health Department, Partners In Home Care, Rocky Mountain Hospice, and Walla Walla University. To register, visit www.TamarackGriefResourceCenter.org or call (406) 541-8472.
Tamarack Grief Resource Center (TGRC) strengthens and honors individuals, families and communities throughout their journey with grief. Founded in 2008, TGRC provides year-round grief support and education including bereavement camps, support groups, workshops, counseling, and grief consultations. For more information about TGRC or the upcoming Grief Institute, visit www.TamarackGriefResourceCenter.org.
Museum lecture
“A Library Centennial Presentation: Libraries and Literacy in the Bitter Root” will be presented by Mark Wetherington, Bitterroot Public Library Director, on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. This program will explore the history of libraries and literacy in the Bitterroot Valley, from the oral histories of the Native Americans, to Fort Owen and early settlement, to the establishment of libraries still in use today. Light refreshments available. Call 363-3338 for more information.
NVPL permaculture series
In celebration of Earth Day, the North Valley Public Library will begin a series of open forum discussions on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. where attendees can share, collaborate, and expand their knowledge on a wide variety of permaculture practices. These discussions may include composting, natural building, greenhouses, growing, hugelculture, ponds, community, and much more! So if you are a Permie, or are just interested in seeing what permaculture is all about, stop by the North Valley Public Library on April 28 at 6 p.m. Each class will begin with a short topic driven presentation followed by open discussion. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Victor Park District
The next meeting of the Victor Park District will be Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor. Members will be discussing summer projects, fundraising for the new restroom, and the upcoming work party. There will be a work party in Victor on Saturday, April 30 starting at 10 a.m. to do various spring clean up activities. All ages and abilities are welcome. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Come out and meet your Victor neighbors and have fun keeping the town looking nice. Call Roger at 961-3953 with any questions.
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include discussion/decision on Consulting Agreement with Land Solutions to Update the Growth Policy; discussion/decision on recommendation to award Stevensville Airport Runway Reconstruction Project to Knife River; discussion/decision on Mayor’s appointment of Craig Thomas to the TEDD/TIFID Board as the Stevensville Airport Board Representative; discussion/decision on Resolution No. 388, establishing use fees for the swimming pool; discussion/decision on hiring a seasonal Cemetery/Parks maintenance worker; and discussion/decision on the need to develop hiring and selection procedures for Town employees and officers, to name a few.
Friday, April 29
Driver safety class
An AARP Driver Safety Class will be presented on Friday, April 29 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, located at 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 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.
Water Symposium
The public is invited to attend the Bitterroot Water Symposium on Friday, April 29 at Bitterroot College University of Montana in Hamilton. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 105 of the Bitterroot College building, located at 103 S. Ninth St. The symposium will feature several speakers and panels, as well as keynote addresses by Montana Sen. Pat Connell and Larry Swanson of UM’s O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West. Panel discussion topics include “Water and Growth in the Bitterroot Valley,” “Groundwater Changes in the Hamilton Aquifer,” “Water Quality and the Bitterroot River” and more. Speakers and panelists will include state and county government officials, attorneys, water advocates and others. Event registration costs $5. Register online at http://www.umt.edu/bitterroot-college/admreg/conted/ceonlinereg.php or by calling 363-0100. For a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.umt.edu/bitterroot-college/events1.php.
Soroptimist Workshop for Women
GYST Workshop for Women, a starting place to “Get Your Stuff Together,” will take place on Friday, April 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot College in Hamilton. Gain knowledge, motivation and tools about the important things in life that matter when “life happens.” Workshop will cover wills, advanced care directives, power of attorney, TOD, POD, beneficiaries and insurance. To register call 515-322-4916.
Saturday, April 30
Stevi cleanup day
An Arbor Day tree planting and community cleanup will be held Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon in Stevensville followed by a barbecue from 12 to 1 p.m. at Lewis & Clark Park. Cleanup locations will include River Park, Lewis & Clark Park, Father Ravalli Park, Creamery Garden Park, Main Street and alleys, and the area around S. Mary’s Mission. Volunteers can contact Town Hall or the Main Street office at 777-3773 for more information.
Tootsie Roll fund drive
The Knights of Columbus will hold their Tootsie Roll Drive fundraiser on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at several locations in the Florence, Stevensville and Hamilton communities. All donations go toward Bitterroot Winter Special Olympic at Lost Trail Ski Area, Ravalli Services of Hamilton and State Summer Special Olympics.
BodyTalk presentation
A free presentation on “BodyTalk, An Introduction to Whole Healthcare,” will be presented by Joel Lankford, CPA, CBP, on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Darby Community Library, 101 S. Marshall Street, Darby. Whole healthcare addresses the whole person and their whole-story, using the entire context of their life to improve their health. The event is hosted by Inge Peterson, CBP, 406-239-4290.
Kite building workshop
Let your imagination soar! A Model Kite Building workshop for all ages will be held Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford in Hamilton. Welcome in spring with this free family friendly event where you get to be the engineer! Materials, plans and some friendly folks will be available to help you build it. When your kite is complete, you’ll get the chance to test the aerodynamics of your creation. Call 363-3338 for more information.
Trekker Kids
Montana State Parks will host the Trekker Kids program ‘Wildlife Defenses’ on Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m.
at Travelers’ Rest State Park, 6717 Highway 12 W, Lolo. From speedy getaways to sharp teeth, Montana’s wildlife has a wide variety of defensive mechanisms they use. During the Trekker Kids program, you will be investigating the different methods wild animals can defend themselves and play a wildlife defense game, as well as make your own animal crafts. Don’t miss out on the fun!
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 am unless otherwise posted. All donations will be put towards future Trekker Kids programs and cost of materials.
For more information, call Loren Flynn or Dani Staunton at 273-4253.
Jean Matthews memorial
Friends and family of Jean Matthews will hold a celebration of her life on Saturday, April 30 at 12 noon at the Bitter Root Fish Hatchery, 620 Fish Hatchery Road, in Hamilton. All are welcome to share the joy she brought to the world. Snacks, refreshments, and music will be provided, come prepared to dance! This is an outdoor event, with some shelter provided, so dress for the weather and wear sensible shoes. As parking is limited, carpooling will be helpful. For more information, call Russ at (406) 363-1279, or email russworks@outlook.com.
Square dance
Boots ‘n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, April 30 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th, Hamilton. Barry Bartlette and Ray Dunbar will do the calling. a plus tip will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 1
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Dave Schultz presenting “Beyond Intention: Committing Ourselves” on Sunday, May 1 at 10 a.m. Join in a morning of music, sharing, and inspiration as May’s theme of Spiritual Guidance And Personal Responsibility begins. Children’s program provided. Special music with LeGrande Harvey. Come early for Meditation at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments and delightful conversation follow at 11:15. 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.
Monday, May 2
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza pasta, corn, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajita, Spanish rice, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken salad sandwich, taters, Mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chili & crackers, fresh carrots, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Corn dogs, baked beans, applesauce, bread & butter, regular or chocolate milk.
Rotary Club
Jean Driescher and Barbara Liss, introducing “All Things Darby” Trivia contest, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, May 2 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.
Nonviolent Communication Discussion Group
Learn to communicate in a non-violent way! Peace and violence start within each individual and are expressed by the way we communicate with one another. This discussion group is based on the book “Nonviolent Communication—A Language of Life” by Marshall Rosenberg. Learn Marshall’s simple technique to communicate and build healthy, strong relationships in a non-violent, peaceful, and respectful way. Purchase the book from your favorite book source. Group meets on Monday, May 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (ongoing on the first and third Mondays of the month) at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). Offering taken. For more information call Salim at 241-1292 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.
Tuesday, May 3
MTGives Day
On Tuesday, May 3, join your neighbors in the Bitterroot supporting 24 community nonprofits. May 3 is MTGives day – a day where thousands of Montanans will come together to support their favorite nonprofit organizations. If you love history, the environment, animals, children, the arts, families, education, then you love one of the nonprofits doing this work in the Bitterroot. By showing your support through MTGives day, you can help sustain their work which is making a difference for our community. Just a $25 gift can make a big difference. Every $10 gift qualifies your favorite nonprofit to win prize money. This 24-hours of giving can making a real difference in our community. Show your support on May 3 by donating online at www.mtgives.org/community/bitterroot.
Stevensville Kindergarten Roundup
Kindergarten Roundup will be held Tuesday, May 3 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 noon in the Stevensville School Elementary Gym. Plan to stay the entire block of time. Learn about the school and the Kindergarten day. Meet the staff. Sign up for Parent Teacher Club. Children must be 5 years of age on or before September 10, 2016 to attend kindergarten. In order to enroll your child, you need to bring the following: your child for a brief kindergarten screening, child’s birth certificate, proof of residency in the Stevensville School District, and child’s record of immunizations. Before entering school in the fall children must have: 4 DTP Vaccines, one of which was given after 4th birthday; 3 Polio Vaccines, one of which was given after 4th Birthday; 2 MMR Vaccines, dose 1 on or after 1st Birthday, dose 2 prior to Kindergarten entry; 2 Varicella Vaccines, dose 1 on or after 1st Birthday, dose 2 prior to Kindergarten. For more information call 777-5613.
Kids’ scarf making class
Sign your children up for the Smashed Flower Scarf class at the O’Hara Commons and Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th in Hamilton. The class will gather, prepare and smash flowers onto a silk scarf. The end result of this activity will be a beautiful gift for Mother’s Day. The class will be offered on two days, May 3 and May 5, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Each class is limited to eight students. Scarves can be picked up a day or two after they are created (the scarves must dry). The cost is $12 per child aged 7-13. E-mail with questions: oharacommons@gmail.com.
Sons of Norway
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will host a powerpoint program by Ross and Ann Damrow, of Corvallis, about their travel to Norway. The meeting on Tuesday, May 3 will start with a potluck at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton. The Lodge will provide a main dish, drinks and service, with members and visitors invited to bring a side dish. The public is especially invited to the potluck to see pictures of the scenery and hear about interesting places which the Damrows visited. Sons of Norway Lodges in the US, Canada and Norway will observe the national holiday, the Seventeenth of May, which celebrates the signing of Norway’s Constitution in 1814. On that day, Norway broke free from more than 400 years of rule by Denmark, only to be subjected to Swedish rule until 1905, when Norway emerged as an independent kingdom, and was the first country in the world to seat a king through a popular election by its citizens. Call Jackie at 961-4538 for more information.
NVPL Piñata Night
North Valley Public Library invites you for some Cinco de Mayo fun on Tuesday, May 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. NVPL is hosting a free piñata decorating event for families and children of all ages. The library will provide a blank piñata and lots of decorating materials, and some snacks. All you need to do is bring your imagination! This event is limited to 15 families. Sign up in advance by emailing maryw@northvalleylibrary.org or call the library at 777-5061.
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot
The monthly meeting of FFB will be Tuesday, May 3, at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The social hour is 6 to 7 p.m. with cocktails/dinner optional. Featured speaker is Tom Reed. He is the author of “Blue Lines: A Fishing Life.” He is a regular columnist of Wyoming Wildlife News and has won multiple awards from the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, the Association for Conservation information, the Colorado Press Association, and the Wyoming Press Association. Tom will be talking about fishing small streams around the West and about native trout populations. Tom splits his time between Montana and Wyoming. He is a director at Trout Unlimited. You won’t want to miss this! For further information call Dorreen, 363-0744.