Wednesday, May 18
Storytelling series
Montana State Parks will be hosting a Summer Storytelling Series at Holt Visitor Center at Travelers’ Rest State Park, 6717 Highway 12 W, Lolo, beginning on Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Travelers’ Rest State Park’s popular Winter Storytelling Series is making a summer appearance! The series kicks off with Stephen Small Salmon as he entertains the audience with a variety of traditional Salish Stories. Small Salmon is a Pend d’Oreille elder, traditional dancer, singer and storyteller. Small Salmon is also helping to preserve the Salish language as an instructor at the Nkwusm Institute in Arlee. All programs in the series begin at 7pm, and the cost is $5 per adult; free for members of the Travelers’ Rest Preservation & Heritage Association.
Program schedule and presenters:
May 18th – Stephen Small Salmon, Salish Stories
June 15th – Tom Schenarts, Women of the Corps of Discovery
July 27th – Dawn Dambach, The Beginning is the Best Place to Start: Stevensville
August 17th – Kate Davis, Raptors of the Rockies
For more information call the Holt Visitor Center at 273-4253.
Thursday, May 19
Blood drive
The American Red Cross strives to collect over 700 pints of blood to meet the needs of patients in this area alone. In the Montana service area every 27 minutes someone needs blood. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (MDMH) helps the American Red Cross meet this need by sponsoring blood drives. A blood drive will be held Thursday, May 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in hospital conference rooms B/C. To schedule your blood drive appointment, call Doug Peterson at 363-6503. Donors, remember to bring your identification with you and prior to donating blood eat complete meals, avoid caffeinated beverages, and drink plenty of water. Visit mdmh.org for more information.
Compost presentation
Principles of Compost with Ravalli County Extension Agent Katrina Mendrey will be held Thursday, May 19 at 12 noon at the O’Hara Commons and Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th, Hamilton. This interactive discussion will address the basics of building a compost pile and there will be time for questions and troubleshooting. Bring your bag lunch for this discussion. A fresh, locally grown salad will be provided. Open to all. Call 369-6451 for more information.
Wellness presentation
The St. Francis of Assisi Health and Wellness Ministry is hosting a wellness presentation on “Keeping Your Bones Healthy & Strong at All Ages” on Thursday, May 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton. Emily Smith, MS, RD, LN, Registered Dietician/Bone & Joint Wellness Program, will give you the real scoop on how to prevent bone loss and keep bones strong from childhood through senior years. Discuss what to do after a bone break, chemotherapy, or other conditions. A must for all ages! An ounce of bone loss prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure! Everyone welcome, no RSVP needed. Call 363-1385 if you have questions.
Tea and Tranquility at the Library
Bring your favorite mug to the North Valley Public Library for tea and treats on Thursday, May 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. There will be tea and hot water available, or bring your own blend if you prefer. Grab a chair and join in discussion with others, or grab some colored pencils and try your hand at an array of stress relieving coloring sheets. The Community Room will be open for anyone interested in good conversation and a spot of tea with biscuits of varying flavors. This event is free and open to the public. Come in and bring your friends and family to enjoy a tranquil time! The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, May 19, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. This month’s speaker is member and veterinary assistant Jan Bullock who had to cancel speaking last month due to a veterinary emergency. She will describe the challenges she faced as a veterinary technician for over 20 years at the Iditarod Sled Dog Races. Information on May and June trail projects and upcoming trail rides will be presented. If you are a rider or hiker, the group’s mission is to clear and maintain trails and all who want to help keep trails open are welcome. For more information, call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Friday, May 20
Clothing Giveaway
Donations of clean, gently used clothing are being accepted for the Spring Free Clothing Giveaway to be held at The King’s Christian Church, 9830 Valley Grove Drive, Lolo on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You may drop off clothing at the church office building on Friday morning. You may also call 777-3201 or 273-0682 to make arrangements for clothing donations.
Daly Mansion Rummage Sale
Find some lightly used treasures at the Daly Mansion bi-annual Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the big tent. Volunteers have contributed a large variety of household items to sell in support of the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust. Some items for sale are pieces of furniture, Christmas decorations, glassware and jewelry. Something for everyone! All proceeds will benefit the Mansion. For more information call 363-6004.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, May 20 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be State Representative Theresa Manzella who will be speaking about “the human cost of the animal rights movement.” The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
‘Sprouts’ open house
A special, free open house for “Sprouts” will be held Friday, May 20 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum. Meet the actors and get a free sneak
peek of Faylee Favara’s new play, “Sprouts!, produced by the Hamilton
Middle School Theater Arts Department. “Sprouts!” was conceptualized
from, and is loosely based on, readings from “Bitterroot Trails” 1, 2 and 3,
published by the Bitter Root Valley Historical Society. Light refreshments will be served. Be sure to see the play in its entirety on May 25th in the Hamilton Middle School auditorium. Tickets (for the play at Hamilton Middle School) are available at the door for $5.00 each. Children 12 and under are free. The Ravalli County Museum is located at 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Call 363-3338 for more information.
Stevensville Playhouse production
Prepare yourself for a million laughs with the Stevensville Playhouse production of Jim Sperinck’s British comedy version of “Treasure Island.” A cast of 12 actors work together to defeat Long John Silver’s attempts to steal a buried treasure lost for centuries. Supported by a band of young lost pirates, sea creatures and skeletons, Long John’s plan starts to come unraveled. This show will appeal to young and old with pantomimed songs, audience participation and a healthy dose of British slapstick humor. Show dates are May 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and May 22 at 2 p.m. Reservations can be made at www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org, by calling 777-2722 or at Valley Drug.
SAFE benefit
Join the SAFE staff, Board of Directors and other community members at the Annual Spring Fundraiser: Boot, Scoot & Boogie on Friday, May 20. You will enjoy an evening of great food, live music, dancing and fun auctions while helping our community continue the work to assure that every home is a safe home. Call 363-2793 or email: safe@safeinthebitterroot.org for more information. SAFE is celebrating 28 years of creating a future free of violence.
Saturday, May 21
Seedling & Plant Swap
Save those perennials you have divided this spring and all of your remaining seedlings for a Plant Swap on Saturday, May 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the O’Hara Commons and Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th, Hamilton. Really, you can bring any garden related items: tools, books, a hat that doesn’t fit, houseplants, etc. Open to all!
Label your plants and seedlings and trade with other gardeners. This is a great way to both diversify your garden and save your plants from the compost pile. At the end of the event you may leave your extra plants for new gardeners or those who may not have plants to exchange. Call 369-6451 for more information.
There will also be a compost demonstration. A compost pile will be assembled on the grounds applying the basic principles discussed during the compost talk on May 19.
Golden Age Clean-up Day
Golden Age Club will have an indoor and outdoor clean-up day on Saturday, May 21. Members are asked to come to the hall at 10 a.m. to do some yard work and indoor cleaning. Bring a rake, weed eater or lawn mower for outdoor work. There will also be a general clean-up of the kitchen appliances, cupboards and storage areas. Any snacks will be potluck. Coffee will be provided. Work should be finished by 2 p.m. or earlier.
Doll Show
The Bitterroot Blizzard Doll Club of the Bitterroot Valley and the Shining Mountain Doll Club of Kalispell announce a “Doll, Toy, Teddy Bear, and Miniature Show & Sale” to be held on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ruby’s Inn and Convention Center, 4825 North Reserve, Missoula. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children age 6 and under. There will be raffle items as well as door prizes that will be won by guests in attendance.
Not only will there be an enormously diverse selection of dolls ranging from the 19th century to contemporary examples, but dealers will also be offering toys, action figures, teddy bears, miniatures, doll clothing and furnishings, repair parts, and custom (artist) dolls and clothing. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the wood doll exhibit and have opportunities to learn about the different types of vintage and modern dolls. Guests and potential dealers are invited to visit dollshowusa.com for more information about the show.
St. Mary’s Mission Community Appreciation Day
Historic St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville invites the public to Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Mission volunteers wish to thank the many supporters with free tours of the historic buildings and artifacts. Come hear the story of Father Ravalli, Chief Victor, and the very beginning of Montana’s oldest settlement. Historic St. Mary’s Mission is located at the west end of 4th Street in Stevensville.
Labyrinth service day
Come and give the Redsun Labyrinth a helping hand! A service day is planned for Saturday, May 21 to beautify the Labyrinth by pruning shrubs, laying chips and more. Bring water, sunscreen, garden tools and a potluck dish to share. The fun begins at 2 p.m., potluck dinner at 5:30 and African Drumming at 6:30. For more information call Pat at 360-5568. Directions to the Labyrinth can be found at: redsunlabyrinth.com.
Artistic Tea
“An Artistic Tea” will be held on Saturday, May 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at River’s Mist Artists’ Co-op, 317 Main Street in Stevensville. Hand made teacups will be for sale (tea included) with a portion of sales going to Pantry Partners. Delicate tea sandwiches, scones and sweets may be enjoyed, while wearing one of the fancy hats, and meeting the artists that make up River’s Mist. Tea tickets are $10 each which will go to support Pantry Partners. RSVP if you have a party of 5 or more. For more information call River’s Mist at 777-0520.
Sunday, May 22
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Pat Murphy presenting “Raising Your Vibration: Creating Communion with Spirit” on Sunday, May 22 at 10 a.m. Enjoy a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration as May’s theme of Spiritual Guidance And Personal Responsibility continues. Children’s program provided. Special music with LeGrande Harvey. Come early for Meditation at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments and 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.
Baroque concert
Bitterroot Baroque presents a lively concert of 17th Century music featuring two world-class Baroque violinists on Sunday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton. Don’t miss Bozeman’s Carrie Krause and London’s Davina Clarke, backed up by sackbut and theorbo. They are joined by Greg Ingles on sackbut (early trombone) and theorbo (bass lute). This will be a short concert without intermission to liven up your Sunday evening. Tickets at the door and also at Chapter One — $25 general admission/$10 students/“pay as you are able.”
Monday, May 23
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 – Tacos, refried beans, apples, 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 – Breakfast pizza or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sea Wonders, tossed salad, pineapple, bread & butter, milk.
Refuge project
The reconstruction of the Educational Shelter at the Lee Metcalf Refuge will begin on Monday, May 23. The shelter was originally constructed in memory of William Wyatt. In 2014, the Bitterroot River eroded the banks near the site of the shelter. With the help of volunteers the shelter was removed and stored for later reconstruction. Volunteers are needed, preferably those skilled in construction. Anyone volunteering will need appropriate safety equipment, ie. hard hat, sturdy shoes, as well as gloves. Hand tools will be helpful, especially a battery-powered drill to be used as a screwdriver. Anyone wishing to help should meet at 9 a.m. at the Lee Metcalf Refuge office. For more information contact Jerry at 777-9827.
Yoga classes
The Stevensville Senior Center will have yoga classes with instructor Adrienne LeCoure at 9:30 a.m. every other Monday on these dates at the Senior Center, 100 Mission Street: May 23, June 6, and June 20.
Rotary Club
Annie Edwards, President of the South Valley Civic Group, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, May 23 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. Note: The club will not meet on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Stevensville Playhouse auditions
Stevenville Playhouse will hold auditions for “Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star” by James McLure on Monday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at the Playhouse. These two one-act plays have strong adult language and content. The show will run August 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and August 6 at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, May 24
Republican Women
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be Judge Jeffrey Langton.
Ravalli County Democrats
Democratic Mule Team will meet Tuesday, May 24 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the
Mine Shaft Pasty Co, 111 N. Second. St., in Hamilton. Share food, drinks and conversation in this important election year. Guests will be candidates Lee Tickell and Jim Olsen who are running for the District 44 Senate seat. They will
speak about their goals and answer questions. For more information contact Becky at 369-5210.
‘Perspectives on Islam’ program
The North Valley Public Library will host the Humanities Montana program “Perspectives on Islam” with Professor Samir Bitar on Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public, but limited seating is available; call the library to reserve a spot for this event.
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 sixteen 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 travelled around the state to train the Montana National Guard in essential Arabic language and culture.
The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.