Wednesday, June 29
Driver safety class
An AARP Smart Driver Class (Driver Safety) will be presented on Wednesday, June 29 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive in Hamilton The class starts at 9 a.m. and lasts 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 $20.00 for non-members. There are no written exams or driving tests. 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 Bob Graler, instructor, at 381-4428.
Bear awareness program
It’s exciting to see a bear. Do you know how to be safe around bears? Meet bear biologist Chuck Bartlebaugh to learn about bear behavior and bear encounters. What should you do if a bear approaches? What techniques are best for hiking and camping in bear country? The Be Bear Aware program will be presented on Wednesday, June 29 in Hamilton and Darby as part of the Summer Reading Program: 1:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library’s Wild Wednesday and 4 p.m. at the Darby Community Library. The program is free.
Daly Mansion Concert series
Help celebrate the grand opening of the new outdoor gazebo at the Daly Mansion with the lively sounds of the Celtic band, The Montana Shamrockers on Wednesday, June 29. The grounds will open for your picnicking pleasure at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:00. The Montana Shamrockers are sure to entertain you and your family. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and relax on the lawn in front of the new gazebo. Or… get up and dance! You may also bring your own picnic.
Each year the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust presents a “Fund a Dream” project at the annual fundraiser, “Round up at Riverside.” Last year’s project was the construction of a new outdoor gazebo. Summer Concert Series celebrates the completion of this project. There are three more concerts planned for the Summer Concert Series – Dave Stamey BBQ dinner and Cowboy Concert, July 23rd; The Drum Brothers concert, August 10th and finally a kids party with the Whiz Pops on September 17th.
Cost is $5 per person. No reservations required, pay at the gate. For more information call 363-6004 ext. 2# or visit www.dalymansion.com.
Thursday, June 30
Lunch Time Learning
Lunch Time Learning will take place Thursday, June 30 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the O’Hara Commons, 111 S. 4th, Hamilton. Have you ever regretted composting all the pods after you have shelled your peas? Pea Pod Soup is a delicious solution and one more use for our favorite early summer harvest: peas. Learn a couple of recipes, discuss techniques and variations and enjoy a tasting. For more information: 406-369-6451.
Zika virus talk
Curious about the Zika virus? Come to North Valley Public Library on Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m. and learn all about it. Dr. Marshall Bloom, Associate Director at Rocky Mountain Laboratories, will give a presentation about the background and details of the ongoing Zika virus pandemic. Dr. Bloom will cover everything from the outbreak history, Zika virus syndromes to current research being done at Rocky Mountain Laboratories. This event is free and suitable for adults and children of middle school age and older. For more information contact maryw@northvalleylibrary.org or call the library at 777-5061.
Band concert
The Bitterroot Community Band will give a free concert on Thursday, June 30 at 8 p.m. at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton.
Friday, July 1
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, July 1 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be State Representative Nancy Ballance. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
NVPL First Friday
The band “Tincup” will be performing a blend of bluegrass, Celtic, and country music at your local library Friday, July 1st at 6 p.m. for First Friday. As usual, refreshments will be available, so beat the heat in the air-conditioned community room while enjoying lively music! This event is free and open to the public. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Blue Mountain Stargazing
Explore planets, nebulae, star clusters and distant galaxies during upcoming free observing nights at the University of Montana’s Blue Mountain Observatory.
Public observing nights this summer are scheduled for the following Fridays: July 1 and 29, Aug. 5 and 26, and Sept. 2 and 23. The events are family-friendly, and children are welcome. Attendees are asked to reserve a free ticket for each person in their group via Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/1R9dd0m.
The observatory, located atop Blue Mountain at an elevation of 6,300 feet, is operated by UM. Astronomers will be on hand at all events to discuss what’s being viewed through the telescopes, point out constellations, show attendees how to find interesting celestial objects with the naked eye or a pair of binoculars, and discuss recent astronomical discoveries.
Observing begins about an hour after sunset, and organizers recommend bringing warm clothes for cool evenings and a flashlight for the short walk to the observatory. To ensure the open house nights remain safe and pleasurable for all, smoking and alcohol are prohibited.
A link to Eventbrite, a map, directions to the observatory and complete observing information is available on the Blue Mountain Observatory website at http://hs.umt.edu/physics/Blue_Mountain_Observatory/
Viewing nights will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or fire or thunderstorms threaten visibility. Check the Public Observing Information page on the website for important information about cancellation announcements and other frequently asked questions.
For additional information email Diane Friend, UM physics and astronomy lecturer, at diane.friend@umontana.edu.
Saturday, July 2
Museum kids’ activity
A free activity for kids will take place Saturday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Independence Day is almost upon us! How will the Founding Fathers ever get the Declaration done in time? Kids will craft a quill pen like what was used to write the Declaration of Independence.
History presentation
“George Washington: The Myths versus Reality” will be presented on Saturday, July 2 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Did he have wooden teeth, chop down a cherry tree, or free slaves on his deathbed? Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with this fun, free and educational historical reenactment of George Washington and solve the mystery to these and many other questions! Played by Channing J. Hartelius, an attorney from Great Falls who enjoys sharing his knowledge on the Revolutionary War and George Washington.
Sunday, July 3
Victor Breakfast in the Park
The Victor Baseball Association will be having Breakfast In the Park on Sunday, July 3 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Proceeds will go towards equipment, and other expenses for the association, which involves players from 5 to 13. For more information call Crystal at 239-4034.
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Jon Bradbury presenting “Let Freedom Ring” on Sunday, July 3 at 10 a.m. Join in for a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration as July’s theme of Loving Kindness and Forgiveness continues. 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 at CSLbitterroot.org.
Monday, July 4
Florence celebration
The Florence Fire Department will sponsor a free community 4th of July Picnic and fireworks display. The potluck dinner will begin at 5 p.m. Hotdogs and hamburgers will be cooked and served by members of the fire department, with community members bringing potluck dishes to share. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Starting at 10:15 p.m., there will be a free aerial fireworks show. Sit back and watch the great display! During the evening, there will be a raffle, music, games and activities for everyone’s enjoyment. Enjoy the evening and have fun! For more information call 274-0951 or visit www.florencefire.us.
Nonviolent Communication Discussion Group
Learn to communicate in a non-violent way. Peace and violence start within each individual and is 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. Come and 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. Join us on Monday, July 4 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). Free will offering taken. For more information call at Salim at 241-1292.
Tuesday, July 5
Tuesday at Twelve concert series
The Jean Matthews Tuesday at Twelve free summer concert series is held every Tuesday at 12 noon in front of the Ravalli County Museum at 205 Bedford in Hamilton.
The schedule is:
July
5 – Shakewell
12 – Zeppo
19 – Bitterroot Community Band
26 – John Floridis
August
2 – The Cantrells
9 – Josh Farmer
16 – Tin Cup
23 – Joan Zen.
For more information contact Russ Lawrence at 363-1279.
Wednesday, July 6
Stevi Garden Club
The County Fair will be here before you know it! The Stevensville Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, July 6 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 209 Buck Street, Stevensville, with the following speakers:
Mary Baughn on Fall Board, and the program topic, “What’s Up At The Fair” with Ravalli County superintendents Nina Eadie and JoAnne Gibbons. If you have an interest or questions about entering a floral piece, plants or on procedures pertaining to the floral department, this would be a great opportunity to have your questions answered by experts. Meetings are always the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Community Baptist Church. All are welcome. For information or if you need a ride, call Sue, 406-369-0406.
Spiritual Masters Video Series
Join in viewing and discussing a taping of a talk by His Holiness The Dalai Lama as he discusses “The Path to Peace and Happiness” on Wednesday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m. This video kicks off a month of Peace for The Center of Spiritual Living. The video, discussion and popcorn will be at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears). Free will offering taken. For more information visit cslbitterroot.org.