Wednesday, July 13
Wild Wednesday
The Hamilton High Jazz Band will perform for Wild Wednesday on Wednesday, July 13 at 1:30 p.m. on the lawn at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. You’re going to love the music of the Hamilton High Jazz Band for listening or dancing! The performance is free. For more information call the library at 363-1670.
Thursday, July 14
Lone Rock Park Board
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Thursday, July 14 at 7 a.m. at the Three Mile fire hall. Everyone is welcome.
NVPL Kids Book & Writing Club
Share your favorite books and write your own stories on Thursdays during July at the North Valley Public Library. Each week includes a theme and a snack, along with assistance from a special Creative Writing student from the UM. The Club is for ages 9 to 13 and will meet in the Community Room from 1:15 to 2 p.m.
July 14th – Bring the longest book you’ve ever read, and learn how to create a story marathon!
July 21st – Bring a fantasy, magic or fairy tale book, and write your own fairy tale!
July 28th – Bring a book about the Old West, and write historical fiction to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Founders Day!
North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Film showing
A free showing of the film “The Story of the Bitterroot” followed by Q&A will take place Thursday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the North Valley Public Library Community Room, 208 Main Street, Stevensville. John Stroud, author of “For the Love of the Bitterroot,” will be present to answer questions concerning Montana’s most beloved wildflower. The movie showing is approximately 1 hour and time will be made at the end for Q&A. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, July 14 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include discussion/decision on adding the duty Zoning Administrator when necessary to mayor’s duties, and USDA FS Emergency Facilities and Land Use Agreement for the Stevensville Airport, among others.
Trout Unlimited
Bitter Root Trout Unlimited will meet Thursday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Lodge to discuss possible fishing restrictions.
Streamflows are at near historic low levels and the tributary streams are not looking much better. In addition, rainfall has been puny and the all important night time air temperatures are not cooling down much. Water temperatures as high as 61 have been recorded at the Darby gauge. A number of streams in Southwestern Montana are already on fishing restrictions. Painted Rocks Lake is full right now, but its 32,000 acre-feet cannot on its own sustain the entire Bitterroot watershed and keep water temperatures low in the entire river. It seems unlikely that the high target flow of 400 cfs at Bell Crossing will be maintained. Finally, at a recent meeting sponsored by the Bitterroot Water Forum, the agriculture community and major irrigation companies also expressed grave worries over the water situation. So, unless July and August have abundant rain and cool temperatures, things could get grim quickly.
Because of these concerns, BRTU will be hosting a meeting on Thursday, to discuss the water situation and preview the conditions for possible fishing restrictions. Bitterroot River Water Commissioner Al Pernichele will describe the water situation and give an overview of water management that includes working with irrigators, the Painted Rocks Water Users, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. MFWP Fisheries Biologist Chris Clancy will describe the current situation of the fishery and lay out the considerations that might lead to Hoot Owl Restrictions, closures or other measures.
The public is encouraged to attend.
Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will meet on Thursday, July 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book “Your Sacred Self: Making the Decision to Be Free” by Dr. Wayne Dyer.
In this liberating and enriching book, Dr. Wayne Dyer teaches us how to tap into the power of our higher selves and live each day, regardless of what we do, with a greater sense of peace and fulfillment.
“Your Sacred Self” reveals a three-step program to help us understand our place in the world and develop a sense of satisfaction with ourselves and others. Step by step, we can change the way we experience life – moving from our insatiable need for more, to an awareness of abundance; from a sense of ourselves as sinful and inferior, to an acceptance of ourselves as divine; from our hunger to achieve, to a detachment that brings true freedom.
Dr. Wayne Dyer (1940-2015) is an internationally renowned American philosopher, self-help author, and a motivational speaker. He is the author of 30 books, has created many audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of TV and radio show. His first book, Your Erroneous Zones, was one of the bestselling books of all time.
The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month in the West Meeting Room of the Bitterroot Public Library and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well being.
Call 363-1670, or email jacostant@gmail.com for more information.
Friday, July 15
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, July 15 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Bob Lake PSC. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Democratic Mule Team
The Ravalli County Democratic Mule Team will meet on Friday, July 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Margaret Gorski, Democratic candidate for House District 88. Enjoy some food, conversation and news. All are welcome. For information call Corrine at 544-8586.
Bike-in Camping event
Montana State Parks will provide Bike-in Camping for the Montana Bicycle Celebration at Travelers’ Rest State Park, July 15-17.
Travelers’ Rest State Park is excited to be a part of the 1st Annual Montana Bicycle Celebration and ribbon cutting for the Lolo to Missoula portion of the Bitterroot Trail. As part of this weekend of community celebration, Travelers’ Rest will offer limited camping for those arriving at the park by bicycle on the nights of July 15 and 16.
Although the park does not regularly provide overnight camping opportunities, Park Manager Loren Flynn hopes that this unique offering will add to the celebration and also explore an opportunity he regularly hears about from the public. “There have been a steadily growing number of requests for camping at Travelers’ Rest, especially from bicyclists,” said Flynn. “While we don’t currently have the space, staff or infrastructure to provide that service, Montana State Parks is expanding offerings to bicycle travelers at other State Parks in western Montana and we hope to be able to offer this service at Travelers’ Rest on a regular basis should opportunities become available. We thought this would be a good time to explore that opportunity and give this a trial run.”
Camping will take place in a designated area near the Visitors Center with restrooms, water and a shared fire ring available for all campers. Electrical outlets will be available for charging technology (phones, tablets, etc.) during Visitor Center hours each day.
Opportunities are limited and reservations are required so anyone interested is encouraged to plan ahead. The camping fee for Montana residents is $6 per person per night, with discounts available for senior citizens and anyone with a disability. Non-resident fees are $12 per night, with a discount for anyone who has purchased on Montana State Parks annual pass.
For more information or to make a reservation call the park office at 273-4253.
Lunch Time Learning
Join the O’Hara Commons, 111 S. 4th, Hamilton, on Fridays from 12 noon to 1 p.m. for the Lunch Time Learning Series. July 15th will be a discussion of the nutritional value of Greens Teas and a demonstration how to make Greens Teas and the many variations on this recipe. Open to all. Call 369-6451 or email oharacommons@gmail.com for more information.
Saturday, July 16
First-Time Homebuyer Class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. will sponsor the next nationally-certified First-Time Homebuyer Group Education class on Saturday, July 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors, 224 N. 4th Street, Hamilton. The charge is $50 per household and includes the mandatory one-on-one counseling session to be completed prior to attending the group class. Attendance the full day and the one-on-one counseling session are required for certification. Payment in full is required by Tuesday, July 7 at 3 p.m. to confirm your reservation. Phone (406) 363-5450 to make your reservations today. Payment can be made with a check, credit or debit card, or cash. The office is located at 1709 N. 1st Street in Hamilton.
The class is presented by Sara Ann Briggs, who is certified in four areas of housing counseling from the NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling: Pre-purchase group education, One-on-one counseling, Financial Counseling, and Post-purchase group education. The Bitter Root RC&D can now offer new programs to the residents of Ravalli County, including the required follow-up counseling for eHome participants.
The class is structured to help novice homebuyers maneuver through the entire process of homeownership and includes information on financial products exclusive to Montana first-time homebuyers. Attendance entitles participants to additional individual financial counseling and post-purchase counseling, at no extra charge. People seeking to purchase their first home should take the class prior to seeing a lender or real estate agent, as the class will provide information on how to shop for both, what questions to ask, and what assistance is available to first-time homebuyers for down payments, closing costs, and more.
Museum kid’s activity
“Natural History Feet” is the topic of a free activity for kids on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Make different animal tracks, then try to see if anyone can figure out what animal it is! Be a part of the Saturday Learning Adventure during the spring and summer! Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 12 noon and get a full head of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. For more information call 363-3338.
Bike Trail ribbon cutting
Travelers’ Rest State Park will be the site of a community celebration for the grand opening of the Lolo to Missoula segment of the Bitterroot Trail on Saturday, July 16. The ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 12 noon.
The Bitterroot Trail connects the communities of the Bitterroot Valley from Missoula to Hamilton – a distance of more than 50 miles. For many years the missing link has been the Lolo to Missoula segment of the trail. Thanks to grassroots efforts from local cyclists and recreationists, the trail is now a reality. The ribbon cutting ceremony will celebrate the people and organizations who worked tirelessly to see the project through to completion.
“We’re excited to host the ceremony – and more excited to have this great resource connecting communities and public lands” said Travelers’ Rest Park Manager Loren Flynn. The park will provide a variety of family activities beginning at 10 a.m. Following the ceremony, cyclists are encouraged to ride the new trail to Silver Park in Missoula for the Bicycle Expo.
The ribbon cutting ceremony is just one part of the Montana Bicycle Celebration held all weekend. Other events are scheduled throughout the Bitterroot valley and Missoula, including 40th anniversary events for the Adventure Cycling Association, the Bicycle Expo on Saturday and Sunday Streets Missoula on Sunday.
For more information call the park office at 273-4253.
Peace Festival
The Bitterroot Committee for Peace invites everyone to the first annual Bitterroot Community Peace Festival on Saturday, July 16, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s American Legion Park. Live music by Joan Zen Duo, Tahj Kjelland, Annamarie Barnes, and Tin Cup. Featured speakers from Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Veterans For Peace. Also dancing, kids’ activities, prizes, food, and fun. Bring a chair or blanket. Free admission. For information, call Luanne at 406-830-4408.
Sunday, July 17
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Linda Jordan presenting “Forgiveness – A Gift To Self and Others” on Sunday, July 17 at 10 a.m. Enjoy 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 visit CSLbitterroot.org.
First Baptist VBS
Dive into Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Darby from July 17-21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. “Submerged (in God’s Word)” is the theme. As kids submerge themselves in God’s Word, they will discover that Jesus didn’t just see what’s on the outside of people; He looked deep down on the inside. Kids are invited to grab their goggles and dive in to find truth below the surface. Kids ages 4 years through 6th grade are welcome to attend. Registration for VBS will be held Sunday, July 17, from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Monday, July 18
Rotary Club
Scott Roberts from Exodus Road will be the speaker for the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, July 18 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Exodus Road is a non-profit organization which counters human trafficking. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
The First Tee program
The First Tee junior golf program will begin in Stevensville at the Whitetail Golf Course on Monday, July 18. The five-week camp will be on Monday and Tuesday nights from 4 to 6 p.m. each night. This course teaches the basics of golfing to kids six years old and up to 18 years old. In addition to teaching golf basics, the participants are provided life skills and core values through mentorship. The cost of the program is $100 for the five weeks. There is a reduction in cost for more than one participant. If needed, clubs will be provided for the players. For more information, please call Whitetail Golf Course at 777-3636 or program director Scott Marsh at 406-490-3244.
Advancing Conservatism
Advancing Conservatism will meet Monday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center. Guest speaker is Chris Puyer of Americans for Prosperity.
Tuesday, July 19
Tuesdays at ‘The Patch
Summer activities in “The Patch,” a youth garden at the Daly Mansion, are held every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. through August 9. Children are invited for an hour of exploring nature in the garden through outdoor activities, creative expression and open exploration. Activities include crafts and fresh snacks made from the garden, an ecology themed book reading, music and more!
July 19 – Five Senses Gardening: Discover what’s blooming, growing and just living in the garden using scent, sight, touch, smell and taste!
August 2 – What’s Cookin’ in the Patch? Katelyn Andersen, Ravalli County Extension Agent, will be fixing up a fun and healthy snack from the garden and talking about ways to eat healthy throughout the seasons.
August 9 – Beauty and the Beast: The love story of flowers and insects in the garden. Learn how a plant goes from seed, to flower and back to seed with the help of some unexpected friends.
The garden season will end with the Harvest and Pumpkin Party on Saturday, October 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Help harvest the rest of this year’s bounty and decorate some pumpkins.
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
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.
RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, June 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. These meetings are open to the public.
Wednesday, July 20
Talent show
Wild Wednesday Talent Show will be held Wednesday, July 20 at 1:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Bitterroot Public Library. What’s your talent? Are you ready to show us what you can do? This is your chance! Kids of any age are welcome to share their dancing, singing, athletic, or any skills during the Talent Show at the Bitterroot Public Library. Start practicing now and come participate on Wednesday, July 20 at 1:30 p.m. For information call the library at 363-1670.