Thursday, October 6
Red Cross blood drives
Hamilton
10/6/2016: 11 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State Street
10/11/2016: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane
Florence
10/10/2016: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Physical Therapy Specialists of Florence, 293 Rodeo Drive, Ste. 1
Victor
10/13/2016: 10 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Victor High School, Victor High School, 425 4th Avenue.
Early Childhood Education Degree presentation
Anyone interested in pursuing a degree in early childhood education is invited to attend an information meeting Thursday, October 6 at 6 p.m. in Room 111 of Bitterroot College University of Montana, located at 103 S. Ninth Street, Hamilton. The event will describe early childhood education degrees offered by UM Western at the Bitterroot College campus. Participants will learn about assistance with college admission, course registration and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, as well as a new pre-kindergarten to third grade bachelor degree. People are encouraged to bring copies of their high school transcripts or past college transcripts, if applicable. For more information email Jen Gilliard at jen.gilliard@umwestern.edu or Dawn Zimdars at dawn.zimdars@umwestern.edu. Prospective students also can call 406-683-7176 or 406-683-7304.
Spiritual Living 101 course
Are you interested in learning what it means to live a spiritual life? If so, come and explore Spiritual Living 101. This five-week foundational course will cover the 10 core principles and practices of the Centers for Spiritual Living such as meditation and affirmative prayer. The course begins on Thursday, October 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears), Hamilton. Donations taken. For more information visit: cslbitterroot.org.
Eastern Star
Marlene Pfaff of Laurel, Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Montana, will make her official visitation to Leona Chapter #31 in Hamilton on Thursday, October 6, at 7 p.m. and to Naomi Chapter #19 in Victor on Friday, October 7, at 7 p.m. She will be accompanied by Worthy Grand Patron David Nielsen of Helena.
The Order was developed in the 1860s by Dr. Rob Morris and is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. It annually donates thousands of dollars to support national and local charities. Local Chapters support their local communities.
Worthy Grand Matron Marlene and Worthy Grand Patron David will preside at their “OES – What a Wonderful World” Session in Billings, June 14-17, 2017, to celebrate the 128th anniversary of Montana Grand Chapter.
Friday, October 7
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, October 7 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Chris Puyear, Western Montana Director for Americans for Prosperity. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Dances of Universal Peace
Dances of Universal Peace will gather on Friday, October 7 at 7 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, in the Selway Shopping Center north of Sears. Join in this evening of singing, dancing, and live music from the world’s spiritual traditions. These meditations-in-motion combine love, joy, and peace-catalyzing sacred phrases with simple folkdance movements. All are welcome; no experience is necessary. DUP evenings are fragrance-free. A $3 donation to cover rent is suggested. Call Star at 546-5344 for more information.
Stevensville Playhouse production
The Stevensville Playhouse will present “Tom Sawyer” from October 7 through October 23. Drawing on the beloved novel by Mark Twain, Dave Barton and Matt Bond have brought a fresh simplicity to the well-known story of Tom Sawyer. All the famous adventures are included, climaxing with the life-or-death battle with Injun Joe in the cave. This musical is sure to bring a smile on faces and is suitable for the entire family. Reservations available at www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org or by calling 777-2722.
Saturday, October 8
Florence pancake breakfast
The Florence Fire Department will serve a free pancake breakfast for the community n Saturday, October 8 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage will be served at the Florence fire station on Holloway Lane, located behind the Town Pump in Florence. All are welcome.
Beekeepers
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will meet Saturday, October 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Riverstone School, 1093 Sleeping Child Road, off Skalkaho Highway, south of Hamilton. Discussion will include bee treatments and winterization of bees.
Children’s Harvest Party
The annual Children’s Harvest Party will be held Saturday, October 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Daly Mansion. Admission is $3.00 per child, and includes snack. Adults are free. Come decorate pumpkins, make apple cider and enjoy many other crafts and activities for children. For more information call 363-6004 ex. 2#. Proceeds benefit the Daly Mansion.
Observe the Moon Night
International Observe the Moon Night is an annual worldwide celebration of lunar science and exploration. One day each year everyone on Earth is invited to unite and observe and learn about the Moon and its connection to planetary science, and share personal and community connections we all have to the Moon. Bring your family or come with a friend to the Bitterroot Public Library main floor on Saturday, October 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to enjoy the night sky, find some lunar features together, examine the formation of moon craters, create the phases of the moon with cookies, hear and write moon stories, and go home with a moon journal and ideas for further exploring the moon. Experts from UM will be on hand with their telescopes. Your binoculars and telescopes are welcome. Dress for inside and outside participation. RSVP by calling the Library at 363-1670.
Sunday, October 9
BRHA Pint Night
Come enjoy a fun night out and help support the Bitter Root Humane Association on Sunday, October 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bitterroot Brewery, 101 Marcus Street in Hamilton. You will be entertained and on the edge of your seat with great silent auction items, a 50/50 Money Pot Raffle and live it up to the music of “The Gregory” starting at 6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from every beer sold will be donated to the BRHA. Come join the fun and help a great cause! For more info call Michele at (406) 210-1375.
Monday, October 10
First-time homebuyer class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Bitter Root RC&D) has announced that the dates for its next class for first-time homebuyers is October 10-12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Building, 3rd and Pine, Hamilton. The Bitter Root RC&D provides the only HUD-approved first-time homebuyers’ pre-purchase classes in Ravalli County. The cost for the in-person class is $50 and includes the one-on-one financial counseling session required prior to taking the group class. Attendees must attend all three sessions and participate in a one-on-one financial counseling session to qualify for the certificate. Participants must be fully registered by Thursday, September 29 at 4 p.m. Call 363-5450 to reserve your space today and schedule the one-on-one. The one-on-one may be completed with a phone appointment and is included in the cost of the pre-purchase class. Payment in full is required to confirm space. If potential attendees are financially challenged, partial scholarships are available for those who qualify. The office is located at 1709 N, 1st Street in the building adjacent to Mildenberger Motors.
Health and Wellness series
“Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” a new six-week series on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., will start October 10 and run through November 14 at the St. Francis Pastoral Life Center, 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton. Instructors are Kati Aiken and Melissa Easley, Ravalli Council on Aging. Cost is $40 for book for all 6 classes. Space is limited. Call the Parish Office at 363-1385 to sign up. This evidence-based series provides tools and strategies for family caregivers to help with self-care and to better handle the unique caregiver challenges you face.
Tuesday, October 11
Fit and Well Program
Looking for ways to gain more core stretch, have better balance and have a customized exercise program just for you? The Fit and Well Exercise Program is 6 weeks from October 11 through November 17 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center. This program is designed to help you learn about safe and effective exercise, improve your performance of daily activities, and to develop a customized exercise program you can perform safely and independently at home. It includes one-on-one sessions to establish your ability and baselines before starting the class and to measure your outcomes upon completion of the program. It is a total of 14 classes, 12 classes and two one-on-ones. Space is limited, call Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center at 375-4570 or visit mdmh.org and register today!
Fall prevention program
“Stepping On” Fall Prevention Program will take place on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. starting October 11 and running through November 22 at St. Francis Pastoral Life Center, 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton.
More than 30% of adults over 65 fall each year! Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in older adults. The Stepping On program offers you a way of reducing falls, improving independence and mobility, and at the same time increasing self-confidence so you can undertake your everyday activities safely and without the risk of falling. The Stepping On program uses small group ‘workshop’ meetings for seven weeks plus individualized follow-up to build confidence in ability to reduce falls. It covers a range of issues, including falls and risk, strength and balance exercises, home hazards, safe footwear, vision and falls, safety in public places, community mobility, coping after a fall, and understanding how to initiate a medication review. The Program uses expert presenters such as Physical and Occupational Therapists and Vision Experts to enhance our sessions. Stepping On is designed for people who are over 60, living at home and who have fallen or are fearful of falling. Participants must be able to walk by themselves or with a walking stick. Mutual support and success builds confidence in participant’s ability to manage their own health behaviors, reduce falls, and remain independent.
Instructor is Melissa Easley, Ravalli Council on Aging. Cost is $10 for the material. Space is limited. Call the Parish Office at 363-1385 to sign up.
Flu shot clinic
Pharmacist Cathy Messer will be administering flu and pneumonia shots to the public on Tuesday, October 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Life Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton. The flu shots are free for those with Medicare insurance, $38 otherwise.
Turk book signing
Jon Turk, author of the books “The Raven’s Gift,” “In the Wake of the Jomon” and his newest book “Crocodiles and Ice,” will give a talk on Tuesday, October 11 at 6 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Jon will be discussing his newest book, answering questions, and signing copies of his books for all who attend.
“Crocodiles and Ice” is a scientist/adventurer’s journey into a consciousness revolution based on a deep, reciprocal communication with the Earth. The book highlights Jon’s award-winning polar expedition circumnavigating Ellesmere Island, as well as other, lesser known passages. But, more critically, Jon tells the story of his lifelong journey from suburban Connecticut into a passion for Deep Wild, an ancient passage, repeated — in one form or another — countless times, and ignored just as often. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Stevensville school board
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular board meeting on Tuesday, October 11 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.
Wednesday, October 12
Book club
The Bitterroot Cares for Kids Network, in its ongoing work to address Adverse Childhood Experiences, is hosting a Book Club. Starting on Wednesday, October 12th and featuring guest host Kris Bayer, the BCKN will be exploring the book, “The Nurture Effect” by Anthony Biglan, PhD. The group will meet from 12 noon to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through November 16 at 209 N. 10th in Hamilton. Learn, meet and thrive! The cost of the entire workshop is $20 and there is a limit of 20 participants. Call or email to reserve your space today and go to your local bookstore or order the book online. 406-532-9149 or bcaresforkids@gmail.com
York Rite Masons
The Commandery of the York Rite Masons will meet on Wednesday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Masonic Hall, 115 S. 3rd Street, Hamilton. The meeting will open with the installation of the coming year’s Commandery officers followed by a regular Commandery meeting led by the newly installed officers. Should a quorum not be present (one was not present at the last meeting), there will be a Council meeting. Members should bring both their Commandery Tactics Book and Council Ritual Book. The ladies will serve supper at 6:30 in the upstairs lounge to which all spouses and friends are invited. A small donation would be appreciated.