Crafters opp
The 2016 Corvallis Christmas Bazaar will be held this year on Saturday, November 26. The hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Corvallis High School, at both the new and old gyms, Corvallis, Montana. Contact Dori Tintzman, (406) 369-3961, for more information, or visit the website at www.corvallisbazaar.com.
Artists opp
Bitterroot Art Guild is seeking vendors for its Christmas Show to be held November 18 & 19 at the Hamilton Fairgrounds. Call Mary for application, 406-821-4678.
County fair theme contest
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is looking for a theme for the 2017 Fair & Rockin’ RC Rodeo. Last year’s theme was “Western Nights, Carnival Lights.” Past themes have been: “Sew it, Grow it, Show It,” “4H Pride & an Eight Second Ride” and “Buckles, Boots & Rodeo Chutes.” The Theme Contest is open to all ages and there is no limit for entries. Submit your ideas by November 4 at 5 p.m. and you could win Fair season passes, VIP parking, VIP seating at the arena and a Fair 2017 logo t-shirt. Submit entries to the Fairgrounds Office, by email to fairgrounds@rc.mt.gov or mail to: Ravalli County Fairgrounds Theme Contest, 100 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton MT 59840. The winner will be announced after the November Fair Board Meeting, which will be on Monday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m.
Thursday, November 3
Wellness programs
The St Francis of Assisi Health and Wellness Ministry is hosting free wellness presentations in the St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton. Everyone is welcome. On Thursday, November 3, at 3 and 6:30 p.m., Alan Baum, Certified Dementia/Geriatric Specialist, will present “Memory & Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not?” Learn to identify early memory loss, what might be ‘normal’ as you age, and how to keep your brains healthy and fit. Offered twice for your convenience.
Friday, November 4
Blood drives
The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season. Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.
American Red Cross blood donation centers:
Friday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., Bitterroot National Forest, 1801 North 1st Street, Hamilton
Tuesday, Nov. 8: 1 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
Federal Retirees Health Fair
The Bitterroot National Forest is hosting a 2017 Open Season Health Fair for any interested Federal retirees residing in the Hamilton area. The Health Fair will take place on Friday, November 4 at 9 a.m. at the Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton. Representatives from Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) will be on hand to discuss changes in their plans and answer questions. Call 363-7100 for additional information.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, November 4 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. There will be a free showing of “Hillary’s America” which may start a little early. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Smart Driver Class
The Stevensville Senior Center, located at 100 Mission Street, will host an all new, four-hour Smart Driver Class on Friday, November 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center. While this safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. This course updates drivers with the latest changes in Montana traffic laws and vehicle safety technology. There are no written exams or driving tests and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualified participants age 55 and older. The class fee is $15.00 for AARP members; $20.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is advised. For registration, call the Stevensville Senior Center at: 777-5681. For further information, call Thom Ainsworth at 369-0149.
Pianist at library
If you are a music lover, join us at the North Valley Public Library for November First Friday. Classical pianist Arthur Kostuk will be performing on November 4 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the Library.
Arthur has performed at concert halls in New York, Boston, Montreal, St. Louis and Seattle. Chicago newspapers have described him as “The Silver Bullet” for his ability to play rapid passages, his exceptional virtuosity and his ability to enthrall audiences.
This concert is free and is an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy the skill of an incredible pianist who has performed to audiences around the globe. This is entertainment and education in one as Arthur not only serenades listeners with engaging musical ability, but also delivers insightful information on the pieces, the period of music, and the composers.
Arthur’s performance will be centered on the theme of “Gratitude” in the spirit of Thanksgiving.
The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library on 777-5061.
Saturday, November 5
Saturday Bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on Saturday, November 5. Doors open at noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used. Free refreshments. Must be 18 to play. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.
Hootenanny
The Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association is having a Hootenanny on Saturday, November 5 at 1 p.m. at the Stevensville Playhouse. Many young and old musicians will be taking turns playing bluegrass music. Admission is $3 or under 12 is free. For more information call 821-3777 or visit mtbluegrass.com.
Writing Coaches training session
Writing Coaches of Missoula is seeking local volunteers to coach public school students in Ravalli County on their writing and critical thinking skills. A training session for new volunteers will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main in Stevensville. To register for the training, send an email to writingcoachesofmissoula@gmail.com. For more information about the program, go to www.writingcoachesofmissoula.com.
Square Dance Club
Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will feature Ray Dunbar calling on Saturday, November 5 at 7 p.m. at the dance hall, 5th and Baker in Hamilton. Ray will call a Plus level dance. The Mainstream dance will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Round dancing music between tips will be provided by Don Scheline. The dance is open to all square dancers, and spectators are welcome.
Sunday, November 6
Volleyball Club Tryouts
Fury Volleyball Tryouts for U14 will be held Sunday, November 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at City Life, 1515 Fairview Avenue, Missoula. U12 will have signups at the same time. U16/18 tryouts will be held on November 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Bring registration form, good attitude and $5.00.
Monday, November 7
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tater-Tot Casserole, green beans, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chalupa with lettuce & salsa, refried beans, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken & Noodles, tossed salad, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French Toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese-filled Breadstick with marinara sauce, glazed carrots, pears, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Scrambled Eggs or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken Sandwich, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, pineapple, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Ala Carte – Hamburgers.
Rotary Club
Donna Miller of Trapper Peak Outfitters will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, November 7 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Donna will be talking about the Fall Fest event at Trapper Peak Outfitters and her Bitterroot Valley middle school students’ essay project. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Tuesday, November 8
Space Telescope Technology presentation
A presentation on Space Telescope Technology will take place on Tuesday, November 8 at 6 p.m. at North Valley Public. Come and learn all about telescopes, from small backyard varieties to space telescopes used by NASA. Dean Spieth will lead the presentation that includes slides, videos and various telescopes. Learn about refractors, reflectors, Schmidt-Newtonian telescopes and more. The presentation will also focus on the camera and spectrometer technology being used in today’s space telescopes. This event is intended for astronomy enthusiasts, including adults and teens. Families with younger children may also attend, but be aware that the material will be technical and complex. If you are serious about astronomy and telescopes, this is for you. To save a seat, email maryw@northvalleylibrary.org or call 777-5061.
Wednesday, November 9
Veterans Day program
On Wednesday, November 9, Stevensville Schools are hosting a Veteran’s Day program to honor all who have served our nation. This year’s keynote speaker will be Lucas McCormick. Also on the program will be singing by the elementary, junior high, and high school, as well as music played by the SHS band. All active service men and women and the public are invited to attend. All veterans are encouraged to attend and have a place of distinction at the assembly starting at 1:30 p.m. in the Stevensville High School gym, any questions may be directed to Brian Gum at 777-5481 ext. 132.
SAFE volunteer training
SAFE provides a variety of opportunities to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence and to make our community a safer, healthier place to live. Core training for all volunteers will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, November 9 and 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. Children’s Program training will occur on November 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Crisis-line training will be November 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Put your personal skills to good use while gaining experience and a better understanding of domestic and sexual violence. Whether you want to teach a cooking class or art class, provide childcare or transportation, help clean the shelter, or answer the crisis line, SAFE offers trainings that match your interests. To learn more about SAFE’s volunteer options or to register, call Sonya at 363-2793. All trainings will be held at 150 Morning Star Way in Hamilton.