Thursday, December 1
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, December 1 at 12:30 p.m., Joan Morgan, Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed (OTR/L), Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center, will present “Reduce Stress & Fatigue – Promote Focus & Relaxation.” Learn and practice breathing techniques to increase oxygen flow to your brain and body, reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and promote focus, calmness and relaxation…use this during daily activities, exercise, and after work or school — great for all ages!
Curiosity Camps
Youth Handmade Gift Days will take place December 1 through December 20 at The O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. There will be nature-based handmade gift projects for campers from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. Reserve at least 24 hours in advance so materials can be prepared for your child’s attendance, ages 7-11+. Healthy snacks are included. Cost is $8 per day. Email: oharacommons@gmail.com or call 369-6451.
Friday, December 2
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 2 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be State Representative Theresa Manzella talking about The Convention of States. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
St. Mary’s Mission events
“A Stevensville Country Christmas” at St. Mary’s Mission and Museum will feature a Nativity Exhibit plus Christmas Trains on Friday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. A Chapel Open House will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. The Christmas Exhibit and St. Mary’s Gift Shop will also be open Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is invited to enjoy the beautiful lighted outdoor Nativity Scene throughout the Christmas Season. Call 777-5734 for information.
First Friday at library
Montana singer/songwriter Charla Bauman will present a special Holiday Concert on Friday December 2 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Holiday songs plus a variety of country and folk songs will be presented for your listening pleasure. Light refreshments will be served. All ages are welcome and admission is free. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library on 777-5061.
Dances of Universal Peace
“Come, come, whoever you are, even though you have broken your vows a thousand times, come, come again!” Dances of Universal Peace celebrate the mystical poet Rumi with simple circle dances from the world’s spiritual traditions that inspire harmony and community. The next dance is Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. First Street, Hamilton. Each dance is taught each time, and everyone is welcome! (This is a scent-free event; refrain from perfumed cosmetics, hair products, etc.) Live music and refreshments. By donation. For more information contact Star Jameson, 546-5344.
Stevensville Playhouse production
The Stevensville Playhouse will present “Christmas Belles” on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, December 4, 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. The play is about three sisters from Texas trying to put on the greatest Christmas Pageant ever staged and, of course, everything goes terribly wrong. Covering all the stresses and joys of the season through laughter, this is a great show for the whole family. The show is directed by Gretchen Spiess and Dawn Shinn. Admission is $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 12 and seniors 63 and over. Purchase tickets by calling 777-2722 or www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org.
Saturday, December 3
Holiday gift making classes
Riverstone School in Hamilton is offering a Children’s Holiday Baking & Gift Making class on Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for ages 7-17. An Herbal Gift Making class for adults will take place Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Class sizes are limited. Call 406-361-0433 for more information.
Florence bazaar
You’re invited to the annual Florence Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Florence-Carlton School Old Gym. Quality crafts, jewelry, ornaments, clothing, baked goods and more will be available, plus supervised children’s activities while you shop, and entertainment featuring area musicians. There will be free photos with Santa until noon. Delicious hot breakfast and lunch entrees will be for sale. Bring food or a monetary donation for the local food pantry.
GiveAway
The annual Clothing, Furniture, and Household GiveAway will be held Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Hamilton City Hall, 223 S 2nd St, Hamilton. The Place church sponsors an annual free clothing, furniture, and household GiveAway so that families will have Christmas presents to give each other and also to meet their everyday needs. If you’re interested in giving donations or if you have questions, call Jesse at (406) 350-2360 or email h2hm@hotmail.com.
Christmas Tea
The Daly Mansion is all dressed up in Christmas-time splendor and you are invited to sit down for a lovely high tea and then tour the house on Saturday, December 3. There will be two seatings for you to choose from, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A self guided tour will follow the tea to view all the decorations. It’s a perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season in very special surroundings. You can also have a portrait taken of your group as a keepsake. Live music will be featured as well. Cost is $25 per person. Ages 12 & under are $20. Call for advance reservations, 363-6004 ext. 2#.
Saturday Bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on Saturday, December 3. Doors open at 12 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.
‘Paws to Remember’ & Shelter Open House
All of us have special pets who enrich our days, and those we miss who live on in our hearts. Lighting a bulb on the Bitter Root Humane Association (BRHA) “Paws to Remember” tree is a special way to honor or memorialize yours or others’ special companions this holiday season.
A $5 donation to “Paws to Remember” will light a red bulb in honor of a living pet or a white bulb in memory of a former companion. A paper ornament with your pet’s name will decorate the tree too and the tree will be on display at the shelter throughout the month of December for the public to enjoy. If you are unable to attend the event or would like to purchase your bulb in advance it can be done at the shelter or by mail. Include with your $5 per bulb donation the name(s) of your pet(s) and designate whether it’s a memorial or an honorarium and mail to: BRHA, PO Box 57, Hamilton MT 59840. Donations must be received by Friday, December 2 in order to be included in the lighting ceremony but later submissions will still be added to the tree throughout the month of December.
Come celebrating pets on Saturday, December 3 at the BRHA Shelter Open House from 2 to 5 p.m. at 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, with tours of the shelter, refreshments and a chance to visit all the wonderful pets that are looking for forever homes. At 5pm the “Paws to Remember” tree will be lighted. For more info call 363-5311.
Splendor on Main
If you would like to enjoy a fun evening with beautiful decorations, delicious food and great entertainment, then plan to attend the Splendor on Main holiday gala. The Stevensville Main Street Association invites you to a great evening of fun on Saturday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Living Centre, 63 Main in Stevensville. There will be fine wine and beer tasting, a delicious hors d’oeuvre buffet, auction and raffle, live music by Julie Ludington and a festive evening with friends. The cost is $40 per person or a sponsored table of 8 for $280. Call the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773 for reservations.
Square Dance Club
Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will feature Ray Dunbar calling a Plus level dance on Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m. followed by a Mainstream Dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Don Scheline will be providing Round Dance music between sets. The Club is based at the Golden Age Center on 5th & Baker Streets in Hamilton. Spectators are always welcome!
Sunday, December 4
Methodist Hanging of the Greens
The public is invited to attend the 55th annual community “Hanging of the Greens” concert presented by the choir at the Stevensville Methodist Church, 216 College on Sunday, December 5 at 10:30 a.m. The children will place the Nativity figures, help decorate the Christmas tree and sing one number with the adult choir. The choir will sing Christmas numbers ranging from “Calypso Lullaby” to the exciting “Emmanuel” by Michael W. Smith. There will also be a Christmas tableau about a homeless boy who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Following the concert, wonderful Christmas cookies, punch, and coffee will be served. Call 777-5443 for information.
Golden Age Dinner-Dance
The Hamilton Golden Age Club will host a Welcome Winter dinner-dance on Sunday, December 4 to welcome the winter season at The Golden Age Hall, 727 S. Fifth Street, Hamilton. Come and enjoy a chili feed, music, dancing and an old fashioned cake-walk. Buy a chance to walk the circle and win a cake. You can dance to the music of the “slightly famous” Jammers, play a game of cards, listen to the music or win a cake. The club will furnish the chili, coffee and corn bread. Desserts and relish or veggie plates are potluck. Dinner reservations are requested. Call 363-0142 to reserve a dinner or for more information. The dinner will be served at 1 p.m. and music and dancing will begin about 2 p.m. There will be cake-walks during the afternoon until the cakes are gone. Cake-walk tickets are 3 for $1.00 or $.50 each. Admission to the dinner-dance is $6.00 per person. Dinner reservations are requested. Call 363-0142 to reserve a dinner or for more information.
Monday, December 5
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Beef Steaks, mashed potatoes & gravy, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco Salad with lettuce & cheese, chips & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tuna Salad Sandwich, taters, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Spaghetti, tossed salad, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch -Chicken Tenders, corn, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
With a December focus on Christmas songs, the Hamilton High School Girls Choir will present the program at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, December 5 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Chocolate Tasting
The 20th annual Chocolate Tasting Party and Silent Auction will be held Monday, December 5 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Victor Heritage Museum in Victor. The event features all-you-can-eat homemade chocolate goodies, silent auction, horse-drawn trolley rides. This event is the all-volunteer Museum’s major fund-raising effort each year. The cost is $5.00 per person, no charge for children aged 3 and under. The Victor Heritage Museum is located at the corner of Main and Blake in downtown Victor. For information call Suzanne at 363-3165 or the Museum at 642-3997.
Nonviolent Communication Discussion Group
Learn to communicate in a non-violent way at a discussion group on Monday, December 5 (ongoing on the first and third Mondays of the month) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). Peace and violence start within each individual and are 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. By donation. For more information call Salim at 241-1292.
Bird ID workshops
Was that a Red-tailed or Rough-legged Hawk? A Hairy or a Downy Woodpecker? Get some identification tips at Bitterroot Audubon’s Tune-up Workshops in advance of the Christmas Bird Count. Workshops will be held from 7-8 p.m. at the National Forest Service’s Hamilton office (1801 N 1st St–enter rear of building) on Monday, December 5, and at the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (4567 Wildfowl Lane, Stevensville) on Wednesday, December 7. RSVP to mickilong@gmail.com by Dec. 4 for the Hamilton workshop or Dec. 6 for the Stevensville workshop.
Tuesday, December 6
Sons of Norway Christmas Party
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will hold its annual Christmas
party on Tuesday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275
Hattie in Hamilton. The Lodge will provide a main dish, drinks and
service. Members and visitors are invited to bring a festive side dish,
and an exchange gift worth $10 or less. Gifts suitable for children
should be marked. Numbers will be drawn and the traditional “stealing”
of a gift can occur up to three times. There will be songs and dancing
around the Christmas tree. The public is always welcome. For more information, contact Jackie Bjergo, 961-4538.
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot
The December meeting of FFB will be at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton on Tuesday, December 6. Social hour is 6 to 7 p.m. with cocktails and dinner optional. There will be a short meeting with the annual elections of officers.
Hamilton artist Tim Joyner is the guest speaker. Tim does beautiful paintings of fish and fishermen. His interest in wildlife and the western lifestyle are reflected in his work. He is known for his unusual and often humorous portrayal of these subjects. He is talented in glass etching and bronze sculpture as well. His work is in many galleries and select art shows, most notably at the CM Russell Art Auction in Great Falls. If you are interested in attending or joining the fishing club, contact Dorreen at 363-0744.
Wednesday, December 7
Garden Club meeting cancelled
Stevensville Garden Club will not meet on Wednesday, December 7. The next meeting will be Wednesday January 4, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Everyone is welcome. Contact Sue at 406-369-0406 for more information.
Corvallis Christmas Celebration
The annual Corvallis Christmas Celebration and Tree Lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m. All community members are cordially invited to participate and help kick-off the holiday season. The celebration will begin in front of Corvallis High School with the lighting of the Marty Litvin Memorial Tree. The festivities will then move inside for holiday singing led by Corvallis High School music students and refreshments for all. Santa Claus will visit with treats for children. This annual celebration is sponsored by the Corvallis Civic Club in collaboration with the Bitterroot Women’s Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, Corvallis band and choir students, Bitterroot Tree Service, and White Horse Forestry. For further information, contact Carol Peterson at 961-3362.
Spiritual Masters Video Series
The documentary “Wake Up,” which follows the fascinating story of Jonas Elrod, an average guy who inexplicably developed the ability to access other dimensions, will be shown on Wednesday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears), Hamilton. Jonas crisscrosses the country searching for answers and delves deeper into the thrilling world of the phenomenal and spiritual. He visits Buddhist monasteries, interviews spiritual masters such as Llewellyn Vaughn-Lee and explores scientific principles to make sense of his unusual experiences. The video will be followed by discussion and popcorn will be served. By donation. For more information visit cslbitterroot.org.