Thursday, December 15
Sabre Soccer signups
Sign-up for Stevensville Sabre Spring Soccer is Thursday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Learning Center at Stevensville High School. For more information contact Ralph Serrette at (406) 274-7764.
Community Conversations
Community Conversations: Creating a World that Works for Everyone will take place Thursday, December 15, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in timely, community conversations on current global issues that affect all of us such as fear violence, GMOs, poverty, environmental destruction and racism, led by Kris Bayer. Participants will hear and be heard as they explore solutions and ideas that are consistent with the goal of creating a world that works for everyone. December’s discussions will focus on: Global Vision—The Living Spirit. What does global vision mean to me? What can one person in Hamilton, MT do to transform the world? Donation taken. This brown-bag discussion is held at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 S. 1st Street (north of Sears). For more information, call Kris at 307-274-6850.
Lutheran Advent activities
The congregation of Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool invites the public to join them in a more contemplative preparation for Christmas with the celebration of Advent. Advent, or The Coming, is a time set aside by the Church to prepare for the arrival of the long-promised Messiah.
Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, making hearts ready for the gift of the Christ Child. Amidst the bustle of preparations for the commercial and very secular Christmas, Thursday evenings through December 22nd may be the perfect time to pause and contemplate the spiritual aspect of Christmas—the miracle of grace, our undeserved gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Everyone is invited to set aside Thursday evenings for 7 p.m. Advent Vesper services.
The people of Our Savior are again preparing 6 p.m. soup and sandwich suppers to make your evening worship easier. Pick up your family on your way home from work and come to eat with the members of Our Savior before the service. Food and fellowship followed by the power of God’s Word will make this holiday season more meaningful.
Our Savior, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod. To find the church, head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. Turn east on Pine Hollow, cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by three crosses.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 15, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. The annual membership drive will take place, and all members who have paid their 2017 dues are eligible to win raffle prizes. Program speaker is Josh Lisbon, MPG Ranch’s Education and Outreach Manager, who will discuss conservation work taking place on the ranch. Guests are welcome, and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Darby Town Council
The Darby Town Council will meet Thursday, December 15 at 6 p.m. at the town hall, 101 E. Tanner.
Friday, December 16
BPL storytime
Join Dominic aka Santa on Friday, December 16 at 10:30 a.m. for a Holiday Story Time at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamiilton. Enjoy early literacy activities and stories in the meeting room. This story time is designed for 3 to 5 year olds. Everyone is welcome.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 16 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. There will be installation of 2017 officers, Christmas lunch and a white elephant gift exchange. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Christmas event
“A Night In Bethlehem” will be presented on Friday, December 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Hwy, Hamilton. At “A Night In Bethlehem,” kids and their families will explore the city at the time of Jesus’ birth. Through hands-on experiences they’ll find out about the most important baby ever and learn that Jesus came to save them. Call 363-4244 for more information.
Saturday, December 17
Peace Committee
The Bitterroot Peace Committee invites you to help envision the International Cultural and Ethnic Celebration to be held on the afternoon of July 8, 2017, in front of the Ravalli County Museum. Anyone interested in joining this celebration of the diverse cultural groups in the area, and looking forward to partaking of cuisine, artifacts, and entertainment can join the planning meeting at The Coffee Cup on Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m. in the east meeting room.
Daly Mansion Community Christmas party
Santa is coming to the Daly Mansion on Saturday, December 17 for his annual visit! From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the house will be full of fun activities for kids, such as cookie decorating, craft projects, a performance by the Sunshine Generation and visits and photos with Santa Claus. He will arrive at 12 noon and be on hand for photos. The house will be decorated for the season and it’s the perfect setting for those cherished yearly photos. There will also be light snacks for all and more live music with the Bitterroot Ragtime Society and pianist Joan Roe. Cost of admission is $5 per adult, $2 per child 3 and older. Under age 3 is free. Optional photos with Santa are $5 each. All proceeds benefit the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust.
Eagles Kids’ Christmas Party
A Christmas Party for all kids 12 and under will be held Saturday, December 17 at 1 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd Street, Hamilton. There will be crafts, music, goodies and a visit from Santa. All are welcome!
Square Dance Club
Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will be having its Christmas Dance on Saturday, December 17 at the Golden Age Center, 5th and Baker in Hamilton, featuring both its callers, Ray Dunbar and Barry Bartlette. The party starts at 7 p.m. with Round dance music provided by Don Scheline. The Mainstream dance will be 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. A one-pound-of-anything gift exchange will be featured. Spectators are always welcome.
Montana A Cappella Society
Join The Montana A Cappella Society for “Christmas Through the Ages” on Saturday, December 17 at 8 p.m. in the Hamilton Performing Arts Center. Continuing a Bitterroot tradition, this free festive holiday concert is perfect for the entire family and features holiday favorites from Christmas past and present that will delight all listeners The show is presented against beautiful backdrops in elegant Victorian costumes.
Take time out of your busy schedule and spend an evening of joyous celebration of the season. Tickets are not required for this free concert and all are welcome. You deserve to relax and soak in the beauty of the holidays – come and enjoy!
Performing a cappella music since 2003, The Montana A Cappella Society is an all-volunteer organization of singers, representing a cross-section of the community from varied musical backgrounds, occupations, and ages. In addition to private bookings and several major concerts a year, the group creates special programs for community events, civic organizations and schools.
The Hamilton Performing Arts Center is located in the Hamilton High School, 327 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. For inquiries call 363-5778.
Sunday, December 18
CSL Sunday Service
“How Empathy Can Heal the World” will be presented by Salim Gras, a Crisis Stabilization Worker and Non-Violent Communication practitioner and teacher, on Sunday, December 18 at 10 a.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living in Hamilton. Gras will share how increasing empathy helps us connect with ourselves, others, and heals the world. Each Sunday, CSL hosts inspirational speakers who share insights of their spiritual perspective at 1720 N. 1st Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. Meditation is at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments and meaningful conversation follow at 11:15 a.m. For further information call Dave at 381-2355 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.
Monday, December 19
Rotary Club
Celebrating December with Christmas music, the Darby High School Choir will perform at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, December 19 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. Rotary’s next meeting will be the Installation Dinner on Monday, January 9 at the Elks Club. The club will not be meeting on December 26, or January 2nd. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Nonviolent Communication Discussion Group
Learn to communicate in a non-violent way. 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. Join in on Monday, December 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (on-going on the first and third Mondays of the month) at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). By donation. For more information call Salim at 241-1292.
Tuesday, December 20
Stevi HS Evening of Entertainment
The Stevensville High School Speech, Debate and Drama Team will present “An Evening of Entertainment” on Tuesday, December 20 at the Stevensville High School Gymnasium. Silent Auction will be starting at 6:30 p.m. with performances from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free to the public. The students will be presenting a range of events including a live debate, humorous presentations and informative speeches. The content will be rated G for all audiences. There will be desserts for sale during the intermission. Come see these future leaders and actors perform!
Wednesday, December 21
Library Christmas Crafts
North Valley Public Library is hosting a free Christmas arts and crafts programs for families, teens and children of all ages on Wednesday, December 21 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Make ornaments with beads, paint, glitter, and much more. Library art leader, Pam, will show you how to get started and help you along the way. Be as creative and elaborate as you want! There will be snacks and plenty of art supplies, but sign up in advance so the library can prepare. Sign up by emailing danielr@northvalleylibrary.org or call the front desk at 777-5061.