Wednesday, March 15
Discussion group
“Finding the Heart of the Matter in Today’s World” is the topic of a discussion group that will be led by Kris Bayer for six weeks starting Wednesday, March 15 and continuing every Wednesday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. through April 19 at the White Stone Center. The community is invited. By donation. Call if interested, 544-0864 or Kris at 307 274 6850. Space is limited.
Thursday, March 16
RASS training
Western MT Addiction Services is holding a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) training on Thursday, March 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 209 N. 10th, Suite C in Hamilton. The cost of the training is $15 (cash only) for materials. The “Let’s Control It” curriculum is approved by the MT Dept of Revenue and participants will receive a certificate of completion good for three years. For further information or to register call 532-9149 or email ffavara@wmmhc.org. Register by March 15.
Darby community forum
Darby Schools and Darby School Lorentzen Committee will be hosting a Community Forum on Thursday, March 16 at the Darby Community Clubhouse. The first session will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and the second will be 5 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
To begin, the school will present an update on the Lorentzen Endowment, received in 2015. This will include a report of the funds that have been utilized to date, spending policy and future plans. Following will be a discussion in small groups regarding community and school priorities and projects for the future.
Darby Schools is excited to continue this tradition with the 2nd Annual Community Forum, and looks forward to exploring the possibilities the Lorentzen Gift can provide for students and community.
All community members are invited to attend. RSVP to Shelby Rogala, Community Outreach Coordinator, at srogala@darby.k12.mt.us or 406-821-1312.
Challenging Times Workshop
Starhawk, internationally known author, activist, and permaculture instructor, is offering a series of “Heads, Hands, and Hearts: Hope and Action in Challenging Times” workshops on Thursday, March 16 and Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19. The workshops weave together an introduction to permaculture design with ritual and ceremony to develop the skills and courage to take action– whether that’s blocking a pipeline or planting a garden.
The Heads, Hands, and Hearts workshop, sponsored by the Diversified Integrated Resiliency Training Center (DIRT Center), is both a full weekend workshop and two stand-alone one-day workshops for those who cannot attend both days. In addition to the workshops, the DIRT Center is sponsoring a 100-Mile Dinner with Starhawk on Thursday, March 16 and a Spring Equinox Ritual on Saturday, March 18. The University of Montana’s International Development Studies and Environmental Studies programs are sponsoring an International Permaculture presentation on Thursday, March 16 at 3 p.m. in UC330.
Starhawk is a respected voice in modern, earth-based spirituality. She is the author or coauthor of 12 books, including “The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess,” long considered the essential text for the Neo-Pagan movement, and the now-classic ecotopian novel “The Fifth Sacred Thing.” Starhawk is a veteran of progressive movements, from anti-war to anti-nukes, and is deeply committed to bringing the techniques and creative power of spirituality to political activism. She is a founder of Earth Activist Trainings (EAT), a permaculture design course grounded in spirit and with a focus on organizing and activism that she has taught across Europe, Canada, and the U.S. For more information about Starhawk visit her websites at www.starhawk.org and www.earthactivisttraining.org.
The DIRT center is cultivating resilient ways of living to create the world we crave through education grounded in permaculture, social justice, environmental justice and earth-based spirituality. The DIRT Center hosts family friendly workshops, conferences, rituals, potlucks, and special events. Founded in 2015, the DIRT Center is nestled on 7.44 acres just south of Stevensville. For more information visit the DIRT Center website www.dirtcenter.org.
St. Pat’s dinner
Note: This is a date change. St. Mary’s Parish will be serving the annual traditional St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Thursday, March 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Family Center. Menu will be corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, hot rolls, dessert and a drink. Cost is $12.00 for adults and teens, children ages 12 to 5 are $7.00. Hot dogs and chips will be available for those less Irish oriented and children under 5 are free. Green beer will be available for adults, with the first glass free. Additional glasses will be by donation. The public is welcome.
Victor Heritage Museum
Victor Heritage Museum will meet Thursday, March 16 at 5 p.m. A vote to reduce the number of board members from 7 to 3 or 5 per By-Law Article 8, Section 1 will be held at the meeting. This meeting was rescheduled from an earlier date due to inclement weather. All members are encouraged to attend. For questions or comments, call Suzanne Tout, 363-3165.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 16 at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. Program speaker is Christy Schram from the Ravalli County Weed District. She will be going over noxious weeds and how to control them using an integrated weed management plan. Guests are welcome, and for more information call Karen at 406-369-0725 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Stevensville COW
Town of Stevensville Committee of the Whole will meet Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Town Hall, 206 Buck, to discuss the Utility Billing Reduced Rate Program.
Friday, March 17
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 17 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be District 4 Public Service Commissioner Bob Lake, who will talk about the taxes on our utility bills. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
K of C Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus will hold a Lenten Friday Fish Fry on Friday, March 17 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. The “all-you-can-eat” meal consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, mac n cheese, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. The price for the meal is $8.00 per person; children under nine eat free so bring the kids! As a special offer, a family of 4 or more (2 adults and children) can eat for $25.00. Wine can be purchased separately. Entertainment will be by Cammi Yarnall, solo pianist. 100% of all proceeds go toward charitable giving within the community. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Stevensville Playhouse production
“All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” continues Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at the Stevensville Playhouse. Tickets available at stevensvilleplayhouse.org or 777-2722.
Saturday, March 18
Boots & Bling gala
“Boots & Bling, It’s a Rodeo Queen Thing” will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. This is a fundraising gala for Miss Rodeo Montana 2017, Sarai McCollaum of Darby. She will be traveling throughout Montana and beyond representing the western way of life, professional rodeo, and Montana and the Bitterroot Valley. Although sanctioned by the Miss Rodeo Montana organization, McCollaum must pay for her travels and expenses herself. This will help her do that. There will be a tri tip dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing to the Last Chance Band. For tickets and information contact Tara Boulanger at 406-207-4057 or Roberts Chiropractic at 363-2111. You may also visit the website at www.missrodeomontana.com.
Square dance club
Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will have Ray Dunbar calling a dance on Saturday, March 18. This will be the St. Patrick’s Day dance, so think all things green! Round dance music will be provided by Don Scheline. Plus dancing will start at 7 p.m. followed by Mainstream dancing from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Club dances are held at the Golden Age Center, 5th & Baker Streets, Hamilton. Spectators are welcome. For more info contact Dee at 961-1728.
Sunday, March 19
Center for Spiritual Living
“A Spiritual Journey: From a Twinkle to Rebirth” by Bill Giltner, a retired law enforcement officer with a black belt in karate, will be presented on Sunday, March 19 at 10 a.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. Looking at Spirit in our lives from before we are born to our eventual rebirth and roadblocks we may encounter along the way. Meditation is at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments and meaningful conversation follow at 11:15 a.m. For further information, call Dave Schultz at 381-2355 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.
Monday, March 20
Stevi school menu
Monday: Spring Break – no school.
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon Rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tacos, refried beans, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chef’s Salad with ham & cheese, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sloppy Joes, taters, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham Bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sea Shapes, California blend veggies, pineapple, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
Deb Gabelhausen, Executive Director of the Greater Ravalli Foundation, will be the speaker for next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, March 20 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Deb will be discussing the Foundation’s Scholarship Program. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
American Legion spring party
American Legion Fort Owen Post #94 will celebrate the start of spring and the birthday of the American Legion on Monday, March 20 with a “potluck” dinner starting at 6 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road approximately three miles east from the Eastside Highway. The Post will provide refreshments and a birthday cake. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share.
A special invitation is extended to all veterans and their families whether they belong to the American Legion or not. For more information contact Jerry at 406-777-5517.
Advancing Conservatism Society
Advancing Conservatism Society will meet Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors office. Guest speaker will be Sheriff Steve Holton. Come hear what our new Sheriff has to say and ask questions.
Bitterroot Audubon
Join Bitterroot Audubon for a fascinating presentation on Monday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at the Lee Metcalf NWR Visitors’ Center on Wildfowl Lane north of Stevensville. Bitterroot Audubon’s March program will feature a presentation on Russian Nature Reserves by Bob Danley, Outdoor Recreation Planner at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Bob visited two Reserves in May 2015 as part of an official delegation, and provided technical expertise on visitor services. His hosts kept him busy, but Bob was up early every morning watching and photographing Russian wildlife, landscapes and culture. His presentation will transport attendees to Bryansky Les, the largest unbroken forest in southern Europe and Polistovsky, the largest raised bog system in northern Europe. The program is free, and the public is invited. For information visit bitterrootaudubon.org.
Tuesday, March 21
Lone Rock kindergarten registration
Lone Rock School’s Kindergarten Registration will be held Tuesday, March 21 from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room (appointments take about 30 minutes). Call Marcia at 777-3314 to schedule your registration appointment. You must bring your child’s birth certificate and immunization records to complete the registration. Students must be 5 years old on or before September 10, 2017 to be eligible for enrollment.
Amateur radio tech class
The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club will be offering a free Technician class staring Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. This is the first level of a ham radio license. Morse code is no longer required to obtain a license. Classes will be held at the First Baptist Church, 354 Cooper Lane, Hamilton. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from March 21 through April 18. For further information and to register email ab9os@yahoo.com. The club’s web site is w7ftx.org.
Wednesday, March 22
BRHA annual meeting
The Bitter Root Humane Association Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Valley Board Of Realtors office, 224 N. Fourth Street (corner of 4th and Cherry Streets), Hamilton. Election of board members will be held and annual reports will be given by officers and committee chairs. A presentation will be made by Linda Looser of New Horizons Physical Therapy regarding treatment and recovery of one of the very special resident dogs. According to BRHA bylaws, “To be eligible to vote at the annual membership meeting, dues must have been paid by 5 p.m. the day prior to the meeting date. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted; however, an absentee ballot will be made available to any member requesting one. To be counted, an absentee ballot must be received by 5 p.m. the day prior to the set election date.” If you would like to have an absentee ballot, call Kathy Good, 363-0117, or email at kvmg1151@montana.com .