Wednesday, July 26
Nez Perce Trail program
A variety of Nez Perce National Historic Trail Interpretive Programs will be hosted this summer at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, located on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests along the Idaho–Montana state line on Highway 12. From June through September, visitors can enjoy free, family-friendly events which celebrate the Nez Perce National Historic Trail.
On Wednesday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PDT), Allen, Josiah, and Lynette Pinkham will be presenting “Facts Behind the Artifacts: Men and Women in Traditional Nez Perce Culture.” Allen Pinkham is a gifted storyteller and highly respected Nez Perce Tribal Historian. He shares stories of creation, coyote, and legends about landmarks and travel. His children, Josiah and Lynette, are both well known for their expertise in tribal culture, arts, and crafts. Together they will be presenting a look into the tradition and cultural roles of Nez Perce families.
Join us for these free interpretive events, and stay tuned for information about upcoming events later in the summer. If you have questions about any of these events, contact the Lolo Pass Visitor Center at (208) 942-3113.
Thursday, July 27
Trout hybridization talk
Professor Fred Allendorf of the University of Montana presents his research on trout hybridization in Montana’s streams and rivers at the North Valley Public Library on Thursday, July 27 at 6 p.m. This presentation examines how climatic change, human habitat modification, and natural conditions play a part in Montana trout interbreeding and its effect on the ecology of Montana streams and rivers. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Friday, July 28
Smart Driver Class
An AARP Smart Driver Class will be presented Friday, July28 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive in Hamilton. The class starts at 9 a.m. and lasts approximately four hours. While this safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The class fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. There are no written exams or driving tests. Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates. Pre-registration is advised. To sign up, contact Jones-Korman Insurance at 363-6583 or, for further information, call Bob Graler, instructor, at 381-4428.
NV Library kids’ workshops
A theater workshop for ages 8-14 will be held Friday, July 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Join Hillary Bard, MFA, to learn about acting, the basics of theater, and perform drama exercises and games in an interactive, fun-filled environment! Then from 3 to 4 p.m. kids ages 7-14 can join local author Rebecca Ondov as she leads a fantastic story writing project! The library is located at 208 Main, Stevensville. For more information call 777-5061.
Blue Mountain star gazing
Due to popular demand, the University of Montana’s Blue Mountain Observatory will offer an additional public night of astronomical observing on Friday, July 28.
Visitors are invited to explore planets, nebulas, star clusters and distant galaxies. Attendees are asked to reserve a free ticket for each person in their group via Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/2ruw9oK. Some tickets for viewing on Sept. 15 and 22 also are still available, but all other summer dates are sold out.
Viewing events are family-friendly and children are welcome. The observatory, located atop Blue Mountain at an elevation of 6,300 feet, is operated by UM. Astronomers from UM and the Western Montana Astronomical Association will be on hand at all events to talk about what’s visible through the telescopes, point out constellations, show attendees how to find interesting celestial objects with the naked eye or a pair of binoculars and discuss recent astronomical discoveries.
Observing begins about an hour after sunset, and organizers recommend bringing warm clothes for cool evenings and a flashlight for the short walk to the observatory from the parking area.
A link to Eventbrite, a map, directions to the observatory and complete observing information are available at http://hs.umt.edu/physics/Blue_Mountain_Observatory/. Viewing nights will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or fire or thunderstorms threaten visibility. Call 243-4299 or check https://www.facebook.com/BlueMountainObservatory for weather and cancellation updates.
For more information email Diane Friend, UM astronomy lecturer, at bmo@mso.umt.edu or call 243-4229.
Saturday, July 29
Microbrew Festival
The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 23rd Annual Microbrew Festival on Saturday, July 29 at 2nd and Bedford Street in Hamilton. Over 50 microbrews, plus wine and cider, food vendors, music and lots of fun for the whole family. Headliner band is “Keegan Smith and the Fam.” The event begins at 3 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. $20 entrance fee, which includes commemorative glass plus 5 taste tickets. Call 363-2400 for more information. You won’t want to miss the ‘Best Annual Event’ for the Bitterroot Valley!
Victor history talk
The Victor Heritage Museum is sponsoring a talk on “History of Victor and Surrounding Areas, the People and the Place” by Judge Jeff Langton on Saturday, July 29 at 1 p.m. Langton grew up in Victor, attended Victor School and is the grandson of early settlers in Victor. His information and stories are enjoyable and informative. The Museum is located on the corner of Main and Blake Streets in downtown Victor. For further information contact Suzanne at 363-3165, 642-3997 or victormuseum@cybernet1.com.
Sunday, July 30
Center for Spiritual Living
“Be the Comma” by Bill Giltner, a retired Sheriff Sergeant, singer, songwriter and musician in the CSL Band, is the presenter at the Sunday Service on July 30 at 9:30 a.m. at 328 Fairgrounds Road (across from Hamilton High School at First Christian Church), Hamilton. Bill will share about the importance of communication as a spiritual practice, especially meaning what you say by saying what you mean. Hear Bill’s enlightening ideas and sing uplifting songs. No potluck after service because CSL’s 7th Annual Potluck Picnic will be at 6:30 p.m. with a Farewell Celebration at CSL’s previous location at 5:45 p.m. Meditation is at 9 a.m. For further information, call Dave Schultz 381-2355 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.
Monday, July 31
Lone Rock VBS
Come have a boatload of fun and dive into God’s Word at Ocean Commotion, the Vacation Bible School at Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville. From July 31 to August 4, 5:45 to 8:30 p.m., kids, K-6, will learn about Noah’s Flood through songs, crafts, games, goodies and dramas. To sign up or for more information call 777-2592 or visit https://wwwlonerockbiblechurch.myanswers.com/ocean-commotion/.
Rotary Club
Ken Riemer, a 17 year part time professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, and a 10 year part time professor in the University of Montana MBA program, will be the speaker for the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, July 31 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st, Hamilton. Ken will discuss his experience as a Leadership and Career Coach, and will share his coaching and teaching experiences in people’s professional and personal development. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Wednesday, August 2
Stevi Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club meeting on Wednesday, August 2 at 1 p.m., will feature Floral Department Superintendent Nina Eadie speaking on “Ravalli County Fair Time”. The club meets at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street. All are welcome. For more information, contact Colleen at 273-3973.
Thursday, August 3
MDMH sports physical program
All male and female valley athletes in middle and high school are invited to the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, August 3 or Wednesday, August 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for the annual sports physical program. Over the past ten years, this program sponsored by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and Medical Providers has raised $85,000 for the valley’s school athletic programs. The cost is $25 per student and 100% of the proceeds will be donated back to the students’ school athletic program. Cash or check only, payment is due at the time of visit, no refunds. Enter the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center through the main entrance, located on the south west end of Westwood Drive.
All participants must have a sports physical form. They are available at medical clinics or through your coach, or online at www.mdmh.org. Parents must fill out and sign the sports physical form and accompany their child at the examination. The physical includes height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, vision, evaluations for posture, joints, strength, flexibility, heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat.
Marcus Daly Medical Staff members donate their time to make this program possible. For more information, call 363-2211 or visit www.mdmh.org.
Friday, August 4
Museum fundraiser
Knockerball, a Ravalli County Museum FUNdraising event, will be held Friday, August 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, August 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. There will be tournaments, freestyle, slip-n-slide, free kids’ activitie, food, beer and music. Climb inside a giant ball to run, flip, bounce and slide! The events will be kicked off with a night of Freestyle Knockerball followed by a day of tournaments and slip-n-slide. Sign up your team now! For more information call 363-3338 or visit www.ravallimuseum.org.
First Friday at NV Library
North Valley Public Library is hosting the Bittergrass String Band, a local band featuring fiddle, guitar, mandolin and bass, on Friday, August 4 at 6 p.m. This great group of local musicians regularly meet and play toe-tapping, hand-clapping, old-time music. Come and enjoy a real treat. First Friday events are held in conjunction with the Stevensville Main Street Association. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.