Wednesday, July 22

Family Fun Night
On Wednesday, July 22 from 6 to 8:30 PM, Stevensville’s Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool is hosting a Family Fun Night. All community families with children aged preschool through sixth grade are invited. Following dinner there will be games, stories and opportunities to register the children for Our Savior’s Vacation Bible School the following week, July 27-31. Everyone is welcome. The evening is completely free, paid for by Thrivent Financial, an in-service Helping Hands project to benefit communities served by Lutheran congregations. Call 777-5625 for directions and to RSVP for this event.

Zen Buddhism class
A class will be held Wednesday, July 22 on the fundamental teachings of the Buddha as taught by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh including exercises of mindful breathing, listening, walking, eating; the Eightfold Path with the basic teaching on Mindfulness; the Five Precepts for living in the world; and the Heart Sutra. The class meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is led by Jill Davies (642-3601). Donations accepted. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton.

Thursday, July 23

Mansion ‘Kids Free’ Weekend
The Daly Mansion will be having a ‘Kids Free’ Weekend on July 23, 24 and 25. On Thursday and Friday, kids 12 & under will be admitted on regular guided tours for free. On Saturday for Daly Days at the Mansion, there will be self-guided tours with re-enactors bringing 1927 to life. Step back in time and experience the Mansion and Grounds as they were nearly 100 years ago. All Children 12 & under admitted free. Saturday also includes free activities such as Pony Rides, a Children’s Tea Party at the Playhouse, Face Painting, and Vicki the Victorian Clown! Refreshments and a hot dog lunch available for $3! The Daly volunteers will also be offering a bake sale.

Ag research center field day
The Montana State University Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (http://ag.montana.edu/maes.htm) (MAES) research centers across the state are inviting the public to annual MAES field days in July.
MAES research center field days include farm, field and facility tours and explanations of research projects and results. They are also a chance for producers, legislators and agribusiness representatives to speak with MSU scientists and Extension agents.
MSU faculty agricultural scientists and support staff operate the research centers. Field days are a long-standing tradition of the centers and date back to the early 1920s, when agricultural producers and faculty would join together to discuss agricultural production challenges and successes before harvest season each fall.
The Western Agricultural Research Center field day will be Thursday, July 23 starting at 4 p.m. with dinner at 5 p.m. and a tour following. WARC is located at 580 Quast Lane, Corvallis. For more information, call (406) 961-3025.
The local teaching and research farms and state-wide research centers are strategically located across Montana to allow research with different soil types, elevations, climate zones and landscapes. A local advisory council guides the research at each MAES research center.

Family Water Fun Night
Children, accompanied by parents, are invited to enjoy a water fun night each Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. starting Thursday, July 23 and continuing each Thursday evening through August 20. Everyone is welcome at the Stevensville Seventh-day Adventist Church on the corner of Pine Hollow and Baldwin Roads. No charge. Pizza and drinks will be available to buy if desired. Bring chairs and come ready for some summer fun! Contact number 661-448-6039.

Alzheimer’s care presentation
Marcus Daly Hospice is hosting a free educational session on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, “Creating Moments of Joy” by Jolene Brackley on Thursday, July 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in the Blodgett/Canyon View conference rooms. This session includes a video focusing on caregivers and family members caring for a patient or family member with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Learn how you can produce positive outcomes in daily interactions, new approaches to communication, how to trigger feelings of comfort and how to use daily activities to create joy for the person and for you. There will be time for questions and answers following the video and refreshments will be provided. For more information call Marcus Daly Hospice Center at 363-4700.

Science Thursday
Science Thursday will be held July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton with a lecture by Kevin Trout and Forrest Jessop on “Nanomaterials and Health.” This lecture will provide an overview of the promising medical applications and potential hazards of engineered nanomaterials. The focus will be on a particularly concerning route of exposure: inhalation. Kevin Trout and Forrest Jessop, from the Center for Environmental Health Sciences, will discuss current toxicology research at the University of Montana in the areas of nanomaterial safety and lung disease.

Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck.
Agenda items include discussion/decision on TSEP Application Approval for Water Leak Detection Study; discussion on reconsideration of Stevensville Bicycle Camp Location Motion from June 25th, 2015 Council Meeting; discussion/decision on Amending Town Animal Ordinance Sec. 4-2, 4-3 and 4-4 Regarding Livestock in Town Limits for the Purpose of Building a Stevensville FFA Ag Center; and discussion/decision on Stevensville Streetscape Phase II Grant Application.

Community Band concert
The Bitterroot Community Band will perform on Thursday, July 23 at the Daly Mansion. Gates open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7:00. Fundraiser to support the community band and the Daly Mansion. $2 for children, $5 for adults and $15 for family of 3 or more. Strawberry shortcake served at intermission for $3.

Marine Corps League
The Bitterroot Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League will meet Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton.
The Marine Corps League is a veteran’s organization for Marines, and FMF Navy Corpsmen and Chaplains with honorable service. Marine Corps League supports Marines and their families, fellow veterans, wounded Marines, Toys for Tots, youth organizations and activities, honors ceremonies, and community events. If you are a Marine, Corpsman or Chaplain of any era, rank, or MOS, you are welcome.

Friday, July 24

Rotary Golf Scramble
On Friday, July 24, Hamilton Rotary Club will be conducting its 4th Annual “Rotary Scramble in the Root” at Hamilton Golf Course. This is a 4 Team Scramble (no handicaps). There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Teams. Admission fee includes green fees, morning coffee and doughnuts and steak lunch. Also, new this year will be a “Dimple Drop.” Closest to the pin wins. Email: hamiltonmtrotaryclub@gmail.com to request Scramble entry forms or call Debbie at 240-4174.

Community barbecue
A free concert by the Big Sky Mudflaps will be held Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th, Hamilton, 363-2800. A barbecue at 6 p.m. for $5.00 per person will help raise funds for Sapphire to purchase a bus to transport their residents. Bring lawn chairs and plan to come and enjoy the beautiful shaded lawn with some great music.

Saturday, July 25

Vaccine clinic
The staff at Ravalli County Public Health is planning a Saturday vaccine clinic during Daly Days to help the parents of local school kids get ready for that first day of school. While the Farmers Market is in full swing July 25th, the Health Department will open its doors from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to provide any immunizations that students may need to meet school requirements. This year is the first year that students in grades k-12 will need to be immunized against varicella (chicken pox), in addition to all previously required vaccines, and students in grades 7-12 who received a Td (tetanus/diphtheria) upon entering 7th grade will need to get a booster Tdap (tetanus/ diphtheria/pertussis) for the pertussis coverage. The new law also gives parents the option of providing documentation of varicella disease or lab confirmation of vaccination or disease from the child’s health care provider, and the rules regarding exemptions are unchanged. The Health Department will also have a presence at the market itself, to answer questions about school vaccine requirements, and to direct parents and their children to the vaccine clinic at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. For questions or to schedule an appointment at another time, call the Health Department at 375-6672.

Art in the Park
The Bitterroot Arts Guild is celebrating its 45th anniversary at the annual Art in the Park to be held Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in American Legion Park in Hamilton. The event features Montana-made fine arts and crafts. Food will be available. For more information contact Carolyn Kissel at 961-4740 or Mary Lockwood at 821-4678.

Native American Games Workshop
Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is hosting a Native American Games Workshop for Kids at Travelers’ Rest State Park, 6717 Hwy 12 West, Lolo, on Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m. Play some Native American Games with the Trekker Kids program! Imagine hunting big, huge, hairy bison when all of a sudden that bison veers off course and starts chasing you. What do you do? Discover how hunters have learned to survive for thousands of years. There will be instruction about how to play intuitive and hunting games as well as a chance to try them out. This program is also part of the Trekker Kids series and is open to kids in 2nd through 6th grade. Trekker Kids is a series of activities and programs for kids and families that celebrate the outdoors of western Montana and the rich history of the Travelers’ Rest site. Regular programs are held on Saturdays at 11 a.m. unless otherwise posted. The $2 fee will go to support further Trekker Kids programs. For more information, call Loren Flynn or Kelly Byard at (406)-273-4253.

Eagles barbecue
A community barbecue luncheon will be served in the parking lot of the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd on Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The menu will include pulled pork sandwiches, salads and more. Proceeds go to local charities. The public is welcome.

Wiener Dog Race
The 4th Annual Wiener Dog Race (and Chiuahuas) will be held on July 25th at Daly Days. The event will be held on Main Street in Hamilton between 3rd and 4th Streets. Racing will begin at 12 noon. Prizes will be given for the winners of each Wiener Dog heat, the overall winner and the Hot Tamale Run, and the best dressed. For more information, call Susan at 360-9458 or Russ at 360-9124. You may also email the Hamilton Downtown Association at hamiltondowntownassociation@gmail.com.

Microbrew Festival
The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of their 21ST Annual Bitterroot Microbrew Festival, voted ‘Best Event’, on Saturday, July 25 from 3 to 10 p.m. on 2nd and Bedford Street in Hamilton. The festival offers a great selection of microbrews from Montana and the Northwest along with cider, meads, wines and great food and music! The headliner band this year is Pinky and the Floyd – they will entertain you throughout the evening from 7 until 10 p.m. for your listening and dancing entertainment. John Floridis will also be there to entertain you. General admission is $20 per person which includes a commemorative glass along with five drink tickets.

Leach farewell reception
A Farewell Reception for Amy Leach will be held in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville on Saturday, July 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. For the last 12 years Amy has greeted the library clientele with her ever-ready smile and her eagerness to help in any way possible, but now she and her husband, Ken, will be moving to Florida next month. With her love of animals and dedication to the environment, Amy has contributed much time and her expertise to countless projects in the community to help make Stevensville and the Bitterroot Valley the best possible place in which to live. Come show Amy your appreciation and give her a great send off!

Sunday, July 26

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living presents a community discussion about “Being of Service to Others” on Sunday, July 26 at 10 a.m. Enjoy a short video and enlightening discussion. Special music with LeGrande Harvey. This is Potluck Sunday. Bring your favorite dish to share at 11:30. Come early for Meditation at 9:30 a.m. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For further information call Dave at 381-2355 or visit CSLbitterroot.org

Sunday jam session
Open jam sessions at Sapphire Lutheran Homes will continue every Sunday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. throughout the summer. Anyone wishing to join with an acoustic instrument – guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, mouth harp, dobro, upright bass or any other non electric instrument – is always welcome. Genres include country, bluegrass, blues and gospel. For information contact John R. Mann, 381-2483.

Dance workshops
Four free two-hour dance workshops are being offered Sunday evenings (July 26, August 2, 9 and 16) from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church, 1297 Meridian Road, Victor. The instruction features the waltz, two-step, swing, Texas two-step, polka and schottische plus many old-time big circle dances which will be included in upcoming church dance programs this fall and winter. If you can walk to the beat, you can dance. For additional information call Glory Corbett, 961-8866.

Monday, July 27

Rotary Club
Amy James, Director of Marketing at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, July 27 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.

Lutheran VBS
It’s Vacation Bible School time at Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool. The week of July 27-31, children aged four through grade 6 are invited to join us to learn about Jesus and what He has done for us. They will sing songs, watch puppet shows, and play games. Come early the first day for registration, but the next days will follow the normal schedule of 9 to 11:30 a.m. A mid-morning snack will be provided. Our Savior, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, is a congregation of the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod. Head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. About a mile past Middle Burnt Fork Road, turn east on Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by three crosses.

‘Artful Grieving’ classes
Marcus Daly Hospice is offering three free artful grieving classes. It takes time to work through loss and grief. Accessing your creative side can be an effective way to work through loss. Come and create memory boxes, free form art by doodling, beads, baubles and more. The sessions will be held on July 27th, 29th and 31st from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in conference room B. Artful Grieving is sponsored by the Hospice Care Foundation of Missoula. Class sizes are limited and registration is required. To register or for more information call Kim at Marcus Daly Hospice Center at 363-6503.
Session 1 – Monday: Memory Boxes: Using multiple art medias, we will be creating and designing a treasure box of memories for a lost loved one. Sometimes it is helpful to gather your treasured memories into one place so that you can keep your grief together, not fragmented or scattered about your home. Your treasured memory box will always be available for you to visit when you feel the need.
Session 2 – Wednesday: Doodles: Nurture, your soul with free form art. Using guided imagery, music and multiple art mediums such as chalk, water colors, crayons, Colored pencils and markers you will create masterpieces of visualized emotions. This is a free form class with no right or wrong way of doing things.
Session 3 – Friday: Beads and Baubles: There is something very satisfying working with a 3-dimensional art medium that painting or drawing are not able to fill. Work with Sculpey to create unique and personal memory stones or memory beads for a bracelet or a bauble for a key chain or zipper pull.

Tuesday, July 28

Astronomy program
International award-winning astronomer, Kevin Manning, returns with his unique astronomy program to the North Valley Public Library on Tuesday, July 28! Kevin has worked with NASA, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, and the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Now retired, Kevin has created a mobile astronomy program that tours the country annually. This year’s presentation is “The Night Sky Explained,” which takes a close look at constellations, stars, planets, comets and more! Kevin’s presentation concludes with a guided viewing of the night sky through his telescope. Families, children over 8 and adults are all welcome. This event is free to the public, but space is limited. Call the library at 777-5061 or email maryw@northvalleylibrary.org to sign up.

Intro to I Ching
I Ching is a 3,000 year old Chinese text used for divination and self-awareness. Come and learn how to interpret I Ching readings to enhance and set intentions. This class is offered July 28 (2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears). For more information call Jim at 360-1915.