Wednesday, September 9

Soccer signups
Soccer Signups for the Fall Kiwanis/RSC Rec League will be held Wednesday, September 9 and 10 at Daly Elementary School from 5 to 7 p.m. and in Corvallis on September 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Elementary School gym. Two leagues: an elementary school league (1st-6th grades); and a middle school league (grades 7th and 8th). For more information, visit www.ravallisc.org.

Awana Club
First Baptist Church will begin its 19th year of Awana Club International on Wednesday, September 9, at 6:15 p.m. at 354 Cooper Lane, Hamilton. Clubs for 3 years old through high school are available. This is a non-denominational Bible club that teaches children about Jesus, through games, book time and story time. The club meets every Wednesday into April. For more info call 363-3735.

Zen Buddhism class
A class led by Jill Davies (642-3601) on the fundamental teachings of the Buddha as taught by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh will be held Wednesday, September 9 and will include 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 pm. 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, September 10

Women Newcomers
No matter whether you’ve lived in the valley all your life, or if you’ve only just arrived here, the best place to meet and make new friends is The Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club. It meets at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the First Christian Church, 128 Fairgrounds Road, in Hamilton. On Thursday, September10, the guest speaker will be Susan Kullick from Birthright of the Bitterroot, after which members will have lunch at the Coffee Cup. For more information contact Valerie Dannels at 360-0770.

Public meeting
There will be a public meeting on Thursday, September 10 at 6 p.m. to hear about and comment on the proposal to the Montana Board of Housing for Low Income Housing Tax Credits and the purchase and rehab of the Valley Villas Apartments at the intersection of 10th and Pine Streets in Hamilton. For more information, contact Beki Brandborg, 431-2151, beki@montana.com.

Selway-Pintler Wilderness
Back Country Horsemen

Giddy up, horse and mule lovers! The SPWBCH, a dedicated, work oriented BCH chapter, is looking for members who really want to ride, pack, and clear trails! The next general meeting will be Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Forest Service Bldg. Members will be discussing completed summer projects, fall trail rides and pack trips. Come see what being a volunteer is all about, make new friends and help to keep our forest trails open. Guests are always welcome for coffee, cookies and lots of “trail talk.” Entrance is in the rear. For more information contact Kathy at 821-0921.

Darby Library classes
The Darby Community Public Library is gearing up for fall with three class offerings:
• September Techie Table presents Roller Coaster Physics. Participants will form teams and design and build their own roller coaster at three open Thursday workshops: Sept. 10, 17 and 24. Time trials will take place Sept. 24. Ages 10 and up.
• Computer Basics. This course will address basic computer skills including keyboard, mouse, email and basic Internet search. Following basic instruction, the instructor will address specific skill acquisition as requested by the participants. A $5 deposit is required at registration and will be returned at the final class. Classes are on two Mondays, Sept. 14 and 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All ages welcome.
• I Can Draw, an art class for children ages 8 and up, is offered by artist Jean Driescher on Sept. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To sign up, or for more information about any of these classes, visit the library at 101 ½ Marshall St. in Darby, call the library at 821-4771, or visit the website at Darbylibrary.net.

Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, September 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book “Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises from ‘The Power of Now’” by Eckhart Tolle.
From the widely acclaimed best seller, “The Power of Now,” translated into 33 languages, rises “Practicing the Power of Now.” This book extracts the essence from Tolle’s teachings in the former classic to show us how we can free ourselves from “enslavement to the mind.” At the core of these teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that Tolle sees as the next step in human evolution.
Eckhart Tolle is a sought-after public speaker and spiritual teacher and travels extensively throughout the world. An essential aspect of his profound yet simple teachings consists in transcending our ego-based state of consciousness as a prerequisite not only for our personal happiness but also for the ending of violence on our planet.
The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month in the West Meeting Room of the Bitterroot Public Library and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well being. Call 363-1670, or email jacostant@gmail.com for more information.

Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet on Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck Street. Agenda items include discussion/decision on 2016-2022 Stevensville Airport improvements, discussion/decision on mayor interview protocol and selection of candidates for interviews, discussion/decision on Resolution 378, 379 and 380, water and sewer rate increases, and utility rate assistance program, discussion/decision on Resolution 365A, amending Personnel Policy, to name a few. The meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 6 p.m. on water and sewer rate proposals and at 7 p.m. on Ordinance 157 to establish a tree ordinance.

Friday, September 11

Biomimicry lecture
Bitterroot’s own Janine Benyus, biologist and author of “Biomimicry, Innovation Inspired by Nature,” will be speaking on Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m. at the Bedford Building, 223 S. Second in Hamilton.
A self-proclaimed nature nerd, Janine’s concept of biomimicry has galvanized scientists and engineers into exploring new ways in which nature’s successes can benefit humanity. Her first book was published in 1997 and has generated interest around the world.
Janine co-founded the Biomimicry Institute in 2006 to share nature’s lessons with the people who design and make our world. Biomimicry Institute empowers people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet.
The event is sponsored by Sustainable Living Systems, Bitterrooters for Planning, Bitterroot Audubon, and Center for Spiritual Living. Donations will benefit the non-profit sponsoring organizations.

Eagles Charity Dance
The Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd in Hamilton, will hold a Charity Dance to benefit Linda Massa Youth Home on Friday, September 11 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Music will be by “Northern Lights”. Admission is $7.

Saturday, September 12

Flea market
A flea market will be held Saturday, September 12 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Rent a table for $5 by calling April at 363-0112. Rolls, donuts and lunch items will be available for purchase on site.

Garage sale
Ravalli County Republican Women will hold their annual garage sale on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bitterroot Laundry and Cleaners parking lot, 113 Foxfield Street in Hamilton. If you have items to donate call Laura at 363-3130.

Bark ‘n the Park
If you attended this event last year, we know you’ll be back. And if you didn’t, you’re in for a real treat! It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s an all-dog day. Scheduled for September 12th at Kiwanis River Park in Hamilton, it starts with the “Pawrade” at 11 a.m. $25 prize for the best costume entry! After that you’ll have to decide what to do first: the Agility Demo and DIY Agility Course, Doggie Nail Art by Salima, Bobbing for Balls or a Paw Reading by Madame Eve. Stay for the Doxie Races and some hot dogs with cold beer or soda. Buy a new dog bed, some treats or a chew toy. Relax in the shade while you root for your favorite in the Best Kisser Contest. And who’s going to win the infamous Peanut Butter Lick this year? Bring your dog(s), your kids, your aunt and uncle and all of your friends and their dog(s) and enjoy the day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. River Park is located at the intersection of S. 9th and Madison at the river. All dogs must be leashed. All donations and proceeds benefit the Bitter Root Humane Association’s animal shelter in Hamilton. For more info contact Michele at 210-1375.

Cowboy Music & Poetry
An Afternoon of Cowboy Music & Poetry will take place Saturday, September 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Sit under the maple trees and enjoy savory hors d’oeuvres. Listen to a few yarns and tales gracefully told by cowboy poets. The art of yodeling and some good cowboy pickin’ will also be heard! For more information, call the Museum at 363-3338 or visit uwww.ravallimuseum.org.

Public dance
Bitterroot Dancers, Inc. will hold a public dance on Saturday, September 12 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Bedford Building, upstairs at Hamilton City Hall. Music by Nashville 406. Entry fee is $8 per person. There will also be a silent auction of pies and box lunches.

Sunday, September 13

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Jim Tree Gilmore presenting “What To Do When Quantum Mechanics/Manifesting Isn’t Working” on Sunday, September 13 at 10 a.m. Jim is the founder of the Myo-Neuro Release Institute and has been an instructor in natural spirituality, Native American ceremony and returning to the sacred circle of life. The theme for September is Being a Life-long Learner. Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:15. 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.

Monday, September 14

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Churros or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, peas &carrots, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagels with cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco Salad, chips & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tuna Salad Sandwiches, taters, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Spaghetti, tossed salad, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bits or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken tenders, corn, mixed fruit, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk

Rotary Club
Janice Lee, board member and Volunteer Coordinator of Ravalli Recycling, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, September 14 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.

Green Thumbs Up
Kathy Settevendemie of Blackfoot Native Plants Nursery in Potomac will speak at the Green Thumbs Up Garden Club meeting on Monday, September 14 at 2 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library. Kathy is passionate about the importance of native plants and wildlife gardening and brings a wealth of knowledge to her presentations. She will talk on the subjects of Weeds to Wildflowers and Incorporating Native Plants into Your Landscape. This meeting kicks off the remainder of the 2015 GTU calendar with a reminder that there will be a seed swap as part of the free table so bring seeds and garden-related items you would like to share with members. Green Thumbs Up meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, call Carol at 363-2403.

Community dinners
Free Community Dinners starting Monday, September 14 will be held at Cornerstone Bible Church, 280 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone is welcome. The dinners are provided by area churches and community groups in cooperation with The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot, Inc.

Como School group
The Como Schoolhouse group will gather Monday, September 14 at 6 p.m. for a potluck and meeting. The public is invited to hear members “make up stories and tell lies” about early Como history. The historic Como Schoolhouse is located at the corner of Hwy 93 and Old Darby Road, about 11 miles south of Hamilton.

First-time homebuyer class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Bitter Root RC&D) will hold a first-time homebuyer class September 14, 15, & 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Building, corner of 3rd and Pine in Hamilton. The Bitter Root RC&D provides the only HUD-approved first-time homebuyers’ pre-purchase classes in Ravalli County. The cost for the in-person class is $50 and includes a required one-on-one financial counseling session at no extra cost, prior to taking the group class. Attendees must attend all three sessions and attend a one-on-one financial counseling session to qualify for the certificate. Participants must be fully registered by Thursday, September 3 at 4 p.m. Call 406-363-5450 to reserve your space today and schedule the one-on-one. The one-on-one may be completed with an in-person or phone appointment and is included in the cost of the pre-purchase class. Payment in full is required to confirm space, and may be made by cash, check, money order, or MasterCard and Visa. If potential attendees are financially challenged, partial scholarships are available for those who qualify. The office is located at 1709 N. 1st Street in the building adjacent to Mildenberger Motors.

African Drum Circle
An African Drum Circle will be held Monday, September 14 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and be part of the fun. No drums? No worries, there are instruments to share. During the summer, Drum Circle meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at the Gazebo at River Park rain or shine. For information, contact Jerry at 381-7220 (jelb229@aol.com).

Tuesday, September 15

Healthy eating classes
North Valley Public Library will be hosting SNAP-Ed course Buy, Eat, Live Better in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library. This 8-week course will meet every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through October 27.
Those interested in an extensive course on increasing their cooking skills, diversifying their meals, and saving money while cooking healthy should plan on attending this 8-week course.
These courses are free and are provided by the Montana State University Extension program to help the public cook healthier meals for themselves and their families while saving money. Participants can register for this course by calling Laura Henderson at 375-6609. You can also find more information about this program by visiting the Buy, Eat, Live Better Facebook page or by visiting the MSU Extension website.

Hospital Auxiliary Membership Tea
Want to be a volunteer at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital? Come and check out the hospital auxiliary and be part of a terrific organization. The Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Annual Membership Tea will be held Tuesday, September 15 at 1:30 p.m. in hospital conference rooms B and C. For more information contact Linda at 363-1472.

RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 15 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, September 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. The meetings are open to the public.

Laughter Yoga
Lighten your load with Laughter Yoga taught by Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Jacqueline Locke of Wholly Joy on Tuesday, September 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hearty group laughter has profound short- and long-terms effects on mind and body: reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, increases feel-good hormones, strengthens the immune system, and is great fun! Various laughter exercises taught; free will donations accepted. Come and laugh for the health of it! Sponsored by The Center for Spiritual Living, located at 1720 N. First Street (north of Sears), in Hamilton. For further information, contact Jacqueline at 363-2581 or visit the website at CSLBitterroot.org.

Wednesday, September 16

Lolo food drive
The Lolo Senior Group will hold a food drive on Wednesday, September 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Lolo Harvest Foods. No perishables can be accepted.

Businesswomen’s Network
The Bitterroot Sub-network of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network works to promote and support women in business and professional practices by providing a local forum for interaction with others who can offer diverse perspectives on business management and growth. At each meeting there are presentations and time for networking. The September 16th meeting will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bitter Root Brewing located at 101 Marcus Street in Hamilton. Contact Tracy Walczak at (406) 360-4662 with any questions.

Spiritual living workshop
“Introduction to Spiritual Living” will be presented on Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. First Street (north of Sears) in Hamilton. Explore the teachings of Ernest Holmes, a new thought writer and the founder of Centers for Spiritual Living. He is the author of “The Science of Mind” and numerous other metaphysical books. For further information, visit CSLBitterroot.org.