Hunter Blind Drawing and Meeting
The hunter blind drawing and pre-hunting meeting for the opening weekend (October 3 & 4) of the 2015 waterfowl season on Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge will take place on Thursday, October 1 at 6 p.m. in the Okefenokee Room of the Lee Metcalf NWR Headquarters/Visitors Center building on Wildfowl Lane. Anyone interested in hunting waterfowl on Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge on opening weekend must attend. Participants must bring the following information to be eligible for the drawing: ALS #, Federal duck stamp, and photo identification. For information contact Bob Danley, 777-5552 x203.

Stevi school board
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting on Thursday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room to discuss student expulsion.

Friday, October 2

North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, October 2 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be George Green, speaking about what is happening on the global and national scenes and what steps to take to prepare. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Knapp Memorial dedication
Join the Main Street Association Design Committee for the dedication of Stevensville’s latest addition to its collection of outdoor art sculptures. This latest work of art is a celebration of the popular Scarecrow Festival, now in its tenth year, and a memorial to the festival founder, Gary Knapp. Gary was passionate about enhancing the arts in Stevensville and was pivotal in shaping the Scarecrow Festival into its successful present-day event as well as working with the Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society to fund and install the second public art piece in Stevensville, “To Know Joy,” a bronze by Mari Bolen at Lange Park. The first public art piece to be installed was “Two Left Feet Dancing Free” by Jay Laber, on the corner of Third and Main.
Local artist, Loree West, was selected by the design committee to create this latest sculpture. She is known for her beautiful ceramic bas-relief technique which brings depth and perspective to her sculptures. Loree has merged the scarecrow theme with elements of Gary’s craftsman style woodworking craft to create an outdoor sculpture that can be enjoyed by all who visit Stevensville.
The sculpture will be permanently installed in the Native Plant Park, by the bike path just east of the Forest Service offices.
A Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the sculpture will take place on Friday, October 2 at 5 p.m. to kick off the Scarecrow Festival.

Hamilton First Friday
Downtown Hamilton will celebrate the First Friday in October with Moonlight Madness, a seasonal sale with deep discounts that make it worth staying out late to attend.
The October 2 event runs from 5 to 11 p.m., with some stores offering progressive discounts the later the hour, and others with rotating hourly specials. Every business brings a unique “take” to the event, but all work hard to make it fun and worthwhile for customers.
“Moonlight Madness is a clearance event for many stores, as they wrap up the summer and fall seasons, and prepare for the holidays,” said Russ Lawrence, Coordinator for the Hamilton Downtown Association. “It may also offer some of the deepest discounts of the year, for that very reason.”
As a special treat, a handful of street vendors will offer treats at downtown “parklets” on Main Street, and downtown restaurants, cafes, and drinking establishments will be serving varied fare, with drinks ranging from coffee and soft drinks to wine, beer, and hard apple cider, and meals from quick bites to fine dining.
Many establishments offer refreshments and/or live music for the evening. Downtown businesses encourage Hamilton Bronc supporters to come back to Main Street following the home game versus Stevensville, to celebrate and to enjoy some late-night shopping.
Moonlight Madness is sponsored by the Hamilton Downtown Association. For more information, call the HDA at 360-9124.

Pumpkin decorating contest
In conjunction with the Scarecrow Festival, there will be a carved pumpkin contest on Friday, October 2. Bring your carved or decorated pumpkin to the Creamery Park on Main Street in downtown Stevensville on Friday, October 2 from 5 to 6 p.m. Pumpkins will be lighted and displayed and may not be removed before 8 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place in the following categories, as well as one Best Overall: Ages 8 & under, Ages 9-12, Ages 13 to 17 and ages 18 and over.

Playhouse production
It’s here! It’s here! Your opportunity to get your tickets for a great show! The Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Broadway musical version of “Mary Poppins” is about to premier in the Bitterroot! Stevensville Playhouse will present this beloved story about a magical nanny who helps a family find that the important things in life do not depend on money and status, but in joy, love and involvement with each other. The performances will run for three weekends, October 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Adult tickets are $12, and children under 12 years of age are admitted for $10. Also, this season, each show will be ticketed by specific date, so make sure the ones you purchase match the date you desire to attend. Tickets may be purchased at Valley Drug in Stevensville, online at stevensvilleplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 777-2722. The Stevensville Playhouse is located at 319 Main, Stevensville.

Share Tree ‘Chair-ity’
The Bitterroot Bookworms, a local book group, is holding a fundraiser (a “chair-ity”) to raise money for the Christmas Share Tree Program. Through this program, members of the community pitch in to provide warm clothing for local children at Christmas time. Last year, the Share Tree Program met the needs of 386 children in 296 families living in Stevensville. The number of families needing help has grown every year. Roughly half of the children’s requests will be met by local families who pick their tags from Christmas trees at area banks and Lone Rock School. The other half is purchased by the Share Tree coordinator. The program coordinator spent $3200 last year to meet the clothing requests of valley children whose tags were not selected. This fundraiser is to give her the money needed to meet the need in 2015.
The Bitterroot Bookworms have created one-of-a-kind chairs that will be on display in various businesses in the valley during the month of October. You can see some of these chairs in Stevensville on First Friday, October 2. After that, the chairs will rotate to other businesses for viewing. The current plan is: Oct. 3-9 Burnt Fork Market, Oct. 10-16 Chapter One Book Store in downtown Hamilton, Oct. 17-23 Cutting Loose Hair Salon (117 N. 4th in Hamilton), Oct. 24-Nov. 4 Blacksmith Brewery, Nov. 5-6 Lutzenhiser Jewelry.
If you see a chair you like, you can leave a bid on the chair tag. The final opportunity to bid on one of the chairs will be on the First Friday in November at a Gala Art Auction hosted by Lutzenhiser Jewelry in Stevensville. Remember that 100% of the money paid for these chairs will be used to purchase Christmas gifts of warm clothes and boots for Stevensville children.
The Stevensville Christmas Share Tree Program operates under the umbrella of First Baptist Church. Your contribution is tax-deductible and a statement will be sent to you for your records. The Share Tree Program has a matching funds grant, so all funds raised will be doubled!
If you would like to donate directly to the Stevensville Christmas Share Tree Program, make your check payable to First Baptist Church and mark “Share Tree” in the memo line and mail to the Share Tree Coordinator, Beth Perkins, at 4000 Houk Way, Stevensville MT 59870. If you have any questions or would like to contribute in another way, call Beth Perkins at (406) 207-5748.

Eagles benefit auction
On Friday, October 2, the Bitter Root Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton, will begin a silent auction which will end Friday, October 23. Items will include a Jon Van Zyle print, FOE memorabilia, collectibles, and many other items. The public is welcome to come view the items and place a bid.

Artists’ reception
An artists’ reception will be held First Friday, October 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Art City, 407 W. Main in Hamilton. New work in fused glass by Amy Knight and multi-media by Annie Allen will be featured. The work will be on display through November 16. Art City is a cooperatively managed gallery featuring work by local artists. For more information contact Art City 363-4764.

Library First Friday
Bring your family and friends to a free music event on Friday, October 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library. Fun, lively accordion music, featuring Jean Roberts and Cleo Gunther and friends, performing German polka music and more. Enjoy a sing-a-long with your friends and family. Admission is free, light refreshments will be served, and put your name down in an open raffle for a Florence Coffee Company sponsored prize! North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

Power of Pink Variety Show
It’s show time! Get your tickets today for the powerful and inspiring production of high-energy performances, with a few attributed to loved ones lost to cancer. The “Power of Pink” show is one night only, Friday, October 2 starting at 7 p.m. at the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center in Victor. Family, friends and survivors of all ages are sure to enjoy the music, dancing, skits, piano playing and more! The show captures the spirit of “Pink” awareness in an entertaining, inspirational and healthy, family-friendly atmosphere. Check out some of the talent performing in the show: the Courchesne Family, Molly Hill, Debbie Weiser, Carrie Sorrow, Russell Perri, Natalie and Max, KJ Kahnle and Mark Wheeler, Groovz Performers, Bitterroot Ballet, Sunshine Kids, Forest Gump and more! There are 18 not-to-miss performances. All proceeds are donated to the Aid for Mammography Fund which helps local residents in need obtain clinical breast exams, screening mammograms and other necessary related diagnostic procedures. Get your tickets today at the Chamber of Commerce, Paper Clip, Farmers State Bank, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital or online at mdmh.org. Tickets are $10 each or $25 Family (2 adults and 2 children 8 and under) and sold at the door. For more information about Sprinkle Pink and how to access the Aid for Mammography fund visit mdmh.org.

Saturday, October 3

Trekker Kids
Montana State Parks is hosting “Hungry? Have a Candle!” Trekker Kids event at Travelers’ Rest State Park, 6717 Hwy 12 West, on Saturday, October 3 at 11 a.m.
As the Corps of Discovery trudged through snow and blistering wind looking for their way West, they ran low on provisions. A last resort forced the Corps to eat portable soup, horses and even candles! Come make some beeswax candles similar to the bear grease candles that Lewis and Clark ate. Learn about that grueling voyage and listen to stories to set the mood (eating candles is not required).
This program is a Trekker Kids event and is open to children 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 cost of $2 per child will go to support further Trekker Kids programs.
For more information, call Loren Flynn or Kelly Byard at 273-4253.

Saturday Bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on October 3. Doors open at 12 noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used. Free refreshments will be served. Must be 18 to play. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.

‘Singing Soul’ workshop
Singing Soul–Discovering the Gift of Your Own Voice Workshop will be held Saturday, October 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 S. 1st Street (north of Sears), Hamilton. Your very own voice can be a gift when accessed in a way that heals and makes your entire body, mind and spirit whole. You have a wisdom within your own being to create a sense of peace and comfort in yourself. No singing experience is required, only a willingness to open up to all that you are. Free will offerings will be taken. For more information, call Rebecca at 396-5552.

Square dance club
Ray Dunbar will call the first dance of the season on Saturday, October 3 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5t Street, Hamilton. Come down and watch the square dancing and see it if might be for you. Beginner classes will start Monday, October 5 at 7 p.m. under the Hamilton High School Adult Education program. Classes will be held in the high school gym. For more information call Ray Dunbar, 370-4414.

Sunday, October 4

Animal Shelter Pint Night
Pint Night to benefit the Bitterroot Humane Association Animal Shelter will be held Sunday, October 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and with each beer sold the Brewery will donate a portion of the sale to help the animals in need in our community. Come join the fun and help a great cause! For more info call Michele, (406) 210-1375.

Monday, October 5

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Meatballs, mashed potatoes & gravy, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagel & cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish rice, apples, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheeseburgers, taters, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese filled breadsticks with marinara sauce, glazed carrots, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Churro or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Ham & scrambled eggs, French toast, applesauce, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk

Rotary Club
The next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club will be Monday, October 5 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information call 363-2960.

Bitterroot Valley Chorus
The Bitterroot Valley Chorus, in its 43rd season, has begun rehearsals for this year’s Christmas concerts. The Chorus rehearses each Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the choir room of Hamilton High School from the end of September until the two concert performances on December 12th and 13th. There is a $25 membership fee for all adult members of the Chorus, payable at the first rehearsal. Interested singers of high school age need to obtain the approval of the artistic director and conductor, Peggy Bucheit. There is no membership fee for high school students.
This year’s program includes some favorites from the Chorus’s extensive repertoire of Christmas music and some exciting new additions that are sure to please all audiences. The Chorus instrumentalists will be joined by a local brass ensemble this year. The audience will also have the opportunity to participate in carol singing throughout the performances. As always, the Youth Choir will join in the performances.
Visit the Bitterroot Valley Chorus Facebook page for more details. For further information, contact Tricie Callaghan-Stover at 360-7362.

Tuesday, October 6

Sons of Norway
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will hold a Norwegian Bingo game and White Elephant auction on Tuesday, October 6 at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton. Players win play money and can use it to bid on white elephant items placed for auction. “White elephant” refers to a means by which the ancient kings of Siam (Thailand) could embarrass and impoverish their noble rivals, by giving them a white elephant. Since such were sacred animals, the great expense of upkeep would bankrupt even a rich man. The Lodge will provide a main course, drinks and service. Members and visitors are invited to bring a side dish, and an item for the auction. The event is free and the public is cordially invited to share in the fun. For information contact Jackie at 961-4538.

End of Life series
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 203 Main Street, in Stevensville, will be offering a free, eight-week series on end of life issues, with local speakers and topics for discussion. Copies of the book, “Being Mortal,” by Dr. Atul Gawande, will be available to purchase. On October 20, the book will be discussed.
Confronting death is universal, and each one of us will face it sometime in our lives…being a loved one, friend, acquaintance or our own. Young and old alike, when we face death, there are many questions that will need to be asked: What responsibilities from family and friends are needed? What happens if we don’t have family or a friend to help during an end of life event? How can we show dignity for those dying? How can we best be prepared, emotionally, financially, legally, spiritually?
The series will be every Tuesday evening, beginning, October 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s church. The general public is invited to attend any or all of the sessions, which are:
October 6 – Hospice (general information), Rev. Doug Petersen, Marcus Daly Hospice
October 13 – Law Perspective, End of Life Decisions, (Kenneth Bransby, attorney, Lisa Wallace, paralegal, Bransby Law Firm, P.C.
October 20 – Book Discussion, “Being Mortal,” Charlie Ferris and Sue Falk
October 27 – Medicaid, Patty West, Office of Public Assistance, Hamilton
November 3 – Funeral Planning, Bill Kropp and Cheryl Tenold, Whitesitt Funeral Home
November 10 – Grieving & Social Services, Kim Miller, LCSW, Marcus Daly Hospice
November 17 – Medical Perspectives, Ann Weinberger, PC
November 24 – Spirituality, Rev. Richard Reynolds, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
For further information, call Charlie Ferris at 777-2545.

Wednesday, October 7

Stevi Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, October 7 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. This month’s program include Garden Club infrastructure and a PowerPoint presentation on accessing Facebook and NGC web site information. Come and introduce yourself to the club and members. For any questions or information contact Sue at 777-5434 or Linda at 777-4777.