Volunteers needed for tobacco use study
Adult male volunteers are needed for a graduate research project that focuses on smokeless tobacco use among males in rural areas, specific to Ravalli County. The confidential interview process should only take about 45 minutes to one hour and all participants will be given a $10 stipend at the end of the interview. Interviews can be in person or over the phone. The interview includes a brief questionnaire and will look at tobacco use, perceptions, and tobacco marketing strategies. To be eligible to participate you must meet 4 major requirements: you must be a male; you must be 18 years old or older; you must be a Ravalli County resident; you must be a current smokeless tobacco user. If you are interested in participating in this research study contact Lyndsay Stover at 375-6573 or by e-mail at Lyndsay.stover@gmail.com by February 29.

Stevi lego club
Lego Club meets the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 noon upstairs in the Kohl Building on W. 3rd in Stevensville (behind Valley Drug). Bring your own Legos or use the ones available on site. A friendly, fun time for all ages. For more information contact Orion at

Pease benefit raffle
A raffle is being held for the Pease family in Stevensville. William Pease will be undergoing heart transplant surgery in Denver in March and help is needed to cover expenses while in Denver. The family is also in need of a reliable inexpensive vehicle. Local businesses have donated a variety of prizes for the raffle. Tickets are $1 each and the drawing will be held March 2. Watch for ticket sellers at Super 1 and Cenex. According to Shelly Pease, donations can also be made through an account at gofundme.com/heart_transplant.

Wednesday, February 10

Darby Library program
The Darby Community Public Library is hosting a series of free programs with a focus on historical and contemporary cultures. “A Black Homesteader’s Struggle” with Philip J. Burgess, will be presented on Wednesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. Burgess uses his poetry and storytelling skills to describe a black family’s experience as early settlers in the Missouri River valley of eastern Montana. Seeking refuge from the lynch-mob racism of the post-Civil War South, they found dignity and independence on a beautiful and isolated homestead. Although safe from the lynch-mob’s rope, they still had to deal with the less virulent but more complicated racial attitudes of Richland County, as well as the vagaries of Northern Plains weather and the wandering Missouri River. Philip J. Burgess of Missoula, Montana, is a veteran, poet, storyteller, ex-gypsy, ex-therapist, ex-cabdriver, et cetera, who still nourishes and honors his eastern Montana roots. He is the author of the collection of poetry “Badlands Child.”

Building workshops for women
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County will be holding three workshops that are open to women ages 16 and up who are interested in volunteering on the next house to be built in Stevensville. These one hour workshops will be held on the last three Wednesdays in February, (10th, 17th, and 24th), and will run from 6 to 7 p.m. at the ReSale Center, 131 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton . These free workshops are designed for women who are new to the building trade, and will focus on the very basics of building. Contact Erin, Volunteer Coordinator, to register for your spot today. Space is limited. Call 375-1926, 531-4353 or email volunteerfhrc@yahoo.com. Come join Team Women Build for Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County.

Lutheran Lenten services
Our Savior Lutheran Church of Stevensville invites everyone to this year’s 7 p.m. Lenten Vesper services. Ash Wednesday, February 10th, opens the season of Lent. This service will center on our sorrow for our sins and appreciation for forgiveness through Christ Jesus. Ashes will be offered to those who want them. Regular Thursday Lenten services begin February 18, and continue until the Thursday before Palm Sunday, March 20, the beginning of Holy Week.
A soup and sandwich supper is prepared weekly by Our Savior families for each Thursday evening Lenten service. Food is shared in the fellowship hall at 6 p.m. Bring your family to eat and then join the congregation to worship in a simple service of the Word and prayer.
Our Savior, affiliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. Head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. Roughly one mile past the Burnt Fork Market, turn east onto Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and Our Savior will be on your left, marked by three crosses. Call 777-5625 weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon for more information.

Thursday, February 11

Stevensville Civic Club
The Stevensville Civic Club will meet Thursday, February 11 at 12 noon at the First Baptist Church, 402 Church Street. This is the annual membership luncheon.

Heart health class
February is American Heart Month and Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and the International Heart Institute of Montana have teamed up to provide the next class in the Healthcare Education Series about Heart Health, on Thursday, February 11 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Blodgett and Canyon View conference rooms as Anthony Navone, MD, from Marcus Daly Cardiology Services, talks about the nation’s leading cause of death, heart disease. He will explain how you can improve your heart health through prevention and treatment. Learn about the differences in men and women in the symptoms of heart attacks and other areas, and new strategies for combating heart disease. You will leave this session with advice on how to keep your heart well! Come a few minutes early to get your blood pressure checked and register to win a prize. This class is sponsored by Soroptimist International of Hamilton. For information about the “Heart Health” class and other upcoming classes or to register to receive e-newsletters visit mdmh.org/hes or call 363-2211.

Selway Back Country Horsemen
You’re invited to join members of the Selway Pintler Wilderness BCH on Thursday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Building at 1801 N. 1st. Street, Hamilton (use the west entrance). If you love the rugged beauty of our Montana wilderness and have an interest in preserving our wilderness trails and making new riding friends, you are encouraged to attend for an evening of trail talk, treats and coffee. Call Linda at 961-1435 for more information.

Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, February 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book: ”The Power of Decision” by Raymond Charles Barker.
This inspiring book has been hailed as one of the very few genuine masterpieces of New Thought metaphysical nature.
“The factor of decision may well be one of the most important functions of the human mind,” writes Dr. Barker in this classic book which explores fully the decision-making process. The author focuses a large part of the discussion on the study of how the subconscious mind greatly influences all conscious mind decisions.
The indecisive person, Dr. Barker claims, is a failure-prone person by his own unconscious mental conditioning. On the other hand, the ability to decide is an indication of a healthy mind. Barker’s statement that “indecision is the decision to fail” is a key principle of his teachings and their creative, dynamic approach to the problems of living. His goal is to help individuals clarify their thinking, overcome indecision, and make decisions that can lead successfully to a life of happiness, health, and creativity.
Dr. Raymond Charles Barker (1911-1988) is the author of many books, the most noted being Treat Yourself to Life and The Science of Successful Living. Well known throughout the New Thought movement for his writings and lectures, Dr. Barker has spoken in every major city in the United States, as well as in Europe and South Africa.
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 Thursday, February 11 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck Street. Agenda items include discussion/decision on adoption of Ordinance No. 159, creating a Joint Advisory Board for the North Stevensville Tax Increment Financing Industrial District (TIFID) and the Stevensville Airport Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD) and discussion/decision on the Mayor’s veto of Resolution No. 383, authorizing amendment of the Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget purchase of fire truck, to name a few. The meeting will be preceded by a public hearing on proposed Ordinance 159 at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, February 12

Lenten Fish Fry
Knights of Columbus Council # 13093 of Stevensville will be holding their Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, February 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Parish Family Center. The meal will consist of fish fillets, fries, coleslaw, a vegetable, dessert, and drinks. Also available this year is a gluten free fish fillets. Cost for the meal is $9.00 per person with children under 5 years old free.

Friday Night Fish Fry:
The Knights of Columbus of Hamilton will hold a Lenten Friday Fish Fry this coming Friday, February 12 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th in Hamilton. This will be an excellent opportunity to get out of the house and let someone else do the cooking for you. The all-you-can-eat meal consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, and mac n cheese, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. The price for the meal is $10.00 per person children under nine eat free so bring the Kids! As a special offer a family of 4 or more (2adults and children) will eat for $35.00. Wine can be purchased separately. The Lenten Friday Fish Fries will run through March 18, For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.

Family Movie Night
“The Place” will be showing the movie “War Room” on Friday, February 12 at 6 p.m. in the Bedford Room of the Hamilton City Hall, 223 S. 2nd St, Hamilton. The evening is free for the community—everyone is welcome! There’s even free soda, candy, and popcorn. For more information contact Jesse at 406-350-2360.

Eagles silent auction
The Bitter Root Eagles Lodge, 125 N 2nd St, Hamilton, is holding a Silent Auction through Friday, February 12 at 7 p.m. Items include a microwave, electric snow shovel, various silver items, Rainbow vacuum cleaner, heated travel mug, handcrafted dolls, collectibles, etc. All money goes to charity funds. Come view the items in the Aerie hall and place a bid. The public welcome.

Eagles Taco Night
Tacos and more will be served on Friday, February 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, taco salads, order by item. Public welcome.

Valentine’s Dinner
A catered dinner open to all in celebration of Valentine’s Day will be held on Friday, February 12 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College in Stevensville. Bring your sweetie, bring a friend, or treat yourself to this special alcohol-free event! The prime rib or cranberry walnut chicken dinner will be catered by Caffe Firenze of Florence. Call The Stevensville United Methodist Church at 777-5443 or Don Nelson at 273-2049 to secure tickets and reserve your choice of meal. Tickets are $25.00 per person. Single persons or couples are welcome. Tickets must be purchased by February 7.

Saturday, February 13

Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Saturday, February 13 at 7 a.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.

Florence pancake breakfast
The Florence Volunteer Fire Department will be providing a free pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Fresh pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausages will be served along with coffee and juices. This breakfast will be served at Florence Fire station 1, on Holloway Drive, in Florence, located behind the Town Pump. Stop in and have a great breakfast!

Beekeepers
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will meet Saturday, February 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Canyon View Church, on Skalkaho highway south of Hamilton. Anyone with an interest in beekeeping is invited to attend, with a free workshop for beginners and the opportunity to join Beekeepers of the Bitterroot. The agenda will consider a donation for the county fair, details on how to order and pay for “nucs” (a box of five frames with a queen, established brood and workers, and honey, ready to place in a beehive). There will be a survey of interest for a site for honey extraction, since the club owns an extractor and would like to make it possible for beekeepers to extract, strain and bottle honey. There will be details about assembling frames and plans for future workshops, including one on organic honey production in March. For more information contact bitterrootbees@gmail.com, or mail to Beekeepers of the Bitterroot, 883 Leese Lane, Stevensville MT 59870.

Daly Mansion speaker series
The Daly Mansion and Humanities Montana have teamed up to bring an entertaining and informative series of Living History performers and historians to the community. The series begins on Saturday, February 13 and runs weekly for five weeks. It will take place in the Daly Mansion Trophy room and is free to the public. A variety of historical figures from Montana will be featured and there is sure to be something for everyone with an interest in our regional history.
The schedule is:
Feb. 13, 10 a.m. – “Mrs. Woody’s Trunk of Memories” presented by Jenni Pak
11:15 a.m. – “Mary Glein – Madam of Missoula” presented by Kim Kaufman
Feb. 20, 10 a.m. – “Thomas Lewis” presented by Rev. Paul Armstrong
10:30 a.m. – “Christopher P. Higgins, Co-Founder of Missoula” presented by Bob Brown
Feb. 27, 10 a.m. – “Meagher of the Sword” presented by Neal Lewing
March 5, 10 a.m. – “Anna Lester O’Keefe” presented by Emily Darling
10:15 a.m. – “ Emma Slack Dickenson” presented by Dawn Dambaugh
March 12, 10 a.m. – “From Hungary to the Bitterroot Valley” presented by Maureen Lischke
For more information on the presentations or to make a reservation call 363-6004 Ext. 4#. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Veteran valentine workshop
The public is welcome to help members of the United Veterans Council of Missoula and Ravalli Counties make 350 handmade valentines for elderly, lonely and sick veterans living in the Bitterroot and Missoula valleys on Saturday, February 13 from 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. at Grizzly Peak Independent Living Retirement Home, 3600 American Way (across the street from Home Depot in Missoula). If you have pink, white or red paper and cute valentine stickers, bring them with you to decorate valentines. UVC also provides paper, glue and stickers extra decorations are appreciated, as well as paper lace, bows, and anything else that looks pretty for valentines. Silly valentine hats are encouraged! Joining the ladies of Grizzly Peak, the UVC, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the VFW and the American Legion in the making of these lovely valentines at Grizzly Peak next Saturday will be members of the University of Montana women’s soccer team who will lend their youth and enthusiasm to the activity as they did last year. Following the making of valentines, which takes about two hours, each volunteer will take a bunch of valentines and deliver them to area nursing homes and private homes the afternoon of Feb. 13 and throughout Feb. 14 as “Cupid’s Army.”
For more information about Cupid’s Army UVC, email bluemountain@montana.com or write to them at UVC Associated Veterans Relief Board, P.O. Box 5201, Missoula MT 59806-5201. Any donation is always put to direct use to help local veterans in need, both physically and emotionally.

Valentine’s Dinner
Stevensville American Legion Post 94 will hold the annual Valentine Dinner and Auction on Saturday, February 13 at St. Mary’s Family Center, Stevensville. Prime rib dinner is $25 and includes salad, baked potato, vegetable roll and dessert. Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and auction at 8 p.m. Call 777-5398 or 777-5517 for ticket information.

Square dance
Boots n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a Sweetheart Party Square Dance on Saturday, February 13 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th, Hamilton. Ray Dunbar will call a plus tip from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with a plus tip.

Sunday, February 14

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Selma Putnam presenting “Giving Up Habits That No Longer Serve Us” on Sunday, February 14 at 10 a.m. Join in a morning of music, sharing, and inspiration as February’s theme of Awakening To Our Spiritual Magnificence continues. 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, February 15

Stevi school menu
Monday: Presidents Day – No School
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajita, Spanish rice, apples, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Beef steaks, mashed potatoes & gravy, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chili & crackers, fresh carrots, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Scrambled eggs or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – corn dogs, baked beans, Mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk.

Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club will meet Monday, February 15 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.

Bitterroot Audubon
Bitterroot Audubon’s February meeting will feature an exploration of nature photography by nationally known outdoor and wildlife photographer Jason Savage. Jason’s work has been featured in Audubon, National Geographic Traveler, Time Magazine, Outdoor Photographer, The New York Times and Montana Outdoors, as well as in numerous advertising campaigns, books and calendars around the world. Jason is also one of the leading photography instructors in the country, teaching workshops and classes throughout North America. Jason will discuss his journey into nature photography: its challenges, rewards and how it has shaped his perspective through the lens. He will discuss concepts in composition, working with light and what it takes to create images that come alive. He will share his views on some of the ethical issues involved in photographing wildlife, especially birds, and will describe some of what he does to get his photos. Jason’s program is on Monday, February 15 at 7 p.m. at the River Street Dance Theatre, 421 N. 2nd Street in Hamilton (corner of River Street and 2nd Street). There is no admission charge, and the public is invited.
For more information, contact Kay Fulton 642-3794.

Amateur radio club
The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club (BARC) will meet Monday, February 15 at 7 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Many of the club members arrive at 6 p.m. for dinner. The meeting is open to the public and visitors are welcome. People who are interested in getting into Ham Radio and emergency communications begin by visiting or joining a Ham Radio club. The club has several experts that would be glad to answer any questions you might have. The presentation this month is on current and future club emergency capabilities and a path ahead.

Nonviolent Communication Discussion Group
Join a discussion group on non-violent communication on Monday, February 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (ongoing on the first and third Mondays of the month) at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). Peace and violence start within each individual and is expressed by the way we communicate with one another. This discussion group is based on the book “Nonviolent Communication—A Language of Life” by Marshall Rosenberg. Come and learn Marshall’s simple technique to communicate and build healthy, strong relationships in a non-violent, peaceful, and respectful way. Purchase the book from your favorite book source. Donations accepted. For more information call Salim at 241-1292.

Tuesday, February 16

History lecture
The North Valley Public Library will host Jon Axline’s presentation “History by the Highways: Montana’s Historical Highway Markers” on Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library. The presentation is free and open to the public. Many people’s first exposure to Montana history was through the Montana Department of Transportation’s roadside historical markers. Established in 1935, the program was part of a plan to enhance the tourist experience in Montana and instruct local residents on the history of their state. The original markers provided folksy accounts of Montana’s colorful history told in the style of a cowboy telling stories to spellbound tenderfeet. Tremendously popular at the time, they garnered much positive publicity across the country. Not always historically accurate, and sometimes containing terms many would now find offensive, the markers still played an important role in how many people viewed Montana history. The program is still going strong with new additions each year, including interpretive markers that tell the geological history of the state. Axline tells the story of Montana’s historical highway markers from their first installation up to the present time using historical photos and readings from the classic markers. Axline is the historian at the Montana Department of Transportation and is from Helena, Montana. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 16 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, February 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. These meetings are open to the public.