Wednesday, March 2
BPL Storytime
Enjoy Toddler and Baby Story Time at the Bitterroot Public Library meeting room on Wednesday, March 2 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Babies through age 2 sing, dance, and enjoy short stories every Wednesday morning. A great way to meet other parents and grandparents and spend time reading and playing together. Call the library at 363-1670 for more information.
Lenten Lunches
Come grab a bowl of soup with your neighbors and enjoy a light-hearted, thought-provoking conversation about topics that matter. Jesus prayed we’d all be one — Lent Lunches help us get there. And you’re back to work on time, too! “Because we ARE one Body in Christ!”
March 2: “Salvation”, Corvallis United Methodist Church, East Side Hwy & Cemetery Rd., Corvallis
March 9: “Cross”, UMAB/St. Paul’s Episcopal, 211 N. 6th Street, Hamilton
March 16: “Bible”, First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton.
For additional information contact Faith Lutheran Church at 363-3964.
Red Cross blood drives
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types are needed to help accident and burn victims, patients undergoing organ transplants, those receiving cancer treatments and others who rely on blood products.
Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App at redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Corvallis
3/2/2016: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Corvallis High School, 1045 Main Street
Florence
3/7/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Florence Carlton Community, 5505 Eagle Court Suite B
Hamilton
3/8/2016: 1 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane
Stevensville
3/11/2016: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevensville High School, 300 Park Street.
Spiritual Video Series
Join in a video conversation with Dr. Tara Brach as she discusses “Attend and Befriend: Healing the Fear Body” on Wednesday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). In this talk, Tara shows how you can change your Fear Body focus into one that Attends and Befriends. Fear management strategies–versions of fight/flight–contract your body and mind, and separate you from others. As you learn to pause and contact the bodily fear with a gentle, mindful awareness, your sense of being enlarges into an evolution of consciousness. Tara is a Counselor and Buddhist Meditation Master who founded The Insight Meditation Community of Washington, D.C. in 1998. Dr. Brach’s teachings blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to inner life, and a full, compassionate engagement with work.
Thursday, March 3
Teller sign dedication
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will unveil a new sign recognizing Otto Teller on Thursday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Woodside Fishing Access in Corvallis. Teller, an avid conservationist and fisherman, donated property for the fishing access in 1989. Otto Teller also established the neighboring Teller Wildlife Refuge. The Teller Trail, an approximate 30-acre parcel open for public recreation, is located on the north side of the fishing access. For more information about Teller visit www.tellerwildlife.org or call 961-3507.
Health and Wellness series
“Understanding Health Insurance – Who Pays for What?” will be presented Thursday, March 3 at 3 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton. Alan Baum discusses health insurance terminology, insurance coverages, and who pays for what regarding health care, rehabilitation, long term care, etc. Everyone is invited and bring a friend! No RSVP needed. For information call the St, Francis Health & Wellness Ministry at 363-1385.
Hamilton Players
The Hamilton Players have added a performance on this Thursday, March 3, at 8 p.m., for the final weekend of the murder mystery musical comedy, “Something’s Afoot.” Performances for the final weekend are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 3-5, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. Tickets for the “engaging, funny, refreshing and original” musical comedy are available at the playhouse box office, 100 Ricketts Road, 1-5 p.m., or by calling the box office hours at 375-9050; or online at www.hamiltonplayers.com. The show is “both a spoof and a tribute to Agatha Christie,” with stock characters stranded at an English country manor, one by one meeting their demise by unusual — and hysterical — means. Tickets are available for all performances at this time, but purchase in advance is recommended, as final performances may sell out.
Friday, March 4
BPL Storytime
“March of the Stuffed Animals” is the theme for the Story Time for Kids on Friday, March 4 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Sally Blevins will meet you in the meeting room of the library for stories and early literacy activities. Bring your stuffed animal if you want, or borrow one of the librray’s. Call 363-1670 for more information.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 4 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speakers will be Derek and Ronalee Skees. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
K of C Fish Fry
Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold a Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton. 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 (2 adults and children) will eat for $35.00. Wine can be purchased separately. All proceeds go toward charitable programs. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
First Friday at Library
The Missoula Irish Dancers will be performing at the North Valley Public Library on First Friday, March 4 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Community Room. Founded in 2005, the Missoula Irish Dancers share a traditional art, Irish culture, and entertainment for the public by performing and teaching Irish dance. Stick around for a free lesson after the performance. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Stevensville Playhouse production
Stevensville Playhouse, in celebration of its 25th year, is presenting “Working” by Studs Terkel, adapted to the stage by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso. Performance dates are March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on March 6, 13 and 20. Directed by Gretchen Spiess, “Working” is a musical for anyone who has ever punched a cow, a clock or a boss. In the words of Terkel, “Working” is a celebration of the “ordinary” people, whose daily lives are unsung. The anonymous many, whose lives touch ours every day without our realizing it. The extraordinary dreams of ordinary people. Those we call ordinary are aware of a sense of personal worth, no matter how demeaning their jobs may seem. Their spirit transcends. It’s about the search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying. Perhaps immortality, too, is part of the quest. To be remembered was the wish, spoken and unspoken, of these heroes and heroines. In a sense, they were speaking for us all. Tickets may be purchased at Valley Drug in Stevensville, through the website at www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org, or by calling the theatre at 777-2722. The Stevensville Playhouse is located at 319 Main Street.
Saturday, March 5
Senior Center bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on March 5. Doors open at 12 noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used. Free refreshments. Must be 18 to play. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.
Explorer Day
Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is hosting “Be an Explorer for a Day” on Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m. at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo. Just because it’s not the 1800s anymore, doesn’t mean you can’t explore! Learn about what it took for the famous duo, Lewis and Clark, to complete their journey – from the tools they used to the type of clothes they wore. After, create your own Explorers’ Notebook and explore the park grounds with us as if we were journeying with Lewis and Clark. Don’t miss out on this fun filled morning!
Cost is $2 per child, adult chaperones are free. Child admission is free with Family Membership in Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association. This program is part of the Trekker Kids series and is open to kids around 5-10 years old. Trekker Kids is a series of activities and programs for children and families that celebrate the outdoors of western Montana and the rich history of the Travelers’ Rest site. The fee goes to support future Trekker Kids programs. For more information, call Loren Flynn or Dani Staunton at 273-4253.
Dances of Universal Peace
Dances of Universal Peace will hold a Spring Gathering on Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st St, Hamilton (Selway Commons). Cost is a $3 donation. Dancing, singing and storytelling bring people together at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, and as part of everyday life. The Dances of Universal Peace draw from the world’s spiritual streams with live music and simple circle dances. You are invited to experience the joy of dancing together. Beginners welcome! Each dance taught each time. A scent-free evening.
Square dance
Boots n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, March 5 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. Barry Bartlette will call. Round dancing will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with plus tips.
Sunday, March 6
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts I Serenity presenting “The Limitless Power of Mind is the Power of Possibilities!” on Sunday, March 6 at 10 a.m. Join in a morning of great music, sharing, and inspiration as March’s theme of Realizing the Power of Mind in introduced. 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, March 7
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Churros or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Mac & cheese, mixed veggies, applesauce, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch -Quesadillas, refried beans, apples, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch- Teriyaki chicken, stir-fry veggies, rice, mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tater tot casserole, tossed salad, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Scrambled eggs or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Ham & cheese sandwiches, fresh veggies, pears, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
During the month of March, meetings of the Hamilton Rotary Club will focus on medical services provided by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Joshua Pacheco, M.D. will be speaking at the next meeting of the Club, on Monday, March 7 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st, Hamilton. Dr. Pacheco will discuss emergency medicine, strokes, heart attack warnings, and treatments at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. The meeting is open to the public. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Lenten Suppers
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 203 Main St., Stevensville, would like to invite the community to a free Lenten soup and bread supper, on Mondays, March 7 and 14 at 5:30 p.m. Immediately following each meal there will be a bible study on the Epistles (books) of John, James, Peter and Jude. Father Richard Reynolds will be presiding. “In this church, there shall be no outcasts”. Everyone welcome.
Nonviolent Communication Discussion Group
Learn to communicate in a non-violent way at a discussion group that meets the first and third Mondays of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). This discussion group is based on the book “Nonviolent Communication –A Language of Life” by Marshall Rosenberg. 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. Next meeting is Monday, March 7. Free will donation. For more information call Salim at 241-1292.
Tuesday, March 8
Map and Compass Course
Do you need to learn the basics of reading map and compass, or possibly just brush up with a refresher course? Attend the Map and Compass Course at the North Valley Public Library. Bring your map and compass to the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library on Tuesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. Ravalli County Search and Rescue members will be instructing participants on how to use their own map and compass to navigate the Montana wilderness. This course will be followed up by an optional field training day. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Stevi school board
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular board meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.
Wednesday, March 9
Read to Dogs and Cats
The Bitterroot Public Library invites you to bring a book to the Bitterroot Humane Association on Wednesday, March 9 from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. to read to a dog or cat. The goal is to read to 100 dogs and cats in 2016. Animals are great listeners and that encourages young readers to increase fluency and enjoy reading aloud. The animals become more socialized and ready for their new homes. Pre-register by calling the library at 363-1670.
Zen Buddhism class
Zen Buddhism class will be held Wednesday, March 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. Jill Davies (642-3601)leads this class 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 Wednesdays. Admission is by donation.
Cultural presentation
The Darby Community Public Library is hosting a series of programs with a focus on historical and contemporary cultures. The history and traditions of many cultural groups have shaped and will continue to shape our Montana community. “Perspectives on Islam” with Samir Bitar will be presented on Wednesday, March 9 at 6 p.m.
Life in Muslim societies is an intersection of religious, social, cultural, and political realities. Thus, for one to develop a well-rounded understanding of Muslims, their perspectives, and aspirations, one must look at all the dimensions of Muslim life. For that purpose, literature can provide a valuable lens to view the Muslim societies. Bitar uses literature, film, and other resources to familiarize audiences with the heritage of Islamic civilizations around the globe and the religion of Islam.
Bitar is professor of Arabic language and cultures at The University of Montana. A native Palestinian, Professor Bitar came to Montana when he was 16 as a freshman in college. He has been teaching at The University of Montana since 1999, offering instruction in Arabic and an introductory course on Arabic poetry and literature. He has a master’s degree in linguistics, teaching methods and cultural geography and has also traveled around the state to train the Montana National Guard in essential Arabic language and culture.
Presentations are free and open to the public. Partial funding for the Speakers Bureau program is provided by a legislative grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Contact the Darby Community Public Library for more information about these programs from Lifelong Learning at the Library, by phone at 821-4771 or email at librarian@darbylibrary.net.