Wednesday, January 25
BPL preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday to enjoy “Snow is Cool!” with storyteller Paula Prescott. Story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. All story times are free and open to the public. It’s time to “Stay and Play” after story time. Youngsters stretch their creativity while participating in open-ended play activities. For information, call 363-1670.
Golden Age Club
November, December and January birthdays and anniversaries will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 25 with a program of “show and tell” at 2 p.m., and refreshments. February 1 is the next business meeting, following a potluck dinner at 12:30 p.m.
Avalanche awareness class
The Bitterroot National Forest is hosting a free avalanche awareness class on Wednesday, January 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Hamilton. The class is for downhill and cross-country skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoe enthusiasts, mountaineers, winter recreationists and anyone else wanting to learn about avalanche awareness and winter safety. The introductory level class will take place at the Bitterroot National Forest Office in Hamilton at 1801 N. First Street.
Bitterroot National Forest Hydrologist Ed Snook said, “The program will include information about avalanche terrain, mountain weather, snowpack, stability evaluation and decision making, proper winter clothing and survival gear, and avalanche rescue.” The class is being taught by Snook and Forest Service Engineer Rich Raines, both trained and certified avalanche specialists. Class size is limited to 30 participants. To register, call 363-7100.
Sections of Western Montana are currently under an avalanche advisory due to dangerous conditions at higher elevations. Anyone venturing out into the backcountry should be prepared and fully alert of the changing weather conditions and avalanche dangers by visiting www.missoulaavalanche.org
For more information contact the Bitterroot National Forest or visit www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot.
Thursday, January 26
BPL book discussion group
Join the Brown Bag It Book Discussion Group on Thursday, January 26 from noon to 1 p.m. in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton to discuss Ron Suskind’s “Hope for the Unseen.” Meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month and newcomers are warmly welcomed.
Women’s business center grand opening
The public is invited to a grand opening of the new Sub Center for the Montana Women’s Business Center (WBC) on Thursday, January 26 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. There will be refreshments and conversation. This new program will provide resources to RCEDA to continue and expand its program of individual counseling targeted to business women but available to all businesses. RCEDA will also be having monthly Women’s Network Entrepreneurial Training (WNET) brown bag lunches every month. Each meeting includes an hour of professional development with a content expert, followed by a 30 minute networking section. The first WNET is scheduled for February 23 with a panel on financial management. A schedule will be provided at the grand opening for future lunch presentations on topics such as social media, stress management and more. Call 375-9416 for more information.
Marcus Daly Hospital Foundation benefit
Max Coleman, regional owner at Exit Realty Montana, Inc. in Hamilton, met Steve Morris’s Wellness Challenge proposed in February of 2011. The Challenge was for Max to lose 81 pounds by December 31, 2011 and achieve his ideal weight of 256 pounds. Exit Realty International further upped the ante by pledging a $5000 donation to the Marcus Daly Hospital Foundation Wellness Fund when Max succeeded. In addition, Max solicited community support in the form of a pledge drive that would increase the donation to the Hospital Foundation. Although it was close, on December 31, Max officially weighed in at 255 pounds, exceeding his goal by one pound! Join Max and community members at Higher Ground Brewing Company in Hamilton on Thursday, January 26 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. for a Pint Night Fundraiser in honor of Max’s achievement and the Marcus Daly Hospital Foundation. Pledges are still being accepted at DalyHospitalFoundation.org.
Movie presentation
A free showing of the movie “Taking Stock” will be held on Thursday, January 26 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum. Temple Grandin is an autistic woman who overcame the limitations of autism to become a Ph.D. and expert in the field of animal husbandry. She is noted for creating her ‘hug box’, widely recognized today as a way of relieving stress in autistic children, and her humane design for the treatment of cattle in processing plants. The movie stars Claire Danes, Julia Ormond and David Strathairn. This will also be the last chance to see “Taking Stock: a morphology” – an exhibit based on early agricultural practices, tools, and buildings. For more information, call the Museum at 363-3338.
Marriage study group
“Marriage 101 – Building the next generation of successful marriages” will be held starting January 26 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton. This series offers an opportunity for some time, some talk, some prayer and hope for couples willing to try the love of Christ, a soft heart and the truth. This is a monthly study group. Is there a husband and wife out there who need a little encouragement? Call Grace Lutheran Church for details, 363-1924.
Spaghetti dinner
A spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Hamilton eighth graders to go to Washington, DC will be held Thursday, January 26 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Middle School Cafeteria, 209 S. 5th Hamilton. There will also be a silent auction. Come enjoy a great dinner and support the traveling students. For more information call 363-2121.
SVCG meeting
The next meeting of the South Valley Civic Group will be held on Thursday, January 26 at 6 p.m. at the Naughty Moose in Conner. This is an important strategic planning meeting for 2012. Members will evaluate what is possible to accomplish. There will also be election of officers. Come and help keep the South Valley Civic Group alive and thriving.
Victor Park District
The Victor Park District holds regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month. The next meeting is Thursday, January 26. All meetings are held at the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor (enter rear door from the south parking lot) at 7 p.m. This month members will evaluate snow plowing on the bike path and hear a presentation about new playground equipment at the ball field. The public is encouraged to attend. Call Roger De Haan at 961-3953 with any questions.
Friday, January 27
Florence Tot Time
“Music and Motion” Tot Time will be held Friday, January 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the North Valley Family Center. Come enjoy the many wonders of music, singing and dance with your toddler. This month’s theme focuses on different modes of transportation and careers. Tot Time is facilitated by Melissa Spark. The North Valley Family Center is located at 5501 Hwy 93 N, Suite 3, Florence Business Center, in Florence, behind the Town Pump. Call 406-273-0142 for more information.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Jennifer Lint, Ravalli County Administrator, will be speaking at the Friday, January 27 meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club. She will be speaking about her duties involving The Council On Aging and other programs vital to seniors. The club meets at 12 noon on the second and fourth Fridays at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, in Hamilton. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Golden Age Club
On January 27, the Golden Age Club is having a soup supper for members and guests, with special recognition of past presidents. The meal is at 6 p.m. at the hall, 727 S. Fifth in Hamilton. Soups will be provided; bring a bread or dessert to share. Cost is $3 for singles, $5 for couples. Dick Reinbold’s band plays for dancing after the dinner; the Valley Rhythm Boys will play February 3.
Saturday, January 28
Daly Mansion benefit
Join the Daly Mansion as they bring back the Roaring Twenties during
its Saturday, January 28 fundraising event, Speakeasy at Riverside.
The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with live prohibition era dance music by
The Ed Norton Stomperz, entertainment from the Hamilton Players cast
of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, and dancer/choreographer Tony Dees. The
event will also include a no-host bar (one free drink ticket included),
and generous amount of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, “horse betting”,
split-the-pot, and the opportunity to toss your party-mates in the
Hamilton Hoosegow. Guests are encouraged to dress the part and bring
plenty of “loot” for “bail, betting, and booze.” Admission is $40.00
each and the Mansion is located at 251 Eastside Hwy between Hamilton
and Corvallis. For reservations, more information and the Front Door
Secret Password, call 363-6004, ext. 3#. All proceeds go to
benefit The Daly Mansion and the Margaret Daly Memorial Arboretum.
Monday, January 30
Stevi school menu
Monday – Breakfast: Cereal, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch: Quesadillas, green beans, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday – Breakfast: Pancakes, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch: Beef stew, tossed salad, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday – Breakfast: Muffins, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch: chicken fajitas, lettuce, salsa, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Thursday – Breakfast: Cinnamon roll, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch: Pulled pork sandwich, taters, kiwi, bread & butter, milk
Friday – Breakfast: Cereal, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch: Corn dogs, baked beans, mixed, fruit, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Rotary Club
Bill Bean, owner of the Fishaus Fly Fishing Shop, will be the speaker for the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, January 30 at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, in Hamilton. Bean will be discussing fly fishing in the Bitterroot. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Men’s head/neck cancer support group
Men’s Head/Neck Cancer Support group meets every two weeks on Mondays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Next meeting is Monday, January 30 in Corvallis with men and their wives or partners. Every second group includes wives or partners. It is a safe, comfortable place where men can share not only the impact of diagnosis and treatment, but the ongoing recovery process. We know that men’s “go it alone” belief does not work, particularly with head/neck cancer. Wives and partners have also loved the opportunity to share their experiences and gain support and hope. Call Tom Martin, 961-0175, for more info.
Spanish conversation group
A Spanish conversation group is forming in Hamilton, for those who wish to practice and improve their conversational Spanish skills. The group will hold an initial meeting on Monday, January 30, at 7 p.m., at Chapter One Book Store, 252 Main Street, in Hamilton. The group is for those who already speak Spanish, not beginners, and is not a class. Native speakers are welcome, and participation is free. For more information, call 363-1279.
Tuesday, January 31
BPL origami session
Back by popular demand, on Tuesday, January 31 at 6 p.m. there will be an hour session of origami crane folding at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Sign up in advance by calling the library, 363 1670, or stopping by the information desk.
Community Music Night
Attention amateur musicians and singers of all skill levels: The Florence community is starting a music group for community members, just for fun. Come to the first music night on Tuesday, January 31 at 7 p.m. at the North Valley Family Center and play your instruments! All instruments (including voice and strings), ages, skills and abilities are welcome. Participants will be discussing rehearsal times and playing music. Bring your instruments and voices. For more information contact Bruce Wareing at 546-5541.
BPL ‘Discover Earth’ event
The Bitterroot Public Library will hold sessions to explore our knowledge of the earth on Tuesday, January 31 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 to 8 p.m. Pick up your “Discover Earth” reading game board and participate in some activities to get to know our earth better. Completed game boards may be exchanged for a raffle ticket to win a telescope! Space is limited so call the library (363-1670) to register for a session. The January 31st activities are designed for ages 5-13. More “Discover Earth” activities will follow in February and March.
Wednesday, February 1
Stevensville Garden Club
Join the Stevensville Garden Club on Wednesday, February 1 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville, to learn the “ins and outs” of planting a Cottage Garden. Guests are welcome. For more information contact Mary, 207-0334 or Nina, 239-5361.
North Valley Coupon Club
The North Valley Coupon Club will meet Wednesday, February 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Valley Family Center. The club is open to everyone: beginner couponers, extreme couponers, and everyone in between, so come join the fun. Come to the next meeting to meet new couponing friends and share ideas, success stories and learn ways to find coupons, use them, and how to get and stay organized! Facilitated by Gwen Dahlin. The North Valley Family Center is located at 5501 Hwy 93 N, Suite 3 of the Florence Business Center, next to the Town Pump in Florence. Call for more info, 273-0142.