Call for local producers
The Bounty of the Bitterroot show will be held Saturday, November 10 at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. This is a showcase for locally and regionally produced items of all kinds, including food, arts and crafts and more, and will be heavily publicized. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the valley’s food banks. Call Victoria at the Bitterroot Star, 777-3928, for vendor rates and guidelines.
Call for artists/crafters
The Bitterroot Art Guild are looking for vendors for their Christmas Show November 16-17 at the First Interstate Building in Hamilton. If you are interested call Carolyn at 961-4740 or Mary at 821-4678 for more information.
Stevensville drivers ed course
Signups are underway for the next drivers education course in Stevensville. The class will start September 19. Any student who is at least 14-1/2 years of age (by October 11, 2012) or older from Stevensville High School or a home school
is eligible. Sign up at the Stevensville High School office, 777-5481, or call John Munk, 777-5539. Cost is $250. The first informational meeting for students of Stevensville High School will be September 17 at 12:24 p.m. in high school room #103. Out of district and/or home school students may register by phone. Information will then be mailed as soon as possible.
Crisis Line volunteer training
Make a difference in the life of a victim of domestic or sexual abuse – become a SAFE Crisis Line Volunteer. Volunteers provide information and a listening ear to someone who’s been traumatized by domestic violence or sexual assault. Volunteer training begins the week of October 1, so call SAFE today, 363-2793. You could be there for someone in crisis. Call Theresa at SAFE, 363-2793.
Business Women’s Network
The monthly luncheon meeting of the Bitterroot Subnetwork of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network is held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Hamilton Perkins Restaurant. Looking to grow your business? Come and meet a group of supportive women and get to know them through member spotlight presentations, educational topics, and the referral and promotion of each other’s businesses. Contact Jen Rivera at 327-5646 with any questions.
Wednesday, September 12
BPL Storytellers’ Meeting
If you are currently a storyteller at the Bitterroot Public Library or would like to become one, there will be a meeting on Wednesday, September 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the West Meeting Room. Storytellers read to preschoolers on Wednesday mornings throughout the year, usually once every three months. Share your experiences as a storyteller and look through some new resources. For more information, contact Sally at 363-1670.
NVPL Story and Craft Time
Come to the North Valley Public Library and check out the free literacy development program for toddlers and preschoolers at our Storytime and Craft Hour. Bring your child to the library on Wednesday, September 12 at 10:30 a.m. and experience more then simply listening to a story. Using a different theme each week, the volunteers and staff will read aloud engaging picture books, create flannel board stories, teach fingerplays and create an enriching craft using a variety of art supplies. There will also be a healthy snack and time to socialize and play. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Myo-Neuro Release Therapy lecture
“Introduction to Myo-Neuro Release Therapy” will be presented on Wednesday, September 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State Street, Hamilton. This will include a free demonstration on pain management and improved range of motion for therapists and clients. This talk is for therapists and clients interested in learning how to manage Chronic pain and have increased mobility without the use of drugs. Come learn about the simple, yet highly effective, way of reducing or eliminating pain and physical dysfunction associated with such conditions as whiplash, sports injuries, MS, Fibromyalgia, and many others. Osteopathic medicine has been using Mechanized Percussive Therapy for pain management for over 40 years. This therapy releases restrictions throughout the body, allowing the fluids and electrical properties of tissues and organs to flow normally again, restoring healthy equilibrium. James Tree-Gilmore, LMT, CST, MNRT will present an educational and enjoyable lecture about the history and currant application of this therapy. You will have the opportunity to receive a free demonstration after the presentation.
Learn how to register for the next MNRT class in the Hamilton area.
For more information log onto: www.mnrinstitute.com
Thursday, September 13
RASS training
State-mandated Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service training (RASS) will be held Thursday, September 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 209 N. 10th Street, Suite C, Hamilton. Any community members who are not yet certified are welcome to attend and newly hired employees may take the training within 60 days of hire. There is a $15 materials fee. Call Ryan at 532-9146 to preregister by the day before the class is held. At least five participants are needed to hold a class.
Women Newcomers’ Club
The Bitterroot Women Newcomers’ Club will meet on Thursday, September 13 at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church on Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. Guest speaker is Kathy Sital of the Ravalli County Council on the Aging. Guests are welcome. For more information email bitterroot.valley.newcomers@gmail.com.
Green Thumbs Up
The Green Thumbs Up garden club will meet on Thursday, September 13 at 2 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, downstairs in the Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton. Molly Hackett, writer of the popular “Dirty Fingernails” column in the Missoulian and Ravalli Republic will talk on garden cleanup now that fall is imminent. Molly welcomes your questions. The meeting is free and open to the public. For further information contact Susan Duff, 961-5455.
Museum talk
Beth Fischer will present “Through the Microscope” on Thursday, September 13 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton as part of the Science in Wonderland exhibit. Take an adventure into the world of electron microscopes used to explore the beauty and pathways of many disease-causing agents.
BPL Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, September 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book “The Matter of Mind: An Explorer’s Guide Through the Labyrinth of the Mind” by Djwhal Khul through Kathlyn Kingdon.
This remarkable book lays out the dimensions of the mind in a coherent presentation unlike any other available today. It is a thorough treatment of how the mind is both our vehicle of liberation, and that which blocks our liberation.
In collaboration with Kathlyn Kingdon, Master Teacher Djwhal Khul reveals that the keys to happiness lie within each of us, buried beneath our conditioning and false beliefs, which we mistake for reality. This masterful guide stresses the importance of dissolving limited emotional patterns and cutting through the web of illusion, which hold one prisoner in a cage of repeated patterns. “The Matter of Mind” is an inspiring and lucid treatise to help train the mind as the only means of achieving lasting peace and opening up to the experience of enlightenment.
Kathlyn Kingdon is a true renaissance woman: gifted conductor, composer, lecturer, psychotherapist, and author. Her extraordinary connection with Djwhal Khul, affectionately known as “the Tibetan” to sincere aspirants the world over, has helped her impart timeless truths from several world traditions through priceless teachings that inspire seekers to rise above learned patterns of helplessness and complacency while transforming their lives in the process.
The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month 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.
MCT presentation
In conjunction with Arts in Education Week, MCT, Inc. presents the children’s play “Miss Nelson is Missing” on Thursday, September 13 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 15 at 11 a.m. at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Based on the popular children’s book by Harry Allard and James Marshall, “Miss Nelson is Missing” tells the story of an elementary school teacher who can’t control her crazy classroom because she is just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp. The kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they’ll do anything (including hiring a private eye), to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.
Many familiar faces from the MCT staff are participating in this production, including Don Mogstad and Eric Prim, who are responsible for all local children’s programs. Other staff members in the cast include Amy Ellis, Chelle Robinson, Don Collins, Dylan Wright, Kepler Correia, Kevin Harrington, Michelle Nigh-Mogstad and Victoria Larson.
Tickets to “Miss Nelson is Missing” go on sale Tuesday, September 6. For ticket information call the MCT Box Office at 728-7529.
Friday, September 14
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Brigadier General Dale Stovall, United States Air Force (Ret), will be the speaker for the South Valley Pachyderm Club meeting on Friday, September 14. The club meets at 12 noon on the second and fourth Fridays at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, in Hamilton. A 1967 Air Force Academy graduate, General Stovall distinguished himself as a rescue pilot in North Vietnam and Laos. In 1983 General Stovall was selected to be a military fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York City. For his last active duty assignment, General Stovall served as Deputy Commanding General of the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC. He will be speaking on current world affairs. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Saturday, September 15
Women’s health symposium
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital presents the third annual Women’s Health symposium. This year’s Symposium welcomes keynote speaker Dr. Nancy Eyler, Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician with over 32 years of experience, speaking on the most current women’s health issues, including osteoporosis, “the silent disease.” In addition, there are nine other sessions offered by the Marcus Daly Medical Staff. These are interesting and interactive sessions covering an array of topics: Facts about Vitamin D, Brain Games, Hi-Tech Heart, Find Life Balances and more. You will leave with tips on how to embrace the aging process to live life to the fullest! Unwind, be pampered, and get active while learning important health and lifestyle information that can positively impact your life. The Women’s Health Symposium is September 15 from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and begins with a cholesterol screening, followed by a delicious heart healthy breakfast. Participants will also have the opportunity to have blood pressure and BMI (body mass index) screenings, as well as a stress reducing massage, gifts, and treats and an opportunity for discounted screening services. For more information or to make your reservations call Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital at 375-4500 or visit www.mdmh.org.
NVPL Movie Matinee
Come to the North Valley Public Library on Saturday, September 15 at 12 noon for a free and fun flick. Matinees are every first, second and third Saturday of the month. Call the library for information about the title at 777-5061. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.
Teddy Bear Tea
High society comes to Corvallis! Wear your best hat, and enjoy an afternoon of delectable tea, scrumptious sandwiches, and adorable teddy bears at the “Beary Special event,” a Teddy Bear Tea, September 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Corvallis Methodist Church, 356 Corvallis Cemetery Rd. There will be a silent auction of over two dozen collectible bears, including some Steiff bears. Make reservations to attend this fun afternoon event to benefit Marcus Daly Hospice. Marcus Daly Hospice serves over 100 Bitterroot families every year facing the end of life. Your support ensures that patient care needs are met. Tickets are $25 per adult, $20 for 12 or under, $150 per table. For reservations contact Sharon Roberts at 375-0466. For more information contact Patti Weeda at 375-5263, or visit www.marcusdalyhospice.org.
‘Root Food Dinner
Sustainable Living Systems will hold its annual ‘Root Food Dinner on Saturday, September 15 at 5 p.m. at the Victor Community Garden. Celebrate the harvest at this potluck party. Bring a veggie dish made from what you grew. There will be a barbecue grill or two set up for Lifeline burgers or whatever else you want to grill, and maybe a campfire as well. Hot and cold drinks will be provided. There will be a shelter in case of rain with tables and chairs. There will be raffles for a garden plot, and a large bucket of garden tools. Maybe a few games organized, live music by gardeners, etc. The whole community is invited and all friends and supporters of SLS as well.
Operation Christmas Child Countdown event
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, is gearing up for its annual shoebox collection season with a Countdown event this Saturday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Church, 280 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton. The Missoula Area team headed up by Greg Reinhardt of Victor is hosting this annual event.
What makes this event special is the beginning of the count down to the national shoebox collection week, November 12-19. This year Operation Christmas Child is striving to collect the 100 millionth shoebox since the project began in 1993. Locally the team, which covers Missoula, Ravalli and Mineral counties, has a goal of collecting over 5,000 shoebox gifts.
Greg will be sharing his experience of actually handing shoebox gifts to children in Uganda. Many people want to know what it’s like to actually hand a gift to a child in another country half way around the world. They want to know what happens to that precious gift they packed. Greg will share some of the sights, sounds, smells and touches he experienced while helping 80 fellow team members distribute over 6,000 shoebox gifts, in five short days to children in and around Kampala, Uganda.
And while his story is exciting and informative there will be even more excitement as two teenage sisters from Ukraine will share their story of receiving shoebox gifts when they were young. Reinhardt refers to this as a full circle story. These young women will share how a simple shoebox gift impacted their lives.
“This is an exceptionally special event, says Reinhardt, “as we have never had shoebox recipients come to Montana to share their story. This is a first for Montanans to hear live and in person from someone who actually received such a gift.”
Operation Christmas Child Super West Regional Director, Iliana Salizar, and the Northwest Regional Manager, Cheryl Pierson, will also be speaking at this event. In addition, there will be fun and prizes given away, and light refreshments will be served.
For more information or to request Greg Reinhardt to share his Uganda trip with your group or church, call him at 360-4253.
Emma’s House benefit
On Saturday, September 15th, Bella Boutique will host the 9th annual Fall Fashion Preview benefiting Emma’s House Child Advocacy Center. The event is being held at the St. Francis Parish Life Center, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and the evening includes a prime rib dinner, fashion show, live auction, silent auction, no host martini bar and live entertainment. Seating is limited so get your tickets now at Bella Boutique, 200 West Main Street in Hamilton, 375-1900. Emma’s House is a Child Advocacy Center performing forensic interviews, medical exams and mental health counseling to children that are abused or neglected, free of cost and in a home-like setting.
Stevensville Playhouse variety show
Don’t miss “The Monthly Grind,” a variety show with an emphasis on “non-political, family-oriented” entertainment, on Saturday, September 15 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Playhouse. Get together for homegrown entertainment and homemade dessert at “The Monthly Grind” every third Saturday of every month except December and February. Adults are $5, kids under 6 are free. Bring a homemade dessert to share and get in free! Call Jim or Susan McCauley if you would like an opportunity to share your talent with the community or have questions about “The Monthly Grind,” 406-396-6519 or 360-489-7114.
Wednesday, September 17
Rotary Club
Dusty Williams, from the Bitterroot Aquatic Center, the Ravalli County Park District #2 Community Pool, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, September 17. The club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. There will be time for questions and discussion. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Audubon
Bitterroot Audubon’s September 17 meeting will feature an illustrated presentation on Raptor Migration in the western U.S. by well-known raptor expert Steve Hoffman. Steve will discuss the best times and locations for observing migrating hawks, eagles and falcons, destinations of migrating raptors, and other interesting points of raptor migration. Steve’s enthusiasm for raptors is infectious and everyone will leave knowing more and wanting to get out and “hawk watch!” Steve founded Hawk Watch International, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to research and conservation of hawks, eagles and other birds of prey, and has authored more than 30 scientific papers on raptor biology and conservation as well as other topics. He is currently the Executive Director of Montana Audubon. The program is on Monday, September 17 at 7 p.m. at the Conference Room at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Visitors’ Center north of Stevensville. The program is free, and the public is invited. For further information contact Kay Fulton, 642-3794.
Tuesday, September 18
NVPL Music Makers Storytime
Did you know that you can help your little ones build literacy skills even before they begin to talk? Music Makers is a free Ready 2 Read program, which is an initiative by the Montana State Library, that assists in developing early literacy skills through singing, talking, reading and playing. Music Makers will be held at the North Valley Public Library on Tuesday, September 18 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteer Melissa Sparks leads the group through singing, movement, fingerplays and stories. September’s theme is “Awesome Animals.” There will be time to stay and play after the program as well as share in a healthy snack. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
NVPL Herb Chat
Do you have an interest in local herbs or wish you knew how to put them to practical use? Come to the North Valley Public Library for the second herb chat led by local herb expert Jessica Dawson of Outlaw Herbalist. Jessica will be discussing the harvest, drying and preserving of herbs. The class will be held in the community room on Tuesday, September 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The class is free and open to the public. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Resource Policy meeting
Ravalli County Commissioners will give an update on the Resource Policy regarding fires on Tuesday, September 18 at 7 p.m. at the Eagles back room, on 2nd Street in Hamilton. For more information contact Lilya McAlister at 207-7630.
Amateur Radio tech class
The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club is sponsoring a Technician Class License course. Enjoy talking to other Amateur Radio Operators near and far! Want to experiment with new technologies that utilize computers interfaced with radios? Would you like to join forces with government and local volunteer organizations as Amateur Radio Operators and team up with them for public service events and emergency communications assistance? Take your first steps by joining this interactive course taught by a team of knowledgeable Amateur Radio Operators from the Bitterroot Valley.
Are you interested in backup communications when the phone lines are down? Want to know which roads are closed when the storms blow through? Would you like to participate in a family friendly community of your neighbors, helping each other and those around you? Do you want to keep in touch when you’re out hiking, riding or working in the back forty? Would you like to assist Disaster Agencies like the Red Cross with local communications in a disaster?
You can get an Amateur Radio Technician license by passing a multiple-choice examination. No Morse code test is required. The exam covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Although regulated by the FCC, license exams are given by volunteer groups of Amateur Radio operators. Operating under organizations called Volunteer Examiner Coordinators. Volunteers administer and grade tests and report results to the FCC who grant the license. U.S. licenses are good for ten years before renewal, and anyone may hold a license except someone who is a representative of a foreign government.
All the information needed to pass this test will be covered in the course. There is also a study book required for the class that you will need to purchase and which will be available at the class from the instructors for $29.95 which includes a CD that has the test pool questions and other information. An exam is scheduled for November 10 and the place of the exam will be announced at a later date. There is a $15 fee to take this test and there will be tests for higher class licenses as well.
The course is held at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main St, in Stevensville (north door). Class started on September 11 will be held every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. The last class will be held on November 6. There will be a class for the Extra Class License held the first part of 2013. Anyone wishing to get your FCC Amateur Radio Technician license is welcome to attend this class. Drop ins will be accepted if there is still room.
BPL Socrates Café
Socrates Café will be held Tuesday, September 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Facilitator is Kris Bayer. Come and participate in the Great Conversation. At each gathering the group will choose a question to discuss, define terms and respectfully consider whatever answers develop.
Wednesday, September 19
BPL Preschool Storytime
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton on Wednesday, September 19 to play some Olympic games and hear a few books with storyteller Sally Blevins. 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.
RCEDA board meeting
The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will be holding its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 19 at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at Ravalli Entrepreneurship Center, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton.
Thursday, September 20
BPL computer classes
A class on Introduction to E-mail will be held Thursday, September 20 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the main floor of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. The class is hosted by the Web On Wheels Bus. Preregistration is requested by calling 363-1670.
Museum talk
Dr. Emmie de Wit will present “Catching the Flu: of Birds, Pigs and Humans” on Thursday, September 20 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton as part of the Science in Wonderland exhibit. Influenza has been in the news a lot recently. Swine flu, H5N1 bird flu and influenza pandemics have become common terms. But what makes these viruses so different and why is everyone so worried about them? Why do some influenza viruses give us a bad cold, whereas other flu viruses can be lethal? Why is it easy to become infected with human flu, but not so easy to get bird flu? Emmie de Wit has done research on human, avian and swine influenza viruses for more than 10 years, trying to answer these questions. In her presentation, Emmie will talk about the answers she and others have found.
Friday, September 21
PFLAG Pacific Northwest Conference
The annual PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Pacific North West Conference kicks off on Friday, September 21 at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. The theme is “Big Sky/Big Dreams.”
“We are thrilled to bring PFLAG chapters as well as other allied groups from all over Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and Montana together in Hamilton for a fun-filled weekend that will inspire them to renew their commitment to advocating for equality and dignity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community,” said PFLAG’s volunteer regional director and Pride Foundation board member Kathy Reim, who will travel to the conference from Skagit County, Washington.
The local host chapter PFLAG Hamilton-Bitterroot has organized local tourism activities to welcome conference participants to the community. Activities include hikes, a bike ride, Daly Mansion tour, auction of a half day float and fishing trip on Sunday afternoon and viewing of coffee roasting followed by a welcome and introduction to the downtown area of Hamilton. Tourism options can be viewed at www.pflaghamiltonbitterroot.org. Keynote speaker Dr. Robert Minor, emeritus professor of religion at the University of Kansas, will address how to defuse religious arguments used to justify discrimination of LGBTQ people. Following his presentation, there will be a no-host reception with Walla Walla wine as well as beer from a local brewery and entertainment by local talent.
Saturday’s offerings begin at 9 a.m. and include workshops which are pertinent to many non-profit organizations and who are all invited to attend. The presentations will include, how to avoid volunteer burnout, creating a plan for your organization, how to better engage straight allies in faith communities, a panel on transgender experiences, how to have a more fulfilling relationship geared toward LGBTQ couples, and techniques which promote safe schools for everyone. Jody Huckaby, Executive Director of PFLAG National, will be the special guest presenter. Huckaby, was born and raised in Eunice, Louisiana, has served as the Executive Director of PFLAG National since 2005. Jody brings a unique family perspective to his role with PFLAG because he is gay and has three gay siblings and four straight siblings. During his time with PFLAG, he has become a visible spokesperson on issues impacting LGBT families and allies, appearing on Oprah and being quoted in national news outlets such as Newsweek, ABC News and in the Associated Press.
Lesbian icon, singer-songwriter Cris Williamson will perform a benefit concert for the Bitterroot PFLAG chapter at the Victor Performing Arts Center on September 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.org
Conference sessions continue Sunday morning exploring how to build more successful boards of directors, understanding leadership styles and how to carry forth the hope and inspiration of the conference back to the various communities represented from across the region. Jean Hodges, Vice President of PFLAG National, will round out the conference with, “Heading Home with Hope,” where she will share her experience of family and community transformation.
Teachers and all categories of counselor professionals will receive continuing educational credits for each program attended up to a maximum of 10 credits if all conference presentations are attended.
For a full schedule and registration information, visit www.pnwpflag.org. Those needing a ride to and from the Missoula airport to the conference should email John at cummings1@bresnan.net. For local information on the Bitterroot Valley’s tourist offerings, visit www.pflaghamiltonbitterroot.org.
Saturday, September 22
Harvest Fest
Hamilton Farmers Market will host the 2012 Harvest Fest and Giant Pumpkin Contest on Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on 2nd, 3rd and Bedford Street in Hamilton.
Besides the Craziest, Smallest and Largest (non pumpkin) Veggie and Flower Contests open to all, the Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin Contest will include a pumpkin for adults as well as one for children to guess. There will be Mini-pumpkin Painting for Mini Kids, giant pumpkin carving by local artist Pam Watts and a drawing for gift boxes of veggies.
The Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth will give awards for the largest long gourd, field pumpkin, tomato and watermelon as well as prizes for the heaviest giant pumpkin. Rumor has it that there is one weighing more than 1000 pounds growing somewhere in Polson and it will be coming to the Harvest Fest! If you’ve got one in your garden, consider bringing it in. There will be a forklift to make things easier. For contests details, call 961-0004.
More parking for the farmers market is now available on highway 93 across from Bedford Street. Be sure to use the pedestrian flags as you cross the road.
PFLAG benefit concert
Noted singer/songwriter Chris Williamson will be performing in concert on Saturday, September 22 at 7 p.m. at the Mary Stuart Rogers performing Arts Center in Victor in conjunction with the PFLAG Pacific Northwest Conference in Hamilton. Chris is “about the best writer and interpretive singer around,” said Bonnie Raitt. A Black Hills native, raised in the Rockies, much of Chris’s music today is about returning home to her beloved West, paying tribute to the mountains, the prairies, and the people she holds so dear. Ticket prices range from $23 to $50. For tickets and information, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/244727, or call 1-800-838-3006.
Sunday, September 23
Founders Day
Celebrate the founding of the first pioneer settlement in Montana on Sunday, September 23 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Mission, west end of 4th Street, Stevensville. Founders Day begins with a re-enactment with a cast of Salish Tribal Members dressed in full regalia plus local actors as the Jesuit Missionaries. The celebration takes place on the grounds at St. Mary’s Mission against the backdrop of the Salish Indian Encampment and mountain men with pack animals. The 200th anniversary of the birth of Father Anthony Ravalli will be recognized by Ellen Baumler, Interpretive Historian with the Montana Historical Society. The ceremony is free of charge. A fundraising barbecue will be available from 3 to 4:30 p.m. by the Knights of Columbus. Guided tours at reduced rates will be led from 1 to 4 p.m. St. Mary’s Gift Shop and Museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. with a new book, “Father Anthony Ravalli, S.J.” on sale. Discover the first roots of Montana. For more information call 777-5734.
Stevensville Awana
Awana is set to begin again in Stevensville on September 23. All kids ages 3 years-8th grade are welcome to come each week on Sundays from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St. Awana is an international and interdenominational kids club that stresses evangelism and discipleship is open to any child. Children learn about Jesus, memorize scripture, earn awards, play games and are instructed by trained leaders and helpers. Call Lynn Baker, 531-2684, or Mark Jensen, 777-7246, for more information.
Monday, September 24
MCT performing arts classes
Afterschool performing arts classes for grades K-12 will be held September 24/25 through November 2 culminating with a production of “The Hobbit.” MCT’s classes take place following school on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Performance details will be available on the first day of classes. All children participate in an audition, are cast in a role, and perform in the show. Register by September 21. Performances take place November 3 and 4 at 3 and 5 p.m., at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets go on sale October 29 at 9 a.m. For more info, call 728-7529.
Tuesday, September 25
BPL Used Book Sale
Attention all bibliophiles! The 2012 Annual Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library Used Book Sale is coming to the downstairs Community Room in the Bitterroot Public Library at 306 State St. in Hamilton September 25-29.
The sale days will be Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Tuesday evening only there will be a $3.00 admission for adults. The price for all items is $1.00 per inch thick. Saturday all day will be the ever-popular Bag Sale when all the items that can be stuffed in a grocery bag are $2.00 per bag – bring your own bags if possible. Another popular feature of the book sale is free books all week long outside on the sidewalk. On Saturday after 2 p.m. there will be a Truckload Sale – $15.00 per load! Bring your own truck and load it up! Starting on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m. on Saturday there will be a silent auction of special books.
Volunteers are welcome and needed to help set up and sort books before, as well as during, the sale. Set up times are Saturday and Sunday, September 22-23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A sign-up work schedule is posted on the Friends of the Library bulletin board near the front door of the library.
Donations to the book sale may be brought to the Bitterroot Public Library during regular open hours. Do not put donated materials in the library book return boxes. All proceeds from the book sale go to benefit the Bitterroot Public Library.
For information contact the Bitterroot Public Library at 363-1670,
Thursday, September 27
BPL book discussion group
“Brown Bag It” Book Discussion Group will be discussing “Blind Your Ponies” by Stanley Gordon West on Thursday, September 27 at 12 noon. This is an informal group and new members are welcome. Call 363-1670 for more information.
Saturday, September 29
Jacket Blackout Run
A 5k Night Run/Walk and a 1-Mile Fun Run will be held Saturday, September 29 at 7 p.m. as a benefit for the Stevensville High School football and volleyball programs. The course will begin and end at the Stevensville high school football field, under the lights. There will be sparklers, glow sticks and marshmallows for roasting. This is an opportunity for community members and younger students to meet and mingle (and compete against) high school student athletes. The purpose of this event is to promote healthy, active lifestyles. So bring your headlamps and running shoes, dress in your black and gold and show your support. Register at the event or online at timedsports.com, Jacket Blackout Run. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for students. For more information call Jody at 274-8454.