Wednesday, January 16
NVPL storytime
Bring your little one to the North Valley Public Library on Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for Storytime and Craft Hour, a free early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers. With a different theme each week, participants will hear a story, learn rhymes, fingerplays and songs, and create an enriching craft. At each storytime, a healthy snack is provided and there is time afterward to play and socialize with new friends. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
BPL story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, January 16 to enjoy “Natural Rhythms” with musician, songwriter, and educator Chip Jasmin. 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.
BPL Homeschool program
The Bitterroot Public Library will have a homeschool program with Chip Jasmin on Wednesday, January 16 from 12 to 2 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room. Learn more about our valley through song, movement, story and dance. This Artist in Schools/Communities program is partially supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Montana Arts Council and the State of Montana.
RCEDA board meeting
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly board meeting on Wednesday, January 16 beginning at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held in the REC conference room, 274 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton, and is open to the public.
Spiritual discussion group
So we all survived the Mayan calendar end date – The Mayan Elders have stated that the meaning of the Long Count Calendar change is a time of purification and introducing an era of change. What do you think are the spiritual implications of this time and space? Come join the discussion on Wednesday, January 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Hamilton (north of Sears). For more information call Dave Schultz, 381-2355.
Thursday, January 17
Bitterroot Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Open House
All are invited to an open house celebration at the newly designed Bitterroot Orthopedics & Sports Medicine clinic on Thursday, January 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, tour the modern, patient-centered clinic and meet the staff, including the new Physician’s Assistant, David VandeKieft. Dr. Jeremiah Clinton, David and the support staff will be available to answer questions, give tours and share some of the latest orthopedic surgical techniques. The new clinic is easily accessed from the hospital’s Emergency Department parking lot off 10th Street. After entering the parking lot the clinic is on the south side. The hospital is actively involved in planning for new services and providers in an effort to meet the healthcare needs of Ravalli County residents. The new clinic, with board certified Jeremiah Clinton, MD, and David VandeKieft, PA, offers expertise in orthopedics and sports medicine services. For more information call 375-4868.
Trout Unlimited
At the January 17 BRTU meeting, students and teachers from Corvallis High School will present “Classroom Without Walls: Education in the World’s Greatest Classroom!”
For almost 20 years, select Corvallis High School students have been spending part of their summers in a week-long “Classroom Without Walls,” learning and teaching each other about natural systems including biology, genetics, ecology, fisheries and geology. This is a for credit class at Corvallis High School and the students are given assignments that they must prepare and present to their colleagues and instructors. In past years, the week-long backpacking trips have taken CWW participants to the Wind River Range, the Beartooths, and the Sawtooths. The 2012 CWW trip was to the South Fork of the Flathead in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and, as you can see from the photos, fisheries was a major component!
BRTU Board member and Corvallis science teacher Brett Shelagoski is now one of the CWW teachers. Brett, Corvallis teacher Allie Neils and CWW students will present an overview of the program. Plan to attend and to learn why CWW is indeed Education in the World’s Greatest Classroom. Your attendance will also demonstrate to these students that BRTU supports educational efforts like this.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St. The public is invited to attend and there is no charge for admission. For more information, contact doug.p.nation@gmail.com or drtrout@mtbloom.net.
Trapping short course & trap release clinic
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will offer a short course in Missoula tailored to those that do not trap but want to learn more about furbearer management, Montana trapping seasons and how to release traps. The course is set for Thursday, January 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Missoula FWP office (3201 Spurgin Road). Participants do not need to pre-register.
The class will offer an introduction to wolf trapping and management, as well as short overview of other furbearer seasons. Participants will also have the opportunity to handle traps and learn how to open them, and hear practical tips on how to avoid places where traps may be set.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 17, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7:00. Program speaker is Casey Burke from the Ninemile Ranger Station. Casey will preview upcoming classes at the Ninemile Wildlands Training Center where the mission is to teach traditional back country skills. Guests are welcome, and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
PFLAG
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets Thursday, January 17 at 7 p.m. in the community basement room of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. PFLAG has missions of support, education and advocacy. All families, LGBT people and allies are welcome to attend meetings and/or become members. Membership is $25 and can be mailed to P.O. Box 202, Hamilton MT 59840. This month’s meeting will include a showing and discussion of the film, “Faces and Facets of the Transgender Experience.”
Friday, January 18
BPL Toddler Story Time
A special story time with musician Chip Jasmin will be held Friday, January 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library. It’s never too early to introduce your baby or toddler to the wonderful world of books and reading. Together you will discover the joy of songs, finger plays, simple books and bouncing rhymes. The toddler story time for babies through age 2 meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Toddler story time lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information call 363-1670.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, January 18 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Russ Vogel talking about The Bill of Rights. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Darby Sled Dog Race
Come watch or compete in the 6th Annual Darby Dog Derby Sled Dog Race, January 19 and 20 at Lost Trail Pass (Gibbons Pass Rd #1260). Meet the mushers Friday, January 18 at the Naughty Moose Restaurant (Conner) at 7:30 p.m. Races start Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Races include skijor, 2-dog junior, 4-dog, 6-dog and 8-dog classes. There will be a peewee race at noon on Sunday after the other races conclude. Bring your child (12 or under) to compete, no dog or sled required, please bring a helmet. For more information visit: www.bitterrootmushers.org or email: bitterrootmushers@hotmail.com.
NVPL Film Noir Series
Experience the iconic black and white style of Film Noir at the library throughout the month of January. Every Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. the library will host a free film and casual discussion for film buffs, mystery lovers and anyone wanting to add a little suspense and intrigue into these dark winter nights. Contact the library for film title information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, 777-5061.
Golden Age Soup Supper
A soup supper honoring the club’s past presidents is planned by the Goldemn Age Club for members and guests on Friday, January 18 at 6 p.m. Soup is furnished by the club; those attending should bring bread or dessert. There is a charge of $3 at the door which covers the cost of the meal and the dance to follow. Dick Reinbold’s band plays for the dancing that night. All band member and spouses are guests for the supper.
On January 30 at 2 p.m., the club will celebrate the November, December and January birthdays and anniversaries with a program and refreshments.
The February business meeting is on the 6th following a 12:30 potluck dinner.
Saturday, January 19
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will hold a “BeeGinner” Talk on Saturday, January 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 1050 Eastside Highway (Solid Rock Baptist Church) in Corvallis. This discussion is geared towards NewBees or WannaBee Beekeepers – topics include the importance of honey bees, how they work and what you need to get started with honey beekeeping. Future meetings will be held on the second Saturday of the month at 1050 Eastside Highway (Solid Rock Baptist Church) from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information contact Tracie Norman at 381-3053.
Bowhunter Education Classes
Six bowhunter education classes will be offered in Missoula beginning in January and online registration is open now for all classes. The first two class options are Saturday, January 19 or Saturday, February 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office, 3201 Spurgin Road. Students that take either of these classes must also complete a half-day field course on Sunday, February 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. Interested students can see the complete Missoula bowhunter education class schedule and register online now at fwp.mt.gov. Follow links to Education and Hunter Education.
Montana also offers online bowhunter education classes for anyone 18 years and older. Most of the coursework is completed online, and then students must complete a field course to receive their certification card. Field courses for online students will be offered in Missoula on Feb. 3, April 28, May 23 and June 13. For more information about the online class and to register for a field day, go online to nbef.org. There is a $20 fee for the online course.
By state law, all first time bowhunters must complete a bowhunter education course in order to purchase an archery license in Montana. Bowhunters born after January 1, 1985 must also show proof of completing a hunter education program.
‘Monthly Grind’
The Monthly Grind is back! Start the new year by treating yourself to seeing some of the valley’s amazing talents. The Stevensville Playhouse will host The Monthly Grind this Saturday, January 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door or bring in a homemade dessert to share at intermission and get in free! For more information called 406-396-6519 or 360-489-7114.
Monday, January 21
Stevi school menu
Jan. 21-25
Monday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot ham & cheese sandwich, peas & carrots, pears, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco salad, chips & salsa, mixed fruit, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sweet & sour chicken with rice, green beans, strawberries, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese burgers, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, taters, kiwi bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg & cheese wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken tenders, corn, apricots, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Rotary Club
During January, Hamilton Rotary Club speakers are focusing on outdoor activities in the Bitterroot. The speaker for the next meeting, Monday, January 21, will be Chad Devall, owner of the Red Barn Bicycle Shop. He will be discussing bicycling opportunities in the Valley along with some of the races that his shop sponsors. The club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Audubon meeting
Bitterroot Audubon’s Monday, January 21 meeting will feature a spectacular slide program on mountain climbing around the world by renowned adventure guide Skip Horner. Skip has been guiding climbers to the summits of high mountains worldwide for over three decades, and was the first to guide people to the highest peak on each of the seven continents, the famous “7 Summits.” He has spent 30 seasons guiding in the Himalayas, and has guided climbers to summits in more obscure ranges, such as the Karakorum, the Pamirs, the Atlas and the Mountains of the Moon. He has also led many expeditions in Antarctica, the Arctic and other exotic locales. Skip’s show will highlight these climbs that have spanned his prolific career as the world’s most far-ranging mountain guide. The program is at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy 93 at the north end of Hamilton. The program is free, and the public is invited. Enter the building from the west side. For further information contact Kay Fulton, 642-3794.
Tuesday, January 22
‘Walk with Ease’ program
The Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation announces the Walk with Ease Program! Walk with Ease is a nine-week program starting January 22 at the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center. Classes are one-hour twice per week, provided by certified instructors. The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease Program is specifically tailored to assist people with arthritis get the exercise that reduces pain, improves their overall health and helps build stamina for physical activity. Walk with Ease will help you motivate yourself to get in great shape, walk safely and comfortably, improve your flexibility, strength and stamina, reduce pain and feel great! Participants may also take the Exercise Program along with Walk with Ease. Space is limited, so call Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center at 375-4570 or visit mdmh.org and register today.
RASS training
A state-mandated Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service training will take place on Tuesday, January 22 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 required to hold a class.
Republican Women’s Club
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, January 22 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be Ralph R. Johnson, Ravalli County Extension Agent, who will be talking about “What’s Happening with Tree Health in the Bitter Root?” Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Dance performance
“Fire Speaks the Land,” a dance performance by UM’s dance ensemble, CoMotion, Karen Kaufman, Artistic Director/Choreographer, will be presented Tuesday, January 22 at the Bitterroot Performing Arts Center at Hamilton High School. This program uses dance performance to teach students about fire science, forest ecology and native cultural values and is designed for students in grades 4 through 6. There will be two performances, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Because there is additional space available, the public is welcome and admission is free. The event is supported by grants from the Rapp Family Foundation and the Plum Creek Foundation and is presented in partnership with the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council and the Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area’s (RC&D) Healthy Kids Healthy Forests Program.