Spring Thaw
The 4th Annual Spring Thaw is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 in the First Interstate Center at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. This is a marketplace to see what your neighbors have been making over the long winter, and to sell your goods. Crafters and businesses are invited to participate, applications are available at http://rc.mt.gov/fair/forms.mcpx. Call 363-3411 for more information.
Challenganza signups
Do you believe in a great life above the influence of drugs and alcohol? Need to make a change? Come and celebrate fun, safe choices and your healthy self at the Above the Influence Challenganza on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Rocky Mountain Grange, 1436 S. 1st Street in Hamilton. What is a Challenganza? A football toss, basketball shoot, archery range, putting green, soccer kick and more challenging and fun things for everyone 10 years old and up. Teams of four can also enter. Everyone wins! Free t-shirt and lunch for participants! Sign up by March 15. Entry forms are available online at www.bckn.weebly.com, by calling 532-9149 or at your school’s front office. This is a fundraiser for Tobacco Free Ravalli and WMAS Prevention and all monies will go to providing youth-oriented community events.
Capitol field trip
Would you like an opportunity to travel to Helena and tour the Capitol as well as sit in on some sessions and ask our representatives questions? Well – Leadership Bitterroot is offering you this opportunity. On Wednesday, March 20, Chamber of Commerce members will be traveling by bus to Helena. The bus will leave the Chamber around 7:30 a.m. and will return approximately 8 p.m. It will be a long day, but a very interesting one for everyone going. There will be a guided tour of the Capitol, followed by lunch with our representatives. You will then have an opportunity to sit in on whichever session you choose. Cost will be $45 per person, which will cover lunch, Capitol tour and traveling expense. You will also be able to tour the Capitol Museum, which is within walking distance, at a discount price (usually around $5). On the return trip there will be a stop at The Law Dog Saloon for a light dinner. If you are interested, give Pat a call at 363-2400. Seating will be limited so don’t wait – call now!
Tack consignments wanted
Consignments are being accepted for the 9th annual 4-H Tack Swap to be held Saturday, March 16 at the Lone Rock Elementary School Gym. Consignment drop off dates are Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. behind the Three Mile Trading Company on Store Lane. For more information call Theresa at 207-1130.
Wednesday, February 27
NVPL Storytime
Come to the North Valley Public Library on Wednesday, February 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. to check out the Storytime and Craft Hour, a free early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers. With a different theme each week, participants will hear engaging library picture books, engage in fingerplays and songs and create an enriching craft. At each storytime, a healthy snack is provided and there is time 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.
Golden Age Club
The Golden Age Club, 727 S. Fifth in Hamilton, will hold a birthday and anniversary celebration on Wednesday, February 27 at 2 p.m. Refreshments will follow the program. Dancing to the music of Dick Reinbold’s band will take place Friday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $3 per person at the door. The next business meeting will be on Wednesday, March 6 following a 12:30 p.m. potluck dinner.
Bitterroot College Advisory Council
The Advisory Council for the Bitterroot College of The University of Montana will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 27 at 3 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 N. 3rd Street in Hamilton. The BC Advisory Council is a public board and welcomes members of the public to observe and participate at its meetings. The meeting agenda and supplemental meeting materials are available on the BC website at Advisory Council Meetings, by calling the BC Business Office at 375-0100, or by emailing victoria.clark@umontana.edu.
Rugby open house
The Former State Champion Bitterroot Valley Rugby Football Club will be hosting an informational Open on Wednesday, February 27 from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. Anyone is welcome and coaches will be on hand to answer any questions about the club. Sign-up assistance will also be offered for anyone who wishes to take advantage of that service. Sign-up information for High School Boys and Girls, Junior High Boys and much more can be found on the club website: www.bitterrootrugby.org.
Lolo Creek meeting
The Lolo Watershed Group is hosting a community discussion regarding the movement of Lolo Creek on Wednesday, February 27 at 7 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center. This conversation will focus on the history and impact of this creek movement, as well as ways in which individuals have attempted to address impacts on their properties.
Physical processes of rivers can cause channels in some areas to move laterally, or “migrate,” over time. Channel migration occurs naturally as banks erode and deposit sediment but can also accelerate due to unpredictable flood or high flow events or from human interference with natural processes. Both natural and human induced changes to channel migration can have adverse or unintended consequences on certain land and water uses. Increased or changed flooding can accelerate sedimentation and erosion, which adversely impacts riparian habitat as well as stability of shoreline infrastructure.
In an effort to better understand the issues and needs associated with channel movement, the Lolo Watershed Group is hosting a public discussion to explore these topics:
• Learn how Lolo Creek has moved over time and why.
• Share your stories and concerns about the movements and changes of Lolo Creek.
• Brainstorm ideas with your neighbors and fellow residents of Lolo watershed on how to best address this creek movement, while protecting both your property and Lolo Creek.
Members of the Lolo Watershed Group and Kascie Herron, a graduate student at the University of Montana, will facilitate the discussion. Kascie will assist the group in collecting information through research and outreach to landowners and will help organize and lead community meetings.
All interested Lolo Watershed residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion. The Lolo Community Center is located at 12345 US Highway 93 S. in Lolo. For more information e-mail Kascie at kascie.herron@umontana.edu
or Lolo Watershed Group President Bobbie Bartlette at lolotrailbritts@gmail.com .
Thursday, February 28
Business legal issues class
A class on legal issues for entrepreneurs will be held Thursday, February 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli Entrepreneurship Center (REC),
274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. This three-hour class will be taught by Hamilton attorney Richard Weber and covers several aspects of law including the legal business structures that small businesses assume and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Negotiations, contracts, intellectual property and legal liabilities will be explored. Most importantly, advice is given as to where to get legal information and help. Cost of the class is $30 which includes instructional material. To sign up call 375-0100. Call 375-9416 for more information.
NVPL tech class
The North Valley Public Library offers free tech classes on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. These are small, hands on classes available to novices or for those looking to brush up on specific skills. On Thursday, February 28 from 1 to 3 p.m., the library is offering an informative class on performing the most relevant internet searches. Get the most out of your Internet searches with different browsers (Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox). Use different search engines (Google, Bing, Ask, etc.). Save and organize your favorites. Save your personal home page. Registration is appreciated as space is limited. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville; 777-5061.
WNET training
The next WNET meeting will be Thursday, February 28 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at RCEDA, 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. The presentation will be “Keep Talking: How to Talk about Your Business so People Want to Hear More” with Karen McNenny.
How many times in a week are you asked the question, “So, what do you do?” This is a moment ripe with opportunity; you should embrace it. Karen will help you discover what makes your business truly unique and interesting. If you aren’t clear about your brand, you certainly can’t promote it. She will then guide us through a new approach, moving away from monologue and into dialogue. As time allows, this session will also include personal coaching from examples in the room. The presentation and Q & A will be one hour. Afterwards there will be time for general networking. Like all WNET brown bag lunches, there is no fee. For more information call 375-9416.
Marketing workshop
The Bitterroot Public Library is offering a marketing workshop on Thursday, February 28 from 7 to 8 p.m. Market Your Business with Fortune 500 Business Strategist John Kauffman and help your business align priorities with customers’ wallets. This is free and open to the public. Sign up for preregistration by calling the library at 363-1670.
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, February 28 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include an update from the water rights attorney, second reading on the business license ordinance, contract between Stevensville Main Street Association and Town of Stevensville, confirmation of Jeff Motley, Bill Perrin and Gene Mim Mack to the Fire Department Consolidation Study Group, among others.
South Valley Civic Group
The South Valley Civic Group will meet Thursday, February 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Naughty Moose. Guest speaker will be Julie Foster, Director of the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority.
NVPL Literacy Night
North Valley Public Library invites families to Living with Winter, A Family Literacy Night on Thursday, February 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Learn about animal tracks and test your skills with an Animal Track Challenge. Then create your own track stories! Enjoy winter picture books, poems, and nonfiction books along with literacy activities. Visit the Hibernation Station and explore ways that animals survive winter. Create your own snow globe to take home! This event is free and open to the public. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. Contact Caitlin at 777-5061.
Victor park board
The Victor Park District will meet Thursday February 28 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor (enter rear door from the south parking lot). This month members will meet with members of the Victor Garden Club and discuss future cooperation. Everyone is encouraged to attend – tea and cookies will be served. Call Roger De Haan at 961-3953 for more information.
Friday, March 1
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 1 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome. This is the second of six constitution classes by Chris Stevens of the John Birch Society.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry:
Knights of Columbus will hold a Lenten Friday Fish Fry on March 1 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis’ Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton. The meal consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, “Niezgodzki’s Mac n Cheese”, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. It is “all you can eat”. The price for the meal is $10.00 per person; children under nine are free. Wine can be purchased separately. The money earned at the fish fries goes back to the community through various charity and community events conducted by the Knights of Columbus. Your donation is tax deductible. Everyone is welcome so come out, bring a friend and enjoy the evening. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Eagles Taco Night
The Bitter Root Eagles Auxiliary will be serving Tacos and More at the Eagles Lodge in Hamilton on Friday, March 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Flour and corn tortillas, burritos, chili verde, quesadillas, and taco salads are on the menu. The public is welcome.
Chili cookoff
A chili cookoff fundraiser for Troop 115 will be held on Friday, March 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Florence Carlton Community Church. $5 per person gets you two bowls, fry bread, corn bread, lemonade, coffee and dessert.
Art exhibit
“Essence of Spring” biennial flower show is being held over by popular demand through April 2 at River’s Mist Gallery of Fine Art. There will be some new work along with featured artists Heidi Zielinski, fiber art; Antonia Wolf, photography and silk scarves; Barbara Michelman, photography; Howard Knight, leather work; Amy Knight, fused glass; Loey Knapp, photography; Elloie Jeter, pastels; Sally Johnson, watercolor; Carol Hoffnagle, colored pencil; Kiana Fecteau, acrylics; Pamela Dunn-Parrish, photography; Patricia DonDiego, acrylic and beadwork plus many more fine artists. The Budding Artist is Rachel Agosto. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, March 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. The gallery is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information call 777-0520.
NVPL First Friday
The Bitterroot String Band featuring Tim Hunter and Cleo Gunther will play on First Friday, March 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. They will play bluegrass music with banjos, guitars, accordions, etc. The performance is free and all ages are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, March 2
Women’s Self-Reliance Fair
The Bitterroot Women’s Self-Reliance Fair will be held Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the LDS Church building, 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road in Stevensville. This is a free event for all women (12 years and up) to gather together, celebrate, share and learn new skills. Women will be sharing skills and becoming more self-reliant. There will be workshops, demonstrations and displays. A sample of the fair’s offerings: Family finances and budgeting; Pressure canning and food preservation; Tax preparation; Gardening; Automotive basics; Family history; Estate planning; Addiction recovery; Basics of banking; LDS Home Storage Center; Fruit tree selection and care; When to use the Emergency room and basic wound care; Women’s Health; Sprouting; Home Improvement; Composting. In addition there will be a Red Cross to benefit the residents of the Bitterroot Valley. Women will be making lap-size fleece blankets for disaster response bags. If possible, bring a pair of scissors and a donation of fleece 30”x36” for children or 50×60” for adults. The Self-Reliance Fair is sponsored by the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Lincoln-Reagan Luncheon
The Lincoln-Reagan Luncheon, presented by Ravalli County Republican Central Committee, will be held Saturday, March 2 starting at 11 a.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn, 139 Bitterroot River Plaza in Hamilton (next to The Edge). Featured speaker is Congressman Steve Daines. Other events include a live auction, drawings, and entertainment. Food served includes barbequed steak and chicken, salad, garlic potatoes, beans and desserts. Ticket price is $25, seating is limited. For information contact 777-5014 or 273-3222.
NVPL Movie Matinee
Stop by the North Valley Public Library on Saturday, March 2 at 12 noon for a free and fun flick. During the month of March the library will feature movies to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Comedies, modern day musicals and fairy tales, all set in beautiful Ireland. Contact the library for film title information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, 777-5061.
Senior Center bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a special Saturday Bingo on March 2. Doors open at 12 noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used – free refreshments will be served. Must be 18 to play. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.
South Valley Stamp Club
The South Valley Stamp Club will meet Saturday, March 2 in conference room B of Marcus Daly Hospital. For the duration of the season, this will be the club’s meeting place. Use front (south) entrance and look for room across from the cafeteria. This month’s meeting will be an open discussion where members choose things to question, ask, or rebut as it pertains to collecting stamps. For more info, call Clyde at 375-5222.
Daly Mansion Casino Night
The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust will be hosting a winter fundraising event entitled Gatsby Gala & Casino Night on Saturday, March 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. The evening will include dancing to prohibition era music by the Ed Norton Stomperz and the Bitterroot Ragtime Society, a variety of hors d’ouevres, bar (including one free drink ticket), live poker, bingo, and great prizes. Guests are encouraged to “dress the part.” This 20’s themed event raises funds for the Daly Mansion and the Margaret Daly Memorial Arboretum. Reservations are $35 per person or $50.00 for two. A seat at the poker tables and chances for other prizes is additional so guests are encouraged to bring plenty of “loot”. To make reservations or for more information, call 363-6004 ext. 3#. The Daly Mansion is located at 251 Eastside Hwy between Hamilton and Corvallis.
Sunday, March 3
Pancake breakfast
The public is invited to a Scandinavian Pancake Breakfast to be held Sunday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sons of Norway Nordic Pines, 5795 Hwy 93 S, Lolo. The menu includes Scandinavian pancakes, ham, fruit, juice and coffee. Cost is $6 per person.
Spiritual discussion
The March theme at the The Center for Spiritual Living, Bitterroot Valley is Living with Diversity. On Sunday, March 3 at the Center, Kaye Rasch will present “God by Any Other Name.” Kaye organizes Dances for Universal Peace in the Bitterroot Valley. Meditation will begin at 9:30 and services start at 10 a.m. The Center For Spiritual Living offers music, meditation and inspirational sharing at 1720 N. First Street in Hamilton (Selway Commons just north of Sears). For more information visit www.cslbitterroot.org.
Monday, March 4
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken & noodles, mixed veggies, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Beef enchilada casserole, salsa, lettuce, refried beans, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chili & crackers, fresh carrots with ranch dressing, pears, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – BBQ Pork sandwiches, taters, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Scrambled eggs or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot pockets, peas & carrots, applesauce, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Rotary Club
Jerry Zook will be the speaker for the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, March 4 at 12 noon. The club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Zook will be discussing his work as Vocational Counselor for the Hamilton area. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Tuesday, March 5
Sons of Norway
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will meet on Tuesday, March 5 at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton. The program will highlight St. Urho’s Day, March 16th, and St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th with a history of the observances and young members of the Lodge doing Irish dances. Norwegian Vikings established cities in Ireland before the year 1000 and joined with Swedes and Finns to organize what became present-day Russia. The Lodge will serve corned beef and cabbage. Members and visitors are invited to bring an Irish or Finnish side dish. Members are urged to turn in their volunteer hours for 2012. The public is always welcome.
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot
The Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot invite you to join them on Tuesday, March 5 for their monthly meeting held at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with optional dinner and cocktails; the meeting starts at 7 p.m.
This month’s featured speaker is Jay Dixon, longtime valley resident, guide, outfitter, instructor and owner of Dixon Adventures, a fly fishing guide service.
Jay will demonstrate techniques and strategies that are essential to becoming a proficient and efficient angler. Learn what you can do to land big fish in precarious conditions, especially on light tippet. For information call 375-2330.
Wednesday, March 6
Baby Sign Language Class
Would you like to jumpstart your baby’s language development? Enhance your child’s self-esteem? Stimulate your baby’s intellectual development? Strengthen your parent-infant bond or reduce your child’s communication frustrations?
A Baby Sign Language Class designed to benefit most children and their guardian will begin Wednesday, March 6 and meet every Wednesday for 6 weeks from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Service’s pediatric gym. The gym is located inside the new Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center at the west end of 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Amy Yockey, MS, CCC/SLP, an accomplished and licensed Speech Therapist at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, will be teaching this class. If you have a child in your life 6 months to 3 years of age, call Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Services at 375-4570 to reserve your spot today. The fee is $25 and space is limited.
Spiritual Cinema
The monthly Center for Spiritual Living Spiritual Cinema will meet on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. The movie this month will be “Defending Your Life,” with Meryl Streep, Albert Brooks and Michael Durrell. The Center For Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street in Hamilton (Selway Commons just north of Sears). For more information visit www.cslbitterroot.org.