Clubs and Groups
Hamilton Senior Center activities
Monday – Lunch 11:45; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Line dancing 9:30-11:30 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m., country dance lessons 7:30-9 p.m.
Wednesday – Lunch 11:45; bridge at 1 p.m., cloggers at 5 p.m., country dance lessons at 7:45 p.m.
Thursday – Exercise at 9 a.m.; pinochle on 3rd week, 1 p.m.
Friday – Lunch 11:45
Saturday – Flea market every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday – Bridge, 1 p.m.
Stevi Senior Center activities
Mon-Friday – Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Bridge and Special Music, noon
Monday & Saturday – Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
2nd Tuesday – Quilters, 6:30 p.m.
Every Other Wednesday – Fiddlers at Lunch
3rd Wednesday – Special Birthday Dinner, noon, with music. Blood pressures taken.
Thursday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
1st & 3rd Thursday – American Legion Bingo, 7 p.m.
For more information call the Center at 777-5681 or 777-5707.
Victor Senior Center activities
Sundays – AA meeting, 7 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Men’s Coffee, 8:30-10 a.m.
Monday-Friday – Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, beverage, dessert. Senior donation $3.50, under 60 years $5.75. (RSVP 642-3320)
Tuesdays – Bingo, 7 p.m.
Wednesdays – Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Fridays – Ladies’ Coffee, 10-11 a.m.
Golden Agers
The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5 per couple and $3 per single. Snacks are potluck. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every first Wednesday of the month. Also on the first Wednesday of every month a potluck is held at 12:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting. Card parties are held on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. On the last Wednesday of the month a birthday party is held at 2 p.m.
AA meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the following times and places:
Monday: Convergence Ministries, 7 p.m., Hwy 93 & 101 Ann’s Lane, Lolo
Tuesday: Working With Others Group, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church basement, 401 Church Street, Stevensville
Wednesday: Big Book Study Meeting, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence
Thursday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish basement, 333 Charlo Street, Stevensville
Friday: Discussion Meeting, 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence
Al-Anon
Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive
drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 721-5818.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton (north entrance).
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.
Debtors Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous is a twelve-step program offering help to people with compulsive spending issues. Anyone is welcome. Debtors Anonymous meets Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Step Room of the 4-D Club, 450 Broadway, Missoula. Call 206-426-5486 for more information.
TOPS
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a weight loss support group, meets in Stevensville every Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street. Guests are always welcome. Call Jerry Sue at 777-5355 for more information.
Bitter Root VFW
VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton.
Bitter Root VFW Auxiliary
The Bitter Root VFW Auxiliary meets the first Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at 282 Grundy Lane, Hamilton.
Florence American Legion
The Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Fire Hall. For further information contact Post Commander Ted Hall at 214-5383, tchall@usa.net.
Stevensville American Legion
The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.
American Legion Auxiliary
Fort Owen Post 94, Stevensville, American Legion Auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call 777-4335 for location.
Corvallis American Legion
The Corvallis American Legion Post 91 meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Corvallis High School library. For further information contact Post Commander Edna Nasca at 523-9565 or Post Adjutant Nelson Carlos.
Darby American Legion
Darby American Legion Post 38 meets every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Darby Community Library. Any military veteran or active duty service member is encouraged to attend. For information call Post Adjutant Diana Thomas, 369-0119.
Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans meet the first Monday of the month at the Elks Club, 203 State Street in Hamilton at 6:30 p.m.
WIC clinics
A WIC clinic is offered in Hamilton Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 205 Bedford St, Suite P, District Courthouse building in Hamilton.
The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College St. in Stevensville. The Victor clinic is open the second Monday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every other month, the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. For more information call 375-6685.
Sapphire Quilt Club
The Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Teaching of short cuts and easy techniques begin at 6:30 p.m. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting. For information, contact Linda Powell at 777-1070.
Bereavement Support Groups
When you grieve the death of a loved one, you sometimes hide it so others think you’re over your sorrow and loss. Marcus Daly Hospice offers an opportunity to share grieving experiences and grow from them. For anyone in the community dealing with the loss of a loved one, a bereavement support group meets Tuesday afternoons from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Center living room. All are welcome. Marcus Daly Hospice invites you to take this opportunity for unloading your mind and mending your heart. For more information call the Marcus Daly Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503.
Spanish conversation group
Habla Espanol? Do you travel? Do you work with Latinos? Do you just want to keep your mind sharp? If you are a beginner or just a bit rusty, join the Stevi Spanish Conversation Group at the North Valley Public Library Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm to brush up on your Spanish language skills. This is not a class to learn to speak Spanish. It will be an informal, weekly gathering to practice speaking the Spanish language. The focus will be role playing for situations experienced during travel and everyday life. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Soroptimists
Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first, second and third Thursdays of each month at noon at BJ’s Restaurant. Soroptimist is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. All interested business women are encouraged to attend.
Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.
PFLAG Chapter
Hamilton/Bitterroot Valley PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 600 S. 3rd St., Hamilton, in the community basement room. The building is handicap accessible from Desmet Street; backdoor of the church. PFLAG offers support to parents, families, friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the local community. Chapter representatives Dr. Michael Moran and Terry Moran state one of PFLAG’s primary objectives is to maintain families in loving relationships and to keep families together. For additional information call 363-7656.
Valley Veterans Services
Ever wonder what VA benefits you’re entitled to? Valley Veterans Service Center provides free assistance to veterans and their dependents in filing claims with the VA. Valley Veterans Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by for a visit or call for an appointment at 363-9838. The center is located at 299 Fairgrounds Road, Suite 4 in Hamilton or online at http://valleyveteransservicecenter.org/
Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings
The V2V outreach group meets every Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. These informal meetings are for all veterans. Many veterans have both unresolved and resolved issues from their experiences in the military that impact their lives. At the meetings participants can discuss whatever they want and the outreach group gives veterans an opportunity to get together to share information and talk about issues. For further information contact Dan Mayer, 360-5435, from the Bitterroot Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Vietnam Veterans of America
The Bitterroot Chapter #938 of the Vietnam Veterans of America meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 316 N. 3rd in Hamilton. Vietnam era veterans often need assistance with problems and issues and many have similar stories. The Bitterroot Chapter VVA is your organization to provide the opportunity to obtain and share information, to organize grassroots activities, lend a helping hand, and offer assistance to all veterans in dealing with the Veterans Administration. Also, the local chapter supplies input to state legislators and through the National VVA to federal government legislators on issues important to veterans. For more information contact George Mayer, 274-2578.
Bitterroot Toastmasters
Bitterroot Toastmasters Club meets Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton with optional no host lunch before or after. Meetings are designed to build confidence and skills in communication and leadership. Guests are welcome. Call Douglas at 381-3214 for more information.
BPL toddler story time
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.
Elks dinner
The Elks Club at 203 State Street in Hamilton serves dinner to the public every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The $9.00 complete meal includes dessert and coffee. Proceeds help to aid Elks charities. For more information call 363-3031.
Sabre Soccer meetings
Stevensville Sabre Soccer meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Main Street Association building in Stevensville. The general public and all interested parties are welcome to attend. For more information contact Brooke Flynn at 880-2903.
Fiber Arts Guild
Big Sky Fiber Arts Guild meets the last Saturday of every month. If you are a wool spinner or work with fibers, contact Shelley at 777-5205 or Marty at 777-2421 for location or information.
Men’s Bereavement Breakfast
Marcus Daly Hospice sponsors a Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Dining Room. This breakfast creates a special opportunity for men coping with the death of a spouse or loved one to gather and share their journey of healing. Informal discussions are led by a trained Bereavement Facilitator and address such issues as dealing with grief, loneliness, forming new relationships, single parenting. A donation of $3.00 is appreciated for the meal. For more information call Marcus Daly Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503.
Bitterroot Moms Club
Join a local group for moms to meet new friends, learn more about the area, host or attend play dates, book clubs, outings and much more. The group is geared for moms and children to interact during the day but there are occasional events for moms in the evening. For more information go to meetup.com and under “Topic,” type in The Bitterroot Valley Moms Meetup Group or call 777-7234.
Ragtime Society
The Bitterroot Valley Ragtime Society meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Pub in Victor. There is no charge for membership, all are welcome. Come on out and listen to some vintage American music from the ragtime and early jazz era! For further information call 916-759-3168.
Spiritual discussion group
Between The Worlds metaphysical store in Hamilton is hosting a free Spiritual Discussion Group each week from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first Monday evening of each month and on Wednesday evenings the rest of month. These moderated discussions are open to everyone and are for people who wish to add understanding to their own particular spiritual path. All spiritual paths are respected and no one single path is promoted. This is a time for learning, getting to know new friends and sharing food and fun together. Between The Worlds is located at 205 W. Main Street, Suite B in Hamilton. For information, call 363-2969 or 381-2355.
Bitterroot MOPS
MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, in the Bitterroot Valley, meets every first and third Tuesday from 9:25 to 11:30 a.m. at Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Rd. There is free care and activities for the preschoolers, while the moms come together to be nurtured, find new friends, and enjoy a caring atmosphere as they strive to be the best moms they can be. For information call Brittney Caldarone at 370-5941 or Joni Madruga at 207-5415.
Acoustic music jam sessions
Free community music jam sessions are held every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the dining room at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street in Hamilton. Players of all levels are invited to bring their guitars, mandolins, harmonicas, fiddles, banjos, dobros or other acoustic instruments. Music includes old-time country, bluegrass, swing, cowboy, folk, old standards, etc. There is no charge for admission. Folks who want to play or just listen are encouraged to come – it’s always more fun with an audience and more jam participants. For more information, call John at 381-2483.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County is seeking volunteers for the following committees: Public Relations and Fund Raising meets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Habitat office located at 131 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. The Building and Church Relations committees meet ad hoc. For more information: http://www.ravallihabitat.org or 375-1926.
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of the Bitterroot board meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Highway, Hamilton. The public is welcome.
Darby Library story time
Children’s Story Time is held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. Come listen to stories, sing songs, and play games in the library while preparing your toddler or preschooler for success in school. All children from birth through age 5 are welcome with their caregiver to story time at the library. Call the library at 821-4771 for more information or visit the website at www.darbylibrary.net for a complete calendar of library events and programs.
NVPL Music Makers
Music Makers with Melissa is held on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Enjoy enriching music and movement storytime appropriate for ages birth-five with an accompanying adult. Melissa Sparks leads this program through singing, movement, fingerplays and stories. There is time after the program to stay and play while sharing a healthy snack. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living holds Sunday Celebration Services at its new location, 1782 N. 1st, C&D, in the Selway Commons, Hamilton. This is a non-religious service inspiring love and honoring spiritual growth in a welcoming and inclusive community dedicated to living the Way of Love, the Truth of Oneness and a Life of Joy. Coffee and fellowship after the service. For more info, call 381-4068 or email schultz_dv@msn.com.
Bible Study
Bible Study is held every Thursday at the Conner Wesleyan Church, 7 miles south of Darby on Hwy 93. For more information call 821-3570.
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.
Stevi Awana
All kids ages 3 years through 8th grade are welcome to come each week on Sundays from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. to Awana at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck, Stevensville. Awana is an international and interdenominational kids club that stresses evangelism and discipleship and is open to any child. Children learn about Jesus, memorize scripture, earn awards, play games and are instructed by trained, caring leaders and helpers. Call Lynn Baker 531-2684 or Mark Jensen 777-7246 for more information.
Bitterroot NAMI
Bitterroot NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) family support group meets the second Thursday of the month at 700 N. 4th St. in Hamilton in the fellowship hall. Call 381-9884 for information.
County recycling
Ravalli Recycling is open Mondays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. or dusk, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon (Sat. only buying aluminum cans, scrap metals and car batteries). #1 and #2 plastics, cardboard (flattened and no wax), telephone books, magazines and tin cans are currently being accepted. Containers must be rinsed and no lids or caps are accepted. The recycling center is located at 131 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, next to Habitat for Humanity, www.ravallirecycling.org for more information. The center is recycling over 57,000 pounds per month, less than 15% of what could be recycled. The center is 99% run by volunteers. Volunteers always needed. Call 375-5398 for details.
Misa en Español
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, La calle Main Street, en frente de la biblioteca el segundo y cuarto Miercoles de cada mes a las 7 p.m. Todos estan bienvenidos! Preguntas? Llama la Revda Dori Zubizarreta, 360-2661. (English also spoken.)
Florence senior lunches
Lunch is available through the Council on Aging for senior citizens and others in the Florence area on Mondays at the Florence Fire Hall. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. Prices are: 60 and over – $3.50, under 60 – $6.00. For more information, call the Council on Aging at 363-5690.
DCPL American Girl Book Club
American Girl Book Club for children meets every first Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. This popular book club includes participant book reviews and craft making such as design and creation of paper doll clothing and doll accessories. To join, call the library at 821-4771 or come to the next meeting.
Service personnel addresses requested
American Legion Unit 94 is requesting addresses for those serving overseas from family and friends so that they may send Troop Boxes throughout the year. Contact Carol at 406-529-9908.
Model trains
The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders (BVMRR) continue to run their trains in the basement of the Kohl Building, downtown Stevensville, during the following times: First Friday of each month, 4 to 8 p.m. and third Saturday each month, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If interested in joining the club, contact Tony Oberting at 273-0006.
Scrabble Club
Come and enjoy face to face fun playing America’s favorite word game on the second and fourth Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. All abilities are welcome. For more information contact Tony Rasch, 363-3405.
Free tax preparation
Free income tax preparation is available to low and moderate income individuals of all ages every Thursday at the Stevensville Senior Center by appointment. Call 777-5681 for more information.
Folk dancing
Come out Saturday evenings for a fun time dancing Mainstream and Plus Square Dances with cued Round Dances between Tips at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The Round Dances include Two Step, Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha, Jive and Fox Trot as time permits. Boots and Calico Square Dance Club has their dance with a Plus Workshop of Round Dances from 7 to 7:30 p.m. and Mainstream Dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Callers for the dances are Ray Dunbar and/or Barry Bartlette. Doctors have documented that square dancing is good physical and mental exercise for maintaining health.
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? 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!
Fair poster art contest
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is hosting an art contest for the annual Fair Poster and T-shirt. Winner will receive a cash prize of $250, two season passes to the 2013 Ravalli County Fair, VIP parking and reserved seating for all arena events Aug 28-31. Successful candidate will create the fair poster depicting the 2013 fair theme “4-H Pride and an 8 Second Ride” The judges would like the poster to showcase the community spirit of fair, the sport of rodeo, and the dedication of 4-H youth. Submit your entries to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Office in .jpeg format by noon on April 5 or email to ravallicountyfair.org.
Darby Bread Box collections
The Darby Bread Box is collecting the following items for the months of March, April and May: canned corn, soup and spaghetti sauce. Drop off the donated items at People’s Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. Any donation is appreciated.
Victor Community Garden plots available
Victor Community Garden is now accepting reservations for the 2013 summer. The garden offers 20′ by 20′ plots and supplies compost, mulch, tools and watering. The cost is $26 for the year and that also includes rent of a port-a-potty. The garden is on 5th Ave, just west of Victor. For more information contact Jill at 642-3601.
Calling all Bitterroot photographers
The Bitterroot Audubon Society calendar was such success that another one is going to be published for 2014. All proceeds from the calendar sales go to the BAS Educational Funds. The group is putting out a call for donations of photos of common native Bitterroot birds in their natural habitat. Anyone in the valley that loves our local birds is invited to send in their photos. If you submit your photos you will be allowing BAS to print the photos in its publications. You would be credited and have your name printed on the photo. Send high quality, high resolution photos, of at least 300 dpi in jpeg. The photos will be printed at 8.5”W x 10”H. There is a limit of 3 photos per photographer. Any Bitterroot birds are welcome, but especially ones that have not already been showcased in the 2013 calendar. Send your photos to bitterrootcalendar@gmail.com.
SAFE crisis line training
Become a valued member of the SAFE volunteer crisis line team to serve victims of domestic or sexual violence. Crisis line volunteers provide information and a listening ear to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and other callers. The next training begins April 8. Call Theresa Rivera at SAFE, 363-2793, ext 12, for more information.
Soroptimist candy sale
Hop, hop, hop over to the Soroptimist See’s Candy Mobile for yummy Easter candy. Sale goes through March 30. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The See’s Mobile is located in the First Security Bank parking lot at First and Main in Hamilton.