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.
Wednesday, March 20
RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public.
Thursday, March 21
Library reading program
Learning to read begins before children start school. Young children need to develop important language and literacy skills before they can actually learn to read.
Parents and other caregivers can start now to help their children develop these skills. The Bitterroot Public Library, the North Valley Public Library and the Darby Community Public Library have partnered to bring Ready2Read events to each library that demonstrate how parents can use five familiar and easy-to-use practices to develop language and other early literacy skills in children from birth to age five. Offered at all libraries in March, the Parent and Child event will explain why the skills are so important, demonstrate how to help children learn the skills, and send parents and caregivers home with early literacy activities they can incorporate into their family’s daily routine. Most important, the event is an opportunity for parents and children to play together using the learning stations set up in the library during the event. These self-guided play stations provide together time to explore and have fun teaching and learning.
Every Child Ready to Read was developed by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Public Library Association (PLA), divisions of the American Library Association, in conjunction with national reading and education experts. Every Child Ready to Read offers research-based practices that adults and children can enjoy together while helping children learn early literacy or pre-reading skills. The practices are talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing.
This event will be held at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton (363-1670) on Thursday, March 21from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville (777-5061) on Thursday, March 28from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Registration is now open. Enrollment is limited. Call your local library for additional information.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 21, 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. Upcoming spring and summer trail projects, clinics and trail rides will be discussed. Program speakers are Terry Loveland and Dallas and Jenny Erickson from the Ravalli County Disaster Action team and their topic is “Red Cross Ready” for horse owners. They are donating a disaster preparedness kit suitable for two people, and a drawing for it will take place at the meeting. Guests are welcome and if you value riding and hiking on trails in the valley, this group works to preserve that value. For more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Sonlife Meet and Greet
A meet and greet for Friends of Sonlife Broadcasting will be held Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton. Do you watch: “Frances & Friends?” “The Message of the Cross?” “Study in the Word?” “The Classics?” Then join us for fellowship. For more information, call Jerry at 363-7217.
PFLAG
So you think your child might be gay… On Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m., PFLAG Hamilton-Bitterroot will present information on how to create a safe environment for your child to come out, increase family support, promote the well-being of LGBT youth, and decrease their risks to their health. Current research will be shared from the Family Acceptance Project (www.familyacceptanceproject.org) which identifies specific family behaviors that contribute positively to your child’s LGBT identity and wellness. The behaviors of communities and families which increase a LGBT child’s risk for health and mental health problems will also be discussed. The PFLAG program/support group is every third Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. This month’s program is in the rectory building directly behind St. Paul’s Church at 600 S. Third St. in Hamilton. Find PFLAG on facebook and visit the website at PFLAG Hamilton Bitterroot.
Book signing
Join local author and Chapter One employee, Maire Estar, for a book reading and signing on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. Her book, “The Woman and the Butterfly: A Journey of the Heart” is a beautifully illustrated and truly inspirational story. It is available at Chapter One Book Store located at 252 Main Street in Hamilton.
Trout Unlimited
Bitterroot Trout Unlimited will meet Thursday, March 21 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. The speaker is Brant Oswald of Brant Oswald Flyfishing, speaking on “Advanced Spring Creek Tactics: Rods, Flies and Drifts.” For three quarters of a century the spring creeks in the Livingston area have been legendary for large, finicky trout and frustrating, demanding angling. Brant Oswald has made his career studying these streams and developed a set of advanced tactics that can improve your success. Don’t miss this informative program. Trout Unlimited will be having dinner at Spice of Life at 5 p.m. before the meeting. Spice of Life owner and long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. For more information, contact douglas.p.nation@gmail.com or drtrout@mtbloom.net.
Friday, March 22
Stevi kindergarten registration
Stevensville Elementary School will be having Kindergarten Registration and Child Find (free health screening for ages 0-6) Friday, March 22 in the elementary gym from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students must be 5 on or before September 10 to register. Bring a copy of their immunization record and birth certificate. Call to schedule an appointment, 777-5613. Walk-ins are welcomed; appointments are preferred.
Mature driving class
The AARP Driver Safety Class (formerly ’55 Alive) will be presented at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, in Hamilton on Friday, March 22 from 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. This four hour, safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over; all are welcome. There are no driving or written tests, and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualified participants, age 55 and older. The class fee is $12.00 for AARP members, $14.00 for non-members. Walk-ins are welcome, however, pre-registration is advised. For sign-up or further information, contact Jones-Korman Insurance at 363-6583 or Thorn Ainsworth, District Coordinator, at 369-0149.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright will be speaking at the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club on Friday, March 22 at 12 noon. Fulbright will be speaking about legal issues and concerns of his office. There will be time for questions and discussion. The club meets on the second and fourth Fridays at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, in Hamilton. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Golden Age Easter dinner
The Golden Age Club annual Easter dinner will be held Friday, March 22 a 6 p.m. at the hall, 727 S. Fifth Street, Hamilton. The club will furnish ham, scalloped potatoes and rolls. Those attending should bring a salad, vegetable or dessert. Set up time is 4:30 p.m. on the 22nd. There is a charge of $3 at the door which covers both dinner and the dance following. Easter bonnets are also a feature of the evening, with prizes for the prettiest and the funniest. Dick Reinbold’s band plays for dancing that evening.
The birthday and anniversary celebration will be held March 27 at 2 p.m. with a program and refreshments. The next business meeting is April 3 following the 12:30 potluck.
Eagles dinner
Chef Greg will be serving Friday night dinner on Friday, March 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot Eagles lodge, 125 N. Second, Hamilton. Menu is spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. Proceeds go to the Bitter Root Eagles scholarship program.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold their final Lenten Friday Fish Fry on Friday, March 22 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St., Hamilton. The “all you can eat” meal is $10.00 per person; children under nine are free. Everyone is welcome so come out, bring a friend and enjoy the evening. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Renaissance Faire Pint Night
Pint Night will be held Friday, March 22 at the Full Moon Saloon to help raise funds for the Big Sky Renaissance Faire. $1 of every drink will be donated to the Renaissance Faire. Plus, the first 10 designated drivers to show up at Pint Night with get a free ticket to the Faire in June. The Faire is run by a non-profit group and proceeds go to local charities. This year’s proceeds benefit the Ravalli County Museum. A drawing for the raffle winners will be announced. The raffle includes great items like free DirecTV for a year, a crown fit for a queen and swag from the Hellgate Roller Girls! There will even be some Roller Girls and knights in shining armor around to handle ‘security’. For more information call Dennis at 381-5325.
Saturday, March 23
Basic Pesticide Applicator Training
MSU Ravalli County Extension and the Ravalli County Weed District are partnering to offer Basic Pesticide Applicator Training. The training will be on Saturday, March 23 at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. The Lee Metcalf is about 4 miles north of Stevensville on Eastside Highway. The program starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 4:15 p.m. Individuals who do not have a Montana Private Pesticide Applicator License will have the opportunity to complete all the requirements for the Private License after completing the training. This program also will qualify for four Montana Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Education Credits and six Private Applicator Education Credits. Ravalli County Private Applicators are reminded that licenses for those in Ravalli County expire at the end of 2013 and all Private Applicators are required to complete six Credit Hours of approved Continuing Education by that date. Information and registration forms can be found on the MSU Ravalli County Extension website at http://www.msuextension.org/ravalli/ or by calling the Extension Office at 375-6611.
Horsemanship seminar
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen invites the public to a horsemanship seminar on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 at C-Max Stables, 657 Bass Lane, Corvallis. Participants should bring a chair and wear warm clothing. Topics covered (using demonstration stock) include equine behavior, safe handling, catching, tying, saddling and groundwork. Also covered will be safe mounting and dismounting, riding basics, equipment, tack, clothing, foot care, equine first aid and trailering. For more information contact Jack at 961-1363.
GAN Warrior Benefit Run
The Hamilton High School Key Club is hold a Fun Run on Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m. at the Teller Refuge, 1288 Eastside Hwy in Corvallis to raise money for the GAN Warrior Project. There will be a 3-mile run and a 1-mile walk. Register the day of the race at 8:30 a.m. There are no registration fees but donations are encouraged. All donations go to the G.A.N. Warrior Project. For more information about the GAN Project go to ganwarriors.com. For more information about the run call 375-6060.
Daly Mansion lecture series
The Daly Mansion Spring Lecture Series begins on Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m. This is a community educational offering presented through grants and partnership with Humanities Montana. All presentations will be located in the Trophy Room of the Daly Mansion located at 251 Eastside Hwy in Hamilton. Admission is free with good will offerings gladly accepted. The March 23 lecturer is Patrick Danahy presenting “Vigilantes, Freemasons, and Gold Rush Justice in Montana Territory.” Just before Christmas 1863, in Virginia City, Montana Territory, 24 men, many of them Masons, pledged themselves and their sacred honor to form a secret Vigilance Committee “for the laudable purpose of arresting thieves and murderers and to recover stolen property…so help us God.” In the first few weeks they hanged a dozen men including the sheriff. Before the Vigilance Committee returned justice to a stable government, 57 men were arrested, tried and hanged. Patrick Danahy, a Montana Humanities Speaker, brings to life poignant and entertaining stories gleaned from diaries, memoirs and newspapers of the women and men who tamed Montana, miners, Masons, politicians, dancers, wives and villains.
Masonic military tribute
Ionic Lodge No. 38 in Hamilton will present “Lodge of Military Tribute Ceremony” on Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m. at the Masonic building, 115 S. 3rd Street. Tribute will be paid to all veterans, present and past. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served following the program.
Lunasa in concert
Lunasa will perform in concert on Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Performance Arts Center in Hamilton as part of the Bitterroot Performance Arts series. Lúnasa is internationally acknowledged as being the finest Irish instrumental band of recent times. They are renowned for their constant touring, having performed over 1,500 shows across the globe since the band formed in 1997. The band has appeared at internationally renowned venues such as The Hollywood Bowl, National Concert Hall, Dublin and the Sydney Opera House. In 2011 they were invited to appear at the White House. Lúnasa’s inventive arrangements and bass driven grooves have steered Irish acoustic music into surprising new territory. The recordings have been hailed as some of the best and most important world music albums anywhere, while the blend of intelligence, innovation, virtuosity, and passion has brought them to the forefront of Celtic music. To purchase tickets, call 363-7946 or visit our website, www.bARTc.org.
Sunday, March 24
Trout Unlimited Pint Night
Bitterroot Trout Unlimited will hold a Pint Night on Sunday, March 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bitter Root Brewery in Hamilton. The fundraiser will feature raffle drawings and other fund raising surprises, and the Brewery will donate 50 cents from each beer to the local TU chapter. Plus there will be some very lively music by the Celtic group Cootehill. There is also rumor of a set of bluegrass-clawhammer banjo numbers by BRTU members Banjo Jack and Dr Trout. So plan to come down, share some skwala stories, have a beer and help support TU education efforts. For information contact Doug Nation at douglas.p.nation@gmail.com.
Monday, March 25
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, glazed carrots, pears, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken enchilada casserole, salsa, lettuce, refried beans, bananas, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheeseburgers, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, taters, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken tenders, corn, strawberries, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, cheese sticks, fresh carrots with ranch dressing, peach cups, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Rotary Club
Bruce Simon will be the speaker for the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, March 25. Simon, a heart transplant recipient, will be discussing heart health and heart attacks. There will be time for questions and discussion. The club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. This meeting is open to the public. For more information call 363-2960.
Knitting group
Calling all knitters and crocheters: Bring your latest project and lunch or coffee to the North Valley Public Library every second and fourth Monday of the month from 12 to 1 p.m. for a fun and casual crafty gathering. This is a perfect opportunity to meet fellow knitters, share ideas and learn new techniques. This is not a formal class. All ages and abilities welcome to this free program. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Stop Smoking Workshop
Did you know that if you quit smoking you: feel better, live longer, have more money, have more time and so much more? Western MT Addiction Services is offering The Blue Sky Stop Smoking Workshop beginning Monday, March 25 at 209 N. 10th St in Hamilton. This workshop is offered Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the cost is $50 for the 5 sessions. The workshop will then be offered on an ongoing monthly basis for future participants. Research shows that mentoring is a huge part of the quitting process and this workshop offers many tools. Class limit is 10; reserve your space, change your life. Call 532-9149 for details and to sign up.
Tuesday, March 26
Canning class
Come learn canning basics on Tuesday, March 26 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Learn how to safely preserve high acid and low acid foods and learn the differences between a hot water bath and a pressure canner. If you have a pressure canner, bring the lid only so the gauge can be tested. Katelyn Anderson, MSU-Extension agent, will lead this informative class, which is part of the Live Green @ Your Library program series. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Republican Women
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, March 26 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The guest speaker will be Sheriff Chris Hoffman talking about gun control issues. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Wednesday, March 27
Wildlife talk
Kate Stone, an ecologist at the MPG Ranch in Florence, will present a talk titled “Little Known Wildlife of the Bitterroot Valley” on Wednesday, March 27 at 2 p.m. at the Golden Age Club, 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. Kate’s talk will center on birds, but she will also show movies and observations of many wildlife species, including mountain lions, wolves, elk, river otters, and wolverines. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.
Lolo Watershed Group
The Lolo Watershed Group is hosting the second in a series of three community discussions regarding the movement of Lolo Creek on Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center. The meeting will focus on landowner rights and responsibilities regarding activity on private property to mitigate channel movement, as well as actions that have already been taken to address this movement. Agency staff will present best management practice options and answer questions on how to start a project, and landowners will share stories and experiences regarding their own projects. All Lolo Watershed residents, landowners and interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend. The Lolo Community Center is located at 12345 Highway 93 S in Lolo. For more information e-mail Kascie at kascie.herron@gmail.com, Lolo Watershed Group President Bobbie Bartlette at lolotrailbritts@gmail.com or www.lolowatershed.org for a full meeting summary.
Sound Awareness Workshop
Find your voice and express your authentic self with toning, singing and spiritual chanting. The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to a free (offering accepted) Sound Awareness Workshop on Wednesday, March 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., facilitated by Becky Lellek, a licensed hypnotherapist and Sound Instructor. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For further information call 381-2355.