County Fair Poetry Contest
Call for submissions! The third annual RC Fair poetry contest is in full swing and all poets and aspiring poets are invited to participate! Submit your original poems in the following theme areas: Fair Food, Rodeo, 4-H, Cowboy Poetry, Haiku and Poets Choice. Prizes will be awarded in all age categories: K-6, 7-12, 18 years and older. Submit up to three poems by August 9 at the fairgrounds office, by mail: 100 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton MT 59840 or by email at: bperkins@rc.mt.gov with a cover sheet with name, age, theme and title of poem. Dedication and name should not appear on the poem. Ten semi-finalists in each age group will read their poem on the event show stage Thursday, August 29 at 4 p.m. Award ceremony will follow. Prizes will be awarded in each age category.
Wednesday, July 24
Business planning workshop
“Business Planning for the Busy – Pro-active Planning Without a Formal Business Plan” will be presented on Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority. This workshop is designed to get you over the hurdle of getting started on the critical ongoing planning that is essential to business success, without fixating on the creation of a formal document. There will also be a short presentation on how to get some helpful market size information from free government websites. The presenter will be John Schneeberger, RCEDA Economic Development Specialist. The class is free and includes a pizza lunch. RSVP by emailing john@rceda.org or alice@rceda.org or calling 375-9416. You can also stop by 274 Old Corvallis Rd, Suite A, Hamilton 59840. Maximum class size is 20.
NVPL Kids Create Storytime
Kids Create Storytime will be held Wednesday, July 24 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Kids Create is an enriching early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers. With a different theme each week, kids will listen to entertaining library picture books, engage in fingerplays and songs and create a fun 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.
BPL Wild Wednesday
Be a Tree at the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, July 24, when Wild Wednesday presenter will be Jewel Willis of The Joyful Animal. Learn about dog behavior and dog bite prevention through play and games on the lawn from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
Beekeeping workshop
Jacob Wustner, owner of Wustner Brothers Raw Honey, will give a talk on the basics of beekeeping, and the ins and outs of starting your own apiary, on Wednesday, July 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Stevensville Community Gardens. The event is part of the North Valley Public Library’s summer Dig It program, with free classes and workshops at the library and the Stevensville Community Garden. The entrance to the Stevensville Community Garden is at the intersection of Ravalli and Charlos and is located behind St. Mary’s Mission. Contact Caitlin at 777-5061 for more information.
Drum Circle
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to a Drum Circle on Wednesday, July 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Redsun Labyrinth west of Victor. Drumming allows access to the Universal heartbeat that exists within and around all things. Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and come be part of the fun. No drum? No worries! There will be plenty of extras. Let your Inner Drummer out! Redsun Labyrinth requests a $3/person donation. For information call Carolyn at 375-2548.
Thursday, July 25
NVPL Dig the Library Program
No child left inside the library during summer reading! This week, the library will travel to the community garden from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, with a story, a fun craft, and time to explore the beautiful new garden space. All families are welcome to come and learn about how local food can benefit the community. Decorate a thank you note for Pantry Partners and harvest produce to bring to the free summer lunch program. This program is free and open to all. The Stevensville Community Garden entrance is on Ravalli and Charlos Streets and is located behind St. Mary’s Mission. Maps are available at the library. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Museum exhibit opening
“Life and Limb: the Toll of the American Civil War” will open at the Ravalli County Museum on Thursday, July 25. The perspectives of surgeons, physicians, and nurses are richly documented in the history of Civil War medicine, which highlights the heroism and brutality of battlefield operations and the challenges of caring for the wounded during wartime. Yet the experiences of injured soldiers during the conflict and in the years afterwards are less well-known. “Life and Limb: The Toll of the Civil War” focuses on disabled veterans and their role as symbols of the fractured nation.
At the opening there will be lectures demonstrating some of the most advanced prosthetics available today, along with special guests whose lives have been greatly enhanced by these incredible devices. Call the Museum at 363-3338 or check www.brvhsmuseum.org for details. Exhibit runs through August 31.
Stevi town council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Prior to the regular meeting there will be a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. regarding license fees for rabbits, chickens and ducks.
Friday, July 26
Art in the Park
Bitterroot Art Guild will hold its annual Art in the Park show and sale July 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Legion Park on 2nd and Bedford in Hamilton. There will be lots of art and crafts.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
The South Valley Pachyderm Club will have a planning meeting for members on Friday, July 26 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First in Hamilton. The club will then recess for summer vacations and resume in September. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party.
Buy Local Auction
The Hamilton Downtown Association (HDA) will hold its “Buy Local Auction” during this year’s Daly Days celebration on Friday, July 26 at 6 p.m. The auction will take place on the Main Street stage, with auctioneer Cliff Trexler presiding over the event.
The Hamilton Buy Local Auction is a way to keep shopping dollars local, according to Mike Barrett, the owner of Picturesque, Inc., on Hamilton’s Main Street, and originator of the idea. He’d seen a similar promotion in Salt Lake City, and decided that it would work here.
The HDA printed large envelopes with the names of more than 40 participating local businesses. Shoppers can collect receipts, dated between July 29, 2012, and July 26 of this year, from those businesses. On the day of the auction, they can have those receipts verified and totaled at a booth on Main Street. They then have that verified amount to “bid” on items donated by the participating businesses.
Bidders may only “win” one item, ensuring that the largest number of people can take home an item. Those who fail to win a bid on any item will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket.
Items to be auctioned include gift certificates for clothing, food and beverages, services, artwork, jewelry, gifts, books, and much more. Auction items will be available for viewing on the day of the auction, along with a full list.
Barrett explained that the idea of the auction is to build customer loyalty for local businesses, and to promote the idea of buying locally.
“Buying locally keeps more money in the Hamilton economy, and supports the community as a whole,” he said. Many of the participating businesses report that customers have bought there specifically to accrue receipts to use in the Buy Local Auction.
This is the third year for the auction. It has drawn large crowds in years past, although last year’s event had a diminished crowd and a hasty pace, due to a threatening thunderstorm that had auctioneer Trexler watching over his shoulder, and bidders scurrying for shelter after their bids.
Envelopes with the names of participating merchants are still available at many locations citywide, but receipts may be presented without the envelopes. Names of participating merchants can be found on the “Events” page of the HDA website, www.hamiltondowntownassociation.org or on the Hamilton Downtown Association Facebook events page, and auction items will be posted there as well.
For more information, call the HDA at 360-9124.
Community Band concert
The Bitterroot Community Band will present a concert on Friday, July 26 at 8 p.m. at the band shell at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. Admission is free. Come enjoy an evening of relaxing marches and traditional band fare.
Saturday, July 27
Lake Como Triathlon
The 5th annual Lake Como Triathlong is occurring on Saturday, July 27 at the Lake Como Recreation Area. The Triathlon will begin at 7 a.m. and last until around 2 p.m. Participants will compete in a 0.9 mile swim, 12.6 mile bike ride and 7.7 mile run. The event is open to the public but parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. All vehicles also need a day or season pass to park in the Lake Como Recreation Area. The $5 day passes can be purchased on site, at all Forest Service offices, and at area retailers including People’s Market and Mr. T’s in Darby, and Angler’s Roost, Bob Ward’s, Lone Pine, Town Pump South, and Riverside in Hamilton. For more details visit www.lakecomotri.com
Alternative health fair
Experience and contrast non-traditional healthcare modalities at a free health fair on Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Liaisons Coffee House and Bistro. You are invited to explore the possibilities, probabilities and potentials of alternative healthcare therapies. Do you have acute and/or chronic pain issues? Are traditional modalities not enough OR not working? Ever wondered about Myo-Nuero Release Therapy, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Reiki Bodytalk, Quantum Energy Work, Homeopathy, Aroma Therapy, Lymph Drainage, Essential Oils, Theta Healing, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy or Naturopathic Medicine? Meet and talk to the practitioners and experience short sessions. Try one or try them all. Choose to donate to the MNR Institute and you will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate from one of the participating practitioners or bid in the silent auction. Call Jim Tree at 370-4519 or Tanya Drayton at 642-3665 for more information or visit www.mnrinstitute.com.
Daly Days contests
It’s going to be a S-PIG-Tacular Day on Saturday, July 27 during Daly Days in Hamilton! Come on down to the Lakeland Feed Stage on Main and 4th Streets to see Zumba at 9:30 a.m., Katherina Oie, folksinger at 10:45, Weiner Dog Races at 12 noon (registration closes July 24), Hamilton Players singing songs from Nunsense at 1 p.m. followed by a Hog Calling Contest (enter at the Soroptimist booth), Kiss the Pig Contest at 2 p.m. (which dentist will kiss a real pig? – Dr. Robert Chaffin, Dr. Molly Gannon, Dr. Eli Johnson, or Dr. Andy Kehmeier), Katherina Oie again at 2:30, Hamilton High School Choir serving hot dogs and doing face-painting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Have your photo taken with “Hambone,” the big pig statue.
Call Linda at 360-4520 for information or to register your dog.
Daly Days Chalkfest
Calling all artists! All ages! On Saturday, July 27, Sam’s Spade Garden Tools and Wares will present the 6th annual Chalkfest on the sidewalk at 111 S. Fourth Street in Hamilton. You supply the imagination, Sam’s Spade will supply the chalk. Express your creative side with this colorful medium and you may walk away with one of the many prizes. There is no cost, just register for a sidewalk square beginning at 10 a.m. The event runs until 2 p.m. and the awarding of prizes will be announced at 3 p.m. Celebrate Daly Days with artistic flair! For more information, contact 363-1293 or samantha@samsspade.com.
Honey Festival
On Saturday, July 27, the Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will present the First Annual Honey Festival on the lawn at Sam’s Spade, 111 S. Fourth Street in Hamilton. Come observe local beekeepers with their equipment including demonstration hives, special clothing, a smoker and more. Enjoy samples from the Honey Bar and check out the many locally made honey products such as baked goods, soaps, lotions and medicinals. This is a fun event for all ages. Festivities begin at 10 am and run until 2 p.m. For more information contact samantha@samsspade.com or 363-1293.
Equine assisted psychotherapy demo
Haven’s Horses will present a live demonstration of the EAGALA model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Get a sense of what happens in a therapy session with volunteer attendees. This unique form of psychotherapy is often a mystery. Here is your opportunity to observe and participate in this free event offered to the community. Come and get information about Haven’s Horses Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning programs, see the facility, meet the horses and enjoy refreshments. This demo will take place Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m. Haven’s Horses is located off Gold Creek Loop south of Hamilton. Call 381-6611 or email havenshorses@gmail.com to RSVP and get directions.
Eagles’ Daly Days food booth
The Bitter Root Eagles Lodge at 125 N. 2nd in Hamilton will be selling hamburgers or hot dogs with baked beans and salad, or a one time salad bar, on Saturday, July 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Daly Days. The grill will be located next to the lodge building in the parking lot. Proceeds will go to support local charities.
Victor history presentation
“Education Way Back When – “Untold Stories of the Way School Was in Victor, Montana” will be held Saturday, July 27 starting at 1 p.m. at the Victor Heritage Museum, 125 Blake Street, Victor. Come and share refreshments and nostalgia. Reminisce with former teachers, secretaries, students/alumni and community members including Judge Jeffrey Langton, author of “The Victor Story” and a former student of Victor Schools; Grace Smith, former teacher; John Robinson, former principal, coach and teacher; Mel Gaudin, former school board member and music teacher; Cliff Trexler, former science teacher; Doug McLaren, former teacher; Bob Olson, an alumnus and professional photographer; and Joy Clarke, an alumna, secretary, clerk and co-author of “Bitterroot trails IV.” This event honors all those who have been involved with education through the years in Victor. For more information call 642-3997.
Sunday, July 28
Sacred Circle discussion
Sacred Circle Discussion will take place Sunday, July 28 at 10 a.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living. Join this lively discussion of Spiritual Principles and Practices from Reverend Kathianne Lewis. Meditation begins at 9:30. A community potluck, hugs, and socializing follow the discussion hour. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For further information call 381-2355.
Tuesday, July 30
NVPL Kids Movie
Cool off this summer with a fun flick at the library. Every Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. kids are invited to the library for a free family movie. Popcorn included! This week’s movie is a new release animated comedy staring Dracula and all his best friends – from Frankenstein to the Mummy. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, 777-5061.
Stevensville Youth Baseball board meeting
The Stevensville Youth Baseball organization is holding a board meeting on Tuesday, July 30at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Middle Burnt Fork Road. Items on the agenda include nomination and election of new officers including President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Any parents of players in the league are eligible to become board members. There will also be discussion of the past season and initial planning for next year. All community members are welcome to attend.
Wednesday, July 31
Hunter safety class
A Hunter Safety class will be held July 31 to August 19 at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. The class is a free to students and anyone can attend, but a student must be at least 11 years old to get a certificate. All class sessions must be attended to attain a certificate. The first night is to register any last minute students and to pass out materials and get reading assignments to prepare for class starting the following week. Parents are needed for the first night but are encouraged to attend as often as possible. The first Saturday the students will be practicing weapons handling most of the day. The second Saturday will be the field course and the written test will be on the last Monday. Direct any questions to Jerry Donaldson at 550-9422 or FWP at 542-5500. Preregister on-line on the FWP website under Hunter Education classes.
Thursday, August 1
MDMH blood drive
The American Red Cross strives to collect over 700 pints of blood to meet the needs of patients in this area alone. In the Montana service area every 27 minutes someone needs blood. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (MDMH) helps the Red Cross meet this need by sponsoring blood drives four times a year. The next scheduled MDMH Blood Drive will be on Thursday, August 1from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms B/C. To schedule your blood drive appointment call Gary Schulz at 375-4451. Donors: remember to eat complete meals and drink plenty of water before donating blood and bring your identification. For more information visit www.mdmh.org.
MDMH sports physicals
All male and female athletes in middle and high school are invited to the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, August 1or Wednesday, August 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for the annual sports physical program. Over the past seven years, this program sponsored by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and Medical Providers raised nearly $57,000 for the valley’s school athletic programs. Marcus Daly Medical Staff members donate their time to make this program possible. The cost is $25 per student and 100% of the proceeds will be donated back to the students’ school athletic program. Cash or check only, payment is due at the time of visit, no refunds. Enter the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center through the main entrance, located on the southwest end of Westwood Drive.
Sports physical forms are available from doctor’s offices or coaches, or online at www.mdmh.org. Parents must fill out and sign the sports physical form and accompany their child at the examination. Payment is expected at the time of the examination. The physical will include height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, vision, evaluations for posture, joints, strength, flexibility, heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat. For athletes experiencing skeletal pain, Dr. Jeremiah Clinton, Bitterroot Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, will have an exam area in the rehabilitation center for a brief exam and consultation. Students with chronic problems should be seen by their primary care provider.
For more information, call 363-2211 or visit www.mdmh.org.