County Fair Parade sign-ups
Sign-ups for the Ravalli County Fair Parade are being taken at the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce office starting Thursday, August 1. The Ravalli County Fair theme this year is “4-H Pride and an 8 Second Ride.” Co-Presidents of the 2013 Leadership Bitterroot class are Anna Green and Nate Blaine. The Leadership Bitterroot class will be putting on the Fair Parade for 2013. The parade will take place on Wednesday, August 28, at 10 a.m. You must register your entry and pick up your number at the Chamber office at 105 East Main. The Chamber office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you have any questions, contact Pat at 363-2400.
Wednesday, August 7
BPL storytime
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, August 7 to enjoy “I Dig Animals in the Water” with storyteller Jennifer Crawford. 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.
NVPL Kids Create Storytime
Kids Create Story Time will be held Wednesday, August 7 at 10:30 a.m. in the North Valley Public Library. This is an enriching early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers with a different theme each week. At each storytime, a healthy snack is provided and there is time to play and socialize with new friends. The current Dig into Reading summer program explores all things underground. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Safety training
The Bitterroot Area Safety and Health (BRASH) will hold its monthly safety meeting on Wednesday, August 7 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the basement of the Bitterroot Public Library. Wendy Forgey from Montana State Fund will explain the changes in Safety Data Sheets with the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and provide training on the new classification system. GHS will enhance worker comprehension, resulting in appropriate handling and use of chemicals. For more information contact Rebekah Stamp at 363-2494 or Chris Driemeyer at 207- 4965.
BPL summer program
Meet on the Bitterroot Public Library lawn on Wednesday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m. to play water games, play in the sand, and enjoy treats from McDonald’s to celebrate a great summer of reading! This is the last day to bring in log books and reading tickets.
Thursday, August 8
Women Newcomers’ Club
The Bitterroot Women Newcomers’ Club will meet on Thursday, August 8 at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Hamilton. JoAnne Gibbons and Nina Eadie will provide information about the annual Ravalli County Fair – how to enter, categories, judging and volunteer opportunities. Guests are welcome to attend. For more information about Newcomers contact bitterroot.valley.newcomers@gmail.com.
NVPL butterfly program
The North Valley Public Library will host The Missoula Butterfly House on Thursday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the community room. This is an educational program that introduces all youth to the fascinating world of invertebrates. Learn about and see unique live insects during this free summer reading program event. The program is free and open to all. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
American Turning Point Forum
American Turning Point Forum will meet Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Willow Court Apartments, 150 Skeels Ave, Hamilton (from Hwy 93 turn east on Foxfield by Tire-Rama, dead ends at Skeels, turn right, apts on left, park across the street). Join in the discussion and planning for the next event – promotion of self governance and citizen activisim. Contact: Jennine Jones, 381-0314, donandjennine@gmail.com.
Eagles Auxiliary
Bitterroot Eagles Auxiliary #1693 will meet Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m. The second meeting of the month will be Aug. 15.
Hot August Nights
Valley View Estates is hosting the BitterRodders Cruise Night with free ice cream, root beer floats and 50’s music on Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m. Valley View Estates is located at 225 N. 8th in Hamilton.
BPL Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, August 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the West Meeting Room of the BPL, to discuss the book: “The Soul of Leadership: Unlocking Your Potential for Greatness” by Dr. Deepak Chopra.
Best-selling author and spiritual guide Deepak Chopra invites his reader to become the kind of leader most needed today: a leader with vision who can make the vision real. The path outlined in this book applies to any business.
The same principles are relevant in every community and area of life, from family and home to school, place of worship, and neighborhood. “At the deepest level,” Chopra writes, “a leader is the symbolic soul of a group.” In addition to providing guidelines for identifying one’s own soul profile and the core values one wants to develop Dr. Chopra identifies seven crucial skills (outlined in the acronym L-E-A-D-E-R-S) to allow for one’s potential for greatness to emerge.
Dr. Deepak Chopra, long a passionate voice for spiritual renewal, is the author of more than 57 books which have been translated into 35 languages, including the critically acclaimed public TV show “Body, Mind, and Soul: The Magic and the Mystery.” Hailed by Time magazine as “the poet-prophet of alternative medicine” he is the founder of the Chopra Center for Well Being in Carlsbad, California, and president of the Alliance for a New Humanity.
The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month in the West Meeting Room of the Bitterroot Public Library and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well being. Call 363-1670, or email jacostant@gmail.com for more information.
Daly Mansion concert
Enjoy the Bitterroot Community Band on Thursday, August 8 as it joins with the Missoula City Band for an evening of traditional band music on the grounds of the historic Daly Mansion. The event is a joint fundraiser for the Daly Mansion and the Bitterroot Community Band. Admission is $2.00 for children 12 and under, $5.00 for adults and $15.00 for a family. Strawberry shortcake will be sold at intermission, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds while listening to the band. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Agenda items include: discussion on Phase II Waste Water Project Funding; Stevensville Main Street Association Report; and discussion on CDBG Award for TEDD (Targeted Economic Development District) at the Airport, to name a few.
Friday, August 9
Eagles dinner
Bitterroot Eagles Auxiliary #1693 will be serving nachos on Friday, August 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Aerie, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Dancing follows with music by Northern Lights (cover charge).
Golden Age picnic
The Golden Age Club will hold its annual summer picnic on Friday, August 9 at the club hall, 727 S. 5th, Hamilton. The picnic will start at about 6 p.m. with the Friday dance to follow. The club will furnish fried chicken, rolls, coffee and lemonade. Attendees should bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share, plus their own table service. Dancing will begin about 7 p.m. The three bands now playing at the club will all play at the dance – a friendly “battle of the bands.” In addition, any musician who has ever played at a Golden Age dance is invited to come and join in with one of the bands. Admission for the dance and picnic is $3 per person.
Saturday, August 10
Riverfest in the Root
On Saturday, August 10, the Bitter Root Water Forum will host its third annual “Riverfest in the Root,” a free outdoor community festival featuring the “Run For the River” 5k.
The good times will flow on Saturday, August 10 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Kiwanis River Park (401 S. 9th St, Hamilton). Join in to marvel at a live exotic animal presentation from Animal Wonders and say hello to a hedgehog! Check out the fun stations including a splash zone obstacle course, bouncy castle, birdhouse building, water rocket station, and more — all while enjoying live youth inspired music from “The Salamanders.” For all you anglers, there will be a casting contest to show your skills or learn a few tricks.
How fast can you run? With secret super-soaker agents at the “Run for the River” 5k, you might be inspired to pick up the pace! This unique race also ends with a grand finale entrance into the Riverfest in the Root. For a $25 entry fee, runners receive a technical t-shirt, free pint of Blacksmith Brewery beer, and a chance to win great prizes. Race begins at 5 p.m.; arrive by 4 p.m. to pick up your race packet (or get your packet early at Liaisons Café, 111 N 2nd St, Hamilton). Or, register at racemontana.com.
Later in the day, local bluegrass musicians “The Kitchen Dwellers” will help you get your groove on with a live performance from 6 to 9 p.m. With local food from Caffé Firenze, local beer from Blacksmith Brewery, and plenty of ways to support your local water group, Riverfest in the Root is a summer day well spent!
BRWF started Riverfest in the Root in 2011 to provide a free opportunity for community members of all ages to learn more about the importance of our water resources in the Bitterroot Valley. Other local organizations will also be at Riverfest in the Root to answer questions and provide information in a fun and engaging way.
Proceeds from this event will help BRWF carry out programs that support stream restoration projects and youth natural resource education. As community support continues to grow for BRWF activities and programs, BRWF responds with additional offerings for community members. Look forward to a year of youth field trips and programs, volunteer restoration projects, real estate agent training courses, and more fun and interactive events.
BRWF is a community driven non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the traditions of agriculture, community and recreation by protecting, enhancing and restoring the Bitterroot Watershed through on the ground restoration projects and watershed education. For more information call 375-2272 or visit www.brwaterforum.org.
Sunday, August 11
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living presents “My Journey of Healing” on Sunday, August 11 at 10 a.m. Kendra Lewis shares about surviving a serious accident and her healing journey back to wholeness. Special music will be provided by Brian Jameson and Doug Soehren. 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.
Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Sunday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire House. The public is welcome.
Monday, August 12
Rotary Club
James Hamilton, former Executive Professional Representative of Merck, U.S. Human Health Division, will be speaking at the Monday, August 12 meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club. The club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Hamilton will be discussing current media advertising of pharmaceuticals. Rotary meetings are open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
First Time Homebuyers class
The next nationally certified First Time Homebuyer Education class presented by Bitter Root RC&D is scheduled for August 12-14 from 6 to 9 p.m. (each night) at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 N. Third St., Hamilton. Attendance on all three nights is required for certification. The charge is $40/household to cover the cost of reference materials.
The first step to the home buying process is pre-purchase counseling, and certification is required in order to qualify for many loans (MBOH, Rural Development, FHA, etc.). Most lenders require that anyone on the loan must take the course. Sara Ann Briggs, certified housing counselor for the Bitter Root RC&D, urges first time homebuyers to not wait until the last minute to take the class. Most importantly, it will help novice homebuyers maneuver through the entire process. “People seeking to purchase their first home should take the class prior to seeing a lender or realtor because the class will provide information on how to shop for both, what questions to ask, and what assistance is available to first-time homebuyers for down payments and more,” said Briggs. Call the Bitter Root RC&D office at 363-5450 to reserve your space or for more information.
Tuesday, August 13
NVPL Book Club
Join the NVPL book club in the Montana Room on Tuesday, August 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon for a lively discussion about this month’s selection, “Heart Song of Charging Elk.” Haven’t read the book? Not a problem! Newcomers are always welcome to find out what the next month’s selection will be. The library is able to supply ten copies of the book club selection so come down to the library and indulge your inner bibliophile. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
NVPL Herb Chat
An Herb Chat on “Preserving Your Harvest” will be held Tuesday, August 13 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. After months of nurturing, all your hard work and effort in the garden will be coming to fruition. Learn and share simple ideas for preserving your bounty. Explore techniques for drying, making tinctures, oils, vinegars, and freezing. Herb Chats are led by Jessica Thomas every second Tuesday of the month and are informal discussions on the many uses of plants and herbs. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Stevi school board
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, August 13 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Building Choir Room.