Darby Bread Box
The Darby Bread Box is collecting the following items for the month of November: turkey or chicken stuffing, pumpkin pie mix, soup broth and olives. Drop off the donated items at People’s Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. All donations are appreciated.
Volunteer opp
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County is in need of volunteers to help build a new home on Fridays and Saturdays at 105 Mission Street in Stevensville. Call the Building Volunteer Coordinator at 207-0247 for more information.
AARP seeking volunteers
AARP Taxaide, the largest volunteer income tax assistance and preparation service, is seeking volunteers in the Stevensville and Hamilton areas. This program provides free income tax assistance to seniors and low/moderate income individuals. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. You do not need to be a member of AARP to participate in this program. Volunteers will receive free training with emphasis on electronic filing. Upon completion of training volunteer will become IRS certified counselors. Training for these positions will be held in Hamilton, at the Council of Aging, sometime in January. For further information call Franz at 240-3055, or Jim Humphreys at 375-5478.
Vendor opp
There are still a few spaces left for the 2nd annual Bounty of the Bitterroot Show which will be held on Saturday, November 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. This is an “all local” show and sale to showcase locally produced products and services and locally owned businesses. Call 777-3928 or email editor@bitterrootstar.com for an application.
Vendor opp
Bitterroot Art Guild is now taking application for its annual Christmas Show held at the First Interstate Building at Hamilton Fairgrounds. Dates of show are November 22 and 23. Call Mary for an application at 821-4678.
Vendor opp
Valley Christian School will hold its annual Candy Cane Craft Fair on November 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deadline for vendor sign up is November 15. Contact Nancy at 829-6636 for more information.
Vendor opp
The Stevensville Booster Club will hold its 30th annual Craft Bazaar on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stevensville High School. For an application call Karla at 777-0059.
Darby holiday opps
The South Valley Civic Group is seeking participants for the holiday parade on Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. in downtown Darby. There will also be a craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Darby Club House and Catholic Church, vendors in the Park starting at 11 a.m., a Live Nativity at 5 p.m. The group is also looking for an ice carver, a chestnut roaster, jugglers, clowns, and candy donations for the parade. For more information contact Annie Edwards at 370-1309.
Audubon calendars available
Don’t forget one of the best holiday gifts is a local product showing off the beauty of where you live. Be sure to get your glorious Bitterroot Audubon 2014 Calendars before they run out like they did last year! You can purchase them in Hamilton at Forest Service Store, Lakeland Feeds, Picturesque, Paper Clip, Chapter One, Sam’s Spade, Art Focus, Bitterroot Drug, and Robbins; in Darby at Deb’s Restaurant; in Stevensville at Lisa Archer Silks; and in Missoula at Naturalist’s Mercantile and the Montana Natural History Center. They can also be purchased online at the BAS website at www.bitterrootaudubon.org. What makes these calendars so precious besides the unique layout and beautiful photos is that all proceeds go to fund local education and scholarship programs.
Turkey drive
Stevensville Pantry Partners food bank is in need of turkeys for the Christmas Food Box Distribution. The Pantry is expecting to provide boxes to 380 families this year. All sizes of turkeys are appreciated. They may be delivered to Pantry Partners located on the corner of Middle Burnt Fork and ALC Way. For information call 777-0351.
Museum Gallery of Trees
The Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford in Hamilton, is hosting a “Gallery of Trees… in the Spirit of Giving”, now through November 22. These stunning trees have been decorated by local businesses, and during this time period you will have the opportunity to bid on the tree of your choice. You may take it home with you, give it to a deserving local non-profit organization of your choice, or the Museum will designate a recipient for you. Call the Museum at 363-3338 for more information.
NVPL ‘food for fines’
Are your library fines beginning to add up? Why not exchange food for fines? Throughout November and December the North Valley Public Library will be accepting donations of non-perishable food, small personal care items, and pet food instead of cash to waive library fines. Items will be exchanged at the rate of $1.00 per item, at the discretion of library staff. Please, no expired food. Donations will benefit the Food Pantry in Stevensville. This offer applies to only overdue fines, not lost items. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061 or go to www.northvalleylibrary.org.
Golden Age dances
Looking for something to do on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday afternoons in the winter months of December, January and February? The Golden Age Club will be changing its dance schedule for the winter months to allow dancers to avoid hazardous night-time driving. Come enjoy the great dance floor and music with potluck snacks provided during the break in a non-alcoholic and non-smoking environment. Music is from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission $3.00 a person. Dances are held at the Golden Age Club, 737 S. Fifth St. Hamilton. November dances will still be at 7:30 p.m. on November 22 and 29. On the 22nd, the club will hold a special holiday buffet with seasonal goodies prior to the dance. (There will be no birthday/anniversary celebrations in November and December due to the holiday season.)
Toys for Tots toy drive
Now collecting new toys through Toys for Tots – local donations stay local! Look for boxes at these locations: Hamilton – Walgreens, Murdoch’s, The Edge Restaurant/Hamilton Liquor, First Interstate Bank, Me & Mom, Hamilton Assembly of God, IGA, Albertson’s, Quizno’s, Valley Veterans Organization; Corvallis – Corvallis Drug, Ravalli County Bank, Corvallis Primary School; Florence – Farmers State Bank, Gary & Leo’s, Florence Schools, Florence-Carlton Chiropractic, Ace Hardware; Stevensville – Farmers State Bank, Rocky Mountain Bank, Valley Drug, Full Moon Saloon, High Country Club, Ravalli County Bank, Stevensville Elementary, Lone Rock School, Three Mile Store; Victor – Farmers State Bank, Victor Mercantile, Cowboy Troy’s, Victor School. Donate online at stevensville-mt.toysfortots.org. For more information, contact Leah Duke, 493-4293.
Wednesday, November 20
Community Nativity exhibit
Community members are invited to share their nativity scenes, snowmen and Christmas animals at the annual exhibit at Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum. Bring your items to the Mission Museum on Nov. 20, 26, 27, or Dec. 3, 4, 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment call 273-5411. Items are to be picked up on Dec. 10 or 11. The annual Nativity Exhibit will be open for viewing on First Friday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. along with a Chapel Open House from 7 to 9 p.m. during the “Montana Country Christmas” in Stevensville. The special exhibit and St. Mary’s Gift Shop will also be open Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public.
Fun and Games Night
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to Fun and Games Night with Carol Hensel on Wednesday, November 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your favorite board game or card game to share. 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 Carol at 363-6402.
Thursday, November 21
Book discussion group
Brown Bag It! Book Discussion Group will meet Thursday, November 21 from 12 to 1 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Join in a discussion of “Einstein: His Life and Universe” by Walter Isaacson. Bring your lunch; coffee and tea are served. Newcomers are warmly welcomed.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, November 21, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. At this meeting, club members will serve a delicious and bountiful Thanksgiving dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. The general meeting starts at 7:00 and elections for 2014 officers and directors will take place. If you are interested in preserving and maintaining riding trails on our public lands, please come. For more information, call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Trout Unlimited
The next general meeting of Bitterroot TU will be Thursday, November 21 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St in Hamilton. UM Professor Lisa Eby will give a talk titled “Fried Trout: the response of stream ecosystems and trout to wildfire in the Rocky Mountain region.”
All but a few people acknowledge that wildfires are starting earlier, lasting later and are becoming more frequent and more intense. Others believe that the fires are going to destroy Montana landscapes, wildlife and fisheries unless we start cutting down all the trees to minimize the incineration.
Lisa Eby from the University of Montana is studying the impact of fires and the results are very surprising. Using case studies from Western Montana, Yellowstone National Park, and Idaho, Lisa will discuss the potential changes in stream ecology associated with fire, and will also describe short-term and long-term effects of fire on streams and trout species.
The public is invited to attend and there is no charge for admission. For more information, contact Ross Rademacher (monkeykatet@gmail.com) or Greg Chester gchester55@aol.com.
PFLAG
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will meet on Thursday, November 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the community basement room of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 600 S. Third Street, Hamilton. The mission includes support, education, and advocacy for families, LGBT people, and allies. The group welcomes the participation and support of all who share in this vision and mission. For more information, find PFLAG on facebook or visit pflaghamiltonbitterroot.org.
November is Transgender Awareness Month. In order to assist the community’s understanding of the transgender experience, at this month’s PFLAG meeting, there will be discussion of issues surrounding transgender, transsexual, intersex, and gender diverse people. The group will examine the binaries of traditional perceptions of gender and promote a gender inclusive environment based on acceptance and understanding to help build and support healthy communities for individuals of gender diversity.
Victor Park District
The next meeting of the Victor Park District will be Thursday, November 21 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor. The board will be discussing the budget for next year. Come, or call Roger at 961-3953 if you have any questions about the Victor Park District.
Stevi town council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet on Thursday, November 21 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck. A public hearing on Ordinance No. 146 will be held first, followed immediately by a regular council meeting. Agenda items include water and sewer project updates; second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 146, Establishing the Stevensville Airport Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD), and Adopting the Stevensville Airport Targeted Economic Development District Comprehensive Development Plan with a Tax Increment Financing Program; discussion/decision on Sidewalk Repair/Replacement/Addition Priority List; appointment of John Kellogg to the Planning & Zoning Board; discussion/decision on Approval of MT Aeronautics Grant Application for Environmental Assessment on Stevensville Airport Future Runway Reconstruction Project; discussion/decision on approval of MT Aeronautics Grant for Stevensville Airport Runway Design; discussion/decision on Engineering Contract Amendment #1 for Stevensville Airport Taxilane Extension Project; and discussion/decision on Town Property and Vehicle Insurance Coverage, to name a few.
Friday, November 22
Art show
The 43rd Bitterroot Arts Guild Christmas Show will be held Friday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hamilton Fairgrounds. There will be lots of arts and crafts and gift items for sale. Canned food donations for the Darby Bread Box will be accepted. Hot food will be available.
Book sale
“Bigger than big” Holiday Book Sale will be held Friday and Saturday, November 22 and 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library Community Room, Main Street, Stevensville. Histories, the classics and even folklore; large print and hobbies; good cookbooks galore; books for the children and some for the teens; romance and mysteries and adventurous scenes; reference and self-help, some Shakespeare, you say? A welcome donation is all that you’ll pay. Special Note: RSVP will have a table of books as well. Come early, stay late, have a cookie or two; you’ll find winter reading just waiting for you.
BPL Story Time for Kids
Young children are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Friday, November 22 to enjoy “There’s a Wocket in my Pocket” with storyteller Spring Fay. Hear some great stories and try some activities and crafts! 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.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
At the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club, on Friday, November 22, featured speaker will be Pat Connell, Montana State Representative, currently candidate for MT State Senate. The club meets from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at BJ’s Family Restaurant, 900 N. First Street at Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. Members of the public are invited to attend. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. For further information, visit www.ravcogop.com.
Eagles Taco Night
Taco Night will be held Friday, November 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Tacos, burritos and quesadillas with all the fixings will be available. The public is welcome.
Saturday, November 23
Naomi OES Craft Fair and Bazaar
Naomi Chapter, OES, will hold its Annual Holiday Craft Fair and Bazaar on Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Victor School, 4th Avenue, Victor. There will be numerous vendors, handmade gifts, Christmas items, baked goods and a Silent Auction. Kids Korner will have cupcake decorating for children. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Craft fair
The annual Candy Cane Craft Fair will be held Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Valley Christian School, 2525 Sunset Lane, Missoula. For information contact Nancy at 829-6636.
Book signings
Of particular local interest is the story of Elton Brechbill in local author and artisan Jane Lambert’s newly released “Charlie Russell, The Cowboy Years,” Second Edition. Jane will be signing her new book at Chapter 1 Bookstore in Hamilton on Saturday, November 23 from 1 until 3 p.m., and you are invited to come visit with her. She also will be offering her books and hand tied mohair cinches at Cowpoke in Corvallis on Saturday, November 30 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. You can find her on Saturday, December 7, at Valley Drug, Stevensville, signing and selling books and cinches.
Because of a prolonged drought, young Elton Brechbill trailed cattle from the Bitterroot Valley clear to Malta, where he met and became friends with Charlie Russell. Both men were excellent storytellers, and one of Elton’s stories became the subject of a good Russell painting, “The Disputed Trail.” It depicts a wreck Elton and a pack horse had in the Sapphire Mountains, and has a “disputed story” to go with the painting.
Elton had a colorful history, and when the Stevensville Mercantile got robbed, he served on the posse, pursuing the three crooks over the divide into Rock Creek, where a shootout got the money back, along with one dead robber, and the other two sent to Deer Lodge.
He also had a romantic history, and the story of how his bride was “willed” is unique. The Second Edition provides all the details.
If you enjoyed the First Edition of “Charlie Russell, The Cowboy Years,” you will enjoy this one more – more cronies, more stories, more photos, and more fun!
Sunday, November 24
Pancake breakfast
A Scandinavian Pancake Breakfast will be held Sunday, November 24 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sons of Norway Nordic Pines, 5795 Hwy 93 S, north of Lolo. The menu will be Scandinavian pancakes, ham, fruit, juice and coffee. Cost is $6 per person. The event is sponsored by Normanden Lodge, Sons of Norway, and proceeds will go to Montana Honor Flight and Montana Auto Tech Program.
Accordion jam
The 5 Valley Accordion Association invites everyone to join them at the Eagles Lodge in Hamilton on Sunday, November 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. Listen and dance to accordions, guitars, banjos, bass, drums, piano and more. Member admission is $3.00 and nonmembers are $4.00. Contact 406-240-9617 for information.
Habitat for Humanity benefit
Don’t miss the annual Pint Night Fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County on Sunday, November 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Bitterroot Brewery in Hamilton. This is always a fun event with a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. The Brewery is donating a portion of their sales to Habitat for Humanity. The silent auction is the place to pick up some amazing holiday gifts. Then relax and enjoy an evening of great live music.
Florence HS pie social
The 2nd Annual Pie Social hosted by the Florence Carlton High School Dramatiers will be held Sunday, November 24 at 4 p.m. in the FCS Old Gym. This has become the newest and richest tradition in Florence since last year’s 1st Annual Pie Social, which helped raise over $1,500 toward the new sound system which was purchased last spring. This is the Sunday right before Thanksgiving, and provides the perfect opportunity to purchase pies that will be ready to serve on Thanksgiving Day! This year’s theme will feature a series of short plays (10 minutes or less) performed on the stage in living color. There will be pies for auction, pies to eat, and pies for all other utilitarian pie purposes. A $2 suggested donation provides you oodles of pie to eat and coffee to drink.
Monday, November 25
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chili and crackers, fresh carrots with ranch dressing, applesauce, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday; Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco salad with lettuce & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot dogs with chili & cheese, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, peach cups, bread & butter, milk
Thursday & Friday: Thanksgiving Break – no school.
Rotary Club
The Montana Chamber or Commerce will be talking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, November 25 at 12 noon. They will be discussing ongoing government affairs work, insurance programs, and other business issues that impact the Bitterroot Valley. The club meets every Monday at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 777-3054.
‘Surviving the Holidays’ seminar
A Grief Share seminar, “Surviving the Holidays,” will be held Monday, November 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College, to help grieving people cope with the holidays. This is not a worship service. This is a warm, encouraging and helpful event featuring video instruction and group discussion to help you deal with the intense pain of grief during the holiday season. Watch a 40-minute video, filled with practical tips on how to survive the holidays; hear from others in your group who are dealing with grief this holiday season; have the opportunity to share how grief is affecting you (if you’d like); receive a personal Holiday Survival Guide.
Stevensville Playhouse auditions
Auditions for “Noises Off” will be held November 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. Cast includes five men, ages 20-70 and four women, ages 20-70. “Noises Off,” the classic farce by the Tony award winning author Michael Frayn, is not one play but two; simultaneously a traditional farce, “Nothing On,” and the backstage “drama” that develops during the final rehearsal and tour of “Nothing On.” The two begin to interlock as the characters make their exits from “Nothing On” only to find themselves making entrances into the even more comical nightmare that’s happening backstage. The show runs Jan. 24 through Feb. 2.
Tuesday, November 26
Republican Women’s Club
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, November 26 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speakers will be Terry Backs from Concerned Citizens of Western Montana and Dr. Kate Vandemoer, PhD, hydrologist, will be talking about the water compact. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month but will not meet in December.
Mule Team
The Mule Team will meet Tuesday, November 26 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Liaisons Café on N. 2nd in Hamilton. The speaker will be George Corn, speaking about the county’s refusal of Title X money and other local issues. Come with questions and bring a friend. Arrive before 12:00 if you are ordering lunch/coffee. Mule Team meets the fourth Tuesday of every month. For more information call Becky Peters, 369-5210.
WECAN Job Networking Night
Are you looking for a new direction in your career? Are you having trouble finding work in your field? Well, you probably have the skills to move to a different field! Come to the WECAN Job Networking Night in Hamilton on Tuesday, November 26 at 5 p.m. at the Bitterroot Job Service, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite D to learn how to apply the skills you have to a different career field. You just might be surprised with the work you could get! The Job Networking Night will also feature group discussion about the challenges of the Bitterroot job market and strategy for finding work. WECAN is a project of Rural Employment Opportunities that connects job seekers with resources, skills trainings, and other job seekers.
Thursday, November 28
Darby Turkey Day Fun Run
Lace up your shoes and head out the door on Thanksgiving morning for the second annual Darby Turkey Day Pick a K Fun Run and Walk. Get out of the kitchen for an hour and join your neighbors for a casual morning of exercise and socializing. Bring your out of town guest and family or just show up on your own. You choose the distance. There will be mile markers at every mile as well as the 5K and 10K turn around points. Costumes are encouraged. This year’s event will benefit the Darby Bread Box, Darby’s own local food bank. Bring a nonperishable food item, cash, or check made out to the Darby Bread Box. The Fun Run and Walk starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Darby High School Gym parking lot on Thursday, November 28. The run will start on the Darby Trail of Discovery to Bunkhouse Road and then continue on Old Darby Road. Help support the Darby Bread Box and add a healthy habit to your Thanksgiving Day. For more information, contact Lisa Poe, 369-5050.
Grace Lutheran Thanksgiving
Grace Lutheran Church invites you for Thanksgiving. There is room at the table! “He opens His hand and satisfies us with good things!” Come enjoy turkey and all the fixings on Thursday, November 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. For a ride or home-delivered meal, call by Tuesday, November 26, 363-1924. All are welcome.