NVPL ‘food for fines’
Are your library fines beginning to add up? Why not exchange food for fines? Throughout 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. (There will be no birthday/anniversary celebrations in 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, Glenn’s Café, Florence Boutique; 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.
Soroptimist candy sale
Soroptimist International of Hamilton will be selling See’s Candy during the holiday season in the parking lot of First Security Bank in Hamilton. The See’s Candy Mobile will be open through December 14 from 10:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 pm. on Saturdays. Proceeds help support educational and health programs for women and girls.
Stevi Christmas Share Tree
The Stevensville Christmas Share Tree needs your help! Tags (children) are available for adoption and donations are needed. Each tag represents a child in the community who needs warm clothing for Christmas. Donations can be send to Acts of Kindness, P.O. Box 677, Stevensville MT 59870. Contact Beth Perkins at 207-5748 for more information.
Darby adult ed instructor opp
You are invited to present a course for the Darby Adult Education program’s Spring 2014 semester. Based on course evaluations, folks take Darby Adult Education courses for personal enrichment. Submit your course proposals by Monday, December 16. All topic suggestions will be considered. Courses begin on Friday, January 31 and end on Friday, May 23. For examples visit the Darby Adult Education website and look at last semester’s offerings at http://www.darby.k12.mt.us/community/adult-education/course-information-spring-2012. Instructor hourly wage is $20 per classroom hour. For more information contact Adele C. Dicken, Darby Adult Education Director, 821-3405, adicken@darby.k12.mt.us.
Wednesday, December 4
Garden Club Christmas Luncheon
The Stevensville Garden Club is hosting the annual community Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, December 4 at 12 noon at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street in Stevensville. The menu is fantastic! Tickets are $10 each but are limited. Call Mary at 777-4196 to purchase tickets.
Spiritual Cinema
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to Spiritual Cinema, Wednesday, December 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The movie is “Painting The Future,” a film from Louise Hay and Hay House. “Painting The Future” is the story of a young girl whose friendship with a bitter neighbor becomes an inspiration for his healing. 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 Pat 360-5568 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.
Thursday, December 5
BPL iPad User’s Group
The Bitterroot Public Library iPad User’s Group meets the first Thursday of the month on Thursday, December 5 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the library. Learn tips and tricks and share new applications. All level of users are welcome. For more information contact Nansu Roddy at the library, 363 1670.
Lutheran Advent activities
Our Savior Lutheran Church in Stevensville is celebrating the Advent season.
Advent, or The Coming, is a time set aside by the Church to prepare for the arrival of the long-promised Messiah, Savior, Lamb of God, Prince of Peace.
Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, for making hearts ready for the gift of the Christ Child. Amidst the bustle of preparations for the commercial and very secular Christmas, Thursday evenings may be the perfect time to pause and contemplate the spiritual aspect of Christmas, the miracle of grace, our undeserved gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Both the Our Savior congregants and members of the community are urged to set aside Thursday evenings for 7 p.m. Advent evening prayer services with candlelight, starting Thursday, December 5, and continuing the following two Thursdays, the 12th and the 19th.
To simplify evening worship for hard-working families, the people of Our Savior are again preparing 6 p.m. soup and sandwich suppers. Pick up your family on your way home from work and come to eat with the members of Our Savior before the service. Food and fellowship followed by the power of God’s Word will make this holiday season more meaningful, as well as less hectic.
Our Savior, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod. To find the church, head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. One mile past Middle Burnt Fork Road, turn east on Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by three crosses.
Friday, December 6
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 6 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be State Senator Scott Boulanger, talking about the Western Legislative Academy he attended. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from 12 noon to 1 p.m. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Stevensville Country Christmas
“A Montana Country Christmas” will take place Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 in Stevensville. This festive celebration begins on Friday nights with the “Parade of Lights”, caroling down Main Street, live nativity scene, the Christmas Story, and open houses. Decorations and beautiful lights adorn the historic downtown, with open houses at many businesses including complimentary Christmas treats, music, artists, horse and wagon rides throughout the evening, and a hayride to boot! Santa arrives for photos and a very memorable evening is always had by all. On Saturday, December 7, enjoy all of the local stores and eateries along with wagon rides to the Booster Club Bazaar at the Stevensville High School Gym and to Historic St. Mary’s Mission where there will be the Nativity and Snowman exhibit. Bring the whole family for an old fashioned “Montana Country Christmas.” For more information call the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773.
Art exhibit
The final show for River’s Mist Gallery of Fine Art will feature the gallery’s stable of artists including Rich Adams, graphite; Howard Knight, leather; Amy Knight, fused glass; Bobbie McKibbin, pastels; Barbara Michelman, photography; and Michael Rees, photography and woodworking. Also included in the show will be Vince Schmiller, woodwork, and Heidi Zielinski, fiber art. During the past four years River’s Mist has showcased some of the finest artists in the community, many of them nationally known and recognized for their expertise in their medium. A reception will be held Friday, December 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. The show runs through December 31. River’s Mist Gallery is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information call 777-0520.
Hamilton First Friday
On Friday, December 6, many downtown businesses in Hamilton will celebrate First Friday, with live music, late hours, and in-store events. Check out the multi-author event at Chapter One Book Store, the gingerbread house raffle at Robbins on Main, live music at Clatters Coffee House and Spice of Life restaurant, enjoy the holiday decorations, and more. For more information, call the Hamilton Downtown Association at 360-9124.
Saturday, December 7
MTCAN bake sale
Do yourself a favor this holiday season and skip all the fuss of baking those holiday sweet treats by attending the 5th Annual Cookie Walk & Bake Sale hosted by the Montana Companion Animal Network on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Building, corner of Pine and Third Streets in Hamilton. Talented area bakers have been busy whipping up their favorite holiday cookies of every flavor, shape and size. Shoppers can tour the cookie tables to choose their favorites in any quantity, which will be sold by the pound and stock up on individually priced cakes, pies, breads, candy and “diet restricted” items, some of which were fair ribbon winners! A raffle for a homemade “gingerbread creation” and gift items will also be for sale. Plan to come early for the best selection, last year sold out by 1 p.m.! All proceeds from the event will be used by MTCAN to assist animals in need throughout the coming year. For more information contact Mary at 642-3785 or email at Mary@mtcan.org.
Book signing
Victor author Matt Kittel will be signing copies of his book, “Meticulous Mind” on Saturday, December 7 at 12 noon at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. “When the tables turn and pieces fall into the wrong hands, life as you know it no longer stands. The righteous fade, the crowns crumble, and no longer will the pawns be humble. As night pushes day, a new throne makes way.” As a teenage poet, Kittel writes with passion, conviction and imagination.
Christmas musical
River Street Dance Theater presents “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in song and dance on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, at 7 p.m. with a Saturday, Dec. 7 matinee at 3 p.m. at the Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center, 327 Fairgrounds Road. Twenty-seven River Street Dance Theater dancers take the roles of the Grinch, his dog Max, the Who-ville people including Cindy-Lou Who, and the Mice in the Whos’ House. The production brings to life the Dr. Seuss story of the miserable Grinch who discovers the meaning of Christmas by watching the Who-ville people from his perch at the top of Mt. Crumpit. Music is by Mannheim Steamroller, Dan Crary, Musica Para Circo, Bach and Berlioz. The dancing blends Modern, Ballet, and Tap by choreographers Pam Erickson and Natalie Naidl. Tickets are $10 adults and $6 students and children, and will be available at the door. Call 363-1203 for more information.
Sunday, December 8
CrossPoint Christmas photos opp
Photographers in Christ’s Service Ministry of CrossPoint Christian Fellowship is offering free Christmas family portraits on Sundays, December 8 and 15 from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Receive a 4″x6″ full color print on site, and you will also receive the digital image(s) via email for your personal use. Enjoy great fellowship and refreshments, too! Pull your family together and head to 76 Woodside Cutoff Road (just west of the Bitterroot River) in Corvallis. Call or text 375-5196 for more information.
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living presents Jon Bradbury discussing “Walking In The Light.” December brings opportunities to reflect on moments of darkness on our spiritual journey and the light that renews and reveals; Jon helps illuminate a spiritual pathway. Special music with LeGrande Harvey. Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:30 a.m. Come early for Meditation at 9:30 a.m.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 or visit www.CSLbitterroot.org.
Accordion Assn. Christmas party
The 5 Valley Accordion Association invites everyone to join them on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to p.m. for their Christmas party and dance at the Rustic Hut in Florence. Cost is $3 for members and $4 for nonmembers. Call 240-9617 for more information.
Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Sunday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.
Monday, December 9
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagels with cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Beef enchilada, refried beans, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, applesauce, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Meatballs, mashed potatoes & gravy, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch- Chicken wraps, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, pears, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
Danielle Harden, Administrator of the Western Montana Mental Health Center in Hamilton, will discuss the center’s role and the challenges of providing mental health services in Ravalli County, at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary club, on Monday, December 9 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 777-3054.
‘Merry Olde Madrigal Dinners’
Amid roving minstrels and the cries of “Wassail, Wassail,” you are invited to begin the holiday season by attending the “Merry Olde Madrigal Dinners” presented by the Corvallis Vocal Music Department directed by Nancy Brown. The dates for the festivities are Monday, December 9 and Tuesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Hamilton.
Plans are in full swing to recreate all the pomp and charm of the Renaissance era. Costume design is by Gretchen Speiss. Jugglers, beggars, and musicians traditionally mingle with the guests, offering their yuletide greeting in word and song. There will be song, dance, and skits presented by the CHS Vocal Music Department. A full dinner will be served including salad, main course, dessert, wassail, tea, and coffee.
Ticket prices are $25.00 per plate and must be purchased in advance at the Corvallis High School office, 961-3201. There will be no tickets available at the door.
First Time Homebuyer Class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Bitter Root RC&D) will hold its next nationally certified First Time Homebuyer Group Education class December 9-11 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 $50 per household to cover instruction and the cost of reference materials.
Sara Ann Briggs is the instructor. who has a Master’s from Colorado State University, has been with the Bitter Root RC&D since mid-April. Briggs recently received national certification in two areas of housing counseling from the NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling, allowing the Bitter Root RC&D to offer new programs to the residents of Ravalli County. She has been providing pre-homeownership classes since June. With her most recent certification, Briggs will be able to offer one-on-one counseling to first-time homebuyers. This new service means that those who request additional counseling or are required by HUD for this follow-up program can now do it right here in Hamilton rather than in Missoula or on the phone.
The first step to the home buying process is pre-purchase counseling. 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. Additionally, HUD requires that the class be taken prior to signing a purchase contract; therefore, Briggs urges first-time homebuyers to not wait until the last minute to take the class. Most importantly, the class will help novice homebuyers maneuver through the entire process of homeownership. Although available, using an alternate certification method such as online course completion is being highly scrutinized by HUD and should be considered the last alternative. “People seeking to purchase their first home should take the class prior to seeing a lender or real estate agent 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,” explained Briggs.
The class will be offered again on the following dates: February 10-12; April 14-16; Monday, May 10; and June 16-18. Call the Bitter Root RC&D office at 363-5450 for more information.
Tuesday, December 10
Origami workshop
An Origami Lantern Folding evening with artist Karen Coombs, will be held Tuesday, December 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Classes are free and open. Pre-register by calling 363-1670.
Socrates Cafe
Socrates Café takes place every other Tuesday evening at the Bitterroot Public Library. Join in on Tuesday, December 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the meeting room of the library for the “Great Conversation”. At each gathering a question is selected, defined and respectfully considered. Learn to back up your viewpoints with compelling evidence and to think on the fly. Call 363-1670 for more information.
Stevi school board
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, December 10 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.
Wednesday, December 11
Drum Circle
There will be a Drum Circle on Tuesday, December 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living. African Hand 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! The center has plenty of extras. Let your inner drummer out! The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C, in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For information call Carolyn at 375-2548 or visit www.CSLbitterroot.org.