Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Community Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

Monday - noon lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - line dancing at 9 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m.
Wednesday - noon lunch, bridge at 1 p.m., cloggers at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday - exercise at 9 a.m.; pinochle on 3rd week, 1 p.m.
Friday - line dancing at 9:30 a.m., noon lunch
Saturday - pancake breakfast on 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 8-10 a.m.
Sunday – bridge, 1 p.m.

Stevi Senior Center activities

Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Bridge and Special Music, noon.
Monday & Saturday - Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
2nd Tuesday - Quilters, 6:30 p.m.
Every Other Wednesday – Fiddlers at Lunch
3rd Wednesday – Special Birthday Dinner, noon, with music. Blood pressures taken.
Thursday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
1st & 3rd Thursday – American Legion Bingo, 7 p.m.
For more information call the Center at 777-5681 04 777-5707.

Victor Senior Center activities

Sundays - AA meeting, 7 p.m.
Monday-Thursday - Men's Coffee, 8:30-10 a.m.
Mondays & Wednesdays - Exercise, 10-11 a.m.
Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes salad bar, main course, dessert. Seniors $3.25, under 60 years $5.75. (RSVP 642-3320)
Tuesdays - Bingo, 7 p.m.
Wednesdays - Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Fridays - Ladies' Coffee, 10-11 a.m.

Al-Anon

The Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 375-9996.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous classes are held at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville, on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m.

Ask yourself these questions:

1) Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
2) Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
3) After you have won did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
If you answered yes to any of these questions this class might be good for you. For more information call 777-3897.

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous meets every Monday at 6:45 p.m. in the basement of Florence-Carlton Community Church and every Thursday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, corner of 4th and Church in Stevensville. For more information call 529-4542.

TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 343, meets every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville. TOPS is a non profit weight loss support group Guests and new members are welcome. For more information call Jerry Sue at 777-5355.

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton. Starting in November, the Women's Auxiliary will meet the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 649 Grantsdale Road. For more information call 363-3889.

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous is a Twelve Step program that deals with eating behaviors. Is one of your goals to reach a healthy weight? This program offers a solution within reach of all those who want to find relief from an obsession with food. It meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 203 Main Street, Stevensville, as well as on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main St., Hamilton. For information, call 777-7160.

Golden Agers

The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck. The Valley Rhythm Boys will play December 26 and Dick Reinbold’s Band on January 2. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. The next business meeting is January 7, following a 12:30 potluck dinner.

Florence American Legion

The Florence American Legion Post 134 meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at the IOOF hall in Florence at 7 p.m.

Stevensville American Legion

The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.

Waldorf Play Group

The Waldorf Play Group meets every Tuesday at Common Ground in Hamilton, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with snack provided. Parents are encouraged to attend with their young children (ages 1 to 5) to explore imagination play, with fairy tales, songs, and seasonal creative activities. All are welcome. Contact Kim Delvo at 369-0213 for more information.

Suicide Loss Support

Suicide Loss Support holds informal meetings the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the community room of the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main and the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Aspen Hospice, 230 Marcus St. in Hamilton.

When you suffer a loss due to suicide the grief is overwhelming. Most people don't know "just how you feel." What you can expect from SLS is someone who has experienced a loss from suicide to listen to you privately, or in a group setting. You may choose to be present but it is ok not to speak if you are not ready. SLS cares. Your loss matters and your grief is very real. SLS will support you in every way possible. Contact Brian Cherry, Ravalli County Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator, 360-2708.

SAFE support groups

SAFE, Supporters of Abuse Free Environments, hosts weekly ongoing support groups for women and children. Women’s groups focus on healing from domestic and sexual violence, building self-esteem, inner reflection, creative expression and other topics of interest to women. Come as often or as little as you want. Groups are held weekly on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children’s Groups are held on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children work on self-exploration, boundaries, and conflict resolution. This group is for ages 5 to 12. Teen Group is held every Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This group is for ages 13-18 and focuses on teen issues, dating and healthy relationships. Groups are held at SAFE in the Community Resource Building, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton. Free childcare is available. For more information contact SAFE, 363-2793.

Caregiver coffee break

Are you one of the millions of Americans who help someone else by providing companionship, preparing meals, running errands, driving to doctors appointments or by simply doing whatever needs to be done to assist someone who is ill or homebound? Aspen Hospice recognizes the complexity of caregiving and offers a time of respite. Whether or not the person you care for receives services from Aspen Hospice, you, as a caregiver, can find encouragement, support and information at the Caregiver Coffee Break every Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 230 Marcus Street in Hamilton. Stop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Reservations are not required and coffee breaks are provided at no charge. For additional information, contact Elizabeth at 777-5009.

Singing Lilies group

Any women who enjoy singing two- and three-part harmony to a wide variety of piano-accompanied music are invited to join Lilies of the Valley singing group. No auditions are required for participation. Have fun sharing your time and talent under the direction of Thelma Laws. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 211 N. 6th in Hamilton. For more information call Lola, 363-4633.

WIC clinics

A WIC clinic is offered the first through the fourth Wednesdays of each month at the United Methodist Church in Stevensville, the second Monday of each month at the Church of the Nazarene in Victor, and the third Monday of each month at the Darby Clubhouse. WIC eligibility guidelines are: yearly gross of $19,240 for family of 1 (including unborn child; $25,900 for 2; $32,560 for 3; $39,220 for 4: $45,880 for 5; $52,540 for 6. For each additional member add $6,660.

Sapphire Quilt Club

The Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Teaching of short cuts and easy techniques begin at 6:30 p.m. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting. For information, contact Linda Powell at 777-1070.

Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast

For men dealing with the death of a loved one, Marcus Daly Hospice offers a men’s breakfast support group. The Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast meets at 9 a.m. every second and fourth Friday of the month in the Marcus Daly Hospice dining room. Breakfast is provided for a $3 donation per person. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Cathy at 375-4752.

Grief Support Group

You are invited to learn how to deal with the grief you feel for the loss of a loved one. Marcus Daly Hospice offers a free Grief Support Group every Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., meeting in Hospice’s comfortable living room. The group is open to anyone in the community. For more information, call Cathy at 375-4752.

Dancercize classes

“Dancercize Around the World” is a fun, low impact class designed for adults of all ages and abilities to strengthen, tone, stretch and improve breathing while moving in a variety of music and dance styles including Latin, African, Renaissance, Modern, Improvisation and American Jazz/Bop. Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. For more information call Elenita Brown, 777-5956.

Library Storytimes

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville offers story times for children ages seven and under on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. No registration is required. For more information call the library at 777-5061.

Stevensville Awana

Awana meets every Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 402 Church in Stevensville. Children from the ages of 3 years through 6th grade come together for a fun time of games, Bible lessons, and reciting Bible verses to earn awards. A healthy snack is provided for those coming directly from school. Awana is an international kids’ club open to any child. For more information call 777-5677.

Lone Rock Awana

Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Rd., Stevensville, invites all children from preschool (age 4) through sixth grade to come to Awana Club every Wednesday from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. at the church. Awana is one of the largest nondenominational children's and youth ministries in the world, focused on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through the local church. Each week the boys and girls will learn Bible verses, have a Bible story time and play organized games. For more information call the church office, 777-2592.

Dance classes

Big Sky International Dancers offer a free dance class every Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd in Hamilton. Learn the two-step, swing and waltz. This is an ever-expanding group of singles and couples. The program is sponsored by the Hamilton Rainbow Girls. Additional free personal dance instruction is available in Corvallis. For more information call Glory Corbett, 961-8866.

Soroptimists

Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at noon and the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant. Soroptimist is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. All interested business women are encouraged to attend.

Spanish conversation group

Habla Espanol? Do you travel? Do you work with Latinos? Do you just want to keep your mind sharp? If you are a beginner or just a bit rusty, join the Stevi Spanish Conversation Group at the North Valley Public Library Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm to brush up on your Spanish language skills. This is not a class to learn to speak Spanish. It will be an informal, weekly gathering to practice speaking the Spanish language. The focus will be role playing for situations experienced during travel and everyday life. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

Work support group

Laid off? Looking for work? Join a new Work Support Group for networking and information exchange Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. at the Olde Coffee Mill on Main Street in Stevensville. For more information, call 360-7002.

PFLAG Chapter

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG meets every fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in the basement, 600 S. 3rd St., Hamilton. The building is handicap accessible from DeSmet Street through the back door of the church. For more information contact Terry Moran, 363-7656.

Divorce support group

Free DivorceCare seminar/support group meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Hwy. in Hamilton to help separated and divorced people through the grief that comes with divorce. Call 363-0875 or 363-4244 for more information.

New Thought service

Join others for New Thought service each Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. via the internet at the Carriage House, 310 N. 4th Street, Hamilton, to watch Rev. Kathianne Lewis's message from the Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle, Washington. This is a Science of Mind community. Call Barb for more information, 375-9996.

Women’s writing group

A collaborative writing group focusing on women's issues is now being organized at SAFE in the Bitterroot, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton. The group meets Thursdays at 4 p.m. For more information call Theresa Rivera, advocate, at 363-2793, ext 12.   

80+ Simple Yoga Club

Free gentle chair yoga for those 80+ years old is held Tuesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at Simple Yoga, 220 W. Main, Hamilton. Learn to use your breath to reduce tension and learn gentle movements to relieve your joints, allow greater range of motion, improve strength, balance, and flexibility, Particular attention is paid to alignment for safety, with lots of personal attention, fun and laughter. Call 544-2101 for more information or simply show up Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Hamilton Rotary Club

The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon, at “Papa Bear’s Den” on the east side of The Three Bears Creamery Cottage, 1659 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.

American Legion bingo

B-I-N-G-O! Join American Legion Fort Owen Post 94, in Stevensville, for free popcorn and an entertaining evening of bingo. The action starts at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center in Stevensville on the first and third Thursdays of the month. In August, play will be on August 6 and August 20. Bring the whole family. All prizes are cash and proceeds go to support American Legion Fort Owen Post 94 community activities.

Cancer Support Group

A Cancer Support Group is held each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library Community Room. The group is for cancer patients, cancer survivors and family and/or caregivers. For more information contact Diane Howard at 777-2385 or 363-8543.

Hamilton Farmers Market

The Hamilton Farmers Market, located on Bedford and Third Streets by the Museum, opens at 9 a.m. on Saturdays with the ringing of the old Darby School House bell. If you would like to sell at Hamilton Farmers Market and you live in Ravalli County and 50% of the value of your product is made in Montana, call Market Manager Laura Craig at 961-0004 for more information. Come enjoy the fruits of our labor from the farm, studio and kitchen - fresh locally grown produce and locally handmade arts, crafts, furniture and more.

Feldenkrais classes

Does your body hurt? For injury repair, illness, body awareness, try this ongoing Feldenkrais class offered by Kimberlee Carlson Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. at Yoga in the Root in Stevensville, 4071 Eastside Highway, Suite A. Call 777-7011 for information.

German music lingua class

German Music Lingua for Kids age 0-8 will be held Mondays at 4 p.m. from September 21 through Dec. 7 at Evergreen Kids Corner, 201 S. 8th, Hamilton. The 45-minute classes include music, storytelling, drama, and art, with take home material for home study. Contact Elke West at 375-9243 for information, costs and sign up or visit http://www.musiclingua.com.

‘Science of Mind’ fellowship

Science of Mind fellowship gathers every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Carriage House in Hamilton to watch a downloaded message from Seattle's Center For Spiritual Living. Join like-minded metaphysicians in spiritual community. For info call Barb Lucas, 375-9996.

Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings

The V2V outreach group meets every Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. These informal meetings are for all veterans from the Boxer Rebellion to the present. Many veterans have both unresolved and resolved issues from their experiences in the military that impact their lives today. At the meetings veterans can discuss whatever they want and the outreach group gives veterans an opportunity to get together to share information and talk about issues. For further information contact Dan Mayer (961-1577) from the Bitterroot Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Vietnam Veterans of America

The Bitterroot Chapter #938 of the Vietnam Veterans of America meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Human Resources Building, 316 North 3rd Street, Hamilton. Next meeting is November 4. Enter through the north door. Vietnam era veterans often need assistance with problems and issues and many have similar stories. The Bitterroot Chapter VVA is your organization to provide the opportunity to obtain and share information, to organize grass root activities, lend a helping hand, and offer assistance to all veterans in dealing with the Veterans Administration. Also, through the National VVA organization, the local chapter supplies input to state and federal government legislators on issues important to veterans. For more information contact Bill Decker at 369-0544.

Library Tot Time

A weekly Tot Time program for parents and children not yet in school is held every Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Darby Community Public. Enjoy reading, art, music and snack. The program is free. For more information call the library at 821-4771.

After-School Program

Two Creeks School, located at 258 Roosevelt Lane in Hamilton, is offering an after-school program Monday-Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for public, private, and home schooled students in grades K-8.  

Students in the Two Creeks Bridges after-school program will have access to the Two Creeks School library, learning resources, art supplies and play materials as well as a large outdoor play area, nutritious snacks, and help with homework. The

Two Creeks Bridges

Hamilton Elks dinner

The Hamilton Elks host a dinner open to the public every Wednesday night the Hamilton Elks lodge, 203 State Street. The menu is different each week and the cost is $8.00. The October 14 dinner is breaded shrimp, coleslaw, baked potato, dessert and coffee. Serving begins at 6 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Elks scholarship fund.

Suppertime at SVCFC

Suppertime@SVCFC is a free community dinner for families and those needing a good, nutritious meal. Meals are served on Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. at South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison in Hamilton. All meals are prepared in a professional kitchen by volunteers. The program is funded by contributions, donations and grants. Any help is appreciated. If you or your group would like to volunteer or donate, call SVCFC at 363-3450.

MAC High School Youth Group

Six MAC (Montana Association of Churches) churches including Faith Lutheran, First Presbyterian, Corvallis United Methodist, United Methodist-American Baptist Federated, First Christian and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church are sponsoring a community youth program for all high school students. The MAC youth group meets on Monday nights from 6 to 8:15 p.m. at the Carriage House located at 310 N. 4th Street, Hamilton. Dinner will be provided by the churches at 6:30 p.m. Music will start at 7 p.m. followed by a short message given by the ministers of the above churches, an activity, fellowship and more music will follow. All community high school students are welcome. Call 363-7656 for more information.

Darby food collection

The Darby Bread Box, a local food bank in Darby, will be opening soon. During October, organizers are collecting soup and tomato sauce. Drop off donations at People’s Market or Bitterroot Community Credit Union. Any donations would be appreciated.

Democratic Central Committee

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Stevensville Public Library, 208 Main St., Stevensville (community room). The Oct. 17 fundraiser dinner and the Central Committee resolution on Health Care Reform will be discussed. Clayton Floyd, non-partisan candidate for Mayor of Stevensville, will speak to the committee. All Democrats and others who wish to attend are welcome. For more information contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Mountains Council #13093 will hold its regular monthly council meeting on Wednesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary's activity center. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:45 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m.

Dance classes

A free 10-week dance class will be held in Corvallis on Friday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. If you have two left feet when it comes to dancing, learn to dance this fall and have two feet left and 10 weeks of fun. Waltz, two-step, polka, etc.

Contact Glory Corbett for more information, 961-8866.

Dance classes

A free 10-week dance class will be held in Hamilton on Sunday evenings at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane. Level I will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Level II will run from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more information contact Glory Corbett, 961-8866.

NV Friends of Library tea

How would you like to belong to an organization that's 105 years old this year? In 1903 four ladies in Stevensville got together to start a proper library. They asked the town fathers for space in the Town Hall, and raised money by selling books, baked goods and quilts. In 1904 they hired the first librarian, paying her $25.00 a month, and the first Friends of the Library group was created. In 1909 the town took over the financing of the library, and there has been a library in downtown Stevensville for the ensuing 100 years. The Friends of the North Valley Public Library will be hosting a Membership Tea on Thursday, October 15 in the Community Room of the library on Main Street, Stevensville, at 12 noon. Come meet the talented, industrious current Friends members, who love to raise money for the library and certainly have a fine time doing it. They promise good fellowship and delicious refreshments. (Hats, funny or otherwise, optional.) For further information call Beverly, 777 2505.

Driver safety class

An AARP Driver Safety Class will be presented at Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton on Thursday, October 15. The class begins at 6 p.m. and lasts approximately four hours. This is a refresher class designed for drivers age 50 and over. There is no written test. Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates. The class fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Preregistration is requested. Contact Mary at 363-6583 for further information.

Autism lecture

South Valley Child and Family Center will present an evening with Kathleen Gallacher, LCPC, one of Montana’s leading authorities on autism and its effects, on Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center, 515 Madison in Hamilton. Gallacher will be speaking on assessment for autism, entitlements for and how to meet needs of children and families living with autism. Call SVCFC at 363-3450 by October 12 to reserve your space as seating is limited.

Trout Unlimited/Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot

A joint meeting of Trout Unlimited and Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot will be held Thursday, October 15 at 7 p.m. at the Elks Club, 203 Bedford, Hamilton. The program will feature Dr. Tim McCue, Medical Director of the Flycasting Institute and Head Team Physician for the University of Montana, who will speak on Medical Aspects of Flycasting Injuries. Dr. McCue’s talk will cover how to avoid common flycasting mistakes that can lead to injury. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.

North Valley Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, October 16, at noon at The Frontier Cafe, U.S. 93 in Stevensville. The guest speaker will be State Representative Gary MacLaren who will speak on his recent trip to Washington D.C.  The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe everyone is welcome. The Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party.

‘Sound of Music’ production

The Stevensville Playhouse presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical “The Sound of Music.” Originally produced in 1959, this show was a hit and soon made its big screen debut with Julie Andrews. This musical features hum-able tunes such as “Do-Re-Mi”, “Edelweiss”, “My Favorite Things”, “Climb Every Mountain” and the title song “The Sound of Music”.

“The Sound of Music” is directed by Sarah Greenfield and Tim Shonkwiler and features a cast of many. Maria is played by Beth Schreiber and Captain von Trapp by Mark Brown, both of Stevensville. The von Trapp Children are from up and down the valley and include Marie Baker, Ethan Johnson, Emily Crews, Brody Severson, Taylor Crews, Elise Strieble, and Lilly Crews.

Come see this theatrical classic based on the Story of the Trapp Family Singers, with music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Lindsay Howard and Russel Crouse. Show dates are October 16th through 18th and 23rd through 25th. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Tickets will also be available at the door at $12 for adults and $10 for children. For tickets call 777-2722 or email stevensvilleplayhouse@gmail.com for more information.

Pancake breakfast

A pancake breakfast for the public will be held Saturday, October 17 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The menu is pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, juice and coffee. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for 12 and under. Call 363-5181 for more information.

EAA tool auction

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 517, Inc. will be holding a “silent auction” of tools in the chapter hangar at the Stevensville Airport on Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each item to be auctioned is new or in very good condition. Auction items include a McCulloch chain saw, 16-inch hand sander, 24v cordless ?-inch Hammerdril, dremel tool with attachments, and many other items. The highest bidder on the bid sheet at 1 p.m. is the lucky recipient. Bidders must be present at 1 p.m. to pick up their tools.

Breakfast will be served to the public by EAA Chapter 517 from 9 a.m. to noon. The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, juice and coffee. The cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child.

Some airplanes owned by EAA members will be on display. This is a great opportunity to not only pick up some great tools, but also to talk with an EAA member about what it’s like to construct a homebuilt aircraft or to simply fly an airplane for recreation.

For more information call Don at 251-6780 or email djlorenzen@msn.com.

St. Mary’s Harvest Dinner

St. Mary's Parish in Stevensville is hosting a Harvest Dinner on Saturday, October 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Family Center, 400 Charlos. The menu is turkey and all the trimmings with pie for dessert with coffee and juice. Cost is $8.50 for adults, $4.00 for children 4-12, and free for children under 4.

Square dance club

The Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club lessons will continue on Saturday, October 17 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. Fourth Street in Hamilton at 6 p.m. No new students can be accepted at this time but for those that missed the starting opportunity, keep in mind that a new beginners class will start again on December 19. The caller will be Barry Bartlette. For more information call Donna Hicks, 961-0111, or Jeanne Burruss, 961-3468.

Daly Mansion celebration

The Daly Mansion invites you for some apple cider and pumpkin pie on Sunday, October 18 to celebrate an end to a successful summer tour season. These fall treats will be offered to touring guests in the Trophy Room. The Mansion is currently open seven days a week offering guided tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the hour. Tour prices are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, $5.00 for children, and children under six are admitted free. The A.J. Gibson Exhibit continues on the third floor through October 18th. For more information, call 363-6004, ext. 3#.

Coats for Kids

Free coats for kids will be distributed at First Baptist Church, 402 Church Street, Stevensville on Wednesday, October 14 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, October 17 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Tuesday, October 20 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Accepting donations of coats, blankets, hats, mittens, boots at Stevensville banks; additional donations will be given to Clothes Closet.

Back Country Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 15 at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. The program speaker is Dr. Linda Kauffman, DVM, who will discuss how to prepare your horse for winter, including taking care of the senior horse. Guests are welcome to attend and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.

Methodist autumn bazaar

The women of Stevensville Methodist Church have been busy creating and collecting a wide variety of interesting things for their annual autumn bazaar to be held Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 216 College Street.

The ladies have made many one-of-a-kind items from quilts to knits, there will be all manner of baked goods, candy and jams, and new this year is the Around the World section with specialties from various foreign countries

An especially exciting feature for the UMC Women is the sale of their new cookbook, The Methodist Church Cookbook, which contains the previously mostly-secret recipe for the apple dumplings they make themselves by the hundreds and sell at the Creamery Picnic every year.

The Collectibles Corner with its antiques and interesting things not old enough to be antiques, used, perfectly good items such as kitchen utensils and small appliances and perhaps just the precious thing you have been needing to complete your collection.

Handmade holiday items for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas have been fashioned especially for the bazaar. There are compact disks, DVDs, music on tape and interesting books, garden produce and houseplants and even specialties for your pets.

A silent auction will feature a handmade quilt, jewelry, art, special services and many other desirable items on which to bid. You are welcome to come and browse.

The women suggest you arrive early and enjoy a homemade cinnamon roll and cup of coffee before you shop and stay for lunch of potato and ham or vegetable beef soup with a roll and a piece of pie.

Musical performance

Paul Arnoldi will perform folk and original songs, 12 and 6 string guitars, on Saturday, October 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hidden Legends Winery, Hwy. 93 at Sheafman Corner.

Brain Injury Support Group

The Missoula Brian Injury Support Group will meet Monday, October 19 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Hospital Duran Learning Center. All survivors and caregivers are welcome to come and bring their stories of hope and encouragement and enjoy some Halloween treats. For more information contact Jim Mickelson, 544-6629.

Bitterroot Audubon 

Spring and fall are the seasons when bears are most likely to visit our yards looking for easy handouts. Bitterroot Audubon’s October meeting will feature a timely program titled “Be Bear Aware.” The presenter will be Fred Weisbecker, retired Game Warden and current outdoors enthusiast and instructor known throughout the Valley. Fred developed this program to help reduce human-wildlife conflicts and to provide people with information to help them live and recreate safely in areas they share with large carnivores. The program includes a brief biology of bears, identifying black and grizzly bears, and information on bear sign, bear behavior, proper food storage techniques and use of bear spray. Fred will also address encounters with wolves, mountain lions and rattlesnakes.

This program should be of interest to all residents of western Montana, since bears and other predators can appear almost anywhere in our area. The meeting will be on Monday, October 19 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy. 93 at the north end of Hamilton. Enter the building from the west side. The meeting is free, and the public is invited to attend. For further information contact Kay Fulton, 642-3794.

Responsible alcohol sales training 

On Tuesday, October 20 as part of Red Ribbon Week, Western Montana Addiction Services will host a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service training for employees and management/owners of local businesses. This training, certified by the Montana Department of Revenue, helps local restaurant, bar and package/convenience store employees how to keep our communities safe from underage drinking and over-service. The training will take place on October 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at Western MT Addiction Services, 209 N. 10th St in Hamilton. It is a three-hour training that covers such issues as ID recognition and validity, over-intoxication, policy development, etc. has a class limit of 25. Call 532-9149 to reserve your place.

Baby Sign Language Class

Would you like to jumpstart your baby’s language development? Enhance your child’s self-esteem? Stimulate your baby’s intellectual development? Strengthen your parent-infant bond or reduce your child’s communication frustrations? A Baby Sign Language Class, designed to benefit most children and their guardian, will begin October 20 and meet every Tuesday for six weeks from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Service’s pediatric gym, located inside the new Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center at the west end of 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Amy Yockey, MS, CCC/SLP an accomplished and licensed Speech Therapist at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, will be teaching this class. If you have a child in your life 6 months to 3 years of age, call Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Services at 375-4570 to reserve your spot. The fee is $25 and space is limited.

Sons of Norway

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will hold its annual 'Norwegian Bingo' event on Tuesday, October 20 from at 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. Fourth. Note the time change to an earlier hour. The Lodge will provide a main dish and beverages, with a potluck before the bingo games. Members and anyone who wishes to attend can bring a side dish, and a White Elephant item for the auction after bingo. Each bingo! earns monopoly money until the cards are all filled, then the auction will start. As always, the public is invited and the earlier hour will encourage those who do not like to drive at night. For further information, call Jackie at 961-4538.

Job Corps Center open house/banquet

You are cordially invited to attend Trapper Creek Job Corps Center’s Fall Open House and Banquet on Tuesday, October 20. Job Corps is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a dinner at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium. Student-led tours will take place prior to the banquet. The tours will be leaving from the Administration Building starting at 5 p.m. and continue until dinner begins. During dinner there will be an array of interesting and informative speakers. RSVP by October 16 by calling the Center at 821-3286. For more information call the Center at 821-3286.

Montana hot springs lecture

On Tuesday, October 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State Street in Hamilton, the Bitter Root Water Forum and Humanities Montana are sponsoring a lecture and slide presentation by local author Jeff Birkby entitled “Soaking Up the History of Montana's Hot Springs Resorts.”

Missoula author and lecturer Jeff Birkby will examine the social history of Montana's hot water havens, using archival photos, historical research, and personal interviews; he will bring to life the stories of Montana's geothermal past, and will spotlight the history of the half dozen hot springs sprinkled through the Bitter Root Valley, including Sleeping Child, Medicine Springs, Lost Trail Hot Springs, Granite Hot Springs and Lolo Hot Springs. Come and bring your own memories of soaking in the Bitter Root Valley hot springs in days gone by.

The public is welcome and attendance is free; light refreshments will be served.

Pasty sale

The fall pasty sale, sponsored by the Ravalli County Democratic Women’s Club, will be held Wednesday, October 21 at the Rocky Mountain Grange in Hamilton. The pasties will be made with organic beef and the usual mix of potatoes, onions, carrots and spices, and may be ordered baked or unbaked. There is also an option for vegetarian pasties; first ordered, first served at $3 each. Place your order early with Lisa at 777-3145 or Corrine at 544-8586. Pasties may be picked up at the Grange Hall south of Hamilton between 1 and 6 p.m. on October 21.

Library 100-year celebration

In 1903, four Stevensville women asked to use some space in the town hall for a book exchange. This group, which would later become the Friends of the North Valley Public Library, raised funds to pay the town’s first librarian ($25.00/month). Six years later, in 1909, the Town took over sponsorship and funding of this project, and the first public library in Stevensville was born.  

The North Valley Public Library will be celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout the month of October 2009 by waiving overdue fines on all items returned this month. There will also be a birthday celebration (with cake and ice cream) at the library on Wednesday, October 21 at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Several local businesses will also help the library celebrate by donating a portion of their proceeds during the month of October to the library’s building fund. The library is conducting a survey about its building project throughout the month. Survey forms are available at the library and at several downtown business locations.

The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information, call 777-5061.

Harvest Dinner

The Annual Harvest Dinner and Auction will be held Friday, October 23 at Victor Community Church. Auction viewing begins at 5 p.m. with the auction at 5:30 and dinner at 6 p.m. Free will donations will be accepted for the meal.

Ski and Sport Swap

If it has to do with sports and you want to buy or sell it, plan to attend Lost Trail Ski Patrol’s “Ski and Sports Swap”, October 23 and 24 at the National Guard Armory, Hamilton. The event has been expanded to include all sports gear in addition to the traditional ski and snowboard equipment and clothing.

The Swap gives families the opportunity to recycle outgrown children’s equipment and clothing, earn some extra money and shop for great bargains at the same time. The all-volunteer Lost Trail Ski Patrol takes a percentage of each sale to pay for equipment and supplies; sellers earn the rest.

Consign any sports-related items on Friday, October 23 at the National Guard Armory, Main and 7th Streets, Hamilton, from 5 to 8 p.m. Skis, snowboards, boots, tents, jackets, fishing equipment, winter sweaters, helmets, sleeping bags, soccer gear – if it has to do with sports, the Lost Trail Ski Patrol will help you sell it. The sale will take place on Saturday, October 24 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Participants urge everyone to shop early for the very best selection.

From now on, the Ski and Sports Swap will be held every other year; the next scheduled Swap will be October, 2011. For more information on the Lost Trail Ski Patrol “Ski & Sport Swap,” contact Dan Whitesitt at 777-3242.

Kidney screening

The regional chapter of the National Kidney Foundation will offer a free kidney health screening to area residents on Saturday, October 24, at The University of Montana.

The screening is open to anyone at risk of kidney disease, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of these conditions. It will include a health risk appraisal, blood pressure measurement and blood and urine tests.

The screening is co-sponsored by the UM Department of Pharmacy Practice in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy.

It will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the University Center. Registration is required and space is limited to the first 100 participants. To register, call 800-398-9002 or 728-1630.

The screening is part of the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program, designed to identify and educate people at risk of kidney disease. KEEP has screened more than 112,000 people nationwide.

The National Kidney Foundation of Colorado, Montana and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

For more information, contact the National Kidney Foundation at 720-748-9991, ext. 113, or visit http://www.kidneycimw.org.

Kids Coats and Costume Exchange will be held Saturday, October 24 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 N. Hwy. 93, Suite 3, Florence (behind Conoco Town Pump gas station). Bring last year’s coats and Halloween costumes for exchange and receive a free book. Extra coats will be donated to local resources. No coats or costumes? That’s okay. Come as you are and enjoy a free chili luncheon.

Red Cross blood drives

Saturday, October 24, 1-5 p.m. - Sula Community, Sula Community Club House. For appointment call Linda Clark, 821-3143.

Tuesday, October 27, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. - First Choice Hamilton, 186 South 3rd Street. Blood mobile will be parked on the street. For appointment call 375-9555.

Stevensville Playhouse annual membership meeting

All members and would be members of the Stevensville Playhouse are invited to attend the annual membership meeting on Saturday, October 24 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to vote in/approve any new board members and to hear the state of the theater and future plans. Refreshments will be served.

‘Root Food ‘09

‘Root Food ’09, the second annual local food dinner for the Bitterroot community and fundraiser for Sustainable Living Systems, will be held Saturday, October 24 at the Hamilton City Hall, 223 S. 2nd, starting at 6 p.m. There will be a gourmet, home cooked dinner featuring fresh, local foods, a silent local food auction, and guest speaker Beth Berlin will speak about solutions for climate change. This event is in conjunction with the International Day of Climate Action, organized by Bill McKibbon and associates of 350.org, to take a stand for limiting CO2 in the atmosphere to 350 ppm and to encourage world leaders to pass policies strong enough to get us back to 350. Tickets are $20 at the door, kids 10 & under $5.00. There is a limit of 50 served, so don't be late! Local beer and wine will be available. Speaker and auction starts at 7 p.m.

Daly Hospital blood drive

Someone in Montana needs blood every 27 minutes. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and the American Red Cross are having a blood drive on Thursday, October 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Marcus Daly Conference Rooms B & C. Approximately 39,000 units of blood are used in the USA daily. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood and save a life. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. Call Gary Schulz at 375-4451 to schedule your appointment today. Donors, please remember to eat complete meals and drink plenty of water before donating blood and for more information visit http://www.mdmh.org.

Book discussion group

“The Things I’ve Been Silent About: Memories” by Azar Nafisi is the topic of the Brown Bag It! book discussion group on Thursday, October 29 from noon to 1 p.m. in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Call the library at 363-1670 for more information.

Hamilton Players production

The Hamilton Players have combed the graveyards and found a cast of ghoulish actors to bring "Dracula - The Musical?" to the Hamilton Playhouse stage this Halloween season.

This musical is loosely based on Bram Stoker's Dracula novel and is a spoof on the classic horror movies. "Dracula - The Musical" – featuring “biting” humor with “haunting” melodies – is an unparalleled romp from start to finish. At its Australian premiere, a critic commented, "this performance was one of the most enjoyable I've seen...it exhibited a superb sense of humor." The play, by Rick Abbot, is by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., and is directed on the Hamilton Playhouse stage by Denise rose. The show will run at the Hamilton Playhouse Oct. 29-Nov. 1 and Nov. 6-8. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Also, on opening night (Oct. 29th) the audience is invited to enter a costume contest. During the run of the show, a magnificent quilt will be raffled, with tickets sold in the lobby. Tickets will be on sale at the Hamilton Playhouse Box Office on Ricketts Road, Hamilton and on-line at www.hamiltonplayers.com. Call 375-9050.

Foreign Film Series

A free Foreign Film Series for adults will begin on Thursday, October 29 at the Bitterroot Public Library with the showing of “Arranged” at 7 p.m. in the west meeting room. Winner of Best Film at the Brooklyn International Film Festival, and directed by Diane Crespo and Stefan Schaefer, this drama is about a young Orthodox woman, Rachel, is about to begin her first year as a special education teacher at the local public school. She is also about to embark on what her father and mother call "the most exciting time of her life" - the process of finding a husband via the time -tested method of using a "shadchen," or matchmaker.

As the school year gets underway, Rachel meets Nasira, a Muslim woman of Syrian descent. Nasira is also a first year teacher. Her family is also selecting potential husbands for her to interview and "date."

Rachel begins to question the age-old practice while Nasira has greater faith, as she views her parents' loving union as such a success. This is about two modern women with deep religious convictions.

The free film series is intended for mature audiences due to adult themes, language and sexual content. For more information contact the library at 363-1670.

Paper drive

The Hamilton Garden Club will hold a paper drive on Friday, October 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Safeway parking lot. Newspapers and aluminum cans will be accepted (no cardboard). This is the last drive of 2009. Paper drives will resume on the last Friday of April 2010.

‘Ghoul’s Night Out’ at Mansion

It’s a Ghoul’s Night Out, a Halloween Sleepover, at the Daly Mansion. Get your best girlfriends together for a frightfully fun night at the Daly Mansion on Saturday, October 31. Bring your sleeping bag and pad or cot - but don't plan on too much sleep. Ghoul's Night Out is an adults only fundraising event for the Daly Mansion Trust and is packed with Halloween revelry including a harvest dinner in the formal dining room, a candlelight tour of the Mansion, ghost hunting excursions, story telling, a lantern lit tour of the grounds, scary movies, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin bowling, and a continental breakfast. You are also encouraged to bring your best-carved pumpkin or carve one in the Mansion's kitchen. Costumes are also encouraged. The evening begins with dinner at 7 p.m. and ends at 7 a.m. Valet parking will be available. Reservations are limited to the first 20 women and are $75.00 per person. Early reservations are highly recommended. For more information or to make reservations, call 363-6004, ext. 3#.

Montana Organic Association conference

The Montana Organic Association (MOA) announces its 7th Annual Conference, “Organic: Breaking New Ground,” November 12-14, at the Holiday Inn in Great Falls. This year, MOA is featuring Organic University on November 12. The general Conference runs November 13-14 and features top-notch speakers and sessions such as: Ron de Yong, Director of the MT Department of Agriculture; Paul Hepperly of the Rodale Institute; ranch management sessions; and updates from colleagues at MSU, the Organic Seed Alliance and legislators. There will also be a tour of the new Montana Milling facility and presentations on carbon credits, nutrition, retail trends, converting CRP land, cross-generational communications on the farm and much more. The conference also features delicious organic food, thought-provoking discussions, lively business networking and fun entertainment—a perfect gathering to learn, network and promote your business or organization.

MOA Conference information is on the web at http://www.montanaorganicassociation.org or contact conference coordinator, Susan Waters, at (406) 871-0019 for more information.