The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 7:30 to 10 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. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every first Wednesday of the month. Also on the first Wednesday of every month a potluck is held at 12:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting. Card parties are held on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. On the last Wednesday of the month a birthday party is held at 2 p.m.

Florence American Legion

The Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Fire Hall. For further information contact Post Commander Claude Nichols at 273-3051.

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.

Corvallis American Legion

The Corvallis American Legion Post 91 meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Corvallis High School library. For further information contact Post Commander Alex Ivanoff at 961-8997 or Post Adjutant Roy Meyer, 961-4272.

Lilies of the Valley singing group

The Lilies of the Valley Ladies Ensemble welcomes you to share your time, talent, wit and humor in the joy of singing together, short programs to share with others. No auditions to participate, only your love of the language of music and the desire to sing it in melody and harmony. Come and relax Thursday evenings, 7 to 9 p.m., at 211 N. 6th St., Hamilton. For more information call Thelma, 363- 1598.

WIC clinics

A WIC clinic is offered in Hamilton Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 205 Bedford St, Suite P, District Courthouse building in Hamilton.

The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College St. in Stevensville. The Victor clinic is open the second Monday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every other month, the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. For more information call 375-6685.

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.

Grief Support Groups

When you grieve the death of a loved one, you sometimes hide it so others think you’re over your sorrow and loss. Marcus Daly Hospice offers an opportunity to share grieving experiences and grow from them.

For the men in our community 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. Call 375-4752 to reserve your spot.

For anyone in our community dealing with the loss of a loved one, Tuesday afternoons from 2-3:30 p.m. a bereavement support group meets in the Marcus Daly Hospice Center living room. All are welcome.

For more information, call Cathy Palmer, LCPC, Bereavement Coordinator, at 375-4752.

NV Library story time

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.

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.

Soroptimists

Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first, second and third Thursdays of each month at noon 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.

Rotary Club

The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon at BJ's Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.

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.

‘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.

Women’s writing group

A Women's Writing Group for women who love to write and share their written work with other women meets Tuesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Call Theresa Rivera at SAFE, 363-2793, for more information.

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. All prizes are cash and proceeds go to support American Legion youth activities.

Valley Veterans Service Center

Find out what VA benefits you may be qualified for at the Valley Veterans Service Center, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist veterans and their dependents in filing claims with the VA. If you have questions or need help dealing with the VA, call Rob Embree at 363-9838 or stop by the office at 229 Fairgrounds Road, Suite 4, Hamilton.

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 229 Fairgrounds Road (just east of Hamilton High School). 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 369-2252.

MOPS group

The Bitterroot MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group meets at Lone Rock Bible Church, around the corner from Lone Rock School, just off Eastside Hwy, down Three Mile Creek Road, between Stevensville and Florence. The group meets every other Tuesday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Age-appropriate childcare including snacks, stories and activities, is available for children up through age five. For more information about Bitterroot MOPS, contact Jeannie Tischler at 777-0506.

Waldorf Playgroup

Waldorf Playgroup, Parent/Child Classes meet Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton, and Daly Mansion Children's Garden. Welcoming parents, expecting parents, and children birth to 6 years for creative play, songs, stories, baking, crafts and gardening in a homelike setting. For more information contact Kim at 369-0213 or Elissia at 381-1981. Waldorf Playgroup, Parent/Child Class is sponsored by the Bitterroot School. More information about the Bitterroot School and Waldorf education can be found at www.thebitterrootschool.org and HYPERLINK "http://www.whywaldorfworks.org" www.whywaldorfworks.org.

Veterans affairs clinics

Andrea Montee, Service Officer for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Missoula, will be available to veterans and their dependents that have questions or need to file a claim with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs on the second Tuesday of every month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stevensville Town Council Chambers and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Job Service office. She will also be at the Job Service office every fourth Wednesday of the month from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information call 542-2501.

Trap Club

The Hamilton Trap Club is open every Wednesday and Sunday from 12 noon until dusk unless people get done shooting trap before dusk. For more information contact Dick or Cheryl Wallis at 546-3856. The Trap Club is located at the Hamilton Airport.

Shamanic Journey Circle

The Blue Eagle Woman Shamanic Journey Circle meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at 504 Main St. (Active Care Family Chiropractic building) in Stevensville. The event is free and open to anyone who would like to participate in shamanic drumming and healing work. For more information, contact Marge Hulburt at 241-7260.

Recovery support group

“High Noon” Meeting: A newly formed, peer-directed support group meets weekly on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. at the Bison Internet Café, 164 S. 3rd in Hamilton. The Café is not open during meeting times. People in recovery from mental illness and/or substance abuse or addiction can find support and mentor help from group participants. All interested persons are invited to attend. Participants demonstrate hope and strength to each other, share resources and celebrate successes. The café’s open hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 3 to 9 p.m. For more information, call during those hours or leave a message at 363-2222.

Bitterroot Toastmasters

Bitterroot Toastmasters Club meets Monday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton with optional no host supper before or after. Meetings are designed to build confidence and skills in communication and leadership. Guests are welcome.

Child fitness program

It's no secret that an increasing number of today’s kids are overweight or obese. These kids are at a higher risk for weight-related health conditions that impair quality of life. South Valley Child and Family Center is meeting that challenge head-on with the Fitterroot Program for Kids. The Fitterroot Team works closely with young people and their families during a structured 10-week program. Goals include (1) learning how to make healthier food choices, (2) addressing challenges to adopting a healthier lifestyle, (3) increasing physical activity, and (4) enhancing self-image. A new session is starting in early October. Enrollment is limited. For more information, or to receive an enrollment packet, call Mimi at 363-3450 (leave a message).

Evening water aerobics

Evening Water Aerobics are held at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center Mondays through Thursdays. Monday and Wednesday water aerobics are held from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Water Aerobics Instructors will teach a combination of shallow and deep water moves to help strengthen your cardiovascular system and core using a mixture of interval and circuit training. Call 375-8200 or check out the website at www.bitterrootaquaticcenter.com

Toddler story time

It’s never too early to introduce your baby or toddler to the wonderful world of books and reading. Together you will discover the joy of songs, finger plays, simple books and bouncing rhymes. The toddler story time for babies through age 2 meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Toddler story time lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, call 363-1670.

Safety seat fitting station

Mildenberger Motors will be teaching families how to safely transport their children on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dealership will serve as the site of a monthly child safety seat checkup event to help ensure that children are using car seats, booster seats and seat belts the right way on every ride. At these events, nationally certified child passenger safety technicians will teach families how to transport children correctly. The events are open to the public. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment call Lonie Hutchison at 546-9640 or 258-3880.

American Sign Language Group

An American Sign Language Bible discussion group meets Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at the Kingdom Hall, 1115 S. Reserve St., Missoula. Discussion focuses on how to use the Bible in your life. For more information contact Dianr Gacek, 777-0747, aslgal@rocketmail.com.

Community meal program

The South Valley Child and Family Center is serving free meals to the community’s families and those in need Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 515 Madison in Hamilton. To volunteer or for further information call Faylee at 363=3450.

Sabre Soccer meetings

Stevensville Sabre Soccer meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Main Street Association building in Stevensville. The general public and all interested parties are welcome to attend. For more information contact Brooke Flynn at 880-2903.

Darby food collection

The Darby Bread Box is collecting canned milk, canned pumpkin, cranberrry sauce and stuffing during October and November for Holiday Boxes. Drop off locations are People's Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. Any donations are appreciated.

HHS Bands fruit sale

The Hamilton High School Bands are currently conducting their annual citrus fruit sales through November 3. The band is selling top quality oranges, grapefruit, and mandarin oranges from southern California with all proceeds going to help the band. The boxes are sold in either 20 lb. or 40 lb. varieties and will be delivered the second week of December, just in time for Holiday entertaining. If you would like to place an order, call Shawn Thacker at 375-6060, ext. 6248.

Coat drive

RSVP is sponsoring a winter coat, glove, and hat drive. Everything collected will go to organizations who help families in need. Bring good clean items to the RSVP office in

Hamilton, at 310 Old Corvallis Road during the week of October 18-22 or to the North Valley Library on Saturday October 23, from 10 a.m. to noon. Don’t let a child shiver through a Montana winter. All sizes are needed.

Soccer signups

Signups for Ravalli United’s spring competitive soccer league are currently underway. All valley youth ages 11-19 are encourage to participate. The deadline for registration is November 15. For information and registration forms visit the Ravalli United website at ravallisc.org or contact Shawn Wathen at 961-3104.

Youth culinary arts program

South Valley Child and Family Center invites Ravalli County youth in middle school (Monday evenings) and high school (Tuesday evenings) to learn the culinary arts in a free six-week program (offered 5 times in 2010-2011). This is a great opportunity for youth to learn basic culinary arts skills, create wonderful meals for the community and develop life skills. South Valley Child and Family Center served over 3500 meals to the community in 2009-10. The Youth Volunteer Program will prepare and serve meals on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Session Two is starting up November 15, 2010, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Call 363-3450 to register; space is limited.

Wednesday, October 27

Preschool story time

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, October 27 to enjoy “Trick or Treat” and hear books read by Kristen Weese. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information, call 363-1670.

Fall Pasty Sale

The fall pasty sale sponsored by the Ravalli County Democratic Women’s Club will be held Wednesday, October 27 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. They may be ordered baked or unbaked. There is also an option for 100 vegetarian pasties for the first callers who wish to place a vegetarian order. All pasties are $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 27.

Climate change course

Continuing Education at the University of Montana, in conjunction with the Bitterroot College Program of UM, the Climate Change Studies Program and the Hamilton Performing Arts Center, will offer a course for lifelong learners in the Bitterroot Valley titled “In Our Backyard: Addressing Climate Change.”

The course will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 17, at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center, located at 327 Fairgrounds Road. An optional field trip on the geological history of western Montana, led by UM adjunct professor of geology George Furniss, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6.

Course registration is $35 before Oct. 15 and $45 after. Registration for the Nov. 6 field trip only is $40, and the cost for both the course and field trip is $70.

“In Our Backyard: Addressing Climate Change” will be taught by Steve Running, UM Regents Professor of Ecology; Sarah Bates, senior associate at UM’s Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy; Diana Maneta, executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association; and Steve Schwarze, associate professor and chair of UM’s Department of Communication Studies.

The course will take a broad look at some of the impacts and opportunities facing Montana regarding climate change, including ecosystem responses, growing seasons, wildfires, water management, renewable energy and improving public discourse on the topic.

For more information or to register, call Dannette Fadness, UM Continuing Education program coordinator, at 243-2905 or e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:dannette.fadness@umontana.edu" dannette.fadness@umontana.edu.

Integrating Social Media seminar

“Integrating Social Media into Your Tourism Advetising Mix” will be held Wednesday, October 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Hamilton. Trying to figure out how social media can help your business? Still thinking social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are a waste of time? This workshop is for you! Jim McGowan (Windfall Studios/Missoulian.com) and Tim Akimoff (GrizzlyGrowler.com/Missoulian.com), experts in digital and social media, will be ready to talk about how social media is changing the online marketplace and offline marketplace, especially in the tourism industry. They will help you understand the big players in social media, their products, and practical steps to utilize those social media tools to reach new customers. This first session will be for beginners and intermediate social media users wanting to learn more about sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Case studies and practical hands on materials will be shared to help your tourism business thrive in the age of social media. Bring your questions, open your minds, and come ready to learn and apply these tools to grow your business. Call 363-2400 to register.

County candidates forum

A bipartisan forum involving all candidates for the positions of County Commissioner and County Attorney will be held Wednesday, October 27 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Florence Carlton School Library. The non-partisan group, Bitterroot Citizens for Responsible Government, is sponsoring the event, with organizational assistance from the Florence Civic Club. All six of the County Commissioner candidates and both of the County Attorney candidates have been invited. There will be an informal meet-and-greet session from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the forum. After opening remarks by each candidate the questioning will commence. The questions have been developed from several sources, including other forums in the valley, questions from local newspaper interviews, and input from numerous local citizens. Each county attorney question will be put to candidates Fulbright and Corn, while each commissioner question will be asked of all six of the commissioner candidates. Each candidate will have either 1 or 2 minutes to answer, with the time limits being rotated equally throughout the evening. This is the only bipartisan commissioner and attorney forum being held in Florence. More information may be obtained by calling 273-3363 or 273-7844. Refreshments will be served.

Community meeting

The Stevensville Public Schools will hold a community informational meeting on the new Music Facility/Multipurpose Building on Wednesday, October 27 at 7 p.m. in the elementary gym.

Thursday, October 28

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, October 28 at 1 p.m.

South Valley Civic Group

The South Valley Civic Group will meet Thursday, October 28 at 6 p.m. at the Rocky Knob Lodge in Conner in the large dining area on the left. Everyone is welcome.

Afterschool program celebration

On Thursday, October 28 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., two of Hamilton’s After-School Programs - the MAPS Media Institute and Keystone to Discovery - are hosting a parade and “meet and greet” for students, their parents, teachers, relatives and just plain folk. The event honors the annual national celebration of after-school programs and the work they do for American youth. Coast to coast, after-school programs will host their own “Celebrate Lights On” festivities. Please note: It is a documented fact that communities that offer and support After School Programs have a lower juvenile crime rate.

The Hamilton festivities commence at 4:30 p.m. with a parade down Main Street. Confirmed ‘celebrity’ guests include Hamilton Police Chief, Ryan Oster, Jack the Bitterroot Beagle and more to come. After the parade, Keystone and MAPS will host a party at the Westview Center gymnasium from 5 to 7 p.m. All are invited to honor Ravalli County youth and their participation in valley wide after school programs.

To date, the following Ravalli County organizations, subject to availability, will be participating in the event. Ballet Bitterroot Performing Arts, Grace Lutheran Learning Center, South Valley Child and Family Center, Montana Youth Rugby, Kid Country Child Care, Hamilton Players, Two Creeks School, Bitterroot Aquatic Center, Bitterroot Buggers, Youth Basketball, MDMH Healthy Kids, River Street Dance Theater, Tae Kwon Do of Hamilton, Keystone Enrichment Program, Keystone Middle School Program and the MAPS Media Institute.

Ravalli County Tea Party Patriots

Ravalli County Tea Party Patriots will meet Thursday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Willow Court Apartments, 150 Skeels Ave, Hamilton (from Hwy 93 turn east on Foxfield by Tire-Rama, deadends at Skeels, turn right, apartments on left, park in back). The mid-term elections represent the Tea Party movement’s first chance to recycle government. A 30 minute film will be shown featuring suggestions on how to be effective in getting out the vote in our community. Come and learn more about the Tea Party and how to get involved. For more information contact Jennine Jones, 369-1656, HYPERLINK "mailto:donandjennine@gmail.com" donandjennine@gmail.com.

Sabre Soccer signups

Stevensville Sabre Soccer sign-ups will be Thursday October 28 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School, room 123. For more information contact Brooke Flynn at 880-2903.

Friday, October 29

Horsemanship & Pole Bending Clinic

Ravalli County High School Rodeo Association is sponsoring a horsemanship and pole bending clinic by Ken Smith, nationally renowned trainer. The clinic will be October 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. and October 30 and 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be held at Sapphire Event Center. Cost is $225. For more information call Pam Melton, 642-3187.

Higher education meetings

Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns, Montana Deputy Commissioner for Two-Year Education Mary Sheehy Moe, members of the Board of Regents and Royce Engstrom, the University of Montana’s new President, will hold public listening sessions at the UM College of Technology and in Hamilton on Friday, October 29.

The session at COT will take place from 10 a.m. to noon in Administration Building Room AD05, located at 909 South Ave. W. in Missoula.

The session in Hamilton will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn, located at 139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive.

Stearns and the regents are conducting a statewide listening tour this fall to discuss major initiatives in the Montana University System and to hear from state residents about their interests and concerns for higher education.

She expects the discussions to include themes of improved access to higher education, improved support of student success, and better efficiency in all aspects of business operations and the student experience.

A major Montana initiative in two-year education is COLLEGE!Now, one of just seven in the nation supported by the Lumina Foundation. COLLEGE!Now has been recognized for its bold steps to reach students where they are – academically and geographically. Montana will be expanding its virtual community college opportunities, including packaged degree programs and work force training delivered online throughout the state.

Key aspects of the initiative include affordable regional college access, statewide alignment of curriculum, resource sharing among two-year colleges, and improving opportunities for high school students to take courses for high school and college credit simultaneously.

“COLLEGE!Now is getting national attention for its innovation, and it really is the result of hard work toward strategic goals the regents established years ago,” Stearns said.

The goals include improved access to college, higher education leadership in economic development, efficiency and effectiveness.

“We’re eager to tell Montanans about the success of COLLEGE!Now, but we mainly want to hear from residents across the state on how they think we should be pursuing goals for success,” Stearns said.

Red Ribbon teen dance

What’s really scary? The Red Ribbon Mash Dance and Band Contest for Ravalli County teens. Tobacco Free Ravalli and Western MT Addiction Prevention is throwing a great party on Friday, October 29 to celebrate lives free from addictions during Red Ribbon Week 2010! $100 gift certificates to The Buckle, Hot Topic and others will be given to Best Costumes and Best Dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller!” Great music from local bands and DJ’s, food galore, and tons of other door prizes will be given out. The event will take place at The Creepy Old Bedford Building, 223 S. Second in Hamilton from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is free but bring your $1 bills to vote for your favorite band and your high school ID. Call 961-9014 or 532-9149 for more information.

Daly Mansion Halloween party

Join the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust for a frightfully fun night at the Daly Mansion on Friday, October 29. Bring your sleeping bag and pad or cot for the men’s and women’s Daly Dorm lodging - but don't plan on too much sleep. The Haunted Mansion House Party is a spooky sleep over and is an adults only event. The evening will be packed with Halloween revelry including a harvest dinner, 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, a continental breakfast, and a host of other activities from the “other side.” The evening begins with dinner at 6 p.m. and ends at 7 a.m. Reservations are $55.00 per person. For more information or to make reservations, call 363-6004 ext. 3#. The Daly Mansion is located at 251 Eastside Highway between Hamilton and Corvallis.

Golden Age Halloween dance

The Golden Age Club will hold a Halloween Dance on Friday, October 29 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the hall, 727 S. Fifth, Hamilton. There will be a break for refreshments. Dance to the music of the Valley Rhythm Boys. There will be prizes for the best man’s costume, best woman’s costume, best couple, the funniest and the scariest. Reminder: the next business meeting is November 3 following the 12:30 p.m. potluck.

Paranormal activity investigation

The construction taking place at the Ravalli County Museum has the ghosts that dwell there all stirred up! Join the Valley’s leading paranormal team, Hawk Paranormal Investigations (official members of the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” Series), in a paranormal investigation. “Our goal is to find paranormal activity and understand it. We are among the many who believe that possibly 99% of activities can be explained by normal, every- day occurrences. The other 1% is what we, at Hawk Paranormal, seek to understand.” – Hawk Paranormal’s Lead Investigator, Tommy Waters. Join Hawk Paranormal for two nights of Ghost Tours: Friday, October 29 from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight and from midnight to 3:30 a.m.; and Saturday, October 30 from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight and from 12 midnight to 3:30 a.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford Hamilton. Preregistration is required; space is limited.

Hawk Paranormal will also be presenting evidence from official investigations previously done at the museum. Hear the disembodied voices on audio. See the photos taken of unexplainable phenomena. See the official equipment used by professional ghost hunters. Discover how professional ghost hunters separate the man made occurrences from paranormal phenomena. There will also be a real medium present to answer questions about paranormal phenomena.

Admission is $23.00 and is open to adults and children over the age of 16 who have a parent present. For more information or to register call Tommy Waters, Lead Investigator of Hawk Paranormal, at 370-8450 or the Ravalli County Museum at 363-3338.

Saturday, October 30

Bitterrroot School Autumn Festival

The Bitterroot School will be having a Autumn Festival at Homestead Organic Farm on Saturday, October 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. The farm is located at 175 Skalkaho Highway in Hamilton. The event will allow children and families an opportunity to learn more about Waldorf education while enjoying some safe and nurturing activities. Tickets will be on sale to walk through the Nursery Rhyme character path while gathering handmade tokens from the characters. A craft activity will be available for children and adults, plus music, food and a bake sale. This event is sponsored by The Bitterroot Play Group. Donations will be accepted. Call Kim Delvo at 369-0213 for more information.

Stevensville Playhouse membership party

The Stevensville Playhouse will hold a Halloween Party and Membership Meeting on Saturday, October 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 319 Main St. in downtown Stevensville. The Stevensville Playhouse invites you to its annual membership meeting. The meeting will be held as a Halloween Party - wear a funny hat, a mask, or come as you are. There will be refreshments, candy, and other fun foods with a brief update on what's up at your community theater. There will also be an election for board members for the coming year. Everyone is invited, but only members may vote. Call 777-2722 for more information, or visit HYPERLINK "http://stevensvilleplayhouse.org" http://stevensvilleplayhouse.org.

Halloween Parade

Hamilton United Businesses will host the annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 30 at 3 p.m. in downtown Hamilton. Children and parents are asked to assemble in the 100 block of North 4th Street (by the Post Office). The parade will proceed down Main to 2nd Street. The children may then trick-or-treat in the 200 and 300 block of Main until the businesses close. For more information contact Pat at 363-2400.

Square dance

The Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club has modified its dance schedule for Saturday, October 30. The beginners’ class that normally started at 6 p.m. has been changed to a plus workshop from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center at 820 N. Fourth Street in Hamilton. There will be a new beginner class starting January 15, 2011. The club’s Halloween Dance will follow. Come in costume or wear orange and/or black. The dance level will be mainstream, with plus tips inserted about every third dance. Refreshments will be provided by the club and club members. Visitors are welcome. Round dances will be provided between tips. Callers will be Barry Bartlette and Eddie Fields. For more information, call Laurie Dunbar at 961-4528 or Donna Hicks at 961-0111.

Rehberg in Hamilton

Congressman Denny Rehberg will be concluding his statewide bus tour in Hamilton on Saturday, October 30. Rehberg will be at the Republican headquarters at the Roxy Theater in Hamilton at 6 p.m. to meet with Republican candidates for the Montana Legislature and their supporters. Anyone interested in meeting these candidates and Congressman Rehberg is invited to attend.

BEAR Halloween Party

The 14th Annual Dancing with BEAR Halloween Party will be held Saturday, October 30 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Hamilton City Hall. Wear a crazy costume and come socialize and dance to the music of “The Big Sky Mudflaps.” The annual party is a fundraiser to support outdoor and mentoring programs sponsored by Bitterroot Ecological Awareness Resources (BEAR). This year’s event will include live music, a costume contest, silent auction with over 100 items, as well as outstanding food and drinks. Cost for the party is $20, which includes food and drinks. After 10 p.m. the cost is $10. Volunteer workers are needed and they get in free. If you can’t attend the party, sponsor a local youth by making a donation to BEAR. Call 375-9110 or e-mail director@bearoutdooradventures.com for more information or to make a donation. BEAR is a non-profit providing low cost programs to all Bitterroot Valley children, including low-income and at-risk youth, dedicated to inspiring youth to connect to their own potential, the community and the landscape through experiential and outdoor adventure programs.

Sunday, October 31

‘Trunk or Treat’

“Trunk or Treat” will be held Sunday, October 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. at The King’s Christian Church, ? mile north of Lolo on Hwy 93. There will be over 20 candy stops in the safety of the closed parking lot, as well as free inside carnival-type games for all ages. Free hot chocolate, cider, coffee and hot dogs. Enjoy a safe, fun one-stop event for the whole family.

Tuesday, November 2

Red Cross blood drives

Tuesday 11/2, Victor Community, Church of the Nazarene, 5th & A Street, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. For appointment call Cora May House, 821-3514.

Tuesday 11/9, Hamilton Community, Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. For appointment call Tammie Mart, 642-3996.

Monday 11/22, Darby Community Community Clubhouse, 106 North Main, 2 to 6 p.m. For appointment call Kris Reddin, 821-4442.

Monday, 11/22, Florence-Carlton Chiropractic, 5537 Old Highway 93, blood mobile will be in the parking lot, 2 to 6 p.m. For appointment call Cathy Woodward, 273-4686.

Republican Election Night Party

The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee will hold an election night party on Tuesday, November 2 at 6 p.m. at the Roxy Theatre on 2nd St in Hamilton. Bring a dish, or snack, and what you would like to drink. Coke products and water will be available for $1.00.

Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot

The Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot will meet Tuesday, November 2 at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 North 1st Street, Hamilton. Dinner and drinks are available beginning at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m.

This month’s program will feature a presentation by Montana FWP Biologist, Chris Clancy. Chris will speak on three topics: the high mountain lakes stocking program, the results of the 2010 survey of Bitterroot River fish populations and plans for improvement of boat passage through the diversion dam below the Hamilton water treatment plant. Visitors and prospective members are welcome to join us.

Wednesday, November 3

Preschool story time

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, November 3 to enjoy “Sheep and Sleep” and hear books read by Jennifer Crawford. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information, call 363-1670.

Lone Rock Bible Club

The Lone Rock Bible Club will be replacing Awana Club at Lone Rock Bible Church. Your child can still expect a sound biblical lesson, games and snacks. Handbooks will no longer be used, but scripture memory is still an important part of the program. There are no longer books or weekly dues to be paid. An activity time each week will include various activities throughout the year ranging from missionary projects to arts and crafts… and lots more! The group will meet on Wednesdays from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m., beginning November 3. Escorts from Lone Rock School to the church building will be provided and home schooled children are also invited. Guaranteed to be fun! For more information call Russ Scheffel (240-3048), Randy Turner (360-1771) or Cheri Perez (777-2570).

Thursday, November 4

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training

Western MT Addiction Services will host the SAPST Program on November 4 and 5 at Missoula County Public School Admin. Bldg. 215 South 6th St. W. The goal of the Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training is to assist professionals in the field to gain an understanding of prevention principles and the application of evidence-based prevention strategies and programs. This is a two-day training from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call or email for a registration form: Lisa Beczkiewicz 406-532-9865, lbeczkiewicz@wmmhc.org. There is a maximum of 20 participants in the training, so registration will be handled on a first-come/first-served basis. This is a free training.

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, November 4 at 1 p.m.

Friday, November 5

Organic Association conference

The Montana Organic Association’s (MOA) Eighth Annual Conference and Member Meeting is an opportunity to learn about organic food and agriculture and will take place the evening of November 5 and all day November 6 at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park in Missoula. The conference will feature renowned author and supporter of organics, Maria Rodale of the Rodale Institute. Check out the Conference agenda and get registration details on the MOA website at www.montanaorganicassociation.org. For more information, contact Lou Ann Crowley at 721-4331 or lacrowley@onewest.net or Jeff Schahczenski at 406-494-8636 or HYPERLINK "mailto:jeffs@ncat.org" jeffs@ncat.org.

TOPS rummage and bake sale

A rummage and bake sale to benefit TOPS (take off pounds sensibly) will be held Friday, November 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the community room at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. There will be something for everyone.

Holly Jolly Craft Show

The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust invites you to have lunch in Hattie’s Kitchen and do all of your Christmas shopping early at the Daly Mansion’s annual Holly Jolly Craft Show and Sale Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 5-7. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Located off of Eastside Highway between Hamilton and Corvallis, the Daly Mansion will be decorated for the holidays and filled with high quality homemade and handcrafted goods created by local and regional crafters and artisans. Admission is $3.00 at the door and children will be admitted free. For more information, call the Daly Mansion at 363-6004.

Youth Home benefit

On First Friday, November 5, Chapter One bookstore will host a book signing event for “Smiles” by Hamilton author Joan Sisson. The event will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Forty percent of the proceeds will be given to the Bitterroot Youth Home. Joan is the author of seven books, including books for teens and young children. Sales of other books resulting from this event will carry the same 40 percent benefit.

Library sing-along

While you’re out strolling Main Street on First Friday, November 5, stop in at the Library between 6 to 7:30 p.m. to listen to Tom Roat sing and play guitar. Popular local singer and guitar player, Roat will present a wide variety of music, including folk songs and country tunes. Tom jokes that he is “regionally recognized” and “locally tolerated.” Stop in and “Sing Along” with Tom Roat and friends at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main Street in Stevensville. Call 777-5061 or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.northvalleylibrary.org" www.northvalleylibrary.org for more information.

Monday, November 8

PEAK silent auction

The annual Stevensville PEAK Silent Auction will be held Monday, November 8 through Thursday, November 11 in the hallway of the Stevensville K-3 building. If you have items/services you would be willing to donate and/or know others who do, they can be taken to room 327 (Pat Jones) in the 4-6 building for secure storage. Bring items in before 8:15 a.m. or after 3:45 p.m. Contact Valerie Tummarello (381-4365) for more information. Proceeds from the PEAK Silent Auction support student activities including the following: elementary contests and prizes for all elementary students; scholarships for summer camps for elementary Extended Studies students; BRASS refreshments for 7-8 grade students; AP test refreshments for 9-12 grade students; Career Day expenses for 7-12 grade students.

Friday, November 9

Pakistan flood victim benefit

Moved by the desperate plight of an estimated 21 million people coping with the aftermath of recent devastating floods in Pakistan, a diverse coalition of concerned Montana groups will present a public, multi-media benefit on Friday, November 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the University of Montana’s UC Ballroom. Dubbed “Helping the Pakistan Flood Victims: Beyond Politics to Compassion,” the event will feature a short film of never-before-seen teachings by HH the Dalai Lama from his recent visit to Sun Valley, ID; live music by Joan Zen; and a silent auction. The keynote address, “Disaster, Coping, and 21st Century Needs,” will be delivered by Jon Turk, Montana author of “The Raven’s Gift.” All proceeds from the evening will be donated to PODA (www.poda.org.pk), a Pakistan-based advocacy organization for the welfare of women and children that is implementing round-the-clock flood relief countrywide.

Sponsors of the evening’s event include, from within the University of Montana: the Geography Department, Office of the President, Montana Geography Alliance, Foreign Student and Scholar Services, and Gamma Theta Upsilon (Geography Honor Society). Non-university sponsors include: the Ewam Buddhist Sangha, Rotoract Club of Montana, Teachers Without Borders, and MCAT.

Friday, November 12

Hamilton Players production

The Hamilton Players will present “You Can’t Take It With You” by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman and directed by April Johnson on November 12-14 and 19-21. The Hamilton Players are proud to present this zany comedy. “You Can't Take It With You” introduces you to the eccentric Vanderhof-Sycamore household and the "normal" Kirby family. Craziness and madcap comedy ensues when Tony, the attractive young son of the Kirbys, falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore house on the wrong evening. The Kirby family is placed in the midst of the happy madness of the Sycamores. In the end, Tony begins to realize that his "normal" family may be the crazy ones. Filled with a variety of fun characters and non-stop laughter, “You Can't Take It With You” is a comedy the whole family will enjoy. Tickets are available at the Hamilton Players Box Office, M-F, 1 to 5 p.m. or online at HYPERLINK "http://www.hamiltonplayers.com" www.hamiltonplayers.com. Tickets are $14.00 reserved seating.

Benefit film screening

A film about Stevensville jeweler, sculptor, author and shaman Heyoka Merrifield will receive its Bitterroot premiere on Friday, November 12, at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center in the Hamilton High School in a benefit for Arlee’s Garden of 1000 Buddhas. “Sundancing with the Muse—Heyoka Merrifield’s Sacred Art Story” – just accepted for the Red Rocks Film Festival and airing on PBS – traces the remarkable journey of a Montana artist, the spirituality and power of whose work has attracted celebrity collectors such as Cher, George Harrison, and Joan Baez. Advance tickets for the screening are $12 in advance (children 14 and under are $8 and children 5 and under are free) and available at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Chapter One Bookstore, Bella, Flower Happy, and all Farmers State Bank branches. Tickets at the door will be $15/$10.

The screening of “Sundancing with the Muse” will be followed by a Q&A with both Heyoka and director Jason Gutzmer; both will also attend a reception afterward, with refreshments provided by Homestead Organics. A silent auction during the reception will include an opportunity for attendees to bid on one of Heyoka’s original works, a necklace created in sterling silver, onyx, turquoise, and lapis. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated toward the completion of the Garden of 1000 Buddhas just north of Arlee and the anticipated visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; one of Heyoka’s jewelry pieces now adorns the Great Mother statue in the center of the Garden. Dr. Georgia Milan, also a Bitterroot resident and Public Relations Director for the Garden of 1000 Buddhas Project, will be on hand to update the gathering on the Garden’s summer progress and answer questions.

Saturday, November 13

St. Mary’s parish bazaar

St. Mary's annual parish bazaar will take place on Saturday, November 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Family Center, 400 Charlos in Stevensville. In addition to the silent auction there will be crafts, separate craft tables, baked goods, and a raffle. Items to be raffled off include a quilt, an afghan, a wine basket and pottery. All of the above are hand-crafted by parishioners. Lunch of chili, hot dogs, chips and pie will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information call Lucia Wright at 642-3155.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball

The 2010 Marine Corps Birthday Ball, sponsored by the Bitterroot Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League, will take place at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N 2nd Street, Hamilton on Saturday, November 13. Happy Hour will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the Birthday Ceremony at 7 p.m. and the banquet at 7:30. The public is invited. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. For further information call Wayne Mooney at 642-3871 or Tony Malley at 360-0818 or mail checks made out to Bitterroot Valley MCL to Wayne Mooney, PO Box 777, Victor MT 59875. Ticket sales will close on November 10.

Wednesday, November 17

Writers group

Are you actively writing? Initial meeting to consider a writers' group for information exchange, critique and support will be held Wednesday, November 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. Call for location: Star Jameson, 363-4026.

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