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.

Lilies of the Valley

An ensemble of female voices under the direction of Thelma Laws join together every Thursday evening, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Memorial Room of the United Methodist American Baptist Church, 611 N. 6th in Hamilton. You're invited to share your time, talents and fun in singing many categories of choral music: show tunes, Broadway, standard pops, spirituals, folk tunes, to name a few. The group strives toward seasonal programs for spring, fall and Christmas. Membership is always open to additional singers (no auditions!) or, if you're not a singer, you might consider assisting as an alternate piano accompanist. For more information call Donna, 363-1742, or Lola, 363-4633.

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton the Woman's Auxiliary meets at 7 pm.

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.

La Leche League

La Leche League is an international mother-to-mother network for moms who want to breastfeed their babies. Bitterroot LLL chapter meets in the North Valley Public Library community room the third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Mothers and children and pregnant women are welcome. Call 239-5039 for more information.

Suicide Loss Support

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 Shaun or Barbara Jo DesJardins, 777-3853.

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.

Saturday Kids Activities

Join the Montana Natural History Center each Saturday at 2 p.m. for a different exciting children’s program. Admission is 50 cents for kids, $1 for adults and members are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs run about an hour to an hour and a half. Great for kids ages 5 and older. The center is located at 120 Hickory, Missoula.

Daly Mansion Holiday Tours

The Daly Mansion invites the public to celebrate the holiday season by touring the mansion. Beautifully decorated for the holidays, the Daly Mansion will be open for tours every Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 22. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided during the Friday evening tours. Entertainers include the Montana A Cappella Society (Nov. 30), Russell Perri (Dec. 7), Tim Shonkwiler (Dec. 14), and the Jack Frost Trio (Dec. 21). Tour prices are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, $5.00 for children 6-17 years, and free for children 5 years and under. For more information, call 363-6004.

SEE Sign Cooperative Learning Group

SEE Sign Cooperative Learning Group meets Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at Active Care Chiropractic in Stevensville. Facilitators are Gayle Thom and Jenn Closson. Admission is a donation toward copies/ink. For more information email Jenn Closson at jennksc@hotmail.com.

Yoga in the Root

Yoga in the Root now offers a night class, beginning Iyengar style, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Stevensville. In addition, there are general hatha classes at 10:30 a.m. Mondays and at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Vigorous ashtanga classes are at 9 a.m. Mondays and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. The program is at Active Care Chiropractic at 504 Main St. Call Jill at 370-9252, or e-mail yogaintheroot@gmail.com for information.

Senior Center bridge

Just a reminder that bridge is a game you can play for life, it is always a mental exercise that keeps our brains and wits sharp. If you don't play yet keep your eye peeled for the announcement of the fall free bridge lessons. These classes will teach you the basics and you can move on from there. If you already play bridge and want to play duplicate bridge, games are on Wednesdays at the Hamilton Senior Center at 1 p.m. You will need to bring a partner or call Judy Dameral at 363-0738. She will assist you in finding a partner.

The Morning Gig

Attention musicians! St. Stephen's is recruiting musicians for "The Morning Gig." At 11 a.m. on Sunday morning, gather at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on Main Street in Stevensville to practice, and then play. Sleep in! Play nine holes! Then come play music. There is a place in the band for everyone - whatever you play, you'll have a spot. If your music teacher is bugging you to practice this summer, come and jam! Just dug your clarinet out of the closet? Here's a place to tune it up. Help everyone be more creative! For more information call Suzanne at 529 6194 or email sartley@bresnan.net.

American Legion

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

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.s

Library storytimes

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville offers story times for children ages seven and under on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Volunteer Sandra Wilson shares stories, songs and crafts with children and their families each week. Alternating weeks feature special themes such as letters, numbers or pets. No registration is required. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

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 our 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.

Sears food drive

Sears of Hamilton is having its annual Holiday Food Drive. Sears is partnering with Haven House at Second Harvest location in Hamilton to help provide holiday meals for families in the area. Now until December 31, when you visit the Hamilton Sears Store and donate two or more non-perishable food items, you will receive instant coupons for valuable holiday savings.

SAFE Christmas Giving Tree

Now through December 17, SAFE is sponsoring its Annual Christmas Giving Tree for Outreach, Shelter, and Transitional Housing residents. Each family has ornaments on the tree asking for Christmas presents they cannot afford to provide for their families. Anyone who is interested in helping out a family in need this holiday season can pick an ornament from the tree. SAFE's Giving Tree is located at SAFE on First, 410 N. 1st, in the Sportsman's Business Complex, across from Gas 'n Grub in Hamilton. SAFE on First is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 363-2793 and ask for Katherine.

Silk ribbon embroidery class

Have you admired the delicate embroidery of the Victorian age created with silk ribbon? Would you like to learn the art? The Victorian Ladies Tea Guild will be holding a class on silk ribbon embroidery on Thursday, November 29 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the studio at 317 Main Street, Stevensville. This beautiful art was used throughout the Victorian period but its real heyday was 1905-1930 when it adorned everything from ball gowns to unmentionables. Beginning and advanced classes will be held at the same time. Beginners will learn all the basic flower and leaf techniques while the advanced class will add their design to a garment. Supplies are included with the beginning class and supplies for the advanced class will be available for purchase. For the advanced class, bring a garment to work on and any supplies you might want to use. Class space is limited and reservations are necessary. The cost is $25.00 per person, $20.00 for members of the guild and $10.00 for advanced students who have taken the beginning course. Call Joyce Carr or Gretchen Spiess at 777-0520 to reserve your space.

Gospel concert

Driven Quartet (formerly of The Anchormen) will perform a Southern Gospel Concert on Thursday, November 29 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 354 Cooper Lane, Hamilton. Come prepared to laugh, cry, shout and enjoy these four young men singing with a tight harmony as they present a contemporary sound with a lot of old favorites. For more information call 363-3735.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission to meet

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Thursday, November 29 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 E. 6th Ave., beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The FWP Commission will make final decisions on:

· timber management projects in northwestern Montana including West Shore, Finley Point and Lake Mary Ronan state parks,

· an addition to the Brown Valley conservation easement in Ravalli County and a conservation easement at Dalton Mountain in Powell County,

· managing deer in the Helena urban area, and

· acquisition of the Paradise Fishing Access Site on the Clark Fork River at Paradise in Sanders County.

The FWP Commission will make tentative decisions on no wake zone designations on Swan Lake and Echo Lake near Big Fork and Echo Lake in Granite County.

The Commission will also decide on whether to pursue:

· acquisition of water rights on three waters,

· a number of conservation easements, land trades and donations, including two new FAS sites, and

· turkey transplants in the Southwest Bears Paw Mountains in Blaine County and on the Missouri River floodplain in Cascade County.

A work session, where no public action is taken, is set to begin at 2:45 p.m. with presentations on the Blackfoot Community Project and by the American Prairie Foundation.

The full agenda for the FWP Commission meeting can be found by clicking on the FWP home page at fwp.mt.gov under Hot Topics.

Following the formal agenda, the public may bring additional items to the FWP Commission's attention.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with a disability. Individuals with special needs may request arrangements by contacting FWP at 406-444-3186.

Drama production

“James and the Professor” will arrive soon in Hamilton with a trunkload of friends prepared to bless us all once again in a special performance of his acclaimed one act play “Season of Our Savior.” Come along with James and his many friends Friday, November 30 to the Hamilton Senior Center at 6:30 p.m. as they help him rediscover the Christmas he used to know!

James, a 12 year veteran of Disneyland’s “Golden Horseshoe Revue,” is an accomplished professional actor and performer - one of the top ventriloquists in the country. Adults and children of all ages will be enthralled with the bright and humorous antics of the Professor and his friends.

This performance is free and open to the public. Call Life Through the Cross Fellowship at 961-0021 for more information.

Chantilly production

"How to Eat Like and Child and Other Lessons in Not Being Grown-up" opens Friday, November 30 at the Stevensville Playhouse. A hilarious compilation of short sketches and songs, this play is sure to make everyone laugh until they cry. Through this look at the life of a child, any child, told and "explained" from their point of view, this cast of 16 young actors (ages 5 to 15) reminds everyone of the joys and innocence of childhood. Anyone who is a child at heart, anyone who has children, or was one, will love this playful, humorous production. Shows are Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m. and every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. through December 15, with matinees December 9 and December 16 at 2 p.m. Call the theater at 777-2722 for reservations and information.

Organic Association Conference

The Montana Organic Association (MOA) will hold its fifth annual conference November 30-December 2, at the Best Western Heritage Inn in Great Falls. Entitled "Organics…Farming for the Future", the event will educate and inform participants and support organic agriculture through workshops, informative plenary sessions, an organic vendor tradeshow, and a Montana-based certified organic menu.

All farmers plan for the future. It’s in their nature. For organic farmers, that planning takes on complexities like crop and grazing rotations, nonchemical weed controls, green manures, and plant/seed/breed selection. Organic farmers need to be extra sensitive to details of their growing cycles. Their work to enhance soil fertility, plant nutrition, and forage quality, as well as expanding markets for their crops and animals, is usually not only for the coming year but for two, five or even ten years into the future.

MOA’s 5th Annual Conference lays the groundwork for many of those considerations by offering a range of sessions on soil fertility, organic no-till, crop rotations, seed production, and organic animal husbandry, among others. MOA’s conferences provide a valuable opportunity for exchanging ideas between producers, vendors, buyers, researchers, consumers, and farmers.

New this year is a bus tour of the organic grain processors in the Great Falls area followed by MOA’s ongoing “organic university” for farmers interested in transitioning to organic production.

Registration is $125 for members and $135 for non-members and includes the Montana-based organic meals and all conference events. For more information or to register, contact Lise Rousseau at 406-887-2869 or conference@montanaorganicassociation.org or visit the MOA website at www.montanaorganicassociation.org.

WORD Glitter Ball

WORD will hold its annual Glitter Ball on Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. For ticket information call 543-3550 or go to www.wordinc.org.

Ravalli County Museum exhibit

"The Artist and the Wolves, Perceptions, Depictions, Real & Imagined" is the stimulating new exhibition premiering December 1 at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton. This representation of wolves spanning two centuries, in art as well as language arts, is the inspiration of Frank Laurence, Ph.D. Acting Director of Higher Education in Hamilton. Dr. Laurence and artists throughout Montana and beyond have provided their fabulous works to make this exhibit a one-of-a-kind event. Executive Director Tamar Stanley proclaims, “The range of this collection is stunning. We have everything from depictions of wolves in Roman times, to a selection of cartoon drawings, and exceptional examples of each medium, including in modern art. The mystique of the wolf has always captured our imagination. We hope that the public will come to experience the diverse reflections offered in this unique presentation.”

Among the offerings are pieces from artists such as Robert Neaves, Monte Dolack, Philip Slagter, Jennifer Li, and Halena Cline. In addition there will be interpretive pieces of art produced by several schools in the area, along with some language arts contributions written by local students. John Recore, Development Director for the Ravalli County Museum, affirms that “one of the Museum's primary goals is to reenergize the interaction between the educational community and the Museum in order to promote a sense of partnership in learning.”

The Museum is also fortunate to have contributions from Bruce Weide and Pat Tucker, well known throughout the country for their expertise and insight into the wolf.

The exhibition will be open to the public from December 1 through the end of February 2008. The Museum is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Victorian Ladies Tea Guild events

Two elegant Victorian Christmas Teas and Fashion Shows will be held at the newly opened Blue Parrot Tea Room on Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, December 8 at 2 p.m. The tea room is located inside the Victorian Ladies Tea Guild Studio at 317 Main Street in Stevensville and the tea will be presented by the Guild. Step back in time as we recreate a Victorian Christmas tea complete with dainty hand painted tea cups, sterling and crystal. This will be a full afternoon tea with a lecture and fashion show featuring of fashions from 1865 through 1940. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Victorian costumes. Tickets are $25.00 per person and reservations are required and can be made by calling the studio at 777-0520. Checks should be made payable to Joyce Carr, Director, and mailed to 317 Main Street, Stevensville MT 59870 at 251-3261.

Square dance club

Boots 'n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a silent auction and dance on Saturday, December 1 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. A plus class will start at 7 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m. A regular dance will follow the class from 8 to 10 p.m. Dance level will be mainstream with an occasional plus tip. Club members will provide finger foods for refreshments. Round dances will be provided between tips. All dancers are invited. The caller will be Ray Dunbar. The silent auction will take place during the class and the dance and will terminate sometime after 9 p.m. For further information call George Mason, 375-9575, or Bernie Sleep, 363-3096.

The Sunday Gathering, A Celebration

On Sunday, December 2 at 10 a.m. at the River Street Dance Theatre on 2nd and River, The Sunday Gathering, A Celebration will be held. Everyone is welcome and families are encouraged to attend. The Sunday Gathering is designed for those seeking insights in a supportive spiritual community. The group meets the first Sunday of every month. It is not allied with any sect, denomination or political organization, and will not engage in controversy. It is a group of individuals wanting to celebrate the diversity of oneness. Simply put, the group would like to support one another on each person’s path. There will be folks coming from different beliefs and practices and this is cause for celebration. The group will be meeting on a dance floor; those who are able to remove their shoes should plan to do so. It is requested that heavy scents not be worn due to people’s allergies. Children are welcome. For more information call Joan Perry at 961-3706.

Craft sale/wine tasting

The Hamilton Carriage House and Trapper Creek Winery, 310 N. 4th in Hamilton, will host a craft sale and wine tasting on Sunday, December 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring some of your favorite Farmers Market artists and Trapper Creek Winery meads. Gourmet chef, Jason Tenesch, will provide delicious soup, pastries and warm drinks. Taste great wine, eat great food, get great gifts for Christmas! The Hamilton Carriage House is located two blocks north of the Hamilton Post Office.

Christmas concert

The Lone Rock Community Christmas Concert will be held Sunday, December 2 at 6 p.m. at the Lone Rock Bible Church and will feature the Lone Rock Community Kids Choir. Bring the whole family and share in the spirit of the season. Admission is free.

Methodist Hanging of the Greens

Christmas is coming, and that means the 50th annual Hanging of the Greens will be happening once again on December 2 at the Stevensville United Methodist Church.

Originally a choir concert as a gift to the community, this event still centers around the Christmas anthems being sung by the choir, and the involvement of the youth, making this a special occasion for all ages. The adults just can't decorate a tree like the little ones do, so be on hand to give them some encouragement. This year the Children's Choir will be joining the Travelin' Band in a very sweet lullaby you won't want to miss. The Chime Choir will also be joining with the choir for some great music.

The format for this year's program will look more like a mini musical than a concert. If you're wondering what that means, you're just going to have to show up to find out yourself. It will be a great time for all ages. Remember the date, Sunday, December 2 at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church at 216 College Street in Stevensville, and don't forget those fabulous cookies after the program.

For more information call the Stevensville United Methodist Church at 777-5443 or Gretchen Spiess at 777-3858.

Victor Museum chocolate tasting

The Victor Heritage Museum will hold its annual Chocolate Tasting Party with Silent Auction on Monday, December 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. (auction closes at 8:30 p.m.) at the Victor Museum, Blake and Main St. Cost is $5.00 per person (reduced family rates). "Bitterroot Trails IV" will be for sale - give it as a gift for the holidays. Santa will be outside in the warming tent to welcome and talk to the kids. A horse-drawn Christmas Trolley, sponsored by the Church of the Nazarene, will be taking carolers around Victor during the chocolate tasting. For more information contact Joann Hosko (363-1509), Bob and Mary K. Hafer (961-3588), or Janet and Dale Gingerich (777-0550).

Home ownership class

The Bitter Root Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (RC&D) is holding a nationally certified homebuyer education class on December 3, 4 and 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. each night at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 N. Third St., Hamilton. Call the office at 363-1444, ext. 5 if you would like to reserve a space. Attendance at all three days is required. The charge is $15 to cover the cost of the reference materials each family receives.

The class is especially beneficial to first-time homebuyers with below median incomes, but any potential homebuyer will benefit from the class. Anyone who has not owned a home for three or more years may be able to purchase a home for monthly payments comparable to what they are paying in rent. Monthly payments on a $100,000 home can be as little as $450-$550 per month based on program eligibility. The class is sponsored by the Bitter Root RC&D project in partnership with NeighborWorks Great Falls, the Montana Board of Housing, the Ravalli County Neighborhood Housing Association and the Human Resources Council. Completion of this class is required in order to qualify for some of the special homebuyer assistance programs. Realtors can earn 4.0 hours of elective real estate continuing education credits by attending this class. Contact Bitter Root RC&D for more information and space availability.

MS Support Group

The Bitter Root Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, December 4, at the Willow Court Apartments meeting room, 150 Skeels Avenue in Hamilton from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Join others to enjoy juice and cookies, share information, ask questions or visit with friends. This meeting will be open to anyone with MS, caregivers or family members. Refreshments will be served. The venue is handicapped accessible. Contact LaRoy Williamson at 360-1117 or Nancy Holzer at 363-1149 for additional information.

Community Choir performances

The Stevensville Community Choir will perform at the following locations:

• Southgate Mall, Missoula, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7:15 p.m.

• First Friday, Stevensville, Dec. 7, Bitterroot Valley Living Center, 6:30 p.m.

• First Friday, Stevensville, Dec. 7, St. Mary's Parish, 7:30 p.m.

Stress reduction class

Florence Family Chiropractic, Inc. is holding a free Stress Reduction Class on Tuesday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. The class will focus on trigger points and stress reduction and will be held at the Florence Chiropractic Clinic in Florence. RSVP or call with any questions, 273-0237.

Victor Middle School Play

Victor Middle School students from grades 6-8 will be featured in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," the play based off of the 1972 book by Barbara Robinson, on Tuesday, December 4 and Wednesday, December 5 at 7 p.m. in the Victor School Multi-Purpose Room. Cost is $3 for adults, and $2 for students. For more information contact Amber Lynch, 642-3221, ext. 244.

Streamside Setback Committee

On Tuesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton Middle School auditorium, 209 S. 5th Street, Professor Michelle Bryan Mudd, on behalf of the Land Use Clinic, will be addressing the Streamside Setback Committee (SSC) on the question of property takings as they relate to streamside setback zoning. Mudd will use one hour out of the bi-monthly SSC business meeting for her presentation and question and answer period. The public is welcome to attend.

Michelle Bryan Mudd directs the Land Use Clinic at the University of Montana School of Law, which provides representation for local governments dealing with planning issues in Montana. She also teaches "Land Use Planning" and "Wet Growth: The Land Use-Water Use Interface." She recently completed a law review article on the subject of takings titled "Examining Montana's Response to Kelo v. City of New London," and also wrote the Montana Chapter of the American Bar Association's Compendium on Eminent Domain. Before joining the law school faculty, Mudd was in private practice in Montana, specializing in land use, real estate and water law in both the transactional and litigation context. Her work in the land use sector was on behalf of a variety of interests, including local governments, developers and affected community groups.

The public is encouraged to attend the Dec. 4 presentation to the SSC. Contact the Ravalli County Planning Department for more information, 375-6530.

MDT highway safety forum

The Montana Department of Transportation is hosting a community highway safety forum to discuss traffic safety issues concerning the Missoula area on Thursday, December 6. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. with an open house. A presentation on safety issues will begin at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn & Missoula Conference Center, 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula. MDT Director Jim Lynch will present current crash trends and safety infrastructure improvements. The presentation will be followed by time for an information exchange between MDT and area residents.

Anyone interested in learning more about efforts to improve highway safety in the area is encouraged to attend. Opinions, comments and concerns may also be submitted in writing at the meeting, by mail to Dwane Kailey, Missoula District Administrator, PO Box 7039, Missoula MT 59807-7039, or online at www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml. For further information call Paul Grant at (406) 444-9415.

Homeopathy presentation

“Infectious Disease Threats and Alternative Vaccines” is the subject of a talk which will take place on Thursday, December 6, 6:30 p.m. at the offices of Classical Homeopathic Counseling, 715 Main Street, Suite E in Stevensville.

Homeopathic practitioner, Ellen Fowler Bench, will discuss the use of alternative homeopathic vaccines for children, as well as preparing for today’s disease threats, including Influenza, Strep, Staph, Herpes, Lymes and biological warfare. Homeopathy alternative health care provides the safest, most effective alternative to drugs and chemical treatments.

For more information, call 777-5875 or e-mail homeopathellen@aol.com.

Pantry Partners Silent Auction

On First Friday, December 7, Pantry Partners Food Bank is having a silent auction at the North Valley Public Library. Pantry Partners will be offering a five-piece place setting for six of Lenox China – pattern "Snow Lily" – and an 8-piece place setting of Reed and Barton sterling silver. These items may be seen at Rocky Mountain Bank and at the library. Photos of these items may be seen at Farmers State Bank and Ravalli County Bank in Stevensville. Bidding will be accepted at the library and winners will be announced at the library First Friday evening. For more information call 777-4682.

Holiday community socials

The Stevensville Community Foundation is hosting a holiday afternoon tea for senior citizens on Friday, December 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Family Center. The annual family holiday dessert social for will be Friday, December 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This year there will be family raffle prizes, Lily of the Valley singers, surprise visitors and tasty treats including hot chocolate, apple cider, coffee and holiday sweets for everyone. All are welcome. Further information call Deby at 531-0273.

Christmas Gift Fair

The Stevensville Main Street Association will sponsor "A Montana Country Christmas" Arts and Craft Show on December 7 and 8. Show location will be on Main Street in buildings at 3rd and Main and on the east and west sides of Main Street. There will be a home-based business fair at 309 Main Street. These two events will coincide with the Christmas Gift Fair on December 7 and 8. Events on First Friday, December 7, will consist of the lighting of the Community Tree, Parade of Lights, Christmas Story, Living Nativity, music, warm fires, horse and wagon rides, and open house events at the downtown businesses to kick off the holiday shopping season. Mark your calendars. For vendor information contact the Stevensville Main Street Association, 777-3773.

Share Tree gift wrapping

Gift wrapping for the Christmas Share Tree will be held Saturday, December 8, and Saturday, December 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jesus Community Church, 318 College Street in Stevensville (activity center building in back). Volunteers are welcome. For more information contact Leah Duke, Acts of Kindness, 777-1135.

A Nativity Christmas

Come share "A Nativity Christmas" with the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, on Saturday, December 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. An extensive collection of nativities from around the world will be displayed. A musical concert of Christmas favorites will take place at 3 p.m. and the famous Christmas cookie sale will also be happening. The church is hoping to display close to 50 nativity sets. Pastor John Bain and his wife Ronni will display their personal collection of 20 nativities.

Soap making workshop

Longtime Missoula soap maker Marlise Mahon Flynn will lead a workshop to teach interested parties how to make castile soap. Using an age-old recipe, this process produces pure, aromatic soap for everyday use.

Marlise has been making soap for more than fifteen years and her "Good Scents" soap is available locally. The workshop will be held Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Travelers' Rest State Park classroom on Mormon Creek Road in Lolo. Each participant will join in the process of making the soap, and will have eight bars of soap after a curing time of 2-3 weeks.

Cost for the workshop is $40 per person, and includes all supplies necessary to make the soap. Participants should bring a sack lunch, an old apron, and bring a pair of rubber gloves. Workshop space is limited and can be reserved by calling 273-4253.

Travelers' Rest State Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit www.travelersrest.org or call 273-4253.

Christmas concert

"Christmas in Stevensville" will be presented Sunday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at the Stevensville High School and will feature the Stevensville Community Choir and the Lone Rock Community Kids Choir. Bring the whole family and share in the spirit of the season. Admission is free.

A Cappella Society concerts

The Montana A Cappella Society will present three holiday concerts. The first one will be Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, Eastside Highway at Cemetery Road, Corvallis. "Wassail - A Celebration of the Season" will be Friday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center, 327 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. They will also perform at First Night Missoula on Monday, December 31 at 4 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 420 W. Pine Street, Missoula.

Children's Christmas Pageant

The Children's Christmas Pageant will be held Friday, December 14 and Sunday, December 16 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 15 at 2 p.m. at the Hamilton Playhouse, 100 Ricketts Road. Directed by Mara Lynn Luther and Becka Marshall, approximately 33 area children, grades kindergarten through 8th grade, will sing songs and perform skits about Christmas Around the World and The Nativity. A few furry friends from The Bitterroot Animal Shelter will open the show and a "special guest" will make an appearance at the Sunday evening performance. Donations of canned goods for Haven House will be accepted in the lobby. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for students, and admission is free for children 5 years and younger. Tickets are available at the Hamilton Playhouse box office. All seats are reserved seating. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m., performance Saturday 10 a.m. to noon and one hour prior to show time. To purchase tickets with a credit card, call 375-9050 during box office hours.

Bitterroot Valley Chorus concert

The Bitterroot Valley Chorus presents its 35th annual Christmas concert at the Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 16 at 2 p.m. under the direction of Peggy Leonardi. This special year will feature a children's choir, a handbell choir, a chorus of 92 singers, and a twenty-person orchestral accompaniment. The Bitterroot Valley is fortunate to have so many talented musicians living here, willing to donate their time to this yearly tradition. This anniversary year will feature a great variety of Christmas carols, selections from Handel's "Messiah," and Randolph Alan Bass's "Gloria." The performance is a free gift to the community, but a donation of $5 per person is suggested, to help continue this wonderful tradition.

Methodist holiday sale

Corvallis United Methodist Church will hold its annual Candy-Bake-Craft Sale on Saturday, December 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church, corner of Eastside Highway and Cemetery Road, one mile south of the Corvallis 4-way stop. Lunch of soup, sandwich and pie will be available.

BEAR Bitterroot Venture program

BEAR's Bitterroot Venture program runs activities with experienced mentors every Wednesday afternoon from the end of the school day until 6 p.m., including activities on Hamilton early out days. Activities on some weekends are also offered: upcoming on Saturday, December 15 is skiing and snowboarding at Lost Trail Ski Area, conditions permitting. Activities are outdoors except in case of severe weather, in which case there will be an alternative indoor activity. Fees are sliding scale, $1-$20 for afternoon trips, $1-$50 for a ski/snowboard day. All equipment and transportation is provided. All skill levels are welcome. Space is limited, call 375-9110 for more information and to register. BEAR's mission is to inspire youth to connect with their own potential, their community, and the environment through experiential and outdoor adventure programs.

County Museum Christmas Party

Join the Ravalli County Museum for an old-fashioned Christmas Party on Sunday, December 16 at 2 p.m. Children and adults will enjoy having their photo taken with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, making Christmas ornaments and viewing the exhibit of antique toys. Christmas cookies and punch will be served. Don't miss the fun at the Ravalli County Museum at 205 Bedford, Hamilton.

Cross-Country Ski Club Extravaganza

For the past 14 years, the gourmet cooks and pastry chefs of the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club have prepared an epicurean extravaganza atop the Continental Divide for four lucky people. The early Extravaganzas were prepared at the May Creek Cabin on the Beaverhead National Forest. Dutch oven masterpieces, with appetizers, wine, and desserts were the initial fare. The May Creek Cabin was rebuilt by volunteers from the Cross-Country Ski Club and is now a Forest Service rental cabin.

The Extravaganza has been held at the beautiful Gordon Reese Cabin for the last seven years. This Cabin is located on the Continental Divide within the Chief Joseph Cross-Country Ski Area near Chief Joseph Pass. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit volunteer trail grooming expenses. The trails are free and open to the public.

The dinner and night at the cabin for four will be Saturday, February 23, 2008. Tickets will be on sale until February 1, 2008, the drawing will be on Feb. 1, 2008. One does not need to be present to win.

Raffle tickets ($1.00 apiece or 6 for $5.00) for this extraordinary dining and skiing experience are available at Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club meetings, Chapter One Bookstore, Gas & Grub, Slope & Spoke, and Valley Bike & Ski in Hamilton, and Caffe Firenze in Florence. For mail order tickets or more information contact Linda Stoudt, 777-5958 or Earl Philips, 961-0101, philips@montana.com.

Page One •	Valley News •	Op/Ed •	Sports •	Calendar •	Classifieds •	Links •	About Us •	Back Issues •	Email Us •	Home
©2004 Bitterroot Star This site was Done By Dooney