Monday – 11:45 lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - line dancing at 9:30 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m.
Wednesday – 11:45 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., 11:45 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.
Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, beverage, 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.

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton. The Women's Auxiliary meets 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 compulsive eating behaviors. It offers a solution within reach of all those who want to find relief from the obsession with food. It meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 203 Main Street, Stevensville, and 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 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.

Florence American Legion

The Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the second Sunday of the month at Glen's Cafe in Florence. Meetings begin at 1 p.m. 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, or 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.

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.

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.

Preschool story time

Preschool story time is held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Corner of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. For more information call the library at 363-1670.

Toddler story time

Toddler Story time is held every Friday from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton.

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 and third Thursdays of each month at noon at BJ’s Restaurant and the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Forest Service building. 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 “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.

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

The Women's Collaborative Writing Group, focusing on women's issues, meets at SAFE in the Bitterroot, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton, on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. For more information call Theresa Rivera, advocate, at 363-2793, ext 12.

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. Bring the entire family. All prizes are cash and proceeds go to support American Legion youth 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 Garden Club

The Hamilton Garden Club meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at a member’s home. For more information call 961-1678 or Linda at 961-0209.

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. 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.

Darby food collection

The Darby Bread Box, a local food bank in Darby, will be opening January 4, 2010. During November and December, organizers are collecting canned fruits and vegetables and peanut butter. Drop off donations at People’s Market or Bitterroot Community Credit Union. Any kind of donation would be appreciated.

Kiwanis seeking donations

The Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis Club is once again filling food baskets for families in need in the Bitterroot Valley. For over 30 Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis has provided between 280-320 baskets to families for the holiday season. These baskets include food and essentials items for families. The club is seeking donations of food items or money to help this year’s program. If you are interested, send a donation to Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis, 610 N 1st St, Suite 5, PMB 5, Hamilton MT 59840. You can also call Tyler Claxton at 370-6208.

Holiday trains running

The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders will be running their model train layout every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Christmas in the Kohl Building, right behind the Valley Drug store on Main street in Stevensville. “Engineers" are needed, and members would be glad to teach grownups how to run everything on the layout from Thomas to Big Boy. It's a lot of fun and it's easy to master the art of the throttle. Come in and see!

Hamilton Elks dinner

The Hamilton Elks host a dinner open to the public every Wednesday night at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State Street. The menu is different each week and the cost is $8.00. 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.

Stevensville Awana

Awana kids’ club is a program for children ages 3 years-6th grade at First Baptist Church, 402 Church, Stevensville. It meets on Tuesdays after school from 4 to 5:30 p.m. during the school year. There are games, Bible stories, snacks and age appropriate curriculum. Awana is an international kid's club open to any child. For more information call Lynn Baker at 531-2684.

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 through March 24, 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 at 777-2592.

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.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Group

For over 35 years, MOPS has been creating authentic communities where young moms gather to experience encouragement, support and hope. But, it doesn’t stop there. Through training and development customized to women in this stage of life, and through do-able service opportunities, MOPS grows moms to make a better world.

Although mothering preschoolers is at times a lonely challenge, MOPS is providing a welcome break for moms; a chance for moms to make new friends, enjoy a relevant speaker, discussion time and snacks, and most importantly, an opportunity for moms to know they are not alone in the struggles and joys of raising young children.

The new Bitterroot MOPS 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.

IDEA MT meeting

Idea Development Entrepreneurial Association, Montana (IDEA MT), a network referral group dedicated to the advancement of small business in the Bitterroot, meets the first and third Wednesdays at 7 a.m. in Stevensville. The group is open to all local entrepreneurs or want-to-be entrepreneurs who are interested in developing or growing a small business. For more information contact Sue at 240-7862 or Jane at 531-9556.

SAFE Giving Tree

SAFE is sponsoring its annual Christmas Giving Tree for Shelter, Transitional Housing, and Outreach residents through December 18. Each family has ornaments on the tree asking for Christmas gifts they cannot afford to provide for their families. Anyone who is interested in helping a family in need this holiday season is welcome to pick an ornament from the tree and return an unwrapped gift by December 18. The Giving Tree is located in Hamilton, at SAFE on First Thrift Store, behind the Bitterroot Verizon Store. The Thrift Store is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call Connie at 363-2793.

Darby food collection

Food for fines at North Valley Library

The North Valley Public Library is offering to waive overdue patron fines throughout the month of December in exchange for food to be donated to Pantry Partners Food Bank in Stevensville. The library staff encourages patrons to bring in non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to the front desk for fines to be waived. Last year the library collected 477 pounds of food which was donated to Pantry Partners and distributed to needy families in the community. Pantry Partners provides holiday dinner boxes and limited personal items to families in the Bitterroot Valley. For more information, call the library at 777-5061, or Pantry Partners Food Bank at 777-0351.

Kiwanis seeking donations

Holiday trains running

St. Mary’s Mission Gift Shop hours

Historic St. Mary's Mission Gift Shop in Stevensville will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday's from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Christmas. Invited by the Salish Tribe, Historic St. Mary's Mission, founded in 1841, is the first Christian settlement in Montana. Gifts reflecting both cultures are available in the mission gift shop, with proceeds supporting the preservation and renovation of this important Montana icon.

Our Savior Lutheran Advent services

Advent services will be held Thursday, December 10 and Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church. To make it simple for hard-working families to come to worship, the

ladies of the church are again preparing soup and sandwich suppers at 6 p.m. Stop and pick up your family on your way home from work to eat with the members of Our Savior before the service. Food and fellowship joined with the power of God's Word should make the holiday season more meaningful as well as less hectic. This Advent and Christmas seasons, Pastor David Carver will explore the theme of "Away in a Manger" as the prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in the Gospels' declaration of God's love of His lost children. The proof? It's in the manger. Our Savior, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. To find the church, head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. One mile past Middle Burnt Fork Road, turn east on Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by three crosses.

Fiber art exhibit

Heidi Zielinski will be showing her fiber art works at The Beaded Pony in Stevensville during the month of December. Heidi is a resident of Stevensville and a member of Stevensville's Sapphire Quilters, the Bitterroot Quilt Guild, Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society and Studio Art Quilt Associates (a national art quilt association). The works to be displayed are original design quilted fiber wall hangings. They are unique art works that incorporate a variety of innovative techniques and materials, including beading and extensive quilting. Her pieces are mostly abstract with some elements of realism and often reflect a love of the natural world around us, from the forested mountains to the garden in the back yard. Heidi uses bold and unique color combinations in her work. These are not traditional quilts, although they do utilize the basic technique of layering and quilting fabric, but they go much beyond that to become wall art that is textural and modern. The show will open on First Friday, December 4. For more information call The Beaded Pony at 777-2141.

Two Creeks School open houses

Two Creeks School invites parents and students (K-8) to participate in a typical school day at its Hamilton campus on December 9 (early-out days in the Public Schools). Two Creeks School is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a respectful, nurturing environment that encourages exploration and academic excellence. The small, multi-age classroom connects children to “place” by using the landscape, people, history, and wildlife as an integrated context for learning. As students advance in each area, they rediscover joy in learning! Two Creeks School is still enrolling new students for the 2009/2010 school year. Scholarships are available. Call 363-4740 to schedule a visit.

‘Facts About Fever’ workshop

South Valley Child and Family Center will present a Facts About Fever workshop for parents Wednesday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison in Hamilton. This workshop will help parents learn more about fever, what it means and how to treat it. Reassuring scientific information will be given as well as questions answered. The workshop is hosted by Dr. Blaise Favara, pediatrician. The workshop is free but RSVP by calling 363-3450.

Democratic Central Committee

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. at the Carriage House, 310 N. 4th Street, Hamilton. Elected county positions and state legislative positions that will be decided in the 2010 election will be discussed. Jim Elliott, Chairman of the Montana Democratic Party, will be present for this discussion. All Democrats who wish to attend are welcome. The filing period for the 2010 election of state legislative candidates from Ravalli County begins next month, on January 14. If you are active in your community, have been thinking about running for office as a Democrat, or just want more information about the election process and which legislative seats will be open, you are welcome to attend the meeting this Wednesday. For more information contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Stevi Civic Club

The monthly membership meeting of the Stevensville Civic Club will take place at Historic St. Mary's Mission meeting room next Thursday, December 10 at 12 noon. Lunch is provided for $6. Members are asked to bring a canned good or an extra dollar to donate to Pantry Partners Food Bank.

Stevensville Playhouse holiday production

The Stevensville Playhouse presents “A Tuna Christmas” on December 10-12 at 8 p.m. and December 13 at 2 p.m. “A Tuna Christmas” is set in Tuna, Texas. The whole town is anticipating the announcement of the winner of the annual Christmas yard display contest, but the Christmas Phantom has been sabotaging the yard displays. Bertha Bumiller is struggling to keep her family together on Christmas while her son fights probation and her daughter falls in love with a man who is "just different.” Didi Snavely is sick of running the used weapons store while her husband drinks and spots UFO's. And dear Aunt Pearl sits on her front porch and shoots at the bluejays. Meanwhile the entire town speculates on the identity of the Christmas Phantom. Two actors perform the entire town of 22, playing 11 characters each in this hilarious Christmas play. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at show time. On Thursday, December 10, just $5 and a can of tuna (to be donated to Pantry Partners) will get you a seat! For reservations or information call 777-2722.

Lone Rock-Three Mile community extravaganza

A group of activities to recognize and celebrate the holidays is being planned for the Lone Rock-Three Mile community. The activities include the Lone Rock School music concerts on Thursday, December 10 at 2 p.m. for grades K-5 and an evening presentation at 7 p.m. with the middle school band and music groups.

Christmas caroling is being planned for Wednesday, December 16 and organizers would like to know if you would like carolers to come to your place or that of someone you know. Would you like to be part of the singing group? Everyone is encouraged to participate in these activities to spread the holiday spirit.

On Friday, December 18, a holiday variety program will be held at the Lone Rock Bible Church. A dinner of soup, bread and dessert will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a fun evening of performances. Be a presenter or be a guest to share with all.

If you need a ride or some assistance in taking part in any of these vents, contact Gary Leese at 777-5106 or Shelly Cowan, Family Resource Coordinator at Lone Rock School, at 777-314, ext. 234. More information will be publicized as plans are finalized.

Cross Country Ski Club potluck

The Bitterroot X/C Ski Club Pot Luck Dinner and Gear Show featuring new and old gear from Hamilton and Missoula vendors will be Thursday, December 10 at the First Presbyterian Church, West Main St. in Hamilton at 6 p.m. All are welcome; bring plates, utensils, and a hot dish, salad, or dessert to share. For more information call 961-4829.

Fellowship Club

The Bitterroot Fellowship Club will meet Thursday, December 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Discussion book is “A Life at Work: The Joy of Discovering What You Were Born To Do” by Thomas Moore. In this work best selling spiritual guru Thomas Moore (“Care of the Soul”) says that finding the right work, finding one's vocation, is also part of the care of the soul. Although confident that even the most mundane job can be enjoyable and life-giving, Moore sets the question of vocation in a broader frame, suggesting that it is best addressed as a part of fashioning lives that are organically whole and meaningful. Moore draws inspiration from a delightful array of sources, including Jung, Yeats, Socrates, and Rapunzel. The book's governing metaphor, alchemy, is often apt; Moore notes that both alchemy and finding a life's work require patience through a long refining process, and both are about the process, not just the end result. Thomas Moore has a Ph.D. in religion from Syracuse University and has won several awards for his work, including an honorary doctorate from Lesley University and the Humanitarian Award from Einstein Medical School of Yeshiva University. He also writes fiction and music and often works with his wife, artist and yoga instructor, Hari Kirin. He writes regular columns for Resurgence, Spirituality & Health, and is the author of "Writing in the Sand: The Spirituality of Jesus and the Soul of the Gospels," "The Soul of Medicine," and "Hole in One: Stories about the Game of Life." The event is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well-being. New members are encouraged. Call 363-1670 for more information.

South Valley Pachyderm Club

Brigadier General Dale Stovall, USAF (Retired), will be speaking at the meeting of the South Valley

Pachyderm Club on Friday, December 11 at 12:00 noon. The Club meets at Mitchell's Conference Room (formerly ‘Papa Bear’s Den') on the east side of Mitchell's Restaurant, 1659 N. 1st street, Hamilton. General Stovall will be giving a military and political review of events in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The South Valley Pachyderm Club, which meets on the second and fourth Fridays of the month, is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.

Witherell Family benefit

A Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction fundraising event for the Witherell family will be held Friday, December 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Lone Rock School. This family recently suffered a tragedy and the Lone Rock community would like to extend a helping hand. The spaghetti dinner price is $5 per person/$15 for a family. The silent auction items include theme gift baskets, quilts, Christmas decorations, jewelry, top soil and much more. If you are unable to attend and would like to give a monetary donation you can drop it off at the Lone Rock School office or mail to 1112 Three Mile Creek Rd., Stevensville MT 59870. Make checks payable to the Three Mile/Lone Rock Community Foundation as these are tax deductible donations. For more information call Lone Rock School at 777-3314.

Corvallis craft/bake sale

The annual Candy/Bake/Craft Sale will be held Saturday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, corner of Eastside Highway and Cemetery Road. Soup and dessert lunch will be available.

Flea market

A flea market will be held Saturday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. There will be new and used items, antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts, gift items and much more. Lunch of soup, sandwiches and desserts will be available. Rent a table for $5. Call Katie, 363-2316 or 363-5181.

Photography workshop

A photography workshop with Barbara Michelman will be held Saturday, December 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford in Hamilton. Space is limited; sign up as soon as possible. For more information, contact the Ravalli County Museum at 363-3338 or at HYPERLINK "mailto:rcmuseum@qwestoffice.net" rcmuseum@qwestoffice.net.

Library Christmas crafts

Help your little ones create Christmas ornaments, make reindeer gift bags and decorate gingerbread this month at Story Time in the North Valley Public Library. All month the theme will revolve around the holidays. Each week, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., children ages seven and younger can hear children’s stories, enjoy a snack, and make a craft project in the library’s community meeting room. This program is free.

Additionally, during the first three Saturdays in December, from noon to 2 p.m., the Library will conduct Christmas craft workshops for children. On December 12, kids can construct “Frosty the Doorstop”; and on the 19th, participants will make delicious sweet treats. Class size is limited – pre-registration is required. These classes are designed for nine- to twelve-year-olds. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult who is willing to help their child with the projects. The materials cost for each class is $2; scholarships are available. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

Winter Picnic

Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding will hold its Winter Picnic on Saturday, December 12 at the First Interstate Center, Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 8 p.m. Enjoy dinner catered by Caffe Firenze and kick up your heals to the music of Aerial Maneuvers. There will be plenty of activities for the children and the young at heart... carriage rides, face painting, Big Sky Bounce and magicians. The adults can enjoy browsing and bidding on the items in the silent auction. Tickets are $25 and children 10 years old and younger get in free. If you’re not interested in dining, but would enjoy the music/dancing and no host cocktail wine bar tickets are available for $10. All proceeds from the Winter Picnic go to benefit the Special Needs Riders at BTR, a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization. Tickets are on sale through Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce and Chapter One Bookstore. To purchase tickets with credit card call 381-5679 or 273-4226.

Square dance club

The Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a silent auction and dance on Saturday, December 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The dance will be mainstream with plus tips. Rounds will be provided between tips. The caller will be Ray Dunbar. The club silent auction will take place throughout the evening. Club members will provide refreshments. A new series of classes will be starting on December 19 at 6 p.m. so mark your calendar to start down the path of becoming a square dancer. For more information call Donna Hicks at 961-0111 or Jeanne Burruss at 961-3468.

Movie showing

The movie “Food, Inc.,” will be shown on Saturday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at First Christian Church on Fairgrounds Rd. in Hamilton (across from the high school. The free event is sponsored by Sustainable Living Systems. This documentary challenges the industrial agriculture system that grows, processes, and distributes our food, and is dominated by a few large corporations, featuring interviews with Michael Pollan (“Omnivore's Dilemma”), Eric Schlosser (“Fast Food Nation”), and influential farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm. Learn how our food dollars shape the world. Discussion to follow. Coffee and tea provided; bring snacks. Attention teachers: Discussion Guide for grades 9-12 by the Center for Ecoliteracy; download at http://www.ecoliteracy.org/publications/food_inc.html. This 102-page guide provides questions and activities about the film's themes, including health, sustainability, animal welfare, and workers' rights. It is designed to help high school students make more thoughtful choices about food and participate in a meaningful dialogue about our food systems. For more information call Jill at 642-3601.

Bitterroot Valley Chorus Christmas Concert

The Bitterroot Valley Chorus will present its 37th annual Christmas Concert in the Performing Arts Center, Hamilton High School, on Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 13, at 2 p.m.

Under the artistic direction of Peggy Leonardi, the concert will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the death of Joseph Haydn by presenting his oratorio “The Creation,” along with a collection of Christmas carols under the title “Christmas Flourish,” arranged by Randol Alan Bass, “Ding! Dong! Merrily on High,” and an upbeat Variations on "Jingle Bells."

The Bitterroot Valley is fortunate to have so many talented musicians willing to donate their time to this yearly tradition. The adult chorus will be joined by a children's choir and orchestral accompaniment. Although the performances are a free gift to the community, a donation of $5 per person is suggested to help continue this holiday tradition.

Five Valley Accordion Club

The Five Valley Accordion Club will hold a dance on Sunday, December 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at High Spirits in Florence. This will also be the annual bake sale and Christmas party. Tickets are $3.00 for members and $4.00 for non-members. Enjoy the music of accordions, guitars and banjos to dance and listen to.

Hamilton Garden Club

The Hamilton Garden Club December meeting and Christmas party will be

Monday, December 14 at the home of Elizabeth Kehmeier at 6 p.m. For more information call President Linda @ 961-3819. Bring a homemade ornament (unwrapped) for gift exchange and a wrapped white elephant gift for bingo.

Darby Bread Box volunteer meeting

A meeting for those interested in volunteering at the Darby Bread Box food bank will be held on Monday, December 14 at 6 p.m. at the Darby Library. The Darby Bread Box will be opening January 4, 2010 and volunteers are needed to help with the new operation. The food bank will be open on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Ginny Bonnell at 821-2006 or Mary Lockwood at 821-4678.

Sons of Norway Christmas party

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will hold a Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The Lodge will cook pork ribs, and rice pudding, the traditional eastern Norway Christmas supper. Members and guests are invited to bring a side dish, Christmas cookies for an exchange, and a favorite ornament to place on the tree for the evening. There will be songs and a short history of Christmas in Norway. The public is invited.

Foreign film series

The Bitterroot Public Library is continuing its Celebrating Cultural Diversity Adult Foreign Film Series with a showing of the film, "The Country Teacher" on December 17. This is a beautiful and powerfully acted, profoundly moving story of desire, responsibility, forgiveness and the need to belong, from the internationally acclaimed Director Carlos Sorin. The showing is sponsored by the Annie Maclay Leffingwell Foundation. The film will be presented in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. It is intended for mature audiences due to adult themes, language and sexual content. The showing is free.

‘Brown Bag It’ book discussion

The Bitterroot Public Library's "Brown Bag It" book discussion group meets December 17 from noon to 1 p.m. in the west meeting room of the library. The book discussion group will explore "The Uncommon Reader" by Alan Bennett and make selections for 2010. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. New members are encouraged. Call 363-1670 for more information.

Pancake breakfast

There will be a pancake breakfast for the public on Saturday, December 19 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The menu will be pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, coffee and more. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for ages 12 and under.

Daly Mansion Christmas Party

Santa will be the guest of honor at the Daly Mansion's Community Christmas Party on Saturday, December 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family celebration will include live holiday music, Christmas carol sing-a-longs, cookie decorating, crafting, and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Mansion from noon to 2 p.m. and children can visit and get their photos taken with Santa. There will be a special holiday admission rate that day of $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. Children under six will be admitted free. For more information, call 363-6004, ext. 3#.

Positive Parenting Program

Is there a lot of attitude in your home? Do tantrums abound? Does defiance, the silent treatment, or do arguments between adults and kids rule in your household? Want to change all that? South Valley Child and Family Center will help you achieve that change. If you have a child from 3-14 years of age having behavior problems, the Positive Parenting Program at SVCFC is for you. This eight-week program is designed for parents who are committed to raising happy, healthy kids and features a low fee, one-hour a week time commitment and is simple and positive. Individual sessions start in January 2010. Call 363-3450 to sign up.

Auditions for ‘Annie’

Auditions for the next Hamilton Players production – the great Broadway musical "Annie" – will be January 5-6 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Playhouse. There are roles available for men, women and children, ages 8 to 85. Auditions will be conducted by director Gina Wilson. The show will run Feb. 26-28, March 4-7 and March 11-14. Those interested in helping with other aspects of the production are welcome to attend the auditions.

‘Our Valley, Our Water’ educational forum

On Wednesday, January 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hamilton Middle School Auditorium, 209 S. 5th St., Hamilton, the Bitter Root Water Forum is hosting Dr. Mike Young, Team Leader and Research Fisheries Biologist for the Air, Water and Aquatic Environments Science Program of the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula to present “Fishes, Water, and Fire in a Changing Climate: Causes and Consequences of Future Water Temperature Regimes.” This is the third presentation in a four-part series entitled “Our Valley, Our Water” scheduled through March 2010 and offered by the Bitter Root Water Forum through funding from Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Dr. Young's presentation looks at early results from fieldwork in the East Fork Bitterroot River using water temperature, fire, and fishery population data. The presentation is free and open to the public. Information on Dr. Young's work is available on USFS web site: HYPERLINK "http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/AWAE/scientists/profiles/AWAYoung.shtml" http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/AWAE/scientists/profiles/AWAYoung.shtml

After-school theater classes

The second semester of Hamilton Playhouse after-school classes kicks off January 18. The classes are designed around age groups from 5 to 18, with separate classes for each age group. The lessons include almost every aspect of the theater experience, from backstage to performance. Registration forms are available at the Hamilton Players box office. Registration is $200 for the 16-week program. The students will have a performance showcase May 14 and 15.

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