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.

Lions Club ski bus

The Hamilton Lions Club has sponsored the ski bus program for local youth since 1975 and is doing so again this year. The Ski Bus takes youth to Lost Trail Ski Resort on Saturdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 16. Cost is $5 per rider, with season ticket prices of $15 for under 13 and $20 for 13 and older. Depart from Westview Center, Hamilton at 8:30 a.m. (load at 8 a.m.) and return to Westview by 5 p.m. Rental forms for equipment are available at the bus; rental fees are paid at lodge when getting equipment.

Commod benefit raffle

The Commod Thrift Store is raffling a matted and framed original acrylic by noted Montana artist Ron Jenkins. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Funds raised will help pay for their upcoming expansion. The drawing will be held on Monday, March, 31. The artwork is on display at the store located at 215 N. 6th Street in Hamilton behind Washington School. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call Frank at 363-2134 for more information.

UM financial aid events

The University of Montana will partner with high school counselors at several Montana high schools this month to provide information about financial assistance available for attending college or technical and trade schools.

UM Financial Aid Office personnel will give presentations and answer questions about the different kinds of aid available.

The primary focus will be funding options for higher education and instructions for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, as well as information about how the government computes students’ estimated family contribution. All high school juniors and seniors, along with their parents, are encouraged to attend these presentations.

Events will be held at local high schools at 7 p.m. on the following dates:

Darby: Monday, Jan. 14

For more information, call the UM Financial Aid Office at 243-5373 or go online to http://www.umt.edu/finaid.

'Becoming an Outdoorswoman' workshops

A series of "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" workshops, sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, is scheduled this winter. These hands-on workshops offer women an opportunity to learn a variety of outdoor skills in a comfortable environment suitable to all skill levels.

Jan. 12—Learn to Snowshoe I. Learn how to snowshoe, the fastest growing winter sport in the world. This class is for beginners who have never been to a snowshoe workshop. Explore the area around Moose Creek and Upper Ten Mile Creek while practicing different snowshoe techniques. Fee includes lunch. Co-hosted by FWP and the Montana Discovery Foundation. Location: Rimini. Fee: $12.

Jan. 13—Learn to Snowshoe II. This class is for those who have some snowshoe experience. Strap on your snowshoes and head for woods with instructors around Moose Creek and Upper Ten Mile Creek. Fee includes lunch. Co-hosted by FWP and the Montana Discovery Foundation. Location: Rimini. Fee: $12

Feb. 1-3—Winter BOW. Don’t shut yourself in this winter. Learn about different outdoor activities you can do on the snow or ice. Classes will include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter survival, ice fishing, identifying animal tracks, dog sledding and more. Fee includes meals and lodging. Location: Lubrecht Forest near Missoula. Fee: $200

For more information and to register, provide your name and mailing address to the BOW Coordinator at FWP-BOW, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT 59620; call 406-444-2615; or email Liz Lodman at: llodman@mt.gov

Flea market

A flea market will be held Saturday, January 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Many treasures, new and used, antiques, arts and crafts, books, birdfeeders and birdhouses, collectibles, dishes, tools, jewelry, white elephants and seated massages by Cheryl will be available. Lunch will be for sale. Rent a table for $5. Call 363-5181 or Bernie at 363-3096 for more information.

Countywide Zoning Roundtable Meeting

On Wednesday, January 16, John Lafave, Associate Research Hydrogeologist with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Eric Regensberger, Senior Hydrologist with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Steve Kilbreath, Subdivision Review Section Supervisor with DEQ, will be at the Countywide Zoning Roundtable Meeting in Hamilton to provide information and answer questions. In order to make this meeting as productive as possible, questions will be accepted in advance for the guest speakers. Submit questions regarding groundwater availability to the Planning Department by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 4. This meeting will be free and open to all members of the public. More information on the content, time, and place of the meeting is forthcoming.

Square Dance Club

The last open beginner square dance class will be held Saturday, January 12 at 6 p.m. the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th in Hamilton. This will be the last open beginner class for the year. These classes start only once each year and are open for new beginners for two weeks only. The first two lessons are free. These classes will run from January 5 to May 10. Following this class will be a regular dance from 8 to 10 p.m. The dance level will be mainstream with an occasional plus tip. Round dances will be provided between tips. The caller will be Barry Bartlette. Club members will supply finger food for refreshments.

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Sunday, January 13 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. A representative from Missoula will be on hand to talk about the possibility of a skateboard park.

Sons of Norway

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will meet Tuesday, January 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. There will be installation of officers and details about a Rosemaling class to be offered. An invitation to be interviewed by middle school students on January 17th will be explained, as well as details of what lodge members can do to decorate the 2008 National Christmas tree. The Lodge will provide a main dish for a potluck, with attendees invited to bring a side dish. The public is always invited. For more information contact Jackie Bjergo, 961-4538.

Good Sense Budget Course

Most of us have stress in our lives centered around money. Decrease this stress by learning how to better handle money. The "Good Sense Budget Course" is being offered by the Stevensville United Methodist Church during the period of January 6 to February 10. The course consists of six two-hour sessions to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. It is open to the public on a first come, first served basis and is limited to 20 persons. There will be a $15.00 charge for the participant's guide. Scholarships are available upon request. To sign up for the course call the Stevensville United Methodist Church office at 777-5443 on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. At other times, call Ellyn Jones at 961-4614. Stevensville United Methodist Church is located on the corner of College and Third Streets.

UM Museum exhibit

“Impacted Nations,” a traveling exhibition of contemporary American Indian art, will be at the Montana Museum of Art & Culture at the University of Montana from Jan. 15 through Feb. 26.

The exhibition will be on view in the museum’s Meloy and Paxson galleries, located in UM’s Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center.

Organized by the Native American advocacy foundation Honor the Earth, “Impacted Nations” features 52 compelling works by 44 contemporary American Indian artists that address the conflict between Native people’s relationship to the earth and the political and economic forces that undermine it.

Many of the works merge traditional forms with contemporary media and concerns.

“Honor the Earth,” a ledger drawing by Oglala Lakota artist Don Montileaux, celebrates wind power as an alternative energy source. A traditional basket made from the modern material of vinyl strips – “Seventh Generation Black Ash Basket” by Anishinabe artist Kelly Church – comments on the destruction of black ash trees in Michigan.

Other works in the exhibit use contemporary art forms. “Holding the Visions” by Richard Casteneda blends photography and acrylic paint to examine misconceptions of Native people. America Merideth’s “Salt the Earth,” a Pop-inspired piece, takes on environmental degradation by the oil industry.

“Impacted Nations” has traveled to venues in New York City; Chicago; Minneapolis; Santa Fe, N.M.; and Pine Ridge, S.D.

Three free public events will be held in conjunction with the exhibition. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Meloy Gallery, MMAC curator Manuela Well-Off-Man will present a lecture titled “Nature in Native American Art from the 19th Century to the Present.”

At 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, in the Montana Theatre, American Indian activist, writer and environmentalist Winona LaDuke will present “Creating Just Societies: The Environment, the Economy and Human Relationships in the Next Millennium.”

LaDuke is executive director of Honor the Earth and was instrumental in bringing “Impacted Nations” to MMAC. Her presentation is an event of UM’s 2007-08 President’s Lecture Series.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, the museum will hold a closing reception that includes a screening of the documentary video “Homeland” at 7 p.m. LaDuke will give a gallery talk and lead a discussion following the screening.

LaDuke’s UM visit is sponsored by MMAC and UM’s Women’s Studies Program, Environmental Studies Program, Department of Native American Studies’ Calvin B. Stott Visiting Scholars/Elders Fund and the Office of Academic Affairs.

MMAC hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There is no charge for admission, and free parking is available near the northwest corner of the PAR/TV Center.

For more information, call the museum at 243-2019 or go online to http://www.umt.edu/montanamuseum.

Lawmakers to discuss water issues

A legislative committee studying water issues will meet in Hamilton on January 15 and 16. The public is invited to attend and will have an opportunity to comment.

The Water Policy Interim Committee wants to better understand issues faced by water users and others in areas that are closed to new surface-water appropriations, according to Joe Kolman, legislative staffer for the committee.

The meeting will focus on water quality related to discharges into the groundwater system, coordination of water quality and water quantity permitting systems, and development and growth and their relationship to the protection of existing water rights.

The committee also is studying the level of analysis conducted related to cumulative impacts for water quality, federal drinking-water standards, and state and federal effluent treatment standards.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Jan. 15 in the Art Building at the Hamilton Fairgrounds. On Jan. 16, the committee will reconvene at 8 a.m.

An agenda and other meeting materials are available via the State of Montana online calendar at www.leg.mt.gov/calendar.htm.

For more information, contact Kolman at 444-9280 or jkolman@mt.gov.

Groundwater availability forum

In concert with the Ravalli County countywide zoning project, the Planning Department will host a forum on January 16 to discuss groundwater availability and its relationship to the zoning project.

As the countywide zoning project moves forward, the community will have the opportunity to recommend where varying levels of development density should be located. Groundwater availability is an important factor in determining the suitability of land for development, but there are questions as to how existing groundwater data could be used for zoning purposes on a comprehensive, countywide scale.

On January 16, John LaFave, Associate Research Hydrogeologist with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG), will give an overview of the current condition of groundwater in the Bitterroot Valley on a broad scale. He will discuss the maps and data that are the result of MBMG studies, and the limitations of that data. Eric Regensburger, Senior Hydrologist with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), will then give a presentation on the site-specific review of groundwater availability that is conducted by DEQ.

After the presentations, a panel of experts will answer questions regarding groundwater availability in Ravalli County. The panel will consist of the following individuals: John LaFave; Eric Regensburger; Steve Kilbreath; Subdivision Review Section Supervisor with DEQ; Bonnie Lovelace, Bureau Chief of Water Protection Bureau with DEQ; Bill Schultz, Regional Manager, Water Resources Regional Office, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; and Lea Jordan, Director of the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department. The purpose of this meeting is to give the community an understanding of groundwater availability in Ravalli County to help in deciding the future of the Valley through countywide zoning.

The public is invited to attend this free event, which will be held at 7 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall, 223 S. 2nd St., Hamilton.

For more information call the Ravalli County Planning Department at 375-6530. For more information on the Countywide Zoning Project in general, visit the webpage at www.ravallicounty.mt.gov/planning.

Trout Unlimited meeting

Trout Unlimited will meet Thursday, January 17 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State Street. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.

One of the major conservation stories of the last few years is the compromise agreement hammered out by a partnership of timber companies, conservation groups and local communities on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The precedent setting proposal allows substantial logging and more official wilderness, numerous restoration activities and fuel reduction projects. The proposal has been crafted into a piece of federal legislation called the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Conservation, Restoration and Stewardship Act, and support is being sought from Montana federal legislators.

Montana TU was one of three mainstream conservation groups to help develop the Partnership agreement, and Montana TU Executive Director, Bruce Farling, played a key role in the negotiations. Bruce, along with a representative from the wood-products industry, will talk about the partnership at the January 17 meeting. They will give a presentation and then answer questions from the audience. Many Bitterrooters wonder if a similar partnership to end decades of rancor and move ahead with sound conservation-based forest management would be possible in the Bitterroot.

For more information, contact Bitterroot TU president Geoff Fitzgerald (mbreac@yahoo.com) or Doug Nation (363-2137, douglas.p.nation@gskbio.com).

Back Country Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 17 at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. The guest speakers are Marty Almquist, Wilderness Ranger for the Darby Ranger District, and Kirk Thompson, retired Forest Service roads and trails engineer. They will report on the field review of the South Fork of Lost Horse Creek Trail. Guests are welcome to attend, and if you have questions, call Karen at 961-0101.

Stevi Organization Retreat

The Stevensville Main Street Association will host the "2008 Organization Retreat" on Thursday, January 17, at 5:30 p.m. This retreat is for all organizations in the Stevensville area to come together with their calendar of events for 2008. Once the evening is concluded the information will be transferred to the Community Calendar for 2008. Call the Main Street Office if your organization plans to be represented to insure adequate refreshments. Pizza and drinks will be served.

Driver safety program

AARP is presenting its driver safety program at Marcus Daly Hospital from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 17 and 18. You must attend both days. The fee is $10.00 and pre-registration is required. Contact Jones Korman Insurance Agency at 363-6583 for registration information. The next class will be February 21-22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no written test. Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates.

Missoula Art Museum benefit

Help support the Missoula Art Museum on Thursday, January 17, with the Artini event from 5:30 to 9 p.m. featuring Headwaters Dance Company. A Live Art Auction will be at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at missoulaartmuseum.org. The museum is located at 335 N. Pattee St., Missoula. Call 728-0447, ext. 221 for more information.

Forest travel management meetings

Three public meetings are scheduled to answer questions and hear ideas about the changes to summer and winter motorized recreational use proposed by the Bitterroot National Forest.

In late September 2007, Forest Supervisor Dave Bull released a proposed action and scoping letter that explained the Forest's initial ideas for changes designed to improve the quality of motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities while protecting the forest's natural resources.

Prior to the initial public comment deadline of January 31, 2008, the Forest is hosting three meetings in January 2008 to discuss public concerns and suggestions. The three meetings will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and will be held in:

• Darby - Wednesday, January 9 at the Darby Clubhouse.

• Stevensville - Thursday, January 10 at the Stevensville Methodist Church.

• Hamilton - Tuesday, January 15 at the Bitterroot River Inn.

Those interested in recreational opportunities on the Bitterroot National Forest are encouraged to attend one of these meetings. For additional information, call the Stevensville Ranger District at 777-5460.

Democratic Central Committee

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Thursday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. Note: This is a change from the originally scheduled date of January 9. The meeting will be held at the Carriage House located at 310 N. 4th St. in Hamilton. Items to be discussed include preliminary ideas for a spring fundraiser and further thoughts on the recent Hamilton City Council election. All Democrats are welcome to attend. For more information contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Winter tennis leagues

The Montana Tennis Association announces the formation of local winter leagues for men’s and women’s singles, doubles at NTRP levels 2.5-4.5 and mixed doubles for 6.0- 9.0. Players arrange their own match times. The deadline to register is January 10; play begins January 15 and must be completed by March 1. For more details contact M.C. Beeby at 406-431-3152 or tennis@mt.net.

Transformational Awareness Group

The Transformational Awareness Group will be holding a free brainstorming meeting at the Community Room of the Stevensville Public Library on Saturday, January 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. to get ideas for programs that people might like to see presented. For more information call Liz or Michael at 642-3928.

Sabres Soccer sign-up

The final sign-up for Stevensville Sabres spring soccer program is Monday, January 14 at 6 p.m. at the Stevensville High School. If you're looking for a good team experience and fall between the ages of 10 through high school, you are encouraged to attend the final sign-up. For more information contact Ralph Serrette, 543-3514.

Business seminars

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ravalli County Economic Development Authority and Job Service Employers Committee present the following seminars:

• January 16 - Unleashing Accountability - Extreme Contribution

• February 20 - Firing Up Commitment for Customer Focus & Box Store Survival Gear

Sessions are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn Conference Center in Hamilton. Individual sessions are $45 per person for Chamber members and $60 per person for non-members

These sessions are a must for all businesses who want to keep their businesses moving into the future.

Call Pat at 363-2400 to register.

USTA Mixed Doubles Championships

Six player tennis teams are forming now. Championships play will be at the Last Chance Tennis Center in Helena January 18-20. Each team needs a minimum of 3 men and 3 women. Combined NTRP ratings of your individual teams must equal the division you enter: 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 or 9.0. Captains can create a team on-line and get team number or contact District Office. Deadline to register a team is January 10. Winning teams are asked to represent Montana at the Sectional Championships – July 11-13, 2008 in Boulder, CO. If you want to play and don’t have a team contact M.C. Beeby at 406-431-3152 or tennis@mt.net for more details.

Local author book signing

Tate Publishing and Enterprises is proud to announce the release of the new book "A New Year's Family" by Victor author Cookie Grimes. A book signing will be held Saturday, January 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Waldenbooks at Southgate Mall in Missoula. In her new children's book, Cookie Grimes relates the heartwarming story of a young boy, his mama, and all the animals and birds around their lake who work together to find Sarah a husband. "A New Year's Family" demonstrates to children – and is a reminder to adults – that the appearance on the outside is not nearly as important as the character on the inside.

According to Donna Chumley, Associate Director of Marketing for Tate Publishing and Enterprises, "We are honored to present 'A New Year's Family' and want to introduce it to as many market venues as possible right away, but especially to the author's local community first."

Bowhunter education classes

Missoula bowhunter education classes will begin early in 2008 with the first class scheduled for Saturday, January 19. Ten classes are planned for Missoula between January and May.

The January and February class schedule includes four classes offered on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office, 3201 Spurgin Road. Students can elect to take a class Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Feb. 9, or Feb. 16. Students must also complete a half-day field course set for Saturday, March 1.

To register for a January or February class, students must stop by the Missoula FWP office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Jan. 2. Classes are limited to 35 students, and registration is open until the class fills. A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to register.

Other Missoula classes will be held in March, April and May. By state law, all first time bowhunters must complete a bowhunter education course in order to purchase a bow and arrow license. Bowhunters born after January 1, 1985 must also show proof of completing a hunter education program.

For more information or to request a copy of this schedule, contact the Missoula FWP office at 542-5500 or log onto the web site, fwp.mt.gov. Follow links to “Education” and then “Hunter Education.”

Bowhunter education courses will be offered in many other west-central Montana communities beginning in March. These schedules and dates will be announced as soon as they are available.

Pancake breakfast

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

Saturday Discovery Day—Wildlife Tracking Workshop

The Montana Natural History Center will hold a Wildlife Tracking Workshop featuring Elliott Parsons on Saturday, January 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $15 for non-members and $10 for members.

Join Elliott Parsons, UM PhD Student in wildlife biology and member of the Missoula Wildlife Tracking Club, for a day spent learning how to identify and interpret animal tracks as well as animal sign such as scat, rubs, chews and trails. He will also instruct on how to use bird language to follow unseen animals, how to keep a tracking journal and general winter wildlife ecology. Bring snow boots and appropriate warm weather gear as well as a lunch. Registration is required by calling 327-0405.

Rosemaling class

Christine Gunvaldson-Waltz will instruct a class on Norwegian Rosemaling (traditional decorative painting) on January 19, February 2 and February 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at her home on Lost Horse Road, south of Hamilton. The fee will be $30 for the three sessions. Students are to bring their own oil paints, cleaners and brushes, and a sack lunch. There will be a suggested list of materials at the Paper Clip in Hamilton. The Sons of Norway Lodge will provide linseed oil and wooden practice panels or attendees can bring their own objects to paint. The public is invited; reserve a place in the class by calling Christine at 363-3452.

Blood drive

Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is sponsoring an American Red Cross community blood drive on Thursday, January 24 from 12:30 to 5:30 pm. in conference rooms B/C of the hospital. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. For more information contact Gary Schulz at 375-4451.

Did you know that every two seconds in America someone needs a blood transfusion - cancer patients, accident victims, premature infants, people with chronic diseases? Blood donation means so much to individuals struggling to survive their own personal crisis, and it's something you can do to make a difference. Giving blood doesn't take much time, and each donation has the power to save three lives.

Someone in Montana needs blood every 27 minutes, and the American Red Cross helps meet the needs of those individuals. Blood donated in Montana is used to meet local needs first. Remember, together, we can save a life.

To donate, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years of age, be in general good health, and must not have donated blood in the last 56 days. Identification is required of all blood donors. Donors should remember to eat complete meals and drink plenty of water before donating blood.

Montana Naturalist Class

Develop the skills and tools of a naturalist, explore local natural areas, learn the natural history of Montana plants and animals from local experts. This class is open to the community and all students and will meet Monday evenings at the University of Montana from 5 to 8 p.m. beginning January 21. It includes two Saturday field trips in April. Cost of $295 includes all materials and field transportation. You must register with MNHC to confirm your spot. Space is limited. Three credits are available through Continuing Education for $135, to be paid to this University department separately. A $50 non-refundable deposit to MNHC is required to hold your spot in this course. OPI credit is also available through MNHC. Montana Naturalist certification is available.

MSU prospective student program

Montana State University will open its campus, classrooms and activities to potential students during MSU Friday, the university's campus visitation program, set for Friday, Jan. 25.

Among the many MSU Friday activities are campus tours, sample classes taught by some of MSU's best professors, meetings with academic departments and a display of organizations and special services. There will also be presentations about special programs, scholarships and financing a college education. Panels for parents are also scheduled.

Cost for the one-day event is $15 per person, which includes lunch and activities. Students and family members attending the program will have the opportunity to ski at a discounted rate on Saturday, Jan. 26, and/or Sunday, Jan. 27, at Bridger Bowl, Big Sky and Moonlight Basin ski areas.

Students wishing to spend a night on campus with a current student, sample food and experience campus life after hours, may contact the Residence Life Office at (406) 994-2661 to find out more about its Host Program. The cost of the program is $50 per night.

For more information about MSU Friday, contact the MSU Office of Admissions at (1-888) MSU-CATS, or (406) 994-2452.

Canine Cuisine Class

Concerned about your commercial pet food and snacks? Attend a fun and educational morning class on preparing wholesome, holistic pet food for your furry best friends. The teachers are experienced canine/feline chefs, Mary Wulff and Jeanie Notti-Fullerton. The cost is $15 per person and includes recipes, handouts, snacks and laughs on Saturday, January 26, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Animal Essentials, 1369 Hwy 93 N, two miles north of Woodside. To reserve your seat call 370-0699 or 369-0025.

'Last Best Food' co-op social

You are cordially invited to attend a dinner and dance on Saturday, January 26, at the Bedford Building, 223 S. 2nd, in Hamilton. This event is for everyone interested in learning about, celebrating and/or joining the Bitterroot Food Co-op. A local food dinner, provided by Riversong Catering and serenaded by the Crested Hens, will begin at 6 p.m. This will be followed by a short presentation and discussion about the Food Co-op. At 8 p.m., Blue Melon will provide dance music until the wee hours. Come and meet your fellow Co-op owner members and bring your friends who are interested in joining. Remember: a co-op is your business. Cost is $5 per adults, $2 for children under 12. There will be a no-host local beer and wine bar. For more information call Jill Davies at 642-3601.

Winter Special OIympics

The Winter Special Olympics will be held Tuesday, January 29 and Wednesday, January 30 at Lost Trail/Powder Mountain Ski Resort. Volunteers are needed. No winter sports skills are required. If you are interested, call New Horizons Physical Therapy at 363-2570.

Hwy. 93 Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee for Hwy. 93 will meet Tuesday, February 12, at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Victor High School, 425 4th Avenue in Victor. MDT rescheduled November’s meeting to the new time in order to have more information about further Hwy. 93 South project splits and the effects of revised budgets on the project limits and probable schedule for letting of construction contracts. These will be discussed further at the upcoming meeting.

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.

Clearwater Farm science fair

Calling all junior scientists! Clearwater Farm is hosting its first Science Fair for kids ages 5-10 on Saturday, February 23 at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Family Center in Stevensville. A $10.00 entry fee is required. Three categories of projects for two age groups will be judged by community members and teachers. Entry forms are at Stevensville business locations or call Sandy Gates at 370-0808 for entry form and information.

Builder's Home Expo

The Bitterroot Building Industry Association will present the 6th annual Builder's Home Expo on Saturday, February 23 at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. Eighty-five vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 375-9411 to become a part of this one-stop-shopping event for new construction, remodeling projects, do-it-yourself inspiration or even refinance or home improvement loans. Building industry professionals will be on hand. Call the BBIA at 375-9411 for more information.

Community Systems Grantwriting Workshop

For the thirtieth time in Montana, the comprehensive grantwriting training program, "Get that Grant: Grantwriting from Conception to Completion," will be held in Bozeman April 21-24. This outstanding, internationally acclaimed workshop is presented by Community Systems of Bozeman. Conducted by Dr. Barbara C. Bader and Steven Carr, this workshop is sponsored by the Women’s Center at Montana State University.

This workshop addresses all aspects of successful grantseeking, including developing and assessing proposal ideas, generating support for grant applications, designing and writing a complete grant proposal, editing and submitting proposals, generating support for grant applications, designing and writing a complete grant proposal, editing and submitting proposals, following up with funders and surviving the proposal review process. Special attention is devoted to writing the technical components of grant proposals such as the statement of need, goals and objectives, project methods, project evaluation, project timetable, and proposal budget.

The workshop identifies sources of government, foundation, corporate and other grant support and assesses trends in the funding environment as well as teaching how to conduct a productive funding search using an extensive library of grant references provided at the workshop and shows how to conduct a formal funding search and query high-priority funders. It reviews criteria that funders use in evaluating proposals and suggests strategies for avoiding common pitfalls in grantseeking. Techniques for developing a grants infrastructure and planning and organizing the grantseeking effort are stressed.

Each participant receives a detailed 482+ page training/resource manual that includes a proposal writing guide and essential background resources for grantseekers. This is a hard-working, hands-on, how-to-do-it workshop, and each workshop participant develops a comprehensive grant proposal during the session. Participants receive extensive individual consultation during the workshop as well as follow-up critique of their grant proposals.

For further information on the grantwriting program, or to register for the workshop, contact the MSU Women’s Center at (406) 994-3836 or email Betsy Danforth at danforth@montana.edu. Registration deadline is March 28, 2008.

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