The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every first Wednesday of the month. Also on the first Wednesday of every month a potluck is held at 12:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting. Card parties are held on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. On the last Wednesday of the month a birthday party is held at 2 p.m.

Florence American Legion

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

Stevensville American Legion

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

American Legion Auxiliary

Fort Owen Post 94, Stevensville, American Legion Auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call 777-4335 for location.

Corvallis American Legion

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

Lilies of the Valley singing group

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

WIC clinics

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

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

Sapphire Quilt Club

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

Grief Support Groups

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

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

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

For more information, call Cathy Palmer, LCPC, Bereavement Coordinator, at 363-6503.

Spanish conversation group

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

Soroptimists

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

Rotary Club

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

PFLAG Chapter

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meets every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in the basement, 600 S. 3rd St., Hamilton in order to offer support to families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the local community. Chapter representatives Dr. Michael Moran and Terry Moran list one of PFLAG’s primary objectives as maintaining families in loving relationships and to keep families together.

For more information contact Terry Moran, 363-7656.

Center for Spiritual Living

The Center for Spiritual Living, Bitterroot Valley, meets at 10 a.m. each Sunday at the South Valley Child & Family Center, 515 Madison St. in Hamilton to learn and share while celebrating individual and collective spiritual growth. Services are based on Ernest Holmes’ Science of Mind philosophy and support positive global transformation through personal spiritual practice. (Info at www.UnitedCentersforSpiritualLiving.org). Transportation to the Sunday gatherings can be arranged from several communities in the Bitterroot Valley. For more information, contact Denelle at 363-1311 or dpappier@aol.com.

Legion bingo

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

Valley Veterans Service Center

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

Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings

The V2V outreach group meets every Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. These informal meetings are for all veterans. Many veterans have both unresolved and resolved issues from their experiences in the military that impact their lives. At the meetings participants 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, 360-5435, 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 319 N. 3rd. Vietnam era veterans often need assistance with problems and issues and many have similar stories. The Bitterroot Chapter VVA is your organization to provide the opportunity to obtain and share information, to organize grass root activities, lend a helping hand, and offer assistance to all veterans in dealing with the Veterans Administration. Also, through the National VVA organization, the local chapter supplies input to state and federal government legislators on issues important to veterans. For more information contact Bill Decker at 369-2252.

MOPS group

The Bitterroot MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group meets at Lone Rock Bible Church, around the corner from Lone Rock School, just off Eastside Hwy, down Three Mile Creek Road, between Stevensville and Florence. The group meets every first and third 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 Shauna Pernsteiner at 777-5189.

Waldorf Inspired Parent-Child

Waldorf Inspired Parent-Child meets Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for creative play, songs, stories, crafts, cooking, baking and nature walks. All families, expectant parents, and children birth to 6 years are welcome. For more information and location contact Kim at 369-0213. This Early Childhood Education Program as well as seasonal workshops and festivals for the community are sponsored by The Bitterroot School. Visit www.thebitterrootschool.com and www.whywaldorfworks.com to find out more about this and other programs.

Veterans affairs clinics

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

Trap Club

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

Bitterroot Toastmasters

Bitterroot Toastmasters Club meets Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton with optional no host lunch before or after. Meetings are designed to build confidence and skills in communication and leadership. Guests are welcome.

Toddler story time

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

Safety seat fitting station

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

American Sign Language Group

An American Sign Language Bible discussion group meets Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall, 1115 S. Reserve St., Missoula. Discussion topic is “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love.” For more information contact Tom Gacek, 777-0747, HYPERLINK "mailto:aslgal@rocketmail.com" aslgal@rocketmail.com.

Elks dinner

The Elks Club at 102 State Street in Hamilton serves dinner to the public every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The $8 complete meal includes dessert and coffee. Proceeds go towards the youth scholarship fund. For more information call 363-3031.

Sabre Soccer meetings

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

Lone Rock Bible Club

The Lone Rock Bible Club meets Wednesdays from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. Escorts from Lone Rock School to the church building will be provided and homeschooled children are also invited. Guaranteed to be fun! For more information call Russ Scheffel (240-3048), Randy Turner (360-1771) or Cheri Perez (777-2570).

Bitterroot Connections

Bitterroot Connections referral group (a sub-network of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network) meets monthly for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Hamilton Perkins Restaurant. Looking to grow your business? Come and meet a group of supportive women who get to know each other through member spotlight presentations, educational topics, and the referral and promotion of each other's businesses. Call Sue Gust at 360-0820 or e-mail suegust@kikapaprika.com for more information or visit www.discovermbn.com for additional opportunities.

Empowerment group

The Bitterroot Empowerment group (a sub-network of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network) meets the first Thursday of every month at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton from noon to 1 p.m. Participate in an experience that can help you reach your goals, both personal and business related. Programs have a wide range of interest varying from month to month but the feeling of support and camaraderie will remain constant. Call Jane Foster at 406-531-9556 or 777-2280 or email Jane@fosterandfosterfs.com for more information or visit www.discovermbn.com for additional opportunities.

Fiber Arts Guild

Big Sky Fiber Arts Guild meets the last Saturday of every month. If you are a wool spinner or work with fibers, contact Shelley at 777-5205 or Marty at 777-2421 for location or information.

PEP Sessions

Are you interested in exploring career options suited to you? Attend a PEP Session at the Bitterroot College Program (BCP). PEP stands for Personal Employment Plan and is designed to assist people with career exploration, education planning, and job search preparation. PEP Sessions take place on Thursdays, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Bitterroot College Program, located at the Ravalli Entrepreneurship Center, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. There is no appointment or registration necessary. For more information, contact The Bitterroot College Program at 375-0100 or Literacy Bitterroot at 363-2900. Or, visit the Bitterroot College Program website at HYPERLINK "http://www.umt.edu/bcp" http://www.umt.edu/bcp.

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. Booking individual sessions now. Call 363-3450 to sign up.

Community meal program

The kitchen’s open and the food is great! South Valley Child and Family Center’s Suppertime program is open for business with free family-style meals served on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. at 515 Madison in Hamilton. These meals are for families, individuals and those in need of a good meal and community connections. If you need further info, would like to donate, volunteer or would like to be a part of the Culinary Program for middle or high school students, call 363-3450.

Women Helping Women

Want to be a healthily you? Looking for a support group to help you lose unwanted pounds? Women Helping Women meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Conner Wesleyan Church, 4674 Hwy 93, seven miles south of Darby. For more information call 821-3570.

Ladies Bible Study

A Ladies Bible Study is held Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Conner Wesleyan Church, 4674 Hwy 93, seven miles south of Darby. Current study is on Beth Moore’s “Stepping Up, A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent.” For more information call 821-3570.

Canyon View MOPS

MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging and developing mothers to reach their full potential. The Canyon View MOPS group meets at Canyon View Church off Skalkaho on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Jen at 375-9183.

Men’s Bereavement Breakfast

Marcus Daly Hospice sponsors a monthly Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Dining Room. This is a special opportunity for men coping with the loss of a spouse or loved one to gather and share their journey of healing. Informal discussions are led by a trained Bereavement Facilitator and cover topics such as, embracing our grief, personal growth, forming new relationships, and more. Interested parties can contact Cathy Palmer, MFT, Marcus Daly Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503. A donation of $3.00 for breakfast is greatly appreciated.

Mindful Recovery support group

A peer-directed support group meets Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. at the Bison Internet Café, 164 S. 3rd in Hamilton. People in recovery from mental illness and/or substance abuse or addiction can find support and mentor help from group participants. All interested persons are invited to attend. The Café is closed during meeting times. For more information, leave a message at 363-2222.

Spay Days

Celebrate Spay Day in February. $10 coupons are available at the Bitter Root Humane Association for a cat spay/neuter during February 2011. Call

273-6007 for more information.

Income tax assistance program

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program will be offered every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 12 in Gallagher Business Building Room 119 at The University of Montana. The VITA Program provides certified volunteers from UM who offer free tax help to people with an annual income of less than $49,000. Tax help will be available on a first come, first served basis. For a list of items interested people must bring, visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html. For more information call Kathryn Faircloth, VITA student coordinator, at 241-9180 or e-mail kathrynmauss@gmail.com.

Aquatic exercise program

Join the new Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center in Hamilton. The class will allow you to exercise without putting excess strain on your joints and muscles. The gentle activities in warm water, with guidance from Wendy, the trained instructor, will help you gain strength and flexibility. The first class is free. Call 375-8200 for more information or go to the website at bitterrootaquaticcenter.com

Darby food collection

The Darby Bread Box is collecting spaghetti sauce, Rice-a-roni and tomato sauce for the months of February and March. The food bank is also in need of processed meat and wild game of any kind to give to clients that are in need of food. If anyone can help, call or leave a message at 821-2081.

Blodgett Christian School registration

Blodgett View Christian School is accepting pre-registration before March 11 for grades K-8 at 119 West Bridge Road, Hamilton. Call 363-0575 option 2. The school offers a full day kindergarten Monday-Friday from 8:15 to 3:15 with Friday early out. The school focuses on individual attention for each student with small classroom size. The program is focused on education of the whole person-mental, physical, and spiritual. Visit www.blogettview.org for more info on this affordable, highly academic, Christian based program.

Lutheran preschool registration

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool of Stevensville is accepting registrations for its three-year-old class. Call 777-5625 weekday mornings for information on socialization and learning opportunities for your child. Our Savior is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road.

Pee Wee Soccer Program

Boys and girls aged 2.5-5 are invited to register for the 3rd annual

Spring 2011 Pee Wee Soccer Program. This six-week Saturday morning program runs April 9-May 14. Early registration is encouraged.

Registration forms are available at Evergreen Kids Corner Preschool, 201 S 8th Street in Hamilton, or by visiting HYPERLINK "http://www.evergreenkidscorner.org" www.evergreenkidscorner.org.

Darby wrestling club benefit

The Darby Wrestling Club has begun its Winter/Spring fundraiser. Don’t miss your chance to win a log truck load of premium, dry Douglas fir firewood, roughly 22 tons! Includes delivery within a 30 mile radius of Conner, MT – anything over 30 miles will be charged at $2.50 per mile, one way. Help support the Darby Wrestling Club and youth wrestlers. Tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5 and 25 for $20, and can be purchased from any Darby wrestler, Deb’s Restaurant, Electric Beach Hair Studio, Darby Distribution, Lil Blue Joint and Darby Napa – all located in Darby, as well as, Bellezza Salon and Hamilton Napa, both in Hamilton. The raffle will be held at the Darbarian Wrestling Tournament on March 5 – need not be present. For more information call R&R Conner, Inc at 821-4864.

Artists’ workshop

The Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society is offering a series of workshops. For more information contact River’s Mist at 777-0520 or check out the website at HYPERLINK "http://www.sassart.org" www.sassart.org. Any artists interested in participating can contact Amy Knight at

777-3542.

Wednesday, February 23

Muscular dystrophy benefit

Prominent local citizens of Hamilton are being accused of “having a big heart for Jerry’s kids.” They’re volunteering to be “arrested and serve time” in a mock jail at the Bitterroot River Inn on Wednesday, February 23 in an effort to raise money for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The MDA Lock-Up, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be hosted by the Bitterroot River Inn. The Hamilton Fire Department will be volunteering as “Arresting Officers” and several local businesses are supporting the community event, with “jailbird” transportation supplied by the Hamilton Fire Department, mug shot photos and volunteers courtesy of RSVP, and volunteer bankers provided by First Interstate Bank.

More than 100 Hamilton-area executives and civic leaders are expected to serve their sentences “behind bars” for MDA, including a special appearance from Big Foot!

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. In addition to funding ground-breaking research, MDA maintains some 230 clinics nationwide, including three in Montana, local support groups, and a summer camp for kids with muscle-wasting diseases at Camp Paxson. Anyone interested in planning or participating in an MDA Lock-Up, or to nominate someone to participate, can contact the local MDA office at 406-655-9000.

Preschool Story Time

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, February 23 to enjoy “Fun with Puppets and Books” and hear books read by Dixie Stark. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information, call 363-1670.

Baby Food and Vaccine presentation

A free presentation on “Baby Food and Vaccines” will be held Wednesday, February 23 from 12:30 until 2 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 93N in Florence behind the Town Pump. Learn all about childhood vaccines from Devry Garity, CPNP. Join the discussion about making your own baby food. A baby food grinder and nursing cover will be given away as door prizes. Lunch will be provided. Older siblings are welcome.

RSVP to Julie Stevens, 273-0142 or jstevens@wordinc.org or http://www.locallivingfamilyctr.org.

Bitterroot College meeting

The steering committee for the Bitterroot College Program of the University of Montana will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 23 at 3 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Building Meeting Room, 316 N. Third St. in Hamilton. The BCP steering committee is a public board and welcomes residents to observe and participate at its meetings. Agenda topics will include operational, educational planning and fiscal issues. The BCP steering committee is a collaborative group composed of Ravalli County stakeholders, UM officials and state higher education representatives. The committee is charged with planning an entity to provide responsive and sustainable adult and higher education opportunities to Ravalli County residents. It currently offers 21 UM College of Technology courses in the Hamilton area. For more information call BCP Interim Director Victoria Clark at 375-0100 or e-mailing victoria.clark@umontana.edu.

Thursday, February 24

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, February 24 at 1 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.

Community food drive

During the month of February the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital employees have been raising the awareness and importance of the Ravalli County Food banks, while donating to their food bank of choice. During the month of February thus far the employees have raised over $3000 for the local food banks (come to MDMH to see the display and results of this program). The hospital food drive is called “Sharing the Love” and employees are now expanding the food drive to the entire community. On February 24, 25 and 26 (Thursday and Friday 4-7 pm and Saturday 10 am-5 pm) hospital employees and volunteers will be in Super One (Stevensville and Hamilton), Albertsons, Safeway, IGA (Hamilton) and People’s Market (Darby) collecting food for the food banks in each area (Bread Box – Darby, Haven House – Hamilton, Pantry Partners – Stevensville). In addition, the volunteers will hand out a shopping list with the food banks’ needs and the number of families they serve in their area. The need is great and MDMH staff is inviting the community to participate in the food drive.

Darby Library extended hours

In order to meet the needs of the community for library services, the Darby Community Public Library is extending its hours of operation to include one evening. Beginning February 24, the Darby Community Public Library will be open every Thursday until 8 p.m. The community is invited to the library on February 24 for a drawing for free books. Enter to win after 6 p.m. Show up on the 24th.

Adult Learning Conversation

A free presentation on “No Child Left Behind” will be held Thursday, February 24 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 Hwy 93, Florence. What Do you Know About “No Child Left Behind?” What is Adequate Yearly Progress? What is Standards-based School Reform? What can parents do to help improve outcomes for their school community? Learn how to navigate the Montana OPI Website. Learn about your school’s test scores on reading and math. Learn how to access information about essential learning expectations. Access resources for different subject areas; parents, tools, lessons and other useful resources. A light meal will be served. Registration is appreciated at 273-0142.

South Valley Civic Group

The next meeting of the South Valley Civic Group will be held Thursday, February 24 at 6 p.m. at the Rocky Knob Lodge in Conner. This meeting will be a brainstorming session to set goals and make a plan for the year. Everyone is welcome.

Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife

Montana Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife will hold a meeting at the Darby School lunchroom on Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m. The main topic will be wolves, and what is happening on both the state and national levels.

County spelling bee

The Ravalli County Spelling Bee will be held Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m. in the Victor School auditorium. Two representatives from each of the Ravalli County schools as well as home school representatives will compete for the title from the county. Ravalli County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ernie Jean, organizes the competition. David Jamison from Victor will run the competition. To qualify to represent their school, students compete in a local school competition that includes students from grades five through eight. Each county private school as well as county home schools may send representatives, through their respective organizations. The two top qualifiers who have registered nationally in the county bee will be eligible to participate in the State Bee on March 26 in Billings. The meet in Billings will determine the State’s winner who qualifies to compete in the National Scripps Spelling Bee.

Friday, February 25

Child/parent playgroup

“Ready Set Play!” takes place Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 Hwy. 93 N., Florence. On February 25, the topic is “Let’s Get Moving! Young children observe, demonstrate and compare basic movements while learning to control their bodies. Parents and children will practice activities that develop gross and fine motor and sensory experiences… and laugh, laugh, laugh! For more information call 273-0142.

South Valley Pachyderm Club

Robin Clute, Judge Ravalli County Justice Court, will be the guest speaker for the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club on Friday, February 25 at 12 noon. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion. The Club meets at BJ's Restaurant, 900 N. 1st street, Hamilton. 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. For more information see HYPERLINK "http://www.ravcogop.com" www.ravcogop.com.

Chocolate tasting

It’s party time. The 16th Annual Chocolate and Authors Fundraiser will be held Friday, February 25, and everyone is invited to the celebration

at the North Valley Public Library, Main Street, Stevensville, from

4 to 8 p.m. Where else can you find such a wide variety of chocolate, talented local authors with whom to chat, drawings every hour for interesting door prizes, and raffle tickets to buy for wonderful items, with three chances to win. Proceeds will go directly into the Library’s Restoration and Building Fund. In addition, Ben Lloyd of Comma-Q Architects will present a three-dimensional model of the new library building and will be on hand to greet visitors and answer questions. So come to the Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party, see Charbonneau’s artistic and delicious chocolate creation, enjoy chocolate and non-chocolate desserts while greeting authors, architects and old friends. You’ll be giving the Library much needed support, while having a fine time doing it. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00, and can be purchased in advance at the library or at the event (need not be present to win). Admission is a $5.00 donation at the door. Admission is free for children under 12.

Saturday, February 26

Trapper education class

A trapper education class is scheduled for Saturday, February 26, at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Missoula Office (3201 Spurgin Road). The class is free of charge and all are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required. To register, stop by the FWP office, or call 542-5500. The class will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students should bring a lunch, notebook, and pen or pencil. The class is open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about trapping and is sponsored by the Montana Trappers Association (MTA). MTA instructors will cover topics including equipment and trap setting, ethics, rules and regulations, furbearer identification, and fur handling. Students of all ages are invited to attend, but anyone under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Class participants will receive a certificate of completion, the National Trappers Association trapping handbook, and other informational material. The course is not required to trap in Montana but strongly recommended. For more information, call FWP at 542-5500 or Ed Hebbe III with MTA at 406-846-2304.

Travelers’ Rest storytelling program

Visit Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo on Saturday, February 26 at 11 a.m. for a storytelling program with Crow tribal member Scott Frazier. The special presentation is part of the park’s annual Winter Storytelling Series which runs from 11 a.m. to noon every Saturday through the end of March. This and all storytelling programs are held at the Holt Museum and Visitor Center at Travelers’ Rest. Admission to the programs is $3 per adult, and children under 18 and all current Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association (TRPHA) members are free. Complimentary refreshments are served at all programs. For a detailed line-up of the Winter Storytelling Series, visit the Travelers’ Rest Web site at travelersrest.org email info@travelersrest.org or call 273-4253. To reach the park, travel approximately ? mile west of Lolo on Highway 12.

Seed Swap & Sale

A Seed and Natural Products Swap & Sale will be held Saturday, February 26 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Grange, 1436 S. 1st Street, Hamilton. The event is for anyone who works with natural products including plants, canning, fiber arts and seeds. Celtic music will be featured from 5 to 7 p.m. (bring your own snacks). A group discussion on how to grow seed, how to keep varieties true-to-seed, how to select for locally-adapted varieties, and other seedy topics will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. How can our region become more self-reliant in seed production? Do you have some of grandma's heirloom varieties? What seeds will you commit to producing in 2011 for the Seed Bank and being a seed-keeper? Or just come and learn about all this. Anyone may bring seeds to exchange, give-away or sell, including seeds of vegetables, flowers, herbs, crops, green manures, grain, etc., preferably seeds that you grew or were grown locally, but you can bring adapted varieties from elsewhere if you have surplus. The event is sponsored by Sustainable Living Systems, the Rocky Mountain Grange, and the Celtic Knots. Call Jill at 642-3601 or Corrine at 544-8586 for more information and to reserve a table.

Lincoln/Reagan Luncheon

The annual Lincoln/Reagan luncheon will be held Saturday, February 26 at 11 a.m. at the Victor Steak House, 2426 Meridian Road, Victor. Main speakers are Rep. Denny Rehberg, candidate for U.S. Senate, Steve Daines, candidate for U.S. Congress. Three Republican gubernatorial candidates will speak briefly: Congressman Rick Hill, Senator Corey Stapleton and Senator Ken Miller. Senator Jim Shockley, candidate for State Attorney General, will also give a brief speech. All six Ravalli County legislators will be there, as well as county officers. Tickets are $30. For reservations call 207-7630.

Women’s Club spaghetti dinner

The Bitterroot Women's Club Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be held Saturday, February 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, Eastside Hwy. at Cemetery Road. Cost is $5.00 per person or $20 for a family of 5.

Square dance club

Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a workshop and dance on Saturday, February 26 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The plus workshop will take place from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by a regular dance to 9:30 p.m. The dance level will be mainstream with plus tips inserted about every third dance. Round dances will be provided between tips. All visiting square and round dancers are welcome. Come early and dance with the workshop, too. Come ready to enjoy an evening of fun square dancing with caller Eddie Fields. Club members and the club will provide refreshments. For more information call Laurie Dunbar at 961-4528 or Donna Hicks at 961-0111.

Corporate influence presentation

“Do Corporations Have Lips? Citizens United, Fox News, Freedom of Speech and the Fairness Doctrine” is the title of a presentation by Niki Zupanic, Public Policy Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana on Saturday, February 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at River Street Theatre (corner of River and Second in Hamilton). There will be music, treats and discussion. The event is sponsored by the Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance. Call 363-1329 for more information.

Sunday, February 27

Accordion jam session

The Five Valley Accordion Association will hold its next jam/dance session on Sunday, February 27 at the Hamilton Eagles Lodge from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for members, $4.00 for non-members, and free for performing musicians. Live music is provided by accordions, guitars, banjo bass, and drums. Come join in on the music, dancing and fun. For more information, call Mike Jones at 642-9693.

Stevi school menu

February 28-March 4

Monday: Breakfast – Cereal, fruit, milk; Lunch – Cheese-filled breadsticks with marinara sauce, mixed veggies, apricots

Tuesday: Breakfast – French toast, fruit, milk; Lunch – Breaded beef steaks, green beans, oranges

Wednesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls, fruit, milk; Lunch – Chef’s salad with ham & cheese, peaches

Thursday: Breakfast – Egg & cheese wrap, fruit, milk; Lunch – Turkey & cheese sandwich, taters, bananas

Friday: Breakfast – Pancakes, fruit, milk; Lunch – chicken drumsticks, fresh carrots, applesauce.

Monday, February 28

Hamilton Rotary Club

Dr. Marshall Bloom, Associate Director of Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, HIH, will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, February 28, at noon at BJ's Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Dr. Bloom will present an overview of current Rocky Mountain Laboratories programs. This meeting is open to the public. For further information, call 363-2960.

Tuesday, March 1

Bitterroot Breastfeeding Coalition

Bitterroot Breastfeeding Coalition meets the first Tuesday of odd months at Liaisons’ café in Hamilton from 1 to 2 p.m. The next meeting is Tuesday, March 1. Meetings are open to all breastfeeding supporters and children are welcome. For more information contact Mary at 880-2551.

Stevensville Science Fair

The Stevensville Science Fair will be held Tuesday, March 1 in the Stevensville High School Gymnasium. Displayed will be projects from Stevensville students grades 7-12. Judging will take place from 1:45 to 3:30 p.m. The fair will then be open to the public from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Those students grades 7-12 with projects rated as superior will advance to the State Science Fair at the University of Montana in Missoula March 21-22.

Volunteer Judges are needed for the local Science Fair. If you interested contact Terry Rosin at 777-5481, x120 or the Junior High School

Office, 777-5533.

Bitterroot Bucs signups

The Bitterroot Bucs American Legion Baseball team will hold its sign-up for the 2011 season on March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Florence Carlton School district offices. The sign-ups are open to youth ages 15 to 19. Boys from the Florence, Stevensville, and Victor areas are invited to sign up. If you have questions contact Mike Anderson at 721-9996 during the day or 777-3253 evenings.

Stevi school board

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High school Learning Center to cancel bids from January 12, 2011 Music Center/Multipurpose Room and to approve to Release Bids for Revised Music Center Multipurpose Room.

Wednesday, March 2

Preschool story time

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children‚s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, March 2 to enjoy “Let’s Dance!” and hear books read by Sally Blevins. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information call 363-1670.

Stevensville Garden Club

The Stevensville Garden Club meeting on Wednesday, March 2 features Master Flower Show Judge, Jim Sadler. He will critique flower designs arranged by club members. Visitors are welcome. Call Mary at 777-4196 for more information.

Thursday, March 3

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, March 3 at 1 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.

Saturday, March 5

Daly Mansion Recruiting Fair

The Daly Mansion Volunteer Program invites the public to attend the Daly Mansion Volunteer Recruiting Fair on Saturday, March 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Mansion located at 251 Eastside Hwy. Volunteers support every aspect of the operations of the Daly Mansion from history education to planting flowers on the grounds. Anyone interested in history, meeting people for all around the world, and making new friends is encouraged to attend. Volunteer opportunities include tour guides, gift shop staff, history research, Mansion events, and grounds and home maintenance. The Daly Mansion is the 1910 historic family home of Copper King and Hamilton founder, Marcus Daly. The Mansion is owned by the State of Montana and operated by the non-profit organization the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust. Events are year round and tours are seven days per week mid May through mid October. For more information, call Darlene at 363-6004, ext. 4# or 381-3158.

Monday, March 7

PFLAG presentation

The Rev. Steve Oreskovich, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, will present “Why God’s Love Embraces the Gay Community” on Monday, March 7 at 7 pm. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church community basement room, 600 S. 3rd, Hamilton. Rev. Oreskovich will present an exploration of an understanding of God, and the inclusive nature of God’s love using contemporary theology, our experience and our ability to reason. The discussion will be framed by the passages from 1 John: “God is love and anyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in him.” The event is sponsored by PFLAG (Parent, Families and Friends of Lesbians And Gays). For more information call 363-7656.

Hunter safety class

A hunter safety class will be held at the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville starting on Monday, March 7. Registration will be from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on March 7 with class to follow until 9 p.m. Classes will be held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. through March 23 with Saturday classes on March 19 and 26 (field course) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a final test on Monday, March 28 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Registration is required with on-line sign ups strongly encouraged. The class is free of charge but any child that is under 18 must bring a parent with them to sign up for the class. Adult students and parents are most heartily encouraged to attend. All class sessions must be attended by students with safety criteria met to attain a certificate. Minimum age to attain a certificate is 11. All activity is at the refuge. Questions can be directed to FWP at 542-5518 or instructors Jerry or Lori Donaldson at 550-9422.

Stevensville Playhouse auditions

The Stevensville Playhouse will be holding auditions for "Little Shop of Horrors" on March 7 and 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. Auditions will be cold readings from the script and 16 to 24 bars of music to be sung a capella. Cast size is 8-12, with ages and genders to be determined later. The first read through will be March 10th and cast members must be available for rehearsals and all 12 performances, with show dates May 6-22. For more information call 777-2722.

Seymour, an orphan and a nerd, is taken in and given a job by Mr. Mushnik, the owner of a rundown florist shop in the seedy part of town. Seymour spends his time doing menial tasks and dreaming of the shop assistant, Audrey. One day, just after an eclipse of the sun, Seymour discovers a strange plant. He buys it and names it Audrey II. While caring for Audrey II, Seymour discovers the plant's rather unique appetite. The plant grows and grows, as does Seymour's infatuation for Audrey, but who will get her first? “Feed me!”

Tuesday, March 8

Shrove Tuesday pancake supper

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 600 S. Third Street in Hamilton, will celebrate Shrove Tuesday on March 8 with its traditional Pancake Supper. Serving hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. in the basement of the church. The menu includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, ham, juice, coffee, and tea. Cost is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children age 5. Family rate is $15.00. Shrove Tuesday is the day before the season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. The pancake supper tradition honors the custom of using up all milk, eggs, and fat in a household on Shrove Tuesday, as these were not allowed in the strict fasting of Lent. The ingredients were made into pancakes, a meal which came to symbolize preparation for the discipline of Lent. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Thursday, March 10

Fellowship Club

The next meeting of the Bitterroot Public Library Fellowship Club will take place on Thursday, March 10 in the West Meeting Room, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The topic for discussion is based on the book entitled "Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life" by Byron Katie.

This book has been described as an “amazingly effective, simple, straightforward antidote to the suffering we unnecessarily create for ourselves.” Byron Katie’s “The Work‚” provides the key that exposes the root cause of suffering as identification with our thoughts.

Katie focuses on four simple questions that, when applied to a specific problem, enable one to see what is troubling her or him in an entirely different light. As Katie says, “It’s not the problem that causes our suffering; it’s our thinking about the problem.” Contrary to popular belief, trying to let go of a painful thought never works; instead, once we have done “The Work” the thought lets go of us, and we can then truly love what is, just as it is.

Byron Katie experienced what she calls “waking up to reality” in 1986, and since then she has introduced “The Work” to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world. In addition to her public events, she has introduced “The Work” into business settings, universities, schools, churches, prisons, and hospitals. “Loving What Is” offers a revolutionary way to live our life, explore the timeless essence of our being, and embrace joy and serenity in the midst of chaos. The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well being. Call Dr. J.A. Costantino, Ph.D., at 363-1670 for more information.

Friday, March 25

‘Hoop It Up’ tournament

“Hoop It Up” Basketball Tournament will be held March 25-27 in Billings. There are competitive divisions for 5th-9th grades, boys and girls, four games guaranteed. Entry fee is $180. Registration deadline is March 11. For further information contact Teresa Paine, 406-256-5880, HYPERLINK "mailto:paineful@live.com" paineful@live.com.

Saturday, March 26

Chamber Banquet

The 105th annual Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held Saturday, March 26. There will be a Mardi Gras theme along with a silent auction, pie auction, talent show and award ceremony. For more information contact the Chamber office at 363-2400.

Page One •	Valley News •	Op/Ed •	Sports •	Calendar •	Classifieds •	Legals •	Links •	About Us •	Back Issues •	Email Us •	Home
©2011 Bitterroot Star This site was Done By Dooney