Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Community Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

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.

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.

Waldorf Playgroup

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

Tot Time Tuesdays

Tot Time Tuesdays are held every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 N. Hwy. 93 in Florence (behind Town Pump).

Pre-school children and their caregivers are welcome. Meet other parents in your community and have fun with your kids. Toys and activities are provided. Tot Time is hosted by Laura Pickett, Early Childhood Development Educator. Drop-ins are welcome. Call for info, 273-0142.

Hamilton 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.

Darby Library Story Time

Story times are held at the Darby Library every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for children ages 3 and younger and 11 a.m. for children 3 to 6. Children can enjoy hearing books read aloud, dancing, singing and making a fun craft. For more information contact Trista Smith, Librarian, 821-4771.

After School Games

After School Games are held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 N. Hwy. 93, Florence. Come in out of the cold and socialize. Parents’ permission required, parent volunteers appreciated! Call for info, 273-0142.

Firewood raffle

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 - 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 or 6 for $5 and can be purchased from any Darby wrestler, at Deb's Restaurant, Electric Beach Hair Studio, Strands Salon, Darby Distribution, Little Blue Joint Restaurant, and the Valley Bar, all in Darby. For more information call R&R Conner, Inc. at 821-4864.

Preschool Story Time

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, February 24 for “Spaceships, Astronauts, & Aliens” and enjoy books read by Mark Rhodes. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information, call Sally at 363-1670.

Stevi spelling bee

The Stevensville (grades 5-8) Spelling Bee will be held on Thursday, February 25 at 1:45 p.m. in the elementary gym.

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, February 25 at 2 p.m. in the Superintendent’s office to review the Architecture and Engineer submittals.

Devotional singing

Devotional singing will be offered on February 25 from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at Common Ground Center in Hamilton. Brian Jameson is a gentle guide to bring the voices together using devotional chants from various countries. Very relaxing, joyful fellowship. All are welcome, donation requested. Live music. Call Brian at 363-4026 for more information.

Our Savior Lenten services

The congregation of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Stevensville invites members of the community to Lenten services each Thursday from February 25 to March 25 at 7 p.m.

Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, a period of contemplation. Traditionally during the season of Lent, followers of Christ reflect on the universality of sin and its consequences, and of the gracious pardon God has granted sinners through Christ’s sacrifice as payment for sin’s condemnation. On a deeper level, the Lenten season is a time for a Christian’s reflection on the sacrifice of a most personal Savior, Jesus Christ, for the complete forgiveness of one’s personal

sin. Such contemplation results in wonderment and gratitude for God's graciousness.

For the convenience of worshippers the women of Our Savior prepare a simple meal each Thursday evening until Holy Week. Free soup and sandwich suppers will be served in the fellowship hall from 6 to 7 p.m. Potluck donations are always welcome, but for those of you

hurrying home from work, your fellowship is all that's needed. Bring your family to eat and join the congregation in worship after supper.

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 the Middle Burnt Fork turnoff, turn east onto Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by the three crosses of Calvary.

Call 777-5625 weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon for more information.

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. Toddler story time for babies through age 2 will meet Friday, February 26 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 Sally at 363-1670.

‘Building With Habitat’ classes

Habitat for Humanity of Missoula is offering building training to help volunteers have a productive and fun experience building homes. Building experience is not necessary but it helps. Learn how Habitat homes are built, learn how to work with volunteers and meet Habitat’s newest partner families - they'll be taking the class with you at six free sessions, 6 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday evenings, March 2-18 at the UM College of Technology, West Campus. This class is not necessary to build with Habitat but it is a great way to learn more about how homes are built and how you can help give a hand up to people in need. At the completion of the class you will have a chance to sign up to help build during the 2010 building season - April through November.

Applications for this training are available at http://www.habitatmsla.org or by calling 549-8210 and are due by February 26.

Winter raptor workshop 

Winter is a great time for observing raptors around the Bitterroot Valley. Bitterroot Audubon Society is offering a Winter Raptor Workshop. One evening class and one mid-day field trip will cover tips for winter raptor identification, behavior, habitat and migration. The classroom session will take place on Friday evening, February 26 with the field trip on Saturday, February 27. The instructor will be Steve Hoffman, Montana Audubon’s Executive Director and founder of HawkWatch International. Cost for the workshop will be $20.00/Audubon members and $30.00/non-members. Pre-registration is required and limited to 20 participants. The workshop is open to birders of all abilities from beginner to those with more experience. For more information or to pre-register, call Leslie Nyce at 961-3808.

Business classes

Get the basics of running and managing a successful business by attending Building Bitterroot Business classes offered by the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) and the Bitterroot College Program of the University of Montana (BCP). Classes will start on March 2 and will meet on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. QuickBooks accounting software and Excel spreadsheets will be two 3 hours courses from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. A five-part Business Basics series will feature Business Planning I; Business Planning II (Financials); Marketing; Human Resources; Business Financing and Incorporation. Each Business Basics class is 2 hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Prices are $159.50 for all the classes, QuickBooks and Excel $44 each, the Business Basics course is $73 or $15 for each class. Deadline for registration is February 26th. Classes will be held at the new Ravalli Entrepreneurship Center, 274 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton. For more information including exact dates contact John at the RCEDA, 375-9416, HYPERLINK "mailto:john@rceda.org" john@rceda.org; website: HYPERLINK "http://www.umt.edu/bcp/registration.aspx" www.umt.edu/bcp/registration.aspx.

Stevi Lenten Fish Fries

Lenten Fish Fries will be held every Friday from February 26 through March 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus, the famous fish fries are back. Join your neighbors for fish, fries, slaw, vegetable, dessert and conversation.

Stevi pool benefit dinner

A spaghetti dinner to benefit the Stevensville pool will be held Friday, February 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Stevensville School multipurpose room. Cost is $3 per person and $10 per family.

Hamilton Players production

“Annie” will be presented February 26-28, March 5-7, and March 12-14 at the Hamilton Playhouse. Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Leapin' Lizards! The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world's best-loved musicals. "Annie" is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel, embittered, Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. or call 375-9050 or to purchase tickets online go to: HYPERLINK "http://www.hamiltonplayers.com" www.hamiltonplayers.com.

Labor Film Festival

The 5th Annual Missoula Labor Film Festival, sponsored by the Missoula Area Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will be held Friday and Saturday, February 26-27 at the Roxy Theater, 718 S. Higgins Avenue, Missoula. On Friday, “Demand” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. and “American Casino” at 7:45 p.m. On Saturday, “The Philosopher Kings” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. and “Modern Times” at 8:15 p.m. Each film will include ample time for comments and questions from the audience. Recommended donation: $5 for one night; $9 for both. For more info go to HYPERLINK "http://www.missoula-labor.info" www.missoula-labor.info.

Stevensville Playhouse production

Based on N. Richards Nash’s play “The Rainmaker,” “110 in the Shade” tells the story of a town struck in a blistering heat wave. Lizzie, the daughter of a local widower, has resisted all suitors, including the sheriff File, until a potential huckster named Starbuck arrives in their small town promising to bring rain in 24 hours. Lizzie thinks she sees right through the scam, but soon falls in love with him. As the morning nears, Starbuck asks Lizzie to leave with him, but File realizes his love for Lizzie and asks her to stay. Bidding farewell to Lizzie, Starbuck gives the money back and heads out of town. The thunder cracks, lighting strikes and rain comes pouring down. You will leave the show humming the tunes with a smile on your face. Show dates are Feb. 26-27, March 5-6, 12-13 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 28 and March 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance purchase or $12 at the door for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. For reservations call 777-2722 or 360-9121. Purchase your show tickets in advance and receive a voucher for 20% off your meal at Fiesta en Jalisco for the opening night show of “110 in the Shade” and 10% off for the Feb. 27 and 28 show.

Permaculture Workshop

A permaculture workshop with Michael Pilarski entitled “A Permaculture Approach to Food Production & Biomass in Agriculture and Gardening” will be presented on Saturday, February 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Bldg, 316 N. 3rd St., Hamilton (NE entrance). The focus will be on gardening and small-scale farming (up to 10 acres) with low external inputs. Learn about building soil, water harvesting, irrigation, getting the most production from a small space, vertical gardening, stacking, forest gardens, sun traps, perennial crops, native plants, permaculture design, zonation, rolling permaculture, integrating livestock, hedgerows, etc. Where to start, stepwise evolution. In the biomass section of the workshop learn how to use all kinds of organic matter to improve crop production, soils, and ecosystem functioning, from household compost to shrub prunings, to spoiled hay, to wood chips, to whole tree trunks, stumps, slash piles and forest thinning projects. Small scale to large scale considerations. From wheelbarrows to dump trucks and heavy equipment. How to sequester carbon and eat it too. Energy from biomass via creating hot water in composting, pyrolysis, biochar (Terra preta), charcoal, hugelkulturs (biomass mound gardens), mulching, etc. Cost is $20 to $30 sliding scale, at the door. For more information contact Jill at 642-3601 or Michael at HYPERLINK "http://www.friendsofthetrees.net" www.friendsofthetrees.net.

Lewis & Clark program

Visit Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo Saturday, February 27 at 11 a.m. for a program on how the arts and humanities played a role in the success of the military expedition led by Lewis and Clark. The special presentation is part of the park’s annual Winter Storytelling Series that will continue every Saturday in March from 11 a.m. to noon.

Hal Stearns, Montana storyteller, historian, and guide, speaks on "A Soldier-Humanist Perspective on the Lewis and Clark Expedition." Stearns’ presentation includes a variety of skillfully spun stories about everyday life of expedition participants.

This and all storytelling programs are held at the Holt Museum at Travelers’ Rest, located approximately half a mile west of Lolo on Highway 12. Admission to the programs is $3 per adult or an equivalent donation of non-perishable food items for the Lolo Community Food Bank. Youth under 18 and all current Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association (TRPHA) members are free.  

Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and home-baked treats will be available at all programs. The new museum at Travelers' Rest will be open after the programs, from noon until 3:30 p.m., for no additional charge.  

For a detailed line-up of the Winter Storytelling Series, visit the Travelers’ Rest Web site at travelersrest.org or call 273-4253.

Spaghetti dinner

The Bitterroot Women’s Club will hold a spaghetti dinner for the public on Saturday, February 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, corner of Eastside Hwy. and Cemetery Road. Cost is $5 per person; $20 for family of five.

Fish & Wildlife Assn. banquet

The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association will hold its 28th annual Banquet and Auction to benefit wildlife on Saturday, February 27 at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. The auction preview will be at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. at the auction at 7:30 p.m. There will be door prizes, dart game, gun and pistol raffles and silent auction. Banquet tickets are $30 per person. Purchase at Loose Ends Salon in Stevensville, Wilson Custom Drapers at Woodside, or call Fred Upchurch at 777-7083 or Linda Habeck at 961-1435.

Square dance club

Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a regular dance on Saturday, February 27 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. following the beginners class. The dance level will be mainstream with plus tips inserted about every third dance. Round dances will be provided between tips. The caller will be Barry Bartlette. Club members will provide treats. A new series of lessons will begin on March 13. For more information call Donna Hicks, 961-0111, or Jeanne Burruss, 961-3468.

‘Live Out Loud!’ conference

Registration is now open for the "Live Out Loud" conference for Montana girls and women, on Saturday, February 27, with keynote speaker Stephanie Quayle. Girls and women from Bozeman, Laurel, Norris and several other towns have already registered for this exciting event to be held at Montana State University's SUB.

The Live Out Loud conference will feature keynote speaker Stephanie Quayle, a Bozeman native who left for Los Angeles at age 18 to pursue her music career. She has since seen resounding success as a country singer in LA, including her recent self-produced album.

The 2010 GF AC Conference "Live Out Loud" will have workshops for girls in areas of culture, volunteerism, personal care, arts, and environment. There will also be a series of women's leadership workshops, featuring Deidre Combs and Karly Randolph-Pitman of Bozeman. The cost for girls to attend the conference is $20 (with limited scholarships available) and $150 for women.

GF AC is a small grass-roots initiative designed to empower girls to embrace their future-confident about their individuality, supported by friends, parents and mentors, and secure in their ability to lead and achieve self-sufficiency, fulfillment, balance and success.

For information contact Vanessa Skelton, 406-587-3840.

Art exhibit

Amy Knight of Glass Obsessions will be the featured artist for March at River’s Mist Gallery of Fine Art in Stevensville. Ms. Knight will be showcasing two new lines of fused glass, Huckleberries and Flathead Cherries reflecting the best of our domestic and wild regional fruits. In addition, on display will be a large array of her work from gorgeous swirled platters to whimsical M&M bowls, coasters and plates. She might even show her Beaches line. The March Gallery Talk will be featuring Ms. Knight on Fused Glass on Friday, March 19 at 7 p.m. This is a free event. The gallery is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information call 777-0520.

Stevi school facility committee

There will be special meeting of the Stevensville School Board Facility Committee on Monday, March 1 at 3 p.m. in the superintendent’s office to announce the Architect and Engineer Short List for the 4-8 Classroom Facility and Multipurpose/Kitchen to be constructed at the Stevensville School Campus.

Stevi science fair

The Stevensville Science Fair will be held Tuesday, March 2 in the Stevensville School multipurpose room. Displayed will be projects from Stevensville students grades 7-12. Judging will take place between 1 and 3 p.m. The fair will then be open to the public from 3 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 22-23. Volunteer judges are needed for the local Science Fair. If you interested contact Terry Rosin at 777-5481, ext. 120, or the Junior High School Office, 777-5533.

Lean manufacturing workshops

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center is offering workshops on lean manufacturing techniques in three locations in early March to help businesses be better prepared for the economic recovery.

The events will take place March 2 at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton, March 3 at the Wingate Inn near the Missoula airport and March 12 at the Montana Department of Commerce building in Helena. Each event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The workshop includes a live factory simulation to demonstrate the results of using lean methods. Registration fee is $195 per person, and lunch will be provided. Attendees must register in advance.

Lean manufacturing techniques can reduce waste at companies by cutting down on overproduction and overstocked inventories, which frees up money for other purposes.

Usually, lean manufacturing can be implemented without spending significant capital, and, during tough financial times, adopting lean manufacturing techniques can put a company in a better position as the economy bounces back.

For more information, call the MMEC at (406) 994-3812 or visit www.mtmanufacturingcenter.com and click on the “training” link for details and online registration.

BCP community conversation

Help plan for the future—come and talk with Bitterroot College Program representatives about your ideas for local college and continuing education classes on Tuesday, March 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Corvallis High School Library. Hosted by Bain Robinson, contact at 961-3201, ext. 114 or bainr@corvallis.k12.mt.us. For additional BCP Community Conversations, visit the BCP online at www.umt.edu/bcp/conversations.aspx.

WVE 15th anniversary celebration

In honor of Women’s Voices for the Earth’s 15th Anniversary, on Friday, March 5, WVE is bringing ecologist and acclaimed author Dr. Sandra Steingraber to Missoula for a one-night only screening of her book-turned-documentary film “Living Downstream.” The evening features an intimate gathering with cocktails and appetizers with Dr. Steingraber at 5:30 p.m. at Silk Road, followed at 7 p.m. by the film screening, a discussion with the author, and book signing at the Wilma Theatre. Tickets for both the gathering at Silk Road and VIP seating at the film are $50 per person or $80 for two. Tickets for the film screening only are $8 advance/$10 at the door. “Living Downstream,” a poetic film about environmental links to cancer, is a powerful reminder of the connection between the health of our bodies and the health of our air, land, and water. View the film trailer at http://www.livingdownstream.com/trailer.php.

Get your tickets online at https://app.etapestry.com/cart/WomensVoicesfortheEarth/default/category.php?ref=3697.0.313129001 or purchase at Rockin' Rudy's.

Learn more at http://www.womenandenvironment.org.

Women’s craft night

Ladies of the Bitterroot! Come on over to Liber Books for the monthly gathering Friday, March 5 from 6 p.m. until midnight. Bring a craft or project to work on! For more details and to sign-up call Liber Books at 363-5120 or Charise at 381-5758.

Pregnancy Workshop

A free “Vital Mama” Pregnancy Workshop sponsored by WellSpring Women's Vitality Center will be held Saturday, March 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Victor. There will be comfort measures and relaxation for birth, helpful tips for partners and labor support persons, snacks and recipes. Move gracefully through pregnancy and beyond. Partners and extended family are encouraged to attend! For more info call Sheehan at 642-6527.

Pajama Storytime

Starting on March 9, Darby Community Public Library will be having a Pajama Storytime at 6 p.m. Children ages 2-6 are welcome and wearing pajamas is encouraged! The library will also have storytime Wednesday morning for children 2-6 at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy books, songs, crafts, and a lot of fun!

Off Road User Association

The Ravalli County Off Road User Association will meet Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Groomer Shed, 663 Grantsdale Road. The guest speaker will be Pat Connell. Pat is a candidate for the Montana State Legislature and will be speaking about the Bitterroot Travel Plan, among other things. For more information contact Mike, 544-5027.

Museum annual meeting

The Stevensville Historical Museum will be holding its Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 11, at the Museum, 517 Main Street, Stevensville at 5 p.m. The Museum is also in the process of conducting its membership drive for the year 2010. At the annual meeting the election of officers and the Board of Directors will be held. Nominations from the floor will be accepted. Only paid members may vote at the annual meeting. Everyone is welcome to join.

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, March 12. MSU Friday is a free event open to all high school juniors and seniors and their families. Among the many MSU Friday activities scheduled 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 and students are scheduled. Students may register online for MSU Friday at http://www.montana.edu/admissions/msufridayreg.shtml. For further information on MSU Friday, contact the MSU Office of Admissions at 1-888-MSU-CATS or (406) 994-2452.

Art show

Members and missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invite Bitterroot neighbors and friends to attend an Open House and Art Show entitled “Come Unto Christ” on Friday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the LDS Church on the corner of Eighth and Pine Streets in Hamilton. On display will be a beautiful array of professional paintings and sculptures of Jesus Christ from many local families’ private collections as well as a children’s art show of their pure expressions of love for their Savior. All are invited to attend. Enjoy musical presentations and friendly conversation. Homemade pie and free prints of Jesus Christ will be offered. For more information, call 375-9306.

Bitterroot College student orientations

Have you been thinking about going to college? Attend a Bitterroot College Program New Student Orientation every first and third Thursday of the month beginning March 2010 and going through August 2010 and get your questions answered! Learn how to apply to college, what college will cost, how Financial Aid works, what placement tests are needed, and how to choose a major. Orientations held at the Bitterroot College Program's new location at the Ravalli Entrepreneurship Center, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. For more information, call 375-0100 or e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:victoria.clark@umontana.edu" victoria.clark@umontana.edu or go to http://www.umt.edu/bcp/orientation.aspx.

State Fund workshop

Montana State Fund will hold a hiring practices workshop on March 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. To register, or to view more information regarding the workshop, visit www.safemt.com.