Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Community Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

Monday - noon lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - line dancing at 9 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m.
Wednesday - noon 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., noon 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.
Mondays & Wednesdays - Exercise, 10-11 a.m.
Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes salad bar, main course, 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.

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous meets every Monday at 6:45 p.m. in the basement of Florence-Carlton Community Church and every Thursday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, corner of 4th and Church in Stevensville. For more information call 529-4542.

TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 343, meets every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville. TOPS is a non profit weight loss support group Guests and new members are welcome. For more information call Jerry Sue at 777-5355.

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton. Starting in November, the Women's Auxiliary will meet 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 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.

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. The Valley Rhythm Boys will play December 26 and Dick Reinbold’s Band on January 2. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. The next business meeting is January 7, following a 12:30 potluck dinner.

Florence American Legion

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

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.

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.

Suicide Loss Support

Suicide Loss Support holds informal meetings the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the community room of the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main and the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Aspen Hospice, 230 Marcus St. in Hamilton.

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 Brian Cherry, Ravalli County Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator, 360-2708.

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 the 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.

Singing Lilies group

Any women who enjoy singing two- and three-part harmony to a wide variety of piano-accompanied music are invited to join Lilies of the Valley singing group. No auditions are required for participation. Have fun sharing your time and talent under the direction of Thelma Laws. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 211 N. 6th in Hamilton. For more information call 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. WIC eligibility guidelines are: yearly gross of $19,240 for family of 1 (including unborn child; $25,900 for 2; $32,560 for 3; $39,220 for 4: $45,880 for 5; $52,540 for 6. For each additional member add $6,660.

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.

Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast

For men 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. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Cathy at 375-4752.

Grief Support Group

You are invited to learn how to deal with the grief you feel for the loss of a loved one. Marcus Daly Hospice offers a free Grief Support Group every Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., meeting in Hospice’s comfortable living room. The group is open to anyone in the community. For more information, call Cathy at 375-4752.

Dancercize classes

“Dancercize Around the World” is a fun, low impact class designed for adults of all ages and abilities to strengthen, tone, stretch and improve breathing while moving in a variety of music and dance styles including Latin, African, Renaissance, Modern, Improvisation and American Jazz/Bop. Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. For more information call Elenita Brown, 777-5956.

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.

Stevensville Awana

Awana meets every Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 402 Church in Stevensville. Children from the ages of 3 years through 6th grade come together for a fun time of games, Bible lessons, and reciting Bible verses to earn awards. A healthy snack is provided for those coming directly from school. Awana is an international kids’ club open to any child. For more information call 777-5677.

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 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, 777-2592.

Dance classes

Big Sky International Dancers offer a free dance class every Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd in Hamilton. Learn the two-step, swing and waltz. This is an ever-expanding group of singles and couples. The program is sponsored by the Hamilton Rainbow Girls. Additional free personal dance instruction is available in Corvallis. For more information call Glory Corbett, 961-8866.

Soroptimists

Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first three Thursdays of each month at BJ's at noon. Soroptimist is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.

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.

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking and other paper crafts will take place the first and third Tuesdays of January and February at 6:30 p.m. in the North Valley Public Library community room.

COT online courses

The University of Montana College of Technology now offers hundreds of high-quality, instructor-facilitated noncredit online courses through the web-based learning center ed2go. No enrollment to UM or COT is required. New sessions of each six-week course begin every month, and participants can access the classroom 24/7. For more information, call the COT Outreach Office at 243-7812.

Ernst Peterson photography contest

Deadline for entries in the 17th Annual Ernst Peterson “Photograph Montana” Contest is March 6.

There are two Professional Categories: Black and White, and Color; and ten Amateur Categories: Scenic—Black and White; Scenic—Color; People—Black and White; People—Color; Domestic Animals; Wild Animals; Macro (other than flowers); Flowers; Structures; Abstract/Manipulated.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons will be awarded in each category with a Grand Prize in the Professional and Amateur divisions and a People’s Choice Award for the entire contest.

All photos must have been taken in Montana, Yellowstone, Glacier or the Selway/Bitterroot. Photos entered in previous Ernst Peterson Photo Contests are not allowed. All photos must be 8 by 10” or 8 by 12”. All photos must be single-matted in white with a 3” maximum width on matting. No frames or double-matting allowed. No picture hangers allowed. (These will be attached by museum staff.) No signatures, imprints, or identifying watermarks on the front. Digital photos are allowed in all categories. There is a $3.00 entry fee for each photo. Judges reserve the right to reassign the category of submitted images. A professional is defined as anyone who actively pursues the sale of their images.

Entries will be exhibited March 19 to April 18. Judging and Award Ceremony will be held April 18 at 2 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum. Contact the Museum for entry forms. Call 363-3338 or email: rcmuseum@qwestoffice.net.

Stevi special board meeting

There will be a special meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Library to meet with Thom Peck, candidate for the job of high school principal, and to discuss principals’ evaluations.

Back Country Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 19, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. A potluck dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts about 7 p.m.  Vicki Dawson, Operations Manager for the Bitter Root Humane Association, will present an update on horse abuse cases in the valley. Guests are welcome and for more information, call Karen at 961-0101 or 369-0725.

Hamilton Players production

The Hamilton Players production of Neil Simon’s comedy, “Rumors,” will open on Thursday, Feb. 19, and those attending that night are invited to stay after the production to enjoy a free, opening night gala. Complimentary food and beverages will be served, and attendees will have a chance to mingle with the cast.

The show will run Feb. 19-22 and Feb. 26, 27, 28, and March 1. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 students. The play includes adult language and situations, and may not be appropriate for children. Tickets are available by calling the Hamilton Players box office at 375-9050 from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, or one hour before each performance, or online at http://www.hamiltonplayers.com.

Democratic Mule Team

The Ravalli County Democratic Mule Team Lunch will be held on Friday, February 20 at the Papa Bears Den in the Tammany Square in Hamilton at noon. The speaker will be Deborah Rogala, chair of the Bitterroot Valley Community College trustees-elect. She will be speaking on the progress of the community college. Members will also be discussing the upcoming pasty sale. All are welcome. For reservations, call Corrine at 544-8586.

Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, February 20, at noon at The Frontier Cafe, U.S. 93 in Stevensville. The guest speaker will be Dan Cox.  North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Café. Everyone is welcome.  The Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. For more information call Cathy, 777-1618.

Pancake breakfast

There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The menu will be pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, coffee and more.

Cost is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children ages 12 and under.

Financial freedom seminar

A Journey to Financial Freedom Seminar will be held on Saturday, February 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Church, 280 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton. The seminar is based on sound financial principles that have been proven to help people better handle their money, get out of debt, and save for the future. Mike O’Connor, financial consultant and northwest regional director for Crown Financial Ministries, will be the guest speaker. The cost is $25 per person which includes a seminar book and lunch. Preregistration is required. Preregister at www.crown.org/events  or call 363-7992 for more information. This is a multi-denominational event sponsored by local Bitterroot & Missoula churches.

Stevi Youth Baseball signups

Stevensville Youth Baseball signups will be on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Super 1 Foods. For more information call Duane Baney at 777-0059.

EAA chili tasting

The 5th Annual Mid-Winter Chili Tasting sponsored by Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 517, Inc. will be held at the chapter hangar at the Stevensville Airport on Saturday, February 21 from noon to 2 p.m. Several varieties of chili will be offered including chicken, vegetable and traditional beef. The cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child for unlimited tasting. A beverage is included.

The public is cordially invited. There will be an opportunity to vote for your favorite chili cooked by an EAA member. This is also a great opportunity to talk with an EAA member about what it’s like to construct a homebuilt aircraft or to simply fly an airplane for recreation.

For more information call Don or Jen at 251-6780 or send an email to djlorenzen@msn.com.

Model Railroaders

Saturday, February 21, is the third Saturday of the month, and that signals the Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders to get up steam and sound bells and whistles. Join them from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kohl Building, just behind Valley Drug in Stevensville. Fun and excitement for all and, as always, it’s free - for parents, kids - and grandparents!

Ski Patrol Steak Fry

The Lost Trail Ski Patrol annual Steak Fry will be held Saturday, February 21 at Lost Trail Powder Mountain. The whole family is invited to enjoy a day of skiing, food and fun. The Steak Fry Grill will be open from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Menu includes steak or burgers, potato salad and dessert. There will be door and raffle prizes, followed by the torchlight parade at 7:45. Proceeds from the Steak Fry go to the Lost Trail Ski Patrol for equipment and supplies. Tickets are available at the event; $12.00 for the steak dinner and $6.00 for the hamburger dinner. Lost Trail Powder Mountain is 1/8 mile off Hwy 93 and Hwy 43 at the Montana-Idaho Border.

American Legion benefit

American Legion Post 94 will hold its Annual Valentine Prime Rib Dinner and Auction on Saturday, February 21 at St. Mary’s Family Center, Stevensville. It is the post’s big fundraiser. Enjoy a great meal and a great time! Call Harry, 777-5398 or Jerry 777-5517 for tickets or more information.

Square dance club

Boots ‘n’ Calico will hold its mainstream class on Saturday, February 21 at 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th in Hamilton. A regular dance will follow and continue to 9:30 p.m.. The dance level will be mainstream with plus tips. Rounds will be provided between tips. The caller will be Barry Bartlette. Club members will provide finger food treats. For more information call Dee Terrill, 961-1728 or Jeanne Burruss, 961-3468.

Accordion Jam

The Five Valley Accordion Jam will be Sunday, February 22  from 1 to 4 p.m. at Jokers Wild, Missoula. Cost is $3.00 for members and $4.00 for non-members. There will be guitars, banjos and accordions to dance and listen to.

Stevi Science Fair

The Stevensville Science Fair will be held Monday, February 23 in the Stevensville School multipurpose room. Displayed will be projects from Stevensville students grades 7-12. Judging will take place between 1 and 3:15 p.m. The fair will then be open to the public from 3:15 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 23-24. 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.

FFA public forum

Stevensville FFA invites the public to a free forum hosted by the Stevensville FFA Agriculture Issues Team on Monday, February 23 at 7 p.m. in the basement of the St. Mary’s Mission Visitor Center (elevator is available). An informative presentation about the revision of the current logging practices of the national forest will be given by five of the Stevensville FFA members. Questions are encouraged! Come to learn, contribute your ideas, and support your local FFA Chapter. Refreshments will follow the presentation.  

Events at Chapter One Book Store

Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. at Chapter One: Annual Spelling Bee for Adults, a fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers-Bitterroot.  Entry fee is $10 per Contestant, and you may compete solo or as a team of two. Spectators are encouraged to make a donation. For more information call Chapter One at 363-5220.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 5-7 p.m., Chapter One: Reception and reading for Hamilton Physician Dr. Mark Jergens, author of “About Medicine,” a collection of his newspaper columns on health and medical issues, published to benefit the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Saturday, March 7, 11-1 p.m., Chapter One: Signing for several self-published authors. Dan Pence of Dillon will sign “Horses, Mules, Men and Mountains,” a collection of stories, and columns he’s written for “Rocky Mountain Rider.”  Victor author Cookie Grimes will sign her new illustrated children’s book, “Jake the Cowhorse.” Extraordinary changes can happen when an animal experiences love from a human: Jake the Cow Horse and Cody find exuberant happiness in the enchanting chemistry that exists between young girls and horses. More authors to be announced.

Tuesday, March 10, 7 p.m., Chapter One:  Author Alan Weltzien of Dillon will read from and talk about two books, “The Norman Maclean Reader,” which he edited, and “A Father and an Island,” a memoir about his youth on Washington’s Camano Island, and his relationship with his father, published in 2008.

Chapter One Book Store is located at 252 Main in Hamilton. For more information call 363-5220.

Chess Club

The North Valley Public Library Chess Club will hold its monthly play on Monday, February 23, at 7 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library community room on Main Street in Stevensville. All levels of play are welcome. For more info call Mel Leonard at 777-3851 or the Library at 777-5061.  

Early childhood speech and language class

Early childhood educators and daycare providers: do you work with children that you can’t understand? Do you work with children that have problems chewing or spit out their foods? Are you wondering how to talk to parents about their child’s speech? If so, you could benefit from the continuing education class, “What to do about Speech and Language Concerns.”

Jennifer Joyner, MS CCC/SLP and Amy Yockey, MS CCC/SLP, Speech Language Pathologists for Marcus Daly Rehab Service will present this course, offered at $20 per person with two approved training hours through the Early Childhood Project at MSU.

The course will focus on what to do with a child you care for that may have speech issues. This course will give you practical approaches on how and when to talk to parents. Included will be speech and language milestones, how to identify “at risk” children and make referrals to appropriate agencies, as well as handouts about speech and language in birth to school age children that you can give to the parents. Billing and funding sources available to parents will be reviewed and the role the physician plays in the referral process will also be discussed.

The course is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Conference rooms B/C. Payment will be accepted the night of the course. Contact Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Services at 375-4570 to reserve a seat.

UM Wilderness Lecture Series

The 2009 Wilderness Issues Lecture Series will bring mountaineers, explorers, wildlife biologists and writers to The University of Montana to describe their journeys into remote landscapes and how those trips further conservation around the world.

The lecture series - “Wilderness Expeditions: Journeys in Conservation” - is free and open to the public. Lectures will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through March 24 in Gallagher Business Building Room 106.

Adventures shared during the series span the globe - from places such as the Gobi Desert and Solomon Islands to Alaska and Australia - where presenters pioneered conservation and development programs, working with local communities and international networks to further environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, education and scientific understanding.

 Lectures in the series are:

 • Feb. 24: “The Razor’s Edge: Climate Change, Subsistence Agriculture and Threatened Cultures in Ladakh, India” by Cynthia Hunt, mountaineer and founder of Health Inc.

• March 3: “10 Years Tracking Wolves in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies: Conservation Lessons and Wilderness Science” by Mark Hebblewhite, assistant professor, UM Wildlife Biology Program.

• March 10: “Sea Voyage on the Alaska Coast: Retracing the Harriman Expedition of 1899 and Exploring a Century of Change” by Paul Alaback, UM professor of forest ecology.

• March 17: “Talks with a Siberian Shaman: Viewing Wilderness through Magic or Logic” by Jon Turk, research chemist turned chicken farmer, horse logger, adventurer and writer.

• March 24: “Exploring Islands in Time: Accidental Encounters with Wilderness in the Solomon Islands” by Chris Filardi, biodiversity scientist, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History.

Series information is on the Wilderness Institute Web site at http://www.cfc.umt.edu/wi/lecture.html. For more information, call 243-5361 or e-mail wi@cfc.umt.edu.

UM drama production

The University of Montana Department of Drama/Dance is presenting “Buried Child” by Sam Shepard February 24-28 and March 3-7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Masquer Theatre, PAR TV Center. Tickets are $14 general, $12 seniors (60+)/students (any school ID required), and $8 children 12 & under.

Young musician Vince returns to his family's farm, accompanied by his girlfriend, Shelly. Shelly is at first charmed by the rural setting, but she is quickly appalled by the madness she encounters. Vince's alcoholic grandparents and barely functioning uncles inhabit a nightmare world of suppressed violence; the entire clan is bound by a dark family secret. Shepard's Pulitzer-prize winning play is a savagely funny American classic that, according to the New York Times, is "down-and-dirty; flat-out funny absurdity! A play for the ages!"

Call the Drama/Dance Box Office at 243-4581, Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to reserve your seats. This play contains disturbing subject matter and language.

Shrove Tuesday pancake supper

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 600 S. Third Street in Hamilton will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday on February 24th 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, juice, coffee, and tea. Cost is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children age 5 and older. Family rates are available. 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.

Free weight management classes

Curves of Ravalli County is offering free weight management classes on February 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. to teach its proven method for losing weight and raising metabolism. Women of Ravalli County can learn the powerful secret that has helped millions of women lose millions of pounds and keep them off for good. Classes are open to members and non-members and will be taught by Curves’ Registered Dietitian, Nadia Rodman, and facilitated by weight management coaches from Curves in Hamilton, through a series of DVDs that will alternate teaching with hands-on activities. Participants will be encouraged to make a weekly appointment to weigh in with their weight management coach, who will provide accountability. For more information, contact Curves at 363-0393 or brcvs@outdrs.net.

Horse euthanasia service

A Final Act of Kindness Service for horses and mules is being offered on Thursday, February 26. These tough economic times, rising costs of hay, and now a cold winter have made it difficult for some folks to provide hay and care, etc. for their horses and mules. This already difficult situation is compounded by the fact that "putting a horse down" can run $200.00 or more. An animal brought to the monthly horse auction/sale may bring only a small sum. It can also create additional hardship for an older, injured, or debilitated animal that could end up being transported out of the country (to Mexico or Canada) for slaughter. In light of this, A Final Act of Kindness Service will be offered on February 26 for a reduced fee to horse owners who may have difficulty coming up with the full cost of euthanasia. This service is for ill, debilitated, and elderly horses that are suffering. Willing Servants will take ownership of each horse and make the final decision as to whether or not the horse is adoptable or should be put down with the guidance of a veterinarian. For folks who don’t want their animals to suffer, and as a kinder, non-violent option to the auction or sale ring, this service is being offered by Willing Servants, Inc, a new non-profit group in the Bitterroot Valley dedicated to helping horses and the people who own them. The service will be offered on a recurring basis (monthly or bimonthly, depending on need). For further information and to request space in the upcoming "Final Act of Kindness" service in February, call 207-0463 or 531-2444.

Book discussion group

A discussion of “Suite Francaise” by Irene Nemirovsky will held Thursday, February 26 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at a “brown bag” lunch at the Bitterroot Public Library. The event is free and open to the public. For information call 363-1670.

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.

The PFLAG sponsored film, "For the Bible Tells Me So," will be viewed at the February 26 meeting.  Through the experiences of five very normal, Christian, American families – including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson – viewers discover how people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child or family member.

Offering healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity, this landmark film "boldly takes on a loaded topic and examines it both intellectually and emotionally; the result may well leave you blinking away a few tears." (Seattle Times).

Celtic Night

Celtic Night with mead and music will be held Saturday, February 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hidden Legend Winery in Sheafman Plaza, corner of Sheafman Ck. Rd. and Hwy. 93, just north of Hamilton. Enjoy Celtic music by the 'Celtic Knots' while enjoying some snacks and that ancient Celtic brew, mead, produced right in the winery using all local ingredients.

Book signing

Meet Mark Jergens, MD, author of the “About Medicine” book. Dr. Jergens has over 35 years of medical experience, and is willing to answer your questions “About Medicine.”

A reception and book signing will be held Thursday, February 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton. Enjoy this unique medical Q & A opportunity. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages and find out why Dr. Jergens made the “About Medicine” book project a philanthropic pledge to our community.

“About Medicine” can be purchased for $12.00 at Chapter One Book Store, Marcus Daly Gift Shop and Valley Drug & Variety in Stevensville and at the gathering and book signing on Feb. 26. Proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to the Daly Hospital Foundation.

The reception is hosted by the Daly Hospital Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation raising funds for Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. For more information visit http://www.mdmh.org or call MDMH Marketing Department, 363-2211.

Knights of Columbus fish fry

Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold a fish fry this Friday, February 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. The public is welcome. For more information contact Nick Hooper, 381-1200.

‘The Great Turning’ public meeting

Our grandchildren may celebrate this time as the "Great Turning" in culture, society and humanity's relation to the Earth; or mourn this time as "The Great Unraveling" when industrial growth gave way

to social and environmental chaos through energy crisis, hunger, war and climate change. We can choose to create communities committed to the well-being of humans and nature, measured not in gross domestic product but the health of children, families, communities and natural systems. We can build self-sufficient communities based on the new realities of energy, transportation and food costs. If you have farming or energy or mechanical skills, unprofitable land, or an interest in sustainability, come to the public showing of "The Great Turning," a DVD presentation by David Korten, on Friday, Friday, February 27, 7 to 9 p.m. at the meeting room at First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Discussion, networking and cookies to follow. Call Veronica Lassen, 363-3076, for more information, or visit www.thegreatturning.net.

UM World Rhythms Concert

The University of Montana School of Music will present the annual World Rhythms Concert on Friday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theater. The centerpiece for the concert will be performances by the UM West African Ensemble featuring Idrissa Gueye, Master Drummer and N’deye Gueye, Master Dancer from Senegal, West Africa. Together with these artists and other guest performers, the group will perform several traditional Sabar dances from Senegal. Also featured on the concert will be a rousing high energy performance by the UM Brazilian Batucada Ensemble, traditional Mexican marimba music and an Afro-Cuban drum ensemble performing a medley of grooves from the Mozambique to the Cuban Comparsa. Tickets are only $4 for students/seniors and $6 for general admission. There will also be Sabar drum and dance classes with Idrissa and N’deye on Saturday and Sunday, February 28 and 29 as well as a Sabar party on Saturday night at the Downtown Dance Collective. These events will be open to the public. For details, consult the Teranga Arts website at: http://terangaarts.googlepages.com/ or call 721-3854.

Trapper Education Class

Registration is now open for the annual trapper education class in west-central Montana, which will be held Saturday, February 28, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office in Missoula. This will be the only trapper education course offered this year in west-central Montana, so all interested persons are urged to attend. To register for the course, stop by the FWP office on 3201 Spurgin Road in Missoula, or call FWP at 542-5500. In the course, Montana Trapper Association (MTA) instructors will emphasize trapper ethics, regulations, trapping heritage, and trap sets. Instructors will show actual trap sets and techniques.

The class is offered by the MTA and is free of charge. Students of all ages are invited to attend, and an adult must accompany students under the age of 10. Students who complete the course receive a certification. The course is not mandatory for trappers but it is strongly recommended. For more information, call FWP at 542-5500 or Ed Hebbe III with MTA at 846-2304.

Spaghetti dinner

The Bitterroot Women’s Club (formerly Corvallis Women’s Club) will hold a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, February 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, corner of Eastside Highway and Cemetery Road. Cost is $5 per person. The public is welcome.

Journalism lecture

Former Wall Street Journal managing editor Paul Steiger, now editor of Pro Publica, an independent investigative news organization, will give the University of Montana's inaugural Jeff Cole Distinguished Lecture on Monday, March 2.

Steiger will present "Finding the New Jeff Coles: Journalism's Future in the Internet Era" at 8 p.m. in the University Center Theater. The event is free. Cole was a 1981 graduate of the UM School of Journalism who was aeronautics editor at The Wall Street Journal when he was killed in a plane crash while on assignment in January 2001.

Steiger also will hold an open forum for UM students and faculty from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in Gallagher Business Building Room 123.

Steiger joined ProPublica, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in New York City that does investigative journalism in the public interest, in 2007. He has had a long and distinguished journalism career. A graduate of Yale, he began working in 1966 as a reporter in the San Francisco bureau of The Wall Street Journal. In 1968, he moved to the Los Angeles Times as a staff writer, and in 1971, transferred to that paper's Washington, D.C., bureau as an economics correspondent. He returned to Los Angeles in 1978 to serve as the Times' business editor.

In 1983, Steiger rejoined The Wall Street Journal as an assistant managing editor in New York City and became deputy managing editor in 1985. He was appointed managing editor in 1991 and served in the role until May 2007. Under his leadership, The Journal's reporters and editors won 16 Pulitzer Prizes. He served as editor-at-Iarge of the Journal through 2007.

Steiger has won many prestigious awards, including the Columbia Journalism Award, given to honor a “singular journalistic performance in the public interest" and which is the highest honor awarded by the Columbia University School of Journalism. In March 2008, The Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University awarded Steiger the Goldsmith Award for Excellence in Journalism.

He is also chairman of the Committee to Protect Journalists. The committee promotes press freedom by working for the rights of journalists worldwide. In addition, he is a trustee of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which supports transformative programs in areas including journalism and community development.

Writers’ get-together

All Bitterroot writers are invited to a free community get-together on Thursday, March 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library meeting room. It doesn't matter if you are published or unpublished. This is an opportunity to network, find inspiration, and encourage each other to write.  For more information, call 777-3045.

Sapphire Arabian Horse Club

The Sapphire Arabian Horse Club (SAHC) monthly meeting will held Thursday, March 5 and will feature a program on "Equine Liability Laws for Horse Owners" presented by Brenda Wahler, attorney and SAHC member. Meeting and program will be at Stevensville Feed and Farm in the conference room. Prospective new members and guests are welcome to attend. Program at 7 p.m. and business meeting to follow. For further information, call Wendy at 544-2926 or check www.sapphireahc.com.

Waldorf meeting 

Does your child feel disconnected from school? Are you dissatisfied with today's education system? Imagine a school that honors a child as a being with not only a mind, but a soul, heart, and hands. Imagine nurturing the whole child. Imagine Waldorf education. It's coming to the Bitterroot. Find out how on Saturday, March 7 at 12 noon at the Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State Street (downstairs) in Hamilton. For more information contact Brandi at (406) 523-1935.

Beekeeping workshop

Montana State University Broadwater County Extension and the Montana Department of Agriculture will present a beginning beekeeping workshop on Saturday, March 7 in Townsend.

New beekeepers, including youth, can learn how to get started, how to over-winter hives, and how to manage mites, among other topics. This program also features a honey tasting.

Presenters include Jeff Littlefield, a MSU entomologist, who will discuss honeybee biology; Dick Molenda of Western Bee Supplies in Polson, who will demonstrate beekeeping equipment; and Ian Foley and Patty Denke of the Montana Department of Agriculture. Foley will discuss apiary statutes in Montana and Denke will discuss pollination, pollinator gardens and honeybee diseases.

The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and takes place at the 4-H Community Building on the Broadwater County fair and rodeo grounds two miles east of Townsend on Highway 12.

The cost, which includes lunch, is $25 for adults and $10 for children 14 and under. Registration is due by March 2 and is limited to 40 people. Send payment made out to Broadwater County Extension along with your name, address and phone number to: Beekeeping Workshop, c/o Broadwater County Extension, 515 Broadway, Townsend MT 59644.

Workshop information is also available on the internet at http://www.msuextension.org. For more information, call Virginia Knerr at 406-266-9242 or email her at acxvk@montana.edu.

Help Braden Bleek fight cancer at a benefit party on Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center. There will be a spaghetti dinner, live music by The Wrinkle Tones, silent auction, board games and fun for the whole family. Bitterroot Bandits 4-H Club and co-workers of Jackie Bleek will be selling tickets. For more information call Shawna Denney at 381-4400. Donations for the Bleek family can also be dropped off at Rocky Mountain Bank in Stevensville.

Prevention Conference

The 6th Annual Ravalli County Prevention Conference will be held Thursday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th St in Hamilton. This year's theme is Connecting Our Youth and Community: Building Protective Factors for the Future and will feature keynote speaker Michael Mann from the National Institute on Media and the Family. He will be presenting “Why Do They Act That Way: A Survival Guide to the Teen Brain.” Also presenting is Dr. Danette Wollersheim addressing “Healthy Early Childhood Attachment to Increase Protective Factors.” Dr. Tim Conley (UMT) will be discussing “The Culture of Alcohol in Rural Areas” and there will be several other presentations throughout the day on: Child Advocacy and Law Enforcement Roles in Prevention, Household Hazards: Inhalants and Prescription Drug Abuse, Youth and Tobacco, QPR Suicide Prevention and others. Continuing ed credits are available. Space is limited. Call Faylee at 532-9140 to register. Cost is $20 if registered by March 6 and $25 if applying for CEUs or late registration.

Rodeo Club Banquet

The University of Montana Western Rodeo Club Banquet is Friday, Mar. 27 in the Keltz Arena. Last year’s banquet was sold out by March 1. People are encouraged to buy their tickets as soon as possible. The evening begins with a no-host cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. followed at 6 p.m. by a prime rib dinner. In addition to the dinner there is a silent auction, a live auction, a raffle and live music from The Slip from Butte. Tickets are $40.00 for singles, $80.00 per couple and $200 for a reserved table of eight. For more information or ticket reservations, call (406) 683-7305.  All proceeds benefit the Montana Western Rodeo Club.

Western Classic basketball tourney

The Western Classic Basketball Tourney will be held April 4 and 5 on the campus of UM-Western and Beaverhead County High School in Dillon. The tournament will have Boys and Girls Divisions, grades 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Cost is $170 per team with a guaranteed three games. Entry deadline is March 27. Send entries to Montana Western, c/o Steve Keller, 710 S. Atlantic, Dillon MT 59725 or fax to 406-683-7219. For more information call Steve Keller at 406-683-7341.