Wednesday, February 3, 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.

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.

Art exhibits

The oil paintings of Colleen Stimpson are currently on exhibit at The Frame Shop and Gallery, 325 W. Main in Hamilton. The next featured artist will be Luke Orsborne of Missoula, who paints vivid and abstract acrylics. The show will begin on Friday, February 5. For more information call 363-6684.

Darby Little Guy Wrestling

There’s still time to sign up for the Darby Wrestling Club Little Guy Wrestling program for all children 5–14 years old. Little Guy Wrestling is a 6-week wrestling program with most meets on Friday evenings and Saturdays beginning February 19 through March 27. Kindergartners participate for the first three weeks. Come join the fun and let your little athlete learn a new sport and burn off some of that extra winter energy!  If you need help with the cost of the program, contact Robin Conner at 821-4864. 

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.

Stevi Garden Club

The Stevensville Garden Club meets at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St, Stevi at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Visitors are always welcome. The February 3rd meeting will feature a program by Nancy Maruska, Master Gardener and owner of Cottage Garden Greenhouse. For more information on the club, call Carolynne McCormick, 777-5319 or JoAnne Gibbons, 961-5642.

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet Thursday, February 4 at 2 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.

Peace & Justice film series

The Winter-Spring 2010 Peace & Justice Film Series at the University of Montana kicks off with a showing of the documentary “Rethink Afghanistan” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, in the University Center Theater.

The documentary will analyze the effects of war on Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, including its human and monetary costs, the impact of the military escalation and the assumption that war can liberate Afghan women.

The Peace & Justice Film Series, which is free and open to the public, aims to educate participants on pressing world issues, and series organizers will lead a discussion following each film. The series runs every Thursday through May 6, except Feb. 18, March 4 and April 1.

All films will be shown in the UC Theater, with the exception of the April 15 and May 6 screenings, which will be held in Urey Lecture Hall. For a complete schedule of films, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.peaceandjusticefilms.org" http://www.peaceandjusticefilms.org. For more information, call environmental studies Professor Vicki Watson at 243-5153 or e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:vicki.watson@umontana.edu" vicki.watson@umontana.edu.

Art exhibit

The Artists' Shop, an artist-run cooperative gallery of regional art and fine craft, 304 N. Higgins, downtown Missoula, presents a show by pastel artist, Clay Pape. Clay lives and works in Missoula and Stevensville. His vibrant chalk pastels often depict Missoula streetscapes. The show may be seen Monday-Saturday at the gallery, through February. There will be an artists' reception Friday, February 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Clay is a new Montana artist, and a recent Stevensville High graduate now attending UM. He takes his inspiration from the area, including many Missoula streetscapes. The son of two well-known Stevensville poets, Marnie Prange and Greg Pape, Clay grew up in an artistic environment, but credits his interest in visual arts to an inspirational teacher, Stevensville educator Mike Mickelson.

February library events

February is “I love to Read” Month at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton.

February 5 - Toddler Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, in the downstairs west meeting room

February 10 - Preschool Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, Children’s Corner; “Be My Valentine” with storyteller Susan Powers

February 11 - The Fellowship Club presents discussion on the book Bhagavad Gita by Stephen Mitchell. 6-7:30 pm in the west meeting room of the library

February 12 - Toddler Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, in the downstairs meeting room

February 17 - Preschool Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, Children’s Corner; “It’s a Mystery” with storyteller Allison Jessop

February 19 - Toddler Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, in the downstairs west meeting room

February 24 - Preschool Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, Children’s Corner; “Living in Teepees” with storyteller Mark Rhodes

February 25 - Book discussion 12 noon to 1 pm, west meeting room, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” will be discussed. Newcomers are welcome.

February 26 - Toddler Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, in the downstairs west meeting room.

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 5 at 10:30 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Toddler story time lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, call Sally at 363-1670.

North Valley Pachyderm Club

North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, February 5, at noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy. 93 in Stevensville. The guest speaker will be Gene Williams who will talk about racism. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Red Cross blood drives 

Wednesday, February 5, Sula Community, Sula Club House, 1-5 p.m. Call Joe Pistey for an appointment, 821-0230.

Tuesday, February 9, Hamilton Community, Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane. For appointment call Tammie Mart, 642-3996.

Thursday, February 11, Victor Community, Victor Church of the Nazarene, 1:30-5:30 p.m. For appointment call Cora Mae House, 821-3514 or 360-1039. This blood drive is in honor of Virgil Pengelley.

Stevi volunteer open house

On Friday, February 5, Stevensville will celebrate “I Love Stevensville!” during First Friday. The Stevensville Main Street Association will host an evening reception at the Stevensville Playhouse from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for all non-profit organizations in Stevensville that offer opportunities for volunteer help. Organization representatives will be present to let you know about the many volunteer opportunities in the community and will be available to answer your questions and help you to get the information you need.

First Friday trains running

The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders announce the first First Friday run of the new year this coming Friday, February 5 at their layout in the Kohl Building, right behind Valley Drug in Stevensville. As usual, the hours are 5 to 8 p.m. and, as usual, it is free and open to all. See you on board!

Fish Fry

First Friday at NV Library

February is the traditional month of love. The Stevensville Main Street Association theme for this month is “I Love Stevensville.” David Anderson is a regular performer at local theatres specializing in vocals. Interestingly, David also serves on the Board of Trustees for the North Valley Public Library. Combine the two interests and you will find David singing at the Library on First Friday, February 5, from 6:30 to 7:30pm. In accordance with the Main Street theme of the month, David will perform several favorite love songs. The performance is open to the public at no cost. Light refreshments will be served. For information, call 777-5061. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.

Beulah Chapter #8 

Stevensville’s Beulah Chapter #8, Order of the Eastern Star, will be welcoming State Worthy Grand Matron, Billeta Swallow, and State Worthy Grand Patron, Don Kimmel, for their official visit on Friday, February 5, at 7 p.m. at the Masonic Hall in Stevensville. Worthy Matron Paulette Spaulding, Acting Worthy Patron Charles Spindler and all officers will welcome all Eastern Star members in good standing.

Haitian relief square dance

The Solo Stars Square Dancers are inviting the community to a square dance on Friday, February 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Square Dance Center, 9955 Highway 12, Lolo, for a free square dance to benefit Doctors Without Borders in their aid to Haiti. No experience is necessary. Admission is free and all donations will be sent to DWB. Barry Bartlette will be the caller. Introductory lessons will be given free of charge so that everyone can participate in this event. Refreshments will be served. Just like an old fashioned barn raising, we’re coming together to help our neighbors in Haiti. For more information contact Mary Huffman, 273-4321.

Pancake breakfast

A pancake breakfast for the public will be held Saturday, February 6 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The menu will be pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, juice and coffee. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for ages 12 and under.

Film screening

“Beneath the Beauty,” an independent film by Arizona filmmaker Nicholas HolthMovie Beneath the Beauty will show on Saturday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Eagles in Hamilton. Holthaus was drawn to the Bitterroot Valley in May, 2009. Spurred on by allegations of police brutality and ineptitude, political conspiracy and corruption, from Montana’s bids for a new Guantanamo Bay facility and Senator Baucus’s national Healthcare Reform plan—apparently funded by and for the largest insurance and pharmaceutical corporations and ultimately at the expense of the average American—and many other disturbing claims, Holthaus had to see for himself. Within days of his five-month journey in the Treasure State, he found that some of those claims were sadly true, some merely alarmist overreactions, and some things he uncovered seemed too outrageous to be true. The little town of Hamilton has it all. Indeed, it is a highly condensed microcosm of the rest of America. Extreme right, extreme left. Extreme rich, extreme poor. Extreme rural, extreme urban. All in a financially depressed but still somehow vibrant town of about 5,000. Rock star, cop, doctor, fisherman, politician, attorney, farmer, realtor, retiree: not one will listen to another. The result is a division on every imaginable level. And it has some difficult moral and legal decisions to make for its survival. It’s a lot like your town, big or small. In fact, this is your town.

Paranormal investigation seminars

Hawk Paranormal will be presenting Paranormal Investigation Seminars at the Daly Mansion on Saturday, February 6 at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. Seminar participants will hear about Hawk Paranormal cases and learn investigation techniques. There will be a paranormal investigation of The Daly Mansion beginning at 9 p.m. Fees are $10.00 for the seminar only or a $30.00 fee for the seminar and participation in the paranormal investigation. Registrations are being accepted by calling 363-6004, ext. 3#. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Annual Lincoln/Reagan Luncheon

The annual Lincoln/Reagan Luncheon sponsored by the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee will be held Saturday, February 6 at the Victor Steak House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Denny Rehberg will be the guest speaker. There will be an auction by Ray Hawk, to include a Texas Long Horn calf, which will be on display in the parking lot the day of the luncheon. Also in the auction will be silver bullion, a t-shirt from Iceland with Reagan/Gorbachev, and much more. Lunch will be tri-tip barbecue with all the trimmings. To purchase tickets, call 207-7630.

Knights of Columbus free throw contest

The Knights of Columbus will hold their annual free throw contest on Sunday, February 7 starting at 11:30 a.m. at Hamilton Middle School gym (use entry on S. 6th). The competition is open to boys and girls ages 10-14. Competition age is determined by age as of January 1, 2010. Winners in each category receive a plaque; all participants receive a mini-basketball and mini-hoop. Each contestant will shoot 25 free throws so scores may qualify for state and national competition. Keely Ehmann from Darby was last year’s state winner. To be eligible, a parent must sign registration form before competition.

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Sunday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Three Mile Firehouse. The public is welcome. One board position is currently open. Interested persons should call Gary Leese, 777-5106.

Hamilton Garden Club

The Hamilton Garden Club will meet Monday, February 8 at 1 p.m. at 105 Sage Lane. Doreen Burgess will be the hostess. Bill Kindzerski will give the program. For more information cal 363-5422 or Linda at 961-3829.

Hunter education classes

Hunter Education classes are set to begin in Stevensville in February and Hamilton in early March. Students must sign up for the classes by attending a registration night on Feb. 8 for Stevensville or Feb. 15 for Hamilton.

The Stevensville class will be held at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, and the schedule is as follows: Feb. 16, 17, 22, and 24 and March 1, 3 and 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. each evening. Students must also attend field days on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and during an assigned time on Saturday, March 6. To register for the Stevensville class, stop by the headquarters building at Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge (just north of Stevensville off the Eastside Highway) on Monday, Feb. 8 any time between 7 and 8:30 pm. For questions, call Jerry or Lori Donaldson at 777-3368.

The Hamilton class will be held at the Hamilton Assembly of God Church on March 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, and 15 from 7-9 p.m. each evening with a field course on Saturday, March 13. To sign up for the Hamilton class, attend registration at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15 at the Assembly of God Church, 601 West Main Street.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany all students under 18 to register. Both classes have class size limits and spots are first-come, first-served on registration night.

Other hunter education classes will be held in Ravalli County this spring in Florence, Corvallis, Lone Rock School and possibly Darby, but schedules have not been set. For updates, check the online class schedule at fwp.mt.gov. Follow links to “Education” and “Hunter Education.”  Or call, the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks office at 542-5500.

All hunter education classes are free of charge, and students must be at least 11 years old to be certified. By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana. The minimum age for hunting in Montana is 12.

Veterans Affairs officer to visit

Andrea Montee, Service Officer for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division

in Missoula, will be available to Bitterroot veterans and their dependents who have questions or need to file a claim with the Dept. of Veteran Affairs on the following dates second Tuesday of every month. On February 9 she will be at the Stevensville Town Council Chambers from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and the Hamilton Job Service Office from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. On Tuesday, February 23, she will be at the Hamilton Job Service Office from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Plant Conservation Conference

Researchers will present findings on when and how to apply herbicides on wildlands at the 2010 Montana Plant Conservation Conference to be held Tuesday and Wednesday, February 9-10, at the University of Montana.

The conference, co-hosted by the Montana Native Plant Society, the Montana Natural Heritage Program, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and UM, will take place on the third floor of the University Center.

The first day of the conference will be oriented toward laypeople and plant science professionals, with the herbicide-use findings and a panel discussion of them, as well as information about three online plant-related databases.

The conference’s second day focuses more on gathering information from plant professionals and others in workshops.

Registration costs $25 or $20 for Montana Native Plant Society members and $5 for students. Participants can register in advance or at the door. Conference abstracts and registration forms can be downloaded from the Montana Native Plant Society Web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.mtnativeplants.org" http://www.mtnativeplants.org.

For more information, call conference organizer Peter Lesica at 728-8740 or e-mail lesica.peter@gmail.com.

Valley Christian School Information Night

Valley Christian School is hosting its annual high school Information Night on Tuesday, February 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the school gym. Refreshments will be served. Students and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Get information on the school’s academic and advanced placement classes, sports programs, extracurricular activities and clubs, mission trips and more. Come see what Valley Christian School has to offer. Valley Christian School is an interdenominational Christian school located at 2526 Sunset Lane, Missoula. For more information call 549-0482.

Stevensville school board

The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.

Women Newcomers Club

Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club will have Olive Parker, Stevensville leather artist and rancher, as guest speaker on Thursday, February 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton. Come early to meet the members. Contact Doreen Burgess, 363-5422, for more information.

Stevensville school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet Thursday, February 11 at 2 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.

Fellowship Club

The Bitterroot Public Library Fellowship Club will meet Thursday, February 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the west meeting room of the library. The club is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well-being. Joseph A. Costantino, Ph.D. will is the facilitator. The February 11 discussion will be on Stephen Mitchell’s translation of “The Bhagavad Gita.” The Bhagavad Gila is universally acknowledged as one of the world's literary and spiritual masterpieces. It is the core text of the Hindu tradition and has been treasured by American writers from Emerson and Thoreau to T.S. Eliot, who called it the “greatest philosophical poem after the Divine Comedy.”

There have been more than two hundred English translations of the Gita, including many competent literal versions, but not one of them is a superlative literary text in its own right. Stephen Mitchell brings to the Bhagavad Gita his gift for breathing new life into sacred texts and makes this work sing with the clarity, the vigor, and the intensity of the original Sanskrit.

Mitchell, considered one of the preeminent translators of his generation, has translated many classic texts and is widely known for his ability to make ancient masterpieces thrillingly new, to step in where many have tried before and create versions that are definitive for our time. His celebrated version of the Tao Te Ching, and his translations of Jesus, Rilke, Genesis, and Job have won the hearts of readers and critics alike.

The BPL Fellowship Club meetings take place in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library every second Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. New members are encouraged. Call 363-1670 for more information or contact Dr. Costantino at jacostant@gmail.com.

Cross Country Ski Club

"Return to Grizzly Gulch and Scapegoat Wilderness Caving in 3D" will be presented by Michael McEachern and the Bitterroot X/C Ski Club on Thursday, February 11 at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street in Hamilton. Mike will be using his new digital projections of his latest explorations in the Bob Marshall Wilderness this past summer. All are welcome.

Stevensville Choirs Valentine Show

The Stevensville High School Choirs will present their annual Valentine’s Show, “A Song Through The Decades,” on Friday, February 12. This fundraiser/dessert show will be held in the school multi-purpose room with shows at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Musical selections will be presented while audience members dine on delicious gourmet desserts. Coffee and soda will also be served. Tickets prices are as follows: $10/person, $18/couple or $35/family. To purchase a ticket or to donate a dessert, call the director, Kyla Morton, at 777-5481, ext. 213. Money raised from this event will benefit the choir program as well as the Stevensville Music Association.

Quilt show

An Affair of the heART quilt show and sale will be held at the Hamilton City Hall next weekend. The quilt art show and sale will be Friday, February 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, February 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show features quilted art using unique items that create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. In Good Company, LLC, is the sponsor of the show which features quilt work and art from Susan Wetzsteon, Sue Anne Iman, Sue Engel, and Jamie Grant. Admission is $3 per person.

Flea market

A flea market will be held Saturday, February 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Featured will be antiques, collectibles, books, dishes, jewelry, birdfeeders and houses, arts and crafts, tools, household items and more. Rent a table for $5. Lunch will be available. For more info call Katie at 363-2316 or the Center at 363-5181.

‘Scoutapaloosa’ scouting benefit

Comedy hypnotist Alan Sands is “The SandMan” and he will perform a comedy magic and hypnosis show Saturday, February 13 following three hours of activities to include inflatable games, music and more at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, First Interstate Center Bldg., 100 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton. 

The SPLAT! Inflatable Games and music will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a Comedy Magic Show and a Comedy Hypnosis Show from 9 to 11 p.m. The games are most suited for people under 25 years old. The show is suitable for all ages including adults.

The SandMan has performed his hypnosis show at the Ravalli County Fair in the past but has not performed his magic show in the valley for over 15 years. Alan is a third generation entertainer and has performed professionally over 25 years. Alan Sands is a clinically trained Master Hypnotist and is a certified Stage Hypnotist. He will perform his wild and zany, interactive, spellbinding, innovative, high energy, audience participation comedy show for one performance only. This show has entertained audiences from elementary school age through adults.

Tickets can be purchased at: Farmers Banks in Darby, Hamilton, Stevensville,, Victor and Corvallis, Coldwell Banker, 115 Main Street, Hamilton, at the Fair office or you can buy them from a Boy Scout, Troop 1976. For more information contact Tim Lund at 363-8838 or visit the web site. www.ScoutApaloosa.info. 

Bowhunter education classes

Two bowhunter education classes are planned for February in Missoula, and prospective students can register by stopping by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office, 3201 Spurgin Road. Students can elect to take a class on one of two Saturdays: February 13 or February 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office, 3201 Spurgin Road. Students that take either of these classes must also complete a half-day field course on Saturday, March 13.

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

Additional bowhunter education classes will be offered in Missoula and other west-central Montana communities from March through May, but not all class schedules have been set at this time. For updates, visit the online class schedule at fwp.mt.gov, follow links to Education and Hunter Education or call the Missoula FWP office at 542-5500.  

Montana also offers online bowhunter education classes for anyone 18 years and older. Although a lot of the coursework is completed online, students must take a field day to receive their certification card. Missoula field days for online students are scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 12:30-4 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and Thursday, June 17, 6-9 p.m. Students can find out more information about the online class and register for a field day at nbef.org. There is a $20 fee for the online course.

By state law, all first time bowhunters must complete a bowhunter education course in order to purchase a bow and arrow license in Montana. Bowhunters born after January 1, 1985 must also show proof of completing a hunter education program.

Café Chocolat

On Saturday, February 13, the Florence Carlton Music Boosters will be hosting their annual Café Chocolat in the Florence Carlton School gymnasium. Enjoy fabulous desserts while you listen to music by the Florence Carlton High School Choirs. There will be two shows: 5 and 7:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. For ticket information Call Mary Beth Edens at 273-6598.

‘Enchanted Evening’ at Daly Mansion

Bring your sweetheart to the romantic Georgian Revival styled Daly Mansion for an Enchanted Evening on Saturday, February 13. The evening will include delicious desserts and fine entertainment beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Formal Living Room. The Montana A Cappella Society will be entertaining guests with songs from their newly released CD, “Love Is Here To Stay.” Tickets are $35.00 per couple. Enjoy delectable desserts in a romantic setting. Seating is limited and reservations are accepted by calling 363-6004, ext. 3#. Valet parking will be available.

Brain injury support group

The Brain Injury Support Group will meet Monday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Hospital Duran Learning Center. There will be a social time and information on the upcoming BIAMT Conference. All brain injury survivors and caregivers are welcome. For more information call Jim Mickelson, 544-6629 or Sue Englert at 327-4062.

St. Paul’s Shrove Tuesday celebration

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 600 S. Third Street in Hamilton will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday on February 16th 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 homemade blueberry and strawberry pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, and tea. Suggested donation is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children age 5 and older. Family rates are available. Proceeds will be applied to the St. Paul’s historic preservation project. 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.

Mature drivers course

AARP is presenting its driver safety program at Marcus Daly Hospital on Friday, February 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The fee is $14.00 or $12.00 for AARP card members and pre-registration is requested. Contact Jones Korman Insurance Agency at 363-6583 for registration information. There is no written test. Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates.

Dragon Brigade benefit

A silent auction fundraiser for the Dragon Brigade tae kwon do team will be held Saturday, February 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Blacksmith Brewery in Stevensville. Live music will be provided by Bitterrsweet.

American Legion Valentine Dinner

American Legion Post 94 will hold its annual Valentine prime rib dinner and auction on Saturday, February 20 at St. Mary’s Family Center, Stevensville. All proceeds benefit the programs of Post 94. Call Harry at 777-5398 or Jerry at 777-5517 for tickets are more information.

Mardi Gras Ball

The Bitterroot Valley Historical Society announces its 2nd annual Mardi Gras Ball, masquerading in black and white, on Saturday, February 20 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Bedford Building, Hamilton. Dance the night away and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and no host bar. Tickets are $25.00 per person and are available at all Farmers State Bank locations, Ravalli County Museum, Chapter One Bookstore and Robbins Hallmark. All proceeds benefit the Ravalli County Museum For more information, contact the Museum at 363-3338 or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.brvhsmuseum.org" www.brvhsmuseum.org.

Water education forum

On Tuesday, February 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State Street, Hamilton, the Bitter Root Water Forum, with funding from MT Dept of Environmental Quality, is hosting two speakers for a public presentation on water marketing and flow restoration in Montana. Chris Corbin, founder of Lotic Water Marketing in Missoula, will present “Turning Blue into Green: An Introduction to the Montana Water Market” during which he will discuss the foundation of the emerging MT Water Market, including water supply and demand, basin closure, mitigation, ecosystem services, and water transactions. Corbin will summarize the MT Water Market and its impact on water right management in the Bitterroot subbasin. He will also discuss how Lotic is successfully working with landowners turning “blue” (water) into “green” (wealth, efficiency, sustainability, and opportunity).

Rankin Holmes, Project Manager with Montana Water Trust (MWT), will present “Flow Restoration in MT: Water Right Leasing, Source Switching & Irrigation Efficiency Improvements.” MWT’s Streamflow Restoration Program focuses on restoring and conserving water in streams historically used by bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, arctic grayling, and other native fish species. Working closely with state, national, and private entities to augment their own data collection, MWT prioritizes projects on ecologically significant streams with a value to native fisheries. Their work is concentrated on small tributaries where even a small amount of water can have a significant impact on the aquatic ecosystem, and where their efforts will compliment the restoration work of agencies and conservation groups.

A question and answer discussion will follow the presentation. The presentation is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.

For more information contact the Water Forum at 375-2272.

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.

‘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.