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

Al-Anon

Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 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

721-5818.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton.

Florence American Legion

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

Stevensville American Legion

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

American Legion Auxiliary

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

Corvallis American Legion

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

Lilies of the Valley singing group

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

WIC clinics

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

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

Sapphire Quilt Club

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

Grief Support Groups

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

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

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

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

Spanish conversation group

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

Soroptimists

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

Rotary Club

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

PFLAG Chapter

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

For more information contact Terry Moran, 363-7656.

Center for Spiritual Living

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

Legion bingo

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

Valley Veterans Services

Ever wonder what VA benefits you’re entitled too? Valley Veterans Service Center provides free assistance to veterans and their dependents in filing claims with the VA. Valley Veterans Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by for a visit or call for an appointment at 363-9838. The center is located at 299 Fairgrounds Road, Suite 4 in Hamilton.

Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings

The V2V outreach group meets every Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. These informal meetings are for all veterans. Many veterans have both unresolved and resolved issues from their experiences in the military that impact their lives. At the meetings participants can discuss whatever they want and the outreach group gives veterans an opportunity to get together to share information and talk about issues. For further information contact Dan Mayer, 360-5435, from the Bitterroot Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Vietnam Veterans of America

The Bitterroot Chapter #938 of the Vietnam Veterans of America meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 319 N. 3rd. Vietnam era veterans often need assistance with problems and issues and many have similar stories. The Bitterroot Chapter VVA is your organization to provide the opportunity to obtain and share information, to organize grass root activities, lend a helping hand, and offer assistance to all veterans in dealing with the Veterans Administration. Also, through the National VVA organization, the local chapter supplies input to state and federal government legislators on issues important to veterans. For more information contact Bill Decker at 369-2252.

MOPS group

The Bitterroot MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group meets at Lone Rock Bible Church, around the corner from Lone Rock School, just off Eastside Hwy, down Three Mile Creek Road, between Stevensville and Florence. The group meets every first and third Tuesday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Age-appropriate childcare including snacks, stories and activities, is available for children up through age five. For more information about Bitterroot MOPS, contact Shauna Pernsteiner at 777-5189.

Waldorf Inspired Parent-Child

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

Veterans affairs clinics

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

Trap Club

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

Bitterroot Toastmasters

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

Toddler story time

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

Safety seat fitting station

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

American Sign Language Group

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

Elks dinner

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

Sabre Soccer meetings

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

Lone Rock Bible Club

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

Bitterroot Connections

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

Empowerment group

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

Fiber Arts Guild

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

PEP Sessions

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

Positive Parenting Program

Is there a lot of attitude in your home? Do tantrums abound? Does defiance, the silent treatment, or do arguments between adults and kids rule in your household? Want to change all that? South Valley Child and Family Center will help you achieve that change. If you have a child from 3-14 years of age having behavior problems, the Positive Parenting Program at SVCFC is for you. This eight-week program is designed for parents who are committed to raising happy, healthy kids and features a low fee, one hour a week time commitment and is simple and positive. Booking individual sessions now. Call 363-3450 to sign up.

Community dinners

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

Women Helping Women

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

Ladies Bible Study

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

Canyon View MOPS

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

Men’s Bereavement Breakfast

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

Mindful Recovery support group

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

Income tax assistance program

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

Aquatic exercise program

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

Darby food collection

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

Darby Library story time

Reading to young children helps develop good reading skills while igniting their imaginations. The Darby Community Public Library offers two Preschool Story Times every Monday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All children from age one to five are welcome to come with a caregiver for interactive stories, games, songs, and fun activities that focus on letter and number recognition, and the joy of reading.

Pee Wee Soccer Program

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

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

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

Artists’ workshop

The Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society is offering a series of workshops. For more information contact River’s Mist at 777-0520 or check out the website at HYPERLINK "http://www.sassart.org" www.sassart.org. Any artists interested in participating can contact Amy Knight at 777-3542.

Acoustic music jam sessions

A weekly jam session is held every Sunday at the Rocky Mountain Grange Hall south of Hamilton. This is an acoustic jam, and beginners through advanced musicians are invited to attend. If you play guitar, mandolin, harmonica, fiddle, bass, banjo, dobro, or similar acoustic instrument, come join in the fun every Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. You don’t have to be a musician to attend the jam. Folks who just want to listen are encouraged to come – it’s always more fun with an audience. There is no charge for admission. Food and soft drinks will be available at the concert. The Grange Hall is located at 1436 S. 1st Street (Hwy 93), just south of the Valley Pet Clinic. For more information call Clem at 961-4949.

Silver Spurs raffle

Silver Spurs 4-H Club teen group is raffling off half a hog including

smoked ham and bacon. Tickets are $2.00 each. Winner will be drawn and

notified on May 1. Contact Ginger Desrosier at 777-2215 for more information.

Wednesday, March 16

Chamber Capitol trip

Would you like an opportunity to travel to Helena and tour the Capitol as well as sit in on some sessions and ask our representatives questions? Leadership Bitterroot is offering this opportunity on Wednesday, March 16. A bus will leave Hamilton around 7 a.m. and will return at approximately 8 p.m. Activities include a guided tour of the Capitol, followed by lunch with our representatives. You will then have opportunity to sit in on whichever session you choose. Cost will be $25 per person, which will cover lunch, Capitol tour and traveling expense. You will also be able to tour the Capitol Museum, which is in walking distance, at a discount price (usually around $3 or $4). On the return trip the group will be stopping at The Law Dog Saloon for a light dinner. If you are interested, give Pat a call at 363-2400. Seating will be limited so call now.

Preschool story time

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, March 16 to enjoy “Welcome Spring!” and hear books read by Jamie Ogden. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information call 363-1670.

FWP Commission

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Wednesday, March 16 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 E. 6th Ave. beginning at 10 a.m. The March FWP Commission meeting had been canceled but was rescheduled to accommodate projects that required final decisions.

The FWP Commission will make final decisions on the: opening dates for Wildlife Management Areas; 2011 peregrine falcon take; Future Fisheries Improvement Program project grants; and the Miles City Fish Hatchery easement for the Tongue River Railroad. Information will also be presented on the 2011 fishing regulation setting process.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with a disability. Individuals with special needs may request arrangements by contacting FWP at: 406-444-3186. The full agenda and additional information on the scheduled topics may be found on the FWP web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.fwp.mt.gov/"fwp.mt.gov by clicking on the FWP Commission icon.

Rangeland/pasture talk

There will be a free presentation on Wednesday, March 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Corvallis Grange to learn about the new developments in cheatgrass management presented by Dr. Jane Mangold from MSU, as well as information on general weed management and range and pasture management. For more information call 375-6611.

HHS choral production

The Hamilton High School Choral Department is presenting the magnificent musical, "Les Miserables" (school edition) on March 16, 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. Ticket are $10 for adults and $5 for students. This epic story recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France. Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes an honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father, violating his parole in the process. The relentless Inspector Javert, who makes a decent life for Valjean impossible, consequently pursues him. Only years later, after Valjean proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising and saves the life of a young man hopelessly in love with Valjean’s adopted daughter, does the ex-convict finally feel fully redeemed. Tickets are available in advance at the Hamilton High School Main Office, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 327 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton.

Ireland travel program

Ever dream of a trip to Ireland, the Emerald Isle? Why not view some fantastic photography and learn more about traveling in Ireland today? The North Valley Public Library will host world traveler and Stevensville resident, Joanne Charbonneau, and her program “Round the Isle: Some of Ireland's Majestic and Historic Sites” on Wednesday, March 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the main library. Admission is free and open to all ages. Light refreshments will be served. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information call the Library at 777-5061.

Thursday, March 17

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, March 17 at 1 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner will be held Thursday, March 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, Eastside Hwy. at Cemetery Road. The event is sponsored by the Corvallis United Methodist Men’s Group.

St. Patrick’s Day dinner

Historic St. Mary's Parish will be serving its annual traditional St. Patrick's Day

Dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots in the Family Center, 400 Charlos St., Stevensville, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 17. Hot rolls, dessert and a drink will round out the menu. Prices are $9.00 for adults and teens, and $4.00 for children 5 to 12. Children under 5 will be free. There will also be hot dogs and chips available for the little ones. Green beer will be available, with one free glass with each adult dinner.

Grange benefit

Save the Grange! Celebrate St. Patty’s Day on Thursday, March 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Grange, 1436 S. 1st. (Hwy 93) Hamilton. Enjoy a traditional corned beef & cabbage dinner, with musical entertainment by “The Celtic Knots.” Cost is $25.00 per person (BYOB). For reservations call 544-8586 or 544-2009. Consider becoming a member; proceeds will go towards remodeling this historic building.

Sons of Norway

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will meet Tuesday, March 17 at 5 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center to celebrate St. Urho’s Day, when the grasshoppers were driven from Finland, and St. Patrick’s Day. There will be an Irish main dish, with members and guests invited to bring a side dish. The program will include a display and explanation of Celtic and Viking jewelry by Birte Nellesson of Corvallis. There will also be a Norwegian language lesson. For more information contact Jackie Bjergo, 961-4538.

Trout Unlimited

Legendary flytier, guide and general raconteur John Foust will be

the speaker at the Trout Unlimited meeting on Thursday, March 17 and you don’t want to miss! John, Elna and their dog Mayda are among the best known characters on the river for a good reason. John and Elna have forgotten more about fishing than most of us will ever know. Before John speaks, Chase Sanderson, US Forest Service Fisheries intern for 2010, will give a quick description of his summer project on native trout. Dinner with John and Elna at will take place at the Spice of Life at 5 p.m. before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to the club. For more information, contact 363-3485 or cassie.buhl@gmail.com.

Back Country Horsemen

Bitterroot Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 17, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. Speaker Robin Pruitt, program director for Bitter Root Land Trust, will present information on the organization's history and mission, current projects and upcoming events. Guests are welcome, and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.

Friday, March 18

Business Succession Planning class

As part of its Building Bitterroot Business series of classes and seminars, the RCEDA is offering a seminar on succession planning on Friday, March 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Ravalli Entrepreneurship Center, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite A, Hamilton. This introduction to planning for the future of your business will be taught by Mike Tobiason, Vice President with Anderson Zurmuehlen, an accounting and business consulting firm with 200 employees and offices throughout Montana.

Succession planning is a critical need in the Bitterroot Valley because many sole proprietorships and small businesses are owned by individuals or a small group of related individuals. Succession planning is the key component of strategic planning for family owned small businesses. Oftentimes when the owner reaches a turning point in their career due to age, finances, or loss of interest, the business simply closes because the owners neglected to plan for succession. Small business is the backbone of our community providing jobs, character and community pride. The community loses in two ways when an established business is sold for the liquidation value of its assets, the owner loses the money that could have been realized through the sale of a going concern and the community loses an employer and its services and expertise. This course will help you start thinking about you business strategically, from evaluating your present position to planning your exit strategy.

Topics covered include evaluating your business and personal financial positions, setting goals and planning strategy, valuing your business, changing leadership while maintaining ownership, exiting from ownership, funding your retirement and more.

Cost of the seminar is $15. For more information contact John Schneeberger, 375-9416, ext. 2.

Mature drivers class

An AARP Driver Safety Class will be presented at Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton on Friday, March 18. The class begins at 9 a.m. and will last approximately four hours. This safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over but all drivers are welcome. There is no written test. Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates. The class fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Pre-registration is requested. Contact Jones Korman Insurance at 363-6583 for further information.

Parenting series

“Creative Arts” will be the topic of a Friday, March 18 class for parents from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 93N, Florence (behind Town Pump). Through creative arts children explore and represent their ideas about the world, reveal their inner thoughts and feeling, find ways to understand themselves, enrich their world and bring beauty into it. Parents will learn how to make clay, sidewalk chalk and discover wonderful resources for their children to create a masterpiece. For more information call 273-0142.

Quilt Day Camp

The Bitterroot Quilt Guild has partnered with Ravalli County 4-H to offer a day camp for youth to learn the art of quilting. The camp is $10 and includes lunch, snacks, quilt batting and thread. Participants are responsible for all other materials. Sign up by Friday, March 18 through the MSU Extension office at 375-6611 or 215 S. 4th Street, Ste G, Hamilton.

North Valley Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 18 at noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Nancy Ballance will talk about the Interstate Health Care Compact and how it could allow Montana to get out from under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. 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.

Stevi Lenten Fish Fries

The Knights of Columbus will hold a Lenten Friday Fish Fry on March 18, 25, April 1, 8 and 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. Join your neighbors for fish, fries, slaw, vegetable, dessert and conversation on all six Fridays in Lent.

Mansion St. Patrick Celebration

The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust and the Bitterroot Valley Scottish Irish Festival invite you to join them in celebrating Marcus Daly’s Irish heritage during their St. Patrick Celebration on Friday, March 18 at the Daly Mansion. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and include a traditional Gaelic beef dinner and dessert catered by Caffe Firenze, a no-host bar provided The Banque, music by the Montana Shamrockers, bagpipes by Beth Foster from the Shining Thistles, self-guided tours of the Mansion, a Pot-O-Copper 50/50 raffle and silent auction with items provided by vendors of the Bitterroot Valley Scottish Irish Festival. The evening will also feature special guests from Clan Cian. Tickets are $30.00 and are available at Chapter One Bookstore, 252 W. Main Street in Hamilton, or by calling 363-6004. Advanced ticket purchases are highly encouraged.

Saturday, March 19

Storytelling program

Visit Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo on Saturday, March 19 at 11 a.m. for a program full of Montana stories by Montana storyteller, historian, and guide, Hal Stearns. This and all Winter Storytelling series programs are held at the Holt Museum and Visitor Center at Travelers’ Rest. Admission to the programs is $3 per adult, and children under 18 and all current Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association (TRPHA) members are free. Complimentary refreshments are served at all programs. For a detailed line-up of the Winter Storytelling Series, which run on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until noon through the end of March, visit the Travelers’ Rest Web site at travelersrest.org, email info@travelersrest.org or call 273-4253. To reach the park, travel approximately 1/2 mile west of Lolo on Highway 12.

Democratic Women’s Club

The Ravalli County Democratic Women's Club is holding its Annual Membership Tea on Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Grange, south of Hamilton. The cost will be $8 per person and the featured speaker will be Kathleen Driscoll. As this will be catered, getting a head count is important, and RSVPs would be greatly appreciated by contacting Corrine at 544-8586.

Hudson benefit

The Bitterroot Stockgrowers will host a benefit dinner and auction for Rod Hudson on Saturday, March 19 at 5 p.m. at the Fort Owen Inn, Stevensville. Hudson was the president of the Bitterroot Stockgrowers for two terms. He also served as the president of the Bitterroot chapter of the Farm Bureau and has been a director for the Montana Cattlemen's Association since 2004. All proceeds will help with Hudson's fight against cancer and the mounting medical costs. All donations are tax deductible through the Montana Cattlemen's Foundation. Dinner will be catered by Tracy Bugli and will feature a Buckaroo Prime Rib Dinner. Live music will be provided by “Barbwire.” There will also be a live auction. If you are unable to attend but would like to donate, send a check payable to: MCA Foundation (memo - Rod Hudson), PO Box 524, Hot Springs MT 59845.

Square dance club

Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a workshop and dance on Saturday, March 19 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. A plus workshop will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Following this will be a regular dance to 9:30 p.m. The dance level will be mainstream with plus tips inserted about every third dance. Round dances will be provided between tips. All visiting square and round dancers are welcome. Come early and dance with the workshop, too. The caller will be Barry Bartlette. Club members and the club will provide refreshments. For further information call Laurie Dunbar at 961-4528 or Donna Hicks at 961-0111.

Perspectives on Islam

The Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College Street, Stevensville, will present a talk by Samir Bitar entitled “Perspectives on Islam” on Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m. Samir is on the faculty of the University of Montana in Arabic Studies. He was born in Jerusalem, but moved to Montana at age 16 as a freshman in college. Everyone is invited to hear Samir as he shares his insight not only into the Palestinian/Israel conflict, but on how to be a bridge between cultures and people. You will not want to miss this special evening. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion. The event is free to all.

Model trains running

This Saturday, March 19, being the third of this month, the Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders will fire up their layout in the Kohl Building, right behind Valley Drug Store in Stevensville. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., come on down

with the kids and see the action. It's fun and it's free!

Monday, March 21

Stevi school menu

March 24-28

Monday: Breakfast – Cereal, fruit, milk; Lunch – Pizza corn, Mandarin oranges

Tuesday: Breakfast – Waffles, fruit, milk; Lunch – Chicken patty sandwich, tossed salad, pears

Wednesday: Breakfast – Fruit bars, fruit, milk; Lunch – BBQ pork riblets, stir fry veggies, rice, pineapple

Thursday: Breakfast – Peanut butter & jelly sandwich, fruit, milk; Lunch – Chili with crackers, fresh carrots, mixed fruit

Friday: Breakfast – Cereal, fruit, milk; Lunch – Hot dogs, taters, apples.

Rotary Club

Nicolett Weston, Family Nurse Practitioner, will be guest speaker at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, March 21 at noon at BJ's Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Nicolett will be speaking about nutritional supplements. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.

Brain Injury Support Group

The Brain Injury Support Group will meet Monday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Patrick Hospital Conference Room A. The presentation will be on “Purposeful Living – The Value of an Idea” by Larry Plant, physical therapist. All survivors and caregivers are welcome. For more information call Jim Mickelson at 544-6629 or 728-9117 or Kala Conway at 360-9538.

Audubon meeting

Bitterroot Audubon’s March program will feature a presentation on the ecology and status of golden eagles in the western U.S. Rob Domenech, Executive Director of the Raptor View Research Institute, will discuss his ongoing research on golden eagle migratory ecology using techniques such as trapping and banding eagles, satellite tracking and feather isotope analysis that are unraveling some of the mysteries surrounding this species. Rob has studied the migratory patterns and ecology of raptors since 1998, and has identified several of the best spots in Montana to watch migrating raptors. Rob’s results and other studies have indicated decreasing population trends for migrant and wintering golden eagles in the western U.S., and long term surveys along the Rocky Mountain Front show up to a 50% decline in the numbers of migrating golden eagles. This presentation will be Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy. 93 just north of Hamilton. Park in the back and enter the building from the west side. The meeting is free, and the public is invited to attend. Contact Kay Fulton (642-3794) for further information.

Tuesday, March 22

Republican Women’s Club

The Ravalli County Republican Women's Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ's Restaurant in Hamilton. The guest speaker will be County Commissioner J.R. Iman giving an update. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Proposed Forest Planning Rule forum

The U.S. Forest Service will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, March 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park, 200 S. Pattee St., Missoula to explain both the details and intent of the recently proposed draft Planning Rule that, if put into law, will serve as a national blueprint for how hundreds of individual plans will chart national forest management in the coming years. The forum will not be a platform to accept public comment, rather an opportunity for interested stakeholders to ask questions to better inform the formal comments they submit during the public comment period, which closes May 16.

The proposed planning rule provides a collaborative and science-based framework for creating land management plans that would support ecological sustainability and contribute to rural job opportunities. Forest Service land management plans guide management activities on the 155 National Forests and 20 Grasslands in the National Forest System. Full text of the proposed rule, instructions to provide comment and the planning rule blog and more can be found at: HYPERLINK "http://www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule" www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule. Anyone interested in attending one of the forums can pre-register by calling Deb Jackson at 406-329-3288, or online at www.usfsnorthernregion.eventbrite.com.

Activism class

A free workshop on “Connecting Public Issues to Public Policy” will be held Tuesday, March 22 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Corvallis Grange. The workshop will be taught by Sarah Hamlen, MSU Extension Rural Economic Development Coordinator. This four-module training guide will assist participants in better understanding public issues, public deliberation, methods to research the issue and suggested ways to advocate to decision makers on the issue. Sign up through the MSU Extension office at 375-6611 or 215 S. 4th Street, Ste G, Hamilton.

Astronaut Family Night

Astronaut Family Night will be held at the Bitterroot Public Library on Tuesday, March 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Have you ever thought about being an astronaut? If you are curious about living in space, bring your family to an Astronaut Family Night at the Bitterroot Public Library. This is one of a series of NASA family events being held by the local library. Meet our local astronaut, Barbara Barrett, and learn more about how to become an astronaut and what life is like in space. Make a rocket, try on some moon shoes, and taste some astronaut food. You will find out if traveling in space is really for you. Everyone is welcome. For more information about this and other upcoming library events, call 363-1670.

Hamilton band performances

March is Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. MIOSM began in 1973 as a single statewide celebration and by 1985 had grown to a month-long celebration of school music across the country. Many school music programs put on local performances and participate in national concerts during this month. In keeping with that tradition the Hamilton School Bands will be performing two local performances at the end of the month. The Hamilton Middle School Bands will present their concert on Tuesday, March 22, and the Hamilton High School Bands will present their concert on Thursday, March 31. Both concerts will be held in the HHS Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Shawn Thacker at 375-6060, ext. 6248, and to find out how you can support MIOSM and music education in the local schools, contact MENC at www.menc.org.

Victor Park Board

The Victor Park Board will meet Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers State Bank conference room. The public is welcome.

Hunter education classes

Hunter education courses are scheduled for many Bitterroot Valley communities this spring. Classes are free, and a student must be at least 11 years old to receive certification. Any person born after January 1, 1985 must present a Hunter Education Certificate in order to purchase a hunting license in Montana.

The schedule is as follows:

Lolo: Register in person and begin classes on Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. A parent or legal guardian must accompany students to register. Classes are held 3/22, 3/24, 3/29, 3/31, 4/12, 4/14, 4/18, 4/21, 4/26 and 4/28 from 7-9 p.m. each evening at Woodman School, approximately seven miles west of Lolo, just off Highway 12.

Darby: Registered students and their parent or legal guardian must attend an orientation night on Monday, March 28, 6 p.m., at the Darby Elementary School lunchroom. Classes are scheduled for April 4-8 from 6-9 p.m. each evening.

Corvallis: Classes are Monday, April 4 through Friday, April 8 from 6-8:30 p.m. each evening. A mandatory orientation night for registered students and their parent or legal guardian is planned for Monday, March 28 from 6-6:30 p.m. Orientation and classes are held in the Corvallis Middle School cafeteria, accessible off the Eastside Highway.

Lone Rock: Classes are April 4-8 from 6-9 p.m. each evening. A parent or legal guardian must attend the beginning of the first night of class. Classes are held at Lone Rock School, 1112 Three Mile Creek Road.

Hamilton, Florence and Stevensville have already held winter classes but will hold additional classes in August or September. For a complete schedule of west-central Montana classes and for more details, visit the FWP website, fwp.mt.gov. For additional questions, or for help with online registration, call the FWP Missoula office at 542-5500.

Thursday, March 24

Stevi school facility committee

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

Hospice volunteer training

Looking for a meaningful and valuable volunteer experience? Consider becoming a Hospice volunteer. Marcus Daly Hospice volunteer training is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, March 24 and 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn ways you can provide patient support, assist families, engage in the community and lend a helping hand. The class is free and offers a very informative curriculum on end-of-life care and support. Whether you are interested in assisting Hospice in the administrative operations or supporting Hospice patients and families, this training offers you the tools in developing those skills, as well as provides an exceptional educational opportunity. For more information or to enroll in Hospice Volunteer Training, call Margaret Beattie, Marcus Daly Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 375-4713.

South Valley Civic Group

The next meeting of the South Valley Civic Group will be held Thursday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at the Rocky Knob Lodge in Conner. Everyone is welcome.

Devotional singing

Devotional singing will be held Thursday, March 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Soehren home, 607 Granstsdale Road, Hamilton. Take a little time out to enjoy harmonies and beautiful melodies from the world’s spiritual traditions to the accompaniment of live music. No experience is necessary. All are welcome. The singing will be led by Brian Vayu Jameson whose gentle nature and humor encourages even shy singers. A small donation is requested. For more information contact Brian at 381-0617.

Friday, March 25

‘Hoop It Up’ tournament

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

SVCFC benefit dinner

South Valley Child and Family Center will be hosting a fundraiser dinner on Friday, March 25 featuring the East Indian cuisine of caterer Barbara Costantino. This is the first in a series of four special dinners that will help to support the programs at SVCFC. The cost is $40 per person. The evening will feature pre-dinner music, a wonderful meal and company. Seating is limited so call SVCFC at 363-3450 to reserve your spot. SVCFC is located at 515 Madison in Hamilton.

Saturday, March 26

Chamber Banquet

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its 105th annual banquet on Saturday, March 26 at the Bitterroot River Inn. “Chamber’s Got Talent” will be the theme of this Mardi Gras party. A no-host bar from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will be followed by dinner. There will be a pie auction and silent auction. Award winners will be announced, after which there will be a talent show. For more information call the Chamber at 363-2400.

Missoula Community Chorus benefit

The Missoula Community Chorus will present “A Night to Remember" - a Gala Fundraiser, in honor of its 10th Anniversary Season, on Saturday, March 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Keep Restaurant. The event will feature wine, beer and food selections from The Keep, live and silent auctions, and wonderful musical entertainment chosen from the Great American Songbook. Tickets are $50, and available on line at MissoulaChorus.org or at Rockin' Rudy's. For more information call Robbin Rose at 728-0983, or see visit MissoulaChorus.org.

Monday, March 28

Youth culinary arts program

South Valley Child and Family Center invites Ravalli County youth in middle school (Monday evenings) and high school (Tuesday evenings) to learn the culinary arts in a free six-week program (offered 5 times in 2010-2011). This is a great opportunity to learn basic culinary arts skills, create wonderful meals for the community and develop life skills. South Valley Child and Family Center served over 3500 meals in 2009-10. The Youth Volunteer Program will prepare and serve meals on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Session Five is starting up March 28 and 29 from 4 to 7:30 pm. Call 363-3450 to register…space is very limited.

Tuesday, March 29

Corvallis book fair

The Corvallis Primary School Library will hold its annual scholastic “buy one, get one free” Spring Book Fair from Tuesday, March 29 to Friday, April 1. Times are 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as well as Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. For more information call 961-3261, ext. 307.

Wednesday, March 30

‘Montana Tales’ course

Montana has stories galore: cows and cowboys, Indian tribes inhabiting the mountains and plains for centuries, politicos good and bad, writers and poets, railroad builders and mining magnates, individuals famous and infamous; all have contributed to making the “Last Best Place” our special homeland.

Lifelong learners in the Bitterroot Valley can hear these stories and more about Montana’s colorful history through the course “In Our Backyard: My Montana Tales.” Taught by Hal Stearns, it will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday from March 30 to April 20 at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center, located at 327 Fairgrounds Road.

Course registration costs $45 before March 25 and $50 afterward, and it is open to learners of all ages. It’s co-sponsored by the School of Extended and Lifelong Learning and the Bitterroot College Program of UM.

Stearns, a Harlowton native with generations of ranchers, homesteaders and newsmen in his family, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and master’s and doctorate degrees from UM. He taught for 34 years, with stints in Germany, at Missoula’s Sentinel High School and UM. He received Montana Teacher of the Year and Outstanding U.S. History Teacher honors.

For more information or to register, call Dannette Fadness, program coordinator for the School of Extended and Lifelong Learning, at 243-2905 or e-mail dannette.fadness@umontana.edu.

Friday, April 1

Toastmasters Youth Leadership Series

The Bitterroot Toastmasters is offering an eight-week series for youth to develop their public speaking skills while honing their leadership skills. The first class starts on April 5 and runs every Tuesday through May 24 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The $10 fee includes the participant manual and snacks. The classes will be held at the MSU Extension Office. Sign up by Friday, April 1 through the MSU Extension office at 375-6611 or 215 S. 4th Street, Ste G, Hamilton.

Stevi artist to exhibit

Montana Art and Framing, 709 Ronan, Missoula (541-7100), will feature "Changing Seasons" April 1-30 with new works and landscape paintings in oils and pastels by Elene Weege, Stevensville and Teresa Garland Warner, Missoula. A First Friday reception with refreshments April 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 2

Darby Spring Classic

The 3rd Annual Darby Spring Classic 5 on 5 Basketball Tournament will be held Saturday, April 2 at the Darby High School and Junior High gyms There will be four divisions: 5th/6th Boys, 5th/6th Girls, 7th/8th Boys, and 7th/8th Girls. If there are not enough teams. The entry fee is $120 per team, and every team is guaranteed four games. Each team will get 3 “seeding” games, and then a single elimination tourney.

Spectator admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. There will be concessions and the proceeds from the concessions and the event will go toward the athletes from Darby. For more information, visit: HYPERLINK "http://www.darby.k12.mt.us" www.darby.k12.mt.us and click on the link or email Scott Marsh at: scottmarshdarby@gmail.com or call Scott at 821-3252, ext. 1411

Registration deadline is March 30 or when the divisions are full with a maximum of 8 teams per division.

Shriners benefit

A Chair-ity Event sponsored by the Blue Horseshoes to benefit the Shriners will be held Saturday, April 2 starting at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. Admission is a non-perishable food item for Pantry Partners or clothing for The Clothes Closet. Live music will be performed by Los Amigos at 10 a.m, Stevi Strings at 11:30 a.m. and Blue Melon at 1 p.m. Raffles will be held for a pig (Knights of Columbus), a Chevy truck (Special Olympics) and a quilt (Sapphire Quilters). Dragon Brigade will hold a silent auction. The Chairs for Charity Auction will start at 3 p.m. and run until all are sold. Chairs decorated by individuals, families, groups or businesses will be auctioned off. Food will be available from St. Mary’s Youth Group. To donate or for more information call Kim at 360-9767.

Mansion history classes

The Daly Mansion’s History Mystery Team will be hosting History Mystery Classes Saturdays in April at the Daly Mansion, 251 Eastside Hwy in Hamilton. Annually, the Mansion offers historic and cultural classes for the general public, Mansion members and volunteers. Classes include What’s It Worth (April 2) –instructor Don Erdman – featuring facts regarding original Mansion furnishings and items and their 1941 appraisal value. Prohibition in Butte (April 9th) – instructor Dan Driscoll – information regarding speakeasies and moonshine in the wide open city of Butte. Marcus Daly In Nevada (April 16) – instructor Georgia Kay – a reader’s theatre presentation regarding the early days of Marcus Daly. The Making of Our Bitterroot Valley (April 30) – instructor Bruce Gould – presenting a synopsis of the first 80 million years of the Bitterroot Valley from the Ice Age to the first settlers. Classes begin at 10 a.m. in the Trophy Room of the Mansion. The class fee is $5.00 at the door (free to DMPT members and volunteers). For more information, contact Darlene at 363-6004, ext. 4#.

Wednesday, April 6

Breastfeeding class

A free class on breastfeeding will be held Wednesday, April 6 at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 216 College St., Stevensville. Topics covered are: getting off to a good start, breastfeeding basics, supply and demand, working and school success, and more. There will be door prizes. The event is sponsored by Ravalli County WIC. Class instructor is Mary Vermillion CLC, IBCLC, 369-0230, for questions and to reserve your space.

Stevensville Garden Club

The April program of the Stevensville Garden Club will feature Jean Atthowe on “Horticulture Therapy with Native Plants.” On Wednesday, April 6 at 1 p.m. at 409 Buck St. (Baptist Church), Stevensville. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, April 8

Yoga demo

There will be a free therapeutic aerial vinyasa (flow) yoga demo on Friday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at Yoga in the Root, 4071 Eastside Highway, Stevensville. A workshop with Troy Lucero of Seattle follows April 9 and 10. Everyone is welcome. Call 777-7011 for information.

Saturday, April 9

Farmers market vendor meeting

Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op will hold its Annual Vendor Meeting on Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m. in the Corvallis Grange Hall on Dutch Hill Road, just west of the Hwy 93 and Woodside Cutoff intersection.

The business meeting will begin at 1 p.m. with announcements, board member election, and committee reports, followed by yearly vendor registration and booth space assignments.

If you are a current Market vendor and have not received your registration packet or if you are a new vendor who lives in Ravalli County and what you intend to sell is made or grown in Montana, call Laura Craig, Market Manager, at 961-0004 for a vendor information packet and registration form before you come to the meeting.

Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op, celebrating its 20th year, continues to grow, providing a beautiful venue with ambiance where local vendors can sell their healthy produce and unique, functional and enduring wares to the community. If you would like to be part of this, as either a vendor or customer, the market is held on Saturdays on Bedford, Second and Third Streets in Hamilton. The opening market’s May Festival for Kids will be May 7th.

WIC farmer training

Ravalli County WIC will be holding training on Saturday, April 9 at 2:45 p.m. at the Corvallis Grange. This is for all farmers who need to have annual training, or who want to start accepting WIC coupons at markets or farm stands.

Stevensville FFA Banquet

The Stevensville FFA Chapter will hold its annual sponsorship and awards banquet on Saturday, April 9 at 5 p.m. at St. Mary's Family Center in Stevensville. The night will include a keynote address from Congressman Denny Rehberg, a silent auction, a free family style dinner, and an awards ceremony recognizing sponsors and student achievements. For questions or to RSVP contact Josh Perkins at 777-5481, ext. 141 or HYPERLINK "mailto:steviffa2011@live.com" steviffa2011@live.com.

Saturday, April 16

4-H Carnival

Spend your evening at the family friendly community carnival held on Saturday, April 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. All ticket stubs go toward the drawing for an original Pat Baker oil painting. Tickets are good for food and over 15 games. A community dance will follow from 8 to 10 p.m. This annual event supports the local 4-H program. For more information call 375-6611.

Psychic Fair

Kick off First Friday with a "Glimpse into Your Future." A Psychic Fair will be held May 6-9 in Hamilton. This event will offer numerous and diverse psychic arts from a wide variety of skilled practitioners. There will be tarot, astrology, rune, palmistry, energy healing, intuitive counseling, integrative massage therapy and much more. The event will be held at Between the Worlds, 205 W. Main Street, Hamilton. Practitioner applications are being accepted until April 15. For more information call 363-5225 or 370-1054.

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