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Wednesday, March 25, 2009


Community Calendar


Hamilton Senior Center activities

Monday - noon lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - line dancing at 9 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m.
Wednesday - noon lunch, bridge at 1 p.m., cloggers at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday - exercise at 9 a.m.; pinochle on 3rd week, 1 p.m.
Friday - line dancing at 9:30 a.m., noon lunch
Saturday - pancake breakfast on 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 8-10 a.m.
Sunday – bridge, 1 p.m.

Stevi Senior Center activities

Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Bridge and Special Music, noon.
Monday & Saturday - Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
2nd Tuesday - Quilters, 6:30 p.m.
Every Other Wednesday – Fiddlers at Lunch
3rd Wednesday – Special Birthday Dinner, noon, with music. Blood pressures taken.
Thursday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
1st & 3rd Thursday – American Legion Bingo, 7 p.m.
For more information call the Center at 777-5681 04 777-5707.

Victor Senior Center activities

Sundays - AA meeting, 7 p.m.
Monday-Thursday - Men's Coffee, 8:30-10 a.m.
Mondays & Wednesdays - Exercise, 10-11 a.m.
Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes salad bar, main course, dessert. Seniors $3.25, under 60 years $5.75. (RSVP 642-3320)
Tuesdays - Bingo, 7 p.m.
Wednesdays - Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Fridays - Ladies' Coffee, 10-11 a.m.

Al-Anon

The Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 375-9996.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous classes are held at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville, on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m.

Ask yourself these questions:

1) Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
2) Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
3) After you have won did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
If you answered yes to any of these questions this class might be good for you. For more information call 777-3897.

Narcotics Anonymous

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


TOPS meeting

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

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton. Starting in November, the Women's Auxiliary will meet the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 649 Grantsdale Road. For more information call 363-3889.

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous is a Twelve Step program that deals with eating behaviors. Is one of your goals to reach a healthy weight? This program offers a solution within reach of all those who want to find relief from an obsession with food. It meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 203 Main Street, Stevensville, as well as on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main St., Hamilton. For information, call 777-7160.

Golden Agers

The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck. The Valley Rhythm Boys will play December 26 and Dick Reinbold’s Band on January 2. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. The next business meeting is January 7, following a 12:30 potluck dinner.

Florence American Legion

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

Stevensville American Legion

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

Waldorf Play Group

The Waldorf Play Group meets every Tuesday at Common Ground in Hamilton, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with snack provided. Parents are encouraged to attend with their young children (ages 1 to 5) to explore imagination play, with fairy tales, songs, and seasonal creative activities. All are welcome. Contact Kim Delvo at 369-0213 for more information.

Suicide Loss Support

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

When you suffer a loss due to suicide the grief is overwhelming. Most people don't know "just how you feel." What you can expect from SLS is someone who has experienced a loss from suicide to listen to you privately, or in a group setting. You may choose to be present but it is ok not to speak if you are not ready. SLS cares. Your loss matters and your grief is very real. SLS will support you in every way possible. Contact Brian Cherry, Ravalli County Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator, 360-2708.

SAFE support groups

SAFE, Supporters of Abuse Free Environments, hosts weekly ongoing support groups for women and children. Women’s groups focus on healing from domestic and sexual violence, building self-esteem, inner reflection, creative expression and other topics of interest to women. Come as often or as little as you want. Groups are held weekly on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children’s Groups are held on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children work on self-exploration, boundaries, and conflict resolution. This group is for ages 5 to 12. Teen Group is held every Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This group is for ages 13-18 and focuses on teen issues, dating and healthy relationships. Groups are held at SAFE in the Community Resource Building, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton. Free childcare is available. For more information contact SAFE, 363-2793.

Caregiver coffee break

Are you one of the millions of Americans who help someone else by providing companionship, preparing meals, running errands, driving to doctors appointments or by simply doing whatever needs to be done to assist someone who is ill or homebound? Aspen Hospice recognizes the complexity of caregiving and offers a time of respite. Whether or not the person you care for receives services from Aspen Hospice, you, as a caregiver, can find encouragement, support and information at the Caregiver Coffee Break every Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 230 Marcus Street in Hamilton. Stop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Reservations are not required and coffee breaks are provided at no charge. For additional information, contact Elizabeth at 777-5009.

Singing Lilies group

Any women who enjoy singing two- and three-part harmony to a wide variety of piano-accompanied music are invited to join Lilies of the Valley singing group. No auditions are required for participation. Have fun sharing your time and talent under the direction of Thelma Laws. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 211 N. 6th in Hamilton. For more information call Lola, 363-4633.

WIC clinics

A WIC clinic is offered the first through the fourth Wednesdays of each month at the United Methodist Church in Stevensville, the second Monday of each month at the Church of the Nazarene in Victor, and the third Monday of each month at the Darby Clubhouse. WIC eligibility guidelines are: yearly gross of $19,240 for family of 1 (including unborn child; $25,900 for 2; $32,560 for 3; $39,220 for 4: $45,880 for 5; $52,540 for 6. For each additional member add $6,660.

Sapphire Quilt Club

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

Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast

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

Grief Support Group

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

Dancercize classes

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

Library Storytimes

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville offers story times for children ages seven and under on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. No registration is required. For more information call the library at 777-5061.

Stevensville Awana

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

Lone Rock Awana

Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Rd., Stevensville, invites all children from preschool (age 4) through sixth grade to come to Awana Club every Wednesday from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. at the church. Awana is one of the largest nondenominational children's and youth ministries in the world, focused on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through the local church. Each week the boys and girls will learn Bible verses, have a Bible story time and play organized games. For more information call the church office, 777-2592.

Dance classes

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

Soroptimists

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

Spanish conversation group

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


Work support group

Laid off? Looking for work? Join a new Work Support Group for networking and information exchange Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. at the Olde Coffee Mill on Main Street in Stevensville. For more information, call 360-7002.

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.

Free tax assistance

Volunteer help for seniors and low income residents is now available in Hamilton and Stevensville. AARP trained counselors are available at the Hamilton Senior Center (363-5181) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. Starting February 24, assistance will also be available at the Ravalli County Federal Credit Union (363-4631) on Tuesday mornings. In Stevensville, counselors are available on Thursdays at the Senior Center (777-5681). Help is by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling or stopping in at the location that you prefer. Help is available through April 15, but slots are filling quickly.

New Thought service

Join others for New Thought service each Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. via the internet at the Carriage House, 310 N. 4th Street, Hamilton, to watch Rev. Kathianne Lewis's message from the Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle, Washington. This is a Science of Mind community. Call Barb for more information, 375-9996.

Grace Lutheran school registration

Grace Lutheran Learning Center Registration for 2009/2010 Preschool, Kindergarten and First Grade at Grace Lutheran Learning Center is now underway. Space is limited. For information contact Teresa at 363-1924 or stop by Grace Lutheran Learning Center at 275 Hattie Lane in Hamilton.

Missionary to speak

Patricia Kim, Co-Founder/Director of Christ Reaching Asia Mission, will be sharing her ministry at Light of the Valley in Stevensville on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. According to Dr. C.Y. and Patricia Kim, the Lord has placed a burning desire within their hearts to evangelize and meet the physical needs of people living in the Communist countries of Asia. Opportunities to share in benevolent works opened in China, North Korea, Siberia and Vietnam. Come find out what their faith has allowed them to accomplish. Light of the Valley is located at 103 N. Kootenai Creek Road, Stevensville.

Back Country Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen will meet Thursday, March 19, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. A potluck dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts about 7:00. Information on the March 21 horsemanship clinic will be presented. In addition, representatives from the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) will speak on the Continental Divide Trail, the CDTA, and CDTA work planned for Montana, which includes hiring a Montana regional representative.  Guests are welcome and for more information, call Karen at 961-0101 or 369-0725.

Conversation Café

The Stevensville Family Resource Center invites you to a Conversation Café about the reality of alcohol in our children’s lives on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Internet Coffee Station, 308 Main in Stevensville. Treats and coffee will be served along with stimulating conversation. RSVP to Janet Johnson, Family Resource Coordinator, Stevensville High School, at 777-5481, ext. 151.

Book fair

Corvallis School will hold its Spring Book Fair on Friday, March 20 and Monday-Friday, March 23-26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 to 12:30 p. and from 3 to 4 p.m. A special “Buy One, Get One Free” offer will be in effect. Proceeds help support the school reading program. For more information call 961-3261, ext. 307.

Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 20 at noon at the Frontier Cafe, U.S. 93 in Stevensville. Guest speakers will be Peter Christian and Peter Denault from Talk Back Radio. North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Café. Everyone is welcome. The Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. For more information call Cathy, 777-1618.

Democratic Mule Team Lunch

The Ravalli County Democratic Mule Team Lunch will be held on Friday, March 20 at the Papa Bears Den in the Tammany Square in Hamilton at noon. The featured speaker will be Patti Furness, Manager of the Bitterroot Job Service. She will be speaking on the local impact of the Federal Stimulus Program. All are welcome to attend the lunch. For reservations and questions, call Corrine at 544-8586.

Knights of Columbus fish fry

Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold a fish fry on Friday, March 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. The public is welcome. For more information contact Nick Hooper, 381-1200.

Stevensville Playhouse production

The Stevensville Playhouse is currently presenting John Patrick's "The Curious Savage." This is a warm story of a wealthy elderly woman, Ethel Savage, who is committed to a cozy institution by her three greedy stepchildren. Mrs. Savage takes delight in the fact that her and her late husband’s fortune is safely secured in non-negotiable bonds that only she knows the whereabouts of. When she enters the institution, The Cloisters, the small group she meets there enters her heart. Meanwhile, her three stepchildren will stop at nothing to get their hands on Mrs. Savage's money. "The Curious Savage" is certain to entertain theatergoers looking for a clever plot, a fantastic setting, and a tenacious group of characters who won't be unhampered by deceit. Showtimes are March 20-21 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. The Stevensville Playhouse is located at 316 Main in Stevensville. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. For ticket information call 777-2722.

Dallas Brass concert 

The internationally acclaimed Dallas Brass will be performing at Florence Carlton School gymnasium on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m. This concert will be full of surprises with fun, serious, and intricate pieces suitable for the entire family. Advanced tickets are only $5 for students; $10 for adults, and are available at the school, Florence Pharmacy, Chapter One Book Store and The Music Box, Hamilton, Valley Drug & Variety, Stevensville, Morgenroth Music and Electronic Sound & Percussion, Missoula, or go to moclub.com to buy tickets on-line. The Dallas Brass is a nationally renowned brass ensemble “that has established a unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion, which creates a performing entity of extraordinary range and musical challenges. The Dallas Brass repertoire includes classical masterpieces, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood, and patriotic music.” The Middle School and High School students will be a part of all day clinics and practice sessions that are both highly educational and entertaining. At the end of at the end of the day, each band will take to the stage to perform a selection with the Dallas Brass in the community concert. Florence Carlton band director, Jennifer (Schumaker) Kirby, a graduate of Stevensville High School, hopes to provide students an opportunity to enhance their involvement in a life-long learning and love of music.  

Pancake breakfast

A pancake breakfast will be held Saturday, March 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Menu will be pancakes, French toast, bacon, juice, fruit and coffee. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. For more information call 363-5181.

4-H Tack Swap

The Barnyard Bunch 4-H Club will be having their 5th annual tack swap Saturday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lone Rock School, 1112 Three Mile Creek Rd, northeast of Stevensville, off of Eastside Hwy. Food and drinks will be served. Come and get some great deals.  For more information contact Theresa at 777-3000.

BEAR Venture program

BEAR’s Bitterroot Venture program runs activities with experienced mentors for youth aged 12-18. BEAR will be continuing to offer SK8 Camps once a month. Sign up now for the March 21st trip. Space is limited; call 375-9110 for more information and to register. BEAR’s mission is to inspire youth to connect with their own potential, their community, and the landscape through experiential and outdoor adventure programs. Transportation can be provided.

Community meal

A free Community Meal will be held Saturday, March 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 402 Church Street, Stevensville.

Square dance club

Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a clothing sale and dance on Saturday, March 21 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. Fourth. The mainstream instruction will continue at 6 p.m. Following this will be the annual Square Dance Experienced Clothing Sale from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The dance level will be mainstream with plus tips. Rounds will be provided between tips. Club members will provide a variety of treats for refreshments. Our caller will be Ray Dunbar. For more information call Dee Terrill, 961-1728 or Jeanne Burruss, 961-3468.

Book group

A “Brown Bag It” book discussion group will be held Thursday, March 26 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library. “People of the Book: A Novel” by Geraldine Brooks will be the topic. The event is free and everyone is welcome. For more information call 363-1670.

 

Pasty sale

The spring pasty sale, sponsored by the Ravalli County Democratic Women’s Club, will be held Wednesday, March 25 at the Rocky Mountain Grange. The pasties will be made with organic beef and the usual mix of potatoes, onions, carrots and spices, and may be ordered baked on unbaked. There is also an option for 100 vegetarian pasties. First come, first ordered. Place your order early with Lisa at 777-3145 or Corrine at 544-8586. Pasties may be picked up at the Grange Hall south of Hamilton in the afternoon between 1 and 6 p.m.

Horse euthanasia service

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

Hospice volunteer training

Looking for a meaningful and valuable volunteer experience? Consider becoming a Marcus Daly Hospice Volunteer. A comprehensive volunteer training program is about to begin. Learn ways you can provide patient support, assist families, engage in the community and lend a helping hand. Marcus Daly Hospice Volunteer training is scheduled for March 26 and March 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. and on March 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The volunteer training 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 life education opportunity. For more information or to enroll in Hospice Volunteer Training, call Margaret Beattie, Marcus Daly Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 375-4713.

Home & Property Educational Series

Horticultural questions will be answered and small acreage problems will be solved at a series of classes organized by the Department of Agriculture and local nurseries, feed stores, and agencies. The first class will be held Thursday, March 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Corvallis Grange. The topic will be Range & Pasture. If you are interested in attending, or if you have questions about this class or the other classes that will be offered throughout the summer, call 777-5842.

Foreign film series

“Ben X” will be the next film shown in the adult foreign film series at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. The film will be shown Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. in the west meeting room. “Ben X” is a Belgian film with English subtitles directed by Nic Balthazar and is about a boy with Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism that prevents normal communication and makes ideal fodder for all the school bullies. This film is intended for mature audiences. For more information call the library at 363-1670.

Stevi kindergarten registration

Stevensville Elementary School will be having kindergarten registration and Child Find (free health screening for ages 0-6) on Friday, March 27 in the elementary gym from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students must be 5 on or before September 10th to register. Bring a copy of their immunization records and birth certificate. Call to school an appointment at 777-5613. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred.

Valley Christian school Roundup

Valley Christian School, a non-profit, interdenominational Christian school, will be hosting a Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup on Friday, March 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. for children entering preschool or kindergarten in the fall of 2009. Bring your child and get a great view of early childhood education. Valley Christian School, 2526 Sunset Lane in Missoula, serves families from a 45-mile radius. Call 549-0482 for more information.

Back Country Horsemen state convention

The Back Country Horsemen of Montana will be holding their State Convention March 27-29 at the Red Lion Colonial Inn in Helena. The theme of the convention will be Traveling in the Back Country and chapters from around the state will have displays of their activities with information, handouts, and member applications.

Vendors, both inside and outside at the Colonial Inn, will be open to the public and will offer back country and general stock items such as electric fencing, tack, camp supplies, trailers, farm and ranch equipment; also clothing, collectibles, hardware, etc. Vendor hours will be Friday 1-8 pm, Saturday 8 am-6 pm, and Sunday 8 am-noon.

A raffle with prizes totaling nearly $2000 will include a Silver Bullet Tent Stove; Decker Pack Saddle; Counter Assault Electric Bear Fence; 3‚x4‚ Plasma Cut Metal Ranch Sign; and a Poulan Pro Chain Saw. Raffle tickets are $3 each, $5 for 2, or $10 for 5. You do not need to be present to win. There will also be a photo contest with a variety of categories.

For further information or to buy raffle tickets, contact Darlene or Neil Horne at 406-458-9858 or email to mules2ride@msn.com. Convention sponsored by Last Chance Back Country Horsemen chapter of Helena.

Dinner theater to benefit fire department

Mark your calendars for Friday, March 27, the date of the Stevensville Fire Department’s annual fund raising event and dinner theater. This year will feature a production of "Honky Tonk Laundry” as well as the annual raffle. The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Family Center. Cost is $35.00 per person or $30.00 with a table of 8. The menu will be premium barbeque steaks with salad, baked potato, baked beans and dessert. Seating is limited to 200 so get your tickets early. Tickets are available at Stevensville Feed & Farm and Valley Drug. For more information or questions call Terri at 880-2492 or Crissy at 360-6789.

A raffle will be held in conjunction with the dinner. Tickets are $1.00. First prize is half a beef.

The money raised from this event is used to purchase equipment for local firefighting efforts and emergency medical services. The dinner theater proceeds will be used to purchase CPR training mannequins which are used in a CPR community education program. The costs for these training mannequins is $2500. In previous years, the department has purchased medical equipment, protective clothing and improvements to the training facility.

Last year was a very busy year for the Stevensville Fire Department. It has stepped up to provide initial response on all medical calls within the Town and Fire District. This has dramatically increased the response volume. Volunteers have performed with dedication to provide improved care for community residents. The department’s goal is to provide a minimum of six firefighters and medical responders on each emergency medical call, which means more volunteers are still needed. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, call Lee Henderson at 239-1872.

The Stevensville Fire Department responded to 513 calls in 2008. Of those, 85 were fire related, 344 were EMS and 55 were motor vehicle crashes. There are currently 43 firefighters on the roster including all four stations. Volunteers have logged 4461 hours in training and support in 2008.

Rodeo Club Banquet

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

‘Great Turning’ meeting

 Interested in living well on less money?  Everyone is invited to come watch the DVD "Escape from Affluenza." In it, the famous Joneses (whom everybody tries to keep up with) call it quits. The DVD follows them as they learn from people in many walks of life how to live happily on less by escaping the national epidemic of "affluenza"--the disease of stress, debt and overwork.

This is the second gathering of The Great Turning in the Bitterroot Valley. The group works at strengthening our community so we may all thrive in the challenging years to come by creating networks committed to the health of our children, families, communities and natural systems.

The Great Turning Planning Committee will facilitate discussion and networking with refreshments to follow. Come find support for the challenges we all face and share your hopes and knowledge Friday, March 27, from 7-9 p.m. in the meeting room at First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Call Veronica Lassen, 363-3076 for more information, or visit www.thegreatturning.net.

Farmers Market vendor meeting 

Valley Farmers Market Co-op will hold its Annual Vendor Meeting on Saturday, March 28 at the Corvallis Grange Hall at 1 p.m. There will be a business meeting, board member election, yearly registration and booth space assignments. The Grange Hall is located on Dutch Hill Road just west of the Hwy. 93 and Woodside Cutoff intersection. If you are a current vendor and have not received your registration packet, or if you are a new vendor who lives in Ravalli County and 50% of the wholesale value of your product is added here in Montana, and you would like to have a booth at the market, call Laura Craig, Market Manager, at 961-0004, for a vendor information packet.

Yoga & physical therapy class

A yoga and physical therapy workshop will be held Saturday, March 28th from 1 to 5 p.m. in Hamilton. Kristin Green, physical therapist and Amy Kraft, yoga educator, will help you broaden your knowledge about your anatomy and demonstrate techniques that you can use for your well-being and relieve any physical discomfort. Learn breath work, relaxation techniques, and tips for improved posture, agility, flexibility and strength. Cost is $55. To reserve your space, contact Amy at 546-6922 or amykrft@yahoo.com.

Victor Community Church dinner

The Victor Community Church is sponsoring a Ham and Baked Bean dinner on Saturday, March 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.  The proceeds will be used to aid people in the valley who need help. The dinner will consist of ham, baked beans, salads, corn bread, muffins, pies, coffee, tea. The cost is $4.00 for adults over twelve and $2.00 for those under twelve. Five and under are free. The church is the white church on the corner of 5th and Martin.

4-H Carnival

The Ravalli County 4-H will be having its annual 4-H carnival on Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Corvallis School Gyms. You can purchase tickets from your local 4-H members. Food and drinks will be available, lots of games and a silent auction. The public is welcome.  For more information contact Heather Hudson at 240-6419.

Stevensville Garden Club

The Stevensville Garden Club meets at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. The April 1 meeting will feature a critique of “Flower Designin a Basket”; another teaching program for Fair entries. For more information call JoAnne Gibbons at 961-5642 or Carolynne McCormick at 777-5319.

Florence Clean-Up Day

There will be a highway/community clean-up day in Florence on Saturday, April 4, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., sponsored by the Florence Civic Club. Anyone interested is invited to attend, and the event qualifies for community service hours for students at Florence High School. Participants will be treated to ice cream or soda at Café Firenze after the clean-up. Volunteers should bring gloves and meet at the Town Pump parking lot at 12:30 to pick up bags and safety vests. This clean-up will focus on the trails along US93 and the Eastside Highway. Call 396-7300 with questions.

Communication class

A Compassionate Communication weekend workshop, based on Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication, is being presented in Missoula in April. Learn to inspire cooperation and resolve conflicts so that everybody wins. Create more satisfying relationships with your partner, children, and co-workers by understanding the needs behind what anyone does or says. Learn to listen so others are really heard. Reconcile strained relationships. Express your truth with respect. For more information and to register email: veronica@veronicalassen.com or call 363-3076.

Western Classic basketball tourney

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

Telephone pioneer luncheon

The spring luncheon for the telephone retirees will be held on Wednesday, April 8 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. All members and their spouses are invited to this no-host luncheon. RSVP by April 6 to Ellen at 353-3889 or Alberta at 821-1956.

Birth doula training

Birth doula training with Birth Mama childbirth educators will be held April 24-26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Happy Mama Yoga Studio in Missoula. Call 251-4401 for more information.

UM garage sale

The University of Montana is the place to be on Saturday, April 25, for those who want to sell or buy items at the “World’s Largest Garage Sale.” The sale will be held, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the lower level of UM’s covered parking garage, located on Campus Drive near the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library. For $20 sellers get two parking spaces, each 9 feet by 18 feet, to display items for sale. Additional parking spaces may be purchased for $10 each. The semiannual event brings in hundreds of shoppers. It is a fundraiser for the UM Advocates, an organization of more than 100 members who provide volunteer labor for campus functions. Registration forms are available online at http://www.umt.edu/sa/umadv or can be picked up at The Source at the University Center. For more information call 243-4636. 




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