Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Community Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

Monday - noon lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo at 7 p.m.

Tuesday - line dancing at 9 a.m.

Wednesday - noon lunch, bridge at I p.m., cloggers at 5 p.m.

Thursday - exercise at 9 a.m.

Friday - noon lunch.

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.

Lilies of the Valley

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 611 N. 6th in Hamilton. For more information call Lola, 363-4633.

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton the Woman's Auxiliary meets at 7 pm.

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.

La Leche League

La Leche League is an international mother-to-mother network for moms who want to breastfeed their babies. Bitterroot LLL chapter meets in the North Valley Public Library community room the third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Mothers and children and pregnant women are welcome. Call 239-5039 for more information.

Suicide Loss Support

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 Shaun or Barbara Jo DesJardins, 777-3853.

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.

Saturday Kids Activities

Join the Montana Natural History Center each Saturday at 2 p.m. for a different exciting children’s program. Admission is 50 cents for kids, $1 for adults and members are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs run about an hour to an hour and a half. Great for kids ages 5 and older. The center is located at 120 Hickory, Missoula.

Daly Mansion Holiday Tours

The Daly Mansion invites the public to celebrate the holiday season by touring the mansion. Beautifully decorated for the holidays, the Daly Mansion will be open for tours every Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 22. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided during the Friday evening tours. Entertainers include the Montana A Cappella Society (Nov. 30), Russell Perri (Dec. 7), Tim Shonkwiler (Dec. 14), and the Jack Frost Trio (Dec. 21). Tour prices are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, $5.00 for children 6-17 years, and free for children 5 years and under. For more information, call 363-6004.

SEE Sign Cooperative Learning Group

SEE Sign Cooperative Learning Group meets Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at Active Care Chiropractic in Stevensville. Facilitators are Gayle Thom and Jenn Closson. Admission is a donation toward copies/ink. For more information email Jenn Closson at jennksc@hotmail.com.

Yoga in the Root

Yoga in the Root now offers a night class, beginning Iyengar style, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Stevensville. In addition, there are general hatha classes at 10:30 a.m. Mondays and at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Vigorous ashtanga classes are at 9 a.m. Mondays and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. The program is at Active Care Chiropractic at 504 Main St. Call Jill at 370-9252, or e-mail yogaintheroot@gmail.com for information.

Senior Center bridge

Just a reminder that bridge is a game you can play for life, it is always a mental exercise that keeps our brains and wits sharp. If you don't play yet keep your eye peeled for the announcement of the fall free bridge lessons. These classes will teach you the basics and you can move on from there. If you already play bridge and want to play duplicate bridge, games are on Wednesdays at the Hamilton Senior Center at 1 p.m. You will need to bring a partner or call Judy Dameral at 363-0738. She will assist you in finding a partner.

The Morning Gig

Attention musicians! St. Stephen's is recruiting musicians for "The Morning Gig." At 11 a.m. on Sunday morning, gather at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on Main Street in Stevensville to practice, and then play. Sleep in! Play nine holes! Then come play music. There is a place in the band for everyone - whatever you play, you'll have a spot. If your music teacher is bugging you to practice this summer, come and jam! Just dug your clarinet out of the closet? Here's a place to tune it up. Help everyone be more creative! For more information call Suzanne at 529 6194 or email sartley@bresnan.net.

Florence American Legion

The 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 Russell Vogel, 777-4427.

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.s

Library storytimes

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville offers story times for children ages seven and under on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Volunteer Sandra Wilson shares stories, songs and crafts with children and their families each week. Alternating weeks feature special themes such as letters, numbers or pets. No registration is required. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

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 our 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.

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.

Tax counseling

Volunteer AARP tax counselors will be available to help seniors with their tax returns starting the first week in February. Appointments are available in Hamilton on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. by calling the Hamilton Senior Center at 363-5181. In Stevensville appointments are on Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. by calling the Stevensville Senior Center at 777-5681.

Taize prayer service

A Taizé Prayer Service will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. through March 18 at the United Methodist Church, 216 College, Stevensville. Gathered in the presence of Christ, participants sing uncomplicated repetitive short songs like breath prayers, uncluttered by too many words, allowing the mystery of God to become tangible through the beauty of the Spirit in its simplicity. For more information call 777-5443.

Global Warming, Changing CO₂urse

Interested in joining a Bitterroot study group?

The Northwest Earth Institute, based in Portland, Oregon, has been developing study guides on a variety of topics for over 15 years. Their sense is that the most appropriate responses to the issues will be developed at the local level. For each topic they put together sample reading materials on a topic outline designed for use by the group. Once formed, the group is encouraged to augment their discussion with local resources. Where appropriate, the group can go on to explore local, regional or national level actions. You can go to the NWEI web site (nwei.org) for their mission statement and the topics they have developed to date.

Cary Davis, a Stevensville resident, is interested in starting a discussion group on their most recent study guide, Global Warming. Again, their website spells out the four-meeting outline they propose to cover this topic. Both the topic and the availability of local resources seem apt for the Bitterroot where many individuals have relevant experience.

The best discussions involve people with varying levels of engagement on the topic and a wide range of views.

The calendar for the group will be set at an introductory meeting after 10 indications of interest are received. The only cost for participation is $20 for the NWEI study guide. For more information, you can reach Cary Davis at 406-218-8370 or caryd@aol.com.

The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center has two new displays on exhibit titled: Invasive Weeds and Marmots. Both offer timely and useful information related to the upcoming spring. Of special mention are the papier-mache marmots of Bitterroot Bill, Refuge resident yellow-bellied marmot, made by the Victor school kindergarten (guided by Jan Julin, teacher and Jennifer Ogden, art teacher). By the way, an early spring is predicted by Bitterroot Bill. The Visitor Center is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

‘Food for Fines’

In accordance with Stevensville Main Street Association's March theme of "Helping Pantry Partners," the North Valley Public Library will be offering to waive overdue fines for donations of food. (Food items will not be accepted to pay for fees to replace damaged materials). Pantry Partners representatives stated that their greatest needs are for breakfast cereals, jams and jellies, cake mixes, canned fruits in their own juice, toothpaste and tooth brushes. The Library will be offering Foods for Fines from March 4 to March 8.  For more information, call 777-5061. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.

“Foods for Thought” Seminar will be held at the Blodgett View Christian School, 119 W. Bridge Rd., Hamilton (by the Seventh Day Adventist church). Learn how to eat better, feel better and think better, no matter what your age. Discover how to energize your whole system. The seminar started Monday, March 3 and continues for three more Mondays at 6:30 p.m. For information call Marilyn Albertson, 375-0620 or Vicki Greathouse, 370-8242.

Democratic Central Committee

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the 164 S. 3rd Steet in Hamilton (behind the Exchange Club). The Spring dinner and planning for the 2008 Campaign will be discussed. All Democrats who wish to attend are welcome. For more information contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Lewis & Clark presentation

The Travelers’ Rest Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation will host a presentation by surveyor, engineer, and historian, Bill Weikel, at the Lolo Community Center on Thursday evening, March 6. Weikel will show the equipment they used and discuss how explorers such as David Thompson, Alexander Mackenzie, Lewis & Clark, and John Mullan were able to document and map the lands that they explored. The program will be at the Lolo Community Center, located immediately south of the fire station along highway 93, in Lolo, Montana. The program is free, open to the public, and begins at 7 p.m.

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock division of the Ravalli County Park Board will hold a special meeting on Thursday, March 6 at 10:30 a.m. to meet with the architect to finalize plans for the restroom/concession building. The regular meeting will be held on Sunday, March 9 at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be at the Three Mile Fire Hall and the public is welcome.

North Valley Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 7 at noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy. 93, Stevensville. North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m.  All are welcome.

Model trains running

The Bitterroot Model Railroaders will have their display running on First Friday, March 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. The club’s new home is in the Kohl Building behind Valley Drug and Variety on Main and Third Streets in Stevensville. As always, children are especially welcome.

Chantilly Theatre/Stevensville Playhouse presents "Honky Tonk Laundry," a musical by Roger Bean and directed by local artist, Ken Johnson.

Lana Mae (Beth Schreiber) and Katie (Cara Ayers) are up to their elbows in soap, suds and cheatin' boyfriends at the Wishy Washy Washateria. When these two country angels join forces, they turn their good ol' laundromat into a boot-scootin-boogie honky-tonk, guaranteeing every customer a good, clean time. Come take a ride to Nashville heaven, and get your shirts pressed on the way!

This lively musical features 28 songs including “9-5,” “Jolene,” “Stand By Your Man,” “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,” “PMS Blues,” “Fist City” and many more.

Seating is limited so reserve now. Show dates are Fridays and Saturdays, March 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, March 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $8 for children 12 and under. Reservations can be made by calling 777-2722.

Music at library

Got cabin fever? Want to get out on the town for some feel-good music and singing? Join your friends at the North Valley Public Library to celebrate Stevensville’s First Friday, March 7 from 6:30 until 7:30 pm. Listen to Ray Grenfell sing those old time favorites that you grew up with. Besides being a singer, song writer and guitar player, Ray is also a rodeo announcer, auctioneer and one of the best yodelers in the valley. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call 777-5061.

Student Art Show

The Buffalo Jump Gallery and the Olde Coffee Mill are hosting the 6th Annual Student Art Show during the month of March. The reception will be held on March 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Buffalo Jump with a chance to meet the young artists.

The businesses hosting the are offering a no-commission show for the students so the students can experience what it is like to be a producing artist, having business dealings with galleries and gain an understanding of the commercial art world, including contracts, receptions, responsibilities of the artists and the galleries and the pricing of their work.

Two classes will be participating this year in the show, the Advanced Placement Class, a college level class where the students can earn up to six college credits if they successfully pass, as well as Art 3, an advanced class comprised of juniors and seniors.

The students who are participating in the show are Mitch Glunt, Mike Fisher, Rebekah Fournier, Zach Hudson, Josh James, Ronika Kendall, Bri Klingbieil, Kim Kresan, Sammie Lanoue, Sean Mallow, Andrew Moosman, Katelynn Taylor, Cassandra Zier, Alecia Cartwright, Kim Fisher, Marcy Florence, Kyle Green, Cody Kline, Autumn Morton, Matt Sharpe, Nicole Thompson, Cherrie Turnbull, Christie Vogel and John Roe.

The work included in the show will include pencil, pastel, pen and ink, scratchboard, oil pastel, acrylic, watercolor, collage and pottery.

The students are taught by Mike Mickelson, a twenty-nine year veteran of Stevensville High School.

Live band at the SHEC

Good music, good times will be had on Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. when the rock band Long Story Short will be playing at the SHEC Community Center, Flip Side Skate Park, 116 Bowman Road in Hamilton.  Admission is $4.00 per person at the door, with no alcohol or tobacco products allowed.  Come early!  Opening for the band is the original vocal music and guitar of Haeli Majors.

Museum Sunday Series

Helen Atthowe, horticulturist, speaking about “Drought Tolerant & Native Plants for Landscaping,” will be the presenter for the March 9 Sunday Series at the Ravalli County Museum. It’s time to start planning the garden.

On Sunday, March 16, the results of the Ernst Peterson Photo Contest will be announced, with critiques and criterion discussed by Judges John Muoio and Dianne Hoffman. Refreshments will be served.

Business training seminar

The Stevensville Main Street Association presents “Listening to Your Business,” a comprehensive business training designed by the Kauffman Foundation.

This four-hour workshop will take you and a small group of fellow entrepreneurs through a four-step evaluation and action process designed to enhance your company’s performance, now and into the future including:

• Setting your three-year vision – A series of activities through which you will discover where your business is today and where you want to be in three years.

• Taking a snapshot of your business – A process to determine what stage of development your business is in today (concept, start-up, growth, maturity, innovation or decline) and what stage you want it to be in three years from now.

• Evaluating where you are in the planning process – Assess what plans are or are not in place (feasibility plan, business plan, strategic plan, operational plan) and how they can be adjusted or created to maximize your company’s success.

• Translating your goals into action steps – Nail down the actions and resources that your company needs to reach its three-year vision.

Course schedule: March 11, 6 to 9:30 pm, Stevensville Main Street Office,102B Main Street. Cost: $45 includes materials and refreshments.

Register at: HYPERLINK "mailto:stevimainst@cybernet1.com" stevimainst@cybernet1.com or contact Joan Prather at 406-777-3773.

The training is provided through Montana Community Development Corporation, Small Business Development Center Montana, and Farmers State Bank and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Bitter Root Backcountry Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 13, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Note that the meeting date is one week earlier than usual. Potluck dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. Speakers are members Bill Coward and Ron Raffensperger, who will describe early season trail conditions in the valley. Guests are welcome to attend, and if you have questions, call Karen at 961-0101.

Selway-Pintler Back Country Horsemen

If you are a horseman/horsewoman and you want to ride new trails and help maintain them, attend the Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen’s next meeting which will be held on Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Assembly of God located at 601 W. Main. Entry is on the south side of building and there is parking in the back. The SPWBCH is a small, hard working group of volunteers dedicated to preserving the common sense use of horses in the backcountry. Discussions will include summer trail work, scouting rides and pack trips. Members and guests are asked this month to bring a drink. Snacks will be furnished. For more information contact Joy at 360-6732 or Kathy at 821-0921.

Stevi Museum board meeting

The monthly Stevensville Museum board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be at the Stevensville Museum.

Stevensville Growth Plan meetings

All Stevensville residents are welcome to attend a public meeting on Wednesday, March 19 for input to update the Stevensville Comprehensive Growth Plan.  The Plan was last updated in July of 2002.  Meetings will be held at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Main Street Association Office, 102B Main Street.  

Two meetings have been scheduled to enable as many folks as possible to attend and give their input on the following areas:  community facilities such as utilities, roads, sidewalks, parks and schools; ideas for additions to categories contained in the comprehensive plan; ideas on proposed changes to the rules that guide new residential and commercial development; changes or additions to the top 10 Goals listed in the present plan to protect the treasured attributes of Stevensville; ideas and thoughts about "What is our growth area”; and comments and concerns to address the "character" of the community.   The comments will be recorded and input applied to update the Town of Stevensville Comprehensive Plan.

Copies of the Comprehensive Plan are available at the Stevensville Main Street Office and Town Hall.  If you would like a copy e-mailed to you, call in your request to the Main Street Office at 777-3773.

Your ideas, input and concerns are all important and you will have the opportunity to participate in the process. Mark your calendars and plan to attend one of the sessions on March 19th.

The Stevensville Main Street Association is facilitating this process on behalf and in coordination with the Town of Stevensville Planning and Zoning Committee.

Stevensville Garden Club

The Stevensville Garden Club will host local plant expert and newspaper columnist, Molly Hackett, Wednesday, March 5 at 1 p.m. Molly writes for the Ravalli Republic column, “Dirty Fingernails.” Molly will discuss the pleasures and problems associated with growing plants in our area, including perennials. She will also answer questions from the audience. The presentation will be offered at no cost, will be open to the public, and will be held at the Community Baptist Church, 405 Buck Street, Stevensville. For more information, call JoAnne Gibbons at 961-5642.

Writer’s Focus Group

Come help and create the new Writer’s Focus Group! The first organizational meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 5 in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library at 7 p.m. At this meeting they will discuss the genres of writing they will encompass, how often they’ll meet, and what type of focus and activities that will be included. For more information contact Nansu Roddy at the Bitterroot Public Library at 363-1670 or Beth Nyberg, Wordsmith, at eilisbiggs@yahoo.com.

Democratic Central Committee

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the 164 S. 3rd Steet in Hamilton (behind the Exchange Club). The spring dinner and planning for the 2008 Campaign will be discussed. All Democrats who wish to attend are welcome. If you have any questions, contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Guest Artist Tea

A First Friday "Guest Artist Tea" will be held Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the Blue Parrot, 317 Main Street, Stevensville. Victorian Ladies’ Tea Guild member Ellie Nuno will present a program of early American Parlor Music. Ellie will play tunes from the Jefferson Era and will delight you with historical accounts of the importance of music as a "woman’s activity" in those days of old! A Light Dessert Tea will be served to the guests by members of the Victorian Ladies’ Tea Guild. Advance tickets are $10. Reservations are necessary by calling 777-0520.

Tasting party

Riversong Catering is hosting a tasting party on Friday, March 7, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Yoga in the Root in Stevensville at 217 Main St., suite C. Help choose which organic, fresh dishes will be sold throughout the Bitterroot Valley at retail locations. Come join the party!

International Women’s Day

International Women's Day, March 8, is celebrated all over the world. In Hamilton, all are invited to an informal get together that day, 2 to 3 p.m. at Vicki Bohlig's office, 109 N. 4th St., Hamilton (formerly Sam’s Spade). Bring a memento of an inspirational woman.

Flea market

There will be a flea market on Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th St. Featured will be white elephants, antiques, collectibles, dishes, tools, books, birdhouses and feeders, dolls, jewelry, massages by Cheryl, and baked goods. Sandwiches, soups, dessert and coffee will be served. You can rent a table for $5.00. Call 363-5181 or Bernie at 363-3096.

Mountain Top Ministries

Mountain Top Ministries will be selling items at the flea market at the Hamilton Senior Center on Saturday, March 8. Proceeds are donated to people in dire financial need. Anyone wishing to donate can call Dancing Bear at 363-0323. Past recipients of money raised by Mountain Top Ministries include a single mother of four who has two children with Type I diabetes and no health insurance; the family of a stroke/seizure victim; and a cancer patient. Mountain Top Ministries will also have donated items for sale in the upcoming Action Auction on Thursday, March 20 (call 360-0990 for details). If interested in volunteering with Mountain Top Ministries, attend a business meeting on Saturday, March 22 at 2 p.m. at the Coffee Cup in Hamilton.

Child care provider conference

Child Care Resources will hold its 15th Annual Spring Conference with the theme “Bridging the Gap: Celebrating Montana’s Diversity.” Nationally acclaimed speaker Jack Gladstone will be the presenter. Eight hours of training is available this year on a wide variety of topics. OPI credits are also available for teachers. This conference meets Saturday, March 8, from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. in Missoula. Call Child Care Resources for registration information.

Square dance club

Boots ‘n Calico Square Dance Club will meet Saturday, March 8 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. A class will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Following this class will be a regular dance. Dance level will be mainstream with an occasional plus tip from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Round dances will be provided between tips. The caller will be Ray Dunbar. Club members will supply refreshments. For more information call George Mason, 375-9575, or Cheryl Trams, 777-4209.

Spring dance showcase

The University of Montana Department of Drama/Dance will hold its Spring Dance Showcase March 11-15. Program I will be presented Tuesday, March 11, Thursday, March 13 and Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. Program II will be presented Wednesday, March 12 and Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. Both programs will be shown in the Open Space, PARTV Center on the UM campus. 17 original pieces will be presented featuring choreography by dance faculty, students, program graduates and a guest artist, in an eclectic blend of contemporary dance, traditional modern dance, contemporary ballet and dance theatre. Tickets are $7. For ticket information call the box office at 243-4581.

Stevensville school board

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School learning center.

Natural History Center lecture

“The Careful Art of Tracking Porcupines” is the title of an evening lecture featuring UM grad student Katie Mally on Wednesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. at the Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St (just south of McCormick Park), Missoula. Suggested donation is $3. Did you know a porcupines quills are just modified hairs? Join Mally as she discusses her work on the porcupines of the Bitterroot Valley. She has tracked and collared several of these prickly porkys in order to establish their home range and habitat. Call 327-0405 with questions.

UFO group

The UFO group will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the community room of the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. The topic will be “Relevancy of UFOs in 2008.” For more information call Michael, 642-3928.

Spring pasty sale

The spring pasty sale will be held Thursday, March 13 at the Hamilton Grange Hall. The Democratic Womens’ Club makes 800 pasties which you may order baked or unbaked. Each pasty sells for $3 and contains a complete meal in a pastry full of ground beef, potatoes, onions and spices. The vegetarian option is also available as 100 vegetarian pasties will be made. All orders may be picked up at the Grange Hall between 1 and 6 p.m. on March 13. Place your order with Lisa at 777-3145 or Corrine at 544-8586.

St. Patrick’s Day dinner

St. Mary’s Parish will be serving its annual traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes an carrots on Friday, March 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Family Center, 400 Charlos St., Stevensville. Also available will be Irish stew. Hot rolls, dessert and drink will round out the menu. Cost of dinner will be $7 for adults, $18 for a family of four with children ages 10 to 12. Children ages 5 to 9 will be $3, and children under 5 will be free. There will also be hot dogs and chips available for the little ones. Green beer will be available for adults, with the first glass free.

Chief Victor Days fundraiser

A Chief Victor Days fundraiser will be held Saturday, March 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Victor Senior Citizens Center. The Bitterroot Ragtime Society will be playing late 1800's ragtime/jazz, which is period music for Chief Victor's time. A donation of $10 is requested by not required. This group will also be playing on February 23 at the Hamilton Pub for free at 4 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

The Corvallis United Methodist Church’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner will be held Saturday, March 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost for adults is $6.00, kids under 12 are $3.00 and kids under 5 are free. The church is at the corner of Eastside Highway and Cemetery Road, one mile south ofo Woodside Crossing.

Senior Center breakfast

The Hamilton Senior Center will hold a pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 15, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the center, 820 N. 4th St. Pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, juice, and coffee will be served. The cost for adults is $4.00; kids 12 and under are $2.00. The public is welcome.

Trapper education class

A trapper education class is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office in Missoula. The class will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. To register, contact Joe Miller at (406) 677-3608 or the Missoula FWP office at 542-5500. The class is offered by the Montana Trappers Association and is free of charge and open to all people interested in learning about trapping.  An adult must accompany those under the age of 10. The class will include furbearer identification, regulations, safety, ethics, trapping techniques, equipment, demonstrations and fur handling. Class participants will receive a certificate of completion, the National Trappers Association trapping handbook, workbook and other informational material.

Constitution class

Calling all patriotic, freedom and liberty loving Americans: your nation needs you. A nation not aware of its rights will soon lose them.  Come study the Constitution and arm yourself with the power of truth. A 12-week course on the U.S. Constitution is being offered. The weekly sessions will be followed by a discussion period. Donations will be accepted to offset the cost of the course materials. Classes will be held at the North Valley Public Library on Main Street in Stevensville in the community room directly north of the main library entrance. The first class will be Saturday, March 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. For more information contact Cathy Hitchings, 369-0526.

St. Patrick’s Day at Daly Mansion

Shamrocks are popping up in the Bitterroots! In celebration of Mr. Daly’s Irish heritage, the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust invites you to join them at the Daly Mansion on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17 to celebrate all things Irish.  The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. including a corn beef dinner, music by The Crested Hens, self-guided tours, a Pot-O-Copper 50/50 raffle, and stories in the Billiard Room. Tickets are $25.00 and are available at Mikesell’s Fine Jewelry and Chapter One Bookstore in Hamilton.  Advanced ticket purchases are highly encouraged.  For more information, call 363-6004, ext. 3#.

Childcare provider orientation

Are you interested in learning more about caring for the children of a friend or relative? Child Care Resources can help you create a nurturing environment for children. CCR promotes high quality, readily available and affordable child care for families in Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli counties. Child Care Resources is sponsoring a Legally Unregistered Provider (LUP) Orientation for individuals interested in caring for the children of a friend or relative. The next orientation will be Tuesday, March 18, in Hamilton. Contact Child Care Resources at 728-6446 to inquire about location and details for the next Legally Unregistered Provider orientation.

Methodist Easter events

Stevensville United Methodist Church would like to invite everyone to share the Easter season starting with a Seder Supper, Thursday, March 18 at 6 p.m. RSVP at 777-5443 so a place can be set for you.

On Good Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m., the cantata “Song of the Shadows” will be presented by the adult choir.  This is a beautiful and moving choral work.

Easter Sunday begins with Sunrise Service at 7 a.m., followed by a hearty breakfast in the fellowship hall from 8 to 9 a.m.  An Easter Egg Hunt for the children will be from 9 to 10 a.m. and the Easter Service will start at 10:45 with the children’s choir, the adult choir and the chime choir. Join the congregation in celebrating the joy of Easter.

Stevensville United Methodist Church is located at 216 College. For more information call the church at 777-5443.

Poets for Peace

The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center (JRPC), the UM Students for Peace and Justice (SPJ), the UM Excellence Fund and the Associated Students of the University of Montana present Poets for Peace, an evening of music and readings from the heart for peace in the world, Wednesday, March 19 at at 7 p.m. in the Wilma Theater. Poets for Peace will be a fundraiser for the Montana Military Family Relief Fund. Tickets will be $5.00 at the door. Music from singer-songwriter Amy Martin will start off the event. More than 30 Montana poets will read their work, including Stevensville resident Greg Pape, Poet Laureate of Montana and University of Montana Professor, and Ed Lahey, 2008 winner of the Governor's Award for a lifetime achievement in literature. The other Poets for Peace are: Judy Blunt, Heather Cahoon, Vic Charlo, David Dale, Sandra Alcosser, Philip Burgess, Marnie Prange, Casey Charles, Chris Dombrowski, Roger Dunsmore, Joanna Klink, Gary Lundy, Brandon Shimoda, Deborah Slicer, Prageeta Sharma, Joe McGeshick, Rob Schlegel, John Holbrook, Sheryl Noethe, Jennifer Greene, Mandy Smoker, Mary Jane Nealon, Zan Bockes, Janet Zupan, Melissa Kwasny, David E. Thomas, Robert Lee, Michael Revere and Mark Gibbons.

The Montana Military Family Relief Fund (MMFRF), signed into law in 2007 by Governor Brian Schweitzer, provides monetary grants to families of Montana National Guard and Reserve Component members who on or after April 28, 2007, are on active duty for federal service in a contingency operation. MMFRF grants are intended to help Montana families defray the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services, and other expenses that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.

Montana State Fund Safety Workshop

The Montana State Fund is offering a Safety Workshop in Hamilton on Thursday, March 20 at the Bitterroot River Inn from 8:30 a.m. to noon. You do not have to be a client of the Montana States Fund for you and your employees to attend this workshop, but registration is appreciated so Bryan Page, MSF presenter, has enough material. Call Dale Hanson at Western States Insurance in Hamilton, 363-3543, to register or for more information.

Animal Poster Contest

Montana Companion Animal Network (MTCAN) is looking for kids in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 to illustrate and promote acts of kindness towards animals. Winning posters will be chosen from each grade category, with one overall winner. Posters will become part of the promotional campaign for the 2008 ASPCA Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month this April.

Posters must be on white paper up to size 11” by 14” and the words “Be Kind to Animals” should appear as part of the poster. Entries must have the artist’s name, address and phone number on the back and be received by March 21, 2008. Mail entries to: MTCAN, 458 Warp Drive, Corvallis MT 59828.

Winners will receive a tee-shirt depicting their drawing and the overall winners poster will also appear on the MTCAN website. All entries will be displayed at a community event in April and become the property of Montana Companion Animal Network for use in our educational and fundraising programs. For more information call Mary at 642-3785 or email at info@mtcan.org.

Book discussion group

A group discussion of “13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher will be held Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Chapter One Book Store, 252 Main, Hamilton.  The book concerns issues of teen suicide.

Nature Detectives Camp

Nature detectives study signs and tracks to learn more about animal behavior, they look closely at animal skulls and think about adaptations, and they search for insects as they explore the diversity of life in a field.  Second through fifth grade students are invited to do this and more at the Montana Natural History Center’s Spring Break Nature Detectives Day Camp.  This camp will keep kids engaged in learning and having fun during the break from school with exploration, local field trips, games, and arts and crafts.  Camp will meet March 24-28 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily with extended drop off and pick up hours.  The program cost is $150 for Montana Natural History Center members and $190 for non members. Registration is now open and space is limited. To register, contact the Montana Natural History Center at 327-0405 or learn more at www.MontanaNaturalist.org.

Mining City Hoopfest

The Mining City Hoopfest has been scheduled for March 28-30 in Butte. The tournament will feature divisions for boys and girls in the 5th-8th grades. All teams will play three games in pool play followed by a single loss tournament on Sunday. Games will be played in the Maroon Activities Center, the Butte Civic Center, the Butte Central High School Gym and the McKinley School Gym. The fee to enter a team is $150 per team. Interested teams may obtain information by calling 723-606 during the work week or 498-4538 in the evenings and on weekends.

Farmers Market vendor meeting

Valley Farmers Market Co-op will hold its Annual Vendor Meeting on Saturday, March 29 at the Corvallis Grange just off Dutch Hill Rd at 1 p.m. There will be a business meeting, board member election, yearly registration and booth space assignments. If you are a current vendor, and have yet to receive 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 more information. The farmers market is especially looking for gardeners and mini-farmers who are planting bumper crops they would like to sell to their neighbors and friends at Market. Buy local!  Buy Bitterroot!

Relay for Life

The dates and location for the Relay for Life this year are June 28 at 6 p.m. and June 29 at 8 a.m. at Haynes Field in Hamilton. This year’s slogan is “Together, Let’s Corral Cancer.” If you are interested in having a team, contact Summer Howe, 363-4400 (Sterling Savings Bank). For any general information, contact Bonnie Wickham, 360-4373. “In our lifetime we will see a cure for cancer, not because we wished for it, but because we worked for it.”