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.

Lutheran preschool registration

Grace Lutheran Learning Center is now enrolling students for preschool and kindergarten. Grace Lutheran Learning Center provides a high quality Christian education while nurturing the whole child’s development. Call now to register, space is limited. Call 363-1924.

Guitar workshop

A free guitar workshop on country thumb-finger picking will be held Wednesday, April 23 at 4 p.m. at The Music Box, 612 N. 1st Street in Hamilton. M. Missouri Clem, a local musician, will present examples of the styles of Mother Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, and Chet Atkins. The workshop will also include a short lesson on how to play country, finger-thumb-style guitar picking. You may bring your guitar for the lesson if you wish. For more information call 961-4949.

Hamilton Players production

The Hamilton Players will be performing the musical comedy "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" April 17 through 20 and April 24 through 27.

"I Love You…" is a riotous journey through the spectrum of the modern male-female relationship. With charming lyrics, a lot of laughs, and a few sobs the show visits the topics of dating, friendship, lovers, husbands, wives and children.

This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, and to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?” This performance contains some adult themes and language. Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and the Sunday performance begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 reserved seating and are available at the Hamilton Playhouse box office. Box office hours are Monday-Friday 2 to 6 p.m., performance Saturday 10 a.m. to noon, and one hour prior to show time. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 375-9050 during box office hours.

Trout Unlimited

Pat Munday from Butte will present a program on the Big Hole River at the Thursday, April 17 Bitterroot Trout Unlimited meeting. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Club, 203 S. Bedford St in Hamilton. The Big Hole has been alternately referred to as "Montana's Last Best River," and the "Most Perfect Trout Stream." Pat Munday, a professor at Montana Tech, stands out as one of strongest advocates for this special river. Active for decades in both Trout Unlimited and the Big Hole River Foundation, Pat knows this river, its people and its secrets as well as anyone, and has written the book "Montana's Last Best River: The Big Hole River and Its People". Plan to attend the meeting to hear Pat's unique perspective on a great stream which is only a couple of hours from Hamilton. This will be the last chapter meeting until next fall. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge for admission. For information, call Bill Bean, 363-6158.

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 17, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. The program is a showing of the Back Country Horsemen of Montana's DVD on the history, mission and activities of the organization and its state chapters. Guests are welcome to attend, and if you have questions, please call Karen at 961-0101.

Human rights talk

What would it be like to be a mother of six children and to risk your life by defending human rights in war-torn Colombia? Find out on Thursday, April 17.

Maria Ruth Sanabria lives in a region that is being ripped apart by the war in Colombia and she will share her experiences during a visit to Hamilton on Thursday, April 17. She will give a presentation, “Women Waging Peace in Colombia,” at 7 p.m. that evening in the First Presbyterian Church at 1220 W. Main St.

Sanabria was elected to the Arauquita municipal council in the state of Arauca in October 2007. As she was traveling with the mayor and other council members on January 26, their caravan was attacked by the guerrillas and four police escorts were killed. The next day, Sanabria, her spouse, and their six children abandoned the home they had built and moved into a small apartment for better protection.

In addition to the threats from the guerrillas, Sanabria has also been threatened by the government security forces. Her first husband was assassinated because of his involvement with a political party that opposed the policies of the Colombian government.

“Arauca is a very beautiful and fertile state that is being destroyed by the war and the oil corporations,” said Sanabria. “I want my children to be able to live in peace and to enjoy the rivers, estuaries and grasslands of Arauca. Instead of sending more weapons, we ask that the U.S. government use your tax dollars to provide support for schools, health care and decent housing – in Arauca, as well as Montana.”

The U.S. government is providing Colombia with $1.5 million per day in military aid – some of which is being used to protect Occidental Petroleum’s oil exploration and production activities in Arauca. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly documented the human rights abuses committed by the Colombian military.

Sanabria is the president of the Arauquita municipal human rights commission and a board member of the Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights. She is being accompanied by Scott Nicholson, a former Montana resident who has been in Arauca since July 2006 documenting the human rights situation in the region. The presentation will include some of his photos of Arauca.

The presentation is sponsored by the Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance, Montana Human Rights Network, Lutheran World Federation, and Community Action for Justice in the Americas.

Corvallis American Legion

Corvallis Post #91 of the American Legion will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Corvallis High School Library.

This month the Corvallis American Legion will elect its Executive Committee for the upcoming 2008-2009 year. The Executive Committee consists of the three members (3 Executive Committee members) in addition to the 9 officers of the Post (Post Commander, 1st Vice Commander, 2nd Vice Commander, Post Adjutant, Post Finance Officer, Post Historian, Post Chaplain, Sergeant-At-Arms, and Post Service Officer). The Junior Past Commander is the only non-elected Executive Committee member. All elections of officers and executive committeemen shall be by ballot and the candidate or candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the respective office or offices for which they are candidates.

The chairman of the nomination committee, Dick Sublet, is taking nominations for the executive committee at this time. To make a nomination call Sublet at 408-888-4660 or leave a message at 961-4527. Any member (in good standing) of Corvallis Post #91 of the American Legion, Department of Montana, Inc. is eligible for nomination.

In addition, this year’s American Legion Boy State delegates will be introduced at this meeting. All Post #91 members are encouraged to attend this meeting.

For more information contact Doug Mason, (406) 546-4244.

Used book sale

The Missoula Branch of the American Association of University Women will be holding their 48th annual Used Book Sale from Thursday, April 17 to Sunday, April 20. The four-day event will take place at the Orchard Homes Country Life Club, 2537 S. 3rd St. West, Missoula.

A portion of this year’s booksale proceeds will go to support the Central Asian Institute (www.ikat.org), an organization created by Bozeman AAUW member, author, and humanitarian, Greg Mortenson. Mortenson’s mission is to help build schools and libraries in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mortenson’s New York Times best-selling book, “Three Cups of Tea, One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time,” tells the story of his challenges and rewards in helping to establish over fifty schools in many mountainous communities in several Central Asian countries affected by conflict, poverty, and earthquakes.

Used Book Sale hours are April 17, noon to 8 p.m., April 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

AARP driver safety class

AARP is presenting its driver safety program on April 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton. Your must attend both days. Fee is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Contact Jones Korman Insurance Agency at 363-6583 for registration information. The next class will be May 22 and 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. There is no written test. Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates.

Stevi kindergarten registration

Stevensville Elementary School will hold Kindergarten Registration and Child Find (free health screening for ages 0-6) on Friday, April 18 in the elementary gym from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students must be 5 on or before September 10 to register. Bring a copy of their immunizations records and birth certificate. Call to schedule an appointment, 777-5613. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are preferred.

Ballet performance

Ballet Bitterroot Performing Arts, Inc. will presents a ballet, “Chi Ling and the Dragon King” along with “Anything Goes” (Jazz, Tap) performances on April 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at Chapter One Bookstore and at the door. For more information call 961-1818.

Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, April 18, at noon at The Frontier Cafe, U.S. 93 in Stevensville. There will be a speaker on the right to work. North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. All are welcome.

Lions Club benefit

Do you want to get rid of old or unwanted eyeglasses, hearing aids, and cell phones? The Hamilton Lions Club will be glad to take them off your hands during the Spring Fair in Hamilton, April 18. Just find their booth, and drop off your unwanted items.

While visiting the booth, check out the ATV being raffled off for a fund raiser. Only 1,200 tickets at $10 each will be sold for a 2008 Polaris Sportsman 500. The drawing will be Saturday, August 30, at 5 p.m. at the Lion’s Club booth at the Ravalli County Fair.

Used eyeglasses are collected, refurbished and distributed to Third World countries to help people see. Locally, the Hamilton Lions Club spends over $7,000 a year to help people in the valley that need eyeglasses and eye exams. Hearing aids and cell phones are also collected and recycled.

Help Lions Club continue to serve the sight and hearing needs of our community by recycling your eyeglasses, hearing aids, and cell phones, and buying a chance on the ATV.

Democratic Mule Team Luncheon

The Ravalli County Democratic Mule Team Luncheon will be held on Friday, April 18 at noon at The Exchange, upstairs at the Banque Club on Main Street in downtown Hamilton. All of the local Democratic candidates have been invited. There will be a discussion of the necessity of the local upcoming school levy elections with representatives from Hamilton and Stevensville School Districts. All are welcome. For reservations, call Corrine at 544-8586.

Pancake breakfast

A pancake breakfast will be held Saturday, April 19 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The menu will be pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, fruit and coffee. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for ages 12 and under. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 363-5181.

Stevensville Wedding Stroll

The Stevensville Main Street Association will host a Wedding Stroll in Stevensville on Saturday, April 19. Brides, wedding parties, family and friends are welcome. Over 30 businesses are participating.

The event will kick-off with registration at the Stevensville Playhouse (formerly Chantilly Theatre) at 11 a.m. At that time brides may register to participate in the stroll, pick up their welcome bags and enjoy refreshments. At 12 noon they will be treated to a program of music, fashion and information.

The Stroll will continue until 3 p.m. and brides will have opportunity to visit all the participating businesses. Each business participating in the stroll will be giving away prizes and there will be a grand prize drawing valued at $500.00.

The grand prize will include a gift basket filled with American Express gift cards courtesy of Missoula Federal Credit Union and Ravalli County Bank, gift certificates courtesy of participating businesses, mini-facial, "wedding" tea gift set and more!

For more information contact the Stevensville Main Street Office at 777-3773.

Teller to celebrate 20th anniversary

Join The Teller to celebrate its 20th anniversary and Earth Day on Saturday, April 19. Volunteer stewardship projects will take place from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Projects will include riparian planting, houndstongue removal, building willow exclosure, fence removal, cattail removal and outdoor cleanup. Volunteers must sign up for projects by April 16; lunch will be provided for registered volunteers only.

The Teller 20th anniversary celebration will begin at 1 p.m. at the Slack Barn in Corvallis. The public is invited to attend this celebration to honor The Teller founders, present Teller’s Volunteer of the Year award, and recognize young conservationists. Kate Davis of the Raptors of the Rockies and her fabulous teaching team of raptors will be featured. There will be something for everyone--don’t miss out on this special day!

The Teller is a private non-profit conservation organization, founded in 1988 by Otto Teller. The mission is to inspire, educate and demonstrate conservation in action. For information or to sign up for projects, contact Lauren at The Teller office at 961-3507, or email lauren@tellerwildlife.org.

‘4-R-Pets’ Day

Come join the fun as Montana Companion Animal Network (MTCAN) celebrates Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month on Saturday, April 19 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th St., Hamilton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn the "4 R's" for pets: Responsibility, Respect, Resolve and Resourcefulness, see all the poster contest entries by area kids and visit with organizations that can help protect your pets: Bitter Root Humane Association, Fox Hollow Animal Project, Ravalli County Animal Protection & Control Board, Footloose Montana and Montana Companion Animal Network.

On site will be information on spay/neuter, humane education, housing with pets, pet care, feral cat rescue and animals available for adoption. To promote National Pet ID Week, pet owners can purchase Ravalli County Licenses for dogs, Hamilton City Licenses for dogs and ID tags for dogs and cats at $4 each. To purchase licenses pet owners must have proof of Rabies Immunization and for discount pricing must have proof of spay/neuter. Micro chipping for dogs and cats will also be available at a special price of just $25 which includes chip registration.

MTCAN invites all pet owners and pet lovers to take advantage of "4-R-Pets" day with great bargains, refreshments and door prizes. For more information go to www.mtcan.org or call Mary at 642-3785.

Evergreen Kid’s Corner auction

Evergreen Kids Corner in Hamilton will hold its Annual Live & Silent Spring Auction on Saturday, April 19 upstairs at the Banque Club in Hamilton (The Exchange), from 6 to 10 p.m. All are welcome to come and enjoy entertainment by the Joan Zen Duo, complementary hors d’oeuvres, and a no-host bar. Over 130 local and Missoula business have donated this year.

EKC is a non-profit/parent-run cooperative, which emphasizes individual growth, socialization and hands-on learning experiences. Spring Auction is the major fundraiser for EKC, and the purpose is to raise funds for curriculum, new programs, teacher salaries etc. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information call Barb at 363-7403.

Re-cyled Art Show

Art City reopens with its 10th Annual Re-cycled Art show in honor of Earth Day 2008, a group show of art made from recycled, repurposed or reused materials. Visual and conceptual artists of all ages are invited to submit work by April 19. An opening reception will be held on Friday, April 25 from 4 to 7 pm. Also this year Sam's Spade is sponsoring an outdoor art contest in the garden at the O'Hara Place, 111 S. 4th St., in honor of Earth Day. Contact Sam at 363-1293 for details. Art City is a cooperative gallery featuring work by local artists. It is located in an historic first generation building in downtown Hamilton at 407 W. Main St.

Buddhist fundraiser

Ewam, a local Tibetan Buddhist center, is hold a fundraiser and auction on Saturday, April 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Stensrud Building, 314 N. 1st in Missoula. There will be music by Tibetan nun Ani Tsering Wangmo, Bhutanese musician Goen Tshering and local group Gospel From the Well, as well as food, wine and auction items. Cost is $15 and proceeds go to fund the Tibetan Buddhist Center and Garden of 1,000 Buddhas. For more information call Jennifer, 240-4249.

Glass recycling event

The Glass Pulverizer will be visiting Missoula for a one-time event on April 19 and 20 in celebration of Earth Day 2008. Glass collection and crushing will be held under the Higgins Street Bridge at Caras Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Glass donators are urged to have clean glass presorted by color (green, clear, amber/brown) and be prepared to take their containers (boxes, bags, totes, etc.) back home with them. "Flat" glass such as mirrors and broken window glass cannot be accepted. Glass crushing will be held in conjunction with the Clark Fork River Cleanup on Saturday, and the Missoula Urban Demonstration Project's Earth Day Celebration on Sunday. Put your unwanted glass to good use. The pulverized glass, called cullet, will be available in small amounts through MUD and will be used in the new Missoula Federal Credit Union building. They still need 17 tons - help get there, start saving up your glass now! Challenge you and your friends by having your own glass drive competition or help a local business collect their glass! Volunteers are greatly appreciated, sign up with Aubree Durfey now. For more information or to volunteer, contact Missoula Urban Demonstration Project (MUD) at mud@wildrockies.org or 721-7513.

Conservation easement forum

“Forever is a Long, Long Time” is the theme of the Conservation Easement Forum sponsored by Montanans for Multiple Use, to be held in Bigfork on Saturday, April 19, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. with open ended panel discussion with audience participation following the official program. Topics will include reports on state audit and resulting legislation pertaining to lands under conservation easement, trends in land control and management, and the Open Space program for rural America. Joel Kretz, a prominent Washington state representative, will be a guest speaker. He has been actively involved in property rights through the Washington Farm Bureau, the Washington Agriculture Legal Foundation and the state legislature acting on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

The meeting location is Crossroads Christian Church, on Hwy 35 between Hwy. 82 and 83, Bigfork. Attendees may meet informally for dinner Saturday evening after the forum.

All aboard!

April 19th is the third Saturday in the month and the Bitterroot Model Railroaders have their layout humming and chugging in the Kohl Building behind Valley Drug in Stevensville. Admission is always free and kids are always welcome. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pancake breakfast

Corvallis American Legion Post #91 has selected Frances Curdy to serve as the Grand Marshal of the 88th annual Corvallis Memorial Day Parade. Frances is a past president of the Corvallis American Legion Auxiliary Unit 91. In 2008 Corvallis American Legion Auxiliary Unit 91 is celebrating their 70th anniversary. Corvallis Post #91 is honoring all of the auxiliaries’ past presidents. The Corvallis American Legion Post #91 will serve breakfast Saturday, April 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Corvallis High School lunchroom located off the Eastside Highway. Corvallis American Legion Post #91 commander Doug Mason will introduce Frances as the 2008 Corvallis Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal at 9 a.m.

Saturday Discovery Days

“Beyond Birding: Understanding Bird Language” is the topic of Saturday Discovery Day on Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How do the fox, coyote, and bobcat so often move through the landscape unseen? How can the old buck detect people from a far distance and sneak away before they even get close? The answer can be found in understanding the language of birds, a system of communication of bird behavior, body language and calls. Join Elliott Parsons, UM PhD Student in Wildlife Biology, as he goes beyond basic bird identification by discussing the five types of calls made by birds, different alarm calls and how these calls spread as well as how they affect wildlife. Learn how to become “invisible” to the birds as you walk through the woods so you can have wildlife experiences you never thought possible, such as walking unseen by a sleeping coyote. These skills will open up your eyes to new possibilities for observing the natural world and for enriching your experiences outside. Cost is $20 MNHC members, $25 non-members

Space is limited. Registration is required. Call 327-0405 for more information.

Class available for 6 OPI credits.

Square dance club

Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a Fiesta Dance on Saturday, April 19 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The class will take place from 6 to 8 p,m. Following this class there will be a Fiesta Theme Dance. The dance level will be mainstream with a plus dance occasionally. The caller will be Ray Dunbar. Club members will provide fiesta-type finger food for treats. For further information call George Mason at 375-9575 or Cheryl Trams at 777-4209.

Philipsburg Main Street visit

The Stevensville Main Street Association invites you to sign up and take a trip to Philipsburg, on Sunday, April 20. The group will be transported by bus to Philipsburg where they will be welcomed by Shirley Beck - Philipsburg's cheerleader, shaker, mover, co-owner of The Sweet Palace and Sapphire Gallery. Visitors will then have a chance to enjoy all the sights and shops that make Philipsburg a special attraction. The bus will leave from the Stevensville Main Street Association office at 9 a.m., so be at the office by 8:30 a.m. Anyone interested in a day of fun, food and great company can call the office to sign up. Cost is $5.00 per person. For more information call 777-3773.

Assembly of God speaker

John Steele, member of the Mike Hagen Strength Team and former youth pastor at Light of the Valley Assembly of God, will be the guest speaker on Sunday, April 20 at 10:30 a.m. John will share his ministry with the congregation. Light of the Valley is located at 103 N. Kootenai Creek Road, Stevensville.

Audubon meeting

Ravalli County voters passed a $10 million open lands bond in November 2006. Bitterroot Audubon’s April meeting will feature a presentation entitled “The Open Lands Bond Program” by John Ormiston, member of the Ravalli County Open Lands Board. John, a retired wildlife biologist and also President of the Bitter Root Land Trust Board, will present a short power point description of the history and implementation of the Open Lands Bond Program designed to protect working farms and ranches, water quality

and wildlife habitat. The primary use of the bond money will be to defray the costs of placing conservation easements on open land in Ravalli County and to assure the retention of open lands with conservation value. In addition, we will view a stunning film entitled “Wetlands” by Jeremy Roberts, an ecologist and third year graduate student in Science and Natural History Filmmaking. The meeting is on Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters located at the north end of Hamilton, 1801 N. 1st Street. The public is invited to attend. Enter the building from the west side. Contact Kay Fulton for

further information at 642-3794.

Missoula Brain Support Group

The Missoula Brain Injury Support Group will hold its 6th annual pizza party social on Monday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fireside Sandwich and Pizza Shop at the Stevensville Junction. Join brain injury survivors for a great social chat and fun. The event is open to all TBI survivors and caregivers from Missoula and Hamilton and the surrounding area. For more information call Kala Conway, 721-3000, ext. 2155.

Republican Women’s Club

The Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club monthly meeting and luncheon will be held Tuesday, April 22, at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The County Commissioners will be the speakers this month, talking about their jobs in general and the zoning issue in particular. The meeting is open to all who wish to attend. For lunch reservations, call Karolyn at 961-5207.

Arbor Day Celebration

The Stevensville Garden Club is preparing to welcome tree advocates at the Stevensville Arbor Day Celebration on Tuesday, April 22 at 11 a.m. at Lewis & Clark Park in Stevensville. Mayor William H. Meisner has proclaimed April 22 to be "Arbor Day 2008 in Stevensville." Four maple trees will be planted in the park to commemorate this event. The Stevensville Garden Club will provide Stevensville Elementary School with numerous tree-related educational materials. Ceremony activities will include brief presentations by a town official, local plant expert Molly Hackett, the American Legion Fort Owen Post 94, and Stevensville elementary students.

"Everyone is invited to be a part of our celebration of Arbor Day here in Montana's oldest town," said Amy Ling, this year's Arbor Day coordinator. "This is a way to learn more about the wide variety of trees in our area while learning about the spirit of environmental stewardship fostered by Arbor Day Founder, J. Sterling Morton."

More information on Arbor Day can be found at www.arborday.org. For more information on Stevensville's Garden Club, contact Amy Ling at 531-1731.

Resource Advisory Council

On Tuesday, April 22, UM research scientist Faith Ann Heinisch will present a program at the Ravalli County Resource Advisory Council (RAC) meeting entitled "Implications of Climate Change for Forests of the Northern Rockies" that will focus primarily on the Bitterroot National Forest Service. For more details, contact Wayne Hedman.

Library toilet paper cutting ceremony

The public is invited to join the board, staff and Friends of the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville for a toilet paper cutting event to celebrate the grand opening of our two new bathrooms (each equipped with baby-changing tables and accessible to people with disabilities). The ceremony will take place Tuesday, April 22 (Earth Day) at 1 p.m. to honor the use of recycled building materials donated by Home Resources of Missoula.

The construction and installation of the bathrooms was made possible by grants from NorthWestern Energy and the Stevensville Community Foundation and by donations from the Friends of the North Valley Public Library. Library Board members David Anderson and Rita Faulkner and Friends President Beverly Helrich were involved in the coordination of the project with library staff.

The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main St. in Stevensville. For more information, call 777-5061.

UM drama presentation

The University of Montana Department of Drama/Dance is pleased to offer “The House of Blue Leaves,” a Tony Award-winning black comedy. “The House of Blue Leaves” runs in the Masquer Theatre of the Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center on campus April 22-26 and April 29-May 3, at 7:30 p.m.

John Guare's surreal lampoon reveals the absurdity of a blue-collar American family and their grotesque obsession with celebrity. Set in Queens during the Pope's 1965 visit, the plot follows the misadventures of a dissatisfied zookeeper who dreams of Hollywood songwriting success. Three wayward nuns, an AWOL soldier's farcical terrorist plot, and the zookeeper's unbalanced wife—aptly named Bananas—contribute to the hilarious confusion of this darkly comic satire.

Guare will be on campus during the run of his play to give a lecture through the President's Lecture Series at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 25,2008. He will also give a seminar earlier that day, hold a Master Class in playwriting with Drama/Dance students, and, of course, see the production.

Call the Drama/Dance Box Office at 243-4581, M-F from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to reserve your seats today!

Fort Owen presentation

There will be a public presentation by Don Merritt, Master's student at UM, on the Archaeology of Fort Owen on Tuesday, April 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the University Center Room 332. The public is welcome.

Sierra Club outing

The Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club will hold a joint outing with the Rocky Mountaineers to learn more about the Milltown Superfund Cleanup on Tuesday, April 22. Meet Russ Forba, Milltown Project Manager for the EPA, who will show participants what is left of the Milltown Dam and explain what other cleanup activities are visible from the bluff. The EPA wants to get a rough idea of the number attending, so call Steve Schombel at 721-4686 a few days ahead of time; also call if you need directions or would like to carpool.

Book signing

On Wednesday, April 23, at 7 p.m., Mary Clearman Blew will read from her new novel, “Jackalope Dreams,” at Chapter One Book Store, 252 Main in Hamilton.

Customer service training

Can you name a successful business that does not make their customer service a priority? The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce invites all area businesses and organizations to attend the interesting and useful customer service seminar Passport to Service. Every employee has an impact on the customer. By broadening every employee’s skill base, businesses will benefit and so will our visitors!

Passport to Service will broaden every participant’s skill base by exploring ways to connect with customers and build a positive reputation; learning the skills of an effective travel counselor; identifying resources available in their community; building skills for tactful and effective communication with challenging customers and co-workers; understanding the economic impact of tourism in Montana; and committing to personal steps to make a difference.

The three hours of very interactive training will involve exercises with direct application to your business; the Tourism Speaks presentation; a Montana map scavenger hunt; real-life service examples to examine; and scenario discussions to resolve service challenges.

The trainer for this Passport to Service seminar will be Lisa Jones, a popular Montana speaker and trainer. Lisa has an extensive background in customer service training and a broad range of businesses in Montana’s tourism industry. She is focused on bringing you concrete information and ideas applicable to your organization and your community to take away and implement immediately.

A Passport to Service seminar is coming to Hamilton at the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce (105 East Main Street) on Thursday, April 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. The fee is $25 per person. The seminar is hosted by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber. Pre-register by calling Pat Easley at 363-2400. All participants are encouraged to bring brochures and information about their business or organizations to share with other participants.

Head Start Ice Cream Social

Ravalli Head Start invites all community members to attend its annual Ice Cream Social and Kindergarten Readiness Fair, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Head Start Center at 81 Kurtz Lane. Join Head Start children, families, teachers, and community volunteers for an open house featuring children’s displays and interactive projects, activities to promote kindergarten readiness and an informal ice cream social. Come and learn more about this cost-free pre-school program. For more information call Anne Anderson at 363-1217, ext. 14.

Draft zoning map open houses

Over the past several months, citizen-based Community Planning Committees and other interested parties have been telling County officials how they want to see the Bitterroot grow. Armed with a ream of residents’ letters and a roll of hand-drawn maps illustrating each community’s vision for future development, Ravalli County has been working with its consultant, Clarion Associates, to craft a new proposal for maps and standards that could lend more guidance and predictability to incoming growth. Now, the County is preparing to host a series of public events that will give citizens the chance to tell planners and officials whether they “got it right”, and give guidance as to how the proposals should be changed for future editions.

The “Draft B” countywide zoning regulations, released earlier this month, incorporate many of the changes that citizens requested after reviewing the first draft. Among other changes, the new draft features enhanced incentives and opportunities for agricultural landowners, more relaxed standards for accessory uses and mobile homes, and a process for rectifying claims of regulatory takings without going to court.

Ravalli County will host a workshop on Thursday, April 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall, where citizens will have a chance to tell the County’s team of planners whether the Draft B regulations adequately addressed their initial suggestions and concerns.

Shortly after this workshop, there will be an opportunity for citizens to see how the draft regulations might work together with a draft zoning map to guide growth in the Valley. The County is currently making its first attempt to convert each community’s vision into a draft map of proposed zoning district boundaries. An open house scheduled for Saturday, April 26 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Victor High School multi-purpose room) will give citizens the first of many opportunities to tell the County whether the “Draft 1” maps accurately reflect their preferences for future growth.

To discuss the maps in more detail, the County will host a follow-up workshop on Tuesday, May 6. Clarion will return to Hamilton for a public discussion at the First Interstate Center of the Ravalli County Fairgrounds from 7 to 9 p.m. A brief open house will precede the event from 6 to 7 p.m., so that citizens may study these initial proposed maps prior to the formal discussion.

Under the guidance of citizens and landowners, the County will continue to refine the draft regulations and maps through mid-summer, when the official consideration and adoption process is anticipated to begin. Citizens are asked to submit comments on the Draft B regulations by May 16, and on the Draft 1 maps by May 23. Citizens have stated that any plan must ultimately be “homegrown,” so public input on the proposals will be critical.

More information is available by contacting the Ravalli County Planning Department at 375-6530, e-mail planning@ravallicounty.mt.gov, or visit www.ravallicounty.mt.gov/planning.

Art show and reception

A show by photographer Richard Paup will open Friday, April 25 at The Frame Shop & Gallery, 325 Main St, Hamilton. A reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

and the show will be on display for two months. Everyone is welcome.

Dance performance

River Street Dance Theater presents "Alice in Wonderland" on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton High Performing Arts Center, 327 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. All the famous Lewis Carroll characters are included in this production: White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Caterpillar, Queen of Hearts, a baby that turns into a pig and even dancing lobsters! The 2nd half of the show titled "Dance Kicks" includes selections in tap, jazz, modern and ballet. The entire show is two hours including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are on sale at Chapter One Bookstore in Hamilton. Prices are $7 adults, $5 students and seniors, $3 preschoolers. For more information call 363-1203.

Community Garden Volunteer Day

The Daly School Community Garden is hosting a volunteer work day on Saturday, April 26 beginning at 10 a.m. The garden provides community garden plots, produce for Haven House, and Hamilton's schoolchildren with and educational garden. The volunteer day will be a spring cleaning, so bring gloves and wear work clothes. A chili lunch and treats will be provided for volunteers. No gardening experience is necessary, just a desire to be part of a unique outdoor project with good people! The Garden is located behind Daly Elementary School off of Kurtz Lane. For more information call Ellie Currey, 381-2564.

Lipids screening

Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is offering a free Lipid Profile/Cholesterol Screening to all community members ages 18 and up. The screening will include Glucose and HDL, LDL, Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Chol/HDL Ratio. It will be Saturday, April 26 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. in conference rooms B & C at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Enter through the Hospital main entrance and proceed down the hall to the right. Drink plenty of water but do not eat or have caffeinated drinks 8 to 10 hours prior to the screening. Test results will be mailed to you within one week. For more information, call Marcus Daly Laboratory Services at 375-4415.

Child Care Provider Parade

Child Care Resources announces the First Annual Parade of Child Care Providers and Family Fair on Saturday, April 26.

The Parade of Child Care Providers will feature tours of high quality early learning environments in our region from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be free to the public and will occur concurrently in Missoula and Ravalli counties. Maps are available at Child Care Resources or at the Family Fair.

In conjunction with the Parade of Child Care Providers, CCR will hold a free Family Fair at McCormick Park in Missoula from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. that will include community-wide resources for parents, such as child car seat installation information, school readiness, vision screening and more. There will also be games and snacks for the children.

Stevensville Cleanup Day

To celebrate Earth Day and to demonstrate their civic pride, citizens of Stevensville will hold their annual Cleanup Day Saturday, April 26. Volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. at the Stevensville Main Street Association office to be assigned to various work crews. Duties will include gardening, litter pickup, painting benches and tables and maintenance of drip irrigation systems. Volunteers will be provided with a lunch sponsored by Stevensville Feed & Farm. Stevensville Main Street Association is located at 102 Main Street. In addition to the Spring Clean Up day on April 26, the Town of Stevensville will be picking up yard debris the week of April 21-25. If you have trimmings, prunings or other yard debris, leave in the alley or on the curb in front of your house. No plastic or garbage will be picked up. To volunteer or for more information, call Tracey Smith at 777-1102.

Dance performance

Corvallis American Legion Auxiliary Celebration

The Corvallis American Legion Auxiliary Unit #91 will hold its 70th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. Guest Speaker will be Sergeant Major Tom Grymes at 3 p.m. The afternoon will include refreshments, a short program, and a display of their accomplishments during the past seven decades. Everyone is invited to the celebration to be held at the Corvallis United Methodist Fellowship Hall, 356 Corvallis Cemetery Road, Corvallis. For additional information, call Tori at 363-0467 or Linda at 961-3999.

Shriners ‘Shoot for Kids’

Hamilton Trap Club will host the Shriners "Shoot for Kids" on Saturday, April 26. The charity shoot will consist of two events which include the shot gunning games of trap, wobble, doubles, 5 Stand and an Annie Oakley Shoot-Out. Shooters will enjoy lunch and be competing for trophies and great prizes thanks to the generosity of local businesses throughout Ravalli and Missoula County. This fun shoot is open to the public and shooters from novice to expert are welcome. Minors must have a parent or guardian with them throughout the event. All the proceeds from the shoot will go to the local Shrine Club to assist them in their mission of providing transportation costs to Western Montana young patients and their families to Shriner Hospitals for treatment. Shooter registration opens at 8 a.m. and squads will begin shooting at 9 a.m. The Hamilton Trap Club is located two miles east of Hamilton on Airport Road. For event or pre-registration information call Mary Gehl at 642-3785 or to make a donation call Chuck Basacker at 777-5876.

Square dance club

Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a class and dance on Saturday, April 26, at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The class will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a regular dance. The dance level will be mainstream with a plus dance occasionally. The caller will be Ray Dunbar. Club members will provide treats. For more information call George Mason, 375-9575, or Cheryl Trams, 777-4209.

Jane Goodall to speak

Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian, will deliver a “Reason for Hope.” at 6 p.m. Monday, April 28, at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at Montana State University. There is no admission charge to Goodall’s MSU Wallace Stegner Lecture, but seating is limited. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a United Nations Messenger of Peace, began her landmark study of chimpanzees in Tanzania in June 1960 under the mentorship of anthropologist and paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey. Her work at what was then called the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve became the foundation of primatological research and redefined the relationship between humans and animals. In 1977, Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues the Gombe research and is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. The institute also is widely recognized for establishing innovative, community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and the Roots & Shoots education program, which has 8,000 groups in 96 countries.

Driver’s education class

Stevensville High School will hold signs-ups April 28 through May 7 for the next driver’s education series which will be held approximately May 12 through June 25. Any student who is at least 14-1/2 years of age by May 28 or older from Stevensville High School or any home school in the valley is eligible. Cost is $250. The first information meeting for students of Stevi High will be Wednesday, April 30 at 12:10 p.m. in high school room #3. Out-of-district and home school students may register by calling John Munk at 777-5539.

Chess Club

The North Valley Public Library Chess Club will hold its monthly play on Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library community room on Main Street in Stevensville. All levels of play are welcome. For more information call Ian Root at 777-5587 or the library at 777-5061.

Driver services special hours

The Stevensville Driver Services office will be open April 29 through May 1 during the following hours: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Due to the fact that there will only be one person in the office on these days, drive tests will be given only when there are no other customers in the office.

Business seminar

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce invites Bitterroot Valley businesses to attend a special evening with Shirley Beck on Wednesday, April 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s City Hall located at 223 S. 2nd Street. Co-owner of the Sapphire Gallery and Sweet Palace in Philipsburg and a strong proponent of making the best use of Montana’s town centers, Beck will be sharing real-life stories about businesses that “do what they do best” by working together and individually to promote and improve their communities. The evening will also include a post-presentation reception. The cost is $5.00 per person. To register, call Pat at the Chamber at 363-2004 or stop by the Chamber office located at 105 East Main Street. The presentation is sponsored by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism and Marketing Committee whose mission is: to promote tourism as an industry for further economic development and to implement projects that support the goal of establishing the Bitterroot Valley as a tourist destination.

Wellness lecture

Pat Bowen, Wellness Therapy Practitioner and Emotional Release Journey Coach, will present a free lecture, “Love Letters from Heaven,” on Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. Bowen will present her persona1 experience of communications from “the other side" after the death of her husband through automatic writing which healed her life and directed her to her current healing work. Her message is that the Heavens are open and all of us can communicate with those on “the other side," most importantly, God himself. Her story is one of faith, miracles and hope. If you have ever lost a loved one, are presently grieving over a loss, are currently suffering as a loved one is preparing to pass or wonder about the welfare and activity of your loved one who has already left this life, her story and experience could bring peace and comfort to your soul. If you feel lost and confused about the direction of your own life or have fallen victim to addiction because of traumatic events in your life, Bowen offers hope of a bright new future, one uniquely designed for you by your creator. Life will take on new meaning as you busy yourself with your very own life purpose.

Montana Wobblies’ May Day Celebration

The Montana Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)—a.k.a. “the Wobblies”—will host two days of events celebrating May Day. Worldwide, May 1 is a holiday dedicated to the historic and current movement for human emancipation, and the on-going struggle of the working class. This year, Missoula will join in this celebration and help recognize and honor those without whose labor society could not exist. The IWW—a radical union dedicated to a truly democratic society—has been at the forefront of this struggle, and is inviting all to join in for two days of education, organizing, entertainment and action.

Thursday, May 1

5:00pm Gather at Kiwanis Park for rally and socializing

6:30pm March to the UC Theatre, U of M campus

7:30pm Showing of the documentary film “The Wobblies”

Friday, May 2

5:00pm Free Speech Fight, gather at the corner of Front & Higgins to exercise your right to free speech in public space

7:00pm Organizing Fair, upstairs at the Union Club

8:00pm Benefit Concert for Utah Phillips featuring singer/songwriter Mark Ross and Friends. Tickets $8-15.

Dance performance

In celebration of May First Friday, Elenita Brown and her dance students will perform at the North Valley Public Library beginning at 7 p.m. The performance theme will be "Catching Rhythms" and will feature dances choreographed to Corelli, Wynton Marsallis, Streetbeat, traditional French songs, Bizet's "Carmen" and flamenco rhythms. Admission is free. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call 777-5061.

Botanical illustration art sow

On Friday, May 2, plan to visit the Montana Natural History Center between 5 and 8 p.m. to view original botanical illustrations by local artists. Students from Nancy Seiler’s popular botanical illustration classes will show off their work for the entire month of May at the Center. Art will be available for purchase with a percentage benefiting educational programs at the Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St., Missoula. Don’t miss this chance to see these beautiful works of art! For more information, contact Jessie Sherburne at 327-0405 or Nancy Seiler at 370-1254.

Artist Reception

Rocky Mountain Bank in Stevensville will be hosting an artist’s reception on First Friday, May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Lisa Archer’s silk paintings are the featured SASS works in the bank lobby through the month of May. The artist will be in attendance before, during and after the annual Pie in the Big Sky Auction at 3rd and Main Streets.

Used Art and Jewelry Sale

The Stevensville Historical Museum will hold its annual Used Art and Jewelry the first weekend of May at 213 Main (formerly Sacajawea Gallery). Dates and times are Friday, May 2, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and and Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a "Pre-Sale" Party for all donors on Thursday, May 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. For donations before the event, call 777-3928. All proceeds benefit the Stevensville Historical Museum.

Post-abortion retreat

A Rachel's Vineyard retreat for women and men struggling with the psychological or spiritual pain of abortion is scheduled to take place May 2-4 at a private location between Helena and Missoula.

According to Theresa Burke, PhD, author of the Rachel's Vineyard retreat, many women and men seek help anywhere from five to 20 years after their abortion, suffering for years in confusion and silence.

"Rachel's Vineyard offers a chance to get away from all the daily pressures of work and family and focus on this painful time in your life through a supportive and non-judgmental process," said Burke, who added that married couples, mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings, as well as persons who have been involved in the abortion industry have come to Rachel's Vineyard in search of peace and inner healing.

Rachel's Vineyard has grown substantially since it began as a handful of retreats in 1994. About 500 retreats will be offered this year throughout the United States and Internationally. Burke said Rachel's Vineyard is growing because it is an extremely effective program for deep, inner reconciliation and healing.

"Do not continue to live in shame, fear or numbness," Burke said. "This is a beautiful gift you can give to yourself. The weekend is a unique process designed to release deep feelings of anger, ambivalence, grief and guilt that frequently accompany an abortion experience. The process is extremely helpful for those who struggle to forgive themselves or others. The weekend will help your soul find a voice and transform the pain of the past into hope."

According to Burke, Rachel's Vineyard is a "therapy for the soul," which combines psychological and spiritual healing through a unique and creative process.

The retreat fee is $150 which helps to cover the costs of the room, meals and retreat materials. Participation is confidential and open to all.

For more information or to register, call Susan Gliko at (888) 456-4673 or e-mail SusanMTRV@msn.com.

For more information about the symptoms of post abortion trauma, visit the Rachel's Vineyard website at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

Holy Spirit Conference

The 26th Helena Diocesan Catholic Holy Spirit Conference will be held May 2-4 at Carroll College in Helena. The conference begins Friday evening and will end with a closing Mass on Sunday.

The Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Bishop of Helena, will be giving a brief welcome to kick off the conference on Friday night. The theme for this year’s conference is “Moved by the Holy Spirit, we encounter Christ.”

The conference will feature some excellent speakers, celebration of Eucharist on Saturday and Sunday, and a healing service on Saturday night. The sisters of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary’s music ministry will lead a time of praise and worship throughout the weekend.

Mother Adela Galindo, founder of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, will be the keynote speaker. She will be speaking on “The Word Became Flesh by the Power of the Spirit.” In addition, Sister Juana Maria Sanchez will also be speaking. Additional speakers include Father Eric Gilbaugh, Parochial Vicar for the Cathedral of St. Helena Parish, Father Marc Lenneman, Director of Campus Ministry at Carroll College in Helena, and Brother Bob Fishman, Director of Faith Formation and Religious Education at the Cathedral of Saint Helena Parish.

This year’s conference has something for the entire family. Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Doug Tooke, will be the leader of the youth tract along with his CYC board in conjunction with assistance from Sister Maria Jose Socias and Sister Silvia Tarafa of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Kelly and Matthew Fischer of Helena will head up the children’s ministry by providing fun and faith filled activities throughout the weekend.

Adult and youth registration is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.diocesehelena.org" www.diocesehelena.org. Registration is also available at the door the weekend of the conference. For more information contact Donna at 406-442-5820, ext. 16.

Film on sprawl

Peter Rosten, the Democratic candidate for the state House of Representatives from the Darby area, is bringing the film “Subdivide and Conquer” to the Pharoahplex Theater on Saturday, May 3 at 12 noon. According to a press release about the film, suburban sprawl consumes more than two million acres each year. The film reflects how sprawl impacts peoples’ lives in cities, suburbs and towns, and what some people are doing to change the way we grow. The 56-minute long film is narrated by Dennis Weaver and was shot in Colorado, Montana, Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico and Utah. This is a great opportunity to become further educated on a topic relevant to all Ravalli County residents.

Women's Flyfishing Clinic

Put down the vacuum and grab your fly rod, gals! The 6th Annual Women's Flyfishing Clinic is on Saturday, May 3 at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor Center. The class will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $50 and includes a Trout Unlimited membership and a catered lunch. Class topics will be casting techniques, entomology and fly selection, knot tying, choosing the right equipment, river and fish biology, and local Bitterroot River knowledge. All levels are welcome! Sign up at Fishaus Tackle (behind Vann's in Hamilton). For more information contact Jenny West at 363-3397 or Bill Bean at 363-6158.

Women’s career seminar

Stuck between a rock and a hard place? Join Soroptimists of Hamilton for the free Stepping Stones To Success Career Seminar for Women and Girls on Saturday, May 3 at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fifth in the Options For Women and Girls Series, the event will include a dozen professional women speakers from widely varied fields presenting information about their self-sustaining career paths. They will be giving advice and information on how to become employed in those fields. Also, packets will be handed out including information on education, training, job skill requirements, and career path information. Attendees will also receive resume and interview tips. Drawings throughout the day will include a $500 You Go Girl Scholarship. Lunch, beverages, and snacks will be provided free of charge. Also, free childcare is available upon reservation. To register, call St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 363-3025 or pick up a brochure and registration card at the Bitterroot Job Service Workforce Center located at 333 W. Main in Hamilton. Soroptimists is a world-wide non-profit service organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls.

Catie Curtis in concert

Catie Curtis, described by The New Yorker magazine as a “folk-rock goddess,” will perform in concert on Friday, May 2 at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center (PAC). This will be the final PAC performance of the 2007-08 Season. The vivid songwriting of Catie Curtis combines insightful lyrics with soulful strumming, a sweet falsetto voice, infectious energy and a social conscience. In her own style of stripped-down modern folk, her songs entail emotional narratives of the human experience, including those about domestic violence, corporate greed, religion, political irresponsibility, homelessness, peace, and gay issues. Unlike artists whose careers are generated by one hit song, Curtis has garnered a fan base through word of mouth – without music industry hype – and is enjoying a flourishing career alongside the other great female singer-songwriters of her generation, including Dar Williams and Mary Chapin Carpenter, with whom she has toured. The Friday, May 2 concert will begin at 8 p.m. with doors open at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, on sale now at $12.50-$17.50, visit the web at www.hamiltonPAC.org or call the box office for tickets (Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.) at 375-6074.

Pro-planning film to air

Peter Rosten, Democratic candidate for the state House of Representatives from the Darby area, is bringing the film “Subdivide and Conquer” to the Pharoahplex Theater on Saturday, May 3 at 12 p.m. According to a press release about the film, suburban sprawl consumes more than two million acres each year. The film reflects how sprawl impacts peoples’ lives in cities, suburbs and towns, and what some people are doing to change the way we grow. The 56-minute long film is narrated by Dennis Weaver and was shot in Colorado, Montana, Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico and Utah. This is a great opportunity to become further educated on a topic relevant to all Ravalli County residents.

Fort Harrison Day of Prayer

The 57th Annual Observance – National Day of Prayer, “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield, will be Thursday, May 1 at the Naval Reserve Operations Center at Fort Harrison. The 4th Annual Prayer Breakfast will be at 7 a.m. Cost is $7.00.

The 8th Annual National Day of Prayer event will be at noon with no charge. Guest speaker is Very Reverend Stephen Brehe, Rector and Dean of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. Special music will be by Joe and Paula Forrest, Alicia Aldrich, St. Andrews School Children's Choir. Breakfast tickets available: Helena Chamber of Commerce (442-4120), Cornerstone Christian Bookstore (443-1991), Volume I Books, Bibles & Gifts (442-7950). At the door by RSVP only (475-3766).

Valley Farmers Market

The Farmers Market in Hamilton begins this season on Saturday, May 3 at 9 a.m. with a grand Spring Festival celebrating children!

Local day schools and kids’ programs will host activities, including face and flower pot painting, weaving anklets, and planting veggie starts. Look for them on the Museum lawn along with Maypole dancing! Judy and Tom Dempsey will get our juices flowing with polkas and country swing.

Located on Bedford Street by the Museum, the Market is also filling up Third Street with new local vendors and the Food Court. Breakfast specials will include pancakes and Belgian waffles, as well as baked goods. For lunch, welcome back to BBQ sandwiches, burritos, and tacos, lots of coffee and other hot drinks and the Museum’s best deal on freshly popped popcorn!

The Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. till 12:30 p.m., from May 3 through September 27. Community Health Fair Day will be August 16 and the Craziest and Biggest Vegetable Contest will occur Sept. 29. A local artist is being sought who is willing to take on the challenge of carving a giant pumpkin into a work of art ~ performance art at its finest!

The Bitter Root Valley Historical Society has scheduled Bitter Root Day for Saturday, June 7 and Apple Day for October 4. These events are expanded markets for the benefit of the Museum and its efforts to preserve history and culture in the Valley .

If you live in Ravalli County and 50% of the value of your product is made in Montana and you would like to sell at the Market, call Market Manager Laura Craig at 961-0004 for more information.

Come enjoy the fruits of local labor from the farm, studio and kitchen - fresh locally grown produce and handmade arts, crafts, furniture and more. Live local music every Saturday. Shop locally – shop Bitterroot!

Off Road User Assn.

Ravalli County Off Road User Association monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot Ridge Runners groomer shed, 663 Grantsdale Road in Hamilton. All members and anyone interested in joining are encouraged to attend. For directions or questions contact Mike at 642-9079 or 544-5027.

HCA golf benefit

Hamilton Christian Academy, an interdenominational Christian school, is in full “swing” organizing its eleventh annual “Golf Classic” 100-hole golf marathon. The marathon will be held Monday, May 5 at the Linda Vista Golf Course in Missoula. Fifteen golfers will tee off at 7 a.m. Each player must commit to self-sponsorship of $1 per hole and to obtaining additional sponsorship pledges. They have also committed to playing golf for a day, with a goal of playing 100 holes in approximately 8 hours. Proceeds go to scholarships for children who attend HCA or wish to attend HCA. For more information call 363-4534.

Figure Skating Showcase

Missoula Figure Skating Club’s 11th Annual Showcase on Ice will be held May 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Glacier Ice Rink. This year’s theme is “Ice…Camera…Action!” featuring music from great movies. This year’s show will include a variety of performances by local and guest skaters from around the Northwest of all ages and abilities. Members of MFSC’s “Learn to Skate” program will be performing group numbers and MFSC skaters who have moved on to competitive skating will be performing in solo and group numbers. The MFSC coaches will also be performing both as a group and as soloists demonstrating the finest Missoula has to offer in figure skating. MFSC’s annual Showcase on Ice provides MFSC skaters the opportunity to perform for the community and also serves as a fundraiser for the Club. For more information contact the MFSC information line at 543-5889 or visit www.missoulafsc.org.

Singles trail ride

A trail ride for singles ages 18-100 will be held Saturday, May 17 at Bass Creek, between Florence and Stevensville. Bring your own horse. Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. with the leaders heading out at 10 a.m. sharp. There is a "meet and greet" potluck after the ride. Those with last names starting with A-L bring casseroles or salads with dressing; M-Z bring drinks and napkins. The rest will be provided. For more information call 406-546-9838 or email 2trailsbecome1@live.com.

Museum exhibit

Ravalli County Museum is opening a new exhibit, starting May 10, entitled “Always and Never the Same, A Cultural Glance at Early Twentieth Century America.” This exhibit is on loan from Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation, Deer Lodge, and was curated by Lee Silliman. It consists of historic photographs and oral history Quotations from residents of the areas depicted. There are over 50 photographs taken by Othoi Hartley and Howard Thompson. The Ravalli County Museum is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

AARP driver safety class

AARP is giving a driver safety class at the Stevensville Senior Center on May 22-23. Hours are 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. each day. You must attend both days. Cost is $10 per person. Montana mandates an auto insurance discount for qualified graduates. The course is designed primarily for drivers 50 and older. Preregistration is required by calling Western States Insurance at 777-5005.

Canine Cuisine Class

Concerned about commercial pet food and snacks? There will be a fun and educational morning class on preparing wholesome, holistic pet food for your furry best friends. The teachers are experienced canine/feline chefs, Mary Wulff and Jeanie Notti-Fullerton. The cost is $15 per person and includes recipes, handouts, snacks and laughs. The class will be held Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Animal Essentials, 1369 Hwy 93 N, two miles N of Woodside. To reserve your seat call 370-0699 or 369-0025.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

Ravalli County Environmental Health Department will sponsor the county’s first-ever Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, at the north lot of the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.

Materials accepted include free-of-charge include: oil-based paints and stains; used solvents (paint thinners and degreasers); rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries (alkaline batteries can be thrown away); aerosol paints (small amounts can be sprayed on cardboard and empty cans may be thrown away); fertilizers, pesticides no longer registered for use by EPA; used motor oil, antifreeze and gasoline; and fluorescent bulbs.

Materials accepted for a fee include: Unwanted pesticides currently registered for use by EPA, mercury, caustics, poisons, strong acids (nitric, sulfuric, hydrochloric), and chlorinated solvents. County residents will be charged one quarter of the county’s disposal costs or about $3.50 per gallon based on volume of container. Businesses and out-of-county people will pay disposal costs of about $14 per gallon.

Materials not accepted include: Latex paint, which is considered non-hazardous; computers, televisions or other electronic waste, which can be taken year-round to Pete’s Palmer Electric in Missoula; and car batteries, which can be taken to any store that sells them.

The HHW Collection Event will run from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Materials should be sealed in their original container if possible, or in a leak-proof plastic container. Glass containers should be wrapped in cloth, newspaper or other packaging material to prevent breakage. Containers should be placed in a cardboard box in the trunk of the car or in the bed of a pickup – away from passengers.

Event patrons will be asked to remain in their cars, and volunteers will handle the hazardous materials. Containers will not be returned.

Donations will be accepted, and all unspent money will go toward next year’s event.

For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact the Environmental Health Department at 375-6565.

Zoning open house

An open house for the public will be held Saturday, May 17 at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to drop in anytime during those hours to find out what has been done thus far in the zoning process for Ravalli County, and the Stevensville School District in particular. Draft of the recently proposed County zoning map will be available, as well as Draft B Regulations. Stevensville Zoning Committee members will be available for questions and information about what has occurred in the process thus far. An opinion poll and suggestion box will be available, so all public input can become part of the process/ Everyone in Ravalli County is invited, but particularly those living in the Stevensville School District who have not been involved yet in this process, and who want to find out what is going on with zoning in Ravalli County. Plan to attend so that everyone can have their input and be heard in drafting the final maps and regulations.

Christian speaker to visit

Jeff Fenholt, who played Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and was the lead singer in "Black Sabbath" and was in other death/metal/rock bands, will be performing free concerts in Victor May 31 and June 1. Fenholt used to be into witchcraft, the occult, alcohol and drugs. Jeff will show you how anyone and everyone can get set free from all kinds of bondages and addictions, no matter what they may be! Do you want to be stronger than stress? Mightier than depression? Are you finding you just can’t, get “over it?” Are you afraid of the headlines? Do you love nature, but can’t stand people? Has a sense of apathy paralyzed you? Are you a student who can’t make anyone happy, especially yourself? Got students no curriculum or “expert” can help? Are you still not finding the right answers, even on Oprah? Need more than a book? Do you want to be awakened to the answers you’ve been seeking for so long, but always seem to miss? Do you want to be a cruise missile that hits its target every time? Do you want to be a part of the Lazarus generation and have people see life and hope in your eyes? Jeff Fenholt is a lightning bolt of encouragement and will present to you his manifesto for triumph and victory for anything you will ever face! For more information call Cathy Kulonis, 777-1618.

Lions Club golf benefit

The Hamilton Lions Club will hold its 14th annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 31 at the Hamilton Golf Course. Four- or five-person teams are now forming for the 9 a.m. shotgun start. Cost of $275 for a team ($55 singles) includes greens fees, lunch, many prizes and snacks. Entry forms are available at the Hamilton Golf Course, Ravalli County Bank offices or by calling Tom at 363-1222 or online at HYPERLINK "mailto:tom@montana.com" tom@montana.com.

Trappers Youth Camp

With a goal to put ethical responsible trappers afield, a Trappers Youth Camp will be held June 13-15 at Beaver Creek Park, 10 miles south of Havre. This is sponsored by the Montana Trappers Association and the Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Call FWP for further information.

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.”

Treasure State Art Show

The Treasure State Invitational Art Show will be held July 18-20 in the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. This biennial event continues to grow in popularity and support. In 2006 the show featured works by over 80 Western artists and attracted 1,000 attendees from all over the United States. The theme for 2008 is “Montana’s Treasures: Gold Camps to Ghost Towns.”

There is ample opportunity to meet and mingle with art collectors and connoisseurs during the three-day event. The weekend consists of original art work for the public to view, an evening wine tasting and artist’s reception and a gala dinner and auction.

A select group of artists is invited to submit original Western art. A limited number of booths are available for rent, or artists may elect just to submit an original piece of art for the auction. Booth artists are required to attend and to submit at least one piece of artwork to the auction.

The Treasure State Art Show benefits the Ravalli County Museum. Sales of artwork and proceeds from the event have contributed over $400,000 to this non-profit’s endowment fund.

Artists are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of all publicity opportunities. For more information about the Treasure State Art Show, call 363-7570 or email info@treasurestateartshow.com.

Bitterroot Classic Triathlon

With signs of spring, it’s time to get on that bike, put on those running shoes and start swimming those laps. The 3rd annual Bitterroot Classic Triathlon is gearing up to be held on August 23, to raise money in support of Missoula’s Ronald McDonald House. With a total of 234 athletes competing, 29 business sponsorships and over 90 volunteers the 2007 Bitterroot Classic Triathlon was a whopping success and rose over $11,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Together we can make this year’s event even more successful.

The Bitterroot Classic Sprint Triathlon encourages athletes of any level and age to participate. The event held at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center in Hamilton includes a 750-yard swim, followed by a 20K bike and a 5K run. Registration is open as of April 14 and all are encouraged to register early by visiting HYPERLINK "http://www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com" www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com and credit cards are accepted.

This first class community event for the Bitterroot Valley attracts athletes of all levels near and far, cheering crowds, volunteers, sponsors and offers each athlete a top of the line, well-designed race jersey and a generous schwag bag. Get involved, you are sure to have fun!

Watch for more information on training opportunities, swim times at Bitterroot Aquatic Center and maybe a kid’s race as well! Business and corporate sponsorships are available and encouraged to support this cause.

For more information, volunteer opportunities or to become a sponsor of the 3rd Annual Bitterroot Classic Triathlon, contact Becky at 381-3201 or Leslie at 370-9000.

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