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

Al-Anon

Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the

North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive

drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call

721-5818.

Gamblers Anonymous

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

VFW meetings

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

Florence American Legion

The Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Fire Hall. For further information contact Post Commander Jim Commander at 777-3928.

Stevensville American Legion

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

American Legion Auxiliary

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

Corvallis American Legion

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

Lilies of the Valley singing group

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

WIC clinics

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

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

Sapphire Quilt Club

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

Grief Support Groups

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

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

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

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

Spanish conversation group

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

Soroptimists

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

Rotary Club

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

PFLAG Chapter

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

For more information contact Terry Moran, 363-7656.

Center for Spiritual Living

The Center for Spiritual Living, Bitterroot Valley meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the South Valley Child & Family Center, 515 Madison St. in Hamilton. Learn and share while celebrating our individual and collective spiritual growth. Services are based on Ernest Holmes’ Science of Mind philosophy and support positive global transformation through personal spiritual practice (visit the website: UnitedCentersforSpiritualLiving.org/). Transportation to the Sunday gatherings can be arranged from several communities in the Bitterroot Valley. For more information, contact Barb at 375-9996 or Dave at 381-2355; or email: HYPERLINK "mailto:BitterrootCSL@gmail.com/" BitterrootCSL@gmail.com/.

Legion bingo

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

Valley Veterans Services

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

Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings

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

Vietnam Veterans of America

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

MOPS group

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

Waldorf Inspired Parent-Child

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

Veterans affairs clinics

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

Trap Club

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

Bitterroot Toastmasters

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

Toddler story time

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

Safety seat fitting station

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

American Sign Language Group

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

Elks dinner

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

Sabre Soccer meetings

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

Bitterroot Connections

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

Empowerment group

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

Fiber Arts Guild

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

PEP Sessions

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

Positive Parenting Program

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

Community dinners

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

Women Helping Women

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

Ladies Bible Study

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

Canyon View MOPS

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

Men’s Bereavement Breakfast

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

Mindful Recovery support group

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

Darby food collection

The Darby Bread Box is collecting canned chili beans, dried beans, and jelly for the months of April and May. Donations can be dropped off at People's Market or Bitterroot Community Credit Union in Darby. If anyone can help, call or leave a message at 821-2081.

Darby Library story time

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

Acoustic music jam sessions

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

Open season riding

Open season riding has started at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Come in and sign up for the season or on a single ride basis. The individual memberships are $30; family memberships are $50; and single ride option is $5. The fairgrounds are open daily, and the season will run from now until the fall, weather permitting. If you need more information call the fairgrounds office at 363-3411, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Book discussions

The Bitterroot Public Library offers a “Brown Bag It” Book discussion group on the last Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. in the West Meeting Room. Newcomers are welcome.

April 28 – “Deep Creek” by Dana Hand

May 26 – “Homer and Langley: A Novel” by E.L. Doctorow,

June 30 – “Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel” by Jeannette Walls

July 28 – “Cutting for Stone: A Novel” by Abraham Verghesa

August 25 – “Daughter of Fortune” by Isabel Allende

September 30 – “The Innocent Man” by John Grisham

October 27 – “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain

November 17 – “Siddhartha” by Herman Hess

December – “A Hope in the Unseen” by Ron Suskind

Grace Lutheran Preschool registration

Grace Lutheran Learning Center in Hamilton is accepting preschool registrations. Fall preschool starts in September and will run through May. There are half day and full day openings. Call 363-1924; space is limited.

Silver Spurs raffle

Silver Spurs 4-H Club teen group is raffling off half a hog including smoked ham and bacon. Tickets are $2.00 each. Winner will be drawn and notified on May 1. Contact Ginger Desrosier at 777-2215 for more information.

Wednesday, April 6

Preschool storytime

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, April 6 to enjoy “South of the Border” and hear books read by Jack Harris-Bonham. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information, call 363-1670.

Spay/neuter clinics

Fox Hollow Animal Project is sponsoring low-cost spay/neuter clinics April 6, 13, 20, and 27. Coupons good for a $10 cat spay or neuter are available at the Bitter Root Humane Association. Call 273-6007 for information and appointments.

Breastfeeding class

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

Stevensville Garden Club

The April program of the Stevensville Garden Club will feature Jean Atthowe on “Horticulture Therapy with Native Plants” on Wednesday, April 6 at 1 p.m. at 409 Buck St. (Baptist Church), Stevensville. Everyone is welcome. For more information call Mary at 777-4196.

Thursday, April 7

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, April 7 at 1 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.

Stevi school board meeting

There will be a special meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center to approve bids for Music Center and loan agreement for the Time Capsule.

Blood drives

American Red Cross blood drives will be held on the following dates:

• Thursday, April 7, Marcus Daly Hospital, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For appointments call Gary Schulz, 375-4451.

• Friday, April 8, Bitterroot National Forest and Mildenberger Motors. Blood mobile will be parked in front of Bitterroot National Forest at 1801 N. 1st Street, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For appointment call Joni at 363-7182 or Brandon at 363-4100.

• Tuesday, April 12, Hamilton Community, Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. For appointment call Tammie Mart, 642-3996.

Friday, April 8

Library book sale

The North Valley Public Library's Big Spring Book Sale will be held in the Community Room on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, in Stevensville, of course. Books, books and more books in every size, shape and variety. Children's books, videos and DVD's, too. Come see for yourself. As many as you can carry just for the price of a donation!

South Valley Pachyderm Club

Allen Barr, Major, USAF (Ret), will be speaking on the subject, "Climate Change or Natural Variation," at the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club on Friday, April 8 at 12 noon. Allan served 20 years as an Air Force Meteorologist and after retiring, worked for 13 years as a Meteorologist for the federal government with the US Army Intelligence Center and School at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, the US Army Atmospheric Science Laboratory at White Sands Missile Range, NM and the NOAA Atmospheric Research Laboratory in support of the Underground Nuclear Testing Program in Nevada. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion. The Club meets at BJ's Restaurant, 900 N. 1st street, Hamilton. The South Valley Pachyderm Club, which meets on the second and fourth Fridays of the month, is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.

Yoga demo

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

Stevi Lenten Fish Fries

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

Saturday, April 9

Soroptimist candy sale

Soroptimist of Hamilton will hold a See’s Candy sale from April 9 through April 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays at the First Security Bank Parking Lot, 1st and Main, Hamilton. A wide assortment of See’s Easter Candy will be available. All proceeds stay within the community to achieve Soroptimist’s mission of improving the lives of women and children. For more info, call Marcia Babowicz at 369-0915.

Horsemanship clinic

Bitterroot BCH invites the public to attend a free horsemanship clinic on Saturday, April 9, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Training will involve exercises and obstacles using demonstration stock, with an emphasis on trail riding safety. The event takes place at Natural Horse Arena, 3700 E. Carlton Creek Rd. (3 miles north of Florence). For more information, contact Jack or Lisa Emory at 961-1363 or naturalgaithorsemanship@yahoo.com or the BCH website at http://www.bchmt.org/bitterroot/ under training.

Farmers market vendor meeting

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

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

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

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

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

Stevensville FFA Banquet

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

Contra Dance

A contra dance will be held Saturday, April 9, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Grange, 1436 S. 1st St (south of Hamilton on Hwy 93).

A practice session for new dancers will start at 6:30 p.m. The Sleeping Child String Band will provide music. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. No dance experience is required; all dances are taught, and singles are welcome. The event is fragrance-free.

Sunday, April 10

Movie premier

The Montana PBS premier of Missoula filmmaker Jason Gutzmer’s documentary “Sundancing with the Muse,” about Stevensville artist and shaman Heyoka Merrifield, will be shown on Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. “In ‘Sundancing with the Muse’ we discover the importance of the sacred in art, the sacred in the earth and a ceremonial life that makes them one… Merrifield exposes his personal and creative journey that reveals the source of creativity and the roots of imagination,” says filmmaker Jason Gutzmer.

Monday, April 11

Stevi school menu

April 11-15

Monday: Breakfast – Cereal, fruit, milk; Lunch – Chicken tenders, broccoli Normandy, apricots

Tuesday: Breakfast – French toast, fruit, milk; Lunch – Chili, crackers, tossed salad, kiwi

Wednesday: Breakfast – Muffins, fruit, milk; Lunch – BBQ pork riblets, stir fry veggies, rice, oranges

Thursday: Breakfast – Pancakes, fruit, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajitas, lettuce, cheese, salsa, apples

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

Stevi driver’s ed course

Stevensville High School is currently accepting registrations for the upcoming driver education class which will begin April 20 and run through June 3. Any student who is at least 14-1/2 years of age by May 10, 2011 or older from Stevensville High school or a home school is eligible. Cost is $250. The first informational meeting of students of Stevensville High School will be Monday, April 11 at 12:30 p.m. in the high school room 103. Out of district and/or home school students may register by phone. Information will be mailed as soon as possible. Call John Munk, 777-5539, to sign up.

Hamilton Rotary Club

During the month of April, the Hamilton Rotary Club meetings will be focused on the subject of "Cops and Courts." Ravalli District Court Judge Jim Haynes, Department 2, will be guest speaker at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, Monday noon, April 11, at BJ's Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Before coming a District Court Judge in 2003, Judge Haynes practiced law for over 20 years in Ravalli Country for a wide variety of clients including serving as City Attorney for the City of Hamilton for 11 years. He is also former smoke jumper and crack river runner and will explain and discuss the duties and responsibilities of a District Court Judge. This meeting is open to the public. For further information, call 363-2960.

National Library Week

April 11-16 is National Library Week and National Volunteer Week. In honor of National Library Week the Bitterroot Public Library will accept “food for fines” throughout this week. Bring in non perishable items in lieu of fines. Free book mending will take place on Wednesday, April 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Family Movie Night will be on Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. featuring “The Water Horse.” Free books will be at the Gazebo throughout the week sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Regular programming will continue to take place as usual including pre-school story time, toddler time and the Fellowship Club. Be sure to thank the many volunteers who contribute so much to the services you receive.

First-time homebuyer classes

The Bitter Root Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (RC&D) is holding a nationally certified homebuyer education class on April 11, 12, and 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. (each night) at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 N. Third St., Hamilton. Call the Bitter Root RC&D office at 363-1444 extension 5 if you would like to reserve a space. Attendance on all three nights is required for certification. The charge is $25 to cover the cost of reference materials. (If you are buying your home as a couple, one household, you both need to attend the class)

The class is especially beneficial to first-time homebuyers with below median incomes, but any potential homebuyer will benefit from the class. Anyone who has not owned a home for 3 or more years is considered a first-time homebuyer and may be able to purchase a home for monthly payments comparable to what they are paying in rent. Homebuyer education classes are brought to you by the Bitter Root RC&D in partnership with US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Montana Board of Housing, NeighborWorks Montana, and the Human Resources Council. Completion of this class is required in order to qualify for some of the special homebuyer loan assistance programs.

Hamilton Garden Club

The Hamilton Garden Club will meet Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at the home of Betty Swift (363-2172) at 236 Rose Lane, Hamilton. Co-hostess is Lynn Wheeler (821-0179). A program on grasshoppers will be presented by Jim Story. For more information call Betty or Lynn.

NV library public meetings

The North Valley Public Library will be hosting two public meetings to discuss building plans with architect Ben Lloyd of Comma-Q Architecture in Bozeman and construction manager Steve Conway of Martel Construction in Big Fork. The first meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. The second meeting will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. Both meetings will be in the library’s community meeting room, just left of the main library entrance. Community members are encouraged to attend one or both of the meetings. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061 or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.northvalleylibrary.org" www.northvalleylibrary.org.

Stevensville school board

The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.

Wednesday, April 13

Preschool story time

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, April 13 to enjoy “Just Plain Silly” books read by Sally Blevins. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information, call 363-1670.

Thursday, April 14

Women Newcomers’ Club

The Bitterroot Women Newcomers' Club will meet on Thursday, April 14 at 10:15 a.m. in the meeting room (downstairs) of the Bitterroot Public Library on State St. and 4th St. in Hamilton. Speakers will be Peter and Helen Allen, founders of "Green Thumbs Up." For more information, call Melanie Bakken at 777-9814.

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, April 14 at 1 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.

FWP Commission

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Thursday, April 14 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 East 6th Ave. beginning at 8 a.m.

The FWP Commission will make final decisions on:

• an amendment to the administrative rule on Hauser Reservoir near Helena,

• repealing the administrative rule on the old Milltown Dam near Missoula,

• Future Fisheries Improvement Program grants,

• the Glendive Paddlefish Roe Committee membership,

• commercial fishing regulations on Canyon Ferry Lake and Lake Helena near Helena,

• modification to regulations in weapons restriction areas,

• the rules on marking hazards to navigation on waterways,

• an amendment to the administrative rule on Tongue River Reservoir,

• an administrative rule on the Flathead River,

• administrative rules on Alvord Lake, Kilbrennan Lake, and Brush Lake,

• 2011 peregrine falcon take,

• standard wildlife management area opening times,

• the Glendive urban deer plan, and

• the 2011 grazing and sharecrop leases on WMAs.

The commission will also consider a number of proposed actions, including:

• an agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation for a small piece of land at the Augusta Check Station to accommodate a road project,

• a petition for a rule on Church and Fennan slews in FWP Region 1,

• waiver of possession limits on Cherry and Granite Lakes,

• 2011 moose, sheep, goat quotas outside the biennial quota ranges,

• 2012 moose, sheep goat, deer and elk license auction rules, and

• the 2011 lion hunting quotas.

Information will be presented on the 2012 fishing regulation setting process and the FWP Commission will consider endorsing the potential transplant of sheep and mountain goats within Montana and the strategic plan for the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with a disability. Individuals with special needs may request arrangements by contacting FWP at: 406-444-3186.

The full agenda and additional information on the scheduled topics may be found on the FWP web site at http://www.fwp.mt.gov/ by clicking on the FWP Commission icon.

Parenting workshop

“Parenting with Love and Logic: Preparing Children for the Real World and

the Four Steps to Responsibility” will be offered on Thursday, April 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Living Family Center, 5501 93N, Florence, 273-0142. There is no charge for the workshop and a light meal will be provided.

Take Back the Night

The Sixth Annual Take Back the Night will be held on Thursday, April 14. This year’s event includes many family-friendly activities so that all members of the community can show support for healthy relationships and positive interactions. The evening will start with a family potluck at 6 p.m. in Hamilton City Hall. At 6:30 p.m., Unity Dance and Drum will entertain with West African storytelling, music, and dancing. At 7:30 p.m., marchers will gather in Hamilton’s Legion Park. Following the 14-block march, there will be goodies in Legion Park. At 8:30 p.m., there will be readings to stop violence against women and adult reflective time in City Hall.

Take Back the Night originated in Western Europe in the 1970’s in reaction to sexual violence against women. Today, marches and rallies are held throughout the world each year to raise awareness about violence against women, to advocate for the right of everyone to feel safe from violence, and to inspire communities to take a stand.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Everyone deserves to be safe from violence in their own home and on their streets. Join in creating a community free from sexual and domestic violence.

For more information, call Supporters of Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) at 363-2793.

Friday, April 15

St. Mary’s Mission opening ceremony

St. Mary’s Mission celebrates 170 years since the founding in 1841. No other community in Montana is this old and looks so good. Join in the Opening Day Celebration on Friday, April 15 at 12 noon with Mass in the historic Chapel. The Stevensville FFA Chapter will conduct a flag raising ceremony, followed by refreshments. Guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 777-5734. Visit St. Mary’s Mission and Museum on the West End of 4th Street in Stevensville.

Saturday, April 16

Miss Ravalli County Rodeo Clinic

The Miss Ravalli County Rodeo Clinic will be held Saturday, April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. at the Ravalli County Fairground's Art Building and main arena. The clinic will cover many topics relating to competing for a title. Six local professionals will speak, including arena work with Clinician Patty Kusker. The clinic is $20.00, with lunch provided by Kodiak Jax. More information on Facebook or call 239-0728 or 381-5704. Deadline to register is April 9.

Flea market

A flea market will be held Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Items for sale include new and used, arts and crafts, household, tools, sporting goods, etc. Lunch will be available. Rent a table for $5. Call Katie at 363-2316 or 363-5181.

4-H Carnival

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

BPAC concert series

The Ravi Coltrane Quartet will appear in concert on Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center.

A major force in jazz today, Ravi Coltrane is a critically acclaimed and Grammy nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. Since 1991, Mr. Coltrane Coltrane has worked as a sideman with many jazz and pop luminaries, including Elvin Jones, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Baron and Steve Coleman, for whom he appears on several albums. Additionally, he has recorded noteworthy albums for himself and others, and overseen important jazz reissues. The second son of pianist Alice Coltrane and the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane, Ravi Coltrane has quietly crafted an accomplished career in jazz, without taking shortcuts and without exploiting the musical legacy built by his parents. Joined on tour by three fixtures on the jazz scene--bassist/composer Drew Gress, drum sensation E.J. Strickland, and pianist/composer/arranger Luis Perdomo—this is one rare musical evening not to be missed. Learn more at http://www.ravicoltrane.com. Tickets ($27.50, 32.50) on sale now at www.bARTc.org or at 363-7946.

Sunday, April 17

Diabetes research fundraiser

A fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will be held Sunday, April 17 at UM Dornblaser Statium. Walk three miles; invite family and friends to walk with you; raise money for Type 1 Diabetes research, enjoy lunch, and kids' activities. This will be a fun event for families and friends. Registration at 1 p.m. and walk starts at 2 p.m. For more info or to register, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.walk.jdrf.org" www.walk.jdrf.org

Monday, April 18

SAFE Crisis Line volunteer training

Become a valued member of the SAFE volunteer crisis line team to serve victims of domestic or sexual violence. Crisis line volunteers provide information and a listening ear to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and other callers. Training will be held April 18-21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the SAFE office in Hamilton. Pre-registration is appreciated. A background check is required of all applicants. Call Theresa Rivera, Volunteer Coordinator, 363-2793, for registration and information.

Thursday, April 21

Parenting workshop

“Parenting with Love and Logic: The Love and Logic process, an easier way

to parent” and “How to be a cool parent in a hot situation” will be presented on Thursday, April 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 93N, Florence, 273-0142. There is no charge for the workshop and a light meal will be provided.

Friday, April 22

Beta Sigma Phi tulip sale

The Bitterroot Chapters of Beta Sigma Phi will be holding their annual Tulip Flower Sale on Good Friday, April 22, beginning at 10 a.m. The proceeds this year will be donated to the local food banks, Haven House, Pantry Partners and Darby Bread Box, where the money will be used to purchase food from the local grocers. The tulips will sell for $7 for a bunch of 10 and can be purchased from members in front of Ravalli County Bank in Hamilton, Farmers State Bank in Victor and Rocky Mountain Bank in Stevensville and at various other locations in Hamilton, Victor, and Stevensville. Look for members selling tullips near the post offices, banks, grocery stores or on street corners all up and down the valley. Flowers can also be purchased in Hamilton at Parker’s Cannery Warehouse, 307 Hwy 93 N. Enter through the big doors in the alley west of Columbia Paint located at N. Hwy 93 and Pine Street. If you wish to place an order in advance call Reine Hilton at 375-1952.

Wednesday, April 27

Genealogy workstation class

The genealogy work station at the Darby Library is scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 27 with an orientation followed by assisted genealogy work from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register early to reserve your space on this first work day. The Genealogy Work Station will then be offered the second Wednesday of every month from 12 to 4 p.m. on a first come, first served basis allowing patrons to continue their family research with on site staff to answer questions.

Computer website class

All adults interested in a Basic Computer Website Orientation can sign up at the Darby Community Public Library. A new class is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 at 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 30

Life Safety Days

The First Annual Ravalli County Life Safety Days is being held on Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. This is a free interactive event for all members of the community to educate themselves on safety and prevention.

Events include:

• Your Choice Simulation Show of Drunk Driving Scene With Emergency Service Response (Local Law Enforcement /Fire/EMS/Life Flight) - A Must See for Teens and Adults

• Texting and Driving Simulation

• Self Defense Training

• National Guard Obstacle Course

• Suicide Prevention Training Dramas

• IDEP DUI Drunk Driving Simulation Course

• Finger Printing Identification Program/ID Kits

• Bake Safety and Obstacle Course

• Car Seat Safety/Instruction

• On Site Firehouse: Escape Planning, Fire Detector Training, Fire Games

• CPR Station Course

• Gun Safety Booth/Safety Locks

• Glo Germs for Kids

• Disaster Emergency Service Cellphone Registration

This program is sponsored by: Ravalli County Prevention Coalition, Ravalli County Sheriff's Department, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Ravalli Suicide Prevention Alliance, Hamilton Police Department, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Montana Highway Patrol, Ravalli County DUI Task Force, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Ravalli County Sheriff's Office, Hamilton Fire Department and other Emergency and Prevention Organizations.

For more information contact the Ravalli County Prevention Coalition office at 961-9013.

Victorian Fashion Show

Ravalli County Republican Women's Club will host a Victorian Garden Party Fashion Show & Luncheon on Saturday, April 30 at 12 noon at Corvallis Methodist Church, corner of Eastside Hwy and Cemetery Rd. Tickets are $20.00. Fashions will be presented by the Victorian Ladies' Tea Guild of Western Montana. For tickets and information call Laurie Burnham at 363-5675.

Friday, May 6

Psychic Fair

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

Flea market

The Ladies Auxiliary of Eagles Aerie #1693 will host a Flea Market on Saturday, May 7 at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Tables (6’x2-?’) are $5.00 and should be reserved now by calling 363-8467 or 363-2763. Proceeds will go to Auxiliary local charities.

Monday, July 18

UM science adventure camp

Registration is now open for “MOLLI Summer Adventures in Science: Connecting the Circle,” a summer camp for children ages 6 through 12 and their grandparents hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Montana. The science day camp will run Monday and Tuesday, July 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn from one another in scientific exploration through classroom and field experiences, starting with the “Mr. G Science Show” with Glenn Govertsen, who has taught physics at Missoula’s Sentinel High School for more than 30 years and is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching.

The following summer camp courses are designed for children 6 to 9 years old:

• Incredible Edible Bugs with Annika Johns, UM graduate and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence.

• Explosive Chemistry with a team led by Amanda Lockwood, spectrUM Discovery Area educator.

• Farm to Table with Jason Mandala, Garden City Harvest community education director.

The following courses are available for children 9 to 12 years old:

• Bones & Stones with Garry Kerr, UM Department of Anthropology lecturer.

• Buzz about Bees with UM Professor Jerry Bromenshenk and Bee Alert field technician Scott Debnam.

• Robotics Sensory Garden with spectrUM Discovery Area operational manager Jessie Herbert and software engineer and guest spectrUM educator Will Bain.

The summer camp costs $100 per adult and child pair. A $20 MOLLI membership also is required for adults who wish to participate. The membership allows registration for lifelong learning courses offered through the institute each spring and autumn at UM. Those who purchase a membership for this year’s summer camp will be eligible to register for all MOLLI courses offered through June 30, 2012.

Full summer camp course descriptions, information about instructors and registration forms are online at http://www.umt.edu/molli. For more information, call Dannette Fadness of UM’s School of Extended Studies and Lifelong Learning at 243-2905.

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