Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Community Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

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

Stevi Senior Center activities

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

Victor Senior Center activities

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

Al-Anon

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

Gamblers Anonymous

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

Ask yourself these questions:

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

Narcotics Anonymous

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

TOPS meeting

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

VFW meetings

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

Overeaters Anonymous

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

Golden Agers

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

Florence American Legion

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

Stevensville American Legion

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

Waldorf Play Group

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

Suicide Loss Support

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

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

SAFE support groups

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

Caregiver coffee break

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

Singing Lilies group

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

WIC clinics

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

Sapphire Quilt Club

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

Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast

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

Grief Support Group

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

Dancercize classes

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

Library Storytimes

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

Stevensville Awana

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

Lone Rock Awana

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

Dance classes

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

Soroptimists

Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at noon and the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. 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.

Spanish conversation group

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

Work support group

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

PFLAG Chapter

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG meets every fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in the basement, 600 S. 3rd St., Hamilton. The building is handicap accessible from DeSmet Street through the back door of the church. For more information contact Terry Moran, 363-7656.

Divorce support group

Free DivorceCare seminar/support group meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Hwy. in Hamilton to help separated and divorced people through the grief that comes with divorce. Call 363-0875 or 363-4244 for more information.

New Thought service

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

Women’s writing group

A collaborative writing group focusing on women's issues is now being organized at SAFE in the Bitterroot, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton. The group meets Thursdays at 4 p.m. For more information call Theresa Rivera, advocate, at 363-2793, ext 12.   

BEAR summer camps

BEAR’s Bitterroot Venture program runs activities with experienced mentors for youth entering 7th-12th grade. Sign up now for Summer Adventure Camps. Space is limited; call 375-9110 for more information and to register. BEAR’s mission is to inspire youth to connect with their own potential, their community, and the landscape through experiential and outdoor adventure programs. Transportation provided.

Museum exhibit 

A new exhibit, “From Wilderness to Rails: Montana Looks Back at the Northern Pacific Railroad,” is now open at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton. The exhibit is an exploration and exhibition on the conception and evolution of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Montana, created by William Whitfield and Mike McEachearn. This exhibit runs through July 31. For more information call 363-3338.

Summer Reading Rewards

Read your way to the Ravalli County Fair - join a summer reading program at your local public library and earn a chance to win an all day carnival ride pass courtesy of the Ravalli County Fairgrounds!

Information on summer reading programs can be found at:

Bitterroot Public Library, http://www.bitterrootpubliclibrary.org, 363-1670
Darby Public Library, http://www.darbylibrary.net, 821-4771
North Valley Public Library, http://www.northvalleylibrary.org, 777-5061.

Darby Summer Reading Program

The theme of the Summer Reading Program at the Darby Community Public Library is “Be Creative. Three different programs are being offered:

• Tot Time - Every Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. - free reading, music, art and field trips around town! Ages: for parents and children not in school.

• Youth Summer Program - 7 weeks of creative fun, June 16-July 30. Tuesday 1-2 p.m. for grades 1-3 and Thursday 1-2 p.m. for grades 4-6. Program is free with lots of great books and art, drama, and music.

• Young Adult Program - meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month in June, July and August from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is free! Sophomores through Seniors - focus on the the Classics and Altered Art!

For more information contact the library at 821-4771 or go to: www.darbylibrary.net

Summer creativity program

Build, draw, write, paint, dance, sing, explore, and create! Everyone can be creative this summer at North Valley Library's summer reading program, Be Creative at Your Library!  Registration is underway. Stop in at the library and pick up a flyer with the details. All activities are free and open to the public.

Hamilton Farmers Market

The Hamilton Farmers Market, located on Bedford and Third Streets by the Museum, opens at 9 a.m. on Saturdays with the ringing of the old Darby School House bell. On June 6 there will be a musical memorial celebrating the life of Jack Rice, local country and western guitarist. Come join in a jam of toe tapping tunes! Cheryl Kikkert will also be handing out Senior and other food coupons that day in booth space #1 at the SE corner of Bedford and Third Streets. If you would like to sell at Hamilton Farmers Market and you live in Ravalli County and 50% of the value of your product is made in Montana, call Market Manager Laura Craig at 961-0004 for more information. Come enjoy the fruits of our labor from the farm, studio and kitchen - fresh locally grown produce and locally handmade arts, crafts, furniture and more.

‘Tuesday at Twelve’ concert series

The 20th annual Tuesday at Twelve free concert series at Legion Park on S. 2nd in Hamilton is underway. Concerts run from 12 noon to 1 p.m. each Tuesday. This year’s schedule is:

• June 16 - Blue to the Bone
• June 23 - Bitterroot Community Band
• June 30 - Free Range
• July 7 - Sky Moose
• July 14 - The Kent Curtiss Band
• July 21 - The Cantrells
• July 28 - Two Cats and a Fiddle
• August 4 - John Schiever
• August 11 - Jenn Adams
• August 18 - Salsa Loca
• August 25 - Lori Conner & Eric Keeling

Darby food collection

The Darby Bread Box, a local food bank in Darby, will be opening soon. During June, organizers are collecting peanut butter and 1-lb. boxes of sugar. Drop off donations at People's Market and Bitterroot Community Credit Union. Any donations would be appreciated.

Lone Rock School retirement celebration

Come join the Lone Rock School for a farewell get-together to help celebrate and share memories of over a hundred years of service (well almost) of three dedicated employees: Wayne Stanford, Patti Calkins and Gary Leese on Wednesday, June 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lone Rock Park concessions pavilion area. A video will be shown.

Democratic Central Committee 

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Majestic Mountains store, 205 Main St., Stevensville. The agenda will include remarks by Jim Elliott, from Sanders County, a candidate for Chairman of the Montana Democratic Party; the results of the Corvallis Memorial Day Parade and the Democratic Womens' Club rummage sale to benefit the Valley Veterans Service Center; preliminary planning for the County Fair, Sept 2-5 and other upcoming public events; fund raising efforts this summer. All Democrats are welcome. For more information contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Women Newcomers Club

Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club will meeting Thursday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Daly Mansion grounds. Visitors are welcome. Daly Mansion is off Eastside Hwy just north of Fairgrounds Rd. For more information, contact Dona Fisher, 961-4269.

Stevensville Civic Club

The Stevensville Civic Club will meet Thursday, June 11 at 12 noon at Lewis & Clark Park (special location). A Dutch oven picnic will be served by member of the Back Country Horsemen. Lunch is $6. Bring a friend! Also, donations of canned food for Pantry Partners will be collected.

Bake and yard sale

The Victor Community Church will hold a bake sale on Friday, June 12 at Farmers State Bank in Victor at 9 a.m. The church will hold a yard sale on Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church (corner of 5th and Martin).

Darby Trail Work Day

A work day is scheduled for the Town of Darby`s Trail of Discovery on Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is organized by the Darby Trail of Discovery Committee and the Friends of the Trail. This project is a proposed 6-mile non-motorized trail that winds around and through Darby for use by walkers, runners, and cyclists. Trail construction over the past few years has been accomplished through volunteer labor, donations, and grant funds. The work day will begin by meeting at the Darby Town Hall at 101 E. Tanner at 9 a.m. Lunch and drinks will be provided. For more information, contact Mary Morris at 821-3282 or Jim Aronson at 821-3009.

Hamilton Players production

The Hamilton Players will present Mel Brooks’ “The Producers”—a Musical on June 12-14, 18-21, 25-28, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14 adults/$8 students. Tickets are available at the Playhouse Box office at 100 Ricketts Road, Hamilton; 375-9050, 1-5 Tuesday through Friday or 1 hour prior to show; or buy tickets online at www.hamiltonplayers.com. 

Bialystock and Bloom!  Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy. “The Producers” sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It won an incredible twelve Tony Awards, and wowed capacity crowds night after night on Broadway. “The Producers” is outrageous, hilarious, a teeny bit offensive, off the wall, and a winner. But it is never boring, and you will find yourself holding your sides with laughter as Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom sing and dance their way through the greatest show biz scam there ever was.

Great Turning Gathering

Everyone is invited to the 4th Great Turning Gathering on Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. at the meeting room of the First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road (across from Hamilton High School). Three people will share insights from relevant books followed by a discussion of the ideas presented and how they might be used to strengthen our community so all may thrive in the challenging years to come. The books are “Mobilization to Save Civilization” by Lester Brown, “A Short History of Progress” by Ronald Wright; “Where is Infinite Love?” by Lee Kierig; and “Agenda for a New Economy” by David Korten. A short video of Jill Bolte Taylor, neuroanatomist, describing her "Stroke of Insight," will also be shown.

Non-partisan Great Turning Gatherings inspire minds and hearts to creatively work for the health of children, families, communities and natural systems.

Refreshments are provided. For more information call Veronica Lassen, 363-3076, or visit http://www.thegreatturning.net.

Umbrella for the Arts book sale

Umbrella for the Arts Book Sale, a used book, CD, and video sale, will be held during Chief Victor Days at the Victor Senior Center. The Sale takes place on June 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sales are by donation and all proceeds support music, art, drama and speech at Victor School. Also during this sale there will be a “one time only" collection of 78 RPM and long playing 33 RPM vinyl records for sale.

During the sale the Victor Senior Center will be selling homemade pie

and coffee for $2.50.

Chief Victor Days Parade

The Chief Victor Days Parade will be held Saturday, June 12 at 11 a.m. in Victor. Anyone interested in participating can pick up an entry form at Farmers State Bank in Victor, Victor Video, Victor Merc and Big Creek Family Medicine or online at http://www.victormt.com and click on Chief Victor Days link. This year’s theme is “A Gathering of Tradition.” For more information call Pam Melton or Kaye Horsfall at 642-2269. Deadline for registration is June 10.

South Valley Pachyderm Club

The South Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, June 12 at 12 noon at Papa Bear’s Den on the east side of the Three Bears Creamery Cottage, 1659 N. 1st, Hamilton. Rob Natelson, University of Montana Law School Professor and Constitutional Scholar, will be the guest speaker. The public is welcome.

Flea market

A flea market will be held Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. There will be new and used items, antiques, collectibles, art and crafts, books, birdhouses, birdfeeders, dishes, dolls, household items, tools, fishing and hunting items, jewelry, baked goods and more. Lunch will be available. Rent a table for $5 by calling 363-5181 or April at 363-0112.

Paratroopers meeting

The Montana All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc. will meet June 13, at Fort Harrison Auditorium in Helena. The business meeting will be at 9 a.m. A tour of the Special Operations Museum will take place at 11 a.m. with lunch furnished at noon.

This includes All Airborne - anyone that is jump qualified from service is welcome to come and bring a friend.

Directions to the Auditorium: go to main gate, take the first left, 1/4 mile to the Joint Force HQ building. (must have some form of ID)

For more information contact Golda Hendzel, 777-3973 or 207-0221, or Bobby Perkins (Chairman) in Helena, 406-449-3428.

Victor Class of ’49 reunion

The Victor High School Class of 1949 will hold its 60th class reunion on Saturday, June 13. A tour of the new school facilities will be held at 4 p.m. followed by a get-together at The Hamilton pub at 5 p.m. For more information call Leon Conner, 642-3368 or 369-1302.

Christian music performance

The sights and sounds of Latin America will be corning to the community on Sunday, June 14 at 7 p.m. when "The Ecos" from Rio Grande Bible Institute present an inspirational program of music and testimony at Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville. The musical program will include Spanish gospel music with testimonies by some of the group members to learn how God has worked in their lives. The group is comprised of three single men from Mexico and El Salvador, and one married couple from Canada. They will be singing in Spanish, using typical instruments of Latin America. Rio Grande Bible Institute is a non-denominational, Bible centered school, founded in 1946 with the purpose of "training godly leaders for the Spanish-speaking world". It is located in Edinburg, Texas, near the Mexican border. For more information call 777-2592.

Five Valley Accordion Club

Five Valley Accordion Club will hold a dance on Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Eagles in Hamilton. Cost is $3.00 members, $4.00 non-members. Enjoy listening and dancing to accordions, guitars and banjos.

Summer Food Service program available

The Hamilton School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, part of the USDA Child Nutrition Program that provides free, nutritious meals to children when school is not in session. The program will run Monday through Friday from June 15 to September 2. Breakfast will be served at Westview Center from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at Hamilton Middle School, 209 S. 5th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be no lunches served July 3 or July 6.

Lone Rock Bible Church VBS

Lone Rock Bible Church Vacation Bible School is just around the corner! VBS will be held June 15-19 from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Rd. in Stevensville, for children entering K-7th grades. The theme is “Tropical Treasure Trove of Truth.” To preregister or if you have any questions contact Amy Herron at 777-2957 or dougnamy@blackfoot.net.

Brain Injury Support Group walk-a-thon

The Missoula Brain Injury Support Group is holding a Walk-a-thon on Monday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the MCPS Big Sky Stadium track. The Walk-a-thon celebrates the “victory of walking” since many brain injury survivors have to relearn how to walk and others are still challenged with walking. Join them in walking around the track. The money earned will purchase memberships to the state Brain Injury Association of Montana and also sponsor members to attend the 2010 state Brain Injury Conference. For more information call Jim at 728-9117 or Sue at 327-4062.

Circus in Stevensville

The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will present two shows on Monday, June 15 in Stevensville at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The circus tent will be located at the corner of Middle Burnt Fork and Park Street, on land generously provided by the Stevensville Community Foundation. Advance tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children 2-12 and are available at Rocky Mountain Bank, Bitterroot Star, Ravalli County Bank, Valley Drug, Bitterroot Community Market, Farmers State Bank or the Stevensville Main Street office. Proceeds benefit the Stevensville Main Street Association.

Library Chess Club

The North Valley Public Library Chess Club is increasing its meeting schedule to two times per month. This month’s meetings will be held on Monday, June 15 and Monday, June 29 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 Mel Leonard at 777-3851 or the Library at 777-5061.

Christian music concert

“Driven” musical quartet will perform in concert on Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 354 Cooper Lane, Hamilton. These talented singers present the gospel though music, seeking the lost and uplifting the hurting. For more information call 363-3735.

Red Cross blood drives

June 15 - Stevensville Feed & Farm, 3673 Eastside Highway—blood mobile will be in the parking lot, 1 to 5 p.m. For appointment call 777-5527.

June 17 - Sula Community Club House, East Fork Road, 1 to 5 p.m. For appointment call Gretchen, 821-1881.

June 22 - Tamarack Construction, 16366 Old Highway 93 (right next to Trader Brothers), Blood mobile will be in the parking lot. For appointment call Karen, 273-9821.

June 30 - Rocky Mountain Laboratories, 903 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. Blood mobile will be parked at the gate, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For appointment call Kristine, 363-9324.

Camp Invention

Why enroll your creative child in just another summer camp when he or she can participate in the nationally renowned "Camp Invention" sponsored by the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation. Hamilton Middle School science teacher Susan Matthews will direct a week of imaginative play and teamwork that will inspire an inventive spirit in every child who participates. Instructors include science specialist Sonia York and Spectra teacher Arielle Rhodes. The camp will be held at HMS June 15-19 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for those entering first through sixth grades. Cost is $205 with some scholarships and discounts available. For more information, see us at Hamilton's Farmers Market, go to www.campinvention.org or email Mrs. Matthews at matthewss@hsd3.org.

Library Wild Wednesday

Dixie Stark of Literacy Bitterroot and her puppet friends will tell stories at Wild Wednesday on June 17 at 1:30 p.m. on the east lawn of the Bitterroot Public Library. All ages are welcome.

RML Community Liaison Group

The Rocky Mountain Laboratories Community Liaison Group (RML CLG) will meet Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. in Conference Rooms B-C at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Agenda items include a presentation on the 20-year Master Plan recently approved for RML; the RML campus security program; and updates on campus grounds and renovations projects. The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting.

Blue Mountain Observatory viewings

This summer, the Blue Mountain Observatory will offer its telescope to the public for firsthand exploration of Montana’s big skies.

The observatory, operated by the University of Montana, will host eight free public viewings this summer and into the early fall, where people can get up close with planets, nebulae and distant galaxies.

Observing begins about an hour after sunset, and organizers recommend bringing warm clothes for cool evenings and a flashlight for the walk from the observatory to the parking lot.

The observatory is located on top of Blue Mountain, west of Missoula at an elevation of 6,300 feet. Astronomers will be on hand at all viewings to talk about constellations, how the night sky figures into different cultures and how to find interesting celestial objects with the naked eye or a pair of binoculars.

Viewing nights will be canceled only if the sky is cloudy or thunderstorms threaten. Call 243-5179 for weather and cancellation updates. More information, including directions and a map to the observatory, is available online at http://www.physics.umt.edu/bluemountain. Below is the schedule for the public viewing nights, including approximate starting times:

• June 19, 10:30-10:45 p.m.

• June 26, 10:30-10:45 p.m.

• July 17, 10:25-10:40 p.m.

• July 24, 10:20-10:35 p.m.

• Aug. 14, 9:50-10:05 p.m.

• Aug. 21, 9:35-9:50 p.m.

• Sept. 11, 9:00-9:15 p.m.

• Sept. 18, 8:45-9:00 p.m.

Pole walking clinic

You’re invited to a free pole walking clinic on Friday, June 19 at 12:45 at the Hamilton Senior Center. Poles will be available for demonstration and for sale after the clinic.

Pancake breakfast

A pancake breakfast for the public will be held Saturday, June 20 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Menu will be pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, fruit and coffee. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.

Labyrinth Solstice Walk

Redsun Labyrinth, 1802 Pleasant View Drive, Victor, will hold its 10th Annual Summer Solstice Open Walk on Saturday, June 20. A labyrinth is a walking meditation or a time to walk the path to your center. It is a metaphor for life's journey. It is located four miles SW of Victor. That evening the labyrinth will be surrounded with luminaria from dusk until midnight. Everyone is welcome. Directions can be found at www.redsunlabyrinth.com or call 642-6675. If you are unable to attend this event, come walk to the light of a full moon or plan your visit another time. The labyrinth is always open to individuals or groups. A $3 donation is suggested to help defray expenses. Park outside the gate on the grass to the left of the driveway and enter through the small twig-covered gate to the right of the main gate. Proceed to the arch and follow the path. Dress for the weather and there will be a bonfire to warm you. You may bring a stone to leave at the labyrinth if you wish. Pets are not allowed.

Basketball camps

The Bitterroot Basketball Academy is offering a series of summer basketball camps to be held on Dale Berry Court at Hamilton High School. All boys and girls entering 2nd -6th grade are invited to attend the BBA Skills Camp June 29-July 1. All boys entering 6th-12th grade are invited to attend the BBA Competition Camp June 20-23. BBA summer sessions will attack skill development and participants will receive fundamental instruction from area high school coaches and players. Individual and small group instruction is also available. Registration forms can be picked up at all Hamilton schools or contact Toby Stack at 363-2121 or email bitterrootbasketballacademy@live.com.

Audrey Ebel Golf Tournament

The 8th Annual Audrey Ebel Memorial Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, June 20 at the Whitetail Golf Course. Cost is $35 per person or $140 per 4-person team. This is a great tournament, for a great cause, with great food and drink and terrific prizes! There will be a hole in one prize on #4 of an ATV from Al’s Cycle Center and someday, someone will win it! The tournament benefits the Stevensville Main Street Association operational budget and program. Get your teams together and sign up! Sign-ups available at the Stevensville Main Street Office, Rocky Mountain Bank and the Whitetail Golf Course.

Quilt Walk

Missoula Quilter’s Guild invites you to walk through some of Missoula’s finest gardens and feast your eyes on more than 500 quilts on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it’s all free. Virtually, ten outdoor quilt shows will be hung throughout the town for Missoula Quilter’s Guild 2nd bi-annual Garden City Quilt Walk. Each location will offer quilting demonstrations, theme displays, and quilt raffles. The Missoula Quilter’s Guild celebrated it’s 25th anniversary last year and boasts nearly 200 members. Profits from quilt raffles at the Walk are used for guild community service projects which support Camp Mak-A-Dream, Quilts 4 Kids, and Backpacks for Kids, as well as offset costs of their bi-annual Quilt Show. Sites for this year’s Garden City Quilt Walk include gardens in the Miller Creek area, in East Missoula, towards Mullan Road, and others. Maps are available at local quilt stores, and online at http://missoulaquiltersguild.pbwiki.com/.

Horse euthanasia service

A Final Act of Kindness Service for horses and mules is being offered on Thursday, June 25. These tough economic times, rising costs of hay, and now a cold winter have made it difficult for some folks to provide hay and care, etc. for their horses and mules. This already difficult situation is compounded by the fact that "putting a horse down" can run $200.00 or more. An animal brought to the monthly horse auction/sale may bring only a small sum. It can also create additional hardship for an older, injured, or debilitated animal that could end up being transported out of the country (to Mexico or Canada) for slaughter. In light of this, A Final Act of Kindness Service will be offered on June 25 for a reduced fee to horse owners who may have difficulty coming up with the full cost of euthanasia. This service is for ill, debilitated, and elderly horses that are suffering. Willing Servants will take ownership of each horse and make the final decision as to whether or not the horse is adoptable or should be put down with the guidance of a veterinarian. For folks who don’t want their animals to suffer, and as a kinder, non-violent option to the auction or sale ring, this service is being offered by Willing Servants, Inc, a new non-profit group in the Bitterroot Valley dedicated to helping horses and the people who own them. The service will be offered on a recurring basis (monthly or bimonthly, depending on need). For further information and to request space in the upcoming "Final Act of Kindness" service in June, call 207-0463 or 531-2444.

Metcalf Refuge ‘BioBlitz’

Equipped with nets, notebooks, and an insatiable curiosity, scientists, volunteers and researchers will descend on the furthest reaches of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge on the afternoon of Friday, June 26, and they won’t emerge for 24 hours. They’re not filming an episode of “Survivor,” they’re staging the first Bitterroot BioBlitz—a round-the-clock tally of flora and fauna—of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge area in Stevensville.

Organized and hosted by the USFWS, the Friends of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge and Montana Audubon, the event is designed as part festival, part educational event and part scientific endeavor. The Refuge is rich in wildlife, from blue herons and boreal toads to unwanted invasive species, like houndstongue. It also serves as important migration and nesting habitat for birds such as American Avocets, Bald Eagles, and Lewis’ Woodpeckers.

To document this biodiversity, “we’re going to take teams of scientists and volunteers with different specialties in plants and animals and survey as much of the refuge as possible,” says Erin Holmes, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Manager. “It’s a quick look at what’s there, providing us with a baseline for management in the future.”

Planners hope that the event will also meet the goals of educating the public and celebrating biodiversity. “There will be a festival atmosphere,” says Frances Graham, Bitterroot BioBlitz Coordinator, who notes that the excitement will begin on June 26 at 3 pm with the ringing of a bell at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, the BioBlitz basecamp.

The schedule of free activities on Saturday will include guided field and birding walks, a workshop on sketching plants and animals in the wild, fly tying demonstrations, and a junior BioBlitz program for children. Meanwhile, professional naturalists will be staking out parts of the refuge in four-hour shifts, returning to the visitor center to file regular reports. The final species count, and other interesting findings, will be announced at closing ceremonies on June 27 at 3 p.m.

A limited number of positions on field teams are open to volunteers of any experience level. To learn more about the Bitterroot BioBlitz or register as a volunteer, visit http://www.bitterrootbioblitz.com.

Paper drive

The Hamilton Garden Club will hold its monthly paper drive on Friday, June 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Safeway parking lot. All papers, aluminum cans and can tabs will be accepted (no cardboard).

Western Heritage Days will be held on June 26 and 27 in Stevensville. There will be a Youth Dance on Friday, June 26 along with the Bale Buckin’ Team Auction Calcutta to be held at Plum Loco at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, June 27 there will be the parade and entries may be downloaded off of the website: mainstreetstevensville.com. The day will be filled with activities, Dutch Oven Cooking Contest, sidewalk sales, Farmers Market, Historic Home Tours with Horse and Wagon Rides. The Historic St. Mary’s Mission will be hosting the Salish drummers and dancers, living history demonstration, vendors of arts and crafts (vendor info on the website or call the office at 777-3773), the Knights of Columbus BBQ and Cow Pie Bingo. The Western Heritage Days Bale Buckin’ Contest will be held downtown. Teams will be auctioned off the night before at Plum Loco. This is a new event and should be a fun event for the whole community. Teams of three can enter to compete in the contest which consists of bucking bales in a given pattern, driving an obstacle course and maintaining the stacked bales to the finish line. Drivers for the pickup must be 21 years. You can sign up at the Main Street Office or the Bitterroot Star, Stevensville Feed and Farm and Burnt Fork Vet Clinic. This is a new event and promises to be an exciting one! Start getting your team together!

This year promises to be a great event with the Downtown Saturday Night topping off the Western Heritage Days event with a beer garden, food court and live music and street dance from 4 to 10 p.m. in front of the Stevensville Hotel.

Bitterroot Quilters Guild

The Bitterroot Quilters Guild is hosting a quilt show entitled “Gems of the Bitterroot” on June 27 and 28 at the First Interstate Center at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. This will be a showing of over 300 quilts with a featured artist, demonstrations, viewer's choice, door prizes, and food concessions. Hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $4. For more information visit http://www.bitterrootquiltersguild.com.

Lolo Pass run

The Lolo Pass Half Marathon and 5K Fun Run will be held Saturday, June 27.

Registration is open for walkers, hikers and runners who would like to discover the beauty and history of Lolo Pass this summer during the second annual Mountain-to-Meadow Half Marathon and 5K (3 miles) Fun Run.

The run, organized by Discover Your Northwest will begin at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center (elev. 5225) on Highway 12, at the Idaho-Montana border. The half-marathon winds for 14 miles through forests of Engelmann Spruce and White Pine, with dramatic views of the Bitterroot Mountains in the distance. Both the 5K run (out and back) and the 14-mile loop will pass Packer Meadows, a historically significant site along the Nez Perce and Lewis and Clark trails. Runners, walkers and hikers all are welcome. The entire course is on dirt or gravel back roads. Participation is limited to the first 300 runners/walkers who register. Registrations will be accepted through June 24th.

The June 27 date is scheduled two weeks before the Missoula Marathon to give marathon participants a practice run in a mountain setting. Walkers and hikers may enjoy the camas and other wildflowers along the route.

Proceeds from this event will be used to help visitors discover and appreciate the rich history and striking beauty of the area around the Lolo Pass Visitor Center.

Special guests at the run will be the Travelers Rest Brigade who will be present to interpret the history of the Lewis and Clark and Nez Perce Trail at Lolo Pass.

The Travelers Rest Brigade will also be hosting an encampment at Travelers Rest State Park on June 27th and June 28th in conjunction with the Mountain to Meadow Fun Run.

Registration forms for the race can be found at Runner’s Edge or on-line at http://www.runlolopass.org. For more information contact Colleen Mathisen at 208-942-1234 or at coordinator@runlolopass.org.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School "Love to Serve" will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Lewis Lane in Hamilton June 29 through July 3. Sessions will run from 9 a.m. until 12 noon for preschool through 6th graders. Counselors from Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp will lead VBS. To register your child, call the church office at 363-2964.

Stevensville Streetscape Project meeting

The Design Committee of the Stevensville Main Street Association is hosting a public workshop/presentation on Tuesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Main Street Assn. office to talk about streetscape improvement ideas, and to present their own ideas and ask the public for feedback with regard to Stevensville's streetscape.

Missoula-based WGM Group's Jeremy Keene (project engineer) will be facilitating the presentation. He brings a strong knowledge of many types of streetscape projects and processes and has shown a personal interest in helping the committee envision the possibilities for Stevensville.

The Stevensville Main Street Association office is located at 102B Main Street. For more information call 777-3773.

Ponderosa Gallery show

The Ponderosa Art Gallery of Hamilton will host its annual “West Revisited Show” which will open on July 3 from 3 to 8 p.m. and continue through August 9 by appointment. Artists featured will be Cyrus Afsary, Ed DuRose, Claire Goldrick, R. E. Pierce, Greg Scheibel, Gayla Wiedenheft and others. These artists are well known for their paintings of the American West and have won numerous awards throughout the US for their work. Collectors will find a variety of subject matter including landscapes, western, and Native American, and in all price ranges. Contact the gallery for more information at 375-1212.

‘Horse Camp Music’ benefit concert

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 11, and join Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding for a fun and memorable time at the Dave Stamey Concert in the Hamilton Performing Arts Center. Born in Montana, raised on a cattle ranch in California, Dave Stamey has been a cowboy, a packer, and a wrangler, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular cowboy entertainers on the scene today. He has been twice voted Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and received the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists.  

Sharing the stage with Dave is local cowboy poet, Shad Pease. Shad’s poetic form will capture your heart, tickle your funny bone and send you down memory lane. He paints vivid images in the course of presenting his poetry, drawing his audience into his vision of the cowboy life

Begin the evening with a silent auction, pastries from the Olde Coffee Mill, and specially roasted coffees from Zaxan. Tickets are $25 and available through Chapter One Bookstore, Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Music Elements Design, and Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding. For more information contact Linda Olson at 961-2999.

Summer children’s theater school

The Hamilton Players, Inc. Summer Children’s Theater School will be July 13-July 17. The program will teach the students the fundamentals of theater arts in a fun and enriching environment culminating in showcase performances the 17th and 18th of July. The school will be organized by the following age classes: K-2 from 9 a.m. to noon, fee of $65; 3-5 and 6-8 each from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; fee of $175 and high school from 1 to 5 p.m.; fee of $90. Enrollment is limited. Scholarships may be available. Call 375-9050 for more information and registration forms are at the Hamilton Playhouse at 100 Ricketts Rd.

Montana GWRRA District Rally

The Montana District Rally of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association will be held in Hamilton July 24-26. Registration will be at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Register early as camping and motels are filling up. There will be lots of fun places to ride! A grand prize will be awarded Saturday evening at closing ceremonies. Call Montana District Director, Russ Parpart, at 855-3217 for further information.

Daly Days Duck Derby 

What’s green and quacks like a duck? The money you could make on the Shriners’ Lucky Ducks from the Daly Days Duck Derby! You can win $500, $400, $300 and more and at the same time enrich the lives of our children and their families here in the Bitterroot by buying a $5 ticket for the Daly Days Duck Derby happening on July 25 at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day Shriners will be fishing for Lucky (rubber) Ducks worth $2000 in prize money and benefiting local organizations that support and benefit our kids. Mascot Monte will be on hand to help out! Get your tickets at: South Valley Pediatrics, Chapter One Books, Me and Mom, The Commod and the Paper Clip or call Bob with the Shriners at 777-2270 or Faylee at 363-3450. See you at the Duck Pond! 

Bitterroot Classic Triathlon

The fourth annual 2009 Bitterroot Classic Triathlon will be held on Saturday, August 22 at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center. This race is fast, fun and an exciting family event. Athletes race registration opens on Monday June 1st, register online at http://www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com. This year’s race is dedicated in memory of Benjamin (Levi) Pigman.

Over the past three years, the Bitterroot Classic Triathlon has raised over $37,000 in support of Missoula’s Ronald McDonald House. Join us on August 22nd by sponsoring, volunteering or participating in this fun and worthwhile event as we swim, bike and run to raise funds for this special place. The Bitterroot Classic Triathlon is a sprint distance race. The swim takes place in the Bitterroot Aquatic Center pool, the bike portion gives racers the opportunity to take in the great views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains while racing with the cows through some of the most the beautiful private property in Ravalli County. The race concludes with a double loop around the Hamilton High School. The entry fee is $45.00 and all activities will take place at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center. In addition, the sprint triathlon will be followed by the second annual kid’s triathlon. The Bitterroot Classic Triathlon has something for everybody! Volunteers interested in helping out on race day, call Barbara at 880.7646. For more information on the Bitterroot Classic Triathlon, visit http://www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com.