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.

Lilies of the Valley

Any women who enjoy singing two- and three-part harmony to a wide variety of piano-accompanied music are invited to join Lilies of the Valley singing group. No auditions are required for participation. Have fun sharing your time and talent under the direction of Thelma Laws. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 611 N. 6th in Hamilton. For more information call Lola, 363-4633.

VFW meetings

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

Overeaters Anonymous

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

La Leche League

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

Suicide Loss Support

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 Barbara Jo Burditt, 777-3853, or Brian Cherry, Ravalli County Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator, 360-2708.

Golden Agers

The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck.

Saturday Kids Activities

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

SEE Sign Cooperative Learning Group

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

Yoga in the Root

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

Senior Center bridge

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

The Morning Gig

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

Florence American Legion

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

Stevensville American Legion

The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Russell Vogel, 777-4427.

Waldorf Play Group

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

Library storytimes

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

SAFE support groups

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

Caregiver coffee break

Are you one of the millions of Americans who help someone else by providing companionship, preparing meals, running errands, driving to doctors appointments or by simply doing whatever needs to be done to assist someone who is ill or homebound?

Aspen Hospice recognizes the complexity of caregiving and offers a time of respite. Whether or not the person you care for receives services from Aspen Hospice, you, as a caregiver, can find encouragement, support and information at the Caregiver Coffee Break every Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 230 Marcus Street in Hamilton. Stop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Reservations are not required and coffee breaks are provided at no charge. For additional information, contact Elizabeth at 777-5009.

TOPS meeting

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

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.

Dance workout class

“Salsa Groove” workout classes for adults and teens is held Mondays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. and Fridays from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at Sapphire Dance Studio on Main Street in Stevensville. Get in shape this summer while having fun with this low impact dance workout. Improve your cardiac health, tone and strengthen your body, increase core awareness and improve agility all while learning to dance to basic Latin rhythms. Beginners are welcome. Attire requirements are comfortable workout clothes and workout shoes you can move in (tennis, cross trainers, running, etc.). Partnering techniques will be covered but this is not a partnering class. Cost is $10 per class/$36 per 1 month series of 4 classes, with a special $5 rate for the first class. For more information contact Kimberlee Carlson at 777-2579.

Daly Mansion activities

The Daly Mansion is featuring Western Montana Porcelain Artists pieces in the dinning room for the month of June. Tours are daily on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children 6 -17, 5 yrs & under are free. The Mansion also has an elevator and handicapped access. Call 363-6004 for more information.

Hamilton Players season tickets for sale

The Hamilton Players are now selling Season Tickets for their 2008-2009 season.

The season will commence June 13-29 with Gilbert & Sullivan’s famous operetta, “The Pirates of Penzance.” That will be followed in November with “Forever Plaid—Plaid Tidings,” a musical holiday salute. In February, the Players will reprise Neil Simon’s urbane comedy, “Rumors,” and follow that in April with A.R. Gurney’s comedy, “Sylvia.” Tickets are $14 for each show, and $56 for a season ticket to all performances.

In addition, the Players have scheduled a number of special events throughout the year. These will be posted on their website as soon as possible. To receive notice of all Hamilton Players events, email info@hamiltonplayers.com.

Capital Tree ornament workshop

The Friends of the North Valley Public Library are sponsoring a workshop to make ornaments for the big Christmas tree from the Bitterroot National Forest, which will be displayed on the Capitol lawn in Washington, D.C. You do not need to be artistic to help, because in addition to people who are, volunteers are needed to assist with painting, glueing, spraying, etc. Jig-saw operators and scrap 1/8th inch plywood are also needed. Here's your chance to participate in a history-making event. 5000 ornaments are needed, and the goal is to make at least 200 of these. Bitterrooters making ornaments that will hang on a Bitterroot Forest tree for thousands of people to see. Now, that's a history-making event, and here's your chance to participate. The workshop will be held in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library, Stevensville, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, starting now thru July 29. For further information call Beverly Helrich, 777 2505, or Cathy Atkinson, 777 5986.

Darby summer reading program

Catch the reading bug at the Darby Community Public Library summer reading program. It starts Tuesday, June 17 and ends Thursday, August 7. Little Bugs (entering grades 1-3) meet every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Big Bugs (entering grades 4-6) meet every Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. The program includes reading, arts & crafts, science projects, guest speakers and a snack. Best of all, it's free and you can drop in any week you're in town. For more information call the Darby Community Public Library, 821-4771 or email Terry Ruggles at staff@darbylibrary.net.

Dance workshops

River Street Dance Theater presents two exciting workshops, June 16-19 and June 23-26, at the studio at 421 N. Second Street, Hamilton. The guest instructors for the first week are Laurel Wall-Maclane of the Headwaters Dance Company in Missoula, Jen Stearns, a graduate in dance from the University of Montana and a dynamic teacher, Natalie Naidl on staff at River Street Dance Theater, and Celie Erickson, a junior in the dance department of the University of Oregon, Eugene. The styles taught will be modern dance, tap, and contact improvisation. In addition, there will be two repertory pieces taught. For the second week the two teachers, Jeanne Christopherson and Lansana Kouyate, will come from California to teach modern dance, African, drumming, and another repertory piece. Both weeks of dance are open to the general public and trained dancers ages 9 through adult. There will be daytime and evening classes. Phone for brochure and more information at 363-1203.

Twelve Inquiries meeting

Open meetings on “Introduction to Everyday Awareness: The Twelve Inquiries,” a series of teachings on awareness and its practical application in daily life, will be held June 17, July 15 and August 19 at 7 p.m. at 217 Main St., suite C, in Stevensville. All are welcome a these free meetings. For more information, call Jill Hughes at 370-9252, jillhughes@greatfreedom.org. Great Freedom is a global community of 24/7 mutual support for creating a world of friendly, happy, creative, cooperative and productive people. Learn how to find the continuous soothing energy within you that makes this possible and brings delight and complete freedom to life. Find the power to greatly benefit yourself and others in all situations.

Stevensville Playhouse production

Rehearsals for “The Fourposter” at the Stevensville Playhouse are well underway! Two very talented local performers, Brooke Perrin and Ben Courteau, are guaranteed to impress you with their interpretation of Jan de Hartog’s delightful rendition of married life! Peek in on the marriage, beginning in 1890, through tears and trials, smiles and happiness and sit back and enjoy the unfolding of the next 35 years!

This wonderful production is being directed by Tristen Beller, a recent UM graduate. The four-poster bed, the center of the show, was crafted by Dale Roos and will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the Stevensville Playhouse. Show dates are June 19-21 and 26-28 at 8 p.m. with matinees on June 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $12.00 for adults, $10 for students/seniors. Call 777-2722 for more information and reservations.

Democratic Women’s Club convention

The Montana State Democratic Women’s Club convention will be held June 20-21 at the Carriage House, 310 N. 4th, in Hamilton. Registration will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 at the Best Western Hamilton Inn for out-of-town guests, with a reception at 6:30 p.m.

The convention opens Friday morning with Kathy Dungan speaking on the peace activities of her first and second grade students at Lewis and Clark Elementary School in Missoula; students have written a song, made a CD, collected $2000 for the tsunami relief effort in Indonesia, still collect “pennies for peace” and recently completed a pathway for peace.

Other speakers will be Alysha Goheen Jannotta talking on a coalition of Montana Women Vote, as well as Gail Gutsche who is running for a seat on the Public Service Commission. Keynote speaker is Denise Juneau, Democratic candidate for Office of Public Instruction, speaking at the Banque Club Exchange.

Another special presentation will be Saturday morning,when Betsy Mulligan-Daque from the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center will close out the convention.

For more information about attending the convention, call Corrine at 544-8586 or Lisa at 777-3145.

Red Cross annual meeting

The American Red Cross of Montana Chapter will hold its Annual Meeting on Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at 1500 W. Broadway, Suite E, Missoula. For more information or to RSVP, call 727-2212, ext. 14.

Yoga ride clinic

Kootenai Creek Equestrian Centre in Stevensville will present a unique “East Meets West” Yoga Ride Clinic on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22. Join expert horsewoman Malika B. Coston and renowned Yoga Instructor Veronica Brown as they alternate the intuitive elements of natural horsemanship and healing Yoga/body work to result in bringing about the best in horse and rider in a beautiful ranch setting. For information and to register call or e-mail Kim Tiplady, 777-7244 or e-mail Tipster5@juno.com.

Methodist Women’s Luncheon

The Stevensville United Methodist Women will hold a fundraiser luncheon on Saturday, June 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the church, 216 College St. Advance tickets are on sale now for $8.00 which covers lunch, style show by the Victorian Tea Guild, and entertainment. No sales at the door. Guests are invited to wear old-fashioned attire. Tickets/info: 777-2269, or 777-0018.

Vacation Bible School

The North Valley Church of Christ is having a vacation bible School in June. North Valley Church is located at 1669 Houk Way, phone number is 777-5927. The VBS is featuring "Avalanche Ranch" as the forum. The dates of the VBS are June 16th-23rd 9am-12pm for ages 4-11. To register or find out more information, interested parties can visit the website at: https://www.groupvbs.com/myvbs/?churchid=5571 or call 777-5927 and/or 544-1626.

Disability seminar

The Transition Seminar on June 18-20 will be held by Disability Services for Students at the University of Montana-Missoula. This seminar is a three-day workshop program developed specifically for students with disabilities who are considering postsecondary education. This program is open to high school juniors or seniors, and others who will soon be college freshmen. The participants will stay in a university dormitory, eat at a university cafeteria, and attend seminar style workshops on the University of Montana campus. Workshops will address disability rights, assistive technology, and federal and state resources that promote students' successful higher education experiences. Seminar participants will also have opportunities for discussion with college students with disabilities. The registration fee is $110 including seminar materials, meals and lodging during the event. The registration deadline is June 2, 2008. Call UM Disability Services at 243-2243 or visit www.umt.edu/dss for more information and registration.

‘Good Neighbor Day’

The First Annual “Good Neighbor Day” Community Yard Sale/Block Party will be held Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at New Hope Southern Baptist Church, 869 Sleeping Child Road, Hamilton. There will be moonwalks and games for the kids, a 3D archery fun shoot, door prizes, live music, free popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy. Space for your yard sale is free, but you do need to sign up prior to the date of the event. Come on out, meet your neighbors, get rid of some of that clutter you’ve been saying you ought to have a yard sale for, and enjoy the free food and entertainment. For more information, contact LeAnna Jewell at 363-2409 or Randy Daniels at 381-3275.

Pancake breakfast

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

Wild Trout Benefit

The public is invited to participate in a live auction on June 21 and an online auction through June 20 to raise funds for the Trout Conservancy’s habitat restoration work. Both auctions feature a variety of fishing gear, clothing, artwork, get-a-ways and much more. A silent auction, a gourmet dinner of grilled salmon with key lime pie, a showing of premiere flyfishing action films, Mayor John Engen and live music highlight the June 21 event at the University Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. on the 21st.

For tickets and to bid, go online at www.troutconservancy.org. Tickets are also available for $30 at Rockin’ Rudy’s, Worden’s, area fly shops and The Source at the University Center. Tickets will be $35 at the door.

The Trout Conservancy of Montana is an eight-year old nonprofit based in Missoula, working to keep Montana's wild trout around with restoration work for wild trout habitat. Over the last eight years, the Trout Conservancy has helped improve in-stream trout habitat in Lolo Creek and tributaries of the Big Blackfoot River, secured funds for replacing fish-passage blocking culverts on the Lolo National Forest, and restored a reach of Pattee Creek in Missoula for native trout.

Labyrinth summer solstice open walk

The Redsun Labyrinth, a walking meditation, located four miles southwest of Victor at 1802 Pleasant View Drive, will hold its 9th Annual Summer Solstice Open Walk on Saturday, June 21. 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, plan to 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. Dress for the weather but there will be a bonfire to warm you. You may want to bring a stone to leave at the labyrinth. No pets will be allowed.

Ag business education

In 2002 the County Extension Service in Illinois created a series of classes on business and risk management for farm and ranch women called Annie’s Project.

Katelyn Anderson of the Ravalli County Extension office has offered to help bring this project to the Bitterroot next October. She is hosting a meeting Saturday, June 21, to create the curriculum of classes to be offered. Consider attending to let her know what skills you want to learn in order to run a successful farm or ranch business.

This meeting will be held Saturday, June 21, at 1:30 p.m. at County Extension Meeting Room, 215 S. 4th Street, Ste. G, Hamilton. Enter through the handicap entrance on the north side of the building.

For more information contact Katelyn at 375-6611 katelyna@montana.edu.

Father Smith’s retirement party

A retirement party for Father Mike Smith will be held Sunday, June 22 at 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. There will be a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. followed by a program at 6:30 p.m. (Bring your favorite hot dish or salad; chicken cake and beverages will be provided). The community of Stevensville is invited to celebrate and honor the eight years of service, friendship and priceless contributions given by Father Mike. If you have a photograph or story to share, contact St. Mary’s Mission at 777-5734.

Blodgett Overlook Hike

There will be a hike on Monday, June 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. on the Blodgett Overlook Trail. Come for a three mile hike and great views on the Blodgett Overlook Trail and learn about important items to carry for basic survival and first aid. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is sponsored by the Bitterroot Backcountry Horsemen and the Bitterroot National Forest. Contact Fred Weisbecker of the Bitterroot Backcountry Horsemen at 375-9317.

Stevi school board

There will be a special board meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees on Monday, June 23 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School learning center.

Audrey Ebel Memorial Golf Tournament

The 7th annual Aubrey Ebel Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Stevensville Main Street Association will be held Saturday, June 28 at the Whitetail Golf Course. This 9-hole Best Ball Scramble will have a shotgun start at 10 a.m. There will be prizes and a barbecue and all skill levels are welcome. The hole-in-one prize is a new ATV from Al’s Cycle. Cost is $140 per team or $35 per person. Registration deadline is June 23 by contacting Debbie Severson at 777-7803 or Joan Prather at 777-3773.

Vacation Bible School

“Outrigger Island, Living God’s Unshakable Truth” is the theme for Vacation Bible School to be held June 23-25 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon at New Hope Southern Baptist Church, 869 Sleeping Child Road, Hamilton. Games, music, Bible stories, crafts and snacks will be available. For more information, call Linda Johnson at 550-2147, or Randy Daniels at 381-3275.

Lone Rock Summer Reading Program

On Tuesday afternoons from June 24 through July 29 there will be a summer reading program in the Lone Rock Elementary School library. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. on these afternoons, preschoolers through eighth grade will have the opportunity to participate in a story time, book check-out and craft project. Reading incentive prizes will be awarded when a child reaches a reading goal. In addition to these story times, the school library will be open for book check-out every weekday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Studies have repeatedly shown that children who continue to read during the summer months perform better academically when school resumes in the fall. Be sure to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to keep your children reading throughout the summer.

Sons of Norway

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will celebrate "Sankt-Hans" (St. John's Eve) on Tuesday, June 24 at 6 p.m. at the Bjergo place in Hamilton Heights on Wilcox Lane (roads will be marked). The Lodge will provide meat, buns, drinks, plastic utensils and plates. Members and the public are invited to bring a side dish, and chairs. There will be the traditional attempt to burn the Viking ship, horseshoes, socializing and a report by members who will just be back from the International District convention in Grand Forks and preparations to host the next convention in Missoula in 2010 will be discussed. Members and volunteers will also be getting ready to sell Vikings at the Ravalli County Fair.

Introduction to Geocaching

An introduction to Geocaching will be held Tuesday, June 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kiwanis/River Park in Hamilton. Meet at the gazebo. Bring your own GPS unit or call the contact person to borrow one. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is designed for all ages and is sponsored by the Bitterroot National Forest and the Bitter Root RC&D. Contact Janeen Hetzler, 381-2951.

Self help lecture

“How to Create the Relationship of Your Dreams” is the title of a lecture to be presented by Pat Bowen on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Want a soul mate relationship? Maybe it is not as hard as it seems. We were created male and female, two parts that combined, make one complete, intimate, and loving whole. This is the ideal we seek and want with our hearts and yet it seems to elude most people. Bowen will discuss how to achieve this life’s dream, one we were meant to have. For more information call 777-7159.

Larry Creek Hike

A Larry Creek hike will be held Thursday, June 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Come for a 2.5 mile heart-pumping hike on the Larry Creek Fire Ecology Trail to look for wildflowers and birds and to learn how fire affects a forest. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is sponsored by Bitterroot Audubon and the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station. Contact Sharon Ritter at 777-7416 for more information.

Paper drive

The Hamilton Garden Club will hold a paper drive on Friday, June 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Safeway parking lot. All papers, pop cans and can tabs will be accepted. Cardboard cannot be accepted. The paper drives are held the last Friday of every month through October.

Relay for Life

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

Lolo Pass 5K Fun Run

Registration is still open for walkers, hikers and runners who would like to discover the beauty and history of Lolo Pass this summer during the first annual Mountain-to-Meadow Half Marathon and 5K (3 miles) Fun Run on Saturday, June 28. The recent cool weather makes it likely that participants will be running and walking through the blue camas which is expected to be blooming at that time.

The run, organized by the Northwest Interpretive Association, 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 either dirt or gravel back roads.

The June 28th 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.

Participation is limited to the first 225 runners/walkers who register. Registrations will be accepted through June 25th.

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

Registration forms for this event can be found at Runner's Edge and Bob Ward's in Missoula, Bob Ward's in Hamilton, and Lolo Pass, or on-line at http://www.runlolopass.org. For more information call Colleen Mathisen at 240-0287.

Homeopathic class

A homeopathic and herbal wellness class will be held Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This class is a comprehensive look at homeopathic first aid and acute self care and a hands on experience on the proper way to collect, preserve and use herbs and local plants for personal wellness for you, your family and your pets. Teachers are Jeanie Notti-Fullerton, cHom, and Mary Wulff, Professional Herbalist and coauthor of “Herbs for Pets.” Class time will be held at Animal Essentials, two miles north of Woodside followed by a nature walk (weather permitting). Cost is $35.00. Call 370-0699 or 369-0025 for more details and to reserve your space.

Yin Yoga Workshop

A Yin Yoga Workshop will be held Saturday, June 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Yoga in the Root in Stevensville. Experience the Chinese cooling practice of non-effort that targets fascia and the joints. The work will be done on the floor and will focus on deep pockets of the body for long durations. For more information call 777-7011 or 370-9252 or email yogaintheroot@gmail.com.

CHS Alumni Reunion

Corvallis High School Alumni Reunion will be held Saturday, June 28 in the Old High School gym. There will be tours of the school starting at 2 p.m., with dinner following at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 per person; $15 after June 15. For more information call Ray Dunbar at 961-4528 or Gayle Tintzman at 961-3343.

Pig Out on Reading!

Have you ever met a pig who likes to read? If you want to meet one who does, then come to a special presentation sponsored by the Lone Rock School summer reading program on June 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the elementary gym. Farmer Minor and his highly intelligent pot bellied pig, Daisy, will read some of Daisy’s favorite pig stories and share how she has become a world famous pig! You’ll get to listen to Daisy noises, give Daisy a treat and talk about Daisy’s pampered life. Daisy has presented programs in 48 states and has even been on TV! Don’t miss this fun way to encourage reading with your children!

4th of July parade

On Friday, July 4, the Hamilton United Businesses (HUB) will hold a 4th of July Parade in Hamilton. The theme is “Celebrate our Freedom” and the parade will honor soldiers, past and present. Categories include: Horseback, Horse Drawn, Vehicle Drawn, Walking (children and adults), ATVs, Motorcycles, Bicycles, etc., and Cars and Trucks. For more information call Pat at the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, 363-2400.

The Sunday Gathering

The Sunday Gathering, A Celebration will be held on Sunday, July 6 at 10 a.m. at the River Street Dance Theatre on 2nd and River in Hamilton. Everyone is welcome. The group meets the first Sunday of every month and is not allied with any sect, denomination or political organization. There will be folks coming from different beliefs and practices and this is cause for celebration. It is requested that heavy scents not be worn due to people’s allergies. Children are welcome. For more information call Joan Perry at 961-3706 or Dave Schultz at 363-5704.

Daly Mansion grounds tours

Come to the Daly Mansion and tour the Mansion Grounds aboard the Riverside Express at no charge! Learn the history of the grounds and see the beautiful displays of trees and flowers. Tours will be Sunday, July 6 and July 20 from noon to 3 p.m. For more information call 363-6004.

Quilt show

The Sapphire Quilt Club of Stevensville invites the public to its 2008 quilt show “In My Backyard” on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 at the Stevensville High School gym, 300 Park Street. Friday, the show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

This year, two club members are being honored as featured quilt artists. Mary Alice Sutherlin creates a strong sense of family and tradition in her quilts. She devotes many, many hours creating “portable hugs” for each of her extended family members. Cyndie McKinley stitches weekly with her friends and admits that she is addicted to quilting. Last year, in fact, she purchased a professional quilting machine to challenge her desire to learn even more about her passion. These two women from the Victor area have mastered many of the different creation techniques. Come to the show to see their work.

There will also be demonstrations, door prizes, fabric raffles, quilts for sale, a raffle quilt, a Singer Featherweight raffle, and many vendors. A food concession featuring a healthy and tasty lunch will be available. Admission at the door is $3.

Stevensville Playhouse Children's Workshop

This years Children's Theatre Workshop at the Stevensville Playhouse will run from July 21 through August 2 and will be directed by Kori DePauw. Kori is in the process of achieving her Gold Award through Girl Scouting. The workshop will run Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with two performances at Creamery Picnic. Students will learn the multiple areas of the theatre: set, props, costume, lighting, and acting. There will be 15 openings available for children from the ages 7-15. The cost for the program is $125 per child. All money will go directly to the Stevensville Playhouse. Contact Kori at 777-1448 for more information.

Treasure State Art Show

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

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

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

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

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

Art Guild show

The Bitterroot Art Guild in Hamilton is having its annual art and craft show at the American Legion Park on Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lots of art and crafts will be featured along with entertainment and food.

Outdoor Skills Workshop

The Montana Women in the Outdoors has scheduled the next Outdoor Skills Workshop for Saturday, July 26. The 7th annual event will be held at Spring Meadow Lake State Park in Helena. Through this event, women ages 14 and older from all walks of life will be given the opportunity to experience the thrill of outdoor activities, gain knowledge without the fear of intimidation or expectations and have the ability to use materials/equipment necessary with the guidance of expert volunteer instructors. Classes include Canoeing/Kayaking, Water Safety/First Aide, Birding, Bird Drawing, Beading, Personal Safety and Self Defense, Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Outdoor Photography and others. For registration information contact Susan at 439-3658 or Cheryl at 458-5078 or email Cheryl HYPERLINK "mailto:mcopenhaver@mt.net" mcopenhaver@mt.net.

Creamery Picnic flower show

The Stevensville Garden Club will hold a flower show during Creamery Picnic (first weekend in August) at St. Mary's Family Center. Joanne Gibbons, President of the Stevensville Garden Club, appointed Jean Thomas to chair the event with membership volunteers to work on staging, the schedule (rules of the show), horticulture and design consultants, clerks, awards, and judging personnel. The theme is “Seasons of the Bitterroot.” The Standard Flower Show will follow the guidelines of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Handbook for Flower Shows. Design entries will be pre-registered. Refreshments, educational exhibits, and commercial displays will be included. There will be no admission charge for the show. The Club is encouraging gardeners to plant unusual or "showy" flowers to enter in the Horticulture Division for the two-day show.

Bitterroot Classic Triathlon

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

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

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

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

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

'Moon Walk' Series

Once a month, as the full moon glows, it seems safe to venture out into the dark while the moon makes shadows. You can still smell the flowers, feel the wind, hear the water, and sense the wildlife.

For the seventh year, the Bitterroot National Forest offers a series of interpretive “Moon Walks” from June through October. These walks are based on the book by Francis Hammerstrom, “Walk When the Moon is Full,” which is about her children and the nature walks they took every month under the full moon.

The Bitterroot National Forest invites you to join interpreters and naturalists for these evening presentations. In June, July and August, the hour and a half programs begin each night at 8 p.m. on the full moon. In September and October, the programs begin at 7 p.m. In addition, this year we will offer leisurely guided walks, one hour prior to the June, July and September programs. Below are the topics that will be featured during the “Moon Walk” series.

Wednesday, June 18 – “Beetle Moon” at Charles Waters Campground in the Bitterroot National Forest. Learn about current trends of insects and disease in the forests of western Montana from Forest Service Entomologists.

Saturday, July 19 – “CCC Moon” at Lake Como in the Bitterroot National Forest. Learn about the rich history of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Bitterroot Valley from the Bitterroot National Forest Historian.

Saturday, August 16 – “Spirit Moon” at Fort Owen State Park in Stevensville. Learn about mysterious historical stories from across the state from an author and historian.

Monday, September 15 – “Aquatic Moon” at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about types of aquatic life in the Bitterroot Valley and efforts by local scientists to conserve some of these species.

Tuesday, October 14 – “Ghost Moon” at the Larry Creek Group Campground in the Bitterroot National Forest. Gather around a campfire to hear ghosts of the Bitterroot Valley share stories of their lives and untimely deaths.

For more information, contact Julie Schreck at 375-2606.

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