Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Community Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

Monday – 11:45 lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - line dancing at 9:30 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m.
Wednesday – 11:45 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., 11:45 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.
Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, beverage, 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.

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton. The Women's Auxiliary meets 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 compulsive eating behaviors. It offers a solution within reach of all those who want to find relief from the obsession with food. It meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 203 Main Street, Stevensville, and 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 7:30 to 10 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every first Wednesday of the month.

Florence American Legion

The Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the second Sunday of the month at Glen's Cafe in Florence. Meetings begin at 1 p.m. For further information contact Post Commander Claude Nichols at 273-3051.

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.

Corvallis American Legion

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

Lilies of the Valley singing group

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

Sapphire Quilt Club

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

Grief Support Groups

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

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

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

For more information, call Cathy Palmer, LCPC, Bereavement Coordinator, at 375-4752.

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.

Preschool story time

Preschool story time is held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Corner of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. For more information call the library at 363-1670.

Toddler story time

Toddler Story time is held every Friday from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton.

Spanish conversation group

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

Soroptimists

Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at noon at BJ’s Restaurant and the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Forest Service building. Soroptimist is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. All interested business women are encouraged to attend.

Rotary Club

The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon, at “Papa Bear’s Den” on the east side of The Three Bears Creamery Cottage, 1659 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.

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.

‘Science of Mind’ fellowship

Science of Mind fellowship gathers every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Carriage House in Hamilton to watch a downloaded message from Seattle's Center For Spiritual Living. Join like-minded metaphysicians in spiritual community. For info call Barb Lucas, 375-9996.

Women’s writing group

The Women's Collaborative Writing Group, focusing on women's issues, meets at SAFE in the Bitterroot, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton, on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. For more information call Theresa Rivera, advocate, at 363-2793, ext 12.   

Legion bingo

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

Cancer Support Group

A Cancer Support Group is held each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library Community Room. The group is for cancer patients, cancer survivors and family and/or caregivers. For more information contact Diane Howard at 777-2385 or 363-8543.

Hamilton Garden Club

The Hamilton Garden Club meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at a member’s home. For more information call 961-1678 or Linda at 961-0209.

Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings

The V2V outreach group meets every Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. These informal meetings are for all veterans from the Boxer Rebellion to the present. Many veterans have both unresolved and resolved issues from their experiences in the military that impact their lives today. At the meetings veterans can discuss whatever they want and the outreach group gives veterans an opportunity to get together to share information and talk about issues. For further information contact Dan Mayer (961-1577) from the Bitterroot Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Vietnam Veterans of America

The Bitterroot Chapter #938 of the Vietnam Veterans of America meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Human Resources Building, 316 North 3rd Street, Hamilton. Enter through the north door. Vietnam era veterans often need assistance with problems and issues and many have similar stories. The Bitterroot Chapter VVA is your organization to provide the opportunity to obtain and share information, to organize grass root activities, lend a helping hand, and offer assistance to all veterans in dealing with the Veterans Administration. Also, through the National VVA organization, the local chapter supplies input to state and federal government legislators on issues important to veterans. For more information contact Bill Decker at 369-0544.

Library Tot Time

A weekly Tot Time program for parents and children not yet in school is held every Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Darby Community Public. Enjoy reading, art, music and snack. The program is free. For more information call the library at 821-4771.

Darby food collection

The Darby Bread Box, a local food bank in Darby, will be opening January 4, 2010. During November and December, organizers are collecting canned fruits and vegetables and peanut butter. Drop off donations at People’s Market or Bitterroot Community Credit Union. Any kind of donation would be appreciated.

Kiwanis seeking donations

The Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis Club is once again filling food baskets for families in need in the Bitterroot Valley. For over 30 Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis has provided between 280-320 baskets to families for the holiday season. These baskets include food and essentials items for families. The club is seeking donations of food items or money to help this year’s program. If you are interested, send a donation to Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis, 610 N 1st St, Suite 5, PMB 5, Hamilton MT 59840. You can also call Tyler Claxton at 370-6208.

Hamilton Elks dinner

The Hamilton Elks host a dinner open to the public every Wednesday night at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State Street. The menu is different each week and the cost is $8.00. Serving begins at 6 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Elks scholarship fund.

Suppertime at SVCFC 

Suppertime@SVCFC is a free community dinner for families and those needing a good, nutritious meal. Meals are served on Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. at South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison in Hamilton. All meals are prepared in a professional kitchen by volunteers. The program is funded by contributions, donations and grants. Any help is appreciated. If you or your group would like to volunteer or donate, call SVCFC at 363-3450.

Stevensville Awana

Awana kids’ club is a program for children ages 3 years-6th grade at First Baptist Church, 402 Church, Stevensville. It meets on Tuesdays after school from 4 to 5:30 p.m. during the school year. There are games, Bible stories, snacks and age appropriate curriculum. Awana is an international kid's club open to any child. For more information call Lynn Baker at 531-2684.

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 through March 24, 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 at 777-2592.

MAC High School Youth Group

Six MAC (Montana Association of Churches) churches including Faith Lutheran, First Presbyterian, Corvallis United Methodist, United Methodist-American Baptist Federated, First Christian and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church are sponsoring a community youth program for all high school students. The MAC youth group meets on Monday nights from 6 to 8:15 p.m. at the Carriage House located at 310 N. 4th Street, Hamilton. Dinner will be provided by the churches at 6:30 p.m. Music will start at 7 p.m. followed by a short message given by the ministers of the above churches, an activity, fellowship and more music will follow. All community high school students are welcome. Call 363-7656 for more information.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Group

For over 35 years, MOPS has been creating authentic communities where young moms gather to experience encouragement, support and hope. But, it doesn’t stop there. Through training and development customized to women in this stage of life, and through do-able service opportunities, MOPS grows moms to make a better world.

Although mothering preschoolers is at times a lonely challenge, MOPS is providing a welcome break for moms; a chance for moms to make new friends, enjoy a relevant speaker, discussion time and snacks, and most importantly, an opportunity for moms to know they are not alone in the struggles and joys of raising young children.

The new Bitterroot MOPS group meets at Lone Rock Bible Church, around the corner from Lone Rock School, just off Eastside Hwy, down Three Mile Creek Road, between Stevensville and Florence. The group meets every other Tuesday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Age-appropriate childcare including snacks, stories and activities, is available for children up through age five.

For more information about Bitterroot MOPS, contact Jeannie Tischler at 777-0506.

IDEA MT meeting

Idea Development Entrepreneurial Association, Montana (IDEA MT), a network referral group dedicated to the advancement of small business in the Bitterroot, meets the first and third Wednesdays at 7 a.m. in Stevensville. The group is open to all local entrepreneurs or want-to-be entrepreneurs who are interested in developing or growing a small business. For more information contact Sue at 240-7862 or Jane at 531-9556.

Waldorf Playgroup

Waldorf Playgroup, Parent/Child Classes meet Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton, and Daly Mansion Children's Garden. Welcoming parents, expecting parents, and children birth to 6 years for creative play, songs, stories, baking, crafts and gardening in a homelike setting. For more information contact Kim at 369-0213 or Elissia at 381-1981. Waldorf Playgroup, Parent/Child Class is sponsored by the Bitterroot School. More information about the Bitterroot School and Waldorf education can be found at www.thebitterrootschool.org and www.whywaldorfworks.org.

Veterans affairs clinics

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

Tot Time Tuesdays

Tot Time Tuesdays are held every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 N. Hwy. 93 in Florence (behind Town Pump).

Pre-school children and their caregivers are welcome. Meet other parents in your community and have fun with your kids. Toys and activities are provided. Tot Time is hosted by Laura Pickett, Early Childhood Development Educator. Drop-ins are welcome. Call for info, 273-0142.

Hamilton Trap Club

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

Darby Library Story Time

Story times are held at the Darby Library every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for children ages 3 and younger and 11 a.m. for children 3 to 6. Children can enjoy hearing books read aloud, dancing, singing and making a fun craft. For more information contact Trista Smith, Librarian, 821-4771.

After School Games

After School Games are held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 N. Hwy. 93, Florence. Come in out of the cold and socialize. Parents’ permission required, parent volunteers appreciated! Call for info, 273-0142.

Shamanic Journey Circle

The Blue Eagle Woman Shamanic Journey Circle meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at 504 Main St. (Active Care Family Chiropractic building) in Stevensville. The event is free and open to anyone who would like to participate in shamanic drumming and healing work. For more information, contact Marge Hulburt at 241-7260.

Bitterroot College student orientations

Have you been thinking about going to college? Attend a Bitterroot College Program New Student Orientation every first and third Thursday of the month through August 2010 and get your questions answered! Learn how to apply to college, what college will cost, how Financial Aid works, what placement tests are needed, and how to choose a major. Orientations are held at the Bitterroot College Program's new location at the Ravalli Entrepreneurship Center, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. For more information, call 375-0100 or e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:victoria.clark@umontana.edu" victoria.clark@umontana.edu or go to HYPERLINK "http://www.umt.edu/bcp/orientation.asp" http://www.umt.edu/bcp/orientation.asp.

Recovery support group

“High Noon” Meeting: A newly formed, peer-directed support group meets weekly on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. at the Bison Internet Café, 164 S. 3rd in Hamilton. The Café is not open during meeting times. People in recovery from mental illness and/or substance abuse or addiction can find support and mentor help from group participants. All interested persons are invited to attend. Participants demonstrate hope and strength to each other, share resources and celebrate successes. The café’s open hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 3 to 9 p.m. For more information, call during those hours or leave a message at 363-2222.

Lutheran preschool registration

Grace Lutheran Learning Center is now registering for Fall 2010 Preschool. Enroll your child today and give them a great academic start. Morning and afternoon preschool is available for ages 2-5, Monday through Friday. Come meet the teachers and take a tour of the facility and get your child signed up. Space is limited. Call 363-1924 for more information.

Stevensville Playhouse Children’s Workshop

Signups are now underway for the Stevensville Playhouse Children’s Workshop to be held July 26 through Aug 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Workshop participants will give two performances: Friday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 7 at 2 p.m. Fifteen students, ages 7-17, will be accepted for the workshop. Students learn skills in acting, set design, costuming, and all other aspects of a theatre performance. For more information call the Stevensville Playhouse at 777-2722 or Kori at 360-6905.

Youth soccer camp signups

Registration is underway for the Stevensville Youth Soccer Camp to be held July 12-16. Camp I, for ages 6-14, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 and Camp II, for ages 4-5, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Cost for Camp I is $100 (family rates available) and cost for Camp II is $50. All campers will receive a shirt, soccer ball and water bottle. Learn and practice fundamentals of the game, unselfish play and team play. For more information contact Jenny Hennes, 369-3987, or jrahennes@yahoo.com

Stevensville UMC summer schedule

The Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College Street, now holds breakfast and adult Sunday School beginning at 8:30 a.m. Praise singing is at 9:45 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m. each Sunday. Everyone is welcome.

Florence farmers market

The North Bitterroot Valley Farmers Markets is held every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in the Il Villaggio Park adjacent to Caffé Firenze in Florence. All items offered are locally grown and produced in the Bitterroot Valley. Many of the products are natural and/or organic. For more information contact Eric or Suzanne Winegart at 777-0709.

PEP talk sessions

PEP (Personalized Employment Plan) talk sessions are held every Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bitterroot College Program, 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. PEP is a program designed by adult education and labor specialists to help you find job security and satisfaction, whether you are just starting out or wanting to start over. The PEP Talk < http://www.smartaboutcollege.org/get-to-college/pep-talk.jsp> introduces students to the Montana Career Information System (MCIS), a powerful online tool for self-assessment, career exploration, educational planning, and job search preparation. No appointment or registration is necessary; just drop by. For more information, call 375-0100 (BCP) or 363-2900 (Literacy Bitterroot).

Military kids’ camp

The Hamilton Rotary Club is inviting children ages 10–15 of Bitterroot Valley military personnel to spend July 29-31 camping at Lake Como. Many activities are planned including hiking, water skiing, and horseback riding. Sign up now, the deadline has been extended to June 18. For a sign-up form or for more information, email basscrk@bridgemail.com.

Darby food collection

During June and July, Darby Bread Box organizers are collecting shampoo and bars of bath soap. Drop off donations at People's Market, Bitterroot Community Credit Union or Darby Bread Box. The Bread Box is also holding a raffle of a yellow afghan. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5 and proceeds will benefit the Darby Bread Box. The quilt can be seen at the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby.

Mission Tours

Historic St. Mary's Mission is the story of remarkable people in a turbulent time, and the assimilation of two very different cultures against the backdrop of the American Frontier. The Salish encampment represents the native home of the Bitter Root Salish Indians, while St. Mary’s Mission represents the first pioneer settlement in Montana established in 1841. “Walk through history” and see, touch and hear this fascinating, dramatic, and important chapter of this nation’s past. Guided tours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 777-5734.

Cow Pie Bingo

The icon of Montana’s oldest community is Historic St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville. Cow Pie Bingo is St. Mary's Mission’s major fundraiser. The tickets you buy provide instant winners. First you have ownership in preserving the historic site and second you could be the winner of half the proceeds. Cow Pie Bingo will be held July 10 at 7 p.m. during the Summer Fest at St. Mary’s Pavilion. Tickets may be purchased at St. Mary’s Visitor Center and July 9 and 10 during the Hot Air Balloon exhibit.

Wednesday, June 30

Preschool story time

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

Elks dinner

Hamilton Elks are serving dinner to the public on Wednesday, June 30 from 6 to 6:30 at 203 State Street. The menu is hamburger stroganoff on noodles along with salad, scalloped corn, dessert and coffee. Cost is $8.00 and some of the proceeds help support the Elks scholarship fund.

Thursday, July 1

Blood drive

Someone in Montana needs blood every 27 minutes. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and the American Red Cross are having a blood drive on Thursday, July 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Marcus Daly Conference Rooms B & C. Approximately 39,000 units of blood are used in the USA daily. The need is constant. Make an appointment by calling Gary Schulz at 375-4451. Donors: remember to eat complete meals and drink plenty of water before donating blood and for more information visit HYPERLINK "http://www.mdmh.org" www.mdmh.org.

Blood drives

The American Red Cross will hold the following blood in July. Each donor during the month of July can enter to win the Great Summer Give Away July prize—a laptop computer. 

July 1 - Marcus Daly Hospital, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For appointment call Gary Schultz, 375-4451. 

July 7 - Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State Street, Hamilton, 12 to 4 p.m. For appointment call 363-1670.

July 13 - Hamilton Community, Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. For appointment call Tammie Mart, 642-3996.

July 20 - Lambros Real Estate, 514 North 1st, Hamilton, 12 to 4 p.m. For appointment call 363-6668.

July 26 - Darby Community Clubhouse, 106 North Main, 2 to 6 p.m. For appointment call Sheelah Kayser, 821-4659.

July 29 - Super 1 Foods, 39 Stevensville Cut Off Road (blood mobile will be in the parking lot), 2 to 6 p.m. For appointment call the American Red Cross, 543-6695.

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet Thursday, July 1 at 12 noon in the superintendent’s office.

Summer reading program performance

On Thursday, July 1, bring a blanket and meet on the West lawn of the library to enjoy songs and music by Bill LaCroix and his friends. Performance begins at 1:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Friday, July 2

Toddler story time

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

North Valley Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, July 2, at noon at The Frontier Café on Hwy. 93 in Stevensville. At the last meeting some of the Republican candidates that won the primary election were at the Montana Republican Convention there will be a celebration for primary winners and the club will hear from those that attended the convention. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome. For more information visit www.ravcogop.com.

Stevi First Friday

First Friday in Stevensville, July 2, will be a great kick-off to your 4th of July weekend. Enjoy a fun evening of First Friday activities of art, open houses, refreshments, music and more! On the south end of town, Main Street will be hosting “Stars, Guitars and Cars” which will consist of a car show, live music by the New-Matics (rock-n-roll and soulful blues) and a great evening under the stars. There is still time to enter your car and join in on the fun. There will be a People’s Choice award for the public’s favorites and then a first place trophy award in each of four categories. If interested in entering the car show, contact Don at Napa Auto Parts, 777-5791, or the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773. 

Model trains running!

Friday, July 2, is (naturally) the First Friday and that means wheels are turning on the trains of the Bitterroot Valley Model Railroad layout in the Kohl Building, just behind Valley Drug in Stevensville from 5 to 9 p.m. Come in and bring the kids!

Habitat for Humanity benefit

“Hops for Humanity,” a benefit for Habit for Humanity of Ravalli County, will be held Friday, July 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Blacksmith Brewing Company in Stevensville. Fifty cents of every beer sold will go to the next Habitat for Humanity house to be built in Ravalli County.

Bitterroot Glory Days

July starts out with a bang! Come celebrate Bitterroot Glory Days July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds! Jam-packed with fun for everyone! A special attraction is the National Senior Pro Rodeo from 6-8 pm on Friday and Saturday. Rodeo tickets are $8.00 advance; $10 at the gate; kids 10 and under are free. Also on Friday, an equestrian parade...a big barbeque....and nighttime "cowboy jam' live music! On Saturday, the Miss Ravalli County Rodeo Pageant, a Montana Market, Bitterroot Jackpot livestock show....and,starting at 8:30, a Hoe-Down Dance with Shane Clouse. Sunday is the "Cowboy Challenge"! At 2 p.m. an "Always Patsy Cline" musical and at night, live music, followed by a Tribute to the Troops and fireworks.

Art exhibit

Kiana Fecteau will be the featured artist for July at River’s Mist Gallery of Fine Art in Stevensville. The show, "Flora and Fauna, Wild and Not So Wild," will feature her work in watercolor, acrylic and oil. Kiana’s work has been seen in Oil Painters of America Western Regional Art Show in Coeur D’Alene in 2008; her painting “Backcountry Portal” received the People’s Choice Award during the Western Heritage Days Art Show in Stevensville in 2008 and “Mountain Goat, Hidden Lake Overlook, Glacier National Park” was accepted in the Montana Watercolor Society’s national juried show Watermedia 2010. Kiana is a member of the Bitterroot Arts Guild and the Montana Watercolor Society as well as the treasurer of the Stevensville Art & Sculpture Society.

River’s Mist Budding Artist for July is Andrea Morawic.

An artist’s reception will be held Friday, July 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. The show will run from July 2 through August 3. A Gallery Talk featuring Kiana Fecteau will be held Friday, July 16 at 7 p.m. The gallery is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information call 777-0520.

Library sing-along

While you’re out strolling Main Street on First Friday, July 2, stop in at the North Valley Public Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to listen to Tom Roat sing and play guitar. Roat will present an eclectic selection of music with a lot of country tunes. Tom jokes that he is “regionally recognized” and “locally tolerated.” Stop in and enjoy yourself with Tom Roat and friends at the Library, 208 Main Street in Stevensville; phone at 777-5061 or online at HYPERLINK "http://www.northvalleylibrary.org" www.northvalleylibrary.org.

Banque for BEAR

The Banque Club will donate $1 for every draft beer sold during the First Friday celebration in downtown Hamilton this Friday, July 2 from 5 to 10 p.m. Proceeds benefit BEAR's programs, which inspire youth to connect to their own potential, their community, and the landscape. Come see if you are the lucky winner of a door prize drawing or split-the-pot raffle! Locally grown salad and pizza will be served throughout the night.

Saturday, July 3

Hamilton Players production

“Always… Patsy Cline” featuring Amber Lynch and Gina Joseph will be performed July 3 and 4. A part of the Glory Days Celebration in Hamilton, “Always...Patsy Cline” is more than just a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline's friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy's unforgettable hits such as “Crazy”,” I Fall to Pieces”, “Walking After Midnight”...27 songs in all. The show's title was inspired by Cline's letters to Seger, which were consistently signed "Love always... Patsy Cline." The show will be presented Saturday, July 3 at 8:30pm (after the rodeo!) at the Hamilton Playhouse and Sunday, July 4 at 2 p.m. at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Hamilton Box Office or you can purchase tickets online at: HYPERLINK "http://www.hamiltonplayers.com" www.hamiltonplayers.com

Thursday, July 8

Fellowship Club

The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will meet Thursday, July 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Library's Community Room, to discuss the book “You’ll See It When You Believe It” by Wayne Dyer.

Citing the wisdom of ancient and modern philosophers, Dr. Dyer adds incidents from his experiences to illustrate the benefits of spiritual guidance and possibilities of transformation.

Transformation of the mind into a new concept of self, in fact, is the theme of this book. In this combination of New Age concepts and psychological insights, Dr. Dyer uses anecdotes and quotes to support his idea that creative visualization, the oneness of the universe, positive thinking, and synchronicity are vehicles to a leap of consciousness. He clearly explains his theory that people are thoughts and that thought is the ultimate reality of life. Serendipity, or what Dr. Dyer believes are miracles, has given him riches that are available to all. He counsels that one must first see the human as a soul with a body – not the reverse – to realize supposedly impossible dreams.

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, psychotherapist, lecturer, and world famous author of the phenomenal bestseller, “Your Erroneous Zones,” now takes the reader to new plateaus of self awareness in his most powerful book yet. “You'll See It When You Believe It” will help show you how, by tapping the truly amazing power that lies within you, you can direct the course of your own destiny.

The BPL Fellowship Club meetings take place in the West Meeting Room of the Bitterroot Public Library every second Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. New members are encouraged. Call 363-1670 for more information.

Friday, July 9

Florence Golf Scramble

The Florence Civic Club is hosting it annual golf scramble on Friday, July 9 at the Whitetail Golf Course. Dinner will be catered by Caffe Firenze and will be served at 5:30 p.m. The golf tournament will start at 6 p.m. with a shotgun start. The cost is $30 per player and there will be lots of prizes and fun. Anyone interested in playing should call Candace Jerke at 273-0002 to register.

Saturday, July 10

‘Rock the Bitterroot’

The 2nd annual Rock the Bitterroot, a free community event for parents and teens to hang out together while enjoying the creative talents of local musicians, hot rods, and great food, will be held Saturday, July 10 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Main Street in Corvallis. There will be seven live bands: 

5 p.m. – “Y4AY” (acoustic)

6 p.m. – A Call To Divide

7 p.m. – All Things Pertaining

8 p.m. – Airstream Safari

9 p.m. – Breaking Through

10 p.m. – AMPT

11 p.m. – High Voltage

Call 961-5560 for more information.

Tuesday, July 13

Book signing

The Darby Public Library will be hosting an author reading and book signing with Ted Davidson on Tuesday, July 13 at 6 p.m. for his recently published book "Danger and Trust: San Quentin, the Mexican Mafia and the Chicano Movement." His website states, "Danger and Trust: San Quentin, the Mexican Mafia and the Chicano Movement, my memoir, relates details regarding research I began as a graduate student while in the anthropological doctoral program at U.C. Berkeley. When I began my research among Chicano prisoners at San Quentin Prison in 1966, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine what frequently unforeseen things would occur over the next 31 years—inside San Quentin for 20 months and ‘on the streets’ (outside of prison) in California until 1997."

Saturday, July 17

Yoga-Ride Retreat

Join expert equitation instructor Malika B. Coston and renowned yoga instructor Veronica Brown as they integrate the intuitive elements of natural equitation and healing yoga/body-work sessions to bring out the best in both horse and rider in a beautiful ranch setting at Kootenai Creek Equestrian Center in Stevensville. The two-day retreat is July 17-18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information and registration contact Kathy Luedtke at 777-7127, kathyluedtke@q.com or web: HYPERLINK "http://montanahorsecenter.com" http://montanahorsecenter.com.

Saturday, July 24

St. Paul’s Ice Cream Social and Tours

There will be an Ice Cream Social and Tours of the Historical St. Paul's Episcopal Church during Daly Days on Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 601 S. 3rd. St. A trolley wagon will depart from the Post Office and will provide a tour through Hamilton's historical district. People can disembark at the church for the tour and ice cream social and return on the next trolley or walk six blocks to Main Street. Margaret Daly, wife of copper king and lumber baron Marcus Daly, was a parishioner and a prominent financial building contributor. The wood frame structure incorporated elements typical of British ecclesiastical architecture and its pointed arched windows, decorative wooden tracery, steeply pitched rooflines and square towers allude to the denomination's English roots. The interior ceiling is intended to remind worshipers of an inverted Noah's ark. The towers, originally asymmetrical, were modified in later years. The seven stained glass windows were more recently added and each depict a biblical story. Relax at the lawn tables and enjoy a Haagen Dazs ice cream or sundae. All sale proceeds will benefit the Historical Preservation Fund to restore the church. Ice cream socials and pancake suppers were the major fundraisers for the initial building of the church. For more information contact Terry Moran at 363-7656 or 531-4545.