Wednesday, June 3, 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.

What's the deal with heirloom tomatoes? Do you long for a Sugar Baby watermelon to call your own? Compost, manure, and earthworms, oh my! The Stevensville Community Garden, located near the high school, will take applications until June 7 for garden beds, to be let for the summer at the rate of $20 per 20 lineal feet of bed. The system employs a raised-bed, no-till method using improved soil, and a drip irrigation system with mulch to reduce weeding and water usage. Seedling starts will be available on a first-come, first served basis, as well as all the gardening help a newbie would need. A large tablespoon is all you'd need to get started digging the good earth! Contact Colleen Miller at 777-1167 for more information. 

Lutheran preschool registration

Significant cost breaks are offered for parents who sign their children up before June 1 for the fall session at Our Savior Lutheran Preschool. Our Savior’s preschool program is designed to socialize and develop basic skills in boys and girls, ages three through five. Religious instruction is also included in the curriculum. To participate in either the three- or the four-year-old classes, children must reach the required age before September 10th.

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool is a not-for-profit organization, offering preschool children and their parents a high value preparation for kindergarten at a low cost. A solid, quality education is still available for families of modest means. Parents are encouraged to call 777-5625 Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for more information or to register by phone. Our Savior is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, southeast of Stevensville off Eastside Hwy.

Humanities discussion

“Mending Wall” by Robert Frost was the short poem reading last Tuesday, followed by discussion, at the Humanities Montana community meeting at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. Two meetings remain scheduled for May 19 and 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate.

Mental Health Speaker Series

Bitterroot Valley LAC presents a Mental Health Speaker Series on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Library. On May 19, “Hangin’ on with Humor when Life Looks Ugly” will be presented by Lois McElravy, who will share her emotional journey of adjusting to a sudden life change caused by a brain injury nineteen years ago. Learn Lois’s coping strategies to battle depression, fear and hopelessness, plus gain life-changing insights, humor strategies and practical solutions that you can apply to overcome your challenges and “Dare to Feel Happy in the Midst of Trying Times” (8-page booklet included). On May 26, there will be a Consumer and Family Member Panel Discussion on “Living with Mental Illness.” For more information contact Barb Lucas, 363-4463.

Bitterroot College Steering Committee

The Bitterroot College Steering Committee will meet Wednesday, May 20 at 2 p.m. in the Human Resource Building's large conference room,

316 N. 3rd Street, Hamilton. The Committee will: select a student representative for the Steering Committee; receive an update on the search process for the Interim Director; finalize fall course offerings; and discuss immediate work force training possibilities. The Steering Committee, comprised of higher education state officials and local stakeholders, is working together to provide local post-secondary, affordable education opportunities for the Bitterroot. The meetings are open to the public. For more information contact Patricia Meakin, 777-4421.

Flying club

A new flying club is forming at the Missoula International Airport that will provide an exciting opportunity for Missoula area pilots. The flying club structure is designed to help make private aircraft flying more cost effective than operating individually owned aircraft.

Two informational meetings will be held to provide more detailed information for interested pilots. The first meeting is on Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. and the second meeting is on Saturday, May 23 at 9 a.m. Both meetings will be held in the Missoula Airport conference room located in the airport terminal between the restaurant and baggage claim.

Members of the flying club will make the final decision as to the types of aircraft operated when the club is officially formed. The initial aircraft types being considered are a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), a single-engine land aircraft with fixed landing gear, and a single engine land aircraft with retractable landing gear.

For more information call Steve at 529-1601 or send an email to steverossitermt@aol.com.

Grant writing workshop

A workshop entitled “Elements of Successful Grant Writing” will be held Thursday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hamilton. Cost of this one-day workshop offered by MSU/Ravalli County Extension and Horizons Program is $35. The workshop will cover the basics of grant writing: strategies, parts of a grant, do's and don'ts, and the steps to a winning

proposal. Come with your ideas! Lunch will be provided for those with paid registration by Wednesday, May 13 to MSU/Ravalli County Extension, 375-6611.

Library ‘Lunch and Learn’ program

Hey, everyone, how does your garden grow? Plan to attend the Lunch and Learn meeting in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library, Main Street, Stevensville, on Thursday, May 21, 12 noon, and it may just grow even better than before. Local gardening expert, Molly Hackett, will be on hand to answer specific questions, so bring your lunch and the Friends of the Library will provide the beverages and dessert. You'll be glad you came.

Fellowship Club

The Bitterroot Public Library is inaugurating an educational and cultural program called BPL Fellowship Club. The first meeting will be held Thursday, May 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the community room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Fellowship Club invites all persons of goodwill, regardless of race, color, religion or sexual orientation, to participate in a series of monthly meetings intended to help promote individual and collective well-being through the exploration of universal teachings and principles that are key to attaining peace, health, happiness, and prosperity. If interested in joining the group, or for more information, contact facilitator Joseph A. Costantino, Ph.D. at HYPERLINK "mailto:jacostant@gmail.com" jacostant@gmail.com or call the library at 363-1670.

Back Country Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, May 21, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. A potluck dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts about 7 p,m,. Program speaker is Rob Mason, executive director of the Selway-Bitterroot Foundation, who will discuss the foundation's mission, past achievements and future goals. Guests are welcome and for more information, call Karen at 961-0101 or go to the club's website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot/

Arthritis seminar

The Arthritis Foundation, Rocky Mountain Chapter in conjunction with Rheumatologist Dr. Melody Knauf and the Western Montana Clinic will host an educational seminar, “Managing Arthritis,” Thursday, May 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. You’ll learn about what arthritis is, who is affected by arthritis and ways to manager your pain. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability across the United States, affecting 212,000 adults in Montana alone. The seminar will take place at the Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main Street in Missoula. This seminar is free and open to the public. For more information contact Lisa Crowley at 406-461-8368 or visit http://www.RockyMountainArthritis.org.

‘Mark Twain’ night

Michael T. Delaney, a professional Mark Twain impersonator, will be at Chapter One Book Store on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. to tell some stories and describe Twain’s life and times to help celebrate the publication of “Who is Mark Twain,” a collection of 24 wickedly funny, culturally relevant, and thought-provoking essays by Mark Twain, all being published for the first time. Chapter One Book Store is located at 252 Main in Hamilton, 363-5220.

Grand American Shoot

Cowboy mounted shooters will gather in Darby to compete for prizes and cash awards at the 10th Annual Townsend Ranch Shoot, May 22-24. Free to the public, the most exciting equestrian cowboy action sport in America today brings contestants from seven states together with authentic old time cowboy costumes, six guns a’ blazin’ and champion horses competing for big prizes and the title of Townsend Ranch Champion Cowboy and Cowgirl.

Pachyderm Club

Carl Graham, President of the Montana Policy Institute, will be speaking Friday, May 22, at the regular noon meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club. The Club meets at “Papa Bear’s Den” on the east side of Three Bears Creamery Cottage, 1659 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The Montana Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy research center dedicated to educating Montanans on the benefits of limited government, free market principles, individual liberty, and individual responsibility. The Montana Policy Institute brings clarity to public policy decisions in Montana. The meeting is open to the public.

Win a trip to Vegas!

Last chance to see "Nunsensations: The Vegas Revue” and to enter the drawing for two round trip tickets courtesy of Allegiant Air from Missoula to Las Vegas. If you need a laugh or feel the need to be entertained come see the show this weekend May 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and May 24 at 2 p.m.

When a parishioner offers to donate $10,000 to the sisters’ school if they will perform at the Pump Room Lounge at the Mystic Motor Lounge in Las Vegas, the Mother Superior is hesitant to accept. However, after being convinced by the other sisters that “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” she relents.

This is the most sequin and feathers studded fan dancing “nunsence” show ever, a fast-paced musical comedy written by Dan Goggen. Show tickets are $10, for reservations call 777-2722.

Backcountry Travel Clinic

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen will host its final horsemanship clinic of the year on Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m. to noon, at C-Max Stables, 657 Bass Lane in Corvallis. Instructor Jack Emory will focus on safety while riding and camping in the backcountry. Members can bring their own stock, and the public is invited to audit the clinic at no cost. If you plan to bring stock or have questions, contact Jack or Lisa at 961-1363.

Music at winery

Paul Arnoldi, folksinger/songwriter, will perform traditional folk songs and originals on Saturday, May 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hidden Legend Winery, on Hwy. 93 at Sheafman Corner.

A Cappella Society concert

The Montana A Cappella Society is presenting a free concert on Sunday, May 24 at 3 p.m. at the Corvallis Methodist Church. The concert will feature “500 Years of Love Songs. Songs performed will touch on love of family, person, country as well as the tender feelings we hold for those most dear. Enjoy an afternoon of music, love and good fellowship. Refreshments will be served.

Weight management classes

Curves will offer free weight management classes on Wednesday, May 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. The classes will be taught by Nadia Rodman, registered dietitian and facilitated by Curves weight management coaches. For more information contact Curves at 363-0393 or brcvs@outdrs.net.

Blood drive

There will be a blood drive Wednesday, May 27, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Darby Community Clubhouse, 106 N. Main. For appointment call Kris Reddin at 821-4442.

Personality workshop

A Color Personality Workshop will be held Wednesday, May 27, in Hamilton. Do you know people who: always make things fun, take care of the details, research all options, or make sure everyone has a great time? It’s all about personality and

temperaments and learning about other’s preferences, values, strengths and weaknesses. Find the keys to creating a positive environment and maximizing each other’s potential. This interactive workshop will provide keys to working with co-workers, group members, community leaders and youth.

Two sessions will be offered: 2 to 4 p.m. or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $10. Register by Wednesday, May 20 to MSU/Ravalli County Extension, 375-6611.

Stevi school board budget workshop

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a special budget workshop on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.

FWP Citizen Advisory Committee

The Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Region 2 Citizen Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Missoula’s FWP office, 3201 Spurgin Road. The 16 volunteer members of the Region 2 CAC meet quarterly and represent various communities and interest groups and advise FWP on a variety of issues and topics. FWP has advisory committees in every region of the state, and all meetings are open to the public. For more information, call FWP at 542-5500.

Water issues panel discussion

The Bitter Root Water Forum is hosting a panel discussion on water-related legislation from the 2009 Montana Legislature on Wednesday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Victor Middle School multi-purpose room: what passed, what did not pass, what might we be looking forward to in the 2011 Legislature. Panel members include John Youngberg, Vice President of Government Affairs with the Montana Farm Bureau, Jim Shockley (R) State Senator from Victor, and Brianna Randall, Water Policy Director with the Clark Fork Coalition.

The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to find out what new water-related legislation is relevant to our Valley and to ask what we might want to see in the future to accommodate our water needs and assure our clean and plentiful water resources. The BRWF is a non-profit community driven watershed group established to ensure clean, abundant surface and ground water in the Bitterroot watershed.  For more information visit www.brwaterforum.org or contact the Water Forum at 375-2272.

Small business workshop

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is proud to announce a conference especially for entrepreneurs, professionals, and prospective business owners. This event, sponsored by SBA and the Missoula Small Business Development Center, will be held June 5 in conjunction with the Small Business Week Awards luncheon, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Missoula. 

This half day long conference begins Friday, June 5 at 8:30 a.m. and ends with the Small Business Week Awards luncheon starting at noon. You’ve heard about the Recovery Act helping small businesses, now come and hear for yourself exactly what the passage of the Recovery Act can do for your small business. Participants will learn about the impacts of the Recovery Act from IRS, SBA and SBDC representatives, as well as local lenders. The SBA will also have an announcement on the new, highly anticipated loan program known as the America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) Stabilization Loan Program.

Registration for the workshop is $30.00, which includes the Small Business Week luncheon. Information can be obtained by calling the SBA Montana District Office at (406) 441-1081 or visiting http://www.sba.gov/mt". Registration deadline is May 27.

Horse euthanasia service

A Final Act of Kindness Service for horses and mules is being offered on Thursday, May 28. 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 March 26 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 February, call 207-0463 or 531-2444.

Civil discourse meeting

“Reason and Respect: Let's Take Action” will be held Friday, May 29 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn conference center. At this follow up to the recent Conference on Civil Discourse, participants will have the opportunity to work with other interested persons to develop ideas that could lead to concrete actions which will make a difference to civil discourse and behavior in the Bitterroot Valley. There is no charge for this event and lunch will be included. The event is sponsored by Humanities Montana, the facilitator for the event will be Chris Love. Those wishing to attend are asked to call Ken Egan or Clair Leonard at 243-6022, though pre-registration is not required.

Paper drive

The Hamilton Garden Club will hold its monthly paper drive on Friday, May 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Safeway parking lot. Paper and aluminum cans will be accepted (no cardboard).

Lions Club Golf Tournament

The Hamilton Lions Club will hold its 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 30 at the Hamilton Golf Course. Four- or five-person teams are now forming for the 9 a.m. shotgun start. Cost of $275 per team ($55 singles) includes greens fees, lunch, many prizes and snacks. Entry forms are available at the Hamilton Golf Course, Ravalli County Bank offices, by calling Tom at 363-1222 or on line at tom@montana.com. Guys, gals, birdie or double bogey players welcome. To be a hole sponsor or donate a prize, call or email Tom.

Stevi Museum open house

Stevensville Historical Museum, 517 Main Street, will be holding an open house to kick off the summer season on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The theme for this event will be "Toys and Transportation." Many antique automobiles and toys will be featured echoing Stevensville's past. The Bitterroot's own Cowboy Poet, Shad Pease, will be sharing his wit and wisdom at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission is free to all events, but donations are always appreciated. Come share in this day of family fun at the Stevensville Historical Museum. For further information contact Ronn at 777-7408.

Stevi Fire Department fundraiser

The Stevensville Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting an End of School Year Carnival, Spaghetti Dinner, and Pie Auction at the city station (next to the police department) on Friday, June 5. The carnival will be from 1 to 7 p.m. and the dinner will run from 5 to 7 p.m., with pie auction to follow. The cost is $3.00 per person for the dinner, and $10 per family.  

‘Walk By The Light Of The Moon’ Series

A “ Bear Moon” presentation will be held Sunday, June 7 at Blodgett Canyon Campground west of Hamilton at 8 p.m. A guided hike will be held at 7 p.m. Learn how the Wind River Bear Institute uses Karelian Bear Dogs to reduce human-bear conflicts and provide long-term solutions. The Institute uses “bear-shepherding” techniques to teach bears how to avoid humans. Come listen to staff of the Institute share about this successful program to reduce bear-human interactions. Directions to Blodgett Canyon: In Hamilton turn west at the traffic light at Highway 93 and Main St. and cross the Bitterroot River. Take a right onto Ricketts Road and a left onto Blodgett Canyon Road. Follow the signs to the campground. For additional information call Julie Schreck at 375-2606.

Bitterroot Basketball Camps

The 25th Annual Bitterroot Basketball Mini-Camp sponsored by the Stevensville Booster Club will be held the week of June 8-10. The camps are open to girls entering grades 2-9 and boys grades 2-9. All camps will be held at the Stevensville School gyms. Cost of the camp is $30, with family rates also. Each camper will receive a 25th Silver Anniversary basketball and camp t-shirt. Forms with specific dates and times are available at the Stevensville School offices, Lone Rock School, or you can call Coach Rosin at 777-5481, ext. 120.

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.

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.