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.

Weekly Grief Support Group

When you grieve the death of a loved one, you sometimes hide it so others think you’re over your sorrow and loss. Here is a support group that offers an opportunity to share grieving experiences and grow from them. You are invited by Marcus Daly Hospice to an opportunity for unloading your mind and heart. Come to this free Grief Support Group offered every Tuesday from 2 to 3:30pm, held in the Marcus Daly Hospice Center’s comfortable living room from now until the end of June. This group is open to anyone in the community. For additional information, call Cathy at 375-4752.

‘Stevi Night Out’

“Stevi Night Out” is held every Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Olde Coffee Mill, 225 Main in Stevensville. All ages are welcome for possible activities such as board games, conversation, cards and musical jam sessions (bring your instrument). Coffee and iced tea is available.

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.

Bitterroot Youth Shooting Club

American Legion Post #94 (Stevensville), along with Cooper Arms and Whittecar Rifle Range, is going to sponsor a Bitterroot Youth Shooting Club. There will be openings for 12 members, ages 12-18. Members will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. The club will be open to ages 12 through 18. The club will meet on designated Saturday afternoons, once a month, at Whittecar Rifle Range in Hamilton. Members need only to furnish their own transportation to and from the Rifle Range. Firearms safety and target shooting will be the main emphasis. Firearms, .22 caliber, will be furnished. Parental/guardian written permission will be required. Anyone interested in joining can call Bill Jette, 550-3444.

Call for parade entries

The theme of the 96th annual Stevensville Creamery Picnic is “Churning Up Fun.” The Creamery Picnic Kiddie Parade will be held Friday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m. To sign up call Felicia at 777-3707 or 777-1323 by noon on Friday, August 1. Line up at Veterans Park at 5:45 p.m. Judging starts at 5:50 p.m. and prizes are awarded before the parade.

The Creamery Picnic Grand Parade will be held Saturday, August 2. The theme is “Churning Up Fun.” Check in begins at 9 a.m. with the parade at 11 a.m. Register early to reserve your spot in the parade. Registration forms are available online at HYPERLINK "http://www.creamerypicnic.com" www.creamerypicnic.com. For more information call Jeff at 777-7801 or Robin at 777-7804.

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.

Blood drives

The need for blood never takes a vacation. Help pump up the volume of blood this summer by donating blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drives in the Bitterroot Valley. Blood drives are scheduled as follows: Thursday, July 24, Marcus Day Hospital, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Monday, July 28, Darby Community Clubhouse, 2 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, July 29, Lambros Realty office, Hamilton, 12 noon to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, July 30, First Security Bank, Hamilton, 10 to 3 p.m. Volunteer blood donors give life-saving blood that is vital for patient care in our area and throughout the United States. In addition to responding to emergency situations, the American Red Cross must meet the blood needs of accident victims, premature babies, people undergoing treatment for cancer and other patients in local hospitals. Call 543-6695 to schedule an appointment.

Tin Cup Loop hike

A Tin Cup Loop hike will be held Thursday, July 24, from 6 to to 8:30 p.m. This 3-mile hike will take you along a rolling forest trail and across a creek, so you may want to bring shoes that can get wet. Meet in the Darby Ranger Station parking lot at 6 p.m. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is sponsored by the Bitter Root RC&D and the Bitterroot National Forest. Contact Janeen Hetzler at 381-2951.

Grant writing workshop

The Stevensville Main Street Association is hosting a grant-writing workshop on Thursday, July 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Mary’s conference room. The cost is $75, which includes materials and lunch. The room is air-conditioned! For more information, call Joan Prather at 777-3773.

Janet Cornish of Community Development Services of Montana will conduct the workshop. Her firm was established in Butte in 1987. She has 31 years of experience in public administration, focused on downtown redevelopment, historic preservation, community planning and development, housing and municipal finance.

Janet’s expertise includes grant writing, public-private partnership development, and meeting facilitation. She is on the adjunct faculty of Montana Tech, where she teaches courses for the Professional & Technical Communications and Liberal Studies Departments. She previously served as the director of the Butte-Silver Bow Urban Revitalization Agency, beginning in 1979, working with the chief executive and the Council of Commissioners to create Butte’s first Tax Increment District.

Janet has a B.A. in political science from the University of Wisconsin, and an M.S. in environmental studies from the University of Montana.

Band concert

The Bitterroot Community Band will perform Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Daly Mansion.

Sierra Club outing

The Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club will sponsor a backpack trip to the Great Burn Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27. Backpack along the Montana/Idaho border in the wildest reaches of the northern Bitterroot Mountains. Spectacular scenery, wildlife, and natural history abound in this 250,000-acre inter-state roadless area. This 15-mile trip will be moderately strenuous with some off-trail travel required. Space is limited. The trip is free and open to the public. No companion animals allowed. Contact Bob Clark 549-1142 or HYPERLINK "mailto:bob.clark@sierraclub.org" bob.clark@sierraclub.org.

Daly Days

Daly Days will be held July 25 and 26 at the Daly Mansion and in downtown Hamilton in honor of Hamilton's of heritage. Life during the turn of the century will be re-created at the Daly Mansion. Saturday Mansion festivities will include re-enactors in the house and on the grounds, local artisan sales/demonstrations/silent auction, antique farm equipment from Tired Iron and cars from the Bitter Root Dusters, carriage and Riverside Express rides down Providence Way, live music in the Gazebo, a pie, cake, and bread sale, cart and pony rides, the Daly family home movies, tours, and a silent auction of the original Daly Days 08 poster art by Arthur H. Norby. Downtown Hamilton will be bustling with activities and events including a street dance on Friday night, Saturday sidewalk sales, Kiwanis breakfast, vintage car show, pinewood derby, Brew Festival, Kiss the Pig Contest, games for children, and more. The Ravalli County Museum will also have a special Daly Display. A one-day discounted Daly Mansion tour price will be offered on Saturday for $5.00 and children under twelve will be admitted free. For more information call The Daly Mansion at 363-6004 or the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce at 363-2400.

Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, July 25, at noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy. 93 in Stevensville. Members will finalize plans for the Creamery Picnic. The club will meet every Friday until the election in November from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe. All are welcome.

Paper drive

The Hamilton Garden Club will hold its monthly paper drive on Friday, July 25 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. No cardboard will be accepted. The paper drives are held the last Friday of every month through October.

5 Valley Accordion

The 5 Valley Accordion group will hold its annual picnic on July 25 and 26 at The Jack on Graves Creek Road, west of Lolo. There will be music and dancing throughout the weekend. Call Nancy at 961-3513 for more information.

Garrod memorial dinner

On Saturday, July 26, there will be a memorial dinner for Don Garrod at the Golden Age hall, 727 S. Fifth, Hamilton. The club will furnish ham, otherwise the meal is potluck. Friends and family will gather at 2 p.m.

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.

Dances of Universal Peace

Dance of Universal Peace are held the last Saturday of every month at Common Ground Center, 258 Roosevelt Lane, Hamilton. These are heart-opening, spirit-affirming circle dances using sacred texts from around the world. Live music, no experience or partners necessary! The next dance will be July 26. A $3 donations is requested at the door. Call 363-4026, Brian or Star, for more information.

Bitterroot Venture program

BEAR’s Bitterroot Venture program still has spaces available for the following adventures this summer. BEAR’s mission is to inspire youth to connect with their own potential, their community, and the landscape through experiential and outdoor adventure programs. Bitterroot Backpacking: July 26- August 2: An easy-moderate six-day adventure in the Bitterroot National Forest with an emphasis on wilderness skills. Start a fire with friction, build a shelter, fish, swim and more! Come see Montana’s backcountry!

Sk8 Montana: August 4-8: Spend five days touring the state’s skate parks and “car camping” along the way. Hone your skills: Rip, shred, grind, and get big air at a new skate park everyday!

Glacier National Park: August 11-16: Learn more about one of nature’s wildest places! Camp at established “car camping” spots and spend the week hiking, swimming, sleeping under the stars, and learning about Glacier Park’s history, ecology, fauna and flora. From grizzly bears to glaciers, find out what makes this one of the country’s most amazing National Parks!

All equipment and transportation is provided. Trip cost is a sliding scale from $5-$300. All skill levels are welcome. Registration packets can be picked up at the Westview Family Center, Hamilton. Call 375-9110 for more information and to register.

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.

Kiss the Pig contest

Want to see your favorite local leader kiss a pig on Saturday, July 26? Vote with your cash and the person with the most money collected "wins" the opportunity to Kiss the Pig. Your funds will go directly to support projects in your community that improve the lives of women, girls, and families. Soroptimist of Hamilton is sponsoring this fun Daly Days event and the kissing of the real live swine will take place on Main Street in Hamilton on Saturday, July 26 at 1:30 p.m. Local leaders participating are Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman, Hamilton Chief of Police Ryan Oster, Ravalli County Commissioner Kathleen Driscoll, Hamilton City Council member Al Mitchell, Hamilton Mayor Jessica Randazzo, HD87 Candidate Peter Rosten, Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rick O'Brien, and Marshall Bloom, Rocky Mountain Laboratory. To "vote" for your favorite candidate, simply place your donations in their jars placed throughout Hamilton downtown businesses. For more information, call April at 360-2347.

Saturday Discovery Day

“Beneficial Insects” will be the topic of Saturday Discovery Day on Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory, Missoula (just south of McCormick Park). Everyone is welcome. Cost is $10 for MNHC members and $15 for non-members, call about family rates. Join naturalist and teacher Byron Weber aka “The Bug Man,” for an up-close look at the amazing world of insects. Learn fascinating facts about how these tiny, abundant creatures are beneficial to humans and other animals. Space is limited. Registration is required. Call 327-0405.

Microbrew Festival

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Montana State Brewers Association invite beer lovers to sample microbrews from Montana and the Pacific Northwest at the 14th annual Microbrew Festival on Saturday, July 26 from 3 to 10 p.m. The Festival is held in Hamilton during the Annual Daly Days Celebration on Bedford Street next to Hamilton City Hall. An entry fee of $15 includes a keepsake pint glass and three free "tastes." Additional tastes are $1.00 each. “Blue to the Bone” will provide music from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tom Catmull and the Clerics will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. Concessions and non-alcoholic beverages will be available on site from local restaurants and service groups. For more information on this Bitterroot Valley Chamber fundraiser, call 363-2400 or visit the Chamber website at www.bitterrootvalleychamber.com.

St. Mary’s Mission benefit

Ole! Fiesta Mexicana, an authentic Mexican dinner, expertly prepared by Wa Correia and her band of Happy Amigas, will be served at the Stevensville Family Center on Saturday, July 26, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Historic St. Mary's Mission and Museum. Come and enjoy your favorites: Salsa and chips, Tamales, Chile Relleno, Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Sopapillas, Hot Dogs. There will also be a Silent Auction. Adult admission is $7.00; children 7-12 yrs. $4.00; children 6 years and under are free. Join this festive party for delicious food, good company and a fine time.

Pet blessing

Stevensville United Methodist Church will hold its annual Pet Blessing on Sunday, July 27 at 9:30 a.m. The service will be held outdoors on the front lawn. All animals are welcome. Each animal family member will receive a treat, a certificate and a “Raphael” angel pin.

Grace Lutheran VBS

Grace Lutheran Church will hold its Vacation Bible School Monday, July 28 through Friday, August 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. The theme is "Friendship Trek, Jesus Our Friend." All children between the ages of kindergarten and sixth grade are invited to attend. There will be Bible stories, music, recreation, crafts and snacks each day. The closing program will be Thursday, July 31 with dinner at 6 p.m. and program following at about 7 p.m. All family members and the community are invited. To pre-register or if you have any questions, contact the church office at 363-1924.

Chess Club

The North Valley Chess Club will meet Monday, July 28 at 7 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. All levels of play are welcome. Call Mel at 777-3851 for more information.

Clearwater Farm open house

Clearwater Farm is hosting its annual open house and preschool registration on Thursday, July 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. Children ages 3-1/2 to 5 years are encouraged to register and class size is limited to eight. Call Sandy Gates at 370-0808 for details.

Creamery Picnic

The 96th annual Stevensville Creamery Picnic will be held August 1-2 in Stevensville. Bring your family, your appetites and lawn chairs for a fun-filled weekend at Lewis & Clark Park on 2nd St., two bocks west of Main. On Friday, there is a kid’s parade, family-fun dance with Joan Zen, a Microbrew Fest, and many other displays and activities. On Saturday there is the Creamery Picnic Grand Parade, car show, microbrew fest, craft and food vendors and family-friendly dance featuring “The Gorgeous Franks.” Also on Friday and Saturday, the Montana State Barbecue Championship, “Smokin’ in the Root” will take place. The picnic theme is “Churning Up Fun!” For more information go to HYPERLINK "http://www.creamerypicnic.com" www.creamerypicnic.com.

Round Up at Riverside

The Daly Mansion presents Round Up at Riverside Fund Raiser on Friday, August 1. Silent Auction and Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., with a Barbecue Dinner at 6:30 and live auction at 7:45 p.m. Auction items include gourmet dinners in private homes, original and collectible works of art, choice wine collections, a Bitterroot River guided float, President Box Griz tickets, Nascar tickets, and many other fabulous items. Attire is Bitterroot black tie. Tickets are $100 per person and proceeds for this event will be used to benefit the Daly Mansion. The Daly Mansion is located at 251 Eastside Hwy., Hamilton. Call 363-6004, ext. 2, for more information.

Floating weed pull

The Bitterroot Floating Weed Pull will be held Saturday, August 2. Registration is at 8 a.m. at the Wally Crawford Fishing Access. Float the scenic Bitterroot River while learning about noxious weeds and enhancing the river ecosystem. Park at Wally Crawford Fishing Access, take a free shuttle to Darby Bridge, then float back to your car and a free barbeque. Call Melissa at the Ravalli County Weed District to pre-register and for more information, 777-5842.

Masonic breakfast

The Stevensville Masonic Lodge will hold its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, August 2 from 7 to 11 a.m. at the lodge at 3rd and Church, Stevensville (one bock east of Main). In celebration of the Creamery Picnic, all Brothers, Sisters, Sojourners and the public are invited for eggs, bacon, pancakes and beverages. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds assist Florence and Stevensville Schools’ junior achievement programs, also the “Bikes for Books” program at Lone Rock and Stevensville.

Creamery Picnic at Senior Center

The Stevensville Senior Center will be serving hamburgers and homemade pie at the Creamery Picnic, August 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SHS reunion

The Stevensville High School class of 1962 and 1963 will be having a reunion Saturday, August 2 at the north end of Lewis and Clark Park after the Creamery Picnic Parade. For more information call Peggy (Whitesitt) Haley at 777-5686 or Eva (Matusick) Kirk at 777-1152.

Hospice training

A free Hospice volunteer training and/or refresher course will be held Saturday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aspen Hospice office at 107 Bell Crossing (between Victor and Stevensville just off Highway 93). This course includes updates on the latest information regarding patient care, communication styles and opportunities. Anyone who has ever participated and completed any Hospice training is encouraged to attend. For more information call 642-3010.

SHS fall sports meeting

There will be a mandatory parent and athlete fall sports meeting on Monday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stevensville High School gym. The meeting is for those planning on participating in soccer, football, volleyball, golf, or cheerleading.

First Baptist VBS

First Baptist Church, corner of 4th and Church Streets in Stevensville, will offer Vacation Bible School August 4-8. This year children preschool-6th grade can go on an Indiana Jones type adventure with "Rickiana Moans and The Kingdom of the Crystal Sea." Join in the adventure each morning from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Faith Lutheran VBS

This year’s theme for Vacation Bible School at Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Lewis Lane in Hamiljton, is “Let justice roll!” The lessons are exciting, exploring parables and the Lord’s Prayer with lots of songs and crafts to make it fun, too. Children ages 3 years through sixth grade are welcome. VBS will be led by a team from Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. The dates are August 4-8 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Register by calling the church office at 363-2964.

MS Support Group

The Bitter Root Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, August 5, at the Willow Court Apartments meeting room, 150 Skeels Avenue in Hamilton from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Special guest speaker will be Alan Hart who will share his experiences of diet on MS. Share information, ask questions or visit with others in the same situation. The meeting is open to anyone with MS, caregivers or family members. Refreshments will be served. The venue is handicapped accessible. Contact Maggie Manning at 531-2133, Mark Mattingly at 363-2079 or LaRoy Williamson at 360-1117 for more information.

World Breastfeeding Week

There will be a Community Picnic in honor of World Breastfeeding Week hosted by the Bitterroot Breastfeeding Association on Tuesday, August 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Ravalli County Museum lawn, 205 Bedford St., Hamilton. There will be snacks, prizes, children’s activities, and a silent auction. Bring a sack lunch. This picnic is open to the community and celebrates the Innocenti Declaration signed in 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The Innocenti Declaration 2005 calls for all parties to "Empower women in their own right, and as mothers and providers of breastfeeding support and information to other women."

Zoning & Taxes presentation

Debbie Reesman with the Montana Department of Revenue will be presenting and answering questions about the relationship between taxes and zoning during the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, August 6. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend this informative opportunity.

African culture events

Hamilton Players Inc. and Unity Dance and Drum, Inc. present "A Journey Through Africa: Stories, Music, and Dance Traditions" on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 at 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening feast of the senses, as Unity Dance and Drum performs high-energy traditional and contemporary African music and dance. Unity Dance and Drum is a Missoula-based performance group that has been thrilling audiences around Montana for 15 years with athletic dances, bright costumes, masks, and musical arrangements that use a variety of drums and other instruments, including mbira (thumb piano), bells, shakers, and voice. Tickets are $12 per person, $6 for children 12 and under. For tickets and more information contact Hamilton Players, 375-9050, or go to HYPERLINK "http://www.hamiltonplayers.com" www.hamiltonplayers.com.

In conjunction with the performances Unity Dance and Drum, Inc. will host Intro to West African Dance and Drum classes at the River Street Theater, 421 N. 2nd St. in Hamilton with Tarn Ream and Michael Meyer. Classes will be held Saturday, August 9. Children’s African movement class is from 1:30-2 p.m., $7; Drum Class 2-3:30 p.m., $12; Dance Class 3:30-5 p.m., $12. Take both drum and dance class for $20. For more information call 549-7933 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:tarn.ream@umontana.edu" tarn.ream@umontana.edu

Veterans Affairs officer to visit

Len Leibinger, Regional Service Officer for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Missoula, will be available to veterans and their dependents who have questions or need to file a claim with the Dept. of Veteran Affairs on Tuesday, August 12 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.

Fair housing conference

Montana Fair Housing is sponsoring a conference August 12-14 in Great Falls. To register contact Montana fir Housing at 1-800-929-2611 or access registration information at HYPERLINK "http://www.montanafairhousing.org" www.montanafairhousing.org.

‘Spirit Moon’ event

A talk will be presented Saturday, August 16, from 8 to to 9:30 p.m. at Fort Owen State Park, Stevensville. Author and historian Ellen Baumler will share historical ghost stories and unsolved mysteries from across Montana. You may want to bring a lawn chair and a jacket. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is sponsored by the Bitterroot National Forest and Montana State Parks. Contact Julie Schreck at the Bitterroot National Forest at 375-2606 or Vernon Carroll at Montana State Parks at 542-5533 for more information.

Peterson Lake Hike

A hike to Peterson Lake will be held Saturday, August 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a scenic 10-mile hike into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness along the Sweeney Ridge Trail. Meet at the Conoco Gas Station in Florence at 8:30 a.m. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is sponsored by Valley Physical Therapy and the Bitterroot National Forest. Sign up by August 14 by calling Tim Nielsen at Valley Physical Therapy, 777-3523.

Art Guild show

Outdoor Skills Workshop

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.

Bear Creek Waterfalls Hike

A hike to Bear Creek Waterfalls will be held Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy an easy-moderate 3-mile round trip hike to a playground of whirlpools, cascades, slides and falls. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is sponsored by BEAR and the Bitterroot National Forest. For more information, call Diane Olsen at BEAR, 375-9110.

Twelve Inquiries meeting

“One simple change makes life easy.” Greet Freedom will hold an open meeting on August 19 at 7 p.m. at 217 Main, Suite C, Stevensville. “Introduction to Everyday Awareness: The Twelve Inquiries,” a series of teachings on awareness and its practical application in daily life, will be presented by Jill Hughes. All are welcome to this free presentation. For more information, call Jill Hughes at 370-9252.

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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