Wednesday, July 28, 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.

Lutheran preschool registration

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool of Stevensville is accepting registrations for the fall 2010/2011 preschool program. The curriculum is designed for socialization and basic skills development in children ages three through five years. Religious instruction is basic to the program. To participate in either the three- or four-year-old classes, children must reach the required age before September 10th. Parents are encouraged to call 777-5625 weekday mornings for more information. Classes are filling quickly.

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.

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).

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.

Culinary arts program

South Valley Child and Family Center invites Ravalli County youth in middle school (Monday evenings) and high school (Tuesday evenings) to learn the culinary arts in a free six-week program (offered 5 times in 2010-2011). This is a great opportunity for youth to learn basic culinary arts skills, create wonderful meals for our community and develop life skills. South Valley Child and Family Center served over 3500 meals to the community in 2009-10. The Youth Volunteer Program will prepare and serve meals on Monday and Tuesday evenings starting October 4, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Call 363-3450 to register…space is limited

Stevi High School fall sports meeting

There will be a mandatory parent and athlete meeting for fall sports on Monday, August 2, 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.

Wednesday, July 28

Preschool story time

Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, July 28 to enjoy “Squish Squash Wetlands” and hear books read by Sally Blevins. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information, call 363-1670.

Thursday, July 29

Summer reading program performance

On Thursday, July 29, bring a blanket and meet on the west lawn of the library to move and sing with songwriter Chip Jasmin. Performance begins at 1:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet Thursday, July 29 at 12 noon, in the superintendent’s office.

Military Kids Campout 

A Military Kids Campout sponsored by Hamilton Rotary Club will be held July 29-31 at Lake Como. Children ages 10-15 of military parents are invited for a fun, action packed weekend. All activities are at no cost. There will be swimming, water skiing, horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, horse demonstrations, nature walk, animal skull identification, geocaching and more. Contact Debbie at 240-4174 or basscrk@bridgemail.com by July 23rd.

Friday, July 30

Valley Veterans Service Center grand opening

The Valley Veterans Service Center would like to invite the citizens of Ravalli County to the Grand Opening of its new office located at 299 Fairgrounds Rd, Suite 4, Hamilton. The Grand Opening will be on Friday, July 30, in conjunction with the Veteran's Administrations new medical tele-health clinic grand opening. Come on out and see what services are available to our local veterans. The Center is located just across the street from Hamilton High School. For more information call 363-9838.

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. “Tubbie Time,” the toddler story time for babies through age 2, will meet Friday, July 30 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 363-1670.

Saturday, July 31

Baby Run and Stroller Stampede

On Saturday, July 31, celebrate World Breastfeeding Week by participating in the Bitterroot Baby Run 5k and Stroller Stampede 1-mile Fun Run/Walk! These events are designed to include the whole family – strollers welcome!

Registrations can be picked up at Bob Ward's in Hamilton, North Valley Public Library in Stevensville, and Runner's Edge in Missoula. Or, receive a registration by email from bitterrootbreastfeeding@gmail.com. Cost is $20 for 5k (includes 1-mile Stampede) and $5 per person or $15 per family for the 1-mile.

Races start and end at South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison in Hamilton. 5k starts at 9 a.m. and 1-mile begins at 10:30 a.m. Race day registration starts at 8 a.m.

All proceeds go to the Bitterroot Breastfeeding Coalition, an organization that strives to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in the Bitterroot Valley through education, support and encouragement of pregnant and breastfeeding women.

For more information, call Mary at 880-2551, or email bitterrootbreastfeeding@gmail.com

SAFE Family Fun Dance

Healthy families dance together. Come boogie with your loved ones at the Family Fun Dance on Saturday, July 31, in Hamilton’s Legion Park. Dancing starts at 9:30 a.m. and continues until 12:30 p.m. This event will include performances by Chip Jasmin, GROOVZ studio of dance, and Tony Dees as well as group instruction on a variety of fun, silly dances such as the Bunny Hop, the Hokey Pokey, and The Twist. There will be a scavenger hunt with prizes at 11:30 a.m. This event is free and open to all who want to have some family fun. For more information, contact the Ravalli County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence at SAFE by calling 363-2793.

Renaissance Faire

The Hamilton Players will hold a Renaissance Faire on Saturday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. This will be an epic re-imagining of an historical Renaissance marketplace. There will be costumed vendors, specialty handcrafts, traditional food, demonstrations, hourly performances, and games, along with a heavy sprinkling of lords, ladies, wenches, pirates, and even a fairy or two! With a restricted beer garden for adults and plenty of fun games and activities for families, this is one event you won’t want to miss! An event schedule will be available online and at the gate. Costumed participation is encouraged and costume rental and consultation is available at the Hamilton Playhouse, 100 Ricketts Rd., July 29 and 30, 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.hamiltonplayers.com or call the Box Office at 375-9050, Tues.-Fri., 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, July 31

Travelers’ Rest program

Travelers’ Rest State Park will host a special event focused on tales from the Lewis & Clark trail on Saturday, July 31 from 12 to 3 p.m.

Event participants will have a chance to choose from nine one-hour long programs presented by local experts on the history of Lewis & Clark and Travelers’ Rest—a confirmed Lewis & Clark campsite. Three programs will be offered each hour from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Explore the archaeological evidence of the Expedition’s stay at the park with Travelers’ Rest State Park Manager, Loren Flynn, at 12 p.m., discover plants recorded in the Lewis & Clark journals at 1 p.m. with Jack Puckett, or stop by at 2 p.m. for a presentation on the stone and bone tools with Norman Jacobson.  Other programs are also planned for each hour.  Call Travelers’ Rest at 273-4253 for a complete line-up of events.

For event-goers wanting to make a day or weekend of Lewis & Clark activities, the Travelers’ Rest Brigade—a Lewis & Clark re-enactor group—will be performing 30 miles to the west on Hwy 12 at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center on July 31 and Aug. 1.

This “Tales from the Trail” event is co-sponsored by Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association and Travelers’ Rest State Park.  

The event is free to visitors with Montana license plates. All other visitors must pay the $5 park admission fee. To reach the park, travel approximately 1/2 mile west of Lolo on Highway 12 to the park entrance.

Travelers’ Rest State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day through Aug. 31.

Sons of Norway

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will celebrate its 10th birthday party on Saturday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. The celebration will be held at Karla and Ralph Niemi's place, located at 1847 Old Darby Road, Hamilton. Members should bring an item for the potluck and a chair for this special event. Other family members and friends are welcome as well.

Bitterrootdalen Lodge was named "District Small Lodge of the Year for 2009" and awarded a plaque. The announcement was made at the recent District IV Convention in Missoula. Alberta, Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Montana were represented. The recognition was achieved by timeless dedicated service by many of the members, past president Christine Gunvaldson-Waltz and current president John Trangmoe. They accepted the plaque presented by District IV President, Sharon Tandberg.

Monday, August 2

Hunter education classes, orientation

Hunter Education classes are planned for Darby and Corvallis in August. Interested students can register online now at fwp.mt.gov. Follow links to Education and Hunter Education.  

The Darby class is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 9 through Friday, Aug. 13 from 6-9 p.m. each evening. Students and their parent or legal guardian must also attend a mandatory orientation night on Monday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. Orientation and all classes are held at the Darby Elementary School cafeteria, 209 School Drive.

In Corvallis, students must register online and then attend a mandatory orientation night on Monday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. Classes are Aug. 16-20 from 6-8:30 p.m. Orientation and classes are held in the Corvallis Grange Hall, 130 Dutch Hill Road.

Students must be at least 11 years old and attend all classes to be certified. Class sizes are limited to facility and instructor capacity.

For additional questions or for help with online registration, call the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Missoula office at 542-5500.

All hunter education classes are free of charge. By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana.

Tuesday, August 3

Hamilton fall sports meeting

On Tuesday, August 3 there will be a very important meeting for all Hamilton High School athletes planning on participating in a fall sport (golf, soccer, cross country, volleyball, football, cheerleading) along with their parents. This meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). At the beginning there will be a general assembly where the activities director will discuss participation requirements, training rule policy, and other important information that parents and athletes need to know. Hamilton Physical Therapy will also put on a presentation dealing with concussions in athletics. After the general assembly the coaches will then talk about their individual sports with the parents and athletes. It is very important that parents and athletes make every effort to be present at this meeting.

Wednesday, August 4

Hamilton Elks Dinner

The Hamilton Elks will serve dinner to the public on Wednesday, August 4. The menu will be chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, roll and dessert. Serving is from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at 203 State Street and the

cost is $8.00. Proceeds go towards Elks scholarships for area youth.

Thursday, August 5

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet Thursday, August 5 at 12 noon in the Superintendent’s office.

Daly Hospital sports physicals

On Thursday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 11, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and the Marcus Daly Medical Staff will be providing sports physicals to all valley high school and middle school female and male athletes. Athletes and parents should enter the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center through the main entrance located on the southwest end of Westwood Drive. The times for the physicals on the 5th, and 11th, will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Payment will be due at the visit by only cash or check (made payable to MDMH). Forms are available from doctors and schools or online at HYPERLINK "http://www.mdmh.org"www.mdmh.org. Forms must have parent signature at the time of the physical. The cost will be $25.00 per student and will be donated back to the students’ school Athletic Department. Students with chronic problems should be seen by their primary care provider.

Friday, August 6

Creamery Picnic Book Sale

The annual Creamery Picnic Book Sale at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will be held Friday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Creamery Book Sale offers books of every kind and genre. So, stop in during Creamery Picnic weekend and browse in the library’s Community Room, which is full of unique and interesting books and movies. All you can carry, just for the price of a donation! The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information, call Bev at 777-2505 or the Library at 777-5061. Visit online at www.northvalleylibrary.org.

First Friday in Hamilton

In an effort to raise awareness and funds for local charities, the theme for Hamilton First Friday on Aug. 6 will be "Giving Back to the Community." Participating stores will be partnering up with a local charity of their choice and hosting raffles and auctions. Some stores will also have donation jars as well as be donating a portion of their proceeds for that evening back to their charity. Representatives from each charity will be on hand to talk about how their organization helps our community.

Businesses and charities include:

• Me & Mom: Keystone to Discovery Enrichment Program

• Partyware Plus: Soroptimists

• Anandi Imports: Creativity in Recovery Art Show, benefits many local recovery agencies like AA, Addiction Services Center, SAFE, and mental health agencies. Coffee will be provided by Bison Internet Café.

• Bella Boutique: Bitterroot Land Trust

• Picturesque: Valley Veterans Service Center.

A.A.Y. Open Mic Nights

A.ll A.bout Y.outh is calling all comedians, singers, dancers, poets, musicians, jugglers and other performers 18 years old or younger to participate in "Express Yourself Open Mic Night" on the first and third Friday evenings in August (August 6 and 20) from 7 to 11 p.m. at 304 Main Street, Stevensville. All contestants must sign up by the Wednesday prior to the Friday performance. There is a $1 entry fee per act. All entry fees become the prize purse for the best act of the night determined by the audience. Foul language gets you disqualified and there are no refunds. For more information or to volunteer call 777-2214.

Art exhibit

The Frame Shop & Gallery, 325 Main in Hamilton, will hold a reception for artist Karen McAlister Shimoda of Missoula on First Friday, August 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.

An intense interest in life’s multitude of forms and content is expressed in Karen’s renderings and illustrations. You will find them intriguing, suggestive, lovely, and complex. Stop in and meet the artist and enjoy refreshments on First Friday. Call 363-6684 for more info. This exhibit will be shown until Sept 30; hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

‘Creativity in Recovery’ art show

Attend a unique and thought provoking art show August 6-8 at the Signal Square, 127 W. Main in Hamilton. All the work on exhibit is by local artists in recovery from addiction, alcoholism, or mental health issues. As one contributing artist states, “Art was my road to freedom, expressing visually what I hadn’t yet found words for. We’re often perceived as irreparably damaged, that we never recover, have nothing to offer. It isn’t true. There is hope. Courage, strength, and hope. I want my work to express that.” An artist’s reception will be held as part of Hamilton’s First Friday event schedule, Aug. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit will also be open Saturday and Sunday, August 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Daly Mansion Vintage Affaire

The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust invites you to A Vintage Affaire, a special fundraising event celebrating the Daly Mansion’s 100th anniversary (Georgian Revival 1910-2010) on Friday, August 6 at 6 p.m. This event will include a "Napa Style" connoisseur wine auction and multiple gourmet food stations. A gorgeous .80 carat diamond will be won by the lucky buyer of a "yours to take home" Reidel flute of premium champagne in the Sip and Sparkle game. Outstanding bottles and cases of very exciting collectors' wines, as well as packages and trips, will be the main focus of the auction, raising funds for another 100 years! Reservations are $100 for this fundraising event benefiting the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust. To make your reservations, call 363-6004 ext. 3# or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.dalymansion.org" www.dalymansion.org. The Daly Mansion is located at 251 Eastside Highway between Corvallis and Hamilton.

Free-From Friday-Night Film Series

Need something do to on those hot August Friday nights coming up? Come see a great movie with free popcorn and lemonade and stars overhead! Western Montana Addiction Prevention Program will host the Free-From Friday Night Film Series at 515 Madison in Hamilton. Come and set up your lawn chair and watch some of the greatest sports movie ever including “Miracle”, “The Blind Side”, “Bend It Like Beckham” and “A League of Their Own” (all rated PG 13 or PG). Celebrating lives free from addictions and full of possibilities! Rain or shine! Starting at 8 p.m. and showing Fridays, August 6, 13, 20 and 27. Call 532-9149 for more info.

Saturday, August 7

Stevi Masonic breakfast

In conjunction with the annual Creamery Picnic festivities, the Stevensville Masonic Lodge will hold its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, August 7 from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Lodge at 3rd and Church Streets in Stevensville (one block east of Main at stop sign). All Brothers, Sisters, Sojourners and the public are invited for eggs, bacon, pancakes and beverages. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds assist the Florence and Stevensville Schools’ Junior Achievement programs, and the “Bikes for Books” programs at Lone Rock and Stevensville Schools.

Creamery Picnic Parade

Creamery Picnic celebration the first weekend of August traditionally includes a Grand Parade, and this year is no exception. Participants are encouraged to sign up early for the Parade either in person at Rocky Mountain Bank, Stevensville, or download an application online at HYPERLINK "http://www.creamerypicnic.com" www.creamerypicnic.com. The Parade will take place Saturday, August 7 at 11 a.m.

Classic cars, horse entries, civic groups and commercial entries are all welcome in the Parade. This year’s theme is “Celebrate 98!” Early entries pay a $5 entry fee to help offset the Civic Club’s costs of renting equipment, purchasing awards, additional security, etc. involved in the event. Entries received after August 1 will pay an $8 entry fee, and parade day entries will be $10. Entries will be judged between 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. the morning of the Parade. No entries will be accepted after 10:30 a.m.; submit your entry in advance and line up early in order to participate. Include all pertinent information when completing your entry form, so that the announcers may give you and your organization full credit for your efforts. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.creamerypicnic.com" www.creamerypicnic.com, or contact Robin Holcomb at Rocky Mountain Bank, Stevensville, 777-7804.

Sunday, August 8

Team Tyler Golf Tournament

A golf tournament to benefit Tyler Hennes will be held Sunday, August 8 at the Stevensville Golf Course. Tyler Hennes is a fun-loving, energetic 8th grader at Stevensville Junior High; he was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Friends and family are raising funds for medical expenses. Contact Jennie Belcourt at jrbelcourt@yahoo.com to volunteer or to sponsor a hole or at the lunch area.

Tuesday, August 10

Veterans 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 following dates:

Tuesday, August 10 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stevensville Town Council Chambers, and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Job Service Office in Hamilton.

For more information, call 542-2501.

Stevensville school board

The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will meet Tuesday, August 10 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.

Thursday, August 12

Stevi school facility committee

The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet Thursday, August 12 at 12 noon in the Superintendent’s office.

Fellowship Club

The Bitterroot Public Library's Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, August 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss "Fractal Time: The Secret of 2012 and A New World Age" by Gregg Braden. The discussion will be facilitated by Joseph A. Costantino, Ph.D.

In this book, this bestselling author Gregg Braden marries the modern laws of fractal patterns to the ancient concept of cycles, to demonstrate how everything from the war and peace between nations to our most joyous relationships and personal crises are the returning patterns of our past. As each pattern returns, it carries the same conditions of previous cycles - fractal patterns that can be known, measured and predicted. According to this model the returning cycles also carry a window of opportunity-a choice point-that allows us to choose a new outcome for the cycle.

Through case histories that confirm the accuracy of fractal time calculations, Braden crosses the traditional boundaries of science and spirituality to answer the question that must be asked: What does fractal time tell us about 2012, and beyond? Because the cycles repeat, the seed for 2012 has already happened and the pattern already exists!

New York Times best selling author and former senior computer systems designer Gregg Braden is internationally renowned as a pioneer in bridging science and spirituality. To date, his work has led to such paradigm-shattering books as “The Isaiah Effect”, “The God Code”, and “The Divine Matrix.”

The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well being.

Call 363-1670 for more information.

Friday, August 13

BEAR Youth Adventure Program

Bitterroot's Ecological Awareness Resources/BEAR Youth Adventure Program has opening available in the Ropes & Rock Classes, August 13 and 14. If you have ever wanted to learn how to climb, now is the time! Open to ages 10-17. To register visit the website at www.bearoutdooradventures.com, click on the scheduling page and print out your registration packet! Or call Tina at 363-5410, ext. 122. This is a first come, first served, first qualified opportunity so get those packets in quick.

Team Tyler benefit

A dinner and silent auction to benefit the Hennes family will be held Friday, August 13 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary's Family Center in Stevensville. Tyler Hennes is a fun-loving, energetic 8th grader at Stevensville Junior High; he was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Friends and family are raising funds to help with expenses. Contact Jennie Belcourt at jrbelcourt@yahoo.com with items to donate. Contact Christy Owsley at christy@a2zgovsupply.com to volunteer.

Montana Irish Festival

The 2010 An Rí Rá Montana Irish Festival will be held August 13-15 in Butte. Montana's homegrown Festival, now in its tenth year, attracts audience members from all over the world. The venue will be on Park Street between Main and Montana Streets in historic Uptown Butte August 13-14-15. Admission is $15 on Friday, $20 on Saturday and $30 for a weekend pass. Student tickets for children over 12 are $10 per day. This is a family event for all ages, and children under age 12 are free. The festival features live music and dancing, Irish Language workshops, history, drama, lectures, food, arts & crafts and more. Detailed information is available at www.mtgaelic.org.

Tuesday, August 17

Dream interpretation classes

Are dreams just images our brain unloads from our subconscious while we sleep or do they have some mysterious meaning? Does what we dream have anything to do with who we are, where we’re going and where we’ve been?  

Your dreams have so much to tell you!

Carl Jung identified dreams as an interaction between the conscious and the subconscious mind, saying that the subconscious mind is the dominant force, feeding information into the conscious mind for a purpose. Fritz Perls expanded on this subject, stating that dreams are seen as projections of parts of the self that have been ignored, rejected or suppressed.

In these classes we will learn how to interpret our dreams. Using techniques to improve our memories of what we dream along with journaling we can uncover the meaning behind the images, sounds and feelings we experience during sleep. Understanding your dreams and acting upon the messages in them can be an incredibly enlightening, rewarding and transformative process.

Sign up quickly - the classes will be limited to 8 so that dreams can be shared.

(No one will have to share their dreams until they are comfortable. Confidentiality will be upheld.)

Class times are:

Day Classes (seating capacity – 8):

Tues., Aug. 17 • Tues., Aug. 24 • Tues., Aug. 31

Tues., Sept. 7  • Tues., Sept. 14 • Tues., Sept. 21 - 1 - 3pm

Evening Classes (seating capacity – 8):

Wed., Aug., 18 • Wed., Aug., 25 • Wed., Sept. 1

Wed., Sept. 8 • Wed., Sept. 15 • Wed., Sept. 22 -  6-8pm

Classes will be held at Ravalli County Museum. For more information or to register, call the Museum at 363-3338, email at rcmuseum@qwestoffice.net or drop on in at 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Each class is $15.00 and can be paid for per class or in full ($90.00) for all six classes.

Saturday, August 21

Community Health Fair

The Hamilton Farmers Market, located on Bedford, Third and Second Streets, will host its fifth annual Community Health Fair – Living Green to Stay Healthy – on Saturday, August 21, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Market provides free booth space to all area community organizations and businesses, doctors and healers who promote good health through conscious and responsible living. If you would like to present your healing skills, knowledge or services at this year’s Health Fair, call Laura Craig, market manager, at 961-0004 for a registration form. Spaces are limited, so call now. Application deadline is Friday, August 13.

Big Sky Dowsers convention

Big Sky Dowsers Association will meet at Park City, Montana on

August 21 and 22, at the Park City Senior Center, 2nd Avenue SW, Park City, Montana. The Dowsers meet at various locations in Montana and members come from Montana, Wyoming and other states.

Dowsing is interesting and a highly valuable skill which most people can learn with a little instruction. Come to the convention to learn, not just about dowsing, but to see it demonstrated and to learn the technique. Newcomers, young and old, are encouraged to attend.

School of Instruction starts Saturday morning at 9 a.m. There will be demonstrations of L-rods, the pendulum and map dowsing. Sunday morning the group will participate in a field trip nearby to dowse for water and practice the lessons learned at the previous day's session. Then it’s back to the Civic Center for lunch and to compare results and dowsing techniques.

For more information contact Gary Watt, President, (406) 443-4753, e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:gwatt@mt.net" gwatt@mt.net.

Monday, September 13

College prep classes for veterans 

The UM-COT will offer free college prep classes for qualified veterans through the Montana Veterans Upward Bound program. Classes in math, writing and basic computer skills will be held Tuesday, September 14 through Wednesday, November 3. They will take pace Monday through Thursday at the COT campus, 909 South Ave. W. in Missoula. Orientation will be held Monday, September 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the COT Commons. For more information or to enroll, call 877-356-VETS.

Wednesday, October 6

Tri-state trails conference

The Tri-State Recreation, Parks, and Trails Conference will be held October 6–9, 2010 in West Yellowstone, Montana. All Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana professionals, advocates, volunteers, and businesses who want to learn about the latest trends and issues in recreation are invited to attend.

Two exceptional full-day workshops will bookend the conference.  On October 6, a regional “Getting Children Outside” workshop will address the current issues, trends and initiatives related to fewer children enjoying and learning from dispersed outdoor activities. Keynote speaker, Jack Shea of Teton Science Schools, will convey the importance of connecting people, nature, place, and education. National experts from the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy will conduct a full-day seminar on October 9 discussing the process of preserving proposed rights-of-way for public use, sources of information on railroad abandonments, funding alternatives, and congressional action on livable communities.

Other workshop topics include best practices in recreation resource planning, playground design, accessibility standards, collegiate outdoor adventure programs, vandalism prevention and cooperative law enforcement, bicycle and off highway vehicle safety education, Safe Routes to Schools, Share the Road programs, travel planning and many others.  .

Noted conference speakers include Janna Rankin, Vice Chair of the National Recreation and Parks Association Board of Directors; Nancy Noonan, a noted health and wellness motivational speaker from Boulder, Colorado; and state park directors from Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

Field trips include a visit to Yellowstone National Park and Gallatin National Forest maintenance facilities, a bicycle tour of the Rendezvous Area, an interpretive tour of the Quake Lake visitor center, and a tour of West Yellowstone’s community center and trail maintenance facilities.

Exhibitors will be on hand displaying the latest technology and trends in park and recreation equipment and services

Register for the conference online at http://www.mtrpa.info/conference.php. Early registration ends August 31. For more information, contact Bob Walker at (406) 933-5326 or mttrails@bresnan.net, or Beth Shumate at (406) 444-4585 or bshumate@mt.gov.