Monday - noon lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - line dancing at 9 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m.
Wednesday - noon lunch, bridge at 1 p.m., cloggers at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday - exercise at 9 a.m.; pinochle on 3rd week, 1 p.m.
Friday - line dancing at 9:30 a.m., noon lunch
Saturday - pancake breakfast on 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 8-10 a.m.
Sunday – bridge, 1 p.m.

Stevi Senior Center activities

Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Bridge and Special Music, noon.
Monday & Saturday - Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Tuesday - Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
2nd Tuesday - Quilters, 6:30 p.m.
Every Other Wednesday – Fiddlers at Lunch
3rd Wednesday – Special Birthday Dinner, noon, with music. Blood pressures taken.
Thursday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
1st & 3rd Thursday – American Legion Bingo, 7 p.m.
For more information call the Center at 777-5681 04 777-5707.

Victor Senior Center activities

Sundays - AA meeting, 7 p.m.
Monday-Thursday - Men's Coffee, 8:30-10 a.m.
Mondays & Wednesdays - Exercise, 10-11 a.m.
Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes salad bar, main course, dessert. Seniors $3.25, under 60 years $5.75. (RSVP 642-3320)
Tuesdays - Bingo, 7 p.m.
Wednesdays - Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Fridays - Ladies' Coffee, 10-11 a.m.

Al-Anon

The Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 375-9996.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous classes are held at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville, on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m.

Ask yourself these questions:

1) Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
2) Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
3) After you have won did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
If you answered yes to any of these questions this class might be good for you. For more information call 777-3897.

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous meets every Monday at 6:45 p.m. in the basement of Florence-Carlton Community Church and every Thursday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, corner of 4th and Church in Stevensville. For more information call 529-4542.

TOPS meeting

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

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton. Starting in November, the Women's Auxiliary will meet the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 649 Grantsdale Road. For more information call 363-3889.

Overeaters Anonymous

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

Golden Agers

The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck. The Valley Rhythm Boys will play December 26 and Dick Reinbold’s Band on January 2. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. The next business meeting is January 7, following a 12:30 potluck dinner.

Florence American Legion

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

Stevensville American Legion

The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.

Waldorf Play Group

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

Suicide Loss Support

Suicide Loss Support holds informal meetings the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the community room of the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main and the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Aspen Hospice, 230 Marcus St. in Hamilton.

When you suffer a loss due to suicide the grief is overwhelming. Most people don't know "just how you feel." What you can expect from SLS is someone who has experienced a loss from suicide to listen to you privately, or in a group setting. You may choose to be present but it is ok not to speak if you are not ready. SLS cares. Your loss matters and your grief is very real. SLS will support you in every way possible. Contact Brian Cherry, Ravalli County Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator, 360-2708.

SAFE support groups

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

Caregiver coffee break

Are you one of the millions of Americans who help someone else by providing companionship, preparing meals, running errands, driving to doctors appointments or by simply doing whatever needs to be done to assist someone who is ill or homebound? Aspen Hospice recognizes the complexity of caregiving and offers a time of respite. Whether or not the person you care for receives services from Aspen Hospice, you, as a caregiver, can find encouragement, support and information at the Caregiver Coffee Break every Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 230 Marcus Street in Hamilton. Stop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Reservations are not required and coffee breaks are provided at no charge. For additional information, contact Elizabeth at 777-5009.

Singing Lilies group

Any women who enjoy singing two- and three-part harmony to a wide variety of piano-accompanied music are invited to join Lilies of the Valley singing group. No auditions are required for participation. Have fun sharing your time and talent under the direction of Thelma Laws. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 211 N. 6th in Hamilton. For more information call Lola, 363-4633.

WIC clinics

A WIC clinic is offered the first through the fourth Wednesdays of each month at the United Methodist Church in Stevensville, the second Monday of each month at the Church of the Nazarene in Victor, and the third Monday of each month at the Darby Clubhouse. WIC eligibility guidelines are: yearly gross of $19,240 for family of 1 (including unborn child; $25,900 for 2; $32,560 for 3; $39,220 for 4: $45,880 for 5; $52,540 for 6. For each additional member add $6,660.

Sapphire Quilt Club

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

Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast

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

Grief Support Group

You are invited to learn how to deal with the grief you feel for the loss of a loved one. Marcus Daly Hospice offers a free Grief Support Group every Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., meeting in Hospice’s comfortable living room. The group is open to anyone in the community. For more information, call Cathy at 375-4752.

Dancercize classes

“Dancercize Around the World” is a fun, low impact class designed for adults of all ages and abilities to strengthen, tone, stretch and improve breathing while moving in a variety of music and dance styles including Latin, African, Renaissance, Modern, Improvisation and American Jazz/Bop. Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. For more information call Elenita Brown, 777-5956.

Library Storytimes

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville offers story times for children ages seven and under on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. No registration is required. For more information call the library at 777-5061.

Stevensville Awana

Awana meets every Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 402 Church in Stevensville. Children from the ages of 3 years through 6th grade come together for a fun time of games, Bible lessons, and reciting Bible verses to earn awards. A healthy snack is provided for those coming directly from school. Awana is an international kids’ club open to any child. For more information call 777-5677.

Lone Rock Awana

Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Rd., Stevensville, invites all children from preschool (age 4) through sixth grade to come to Awana Club every Wednesday from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. at the church. Awana is one of the largest nondenominational children's and youth ministries in the world, focused on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through the local church. Each week the boys and girls will learn Bible verses, have a Bible story time and play organized games. For more information call the church office, 777-2592.

Dance classes

Big Sky International Dancers offer a free dance class every Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd in Hamilton. Learn the two-step, swing and waltz. This is an ever-expanding group of singles and couples. The program is sponsored by the Hamilton Rainbow Girls. Additional free personal dance instruction is available in Corvallis. For more information call Glory Corbett, 961-8866.

Soroptimists

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

Spanish conversation group

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

Work support group

Laid off? Looking for work? Join a new Work Support Group for networking and information exchange Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. at the Olde Coffee Mill on Main Street in Stevensville. For more information, call 360-7002.

PFLAG Chapter

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG meets every fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in the basement, 600 S. 3rd St., Hamilton. The building is handicap accessible from DeSmet Street through the back door of the church. For more information contact Terry Moran, 363-7656.

Divorce support group

Free DivorceCare seminar/support group meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Hwy. in Hamilton to help separated and divorced people through the grief that comes with divorce. Call 363-0875 or 363-4244 for more information.

New Thought service

Join others for New Thought service each Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. via the internet at the Carriage House, 310 N. 4th Street, Hamilton, to watch Rev. Kathianne Lewis's message from the Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle, Washington. This is a Science of Mind community. Call Barb for more information, 375-9996.

Women’s writing group

A collaborative writing group focusing on women's issues is now being organized at SAFE in the Bitterroot, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton. The group meets Thursdays at 4 p.m. For more information call Theresa Rivera, advocate, at 363-2793, ext 12.

80+ Simple Yoga Club

Free gentle chair yoga for those 80+ years old is held Tuesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at Simple Yoga, 220 W. Main, Hamilton. Learn to use your breath to reduce tension and learn gentle movements to relieve your joints, allow greater range of motion, improve strength, balance, and flexibility, Particular attention is paid to alignment for safety, with lots of personal attention, fun and laughter. Call 544-2101 for more information or simply show up Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Hamilton 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.

Wilderness volunteer trips

This summer the Wilderness Institute is taking small groups of volunteers on 3-5 day backpacking trips to the Sapphire and Blue Joint Wilderness Study Areas in the Bitterroot and Beaverhead National Forests. Volunteers will work with experienced leaders to monitor weeds, recreation impacts, wilderness character, and inventory campsites. Learn about invasive species, native plants, monitoring methods, and the natural history of the Sapphire and Blue Joint Areas. Backcountry experience is helpful but not necessary. Dinners are provided and transportation is available from Missoula and many places in the Bitterroot Valley. Volunteers receive t-shirts and prizes. Register early because the trips are filling up fast. To register, or for more information, contact the Wilderness Institute at 243-5361 or www.cfc.umt.edu/wi.

Hamilton Farmers Market

The Hamilton Farmers Market, located on Bedford and Third Streets by the Museum, opens at 9 a.m. on Saturdays with the ringing of the old Darby School House bell. If you would like to sell at Hamilton Farmers Market and you live in Ravalli County and 50% of the value of your product is made in Montana, call Market Manager Laura Craig at 961-0004 for more information. Come enjoy the fruits of our labor from the farm, studio and kitchen - fresh locally grown produce and locally handmade arts, crafts, furniture and more.

Darby food collection

The Darby Bread Box, a local food bank in Darby, will be opening soon. During July, organizers are collecting canned vegetables and fruit. Drop off donations at Peoples’ Market and Bitterroot Community Credit Union. Any donations would be appreciated.

Child safety file kit handout

The Western Montana RSVP Volunteer Center is offering “Child Safety Files.” These files include photos, movies, voice profiles, description information and digital fingerprints. All information is saved on a CD which is given to a parent or guardian. The software is designed to automatically delete all information once the CD is created so only the parent retains the data.

This information can be used to generate posters and flyers should a child be missing. It can be accessed by law enforcement anywhere in the country and is compatible with Amber Alert.

The equipment to produce these kits was funded by the Rapp Family Foundation and the Assisting Charitable Endeavors Grant.

Kits will be available for free on the following dates and locations: July 30, 12-1:30, North Valley Library, and at the RSVP booth in the community building at the Ravalli Fair on September 2-4, from 11-3 and on September 4 from 5-7 p.m. Signed parental permission is required to produce a kit. For more information call Sharon at the RSVP Volunteer Center, 363-1102.

Library Wild Wednesday

Tune in with local singer/songwriter Chip Jasmin on Wild Wednesday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m. on the east lawn of the Bitterroot Public Library. All ages are welcome.

Daly Hospital blood drive

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

Horse euthanasia service

A Final Act of Kindness Service for horses and mules is being offered on Thursday, July 30. These tough economic times, rising costs of hay, and now a cold winter have made it difficult for some folks to provide hay and care, etc. for their horses and mules. This already difficult situation is compounded by the fact that "putting a horse down" can run $200.00 or more. An animal brought to the monthly horse auction/sale may bring only a small sum. It can also create additional hardship for an older, injured, or debilitated animal that could end up being transported out of the country (to Mexico or Canada) for slaughter. In light of this, A Final Act of Kindness Service will be offered on July 30 for a reduced fee to horse owners who may have difficulty coming up with the full cost of euthanasia. This service is for ill, debilitated, and elderly horses that are suffering. Willing Servants will take ownership of each horse and make the final decision as to whether or not the horse is adoptable or should be put down with the guidance of a veterinarian. For folks who don’t want their animals to suffer, and as a kinder, non-violent option to the auction or sale ring, this service is being offered by Willing Servants, Inc, a new non-profit group in the Bitterroot Valley dedicated to helping horses and the people who own them. The service will be offered on a recurring basis (monthly or bimonthly, depending on need). For further information and to request space in the upcoming "Final Act of Kindness" service in July, call 207-0463 or 531-2444.

‘Bow Wow Social’

It's a dog's night out at Montana Companion Animal Newtwork's "Bow Wow Social" being held this year to celebrate the new Hamilton Dog Park, located at the corner of New York and 10th Streets, on Friday, July 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Local officials have been invited and "Jack the Bitterroot Beagle," local canine movie star, will be making a special guest appearance. Contests and prizes for the smallest/largest dog, youngest/oldest dog, owner look-a-like and best-dressed dog will be held at 7 p.m. Goody bags for each furry party-goer along with ice cream treats for all two and four leggers will finish the evening.

Whether you have a dog or not, everyone is welcome to come and see this great new park, enjoy watching the canines play, and if you're looking for a new companion the love of your life might just be at the party. Come see all the wonderful dogs seeking a "new leash on life" from the Bitter Root Humane Association and other local rescues.

Admission to the event is free but Montana Companion Animal Network will be accepting donations and any funds raised at the event will be given to the City of Hamilton Parks Department to assist in finishing the fence and other needed amenities for the park. For more information visit www.mtcan.org or call 642-3785.

Great Turning Group

The Great Turning Group will present a premiere movie experience entitled "Home" on Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m. at the First Christian Church meeting room on Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton, just across from the high school. A potluck will begin at 6 p.m. with the movie at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow. The movie is about 90 minutes in length. There is no charge. This movie is an ode to the planet's beauty and delicate harmony. Through the landscapes of 54 countries the creators take us on a unique journey around the world, to contemplate the value of our beautiful planet. Every breathtaking shot shows our Earth as we have never seen it before, treasures and wonders we can still preserve. “Home” awakens in us a reverence for our home planet, and embraces the major ecological issues that confront us and shows how everything on our planet is interconnected. For more information call Roger Williams, 360-3629.

The Sunday Gathering

“The Sunday Gathering” will be held Sunday, August 2 at 10 a.m. at River Street Dance Theatre on N. 2nd and River Streets in Hamilton. The group meets the first Sunday of every month; everyone is welcome. The Sunday Gathering is designed for those seeking insights in a supportive spiritual community who might benefit from member-given presentations, shared musical offerings and centering meditation. Folks come from different beliefs and practices and this is cause for celebration. The group is not allied with any sect, denomination or organization. If you're interested to attend but don't have transportation, pick-ups can be arranged from many valley communities. For more information, contact Denelle Pappier at 363-1311 or dpappier@aol.com.

Five Valley Accordion Club

Five Valley Accordion Club will hold a dance on Sunday, August 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, Anaconda. Tickets are $3.00 members, $4.00 non-members. Rocky Mountain Accordion Celebration will be July 31-Aug 1 in Philipsburg. The public is welcome at both events.

Music concert

An afternoon concert of classics will be performed Sunday, August 2, at 3 p.m. at the Stevensville United Methodist Church by Nancy Slabaugh Hart, soprano and Kathryn Habedank, harpsichord/piano. Slabaugh Hart and Habedank will perform solo selections as well as ensemble works by Purcell, Handel, Schumann, Debussy, Bernstein and others.

Nancy Slabaugh Hart is Pastor of the Stevensville United Methodist Church. She has a degree in vocal performance from Texas Christian University, and taught singing and performance for over 20 years as well as directing choirs and serving as soloists in many churches and community settings before turning her attention to becoming a minister.

Kathryn Habedank studied keyboard at Whitman College, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) and New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. For the past eighteen years she has been Director of Early Music at PLU. She and her husband (Gary), a native Montanan from Sidney, have lived part-time in Stevensville since 2000. They also live in Seattle, WA. Habedank will be playing a Zuckermann harpsichord, 1962, by R. Byard Fritts.

Freewill donations will be accepted to help needy neighbors in the Bitterroot.

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board willl hold a regular meeting on Sunday, August 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.

4-H Operation Military Kids GPS Day Camp

A Day Camp for youth who have family serving in the military or for any 4-H members will be held Monday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MSU/Ravalli County Extension Office. The camp is open to youth ages 9 to 13 who have family serving in the military or who are simply interested in 4?H. Space is limited. Cost is free to all military kids, $5 for non-military kids. Register by July 31, 2009. For more information or to register, contact Brooke at 546-4371 or the MSU/Ravalli County Extension Office at 375-6611.

Equine Summer Youth Program

Would you like your child to communicate better? Develop team building strategies? Use independent problem solving skills more often? Make better choices? Haven's Horses presents the Equine Assisted Summer Learning Program, an exciting new way to use horses to help people learn new skills. Participants will use horses in group activities designed to teach teamwork, leadership, communication, relationship building, character and self confidence. The program is 10% on the ground. Haven’s Horses will hold an Equine Assisted Learning Program for children 11-14 years old, August 3-6 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Cost is $100. For more information 381-6611, or visit http://www.havenshorses.com.

‘Tuesday at Twelve’ concert series

The 20th annual Tuesday at Twelve free concert series at Legion Park on S. 2nd in Hamilton is underway. Concerts run from 12 noon to 1 p.m. each Tuesday. This year’s schedule is:

• August 4 - John Schiever

• August 11 - Jenn Adams

• August 18 - Salsa Loca

• August 25 - Lori Conner & Eric Keeling

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.

Library Wild Wednesday

Step into the spotlight at the end of the Summer Reading Program party sponsored by McDonalds of Hamilton on Wild Wednesday, August 5 at 1:30 p.m. on the east lawn of the Bitterroot Public Library. All ages are welcome.

Stevensville Garden Club

The Stevensville Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. The August 5 meeting will feature “A Design in Your Own Container.” For more information call Mary Baughn at 777-4196 or Carolynne McCormick at 777-5319.

Creamery Picnic Garden Party

The Creamery Picnic Garden Party to honor Stevensville’s top citizens will be held Wednesday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn at 515 Main, next to Lange Park (formerly Towle House Realty).

Responsible alcohol sales training

Western MT Addiction Services is holding a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) training on Monday, August 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at 209 N. 10th St, Suite C in Hamilton. The cost of the training is $15 for materials. The “Let’s Control It” course teaches participants to recognize and prevent intoxication in others. Program participants are trained by certified instructors to detect the signs of intoxication and intervene effectively to prevent any alcohol-related problems. The course also teaches participants how to identify underage persons to help limit the access to alcohol and cigarettes for youth. The servers and sellers of alcohol in our community are the first line of defense in curbing underage drinking and smoking, over intoxication, and drunk driving. People in these professions (including waitstaff, bartenders, managers and owners of liquor stores, bars and restaurants that serve alcohol) have an obligation to the well-being of the community and for their own personal effect that have personal risk and liability. This training will assist them in creating a safer community and personal environment. The “Let’s Control It” curriculum is approved by the MT Dept of Revenue and participants will receive a certificate of completion. For further information or to register call 532-9149 or email ffavara@wmmhc.org. Register by August 6.

‘Moonwalk’ series

The Mark Twain Moon will be held Thursday, August 6, 8 p.m., at Fort Owen State Park, Stevensville.

In the early 1860s, en route from St. Joseph, Missouri to Carson City, Nevada, Mark Twain met and had breakfast with the notorious Virginia City desperado Bad Jack Slade. Fortunately, Slade was sober at the time, and Twain survived the interview. Some three decades later on the third leg of his worldwide lecture tour, Twain stopped and lectured in five Montana cities. Delaney, a Mark Twain impersonator, presents a most amusing view of these historical events from Mark Twain's unique perspective. The program will last approximately 90 minutes. Directions to the Park: Fort Owen State Park is located just west of the town of Stevensville. From Highway 93, go east onto the Stevensville cutoff road #269. After about 1 mile and before you reach the town of Stevensville, turn north onto the Fort Owen State Park road. For additional information call Julie Schreck at 375-2606 at the Bitterroot National Forest.

Sports physical program benefits local schools

All male and female valley athletes in high school and middle school are invited to the new Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, August 6 or Wednesday, August 12 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for their annual sports physicals. Over the past three years the annual sports physical program sponsored by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and medical staff has raised over $24,000 for the valley’s school athletic programs. The cost is $25 per student and 100% of the proceeds will be donated back to the students’ school athletic program. Cash or check only, payment is due at the time of visit. Enter the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center through the main entrance, located on the southwest end of Westwood Drive.

Sports physical forms are available from doctor’s offices or coaches; or online at http://www.mdmh.org. Forms must be signed by a parent and accompanied with payment at the time of the physical. The physical will include height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, vision, evaluations for posture, joints, strength, and flexibility, heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat. Students with chronic problems should be seen by their primary care provider.

For more information, call 363-2211 or visit http://www.mdmh.org.

Library book sale and music

This year enjoy lively bluegrass music while you browse the books and movies at the annual Creamery Picnic Book Sale at the North Valley Public Library, Friday, August 7, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Cedar Ridge Bluegrass Band will perform Friday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. outside the Library Community Room at the book sale. This year’s sale will feature more children’s books, more biographies, more histories and mysteries, more videos than ever before! The book sale is sponsored by Friends of the North Valley Public Library. The library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, contact Beverly at 777-2505 or the library 777-5061.

Book signing

Author Bonnie Clark Taylor will be signing copies of her book, "Wild Fire, Holy Water: The true story of a family facing cancer until a miracle brings victory through faith" on Friday, August 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Valley Drug, 301 Main St, Stevensville.

Pancake breakfast

In conjunction with the annual Creamery Picnic festivities, the Stevensville Masonic Lodge will hold its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, August 8 from 7 to 11 a.m. at the lodge at 3rd and Church St., Stevensville (one block east of Main). 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.

SHS Class of 1949 reunion

The Stevensville High School Class of 1949 will hold its 60th reunion on Saturday, August 8 during Creamery Picnic. The class will gather for the parade at 10:30 a.m. (across the street from Valley Drug). Following the parade a catered meal will be served at 405 Charlos with a social time to follow. Cost is $10 per person. For more information contact Don Filcher, 363-3206. To RSVP for the meal call Carol Larson, 777-2469.

All Valley Teen Dance

All Bitterroot Valley junior high and high school students are invited to the All Valley Teen Dance on Saturday, August 8 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Farmers State Bank parking lot. Admission is one can of food for Pantry Partners Food Bank.

Art exhibit

“Call of the Wild” art exhibit, featuring artists Ed and Marilyn Wolff, runs August 8 through November 5 at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford in Hamilton. A grand opening will be held Saturday, August 8 at 7 p.m. Come and enjoy an evening with the artists. Learn about the inspiration, concept and execution of their art. Admission is $6 per family; $5 per couple; $3 per single; and students are $1.00. For more information call 363-3338.

Blind and Low Vision Support Group

Blind and Low Vision Services invites you to attend its low vision support group on Wednesday, August 12 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Willow Court Building located at 150 Skeels, Hamilton. Special guest speaker will be Dr. Clint Hoxie, optometrist specializing in neuro-optometry and pediatric and family optometry. Dr. Hoxie will share some interesting data on how vision health is related to overall health, and the essential difference between “acuity” and “vision” loss and how each impacts a person’s ability to function independently. He will then answer questions on low vision topics of interest to the group. Dr. Hoxie is a new local optometrist servicing Ravalli County from both the Hamilton and Stevensville locations at the Bitterroot Valley Eye Associates, a service of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. The public is welcome to this support group. For more information call Jeanne Stone at 329-5402.

Stevensville Horizons Visioning Rally

Stevensville residents are invited to attend the Stevensville Horizons Visioning Rally and free dinner on Thursday, August 13 at 6 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Horizons is an 18-month program aimed at building leadership to reduce poverty in small rural and reservation communities. By providing locally delivered training, skill building and coaching, Horizons hopes to help the community understand poverty and commit to action to bring about lasting change. To learn more about the Horizons program, contact Katelyn Andersen, Stevensville Community Coach, 375-6611 or katelyna@montana.edu.

KOC St. Mary’s hike

The Stevensville Knights of Columbus will hold their annual hike up St. Mary’s Peak on Sunday, August 16. They will leave from St. Mary’s Church at 7 a.m. This is the 46th year. Dress for all weather and bring water. For more information contact Jeff at 777-2130 or Pete at 642-3271.

Baked goods auction

A Baked Goods Pie Auction will be held Wednesday, September 2 at 6 p.m. under the “Big Top” at the Ravalli County Fair. Come and bid on the many delicacies prepared by the best bakers in the Valley. All funds go towards the Ravalli County Museum educational programs.

Bitterroot Classic Triathlon

The fourth annual 2009 Bitterroot Classic Triathlon will be held on Saturday, August 22 at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center. This race is fast, fun and an exciting family event. Athletes race registration opens on Monday June 1st, register online at http://www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com. This year’s race is dedicated in memory of Benjamin (Levi) Pigman.

Over the past three years, the Bitterroot Classic Triathlon has raised over $37,000 in support of Missoula’s Ronald McDonald House. Join in on August 22nd by sponsoring, volunteering or participating in this fun and worthwhile event as we swim, bike and run to raise funds for this special place. The Bitterroot Classic Triathlon is a sprint distance race. The swim takes place in the Bitterroot Aquatic Center pool, the bike portion gives racers the opportunity to take in the great views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains while racing with the cows through some of the most the beautiful private property in Ravalli County. The race concludes with a double loop around the Hamilton High School. The entry fee is $45.00 and all activities will take place at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center. In addition, the sprint triathlon will be followed by the second annual kid’s triathlon. The Bitterroot Classic Triathlon has something for everybody! Volunteers interested in helping out on race day, call Barbara at 880-7646. For more information on the Bitterroot Classic Triathlon, visit http://www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com.

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