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.

Lilies of the Valley

An ensemble of female voices under the direction of Thelma Laws join together every Thursday evening, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Memorial Room of the United Methodist American Baptist Church, 611 N. 6th in Hamilton. You're invited to share your time, talents and fun in singing many categories of choral music: show tunes, Broadway, standard pops, spirituals, folk tunes, to name a few. The group strives toward seasonal programs for spring, fall and Christmas. Membership is always open to additional singers (no auditions!) or, if you're not a singer, you might consider assisting as an alternate piano accompanist. For more information call Donna, 363-1742, or 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

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 Shaun or Barbara Jo DesJardins, 777-3853.

Sapphire Arabian Horse Club

The Sapphire Arabian Horse Club has monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information or the location of the April meeting, contact Shelagh Fox at 273-4317 or Wendy Hauser at 642-9640. The club welcomes new members.

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.

Daly Mansion tours

Come see what's new at the Daly Mansion. The Mansion is open for tours seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with tours on the hour. Cost is $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children from 6-17, free for 0 to age 5. The Mansion is located at 251 Eastside Hwy. between Corvallis and Hamilton. Call 363-6004 for more information.

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.

Sign Language Group

There is a weekly sign language group forming in Stevensville to learn SEE Sign. The initial meeting was Monday, June 18. SEE Sign Language classes will continue each Monday at 6:45 p.m. Active Care Family Chiropractic office in Stevensville (located next door to Kodiak Jax on Main St). The facilitator is Jennifer Closson. The class is free, but pre-registration in required by calling Amy Sage, 642-6400.

Tuesday at Twelve

The Bitterroot's Tuesday at Twelve series of free concerts take place in Hamilton's Legion Park from noon until 1 p.m. every Tuesday through the end of August. The free concerts are made possible by the support of local businesses and professionals, and the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce. Bring a lunch, or purchase a picnic from a vendor at the park. For more information, call Jean Matthews, Tuesday at Twelve coordinator, at 363-5220.

Community Band concert

The Bitterroot Community Band will hold a free Bandshell Concert on Thursday, July 5 at 8 p.m. at Claudia Driscoll Park, Hamilton. The public is welcome.

African Team Ministries Sale

African Team Ministries will offer for sale a unique assortment of handmade jewelry, handcarved wooden animals, purses, scarves and much more straight from East Africa on Friday, July 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. All sales benefit African Ministries.

Farmers Market Food Court

Beginning Saturday, July 7, the Valley Farmers Market in Hamilton is opening a Food Court on Third St. to better serve your needs for munching and grazing while shopping at the Market.

Begin breakfast with Fadely's, on the southwest corner of Bedford and Third, Heavenly Creations‚ award winning cinnamon rolls or mosey east on Bedford to where Patty Pape continues her tradition of offering the Market's best breakfast burritos.

In the mood for something down-home? Stroll across the street for Cat Recore's breakfast biscuit sandwiches made with eggs, cheese and sausage.

Stop by the newest coffee cart, the Bitterroot Beanery, for a cuppa joe or an espresso to go.

The Spicy Wives, anchoring the middle of the new Food Court on Third St., make a segue to brunch with their incredibly popular spinach rolls and focaccia bread. Order ahead for take-home quantities.

For lunch, visit the Bannings for Bitterroot Gyros on the east side of Third. You've enjoyed their delicious sandwiches at Bitter Root and Apple Days. Joy Banning not only makes these Mediterranean treats fresh with a variety of meats, she also has a homemade hot mustard that goes with gyros and the Polish sausages that they serve. They offer kids' dogs and corn dogs too.

Amigos Burritos, new to the Market, completes the west side of the new Food Court on Third. They dish up bean, and shredded beef and chicken burritos with a warm selection of sauces and grilled cheese sandwiches as well.

For dessert, check out Kris Stoehr's cookie, including dark chocolate brownies sprinkled with gold dust!

Eddie Ohms will be opening up a fruit slushy stand on Third sometime soon. Watch for it. Until then, water and soft drinks can be found at several of the booths mentioned as well as the Museum's popcorn stand.

Market shopping bags and bumper stickers can be purchased at the Market's new Information Booth housed in the Stoehr's EBay & Cacao Pod booth conveniently located on Third St.

Come join your friends and family for a tasty locally made brunch treat and a leisurely Saturday morning at the Valley Farmers Market, with live music for your listening pleasure and, as always, quality produce and arts and crafts for your home and gift needs.

For more information, contact Laura Craig, Market Manager, at 961-0004.

Bow Fest volunteers needed

Bitterroot Valley Young Life will be sponsoring the Bitterroot Bow Fest, an all-day charity event which will include a 3-D shoot and other various archery competitions on July 7, with the assistance of Five Valleys Archery Club and 4-H. Volunteers are needed for this event. If you are interested, contact Andy Chidwick, Bitterroot Valley Young Life Area Director, at 546-7130 or andy@bitterroot.younglife.org.

Childbirth education classes

Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (MDMH) will be offering a Childbirth Education Class every Monday, beginning July 9. The class runs for four weeks, from 7 to 9 p.m., in MDMH Conference Room C. These interactive classes will change how you prepare for labor, birth, and parenting. Based in part on the Lamaze method of prepared childbirth, mothers-to-be and their coaches will learn about healthy eating and health issues during the pregnancy, what to expect during labor, breathing and relaxation exercises and pain control during delivery, breast feeding and infant CPR and postpartum. Classes are taught by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Obstetrics Nursing Staff and Physicians. Guest speakers include: MDMH Physical Therapy, Anesthesia, and Breast Feeding Specialist, Vicki White, IBCLC. The class is $60 for mothers-to-be and their coach. The class runs July 9, 16, 23, and 30. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. For further information or registration, call Marcus Daly Education Coordinator, Kelly Schrammeck, 375-4654.

Methodist Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is not just for kids any more at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 Church Street. All shapes, sizes and ages are welcome to attend, from the tiniest baby to the biggest adult, according to VBS director Julie Ludington.

The event is scheduled for Monday through Wednesday evenings, July 9 through 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner will be provided. The cost is $20 per family or $5 per person.

“The Lord is My Shepherd” is this year’s theme and the itinerary includes a wide variety of classes and activities for all ages.

Everyone is welcome to participate, but those not attending this church are asked to pre-register by calling the church office at 777-5443 so plans can be made for food preparation and supplies.

Art Workshop

Art in the Bitterroot presents July Workshops at Kootenai Creek, Stevensville, July 9–July 14, at the Porters' home, 3903 Hwy 93. These art workshops are suitable for all levels. Workshops will be held featuring the following professional artists who are also experienced teachers:

Sculpting: Len McCann will teach a 5-day class “Sculpting the Horse from the Inside Out,” which includes building the armature and clay model, July 10– 14.

Watercolor Painting: Bob Phinney will teach a 4-day class “21st Century Experimental Watercolor,” the fun things you’ve always wanted to try, July 11–July 14.

Realistic Wildlife Painting: Gene Dieckhoner will teach a 3-day class “Wildlife - American Realism,” a technique that captures the personality of the subjects, July 12–14.

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: Marva Johnson will teach this popular drawing skill development method, July 12–14.

Silver Jewelry Fabrication: Brian Schmid will teach basic jewelry making techniques, July 11–14.

Discover the artist in you, or develop your skills. Classes range from 3 to 5 days and from $200 to $500 plus materials. Registrations will be taken until classes are filled except for sculpting class which deadline is June 10.

For reservations, brochure, application or more information call Pam Cote at 642-3200 or www.artinthebitterroot.com

Lutheran Vacation Bible School

Faith Lutheran Vacation Bible School at 171 Lewis Lane in Hamilton is scheduled for July 9-13 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Children ages 3 years through sixth grade are welcome. The counselors from Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp will head up the camp with Bible stories, songs, crafts and games centered around this year's theme, "God Is Calling Us." To register your child or for more information, call the church office at 363-2964.

Red Cross classes

July 9-11 - American Red Cross is offering a certified course combination of Adult, Child and Infant CPR and Standard First Aid. Course is from 5:30-9:30 p.m. each day at the Missoula Center, 1500 W. Broadway. Call 549-6441 to register.

July 9 - American Red Cross is offering a certified course Adult CPR. Course is from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Missoula Center, 1500 W. Broadway. Call 549-6441 to register.

July 19 - American Red Cross is offering a certified course in Standard First Aid. Course is from 5:30–9:30 p.m. at the Missoula Center, 1500 W. Broadway. Call 549-6441 to register.

July 21 - American Red Cross is offering a certified course combination of Adult CPR and Standard First Aid. Course is from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Missoula Center, 1500 W. Broadway. Call 549-6441 to register.

July 21 - American Red Cross is offering a certified course Adult CPR. Course is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Missoula Center, 1500 W. Broadway. Call 549-6441 to register.

July 23-25 - American Red Cross is offering a certified course combination of Adult, Child and Infant CPR and Standard First Aid. Course is from 5:30–9:30 p.m. each day at the Missoula Center, 1500 W. Broadway. Call 549-6441 to register.

July 27-29 - American Red Cross is offering an Instructor Training class. The course is $300 and is held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Call 549-6441 for more information or to register

Payment must be made to be registered for a course. Credit cards are accepted over the phone (549-6441) or come by the office on the corner of Russell and West Broadway to pay with cash or check. Courses are conducted by Red Cross qualified instructors and last between 3-1/2 to 4 hours.

Ag Research Center Field Days

Field days for the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station's research centers and special projects will include two centennial celebrations this year.

Field days will include ones June 26 at the Northern Agricultural Research Center at Havre, July 11 at the Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center at Conrad, July 12 at the Central Agricultural Research Center at Moccasin, July 18 at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center at Sidney and Aug. 8 at the Western Agricultural Research Center at Corvallis.

Field Days at Moccasin and Corvallis include centennial celebrations.

The Northern ARC field day at Havre June 26 will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. with a sponsored barbecue lunch and dedication of the new machinery and equipment storage facility. The field day at the Western Triangle ARC July 11 will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The centennial of the Central ARC July 12 will be celebrated by an all-day field day, which will include lunch, games and a focus on hay and forage production, specialty crops, varieties, fertilizers and cropping systems. The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m.

The Eastern ARC field day July 18 will begin at with coffee at 8:30 a.m. and tours beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until noon.

The centennial of the Western ARC Aug. 8 will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m. A barbecue will start the proceedings. Tours will continue through the evening.

Aviation Youth Academy

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 517, Inc. announces two weeklong education opportunities to discover the joy of flight for children ages 10-13. The first session of the 2007 Aviation Youth Academy is scheduled for July 9-13 and the second session is scheduled for July 16-20. Both sessions will be held in the conference room at the Missoula Airport Terminal from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Each session will consist of classroom activities in the morning and aviation-related field trips in the afternoon. Students will learn about theory of flight, aerial navigation, aviation history, and model construction. Field trips will include a visit to the Museum of Mountain Flying, the Missoula Airport Fire Station, and the Smokejumper Center. On the last day of each session, every child with written parental permission will be given a free airplane ride by an FAA-certificated pilot and member of EAA Chapter 517, Inc. This will be followed by a pizza party for students and EAA members.

The cost for this fun-filled week is $120 per student, which includes two snacks and lunch each day. For more information or to request a registration form, call Sherry Rossiter at 542-5177 or email her at ssrossiter@aol.com.

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, July 1O at the Stevensville Town Council Chambers from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and at the Hamilton Job Service Office from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

COT orientation

The University of Montana College of Technology will hold new student Orientation on Thursday, July 12. The event will be held at the COT East Campus, located at 909 South Ave. W. in Missoula.

According to the state Board of Regents, all entering students must satisfy a writing proficiency standard that is demonstrated with a score from ACT, SAT or Montana University System Writing Assessment exams. Students who do not have one of these scores should take the UM Writing Placement Assessment Exam.

Students who need to take the writing assessment should check in at the COT Administration Building at 7 a.m. on July 12. The exam begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. Students who already have taken the assessment should check in to the Administration Building by 8:30 a.m. A welcoming ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. in COT Health and Business Building Room HB01.

Students should call the Admissions Office at 243-7882 or 800-542-6882 or e-mail cotadmissions@umontana.edu for more information and to RSVP for the July 12 Orientation. The final Orientation for fall semester will be held Thursday, Aug. 23.

COT complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act by making reasonable modifications for applicants or students with disabilities. For more information and to request such a modification at Orientation, contact Disability Services for Students at 243-4424.

'Cinderella' production

A Fools Theatre production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" will be performed at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center on the following dates: July 13-14, 19-21, 26-28 at 8 p.m. and July 15, 22, and 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 each and are available at Chapter One Bookstore in Hamilton and online at www.hamiltonPAC.org.

Floating Weed Pull

The Bitterroot Water Forum is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Bitterroot Floating Weed Pull. Come and enjoy the sites and scenery of the Bitterroot River, while making a difference at the same time. On Saturday, July 14 you are invited to join volunteers from around the valley in learning about and pulling noxious weeds along the river. Float in boats from the Darby Bridge fishing access to the Wally Crawford fishing access, stopping along the way to discuss the various noxious weeds and to pull the target weed, “blueweed.” The float will conclude with a free barbecue, a prize drawing and music. Participants can supply their own boats or arrange to float you down the river! The float will begin at 12 noon and festivities will end around 5 p.m.

Call Lindsey Bona at the Ravalli County Weed District at 777-5842 to pre-register you and your family! Get a Be Active Bitterroot Passport Stamp for this activity.

Ravalli County Relay For Life

Ravalli County Relay For Life will be held July 21-22 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Haynes Field, Hamilton.

Relay For Life gives the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. The relay will be held for 12 hours in length and go overnight. It is held as an overnight event because cancer never sleeps. Staying overnight at the relay is one way to symbolize and support the struggles of cancer patients and their families. Teams of people camp out at the college and take turns walking, jogging, or running around a track/path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. After dark, a luminaria ceremony is held where luminaria are lit in honor or in remembrance of those touched by cancer. Money is raised through team commitment fees, team and individual fundraising, and sponsorship. Each team pays a commitment fee of $150 and each team member is encouraged to raise a minimum of $100.

Contact Bonnie Wickham, Event Chair, for more information at 360-4373 or visit www.acsevents.org/relay/mt/ravalli.

Natural Resources Youth Camp

The future decisions of how our natural resources will be managed will be made by the youth of today. For 20 years, the Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp has provided youth an opportunity to study in an outdoor classroom the scientific principles, economic realities, historical heritage, and social perspectives of today, to help these future leaders in their quest to gain a natural resources perspective that is informed and progressive.

“We invite all youth ages 14-18 to spend one week (July 22-27) in the rustic setting of the Lubrecht State Forest east of Missoula and learn about Montana's natural resources” says Peter Kolb, MSU Extension Forestry Specialist. “The accommodations are comfortable, the food is great, and the instruction and friendships are the best.”

Campers learn about forestry, water, soils, geology, range, wildlife, and recreation, and spend a half-day rafting the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River. In between the field sessions, taught largely by professionals that volunteer from a variety of natural resources based agencies and industries, specialty evening programs, guest speakers, hands-on learning-through-discovery, and campfires provide for a lasting summer camp experience.

Student teams also compete in a Land-Use-Game where they manage a 3,400 acre ranch for 20 years. As in real life teams must make hard choices between profits and conservation ethics, especially if they face poor commodity prices. Most students enjoy the competition and have the typical reaction of “Wow, I never knew that making a living by managing land was so hard.”

Enrollment is open now and campers are accepted on a first-come basis. The full cost of the camp is $175.00 which includes meals, supplies, and lodging. Campers are encouraged to contact their local Conservation District for sponsorship which will cover much of the camp cost.

To request additional information as well as the application form log on to the camp website http://dnrc.mt.gov/cardd/camps/nrc/default.asp or contact Martin Twer, MSU Extension Forestry by phone at 243-2775 or email martin.twer@cfc.umt.edu.

Basketball Skills Camp

Carroll College Head Women's Basketball Coach Shawn Nelson announced there are still openings for the 6th Annual Offensive Skills Camp. The dates are July 23-26 for boys and girls entering grades 5-12 in the fall of 2007. Applications and information can be picked up at the Carroll College PE Center or you can call (406) 447-4489 or (406) 447-5181. Applications can also be downloaded at www.carroll.edu/athletics. Campers can choose between on or off-campus options. The camp uses an intensive and comprehensive approach to help each athlete improve his or her offensive skills.

Art in the Park

The Bitterroot Art Guild will hold Art in the Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and July 29 at Legion Park in Hamilton. Saturday's hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday's hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be art and crafts, food and music.

Thompson Falls reunion

Former students of Thompson Falls High School are reminded to register now if they are planning to attend the 8th All School Reunion August 10-12. For more information contact Reunion, P.O.Box 632, Thompson Falls MT 59873 or e-mail: tf13910@blackfoot.net.

Head Start registration

Do you have a child who will be 3 by September 10, 2007, but not yet eligible for kindergarten? Ravalli Head Start is a cost-free comprehensive pre-school that may meet your family's needs. RHS serves 102 children in Hamilton, and 17 children in the north end of Ravalli County on the Lone Rock School campus. Last year the program was fully enrolled by mid-summer, so now is the time to apply. Call Jan at 363-1217, ext. 14 for more information and an application.

Shakespeare in the Parks

Residents in 52 communities in the region will see Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw at their best as Montana Shakespeare in the Parks launches its 2007 summer tour with performances throughout Montana as well as Idaho, Wyoming and North Dakota.

The award-winning troupe, based at Montana State University, will perform Shakespeare's "Merry Wives of Windsor" and George Bernard Shaw's "Heartbreak House" during its nine-week tour that will include 70 performances.

It is the Montana Shakespeare in the Park's 35th season of bringing professional theatre productions to communities throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, eastern Idaho and western North Dakota. The touring company features 10 professional actors supported by a variety of designers and technicians who work together to bring theatre to communities that may otherwise not have access to it.

All performances, with the exception of the Toast of the Town fundraiser and Sweet Pea Festival, both in Bozeman, are free. Tour coordinators in each of the communities served by MSIP work year-round to raise sponsorship fees to offset the cost of the production. Those attending a performance are encouraged to show up prior to the appointed curtain time with chairs, blankets, a picnic supper, and plenty of friends and family to enjoy the evening.

This year's performance brings the legendary character of Falstaff to the stage in "The Merry Wives of Windsor." The mile-a-minute farce centers on the machinations of two wealthy married women who, for their own amusement, pretend to respond to the advances of old Fat Jack, who has arrived in Windsor with little money but, as usual, with plenty of schemes.

Shaw's "Heartbreak House" features a family full of odd ducks, daffy servants, and bewildered houseguests marooned together as the world begins to shift around them.

Local productions will be at Hamilton, on Wednesday, August 22, when the "The Merry Wives of Windsor" will be performed on the grounds of the Daly Mansion at 6 p.m. and at Missoula on Tuesday, Aug. 28, when "The Merry Wives of Windsor" will be performed at the University of Montana Oval at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, August 29, when "Heartbreak House" will be performed at the University of Montana Oval at 6 p.m.

Sustainable ag workshop

Registration is underway for an Internet-based sustainable agriculture workshop that begins in October.

Montana State University's Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences is offering the on-line continuing education workshop on sustainable crop management practices in the Northern Great Plains. The eight-week workshop is limited to 25 persons and will extend from Oct. 10 to Dec. 14, 2007.

The workshop will focus on important factors of sustainability, including nutrient management, diversity of cropping systems, disease management strategies and farm economics. It will be taught by Mary Burrows, Dave Buschena, Clain Jones, Fabian Menalled, Perry Miller and Christine Sommers-Austin and will rely heavily on the experiences and knowledge of producers and agricultural professionals who participate in the course.

Students should expect to work about six hours per week on this workshop. Students need to have basic computer skills and have access to the Internet. Although college credits will not be given for this class, certified crop advisers will be able to receive 25 continuing education units if they successfully complete the program. The workshop costs $60. Those interested should register by going to the link listed at http://btc.montana.edu/courses/aspx/noncredit.aspx.

If you have questions concerning the on-line registration process, contact Clare Becker at (406) 994-6836. If you have questions concerning general workshop issues, contact Christine Sommers-Austin at (406) 994-6034 or sommersaustin@montana.edu.

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