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

Gamblers Anonymous

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

Ask yourself these questions:

1) Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?

2) Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?

3) After you have won did you have a strong urge to return and win more?

If you answered yes to any of these questions this class might be good for you. For more information call 777-3897.

Lilies of the Valley

Any women who enjoy singing two- and three-part harmony to a wide variety of piano-accompanied music are invited to join Lilies of the Valley singing group. No auditions are required for participation. Have fun sharing your time and talent under the direction of Thelma Laws. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 611 N. 6th in Hamilton. For more information call Lola, 363-4633.

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton the Woman's Auxiliary meets at 7 pm.

Overeaters Anonymous

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

La Leche League

La Leche League is an international mother-to-mother network for moms who want to breastfeed their babies. Bitterroot LLL chapter meets in the North Valley Public Library community room the third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Mothers and children and pregnant women are welcome. Call 239-5039 for more information.

Suicide Loss Support

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

When you suffer a loss due to suicide the grief is overwhelming. Most people don't know "just how you feel." What you can expect from SLS is someone who has experienced a loss from suicide to listen to you privately, or in a group setting. You may choose to be present but it is ok not to speak if you are not ready. SLS cares. Your loss matters and your grief is very real. SLS will support you in every way possible. Contact Barbara Jo Burditt, 777-3853, or Brian Cherry, Ravalli County Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator, 360-2708.

Golden Agers

The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck.

Saturday Kids Activities

Join the Montana Natural History Center each Saturday at 2 p.m. for a different exciting children’s program. Admission is 50 cents for kids, $1 for adults and members are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs run about an hour to an hour and a half. Great for kids ages 5 and older. The center is located at 120 Hickory, Missoula.

SEE Sign Cooperative Learning Group

SEE Sign Cooperative Learning Group meets Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at Active Care Chiropractic in Stevensville. Facilitators are Gayle Thom and Jenn Closson. Admission is a donation toward copies/ink. For more information email Jenn Closson at jennksc@hotmail.com.

Yoga in the Root

Yoga in the Root now offers a night class, beginning Iyengar style, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Stevensville. In addition, there are general hatha classes at 10:30 a.m. Mondays and at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Vigorous ashtanga classes are at 9 a.m. Mondays and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. The program is at Active Care Chiropractic at 504 Main St. Call Jill at 370-9252, or e-mail yogaintheroot@gmail.com for information.

Senior Center bridge

Just a reminder that bridge is a game you can play for life, it is always a mental exercise that keeps our brains and wits sharp. If you don't play yet keep your eye peeled for the announcement of the fall free bridge lessons. These classes will teach you the basics and you can move on from there. If you already play bridge and want to play duplicate bridge, games are on Wednesdays at the Hamilton Senior Center at 1 p.m. You will need to bring a partner or call Judy Dameral at 363-0738. She will assist you in finding a partner.

The Morning Gig

Attention musicians! St. Stephen's is recruiting musicians for "The Morning Gig." At 11 a.m. on Sunday morning, gather at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on Main Street in Stevensville to practice, and then play. Sleep in! Play nine holes! Then come play music. There is a place in the band for everyone - whatever you play, you'll have a spot. If your music teacher is bugging you to practice this summer, come and jam! Just dug your clarinet out of the closet? Here's a place to tune it up. Help everyone be more creative! For more information call Suzanne at 529 6194 or email sartley@bresnan.net.

Florence American Legion

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

Stevensville American Legion

The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Russell Vogel, 777-4427.

Waldorf Play Group

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

Library storytimes

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville offers story times for children ages seven and under on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Volunteer Sandra Wilson shares stories, songs and crafts with children and their families each week. Alternating weeks feature special themes such as letters, numbers or pets. No registration is required. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

SAFE support groups

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

Caregiver coffee break

Are you one of the millions of Americans who help someone else by providing companionship, preparing meals, running errands, driving to doctors appointments or by simply doing whatever needs to be done to assist someone who is ill or homebound?

Aspen Hospice recognizes the complexity of caregiving and offers a time of respite. Whether or not the person you care for receives services from Aspen Hospice, you, as a caregiver, can find encouragement, support and information at the Caregiver Coffee Break every Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 230 Marcus Street in Hamilton. Stop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Reservations are not required and coffee breaks are provided at no charge. For additional information, contact Elizabeth at 777-5009.

TOPS meeting

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

WIC clinics

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

Weekly Grief Support Group

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

‘Stevi Night Out’

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

Five Valley Chorus

Five Valley Chorus holds weekly rehearsals on Tuesday, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 308 W. Pine in Missoula and on Mondays at 7 p.m. at Glacier High School, 375 Wolf Pack Way in Kalispell. They invite women in the area who enjoy singing to join them for an evening of fun with music. For more information contact Cindy Morin at 251-3006.

Sapphire Quilt Club

The Sapphire Quilt 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.

Dance workout class

“Salsa Groove” workout classes for adults and teens is held Mondays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. and Fridays from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at Sapphire Dance Studio on Main Street in Stevensville. Get in shape this summer while having fun with this low impact dance workout. Improve your cardiac health, tone and strengthen your body, increase core awareness and improve agility all while learning to dance to basic Latin rhythms. Beginners are welcome. Attire requirements are comfortable workout clothes and workout shoes you can move in (tennis, cross trainers, running, etc.). Partnering techniques will be covered but this is not a partnering class. Cost is $10 per class/$36 per 1 month series of 4 classes, with a special $5 rate for the first class. For more information contact Kimberlee Carlson at 777-2579.

Bitterroot Youth Shooting Club

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

Community choir registration

Registration is now open for the Stevensville Community Choir Christmas season and concert series for ages 13 to 113 and is open to residents of the Bitterroot Valley. Rehearsals are Mondays at 7 p.m. from Sept. 8 through Dec. 7 at Light of The Valley Church, 103 N. Kootenai Creek Rd (Hwy 93), Stevensville. Early registration is $20 through Aug. 15. Registration after Aug. 15 but no later than Aug. 29 is $25. Send your non-refundable registration fee along with your name, address, phone number, email and vocal part you sing to: SCC, PO BOX 348, Stevensville MT 59870. Email your questions to: Stevicommchoir@yahoo.com or call Jill, 777-3701.

Kids Choir registration

Registration is now open for the Lone Rock Community Kids Choir Christmas concert series for children entering 3rd through through 8th grade. Membership is open to all children residing in the Bitterroot Valley. Rehearsals are Fridays from 3:50 to 4:50 p.m. from Sept. 12 through Dec. 12 at Lone Rock Bible Church behind Lone Rock School in the Stevensville area. Send your non-refundable registration fee of $25 to: SCC, PO BOX 348, Stevensville MT 59870. Email your questions to: Stevicommchoir@yahoo.com or call Jill, 777-3701.

Mature driving class

AARP is presenting its driver safety program on August 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marcus Daly Hospital. You must attend both days. The fee is $10 and pre-registration is required. Contact Jones Korman Insurance Agency at 363-6583 for information.

Bitterroot Community Band

The Bitterroot Community Band and Five Valley Accordions will perform at a free concert on Thursday, August 14 at 8 p.m. at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton.

Bitterroot Venture program

BEAR’s Bitterroot Venture program still has spaces available for the following adventures this summer. BEAR’s mission is to inspire youth to connect with their own potential, their community, and the landscape through experiential and outdoor adventure programs.

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

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

Sports physicals

All male and female valley athletes in high school and middle school are invited to pump up their school’s athletic budget by getting their sports physicals at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (MDMH) on Thursday, August 7 or Wednesday, August 13 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The annual sports physical program is sponsored by MDMH and the Medical Staff who donate their time to support the valley’s school athletic programs. 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 hospital through the main entrance on Westwood Drive. Sports physical forms are available from doctor’s offices or coaches; or online at HYPERLINK "http://www.mdmh.org" 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 further information, call 363-2211.

Juvenile Arthritis Camp

The Arthritis Foundation’s 2nd Annual Camp Limberlimbs will be held September 12-14 in Gold Creek at the Camp Make a Dream Foundation. This year’s camp will feature Olympic themed activities and programs. Children ages pre-school to high school are welcome. Camp Limberlimbs is a weekend of physical activity and skill building programs. Children gain greater independence, increase their self-esteem and learn to take more responsibility for managing their arthritis. To register your child for camp, call camp director, Carrie Heaphy at 239-2664 or via email at carrieheaphy@q.com. The registration deadline is August 15.

Farmers Market Health Fair

Valley Farmers Market, located on Bedford and Third Streets in Hamilton, will host a great variety of local groups and healers at the third annual Community Health Fair on Saturday, August 16, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Two local yoga studios will have booths as well as two of the valley’s homoeopathists. Holly Westby-Sonterre, massage therapist, has returned to the Market this summer with her excellent chair massages. A representative from Florence Family Chiropractic will be providing free spinal screening. Aspen Hospice, offering bereavement and care giving services, and Valley View Estates, offering long term care, rehab services and respite care, will have informational booths. An educational program about dietary therapies for cancer management will be presented. A purveyor of Dr. Miller’s Holy Tea and Buddhists, promoting the Festival of Peace Sept. 7 in Arlee, will also have booths.

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. Deadline is Wednesday, August 13.

Big Sky Bead Festival

The Big Sky Bead Festival will be held August 15-17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Wingate Inn on Airport Way, Missoula. There will be classes and workshops all weekend. For more information call 360-6063.

Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, August 15, at noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy. 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Duane Grimes, Republican candidate for State Auditor. The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet every Friday until the election in November from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe. All are welcome.

Mule Team luncheon cancelled

The Democratic Mule Team luncheon scheduled for Friday, August 15 at The Exchange in Hamilton will not be held. If you would like to connect with Ravalli County Democrats, drop in at Senator Max Baucus' or Senator Barack Obama's offices in the Signal Square on Main Street in Hamilton. For more information contact Corrine at 544-8586.

‘Spirit Moon’ event

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

Twelve Inquiries meeting

An introductory teaching on the Twelve Inquiries will be held Friday, August 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 217 Main, Suite C in Stevensville. Receive text and direct instruction introducing you to the Twelve Inquiries Teaching. Donations are on a sliding scale. All are welcome, regardless of ability to contribute. For more information, call Jill Hughes at 370-9252 or email

HYPERLINK "mailto:jillhughes@greatfreedom.org" jillhughes@greatfreedom.org. Great Freedom is a global community of 24/7 mutual support for creating a world of friendly, happy, creative, cooperative and productive people. Learn how to find the continuous soothing energy within you that makes this possible and brings delight and complete freedom to life. Find the power to greatly benefit yourself and others in all situations.

Pancake breakfast

A pancake breakfast will be held Saturday, August 16 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, fruit and coffee will be served. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 12 and under. Call 363-5181 for more information.

‘Spontaneous Construction’

On Saturday, August 16, Spontaneous Construction - A Festival of Creative Reinvention, takes over the street outside Home Resource. The entire 800 block of Kent Avenue will be closed off for this two-part event. From noon to 5 p.m. is the Art Carnival – music, games and art activities for all ages. At 5 p.m. the Benefit kicks off with music by David Boone, dinner by the Hob Nob and a 50/50 raffle. Live and Silent Auctions will feature the afternoon’s best spontaneous creations. The afternoon Art Carnival is free; tickets for the Benefit Party are $10 in advance at Home Resource or $15 at the gate. Get more information at homeresource.org or 541-8300.

Peterson Lake Hike

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

Wheelbarrow Creek Restoration Project

Bitter Root Trout Unlimited and Geum Environmental Consulting are hosting a work day on Saturday, August 16 at the Wheelbarrow Ranch near Stevensville. This creek is a major sediment contributor to Three Mile Creek and ultimately the Bitterroot River. BRTU and several other non-profit organizations donate time and money to this project and site maintenance (i.e. watering and upkeep) will determine its ultimate success. Meet at Lone Rock School at 8 a.m. to carpool to the site. Wear waterproof boots and long pants, and bring gloves, shovel or spade, pocketknife, drinking water and lunch. Work as long as you want, but BRTU and Geum are staying until the work gets done.

For more information contact Geoff FitzGerald, BRTU (375-9064) or Amy Sacry, Geum Environmental (363-2353).

Bear Creek Waterfalls Hike

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

Shakespeare lecture at Daly Mansion

The Hamilton Players and the Daly Mansion will be hosting a lecture/discussion of Shakespearean performance featuring Montana Shakespeare in the Parks artistic director Joel Jahnke on Saturday, August 16 at 2 p.m. There is no cost for the presentation and it will take place in the Gazebo on the grounds of the Mansion. Jahnke has been with Shakespeare in the Parks since 1977 and has served as artistic director for 26 years. He has directed, designed or acted in over 300 productions including nineteen of Shakespeare’s plays. The lecture, entitled “Shakespeare in Performance: what a concept!” will concentrate on “Macbeth” and “All’s Well That Ends Well,” the two plays being performed as a part of the 2008 summer season, and will discuss how the company prepares the plays for production. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience. Shakespeare In The Parks will be performing “Macbeth” on the grounds of the Daly Mansion on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. For more information contact April Johnson at the Daly Mansion, 363-6004.

Lillies of the Valley at Daly Mansion

The Daly Mansion invites you to attend a performance by the Lillies of the Valley, a ladies ensemble, on Sunday, August 17 at 1 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, or a chair, and join them at the Gazebo on the grounds of the Daly Mansion from 1 to 2 p.m. Under the direction of Thelma Laws, the Lillies of the Valley will be performing Broadway, spiritual, folk, and show tunes. There is no charge for the performance but donations are gladly accepted. For more information, call 363-6004, ext. 3.

Bitterroot Junior Football sign-ups

Bitterroot Junior Football sign-ups will be held Monday, August 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Corvallis Football fields. For more information contact Wendy Bauder, 363-5365 or 531-1367.

Stevensville HS soccer

The first day for fall high school soccer at Stevensville is Monday, August 18. Two-a-day sessions for the Stevensville Varsity Boys’ Soccer Team begin at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Morning session begins at the Stevensville High School tennis courts. Afternoon session begins at the soccer complex. Anyone looking for a fun and exciting athletic experience is encouraged to participate. For more information contact coach Ralph Serrette at 543-3514.

Stevi School registration

Fall registration for Stevensville School District #2 will be held August 19-21 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily in all three school offices. Requirement for entrance are copies of birth certificate and current immunization records. Freshman orientation will be held August 25 at 7 p.m. in the high school gym.

Bitterroot Classic Triathlon

With signs of spring, it’s time to get on that bike, put on those running shoes and start swimming those laps. The 3rd annual Bitterroot Classic Triathlon is gearing up to be held on August 23, to raise money in support of Missoula’s Ronald McDonald House. With a total of 234 athletes competing, 29 business sponsorships and over 90 volunteers the 2007 Bitterroot Classic Triathlon was a whopping success and rose over $11,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Together we can make this year’s event even more successful.

The Bitterroot Classic Sprint Triathlon encourages athletes of any level and age to participate. The event held at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center in Hamilton includes a 750-yard swim, followed by a 20K bike and a 5K run. Registration is open as of April 14 and all are encouraged to register early by visiting HYPERLINK "http://www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com" www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com and credit cards are accepted.

This first class community event for the Bitterroot Valley attracts athletes of all levels near and far, cheering crowds, volunteers, sponsors and offers each athlete a top of the line, well-designed race jersey and a generous schwag bag. Get involved, you are sure to have fun!

Watch for more information on training opportunities, swim times at Bitterroot Aquatic Center and maybe a kid’s race as well! Business and corporate sponsorships are available and encouraged to support this cause.

For more information, volunteer opportunities or to become a sponsor of the 3rd Annual Bitterroot Classic Triathlon, contact Becky at 381-3201 or Leslie at 370-9000.

Hamilton Players performance

The Hamilton Players present “Clarence Darrow” on August 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. and August 24 and 31 at 2 p.m. at the Hamilton Playhouse, 100 Ricketts Road. This is a one-man performance by Terry Croghan, of the play by David Rintels. “Clarence Darrow” focuses on Darrow as the champion of the underdog, a loner who fights for what he believes in with every breath in his body. The two acts are built around the great court cases that were the defining moments of Darrow's legal career, including the famous Scopes “Monkey Trial,” but culminating with his powerful final plea in the Leopold/Loeb case. Tickets are $14. For more information, call the Hamilton Players box office at 375-9050. Tickets are available online at www.hamiltonplayers.com.

Adventure BioThon

The 4th Annual Adventure BioThon will be held Saturday, August 23 at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Lee Metcalf NWR Visitor Center. This is a timed team event navigating the back country of the refuge. There are short (2-3 miles) and long courses (3-5 miles). This race tests both your physical abilities and your general knowledge of nature. Team sizes are 2-5 members in the following categories: adult, family, children, and senior. Registration forms can be picked up at: Lee Metcalf NWR Visitor Center, Active Care Family Chiropractic (Stevensville) or e-mail Bob_Danley@fws.gov. Pre-registration deadline is Friday August 8; this guarantees you get a t-shirt on race day. Registration is open until 7 a.m. on race day. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is sponsored by Active Care Family Chiropractic, Friends of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, and Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Contact Active Care Family Chiropractic at 777-1048 or Lee Metcalf NWR at 777-5552, ext. 203 for more information.

Book discussion

Journalist and economist Loretta Napoleoni will read from and discuss her new book, “Rogue Economics: Capitalism’s New Reality,” on Monday, August 25 at 7 p.m. at Chapter One Book Store, 252 Main in Hamilton. Call 363-5220 for more information.

Stevensville Leadership

The Stevensville Main Street Association will be hosting Stevensville Leadership 2008. This three-month program will help tomorrow’s leaders and citizens with a current understanding of how diverse the Stevensville area has become. Sessions are: September 9 – “Meet the Town; October 14 – Business and Economy; November 12 – Human Services. Tuition is $180 for all three sessions and includes lunch and materials. For reservations contact the Stevensville Main Street office, 777-3773.

'Moon Walk' Series

Once a month, as the full moon glows, it seems safe to venture out into the dark while the moon makes shadows. You can still smell the flowers, feel the wind, hear the water, and sense the wildlife.

For the seventh year, the Bitterroot National Forest offers a series of interpretive “Moon Walks” from June through October. These walks are based on the book by Francis Hammerstrom, “Walk When the Moon is Full,” which is about her children and the nature walks they took every month under the full moon.

The Bitterroot National Forest invites you to join interpreters and naturalists for these evening presentations. In June, July and August, the hour and a half programs begin each night at 8 p.m. on the full moon. In September and October, the programs begin at 7 p.m. In addition, this year we will offer leisurely guided walks, one hour prior to the June, July and September programs. Below are the topics that will be featured during the “Moon Walk” series.

Saturday, August 16 – “Spirit Moon” at Fort Owen State Park in Stevensville. Learn about mysterious historical stories from across the state from an author and historian.

Monday, September 15 – “Aquatic Moon” at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about types of aquatic life in the Bitterroot Valley and efforts by local scientists to conserve some of these species.

Tuesday, October 14 – “Ghost Moon” at the Larry Creek Group Campground in the Bitterroot National Forest. Gather around a campfire to hear ghosts of the Bitterroot Valley share stories of their lives and untimely deaths.

For more information, contact Julie Schreck at 375-2606.

Safety Workshop

A safety workshop sponsored by the Montana State Fund will be held Thursday, September 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. This free safety training seminar is available to all businesses, organizations, owners, managers, and employees in Ravalli County. You do not need to be a client of the Montana State Fund to attend.

Montana Road Show

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce presents a very special After Hours Event, Thursday, September 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.: A Montana Road Show! Appraiser Timothy Gordon will be available to evaluate art and collectibles at the Mildenberger Motors showroom, 1717 N. 1st St., Hamilton. Gordon is an experienced appraiser and dealer of public and private collections, estates, corporations and museums, consulting with art museums and private collections nationally and internationally. He has worked in film and television as an antiquarian historian for the PBS Series, “Frontier House” and as a featured appraiser on Fox Networks FX Collector Show. Hosts D.A. Davidson & Co., Professional Consultants, Inc. and Mildenberger Motors are inviting the public to this unique and exciting opportunity. Fine art, fine food and delicious drinks will be offered, along with special collectible displays, artists’ reception plus the brand new line of 2009 models from Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac and GMC.

Caregiver conference

Ravalli County Caregiver Conference will be held Thursday, September 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn, 139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive, Hamilton. Pre-registration deadline is September 5. To register call Kathy Flynn, 327-4594 or Joanne Verwolf, 363-5242, or email: iserenity@summitilc.org. This conference is free and provides an educational and networking opportunity and chance to increase skill levels and earn CEUs. Presentation topics are: MindBody Connection for Stress & Communication; Safe Transfers; Storykeepers-Recording Life Stories; Legislative Issues; Consumer/Caregiver Panel; How to Work with the Elderly; and Consumer Fraud. In addition to these presentations, there will be many free giveaways and door prizes.

Scarecrow Festival

Stevensville’s Third Annual Scarecrow Festival is calling for artists (individuals or groups) to enter their work in the famously popular outdoor event to be held on First Friday, October 3. The deadline for the $10.00 entry fee and completed entry form will be Friday, September 26. Entry forms are available on line at www.sassart.org and hard copies are at several Main Street businesses including: Stevensville Main Street Association, the Bitterroot Star office, and Valley Drug and Variety.

Cash prizes to be decided by popular vote and awarded: 1st Place - $300.00, 2nd Place - $200.00, 3rd Place - $100.00. New this year, a juried panel will award two Artistic Merit prizes of $50.00 each.

In addition to the more traditional Scarecrows, this year’s festival will be open to street performers as Live Sculpture applying for sidewalk spaces along Main Street. The live performers will not be included on the ballot for the popular vote, but will be invited to submit contact information and artistic statements. For more information regarding entry requirements and how you can support this terrific public art event, please see the SASS website www.sassart.org , call Katy at 370-8084 or write to SASS, P.O. Box 808, Stevensville MT 59870.

Public viewing and ballots will be available 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3. Other Main Street First Friday activities will include a pumpkin carving contest, horse-drawn wagon rides, Oktoberfest accordion music, Main Street Open Houses offering refreshments and fun!

McIntosh Apple Festival

The 29th Annual McIntosh Apple Festival will be held Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum.

Come enjoy the crisp fall day in front of the Historic Courthouse, 205 Bedford St., Hamilton. This fundraiser for the museum includes and expanded Farmers Market, over 70 booths, artisans, kids activities, crafts, food booths, apple butter and many apple produce. For more information call 363-3338 or email rcmuseum@qwestoffice.net

Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica

Join local teacher, Jill Hughes, on a yoga retreat at the rainforest ocean discovery center, Guaria de Osa, in Costa Rica Feb. 6-13. The trip includes daily guided tours through the most biologically diverse place on earth. For information about the trip, visit yogaintheroot.com or call 777-7011. For information about the retreat center, visit www.guariadeosa.com.

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