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.

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.

Lutheran preschool registration

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool will register new students on Thursday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to noon and again at an open house on Thursday, September 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. The preschool program is designed as solid preparation for kindergarten emphasizing socialization and basic skills development for boys and girls ages three through five. Religious instruction is basic to the curriculum. To be eligible to participate in either the three- or the four-year-old classes, children must reach the required age before September 10. School starts September 8 for the four-year-olds and Sept. 9 for the three’s.

Call the church weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 777-5625 to register. Call 777-3115 for more information.

Our Savior Lutheran Church is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, southeast of Stevensville.

Community band concert

The Bitterroot Community Band will hold a free bandshell concert on Thursday, August 21 at 8 p.m. at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton.

Artist reception

The next in the Frame Shop & Gallery series of featured artists will be a second show for Dale Jorgensen, whose watercolors were last seen at the gallery two years ago. An opening reception will be held Friday, August 22 from 5 to 8 p.m., or plan to stop in over the course of the following two months and see what this artist has been up to. The Frame Shop & Gallery is located at 325 Main St, Hamilton, 363-6684.

Art exhibit

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is hosting an artist's reception Friday, August 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served. "The Prayers of The People" is a collection of 12 oil paintings by local artist Chris Wise. The collection will be on display at St. Paul's for two weeks. The theme of the collection arose after Wise returned from a mission trip to Southeast Asia in December 2007. "I was struck by the many forms of worship in other parts of the world and how we are all responding to and reaching out for the divine. I wanted to honor that. If we really are all God's children, it feels appropriate to celebrate that. I hope to be painting this subject for years to come as there is no end to the diversity of love and devotion." St. Paul's is located at 600 S. 3rd Street in Hamilton. For further information, contact the Reverend Jean Collins at 549-5872.

Senagalese dance/drum performance

Idrissa Gueye, master drummer for the National Dance Company of Senegal for 25 years, will be visiting Hamilton on Friday, August 22 for dancing and drumming classes. Hillary Funk Welzenbach, dance instructor and co-director of Teranga Arts, will be assisting in leading dance classes at River Street Dance Theatre, 421 N. Second Street, Hamilton. Beginning Sabar Drumming Class will be held 5 to 6 p.m. with Idrissa Gueye. An all levels Sabar Dance Class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with Hillary Funk Welzenbach and drumming by Idrissa Gueye. Each class is $15 per person. For more information call 406-529-2322.

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.

Stevi junior high sports

There will be football equipment checkout for boys grades 7-8 from Stevensville and Lone Rock who will be playing Stevensville Junior High Football this school year. Check out football equipment at the Stevensville Junior High building on Monday or Tuesday, August 25 or 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. Practice will start Tuesday, September 2 after school.

Junior High Girls Volleyball will start Tuesday, September 2, with a meeting at noon.

Student athletes must have medical physicals before the first practice on Tuesday, September 2. Participation forms for football and volleyball are available in the school office and medical clinics.

Chess Club

The North Valley Library Chess Club will meet for open play on Monday, August 25 at 7 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library on Main Street in Stevensville. All levels of players are welcome.

Stevi freshman orientation

Stevensville Public Schools will be hosting a Freshman Orientation on Monday, August 25 at 7 p.m. in the high school gym. All incoming freshmen and their parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. School staff will be present so that students can meet their new teachers, administrators and support staff. The administration will be discussing changes to old policies and several new policies regarding attendance, dress code and discipline. Students will be given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the school and their classrooms as well as pick up their new schedule.

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.

Republican Women’s Club

The monthly meeting and luncheon of the Ravalli County Republican Women's Club will be held on Tuesday, August 26, at 11:30 a.m. at BJ's Restaurant in Hamilton. This month, Rep. Bob Lake will give an update on revenue in Montana and speak on the future of school funding. All are welcome. For reservations, call Karolyn at 961-5207.

Student Job Fair

Employers and student workers can connect at the Fall Student Job Fair to be held at the University of Montana Thursday, Aug. 28. The fair, hosted by UM’s Office of Career Services, is free and will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. It is open to any business, organization or department that needs college students for part-time jobs, internships or volunteer opportunities. Employers with work-study openings also are invited to participate. Registered employers will receive a career fair booth, snacks and free parking. The Office of Career Services will have students on hand to help employers bring in their job fair materials and assist with setup. Employers can register online at HYPERLINK "http://www.umt.edu/studentjobs/employer" http://www.umt.edu/studentjobs/employer or call 243-2022 for registration materials. For more information, call Valerie March, student employment coordinator, at 243-5627 or e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:studentjobs@umontana.edu" studentjobs@umontana.edu.

Paper drive

The Hamilton Garden Club will hold its monthly paper drive on Friday, August 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Safeway parking lot. All papers, aluminum cans and can tabs will be accepted. No cardboard will be accepted.

Bitterroot River Clean Up

The annual Bitterroot River Clean Up, from Sula to Missoula, will be held Saturday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers should call to pick a “put in/take out” site to clean on foot, or an area of the river to float. Trash bags will be provided and there are three sites to drop them off at. A barbecue for volunteers/supporters will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Angler’s Roost in Hamilton. Custom burgers and bratwurst complete with all the trimmings will be served. Call Phil or Dorreen Romans, 363-0744, for site selection and information.

Glacier Park Cultural Tour

The Montana Woman Foundation is proud to host its first annual Glacier National Park Cultural Tour Fundraiser on Saturday, September 6. The Foundation will team up with Sun Tours and St. Mary’s Lodge to host this fundraiser that will benefit the Montana Woman Scholarship Program. Buses will depart from West Glacier at 9 a.m. Narrators will speak on the past and present of the natural features relevant to the Blackfeet spiritual and philosophical perspectives of the buffalo days as well as in modern times, and identify common plants and roots used for nutrition and medicine. The buses will stop in numerous locations. All Sun Tour guides are life residents of the reservation and knowledgeable about the many facets of Blackfeet tribal history and culture. Lunch will be served at St. Mary’s Lodge, a one of a kind site visible from the east entrance of Glacier National Park. Wherever you look you are surrounded by beauty. The views are truly some of the best in the western United States... mountains, Glacier Park, and St. Mary’s Lake. For ticket information call 406-755-5753 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:info@montanawoman.com" info@montanawoman.com. Ticket prices are $75 per person (includes tour, park entrance fee, and lunch). Space is limited so make reservations early.

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.

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!

Walk to Fight Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation is seeking walkers to participate in the Arthritis Walk on October 4 at the River Walk, near the Parks and Recreation Building in Missoula. The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. The event features both a three-mile and one-mile course, with activities for the entire family. Participants walk in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis, while those with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition. Pet owners are invited to bring their dogs along to walk with them. To participate in the Arthritis Walk, volunteer or to form a team, visit www.MissoulaArthritisWalk.kintera.org or call the Arthritis Foundation at 406-600-4649.

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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