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.

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.

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.

Sk8 Montana: August 4-8: Spend five days touring the state’s skate parks and “car camping” along the way. Hone your skills: Rip, shred, grind, and get big air at a new skate park everyday!

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.

Choir concert

India Children’s Choir will be performing Sunday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Light of the Valley Church. The children come from the hills of Manipur on the India-Burma-China border. They are descendants of a former headhunter tribe, entirely transformed by the teachings of Jesus. The choir is sponsored by Bible for the World International of Colorado Springs, CO. Light of the Valley is located at 103 N. Kootenai Creek Road, Stevensville.

Zoning & Taxes presentation

Debbie Reesman with the Montana Department of Revenue will be presenting and answering questions about the relationship between taxes and zoning during the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, August 6. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend this informative opportunity.

Democratic Central Committee

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Stevensville Main Street Association office, 102 B Main St., Stevensville (next door to the MT. Drivers Exam Station and across the street from the Missoula Federal Credit Union). Details of the group’s participation in the August 27 County Fair Parade and the Democrats booth as well as the Committee's response to the petition to repeal the growth policy will be discussed. All Democrats who wish to attend are welcome.

Note that the Committee meeting will be preceded by a Democratic candidate training session at 5:30 p.m., also at the Main Street Association office. For more information, contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Stevi school sports physicals

On Thursday, August 7, Dr. Kirk Crews and Dr. Phil Haggerty will be giving sports physicals at Stevensville High School in the high school gymnasium from 1 to 4 p.m. for $25, no appointment necessary. Proceeds will be donated back to the Stevensville Athletic Programs.

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.

African culture events

Hamilton Players Inc. and Unity Dance and Drum, Inc. present "A Journey Through Africa: Stories, Music, and Dance Traditions" on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 at 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening feast of the senses, as Unity Dance and Drum performs high-energy traditional and contemporary African music and dance. Unity Dance and Drum is a Missoula-based performance group that has been thrilling audiences around Montana for 15 years with athletic dances, bright costumes, masks, and musical arrangements that use a variety of drums and other instruments, including mbira (thumb piano), bells, shakers, and voice. Tickets are $12 per person, $6 for children 12 and under. For tickets and more information contact Hamilton Players, 375-9050, or go to HYPERLINK "http://www.hamiltonplayers.com" www.hamiltonplayers.com.

In conjunction with the performances Unity Dance and Drum, Inc. will host Intro to West African Dance and Drum classes at the River Street Theater, 421 N. 2nd St. in Hamilton with Tarn Ream and Michael Meyer. Classes will be held Saturday, August 9. Children’s African movement class is from 1:30-2 p.m., $7; Drum Class 2-3:30 p.m., $12; Dance Class 3:30-5 p.m., $12. Take both drum and dance class for $20. For more information call 549-7933 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:tarn.ream@umontana.edu" tarn.ream@umontana.edu

Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, August 8 at noon at the Frontier Cafe, U.S. 93 in Stevensville. 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.

‘Kids in the Garden’

“A Celebration of the Sun” is the inspiration for Hamilton Garden Club’s “Kids in the Garden” event on Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Children of all ages can become a part of the Human Sundial, sample goodies baked in a solar oven, stroll down Sunflower Street, and try their hand at solar frisbee. This event takes place on the grounds of the Daly Mansion, in and around a 7500-square-foot organic garden. There will be games, prizes and crafts to make, while learning gardening skills and facts about the amazing force of all growing things… our sun.

Lunch is available for purchase. Admission is free, but a donation of a non-perishable food item for local organizations is encouraged. For more information, call 961-0107.

Flea market

A flea market will be held Saturday, August 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th in Hamilton. There will be new and used items, antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts, books, birdhouses, bird feeders, household items, dolls, tools, health products, and complimentary seated massages by Cheryl. Lunch of donuts, rolls, sandwiches, soups, dessert and coffee will be available. Rent a table for $5. Call 363-5181 or Kaite, 363-2316.

Democratic Women’s Club

Ian Root is moving to Ennis this month, and a vegetarian party is planned in his honor by the Democratic Women's Club at the Lewis and Clark Park in Stevensville on Sunday, August 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. Bring a vegetarian dish, your own table service, and chairs to join in the celebration for this hard-working individual. For more information, contact Lisa at 777-3145 or Corrine at 544-8586.

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Sunday, August 10 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.

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

Stevi school board

The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School learning center.

Hamilton fall sports meeting

On Tuesday, August 12 there will be a very important meeting for all athletes planning on participating in gold, soccer, cross country, volleyball, footall or cheerleading. This meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). At the beginning there will be a general assembly were activities director Darrell Holland will discuss participation requirements, training rule policy, and other important information that parents and athletes need to know. After the general assembly the coaches will then talk about their individual sports with the parents and athletes. It is very important that parents and athletes make every effort to be present at this meeting.

Fair housing conference

Montana Fair Housing is sponsoring a conference August 12-14 in Great Falls. To register contact Montana fir Housing at 1-800-929-2611 or access registration information at HYPERLINK "http://www.montanafairhousing.org" www.montanafairhousing.org.

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.

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.

‘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.

‘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.

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.

Twelve Inquiries meeting

“One simple change makes life easy.” Greet Freedom will hold an open meeting on August 19 at 7 p.m. at 217 Main, Suite C, Stevensville. “Introduction to Everyday Awareness: The Twelve Inquiries,” a series of teachings on awareness and its practical application in daily life, will be presented by Jill Hughes. All are welcome to this free presentation. For more information, call Jill Hughes at 370-9252.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

Page One •	Valley News •	Op/Ed •	Sports •	Calendar •	Classifieds •	Links •	About Us •	Back Issues •	Email Us •	Home
©2008 Bitterroot Star This site was Done By Dooney