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

Lilies of the Valley

An ensemble of female voices under the direction of Thelma Laws join together every Thursday evening, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Memorial Room of the United Methodist American Baptist Church, 611 N. 6th in Hamilton. You're invited to share your time, talents and fun in singing many categories of choral music: show tunes, Broadway, standard pops, spirituals, folk tunes, to name a few. The group strives toward seasonal programs for spring, fall and Christmas. Membership is always open to additional singers (no auditions!) or, if you're not a singer, you might consider assisting as an alternate piano accompanist. For more information call Donna, 363-1742, or Lola, 363-4633.

VFW meetings

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

Overeaters Anonymous

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

La Leche League

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

Suicide Loss Support

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

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.

Daly Mansion Holiday Tours

The Daly Mansion invites the public to celebrate the holiday season by touring the mansion. Beautifully decorated for the holidays, the Daly Mansion will be open for tours every Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 22. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided during the Friday evening tours. Entertainers include the Montana A Cappella Society (Nov. 30), Russell Perri (Dec. 7), Tim Shonkwiler (Dec. 14), and the Jack Frost Trio (Dec. 21). Tour prices are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, $5.00 for children 6-17 years, and free for children 5 years and under. For more information, call 363-6004.

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.

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.

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.

Sears food drive

Sears of Hamilton is having its annual Holiday Food Drive. Sears is partnering with Haven House at Second Harvest location in Hamilton to help provide holiday meals for families in the area. Now until December 31, when you visit the Hamilton Sears Store and donate two or more non-perishable food items, you will receive instant coupons for valuable holiday savings.

SAFE Christmas Giving Tree

Now through December 17, SAFE is sponsoring its Annual Christmas Giving Tree for Outreach, Shelter, and Transitional Housing residents. Each family has ornaments on the tree asking for Christmas presents they cannot afford to provide for their families. Anyone who is interested in helping out a family in need this holiday season can pick an ornament from the tree. SAFE's Giving Tree is located at SAFE on First, 410 N. 1st, in the Sportsman's Business Complex, across from Gas 'n Grub in Hamilton. SAFE on First is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 363-2793 and ask for Katherine.

Soroptimist candy sale

Soroptimist of Hamilton is selling See's Candy at the trailer in the First Security Bank parking lot on First and Main in Hamilton. Stop by and purchase your favorite See's Candy to help support the efforts of the Hamilton Soroptimist organization. The monies raised go back into the community to support women and children. The See's Candy trailer is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 am. to 4 p.m.

Cell phone drive

Time is running out to donate your used cell phones to the Stevensville School Music Association. Drop-off boxes are located in Bitterroot Community Market, Valley Drug, Bitterroot Star and all Stevensville School offices. No accessories or chargers, please. Deadline is December 31. For more information call Julie Ludington at 777-4198.

Stevensville Civic Club

The Stevensville Civic Club will meet Thursday, December 13 at noon at St. Mary's Mission Visitor Center (downstairs). Lunch is $6.00. The 2008 board positions will be discussed.

Our Savior Lutheran Advent events

The holiday season begins with Advent meditations at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Stevensville. Services will be held Thursday, Dec. 13 and Thursday, Dec. 20. Pastor Renfrow of First Lutheran, Missoula, will lead worship and meditation.

Busy schedules and the even busier holiday season mean planning one more event can be daunting for over-stretched families. To relieve the pressure, at 6 p.m. a soup and sandwich meal is served before the service, potluck for those who can bring something to share, dinner for those pressed for time. Come straight from work and bring the family to eat, enjoy fellowship, worship and prepare for the celebration for the coming of the Messiah.

Our Savior is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, southeast of Stevensville, and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Hospice Tree of Lights Memorial

Marcus Daly Hospice invites you to join in an evening of prayer, poetry and music in remembering those who have touched our lives.

The Marcus Daly Hospice Tree of Lights Memorial will be held on Thursday, December 13 at 7 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Conference Rooms B/C. This memorial is an opportunity for friends and family to come together and remember loved ones now gone. The memorial will include poetry, music by the Montana A Cappella Society and prayer led by Chaplain House. In addition there is a moment of silence projecting the names of loved ones on a wall, giving those in attendance an opportunity to reflect. The memorial is concluded with the lighting of the Hospice Tree of Lights. Each light signifies someone now gone and the Tree of Lights stays lit through the holiday season.

Purchase a light in memory of your loved one now gone for a $5.00 donation. This light will adorn the Tree of Lights. An ornament is yours to keep, honoring your loved one for a $15.00 donation. Call Margaret Beattie, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 375-4713 to purchase your light and/or ornament or for more information.

RSVP 'Storm Ready/Weather Spotter' training

The RSVP Volunteer Center is hosting a "Storm Ready/Weather Spotter" training on Friday, December 14 at the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital conference room. This training by the National Weather Service is free and open to the public. For more information call the RSVP Volunteer Center, 363-1102.

Hamilton Christmas Bird Count

On Saturday, December 15, Bitterroot Audubon members and other birders will count all the birds present in a 7-1�2 mile radius of Hamilton. The 21st annual Hamilton Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by National Audubon Society and Bitterroot Audubon, adds information to the other Christmas Bird Counts throughout the nation and the rest of North America. 2007 marks the 108th anniversary of Christmas Bird Counts in North America. Volunteer citizen scientists will count birds in over 1,000 CBC circles, and pay $5 for the privilege to participate, in the effort to document trends in wintering bird populations. Hamilton birders meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Teller Wildlife Refuge Education Building about 1�4 mile south of the junction of Chaffin and Quast Lanes, north of Corvallis. Participants will be organized into parties of 3 or 4, always matching bird “experts” with people who are not as skilled or confident of their abilities. Anyone with an interest in birds, no matter their skill level, is welcome. The day can be a marvelous learning opportunity for the beginner and extra eyes in a party will contribute to more birds seen and identified.

At noon everyone meets back at the Education Room to compare the morning results and enjoy Bill Good’s special chili and Oreos lunch, enhanced by some of the best Christmas desserts found anywhere. The rest of the day will be spent finding birds in places not covered in the morning.

If you cannot participate in the field counts you can help by counting the birds at your feeders. If you live within about 7 miles of Hamilton, know most or all the bird species frequenting your feeders and have a few hours, or all day, to count the visitors, call Colleen Powell, 363 2116, to receive instructions so you can help.

It is expected that around 30 participants will see about 65 different species of birds and a total of over 6,000 birds, if the future reflects history. Bring your binoculars, bird guide, warm clothes, a jug of hot something and help Bitterroot Audubon have a great birding day.

If you have endurance for winter birding and want a second chance to challenge the elements and count birds, the 43rd Stevensville Christmas Bird Count kicks off at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 29 at the Stevensville Ranger Station. The Stevi circle includes some outstanding habitat and the count often leads the State in species documented. It should be a great way to end the year.

For more information call John Ormiston at 363 5464.

Pancake breakfast

A pancake breakfast for the public will be held Saturday, December 15 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The menu will include pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, fruit and coffee. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for 12 and under.

'Santa Smut' appreciation

On Saturday, December 15, from 3 to 6 p.m., a special tribute to Santa Smut will be held at the Darby Clubhouse. The event will honor Smut Warren for his past 23 years of bringing Christmas joy to many families in the Bitterroot Valley. Refreshments will be served. Entertainment will be provided by the Joan Zen Acoustic Duo. Come and share in special memories and fun times with Smut. For more information or if you would like to participate in the event, call Dorene Sain, 406-546-8280 or Lora Pechy,406-381-2052.

Chantilly production

"How to Eat Like and Child and Other Lessons in Not Being Grown-up," now playing at the Stevensville Playhouse, is a hilarious compilation of short sketches and songs. Through this look at the life of a child, any child, told and "explained" from their point of view, this cast of 16 young actors (ages 5 to 15) reminds everyone of the joys and innocence of childhood. Anyone who is a child at heart, anyone who has children, or was one, will love this playful, humorous production. Shows are every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. through December 15, with matinees December 9 and December 16 at 2 p.m. Call the theater at 777-2722 for reservations and information.

Santa's Workers toy drive

Santa's Workers are collecting toys for the annual toy distribution for local families who need this service. Collection boxes are located at local businesses including the Bitterroot Star office, 215 Main, Stevensville. On Saturday, December 15, local children can see Santa and get a gift for Mom and Dad and grandparents at 3911 Red Ranch Rd. (next to Squirrel's Attic). Cost is $2 per child, but no child will be turned away.

Parents can pick up toys for their children on the following schedule:

Dec. 17 - parents from south of Hamilton

dec. 18 - parents in Hamilton

Dec. 19 - parents in Corvallis and Victor

Dec. 20 - parents in Stevensville

Dec. 21 - parents in Florence

Dec. 22 - parents who can't make it on other days

Pick up times are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3911 Red Ranch Rd. For more information call 777-5674.

BEAR Bitterroot Venture program

BEAR's Bitterroot Venture program runs activities with experienced mentors every Wednesday afternoon from the end of the school day until 6 p.m., including activities on Hamilton early out days. Activities on some weekends are also offered: upcoming on Saturday, December 15 is skiing and snowboarding at Lost Trail Ski Area, conditions permitting. Activities are outdoors except in case of severe weather, in which case there will be an alternative indoor activity. Fees are sliding scale, $1-$20 for afternoon trips, $1-$50 for a ski/snowboard day. All equipment and transportation is provided. All skill levels are welcome. Space is limited, call 375-9110 for more information and to register. BEAR's mission is to inspire youth to connect with their own potential, their community, and the environment through experiential and outdoor adventure programs.

Square dance club

The Boots 'n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a Christmas Dance on Saturday, December 15 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. Fourth Street. This will be the last plus class for this year. It will be replaced with a new beginners class on January 5. Following this last plus class will be the Christmas dance with callers Barry Bartlette and Ray Dunbar. The entry fee to this dance will be $4.00 or a comparable (non-perishable) food donation for Haven House. All the proceeds from this evening (money or food) will be donated to Haven House. The Plus class will start at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a mainstream with occasional plus tips Christmas dance at 8 p.m. Members will provide finger food Christmas treats.

'Holiday On Ice' Skating Show

The Missoula Figure Skating Club will perform its "Holiday On Ice" skating show on Sunday, December 16 at 4:15 p.m. at the Glacier Ice Rink at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. There will e group, duet and solo performances by skaters of all ages and abilities. Admission is free.

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Sunday, December 16 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.

Missoula Brain lnjury Support Group

Come and share a special Christmas Social with survivors and friends of brain injury on Monday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Hospital Duran Learning Center. Bring a $5-$10 exchange gift for the gift exchange and your favorite potluck dish. Plates, cups, silverware and dessert will be provided. Call Jim at 728-9117 or Sue at 327-4062. Door prizes from local merchants will be awarded.

Chamber Chorale concert

On Tuesday, December 18, the Darby Community Public Library will host the Missoula Community Chorus Chamber Chorale's presentation of selection from Handel's "Messiah" and other traditional Christmas classics. The Chorale and the Black Tie String Quartet, under the direction of Dr. Ronald Wilcott, will perform at 7 p.m. at Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church, 312 Miles Street, Darby. There will be a Christmas Tea served by the Library Board of Trustees at 6:15, immediately preceding the concert. A freewill offering will be accepted in place of admission. Everyone is invited to enjoy this musical Christmas celebration. For more information call 821-4771 or 821-4449.

AARP Medicare info sessions

Montana seniors are living independently and improving their lives with the help of pharmaceuticals, but not all have access to prescription drug insurance. Many Medicare recipients cannot afford the upfront cost of premiums, deductibles and co-pays involved with Part D, the federal pharmaceutical program. Luckily, the 2005 legislature created Big Sky Rx, a free, state-run program that pays the monthly premium for Part D. AARP wants to spread the word about the program Wednesday, December 19 at the Stevensville Senior Center from 10:30 a.m. through the Senior Lunch. Medicare recipients who earn less than $20,660 (single person) or $27,620 (couple) may be eligible to have the state pay their premiums.

"Big Sky Rx offers assistance each month to let our parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors age independently and with dignity. Big Sky Rx works with all Part D plans and is totally free because it's funded with tobacco taxes approved by our voters," said Pat Callbeck Harper, Associate State Director of AARP Montana.

For more information, call 877-449-2283.

'Musical Dreamtime Journey'

"A Musical Dreamtime Journey" will begin a five-city Montana tour on December 19 at 7 p.m. at River Street Dance Theater, 421 N. 2nd in Hamilton. This is a concert event, in the round, without applause, by candlelight. Participants are encouraged to bring pillow, pads, and/or blankets. The concert is for ages 12 and older. The live "Dreamtime" event has been taking place for over a decade in select Montana cities in December and at other times of the year as well. It is an evening of music exploring sounds from around the world, featuring multi-instrumentalists Michael Marsolek and Lawrence Duncan of Drum Brothers and Mandir. This celebration of the season of lights, winter solstice, and Christmas includes music of Didgeridoos, Harp, Ethnic Flutes, Bassoon, Saxophone, Drums and Percussion Instruments, Bells, Tibetan Bowls, and Voice. Tickets are $12.00 in advance at the Music Box or $14.00 at the door. Tickets are also available on-line at www.drumbrothers.com.

FWP Commission

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Thursday, Dec. 20 at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel, 2301 Colonial Drive, Helena, beginning at 8:30 a.m. A larger meeting space is typically required for the meeting when tentative hunting season quotas and dates are set.

The FWP Commission will make a final decision on acquiring a Fishing Access Site on the Sun River near the town of Sun River, followed by tentative decisions on a variety of hunting season dates and quotas and hunting district boundaries.

They are the:

· 2008-2009 hunting season dates;

· 2008-2009 hunting quotas;

· 2008-2009 deer, elk and antelope seasons and HD boundaries;

· 2008/2009 lion seasons and HD boundaries;

· 2008-2009 upland game bird and turkey seasons and quotas;

· 2008-2009 wolf seasons and boundaries;

· 2008-2009 moose, sheep and goat seasons and HD boundaries;

· 2008-2009 black bear seasons, HD boundaries and quotas; and

· 2008-2009 game damage permit authorizations.

The full agenda for the FWP Commission meeting can be found by clicking on the FWP home page at fwp.mt.gov under Hot Topics.

Following the formal agenda, the public may bring additional items to the FWP Commission's attention.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with a disability. Individuals with special needs may request arrangements by contacting FWP at: 406-444-3186.

Back Country Horsemen

The Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen will meet on Thursday, December 20 at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. The guest speaker is Dan Ritter, Stevensville District Ranger and the lead district ranger for travel planning. Dan will discuss the proposed Travel Management Plan. Guests are welcome. For more information call Karen at 961-0101.

Winter Solstice Snowshoe Hike

A Winter Solstice Snowshoe Hike will be held Friday, December 21 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a fun evening of easy snowshoeing in the Bitterroot Valley. Meet at the Darby High School parking lot at 5:30 p.m. to carpool to the site. The location will be chosen based on snow level. Bring a backpack, water, snacks, headlamp, extra warm clothing, and snowshoes. If you do not have snowshoes call Janeen Hetzler, 381-2951, to reserve a pair. The Darby High School parking area is just west of the grade school which is located on Highway 93. This Be Active Bitterroot activity is sponsored by the Bitter Root RC&D and the Bitterroot National Forest. For more information, contact Janeen Hetzler at 381-2951.

A Cappella Society concerts

The Montana A Cappella Society will present three holiday concerts. The first one will be Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, Eastside Highway at Cemetery Road, Corvallis. "Wassail - A Celebration of the Season" will be Friday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center, 327 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. They will also perform at First Night Missoula on Monday, December 31 at 4 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 420 W. Pine Street, Missoula.

Children's Christmas Pageant

The Children's Christmas Pageant will be held Friday, December 14 and Sunday, December 16 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 15 at 2 p.m. at the Hamilton Playhouse, 100 Ricketts Road. Directed by Mara Lynn Luther and Becka Marshall, approximately 33 area children, grades kindergarten through 8th grade, will sing songs and perform skits about Christmas Around the World and The Nativity. A few furry friends from The Bitterroot Animal Shelter will open the show and a "special guest" will make an appearance at the Sunday evening performance. Donations of canned goods for Haven House will be accepted in the lobby. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for students, and admission is free for children 5 years and younger. Tickets are available at the Hamilton Playhouse box office. All seats are reserved seating. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m., performance Saturday 10 a.m. to noon and one hour prior to show time. To purchase tickets with a credit card, call 375-9050 during box office hours.

Bitterroot Valley Chorus concert

The Bitterroot Valley Chorus presents its 35th annual Christmas concert at the Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 16 at 2 p.m. under the direction of Peggy Leonardi. This special year will feature a children's choir, a handbell choir, a chorus of 92 singers, and a twenty-person orchestral accompaniment. The Bitterroot Valley is fortunate to have so many talented musicians living here, willing to donate their time to this yearly tradition. This anniversary year will feature a great variety of Christmas carols, selections from Handel's "Messiah," and Randolph Alan Bass's "Gloria." The performance is a free gift to the community, but a donation of $5 per person is suggested, to help continue this wonderful tradition.

Methodist holiday sale

Corvallis United Methodist Church will hold its annual Candy-Bake-Craft Sale on Saturday, December 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church, corner of Eastside Highway and Cemetery Road, one mile south of the Corvallis 4-way stop. Lunch of soup, sandwich and pie will be available.

'Evergreen Eve' Ballet benefit

Join world renowned ballet dancers and Bitterroot Valley residents, Marcella Ducsay Squires and Malachi Squires, on Friday, December 21 for “Evergreen Eve,” a dance and dessert benefit for Evergreen Kids Corner in Hamilton.

The Squireses are delighted to share their repertoire and talent with a local audience, bringing exceptional dance and holiday celebration to the Bitterroot.

The couple's impressive accomplishments include professional positions with Fort Worth Dallas Ballet. Marcella danced previously with the Hungarian National Ballet and had a documentary film made about her. In 1992, she won first place in an annual ballet competition in Budapest, Hungary and she has danced professionally in Germany, Japan, Israel and Australia. Malachi grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and attended the Marin Dance Theater and Houston Ballet Academy. He apprenticed with the Lawrence Pech Dance Company and was a member, most recently, of Le Grandiva Ballet, training in New York and performing in Japan and South Korea.

This event will also feature a special performance by Sapphire Dance students, followed by a decadent dessert and champagne reception. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Playhouse, 43 Ricketts Road. Seats are available for a $10 to $50 donation. Reservations can be made by calling 961-4005.

County Museum Christmas Party

Join the Ravalli County Museum for an old-fashioned Christmas Party on Sunday, December 16 at 2 p.m. Children and adults will enjoy having their photo taken with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, making Christmas ornaments and viewing the exhibit of antique toys. Christmas cookies and punch will be served. Don't miss the fun at the Ravalli County Museum at 205 Bedford, Hamilton.

Cross-Country Ski Club Extravaganza

For the past 14 years, the gourmet cooks and pastry chefs of the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club have prepared an epicurean extravaganza atop the Continental Divide for four lucky people. The early Extravaganzas were prepared at the May Creek Cabin on the Beaverhead National Forest. Dutch oven masterpieces, with appetizers, wine, and desserts were the initial fare. The May Creek Cabin was rebuilt by volunteers from the Cross-Country Ski Club and is now a Forest Service rental cabin.

The Extravaganza has been held at the beautiful Gordon Reese Cabin for the last seven years. This Cabin is located on the Continental Divide within the Chief Joseph Cross-Country Ski Area near Chief Joseph Pass. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit volunteer trail grooming expenses. The trails are free and open to the public.

The dinner and night at the cabin for four will be Saturday, February 23, 2008. Tickets will be on sale until February 1, 2008, the drawing will be on Feb. 1, 2008. One does not need to be present to win.

Raffle tickets ($1.00 apiece or 6 for $5.00) for this extraordinary dining and skiing experience are available at Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club meetings, Chapter One Bookstore, Gas & Grub, Slope & Spoke, and Valley Bike & Ski in Hamilton, and Caffe Firenze in Florence. For mail order tickets or more information contact Linda Stoudt, 777-5958 or Earl Philips, 961-0101, philips@montana.com.

Dances of Universal Peace

The next Dances of Universal Peace will be held Saturday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Common Ground Center, 258 Roosevelt Lane in Hamilton. Dances of Universal Peace are simple circle dances based on the world's spiritual traditions that inspire harmony and community. Each dance is taught each time, and children are always welcome. There will be live music and refreshments. Participation is by donation. December's dance is a special Solstice Celebration. A bonfire and drumming will be from 5:30 to 6 p.m. with a potluck (soup provided) from 6 to 7 p.m. A Solstice Ritual will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. and dancing will be from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Call Star at 363-4026 for more information.

Knights of Columbus dinner/dance

Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Mountains Council 13093, Stevensville, will hold its annual Christmas dinner/dance will on Saturday, December 29, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Family Center. The menu will be stuffed pork chops, and potluck salads and desserts. Bob Adkins will be DJ for the evening of fun and dancing. Will Dukart, director of the event, will be MC for the gift exchange/steal program. This is a fun event and enjoyed by all. Sharpen up your salesmanship, you may need it. Each person, by their choice, is asked to bring a wrapped gift not to exceed $15.00.

Lions Club ski bus

The Hamilton Lions Club has sponsored the ski bus program for local youth since 1975 and is doing so again this year. The Ski Bus takes youth to Lost Trail Ski Resort on Saturdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 16. Cost is $5 per rider, with season ticket prices of $15 for under 13 and $20 for 13 and older. Depart from Westview Center, Hamilton at 8:30 a.m. (load at 8 a.m.) and return to Westview by 5 p.m. Rental forms for equipment are available at the bus; rental fees are paid at lodge when getting equipment.

Good Sense Budget Course

Most of us have stress in our lives centered around money. Decrease this stress by learning how to better handle money. The "Good Sense Budget Course" is being offered by the Stevensville United Methodist Church during the period of January 6 to February 10. The course consists of six two-hour sessions to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. It is open to the public on a first come, first served basis and is limited to 20 persons. There will be a $15.00 charge for the participant's guide. Scholarships are available upon request. To sign up for the course call the Stevensville United Methodist Church office at 777-5443 on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. At other times, call Ellyn Jones at 961-4614. Stevensville United Methodist Church is located on the corner of College and Third Streets.

Business seminars

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ravalli County Economic Development Authority and Job Service Employers Committee present the following seminars:

• January 16 - Unleashing Accountability - Extreme Contribution

• February 20 - Firing Up Commitment for Customer Focus & Box Store Survival Gear

Sessions are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn Conference Center in Hamilton. Individual sessions are $45 per person for Chamber members and $60 per person for non-members

These sessions are a must for all businesses who want to keep their businesses moving into the future.

Call Pat at 363-2400 to register.

Community Systems Grantwriting Workshop

For the thirtieth time in Montana, the comprehensive grantwriting training program, "Get that Grant: Grantwriting from Conception to Completion," will be held in Bozeman April 21-24. This outstanding, internationally acclaimed workshop is presented by Community Systems of Bozeman. Conducted by Dr. Barbara C. Bader and Steven Carr, this workshop is sponsored by the Women’s Center at Montana State University.

This workshop addresses all aspects of successful grantseeking, including developing and assessing proposal ideas, generating support for grant applications, designing and writing a complete grant proposal, editing and submitting proposals, generating support for grant applications, designing and writing a complete grant proposal, editing and submitting proposals, following up with funders and surviving the proposal review process. Special attention is devoted to writing the technical components of grant proposals such as the statement of need, goals and objectives, project methods, project evaluation, project timetable, and proposal budget.

The workshop identifies sources of government, foundation, corporate and other grant support and assesses trends in the funding environment as well as teaching how to conduct a productive funding search using an extensive library of grant references provided at the workshop and shows how to conduct a formal funding search and query high-priority funders. It reviews criteria that funders use in evaluating proposals and suggests strategies for avoiding common pitfalls in grantseeking. Techniques for developing a grants infrastructure and planning and organizing the grantseeking effort are stressed.

Each participant receives a detailed 482+ page training/resource manual that includes a proposal writing guide and essential background resources for grantseekers. This is a hard-working, hands-on, how-to-do-it workshop, and each workshop participant develops a comprehensive grant proposal during the session. Participants receive extensive individual consultation during the workshop as well as follow-up critique of their grant proposals.

For further information on the grantwriting program, or to register for the workshop, contact the MSU Women’s Center at (406) 994-3836 or email Betsy Danforth at danforth@montana.edu. Registration deadline is March 28, 2008.

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