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.

Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 7, at noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy. 93, Stevensville. As part of the club's continuing education program, Mel Walters, Retired Navy Captain and graduate of Annapolis, will be the guest speaker. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. All are welcome.

Alzheimer's Support Group

Are you a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's Disease or another type of dementia? You are not alone. Share your concerns with others in the same situation in an informal discussion group. The Bitterroot Valley Alzheimer's Support Group for caregivers will meet on Friday, December 7 at 1 p.m. in the south living room in Valley View Estates Health Care Center, 225 N. 8th Street. All family and friends are welcome. For more information, call Brenda Von Brach at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 363-6354.

Music at library

North Valley Public Library (NVPL) in Stevensville will host violin duet, Annalisa Koellermeier and Kolton Robbins, followed by the Stevi Strings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on First Friday, December 7.

Fifteen-year-old Annalisa Koellermeier has been playing the violin for four years, her favorite music being country fiddle and Irish fiddle; she also plays banjo and mandolin. Thirteen-year-old Kolton Robbins has been playing the violin for seven years; he also plays the guitar. Both Koellermeier and Robbins are members of the Bitterroot Valley Youth Symphony.

The Stevi Strings is a "living room group" of string musicians that play just for the fun of it. The group will play a medley of holiday songs with some standard old time favorites.

The event is part of Stevensville Main Street Association First Friday festivities for December. For more information (or to sign up for a new library card), call or visit the North Valley Public Library at 208 Main Street in Stevensville, 777-5061.

Pantry Partners Silent Auction

On First Friday, December 7, Pantry Partners Food Bank is having a silent auction at the North Valley Public Library. Pantry Partners will be offering a five-piece place setting for six of Lenox China – pattern "Snow Lily" – and an 8-piece place setting of Reed and Barton sterling silver. These items may be seen at Rocky Mountain Bank and at the library. Photos of these items may be seen at Farmers State Bank and Ravalli County Bank in Stevensville. Bidding will be accepted at the library and winners will be announced at the library First Friday evening. For more information call 777-4682.

Holiday community socials

The Stevensville Community Foundation is hosting a holiday afternoon tea for senior citizens on Friday, December 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Family Center. The annual family holiday dessert social for will be Friday, December 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This year there will be family raffle prizes, Lily of the Valley singers, surprise visitors and tasty treats including hot chocolate, apple cider, coffee and holiday sweets for everyone. All are welcome. Further information call Deby at 531-0273.

Holiday Book Sale

Held over by popular demand, the Huge Holiday Book Sale at the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will continue on Friday, December 7, and Saturday, December 8, with books of every kind being offered for the price of a donation. In addition, there are still some beautiful one-of-a-kind wreaths and Christmas decorations available. Hours will be Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale is hosted by the Friends of the North Valley District Library.

Victorian Ladies Tea Guild events

Two elegant Victorian Christmas Teas and Fashion Shows will be held at the newly opened Blue Parrot Tea Room on Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, December 8 at 2 p.m. The tea room is located inside the Victorian Ladies Tea Guild Studio at 317 Main Street in Stevensville and the tea will be presented by the Guild. Step back in time as we recreate a Victorian Christmas tea complete with dainty hand painted tea cups, sterling and crystal. This will be a full afternoon tea with a lecture and fashion show featuring of fashions from 1865 through 1940. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Victorian costumes. Tickets are $25.00 per person and reservations are required and can be made by calling the studio at 777-0520. Checks should be made payable to Joyce Carr, Director, and mailed to 317 Main Street, Stevensville MT 59870 at 251-3261.

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.

Flea market

A flea market will be held Saturday, December 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. There will be new and used items, arts and crafts, Christmas stuff, antiques, collectibles, books, dishes, jewelry, tools, birdhouses and feeders, massages and miscellaneous. Lunch will be available. Rent a table for $5. Call Bernie at 363-3098 or call the center at 363-5181.

Retro Jewelry Sale

Hey, collectors, crafters and Christmas shoppers! Valley View Estates is holding a Retro Jewelry Sale as a fundraiser for the Ravalli County Council on Aging. The Retro Jewelry Sale consists of over 1200 pieces of vintage, costume, and retro jewelry, nothing priced over $5. Great stocking stuffer ideas! The sale will be Saturday, December 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Valley View Estates, 225 N. 8th in Hamilton. Call 363-1144 for more information.

Square dance club

Boots 'n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a special "Get Acquainted" Night on Saturday, December 8. A special dance will be held at the Senior Citizens Center, 820 N. Fourth in Hamilton. The special part of this evening will be an invitation to the public to enjoy an ice cream social from 6 to 7 p.m. Caller Barry Bartlette will do some basic calls at a level that a person that has never square danced before will be able to participate. The purpose is, of course, to get new dancers interested in joining the beginners class that will start on January 5. This class starts only once each year and is open for new dancers for two weeks only and the first two lessons are free. A plus class will follow this special dance from 7 to 8 p.m. A regular dance will follow the class from 8 to 10 p.m. Dance level will be mainstream with an occasional plus tip. All "get acquainted" guests are welcome to stay and observe the plus class and the regular dance. Club members will provide finger food treats for refreshments. Round dances will be provided between tips. All square and round dancers are invited. For further information call George Mason, 375-9575, or Bernie Sleep, 363-3096.

AERO Community Meeting

How can Montanans stop exporting dollars to pay for fuel and electricity? How can cities and towns, neighborhoods and homes not only stop wasting energy but also tap into clean renewable sources like the sun and the wind?

These questions and others will be tackled at a town hall style meeting hosted by AERO – Montana's Alternative Energy Resources Organization – on Saturday, December 8, in Great Falls. Starting with a multi-media presentation of AERO's community-based energy strategy, Repowering Montana: A Blueprint for Home Grown Energy Self-Reliance, AERO's Ben Brouwer will guide a give-and-take discussion on practical steps to save money, reduce negative impacts on the environment, and invest local dollars in local renewable energy solutions. This will be a chance to meet and talk with citizens, civic leaders and renewable energy and conservation experts interested in building a sustainable energy system for Great Falls and Montana.

This community presentation is free and open to the public at Bethlehem Hall in the basement of the First English Lutheran Church, 726 2nd Ave. North, Great Falls. It will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. following a Sustainable Homes Tour on Saturday, December 8. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information on the Town Hall Meeting or the Energy Saving Homes Tour (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) contact Ben Brouwer at AERO in Helena (406) 443-7272 or email: bbrouwer@aeromt.org.

Christmas concert

"Christmas in Stevensville" will be presented Sunday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at the Stevensville High School and will feature the Stevensville Community Choir and the Lone Rock Community Kids Choir. Bring the whole family and share in the spirit of the season. Admission is free.

Museum Sunday Series

Sunday, December 9, kicks off another season of the Ravalli County Museum Sunday Series presentations. The ever popular Judy Hoy and her family of birds will be the first offering for the upcoming cycle of programs at the Museum. Executive Director Tamar Stanley refers to Judy as “a family favorite, Judy is admired throughout the valley for her years of wild life study and focus on education that, coupled with an entertaining presentation, is a can’t miss show.” Judy always brings a selection of her flock with her, this year it will be several varieties of Hawks, a Long Eared Owl, Saw Whet Owl, along with the curious and significant Turkey Vulture.

Judy and her field research have been written about frequently over the years, most recently in the Bitterroot Star. Judy is a hands-on educator who allows her audience to learn about their natural habitats along with the changes in environment that these awe inspiring creatures have become adapted to. Make it a family outing at the Museum that informs as well as delights, while bringing us up to date on the avian world around us.

The Sunday Series programs begin at 2 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum on S. 3rd and Bedford in Hamilton. The Museum is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $5.00 per couple, and $6.00 per family. Students (6-18) are $1.00.

Community Choir performances

The Stevensville Community Choir will perform at the following locations:

• Southgate Mall, Missoula, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7:15 p.m.

• First Friday, Stevensville, Dec. 7, Bitterroot Valley Living Center, 6:30 p.m.

• First Friday, Stevensville, Dec. 7, St. Mary's Parish, 7:30 p.m.

BVLAC meeting

The monthly meeting of the BVLAC – Bitterroot Valley Local Advisory Council (the Ravalli County mental health advisory council to the DPHHS) – will be held on Monday, December 10, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Marcus Daly Hospital, Conference Room C, Hamilton. The focus is on adult mental health services and opportunities in Ravalli County. The public is invited, especially consumers, families and friends. Lunch is provided.

The December 10th agenda is dedicated to the subject of identifying the specific mental health issues that the group will ask to have addressed in the 2009 Legislative Session. Your input is encouraged.

For more information, contact Charles at 381-0559 or visit: www.wsaamt.org/ravalli.

Stevensville school board

The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, December 11 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.

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.

Pantry Partners Silent Auction

Holiday community socials

Christmas Gift Fair

The Stevensville Main Street Association will sponsor "A Montana Country Christmas" Arts and Craft Show on December 7 and 8. Show location will be on Main Street in buildings at 3rd and Main and on the east and west sides of Main Street. There will be a home-based business fair at 309 Main Street. These two events will coincide with the Christmas Gift Fair on December 7 and 8. Events on First Friday, December 7, will consist of the lighting of the Community Tree, Parade of Lights, Christmas Story, Living Nativity, music, warm fires, horse and wagon rides, and open house events at the downtown businesses to kick off the holiday shopping season. Mark your calendars. For vendor information contact the Stevensville Main Street Association, 777-3773.

Share Tree gift wrapping

Gift wrapping for the Christmas Share Tree will be held Saturday, December 8, and Saturday, December 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jesus Community Church, 318 College Street in Stevensville (activity center building in back). Volunteers are welcome. For more information contact Leah Duke, Acts of Kindness, 777-1135.

A Nativity Christmas

Come share "A Nativity Christmas" with the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, on Saturday, December 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. An extensive collection of nativities from around the world will be displayed. A musical concert of Christmas favorites will take place at 3 p.m. and the famous Christmas cookie sale will also be happening. The church is hoping to display close to 50 nativity sets. Pastor John Bain and his wife Ronni will display their personal collection of 20 nativities.

Soap making workshop

Longtime Missoula soap maker Marlise Mahon Flynn will lead a workshop to teach interested parties how to make castile soap. Using an age-old recipe, this process produces pure, aromatic soap for everyday use.

Marlise has been making soap for more than fifteen years and her "Good Scents" soap is available locally. The workshop will be held Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Travelers' Rest State Park classroom on Mormon Creek Road in Lolo. Each participant will join in the process of making the soap, and will have eight bars of soap after a curing time of 2-3 weeks.

Cost for the workshop is $40 per person, and includes all supplies necessary to make the soap. Participants should bring a sack lunch, an old apron, and bring a pair of rubber gloves. Workshop space is limited and can be reserved by calling 273-4253.

Travelers' Rest State Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit www.travelersrest.org or call 273-4253.

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.

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.

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.

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