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.

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.

Trains running on First Friday

The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroad Club will be running its HO modular Railroad Layout on this first "First Friday" of the year, from 5 to 9 p.m. in its new home in the Kohl Building, directly behind Valley Drug and Variety on Stevensville's Main Street. As always, admission is free. Be sure to bring the kids! The easiest way to the layout is to walk directly through the store and follow the signs.

Ragtime Society performance

The Bitterroot Ragtime Society will perform from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on First Friday, January 4, at the community room of the North Valley Public Library. Formed in 2005, the Bitterroot Valley Ragtime Society gets musicians and listeners together to support and enjoy vintage American music in the genre of ragtime, early jazz, blues, boogie-woogie and stride. They hold monthly meetings on the first Saturday of the month, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Public House in Victor, to enjoy music from the ragtime era. This performance will be free to the public. The library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

Victorian Ladies Tea Guild

The Promise Stitchers will be the featured artist at the First Friday Artist Dessert Tea on January 4 at 7 p.m., presented by the Victorian Ladies Tea Guild. The tea will be held at the newly opened Blue Parrot Tea House which is located inside the Victorian Ladies Studio at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. Lucy Lewis will explain the history of Promise Stitching and how the fine art is being perpetuated. You can examine samples of this beautiful craft form while enjoying delicate desserts and scrumptious tea. Tickets are $10.00 per person and reservations are required and can be made by calling 777-0520 or stopping by 317 Main Street, Stevensville, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Enjoy an evening of Victorian elegance as the Tea Guild brings history to life.

Alzheimer's Support Group

Are you a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's Disease or another type of dementia? You are not alone. Join in to share your concerns and experiences in an informal discussion group with others in the same situation. The Bitterroot Valley Alzheimer's Support Group for caregivers will meet on Friday, January 4 at 1 p.m. in the south living room in Valley View Estates Health Care Center, 225 N. 8th St. All family and friends are welcome. For more information call Brenda VonBrach at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 363-6354.

Pachyderm Club

The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, January 4, at noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy. 93, Stevensville. As part of the club's continuing education program, Greg MacDonald with the Montana Broadcasting Association will be the guest speaker. He will be speaking about the upcoming changes in TV reception from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. All are welcome.

Countywide Zoning Roundtable Meeting

On Wednesday, January 16, John Lafave, Associate Research Hydrogeologist with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Eric Regensberger, Senior Hydrologist with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Steve Kilbreath, Subdivision Review Section Supervisor with DEQ, will be at the Countywide Zoning Roundtable Meeting in Hamilton to provide information and answer questions. In order to make this meeting as productive as possible, questions will be accepted in advance for the guest speakers. Submit questions regarding groundwater availability to the Planning Department by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 4. This meeting will be free and open to all members of the public. More information on the content, time, and place of the meeting is forthcoming.

Pancake breakfast

The Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th, will hold a pancake breakfast for the public on Saturday, January 5 from 8 to 10 a.m. The menu will include pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, fruit and coffee. Cost is $4 for adults, and $2 for ages 12 and under. For more information call 363-5181.

Square Dance Club

Boots 'n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a new beginner square dance class on Saturday, January 5 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. This will be the first beginner class for the year 2008 and it will start at 6 p.m. These classes start only once each year and are open for new beginners for two weeks only. The first two lessons are free. These classes will run from January 5 to May 10. Following this class will be a regular dance from 8 to 10 p.m. The dance level will be mainstream with an occasional plus tip. Round dances will be provided between tips. Club members will supply finger food for refreshments.

The Sunday Gathering, A Celebration

On Sunday, January 6 at 10 a.m. at the River Street Dance Theatre on 2nd and River in Hamilton, The Sunday Gathering, A Celebration will be held. Everyone is welcome and families are encouraged to attend. There may be an activity or story for the children, and they are welcome to come with their parents. The Sunday Gathering is designed for those seeking insights in a supportive spiritual community. The group meets the first Sunday of every month and is not allied with any sect, denomination or political organization. and does not engage in controversy. This is a group of individuals wanting to celebrate the diversity of oneness, supporting one another on each person’s path. Folks come from different beliefs and practices and this is cause for celebration. As we will be meeting on a dance floor those who are able to remove their shoes should plan to do so, booties will also be provided. It is requested that scents not be worn due to people’s allergies. For more information call Joan Perry at 961-3706.

Museum Sunday Series

The Ravalli County Museum Sunday Series program kicks off on Sunday, January 6. This first offering of the season, "Deer Hide to Buckskin," is presented by Scott Cameron, a Hamilton resident who has made the history of Pioneer Montana a life's work. He has learned to recreate and manufacture every sort of implement and piece of ornamentation that was the backbone of pioneer life here in the Bitter Root Valley. This presentation will be a hands on demonstration of how to take a raw deer hide and work it step by step into useable and/or decorative buckskin. Scott will also be able to field questions relating to everyday life in early Montana. Scott has been self-taught for the most part but has also been trained by representatives of the Indian community to make accurate replicas. He has exhibited and presented his craft at presentations throughout the state and at local schools. This is an event that the whole family will be able to enjoy, as well as participate in. There will be a second demonstration and class entitled "Deer Hide to Plunder," continuing this exercise, on the following Sunday, January 13.

The Sunday Series begins at 2 p.m. Museum hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10-4, Saturday 9-1 and Sundays 1-4. Admission is $3 per adult, $5 per couple, $1 students 6-18. New family admission is $6. The Museum is located at 205 Bedford St, Hamilton. Call 363-3338 for more information or email rcmuseum@qwestoffice.net.

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.

Bluegrass music show

The Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association is hosting a free bluegrass music show featuring its members on Sunday, January 6 at 2 p.m. at the Florence IOOF Hall. For more information call Mike Conroy, 821-3777.

Gardeners Collective

Got room in your garden for an extra row of money-making carrots, potatoes, beans or tomatoes? If you do, come to the Gardeners Collective first 2008 meeting Monday, January 7 at 6 p.m. in the Bitterroot Library basement where the group will compile its bulk Fedco and Johnny's seed orders and begin the list of supplies to order in bulk at the next meeting on Monday, January 21.

The Farm Stand price list for 2008 will also be reviewed and there will be a discussion on how to do staggered plantings. Participants will need to have an idea which vegetables grow best in their garden and how long they can stretch their harvesting season.

Call Laura Craig at 961-0004 or Laura Garber at 363-6627 for more information.

Stevi School Board

The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, January 8 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School learning center.

Stevensville West Park District

The Stevensville West Park District will meet Tuesday, January 8, at 7 p.m. at 3907 Houk Way. For additional information contact Ed at 777-7058.

Off Road User Association

The Ravalli County Off Road User Association monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, January 8 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot Ridge Runners groomer shed, 663 Grantsdale Road in Hamilton. Members will be talking about activities for the coming year. Members and persons interested in joining are encouraged to attend. For directions or questions contact Mike at 406-544-5027.

UM courses offered in Hamilton

Bitterroot Valley residents can learn about University of Montana spring semester courses that will be offered in Hamilton at a meeting on Tuesday, January 8. The free informational meeting, offered by the Hamilton Higher Education Center, will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hamilton High School Library, located at 327 Fairgrounds Road.

UM representatives will be there to answer questions and to assist with the enrollment process. Students who plan to register for the first time at the meeting will need official high school transcripts or GED scores, transcripts from other colleges attended and an immunization record.

UM’s Hamilton classes begin on Tuesday, January 22, and will meet once or twice a week in the late afternoon or evening at Hamilton High School or at the Hamilton Carriage House, located at 310 N. 4th St. Credits earned through the courses will be part of students’ permanent UM transcripts and will count toward a degree.

The cost of a three-credit course is less than $350, although other fees may apply, such as a one-time registration fee of $30 and the cost of textbooks.

The Hamilton Higher Education Center offers Bitterroot Valley residents a less expensive entry to UM degree programs. Students who take at least six credits also may be eligible for financial aid, including scholarship grants reserved for Bitterroot Valley residents who take courses in Hamilton.

UM spring semester courses offered in Hamilton are psychology, biology, American government, public speaking, information technology, accounting and the Lab Tech II program. Two graduate-level courses also are available for current teachers through UM’s Graduate School and School of Education.

For more information, call the UM College of Technology Outreach Office at 243-7812 or the School of Education at 243-5586.

Information about the Hamilton Higher Education Center is available by calling Frank Laurence, acting director, at 363-5410, ext. 115, or by e-mailing frank.laurence@umontana.edu.

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, January 8 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the City Council Chambers in Stevensville and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Job Service office in Hamilton.

Genealogical Society

The January meeting of the Bitterroot Genealogical Society will be held Tuesday, January 8 at 2 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Pat Thompson and Lela Schafer will present a program on indexing the records of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This ambitious project consists of indexing millions of vital, census, and other records which will eventually be made available over the internet free to all. Genealogists recognize that the holdings of the church are some of the most extensive available in the world. Thousands of people, Mormon and non-Mormon alike, are involved in helping with the indexing of these records. The program presenters will discuss this ambitious project and will give a power point demonstration on how this indexing is done, and how any interested person can sign up to help. Come and bring a friend. For further information call Pat Thompson at 961-3159 or Eugene Wilhelm at 961-0097. Be sure and note the change in location for this meeting.

Forest travel management meetings

Three public meetings are scheduled to answer questions and hear ideas about the changes to summer and winter motorized recreational use proposed by the Bitterroot National Forest.

In late September 2007, Forest Supervisor Dave Bull released a proposed action and scoping letter that explained the Forest's initial ideas for changes designed to improve the quality of motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities while protecting the forest's natural resources.

Prior to the initial public comment deadline of January 31, 2008, the Forest is hosting three meetings in January 2008 to discuss public concerns and suggestions. The three meetings will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and will be held in:

• Darby - Wednesday, January 9 at the Darby Clubhouse.

• Stevensville - Thursday, January 10 at the Stevensville Methodist Church.

• Hamilton - Tuesday, January 15 at the Bitterroot River Inn.

Those interested in recreational opportunities on the Bitterroot National Forest are encouraged to attend one of these meetings. For additional information, call the Stevensville Ranger District at 777-5460.

Democratic Central Committee

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Thursday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. Note: This is a change from the originally scheduled date of January 9. The meeting will be held at the Carriage House located at 310 N. 4th St. in Hamilton. Items to be discussed include preliminary ideas for a spring fundraiser and further thoughts on the recent Hamilton City Council election. All Democrats are welcome to attend. For more information contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Winter tennis leagues

The Montana Tennis Association announces the formation of local winter leagues for men’s and women’s singles, doubles at NTRP levels 2.5-4.5 and mixed doubles for 6.0- 9.0. Players arrange their own match times. The deadline to register is January 10; play begins January 15 and must be completed by March 1. For more details contact M.C. Beeby at 406-431-3152 or tennis@mt.net.

Transformational Awareness Group

The Transformational Awareness Group will be holding a free brainstorming meeting at the Community Room of the Stevensville Public Library on Saturday, January 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. to get ideas for programs that people might like to see presented. For more information call Liz or Michael at 642-3928.

Sabres Soccer sign-up

The final sign-up for Stevensville Sabres spring soccer program is Monday, January 14 at 6 p.m. at the Stevensville High School. If you're looking for a good team experience and fall between the ages of 10 through high school, you are encouraged to attend the final sign-up. For more information contact Ralph Serrette, 543-3514.

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.

USTA Mixed Doubles Championships

Six player tennis teams are forming now. Championships play will be at the Last Chance Tennis Center in Helena January 18-20. Each team needs a minimum of 3 men and 3 women. Combined NTRP ratings of your individual teams must equal the division you enter: 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 or 9.0. Captains can create a team on-line and get team number or contact District Office. Deadline to register a team is January 10. Winning teams are asked to represent Montana at the Sectional Championships – July 11-13, 2008 in Boulder, CO. If you want to play and don’t have a team contact M.C. Beeby at 406-431-3152 or tennis@mt.net for more details.

Bowhunter education classes

Missoula bowhunter education classes will begin early in 2008 with the first class scheduled for Saturday, January 19. Ten classes are planned for Missoula between January and May.

The January and February class schedule includes four classes offered on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office, 3201 Spurgin Road. Students can elect to take a class Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Feb. 9, or Feb. 16. Students must also complete a half-day field course set for Saturday, March 1.

To register for a January or February class, students must stop by the Missoula FWP office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Jan. 2. Classes are limited to 35 students, and registration is open until the class fills. A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to register.

Other Missoula classes will be held in March, April and May. By state law, all first time bowhunters must complete a bowhunter education course in order to purchase a bow and arrow license. Bowhunters born after January 1, 1985 must also show proof of completing a hunter education program.

For more information or to request a copy of this schedule, contact the Missoula FWP office at 542-5500 or log onto the web site, fwp.mt.gov. Follow links to “Education” and then “Hunter Education.”

Bowhunter education courses will be offered in many other west-central Montana communities beginning in March. These schedules and dates will be announced as soon as they are available.

Canine Cuisine Class

Concerned about your commercial pet food and snacks? Attend a fun and educational morning class on preparing wholesome, holistic pet food for your furry best friends. The teachers are experienced canine/feline chefs, Mary Wulff and Jeanie Notti-Fullerton. The cost is $15 per person and includes recipes, handouts, snacks and laughs on Saturday, January 26, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Animal Essentials, 1369 Hwy 93 N, two miles north of Woodside. To reserve your seat call 370-0699 or 369-0025.

Hwy. 93 Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee for Hwy. 93 will meet Tuesday, February 12, at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Victor High School, 425 4th Avenue in Victor. MDT rescheduled November’s meeting to the new time in order to have more information about further Hwy. 93 South project splits and the effects of revised budgets on the project limits and probable schedule for letting of construction contracts. These will be discussed further at the upcoming meeting.

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.

Clearwater Farm science fair

Calling all junior scientists! Clearwater Farm is hosting its first Science Fair for kids ages 5-10 on Saturday, February 23 at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Family Center in Stevensville. A $10.00 entry fee is required. Three categories of projects for two age groups will be judged by community members and teachers. Entry forms are at Stevensville business locations or call Sandy Gates at 370-0808 for entry form and information.

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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