Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Community Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

Monday - noon lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo at 7 p.m.

Tuesday - line dancing at 9 a.m.

Wednesday - noon lunch, bridge at I p.m., cloggers at 5 p.m.

Thursday - exercise at 9 a.m.

Friday - noon lunch.

Victor Senior Center activities

Sundays - AA meeting, 7 p.m.

Monday-Thursday - Men's Coffee, 8:30-10 a.m.

Mondays & Wednesdays - Exercise, 10-11 a.m.

Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes salad bar, main course, dessert. Seniors $3.25, under 60 years $5.75. (RSVP 642-3320)

Tuesdays - Bingo, 7 p.m.

Wednesdays - Pinochle, 7 p.m.

Fridays - Ladies' Coffee, 10-11 a.m.

Al-Anon

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.

Florence American Legion

The American Legion Post 134 meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at the IOOF hall in Florence at 7 p.m.

Stevensville American Legion

The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Russell Vogel, 777-4427.

Waldorf Play Group

The Waldorf Play Group meets every Tuesday at Common Ground in Hamilton, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with snack provided. Parents are encouraged to attend with their young children (ages 1 to 5) to explore imagination play, with fairy tales, songs, and seasonal creative activities. All are welcome. Contact Kim Delvo at 369-0213 for more information.s

Library storytimes

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville offers story times for children ages seven and under on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Volunteer Sandra Wilson shares stories, songs and crafts with children and their families each week. Alternating weeks feature special themes such as letters, numbers or pets. No registration is required. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

SAFE support groups

SAFE, Supporters of Abuse Free Environments, hosts weekly ongoing support groups for women and children. Women’s groups focus on healing from domestic and sexual violence, building self-esteem, inner reflection, creative expression and other topics of interest to women. Come as often or as little as you want. Groups are held weekly on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children’s Groups are held on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children work on self-exploration, boundaries, and conflict resolution. This group is for ages 5 to 12. Teen Group is held every Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This group is for ages 13-18 and focuses on teen issues, dating and healthy relationships. Groups are held at SAFE in our Community Resource Building, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton. Free childcare is available. For more information contact SAFE, 363-2793.

Caregiver coffee break

Are you one of the millions of Americans who help someone else by providing companionship, preparing meals, running errands, driving to doctors appointments or by simply doing whatever needs to be done to assist someone who is ill or homebound?

Aspen Hospice recognizes the complexity of caregiving and offers a time of respite. Whether or not the person you care for receives services from Aspen Hospice, you, as a caregiver, can find encouragement, support and information at the Caregiver Coffee Break every Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 230 Marcus Street in Hamilton. Stop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Reservations are not required and coffee breaks are provided at no charge. For additional information, contact Elizabeth at 777-5009.

TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 343, meets every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville. TOPS is a non profit weight loss support group Guests and new members are welcome. For more information call Jerry Sue at 777-5355.

Tax counseling

Volunteer AARP tax counselors will be available to help seniors with their tax returns starting the first week in February. Appointments are available in Hamilton on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. by calling the Hamilton Senior Center at 363-5181. In Stevensville appointments are on Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. by calling the Stevensville Senior Center at 777-5681.

Commod benefit raffle

The Commod Thrift Store is raffling a matted and framed original acrylic by noted Montana artist Ron Jenkins. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Funds raised will help pay for their upcoming expansion. The drawing will be held on Monday, March, 31. The artwork is on display at the store located at 215 N. 6th Street in Hamilton behind Washington School. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call Frank at 363-2134 for more information.

Is your organization safe from cyber attacks? If you said yes, think again. Cyber criminals are not just after money, they are after your information. Do you know how to: Recognize cyber crime? Develop prevention techniques? Secure your information assets? Educate your staff regarding IT security?

Pat Boles, Cyber Protection Officer within the Department of Administration's Information Technology Services Division, will present this information at a seminar on Thursday, February 28 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital conference room C. Individual fee is $25.00 per person. Refreshments will be provided.

In his job, Boles is responsible for assuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the state's information assets. In the past, he has also worked with various organizations in a consultant role in helping them secure their information systems. He currently holds the Microsoft Certified Professional and CompTIA Security+ certifications. He also holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification, which is considered world-wide as the "gold standard". He is a graduate of the Business Information Systems program at Montana Tech of the University of Montana.

Due to limited seating, register now to reserve a space by calling Kathleen Cannon-Siegel at the Bitterroot Job Service Workforce Center, 375-6046.

Global Warming, Changing CO₂urse

Interested in joining a Bitterroot study group?

The Northwest Earth Institute, based in Portland, Oregon, has been developing study guides on a variety of topics for over 15 years. Their sense is that the most appropriate responses to the issues will be developed at the local level. For each topic they put together sample reading materials on a topic outline designed for use by the group. Once formed, the group is encouraged to augment their discussion with local resources. Where appropriate, the group can go on to explore local regional or national level actions. You can go to the NWEI web site (nwei.org) for their mission statement and the topics they have developed to date.

Cary Davis, a Stevensville resident, is interested in starting a discussion group on their most recent study guide, Global Warming. Again, their website spells out the 4 meeting outline they propose to cover this topic. Both the topic and the availability of local resources seem apt for the Bitterroot where many individuals have relevant experience.

The best discussions involve people with varying levels of engagement on the topic and a wide range of views.

The calendar for the group will be set at an introductory meeting after I receive 10 indications of interest. The only cost for participation is @ $20 for the NWEI study guide. For more information, you can reach Cary Davis at 406 218-8370 or caryd@aol.com.

The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center has two new displays on exhibit titled: Invasive Weeds and Marmots. Both offer timely and useful information related to the upcoming spring.

Of special mention are the papier-mache marmots of Bitterroot Bill, Refuge resident yellow-bellied marmot, made by the Victor school kindergarten (guided by Jan Julin teacher and Jennifer Ogden art teacher). By the way, an early spring is predicted by Bitterroot Bill. The Visitor Center is open weekdays 8 am - 4:30 pm.

Bitteroot Quilters Guild

The Bitterroot Quilters Guild monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27, 2008, at 6:30 PM at the Corvallis Grange near Woodside Crossing.  Anyone interested in quilting is welcome to attend. 

The guest speaker for the evening is Ann Lauer who owns and operates Grizzly Gulch Gallery of Helena.  Ann is an award winning fiber artist who has been professionally designing and creating quilts, quilting patterns and fabric pieces for over twenty years.

In addition to the Wednesday evening Guild lecture, Ann will be teaching a day long pictorial quilt construction class entitled "Quilt as you go

Bargello" on Thursday, February 28, 2008.  There are a few spaces left for the Thursday workshop.  The cost for this class is $45 plus pattern and includes lunch. For more information or to register, contact Judy Parkins at 375-6139.

Chantilly Theatre production

Chantilly Theatre/Stevensville Playhouse presents "Honky Tonk Laundry,” a musical by Roger Bean and directed by local artist, Ken Johnson. Lana Mae (Beth Schreiber) and Katie (Cara Ayers) are up to their elbows in soap, suds and cheatin' boyfriends at the Wishy Washy Washateria. When these two country angels join forces, they turn their good ol' laundromat into a boot-scootin-boogie honky-tonk, guaranteeing every customer a good, clean time. Come take a ride to Nashville heaven, and get your shirts pressed on the way! This lively musical features 28 songs including: “9-5,” “Jolene,” “Stand By Your Man,” “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,” “PMS Blues,” “Fist City” and many more. Seating is limited so be sure to make your reservations early. Show dates are Feb. 29, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 at 8 p.m. with matinees on March 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors/students, $8 children 12 under. Reservations can be made by calling 777-2722.

Child Care Resources’ Training

Infant, Child & Adult CPR & 1st Aide Fundamentals: This class meets the requirements for child care licensing and registration in Montana. It meets Saturday, March 29 from 9am – 4pm in Missoula. Please preregister by visiting our website at HYPERLINK "http://www.childcareresources.org/" www.childcareresources.org or by mailing in a Training Registration Form. $50.00 fee.

Kidney for Katelyn Benefit

Kidney for Katelyn benefit auction, Saturday, March 1st at the Holiday Inn Parkside in Missoula.  View live and silent auction items starting at 5pm. Dinner available at 6:30pm.  Tickets for dinner can be purchased at The Full Moon Saloon in Stevi.  Live auction starts at 7:30pm.  Raffle tickets for the rifle, quilt and ½ a beef available at the benefit.  View kidneyforkatelyn.com for more information and to view auction, raffle items.  Katelyn Atkinson of Stevensville just turned 13yrs and is currently awaiting a kidney transplant.  Everyone is invited to attend this fun filled evening to support Katelyn.

Boots ‘N Calico

Saturday, March 1st, class will take place from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. New beginners will not be accepted at this late date, however, if you have square danced before and would like to get back involved come in early and talk with the caller. He will be able to determine if you can join the present class without slowing it down. The class has progressed to the point that they are beyond the fundamental calls and are now executing mainstream calls. This would be an excellent place for one who has square danced before to step in. This all takes place at the Senior Center at 820 N. Fourth St. in Hamilton. Following this class will be a regular dance. Dance level will be mainstream with an occasional plus tip from 8:00-9:30p.m. Round dances will be provided between tips. The caller will be Barry Bartlette. Club members will supply finder food for refreshments. For further information call George Mason at 375-9575 or Cheryl Trams at 777-4209.

Ravalli County Democratic Women's Club Tea

The Democratic Women's Club tea will be on Saturday March 1, at 4:00 pm at the Caffe Firenze, 281 Rodeo Drive, Florence.  Our speaker will be Gail Gutsche, who is a candidate for the Public Service Commission.  If you have any questions, please call Corrine at 544-8586.

Biomass Symposium

Big Sky Coalition to sponsor Biomass Symposium on Saturday, March 1. Co-sponsored by the Bitterroot National Forest and the Ravalli County Commissioners, the doors open at 8:30 a.m. Speakers and Presentations begin at 9:00 a.m.

Technologies for converting biomass from thinning of Montana forest lands and municipal solid waste into biofuels hold significant promise for development in western Montana.

Large-scale forest biomass conversion could significantly reduce our risk of catastrophic wildfires due to an overabundance of fuels in the forest and generate valuable commodity products such as ethanol, methanol and electricity to power Montana's economy.   

With a full day of presentations by leading biofuels experts and educators, project representatives and subject matter experts, attendees will be provided with a comprehensive introduction to leading-edge approaches to biomass conversion, and information about their respective business feasibility.  

All interested persons are invited to attend this free, informative event at the First Interstate Event Center, Ravalli County Fairgrounds, in Hamilton, Montana.

Lunch will be available for purchase on site from Grumpy's Bar B Que.

For more information, including the complete agenda for the symposium, please visit http://www.bigskycoalition.org/.

Families First presents

1. What’s Best for the Kids: Divorced & Shared Parenting Part 1

Saturday 03/01/2008   9:00AM- NOON

Presented by Brad Boylan & Ann Szalda-Petree

Location: Families First

Learn methods for coping, what helps kids, how to improve family communication, and maximize quality time with your kids.

Class is $35 and includes childcare. Call 721-7690 to pre-register.

2. Communicating with the Other Parent: Divorced & Shared Parenting Part II

Tuesday 03/04/2008 6:00PM – 9:00PM

Presented by Brad Boylan & Ann Szalda-Petree

Location: Families First

Building on the first class, explore how to relate to your co-parent and get tips for parenting after divorce.

Class is $35 and includes childcare. Call 721-7690 to pre-register.

3. Stress Management

Tuesday 03/04/2008 6:30 PM-8:00 PM

Presented by Judy Wright

Location: Target Range Elementary

What parent hasn’t gotten really angry with their kids at one time or another? Learn skills and gain an understanding of emotion regulation to help you stay stress free, and more importantly anger free with your children.

Class is Free and Childcare is included. Please call 721-7690 to pre-register.

4. Pizza for Parents: The Art of Encouragement

Wednesday 03/05/2008 11:00AM – 12:15PM

Presented by Sara Polanchek

Location: Russell Elementary

Enjoy free pizza and a parenting chat during the lunch our at Russell Elementary’s Family Resource Center. The Art of Encouragement is a powerful strategy that teaches kids to appreciate their own efforts instead of relying only on praise and rewards. Join us as we discuss ways that encouragement can be used to positively guide behavior and set the tone for life-long optimism and self control.

Class is Free and Childcare is provided. Please RSVP to 721-7690.

5. Love and Limits, Positive Approaches to Discipline (Ages 5-9)

Wednesday  03/05/2008 7:00PM-9:00PM

Presented by Brett Gilleo

Location: Pablo Headstart

This classic Families First program teaches you how to lovingly teach your children self-control, a sense of values, good judgment, and self-discipline.

Class is Free! Childcare is provided. Please call 676-4509 to pre-register.

The Sunday Gathering

On Sunday, March 2nd at 10:00 am at The River Street Dance Theatre on 2nd and River, The Sunday Gathering, A Celebration will be held. Everyone is welcome and families are encouraged to attend. The Sunday Gathering is designed for those seeking insights in a supportive spiritual community. We will meet the first Sunday of every month. We are not allied with any sect, denomination or political organization. We will not engage in controversy. We are a group of individuals wanting to celebrate the diversity of oneness. Simply put, we would like to support one another on each person’s path. There will be folks coming from different beliefs and practices and this is cause for celebration.  It is requested that scents not be worn due to people’s allergies. Feel free to come in your ski clothes. For more information please call Joan Perry at 961-3706   between 8am and 8pm.

The monthly meeting of the Bitterroot Valley unit of the Montana Retired Educators Association is scheduled for Monday, March 3.  The no-host luncheon event will begin at ll:45 am in the meeting room of Perkins Restaurant, Hamilton.  Guest speaker will be Sharon Bladen, director, Retired Senior Volunteer Program.  All retired educators are encouraged to attend.  Any questions may be answered by John Robinson, 961-3451or Erma Badt, 363-3834.

Child Care Resources’ Training

School Readiness in MT and You: Did you know that many of the things you already do in your daily routine support school readiness? This class looks at the many ways to support children and families in their efforts to foster school readiness skills. This class meets Monday, March 3, from 7:00pm– 9pm in Missoula. Please preregister by visiting our website at www.childcareresources.org or by mailing in your registration form. $10.00 fee.

Foods For Thought Seminar

How to eat better, Feel better and Think better! No matter what your age.  Discover how to energize

your whole system.  Starting Monday, March 3rd 6:30 p.m. 4 sessions once a week. Blodgett View Christian School, 119 West Bridge Rd., Hamilton (By the Seventh Day Adventist Church.) For information call Marilyn Albertson 375-0620 or Vicki Greathouse 370-8242.

MS Support Group

The Bitter Root Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at the Willow Court Apartments meeting room, 150 Skeels Avenue in Hamilton from 9:00am to 10:30am.  Please join us to help establish a new steering committee,  share information, ask questions or visit with friends.  This meeting will be open to anyone with MS, caregivers or family members.

Refreshments will be served.

Handicapped Accessible and open to anyone with MS, MS caregivers or family members.  Contact LaRoy Williamson at 360-1117 or Nancy Holzer at 363-1149 for additional information.

Writer’s Focus Group

Come help and create the new Writer’s Focus Group! The first organizational meeting will be held on March 5th in the West meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library at 7:00p.m. At this meeting they will discuss the genres of writing they will encompass, how often they’ll meet, and what type of focus and activities that will be included. For more information please contact Nansu Roddy at the Bitterroot Public Library at 363-1670 or Beeth Nyberg, Wordsmith at eilisbiggs@yahoo.com.

Democratic Central Committee

The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 P.M.  The meeting will be held at the 164 South 3rd Steet in Hamilton (behind the Exchange Club).  The Spring dinner and planning for the 2008 Campaign will be discussed. All Democrats who wish to attend are welcome.  If you have any questions, please contact John Meakin at 777-4421.

Lewis & Clark presentation

The Travelers’ Rest Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation will host a presentation by surveyor, engineer, and historian, Bill Weikel, at the Lolo Community Center on Thursday evening, March 6th, 2008. Weikel will show the equipment they used and discuss how explorers such as David Thompson, Alexander Mackenzie, Lewis & Clark, and John Mullan were able to document and map the lands that they explored.

Bill Weikel has been researching the history of mapping, surveying, and navigation since the mid-1990s. He has collected equipment and texts over that period of time and given lectures on the subject for many years.

The program will be at the Lolo Community Center, located immediately south of the fire station along highway 93, in Lolo, Montana. The program is free, open to the public, and begins at 7:00 p.m.

Authentic Western Music At Library

Got cabin fever? Want to get out on the town for some feel-good music and singing? Join your friends at the North Valley Public Library to celebrate Stevensville's First Friday, March 7th from 6:30 until 7:30 pm. Listen to Ray Grenfell sing those old time favorites that you grew up with. Besides being a singer, song writer and guitar player, Ray is also a rodeo announcer, auctioneer and one of the best yodelers in the valley.  Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.  For more information, call 777-5061.

International Women’s Day

International Women's Day, March 8, is celebrated all over the world. In Hamilton, all are invited to an informal get together that day, 2 to 3 p.m. at Vicki Bohlig's office, 109 N. 4th St., Hamilton (formerly Sam’s Spade). Bring a memento of an inspirational woman.

Child Care Resources 15th Annual Spring Conference: Bridging the Gap: Celebrating Montana’s Diversity. Nationally acclaimed speaker Jack Gladstone will be presenting. Eight hours of training available this year on a wide variety of topics! OPI credits also available for teachers. This conference meets Saturday, March 8, from 8:00am– 5:45pm in Missoula. Please call Child Care Resources for registration information. Register by February 29: $40.00 fee. Register after March 1: $50.00 fee.

Stevi Museum Board Meeting

The monthly Stevensville Museum Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be at the Stevensville Museum.

Chief Victor Days fundraiser on March 15th is from 7:00-9:00 p.m. this is at the Senior Citizens Center. Bitterroot Ragtime Society will be playing late 1800's ragtime/jazz, which is period music for Chief Victor's time. We are asking for a donation only, but recommend $10.00. This group is awesome, and will also be playing on February 23rd at the Hamilton Pub for free is at 4:00 p.m.

Child Care Resources Orientation

Are you interested in learning more about caring for the children of a friend or relative?

Child Care Resources can help you create a nurturing environment for children. We promote high quality, readily available and affordable child care for families in Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli counties.

Child Care Resources is sponsoring a Legally Unregistered Provider (LUP) Orientation for individuals interested in caring for the children of a friend or relative.

The next orientation will be Tuesday, March 18, 2008 in Hamilton. Please contact Child Care Resources at 728-6446 to inquire about location and details for the next Legally Unregistered Provider orientation.

Child Care Resources’ Training

Making the Connection: Parent/Provider Relationships: How well do you communicate? Do your parents really listen? Learn what your communication style is, and how it affects people’s ability to hear what you are saying. This class meets Tuesday, March 18, from 7:00pm– 9pm in Missoula. Please preregister by visiting our website at www.childcareresources.org or by mailing in your registration form. $10.00 fee.

Montana State Fund Safety Workshop

The Montana State Fund is offering another Safety Workshop in Hamilton on Thursday, March 20 at the Bitterroot River Inn from 8:30 a.m. to noon. You do not have to be a client of the Montana States Fund for you and your employees to attend this workshop, but registration is appreciated so Bryan Page, MSF presenter, has enough material. Call Dale Hanson at Western States Insurance in Hamilton, 363-3543, to register or for more information.

Animal Poster Contest

Montana Companion Animal Network (MTCAN) is looking for kids in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 to illustrate and promote acts of kindness towards animals. Winning posters will be chosen from each grade category, with one overall winner. Posters will become part of the promotional campaign for the 2008 ASPCA Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month this April.

Posters must be on white paper up to size 11”x14 and the words “Be Kind to Animals” should appear as part of the poster. Entries must have the artist’s name, address and phone number on the back and be received by March 21, 2008. Mail entries to: MTCAN, 458 Warp Drive, Corvallis, MT, 59828.

Winners will receive a tee-shirt depicting their drawing and the overall winners poster will also appear on the MTCAN website. All entries will be displayed at a community event in April and become the property of Montana Companion Animal Network for use in our educational and fundraising programs. For more information call Mary at 642-3785 or email at info@mtcan.org.

Mining City Hoopfest

The Mining City Hoopfest has been scheduled for March 28-30 in Butte. The tournament will featuredivisions for boys and girls in the 5th-8th grades.

All teams will play 3 games in pool play followed by a single loss tournament on Sunday. Games will be played in the Maroon Activities Cener, the Butte Civic Center, the Butte Central High School Gym and the McKinley School Gym. The fee to enter a team is $150 per team.

Interested teams may obtain information by calling 723-606 during the work week or 498-4538 in the evenings and on weekends.

Farmers Market vendor meeting

Valley Farmers Market Co-op will hold its Annual Vendor Meeting on Saturday, March 29 at the Corvallis Grange just off Dutch Hill Rd at 1 p.m. There will be a business meeting, board member election, yearly registration and booth space assignments.

If you are a current vendor, and have yet to receive your registration packet, or if you are a new vendor who lives in Ravalli County, and 50% of the wholesale value of your product is added here in Montana, and you would like to have a booth at the Market, call Laura Craig, Market Manager at 961-0004, for more information. The farmers market is especially looking for gardeners and mini-farmers who are planting bumper crops they would like to sell to their neighbors and friends at Market. Buy local!  Buy Bitterroot!

Museum Sunday Series

Feb. 24th:  Dr. Frank Laurence presents a storytelling and the history behind the exhibit “The Artist and the Wolves, Perception, Depictions Real and Imagined,” currently housed at the Museum.

March 2nd:  Marty Essen presents Cool Creatures Hot Planet. See his film of unique animals from around the world.

March 9th:  Helen Atthowe, horticulturist, speaking about “Drought Tolerant & Native Plants for Landscaping”.  It’s time to start planning the garden.

March 16th: Ernst Peterson Photo Contest, Results from judging presented today, critiques and criterion discussed by Judges John Muoio and Dianne Hoffman. Refreshments will be served.

Relay for Life

The dates and location for the Relay for Life this year are June 28 at 6 p.m. and June 29 at 8 a.m. at Haynes Field in Hamilton. This year’s slogan is “Together, Let’s Corral Cancer.” If you are interested in having a team, contact Summer Howe, 363-4400 (Sterling Savings Bank). For any general information, contact Bonnie Wickham, 360-4373. “In our lifetime we will see a cure for cancer, not because we wished for it, but because we worked for it.”