Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Community Calendar

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.

Healthy living workshops

Free workshops on healthy living are held every monday night at 6:15 p.m. at Active Care Family Chiropractic on Main Street in Stevensville. Are you looking for better health, increased vitality and energy, injury prevention, and longevity? Dr. Kimberly Maxwell may have the answers you've been looking for. Call for weekly topics and reservations, 777-1048.

Yoga in the Root

Yoga in the Root offers hatha yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in Stevensville at Active Care Chiropractic at 504 W. Main St, and vigorous ashtanga yoga on Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Carriage House at 310 N. Fourth St. in the main floor conference room. For more information, call Jill at 370-9252 or e-mail yogaintheroot@gmail.com.

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.

Great Freedom meetings

Great Freedom offers a free open meeting each Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Carriage House at 310 N. Fourth St. The meeting introduces a way of living as complete rest and ease in every moment. For more information, call Jill at 370-9252 or go to www.greatfreedom.org.

Toastmasters Club

Toastmasters Club #347 meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Duran Learning Center, St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula. Visitors and new members are welcome to attend this premier communication and leadership organization. For more information call Jim Mickelson, 728-9117.

5 Valley Arabian Horse Assn.

The 5 Valley Arabian Horse Association's monthly meeting is on the first Thursday of every month. The group meets at various locations in the Bitterroot. For more information call Shelagh at 273-4317. If you love Arabians, come join!

Life drawing sessions

Artists are invited to an open Life Drawing Session every Wednesday from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. at Common Ground Center, 258 Roosevelt Lane, Hamilton. Fee is $9 per session or 3 sessions for $25. RSVP to Laura, 363-4198 or Toddy, 961-4959.

Adult Dancercize

Adult Dancercize with Elenita Brown is held on Mondays and Thursdays. Stretch, strengthen and express, using a variety of styles and music. For more information call 777-5956.

Bereavement Support Group

Marcus Daly Hospice is offering a Support Group for grieving family members and friends who have lost a loved one to any cause. The group meets every Tuesday, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hospice Center living room. The purpose of the support group is to share grieving experiences and to learn how to heal and grow from ongoing bereavement stages. You will receive printed information to review and keep for your ongoing use. For information and registration, contact Cathy Palmer, Marcus Daly Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, at 375-4752.

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.

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.

Dances of Universal Peace

The Dances of Universal Peace are held every fourth Saturday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join this celebration in dance and song to honor world spiritual traditions. Families are welcome, no experience is necessary. Help create peace on the planet through gentle movement and live music. Call Star at 363-4026 for more information.

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.

See's candy sales

Soroptimists of Hamilton is selling See's Candy at its booth in the Citizens State Bank parking lot in Hamilton now through Easter, or until the candy sells out. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds support the many programs that Soroptimists support, such as Bitterroot Literacy, Bitterroot Attention Home, Genesis House, library reading programs, Relay for Life, SAFE and many more.

Swimming lessons

Bitterroot Aquatic Center swimming lessons for levels 3, 4 and 5 are starting now. Underwater Filming and Stroke Anaylsis is now offered and provides an effective way to help swimmers and athletes improve their competitive strokes and turns. Call to schedule an appointment or lessons, 375-8200.

Park District Meeting

The Stevensville West Park District will meet Wednesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. Meeting will be held at the North Valley Church of Christ on Houk Way.

Tax return preparation help available

Now through April 11, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be available at the Hamilton Senior Center to assist moderate to low income taxpayers of all ages with the preparation of their federal and Montana tax returns. Special attention will be afforded to seniors 62 years of age and older.

As in past years, appointments are encouraged and, while walk-ins will be accepted, they are discouraged due to the long waiting time involved. Volunteers will be available at the Hamilton Senior Center from 1 to 4 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 363-5181 for an appointment.

Volunteers will also be at the Stevensville Senior Center on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Appointments may be made by calling the Center at 777-5681.

Volunteers will be required to see an original or copy of your Social Security card and a photo ID before preparing your tax return. You should also bring with you last year's tax return and anything you have received in the mail concerning 2006 taxes.

Seniors who do not have to file federal and state income tax forms but are eligible for the Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit will receive special attention this year. Assistance in preparing this form will be provided at the Hamilton Senior Center every Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. No appointments are required. Service will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Call the center at 363-5181 for additional details.

Would you like to jumpstart your baby's language development? Enhance your child's self-esteem? Stimulate your baby's intellectual development? Strengthen your parent-infant bond or reduce your child's communication frustrations? Sponsored by Marcus Daly Rehab Services, this Baby Sign Language Class is designed to benefit most children and their guardian. Beginning Tuesday, April 3, this class will meet every Tuesday for 6 weeks from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Amy Yockey, an accomplished Speech Therapist with Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, will be teaching this class. If you have a child in your life 6 months to 3 years of age, call Marcus Daly Rehab Services at 375-4570 to reserve your spot. The fee is $10 and space is limited.

MS Support Group

The Bitter Root Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, April 3, at the Willow Court Apartments meeting room, 150 Skeels Avenue in Hamilton from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Join others to share information, ask questions or visit with friends. This meeting is open to anyone with MS, caregivers or family members. Refreshments will be served. The venue is handicapped accessible. Contact LaRoy Williamson at 360-1117 or Nancy Holzer at 363-1149 for more information.

Grief and loss workshop

Seasons Bereavement Programs, a part of Families First, and the Suicide Prevention Network, will offer a community workshop‹Exploring Grief and Loss: In Their Words‹on April 5 (in conjunction with the Fourth Annual Grief Institute). This workshop will be a casual, interactive discussion of grief and loss, exploring common grief responses, myths, and community resources. A panel discussion will touch on suicide, sudden loss, and other types of losses. Everyone is welcome. The workshop will be facilitated by Maureen O¹Malley of the Suicide Prevention Network and Terri Bauer, Seasons¹ MSW Intern. The workshop will be Thursday, April 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. a St. Patrick Hospital, Broadway Building Conference Center, 500 W. Broadway, Missoula. The workshop is free with a $5 suggested donation. Call 721-7690 for more information.

Corvallis Methodist Seder Dinner

The Corvallis United Methodist Church extends a valleywide invitation to attend its Seder Dinner on Thursday, April 5 at 6 p.m. Admission is free but a free will offering will be taken. Following the dinner, Pastor Mick Gray will conduct a service of communion in the church sanctuary. RSVP by Monday, April 2 by calling the church office, 961-3099 or the church secretary, 961-3924. The church is located at the corner of Eastside Hwy. and Cemetery Road, south of Corvallis.

Silent Auction

Come join in the fun! Help us raise funds for a new play structure in Father Ravalli Park for kids 2-10 and is Handicap Accessible. We are having a SILENT AUCTION and a Potato Bake/Chili Feed at Stevensville High School multi-purpose room, March 31, 2007, 5-8pm. We have Gift Certificates for auction, things such as Guided Fly Fishing float for 2, oil changes, $100 off Tax Preparations, wheel alignments, meals, car washes, 1 month gym membership, tanning, chiropractic, martial arts. We also have things such as books, starter aquarium set, an earring/necklace/ring set, gift basket full of (shower gel/bear/bubble bath/candles), gym punch card, coffee punch card, and much more. If you have any questions, or if you would like to help us and join our team please call: Tonya 239-9431 or 777-1120, or Sheri 777-5318 or 550-0309.

Beta Sigma Phi Tulip Sale

The Bitterroot Chapters of Beta Sigma Phi will be holding their annual Tulip Flower Sale beginning at 9 a.m. on Good Friday, April 6. The tulips will sell for $7 for a bunch of ten and can be purchased from members in front of Hamilton's Ravalli County Bank and at various locations in Hamilton, Victor, Darby and Stevensville. Flowers can also be purchased at Parker's Cannery Warehouse, 307 Hwy. 93 N. Enter through the big doors in the alley behind Columbia Paint located at N. Hwy. 93 and Pine Street. If you wish to place an order in advance call Reine Hilton at 375-1952. All proceeds will be donated to the Bitter Root Humane Association.

Art show

Birth Mama will hold a Motherhood and Birth Art Show and reception on Friday, April 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Gold Dust Gallery, 330 N. 1st, Missoula (by the Orange Street overpass). Eat, drink and listen to live music of Helmet Tag and Tom and Tomatoes while sharing creative, intimate and inspirational works of local mamas and artists that celebrate the beauty, wonder and emotion of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. This is a child-friendly event. For more information call 546-6452.

Art exhibit

Rocky Mountain Bank will be hosting an artist's reception First Friday, April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. for artist Bob Phinney. Come enjoy refreshments and meet the artist in the bank lobby where the walls are regularly filled with the artwork of members of the Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society (SASS). Bob Phinney's work will be on display beginning April 6 through June. Rocky Mountain Bank in Stevensville is a sponsor of SASS, which is a non-profit contemporary art group organized for the development of community vitality through the production, display and promotion of public art. SASS provides venues for individual artists to exhibit their work at group shows, and at businesses and is the group responsible for organizing the rural mailbox and bird house contests, the purchase and public display of sculpture pieces and the Stevensville Scarecrow Festival in October.

Bob Phinney is a journeyman sign painter who received his B.A. from Montana State University with studies at the University of Washington. He saw his wife Deanna through medical school while they raised two kids. Twenty years in the sign trade throughout the Seattle area eventually led him into teaching drawing and painting in both Seattle and Missoula. He has taught art at Pratt Fine Arts Institute and the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, the University of Montana, Adult Ed in Missoula Public Schools as well as at the Missoula Art Museum. He also teaches privately and offers spring, summer and fall plein-air workshops in the Bitterroot Valley each year.

MSU All-School Rodeo Reunion

Montana State University's All-School Rodeo Reunion is set to coincide with the MSU Spring Rodeo April 6-7, 2007. "All past rodeo athletes and supporters are invited to attend and help spread the word," said Lana Tibbetts, a member of the reunion organizing committee.

The reunion will be one of several planned for all varsity athletic programs as the Worthington Arena and the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse turn 50 years old. Rodeo reunion headquarters will be the Holiday Inn with a social scheduled for Friday night and banquet/style show on Saturday afternoon. For more information and to provide the reunion committee with information on how to contact you, contact Tibbetts at (406) 485-2997, Mike Germann at mgermann@venturewestrealty.com or (406) 580-4842, or Peggy Lucas (406) 570-8264.

Calvary Chapel Easter events

Calvary Chapel Bitterroot Valley invites everyone to come celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with three special events/services. A Good Friday service will be held on April 6 at 7 p.m. at the church, when the sacrifice Christ made on the cross will be commemorated. A nursery will be provided for children ages birth to 3 years old.

The largest celebration will be held on Resurrection Sunday, April 8 at 10 a.m. This service will be held at the Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). Pastor Dale's message will be titled "Devotionally Right" in Matthew 28. Childcare and special children's activities will be provided for children from infants through 6th graders. For more information contact the church office at 363-3431 during regular office hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Calvary Chapel Bitterroot Valley is located at 700 N. 4th St. (corner of 4th and Franklin) in Hamilton.

Legion Easter Egg Hunt

American Legion Post 94 and Auxiliary will hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7 at Lewis & Clark Park in Stevensville. The hunt will start promptly at 10:30 a.m. Special areas for ages 0-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9 and up will be marked off. Special prizes will be given to those finding a special gold and silver egg in each area. Come and watch 80 dozen eggs disappear very quickly!