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.

Sapphire Arabian Horse Club

The Sapphire Arabian Horse Club has monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information or the location of the April meeting, contact Shelagh Fox at 273-4317 or Wendy Hauser at 642-9640. The club welcomes new members.

Stevensville Youth Softball

Sign ups are underway for Stevensville Youth Softball, for girls ages 8-15. Practices will start in May. Games will be the first week of June through the third week of July at the Stevensville High School field. Sign up in the Junior High Office or call 777-2386 in the evenings. A coach will contact girls regarding practices. Cost is $35/girl or $60/two sisters.

Toastmasters Club

Toastmasters Club #347 meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Duran learning Center in st. Patrick hospital. Come and join one of the best communication and leadership organizations in the world. For more information call Jim Mickelson, 728-9117.

Youth Theater Day Camps

This year in partnership with Kids First, the Hamilton Players are now offering two Youth Theater Day Camps. Young people ages 9-14 years old are invited to participate. The Hamilton Players Youth Theater Camps begin July 9 and run through the 14th. Youth Theater Camp focuses on acting, dance, and music culminating in two public performances. Registrations will be accepted at Kids First (103 South 9th St.) in Hamilton until Tuesday, May 1. These day camps will run concurrently at the Hamilton Playhouse and at Kids First from Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with performances on Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14 at the Hamilton Playhouse. Cost of the camps is a non-refundable $25.00 registration fee and a $100 camper fee. Scholarships are available. These camps will fill up fast so early registration is highly recommended. For more information, call 375-9050.

RML Community Liaison Group

The Rocky Mountain Laboratories Community Liaison Group (RML CLG) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 2. The meeting will be from 7 to 9 p.m. in Conference Rooms B-C at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton.

The RML CLG includes representatives from local government, education, business, medical and emergency services, and community and civic groups. According to RML Associate Director Marshall Bloom, M.D., the RML CLG represents a long-term commitment to more structured interactions with the community.

Tentative agenda items include overviews of RML’s Environmental Management System, the RML Internet site and updates on RML’s recycling efforts, Master Plan and campus projects.

The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting.

UM Spring Dance Concert

The University of Montana Department of Drama/Dance presents the end-of-the-year Spring Dance Concert May 2-5, 7:30 p.m. nightly at the Montana Theatre, PAR/TV Center, UM campus. Tickets are $15 general; $12 students with ID and senior citizens; $5 children under 12.

This year's end-of-the-year, best-of-the-year Spring Dance Concert will showcase eight exceptional pieces of choreography by both UM Dance Program students and faculty. They represent a wide range of styles within the contemporary dance idiom, from acrobatic floor work to pedestrian gesture to "tweaked ballet." This year's Spring Dance Concert promises to be a delightful and stimulating blend of humor, athleticism, and beauty.

Call the Drama/Dance Box Office at 243-4581, M-F from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to purchase tickets.

National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer Helena Area Committee will present two annual observances of the 56th National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 3, at the Naval Reserve Operations Center, Fort Harrison. The 3rd Annual Prayer Breakfast will be at 7 a.m. at a cost of $7.00. The 7th Annual National Day of Prayer Event will be at noon. There is no charge. The guest speaker at both events will be Rev. Kenneth J. Ross of the Helena First Assembly of God Church. Special music will be provided by Joe and Paula Forrest, Special Forces Veteran, Christian Motorcyclists Association, along with MSG Robert Gregori, of the Montana Air National Guard, and the Children’s Choir of St. Andrews School, Helena. Breakfast tickets are available at Helena Chamber of Commerce, and both Cornerstone and Volume I Christian Bookstores in Helena. The National Day of Prayer Helena Area Committee is a non-profit organization, overseen by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. For more information, call 410-0458 or 475-3766.

Assistance for Business Clinic

The 2007 Assistance for Business Clinic (ABC) is scheduled for Thursday, May 3 at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. The clinics are geared to new and established employer/businesses owners to give valuable up-to-date information regarding tax rules and laws. The Department of Labor and Industry, Job Service and Department of Revenue agencies will be given presentations at the clinic. The program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Registration is $35 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members. Preregister by calling Diane at the Chamber, 363-2400, or sending in the registration form. Payment is due prior to the clinic.

Bowhunter education classes

Bowhunter education classes will be held in May. The Hamilton class will be May 3-5, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Assembly of God Fellowship Hall, 601 W. Main Street, Hamilton. Classes are offered on a first come, first served basis. No pre-registration is required. The course is free. All first time bowhunters, regardless of age, are required to complete the course before they can purchase an archery stamp in Montana. For information call MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 542-5500 or Marlon Clapham, 777-2408.

A Youth Class will be held May 8-11. Adults with youth 11-15 years of age are welcome. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. For information call Marlon Clapham, 777-2408.

Travelers' Rest L&C meeting

The Travelers' Rest Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation's next meeting will be a celebration of its 20th anniversary. The program, on Thursday, May 3, at 7 p.m. will feature addresses by Harry Fritz, Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs, and Hal Stearns.

Dr. Harry Fritz, professor of history at the University of Montana, will speak about the legacy of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. Fritz was the featured speaker at the very first meeting of the Travelers' Rest Chapter back in 1987. Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs, author and Board of Directors member of the Foundation, will speak about Lewis & Clark history. General Hal Stearns (retired), also a Board of Directors member of the Foundation, will speak about the military aspect of Travelers' Rest.

The Travelers' Rest Chapter instigated the search and finding of Lewis & Clark's 1805 and 1806 campsite at Travelers' Rest in Lolo, and was instrumental in the establishment of Travelers' Rest State Park. Travelers' Rest is the only archaeologically proven campsite on the entire route traveled by the Expedition between St. Louis, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and Ft. Clatsop, near the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon.

The May 3 meeting will be at Lolo Community Center, Hwy. 93 south of the fire station in Lolo. The program is free and open to the public.

Stevi school board work session

There will be a Stevensville School Board of Trustees work session on Thursday, May 3 at 6 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center to discuss health insurance and the 457 deferred compensation program.

Used Art Sale

The Stevensville Historical Museum will holds its annual Used Art & Jewelry Sale on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5 at the community room of the North Valley Public Library. A pre-sale party with hors d'oeuvres, door prizes, and first chance to buy the many donated pieces, will be held Thursday evening for all donors. Donations of paintings and prints that are no longer being displayed on your walls, as well as jewelry you are no longer wearing, are being collected for sale at this popular event. Donations may be dropped off at the Bitterroot Star office, 215 Main. Call 777-3928 for more information.

Alzheimers Support Group

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

Gorka in concert

Red House recording artist John Gorka will be appearing Friday, May 4 at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center (PAC). Tickets for the concert are now on sale at www.hamiltonPAC.org. General admission seats ($14 in advance, $16 at the door) are available at Rockin' Rudy's in Missoula, Bitterroot Community Market in Stevensvile, and at Chapter One Boosktore and the Music Box in Hamilton. Reserved seats, available on line or by phone, are $18 each.

Victor farmers market

Totem Peak Farmer's Market will open near the Victor Mercantile on Friday, May 4 at 9 a.m. for the summer months.

Valley Farmers Market Co-op

The Farmers Market in Hamilton, now with its new name, Valley Farmers Market Co-op, will begin the season on Saturday, May 5 at 9 a.m. on Bedford Street by the Museum in Hamilton. Additional vendors are quickly filling up Third Street.

Quackgrass Band will perform an eclectic mix of folk, country and a little salsa beat for Cinco de Mayo. There will also be salsa for eating in the First Annual Salsa Contest. Come vote for your favorite hot sauce!

The Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. till 12:30 p.m., from May 5 through Oct. 6. Community Health Fair Day will be August 18 and the Craziest and Biggest Vegetable Contest will occur Sept. 29. The Bitter Root Valley Historical Society has scheduled Bitter Root Day for Saturday, June 9 and Apple Day for October 13. These events are expanded markets for the benefit of the local Museum and its efforts to preserve history and culture here in the Valley .

If you live in Ravalli County and 50% of the value of your product is made in Montana and you would like to sell at the Market, call Market Manager Laura Craig at 961-0004 for more information.

Kentucky Derby Gala

The Daly Mansion will hold the 6th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala on Saturday, May 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. Watch the Derby while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and drinks and wearing your Derby hat. Cost is $65 per person, and the event includes a horse calcutta, music, entertainment and an auction. Call 363-6004, ext. 2 for more information.

Harvest Valley Farmers Market

The Harvest Valley Farmers Market in Stevensville will open Saturday, May 5. Local producers interested in joining should call Patty Nelson at 777-3629 or Kathleen Rhodes at 777-2473 for details.

Missoula Saturday Market

The Missoula Saturday Market is held every Saturday from May 5 to October 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Pine St in downtown Missoula. The market offers locally handcrafted products.

RML Community Workshop

Rocky Mountain Laboratories will hold a Master Plan Community Workshop on Saturday, May 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Hamilton High School, Commons Room. The purpose of the RML Master Plan Community Workshop is to update the RML and Hamilton community on the current status of the plan; share with workshop participants the basis of the master plan concepts that have been developed to date; and obtain participants' input on the planning concepts for the future of RML through meeting discussions and break-out group sessions. Refreshments will be served.

Woodcarvers show

>The Western Montana Woodcarvers Show will be held Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 6 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Missoula Fairgrounds, 1101 South Ave. West. For more information call 251-4197 or 626-5278.

Showcase on Ice

The Missoula Figure Skating Club will present the 10th Annual Showcase On Ice, "Tropical Heat," on Saturday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Glacier Ice Rink, Missoula County Fairgrounds.

This annual ice skating show features group, duet and solo skating programs by skaters of all ages and abilities. Advanced level club members and skaters from the "Learn to Skate" Basic Skills program will perform. This year's show theme is "Tropical Heat" so skaters will perform free skate and ice dancing routines to music from the tropics. This year's ice show also features guest skaters from Bozeman and Spokane Figure Skating Clubs.

Admission is $8 adults; $4 for children 12 years old and under.

Methodist Mother-Daughter Banquet

All mothers and daughters are welcome at the Spring Fling Mother-Daughter Banquet and program Saturday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College Street, in Stevensville. Adult tickets are $9 and children 8 and younger are $5. Make reservations by April 27 by calling 777-3170.

Night of Worship

An All Valley Night of Worship, Praise and Prayer will be held Sunday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Light of the Valley Church, 103 N. Kootenai Creek Road (Hwy. 93) Stevensville. The worship team and band of Jill Conner, David Ward, Stan Carlson, Angela Hebner, Paul Gabriel, Josh Preiss and Bev Whelehon will provide a wonderful night of ministry and music in unity giving ovation to God. For more information call 777-5859 or email lotv@lotv.myrf.net.

Techno Talk

Corvallis United Methodist Church and SAFE are offering a presentation of "Techno Talk: Keeping Our Families Safe in the Age of Cells, Webs, and Remotes" on Sunday, May 6 at 3 p.m. This presentation addresses the concerns modern families have about making technology safe for their children. The session is for adults only and open to the public. The church is located at Eastside hwy. and Cemetery Road, 1 mile south of the Woodside Crossing. For more information call 363-2793, ext. 14 or 961-3924.

Rocky Mountainaires variety show

The Rocky Mountainaires Barbershop Chorus annual variety show will be held Sunday, May 6 at the UM Recital Hall. Featured will be The Singing Sons of Beaches, Frenchtown H.S. "Accidentals" (matinee) and Hellgate H.S. "Chevaliers" (evening). A matinee show will be at 2 p.m. (admission $10) and an evening show will be at 7:30 p.m. (admission $12). Over 65 will received a $2 Discount. Tickets can be purchased from Barbershoppers, at Rockin' Rudy's, or at the door. For more information call 327-0200 or 721-4499.

Orchid Society

The Bitterroot Orchid Society is holding a meeting on Tuesday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. Dixie Stark will have a presentation on the orchid shows she has attended. The meeting will be held at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds office on Old Corvallis Rd.

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 Department of Veteran Affairs on Tuesday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 am. at the Stevensville Town Hall, and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Job Service.

SuperHost Training Seminar

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Customer Service SuperHost Training Seminar on Tuesday, May 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. Don't miss this opportunity to send your business representatives; they will contribute not only to the success of your company, but also to the economic well-being of our valley. The title of this presentation is "Service You Can Bank On!" If you have contact with Montana visitors, you need to attend. Cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. Register by May 7 by calling the Chamber, 363-2400.

Hamilton Schools Art Night

Art Night, a showing of art work from all elementary and some middle school students in the Hamilton School District, will be held Wednesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Bedford Building, 2nd and Bedford in Hamilton. Admission is free and there will be entertainment by local students and local musicians and a bake sale. The public is welcome.

Montana Trout benefit

A benefit buffet and auction for Montana Trout will be held Thursday, May 10 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the University Center 3rd Floor South Meeting Rooms, University of Montana, Missoula. This auction/raffle event is a fundraiser for Montana Trout's statewide wild trout conservation efforts. The event features live music, fine food, fine art, all sorts of gear and much more. Montana Trout is a nonprofit working to keep wild trout around by fixing poor habitat.

Tickets are $25/advance, $30/door. Advance tickets are for sale at Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop, 215 W. Front St.; Kesel's Four Rivers Fly Shop, 1522 Reserve St.; Missoulian Angler, 401 S. Orange St.; The Kingfisher Fly Shop, 926 E. Broadway; The Source, UM University Center.

Water Quality District info meeting

An informational meeting on the proposed Ravalli County Water Quality District will be held Thursday, May 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Florence School old gym. Theresa Blazicevich will give a Power Point presentation with a question and answer time to follow. For more information call Pat at 273-9049.

Art & craft show

The first annual "Made in the Shade" Art & Craft Show will present artists and crafters on Saturday, May 12, Mother's Day weekend, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lawn of Towle House Realty, 515 Main Street, Stevensville. Applications can be found online at SASSart.org and at Towle House Realty, 515 Main St., Stevensville. Application deadline is April 15. For further information, contact Kiana Fecteau, 777-1160, or Betty Mayes, 777-3919. The "Made in the Shade" Art & Craft Show is cosponsored by Towle House Realty and by Stevensville Art & Sculpture Society (SASS).

Girl Scout program

Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council is sponsoring two “Zink the Zebra” programs in Missoula: May 14, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for girls 5-8 years old, and May 15, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for girls 9-11 years old.

The "Zink the Zebra" program focuses on understanding, respect, compassion and acceptance. This wonderful program teaches girls that everyone is different on the outside, but alike on the inside. Through fun, hands on activities girls learn the value of diversity.

This event is open to both Girl Scouts and non Girl Scouts. The cost to attend is $7.00 for Girl Scouts, and $17.00 for non-registered Girl Scouts (the additional $10.00 fee provides insurance for when attending any Girl Scouts event through September 30th, 2007). Deadline to register is May 1, 2007. Registration is required. Site information will be given out at the time of registration. For more information call Lynette Robbins at 1-800-823-4475 or visit www.bigskygirlscouts.org.

Sons of Norway

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will celebrate Norway's Independence Day at the Senior Citizens Center, 820 N. Fourth, Hamilton on Tuesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.

A program recalling the efforts to create an independent kingdom in 1814, after 400 years of Danish rule, will be presented. There will be a potluck supper, with the Lodge providing meat and drinks. The general public is always welcome.

Affordable housing forum

The Burton K. Wheeler Center for Public Policy at Montana State University will host a forum that grapples with the issue of affordable housing in Montana on May 17-18 in Missoula at the Holiday Inn Parkside.

A variety of building industry experts, housing specialists, city and county administrators and others will all focus on "The Price of Paradise? Affordable Housing in Montana."

"Whether it is termed 'affordable,' 'workforce,' or 'entry level' housing, the time appears to have come for Montanans to discuss how best to address high housing prices vis-a-vis our still low state wages," said Gordon Brittan, director of the Burton K. Wheeler Center. The center promotes the discussion, analysis and eventual resolution of critical issues facing Montana and the region.

Among the issues slated for discussion are whether home ownership is always a good investment, who should take responsibility for affordable housing, what is the responsibilities of the community and the states to supply housing, what are the responsibilities of real estate agents, builders and developers, and what should affordable housing look like.

Among the speakers are: George Masnick, Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, who lives in Hamilton; Mike Vogel, Montana Extension Housing Director; Geoff Badenoch, Market Square on Russell, Missoula; Bob Gauthier, Ahoy Leasing and Development, Ronan; Sheila Rice, Neighborhood Housing Services/NeighborWorks, Great Falls; Ralph Johnson, MSU School of Architecture, Dab Dabney, Bozeman developer, Byron Roberts, executive director of the Montana Building Industry Association; Mike Smith, Glacier Bank in Kalispell; David Stanley, former member, The Millennial Housing Commission; Larry Gallagher, HUD, Helena; Bruce Brensdahl, Department of Commerce/Housing, Helena; Jeff Rupp, Bozeman City Commissioner; and Judy Smith, Homeword, Missoula.

The conference is designed for members of the general public, legislators, city and county officials, builders, developers, real estate agents, housing advocates, housing researchers, state agency personnel and all others who make or deal with housing policy.

Cost of registration for the conference is $40, which includes dessert on Thursday evening, a continental breakfast and full lunch on Friday, plus all materials. Individuals not sponsored by a business or agency may pay $20. Those registering after 4 p.m. Monday, May 14, will be charged $75 on a space available basis, with limited registration available at the door.

For more information, go to http://www.montana.edu/wheeler/spring_07_info.htm.

Wilderness First Responder course

A Wilderness First Responder course will be offered May 19-27 at Montana State University in conjunction with Wilderness Medical Associates and the Associated Students of MSU Outdoor Recreation.

The course is designed to prepare participants to deal with emergency situations that may involve prolonged patient care in severe environments and with improvised equipment. Topics will include patient assessment, body systems, trauma, environmental medicine, toxins, backcountry medicine and wilderness rescue. Mornings are devoted to lectures, while afternoons and evenings are often spent working outside.

The course costs $450 for MSU students, $500 for MSU affiliates and $550 for the general public. Participants will receive certification upon successful completion of course requirements.

Space is limited to 18 students. To register or for more information, call ASMSU Outdoor Recreation at 994-3621 or Wilderness Medical Associates at 888-WILD-MED.

Lions Club Golf Tournament

The Hamilton Lions Club will hold its 12th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 19 at the Hamilton Golf Course. Four- or five-person teams are now forming for the 10 a.m. shotgun start. Cost of $275 for a team ($55 singles) includes green fees, lunch, prizes and snacks.

Entry forms are available at the Hamilton Golf Course or by calling for Tom at 363-1222 or email tom@montana.com. To be a hole sponsor or to donate a prize, call or email Tom.

Chantilly Theatre production

Due to difficulties in casting, the Chantilly Theatre production of "Pippin" has been cancelled. Instead, "From Door to Door" by James Sherman will be offered. A heartwarming, bittersweet comedy about three generations of women – mother, daughter and granddaughter - over the course of 65 years who stand as links in a chain made of faith, love and understanding. The show opens May 25 and runs to June 10. Call 777-2722 for more information.

'Tour of the Bitterroot' bike race

The Bitter Root Land Trust and 5 Valley Velo/Team Stampede present Tour of the Bitterroot May 26-28. 100-200 cyclists are expected to participate in this three-day, three-state omnium bicycle race. A Road Race will be held Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m. starting in Stevensville. On Sunday, May 27 at 9 a.m. the Downtown Hamilton Criterium will be held. On Monday, May 28 at 9 a.m. the Sleeping Child Time Trial will be held. There will be $2,000 minimum purse. Preregistration via SportsBaseOnline is strongly encouraged. For more information visit www.tourofthebitterroot.com.

Chantilly summer workshop

Chantilly Theatre will be offering two separate children's workshops this summer. Students ages 12 to 16 will begin classes July 10 culminating in a performance July 20. Students ages 6 to 11 will begin July 24 culminating in performances August 3 and 4. Hours for both workshops will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Application deadline is June 1, 2007 and registration will be limited to 15 students. The workshop is $100 with a $25 non refundable registration fee. Children should bring a sack lunch; drinks and snacks will be provided by the theatre.

The focus of the workshop is to teach skills that will serve the actor both on and off the stage. Theatrical workshops are an introduction to the magic of theater where your child will meet new people, try new skills and discover how unique and creative they truly are. Director Doreen Roos brings a 25-year history of acting, teaching, and directing to the workshop. Trust, commitment and fun are key to her teaching techniques.

Call 777-2722 or 273-3019 for more information.

Bitter Root Days

Bitter Root Days are fast approaching at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton. Have you reserved your space yet? Festivities begin Saturday, June 9 with an expanded Farmers and Art & Craft Market beginning at 9 a.m. and going until 3 p.m. This is one of two markets at the Museum in which commercial businesses may also participate, and an opportunity to market services and goods.

A 10' by 10' booth space is $50.00 for this one day show to vendors; non-profits may rent a space for $35.00, and regular Hamilton Farmers Market vendors also receive the reduced rate. There is a $5 additional charge for the limited electric outlets available.

Bitter Root Days is the only event in the state that celebrates our state flower, the bitterroot, Lewisia Rediviva. The Museum also recognizes the Bitter Root Valley, the river and the mountains. Hundreds of bitterroot blossoms will decorate the Museum, and the plants will be for sale.

Bitter Root Days festivities continue on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Museum, but the Market will not set up on this day. Tony Incashola, Chair of the Salish/Kootenai Cultural Committee will bless the new Salish room, and he will be the guest of honor, speaking at 2 p.m.

For more information or to receive a registration form, contact the Museum at rcmuseum@cybernet1.com, or call 363-3338 Thursday through Monday.

Mining City Summer Jam Hoopfest

The annual Mining City Summer Jam Hoopfest Basketball Tournament will be held June 15-16 at the Maroon Activities Center in Butte. The tournament will feature a girls varsity division and a girls sub-varsity/small school division. The first 8 teams to register in both categories will be entered in the tournament. The tournament will begin Friday morning, June 15, with pool play and continue Saturday, June 16, with a bracketed tournament. All teams will play a minimum of 5 games in the event. Teams may register or obtain further information by calling Don Peoples, Jr. at 723-6706 during the workday or 494-0698 in the evenings or on weekends.

Bitterroot Birding and Nature Festival

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, in concert with 70 Bitterroot Valley partner businesses, organizations and individuals, has announced that public registration for field trips and workshops is now open for the 2007 Bitterroot Birding and Nature Festival (Festival) in Stevensville. This can be accomplished by visiting the Festival web site at www.bitterrootbirdfestival.com. Be aware that the Festival operates by donation only, so this is a real value for attendees. There are over 48 activities planned during the June 22-24 dates. Numerous field trip opportunities to find birds, butterflies, wildflowers, stars and bats are the Festival's core programming. All family members should find activities suited to their needs, especially kids. This is highlighted by the 2007 Jr. Duck Stamp Award Ceremony, 3rd annual Adventure BioThon, Tee Off With A Birdie Golf Tournament, juried Art Show (featuring artists such as Monte Dolack), and a Kite and Birdhouse building contest.

Art workshop

Art in the Bitterroot will present a workshop on "Sculpting the Horse from the Inside Out" July 10-14 in Stevensville.

This workshop takes the artist through choosing tools and materials, finding good reference material and the design of the sculpture using the armature and skeleton. This armature is the foundation upon which the proportions and muscle groups are constructed to convey the anatomy and action of the horse. Special attention is given to the head and its features, the limbs and feet, and surface treatment for a finished art work.

Instructor Len McCann of Florence, has 35 years experience as a sculptor and 20 years experience teaching his craft with special emphasis on the horse and the historical characters who rode them. Len's professional career started as a sculptor at the Denver Museum of Natural History and he now has his own studio.

Each student receives, as part of the materials kit, a workbook created by Len McCann featuring perfectly scaled diagrams including the skeleton and muscle groups. The materials kit includes tools, and reference books as well as clay, wax, and everything needed to complete the course.

This class is aimed at the beginner but has material for the more experienced artist too. It is amazing that even first time sculptors produce a clay model that actually looks like a horse in this five-day workshop. Some students have had them cast in bronze.

For more information and other workshops contact Pam Cote, Executive Director of Art in the Bitterroot, 642-3200.

Head Start registration

Do you have a child who will be 3 by September 10, 2007, but not yet eligible for kindergarten? Ravalli Head Start is a cost-free comprehensive pre-school that may meet your family's needs. RHS serves 102 children in Hamilton, and 17 children in the north end of Ravalli County on the Lone Rock School campus. Last year the program was fully enrolled by mid-summer, so now is the time to apply. Call Jan at 363-1217, ext. 14 for more information and an application.

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