Bitterroot Business News
406-363-2400 - fax 406-363-2402 105 East Main - Hamilton MT 59840 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER -- April 2018
112th Annual Chamber Banquet
The 112th Annual Chamber Banquet was held Saturday, February 3 and was well attended. The event was catered by Little Blue Joint and the food was fantastic. Thank you Michael, Monica and staff. We changed our Chamber Banquet to concentrate on our award winners, which is what the Chamber Banquet is about - recognizing our Chamber Businesses for their outstanding service and commitment to our valley. The 2017 Chamber Awards were as follows: l2017
Business of the Year:Town Pump (Florence, Woodside, Hamilton) Business Persons of the Year went to: Steven/Caroline Hawkes, Riverside & Brian/April Hawkes, Lonepine l2017 New Business of the Year was awarded to: Rosalee Shorter, RS Aesthetics l2017 Community Asset Award went to: Linda Massa Youth Home l2017 Economic Development Award was given to: Schrock Construction Lifetime Achievement Award l2017 Unsung Hero went to: Myrna Wolf Wayne Hedman l2017 Volunteer of the Year was given to: Steve Fullerton lSpark Plug Award was given to: Robin Duncan l2017 Lifetime Achievement Award: Wayne Hedman The Chamber would also like to thank those who l2017 Laurel Award went to: Victoria Howell contributed to our Silent Auction: l2017
More photos on page 7 If you would like to nominate a person/ business for the Chamber’s next Banquet, which will be Saturday, February 2, 2019, please contact Al or Pat at the Chamber 363-2400. They must be a Chamber Member in good standing to be nominated for any of the above mentioned awards.
In This Issue Letter from Director .............. Page 2 Letter from President .............Page 3 Annual Brewfest ................... Page 3 Ribbon Cuttings ................. Page 3-4 Ambassadors ......................... Page 5 New Members ...................... Page 6 Banquet Photos ..................... Page 7 Calendar of Events ................. Page 8
BACK DOOR DELI BIG CREEK COFFEE BITTERROOT CHIROPRACTIC BITTERROOT CROSSFIT BITTERROOT STAR CHAMBER DALY MANSION DOMINIC FARRENKOPF EVANS ACE HARDWARE FINS TAP HOUSE FIRST AMERICAN TITLE FIRST SECURITY BANK GO WEST OUTFITTERS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HAMILTON DOWNTOWN HELEN GARTEN HEIRLOOM REMEDIES KLYQ LAKELAND FEED & SUPPLY LOST TRAIL SKI RESORT MARIE CHRISTOPHER MASSAGE BY ROBIN MIKESELL’S JEWELRY MONTANA BASKET BISTRO MONTANA BLISS ARTWORKS OPPORTUNITY BANK PURITY CLEANING QUALITY INN
RC FED. CREDIT UNION SAPPHIRE LUTHERAN HOME STOCKMAN BANK TIM’S CLEANER CARPET TRIPLE CREEK RANCH THE PAPER CLIP VALLEY DRUG & VARIETY VALLEY MINI STORAGE WAYNE WARDWELL WATTERS EDGE DESIGN WILDFLOWER CONFECTIONS
These businesses helped make our Chamber Banquet Silent/Live Auction Successful
Letter from Director . . . Al Mitchell Greetings from your Community involved Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce! I hope this newsletter finds you all well and looking forward to a great Spring and Summer. It feels like it as been a long, though not particularly difficult Winter here in the valley; especially when you consider what has been going on outside the area. It was a brutal Winter along the Hi-Line, Nor’ easters hitting the New England area and torrential rains and mudslides in California make us all feel fortunate for living here in the beautiful Bitterroot. 2018 opened with our annual board retreat. Your Board of Directors, including five new members - Ryan Jolley, Jaime Williams, Scott Watters, Julia Winthers, and Bill Capko gathered at Skalkaho Steakhouse in mid-January to plan activities for the new year. We had a great time at our annual banquet held at the Bitterroot River Inn on February 3rd. (See related story and photos on front page and page 7 with photos). In mid-February the Chamber combined efforts with the Hamilton Booster Club to help host two very successful basketball tournaments, that brought hundreds of fans from all over the state to the valley over a two week period. Many thanks to all the folks who purchased ads in the program and who donated food for the local tournament hospitality room. Also, a big thank you goes out to the local Kiwanis, RSVP and Chamber volunteers who helped out at the tournament. Special thanks to the City of Hamilton, local city
What is Leadership Bitterroot? Leadership Bitterroot is a 9 month program, offered through the Chamber of Commerce, that runs from September to May of each year. The group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the morning and embarks on an all day tour of local businesses and organizations, usually arranged in a specific area of the valley. The tours are hosted by local community and/or business leaders who discuss a wide range of topics. If you’ve ever been curious about this program or would like to learn more, keep reading. 10 Reasons to join Leadership Bitterroot. 1) Field Trips! - One day a month you get to “skip work” and go on a field trip to different destinations around Ravalli County. 2) Meet local leaders – Many of the field trip destinations are to local businesses who open their doors and allow you a glimpse into their world. You will also have the opportunity to visit with local community leaders and gain a better understanding about many things going on in the Valley. 3) Free Lunch! - Okay, so nothing is really “Free” but the cost of all your meals is included in the course fee. When you are on the tour, you may have to drive your own vehicle (car pooling is encouraged) but you will not have to worry about lunch. Always local and always great! 4) Meet new people – The class size is restricted to 25 people each year. There is an orientation class to help you get to know the other participants. You will be meeting once a month so you really get to know people. It is also a great way to network. 5) Make new friends – One of my favorite aspects of this course
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police department and to Bitterroot Disposal for their contribution to the effort. The local Booster Club, Hamilton High School officials and especially the tireless efforts of the HHS maintenance staff are to be applauded. I know there are others that I have forgotten to mention,. To those individuals and groups, I apologize and Thank You! This year your Chamber Board will be working hard to add greater value to the Leadership Bitterroot experience, and also to reinvigorate our efforts in the arena of Economic Development. We hope to continue growing our membership by spreading the word about the Chamber and its’ many valuable programs. I hope that you will be able to help us out by encouraging your business contacts to join our efforts. Collectively we can make a huge difference in our valley. Once again, I wish you all a great Spring and Summer and remind you to mark your calendars for our 24th Annual Brewfest on Saturday, July 28th. Thank you for all your kind words and for your membership! –Al Mitchell, Director
is that the composition of the group is extremely very diverse. From those who have only lived in the valley a short time to long time “Bitterrooters”, there is a wide range of both experience and perspectives which many times leads to great conversations. 6) Get inspired – You will want to get more involved in your community. 7) Adventure – Try something new! If you’re new to the Bitterroot Valley, I can’t think of a better way to learn about some of the hidden gems scattered around our county. 8) Get to know your Bitterroot Valley even better! – I don’t know how many times I’ve heard long time locals in my group say, “I can’t believe I never knew about that place.” 9) Grow your leadership skills – The purpose of Leadership Bitterroot is to help foster and encourage active, positive leadership in our community. You will be exposed to many leadership styles and philosophies throughout this program. How will you put your skills to use? 10) Support our local communities - The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the Buy Local movement. When we put our resources back into our community, we all benefit from it. 2017/2018 Leadership Bitterroot session is nearing the end and sign ups for 2018/2019 session are now open. Call the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce or visit the website for more information. Pat Easley Leadership Coordinator
Letter from our President ...
Dr. Lucas Pernsteiner
We all have a story to tell. We tell them about our business, our family, our latest struggles, how and why we live here in the Bitterroot, and the list goes on to encompass every detail of our lives. Our stories help others to understand who we are and what we stand for. Oftentimes we tell these stories in words and pictures. For our businesses we put them in print and publish them on the internet, in a paper, in a magazine, or anywhere else that accepts copy. The Chamber publishes a relocation magazine that beautifully demonstrates the allure of the Bitterroot Valley and tells the story of all the things there are to love about living here. This method of telling our story can be effective, but there is another way we tell our stories. It has been called “story doing”. Your Chamber Board has worked hard over the past year and a half to clarify our mission and to identify our branding - all of which was necessary for us to both tell our story (storytelling) and do our story (story doing). When the Bitterroot Chamber tells people that our mission is “to promote economic growth in the valley” and that “we believe in building community,” people nod their heads in understanding. Add to that what the Chamber has been doing and there develops a deeper level of knowing what we stand for. We have recently held our annual awards banquet which allowed members of the Chamber to get to know each other better. There are other events in the months to come that will continue to do this such as Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours events and Community Luncheons. A big one that is even now being planned is our Annual Brewfest to be held in July. All these events promote community and personal interaction between your neighbors (and their business) and you. As for promoting economic development, the Chamber works hard every year to bring tournament events to the valley. These tournaments put heads in beds and fills seats in restaurants which translates to dollars in our communities. Our newly formed Economic Development Team will be exploring additional ways to promote growth in the valley. We will be looking to promote business development, tourism and commerce that is substantial. Right now the work is more behind the scenes but we are optimistic that there will soon be visible evidence of our work. This is just some of our Story-doing at the Chamber. If you would like to know more about other things that the Chamber does then feel free to call us, we would love to chat. Let’s bring this full circle. The Chamber has a story to tell and to act out just as you have a story to tell and act out. One way that you are acting out that story is by being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Our stories are connected. It tells others very clearly that you stand for the building up of your community and economic development in the valley. That is a great story that we can all tell and one that we all do.
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24th Annual Chamber Micro Brew Festival The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of
Commerce is getting geared up for our 24th Annual Micro Brew Festival to be held on Saturday, July 28 on 2nd and Bedford Street. The committee first met in March and are getting things geared up for this summer. This is the Chamber’s biggest fund raiser of the year and it continues to grow, making this the best event held 2018 here in our valley! If you would like to be a sponsor or volunteer to pour at the event, please give the Chamber a call and ask for Al or Pat. We will once again, have some of the best selections of brews in the northwest, some great music and food. So make sure you mark your calendar for Saturday, July 28 for some great brews, food, music and a great time to get together with friends and family.
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Business After Hours . . .
Habitat for Humanity . . .
Community Luncheons . .
Fin’s Tap House . . . Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours help expose your business to other businesses throughout the Valley. The Ambassadors help you host these events and encourage other businesses in the Valley to attend. The photos are some of the Ribbon Cuttings held recently. If you are interested in joining the Chamber and having a Ribbon Cutting or Business After Hours, please give us a call. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Page 4 - Newsletter
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings & Buisiness After Hours ... BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 2018 APRIL 2018 Thursday, April 19 – BAH/Ribbon Cutting Stockman Bank – Carol Holman 1713 N First St – Hamilton 375-5381 MAY 2018 Thursday, May 17 – BAH Heirloom Remedies – Andi Evans 1771 Hwy 93 N. - Victor 406-802-4211 JUNE 2018 Thursday, June 21 – BAH/Ribbon Cutting Farmers Insurance – Rachel Kramer 127 West Main Street, suite 10 – Hamilton 375-8000
If you are interested in scheduling a Ribbon Cutting or Business After Hours, please give Pat or Al a call at the Chamber at 363-2400 or email localinfo@bvchamber.com
Signs of Spring
Ambassador Updates ... Ambassadors Committee - Dr. Lucas Pernsteiner The Chamber Ambassadors have been busy this spring, as we often are! The largest event we organized last quarter was the 112th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet. I must say that the decorating committee outdid themselves this year with a Black & White Affair with a Touch of Gold. There is no way to thank them enough for the hours of planning and preparation as well as their dedication to making the Banquet not only a great time to interact with our friends and fellow business owners but also a splendid event. There may be other black and white gatherings in the valley, but of the ones I have been to the Chamber Banquet is my favorite and this year’s banquet was no exception. Good food, good friends and celebration and recognition of some very deserving businesses. More recently we had our Community Luncheon in Corvallis at Fin’s Tap House. I would like to encourage any of you who have not yet joined us for a Community Luncheon, to please do so! These luncheons are one of the most under utilized benefits of being a Chamber member. It puts your face and your business in the “top of mind” to the others who attend and builds a stronger sense of community in the valley. The luncheons are usually the 4th Thursday of each month from 12-1pm, so I encourage you to book that time off each month and start showing up so you can show case your business. Another reoccurring event I want to mention that is very worth your effort to be at are the Business After Hours (BAH) gatherings. These are set up on the 3rd Thursday of each month and run from 4:30-6:30 pm. We have one planned for April, May and June currently and they promise to be very enjoyable opportunities to build your business community. Stay tuned for details! If you have never hosted a BAH, please consider hosting one at your own business. You provide the location and we will bring the party! If you need us to provide the refreshments, we can do that too (for a reasonable fee)! See you out there . . . We have one booked for April 19 from 4:30 to 6:30 at Stockman Bank, located at 1713 N First St – Hamilton. Last but perhaps most importantly remember, interested is interesting. So get out there and visit your fellow Chamber members.
Ravalli Electric Co-op
Corvallis, MT - (406) 961-3001 - wwww.ravallielectric.com A Touchstone Energy Partner
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Welcome Some Of Our Newest Members ATTIC TREASURES/FANTASTIC FINDS 239 and 237 North Second Street Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 531-4060 mybluewalker@yahoo.com Rebecca Doyle & Kari Andersen BITTERROOTDALEN 4-656 (Sons of Norway) PO Box 206 Corvallis, MT 59828 (406) 381-8564 cheesefactorygarage@gmail.com Carol Peterson EMMA’S HOUSE 319 North 4th Street Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-7216 info@emmashousecac.org www.emmashousecac.org Joni Lubke FIN’S TAP HOUSE 352 Woodside Cutoff Corvallis, MT 59828 (406) 381-6552 tntpam@gmail.com www.finstaphouse.com Pam Kaye FISH WINDOW CLEANING PO Box 4721 Missoula, MT 59805 (406) 728-5201 ktreece@fishwindowcleaning.com www.fishwindowcleaning.com/3170 Kirk Treece
GO WEST OUTFITTERS, LLC 621 North Fourth Street Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 360-2644 gowestoutfitters@gmail.com www.fishgowest.com Jenny West JONI Z REAL ESTATE 176 South Second St., Ste B Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 531-6038 kzmtrealty@gmail.com www.jzmtrealty.com Joni Zinkovich LEGAL SHIELD - ID SHIELD 880 River Place Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 360-5707 jackiejohnsonmt@gmail.com www.jackiejohnson.com Jackie Johnson RELIANCE AUTOMOTIVE 1000 1/2 North First Street Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-2360 tj@lubequick.org www.relianceauto.org Becky Brough
RIDGEWAY MAIL ORDER PHARMACY 2824 Hwy 93 North Victor, MT 59875 (406) 642-6040 jcloud@ridgewayrx.com http://ridgewaypharmacy Jim Cloud
Our Bitterroot Valley Tourism and Relocation Magazine is available here at the Chamber Office. This publication has information regarding our valley from Sula to Florence. It lists 111 Things To Do, Calendar of Events, community information, accommodations, dining, walking, hiking, biking and numerous outdoor activities. This publication helps promote tourism here in the valley as well as information on why making the Bitterroot Valley is the perfect place to live and raise families. We are proud of our valley and its communities. Our businesses are unique and offer home-town service you will not find in larger cities. Stop in the Chamber today and pick up a copy or give us a call and we will be more than happy to deliver some to your place of business. Page 6 - Newsletter
2018 Annual Chamber Banquet
2018 Chamber Board of Directors
Brian & April Hawkes receiving Business Persons of the Year
Amy James-Linton making sure Jean Schurman was having a good time!
Anna Green accepting the award for Youth Homes of the Bitterroot for Community Asset
Table of attendees at our Chamber Banquet
Steve Fullerton receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award
Mryna Wolf receives the Unsung Hero Award
Pat Easley receiving flowers from Al Mitchell
Robin Duncan receives the Spark Plug Award
William Schrock and Ed Brenneman receiving the Economic Development Award
John and Cindy Mikesell enjoying the evening
Rosalee Shorter, RS Aesthetics, accepting the award for New Business of the Year
Victoria Howell receives the Laurel Award
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Calendar
APRIL 1 Annual Eagles Aerie #1693 Community Easter Egg Hunt at RC Fairgrounds. Starting at 10 am on main lawns of Fairgrounds, 100 Old Corvallis Rd in Hamilton. APRIL 4 Lorentzen Community Forum and Darby School Showcase from 5:30 to 7:30 at Darby School. RSVP to srogala@darby.k12.mt.us if you would like to share your thoughts on the Lorentzen Gift, or learn more about Darby Schools. APRIL 7 Ultimate Garage Sale & Swap Meet at First Interstate Center, all day – call Linda Pollard at Ravalli Republic at 363-3300 or email lpollard@ ravallirepublic.com APRIL 12 ATR and Montana Bliss Artworks is hosting an art contest. Submission needs to be original drawings, paintings, mixed media, photography, printed digital work or other 2D media. Show of the artwork will be April 13. Open to any Bitterroot high school student, including those being home schooled. More information info@atrco.com or Montana Bliss Artworks at (406) 351-0073. APRIL 14 Ravalli County 4-H Carnival at First Interstate Center from 4 to 7 pm. This year’s theme is 50’s Rock-n-Roll. Games, silent auction. Fun for entire family. All monies raised will benefit local 4-H Programs. APRIL 20-22 & 27-29 Hamilton Players present CHARLOTTE’S WEB. Call 375-9050 for more information. APRIL 21 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet at First Interstate Center. www.rmef.org for more information 360-3044 Sue Miller. Saturday, April 21st - FREE G1 and G4 Fun Event at 10 AM to Noon. For ages 8 to 18. There will be a Jumping Castle/Obstacle Course, Games, Free Pizza, Prizes, & Arts & Crafts. Held at: Hamilton City Hall (Bedford Room) at 223 South Second Street at the corner of Bedford Street and Second. Saturday, April 28th - FREE Ladies Night Out at 6 PM. There will be Prizes & some delicious Food and Friends. Held at: Hamilton City Hall (Bedford Room) at 223 South Second Street at the corner of Bedford Street and Second. Call Jesse Haynie 406350-2360 or www.h2hm.org APRIL 27-28 Big Sky Handbell Festival in Hamilton at Hamilton High School. For more information (406) 251-4482 . http://area-10.97048.info/BigSky2018.aspx APRIL 27-28 Eagles Boxing Tournament at First Interstate Center. www.facebook.com/Hamilton-EaglesBoxing-ClubMAY Saturday May 5th - FREE Centershot Archery
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for ages 5 & up at 10 AM to Noon. There will be Prizes & some Friendly Competition. Held at: Hamilton City Hall (Bedford Room) at 223 South Second Street at the corner of Bedford Street and Second. Call Jesse Haynie 406-350-2360 or www. h2hm.org MAY 11, 12, 18, 19 Stevensville Playhouse presents Mousetrap. Performances at 7:30 on May 11, 12, 18 and 19. Performances at 2:00 on May 13, 20. Call 7772722 for more information. Tickets: Box office open Mon., Wed., Friday from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. On line www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org MAY 11 SAFE Boot, Scoot & Boogie Fund-raiser Dinner at First Interstate Center. Call 363-2793 for more information regarding this event. Saturday, May 12th - FREE Mother’s Day Luncheon at 11 am to 1 pm. We have a FREE Fellowship Meal and Everyone is welcome. All Ladies will receive a Special Gift. Held at: Hamilton City Hall (Bedford Room) at 223 South Second Street at the corner of Bedford Street and Second. Call Jesse Haynie 406-350-2360 or www. h2hm.org MAY 12 Youth Conservation & Education Expo at Red Slack Barn, Teller Wildlife Refuge, 1180 Chaffin Lane in Corvallis. 10 am to 4 pm. Shooting, hunting, ethics and education. Call Karen 9613507. MAY 12 Art In Action, presented by Artists Along The Bitterroot, held at Rocky Mountain Grange from 10 am to 5 pm. Free Entry. Prints & watercolor presentations, hands-on Concrete Sculpting & Silk Painting etc., Fused Glass & Jewelry, demonstrations and much more. For more information aab@artistsalongthebitterroot.com. MAY 19 Hamilton Downtown Association presents their Annual Wine Fest from 6 to 9 pm at Hamilton City Hall. Call 360-9124 or www. hamiltondowntownassociation.org for more information.
JUNE 2 Save the date, Hamilton Lions Club Tournament. Get your buddies together, have fun, help us and help your community provide glasses and hearing aids. Call 961-4812 for more information. JUNE 8, 9 AND 10 14TH Annual Art Show & Sale at Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. Show and sale of oil paintings, soft pastels, watercolors, photography and bronze sculpture. Fri., opening and reception from 6 to 10 pm. Saturday, 10am to 7 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. For more information MPAA.information@gmail. com Saturday, June 9th - Youth Arise at 10 am to Noon. FREE for Ages 4 & up. FREE Archery, Dance, Arts & Crafts, Jumping Castle, Hot Dogs & Chips, and PRIZES! Held at: Barnabas Ministries at 273 Fairgrounds Road. Call Jesse Haynie 406-350-2360 or www.h2hm.org JUNE 9 Relay For Life at RC Fairgrounds from 4 to Midnight. For more information call Robin Holcomb at Opportunity Bank. JUNE 9 Bitter Root Day at the RC Museum from 9 am to 1 pm. Street festival celebration of the Bitter Root Flower and the original inhabitants of the Bitter Root Valley, the Salish. Arts, crafts,food, vendors and live music. Call 363-3338 or www.ravallimuseum.org for more information. JUNE 15-17 22-24, 29-30 & JULY 1 Hamilton Players present HELLO, DOLLY. Call 375-9050 for more information. Saturday, June 16th - Archery Tag at 1 pm to 3 pm. FREE for Ages 13 & up. Reserve your spot to play by calling Jesse Haynie at 406-350-2360. Held at our NEW LOCATION: 298 Blodgett View Drive, near the Whittecar Rifle Range. Follow the signs to our FREE Fun. JUNE 20-23 NSPRA Senior Pro Rodeo. Contestants from the US and Canada travel to Montana to compete in all standard rodeo events. For more information go to www.darbyrodeoassociation.com
MAY 19-20 Bitterroot Gem & Mineral Show at First Interstate Center. ; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; $3, under 12 free with adult; - gems, minerals, displays, geodes, silent auction, dealers, presentations, fossils, contact Steve Vieth, (406)-381-7597; e-mail: viethsteve88@gmail.com
JUNE 22-24 Western Heritage Days in Stevensville. Great event for the whole family. Tours, Chuck Wagon Judging, Cook-Off, Beer Garden, BBQ, Live Music, Food Court, and parade on Saturday at 11 am. For more information on this event go to www. mainstreetstevensville.com
MAY 28 Corvallis Memorial Day Parade. Biggest, little parade in Bitterroot Valley. Call Doug Mason 546-4244
Saturday, June 23rd - Christian Paintball at 1 pm to 3 pm. For Ages 10 & up. Cost $15 Per Person Includes 400 Paintball, CO2, & Equipment. Reserve your spot to play by calling Jesse Haynie at 406-3502360. Held at our NEW LOCATION: 298 Blodgett View Drive, near the Whittecar Rifle Range. Follow the signs to our Fun Event. Call Jesse Haynie 406350-2360 or www.h2hm.org
MAY 31-JUNE 3 Five Valley Kennel Dog Show at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. Conformation, obedience and rally. Open to the public. susan@shadwalk.com JUNE 1-3 Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour 10:30 am to 6 pm. The tours are an opportunity for the public to view and purchase art work directly from the artists. 381-7898
JUNE 29-30 50 Mile Garage Sale in the Bitterroot Valley. Go to www.bitterroot50milegaragesale.com