RONAN — Ronan’s Adult Education will have open gym at K. William Harvey Elementary School on Dec. 9, 11, 16, 18, from 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Come enjoy a community game of basketball. Must be 18 or older. Please call Francy Moll at (406) 676-3990 ext 7728, for more information. 

RONAN — The eighth annual “Community Spirit Basket Fundraiser” event, sponsored by Community Bank, will take place between Nov. 3 and Dec. 11. Local businesses/ organizations from the community donate baskets of goods and raise funds for the Ronan and Polson Food Pantries. Raffle tickets will be sold at the front desk at either of the Ronan and Polson lobbies for $1 and placed in the basket of the purchaser’s choice. (Need not be present for drawing.) The drawing will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11, in conjunction with the Ronan Chamber Roundup held at Ronan Community Bank from 5–7 p.m. The basket drawing will be at 6 p.m. Call for additional details at (406) 676-4600.

RONAN-PABLO-POLSON — The Community Bank “Holiday Dollar” Program, offering 0% APR Holiday Dollar loans to qualified applicants for purchase of goods and services in Ronan, Pablo and Polson, begins on Nov. 17. Participating merchants will accept “Holiday Dollars” at face value through Dec 31, 2014. Call (406) 676-4600, for details.

RONAN — The Ronan Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Program presents its sixth annual Orange and Black Scrimmages in conjunction with a fundraising dinner and silent auction. 

Come and support the Ronan Chiefs and Maidens on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Ronan Event Center. All monies raised will help pay for meals when the Ronan teams travel.

Dinner is served from 5:30-7 p.m. and the auction begins at 5 p.m. 

For more information, or to donate an item for the auction, call Sandra Wirz, parent volunteer, at (406) 203-2850.

ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Chamber of Commerce will sponsor their annual Christmas Carnival for kids of all ages on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Community Center at 6:30 p.m. There will be prizes, games and many fun events. Santa will be there so don’t miss out.  

Also, the chamber birthday calendars are in. If you have not received yours, please call LaVonne Olmsted at (406) 745-3423. There are a few left over, so you may purchase one even if you did not place an order, at Lake County Bank or from LaVonne for $10. 

POLSON — Sandpiper Gallery will have their holiday open house on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6. The Gallery will present a large selection of art and crafts for all your holiday decorating, gift giving and celebrations. Don't forget the Art Walk in downtown Polson on Friday, Dec. 5. For more information, call (406) 883-5956.

POLSON — Local author Cynthia Doll will be signing copies of her book, “The Sparrow’s Choice,” at Dawn’s Floral Designs, 318 Main Street, on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Doll is a local author, and her historical novel is set in 1907 on the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho.

POLSON — The 15th Annual Parade of Lights starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, with the arrival of Santa. Come see all the beautiful decorations and enjoy the Art Walk at the local downtown businesses. Businesses will stay open late for the festivities.

POLSON — Please support the Life Savers Animal Rescue fundraiser and purchase the perfect gift bag of toys and treats to make your favorite pet’s holiday the best ever. We will be in front of Glacier Bank on Main Street in Polson at 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. We also will have gifts for your favorite animal lover.

POLSON — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints invites the community to “The Light of the World,” a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, from 2-8 p.m.  The celebration includes a exhibit of over 200 Nativity displays and a musical performance on Saturday at 6 p.m. The church is located at 1104 Fourth Ave. E, directly west of Super One.

POLSON — Providence St. Joseph Medical Center will host a health insurance enrollment fair through Montana’s Health Insurance Marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 6 in the hospital lobby from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Although open enrollment began Saturday, Nov. 15 and runs through Feb. 15, 2015, those who wish their coverage to start Jan. 1, 2015 must enroll by Dec. 15, 2014.

Current Marketplace enrollees and those who are considering enrollment have many opportunities for assistance. Providence St. Patrick Hospital and CSKT Tribal Health have Certified Application Counselors on-staff to assist with individual enrollment.

Anyone who needs coverage in 2015, including those enrolled in 2014 coverage, should visit Healthcare.gov to review new plans, changes to premium rates, and to update household income information to ensure accurate tax credits for 2015. 

POLSON – On Sunday, Dec 7, at 2 p.m., the Presbyterian Choir and Hand Bell Choir will present a Christmas Concert in the church sanctuary. All are welcome. The church is located across from Linderman School at 301 Fourth Ave. E. 

POLSON — The Northwest Montana Accordion Association will hold a jam session at the Elks on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2-5:30 p.m. Join us.

POLSON — On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. Lake Funeral Home, (formerly Grogan Funeral Home), will hold a candle lighting memorial ceremony at St. Joseph Medical Center, 6 Thirteenth Ave. E. 

If you have ever lost someone special, join our afternoon gathering to light a candle in their memory. This warm ceremony will help you remember them in a uniquely personal way during this holiday season. A candle will be given to all attendees. We wish to cordially invite you and your families to join all who have lost loved ones for a time of remembrance and reflection.

NORTH CROW CREEK — All young people are invited to come and perform at our annual Women’s Club Christmas Program on Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. This is the 85th year at the North Crow Creek Christmas Clubhouse.

RONAN — Register today for a business plan workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 9. A business plan is an essential roadmap for business success. This living document generally projects 3-5 years ahead and outlines the route a company intends to take to grow revenues. Each business plan component will be explained, along with information about additional resources. There is a $10 charge and lunch is included. The event is from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Lake County CDC building, 407 Main Street. For more information, call Carol at (406) 261-3200 or Lisa at (406) 676-5901. This event is sponsored in part by Lake County Community Development Corporation.

RONAN - St. Paul Lutheran Church - Advent Services at 7:00 pm. Join us for soup supper before the service at 6:00 pm. The church is located at 35861 Terrace Lake Road, Ronan. Call the church at 676-8280 for more information.

POLSON — Heart to Heart will play for the Community Dance on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Elks. Come enjoy the music and the fun.

RONAN — The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association will meet for their annual Christmas party at the Ronan Café on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be from the menu.

Following lunch, there will be a program featuring Jill Simpson from the Mission Valley Animal Shelter. Before departing, there will be a brief meeting conducted by Bryan River. A Merry Christmas is wished for all.

ARLEE — The Parents as Teachers program of the Lake County Public Health Department is sponsoring a playgroup at the Hangin’ Art Gallery in Arlee on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. Pregnant and parenting moms and their children who under 5 years old are invited to come visit and learn more about the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program. Dads are invited, as well.

This will be the only Arlee Playgroup for December; future dates are Jan. 14 and 28.

Family Support Specialists will be on hand with activities and information about the PAT program, and snacks will be provided. 

For more information, call the Lake County Public Health Department at (406) 883-7209.

PABLO — The KSKC-TV, a public television station owned and operated by Salish Kootenai College, is scheduled to hold their on-air fundraiser Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 10 and 11, beginning at 6 p.m. each evening. Viewers can call in bids and people are welcome to come to the campus at SKC in Pablo to participate in-person. The auction will be held in the SKC Three Wolves Deli, right next to the D’Arcy McNickle Library. Free refreshments will be served.

Participants are encouraged to arrive around 5:30 p.m. to get a good seat and enjoy the auction. The annual drive funds operation and maintenance of the only local TV entity in the valley.

POLSON — Polson Youth Soccer’s spring soccer sign-up event will be on Dec. 10 from 5-7 p.m. in the lobby of Polson High School. For more information, email info@polsonyouthsoccer.org.

RONAN — The eighth annual Community Spirit Raffle, sponsored by Community Bank to benefit Lake County Food Pantries, takes place at Community Bank Ronan at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11. Baskets are on display at both the Ronan and Polson Community Banks until the drawing date. You can purchase raffle tickets for $1 each at the front desk and then put your name on the back of the ticket and place them in the attached bag on the basket of your choice. For additional details, call (406) 676-4600.

POLSON - The Glacier Brewing Company will be hosting a silent auction from Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5-8 p.m. in our tasting room at 10th Avenue and Main Street in Polson. We are raising funds to help purchase a bulletproof/stabproof vest for Brody, the Polson Police Dog. Cash donations are also welcomed.

POLSON — "The population decline of long-eared owls in Western Montana,” by Denver Holt, will be the next Mission Mountain Audubon program on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Polson Library meeting room. Everyone is welcome.

VALLEY VIEW — Valley View Women’s Club monthly meeting is Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Call Kelly Bailey at (406) 883-2910, if you would like to attend. Our Community Potluck is on Sunday, Dec. 14, and begins with social time at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. at the Valley View Clubhouse. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share, and come and enjoy visiting with family and friends. All are welcome.

RONAN — The VFW 5652 and the Ladies Auxiliary of Ronan would like to invite veterans, their families and the public to a Community Christmas Potluck Dinner to be held at the VFW Hall in Ronan on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. Bring a salad or a dessert. Main dishes will be furnished. For more information, call Marge Fay at (406) 676-3380.

POLSON — On Thursday, Dec. 11, The Miracle of America Museum will hold a reading of the “Christmas Story” and show the movie “Mr. Krueger's Christmas” with Jimmy Stewart, at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite treat to share. For more information, call Gil at (406) 883-6264.

POLSON — Old and new, collectible and unusual Christmas decorations and gifts will be available at “A Beautiful Christmas” bazaar on Friday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Carved olive wood ornaments from Bethlehem and a blown-glass tree topper from Poland are among the decorations. An assortment of baked goodies will also be available. Good Shepherd is located at 409 Fourth Ave. E.

RONAN — The K. William Harvey Christmas Concert is on Dec. 12, at the Performance Arts Center, which is located in the Ronan Events Center. There are four concerts: first graders perform at 9 a.m.; fourth graders at 10:30 a.m.; second graders at 12:30 p.m.; and third graders at 2 p.m. 

POLSON — A free dinner will be served at Polson Presbyterian Church. The December Friendship Table Dinner is coming up on Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. Polson Presbyterian Church is located across from the Linderman School. Come join us. This dinner is free and open to all.

ARLEE — Bearhead Swaney Intertribal Playwrights’ Center artistic director William S. Yellow Robe, Jr. and associate artistic director Keith Conway will present an evening of readings of poems, monologues, scenes and lyrics on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at Hangin' Art Gallery in Arlee. This reading is to demonstrate how the written word can be transferred into performance and how an actor/performer/reader makes this transformation possible.

Hangin' Art Gallery is on Highway 93 in downtown Arlee. This event is presented on a free-will donation basis. For additional information, call (406) 726-5550 or email arleecdc@arleemontana.org.

KALISPELL — The Kalispell Vet Center is having their fourth annual open house on Friday, Dec. 12, from 1-4 p.m. at the Kalispell Vet Center on 690 N. Meridian Road. Each year, the Kalispell Vet Center opens their doors in order to reach out to veterans, provide service education to the community and to fellowship with other veterans. Staff, volunteers, local community members, organizations and businesses have all jumped into the event by supplying all of the entertainment, food, and refreshments. Questions regarding this event should be directed to the Kalispell Vet Center at (406) 257-7308.

ARLEE — On Saturday, Dec. 13, Bearhead Swaney Intertribal Playwrights’ Center artistic director William S. Yellow Robe, Jr. and associate artistic director Keith Conway will lead writing and acting workshops from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. at Hangin' Art Gallery.

The playwriting workshop, led by Yellow Robe, will feature discussions and writing exercising on how to develop dialogue, character, and the theme of a play. Conway will host acting workshops on how an actor approaches written text through thought, body, breathing and movement.

Hangin' Art Gallery is on Highway 93 in downtown Arlee.

Workshops are given on a free-will donation basis. Pre-registration for one or both workshops on Saturday is helpful, although not required. 

For additional information or to pre-register, call (406) 726-5550 or email arleecdc@arleemontana.org.

BIG ARM — On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Big Arm Association will host a fun-filled afternoon for children who will try to figure out “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” We will view the original movie and our historic schoolhouse will be filled with games and Grinch-related arts and crafts for the children to enjoy. Snacks will be provided. Come join the fun from 2-4 p.m. For more information, contact Nancy Foster at (406) 849-5064.

RONAN — The Kuilix chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host a Christmas party for the residents of the St. Luke’s Assisted Living Center in Ronan at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. We will be entertained with festive holiday music played by “Ukulele Jam.” Refreshments will be provided.

PABLO — Salish Kootenai College Spirit of the Bison student organization will host a holiday bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center on the SKC campus. 

POLSON — Author Cyndi Elliott will hold an open house on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4-8 p.m., to celebrate her new book titled, “I See Ability.” The open house will take place at her home, 40403 Forman Road, Polson. Books will be available for purchase and will be signed by the author.

Explore the different abilities of people through this artful expression created by Cyndi. The focus is directed at the talents and abilities of the characters versus the often “over emphasized” condition or diagnosis they have. To learn more about Cyndi and her book and artwork, visit her online at: ISeeAbility.com.

POLSON — Listen to the Mission Valley Choral Society along with the Polson High School Brass Ensemble and the Flathead Flute Choir at the annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 Fourth Ave. E.

VALLEY VIEW — Valley View Women’s Club Community Potluck is on Sunday, Dec. 14, and begins with social time at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. at the Valley View Clubhouse. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share, and come and enjoy visiting with family and friends. All are welcome.

POLSON — The special board meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. will be held in the Linderman cafeteria, not in the district office.

POLSON — The next Polson City Commission meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at Polson City Hall.

RONAN — Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan will hold soup suppers during Wednesdays in December at 6 p.m. followed by evening worship services at 7 p.m. All are welcome as we enter this Advent season worshiping our God who comes to dwell with us.

POLSON — Ken’s Country Combo will play for the Community Dance on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 7-10 p.m. Please bring treats to share. They are awesome. There will be no dance on Dec. 24. 

RONAN - St. Paul Lutheran Church invites you to Advent Services at 7 p.m. Join us for soup supper before the service at 6 p.m. The church is located at 35861 Terrace Lake Road, Ronan. Call the church at 676-8280 for more information.