POLSON — The Sandpiper Art and Gift Gallery begins 2018 with a fundraising campaign with a twist. This will be a non-juried open show until Feb. 23. Our members will donate some of their favorite works by other artists for resale at reduced prices. Discover lots of fine local art at great prices.

POLSON — To celebrate February being “I Love to Read Month,” North Lake County Public Library District is offering its annual Adopt-a-Book program. During the month of February, you may “adopt” a children’s book and present it to the library’s collection. You can purchase a book to honor or remember a special person or event, or your love of reading. Each book is $15. After a book is purchased, a plaque will be inscribed and placed inside. For more information, call the library at 406-883-8225 or stop by the circulation desk at 2 First Ave. E.

POLSON — Join us for All In Stitches’ 17th annual Walk Around Polson Quilt Show. Quilts will hang in businesses on Main Street from Saturday, Feb. 10, through Saturday, Feb. 24. Plan some time to pick up a ballot at All In Stitches and walk around Polson to vote on your favorite quilts by Feb. 21. Ribbons will be hung Feb. 22. If you’d like to participate in this year’s show, please drop off your quilts by Feb. 7 at the shop. Feel free to call All In Stitches at 406-883-3643 to talk with any of us if you have any questions.

POLSON — On Tuesday, Feb. 20, NW Montana AARP Smart Driver Drivers Safety Class will be held at the Polson Senior Center from 8:30-11 a.m. and from 1-2:30 p.m. Call 406-883-4735 for reservation.

POLSON — The Lake County Democrats will hold their regular monthly meeting at the North Lake County Library on Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. for a social time followed by a program at 7:00 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Grete Gansauer with the Montana Wilderness Association based in Whitefish Mt. Please join us to learn more about the stakes of public land transfer, current policy ideas that are threatening our public lands today, and what you can do about it. All are welcome.

RONAN — The Ronan/Pablo Youth Softball Association will conduct girls’ softball signups in the Ronan Middle School front lobby on Feb. 21 and 28 from 5-7 p.m. Signups will be held on Feb. 26 at K. William Harvey Elementary School from 5-7 p.m. If you have any questions, call 406-203-2850.

POLSON — Join us at the North Lake County Library on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for an international experience. While the world watches the Winter Olympics, we will demonstrate our global digital resources, including World Book, A to Z World Food, and world music from Freegal. Join us for learning and light refreshments from around the world.

POLSON — Enjoy a free movie at at the Miracle of America Museum’s, (36094 Memory Lane), “Night at Museum.” This event is held on the fourth Thursday evening of each month. This month on Feb. 22 we will show a heartwarming movie entitled, “Last Man Club,” about a World War II veteran who escapes his nursing home and goes on a cross-country road trip to find the last surviving members of his B-17 crew. In addition to the movie we are digging out our collection of over 400 vintage valentines for the month of February. Enjoy the “Art in Heart” as you view the thematic valentines spread around the museum’s diversified displays. Whether serious, sexy, schmaltzy, or just plain silly, you’ll fall in love with this exhibit. The movie is at 6:30 p.m. at The Miracle of America Museum.

POLSON — Greg Hertz of HD 12 will be speaking at the Pachyderm meeting Friday, Feb. 23, at noon to share updates on state revenue, state budget and the lawsuit filed by Montana State Fund policy holders against the state of Montana for the new fee assessed against MSF reserves. Location will be Rural Polson Fire Department building on Regatta Road in Polson.

POLSON — Montana’s vitality and livability depend on a thriving nonprofit sector. We are creating a future where nonprofits are recognized and celebrated, have the resources needed to fulfill their missions, and are strategically connected with one another and with partners in business and government. The Montana Nonprofit Association will offer four courses in Polson starting on Feb. 23. The topic that first day will be board governance. A new topic will be covered each month for the following three months. Register online at: www.mtnonprofit.org or call 406-449-3717 for more information.

PABLO — Call 406-275-4851 for more information on SKC’s free tax preparation.

POLSON — The ninth annual Winterfest fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Elks. A spaghetti dinner for $12, wil be served from 5-7 p.m. A painted-chair auction, a live auction, a silent auction, a 50/50 split pot and music by Rob and Halladay Quist will be yours to enjoy during this fun-filled, family evening. Proceeds will benefit Soup's On at the Wander Inn, serving a free meal Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to1 p.m.

ARLEE — Enjoy “Winter Respite: Poems and Stories to Gather Round” at Hangin’Art Gallery and Café, Highway 93 N, on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 1– 2:30 p.m. Our featured guest will be locally acclaimed poet, Heather Cahoon, reading from her new collection of poems, “Horsefly Dress.” Her poems explore connections between the past (her own, growing up on the Flathead Reservation, going back to traditional Coyote stories) and the present. Several other local poets and storytellers will also contribute, including Peggy Meinholtz of Missoula, and Gary LeDeau. Bring a friend.

MISSOULA — Local farmers will learn to protect and grow their enterprises and understand the law through “Sustainable Farm Law for Beginning and Advanced Farmers” workshops on Feb. 24 and 25 in Missoula at Missoula College. Sustainable Farm Law 101 on Feb. 24 will cover legal aspects of land lease and purchase, sales contracts, insurance, employment law, food safety, farm events, and value added production. Advanced Farm Law on Feb. 25 will take an in-depth look at managing farm risks with insurance and employment law issues. Each workshop costs $40 and includes light breakfast and lunch. Registration for both workshops is $70. For more information and to register, farmers can visit the Sustainable Farm Law Workshops event page at www.farmlinkmontana.org.

RONAN — The next Ronan City Council meeting is now scheduled for Monday, Feb. 26, at 6:30 p.m.

RONAN — The Ronan/Pablo Youth Softball Association will conduct girls’ softball signups in the Ronan Middle School front lobby on Feb. 21 and 28 from 5-7 p.m. Signups will be held on Feb. 26 at K. William Harvey Elementary School from 5-7 p.m. If you have any questions, call 406-203-2850.

POLSON — This program of courses can provide you with computer and technology basics. North Lake County Public Library is presenting a free class Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. - “Email and Email Systems, Part 2.” All classes will be held in the Library Community room. Reserve your spot by contacting Heather or the Circulation Desk at 406-883-8225.

PABLO — Go to the Salish Kootenai College Career Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. This event will be held in the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center and is open to the community. For more information, call 406-275-4826.

POLSON — The Sandpiper Art and Gift Gallery, 306 Main Street, welcome you to “Mixing It Up,” Feb. 27-April 6. This is a non-juried art show, open to all artists. Artistic interpretation of the them in any medium will be accepted. There is a small entry fee for non-Sandpiper member artists. Visit the website for more information. A reception for the show’s artists will be held on Friday, March 2, from 5-7 p.m. at the gallery.

RONAN — All are invited to the fourth annual “Great Futures Breakfast” at the new Ronan Clubhouse, (formerly Total Home). Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m., the program with keynote speaker and Griz football legend, Chase Reynolds, will be held from 8-9 a.m. Come see and hear the big vision for the future of Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County.

POLSON — An “Open Jam” event to raise money for Safe Harbor of Lake County will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Mission Valley Elks Club, 512 Main Street. Come perform, sit in with the band and or listen and enjoy. Call 406-253-8666 for more information.

RONAN — The Ronan/Pablo Youth Softball Association will conduct girls’ softball signups in the Ronan Middle School front lobby on Feb. 21 and 28 from 5-7 p.m. Signups will be held on Feb. 26 at K. William Harvey Elementary School from 5-7 p.m. If you have any questions, call 406-203-2850.

POLSON — The Polson Kiwanis Club will meet this Thursday, March 1, from noon-1 p.m. at the Kwa- TaqNuk Resort, downstairs in Koostatah Room. Our guest speaker will be Polson Schools Superintendent Rex Weltz. He will give us the state of the Polson Schools as well as an update on the Linderman Gym repairs.

POLSON — On Thursday, March 1, at 7 p.m., join us in the North Lake County Library meeting room for a presentation by former KPAX reporter Ian Marquand. For 35 years Montana has enjoyed a “sister state” relationship with the prefecture of Kumamoto, Japan. Join Ian as he shares the special character of Kumamoto - its connection with former Ambassador Mike Mansfield, its natural beauty, its cultural heritage and its charming modern mascot, Kumamon. He’ll also celebrate the unique friendship Kumamoto offers to Montanans.

POLSON — There will be no Story Time program on Thursday, March 1, at the North Lake County Public Program.

RONAN — Performances of the play, “Once Upon a Mattress,” an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea” will be held on March 1 and 2 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 3.  Performances will be held at the Ronan Performing Arts Center. All tickets will be sold at the door and cost $5.

POLSON — This program of courses can provide you with computer and technology basics. North Lake County Public Library is presenting a free class March 3, at 2 p.m. - “Twitter and Instagram.” All classes will be held in the Library Community room. Reserve your spot by contacting Heather or the Circulation Desk at 406-883-8225.

POLSON — The Mission Valley Ice Arena Association is hosting the second annual WinterFest on Saturday, March 3. This event will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will include our new favorite sport, Broomball, and some hockey drills and other games, as well as hot beverages. We are working to use Riverside Park again. We would like to thank the Greater Polson Community Foundation for helping us continue to make this a free event for families. Stay tuned, as this event will be loads of fun for the entire family.

POLSON — The Northwest Accordion Association meets the first Sunday of every month at the Elks on Main Street, from 2-5:00 PM. All musicians, including singers, plus spectators and dancers are invited. Join us on March 4.

POLSON — The Lake County Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Monday, March 5, at noon. The meeting will be held at the Polson Rural Fire Hall on Regatta Road. Ron Catlett, Northwest Field Representative for U.S. Senator Steve Daines, will be the guest speaker. There will be a question and answer period following his presentation. Interested citizens are encouraged to participate. For information call 406- 644-2863.

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will be having their regular Guild Meeting at the Terrace Lake Community Church in Ronan. The meeting starts at 6:30 on March 6 . Bring your raffle Fat Quarters and show 'n tell for all to see. Come join us; everyone is welcome

RONAN — Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will hold their next monthly meeting on March 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the VFW on Round Butte Rd. in Ronan. We will have two presentations. The first one will be on three GPS tracking devices. Mack and Connie Long of Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters in Charlo will present this program. The devices are: In Reach by Garmin, a satellite phone, and SPOT. The second program will be the 16 minute video, “Playing Smart Against Invasive Species,” produced by the USDA Forest Service Invasive Species Program, in parnership with many organizations and individuals. As always, the public is encouraged and invited to attend.

RONAN — The Ronan School District will hold an informational meeting to discuss information contained in the Mid-Year Education Report. This meeting will provide information to the public and allow for an opportunity for public comment on the information contained in the report. The meeting will be a held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7 in the Ronan High School Lounge.

RONAN — Lake County Community Development Corporation is holding a free QuickBooks I workshop from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, at the County CDC building, 407 Main Street. Call 406-676- 5914 or go to: lakecountycdc. org to register.

RONAN — K.William Harvey Elementary will host a Family Science/Math Night on Thursday, March 8, from 5-7 p.m. There will be activities and fun for all ages. SpectrUM will be there again this year, along with many others. If you have questions, call 406-676-3390 ext. 7340.

RONAN — Ronan Library will be closed from Thursday, March 8, through Wednesday, March 14, to implement changes in our children’s space. Thanks to the Smart Spaces grant we have new modular furniture. This closure will give the library staff time to get things ship-shape, without causing danger to the public. Also, we will not be closed the third Tuesday in March for the usual staff work day because of this closure. Thank you for all the support from our patrons and community.

POLSON — All are invited to the Pachyderm meeting on Friday, March 9, from noon-1 p.m. at the Polson Rural Fire Department off Regatta Road. Janet Austin will provide training on levels of working dog classification from the Federal ADA. She will also discuss FAA laws about who can bring service animals into public settings and businesses. A real life story will be shared about Bill and his faithful dog JP and how they came to be a team. There will also be information and resources on how to obtain a service dog.  

BIG FORK — Are you a teen? Do you want to have healthy relationships? This retreat held by the nonprofit “PEACE” is for seventh-12th grade girls who want to gain leadership skills, learn the red flag signs of dating abuse and learn how to help a friend who is in an abusive situation. Students from all over Montana are welcome as we go through the “statement red flag” curriculum. The retreat will be held at Big Sky Bible Camp just north of Big Fork and will begin at 6 p.m. on March 9 and end at noon on March 11. Registration before Feb. 1 is only $35 (late registration is $55). To learn more go to: createyourstatement.com or for more information email: peaceofpolson@gmail.com.

POLSON — Mission Valley Has Talent competition is scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, March 9, at the Polson High School Auditorium. This event is a fundraiser for the Helping Hands Fund, a non-profit ministry of the Mission Valley Ministerial Association, formerly the Polson Ministerial Association. Since 2004 Helping Hands Fund has provided emergency assistance to county residents, as well as to those traveling through who find themselves in need. For more information, go to Mission Valley Has Talent Facebook page or call 406-249-0837 or 406-883-4160.

RONAN — The Ronan Woman’s Club Arts and Crafts Fair will take place on Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m-4:30 p.m. at the Ronan Community Center. Over 40 vendors are expected. Doughnuts and coffee for breakfast and fry-bread Indian tacos, soup and sandwich for lunch will be available for purchase. All proceeds go back to the Ronan Community. Call 406-676-3232 or go to: Ronanwomansclub@gfwcmontana.org, for more information.

RONAN — Round Butte Woman’s Club will host their annual Spring Fling Brunch on Sunday, March 11, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The ladies will also serve sourdough pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. The clubhouse is located 8-miles west of Ronan on Round Butte Road. Please call 406-676-3054 for more information.

VALLEY VIEW — Join the Valley View potluck on Sunday, March 11, at the Valley View Clubhouse, 40762 Valley View Road. Bring your drink of choice to social time at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share. Call 406-883-2910 if you have questions.

CHARLO — Charlo School will hold a Kindergarten Round Up event on Monday, March 12. Call 644-2206 for an appointment time. Bring a copy of the student’s birth certificate and immunization records.

RONAN — The Ronan School District Board will meet Monday, March 12 in the Ronan High School Library at 7 p.m. 

POLSON — Core Computer classes will be taught at North Lake County Library on March 13, at 2 p.m. This program of courses can provide you with computer and technology basics. North Lake County Public Library presents free twice-monthly computer classes. All classes will be held in the library community room. Reserve you spot by contacting Heather or the circulation desk at 406-883-8225.

RONAN — The Ronan VFW Auxiliary 5652 scheduled to meet on Wednesday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall has been cancelled. For more information, call 406-676-3380.

POLSON — A Zen Meditation Class is being offered at the YogaHeart Studio, 314 Main Street, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 6 p.m. The classes will be presented by Zen Priest Zenku, Jerry Smyers. There is no charge for the class and everyone is welcome. For more details call 847-721-0665.

POLSON — North Lake County Library, 2 First Ave. E, will be closed on Wednesday, March 14, for staff development.

POLSON — The regular monthly meeting of the Polson Rural Fire District Board of Trustees will take place on Wednesday, March 14, 6 p.m. at the Valley View Clubhouse, 40762 Valley View Road. The board plans to hold monthly meetings at alternate locations.

POLSON — The March SPLASH host will be at Professional Therapy Associates, 103 Whitewater, Suite D. This month’s SPLASH will take place on Thursday, March 15, from 5-7 p.m.

RONAN — Farah Ally with Taproot Strategies will make a presentation on business growth methods at the Mission Valley Businesswomen’s Network meeting on Thursday, March 15, from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Lake County CDC, 407 Main St. This meeting is open to the pubic. Bring your own lunch, come network and learn.

POLSON — “The Miracle Worker,” a play celebrating Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. will be shown for two weekends, March 16, 17 and 18 and March 23, 24, 25. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. This play is produced by the Port Polson Players. Reservations online and/or call 406-993-9212.

ST. IGNATIUS — St Ignatius Elementary will hold a Transitional Kindergarten registration on Friday, March 16, from 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. and from noon-2 p.m. Please call 406-745- 3811 ext. 302 to schedule your child’s appointment Transitional Kindergarten is for any students that will be 4 years old by Sept. 10, 2018. The following year (2019) your student will proceed to kindergarten. Please bring the following with you to registration: your child, of course; birth certificate; immunizations records; tribal enrollment information; applicable custody information; proof of residency (lease, electric bill). If you have any questions, call 406-745-3811 ext. 302.

ARLEE — The Arlee Youth Connection will provide a family dance party, called the Sham “Rock” on Saturday, March 17, from 6-9 p.m. at the Arlee Brown Building. Tickets are $3 per person and this includes a meal ticket for dinner and a beverage. This family event includes a live DJ and a 50/50 drawing.

RONAN — A new church called the “Waters of Shiloh” will hold an open house on Saturday, March 17, at 6 p.m. at the Red Poppy Mission Valley Arts Center. The first service will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 18. The pastor is Rev. Mark Toler.

RONAN — On March 17 at 5:30 p.m Ronan will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with their 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A quarter century of Blarney and debauchery is back to the streets of Ronan. Dust off your green and summon your inner leprechaun - all entries are welcome. Meet behind the hospital at 5:15 p.m. if you are in the parade. For more information call 406-261-3309.

POLSON — Sydney Weber, neuroscientist at the Oregon Health and Science University will present remotely on how radiation encountered during space travel affects memory and learning. Come to the Polson Amateur Astronomy Club presentation at the North Lake County Library, 2 First Ave. E, on Saturday, March 17, at 1 p.m. for a family-friendly presentation, followed by a craft experience and light refreshments.

LAKESIDE — A St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dance will be held as a fundraiser for the West Shore Community Library on Saturday, March 17, at 6 p.m. at the Lakeside Town Center.

MISSOULA — Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God inspiring oratorio will be performed by over 100 local community members on Sunday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m., at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3201 Bancroft in Missoula. Admission is free but donations made towards mural restoration project of St. Ignatius Historic Catholic Church are welcome.

RONAN — The final concert of the year for the Mission Valley Children’s Choir will be on Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 406 Fifth Ave. SW. The concert is free. The choir is composed of 25 children, grades two to six, from Polson, Ronan, Charlo and Moiese. It is co-directed by Cathy Gillhouse and Pastor Seth Nelson and accompanied by Robyn Carlson. The children will sing multicultural, American folk, inspirational and pop songs.

POLSON — The Lake County Health Department’s Parents as Teachers program will celebrate reading with two March Community Connections at the North Lake County Public Library, 2 First Ave. E. We will join Kendra at her Mother Goose Mondays on March 19, at 10 a.m. This program is designed for ages 0-3, but older preschoolers are also welcome.