Valley Journal
Valley Journal

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Ongoing Events

‘Park After Dark’ winter hike offered at Lone Pine State Park

KALISPELL — On Wednesday, Feb. 16, from  7:30-9 p.m. experience Lone Pine State Park on a wintery night on this full moon hike. Moon views vary depending on cloud cover, but you’re guaranteed a nighttime adventure that experiences the park after hours. Be sure to dress for the weather. Trails are typically icy at this time of year, so wear micro spikes like Yaktrax if there’s snow on the ground. We’ll have snowshoes available if needed. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706, ext. 0, to register, as space is limited. Cost is $4 per hiker ($8 entry fee for non-resident vehicles).

 

‘Prepare to be Bear Aware’ education class offered at Lone Pine

 

 

KALISPELL — On Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m. at Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center, you can learn safety tips and tools to keep people safe and bears wild as they emerge from their dens this spring. Join us as we share practical strategies designed to minimize bear-human conflicts and promote coexistence. From securing garbage bins to proper food storage techniques, we will share provide invaluable insights into creating bear-resistant environments. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and take action for the well-being of all. Registration is required as space is limited. There is no charge for this program. ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). For more information visit: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lone-pine or call 406-755-2706

 

Attend ‘Here Comes the Sun’ Concert

POLSON — The Polson Fairground Amphitheatre is the site of the “Here Comes the Sun” concert. This concert celebrates the sounds and songs of the Beatles at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks will be on site at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.

 

Country Jam, dances cancelled

POLSON — Our Classic Country Jammin’ scheduled for April 5, at the Elks Ballroom in Polson is cancelled until further notice. Wednesday night dances at the Elks’ ballroom in Polson are also cancelled until further notice. We pray that everyone is staying home and being safe. We do have to go out for essentials and that is okay. Lake City Bakery, McDonalds and Burgerville are open in Polson for take outs. We are all in this together and need to help each other wherever we can, physically or financially. Please encourage one another and we will all get through this. Don’t be prideful and not ask for help, if you really need it. This hardship we are going through may take a little time but if we all work together and for each other, it will pass. We hope to see you all again very soon.

Experience ‘Lights under the Big Sky’

RONAN — On Saturday, Dec. 11, “Lights Under the Big Sky” will provide fun and entertainment for residents of the Mission Valley at the Ronan Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m. There will be holiday lights displays; family activities and Santa.

 

Flathead Cheese holds annual open house

POLSON — Flathead Cheese, will hold their annual Open House Week from July 2-7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, at their shop, 208 First Ave. E. Call 406-883-0343 for more information.

Free 'Utilizing Aces & Trauma Informed Care' training held

PABLO — On April 22, from noon3 p.m. at Salish Kootenai College, Teresa Nygaard will present a free training entitled, "Utilizing Aces & Trauma Informed Care." Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a term to describe traumatic events occurring before age 18. Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that without supports can have long-term negative effects. When “we” are trauma-informed, we realize the impact of trauma and understand there is potential for recovery. We recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in those that we interact with and in ourselves. We respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into procedures, policies and practices. We seek to actively resist re-traumatization. We stop asking “What’s happening to you?” This training delves into this topic, responding to participants based on their pre-existing knowledge of the topic.

Credits are available.

The training is free but has limited seating. To register, send name, email, and contact number to: helpinghandsfund1@gmail.com. Registration confirmation will be sent within seven days. 

 

 

Free online meditation classes

ZOOM — Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, Dec. 28, and on subsequent Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. The classes will be each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. Please join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

 

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Tuesday, April 2

AARP Driver Safety Class taught

4/2/2024

POLSON — Be up to speed with the latest driving strategies, auto safety features, new State traffic laws by taking the Smart Driver Course on Tuesday, April 2, from 1-5 p.m. at the North Lake County Public Library.

This is an award-winning course designed for drivers 50 years and older but all drivers are welcome. There are no tests or exams. You may be eligible for an auto insurance discount. Registration is required, call 406-883-8225. Fees are $20 for AARP members or $25 for non-members and payable to the AARP instructor, not the library.

 

Wednesday, April 3

Climate storytelling event planned

4/3/2024

CHARLO — On Wednesday, April 3, at 7 p.m., the event will take place at Mission Valley United Methodist Church, Highway 93, top of Post Creek Hill. Hosted by Humanities Montana, Winona Bateman, director at Families for a Livable Climate, will make a presentation on climate change. The event will begin with a potluck at 6 p.m. 

Winona Bateman has been facilitating conversations about climate change over the past few years with her organization, Families for a Livable Climate. For more information, please call the Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition at 406-203-2179.

 

Monday, April 8

Arlee CDC hosts more Instant Pot classes

4/8/2024

ARLEE — Due to popular demand, the Arlee Community Development Corporation is hosting a second series of six free Instant Pot cooking classes. Learn how to use an instant pot to create heathy, budget-friendly dinners the whole family will enjoy. Classes will be held Mondays, 12 to 1:30 p.m. from April 8 to May 20, with April 22 off. Attend all six classes and take home a free instant pot! To sign up, call 406-883-2865. These classes are sponsored by the SNAP program through the MSU Extension Office. For more information, see the Arlee CDC website at: arleecdc.org.

 

Tuesday, April 9

The Montana Dinosaur Trail: A guided tour of the unofficial dinosaur state offered

4/9/2024

KALISPELL — On Tuesday, April 9, from 6-8 p.m., Montana Dinosaur Trail enthusiast, Sheena Istre, will present, “Did you know that Montana has a dinosaur trail?” Everyone has heard of or visited the Museum of the Rockies, but that is only the tip of the iceberg for Montana’s dino-destinations. Come learn about all the 14 stops and the amazing animals you’ll meet along the way. Learn about the T-Rex, Gorgosaurus, Maiasaura, Albertosaurus and more, as you move across the Big Sky state and uncover fascinating facts about the geology, recent discoveries and how you can experience Montana’s paleontology treasures yourself. 

For more information about FVCC’s Continuing Education spring class offerings, visit fvcc.edu/ContinuingEducation. 

 

 

Wednesday, April 10

Join ‘Mending Broken Hearts’ - Native American Grief Recovery Course

4/10/2024

POLSON — Adult (18+) and youth (13-17) tracks will be held April 10,17 & 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Talking circles to build community and trust during dialogue. Located at the Fun and Fancy Learning Center. Meals and childcare will be provided. You must attend all 3 talking circles to be eligible to attend the KwaTaqNuk Retreat held Friday-Sunday, April 26-28. Sessions help develop the capacity of individuals and communities to heal from unresolved grief and the losses created by the legacy of historical and intergenerational trauma. Register at: familiesfirstmt.org. 

 

Learn to meditate

4/10/2024

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. The classes will be each Wednesday from 6-7:30 pm. 

For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 .

Tobacco Prevention presentation provided

4/10/2024

PABLO — The Johnny Arlee and Victor Charlo Theater on the campus of SKC will be the site of a free presentation for SKC students, staff and the community. 

The event takes place on Wednesday, April 10 at 6 p.m. The presenter will be Daniel Amen who will talk about his journey leading up to and following a double-lung transplant due to a vaping related injury at age 16.

 

Virtual rockhounding program offered

4/10/2024

ZOOM — The MLN Virtual Programming Series will present “Rockhounding” with Neil Maier from the Hellgate Mineral Society. You can register at: https://bit.ly/Rockhounding.

 

Thursday, April 11

CSKT Ag Producer Summit held in Polson

4/11/2024

POLSON — On Thursday, April 11, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort, the CSKT Producer Summit will take place. Registration is required by April 5. Topics include: regenerative grazing practices, irrigation efficiency options, alternative forages for feeding and more. For more information call Patrick Mangan, at MSU Extension office at 406-210-9843 or go to: forms.gle/yHH1N5waNMHpiepH6. 

Join Story Time at the library

4/11/2024

POLSON — Story Time begins at 10 a.m. at the North Lake County Public Library. Guest speaker Havilah Burton will discuss food during this session. Story Time is geared toward kindergarten readiness, ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome. We read books, make crafts, and play games. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in this interactive program. 

Friday, April 12

Pachyderms to meet in Polson (note change of date)

4/12/2024

POLSON — The Lake County Pachyderms will meet at the Polson Rural Fire Station, 25 Regatta Road, at noon on Friday, April 12. Fire Chief Will Woodger will speak to the group about fire prevention both inside and outside of your home. He will explain what you can do to proactively prevent fires around your house. With the recent active fire years, citizens should do whatever they can to help prevent fires around their homes as a benefit to themselves, their neighbors, and the fire fighters.

 

Saturday, April 13

Join Lone Pine’s Spring Scavenger Hunt

4/13/2024

KALISPELL — On April 13, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. you can embrace the beauty of Montana’s spring at Lone Pine’s Spring Scavenger Hunt. As the snow melts away and nature begins to come alive with fresh blooms and greenery, join us for an adventure through the park’s picturesque landscapes. Pick up your Hunt Clues at the Visitor Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (different versions for different ages), then explore the park’s landscapes to complete your quest before closing time for a chance to win a prize. Event is free and no registration is required. Nonresident vehicle entry fee of $8 will still apply.

 

Seed Giveaway takes place at library

4/13/2024

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library is partnering with the Lake County Conservation District to hold a Seed Giveaway and Education Program on Saturday, April 13, from 1-3 p.m. Beth Waterbury will discuss “Monarchs & Milkweed” at l:15 p.m. At 2:15 p.m. information about basic gardening and pollinators will take place and the seed giveaway is at 3 p.m.

Walk to view wildflowers

4/13/2024

BIGFORK — On Saturday, April 13, Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park will hold a wildflower walk. Meet at the Ranger Station; the walk goes from 10-11:30 a.m. 

Come learn about the different species of vibrant flowers that grow each spring and summer in our Flathead Lake State Parks. 

Please bring/wear weather appropriate clothing, proper footwear, snacks, and a water bottle. These hikes are limited to 20 people and registration can be done by calling the ranger station at 406-837-3041 ext. 0. 

The cost is $4 per participant, and free for kids 12 and under.

Sunday, April 14

Sunday with Camo

4/14/2024

KALISPELL — Join us on Sunday, April 14, for Sundays with Camo, an exploration into the world of our resident bull snake, Camo. Discover the unique characteristics and behaviors of these slithery inhabitants as we observe Camo and witness him enjoy his weekly meal, offering a glimpse into the life of these misunderstood creatures. No registration required for this drop-in program.

 

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