POLSON — St. Joseph Medical Center is holding “Stepping On,” a falls-prevention program. This class meets for two hours a week for seven weeks starting April 15. It aims to reduce the more than one-third of adults 65 or older who fall every year. By joining our “Stepping On” workshop, you will learn tips on strength and balance exercises, identification of safe footwear, medications' contribution to fall-risk, eliminating fall hazards in your home, and so much more. This course has been shown to reduce fall risk by up to 30 percent. Join and learn with people your own age how to step outside your home with confidence. To register or to get more information, call Stephanie at (406) 883-8453.

Sandpiper Art & Gift Gallery presents ‘Cameras & Color’ a bright show that zooms in on invited artists Patrick Berry (watercolor), Lael Gray (various paint mediums), Kay Langlan (B&W photography printed on metal) and Sandpiper member Nancy Miller (floral paintings). The show will run from April 1st to May 9th, at the Gallery at 306 Main Street in Polson. For more information call 883-5956 or visit sandpiperartgallery.com.

ST. IGNATIUS — On Saturday and Sunday May 3-4, the Fort Connah Restoration Society will host an open house and rendezvous, which depicts life during the fur-trading era of Montana. This is a great opportunity to see the historic Hudson Bay’s Fort Connah Trading Post come to life. This event is free to the public and includes demonstrations of time-era activities, crafts and games.

Main events are held Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Early set-up takes place on Friday, May 2, for campers and vendors. Fort Connah is located 6 miles north of St. Ignatius.

For general information and trader/vendor set-ups, call Carolyn Corey/Preston Miller at (406) 745-4336 or email: 4winds@blackfoot.net. For more information about camping and demonstrators, contact Chris Poloynis at (406) 214-0333 or email: cpspartan55@gmail.com.

HOT SPRINGS — A corporate meeting of Hot Springs’ Artists Society Corporation will take place on Sunday, May 4, at 3 p.m. at the Symes Hotel. Cake and coffee will be served.

RONAN — The Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will hold their May meeting on the evening of May 4, at the VFW Hall on Round Butte Rd, in Ronan at 7:30 p.m. Speakers for the evening will be Kent and Charlene Krone giving a talk on their travels around the country enjoying trail rides in various locals. As usual, guests are welcome. If you have any questions, call Dennese Schauss at (406) 883-5876.

ST. IGNATIUS — On May 4, the United Methodist Church on Highway 93 on top of Post Creek Hill will begin their hiking information night with a 5:30 p.m. supper of camp-style wrapped food (for free). After supper Bill Schalk will have hiking hints, talk about walks of local interest and have photos of views around the Valley. All ages and levels of interest in the outdoors are welcome.

ARLEE—On May 4, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church social hall, the annual Sacred Heart Parish Bazaar will be held. There will be plenty of refreshments including Indian tacos, pies, beverages, hot dogs, etc. and lots of fun events including a raffle featuring a handmade quilt, cash prizes, a box of barbecue steaks and more. There will be door prizes, white elephant, crafts, kids games, cake- walk and more. Please come and help us make this a success. It is the only fundraiser Sacred Heart Parish holds.

RONAN — Parents and guardians are invited to a high school transition meeting in the Performing Arts Center on Monday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. for all current Ronan eighth grade students. Middle school administration will discuss end of the current school year activities. The high school administration and high school counselor will then have an opportunity to discuss items your student will be dealing with during their high school years. It will also give you a chance to ask questions regarding any concerns or clarifications you may want.  

POLSON — Please join us Monday, May 5, from 7-9 p.m. at the North Lake County Library as the Polson Chamber hosts a “Meet and Greet” with local candidates.  

POLSON — The Montana Co-op’s Monday movie for May 5 is “Fresh - New thinking about what we’re eating.” Movie night is free; bring snacks if you desire. Show time is 6 p.m. at Wander In at Journey Be, 101 Seventh Ave. W. in Polson. To order from the Co-op, come at 5 p.m. For more information, call (406) 883-1330 or (406) 883-0110.

DIXON - Kindergarten Round-Up at Dixon Elementary School Time: 10:35am -3:25pm This round-up is open to all students who will be five years old by September 10, 2014. Parents/guardians please bring the following: • Current immunization records • A copy of your child’s birth certificate For more information phone: 246-3566

RONAN — Lake County Community Development will host a Social Marketing Workshop on Tuesday, May 6, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at their Ronan office. Anyone seeking to implement, utilize and learn the importance of today’s Internet and technological advances will benefit from this workshop. Lunch is included. For more information, call Carol at (406) 261-3200 or Lisa at (406) 675-5901.

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will hold its regular meeting at the Terrace Lake Community Church, on May 6 at 6:30 pm. The theme for the quilt show this year is “Quilter’s Heart,” so be working on something to enter in the show. We will hold election of officers.  Please bring your completed items for the Country Store, and your “Show ‘N Tell” items. Applique of the center blocks on the Quilt from the B.O.M.’s is in order. The Quilt Guild will also hold its annual “Brown Bag Auction” at the May meeting, so bring your UFO’s or some other quilt-related item in a brown bag with a little “ditty” on the outside as a clue. All will be auctioned off.

POLSON — Ken’s Country Combo will play on May 7 at the Cinco DeMayo dance from 7-10 p.m. Wear something colorful and bring your sombrero. Thank you for sharing the wonderful treats. 

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce’s general meeting and luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, at the KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson from noon-1 p.m. The KwaTaqNuk will serve a hot entrée lunch for $14.

We are excited to have Crystal Baker, Economic Development Specialist from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Montana District Office in Helena and John Balsam from SBA who is the Development Center Director in Kalispell. They will share information with us on who the SBA is and what they can do to help our small businesses. For more information, call the Chamber office at 883-5969.

RONAN — Join us for Montana Author’s Night on May 8 at 6:30- 8 p.m. at the Ronan Library. Leslie Budewitz is our featured author. Her book is “Death Al Dente” and is available at the library. All Friends of the Ronan Library events are open to the public.

POLSON — "What Plants Have Taught Me” by Pat Hurley will be the next evening program of the Mission Mountain Audubon Society on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. in the Polson Library meeting room. Everyone is welcome.

Pat will reflect on the natural history of several native plants in Northwestern Montana. While looking at the fascinating ecological adaptations of Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Stinging Nettle, wild orchids and other fascinating plants, Pat will also consider how those adaptations can be seen as metaphors for our lives.

Pat Hurley teaches biology at Salish Kootenai College.

POLSON - A public hearing will be held in the Lake County Commissioners' office in the Lake County Court House at 10 a.m., May 8th, to receive community input regarding the addition of Medusahead (Taeniatherum Caput-medusae) to the list of noxious weeds in Lake County.

POLSON — The May Friendship Table Dinner is on May 9 from 5-7 p.m. Polson Presbyterian Church is located across from the Linderman School. This dinner is free and open to all.

HOT SPRINGS — On Friday, May 9, at the Symes Hotel, John Patrick Williams, a local singer and songwriter, will perform his music.

ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Parent/Teacher Organization is hosting a Sweet Treats Auction Fundraiser for the new community playground on May 9 at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the school. Please call Janet at (406) 745-5112, for more information or if you would like to volunteer. Come out and support your community.

PABLO — The SKC Spring Powwow Celebration is on Friday, May 9 and 10. Grand Entry is on Friday at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Powwow will be at the SKC Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center. For more information, call (406) 275-4980.

NINEPIPE — On Friday, May 9, join an evening of “Spring Into Summer,” a vendor show at Ninepipe Lodge’s banquet room from 5-9 p.m.  This celebration rewards you with discounts/door prizes, and a fun time getting to know our products and services. See you there.

PABLO — An upcoming Cultural Arts and Crafts Family Day at The People’s Center, takes place on May 10 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The day is open to everyone that wants to work on dance regalia, to bead, to drum and sing or to practice your dance steps. We will try to have a drum there. Call (406) 675-0160, to register for the “Art Market.”

POLSON — Mission Valley Animal Shelter is holding an open house Saturday, May 10, from noon- 3 p.m. Come meet our cats and dogs, enjoy activities for kids, join in drawings for gift baskets and come and see our new look at 36251 N Reservoir Road.  For more information, call (406) 883-5312.

CHARLO — On Saturday, May 10, a “3D Archery Shoot” fundraiser for Korrie Frisk and Ashley Mock will be held. Registration will start at 7 a.m. This is a 40-target course in this one-day shoot. Concessions will be available on site. Call Angie at (406) 590-2753 or Val at (406) 207-4586, for more information. Costs and location will be added when finalized.

HOT SPRINGS — On Saturday, May 10, at the Symes Hotel, Tribe Zaghareet will perform belly dancing from 6-7 p.m. The group Back Adit will perform swing and jazz music that evening. 

HOT SPRINGS — Sid Gustafson will present “Horses in Contemporary Culture,” on Saturday, May 10, from 1–2 p.m. at the Preston Hot Springs Town County Library. 

ST. IGNATIUS — Volunteers are needed for the St. Ignatius “Clean up Day” scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at 9 a.m. Participants will meet at City Hall where there will be a dumpster for public use. No tires, paint, batteries or appliances may go into the dumpster. For more information, call Scott Morton at (406) 745-3791. Leave a message at (406) 745-3791, if you would like help moving larger items.

PABLO — A Women 4 Wellness 1-mile and 5-K walk/run starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Joe McDonald Fitness Center in Pablo at Salish Kootenai College, off US Highway 93. Same-day registration starts at 8 a.m. The run/walk pre-registration cost is free for youth 5 years and under, for youth runners 6-17 years old with a T-shirt it is $14, with no shirt it is $8 and for adult runners 18 years and older with a long-sleeve shirt it is $24, with a T-shirt it is $18 and with no shirt it is $10. Fees increase after preregistration. For more information go to: www.prevention.skc.edu.

HOT SPRINGS — On Sunday, May 11, at the Symes Hotel, there will be a “Family Dance” with old time dances taught from 2-3:30 p.m. 

POLSON — Good Shepherd’s youth group will serve king crab, shrimp, side dishes and dessert at the Glacier Brewing Company in Polson on Mother’s Day, May 11.

The dinner goes from 1-4 p.m. A silent auction of quilts, art and other items will take place simultaneously. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children under age 12 and can be bought at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 Fourth Ave. E, or at the Glacier Brewing Co., corner of 10th and Main St. Please bring your own crab cracker, as our supply is limited.

Proceeds from the dinner benefit the youth group’s 2014 service trip to Bethlehem, which departs June 17. For details about the dinner or the trip, please call the church at (406) 883-5864 or email: gslcpolsonmt@gmail.com.

POLSON — The Montana Co-op’s Monday movie for May 12 will be “Genetic Roulette - The gamble of our lives.” Movie night is free. Show time is 6 p.m. at Wander In at Journey Be,  To order from the Co-op, come at 5 p.m. For more information, call (406) 883-1330 or (406) 883-0110.

POLSON — The next Polson School Board meeting will be held on Monday, May 12, at the Polson Schools’ district office, 111 Fourth Ave. E, at 5:30 p.m. 

POLSON — The SKC Spirit of Many Colors Club, in collaboration with SAFE Harbor, is hosting a “Day of Pride” at the college on May 12. Programming includes a presentation on intersex, a resource fair with community agencies, a “Pride Parade,” a discussion on the “Two-Spirit concept” and a film. All activities are free and open to the public. If you have questions, contact Alana at (406) 275-4800. 

ST. IGNATIUS — On May 12 the Smart Driver course will be taught at the St. Ignatius Senior Center from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (406) 745-4462, for a reservation.

RONAN — The American Legion Post 138 of Ronan is meeting May 13 at 7 p.m., (second Tuesdays), at the American Legion Hall, 63869 Highway 93, across from McDonald's. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Jack Fay at (406) 676-3380.

ST. IGNATIUS — The Lake County Conservation District is having an open house at the St Ignatius Senior Citizens Center on Tuesday, May 13, from 4-8 p.m. 

POLSON — On Tuesday, May 13, “Silver Linings Playbook”, a popular movie portraying an aspect of mental illness will be shown in the North Lake County Public Library meeting room at 6:30 p.m. Following the film, Laurie Johnson, author of “I Am Laurie” will lead a discussion.

This event is part of the “Mind Matters” series being shown every Tuesday evening during National Mental Health month. The event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served.  For more information, call (406) 883-8225.

POLSON — The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Polson City Library.  At the meeting, the Board will discuss pheasant and gray partridge seasons and CSKT accomplishments over the past year under the state/tribal agreement. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting. For more information, contact John Fraley jfraley@state.mt.us, or Germaine White germainew@cskt.org.

POLSON — The next “Resource Roundtable” will take place at noon on May 14, at the Lake County Health Department conference room.

The presenter for this meeting will be from the Circle of Trust and Youth Suicide Prevention group. Lunch will be served.

PABLO — The Women 4 Wellness Health Fair is hosted by the Center for Prevention and Wellness. “Health Matters! Yours, Mine & Ours,” welcomes women and men of all ages. Join us for countless free health screenings and services on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center in Pablo.

PABLO — Rez Hope Talk Circle holds their weekly talk circle every Thursday night from 6-7 p.m. at the Respite House in Pablo. If you need a ride and/or more information, please feel free to call Jon Denton at (406) 499-2355.

RONAN — Coming soon… be prepared to be entertained as the Ronan High School Drama Department presents the Shakespeare play “Romeo and Juliet.” General admission tickets will be available soon.  The play will be presented at the Ronan Performing Arts Center on May 15 and 16, at 7 p.m.  

RONAN — On May 15 the Smart Driver Course will be taught at the Mission Valley Senior Center in Ronan from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (406) 676-5495, for a reservation.

POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour will be held Thursday, May 15, from 5-7 p.m. Your host will be JCPenney/Hallmark. 

BIG ARM — On Friday, May 16, the Big Arm Association will be pleased to have Fire Chief John Fairchild as our guest speaker at our historic Big Arm Schoolhouse. He will discuss what measures homeowners can take to prevent wildfires from destroying their homes, or at least, steps to take to minimize losses. This is a very important and timely topic. Join the community potluck and bring a dish to share with neighbors at the 6 p.m. mealtime. Chief Fairchild will begin his talk at 7 p.m. Please join us for this informative presentation. For further information, contact Nancy Foster, BAA secretary, at (406) 849-5064.

POLSON —Reading is a gift and the Mission Valley Christian Academy Usborne Book Fair Fundraiser is your chance to give that gift to a child this summer. 

On Friday, May 16, from 3–7 p.m. and Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. over 1,000 fiction and non-fiction titles that inspire, enthrall and teach through reading will be available for purchase at MVCA, located 2 miles east on Highway 35. The Usborne family of books is internationally acclaimed as the finest educational children’s book line-up in the marketplace today. Come purchase a book to help MVCA raise some money by raising your child’s reading level this summer. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit Mission Valley Christian Academy School and library.

HOT SPRINGS — On Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, at the Symes Hotel, Scarlet Ribbons will play at 7 p.m. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday. Tickets are $14 and include a dessert and house wine. John Kelley will perform blues music at 8:30 p.m.

POLSON — Community Bank will sponsor their annual “Community After-tax Shred Day” on Friday, May 16, at Polson Community Bank from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. The mobile shred truck will be on location at Community Bank to shred your personal documents for free (limit 2 boxes). Polson Police will also be on site to accept and safely dispose of any prescriptions and/or prescription bottles. Senior Medicare Patrol members and Community Bank staff will be on hand with tips to help consumers protect themselves from identity theft.    

PABLO — On Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, the Asist two-day training will take place in the math and science building (building #67) at SKC, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You must attend both days to receive a certificate of completion. Seating is limited to 30 participants.

PABLO — Cheers in Pablo is hosting a “Ladies’ Day Bazaar.” The day will include several vendors including: Thirty-one, Wildtree and more. Join them on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunch will be available for purchase.

RONAN — Ronan American Legion Post 138 is celebrating Armed Forces Day on May 17 with a breakfast from 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Individual meals are $5 and families are $20. Breakfast will be served at the Ronan Senior Center.

POLSON — A “meet and greet” for Lake County Attorney Mitch Young will be held Saturday, May 17, 5:30-8 p.m., at the Mission Valley Aquatic Center in Polson. Everyone is invited to come and meet their county attorney, ask questions, and enjoy locally produced wine, cheese and other refreshments. Mitch Young for Lake County Attorney is hosting this event.

POLSON — On Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. there will be electronic waste recycling at the Lake County Transfer Station. For more information, call (406) 849-5288 or (406) 883-2248. 

VALLEY VIEW — The Valley View Women’s Club will hold a rummage sale on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Valley View Clubhouse, 40762 Valley View Road. Lunch will be available. Donations of any items are still needed. All profits go towards the Valley View Clubhouse. Call Kelly Bailey for drop-off or pickup at (406) 883-2910.

YELLOW BAY — The annual Yellow Bay Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Saturday, May 17, at Mile Marker 18 on Highway 35 in Yellow Bay from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mark your calendar to attend this fun event, which includes local artists, good food and great entertainment. For more information, call Shari at (406) 982-3437.