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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Thursday, June 2

Grammy winners to perform at Red Poppy

6/2/2022

RONAN — On Thursday, June 2 from 8-10 p.m. the award winnning Rogerio Boccato Quarteto will perform at The Red Poppy, 1 Eisenhower St. SW.  $10 is the suggested donation.

Learn social media marketing for small businesses

6/2/2022

RONAN — On Thursday, June 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mission West Community Development Partners, 407 Main Street SW, will offer a class on essential and effective marketing strategies for business success. In this workshop you’ll learn: Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses; Social media marketing your business; Facebook Marketing; Instagram Marketing; website and search engine optimization and how to building your email list and control the contact you have with your customers. A workbook will be included for you in this interactive workshop. Register at: https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/696.

 

Friday, June 3

First Friday Acoustic Music held in the library atrium

6/3/2022

 POLSON — June 3rd starting at 3:30 p.m. First Friday Acoustic Music will be held in the North Lake County Public Library’s atrium. Join us for the first program in this new monthly series. Intentionally scheduled between Friday Farmers’ Market and First Friday downtown shopping and events, this relaxing musical moment in the library will provide a cool respite in summer activities. Local musician Doug Trost will play music in a variety of styles, including jazz and country. 

Used book sale held at library

6/3/2022

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library District’s Friends of the Library are holding a used book sale Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale features a huge selection of assorted titles, including DVDs and audiobooks, all at bargain prices. 

Along with books, the Friends will be selling raffle tickets for an Amish quilt as part of their fundraising efforts.  The quilt will be on display during the book sale; the winning ticket will be drawn on June 17.

The sale and raffle will be held in the large meeting room at the library in Polson, 2 First Ave. E. All proceeds and contributions will go toward the Friends’ support of the library’s many programs and projects that benefit all in the community.

 

Saturday, June 4

First Saturday event held at Ninepipes’ Museum

6/4/2022

CHARLO — Co-founder of Ninepipe’s Museum, Laurel Cheff, will be the featured artist at the June 4 First Saturday event held at the museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with light refreshments will be available. There will be several recent original oil paintings of Mission Mountain scenes and of wildlife, some of which are available to purchase. Raffle tickets for one of her paintings, Glacier Creek, will be sold at the museum starting June 4 and going through July 17. The painting depicts a scene on the south end of Crazy Horse in the Mission Mountains. Tickets prices are three for $10, and seven for $20. The drawing will be held at the event celebrating Bud Cheff Jr. on July 17.

 

First Saturday event held at Ninepipes’ Museum

6/4/2022

CHARLO — Co-founder of Ninepipe’s Museum, Laurel Cheff, will be the featured artist at the June 4 First Saturday event held at the museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with light refreshments will be available. There will be several recent original oil paintings of Mission Mountain scenes and of wildlife, some of which are available to purchase. Raffle tickets for one of her paintings, Glacier Creek, will be sold at the museum starting June 4 and going through July 17. The painting depicts a scene on the south end of Crazy Horse in the Mission Mountains. Tickets prices are three for $10, and seven for $20. The drawing will be held at the event celebrating Bud Cheff Jr. on July 17.

 

Pancakes served at Big Arm School

6/4/2022

BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association will host our Spring Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, June 4, at our historic Big Arm School from 8:30-11:30 a.m. We will serve pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted. For more information contact 406-849-5064.

Thank you in advance.  

 

Shoot hoops in Plains

6/4/2022

PLAINS — The sixth annual Plains Wildhorse 3-on-3 Shootout will take place on June 4 at Amundson Sports Complex. Registration deadline is May 27 and the entry fee is $120. For more information, call Erica Swanson Lawyer at 406-544-8493.

Sunday, June 5

St. Joe’s Golf Scramble held

6/5/2022

POLSON — The Providence St. Joseph Scramble will be held on Sunday, June 5 at the Polson Bay Golf Club. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 10 a.m. This is an 18-hole, four-person scramble. Entry fee is $250 per team and includes golf, golf cart, gift bag, tee prizes and lunch at Bunkers. Contact Cameron Milton at 406-883-8230 or email: polsonbaygolfcourse@gmail.com to register.

 

Tuesday, June 7

Back Country Horsemen invite public to meeting

6/7/2022

RONAN — Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen invites the public to our next monthly meeting on June 7 at 7 p.m. at the VFW on Round Butte Rd. Come and see for yourself what this great organization is all about.  Hope to see you there.

 

Wednesday, June 8

Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group meets again

6/8/2022

POLSON — The Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group is for anyone affected by cancer. The group will meet from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, in the Chapel at St. Joseph Medical Center. Rev. John Payne will lead the group, which is meeting for the first time since March 2020. The group welcomes those recently diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, cancer survivors, and/or family members. Gatherings are informal allowing folks to drop-in when schedules and life permits. Brown-bag lunches are welcome. For more information, call 406-261-3304. 

 

Driftwood sculpting taught

6/8/2022

POLSON — Artist Melinda Jewett will teach “Driftwood Sculpture” at the Sandpiper Gallery on June 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The cost is $25 per session. Kit purchased separately. For more information call 406-883-5956 or go to: sandpiperartgallery.com.

 

Masumola Club activities resume

6/8/2022

POLSON — After a long Covid rest, the Masumola Club Board met last Friday and agreed that it is time to resume club functions with a meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. on June 9 at the Masumola Club House.

In case you forgot, it is located on Masumola Lane. This will be a bring-your-own barbecue hosted open-air, as much as possible, and with social distancing encouraged. Please bring a dish to pass. Suggested food distribution: A – H dessert; I– O salad or vegetable; P – Z hot dish. 

As always, remember your beverage of choice, plates and silverware. Don’t forget all those smiles and stories you have been saving up to share with your friends and neighbors. 

 

MVUMC begins ‘Let’s go to the movies’ program

6/8/2022

ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Valley United Methodist Church is offering a movie night and barbeque on Wednesdays this summer. Bring a hot dog or burger to fry on the grill and a salad or dessert to share for supper at 5 p.m. The movie starts at 6 p.m. Bring the family and join us for food, fellowship and a family-based movie. The first movie will be shown on June 8 and the sermon to follow will be on June 12.

The movie will become the basis for the following Sunday’s worship service. All are welcome and are guaranteed an enjoyable evening.

 

Polson Chamber Blast held at Big Sky Sporting Clays

6/8/2022

POLSON — The Polson Chamber Blast returns to Big Sky Sporting Clays, 43500 Irvine Flats Rd., on Friday, July 8. Call 406-883-2828 for more information. Cost is $125 per shooter and $375 per three-person team.

Registration from 10-10:20 a.m.; safety briefing 10:20-10:30 a.m.; tournament 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; lunch and awards 2-2:30 p.m. 

 

Rural Fire District Board to meet

6/8/2022

POLSON — The regular monthly meeting of the Polson Rural Fire District Board of Trustees will take place on Wednesday, June 8, at 6 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Station No. 1, 25B Regatta Road.

 

Thursday, June 9

Affordable health screenings coming to Ronan

6/9/2022

RONAN — Residents living in and around the Ronan can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.  Ronan Community Center will host this community event on  June 9. The site is located at 300 Third Ave. NW.

Screenings can check for: The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health; HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; diabetes risk; bone density as a risk for possible osteoporosis; kidney and thyroid function, and more. Screenings are affordable and convenient. Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877-237-1354 or visit our website at: www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

 

Kids' activity at Ronan Farmers Market

6/9/2022

Kids Activity at the Ronan Farmers Market: All children are invited to the Ronan Farmers Market from 4-7 p.m. to take part in the Two-Bite Challenge. Try two bites of a new vegetable at the market and receive a reward. The Ronan Farmers Market is held every Thursday until October 13 and features a new activity for kids each week. Located behind the Ronan Visitor Center.

Many vendors available at Homesteader Days

6/9/2022

HOT SPRINGS — The 73rd annual Homesteader Days and Open Rodeo one of Northwestern Montana’s not-to-be-missed signature events will be held June 10-12 in Hot Springs. Fun-filled family events begin on Friday. There will be a variety of vendors on Main Street with art, crafts and food. In the evening enjoy music and dancing.

 

Ronan Farmers Market open

6/9/2022

RONAN — The Ronan Farmers Market is open on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. at the Ronan Visitors’ Center. Come see what kind of fresh produce or other treasures you can find.

 

Watch four days of chainsaw carving

6/9/2022

RONAN — Watch as amazing works of art are created by international chainsaw carvers from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on June 9 at the Fairgrounds in Ronan. The four-day Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous will be held at the Ronan Fairgrounds from Thursday, June 9 to Sunday, June 20. There will be nightly quick-carve auctions, carvings for sale and craft and food vendors including a beer garden. The main auction will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. Meet the carvers during a welcome breakfast June 9 at 7 a.m. sponsored by the Valley Club. The first quick carve begins at 10:30 a.m. Lunch is sponsored by the 325 Bar at noon. Dinner is sponsored by Pizza Café at 7 p.m. Call 406-261-7579 or 406-261-4697 for more information.

 

Friday, June 10

Chainsaw carving continues

6/10/2022

RONAN — Chainsaw carvers will again have breakfast at the Valley Club at 7 a.m. Carving begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Ronan Fairgrounds, the second quick carve begins at 10:30 a.m. and lunch is at noon, sponsored by the 325 Bar. Carving resumes at 1 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Dinner is at 7 p.m. and sponsored by the Valley Club.

 

Open mic night planned at WMMC

6/10/2022

RONAN — Western Montana Musicians Cooperative, 1 Eisenhower St. SW – Red Poppy building, is a haven for songwriters, musicians, and performing artists of all stripes and is open to all ages, providing a venue to learn about, enjoy and play music outside of the bar and club scene. Most events are free, but donations are appreciated from non-members. Residents of the rural areas in and around the valley connect at our open mic and open jam nights as performers or audience members. Open mic is planned for June 10 from 7-9 p.m. and hosted by Mark and Krysti.

 

Veteran to speak at Big Arm potluck

6/10/2022

BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association will host our second Community Potluck at our historic Big Arm School on Friday, June 10 at 6 p.m. Pull out your favorite recipe to make and share with neighbors and friends. Our guest speaker will be Senior Vice Commander-David O. Chung. He will be discussing issues concerning veterans-focusing primarily on Vietnam vets. His presentation will begin at 7 p.m. We’re looking forward to an informative evening. 

 

Saturday, June 11

Acrylics class held

6/11/2022

RONAN — Learn “Layered Acrylics” from Judy Wright at her studio in Ronan on June 11 from 1-4 p.m. Bring a wood panel (no canvas). Other materials will be provided. For more information, call 406-883-5956.

Car Show, parade on tap

6/11/2022

HOT SPRINGS — Homesteader Days continues with a car show, the Skunk Alley fun run, a horseshoe tournament, a kiddy parade and games, vendors, live music and a yellow-ducky race with prizes. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with the open rodeo. Bigfork’s Tommy Edwards will give a live performance for the evening street dance. 

 

Chainsaw carving continues

6/11/2022

RONAN — Chainsaw carvers will start the day at 7 a.m. with breakfast at the Ronan Fairgrounds, sponsored by VFW Post 5652 & Auxiliary. Carving begins at 8:30 a.m. The third quick carve begins at 10:30 a.m. Lunch, sponsored by 325 Bar, is at noon. Carving resumes at 1 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Dinner is sponsored by Pizza Café at 7 p.m.

 

Community Jam scheduled at WMMC

6/11/2022

RONAN — Western Montana Musicians Cooperative, 1 Eisenhower St. SW,  is open to all ages and provides a venue to learn about, enjoy and play music outside of the bar and club scene. Most events are free, but donations are appreciated from non-members.  A Community Jam is scheduled for June 11 from 7-11 p.m. This event will be hosted by John Hegel.

 

Free hamburger feed held

6/11/2022

BIG ARM — From 11-2 p.m., the Polson Rural Fire membership will host it’s annual free hamburger feed for the Polson community at the Big Arm Fire Station. Meet local firefighters and see some of the new equipment and fire trucks. Donations will be accepted.

Fun-filled Homesteader Days planned

6/11/2022

HOT SPRINGS — The 73rd annual Homesteader Days and Open Rodeo one of Northwestern Montana’s not-to-be-missed signature events will be held June 10-12 in Hot Springs. Fun-filled family events begin on Friday. There will be a variety of vendors on Main Street with art, crafts and food. In the evening enjoy music and dancing.

 

Golf in Polson tourney

6/11/2022

POLSON — The Glacier Bank Two-Person Better Ball golf tournament will be held at the Polson Bay Golf Course on June 11 and 12. Call 406-883-8230 for more information.

 

Guild uses Quilt Show proceeds for fire victims

6/11/2022

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Show will take place in conjunction with the Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous, sponsored by the Ronan Chamber of Commerce, on Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on June 12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Ronan Fairgrounds. Quilted items will also be for sale. There is no admission fee. The guild supports those who’ve lost their homes to fire by giving Tender Loving Care quilts to fire victims in Ronan, St. Ignatius and Polson communities.

 

Mystery authors panel hosted by library

6/11/2022

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will host a Mystery & Suspense Authors’ Panel at 10 a.m. The panel will include authors: Leslie Budewitz, Christine Carbo & Gwen Florio.

 

Sunday, June 12

Buffalo Riderz to perform at WMMC

6/12/2022

RONAN —Western Montana Musicians Cooperative, 1 Eisenhower St. SW,  is open to all ages and provides a venue to learn about, enjoy and play music outside of the bar and club scene. Buffalo Riderz will perform at 3 p.m.. Suggested donation is $5 and this event is hosted by Lee Whalen.

 

Final day of carving held

6/12/2022

RONAN — The final day of the Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous begins with the VFW Post 5652 sponsoring the best breakfast ever at the Ronan Fairgrounds starting at 7 a.m. Carving begins at 8:30 a.m. Masterpiece carving ends at 10:15 a.m. and the third quick carve begins at 10:30 a.m. Noon lunch is sponsored by the 325 Bar at the fairgrounds. The final Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous auction begins at 1 p.m.

 

Queen size quilt auctioned

6/12/2022

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will put on a show in conjunction with the Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous on June 12, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Ronan Fairgrounds. There is no admission fee. Quilted items will be for sale and a beautiful queen size quilt will be auctioned off Sunday afternoon.

 

Sing-a-long on Flag Day

6/12/2022

POLSON — Patriotic music can stir emotions and promote pride. Those who enjoy listening to or singing patriotic songs are invited to a Sing-a-Long on Flag Day, from 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, at the Polson Elks Club. The Mission Valley Choral Society is organizing the Sing-a-Long following the theme “Get America Singing.” Christian Bumgarner will direct such songs as “Battle Hymn of Republic,” “America,” audience suggestions and more. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. and enjoy conversation with a libation of choice.

 

Monday, June 13

Teen book club begins

6/13/2022

POLSON — The First Teen Advisory Board Book Club meeting will be held on Monday, June 13. We will meet in the atrium at 10:30 a.m. and Felicia will pass out the book, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart. This Book Club is geared toward readers in grades 4-8 and will be facilitated by the Teen Advisory Board. 

 

Wednesday, June 15

Free workshop offered

6/15/2022

RONAN — On Wednesday, June 15, 1-4 p.m. at Mission West Community Development Partners’ conference room, 407 Main St. SW. a website free workshop will be held.You must currently have a website – Interactive - bring your laptop - limited to 12 participants.  The purpose of this class is to provide website owners with basic information and skills to choose and do basic manipulation on images that communicate effectively. Contact Karen Dellwo if you have any questions at 406-676-5928 or email: karen.dellwo@missionwestcdp.org

 

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