ARLEE — The Jocko Valley Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Build a Better World,” invites readers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the following themes: “explore” their five senses; “discover” the natural treasures of our area; and finally to investigate the final theme “transformation.” Each event will include a snack, craft activity or game and time for new books. The program runs from June 6-Aug. 1, with special events on Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. Call 726-3572 for more information.

ARLEE — Arlee Schools’ Summer Food Program will start on June 12 and go until Aug. 4, Monday-Friday. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-10:30 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

LAKE COUNTY — The Flathead Reservation and Lake County Boys and Girls Club will operate a summer program at both their Polson and Ronan sites Monday-Friday (not July 4) from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The cost is $25 per month or $75 for the entire summer program, which runs June 12-Aug. 18. The summer program focuses on academics, good character and citizenship and developing healthy lifestyles. Applications may be picked up onsite or at: www.flatheadbgc. org.

POLSON — Monday, June 12, is the first day of the free breakfast and lunch Summer Food Service Program in Polson. Cherry Valley, 107 Eighth Ave. W, is the site for the program. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Monday-Friday. All children 18 years old and under eat for free. Lunches are available for adults for a fee. All kids can come enjoy food in a safe, fun, healthy environment. The program ends on Friday, Aug. 4.

PABLO — Salish Kootenai College's “Making Fitness Fun Program” (open to youth 7 years and older) begins Monday, June 12 and goes from 8:30 a.m.-noon, Monday through Thursday, until Aug. 17. The program will be held at the Salish Kootenai College Joe McDonald Gymnasium. Physical activities will be provided in-between breakfast and lunch. Activities include: swimming, kickball, football, basketball, dodge ball, Native games, volleyball, soccer, shinny, bike riding and gardening. Activities are intended to keep kids busy and active during the summer months. Transportation is provided Monday through Thursday to Ronan and Polson Boys and Girls Clubs daily at about noon. Contact Mike Tryon or Paul Phillips at Salish Kootenai College for more information at 406-275-4916 or 406-275-4917.

RONAN — Ronan Middle School will serve kid friendly meals for lunch and breakfast Monday-Friday (excluding July 4th) from June 12-Aug. 18. Breakfast will be served from 8:15- 10:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. There is no cost to all children 18 years old and younger or for special needs children to age 21. Adult meal prices are $2.50 for breakfast and $4 for lunch. For more information, call 406-676-3390 x 7226.

POLSON — The Polson School Indian Education Committee is sponsoring Summer Native Culture activities available to all kids on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Kids will learn about Native plants, Tribal forests, Native art, crafts, traditional tools, and drumming. Participants will experience hands-on activities and take home their own handiwork. Activities begin June 21 at the Polson Middle School and run through August 9 – except July 5. Lunch is provided. For additional information, call the District Office at 406-883-6355.

ST. IGNATIUS — “Paul and the Underground Church” is the theme for the Vacation Bible School being held at the United Methodist Church, (top of Post Creek Hill). The program is for children ages 4 and older and goes from 5-8 p.m. between July 10-13. This program is a collaboration between Faith Lutheran and the United Methodist Church.

POLSON — Create your own personal mandala using your unique creative energy with instruction from multi-media artist and jeweler Margery Christensen, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 10, 11, and 12 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Sandpiper Art and Gift Gallery. Call 406-883-5956 for more information.

POLSON — Hand build ceramic wind chimes from clay with raku artist Heather Holmes at the Sandpiper Art and Gift Gallery on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, July 10, 12 and 14, from 1:30- 3:30 p.m. You will take home glazed and fired wind chimes hung from local driftwood. Call 406-883-5956, for more information.

PABLO — Flathead Tech 4Good Summer Camp for Native American high school students will be held Monday-Thursday, July 10-13, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Salish Kootenai College. The class is open to rising juniors, seniors and recent high school graduates. Students will learn new skills in game design, web development, hardware, programming and media design. Transportation and snacks will be provided. Registration is currently taking place. For more information, go to: tech4good.skc.edu or call 406-275-4741.

RONAN — Ronan School District #30 will offer a Volleyball Camp July 10-12. For more information, call 676-3390 x 7423.

POLSON — The Polson Rural Fire Board will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 12, at 6 p.m. at the Rural Fairgrounds Station number 1.

RONAN — The Mission Valley Heritage will hold its monthly meeting on July 12 at 2 p.m. at the Garden of the Rockies Muesum. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. We would also like to give a big thank you to Steve Larson for all that he does for us around the museum.

POLSON — The Polson School Indian Education Committee is sponsoring Summer Native Culture activities available to all kids on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. For additional information, call the District Office at 406-883-6355.

RONAN — The Ronan VFW Auxiliary 5652 are meeting on July 12 at at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall. For more information, call 406- 676-3380.

RONAN — 4-H Lake County Fair entries fees are due by 4 p.m. in the Lake County Fair Office. No late entries will be accepted.

ELMO — The Kootenai Tribe, also known as the Ktunaxa Ksanka Band, welcome all nations and the general public to the 38th annual “Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow” at the Elmo Powwow Grounds on Thursday, July 13-Sunday, July 16. It is a Native American gathering featuring drumming, dancing and traditional dress.

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program’s “big event” on Thursday, July 13, at 10 a.m. is “Build a Better World … and Discover New Ones” with NASA. Call 406-883-8225, for more information.

BIGFORK — Mission Valley 3 on 3’s seventh annual Battle in the Bay will be held the second weekend of July at Bigfork High School and hosts 100 plus teams from third grade through adult. There will be 6-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot dunk contests, 3-point contests and free throw contests held on Leonard Park Logging Inc. - center court. For more information, go to: missionvalley3on3.com or call 406-261-1521.

POLSON — The July Friendship Table Dinner is on July 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. Polson Presbyterian Church is located across from the Linderman School. Come join us. This dinner is free and open to all.

RONAN — The Lower Mission Valley Chapter of PEO will hold their annual Rummage Sale on July 14, on the west side of Ronan Glacier Bank, across from the city park. It will be open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Baked goods, clothing, household goods, accessories, books, games and miscellaneous items will be available for sale. All proceeds from the sale will be used for PEO sponsored scholarships for women.

POLSON — Mark your calendars for a funfilled weekend called “Live History Days” at the Miracle of America Museum, 36094 Memory Lane, on July 15 and July 16. There will be historic movies Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. There will be ice cream and other concessions; rides on two trains; Army rigs; spinners and wood carvers; a sawmill in action; a jet trainer cockpit; a blacksmith shop; whirling flywheel engines; a tennis ball cannon; a one room schoolhouse, a flint knapper and educational gun exhibits. The “Country Combo” of fiddlers, pickers, singers and accordions will provide listening and dancing entertainment on Saturday. Join the fun, sell your wares and be a part of history. We welcome new exhibitors and volunteers. Vendors must have a direct link to things historical i.e.: soap making, broom making, pottery, beading, etc. For more information, contact Gil at 406-883-6264 or www.miracleofamericamuseum. org.

POLSON — Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival will be held Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, July 16, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Come enjoy the great selection of vendors, Flathead Cherries, homemade cherry pies, cherry quilts on display in store windows, unique arts and crafts, entertainment, sidewalk sales and specials all weekend long. Saturday’s schedule includes live music from 1-4 p.m.; a children’s cherry spitting contest in front of the Cove Deli at 2 p.m.; and an adult cherry spitting contest at 3 p.m. On Sunday there will be live music from 1-3:30 p.m.; a children’s pie eating contest takes place at 3 p.m. and the adult pie eating contest will be at 3:30 p.m. For more information, including vendor applications, go to: flatheadcherryfestival. com.

POLSON — The third annual Polson Mud Run will be held on Saturday, July 15, at the Polson Fairgrounds. This is a fund raising event for the Flathead Boys and Girls Club. Show up at the Polson Fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m. for the Mud Run of your life and one of the toughest courses combining a challenging mix of climbing, kayaking, and running. The cost is $40 per person, plus a $3 signup fee. For more information, call 406-676-5437or go to: flatheadbgc.org or the sign up account: https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Polson/GetMuddyBGC.

ST. IGNATIUS — St. Luke Community Healthcare’s 35th Annual Buffalo Run will be held July 15 and consists of a 1-mile, a 4-mile, and a 7-mile half marathon runs. The half marathon starts promptly at 7 a.m. with the other races starting at 8 a.m. The annual run begins in front of Gamble’s Hardware and the course is in and around the town of St. Ignatius and is mostly flat. Entry deadline is July 10. Entry forms are available for download at stlukehealthcare. org or by calling 406- 528-5321.

PLAINS — The Wild Horse Shoot Out takes place the third weekend of July at the Wildhorse Outdoor Sports Complex in Plains. There are divisions from third grade through adult. Go to: www.missionvalley3on3.com, or call 406-261-1521 for more information.

PLAINS —The second annual Plains Wild Horse Shootout signups will be held July 15 to benefit the Wildhorse Sports Association, a local charity developing a new sports complex for Plains and Sanders County. For more information, visit missionvalley3on3. com.

POLSON — Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival continues from 10 am.-4 pm.

RONAN — Glacier View Adventist School will hold Vacation Bible School, SonSpark Labs, on July 17-21 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Glacier View School, 36332 Mud Creek Lane. Come have a blast discovering God’s plan for you. This program is for children ages 4-12. For additional information, call 406-544-7119.

POLSON — On July 17, at the North Lake County Library, the president of the Big Sky Astronomy Club will give a presentation on developments in astronomy, astrophysics, and citizen science. There will be plenty of interactables to follow. This event will prepare attendees for the upcoming total solar eclipse in August.

MISSION VALLEY — Early Childhood Services is accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year. Call 406-745-4509 to find out ways to receive an application. Selection will take place the week of July 17.

YELLOW BAY — The Flathead Biological Station at Yellow Bay will host a “Data and Donuts Seminar” on Monday, July 17, from 10-11 a.m. Dr. Anna Sala, University of Montana, will talk about “Why do plants store food? The role of starch for drought tolerance.” These seminars are open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend. Stop by to have a donut and learn more about ecology, and current research in the Flathead. Call 406-982-3301 x 229, for more information.

ARLEE — Another Jocko Valley Library Summer Reading Program “Build a Better World” event is on Tuesday, July 18, from 9:30-11 a.m. Call 406-726-3572, for more information.

POLSON — On Wednesday, July 19, the North Lake County Public Library is hosting an adult coloring program, “Goin’ On A Picnic!” from 2:30 – 4 p.m. in the library meeting room. Picnic-themed snacks and décor will add flavor and fun to the day. A variety of projects will be provided, along with coloring supplies (or you may bring your own). Please join us. Everyone will be there, even the ants. The library is located at 2 First Ave. E. For more information, stop by the library or call 406-883-8225.

LAKESIDE — On Wednesday, July 19, from 3:30-6 p.m. Flathead Lake Boat Tours in Lakeside will graciously host an afternoon cruise aboard the Far West to one of the Biological Station’s Flathead Lake monitoring sites. Join FLBS researchers for appetizers, beverages, music and an overview of Flathead Lake ecology and the FLBS Research and Monitoring program. The cost is $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the FLBS Research and Monitoring Program. Reservations are required, since limited space is available on the tour boat. For more information or to RSVP, email or call Tom Bansak at: events@flbs.umt.edu or 406-982-3301 x 229 or visit our website at: http://flbs.umt.edu/.  

HELENA — The Montana Community Foundation (MCF) announces the opening of the Oleta Smith Endowment Fund grant cycle. Applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an exempt governmental unit. Grants will range in size from $1,000 to $3,000 and only one application is allowed per organization. Grants must be used for projects or programs supporting education and activates promoting cooperation and civic engagement as they influence social harmony and the well-being of families in the area of the Flathead Indian Reservation. This fund is intended to support conferences, workshops, conflict resolution, volunteer work, and social gatherings free to residents of the Flathead Indian Reservation. For questions regarding proposals, please contact Jessica Stewart-Kuntz at Jessica@mtcf.org or 406-441-4950. The proposal deadline for this grant cycle is July 19, 2017.

POLSON — Explore painting in oils with master artist Terry Droll. Learn the wet-in-wet oil painting technique without the stink of turpentine on Wednesday and Thursday, July 19 and 20, from 9:30-11:30 p.m. for free. Call the Sandpiper Art and Gift Gallery at 406-883-5956 for more information.

POLSON — The Polson School Indian Education Committee is sponsoring Summer Native Culture activities available to all kids on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. For additional information, call the District Office at 406-883-6355.

POLSON — The Polson Kiwanis Club meet the first and third Thursday of each month at the Kwa Taq Nuk Resort, Koostatah room from noon-1 p.m. Our guest speaker on July 20 will be Rich Forbes. He will give the history of the Hoop Fest and update us on the current event happening July 21-23 in Polson. Feel free to come join us, the coffee or tea is on us.

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program’s “big event” on Thursday, July 20, at 10 a.m. is “Bees! Busy little builders” with Chuck Lewis (and some bees). Call 406-883-8225, for more information.

RONAN — Open Class entries for the Lake County Fair are due by 4 p.m. in the Lake County Fair office. No late entries will be accepted.

POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour will be held on Thursday, July 20, from 5-7 p.m. Your host will be KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino located, 49708 US Highway 93, E. See you there.

ST. IGNATIUS — The 35th “Good Old Days” celebration will take place all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 21, 22, and 23 at the St. Ignatius Good Old Days Park. Friday family night will start with a barbecue dinner, followed by entertainment and fireworks. Saturday will be a pancake breakfast at the Community Center, a parade, fun and games in the park, along with lots of special events and food. Sunday will be a pancake breakfast and a Fly-In at 8:30 a.m. at the airport.

ST. IGNATIUS — Members of the St. Ignatius High School graduating class of 1977 will meet Friday at the barbecue held at the Good Old Days field. On Saturday night dinner and drinks will take place at 6 p.m. at Ninepipe Lodge.

ST. IGNATIUS — The fifth annual Little Miss and Mr. Good Old Days Pageant will be held July 21 at the St. Ignatius Elementary cafeteria/multipurpose room. The pageant event is for ages birth-6 will begin at 10 a.m. followed by 7 to 12 year olds at 1 p.m. The Miss St. Ignatius event for age group 13-18 will begin at 4 p.m. You may register online at: missionmountainpageants@weebly.com or call 406-396-7838.

ST. IGNATIUS — St. Luke Community Healthcare’s 35th Annual Buffalo Run will be held July 15 and consists of a 1-mile, a 4-mile, and a 7-mile half marathon runs. The half marathon starts promptly at 7 a.m. with the other races starting at 8 a.m. The annual run begins in front of Gamble’s Hardware and the course is in and around the town of St. Ignatius and is mostly flat. Entry deadline is July 10. Entry forms are available for download at stlukehealthcare. org or by calling 406-528- 5321.

BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association will hold a summer concert at our historic Big Arm School on Saturday, July 22, at 6 p.m. Music will be provided by Charles Lutz and friends. They will play a mixture of country, rock and roll, and patriotic music. We will serve ice cream from The Cove with all the fixings during intermission. Come and join us for a fun-filled summer evening of music and fun. For more information, please call 406-849-5522.

POLSON — The Flathead Lake 3-on-3 basketball tournament is played in the streets of downtown Polson, July 22-23, just a slam dunk away from beautiful Flathead Lake. Please join us for one of the most fun and popular athletic events in Montana. Financial support provided mainly through team fees and corporate sponsors has enabled 3-on-3 to donate its net proceeds to local charities. Play hard, laugh a lot and lend a hand to this charitable event. For more information, go to: flatheadlake3on3. com.

RONAN — The Lake County Fair will hold a Shotgun Event at Big Sky Sport Clays at 10 a.m.

RONAN — The Lake County Fair Board is excited to announce the 2017 Lake County Fair, starting Monday, July 24, and continuing through Saturday, July 29. This year’s theme is “Blue Skies, Cow Pies, and Family Ties.” Livestock judging, open class exhibits, agricultural displays, and local live entertainment will return traditions, but expect some new attractions as well. Look for fair premium books soon in businesses throughout the Mission Valley. For more information, call the Fair Office at 406- 676-8660, or e-mail us at fair@ronan.net.

ARLEE — Another Jocko Valley Library Summer Reading Program “Build a Better World” event is on Tuesday, July 25, from 9:30-11 a.m. Call 406-726-3572, for more information.

RONAN — 4-H dog obedience and showmanship/rally and agility will take place at the Lake County Fair from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; large animal check-in is from 3-7 p.m.; 4-H family style-dinner is from 5-8 p.m.; non-perishable open class check-in is from 5-8 p.m.; 4-H and open class poultry/rabbit check-in is from 6-8 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m. large animal weigh-in takes place.

POLSON — North Lake County Public Library will host a free technology class on Tuesday, July 25, at 2 p.m. in the meeting room. Specialist Heather Miles will present a class titled “Being Social: Using Social Media.” Attendees are welcome to bring their own laptops or tablets to follow along. Library laptops will also be available for those who don’t have a device. Anyone of any age or skill level is invited to attend. Registration is required. North Lake County Public Library is located at 2 First Ave. E. Call 406-883- 8225 to reserve your spot.