Tuesday, August 20
Move for better balance
RONAN — Tai Ji Quan is a moving-for-better-balance class and will be offered by a certified instructor at the MSU Lake County Extension on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. beginning May 13. This is an alternative exercise training program for improving balance and preventing falls. There is no cost. Please wear good shoes and clothes you can move in and bring water. Call 406- 676-4271 to sign-up.
Tuesday, August 20
RHS credit recovery program continues
RONAN — Ronan High School students may attend HS credit recovery summer school. The second session will run: Aug. 5-23. Sessions are from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday.
Wednesday, August 21
Classic country played at Polson dance
POLSON — Please join us for the Community Dance at the Elks on Main Street on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 7-10 p.m. Music is by Ken’s Country Combo playing a variety of classic country and vintage rock and roll music. Snacks are provided during the 8:30 p.m. break. Drinks are available for purchase in the bar. We will celebrate individuals who have had or will have birthdays in August with a special cake. Everyone is welcome. No Elks membership is required. The cover charge is $5. Great hamburgers are available for purchase from 5- 7 p.m.
School begins in Dixon
DIXON — The first day of school for Dixon Schools is Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Thursday, August 22
Library celebrates with ice cream social
POLSON — On Thursday, Aug. 22, from 10:30 a.m.-noon, the North Lake County Public Library will hold their summer reading program ice cream social to celebrate readers and learners of all ages. We will enjoy ice cream and draw the prize winners from the program tickets that participants have turned in.
Just a reminder, all reading logs are due to the library by closing on Friday, Aug.16, in order to ensure eligibility for incentives and prize tickets.
School begins in Dixon
DIXON — The first day of school for Dixon Schools is Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Friday, August 23
Enjoy Friday night movie
POLSON — On Friday, Aug. 23, from 6-8 p.m. at North Lake County Public Library, a family-friendly movie (PG or PG-13) will be shown. Check our website for movie titles. You must be in the library before 6 p.m. to attend, as the doors lock at 6 p.m. You are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Popcorn and water will be provided. This program is free and open to the public.
Join in ‘Flipster Fun Series’
POLSON — Come to the North Lake County Library on Friday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. to join in some “Flipster Fun: Brown Sugar and Lemon Scrub,” part of our Flipster Fun series. We found the recipe in the Summer 2019 Willow and Sage magazine using “Flipster,” - a portal to read and download some of your favorite magazines completely free with your library card. All supplies will be provided, so please let us know that you are coming by calling us at 406-883-8225 or RSVP on our Facebook event.
Ronan library closes for cleaning, inventory
RONAN — Ronan Library District will be closed for inventory and deep cleaning the week of Aug. 19-23. The doors will be open on Aug. 22 at noon for the public budget hearing.
Saturday, August 24
Celebrate swans at Ninepipes
CHARLO – Join us at Ninepipes Museum on Saturday, Aug. 24, for a day of celebrating Trumpeter Swans, and view the recent installation of a nesting pair in the diorama room. Dale Becker, the Wildlife Program Manager with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will provide a power point presentation at 2 p.m. in the Montana Room of Ninepipes Lodge that describes the swans’ reintroduction project that has been in effect since 1996. The seating capacity is limited in the Montana Room, so please call the museum at 406-644-3435 to reserve your seats. Following the power point presentation, there will be a brief ceremony to celebrate the new exhibit of swans created by Jan Kauffman. Light refreshments will be served, and there is free admission to the museum for the day.
Dixon School celebrates 100 years
DIXON — On Saturday, Aug. 24, Dixon School is celebrating 100 years. Centennial events include a car show and vendors from 7-10 a.m.; breakfast by the Dixon Fire Dept.; history talks with Joyce Decker-Wagner and Ross Middlemist at 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m.; a parade at noon; kids’ games at 2 p.m.; a bison dinner at the Dixon Senior Center from 5-6:30 p.m.; and a dance at the school gym at 7 p.m. For more information, call Shirley Christiansen at 406-644-2323.
Enjoy Shakespeare in Charlo
CHARLO — Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV - Part I” on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Palmer Park. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early with chairs, blankets and picnics. For a complete tour schedule, visit the company’s website: www.shakespeareintheparks.org. Food and beverages can be purchased. This event is sponsored by Ninepipe Art Group.
Sunday, August 25
Child Find held at KWH
RONAN/PABLO — Mark your calendars for Ronan/Pablo Elementary Schools’ fall Child Find event on Wednesday, Sept. 25. This free screening is being held in conjunction with CSKT Early Childhood Services and CDC center. It will be held at the K. Wm. Harvey Elementary School in the special needs preschool classroom from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Children ages birth to five (5.11) years old, who live in the Ronan/Pablo School District, will be screened. Appointments are made on a first-come-first-served basis by calling Janet at 406-676-3390 ext. 7450.
Enjoy Shakespeare performance
ST. IGNATIUS — Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform William Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the Good Old Days Park. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early with chairs, blankets and picnics. For a complete tour schedule, visit: www.shakespeareintheparks.org. Food and beverages can be purchased.
This event is sponsored by the Ninepipe Arts Group.
Enter Glacier National Park for free
GLACIER PARK — Admission to Glacier National Park is free on this day in recognition of the National Park Service anniversary.
Monday, August 26
Arlee students return to school
ARLEE — The first day of school for Arlee Schools is Monday, Aug. 26.
Browse back-to-school sale at library
POLSON — Come in to North Lake County Public Library and brose their selection of tote bags, note cards, socks, jewelry and more. Know a book worm or wizard? They will love any of our items.
Tuesday, August 27
Learn what ‘Google’ can do
POLSON — North Lake County Public Library brings another computer basics class to you on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 2-3 p.m. Learn what Google can do: from calendars to job searches. This class is free and open to the public. Please call 406-883-8225 and reserve your spot.
Wednesday, August 28
Valley schools begin school year
RONAN, CHARLO, ST. IGNATIUS, POLSON — The first day of school for Ronan, Charlo, St. Ignatius and Polson schools is Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Thursday, August 29
Annual Sanders County Fair begins
PLAINS — The 2019 Sanders County Fair begins Thursday, Aug. 29, and goes through Sunday, Sept. 1. Exhibitions, carnival, amusement, and midway concessions will be available. For information visit: sanderscountyfair.com. Exhibition doors open at 10 a.m. No dogs are allowed in the fairway.
Friday, August 30
'Fifth Friday' dinner held
POLSON — Polson Community Church, 1814 First Street E, will hold their “Fifth Friday Night” dinner on Friday, Aug. 30, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner will consist of Parmesan chicken on noodles, a vegetables, salad and a wonderful array of desserts. No offering expected or accepted. Please come and join us for a wonderful night of food and friendship.
Saturday, August 31
Big Arm hosts barn dance
BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association will host their 13th annual barn dance on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 5:30-9 p.m. at our historic Big Arm School. We will be serving grilled hamburgers/cheeseburgers. We will provide picnic fixings-coleslaw, baked beans, and potato chips.
Everyone loves the delicious huckleberry ice cream from the Cove Deli we will serve for dessert. Th BAA does not charge for the meal, however donations will be gladly accepted and appreciated.
We will have a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Ken’s Country Combo will provide live dancing music.
Shine up your dancing boots and join us for a fun-filled evening at the historic Big Arm School.
Sunday, September 1
Final day to enjoy Sanders County Fair
PLAINS — The 2019 Sanders County Fair continues through Sunday, Sept. 1. For information go to the fair website at: sanderscountyfair.com.
Check the schedule for demolition derby times. No dogs are allowed in the fairway.
Monday, September 2
Library closes for holiday
POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will be closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday, September 3
Join quilters
RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will hold their regular meeting and renew membership on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 6:30 p.m. For anyone wishing to do the retreat in November, your fees need to be paid at this meeting. Also, be thinking about the collage class scheduled on Sept. 13 and 14 and don’t forget to bring your show and tell. Refreshments will be provided.
Everyone is welcome; please come and join the fun.
Thursday, September 5
Enjoy ice cream, find common ground
RONAN — Mission Valley Rises invites all to an ice cream social on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Ronan City Park next to the Farmers Market, from 5-7 p.m.
Come meet your neighbors and learn about this group, how it serves the community and how you can help. Find some common ground with Mission Valley Rises, an inclusive, community-led group, working to build bridges among our community. We work to promote human rights along with broad participation in the democratic process. Join the conversation and eat ice cream.
Ronan Chamber meets at MMGC
RONAN — The Ronan Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly luncheon at the Mission Mountain Golf Club from noon-1 p.m. Join this monthly social networking and lecture series. There is a fee for lunch.
Saturday, September 7
Aging agency holds picnic
Sanders County Council on Aging Annual Appreciation Picnic Sat. Sept. 7 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Avista's Pilgrim Creek Park in Noxon. Free to those 60 years and older and $10 for those under 60 years old. There will be live music, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will benefit Sanders County Senior Programs. For more information call 406-741-2343.
Annual Polson Fly-In scheduled
POLSON — The 21st annual Polson Fly-In takes place at the Polson Airport starting at 8 a.m.
Church holds garage sale
POLSON — The First United Methodist Church of Polson, 301 16th Ave. E, will hold a garage sale on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be household goods, furniture, holiday items, books and much more available for purchase.
Dayton Daze commemorates D-Day
DAYTON — 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day - the dramatic invasion by American and Allied soldiers on the beaches of Normandy during WWII. This year, the Chief Cliff VFD/QRU’s annual fundraiser at the beautiful Dayton Park is paying homage to these great heroes with their theme: “Dayton Daze Honors D-Day.”
The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 7. Festivities will start at noon with an open car show, craft booths, music, kids’ games, face-painting, a silent auction, a kids’ raffle, firefighter games, soft drinks, beer, and free hot dogs. This is your opportunity to put together a great costume (and float) to show your patriotism and to honor the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of our allies overseas in 1944. The parade starts at 2 p.m. (line-up at 1 p.m.) with prizes for best entries, and best costumes. Whether you dress as one of the Band of Brothers, an Andrews sister, or Rosie the Riveter, you’ll be guaranteed an afternoon of fun, festivities, and fundraising, all while raising money for the Chief Cliff VFD and QRU. For more information, call 406-849-5917.
Dragon boats provide pageantry in Bigfork Bay
BIGFORK — The annual Montana Dragon Boat Festival will be held on Sept. 7-8, in Bigfork. The Montana Dragon Boat Festival brings family fun, spirited competition and colorful pageantry to Bigfork Bay on Flathead Lake in Bigfork, just southeast of Kalispell. The Montana Dragon Boat Festival has become a avorite since its founding in 2012, each year drawing thousands of people to the shores of Flathead Lake for two days of exciting races. The move to Bigfork Bay promises calm waters and smooth paddling. The 2019 festival will be held on Grand Drive, just a few steps from Bigfork’s iconic Electric Avenue.
Monday, September 9
Activities teach about CSKT’s culture
PABLO — The People’s Center holds Native American Awareness Week activities during the second week of September. Events are geared toward educating schoolchildren about Salish, Pend’Oreille and Kootenai history, culture and traditions. The week’s activities and events are free and open to the public. See demonstrations of slicing and drying wild game, fry bread making, hide tanning, drumming and singing and native dancing. There will be crafts for kids, native games and tribal language demonstrations. For more information and confirmed dates, call 406-675-0160.
Republicans to discuss 2020 census
POLSON — The Lake County Republican Women’s fall kick-off meeting will be held on Sept. 9, at noon, at the Polson Rural Fire Hall. The guest speaker will be Karen Murphy who currently serves as the partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau. This presentation will discuss what is at stake for the upcoming 2020 census - the effect your participation has on both tax dollars flowing into Montana and the potential for the state to gain a second congressional seat.
Also, learn how the census is going digital in 2020. All members of the public are encouraged to attend.
For more information call Sjaan Vincent at 406-396-0807 or Dorothy Ashcraft at 406-250-2714.
Wednesday, September 11
Rural Fire District Board to meet
POLSON — The regular monthly meeting of the Polson Rural Fire District Board of Trustees will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Station number 1, 25B Regatta Rd. The agenda is available on the Monday prior to the meeting.
Thursday, September 12
Library closes for staff development
POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will be closed for staff development.
Friday, September 13
Democrats picnic at Boettcher Park
The Lake County Democrats are holding annual Picnic, Friday, September 13th, 5:30pm, Boettcher Park, Polson. Local and State candidates will be on hand to interact with you. A main course is provided please bring a side dish, chair, favorite drink (no glass). Live music by "Jim and I" No charge but fundraiser basket will be passed. (checks allow for candidate accounting)
Pachyderms invite Commissioner Barron to speak
POLSON — On Friday, Sept. 13, from noon-1 p.m., the Lake County Pachyderm group will reconvene after the summer to welcome the community back. Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron will be the speaker and will share financial updates for Lake County regarding the new fiscal year. Refreshments will be served and the meeting will be held at the Polson Rural Fire Station off Regatta Road.
Saturday, September 14
Art fundraiser features local artists
BIGFORK — Art in the Park - Enjoy an evening along Flathead Lake at this park fundraiser at Wayfarers Birch Grove picnic shelter featuring the work of several local artists. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is free. The time is TBD. Go to: stateparks.mt.gov/wayfarers for more information.
Explore history of Yellowstone, Glacier, Canadian National Parks
POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library presents “Early Footprints to the Areas of Yellowstone, Glacier, and Canada’s Mountain National Parks” with Sharon Randolph at 6:30 p.m. Please join us for this 90 minute slideshow and presentation on the early history of the parks.
Meetings cluster at SKC
PABLO — The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation, the HI5-CCE (High Five Needle Pine-Crown Continent Ecosystem) Management Group, Salish Kootenai College and the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes are sponsoring two days of annual meetings and a Saturday field trip on Sept. 12-14.
The meetings are about high-elevation forest management and the Whitebark Pine and will take place at the Johnny Arlee Victor Charlo Theatre on the Salish Kootenai College Campus.
Registration is required, but free. More information, draft agendas/programs and registration information and links are available through: https://whitebarkfound.org/conferences/this-years-conference/.
Pancakes served at Big Arm breakfast
BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association will host our fall pancake breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 8-11 a.m. Please join us at our historic Big Arm School where we will serve pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice and coffee.
Monetary donations are gratefully accepted. For more information contact Nancy at 406-849-5064.
Watch high schoolers rodeo
POLSON — Lake County High School Rodeo will be held at the Polson Fairgrounds Saturday, Sept. 14, starting at 9:30 a.m. Two rodeos will be run that day. Watch as the high school and middle school girls and boys participate in a wide range of rodeo activities: barrels, saddle broncs, goat tying, and breakaway and possibly there will be sports shooting. There will be a great concession stand complete with homegrown Montana beef direct from our valley. For more information, call Sheila Young at 406-824-4095.
Tuesday, September 17
Brazelton Touchpoints training offered
PABLO — CSKT’s Project LAUNCH Program invites you to a training on Brazelton Touchpoints, an approach for building strong family-child relationships from before birth through the earliest years, laying the foundation for children’s early learning and healthy development. For more information about this approach go to: www.brazeltontouchpoint.org. The training takes place Sept. 17-19 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at SKC’s Vanderburg Building. Contact Shyla Collicott at: Shyla.Collicott@cskt.org for more information.
Wednesday, September 18
Ken’s Country Combo to play
POLSON — Join us for the community dance in the ballroom at the Elks on Main St. on Wednesday, Sep. 18, from 7-10 p.m. Music is provided by Ken’s Country Combo playing a variety of country and vintage rock and roll. This is our birthday dance complete with a special cake to celebrate this month’s birthdays. Cover charge is $5.
Wiggle Worms learn about Jamaica
POLSON — At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, the North Lake County Library’s Wiggle Worms program will provide books, storytelling, activities and crafts about Jamaica designed to kickstart early literacy and boost kindergarten readiness.
Thursday, September 19
Color with grownups
POLSON — On Thursday, Sept. 19, from 2-4 p.m. the North Lake County Library’s popular coloring program commences its fourth consecutive season. In this session we will try our hand at colorful scratch art. Supplies are provided.
This program is free and open to the public.
Join Family Convergence in Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS — The Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild will present the Hot Springs Family Convergence from Sept. 19-22 in Hot Springs. Permaculture workshops will include organic soils, fertilizers, herbalism, food forest, mushrooms, propagation techniques, fermentation, homesteading, raw food and other hands-on workshops. For additional information call 509-738-7373 or go to: www.inlandnorthwestpermaculture.com.
There will be vending, camping, live music, Yoga and children’s activities. No drugs, alcohol or pets. Pack it in, pack it out.
Learn about huckleberries, bees
POLSON — “Huckleberries and their Pollinators” by Janene Lichtenberg will be Mission Mountain Audubon’s next education program on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. in the North Lake County Library’s meeting room. Everyone is welcome. Janene will describe her research demonstrating the value of bumble bees for pollinating huckleberry flowers and producing berries. She will also discuss the different species of bumble bees that utilize huckleberry flowers in a mutualistic relationship that benefits both huckleberries and bees. Other visitors to huckleberry flowers as well as some additional flower species that are visited by bees will be covered too. Janene Lichtenberg is the Head of the Wildlife and Fisheries Department at Salish Kootenai College.
SPLASH at the bank
POLSON — Sponsor of the September SPLASH (Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour) is 1st Citizens Bank. The event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5-7 p.m. For more information, call 406-883-5969.
Friday, September 20
Join “Global Climate Action” event
POLSON — Friday, Sept. 20, is a global day of climate action. Join millions of youth and community members around the world and show your voice for Polson. Folks all over the world are gathering to bring awareness to climate disruption. The science is overwhelmingly clear now, this is not an opinion, and this is not a political issue, it is a moral obligation to preserve all life on this planet.
This event will be held between noon and 2 p.m. in front of the courthouse. Make and bring homemade signs stating why you are here. There will be some speakers at around noon. After the speakers have finished, at around 12:30 p.m., we will walk west on Fourth Street from the courthouse to Main St., to Fifth St., turn at the veterans building and back to the courthouse.
Saturday, September 21
Harvest Fest, Dutch Oven Cook-off provide all-day fun
RONAN — The 10th annual Harvest Festival and Dutch Oven Cook-off will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, behind Glacier Bank. This is an all-day event. For more information call the Ronan Chamber of Commerce at: 406-676-8300.
Model aviators gather in Mission
Mission Valley Model Aviators Swap Meet and Fun Fly at the St. Ignatius Airport. Radio Control Airplane pilots from the area will gather Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. to fly their machines, buy, sell, and trade radio control aircraft equipment. This event will go through Sunday the 22 all free to the public to spectate. There will be a $10 landing fee for pilots with valid proof of AMA insurance.