Sunday, September 22
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.
Pedal to Plate the Mission area
RONAN — The Mission Mountain Area Pedal to Plate ride is a family-cycling tour of the Mission Valley and its local farms and producers. The 40-mile ride in the Polson and Ronan areas celebrates the diversity of agriculture and cycling in the beautiful Mission Valley. Cyclists will carry their forks (provided) to the farms and sample delicious local fruits, vegetables, and meats along the way. Participating farms have yet to be determined but will be different than last year. The Mission Mountain Pedal to Plate cycling tour begins and ends at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Ronan. Join us after the ride for a locally-sourced dinner served at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Proceeds from this event support the promotion of cycling safety and continuation of efforts to make the Mission Valley a safe and accessible place to cycle and walk. The cycling tour will be held Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cyclists who have the desire and ability to cycle 40 miles in six hours are welcome to participate. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Cost is $50 to participate. For more information call 406-676-5913.
Tuesday, September 24
Learn more about Google
POLSON — The North Lake County Library will hold “Computer Basics Class: Google Part Two” on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 2-3 p.m. In this class we will continue learning about Google and all it can do for you.
This class is free and open to the public.
Public invited to community investment presentation
RONAN — Lake County Community Development is presenting a public seminar on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Grey Leaf Gallery, 400 Main St. SW, at 6 p.m. on using locally derived investment funds as models for development in rural communities. The question we are posing, as the primary economic development organization in Lake County, is “locally derived investment funds are working elsewhere to help communities, why not here?” This presentation is sponsored by Lake County Community Development Corp. in collaboration with the Ronan downtown committee. For more information, please email:
info@lakecountycdc.org.
Wednesday, September 25
Child Find held at KWH
RONAN/PABLO — Mark your calendars for Ronan/Pablo Elementary Schools’ fall Child Find event on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at K. Wm. Harvey Elementary School in the special needs preschool classroom from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This free screening is in conjunction with CSKT Early Childhood Services and CDC center. Children ages birth to 5.11 years old, who live in the Ronan/Pablo School District, will be screened. Appointments are on a first-come basis by calling Janet at 406-676-3390 ext. 7450.
Two versions of haunted house offered
RONAN —Thespian Troupe 8746 proudly announces their haunted house fundraiser on Oct. 25 and 26 at the Ronan Performing Arts Center. Entrance will be at the side door by the playground (there will be signs). From 5-6:45 p.m. there will be a “lights on” version of the haunted house, without jump scares. From 7-10 p.m. there will be the scarier “lights off” version of the haunted house. Prices are $3 per person for the “lights on” version and $4 per person for the and “lights off” version. Proceeds go to help our thespian acting troupe travel and compete at the Montana Thespian Festival in February.
Wiggle Worms learn about Finland
POLSON — At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, the North Lake County Library’s Wiggle Worms program will provide books, storytelling, activities and crafts about Finland designed to kickstart early literacy and boost kindergarten readiness.
Friday, September 27
Family-friendly movie shown at library
POLSON — North Lake County Public Library presents “Friday Night at the Library.” A family-friendly movie (PG or PG-13) will be shown at 6 p.m.
Attendees must be in the library before 6 p.m. as the doors lock at that time.
Pachyderms discuss ‘Big Tech’ impact on voters
POLSON — The Lake County Pachyderms invites the public to learn about how “Big Tech’s Algorithms Can Impact Opinions and Votes.” Dr. Robert, a leading psychologist on this matter, has testified before Congress on the rise of Google’s ability to shift millions of votes in any direction by search engine manipulation. Please stop by to watch this compelling video. Afterward, we will discuss what changes citizens or policymakers might want in laws or regulations in order to limit “Big Tech’s” influence on our modern democracy. Join us on Sept. 27, from noon- 1 p.m. at the Polson Rural Fire Station off Regatta Road.
Saturday, September 28
Enjoy free park admission
GLACIER PARK — Admission to Glacier National Park is free on this day in recognition of Public Lands Day.
Support Ronan’s seniors, enjoy bake sale, bazaar
RONAN — The Mission Valley Senior Citizens will hold their annual fall/ winter bazaar and bake sale on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The center is located at 528 Main St. SW. Lunch will be available for $5 per person. Please come and support the center and local small businesses.
Monday, September 30
Library demonstrates new 3-D printer
POLSON — On Monday, Sept. 30, from 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m., the North Lake County Library will demonstrate their new 3-D printer. Many thanks to a generous library supporter who made the purchase of the printer possible.
Tuesday, October 1
2019 Farmers Markets
Lake County vendors invited to Bigfork through Oct. 9
BIGFORK — The Bigfork Farmers’ Market Cooperative will take place each Wednesday until October 9. The market takes place between 3-6 p.m. on the lawn at The Bigfork VFW, 8098 Highway 35. New vendors from Flathead, Lake or Sanders counties are welcome to join us. For information call 406-249-4698 or e-mail: bffm@bigforkfarmersmarket. com.
Ronan Farmers Market through September 26
RONAN — The 2019 Ronan Farmers Market will open on Thursday, May 16, at the Ronan Visitors’ Center. Hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursdays throughout the spring and summer until Sept. 26 (except for July 4). For more information, call 406-676-5901 or go to cryse. heiner@lakecountycdc.org. They are seeking produce and prepared food vendors. The Ronan Farmers Market offers fresh produce, cheeses, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods, and crafts from the Mission Valley.
Shop local at Polson's farmers market through Sept.
POLSON — Starting on Friday, May 3, Polson Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday, rain or shine. The market is located at Third Ave. W. and will have homegrown produce and plants, coffee, jewelry, soaps, popsicles, baked goods, meats, eggs, cheese, preserved foods, fabric, photographic and handmade art, beauty products, wood working and much, much more. All products are by local producers. For more information call 406-675-0177.
Horsemen celebrate with potluck
RONAN — Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will have an October Fest celebration and also a short club meeting on Oct. 1. It will start at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW in Ronan. MVBCH will supply the ham. Everyone else please bring a food item to add to our potluck. Hope to see you there.
Quilters gather, invite all
RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Terrace Lake Community Church in Ronan at 6:30 p.m. We start our “block of the month” at this meeting and it should be fun. Our next class is on Saturday, Oct. 12, and will be taught by Susan Brown. Refreshments will be provided by the Thursday Quilters. Be sure and bring your show-and-tell. Everyone is welcome; it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an advanced quilter or just think you might like to learn to quilt. It’s a great place to learn or just have some fun “you” time. We hope to see you there.
Wednesday, October 2
Classic country, rock played
POLSON — Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 7-10 p.m. for the community dance in the ballroom at the Elks on Main St. Music is provided by Ken’s Country Combo playing a variety of classic country and vintage rock and roll. Snacks provided during the 8:30 p.m. break. No Elks membership is required. The cover charge is $5. Come early as Elks members will be cooking up some good hamburgers available for purchase from 5-7 p.m. prior to the dance. Stay after your burger for a fun night of music and dancing. Everyone is welcome.
MV Children’s Choir begins again
RONAN — The Mission Valley Children’s Choir will begin its fifth year on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 406 Fifth Ave. SW. Refreshments, “together time” and rehearsals will be held from 3:45- 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday. For more information call Cathy Gillhouse at 406-207-3032 or email her at: gill4748@hotmail. com.
Speaker addresses human trafficking
POLSON — On Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Polson High School, a free community seminar on human trafficking will take place from 6-9 p.m. Learn how to protect children from predators and drugs and teach them to be safe. Understand the warning signs and red flags of human trafficking and exploitation. Members of the sheriff ’s office, the Dept. of Justice, Polson police and survivors will be there. Call the facilitating organization, Glory for Ashes, at 1-800-765-1747 for more information.
Waterfowl Wednesdays’ through Oct. 30
SOMERS — Join Jake Bramante from the Flathead Audubon Society for “Waterfowl Wednesdays” from 4-5:30 p.m. through the month of October. You will learn how to identify various waterfowl in our area. The group will meet at the Park and Ride at the corner of U.S. Highway 93 and U.S. Highway 82 every Wednesday from 4-5:30 p.m. through the month of October (weather permitting). The Park and Ride is located right next to the split pond near Somers and allows for easy watching of waterfowl. Bring your binoculars and/or a spotting scope if you have one. For more information email: jake@hike734.com or visit the Flathead Audubon website: www.flatheadaudubon.org. The field trip is free and open to the public.
Thursday, October 3
Meet female authors
POLSON — The North Lake County Library will host a reading and book signing by some of the female authors in a new collection of 41 women, 41 unforgettable true stories entitled, “We Leave the Flowers Where They Are,” at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3. These contemporary Montana women are telling their stories in a newly published collection with proceeds going to benefit the Zootown Arts Community Center.
Mission seniors hold rummage, bake sale
ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Senior Center will hold their fall rummage/bake sale on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Weltz to discuss proposed school bonds
POLSON — Join Polson Kiwanis Club on Oct. 3 from noon-1 p.m. downstairs at KwaTaqNuk in the Koostatah room to hear Superintendent Rex Weltz , Polson School District 23, update us on the schools and the need for two special bond elections. The first is for improvements to Cherry Valley and Linderman schools (elementary) and Polson Middle School. The second bond election will target improvements to Polson High School. A lunch menu will be available. The public is welcome.
Friday, October 4
Mission seniors continue sale
ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Senior Center continues their fall rummage/ bake sale on Friday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, October 5
Celebrate with Valley View Women’s Club
VALLEY VIEW — On Saturday, Oct. 5, Valley View Women’s Club celebrates 95 years and the Valley View Clubhouse celebrates 80 years. Join the celebration on Saturday at 7 p.m. at 40762 Valley View Road. Put your dancing shoes on to boogey to the music of KC & The Valley Cats at 8 p.m. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. BYOB of choice. Tell all your family and friends. For more information contact: Kelly Bailey at 406-883-2910 or Donna Benson at 406-883-5529.
Final day for Mission seniors’ rummage, bake sale
ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Senior Center will hold the final day of their fall rummage/bake sale on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday, October 6
Jam to classic country music
POLSON — Classic Country Jammin’ will be held on Oct 6 in the Elks ballroom from 2–5 p.m. Bring your guitar, banjo, mandolin, auto-harp, fiddle, drum, bass, sax, keyboard, etc., and join us for a few hours of fun. If playing, you must have your own equipment. Recommend you bring your own amp. Everyone is welcome to play, sing, dance or just listen. Cover charge is $5.00. No charge for singers or players. For further information call 406- 883-3130.
Monday, October 7
Flathead irrigators to meet
RONAN — The Flathead Irrigation District will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 7, at Lake County Community Development building at 1 p.m. Join them upstairs.
Republican women to meet
POLSON — The Lake County Republican women will meet on Monday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m., at the Polson Rural Fire Hall on Regatta Road. Ron Catlett, Northwest Field Representative for U.S. Senator Steve Daines will be the guest speaker. Members of the public are encouraged to participate. For information call 406-250-2714 or 406-396- 0807.
Wednesday, October 9
Join community potluck
ST. IGNATIUS — A community potluck dinner will be held at Leon Hall on Oct. 9. The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. so bring your preferred beverage. The potluck supper starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by our yearly live auction fundraiser. Bring a treasure that will be treasured by someone else. Everyone is welcome.
LCCDC offers free ‘QuickBooks’ workshop
RONAN — The Lake County Community Development Corporation will offer a free Quick- Books I workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the LCCDC building from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn to keep your company’s financial data complete and up to date with QuickBooks Pro 2020 for Windows. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today by calling to register at 406-676-5914 or go online at: lccdc.ecenterdirect. com/events.
Thursday, October 10
‘Solitary Sandpiper Secrets’ told
POLSON — “Solitary Sandpiper Secrets” by Jim Rogers will be Mission Mountain Audubon’s evening program on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. in the North Lake County Public Library meeting room. Everyone is welcome. Rogers will provide an overview of the Solitary sandpiper’s unusual breeding behavior and habitat requirements. He will provide an insider’s account of how they followed the clues through mosquito infested wetlands frequented by grizzly bears to chronicle Montana’s newest breeding bird.
Library closes for staff development
POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will be closed for staff development on Thursday, Oct. 10. They will reopen on Friday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Mental health training for clergy offered
POLSON — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 Third Ave. E, will host a “Community Clergy Training Program” to support rural veterans’ mental health on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch and coffee will be provided at no cost. Veterans in rural communities often seek help from rural clergy before anyone else. Montana is among the leading states in most vets per capita. Many returning veterans living in rural areas know little about the VA helping programs. If rural clergy can be helped with a better understanding of the health issues and readjustment difficulties returning veterans have, clergy can better assist them and their families. Please RSVP for meal count at: pastormelaniegslc@gmail.com or call 406-560-6371.
Friday, October 11
Bring favorite dish to Big Arm potluck
BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association will be hosting a community potluck on Friday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m. in our historic Big Arm School. Please bring your favorite dish to share with neighbors and friends. We will have a presentation by local beekeeper Ken Lambeth. He will discuss beekeeping and honey production. Come join us for an informative evening. For more information contact N. Foster at 406-849-5064
Home brew beer tasting fundraiser
RONAN — The Ronan Cooperative Brewery is hosting a home brew tasting fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 11, from 5:30-9 p.m. The public is welcome.
Learn to drive smart
ST. IGNATIUS — NW Montana AARP’s Smart Driver Course will be taught at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizens Center on Friday, Oct. 11, from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 406-754-4462 for a reservation.
Mission Valley Live presents dance group
RONAN — Mission Valley Live 2019-20 Concert Series brings the Utah Repertory Dance Theater to the Ronan Performing Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. URDT is a modern dance group that performs a diverse range of modern dance styles and choreography described as art in motion – graceful and athletic, beautiful and powerful. Advance tickets are available for $13 each in Ronan at R&R Health Care Solutions or Ronan True Value and in Polson at First Interstate Bank or Perfect Shot Tavern. Tickets at the door are $15, $5 for college students with I.D. and as always youth 18 years and younger are free. You can also purchase four tickets for $45.
Saturday, October 12
Brown to instruct quilters
RONAN —The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will have their first class on Saturday, Oct. 12. The cost is $5 and a downloadable pattern by Grizzly Gulch Quilts will be taught by Susan Brown. The class will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Terrace Lake Community Church. Be sure to bring a sack lunch. Everyone is welcome.
Oktoberfest event to be held at Polson Fairgrounds
POLSON – The Polson Business Community (PBC) and Polson Chamber of Commerce (PCC) are partnering to host the first official Polson Oktoberfest from Noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Polson Fairgrounds. The event will feature a DJ and live music, and will offer a variety of contests and games. Games will include a beer stein-holding, keg-tossing contests, and a beer drinking competition. Prizes will also be awarded for Best Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest-themed Costume. Costume contest winners will be decided by popular vote during the event, with prizes going to the costumes that best demonstrate the true spirit of Oktoberfest. Additionally, Oktoberfest planners are working to organize a public trolley that will shuttle people between the Polson Fairgrounds and select locations around town throughout the event. Tickets for the 2019 Polson Oktoberfest can be purchased for $5 at select PBC and PCC businesses. Visit the Polson Oktoberfest Facebook Page for more information at http://bit.ly/PolsonOktoberfest. Vendors are being sought to participate in the event. Non-food vendors will have the opportunity to be open from noon until 6 p.m., while food vendors will have the option to stay open throughout the entirety of the event. The cost for vendors is $50 for a 10 x 10 foot space, or $75 for a 10 x 20 foot space. Interested vendors should contact Dusty Kisler at the Perfect Shot Tavern. The 2019 Polson Oktoberfest is a 21 and older only event. Tickets and valid ID are required for entry. For more information about tickets or vendor reservations, please visit the Polson Oktoberfest Facebook page at http://bit.ly/PolsonOktoberfest, or contact the Polson Business Community or Polson Chamber of Commerce.
Sunday, October 13
Attend Tribal council candidates forum
ARLEE — On Sunday, Oct. 13, there will be a Tribal Council Candidates Forum in Arlee at the Community Fitness Center on Powwow Road. A feed by Qene’s Catering will begin at 2 p.m. Questions and answers will begin at 3 p.m. This event is open to all candidates.
Monday, October 14
Explore history of Yellowstone, Glacier, Canadian National Parks
POLSON — The North Lake County Library will present “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.
Wednesday, October 16
Halloween dance planned
POLSON — Please join us for a Halloween Dance at the Elks on Main St. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 7-10 p.m. The event will take place in the Elks’ ballroom with music provided by Ken’s Country Combo playing a variety of country and vintage rock and roll. This is also our birthday dance where we celebrate this months’ birthday people with a special cake. You are encouraged to wear Halloween attire/costumes and there will be a prize for best female and male costumes. Costumes are not required. Snacks are provided during break at 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. No Elks membership is required. The cover charge is $5.
Thursday, October 17
Learn about e-cigarette use
POLSON — The Polson Kiwanis will meet on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the KwaTakNuk Resort downstairs in the Koostahtah room from noon-1 p.m. Join us to hear our guest speaker, Keryl Lozar, from Lake County Public Health. She will give a brief history of the tobacco settlement and how our state prevention program is set up. Keryl will update us on e-cigarette use, its advertising and the serious health risks it can cause. The public is welcome.
Library to close early
POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17.
SPLASH at the library
POLSON — The Polson Chamber October Support Late Afternoon Social Hour sponsors are the North Lake County Public Library and Blodgett Creamery Coffee Saloon. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 5-7 p.m. at North Lake County Library, 2 First Ave. E. Please come and network with other businesses and meet the SPLASH hosts. SPLASH works, “To serve, support and strengthen our members by enhancing the business climate, promoting our area, and fostering a sense of community.”
Saturday, October 19
Benefit taco bar held
POLSON — A benefit taco bar dinner with live and silent auction items will be held for Kevin & Anne Engebretson on Oct. 19, from 5-9 p.m. at the Polson Elks Club. This benefit dinner is being held to help the family with medical expenses. The taco bar is $10 per person or $30 for a family of four. Tickets can be purchased at Brown’s Jewelry, Eagle Bank (see Moriah Lundeen), or at the door from Lisa Skalsky.
Munch lunch at MVUMC harvest bazaar
ST. IGNATIUS — Mission Valley United Methodist Church, (top of Post Creek Hill), will offer lunch for a fee at their Saturday, Oct. 19, harvest bazaar scheduled between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors may call to reserve a table at 406-745- 4123.
Tuesday, October 22
Discover the real Calamity Jane
POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library District hosts Montana Conversation “Me and Martha: Intimate Reflections of Dora DuFran about the Real Life of Calamity Jane” with Mary Jane Bradbury on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information call 406-883-8225.
Wednesday, October 23
Farm Agency to discuss multiple programs
RONAN — USDA Farm Service Agency and Montana State University are hosting a Farm Bill meeting on Oct. 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the Lake County Community Development Corporation conference room, 407 Main Street SW. The meeting is free and open to the public. Meeting attendees will learn about FSA’s Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs.
Gain ‘new business’ know-how
RONAN — Thinking about starting a business? This free class helps you evaluate a business idea and learn about startup costs, market opportunities, financial projections and financing options. Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Lake County Community Development office, 407 Main St. SW. Bring a brown bag lunch and learn how to get your business off to a good start. Register online or call 406-676-5914 to reserve your seat.