September 2014 is Back-to-School Box Top Drive month. When was the last time you dumped a jar of change into the trash? Probably never! So, why would you toss out Box Tops? Each Box Top is worth 10 cents for your school – so don’t dump these dimes in disguise, instead drop them in the little red school house in the Wal-Mart lobby or in the bill pay box at Super One Foods (by the bank entrance). All collections benefit the Mission Valley Christian Academy whose mission is to provide a Christ-centered quality education to prepare students to be lifelong servant leaders. For more information on the Box Top program go to http://www.btfe.com/.

POLSON — The fundraiser “Paws and Pints” will take place at Glacier Brewing Company on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 5:30 p.m. A silent auction, a hot “dog” dinner and music by Gladys Unplugged will take place. Tickets are available by calling (406) 883-5312 or they can be purchased at MVAS and Seconds 2 Go.

MVAS also has an ongoing event through November 22. There is a  Cat/Griz Showdown to benefit Mission Valley Animal Shelter.

Purchase a collar and/or a leash for a four-legged friend to show support for your team. Items are available at MVAS and Seconds 2 Go.

POLSON — A free community dinner is planned for Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Fellowship Baptist Church, 2 Seventh Ave. E. The menu includes soups, chili, salad and dessert. All are welcome.

ARLEE — Amanda Curtis, Democratic candidate for US Senate, will be at the Arlee Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner will be served as we meet and greet Amanda. 

MISSOULA — The University of Montana School of Journalism is holding a Centennial and Homecoming Celebration Sept. 26-29. A party for all alumni and friends will take place at the UM Adams Center on Friday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. For $25 per person there will be hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and dancing to the music of Tom Catmull. Master of Ceremonies will be John Engen, Missoula mayor and alum. Additional information and to RSVP, go online at: http://www.jour.umt.edu/about/Centennial/default.php. 

CHARLO — Free training is being offered in nonviolent communication for families, couples, teachers, work situations and law enforcement on Sept. 27 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or on Oct. 24 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Mission Valley United Methodist Church, top of Post Creek Hill. The training will take place at SKC in the Camas Room. Trainers are Patrick Marsolek and Aimee Ryan. A light lunch will be provided.  You can pre-register by calling (406) 745-4259. Community participation of all ages is welcomed. Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition, Inc. sponsors this workshop with a grant from the Oleta “Pete” Smith Foundation. A variety of credits are available. Contact Cathy Billie at (406) 745-4259, for more information.

POLSON — Each year Zumba® fitness holds Zumbathons across the world to raise $1 million dollars for breast cancer research and prevention in partnership with the Susan B. Koman Foundation.

The community is invited to the local Zumbathon Saturday, Sept. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the dance room at Mission Valley Aquatic Center in Polson. The event includes dance fitness to Latin, hip-hop, and other world music taught by local and guest instructors. 

Lots of free drawings, snacks and breast cancer prevention information will be available. A $20 donation is set for entrance; 100 percent of proceeds will go to the Zumba® Global Research Grant.

For more information call licensed Zumba® fitness instructors Linda Sappington at (406) 270-5733 or Jeannie Butler at (406) 890-1405.

POLSON — Love Dogs? Want to help get some adopted? Take the Mission Valley Animal Shelter’s “Train the Trainers” class.

We will train you to work with some of our dogs to help get them more adoptable. Covers leash walking, sit, wait, watch, confidence building and more. This is lots of fun for you and the dog. Training is Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 29, 30, and Oct. 1, from 9 – 11 a.m. and then commit to eight weeks working with the dogs on your own schedule. Please call (406) 883-5312, for more details.

POLSON — On Sept. 30, from noon - 5 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 Fourth Ave. E, there will be a blood drive.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call (1-800) 733-2767.

ARLEE — Staff from the “Parents as Teachers” program of the Lake County Public Health Department will be at the Hangin’ Art Gallery in Arlee on Wednesdays: Oct.1, Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 from 10-11:30 a.m. for a “Tots and Treats” playgroup. There will be activities, information and snacks. All area parents are welcome to the free, voluntary program. PAT provides twice monthly home visits to pregnant moms and those with children birth to age five with activities, screenings, and information. Parents find PAT to be very helpful, since babies don’t come with a manual. For more information, call the Lake County Public Health Department at (406) 883-7209.

RONAN — On Oct. 1, from 1:30 - 5:15 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Franklin Street and Fourth Ave. E, will hold a blood drive. 

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or (1-800) 733-2767.

POLSON — The community dance at the Elks, with Ken’s Country Combo, will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Requests are welcome and treats to be shared are appreciated. Come and join the fun. We have a dance every Wednesday night.

ARLEE — Karen Goulet, director of the Salish Kootenai Art Department, will be the featured artist at the Killdeer Artisans’ Guild summer show. The show presents new works from Montana artists at Hangin’ Art Gallery in Arlee. The show will remain up until Oct. 24.

ST. IGNATIUS — The East Mission Pipeline meeting will take place at the Flathead Joint Board of Control office in St. Ignatius at 7 p.m. on Oct. 2. The election of officers and discussion about the repair of pipeline will take place. For more information, call (406) 745-4451.

POLSON — A non-juried show entitled “Man and Best” is open to all artists and will take place from Sept. 30-Nov. 7. There will be a reception Friday, Oct. 3, from 5-7 p.m. at the Sandpiper Gallery. For more information, call the Gallery at (406)-883-5956.

POLSON — The Polson Booster Club will hold a Calcutta Dinner Auction and Dance on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Polson Airport Hanger number six. Cocktails are at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m. and the auction begins at 8 p.m. “Grills Gone Wild” will cater the dinner and music will be provided by Southern Comfort.

Dinner tickets are $25 and they include dinner, the silent auction, and the 50/50 raffle. There will be $50 Calcutta bidding tickets available. All money raised will go to stadium improvements.

CHARLO — D’Aste Women’s Club will host a yard sale and bake sale at the D’Aste Church in Charlo on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. We will raise money to fund the church and its expenses for the upcoming year. If you are interested in donating items to help out, please contact Nancy Evans at (406) 644-2578 or Jennie Youngren at (406) 676-5044. 

POLSON — The fourth annual Salish Point Benefit Golf Tourney will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, at Polson Bay Golf Course. For more information, call Evan Smith at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 7280 or (406) 546-6375.

NATIVE AMERICAN FILMS 1 P.M. Oct. 4, 12, 19, 25 ENTERTAINER CINEMA 410 Main St SW, Ronan FREE ADMISSION--under 13 must be accompanied by adult OCT. 4--CHEROKEE WORD FOR WATER story of Wilma Mankiller, first female Chief of Cherokee Tribe and her fight to bring water to a rural community Oct. 12--SMOKE SIGNALS The classic comedy about Thomas and Victor leaving home on an unforgettable adventure of friendship and discovery. Discussion after the film led by William S. YellowRobe, Jr., Native American playwright. Oct. 19--DAKOTA 38 riders retrace the 330-mile route from Lower Brule, SD to Mankato, MN on the anniversary of the largest mass execution in US history. Film was created to encourage healing and reconciliation. OCT. 25 WINTER IN THE BLOOD Based on the novel by James Welch and filmed on the Hi-Line in northern Montana, this contemporary tale tells the story of a man on a modern-day vision quest who ultimately recovers his true identity, renewing the bond between himself and the land and makes peace with the winter ghosts that haunt him. Directed by Alex and Andrew Smith (visit w/crew after film) Sponsored by: Polson Theatres/ Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition/ Private Donors Free Admission—Donations Appreciated Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. FRHRC is a501c3 non-profit organization providing educational events to promote the broadest possible community acceptance of the multi-cultural nature of this community and celebrate the positive benefits of living together in such a community. Contact us at: Box 111, Ronan, MT 59864 745-4259 or 745-3303; like our page at https://www.facebook.com/Frhrc2 or follow us at frhrc2.wordpress.com/.

POLSON — The Polson Police Department will hold their annual “Bike Auction” on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the City Shop located on the corner of First Street E and 11th Ave. E (other items will also be available). The auction starts promptly at 10 a.m. 

POLSON — Come to Murdoch’s on Saturday, Oct. 4, to view some of Montana’s finest giant vegetables. Will this year produce another record-breaking state title? Watch the giant pumpkins weigh in on forklifts to see. Or, join the competition and load up your giant vegetables for your stake in up to $500 in prize money. For more information, as well as the complete set of rules and regulations, visit: www.bigskypumpkingrowers.com. Entries accepted for all categories at 8 a.m. and at noon weighing begins. Categories include giant pumpkin, green squash, long gourds, tomatoes, and watermelon.

POLSON — The Northwest Montana Accordion Association will hold a music jam from 2-5:30 p.m. at the Elks on Sunday, Oct. 5.

ST. IGNATIUS —“Pursuits” program for Oct. 5 focuses on fun and ethical hunting. All interested persons are welcome. The event takes place at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church, (top of Post Creek on Highway 93). It begins at 5:30 p.m. with a “Hunter Stew” supper followed by the program “Elk to Pheasants” by Tom Wittinger, a retired biologist, with 30 years of hunting experience. Bring your own stories and enjoy a friendly night out.

Tiana Crist, a 6th-grade Valley View student, will play music from her newly-released CD of 10 original piano compositions, "Heart of Shalom," Sunday, Oct. 5 from 3-5 p.m. at The Red Poppy in Ronan. CDs will also be available to purchase, and proceeds will be used toward her next album.

ST. IGNATIUS — The Kuilix chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Highway 93 top of the hill, north of St. Ignatius. The program will be about the history of our American flags, presented by Joann Piazzola, DAR Montana State Officer from Butte. An Italian-style buffet lunch will be served at noon. Prospective members are welcome. For more information, call Kuilix regent Bonnie Huber at (406) 745-3118.

RONAN — The October meeting of the Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, with our annual Octoberfest Supper. Members are asked to bring a salad or a dessert. We will have a short meeting afterwards, with a program presented by Mack and Connie Long. 

The meeting will be held at the VFW Hall on Round Butte Road in Ronan. For more information, you may call (406) 883-5876.

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will hold their October meeting on Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Terrace Lake Community Church, 35663 Terrace Lake Road. Please bring ten 1 3/4” x 18” fall colored strips of fabric for an exchange. A pattern will be handed out for you to make a table topper with them. Please bring your show and tell items, and be working on your “Crayola Challenge” project. Don’t lose those crayons. The Thursday quilters are in charge of refreshments. Everyone’s welcome. 

RONAN — Big Productions will present “The International String Trio,” on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Ronan Performing Arts Center beginning at 7 .m. 

RONAN — The Ladies Auxiliary VFW 5652 meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ronan VFW Hall, 35981 Round Butte Road. New members are welcome.

For more information, call Marge Fay at (406) 676-3380.

POLSON — The national event, “Fields of Faith,” will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on the Polson High School football field. All ages are welcome. There will be a youth band. Come and be inspired by high school and University of Montana athletes sharing their faith. Every attendee will receive a free T-shirt and a devotional. If you have questions, call Mark Rochin (406) 883-0310.

POLSON — The Oct. 8 community dance will have Heart to Heart playing at the Elks on Wednesday from 7-10 p.m. for all people who love their music. Requests are welcome. Everyone has fun and wonderful treats are brought and shared.

POLSON — The Marine Corps League meets every second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Driftwood Family Restaurant in Polson. For more information, call John Miller at (406) 890-0964 or go to: usmcfox21@gmail.com. 

POLSON — The National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Polson Senior Center at 11:45 a.m. Turkey slices and potato will be available for lunch. Following lunch there will be a program about the Helping Hands Fund. A short business meeting will follow.

CHARLO — Charlo High School National Honor Society students will sponsor a Charlo Community blood drive on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 1-6 p.m. in the Charlo multi-purpose gym. To schedule an appointment, please call Sharon Hertz at (406) 644-2206 ext 244.