Light show ...

Linda Sappington/Valley Journal

A powerful thunderstorm barreled through Ronan Tuesday evening just as the sun was setting, providing a dramatic palette of color and lightning.

Mission Valley Calendar

Kids eat free all summer in Mission, Arlee

ARLEE — The St. Ignatius and Arlee Community Centers will be hosting free food and fitness every Monday-Thursday.
Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be at 11:30.
For more information contact Margene at 745-3525, ext. 5072 or Lance at 745-4242.

Program offered to empower young women

PABLO — Honoring Opportunities to Prevent and Empower (HOPE) for Native girls is a program specifically aimed to teaching women about their bodies and how to protect them.
Any girls between the ages of 15-21 that are interested in participating in a two-day training session are encouraged to sign up by calling 275-4904 or 275-4913.
Upon completion of the entire program, participants will receive $100 in gift cards. Different sessions will be available throughout the valley during the summer.

Arlee basketball tourney is July 2

ARLEE — The Arlee Celebration’s 3-on-3 Jamboree will be held July 2 at 2 p.m. on the Thomas Lyles Memorial Court at the Arlee Celebration Grounds.
Registration signup will be held today, July 1 from 6-8 p.m. at the basketball court.
For more information, call 261-1521 or 240-3888.

Celebrate centennial at cake-decorating contest

POLSON — A cake-decorating contest will be held in Polson to celebrate the city’s centennial anniversary 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, July 2 at Kustom Gaming Garage and Keller Williams Realty.
To participate, drop off a 4th-of-July-themed cake on a disposable platter at either location between 9 and 10 a.m. on the day of the contest.
Stop in at either location to vote for your favorite from 10 a.m.-2p.m. and prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m. Free cupcakes will be handed out to the first 200 voters.
An auction benefitting the Armed Forces Memorial Staircase will immediately follow the awards ceremony.

Free fitness camp focuses on youth

POLSON — New Life Christian Center is offering, Shapin’ Up Fitness Camp, a free camp for kids 3 years old through sixth grade. The camp will be every Wednesday June 16 – July 28 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Kids will discover a healthy lifestyle of nutrition and fitness. Call Jon at 883-2447 for more information.

Horsemen cancel July meeting

RONAN — The Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will not have a July meeting. The meetings will resume on Tuesday, August 3, at the VFW Hall on Round Butte Road in Ronan.
For any questions, please contact Connie at 644-5001 or Dennes at 883-5876.

Roping event postponed

POLSON — The Wrangler Team Roping that was to take place at the Polson Fairgrounds was postponed until July 17-18 due to the rainy weather and poor arena conditions.

Archers hold 3-D shoot in Polson

POLSON — The Third Annual Archery Fair and 3-D Shoot sponsored by the Mission Valley Archers will be July 3-4.
This will not be just another 3-D shoot. The event will have four different courses set over some of the most interesting and varied terrain ever used for archery competition. There will be 20 targets on each course, 80 targets total. The 3-D targets are made out of foam and range from near life-size elk and jackalopes to African safari animals.
In addition to the tournament, there will be an archery-game area similar to Main Street at the county fair – the more you play the more chances you have to win some remarkable prizes. The popular sling shot range will also be available for all to enjoy. Bring your family, enjoy Flathead Lake, and help raise money for a very worthy fundraiser for local youth.
The event will take place at Big Sky Sporting Clays/Van Voast’s Farm located one mile north from Polson. To register or for more information visit missionvaleyarchers.com or call Dave Ottun at 314-0015 or Dan Toelke at 253-4949.

Arlee plans July 4 parade

ARLEE — “Free to be … through courage and sacrifice!” is the theme for this year’s Arlee Fourth of July parade, set to begin at noon on the holiday.
Entries will line up in front of Arlee High School. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., and entries must be registered to be judged. For early registration, call Alvaretta Morin at 726-3167.
Contest categories are: patriotic; clubs and organizations; Indian outfit group; Indian outfit adult; commercial; novelty/humorous group; novelty/humorous adult; novelty/humorous youth (11-15); novelty/humorous child (10 and under); western outfit group; western outfit adult and western outfit youth (12 and under).
Prizes will be awarded after the parade at the Arlee/Jocko Valley Museum, and all youth participants will receive a free kid cone coupon for the Hangin’ Art Gallery.

Firemen serve up 4th of July breakfast

ARLEE — The Arlee Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. July 4 at the Arlee Fire Hall.
Cost is $5 for adults and $4 for children. For more information call Heidi at 210-4144.

Charlo plans 4th of July celebration

CHARLO — The Charlo 4th of July parade will start at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. All entries must be registered by 11:30 a.m. for judging. This year’s parade theme is “Travelin’ through the Times of Montana.”
The registration table will be at the school. Please call 644-0102 or email amanut2_16@hotmail.com for pre-registration.
A fireworks show will be held that night at dusk.

Christian performer to sing in Pablo

PABLO — Contemporary Christian songwriter and recording artist, Patti Lee, will be appearing in Pablo on July 4. The concert will begin at 11 am. There is no charge, and a free-will love offering will be taken.
Also known also as Patti Lee Hessling, the featured performer has completed four Christian recording projects. All her projects contain her original songs and her style ranges from rock to country to inspirational – but her message is always hope and truth.
For more information contact 675-0081.

Book sale funds Jocko Valley Library

ARLEE — The Jocko Valley Library of Arlee will be holding it’s annual Library Open House & Book Sale Sunday, July 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lots of paperback books, hard cover books, several new bestseller books and free children’s books will be available. This is the Jocko Valley Library’s major fundraiser for the year. 

Polson plans 4th of July parade

POLSON — “Polson Centennial” will be the theme of the city’s 4th of July Parade this year.
Categories are: Floats, Antique Cars (1900-1931), Vintage Cars (1932-1948), Classic Cars (1949-newer), Bands/Music, Equestrian, Children (14 & under), and Misc.
Each Category has a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place award. The children category receives cash prizes of $50, $30 and $20 and all entries will receive a participation ribbon.
Please pre-register or register by 10 a.m. behind Cherry Valley School. Judging will be 10:30–11:30 a.m. and the parade starts at noon.
Contact Joan Hart at 883-8212 or e-mail at polsoncitycourt@centurytel.net for pre-registration.
The celebration will wrap up with fireworks in the evening. With the higher cost this year, if anyone wants to donate to the fireworks fund please contact the Polson Chambers of Commerce.

Museum commemorates centennial on 4th of July

POLSON — After the 4th of July Parade there will be an ice cream social from 1-3 p.m. at the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum in Polson. While there, patrons can see the special women’s and children’s clothing exhibit, the homesteading exhibit and “village,” exhibits about Flathead Lake boating and swimming as well as Polson High School memorabilia. Blanche Harding’s puppets, Calamity Jane’s saddle, the original stagecoach, chuck wagon and buggies can also be viewed at the museum.
Admission is free. For more information contact Lois Hart at 250-9860.

Quilters prepare for annual show

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will hold their next meeting on July 6 at the Ronan Alliance Church. This will be the final prep for the quilt show. The Quilt show is August 3-8. The theme is “Wild about Montana.”
The payment deadline for the Judy Niemeyer class is August 8. Robyn, Kasey and Ayleen will bring refreshments.

Volleyball camp planned for Charlo athletes

CHARLO — Switzer Summer Volleyball Camp at Charlo High School will be held July 8-9. Students in 5th-9th grades will attend from 9 a.m. to noon and 9th-12th graders will play from 1-5 pm.
Registration is $65 per camper if at least 20 pre-paid campers sign up. Participants are encouraged to pre-pay by July 2. For more information call 480-5135.

Hoedown benefits local club

POLSON — The Big Sky Hoedown a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County will be held Friday, July 9, at McCrumbs Barn on Finley Point in Polson from 6 p.m. to midnight.
There will be a barn dance with a caller, pie auction, and a barbeque tri-tip dinner by Papa Don’s.
Come swing your partner or pitch a horseshoe. For ticket information call 676-5437; tickets are $50 per person. 

Montana ‘Paint Out’ artists’ work on display

POLSON —The public is invited visit the “Reservation View Exhibition” at the gallery June 29 through July 9. Visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to view all of the works, purchase art and vote on for the People’s Choice Award. Everyone is also encouraged to attend the closing reception on Friday, July 9 from 5-7 p.m. during which the additional awards will be announced.
For more information call 883-5956 or visit http://sandpiperartgallery.com.

Presbyterian Church celebrates Polson’s centennial

POLSON — The Polson Presbyterian Church will commemorate their first 100 years with a Centennial Celebration on Saturday, July 10. To mark this milestone the church has planned a special afternoon of music, ice cream and historical displays.
The festivities will start at 1 p.m. with historical displays in the fellowship hall. At 2 p.m. there will be a concert in the sanctuary featuring the bell choir and chancel choir.
The concert will be followed by an old fashioned ice cream social.  All events are free and everyone is welcome. Polson Presbyterian Church is located at 301 4th Ave. E, across from Linderman Elementary School.

Big top comes to the big sky

RONAN — A circus, sponsored by the Ronan Lion’s Club, will be in Ronan Sunday, July 11.
Tents will be set up on the lawn south of Community Bank. For more information or to purchase tickets call Gary at Community Bank at 676-4600.

Kite-making camp is July 12-16

ARLEE — “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” a summer day camp sponsored by the Arlee Community Development Corporation, will be held July 12-16.
Guest artist Lindi Johnso will teach kite making and other paper creations to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade.  The camp will run from 9 a.m. to noon each day in Arlee, and is $60 per child.
To sign up or for more information, call Kelley at 726-5550.

Free camp offered in Polson

POLSON — A free summer day camp will be offered 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. July 12-16 in Polson for students leaving 5th or 6th grade.
Students will explore and learn about the local watershed, fish, hike and kayak.
For more information contact Melissa Bahr at 883-0080.

Auxiliary VFW meets June 14

RONAN — They Ladies Auxiliary VFW 5652 will meet 6:30 p.m. July 14 at the Ronan VFW Hall on Round Butte Road. New members are always welcome.
For more information call Marge Fay at 676-3380.

3 on 3 Jamboree hoops tourney planned

ST. IGNATIUS — The Good Old Days 3 on 3 Jamboree basketball tournament will be held July 17 at the Good Old Days Park basketball courts in Mission.
Registration will be held Thursday, July 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Malt Shop.
For more information, call 261-1521 or 240-3888.

Cherry festival returns to Polson

POLSON — The 11th annual Polson Main Street Cherry Festival is a family event held on the main streets of Polson July 17-18 with over 125 vendors.
Polson Centennial presentations will cover 80-year history of the Cherry Industry along Flathead Lake. Also, enjoy exhibits to include everything from arts and crafts, food, live entertainment, children’s activities, cherry spitting contest at 2 p.m., homemade cherry pies, jewelry, woodworking, log furniture and more. Local businesses will have many specials featured in their stores. Bagpipers will be performing Saturday at 1 p.m.
For more information call Jackie at 883-5800.

Live History Days celebrate diverse heritage

POLSON — Miracle of America Museum’s annual Live History Days will be in town July 17-18.
There will be duck decoy carving, spinners, weavers of both wool and wheat straw, lace makers, embroidery and leather workers, quilters, Native American bead working, basket making, soap making and much more.
On Sunday at 2 p.m., there will be a showing of “Smoke on the Waters,” a documentary on steamboats of Flathead Lake, followed by “Timberjack” a 1950’s movie partially filmed here.
Lunch in the afternoon is available and will be accompanied by music from the Montana old time fiddlers, accordionists, banjo pickers and more. This is held rain or shine and the main building is air-conditioned.
Admission is $5 for everyone over 3 years of age, and all rides are included as often as desired.

Ronan Crazy Days scheduled for July

RONAN — Crazy Days are set for July 9-10 in Ronan. The Ronan Chamber of Commerce encourages the community to shop local participating merchants during this time to catch some of the hottest deals.

Community picnic held in Boettcher Park

POLSON — Chapters AI, BS, BY, and CA invite all visiting and local Lake County P.E.O. members to the annual Reciprocity Summer Picnic Thursday, July 22 at 11:30 a.m. at Boettcher Park in Polson. Bring a brown bag lunch and they’ll provide dessert. It’s a great opportunity to get together with old friends and make new ones if you are one of our summer visitors in the area.

Arlee AA meets Mondays

ARLEE — There will be AA meetings held on Mondays from 6-7 p.m. at the Hanging Art Gallery located at 92555 U.S. Hwy. 93.
For more information, call Luke at 435-640-0864.

Polson churches offer fellowship, fun

POLSON — Surrounding Polson churches would like to invite the public every month for free dinner and fabulous fellowship from 5 to 7 p.m. at one of the following locations:
• First Friday, Catholic Church,1002 4th Avenue East
• Second Friday, Presbyterian Church, 301 4th Avenue East
• Third Friday, United Methodist Church, 301 16th Avenue East
• Fourth Friday, Heritage of Faith Church, 101 7th Avenue West.

CASA volunteers needed

The futures of abused and neglected children are being determined in Lake County courtrooms everyday. These children need someone who will advocate for their rights.
They need someone who is willing to be trained, someone who is willing to investigate the child’s situation, monitor the case and make recommendations to the judge on behalf of the child’s best interest.
They need a CASA volunteer. They need you. To find out how you can become a Court Appointed Special Advocate, call Diane Richard at 883-0158.

Free lunch offered

POLSON — The Soup’s On free lunches, supported by Faith and Community Outreach Partners are offered Monday through Thursday at the Wander Inn from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“Soup’s On” is the theme and free meal which includes warm soup and bread, along with coffee and tea. The meal will also include a dessert. Everyone is welcome.
The Wander Inn is located on the corner of 7th Avenue and First Street West, just north of Cherry Valley School.
For more information, call 883-5160.

Mother Goose time held each Monday

POLSON — Mother Goose is a special program held each Monday at the Polson City Library for toddlers up to age 3 and their caregivers at 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Any Monday that the library is open, Mother Goose is always ready to do nursery rhymes and share stories with children.
The library is located at 2-1st Avenue East in Polson. For more information, call 883-8225.

Ronan Library announces hours

RONAN — The Ronan City Library will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. They will be open from 12-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursdays, 12-6 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m.-2p.m. on Saturdays.
When a legal holiday falls on a Monday, the library will be closed the following Tuesday. Story times are Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Talking Circles meet on Wednesdays

RONAN — Suicide Survivors Talking Circles are held every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Pache Community Center, top road at Pache Homesites in Ronan.
Anyone and everyone who would like to come and share their thoughts and feelings in a safe, warm and confidential environment are invited to attend.
For additional information, please call CS&KT Complex at 675-2700, Roxana Colman-Herak at 270-8631 ext. 1237 or Raelynn Charlo at 270-3451 ext. 1184.

Zone Cafe open Saturdays

POLSON — The Zone Cafe will be open every Saturday from 7-11 p.m. at the Lake City Bakery in Polson.
Youth are invited to bring friends along to get together in a place where everyone can enjoy themselves without negative influences. Musicians and volunteers are welcome.
For more information, contact Sika or Rita Ulutoa at 675-0642.

Story Time held each Thursday

POLSON — Story time is a program for children ages 3 to five and their caregivers held at the Polson City Library on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This program features books, stories, songs, finger plays and rhymes.
For more information, call 883-8225.