POLSON —Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is scheduled for Wednesdays, Sept. 5 to Oct. 17, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. The time for the class is 10 to 11:30 a.m. There is no fee for the class. A donation of $25 is suggested. The class is sponsored by the Area VI Agency on Aging and Providence St. Joseph, to help caregivers take care of themselves, better understand their emotions, and communicate more effectively. Please contact Jane at (406) 883-7284 or 1-800-266-4188 for more information or to sign up.

POLSON — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are sponsoring the 2012 Fall Mack Days on Flathead Lake. It will be held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 21-Nov.11, and the last 10 days of the contest are all fishing contest days. Great prizes can be won and a fish fry will be held on Nov. 11 for all participants and their families at Blue Bay. The award ceremony begins at 5 p.m. Anglers may enter the contest at: www.mackdays.com, pick up applications at area sporting goods stores, or call in their entries to (406) 883-2888 ext. 7294. Entry forms will not be mailed out. Contact CSKT at (406) 883-2888 ext. 7294, for more information.

POLSON — The Montecahto Club will host a Fall Festival Dance at the clubhouse, Highway 35, mile marker six, south of the firehouse, on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 7-10 p.m. KC and the Valley Kats will provide great jazz and swing music. Bring a snack to share and BYOB, two-drink limit, please. Come and enjoy the fun. There is no admission charge but donations are gladly accepted. All are welcome. 

POLSON — The second annual Salish Point Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Sept. 29, at Polson Bay Golf Course with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. It will be a four-person, 18-hole scramble with prizes for longest drive, longest putt, hole-in-one, closest-to-the-pin and more. Entry fees are $200 per team, which includes green fees and lunch. This is a fundraiser for the new Salish Point dock so call Polson Bay Golf Course at (406) 883-8230, to register. 

DAYTON — The Mission Mountain Winery will be hosting a free vertical tasting of their Pinot Noir on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10-5 p.m. This is a presentation of wine from older to younger vintages allowing one to see the effects of time upon a wine from the same place. Contact Mission Mountain Winery at (406) 849-5524, for more information.

ST. IGNATIUS — Mission Valley United Methodist Church, (top of Post Creek Hill N. of St. Ignatius), will host a free workshop, including lunch, on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., entitled, “Creating Inclusive Schools and Communities.” This event is facilitated by the National Coalition Building Institute of Missoula. Folks from all communities on the Reservation from Arlee to Hot Springs to Elmo are welcome.

Pre-registration is encouraged; call Cathy at (406) 745-4259. Four CEUs are accredited by many organizations. Phone (406) 824-2821 or (406) 745-3303 or go to: frhrc.wordpress.com/ or facebook.com/frhrc1, for more information.

RONAN — Please join us on Sunday, Sept. 30, to observe “Gold Star Mother’s Day.” This special day recognizes the families who have lost a loved one while serving in the Armed Forces. The event will take place at the city park in Ronan and begin at noon.

DIXON — Free screenings will be offered for infants through age 5, on Monday, Oct. 1, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the Dixon School community room. 

We would like you to bring your child to the school and participate in the screening process. Screenings are offered for vision and hearing; speech and language development; developmental milestones; motor and cognitive skills; and an immunization review and information. Please bring you child’s immunization records on the day of the screening. If you have any questions or are in need of transportation to the event, please contact Mr. Faroni or Mrs. Murphy at (406) 246-3566.

RONAN — The monthly meeting for the Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m., at the VFW Hall located on Round Butte Road. The program for the evening will be a Power Point presentation covering this past summer’s trail repair projects. Guests are always welcome.

POLSON — Four-wheel drive enthusiasts and those interested in family oriented outdoor recreation using 4x4 vehicles, are invited to the Skyliners 4-wheel drive club meetings and trail rides. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Polson VFW, at 7 p.m. Our next meeting is Oct. 2.

For more information, call (406) 270-5423.

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will hold their regular monthly meeting Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., at the Missionary Alliance Church, east of Ronan. Yearly registration fees are $15. Challenge fabric and Block of the Month kits are still available for a small fee. Don’t forget to bring your block of the month for October so you can get in on the drawing for a prize. This month, Kay Krantz is doing a demonstration of a twister placemat. If you’d like to participate, sew together two rows of 10- 5” blocks of contrasting fabric with a 3” border and she’ll show you how to take it from there. You can sign up for the November class, a Thread Painting and embellishing class with Monique Kleinhans from Glacier Quilts in Kalispell. The cost is $10 each for members. November’s meeting will be held on that day at noon instead of on election night. Don’t forget to bring your “show and tell” items. Ayleen’s Thursday Quilters are in charge of refreshments. Everyone is invited.

RONAN — International Walk to School Day is celebrated this year Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Come walk to school with Monte the University of Montana mascot and Ronan Superintendent Andy Holmlund, as they lead the way in healthy lifestyles. Walking to school is a great way to be a part of a global event to promote health and improve air quality.

Ronan Parks and Safe Routes to School team, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal fitness staff, Lake County DUI Task Force,

St. Lukes, Women4Wellness and Lake County Chemical Dependency Corp. will provide morning breakfast foods and fun giveaways from 7:15-8:15 a.m. near school walking routes. 

If you live too far or ride the bus, get dropped off at the Ronan Park across from Firehall and walk with Monte and Mr. Holmlund at 7:45 a.m. For more information, please call Jennifer at the Ronan Parks Department at (406) 676-4231.

POLSON — The next scheduled community dance is Oct. 3 at the Elks from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Treats are back on the schedule again and are very appreciated. Ken’s Country Combo will play tunes and requests are accepted. Bring all your friends and have a rousing good time.

POLSON — Does big money corrupt the voting process in Montana? Can we reverse the Citizens United Supreme Court decision that ruled corporations have the same free-speech rights as U.S. (and Montana) citizens? What has this court decision done to help super PACS spend millions in Montana to influence the Nov. 6 general election? Is uncontrolled campaign spending the same as ‘free speech?’

Please join your Lake County neighbors for a discussion of the role of big money in Montana politics, and how we can change the Citizen United decision by common sense, grass-roots political action through the initiative process. The meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lake County Courthouse Plaza (by the flagpole at the main entrance).

For more information, or to support the Initiative 166 campaign, you may call (406) 356-6686, on the Internet at www.StandWithMontanans.org, or by mail to C.B. Pearson Treasurer, Stand with Montanans, PO Box 153, Helena MT 59624.

ARLEE — A free development and preschool screening clinic for children ages 0-5 years of age will take place at the Arlee Head Start on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Please call to schedule an appointment or to receive more information at (406) 725-3273 or (406) 726-3216 ext. 2215.

The screening includes gross motor, fine motor, language concepts, communication skills, communication concepts, hearing and vision screening.

PLAINS — The Cancer Network of Sanders County is having its 11th annual fall event, “Brats, Hops, and Grapes,” on Oct. 5, 2012 at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion from 6-9p.m. Brats will be served along with wine and beer tasting. There will be a silent auction and a live auction featuring Mr. Kevin Hill as auctioneer. Tickets go on sale Sept. 17 for $30/person. Money raised helps cancer patients from Sanders County currently undergoing treatment for cancer.  Contact Kathleen Miller at (406) 826-4278 or pln4278@blackfoot.net, for further information.

POLSON — Mission Valley home educators will meet on Friday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. at the New Life Christian Center in Polson for a potluck dinner and meeting. This is a whole-family event, so please bring Dad, Mom, teens, kids, grandparents, (just leave the 4-H animals at home). We’re planning time for an information exchange as well as some get-to-know one another activities.

Those new to home schooling, veteran home educators, and anyone interested in pursuing the idea of teaching their own children are all invited to participate. This is a great opportunity to get to know other home schoolers, ask questions, give support, and enjoy fellowship.

For more information, please contact John and Connie Doty (406) 849-5169.

RONAN — Art is in the eye of the beholder, and so the annual SAFE Harbor Art Auction and Celebration showcases a diverse sampling of art, pottery, photography, beadwork, sculpture, quilting, stained glass, woodwork, furniture and more. Everyone is bound to find something amazing at the auction. In addition, the auction will have a great selection of services, themed baskets and other packages that are sure to delight. This year’s event will take place Oct. 6 at the Ronan Community Center and includes dinner.

For more information about the event, call 240-0640. 

POLSON — EAA chapter 1122 will be flying Young Eagles at the Polson airport on Saturday, Oct. 6 starting at 9 a.m. 

We will serve donuts and coffee, juice or milk.

The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people ages 8-17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. Since 1992, more than 1.7 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by nearly 40,000 volunteer pilots.

So, kids, grab your parents (or parents grab your kids)  and drag them out to the Polson airport Saturday morning. The EAA will give you an opportunity to learn more about airplanes and go flying.

Any questions, call Bud Radtke at (406) 883-1245 or Mauri Morin at (406) 249 2250.

POLSON — How will the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) affect you in the coming year? What are the many hidden costs to support it? Linda Sauer, financial analyst at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, will answer these questions and more when she speaks at the community room of the North Lake County Library on Monday, Oct. 8, in Polson.

Ms. Sauer has been in healthcare administration for over 30 years.  Since she is responsible for analyzing the financial performances and strategic plans of clinics and other businesses owned by Northwest Healthcare, she is familiar with all 2,700 plus pages of the health care act and the regulations it will require.

Attendees are encouraged to bring brown bag lunches at 11:30; beverages and cookies will be provided. The program will begin at noon and adjourn at 1 p.m.

RONAN — American Legion Post 138 has its monthly meeting every second Tuesday at the VFW in Ronan at 7 p.m.

POLSON — “The Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness” by Terry Tanner will be the next evening program of the Mission Mountain Audubon Society on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Polson Library meeting room.

To the Pend d’Oreille, Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Mission Mountains have been an important landscape for their food, water, medicine, culture, religion, history and survival. The Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness, established by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012. Significantly, it was the first wilderness designation of tribal land by a tribe in the United States.

Terry will discuss the history of the wilderness as well as describe his involvement in the Native Lands and Wilderness Council, an indigenous-led collaborative that develops land management strategies for global challenges facing indigenous populations today.

Terry Tanner coordinates field projects covering recreation sites throughout the Flathead Indian Reservation. In addition, he is one of the founding members of the Native Lands and Wilderness Council and continues his involvement today. 

POLSON — A candidates’ forum sponsored by the Polson Chamber of Commerce will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 7-9 p.m. at the Big Sky Bistro, 325 Main Street, in Polson. Appetizers, coffee and water will be provided. There will also be a no host bar.

POLSON — Join us for “Engaging Employees in Wellness” with Paula Miller, PHR, WHP. This presentation consists of an overview of creating a wellness program that works and further addresses building momentum within the organization to sustain a long-term wellness initiative. Examples and samples will demonstrate the process and its workings. Come to the Big Sky Bistro and Art Bar, 325 Main Street on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 8:30-10 p.m. The cost is free but space is limited. Please RSVP: (406) 883-7880 or bphillips@mt.gov.

POLSON — The Lake County School Transportation Committee will meet Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. in the small conference room of the Lake County Courthouse. Adjustments needed in school bus routes will be discussed. Guests are welcome. 

For further information, contact Gale Decker, Lake County Superintendent of Schools, at (406) 883-7262.

RONAN — The American Legion Post 138 has its monthly meeting every second Tuesday at the VFW in Ronan at 7 p.m. The next meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 9.

RONAN — Ladies’ Auxiliary VFW 5652 will meet Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ronan VFW Hall, 35981 Round Butte Rd. New members are welcome. For more information, call Marge Fay at (406) 676-3380. 

POLSON — The National Active and Retired Federal Employees will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 11:45 a.m. at the Polson Senior Center. A lunch of pork chops will be available. Following lunch there will be a program featuring Barbara Morin about Cheerful Hearts. A brief business meeting will round out the gathering.

POLSON — Lake County Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services is seeking foster parents and is holding an orientation session for interested individuals and families on Oct. 10, from 6-9 p.m. We are recruiting stable families or individuals who are willing to open their homes and hearts to children needing a temporary or permanent home. Child and Family Services works with children ages 0-18 who are in need of a foster or adoptive home. These children are not able to stay with their birth family due to abuse and neglect, and/or because their birth parents and family are unable to care for them due to incapacity, addiction problems, illness, incarceration, or a combination of problems that create an unsafe environment for children. Foster families are needed in all areas of Lake County. To learn more about the foster care and adoption programs or to register for the orientation class, please contact Theresa Becker at (406) 883-7850 or (406) 827-8124.

POLSON — On Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Station, Polson Rural Fire District trustees will meet. All residents of the Polson Rural Fire District and interested general public are encouraged to attend. For a full text of approved minutes and the agenda please go to www.polsonfire.org.

ST. IGNATIUS — On Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 7-10 p.m., St. Ignatius High School SSC (students serving community) and Java Dogs will sponsor a barn dance with music provided by Lost Creek Road Band at the St. Ignatius community fitness center. 

This is a school sponsored activity and all school rules apply: zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol or tobacco use. The cost is $7 per individual, $10 per couple or $20 per family. 

POLSON —The musical “Boomer Babes” is back by popular demand for one weekend only, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Oct. 11, 12, 13, 14 at the John Dowdall Theatre on the lake. All tickets are $10 for this fantastic show featuring harmony and humor from the ladies take on Boomer Rama, 1946- 1964. Call (406) 883-9212 or go to portpolsonplayers.com for reservations.

RONAN – The public is invited to attend a candidate forum at the Lake County Community Development office, 407 Main Street, SW in Ronan, Thursday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. A locally made barbecue meal and no-host bar will be offered. To attend, please RSVP to Lisa Bagaoisan at (406) 676-5901. 

POLSON — The Lake County Pachyderm Club will meet on Friday, Oct. 12, at the Polson Rural Fire Station on Airport Road west of the bridge.  

A short business meeting will begin at noon followed by a presentation by Gil Mangels, a third generation Polson area resident and founder and director of Polson’s Miracle of America Museum. Gil’s talk will focus on the educational aspects and opportunities of the Miracle of America Museum.

The museum is now in its 30th year and is known worldwide. This year visitors came from 49 different countries and all 50 states.

Social time begins at 11:30 a.m. Please bring a brown bag lunch.  Anyone interested in learning about this Polson landmark and institution is invited to attend.