POLSON — You are welcome to bring material donations to the North Lake County Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There is a limit of two boxes at a time. Our Friends of the Library have set the third Thursday of each month as “Donation Day.” Please refer to our Materials Donation Policy on our website. 

POLSON — Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness will hold open try-outs on Thursday, Sept. 19, 4-6 p.m. for the Lake Monsters swim teams.  

KALISPELL — On Thursday, Sept. 19, from 10–11:30 a.m. at Lone Pine State Park, experience the health benefits of nature without venturing far from home in this 90-minute workshop led by Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Ellen Horowitz. Learn simple techniques to incorporate nature into your daily routine to reduce stress. The workshop takes place on the wheelchair-accessible porches of the Lone Pine Visitor Center. Space is limited to 10 participants, so secure your spot by registering in advance at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

KALISPELL — On Thursday, Sept. 18, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting at Lone Pine State Park, a speaker in the Visitor Center Conference Room from 7-7:45 p.m. Dive into the critical topic of water quality with an expert from the Flathead Lake Biological Station. Discover the current state of the Flathead Watershed and the ongoing efforts to preserve its pristine waters. Lone Pine State Park is 5 miles southwest of Kalispell.  This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so please register in advance by calling the Visitor Center at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

POLSON — The September SPLASH gathering will be held at First Interstate Bank from 5-7 p.m. There will be lots of great food, a 50/50 drawing and other surprises.

POLSON — An Upcycled and Recreated Art Show reception will be held at the Sandpiper Art Gallery & Gifts, on Friday, Sept. 20, from 5-7 p.m.

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library’s Homeschool Café is on Friday, Sept. 20, from 10-11 a.m. Come and learn more about homeschooling, and meet other homeschool families. Must register to attend. Call 406-883-8225 to register. 

RONAN — The 14th annual Harvest Festival is Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 63239 US Highway 93. View the Trail of Bales, and more.Visit: www.ronanchamber.com for more information. Also a 

Flavors of Fall contests where kids and adults can enter a home-kitchen prepared dessert, bread or specialty item (canned good, salsa, jelly). Nothing needing refrigeration. Pre-register or questions by calling or texting 406-240-0640.  Check-in is noon to 12:55 p.m. Bring a copy of your recipe. Entries on paper plate or recyclable container only. Entries judged on appearance, taste & creativity. Special categories are Flavors of Fall and Best Presentation. Must be present to win. 

POLSON — The Mission Valley Ducks Unlimited Banquet will be held at the Elks Lodge, 512 Main Street on Saturday, Sept. 21, beginning at 5 p.m. Call 406-382-0518 or 605-212-4555 for tickets.

BIG ARM — Join us on Saturday, Sept. 2,1 at the historic Big Arm School as our kitchen crew will whip up a delightful breakfast of pancakes, scrambled egg, sausage, coffee, and juice served from 8:30-11 a.m. We do not charge for the meal-but donations are accepted.

POLSON — The Mission Valley Elks Tournament held at the Polson Bay Golf Course is on Sept. 21, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Email polsonbaygolfcourse.gmail.com for more information.

KALISPELL — On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m.-noon, stop by the Lone Pine State Park Picnic Shelter for a fun and educational drop-in program where you can uncover fascinating facts about Lone Pine State Park and test your knowledge for a chance to win sticker prizes. No registration is needed.

MISSION VALLEY — Join us Sept. 21, for a scenic bike tour at the base of the Mission Mountains. Riders will stop and visit four to six local, sustainable farms with food bites offered at each stop. This year we are offering a 40-50 mile route. Registrations are $115/each. Go to our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

RONAN — The Flathead Irrigation District will meet on Sept. 25, at 1 p.m. upstairs at the MWCD building, 407 Main Street SW.

RONAN — The Flathead Irrigation District will hold their monthly meeting on Sept. 25, upstairs at the Mission West Community Development Partners building, 407 Main Street SW., at 1 p.m. 

POLSON — On Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The North Lake County Public Library’s Page Turner’s Youth Book Club will meet in the Community Room to discuss this month’s book “OCDaniel” by Wesley King. Come pick up your FREE book then join us to discuss your favorite part and do an activity related to the title. 

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

ELMO — The CSKT Tribal Health Harvest Fest will be held in Elmo at Ksanka Hall from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Come celebrate community at this family-friendly event that includes health education, games, fresh local produce, door prizes, and dry meat. 

KALISPELL — On Thursday, Sept. 26, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting at Lone Pine State Park, one of their September Speaker Series talks in the Visitor Center Conference Room from 7-7:45 p.m. Join us for an engaging session on how doing less in your garden can actually benefit native pollinators and birds. Learn about the Flathead Pollinator Initiative, get tips on fall seeding, and hear from local participants about what’s working well in their pollinator gardens. After the talk, celebrate the success of local pollinator gardens with a pollinator party—refreshments will be served. Lone Pine State Park is 5 miles southwest of Kalispell. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so please register in advance by calling the Visitor Center at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

POLSON — The Mission Valley Choral Society’s practices begin on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 7-9 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. The holiday concerts are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Mission in St. Ignatius and on Sunday, Dec. 15. At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. The choir invites anyone who enjoys singing. Basses and baritones are especially needed. For information call 406-261-3304 or 406-240-6103 or check out the MVCS website: missionvalleychoralsociety.org or Facebook page.

POLSON — Bring 2 or more non-perishable food items (per person) to the Friday, Sept. 27, football game between Polson and Columbia Falls to be played at 7 p.m. at the Pirate Stadium and Providence will cover your admission fee to the football game.

KALISPELL/ZOOM — A summit on Parkinson’s Disease will be held on Sept. 27 and 28 at the Red Lion Inn in Kalispell or virtually. Either way, register at: www.summitforparkinsons.org. 

BIG ARM _ The Big Arm Association will host a potluck on Friday, Sept. 27, at 5:30 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share with your neighbors. Our guest speaker for the evening will be Chief of Police in Polson, George Simpson, and he will discuss how to recognize and avoid fraud and scams. We’ve all had those phone calls, or e-mails on the computer trying to get your personal information. It will be a very informative evening. For more information, contact Nancy Foster at 406-849-5064.

POLSON — Our next Pachyderm meeting will be held on Friday, Sept. 27, at noon at the Polson Rural Fire Station.

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Vietnam veteran and author, David (Doc) Chung. He is a Veterans Service Officer for The Military Order of The Purple Heart, Department of Montana. He published a Memoir called “Face of The Enemy, An American Asian’s War in Vietnam and at Home.”

POLSON — Register at the Polson Bay Golf Course as slots fill up fast for the Saturday, Sept. 28, golf event. Get your 2-person team registered now.

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library is starting a new Book Club for Adults. “The Bookfest Club” will meet Saturday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m. to discuss this month’s selection, “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge. Please sign up for this event so we can plan accordingly. 

KALISPELL — Enjoy the best food and wine party, with a dozen local chefs and restaurants offering their best dishes and Summit Beverage offering impressive wines. 

The Grand Wine Tasting is the place to bid on amazing auction packages. All proceeds benefit student scholarships. Go to: fvccedu/foundation or FVCC Facebook for details.

GLACIER PARK — In celebration of National Public Lands Day, entry to National Parks is free on Saturday, Sept. 28. For information on reservations, go to: nps.gov.

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting guided hikes at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork. These hikes will be Sept. 28, and Oct. 5 and feature an introduction to how the forest recycles nutrients by decomposing various dead organisms. Each hike will be about one mile in length. Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, proper footwear, snacks, and a water bottle. These hikes are limited to 20 people and registration can be done by calling the Ranger Station at 406-837-3041 ext. 0. The cost is $4 per participant, and free for kids 12 and under. For more information, call the park visitor center at 406-837-3041 ext. 0. 

KALISPELL — On Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. join us for National Public Lands Day and make a difference in our local trails. We’ll start at 8:30 a.m. at North Foy’s Lake Access, then divide into teams to tackle trail maintenance at Lone Pine State Park and Foys to Blacktail Trails. 

Enjoy a rewarding day of teamwork and outdoor service, with lunch provided at noon by the Kalispell Daybreak Rotary Club. Please register in advance so we can plan work teams and for lunch by calling 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

POLSON - Local musicians will gather in the warmth of community and the peace of Christ at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 Fourth Street, E, on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 2-3 p.m. Call 406-883-5864 with your questions.

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a guided hike at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork. This hike will be on Oct. 5 and feature an introduction to how the forest recycles nutrients by decomposing various dead organisms. Each hike will be about one mile in length. Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, proper footwear, snacks, and a water bottle. These hikes are limited to 20 people and registration can be done by calling the Ranger Station at 406-837-3041 ext. 0. The cost is $4 per participant, and free for kids 12 and under. For more information, call the park visitor center at 406-837-3041 ext. 0. 

ELMO — On Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. join Women Connect at the Wellness Hub in Elmo to create a supportive community while learning. On Oct. 2 Billie Bear to visit and create by sewing. Materials will be provided. Childcare and dinner will be provided. Attend one or all in the 5 week free series. Register at: www.familiesfirstmt.org/moms-connect.html

RONAN — On Wednesday, Oct. 2, a support group for family of and those with neurogenerative disease meets at St. Luke Community Hospital, 107 Sixth Ave. SW, Conference Room 107, at 7 p.m. For more information call Monte Jenkins at 406-253-3484. 

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce will meet for lunch at Bunkers at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

RONAN – Attend a workshop at Mission West Community Partners, 407 Main St. SW, about ‘Owning Your Online Presence’ from 11 a.m.-noon. 

POLSON — Story Time is held each Thursday from 10 -11a.m. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5. Miss Mallory will be running this program during our transition in Youth Services. 

KALISPELL — Flathead Valley Community College invites the community to join us for our “Night of the Trades” Open House at the Occupational Trades Building on campus in Kalispell, Oct. 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. Discover your pathway into high-demand careers and network with local industry reps, no reservation needed.

Prospective students explore hands-on career sessions led by FVCC instructors, parents attend information sessions outlining pathways for success in the trades, and local industry leaders share current job opportunities available right here in the Flathead Valley. 

Night of the Trades is free and open to the public. For more information and to sign up for sessions, visit fvcc.edu/occupational-trades. 

RONAN – On Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Ronan Performing Arts Center, the Rebecca Folsom Band will perform tender ballads of blues and gospel. Season tickets are $80. Single tickets are $13 and available at missionvalleylive.com or at First Interstate Bank in Polson or True Value in Ronan. Tickets available at the door.

ST. IGNATIUS – On October 4 and 5 at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center a Bake Sale and a Yard Sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. 

Lots of house items, clothes and craft items plus cookies, breads, muffins, cake, candy and many more items. Lunch will be served at noon on Oct. 4.

RONAN – Life Savers Animal Rescue will celebrate everyone that helps make rescue possible on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ronan City Park Pavilion, Eisenhower Street & 4th Ave. There will be sandwiches, chips, cookies and refreshments as well as some give-away items and of course dogs. We encourage you to come and bring your dogs.

ST. IGNATIUS – On October 5 at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center a Bake/Yard Sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lots of house items, clothes and craft items plus cookies, breads, muffins, cake, candy and many more items. 

RONAN – Attend an ‘Excel Essentials’ workshop and master the fundamentals at Mission West Community Partners, 407 Main St. SW, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

ELMO — On Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. join Women Connect at the Wellness Hub in Elmo to create a supportive community while learning. On Oct. 9 join Joanna Hazen to visit and move your body and celebrate all it can do. Childcare and dinner will be provided. Attend one or all in the 5 week free series Register at: www.familiesfirstmt.org/moms-connect.html

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. 

For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

LAKE COUNTY —­ Donate new socks throughout October for Lake County elementary schools. Drop off or call for pick up: 210 Second Street E in Polson or 406-883-5258.

RONAN — The Lake County Conservation District, 64352 US Hwy 93, will hold their monthly board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m. (every second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.). 

Meetings are open to the public and agendas may be found at: LakeCountyConservationDistrict.org.

RONAN — Learn ‘Google Analytics’ at Mission West Community Partners, 407 Main St. SW, from 11 a.m.- noon.

POLSON — Story Time is held each Thursday from 10 -11a.m. at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5.  

POLSON — The First Presbyterian Church, 301 4th Ave. E, will hold a community dinner from 5-6 p.m. Call 719-650-2418 for more information. Dinners are free of charge but donations are accepted.

POLSON — Our guest speaker for the October 11 Pachyderm meeting will be Susie Hedalen, candidate for Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction. Susie says “I am running for state superintendent to get education back to basics, put parents and students first, and keep our schools safe.”  The meeting will be held at the Polson Rural Fire Station at noon. We hope to see a good turnout for this meeting; elections are just weeks away.

POLSON — On Friday, Oct. 11, the North Lake County Public Library and the Joyful Cup will be closed for a Staff Training Day. We will be open Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

 KALISPELL — On Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Flathead Lake State Park is holding its annual Fall Fest to celebrate the coming of fall with all the changes it brings to the park with ‘S’mores and Stories.’ Bring a chair and come sit around the fire to roast hot dogs and s’mores and listen to our ‘Wonders of Fall’ 30-minute program at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. 

The event will include food, warm beverages, games like Pop the Prey and Guess How Many, crafts such as mask designing and face painting, prizes, wagon rides and fun for the whole family. 

We invite all visitors to wear their favorite fall flannels for some fun family photos. There is no cost to attend the event, and no reservations required. 

Call the ranger station for more information at 406-837-3041 ext. 0. Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park is located near Bigfork on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. 

Learn more about Montana’s state parks at: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks.

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will offer on Tuesday, Oct.15, from 4-5 p.m., “Arcade Game Building: Introduction to Coding.” Come build your own arcade game and learn the basics of how to code. 

Each class will be a different game. We request that you bring your own laptop if you have one. If you don’t have one available, we have some we can provide on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is the third session. The capstone class will be in November. Registration is needed. Space is limited for this class. 

CHARLO — Join the Mission Valley Conservation Speaker Series, “Why do bears eat bugs? – McDonald Peak & Other Mountains” at Ninepipes Lodge on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. 

This free educational event is open to the public. Email: LakeCD@macdnet.org for more information.

POLSON — On Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. join Women Connect at the Wellness Hub in Elmo to create a supportive community while learning. 

On Oct. 16 create dinner bowls with Havilah and a crockpot meal to go. Attend one or all in the 5 week free series. Register at: www.familiesfirstmt.org/moms-connect.html

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. 

For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

POLSON — The Friends of the North Lake County Public Library will hold their next Book Donation Day on Thursday, Oct. 17. You are welcome to bring material donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. 

We ask that you limit your donation to two boxes at a time. The third Thursday of each month is “Donation Day.” 

Please refer to our Materials Donation Policy on our website for more information. 

POLSON — Story Time is held each Thursday from 10 -11a.m. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5. Miss Mallory will be running this program during our transition in Youth Services. 

POLSON  — On Friday, Oct. 18, from 4-5:30 p.m. an introductory class on plant identification with Assistant Botanist William Schlegel with the Lolo National Forest will be held at the North Lake County Public Library. Sign up at the front desk. Space is limited to 20 participants. This class is geared for participants ages 13 and older. 

POLSON — Immaculate Conception Church, 1002 Fourth Ave. E, will hold a community dinner from 5-6 p.m. Call 719-650-2418 for more information. Dinners are free of charge but donations are accepted.

POLSON — At 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, enjoy a German dinner for $15 at the Mission Valley Elks Lodge. 

The authentic German dinner includes, pork schnitzel with mushroom gravy, spaetzle -German noodle/dumpling, red cabbage - sweet and slightly cooked with apples and spices. Dinner includes salad and dessert.

POLSON — Climate Cafe Polson offers a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can engage in meaningful discussions about the climate crisis, share your thoughts, personal stories, and ideas as we explore ways to take action on personal, community, and global levels. Gatherings are open and all are welcome on the third Friday of each month from 9-11 a.m. at 110 Main Street.

POLSON  —The North Lake County Public Library will host on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m., Leslie Budewitz for a book signing and presentation on her latest non-fiction publication: “All God’s Sparrows.” This program is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served and an engaging discussion is sure to be part of the program. 

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting educational programs at Lone Pine State Park in October. Lone Pine State Park is 5 miles southwest of Kalispell and offers views of the valley. On Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10-11 a.m., learn about nature’s most important clean-up crew, the decomposers. Explore how decomposers break down plants and animals, nourishing the soil and keeping ecosystems balanced. Space is limited; register-call 406-755-2706. 

RONAN — The Mission Valley Children’s Choir will begin its sixth year on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 406 Fifth Ave. SW. Refreshments, “together time” and rehearsals held from 3:45-5 p.m. every Tuesday. The choir is open to children in grades 2-6. For more information call 406-546-7323.

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting educational programs at Lone Pine State Park in October. Lone Pine State Park is 5 miles southwest of Kalispell and offers views of the valley, 7.5 miles of trails, and an interpretive center with information on living in a wildlife-urban interface. Don’t miss your chance to meet our resident bull snake, Camo, up close and personal on Sunday, Oct. 20. Join us for Sundays with Camo and learn about the incredible world of snakes and their crucial role in maintaining balance in our ecosystems. You’ll also get to witness Camo’s weekly feeding, an opportunity to confront your fears and discover why snakes, though often misunderstood, are indispensable to nature. No registration is needed—just drop in. For more information about our park, visit our website at: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lone-pine.