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.

NINEPIPE — A cribbage tournament to benefit long-time St. Ignatius coach and cancer patient Les Rice will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, from noon-8 p.m. at the Ninepipes Lodge banquet room. Prizes will be $200 for first place; $150 for second; $100 for third; and $50 for fourth. The tournament will be double-elimination with a blind draw for partners, and rules will be according to “The Book of Hoyle.”

There is a $50 entry fee, and entry deadline is Oct. 24. For more information or to register, contact Frank Rollins at (406) 644-2777.

A fund for Rice is set up at Lake County Bank.

POLSON — A donation event to benefit Jade Marr, who has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, (a form of childhood cancer), is planned for Saturday, Oct. 27, from 4-8 p.m. at the Elks in Polson. A hearty stew dinner (gluten free) will be served for $8 per person, $25 per family (children 3-years and younger are free). The event includes a silent auction, a kids’ silent auction (12 years and younger) and a quilt raffle. Come help make something amazing happen and enjoy the evening with your family.

RONAN — The Lake County spay/neuter task force is sponsoring a low-cost spay/neuter clinic on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28, at Glacier View Christian School in Ronan. The clinic is for dog and cat owners that have low to moderate or fixed incomes. 

Appointments are required. Beginning Sunday, Oct. 14, pet owners can call (406) 309-4874 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

PABLO — Salish Kootenai College Media/KSKC-TV is sponsoring the screening of the film “Occupied Cascadia” at the Johnny Arlee/Victor Charlo Theatre in Pablo on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 pm. The screening is free and open to the public. A trailer and more information is available at http://cascadiamatters.org/the-film.

RONAN — A garden work day/ make a difference day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27 at Ronan High School. Volunteers are needed to continue work on the outdoor Peace Garden in preparation for winter. Please let us know if you plan to attend. Bring garden gloves and hand tools; snacks are provided. Come for the entire time or just an hour. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

RONAN — On Saturday, Oct. 27, and again on Wednesday, Oct. 31, haunted house tours will be offered at the Ronan Telephone Warehouse across from the Ronan Event Center. The not-so-scary tour takes place between 5:30-6:30 p.m. The scary tour begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Admission is $3 per tour and refreshments will be on sale at the gate. Contact Sharla Talsma at Timberlane Auto, (406) 676-8111, for more information. 

RONAN — Party for the Pool Zumbathon will rock the Ronan Community Center, Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon. Come for energetic music, Zumba fitness dances you love, door prizes, silent auction items and yummy snacks, or come just to visit and tap your feet. The event features Deanar Young, a talented Zumba instructor and dance teacher from Spokane, plus other amazing instructors from our own valley. This is an opportunity to try the popular Latin-based dance fitness program and get information about the progress of the Mission Valley Aquatic Center. 

There is no admission fee, but please come and consider making a suggested donation of $25, or pledge to support the project. For more information, call Linda Sappington at (406) 270-5733.

POLSON — All are welcome at a free potato bake potluck on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 12:30 p.m. after the service at Foursquare Church in Polson. We’ll bake the potatoes; bring toppings or dessert to share. For more information, call (406) 883-9347. 

POLSON — On Sunday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m., Polson Foursquare Church will host evangelist Mike Sauro. Sauro will tell his story of growing up in southern California and being a gang leader until years later in prison, God rescued him. Ever since he has been telling people how Jesus has made a difference in his life. He has helped start three churches and is here in Polson to share his story.  All are welcome to attend. Call (406) 883-9347 for more information.

RONAN — Come join us at the Ronan City Library for a HalloRead event. On Wednesday, Oct. 31, the library is having a very special combination author’s night and Halloween party for kids of all ages. The HalloRead party will run from 6-8 p.m. with the reading of a locally written book at 6:30 p.m. We will have games for the kids, plus some tricks and some treats. Spend Halloween at the library and everyone wear your favorite costume.

ST. IGNATIUS — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold its annual trunk or treat on Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. in the church parking lot. All community members are invited to come with their decorated trunks. Come enjoy some chili and let the kids fill their bags with candy.

ST. IGNATIUS — Mission Valley United Methodist Church will host “Trunk or Treat” on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5-7:30 p.m. A simple supper, a Halloween movie and treats from various trunks will be available during that time. You are invited to bring your treats, decorate your vehicle and give out treats or dress up and “Trunk or Treat” the vehicles in our parking lot. This is a family-friendly event and all are welcome.

PABLO — A harvest party is planned for Oct. 31 at the Pablo Elementary School from 5:30-7 p.m. It will feature a carnival, fun, games and treats for everyone. There is no admission charge. Both the Pablo Baptist and the Pablo Nazarene Churches are sponsoring this event.

POLSON — The Pumpkin Patch Bash will be at the Polson High School Gymnasium from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. This free carnival is designed for families with children sixth grade and under. There will be a free family dinner, games, candy and giveaways. Don’t miss this amazing annual event sponsored by New Life Christian Center.

For more information, please call 883-2447.

ARLEE — The Arlee Celebration Committee is selling 50/50 raffle tickets for $1 or six for $5. The drawing will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1. Contact Ben McDonald at THHS, Bub Schliep at MVP, June Rae McDonald at Forestry Dept., VI Trahan at accounting, Clara Charlo at the Credit Dept., or Dorothy Finley in Commodities Dept. to purchase tickets. Call June Rae McDonald at (406) 890-5785 for more information. 

POLSON — The Polson Shooters’ Association will hold their annual meeting and banquet on Thursday, Nov. 1, at the VFW in Polson.

The festivities will begin with a no host bar at 6 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner of roast pork and teriyaki chicken and all the trimmings catered by Grills Gone Wild. The meeting will follow with a review of 2012 and election of officers and board members. There will also be a discussion of plans for 2013.

You may also renew you membership for 2013 at this time.

During 2012 there were a lot of improvements at the range and we look forward to your comments. Remember the officers and board of directors, work for the membership and they want to make the range and organization the best it can be and to serve all hunters and shooters of Polson and Lake County.

So, bring your appetite and suggestions for 2013 and let’s have a party. Please RSVP to Rob St. Clair at (406) 883-1110 or Mauri Morin at (406) 249-2250.

RONAN — If you need of a miracle or a word from God, would like to see the signs and wonders of God’s Kingdom, these meetings are for you. Admission is free and all are welcome. Join us with Dr. Denny and Iris Valero on Nov. 2 and 3, at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Hosted by Life For the Nations Christian Fellowship, 22 Second Avenue S.W., Ronan. For information, call Pastor Frank at (406) 676-0601.

POLSON — The ever-popular apple dumpling is again the highlight of the menu at the annual fall bazaar and luncheon at the First United Methodist Church of Polson on Friday, Nov. 2.

The soup and sandwich lunch can be topped off with an apple dumpling and ice cream served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Art, homemade crafts and bake goods are sold from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

United Methodist Women sponsor the event and use proceeds for local and church-wide mission projects. The church is located at 301 16th Ave., E.

POLSON — Community members are warmly invited to celebrate the talent and accomplishments of local artists and artisans during a series of Meet the Artist receptions held at the Cottage on Main in Polson in November and December. The first event, Harvest Soirée, on Nov. 2, will highlight the work of Amy Knutson, who will be sharing the magic behind her wonderful gourd art; Melissa Michel from Glacier Lily Soaps; Varada Veum from Tipu’s Chai; and Joel Ahr Carlson from Thunderhead Gardens. Hot drinks, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, and whimsical musical interludes by John Semmens will add flare to the festivities.

The event is free and open to the public Friday, Nov. 2, from 5-8 p.m. at The Cottage On Main in Polson. Please call 406-253-8587 for more information.

POLSON — Mission Valley home educators will be meeting on Friday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m., at the New Life Christian Center, for a potluck dinner and meeting. This is a whole-family event, so please bring dad, mom, teens, kids, and grandparents. 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. It 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 at (406) 849-5169.

POLSON — It’s bazaar time, and for apple dumpling lovers, the First United Methodist Church will hold its fall bazaar and luncheon on Friday, Nov. 2. 

As well as the ever-popular apple dumplings, attendees can feast on homemade soup and sandwiches. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Art, homemade crafts and baked goods are sold from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

The United Methodist Women sponsor the event and use proceeds for local and church-wide mission projects. The church is located at 301 16th Ave. E. in Polson.

POLSON — The Polson Chamber awards banquet is on Friday, Nov. 2, with no-host cocktails beginning at 6 p.m., dinner and awards at 7 p.m., and music and dancing at 9 p.m. Tickets are $45. Tickets are available by calling or emailing the chamber office, or through your chamber board members and ambassadors.

POLSON — Tired of having more month than money? Is financial stress bringing you down? Come to Free To Choo$e financial literacy class and learn how to transform your life into one of financial freedom and choice. Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana in partnership with Glacier Bank will be offering this financial literacy educational opportunity on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Polson High School at 111 14th Ave. East, Polson. Lunch will be provided.

Individuals interested in learning more about CAPNM’s Programs or registering for the class, please contact CAPNM’s office at 1-800-344-5979.

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will hold its monthly meeting at noon, Nov. 3, during the Thread Painting Class at the Terrace Lake Community Church, east of Ronan. If you are interested in taking the class, contact Kay Krantz. There is a $10 fee and Kay has the supply list. Bring your own lunch. 

The BOM’s for November and December will be shown at the December meeting, which will be a potluck with a gift exchange. Everyone is welcome.

RONAN — The Ronan community blood drive is Monday, Nov. 5, from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ronan Sacred Heart Parish fellowship hall. To schedule an appointment contact Adina Fox, (406) 675-3580. Sponsored by GFWC Ronan Woman’s Club.

RONAN — The monthly meeting of the Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will be held Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall, located on Round Butte Road. For more information, contact Dennese at (406) 883-5876 or Connie at (406) 644-5001.

POLSON — On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, the Polson Presbyterian Church, across from Linderman School at 301 4th Ave. E., is holding a pasty lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The lunch includes a homemade pasty with gravy, salad, vegetable, cake and beverage and costs $6 for adults and $3 for children. All proceeds go towards missions. Please vote, and then have a wonderful pasty lunch at the Polson Presbyterian Church.

POLSON — Janna Taylor, Greg Hertz, Dan Saloman, and Joe Read invite you to spend election evening, Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the Lake County Republican Headquarters, located on the corner of Second Street and Hwy 93. Call (406) 270-4521, for more information.

PABLO — A poetry reading and book signing by acclaimed Inuit poet, (and SKC alum) will take place at SKC Johnny Arlee and Victor Charlo Theater on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 12-1 p.m. Poet, dg nanouk okpik, is Inupiaq, Inuit, originally from Alaska’s arctic slope and will read from her book, “Corpse Whale.” She is a recipient of a Truman Capote Fellowship.

POLSON — The monthly Polson Chamber “business and lunch” meeting will be held on Nov. 7, from 12-1 p.m., at the KwaTaqNuk Resort. Our speaker will be Mayor Pat DeVries and City Manager Todd Crossett. For information, contact the Chamber Office at (406) 883-5969.

POLSON — On Nov. 7, from 7-10 p.m., the Elks will hold a community dance. Ken’s Country Combo will play ballroom dancing tunes. Treats are welcome. 

POLSON — “Being There: Landscape and Wildlife Photographs from Montana, the Dakotas, and Wyoming” by Jay Cross, will be the next evening program of the Mission Mountain Audubon Society on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m., in the Polson Library meeting room.  Everyone is welcome. Join us for a presentation of Jay’s images and the stories behind a few of them. Many of the pictures are part of his exhibit of 46-framed photos at the Red Poppy Gallery in Ronan. The exhibit runs through Nov. 20.

Jay is a Polson-based landscape and wildlife photographer, whose passion is making fine-art prints. He is current the Gallery Director at the Sandpiper Art Gallery on Polson’s Main Street.

POLSON — On Nov. 8, an Indian Education for All Committee meeting will take place from 4-5 p.m. at the Polson School District office.

POLSON — The Masumola Club meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, at the clubhouse. The social gathering begins at 5:45 p.m., potluck at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m. The program will feature Brian Lipscomb who will discuss the history and current status of Kerr Dam.

The clubhouse is located on Masumola Road, (turn onto Rocky Point off of Highway 93 and after the 3-mile marker turn right onto Masumola Road. The clubhouse is 1/4 mile on the right).  Anyone in the community of Polson and the surrounding area is invited to attend this meeting as a guest or to join the club and enjoy friendship, meetings and interesting programs. The only requirement for new guests is to bring your own utensils and a dish to pass if you wish.  For membership information contact Irene Marchello at (406) 883-6184.

RONAN — The theatre season opens on Nov. 9-10 at the Ronan Performing Arts Center when the elementary students, grades kindergarten through second grade, present “Mrs. Claus is Missing.” Performances begin at 7 p.m. This is an enchanting musical all about the power of believing. Don’t miss Santa, the elves and others that are sure to delight audiences of all ages. General admission tickets will be available at the Ronan Flower Mill, (406) 676-5323, 106 Main S.W., or at the ticket booth the evenings of the plays. Ticket cost for all seats is $5. Director Rita Tingey has asked that if you have any toys to donate for use in the play, she would be most appreciative. She can be reached at (406) 676-3390.

POLSON — Local author Maggie Plummer will be signing her new book, “Spirited Away: A Novel of the Stolen Irish,” at North Lake County Public Library in Polson on Friday, Nov. 9, from 3–6 p.m. in the library meeting room. Everyone is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.

POLSON — The apple festival and fall bazaar at Immaculate Conception Church in Polson is scheduled for Nov. 9, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. You may preorder apple pies or select them on that date. 

The pies will be in three sizes this year. Along with the pies, lunch will be served and a bake sale will take place. Craft tables are available by calling Kay at (406) 883-9351 or Julane at (406) 883-2678. 

Plan ahead and get an early start on your Christmas shopping and entertainment.