POLSON — Sandpiper Art Gallery at 306 Main Street in Polson holds its annual Christmas Art Show Nov. 28-Dec. 24. Local member artists have filled the Gallery and Gift Shop with original artwork and crafts for the budget minded or extravagant shopper. Sandpiper Art Gallery will be a part of the Polson Art Walk on Friday, Dec. 7, with a special open house from 5-8 p.m. Artists will be on hand demonstrating raku pottery, felt birds, painting and fast drawing. Contact the gallery at(406) 883-5956 or visit Sandpiperartgallery.com for more information.

POLSON — Sandpiper Art Gallery at 306 Main St. in Polson holds its annual Christmas Art Show now through Dec. 24. Local member artists have filled the Gallery and Gift Shop with original artwork and crafts for the budget minded or extravagant shopper. Sandpiper Art Gallery will be a part of the Polson Art Walk on Friday, Dec. 7, with a special open house from 5-8 p.m. Artists will be on hand demonstrating raku pottery, felt birds, painting and fast drawing. Contact the gallery at (406) 883-5956 or visit Sandpiperartgallery.com for more information.

RONAN — The Lutheran Women Missionary League will be at the 4-H community bazaar on Dec. 7 and 8. The Missionary League will have homemade “goodies.” They will also have a selection of microfiber bed sheets that are soft and easy-care. All proceeds go to mission projects: Ronan Bread Basket, preschool scholarships, local nonprofits, quilts, dresses for Africa, and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. Shop early and support our community.

POLSON — Polson’s downtown open house will continue on Friday, Dec. 7, from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The open house will happen again on Friday, Dec. 14 with the Living Windows exhibits. Businesses will be open until 7 p.m. Pictures with Santa will take place at the Cove from 4-7 p.m. on both Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.

POLSON — The first annual Quick Draw and Art Auction, sponsored by Sandpiper Art Gallery, will be held at Glacier Brewery, 6 10th Ave. E., on Dec. 8 from 5-8 p.m. Sandpiper member artists will each complete an original piece of artwork in one hour. Attendees are encouraged to watch and interact with the artists as they work. The work period will be followed by an auction of the artwork produced. Sandpiper members have donated additional original artwork to make the auction even more exciting. A portion of the funds raised will go to the Sandpiper Scholarship Fund. Glacier Brewery will have all of their ales available for purchase and the Flathead Cheese Company will provide light refreshments.

ST. IGNATIUS — Mission Valley Ranch Hands’ 4-H Club Christmas Craft Bazaar will take place on Dec. 8, at the St. Ignatius Community Center. Call Twila at (406) 531-2311 or (406) 531-6825 for table space.

RONAN — The organizing Kuilix chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet Saturday, Dec. 8, at The Red Poppy on Highway 93, at 1 p.m. Prospective members welcome. 

For more information, call Bonnie Huber at (406) 745-3118.

CHARLO — A chili dinner fundraiser for Lisa Cox, raising money to go to Australia next summer with the People to People Ambassador Program, will take place Saturday, Dec. 8, from 5-7 p.m. at the Charlo Senior Center. Scarves and raffle tickets for a Nook HD and other prizes will be sold. 

Contact Neoma Cox at (406) 360-8736 for more information.

PABLO — A Christmas bazaar will be held at SKC’s Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center, Camas Room, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. The fee for one table is $30, and it’s $35 for two tables. You qualify for a $10 discount if you donate an item. SKC students are charged $15 for one table, and $15 for two tables with a donated item. Stew and frybread is available for $5. All vendors will receive two free meal tickets. This event is sponsored by SKC’s “Spirit of the Bison” student organization.

To reserve tables contact Allen Addison at (406) 396-8201 or ShiNaasha Pete at (406) 600-7755.

POLSON — Polson Heart and Soul continues its neighborhood gatherings at the Fire Hall (off Fairgrounds Road) at 25B Regatta Rd., Sunday, Dec. 9, from 1-3:30 p.m. 

Fun, good conversation and a free brunch are planned and babysitting services are available. Every one of all ages is welcome to attend, with special emphasis for those living in the area just north of the bridge to Jette Lake and Jette Meadows. Polson Heart and Soul project is holding over 20 of these gatherings to find out what you think about Polson. Folks are invited to engage in a friendly conversation with neighbors to ultimately help develop a stronger, healthier Polson, while preserving the best of what Polson already is.

All are invited to let their views be heard. The schedule of activities includes brunch from 1–1:30 p.m., small group conversations from 1:30–2:30 p.m., and sharing with discussion from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Come join your neighbors and visit about the future of Polson. 

To help ensure adequate food and babysitting services, please RSVP by Dec. 7, to polsonheartsoul@montanasky.net or call (406) 250-3498. 

POLSON — The Beautification Committee of Envision Polson invites you to nominate what “best” embodies the joy of the season through our “Celebrate the Season of Light” decoration contest. Nominate yourself or your neighbor on one of the following categories: best business, best residence, best church, or best neighborhood.

Entry forms and information available at the chamber office or on our website: www.polsonchamber.com.

Drop off entries at the Polson Chamber of Commerce office from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 418 Main Street by Monday, Dec. 10.

RONAN — The Ronan School District Adult Education Program will sponsor open gym at K. William Harvey Elementary School on Monday and Wednesday nights beginning Dec. 10. The gym will be open from 7-8:30 p.m. All participants will sign in with the open gym monitor each night and must be 18 years of age or older to attend. Open gym will not take place when there is no school or an event is taking place in the gym. A schedule will be posted in the gym each month. If you have any questions, contact Crystal Meyer at (406) 676-3390 ext. 3728, or email: crystal.meyer@ronank12.edu.

RONAN — Everyone is invited to come to the North Crow Clubhouse on Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. for the North Crow Ladies’ Club Christmas party. It is located on North Foothills Drive.

Kids and adults are invited to share a talent or enjoy the show. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there with goody bags for the kids. There will be hot drinks, cookies and popcorn balls for all. 

For more information, call Marge Fay at (406) 676-3380 or Sharon Simpson at (406) 676-3670 from the North Crow Ladies’ Club.

See you there.

POLSON — “Skulls, Furs, Feathers and Feet: Facts and Misconceptions” by Allen Bone and Janene Lichtenberg will be the next program of the Mission Mountain Audubon Society on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., in the Polson library meeting room. All ages are welcome. This will be an interactive, hands-on presentation, so bring your questions about the wild animals in our area. 

ST. IGNATIUS — The next meeting of the Flathead Joint Board of Control will be Dec. 11 at the board office at 11 a.m.

ARLEE — The Arlee Community Development Corporation will hold their December meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. in the Arlee High School business lab. The meeting is open to the public and we welcome all. If you have any questions, please give Kelley a call at (406) 726-5550.

PABLO —Members of the Flathead Basin Commission will hold a meeting on Dec. 12, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the CSKT Tribal Council Chambers in Pablo.

In the morning, Chris Tweeten and Bill Schultz, from the Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission, will provide an update on the CSKT Compact negotiations. 

The remainder of the morning will focus on a FBC administrative matter and a discussion on aquatic invasive species.

In the afternoon, Diana Hammer from the EPA will discuss the Burlington Northern groundwater contamination in Somers and plans for pollution remediation. In addition, FBC Executive Director Caryn Miske will provide several updates on FBC projects and programs.

For more information, contact the FBC at (406) 240-3453.

POLSON — The National Active and Retired Federal Employees will hold their annual Christmas party at noon on Dec. 12, at Pop’s Grill, 214 Main St. Lunch will be from the menu. 

A program by Matt Larson from the Owl Institute is pending.

The members of NARF wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

POLSON — On Wednesday, Dec. 12, Big Productions will present “Storyhill” at Polson High School. Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson are a folk-duo that brings infectious melodies, smart story songs and heartbreaking harmonies together in one perfect package. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. For more information, call Big Productions (406) 676-2427. 

POLSON — Polson Rural Fire District trustee monthly meeting will take place Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., at the fairgrounds station.  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.

POLSON — The Mission Valley Christian Academy is putting on a dinner theater production to raise funds. The play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” will take place on Dec. 13, 14, and 15 beginning at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person or $150 for a family of five. Call the school at (406) 883-6858 for more information.

POLSON — The Masumola Club meeting will be held Thursday, Dec. 13, at the clubhouse, beginning at 5:45 p.m. The potluck is at 6:30 p.m. and the program starts at 7 p.m.

The clubhouse is located on Masumola Road: Turn onto Rocky Point Rd. off of US Highway 93 and after the three-mile marker, turn right onto Masumola Road.  

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 VFW and the Ladies’ Auxiliary invite the community for a Christmas potluck dinner Thursday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m., at the VFW Hall in Ronan. Bring a salad or dessert and join us. For more information, call Marge Fay at (406) 676-3380.

ARLEE — On Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., Andre Floyd and David Griffith will perform a “pass the hat” Christmas Concert at Hangin’ Art Gallery on Highway 93 in downtown Arlee. Join in to celebrate the season with two premier jazz musicians. Dinner will be served from 5:30–7 p.m. For additional information see: www.hanginartgallery.com or call (406) 726-5005.

POLSON — The December friendship table dinner is coming up on Dec. 14, from 5-7 p.m. This month’s dinner is a true Christmas season feast with ham, green beans, cranberry relish, applesauce, dinner rolls, Christmas cookies and beverages. Polson Presbyterian Church is located across from the Linderman School. Come join us. This dinner is free and open to all.

POLSON — See Polson’s downtown windows come alive with magical windows on Friday, Dec. 14 from 5-7 p.m. There will be entertainment, refreshments, a bonfire and lots of Christmas magic. The drawing, for two $1,000 gift certificate holiday gift boxes from the holiday raffle, will take place at Jackie M’s Footwear at 6:45 p.m. See you there.

POLSON — On Dec. 14, local author Maggie Plummer will be signing and reading from her historical novel, "Spirited Away: A Novel of the Stolen Irish," at Treasure State Mercantile on Main Street in Polson. She will be available to sign books from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and is scheduled to do a short reading at 6 p.m.

POLSON — On Friday, Dec. 14, Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting Polson at the Cove Deli from 4-7 p.m. for pictures.

ARLEE — The Arlee Close Up organization is raising funds to send students on a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., in April 2013. Students from all 50 states take part in this civic, educational program. In addition to visiting many historic sites, they also participate in study/discussion sessions that inform them about current events and pertinent issues. The students meet with the Montana Senators and Representative to take a tour of the Capitol, if the schedule allows.

The group will have a silent auction during the home basketball games against Hot Springs on Saturday, Dec. 15. We have many interesting items, including jewelry, beadwork, books and Christmas decorations. Come to the games on Dec. 15 to support the Warriors, the Scarlets, and the Close Up kids. If anyone has anything they would like to donate for the auction, please contact Karen Fisher or Val Espinoza at the high school (406) 726-3216.

POLSON — Local singer-songwriters Stacy Lynne Santilli and Jim Steiner invite you to join them in celebration of the holiday season and the long-awaited release of their debut album, "JIMNI," on Saturday, Dec. 15, at Glacier Brewing Company in Polson. Enjoy tasty tidbits, craft brews and some new songs they’ve got in the works, along with old favorites. For details, visit http://www.facebook.com/jimnimusic.

BIGFORK — The Montana Old Time Fiddlers will hold their monthly jam session at the Bigfork Inn on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 2-5 p.m. Come and play, dance or just hang out and listen. 

For more information, contact Ken Ripple at (406) 837-2360 or Reg Wearley at (406) 849-5099.

ARLEE — The Arlee Close Up organization is raising funds to send students on a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. in April 2013. Students from all 50 states take part in this civic, educational program. In addition to visiting many historic sites, they also participate in study/discussion sessions which inform them about current events and pertinent issues. The students also meet with the Montana Senators and Representative and take a tour of the Capitol, if scheduling is possible.

The group is going to have a silent auction during the home basketball games against Hot Springs on Saturday, Dec. 15. We have many interesting items, including jewelry, beadwork, books and Christmas decorations. Come to the games on Dec. 15 to support the Warriors and Scarlets, and also the Close Up kids.

If anyone has anything they would like to donate for the auction, please contact Karen Fisher or Val Espinoza at the high school (726-3216).

RONAN — Please join us at the Ronan Christian Church on Dec. 16, for the Christmas sing. Our address is 121 Third Ave. S.W., across from the post office in Ronan.  An hour of heartfelt singing of Christmas songs and solos will begin at 6:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. we will move downstairs for a potluck dinner. Bring your favorite potluck dish and enjoy fellowship with good friends and neighbors. All are welcome.

RONAN — Ronan’s Parade of Lights needs your support. The parade is tentatively set for Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. Join us and represent your family, your business and your town by lighting your truck, kids, or dog. Second Chance Saloon will donate kids’ candy bags and Santa will be at the city park for pictures. Call Brandi at (406) 544-2199 or Charlee at (406) 370-4183, for more information.

POLSON — The next community dance will be the holiday dance at the Elks on Dec. 19, from 7-10 p.m. Tunes will be provided by Ken’s Country Combo and requests are accepted. It’s suggested everyone wear red to shine for the party. Treats are welcome and always wonderful. See you there.

POLSON — Local merchants and organizations have donated baskets to be raffled off at the December SPLASH event, hosted by the Coalition for Kids at the Big Sky Bistro on Dec. 20. Folks can stop into Community Bank to view the baskets and purchase their raffle tickets. All proceeds raised from the Community Spirit Baskets will go to The Polson Loaves and Food Pantry.