POLSON — On Saturday, May 4, from 1-3 p.m. the North Lake County Public Library will present in their community room: “Fraud Prevention: Protecting Yourself from Scams, Phishing & Social Engineering.” Need to understand how to protect yourself and your private information? Want to know how to avoid being a victim of identity theft? This class is for you. This informative class will help you understand what types of electronic threats are out there and will detail common techniques used by scammers. Polson Police Chief George Simpson, Polson’s IT Director, Adam Reed, and our Digital Services Clerk, Brycen, will teach this class together.  

POLSON — On Wednesday, May 1, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., the Mobile Memory Cafe will be parked next to the North Lake County Public Library. We are partnering with the Montana State University Extension office. The Mobile Memory Café engages in social activity and raising dementia awareness for people with early dementia and their care partner. To register for this free event, contact: Dan Koltz at MSU Extension 406-994-4351.

NINEPIPES — Ninepipes Museum is now open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10-5 and invites the public to a First Saturday Event on May 4. From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. there will be book signing and art.  Live Music will be played from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet stained glass artist Sony Moore and writer Cheri Browne, author of “Letters Home, A Small Slice of Jette Family History.”  Enjoy heavenly music by the Flathead Flute Choir while enjoying light refreshments. Enter our season fundraising raffles for outdoor exhibit restoration: Choose either or both of two raffle items: a wool Pendleton blanket and a beautiful birch bark basket handcrafted by Jan Kauffman stuffed with great items, (including a copy of “The Shining Mountains,” a historical fiction based on the life of Angus McDonald.)

PABLO — Come rain or shine the second annual MMIP Awareness 5K Walk/Run will take place on Friday, May 4, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the SKC Silver Fox Golf Course and the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center. Registration from 9-10 a.m.; welcome ceremony and testimonies between 10-11 a.m. and the walk/run starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. A closing ceremony from 12:30-1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Vendors are welcome with no fee but must be approved. All inquiries go to: erin.rumelhart@providence.org

ARLEE — The Arlee Community Development Corporation is hosting a Gardening 101 class on Monday, May 6, from 6-8 p.m. Learn about garden soils, how to prepare a garden bed, and what to plant and when. Refreshments will be served, and participants will plant seeds in pots to take home. To register, email: patrick.mangan@montana.edu or call 406-210-9843. For more information, see the Arlee CDC website at: arleecdc.org

POLSON — Families First and the Mission Valley Youth Foundation will show students in grades 6-8 how to cook, set healthy goals and play fun games in an after-school class in Mrs. Dunford’s room. Food, fun and fitness will take place from 3:45-5:15 p.m. on six Tuesdays. Sign up at the office. Spots are limited.

RONAN — In Cooperation with Ronan Schools, Ronan Chamber of Commerce, the City of Ronan, and through May 9 Republic Services has donated the use of a large dumpster, it will be located across from the Ronan Fire Hall at 210 Adams St. SW. The city will pick up large items on request if you call 406-676-4231 to schedule. Please, let’s all take advantage of this opportunity to clean up our town.

POLSON — For the rest of the month of May, Polson Community Cleans Up will take place. Bring your own bags and equipment to clean-up when and where you choose. All are needed to help. 

PABLO — The Lake County Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)will hold their quarterly meeting on Wednesday, May 8, at 11 a.m. at CSKT Transit Center, 52001 Quicksilver Road in Pablo.

PABLO — The Lake County Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)will hold their quarterly meeting on Wednesday, May 8, at 11 a.m. at CSKT Transit Center, 52001 Quicksilver Road in Pablo.

KALISPELL — Join Justine Vallieres on Thursday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m. FWP bear and mountain lion conflict management specialist, for an evening program about recreating safely in bear country. The session will include instruction on bear spray and other information necessary for responsible outdoor adventures. Advance registration is required at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

POLSON — Please join hosts Penny and Chuck Jarecki and Colleen and Ron Bone on May 9 at the Masumola Club.  This is a potluck dinner with social hour beginning at 5:45 p.m. Please remember your dishes, silverware and a dish to pass (a beverage of your choice is a good idea as well): Suggested food distribution: A–H salad or veggie; I –O hot dish; P-Z dessert. See you at the Masumola Clubhouse on May 9.

KALISPELL — Join Justine Vallieres on Thursday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m. FWP bear and mountain lion conflict management specialist, for an evening program about recreating safely in bear country. The session will include instruction on bear spray and other information necessary for responsible outdoor adventures. 

Advance registration is required at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

POLSON — The presentation planned for Friday, May 10, from 1–2 p.m. at North Lake County Public Library, Mission Valley Live has been cancelled. 

POLSON — The Homeschool Parents Advisory Group will launch on Friday, May 10, from 10-11 a.m.  This group is for parents interested in brainstorming ideas for library events and resources to better serve the homeschool community. Calling 406-883-8225  to sign up, stop by the front desk.

POLSON — The Homeschool Parents Advisory Group will launch on Friday, May 10, from 10-11 a.m.  This group is for parents interested in brainstorming ideas for library events and resources to better serve the homeschool community. Youth Librarian, Felicia Gill, will prepare a fun project for school age children (5+), and Brycen will be available to facilitate activities for teens, but space is limited, so sign up ASAP by calling 406-883-8225 or stop by the front desk.

POLSON — The next Pachyderm meeting will be on May 10 at noon at the Polson Rural Fire Station located at 25 Regatta Road. Our guest speaker for the meeting will be Montana State Senator Bob Fuller who is out of Kalispell.  In the last legislative session Bob Fuller was responsible for SB99 (https://leg.mt.gov/bills/2023/SB0099/SB0099_1.pdf) which prohibits certain medical and surgical treatment to minors with gender dysphoria. Bob will be able to speak about this bill and many other topics as well as answer questions you may have. 

We hope to see you there.

DIXON — Join us in the Dixon School’s old gym from 3-5:30 p.m. while the Tribal Healthcare Resource Team assists you and your family in completing and submitting your application for Medicaid, HMK or CHIP. Bring a valid ID, income verification (last 30 days), birth certificate for newborns. Completing the application process enters your name into a raffle for big prizes including: 43” Roku Smart TV, adult bicycle with helmet, or a child’s bicycle with helmet.

POLSON — Experience the Polson Chamber Business-to-Business (B2B) Networking Event on May 11, 2024. This event underscores the Chamber’s dedication to bolstering local businesses and fostering the overall economic growth of the community. Exhibitors have the opportunity to enhance visibility, build brand awareness, establish connections within the community, and contribute to the Chamber’s mission. Join us at The Bridge Church of Polson, 46873 US-93. Visit: B2Bpolson.com for more information.

POLSON — Experience the Polson Chamber Business-to-Business (B2B) Networking Event on May 11, 2024. This event underscores the Chamber’s dedication to bolstering local businesses and fostering the overall economic growth of the community. 

Exhibitors have the opportunity to enhance visibility, build brand awareness, establish connections within the community, and contribute to the Chamber’s mission. 

Join us at The Bridge Church of Polson, 46873 US-93. Visit: B2Bpolson.com for more information.

KALISPELL — Curious about fungi and not sure where to start? On Saturday, May 11, at 3 p.m. a

mushroom identification workshop, led by educator, writer, and former park ranger Julia Smit, will take place. She will guide participants through a classroom portion discussing fungi, mushrooms, and lichen and how to identify them. Learn the art of spore prints and what characteristics to look for when identifying these unique organisms. 

A short walk into the field will follow to explore Lone Pine’s fungi. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring water and a snack, and dress for the weather. 

Bring along your favorite field guide if you have one. There is a $4 fee to attend this program and advance registration is required at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

KALISPELL — On Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m. explore Northwest Montana’s early spring wildflowers on a short, guided wildflower walk through the park with Julia Smit, a seasoned educator, writer, and former park ranger. 

Delve into the fascinating world of flora as you uncover the secrets of the common species that dot our hillsides and line our highways. 

All ages are welcome. Be prepared with sturdy walking shoes, water, and a snack, while dressing appropriately for the weather. Bring along your favorite field guide if you have one. 

Advance registration is required at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

BIGFORK — On Sunday, May 12, Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park will hold a Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike and Craft event. 

Meet at the Ranger Station; the walk goes from 10-11:30 a.m. Come learn about the different species of vibrant flowers that grow each spring and summer in our Flathead Lake State Parks. 

Please bring/wear 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.

BIGFORK — On Sunday, May 12, Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park will hold a Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike and Craft event. Meet at the Ranger Station; the walk goes from 10-11:30 a.m. Come learn about the different species of vibrant flowers that grow each spring and summer in our Flathead Lake State Parks. 

Please bring/wear 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.

POLSON — A Kiwanis Club meeting takes place on the first Thursday of each month at noon at KwaTaqNuk resort and on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Bunkers Restaurant at Polson Bay Golf Course.   Kiwanis is an international organization dedicated to improving the world one child, one community at a time.  Meetings are open to the public. Please join us.

POLSON — Families First and the Mission Valley Youth Foundation will show students in grades 6-8 how to cook, set healthy goals and play fun games in an after-school class in Mrs. Dunford’s room. 

Food, fun and fitness will take place from 3:45-5:15 p.m. on six Tuesdays. Sign up at the office. Spots are limited.

HOT SPRINGS — At the Symes Hot Springs Motel, 209 N Wall Street, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. a free event is offered to caregivers. This retreat is for caregivers who have a person(s) living with them who requires them to provide daily, primary care. Examples include an elderly family member, foster/kinship care youth. This does not include healthcare professionals paid to provide care services. Each caregiver will receive a $100 Visa gift care to help cover caregiving costs in your absence or for your own self-care. Registration is required. Call Brendy Richey at MSU Extension or to register go to: brenda.richey@montana.edu

POLSON— On Wednesday, May 15, TAG (Teen Advisory Group) meets from 12:30-2 p.m. The TAG group will have lunch and will help prepare for the Reading Rocks Program and will decorate the library for the Summer Reading Program.

ELMO — At the CSKT Elmo Wellness Hub, 26382 Missoula Ave., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. a free event is offered to caregivers. This retreat is for caregivers who have a person(s) living with them who requires them to provide daily, primary care. Examples include an elderly family member, foster/kinship care youth. This does not include healthcare professionals paid to provide care services. Each caregiver will receive a $100 Visa gift care to help cover caregiving costs in your absence or for your own self-care. Registration is required. Call Brendy Richey at MSU Extension or to register go to: brenda.richey@montana.edu

POLSON — You are welcome to bring material donations today from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There is a limit of two boxes at a time. Our Friends of the Library have taken over management of our donation program and have set the third Thursday of each month as “Donation Day.” Please refer to our Materials Donation Policy on our website for more information. 

Thank you so much for supporting the library.

POLSON — A Kiwanis Club meeting takes place on the first Thursday of each month at noon at KwaTaqNuk resort and on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Bunkers Restaurant at Polson Bay Golf Course.   Kiwanis is an international organization dedicated to improving the world one child, one community at a time.  Meetings are open to the public. Please join us.

POLSON — Every Thursday in May at 6 p.m., Glacier Brewing Company, 6 Tenth Ave. E, will host Life Saver’s Animal Rescue Bingo. Please join us.

RONAN — From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at mile marker 44, (south of Bev’s Bloomers/north of Mollman Pass Trail), at Mission Mountain View Point, there will be planting stations and multiple booths with fun information about Endangered Species Day. Make a pollinator seed ball and learn about Monarch butterflies and the importance of wildflowers to many native pollinators that are close to being listed under the Endangered Species Act. Help plant some native pollinator species and learn about using herbicides safely. For more information go to: www.endangeredspeciesday.org / www.facebook.com/CSKTWildlife

POLSON — The Port Polson Players launch their 49th season of Live Summer Theatre with Neil Simon’s classic and hilarious comedy The Sunshine Boys. . This popular and touching show plays at Polson’s beautiful theatre on the lake, Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18, at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday, May 19, matinee at 2 p.m. 

For reservations and information, go to: portpolsonplayers.com or call 406-883-9212. The Sunshine Boys is produced by Port Polson Players in association with Mission Valley Friends of the Arts.

PABLO — At Salish Kootenai College’s John Peter Paul Bldg., 58138 US Hwy 93, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. a free event is offered to caregivers. This retreat is for caregivers who have a person(s) living with them who requires them to provide daily, primary care. Examples include an elderly family member, foster/kinship care youth. This does not include healthcare professionals paid to provide care services. Each caregiver will receive a $100 Visa gift care to help cover caregiving costs in your absence or for your own self-care. Registration is required. Call Brendy Richey at MSU Extension or to register go to: brenda.richey@montana.edu

 Grab your gals for an evening of shopping, food, drinks, and deals to celebrate spring! Do you like to shop and support all that is local? Come downtown and pick up your $5 Savings Pass for Ladies Night Out on May 17 (5pm-8pm). You can use it at all participating businesses to get $5 off your purchase of $25 or more.

POLSON — Glacier Bank, 50510 Highway 93, is partnering with Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging to bring you After-Tax Shred Day, on Friday, May 17 from 9 am.-1 p.m. 

Protect yourself from identity theft. There is a two-box limit. 

Tribal Health recipients’ outreach event

ARLEE — Join us in the Arlee Community Center gym from 3-5:30 p.m. while the Tribal Healthcare Resource Team assists you and your family in completing and submitting your application for Medicaid, HMK or CHIP. Bring a valid ID, income verification (last 30 days), birth certificate for newborns. Completing the application process enters your name into a raffle for big prizes including: 43” Roku Smart TV, adult bicycle with helmet, or a child’s bicycle with helmet.

 ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center, 212 North Main, will hold a yard/bake sale on May 17 and 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. There will be numerous goodies available and a big variety of yard sale items.