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 — Our back-to-school dance is set for Sept. 5, from 7:30-10:30 p.m., at the Polson Elks. Ken’s Country Combo will be playing their wonderful selection of tunes. Everyone is invited to join the fun and the awesome treats the group provides. Thanks to all of you for the goodies.

PABLO — This year, 2012, marks the 30-year anniversary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ designation of the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness area by CSKT Tribal Ordinance. To celebrate this important environmental accomplishment we are bringing together indigenous land managers from North and South America – members of the international Native Lands and Wilderness Council – at Salish Kootenai College. The gathering will be held Sept. 5-7, with two days of plenary sessions and break-out sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a day of guided interactive experiences in the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness Area on Sept. 5.

This symposium is open to the public. Registration and information for the event can be found at: http://nlwc.eventbrite.com/

POLSON — The next water rights negotiation session between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the State of Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission and the United States is scheduled for Sept. 5 at 9 a.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort. The public is invited to attend. 

RONAN — The Ronan Farmers Market takes place Thursdays from 3-7 p.m. through Sept. 13 on the lawn in front of the Flower Mill on Main Street. Fresh produce, baked goods and giftware are available. All vendors are welcome. 

RONAN — On Sept. 6 and 7, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Mission Valley Senior Center, at 528 Main St. SW, has a yard sale. Proceeds benefit the Ronan Senior Center nutrition program and the home services and transportation programs run by the Lake County Council on Aging. 

ST. IGNATIUS — In honor of our American Indian heritage, St. Ignatius Dance Troupe will present an assembly to celebrate our native culture on Friday, Sept. 7, from 1-2 p.m. on the east side of the elementary school playground. (In the case of poor weather, it will be held in the elementary gym.) Aileen Plant, our Native American Studies teacher, is organizing this event with assistance from Geraldine Felix and Ben Corral. This assembly showcases school and community male and female dancers’ unique dance styles and will support pride in our tribe, our families, our school, and us. After enjoying lunch with students in the lunchroom, 30 guests from the International Friendship Force will join us at the assembly. Parents and community members are welcome to join us in the celebration. 

RONAN — The Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will hold their monthly meeting, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the VFW Hall on Round Butte Rd. The program for the evening will consist of discussing some of the items of equipment you might want to take into the mountains when you go hunting.

If you have questions, you may contact Dennese at (406) 883-5876.

POLSON — Good Shepherd’s Little Friends Preschool will have an open house on Friday, Sept. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m., at 409 Fourth Ave. E. in Polson. During that time, you can meet teacher Heather Holmes and explore the classroom.

Little Friends Preschool is a joyful ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, offering a Christian-based education with an emphasis on art fundamentals.

Classes are offered 8 a.m. to noon. Students age 3 meet Tuesdays and Thursdays (tuition is $100/month,) and students ages 4 to 5 meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (tuition is $150/month.)

For more information, come to the open house or call Heather at 406-370-6397.

ARLEE — The Garden of 1,000 Buddhas, 34574 White Coyote Rd. in Arlee, invites all communities to join the Ewam Sangha for the eighth annual Festival of Peace from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This free day of celebration takes place Saturday, Sept 8, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and begins with the second annual Walk-A-Mile for Peace. Register to walk through a link on the top of our home page at: www.ewambuddhagarden.org 

There will be interfaith/intercultural speakers, music, dancing, vendors, and information booths. This will be a significant opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate peace.

DAYTON — The Dayton Daze celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8. More information will follow.

POLSON — Come rain or shine, the Mission Valley Animal Shelter 2012 Doggy Dash will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Linderman track in Polson. The event begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. Events include: owner/pet look-a-like, worst behaved dog, best trick, longest tail, best kisser, and best singer/howler. The event promises to be a blast. 

“ByteMe,” will provide food at the event with a portion of the proceeds donated to the shelter. The shelter will offer micro chipping for your pet at discount rate of $20.

This is your Lake County animal shelter, so please support it any way you can. All proceeds directly benefit the animals.

Registration/pledge sheets may be obtained at Seconds 2 Go (next to McDonald’s) in Polson, at Wright Real Estate in Ronan or by calling the shelter at (406) 883-5312.

POLSON — The Polson Fly-In will be hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association Lake County Chapter 1122. There will be a breakfast of pancakes, ham and eggs on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Polson Airport. The public is invited to come out to the airport for a good healthy breakfast and meet the pilots and aircraft owners who will be flying the kids during this summer at the various Lake County airports.

VALLEY VIEW — The Valley View community potluck will be Sunday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m., at the Valley View Clubhouse, 40762 Valley View Road. They will be every second Sunday of the month through May. If there is a holiday then it will be the next Sunday. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share and come enjoy some company. If you have questions, call Kelly Bailey at (406) 883-2910.

RONAN — Pastor Gordish, Iraqi Freedom veteran, will begin an honest and informative course entitled, “Muslim vs. Christian” at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ronan on Monday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. The subject of the first class is “Holy War.”

For more information go to: www.ronanchurch.org.

POLSON — Thyme for Herbs group will meet Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. at the North Lake County Public Library meeting room in Polson), 2 First Ave. E. Please use the east side door.

The topic for the meeting is “Building Your Immune System.”  Many people are struggling with staying well. We will help you understand the nutritional and medicinal value of herbs in maintaining your health. Come hear a presentation and join in the discussion. Anyone interested is invited to join us. If you have questions please call Linda Peterson at (406) 319-2446.

CHARLO — Kuilix Organizing Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution meeting to be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Hope Stockstad’s house, 52613 Nine Pipes Rd. in Charlo. Call her at (406) 644-2933 for directions. Our program will be about Patriots’ Day. Potential members are welcome. Contact Bonnie Huber at (406) 745-3118 for more information.

PABLO — Members of the Flathead Basin Commission will hold a meeting on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Headquarters, Tribal Council Chambers, in Pablo.

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

POLSON — Polson Rural Fire District trustee monthly meeting will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds station. The meeting will include reports, old business and new business, including information on the West Garceau fire and possible future equipment needs. All Polson residents are encouraged to attend. For a full text of approved minutes and the agenda please go to www.polsonfire.org.

POLSON — The Assistance for Business Clinic is scheduled for Sept. 13, at the Lake County Health Department, 802 Main Street, is designed to assist new and established employers, accountants, and others to proactively prevent unnecessary claims and/charges by providing updated reporting of state withholding, unemployment tax requirements, minimum wage laws, overtime laws, civil rights, laws, tax incentives, embezzlement, and federally funded contracts for small businesses. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the clinic runs from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Space is limited and participation is on a first-come first-serve basis. Attendance credit is available. Cost is $40 per person or $35 per person for two or more attendees. Lunch is included. Call Blakely at (406) 883-7880 to register. 

RONAN — The Ronan Farmers Market takes place Thursdays from 3-7 p.m. through Sept. 13 on the lawn in front of the Flower Mill on Main Street. Fresh produce, baked goods and giftware are available. All vendors are welcome. 

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library is celebrating 100 years of library service with a banquet to be held on Thursday, Sept. 13, at the KwaTaqNuk Resort. No host bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Guest will be Jamie Ford, author of “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.” Tickets are $20 per plate and may be purchased at the library. Contact the North Lake County Public Library at (406) 883-8225, for more information.

RONAN — Ronan-Pablo School District 30 will hold its annual free child screening on Thursday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the K. William Harvey Elementary School. Children age from birth to 5 years old will be screened for delays in speech, language, motor skills, social or basic school readiness skills. 

Please make an appointment by calling Janet at 676-3390 ext. 3450. Walk-ins will be subject to availability or scheduled for a later date.

POLSON — The Masumola Club meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 13, at the clubhouse. The social gathering begins at 5:45 p.m., barbecue at 6:30 p.m. and program at 7 p.m. The program will feature Gerry Browning from the Terrace Florist and Wine Shop. She will talk about the Wine Club and red wines for fall. The clubhouse is located on Masumola Road, off of Rocky Point 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.

POLSON  — Bucks for Bigs is a fundraising event by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County and the Flathead Reservation. All proceeds generated by this fundraiser will assist Big Brothers Big Sisters in building positive and healthy mentoring relationships for the children in our community. The event takes place Sept. 14, from 5-8 p.m. at Glacier Brewing Company in Polson. The cover charge is $5 and includes a silent auction; a horseshoe tournament for $5 a team of two and entertainment by Jim and I. Food will include pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans and a drink for $6 a plate.

POLSON — North Lake County Public Library in Polson will hold an open house in appreciation of youth services librarian Trudé Hunsucker and her eight years of service to children and parents. The event will take place on Friday, Sept. 14, from 3– 6 p.m. in the children’s section. The public is invited join library staff in wishing Trudé well as she leaves to pursue new endeavors. Refreshments will be served.

RONAN — Pack 4940 will hold Cub Scout sign-ups for Ronan and Pablo on Friday, Sept. 14, from 6-7 p.m. at the Ronan VFW located on Round Butte Rd. Cub Scouts is open to all boys in grades first through fifth and combines outdoor activities, sports, academics and fun, while teaching ideals such as honesty, good citizenship and respect. Cub Scouts meets twice a month after school and will work around after school sports and activities. For more information, please call cub master Jen Largent at (406) 261-8217.

RONAN —St. Luke Community Healthcare 12th annual Foundation Dinner will be Sept. 14 at the community center and fair grounds, celebrating Ronan’s 100 years and warming up to celebrate St. Luke’s 60th year in 2013.

For more information, call Gayle at (406) 528-5324.

DAYTON — You can home school. Whether this is your first year home schooling, or you have been teaching your children for decades, home-educating moms need encouragement and support. Let us consider how we can spur one another on towards love and good deeds in our home school endeavors. You don’t need to be a professional to be the best teacher your child could ever have. Come join us at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, at the Doty home for a dose of reassurance. Feel free to bring any used books, curricula, or materials you’d like to share, give away, or sell. For more information or for directions, please call (406) 849-5169

CHARLO — Everyone is invited to attend a book signing at the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15.  Bud Cheff Jr., the founder of the museum, will sign his new book, “Legend Keeper: More Trails and Tales.”  The book contains more than 80 stories about experiences in western Montana and offers insights into moments in history about the Mission Valley. The book is printed by Stoneydale Press out of Stevensville, and includes a forward by the publisher, Dale A. Burk. Several individuals who are mentioned in the book will also be on hand for this special event, plus refreshments and entertainment will be available. 

RONAN — On Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ronan Visitor’s Center on Highway 93, the fourth annual Ronan Harvest Festival will take place. A chili cook-off will take place and cash prizes will be awarded. Come enjoy tasting the chili. Contact Brennin Grainey at  (406) 676-4600 or bgrainey@commbank.net for more information.

Food and craft vendors should call Roland Godan at 676-5901 ext. 116 or email him at rg@ronan.net to register.

The “Largest Pumpkin Contest” will be held at the festival. This is one of only two official weigh-ins in Montana. Pumpkins weighing 200 to 1000 pounds –plus, will be displayed, officially weighed, and judged.

To participate in the “Scarecrow and Straw Bale Decorating Contest,”

for town or festival display, contact Ronna Walchuck at (406) 261-7579.

The festival includes kids’ games, the famous zucchini races, and much, much more.

Pick up chili cook-off, zucchini races and vendor information and forms at: Community Banks, Ronan Power Products, First Interstate Bank, Valley Banks, Lake Co. Community Development. 

For more information call Ronan Chamber at (406) 676-8300 or email: info@ronanchamber.com

POLSON- The Mission Valley Animal Shelter will conduct a self-service doggy wash to raise funds for the shelter at 11 a.m.  Saturday, Sept.15, in the parking lot of First Interstate Bank in Polson. The event is sponsored by Anderson Broadcasting/KERR/Big 100.

In addition to the doggy wash, food will be provided by ByteMe, a full service food truck owned and operated by local restaurateur Cheryl Hackman. The shelter will also offer discounted micro-chipping for your pet.

Bring your dog and your camera. Shelter personnel will provide tubs, hoses, water, shampoo, towels and brushes.  

The cost of participating is $5 plus voluntary donations to the shelter. ByteMe will also be donating a portion of its proceeds to the animal shelter that day.

For more information, call the shelter at 883-5312.

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce is having a sporting clays fundraising tournament on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Big Sky Sporting Clays facility on Irvine Flats Road. Cost is $140 per person or $420 for a 3-person team, which includes 100 targets, shotgun shells, barbecue lunch, and an award ceremony. Contact the Polson Chamber of Commerce for more details at (406) 883-5969 or www.polsonchamber.com.

POLSON — The Mission Valley High School Rodeo will be held at the Polson Rodeo grounds on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. There will be many contestants from our valley as well as from all over the state. Admission is $5 so come out and support these young men and women, many who compete in the National High School Finals Rodeo.  Contact Rocky Knight at (406) 644-2874, for more information.

POLSON — The International Plein Air Painters Organization and Polson’s Sandpiper Art Gallery invite all artists to the World Wide Paint Out. on Saturday, Sept. 15, in Polson. Free to all, just come and paint. Painters bring your own equipment and check in at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Riverside Park in Polson. Return to the park at 4 p.m. for showing and sale of work and photos for IPAP. The public is welcome. For more information contact dcartworks09@yahoo.com, Sandpiper Art Gallery at (406) 883-5956 or visit: Sandpiperartgallery.com.

RONAN — Pastor Gordish continues his Muslim vs. Christian course with the topic “Different Core Beleifs.” We will compare the tenants of the Christian faith with the Muslim beliefs. This second installment of the course will be Monday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church. See www.ronanchurch.org for more information.

ARLEE — The Arlee Community Development Corporation will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Salish Senior Center on Bitterroot Jim Road in Arlee. Members of the Arlee CDC will elect new board members. The new board will review the past year’s activities and the future of the Arlee CDC. The meeting is open to the public and members are encouraged to attend, as they will vote for new board members.

Dinner will be served and the drawing for the 50/50 raffle will be held.

For more information, contact Kelley at (406) 726-5550.

PABLO — The People’s Center will host the annual Native American Awareness Week here Sept. 18-20 and are seeking volunteers to help. We will host local students, some from off reservation schools and local the community. They will have the opportunity to participate in drying and tasting wild game drying on the rack, taste fry bread, see how deer hides are tanned, hear stories, tour the museum, play native games, and hear drumming and singing. If you can help in anyway please call The People’s Center at (406) 675-0160. We lean heavily on volunteers to make this a successful event.

Thanks in advance.