POLSON — No-host cocktails and a silent auction begin at 5:30 on Friday, April 19, to start off the annual Cowboy Ball. A prime rib dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. along with a live auction at 7:30 p.m. The evening ends with dancing to sho down following the live auction. For donations and information call 406-883-1100. Tickets are $75 each and sold at 219 Main in Polson, Muley Bluz in Ronan, from any fair board member or Mission Mountain Meadows Resort at Lake Mary Ronan.

ARLEE — There is still room … High school students in Arlee are invited to join the Teen Art Project (TAP) sponsored by the Arlee Community Development Corporation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Missoula Art Museum. Students will meet at the Arlee CDC on Fridays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. from April 19 to June 20 to collaborate on creating public artwork. The program is free for Arlee teens, with pizza and art materials provided at each session. To register or for more information, call 406-726-5550 or email Cameron Decker at: camdecker1@gmail.com.

ARLEE — High school students in Arlee are invited to join the Teen Art Project (TAP) sponsored by the Arlee Community Development Corporation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Missoula Art Museum. Students will meet at the Arlee CDC on Fridays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. from April 19 to June 20 to collaborate on creating public artwork. 

The program is free for Arlee teens, with pizza and art materials provided at each session. To register or for more information, call 406-726-5550 or email Cameron Decker at: camdecker1@gmail.com.

BIGFORK — On April 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the West Shore Unit of Flathead Lake State Park we are calling for volunteers in our first public trail project of the 2024 season. Volunteers will assist with the scarification and revegetation of trails in the state park to encourage visitors to stay on the main trails. In the process, participants will learn how to maintain trails to prevent degradation from happening in the future. Volunteers will need sturdy closed toed shoes, long pants, weather appropriate clothing, water, and snacks. The suggested age to participate is 12 and older. Space is limited to 20-30 volunteers to avoid overcrowding the park trails, so please register to attend this event by calling the Flathead Lake Ranger Station at 406-837-3041, or email: kalle.fox@mt.gov.

ST. IGNATIUS — Mission Valley Choral Society’s Spring Concert Weekend begins with a concert at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the St. Ignatius Mission. 

The 30-plus voice community choir, directed by Cathy Gillhouse, will present an 11-piece program that includes classical, contemporary sacred, spiritual, gospel, barbershop and American folk songs. The choir, which has existed in the county since the 1960s, brings a diverse group together united to bring joy through music. The concert is free and open to all. A free-will offering will be taken on Saturday to help the choir with music expenses. Information is available on the MVCS web site: missionvalleychoralsociety.org or Facebook page. Direct contact can be made by calling 406-261-3304 or 406-260-6103. 

RONAN — The annual Pheasants Forever banquet will be held at 5 p.m. at the Ronan Community Center, 300 Third Ave. NW. Tickets are $60, which includes an annual PF membership, a meal ticket and $20 in free raffle tickets. Couple tickets are $85 and youth tickets are $10. For tickets go to: pfqf.myeventscenter.com

POLSON — Mission Valley Choral Society’s Spring Concert Weekend begins present a concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, in Polson at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The concert is free and open to all. The Sunday free-will offering and ham and scalloped potatoes meal served following the concert will benefit Helping Hands of Mission Valley. Information is available on the MVCS web site: missionvalleychoralsociety.org or Facebook page or by calling 406-261-3304.

POLSON — On Wednesday, April 24, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk, CSKT and DHRD will hold the first annual Elder Abuse Prevention Conference. This conference is for elders, and elder caregivers Lunch will be provided, and vendors will there along with incentive giveaways. Topics include, keeping your prescriptions safe, fall and abuse prevention, elder abuse and what to do, financial abuse and dealing with combative behaviors. Registration closes on Wednesday, April 17. Space is limited and you just register to attend. Go to: https//cskt.info/3xlwNsG. If you have questions email: Jamie.cahoon@cskthealth.org or diane.matt@cskt.org.

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes.  Please 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. The classes will be each Wednesday from 6-7:30 pm, Mountain Time. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class.  Please join us and take advantage of this opportunity. 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 Page Turner’s Book Club will meet from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the North Lake County Public Library on Wednesday, April 24, at the North Lake County Public Library. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White will be read and discussed.

POLSON — Story Time begins at 10 a.m. at the North Lake County Public Library. We will discuss fmail during this session. Story Time is geared toward kindergarten readiness, ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome. We read books, make crafts, and play games. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in this interactive program. 

POLSON — Mission Valley Live will presents an original-sounding ensemble of musicians playing funk, soul, salsa, orchestral, West African and Jazz on Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m., at Polson High School. Children ages under 18 are free. Adult tickets at the door are $15.

HOT SPRINGS — Join us in the Hot Springs School multipurpose room 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.

ARLEE — Friends of Arlee School, Inc. is teaming up with CSKT Tribal health to continue the much-loved Buttercup Run. This year will be a transition year as the baton is being passed to CSKT Tribal Health. The timed race will be back in 2025 and it will still benefit the same great cause. The 1-mile, 5-K, 10-K Free Fun Run will begin at 10 a.m. at the Arlee Community Fitness Center. Register at: forms.office.com/r/hTTmgMPLv5.

All Traders Market will be held at Polson Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites. This is where you can find all your needs for all occasions from local home businesses who work hard to create and provide something for everyone. Held on the fourth Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you are interested in setting up a booth with us, please email for more information: SaveTheDateEventsLLC23@gmail.com

KALISPELL — Join us on Sunday, April 28, for Sundays with Camo, an exploration into the world of our resident bull snake, Camo. Discover the unique characteristics and behaviors of these slithery inhabitants and witness him enjoy his weekly meal.No registration required for this drop-in program.

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.

KALISPELL — On Wednesday, May 1, at 8 p.m. bird enthusiasts are invited to gather at the Lone Pine picnic shelter for a unique experience on International Dawn Chorus Day. Participants can enjoy a cup of coffee while immersing themselves in the melodies of the park’s birds. Set against the backdrop of the park, attendees will have the opportunity listen and identify various bird species as they serenade the morning with their enchanting calls. This program does not include hiking. Dress for being outdoors. Advance registration is required at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes.  Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, May 1, and on subsequent Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m., This online meditation class is led by Zen Teacher, Zenku and includs meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. Join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

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.

RONAN — In Cooperation with Ronan Schools, Ronan Chamber of Commerce, the City of Ronan, and Republic Services, May 2 through May 9 Republic Services has donated the use of a large dumpster, it will be located across from the firehall 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 — 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.

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 — 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 — 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.

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.

 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.

ST.IGNATIUS — A free will Yard Sale will be held at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church (top of Post Creek Hill Hours) on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.