Community Notes
Nov. 16
Thursday, Nov. 26
Free community dinner
Polson’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner is open to anyone, but especially to those who need companionship and a good homemade meal. The dinner, sponsored by the Senior Citizens’ Center and Polson Ministerial Association, is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thanksgiving Day, at the center, 504 3rd Ave. E. Three hours of welcoming and warm hospitality mixed with live music await diners. Volunteers from the Senior Citizens’ Center, Polson churches and the community will organize, cook, serve and greet dinner guests. Musical groups scheduled include: Trish Tavenner on the piano; The Wings, Devlin, and Lozar singing folk songs and spirituals; K.C. and the Valley Cats playing swing and jazz; and John and Marge Davis on the flute and guitar. The dinner is free but donations will be accepted and divided between the Senior Center and PMA’s Helping Hands Fund. Home delivery orders must be placed with the center by 3 p.m., Wednesday, at 883-4735. Requests for rides can be made by calling Dave at 883-4735. General questions can be directed to 883-8256.
Community Thanksgiving dinner
The Ronan Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held Thanksgiving day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ronan Community Center, 300 3rd Ave NW, Ronan. This traditional dinner began many years ago by Marie Cowan. Over the years, it grew too large for her café and it was moved to the Ronan Community Center and is now sponsored by the Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Ronan Community Volunteers. More than 280 were served in 2008 with the help of local volunteers. The Lake County Commissioners donate the Ronan Community Center for this annual event. The day will include a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Entertainment starts at 11:30 a.m. and goes to 2:30 p.m. with a variety of bands starting every half hour. Volunteers are needed to help set-up, decorate, cook and serve. Turkeys, pies and rolls and are also needed. If you are interested in volunteering, entertaining, donating turkeys, pies or rolls please call Adina Fox at 676-9228 or 207-2973 or e-mail at adinaf@ronan.net. Financial donations are welcomed and appreciated. They may be sent to: Ronan Community Volunteers at PO Box 751, Pablo, MT 59855
Friday, Nov. 27
JourneyBe Fun
and free food
Fourth Friday family table is at 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 in the Gather Inn at 101 7th Ave. W. in Polson. Join us! Call 883-5160 for more information or 883-2072.
Thanksgiving powwow
A Flathead Reservation Thanksgiving Celebration will take place on Nov. 27-28, at Joe McDonald Event Center in Pablo. Grand entry will be at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., registration will close at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Saturday, Nov. 28
Astronomy Club meeting
The Mission Valley Astronomy Club will hold its next meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28. The club will meet at the community church in Ravalli. All are invited. We will be view parts two and three of Dr. Alez Filippenko’s excellent lecture series, “Understanding the Universe.” The lectures are designed for people who have little knowledge of the sky, but want to learn. Presented in an exciting and very easy to understand manner, with little math, lots of graphics and awesome photos of our universe.
The meeting is free and open to all, and the public is welcomed. Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies for members and guests will be on hand, as well as free astronomical handouts. For more information, call 745-4904 or 675-4350, or e-mail bigskyscopes@stignatius.net or mikehawk@ronan.net.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
Soup kitchen opening
Starting on Dec. 1, our Soups On! program, sponsored by Faith and Community Outreach Partners, continuing Monday-Thursday every week. Look for the open sign lit up in the window. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with homemade soup, pie, bread, coffee milk and juice served. Dessert follows. FCOP is a non profit progressive assembly on a journey. We are committed to vibrant worshipping, honest learning, serving, caring and doing good things. The Wander Inn is located on the corner of 7th Ave. and First St. West, Polson, just north of Cherry Valley School. Everyone is welcome. For more information please call John at 270-7538, Sharon at 883-2072 or Sandy at 871-1109.
MM Quilt Guild meeting
The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will have its regular meeting at the Ronan Alliance Church at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, to have a sit and sew evening (bring what ever you would like to work on to finish or have help with). Bring a dish for the potluck. We will be having a Christmas show and tell. Please invite anyone you would like to have join us for the evening.
Back Country
Horsemen meeting
The December Meeting of the Mission Valley Back Country Horsemen will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the VFW Hall on Round Butte Road, Ronan. Election of officers will be held. There will not be a program. Everyone is welcome. More information, contact Dennese at 883-5876, or Bonnie, 883-2186.
RSVP training
Lake County RSVP Volunteer Center is sponsoring a community training to assist any nonprofit and community organizations interested in learning how to engage the talent and energies of the Baby Boom Generation as volunteers that enrich their organization and build a stronger community. How can your organization attract and retain “boomer” volunteers. The event is from 8:15 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Lake County Health Building conference room, 812 Main St. Polson. Registration closes on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Call Maxine at 883-7284 for more information.
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Indian Business Development Expo
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will present an Indian Business Development Expo to follow up on the business development seminars that took place earlier this year in the communities of Elmo, Pablo, and Arlee. The day-long Wednesday, Dec. 2 event will feature three business panels and a keynote address by Margo Gray-Proctor. The event is planned to run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Joe McDonald Health and Athletic Center in Pablo. Lunch is provided for all participants. For more information contact Jerry Lamb, CSKT Director of Economic Development at 675-2700 or by e-mail at jerryl@cskt.org or Velda Shelby, CSKT Entrepreneur at 675-3577.
Community dance
Ballroom dancing at the Elks Club from 7:30 -11 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, with tunes by Heart to Heart. Everyone is welcome.
Ongoing
JournyBe bazaar
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 101 7th Ave. W. in Polson, is the Christmas Bazaar will take place with a free lunch served. Wonderful crafts and baked goods are offered for sale. Watch basket weaving and taste fresh pressed apple cider. Crafts and games offered for kids. For more information please call Charlott, 270-3420.
Odom Benefit
A silent auction and benefit dinner will be held to help Rochelle Odom at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Leon hall in Charlo. The money will help defray the expense incurred from the loss of her husband in October. The silent auction itmes are on display at Coulter Automotive in Charlo, a small ticket price will be charge do the roast beef dinner. Thrivent Lutheran Financial will match all proceeds.
Home school choir concert
Mission Valley Home Educators will not be meeting for their regular First Friday Fellowship in December or January. Instead, all are invited to attend and enjoy the Home School Christmas Choir Concert. Selah will be performing at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the New Life Christian Center in Polson with a brief reception following. The next home school meeting is planned for Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 with a potluck dinner, fellowship, announcements and an information exchange at the New Life Christian Center in Polson. 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. Come ~ get to know other home schoolers, ask questions, give support,and enjoy fellowship! For more information, please contact John and Connie Doty at 849-5169 or Frank and Dana Brown at 676-5067.
Holiday Bazaar
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 5, for the Holiday Bazaar at the Mission Valley UMC on Post Creek Hill. Sale is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Bazaar will feature gift items and baked goods. Latte’s will be available to enjoy while you shop. If you would like to rent a table to sell your items the cost is small. All proceeds go to local charitable organizations. For more information, contact Monte at 676-2801 or Tena at 745-4123.
North Crow Creek Club Christmas Program
North Crow Creek Club is celebrating 80 years. So, we want to invite all young people to come and perform for our annual Christmas program at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the North Crow Creek Club house. Everyone is welcom. For more informaiton call 676-3024.
Cookie Walk
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson wil hold its annual Cookie Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. Special Christmas cookies are sold by the pound. You handpick your own assortment. Scandinavian treats, candy and breads are available at the sale. Crafts, gently used Christmas decoration and attic treasures will also be available for purchase. The sale will be in the fellowship hall and proceeds wil beneift Share the Spirit and ongoing women’s group ministries.
Kile benefit
There will be a benefit to help defray medical expenses for Jane Kile of Dixon, from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, at Leon Hall, Charlo. A spaghetti dinner will be held for a small ticket price. The silent auction will be from 4-9 p.m., followed by a Contra Dance from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information or to donate, contact Delene Tufly 246-3271.
Christmas calendar for Mission, Sacred Heart, St. Berchman
Dec. 13: Anointing of the Sick, 9:15 a.m. Mass; Dec. 16: Reconciliation, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 20: Christmas Play and Decorating Party, after the 9:15 a.m. Mass; Dec. 24: Christmas caroling, 11p.m.; Dec. 24: Midnight Mass, 12 a.m.; Dec. 25: Christmas Mass, 10 a.m.; Jan. 1: New Year’s Day Mass, 10 a.m.; Arlee, Sacred Heart Mission — Dec. 9: Reconciliation, 7 p.m.; Dec. 13: Anointing the sick, 11:15 Mass
Dec. 20: Christmas Play, after the 11:15 a.m. Mass; Dec. 24: Christmas Caroling, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 24: Christmas Mass, 8 p.m.
St. John Berchman/Jocko Mission; Dec. 13: Anointing of the Sick, 4 p.m. Mass.
Quilt Raffle
The 2009 Sew and So Quilt Raffle drawing wil be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Christmas Bazaar at the Ronan Community Center. All proceeds will be divided between the Ronan Volunteer Fire Department and the Ronan Senior Melas on Wheels program. We appreciate your continued support.
Fifth Sunday Sing
Please join us at the Ronan Christian Church on Sunday, Dec. 6, for the Fifth Sunday Sing and potluck dinner. Our address is 121 Third Avenue S.W. Ronan (across from the Post Office). Because the Fifth Sunday in November falls on Thanksgiving weekend, we will hold the ‘Sing’ on Dece. 6, the first Sunday in December. Starting at 6:30 p.m. there will be an hour of heartfelt singing of hymns and solos.
At 7:30 p.m., we will move downstairs for the potluck dinner and get together. We hope you can come to enjoy fellowship with good friends and neighbors. All are welcome please bring something for the potluck.
Masumola Club meeting
The Masumola Club meeting will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, at the clubhouse. The holiday social gathering, with music begins at 5:45 p.m., potluck at 6:30 p.m. and program at 7 p.m. Entertainment will feature the music from the Fiddlesticks School of Music.
The clubhouse is located on Masumola Road. Turn onto Rocky Point off of US Highway 93 and after the three-mile marker turn right onto Masumola Road. The clubhouse 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.
Arlee gym open house
A ribbon cutting for new gym facility in Arlee, with a tour will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Then, watch Arlee host Two Eagle River at 4 p.m.
Whisper Camel Shows Highway Film
Whisper Camel, Tribal Wildlife Biologist, will introduce a free showing of “Division Street”, a 50 minute film on the concepts behind wildlife crossing structures on Highway 93 and a view of other locations that are using these types of methods. The “Division Street” showing will occur on at 6:30 pm. on Friday, Dec. 4, at Salish Kootenai College-Johnny Arlee/Victor Charlo Theatre.
“Division Street” chronicles the ‘green adventure of a lifetime’ - a quest to visit the most remote place from any road in the lower 48 states. Simultaneously, the film explores the fascinating concept of wildlife corridors, the potential for ‘greening’ our highway system, and the fusion of high-tech engineering with the best and brightest environmental research happening today. Whisper will be available for discussion and a brief presentation on post construction wildlife monitoring after the showing. Everyone is invited to attend this free showing. For more information on “Division Street” contact Whisper Camel at 675-2700 ext. 7224 or by e-mail at whisperc@cskt.org
Worthy Grand Matron visitation
Billeta Swallow of Harlowtown, Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Montana, will make her official visit to the Mystic Chapter No. 53, Polson at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. She will be accompanied by Worthy Grand Patron Donald Kimmell of Roundup. All memberes of the Eastern Star are invited to attend. The meeting will be held at the Masonic Temple in Polson, 1102 4th Ave. E. Refreshments will be served following the meeting. Mystic Chapter No. 53 of Polson was chartered on Nov. 15, 1911. The currenty Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron are Olive “Tootie” Frey of St. Ignatius and Douglas Stam of Polson. The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. HTe order has more than 2 million members with projects inovlved millions of dollars that benefit many people.
Free Yoga
YogaHeart Studio is offering free yoga every seoncd and fourth Tuesdays from 7:30-8:45 p.m. Introduction/Level 1 Yoga will be at YogaHeart Studio “Purple Door” at 314A Main Street in Polson.
Arlee drug and alcohol survey
The American Drug and Alcohol Survey will be conducted at the Arlee schools on Dec. 1 for fourth through 12th graders. Parents wishing to withdraw their child from participation may do so by contacting elementary secretary Shara Espinoza at726-3216, ext. 2200, junior high secretary Melinda Pablo at ext. 2404 or high school secretary Val Espinoza ext. 2300.
Hot Flash Blues
Ninepipes Lodge will host Hot Flash Blues!, fireside dining with Diane Torres, Carol Loza and Carol Roberts from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays in the lounge.
Winter season at the Bison Range
Visitor Center hours at the National Bison Range are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Stop by to view the displays and watch the 15-minute video. Staff will be available to answer questions and direct you to the drives, trails and activities. And during the holidays, the Visitor Center will be closed for Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27), Christmas (Friday, Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Friday, Jan. 1). Please call 644-2211 for up-to-date information, road conditions and Visitor Center hours.
RHS speech and drama meet
Ronan High School is hosting a Speech, Drama and Debate tournament on Saturday, Dec. 5. We will need a tremendous number of judges to fill approximately 350 judging slots. We are requesting your help for a single event, several events, or the full day. Any of your time would be greatly appreciated. Rounds begin at 8 a.m. for debate. All other rounds begin at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for judges on the day of the tournament. If you are anxious about judging for the first time, never fear! We will hold a judges’ clinic at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, in Ronan Middle School room 209. Please call Melissa Knabe 676-3390 ext. 3419 or Amy Miller 676-3390 ext.3533 or e-mail melissa.knabe@ronank12.edu to donate your time for judging.
Christmas tree lighting
The St. Ignatius Christmas Carnival and Tree Lighting will be held this year on Saturday, Dec. 5. The Fifth Annual Christmas Carnival will start at 2 p.m., and go tell about 4 p.m. The tree lighting service will be start at 5 p.m., at the town christmas tree. Hot drinks and cookies will be served, and a Hay ride and caroling will follow the tree lighting.
Rost Rochin fundraiser
Donations for Mark and Lisa Rost Rochin, to help with costs as Lisa is being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, can be sent to First Citizens Bank, 213 First St. W, Polson, MT 59860.
SKC Holiday Bazaar
SKC’s Student Senate would like to invite you to a Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Joe McDonald Gymnasium on the SKC campus in Pablo. The proceeds will be used for the campus toy drive, as well as other events. This is the third year that Student Senate has been doing this toy drive and it just keeps growing every year. This toy drive focuses on student families and helping them out with the holidays. It is something that brings a lot of joy to the students and their families at SKC. We will be collecting donations of toys at the bazaar. Please bring new, unwrapped gifts. There will be food and pictures with Santa Claus. For more information, please contact Gen at 275-4853 or Angie at 275-4840 or e-mail student_senate@student.skc.edu.
Festival of the Trees raffle
The tree is up and the youth home festival of trees raffle Is rolling. One of the most popular events at the Lake County Youth Home’s annual Festival of Trees is the drawing for the raffle tree donated by Glacier Bank. It will be given away at the Festival, but you don’t have to be present to win. In fact, the winning ticket includes free delivery on Sunday, Dec. 6. The raffle tree is valued at more than $500! You can see it up close and personal all during November at Glacier Bank. Raffle tickets can be purchased at Glacier Bank. Tickets will be available from now until the raffle is held on Saturday, Dec. 5. The Lake County Youth Home Festival of Trees will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the KwaTaqNuk Best Western Resort in Polson. The town that this Glacier Bank is located is Polson, MT. The Festival will feature a reception to view the trees, a dinner and a live and silent auction of the trees, wreaths, and many other items. The auction will be followed by a dance to the music of the award winning Wilbur Rehmann Jazz Quartet. The quartet will also play during the opening reception and dinner. The tickets are limited to 230 people and are usually sold out within 48 hours of going on sale the last week of October. There is a waiting list for tickets in case of last minute cancellations, 883-7264 will reach the Lake County Youth Court where you can get on the waiting list.
Crown Financial Freedom Seminar
Polson Alliance Church will hosting the Crown Financial Freedom Seminar from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Registration for this event inclues lunch. Whatever your age or income, this seminar will help you to start on the road to financial freedom. Register today by calling 883-4179.
Women’s award nominees sought
Women’s Opportunity Award is for women who are the financial head of their household and wish to further their educational or vocational training but do not have the financial resources to do so. The award may be used for tuition, books or other costs associated with her education like childcare or car expenses. The award recipient receives $1,500 and the runner-up receives $1,000 respectively. The recipient will also become eligible to receive more money in regional and international Soroptimist competition. The application is due December 15. If you are interested in applying or know a woman who fits the requirements for this award, contact Karen Radcliff at 250-2420. Soroptimist International is a volunteer service organization for women who work to improve the lives of women, girls and children in local communities and throughout the world.
Jocko Valley Library fall hours
Fall/Winter Hours are Monday, 2- 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday. 1-4 p.m.; Thursday, 3-6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 -11:30 a.m. (Only open the first and second Saturdays of each month.) The mentioned hours are filled by community volunteers and are subject to change without notice. Please feel free to return your checked out materials by putting them in the drop-box at the front gate of the library. The books are perfectly safe in that drop-box and it will save you from accruing a fine.
If you would like to volunteer at the library - call the library at 726-3572 and leave your name and phone number.
Reduced meal applicants sought
On Nov. 2, the Polson School District is launching a new breakfast program at the High School: Grab and Go Breakfast. Students will have a choice of healthy and delicious breakfast foods, packaged in a paper bag. The Polson School District is encouraging all qualifying parents to apply for the Free and Reduced Meal program. Many sources of government funding, as well as private grants, are based on the Free and Reduced Meal count. Applications are available at all schools, the district office or can be downloaded from the district’s web site: www.polson.k12.mt.us. A family of four may qualify if they have an adjusted gross income of $40,793 or less. Families of other sizes can consult the sliding scale to see if they qualify. The application process is not complicated and is totally confidential. For more information, contact any school principal or superintendent, David Whitesell, 883-6355 ext. 600.
Community Spirit Basket
Community Bank is hosting and sponsoring the third annual Community Spirit Basket project. Merchants or individuals are asked to donate a basket filled with items representing their business or organization. Baskets will then go on display Nov. 2 through Dec. 10 in the designated Community Bank lobby of their choice. Raffle tickets are available at bank lobbies. If interested in donating a basket, please contact Chris Jackson in Ronan, 676-4600 or Mandy Smith in Polson, 883-0600.
Soroptimist scholarship
Soroptimist International of Polson is committed to making a difference for women through projects that help women and girls lead better lives. To that end we participate in the Violet Richardson Award program. The program began in 1999 and recognizes and honors young women between the ages of 14 and 17 who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts. The Violet Richardson Award honors women between 12 and 17 who make the world a better place. The program begins at the local Soroptimist club level where in Polson the award is $1,100, with 75 percent going to honor the winner and the other 25 percent going to the winner’s volunteer organization. Applications have been made available at high schools in Polson, Ronan, Charlo, Two Eagle River and St. Ignatius, or by contacting Maria Bishop, Violet Richardson Award chair at 883-5372 or 883-0417. Applications are due on Dec. 1.
Sjogrens support group
Sjogrens syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes certain parts of the immune system to attack and damage the glands of the body and can also damage other organs, causing a variety of symptoms. We would like to start a support group in Polson and the surrounding areas. A great deal can be learned from others and the national foundation. If you’re interested, call Jo Weaver at 883-5401.
Lion King bus
Community Bank is sponsoring a trip to the Saturday evening, Dec. 5 performance of Broadway’s Award-Winning Best Musical “The Lion King.” The seating for the play will be in the orchestra section rows 10-13. Overnight accommodations will be at Spokane’s premier hotels, The Davenport. The bus will depart at Community Bank in Polson at 8:30 a.m., Ronan 9 at a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 and return Dec. 6. Please call Nellie 883-0600 or Anne 676-4600 for reservations and package pricing.
Line Dancing
The Polson Senior Center is hosting line dancing from 5-6:30 p.m. on Mondays. Join anytime on a weekly basis. Contact Hazle at 319-2424 or e-mail bazle@live.com for more information.