Community notes
April 1
Saturday, April 3
Baskets and Blessings
Baskets and Blessings will distribute 400 free Easter baskets, hold an Easter egg hunt, Easter bonnet contest, bake sale and many other activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, behind Linderman School. Any proceeds benefit Coalition for Kids. Call 883-7316 or 883-2021 for more information.
Dayton egg hunt
The fifth annual Dayton Easter Egg hunt will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, in Dayton. There will also be kids' games and activities.
Mission egg hunt
The St. Ignatius Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt. Due to construction at the high school, the hunt will be at 10 a.m. sharp on the football practice field. Everyone will need to start here. Parking will be behind the middle school. To access that parking lot you will have to go down Griffith Lane. Ages 0-12 split in four different groups, one lucky egg in each group.
Tuesday, April 6
MM Quilt meeting
The regular meeting of the Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, at the Missionary Alliance Church in Ronan. We will begin with a potato social, then have show and tell. Everyone is welcome. Also, mark your calendars, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 17 is an open sewing day to work on TLC Quilts at the LDS Church in Ronan. There will be a potluck. Please plan to come and help. Questions? Call Marina Cheff, president.
Arlee Hunter Education
Arlee Hunter Education Registration will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, in the Arlee Fire Hall. The course is open to everyone, but anyone born after Jan. 1,1985 must have successfully completed the course to purchase a hunting license in Montana. To complete the course, students are required to attend all classes, pass a written examination, and demonstrate good attitude and ability. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to participate in any and all of the classes with their youngsters. One parent is required to sign the registration form at the first meeting. The class materials will be handed out at the registration to allow the students to study the material before the first class. The class schedule will be determined during the first meeting. For more information call Keith Barrows at 726-3412.
St. Ignatius kindergarten roundup
Kindergarten roundup will be held from 9-11 a.m. and noon to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, at the St. Ignatius Elementary School. Parents/Guardians please bring, the enrolling student, a certified copy of the students birth certificate and a copy of the child's immunizations. To be enrolled in the 2010-2011 school year, the student must be 5 years old, by September 10. If you have any questions, please call 745-3811 ext 302.
Wednesday, April 7
Elks dance
Come join the fun from 7:30-11 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, at the Elks Club in Polson. Ballroom dancing to tunes played by Heart to Heart.
Ongoing
Mission Mountain Audobon meeting
"Birdy, Birdy in the Sky," by Pat Jamieson will be the next evening program at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, in the Polson City Library Meeting Room.Everyone is welcome. Jamieson will share her passion about feathered creatures. She'll present tips hints and clues to get you birding. She'll discuss how to use binoculars and make them work best for you. She'll explain the organization of field guides and how to find your way through them. And, while we will identify some common local birds, the emphasis will be on how you can recognize types of birds and look for field marks, so you can identify birds independently. We'll also tune into behavior and habitat clues, which, besides making identification easier, starts a closer relationship with the bird you're following. Best of all, Pat will convince you that bird watching can be fun and relaxing.
Family science night
Family science night will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, at the K. Wiliam Harvey Elementary Gym. Bring your family for exciting family science activities and experiments. Activities include liquid nitrogen ice cream, Hot Wheels track, computer activities, Mars robot, robotics. Sponsored by Ronan PTA and Big Sky Science Partnership.
Kindergarten pre-registration
Pre-registration for the Ronan-Pablo school year, 2010-11, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, at Ronan Middle School.
Hwy 93 tea party
Are you concerned about our nation's growing deficit and the effect it will have on your children and grandchildren? Join like-minded citizens by lining Highway 93 south from the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge from4:40- 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 15. Be sure to bring a chair and an appropriate, fiscal related sign and a friendto peacefully protest the out of control tax and spend policies of our nation. If not us, who? If not now, when? Please direct questions to mtnsplendor@yahoo.com or e-mail to report what block you plan to occupy during the 2010 TEA Party.
Candidate forum
Citizens Acting for Liberty invites all Lake County voters to a primary candidate election forum on Tuesday, April 13, at the Community Center, 300 3rd Ave. NW in Ronan. A potluck dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by a candidate forum at 6:45 p.m. featuring HD 11, county commissioner and sheriff candidates. In addition to candidate education, before and after the event, you will have an opportunity to visit focus groups that will be holding separate smaller meetings each month on issues such as property rights, Tenth Amendment, respect for life, voter issues, constitutional studies, Second Amendment rights and preparedness.
Farm bureau scholarship
Northwest Counties Farm Bureau is offering a $250 scholarship to a graduating senior who is an immediate member of a current paid Montana Farm Bureau family. Applications will be available at the office of the counselor or contact Margaret Poole, secretary, at 883-3953 for an application. Applications must be returned no later than April 5. If you are a Farm Bureau family there are other scholarships on the Montana Farm Bureau Federation Web site.
MAOM Glacier exhibit
The "Land of Many Stories: The People & Histories of Glacier National Park" exhibit has opened at the Miracle of America Museum and will run through April 30. 2010 will mark the centennial of Glacier Park, and the Montana Historical Society, in collaboration with Glacier National Park-National Park Service, has mounted a traveling exhibition illuminating one of Montana's cultural and natural wonders. This exhibit explores the many ways people have used and enjoyed the area from pre-European contact to present day, and illustrates though much has changed over the years a great deal remains the same for today's visitors. People still enjoy Glacier's magnificent pristine wilderness following the same routes as those who have traveled before. The traveling exhibit parallels the theme and content of the major exhibition displayed currently at the Montana Historical Society-is comprised of reproductions of historic photographs, graphics, and interpretive text. This exhibit is made possible by the generosity of the Glacier National Park Fund and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation. For more information contact Joanne at 406-883-6804 or Gil at 406-883-6264.
MVCA tour
Mission Valley Christian Academy invites families with students entering kindergarten through twelfth grade to an informational tour and open house from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13. Meet the staff, see facilities, and inquire about tuition assistance opportunities. Reshments will be served. MVCA is located at mile marker 2 on Highway 35 in Polson. For more information or questions please call at 883-6858 or visit www.missionvalleychristianacademy.org.
Financial and estate planning classes
Dr. Marsha A. Goetting, a professor and extension family economics specialist at Montana State University, is presenting three Financial and Estate Planning seminars to be held on April 27, May 18 and June 15 at the KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and cover control and distribution of a will, how to avoid financial and property probate, and more. These programs are sponsored by: Greater Polson Community Foundation, Community Bank, Grogan Funeral Home, Mountain State Farm Bureau Insurance, St. Joseph Assisted Living and MSU Lake County Extension. Sign up with your local sponsor and plan to attend one or all sessions.
Thursday quilters show
Ayleen's Thursday Quilter's 12th Annual Quilt Show will be held on May 6-8 at the LDS Church, North Main St., in St. Ignatius. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There will be on-going demos with a long arm quilting machine given by Donita Reeves from Lakeside Quilts, as well as other displays and demos. Diana Jones, formerly from Ribbon Star and Wing, will be our Featured Quilter. Other quilts on display will be done by the Charlo Quilters. Donations will go to the St. Ignatius Senior Center. Voting will be done on Thursday and Friday, and ribbons placed on the people's favorites by Saturday. Come on over and choose your favorites!
New books at Jocko Valley Library
Please stop into the Arlee Library for these new and best seller titles: "The Sister Chicks" series; "The Yada Yada Prayer Group" series; "Evidence" by Jonathan Kellerman; "Night Tales Nightshade" by Nora Roberts; "Big Jack" by J.D. Robb; "Long Lost" by Harlen Coben; "First Family" by David Baldacci; "Heart and Soul" by Maeve Binchy; "Roadside Crosses" by Jeffrey Deaver; "Corsair" by Clive Cussler; "Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks; and "Boneman's Daughter" by Ted Dekker.
Western Bulldog Football Scrimmage
The Western Bulldog Football Team will be playing a spring scrimmage at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, at the Ronan High School Field. Proceeds go to the Elementary Flag Football Program. For more information contact Renee Kelch at 883-2468 or Mike Noyes at 676-5400.
Ladies of the Lake dancing
All are invtied to join the Ladies of the Lake Oriental Dancers weekly for fun non-stress stretching, toning and dance. The core dance style is belly dance although other world dance styles are incorporated. Ladies of all ages and ability are invited to join. Use of props, costume design. zill and drum instruction are included. For more information call Sultana, 883-0554.
Salish language classes
Nkwusm will be holding two Beginning Salish Language Classes, one in Arlee at Nkusm School building and one in Pablo at Salish Kootenai College's Three Woodcocks building. Arlee classes are from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Pablo classes begin March 29, 2010 and are from 5:15-6:15 p.m. on Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information please contact Melanie Sandoval or Chaney Bell at 726-5050.
Trails Project
This year another boy scout from Troop 1947 will be working on an Eagle Scout project for the Travis Dolphin Dog Park. His project will be to build a trail system that will link the top trail with the shoreline and dock area. One of these trails will meet the American Disabilities Act requirements for recreation trails so the shoreline will be accessible to all. If you would like to make a donation to this project or any other facilities at this park please contact: Polson City Parks at 883-8206 or Doug Crosby 883-4187.
Hunter ed course
The Hunter Education Course for the Polson area will begin on April 26. =To register for the course, come to the Polson Middle School Cafeteria at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 26.Students under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The 7-9 p.m. session on April 26 involves registration, orientation, class rules, and a Hunter Education movie. Classes continue from 7-9 p.m. April 27-29 and May 3-5. The field course is held Saturday, May 8. By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985 must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana. Hunter Education classes are free of charge. For more information, call Rud Knudsen, 883-5409.
Ronan Booster Club fundraiser
The Ronan Booster Club will be having it's 1st Annual Booster Luau on Saturday April 10, at the Ronan Community Center. Tickets includes a roast pork dinner and one drink ticket. This is the final week to purchase tickets. Doors open at 3 p.m. and drawings begin at 5 p.m. There will also be 50/50s, silent auctions and a no-host bar. The main event will be the Calcutta drawings. Drawings will be for cash prizes from $50 to the Grand Prize of $4,000. Ticket sales are limited to 300. Grand Prize Contingent On All 300 Tickets sold. Must be present to win. Purchase your tickets from: Ronan Power Products (Shelly Cordis), CarQuest (Brian Bocksnick), Jim Benn (Ronan School Athletic Director), Steve Woll (Ronan High School Basketball Coach) and Niki Graham-SKC. Contact: Shelly Cordis 676-5000 or ads@ronanpowerproducts.com for any questions.
3-point Shoot Out tounrey
The Two Eagle River 3-point Shout Out will be held April 9-10. Team deadline is Wednesday, April 7. Teams are Male 18 and over, male 18 and under; female 18 and over, femaile 18 and under. For more information contact Jami Hanson at 675-0292 or Darlene Billie at 207-3483.
Court community service
Lake County Justice Court is seeking non-profit organizations interested in providing community service projects for defendants in Justice Court with outstanding fines. In exchange for community service work, defendants will have their fines reduced based on the amount of community service hours performed. If you have projects you would like the court to consider please contact Judge Chuck Wall at 883-7260.
Extension office survey
Montana State University Extension is in the process of developing a strategic plan which will assist in guiding extension programming for the next three to five years. The plan will be used to address the educational needs of Montana citizens. Information will be gathered regarding specific programming as well as methods to deliver information. Any Montana citizen may participate in this survey. To complete the survey on line please go to the following internet link: http://www.msuextension.org/stratplan/Clients.html. Surveys are also available at the MSU Lake County Extension Office located at 300 Third Ave NW, next to the high school, in Ronan, or you may call 676-4271 and a survey will be mailed to you. All surveys must be completed and returned to MSU Extension by March 26. If you would like a copy of the planning document which results from the survey input, please email MSU at casey.mirick@montana.edu.
Headstart Powwow
The Headstart Powwow wil be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 23. Grand entry at 4:30 p.m, dinner at 5:30 p.m. For more information call 676-4509 or e-mail headstart@cskt.org.
Old bike drop off
All old, used, new bicycles of all shapes and sizes are being solicited for fix up and giveaway at the second annual Earth Day Event on April 24. We will haul for you or you can drop them off at Ronan Tribal Fitness at 122 Main Street SE, Ronan. If you have questions or for bicycle pick up please call Jennifer @ 676-0211.
Needle work classes
Weekly needle work classes are being held in the Home Ec. Room at St. Ignatius High School from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. For information call Mary Lou Keast at 745-3453. Beginners welcome.
Food for fines
During the month of March, Ronan City Library patrons may pay fines by donated food for the Bread Basket. For each nonperishable, nonexpired food item given to the Ronan City Library, $1 in fines will be taken off your account. All items will be given to the local food bank, the Bread Basket, at the end of March.
Ronan kindergarten registration
The Ronan-Pablo Schools are conducting the annual Kindergarten Registration Program. The registration will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 8 from at the Ronan Middle School. To be eligible for kindergarten, a student must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 10. For more information contact the Special Services office at 676-3390, ext. 3450.
Packages for soliders
The Montechato Club of Finley Point is putting together care packages to send to local service men and women serving overseas. If you have a relative or friend serving in Iraq or Afghanistan who would like to receive a care package, please call Alice at 887-2216 or Linda at 887-2118.
Tollefson scholarship
Lake County students preparing for a career in art are again invited to apply for the Sandpiper Gallery for support. The organziation awards up to $1,000 per year to Lake County residents. High school seniors who will enrollin an art program or current art students are eligile. Application forms and information are available at the Sandiper Gallery, or write to P.O. Box 1163 Polon, MT 59860. Due no later than April 15. For more information call Patricia Wallace at 849-5242.
Mathes donations
An account for Tammy Mathes has been set up at Valley Bank of Ronan to help defer various costs that are accumulating her for and the family while she is sick and unable to work. You can stop by your local Valley Bank or mail your donation to: The Tammy
Mathes Donation Account @ Valley Bank of Ronan, P.O. Box 9, Ronan, MT 59864. If you have any questions contact Dana (Schoon) Dortch at danarae@ronan.net or 270-7087.
Calliing all classmates
The Ronan High School Class of 1960 wishes to locate 10 missing classmates to notify them of the 50th anniversary reunion timed to coincide with Pioneer Days in Ronan on July 30, 31 and Aug 1. Anyone knowing the current location or contact information on any of the following: Ronald Rathbun, Marilyn Hawkins, Beverly Johnston, Judy Brimmer, Sharon Huggins, Robert Cooper, Pat Johnson, Lylia Crandall, Henry Courville, Louis Hahn or Lylia Crandall, should contact Bonnie Sloan Clary at lbclary@blackfoot.net or 644-2259 or Charlene McClure Schaub at 675-4531.
Youth softball coaches needed
Coaches needed for Ronan-Pablo Youth Softball Association 2010 season, with the large number of girls interested in softball we have grown once again and predict two more teams added to our association this year. We are looking for anyone interested in joining our team to help coach, assistant coach, help with concessions and ground maintenance. RPYSA is a non-profit organization who is committed to providing a positive team building experience for young girls in our community. If you have questions please contact Dale Sassaman at 250-8962 or 675-0319
Narcotics Anon
Narcotics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday in the CMA Church, 3rd and Glacier View in St. Ignatius.
Al-Anon meeting
The St. Ignatius Al-Anon Group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 3rd and Glacier View in St. Ignatius. Call 745-0550 for more information.
New Hours for Ronan City Library
The Ronan City Library hours have changed. Sunday and Monday:Closed; Tuesday, Wednesday: 12-6p.m.; Thursday,10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 12-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. When a legal holiday falls on a Monday, the library will be closed the following Tuesday. Story times are Thursday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Calling all artists
The People's Center is hosting a Spring Arts and Craft Bazaar at The People's Center daiily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9-10. Call 675-0160 to reserve your space.
Alzheimer's support group
An Alzheimer's support group is beginning in the Mission Valley and will be held at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the United Methodist Church on U.S. Highway 93, south of the Charlo turnoff. For more information call 676-2367 or 644-2363.
Free lunch offered
Faith and Community Outreach Partners are offering a free lunch, Soup's On!, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday every week at the Wander Inn. Look for the open sign lit up in the window. The lunch will offer homemade soup, pie, bread, coffee, milk and juice served. Dessert follows. The lunch will be ongoing. FCOP is a nonprofit 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.