Community news

Be creative, be daring, while having fun sharing your talent at Mission Valley Has Talent 2020. Recite a poem or inspirational reading, perform a magic act or stand-up comedy routine, play an instrument, dance or sing alone or with a group.

The talent show is now open to all talent, including winners from past years. Also, a contestant can compete as a solo-act plus be part of one group-act.

The registration deadline is Monday, March 2. The microphone-use session is March 5 from 3-7 p.m. Auditions will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m., on March 7. Rehearsal is 6-9 p.m., on Thursday, March 12. Finals are at 7 p.m., Friday, March 13. All events will be held at the Polson High School Auditorium except the auditions which will be in the high school music room.

Talent show categories are 12 and under, 13-18, 19 and over. First place in each category will win $250, second place $150 and third place $100. Contestants can register and pay fees online, or download a registration form, complete, include the fee and mail to the Help- ing Hands Fund, P.O. Box 1094, Polson, MT 59860.

All forms and fees must be received in the HHF office by March 2. Questions can be directed to Helping Hands Fund office,

883-8256. Mission Valley Has Talent is a fundraiser for the Helping Hands Fund. The first two events raised more than $10,000 for the ecumenical project.

February is “I Love to Read” month at North Lake County Public Library. For a $15 donation, choose from a selection of new picture books and juvenile titles. Then add a special message that we will place in the cover.

The popular Needle Arts Series continues Feb. 25 at 2 p.m., in the library meeting room. Bring a crochet hook and yarn (cotton recommended). A limited number of hooks are also available for $5. There will also be yarn on hand.

Board Game Group meets on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. on March 18, April 8 and May 20. All ages are invited.

“Tablets: from starting up to playing games” workshop is Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Heather will teach the basics of playing games, reading electronic books and using applications. Bring your own tablet or borrow one from the library.

Lake County Community Development Corporation is hosting a free business startup workshop on Feb. 27 from noon – 1:30 p.m. Bring a brown bag lunch and learn how to assess your business idea at Lake County Community Development Corporation, 407 Main St. SW in Ronan. Register at lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/events or call 676-5914.

On March 4, Lake County Community Development Corporation holds a class on Microsoft Excel Level I, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Improve your Excel skills at this free workshop

Dixon Senior Center serves dinner every Monday night at 5:30 p.m., and lunch every Thursday afternoon at noon.

The menu for the coming week is:

•Monday, Feb. 24: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, salad, fruit, rolls, dessert

•Thursday, Feb. 27: Chicken enchiladas, salad, fruit, dessert

Eat in or takeout meals. Feel welcome to place an order in advance by calling 406-246-3310. All meals include fruit and beverage. All ages are always welcome, bring the family and meet your neighbors.

A group for pinochle comes together every fourth Monday of the month with our next pinochle gathering planned for Feb. 24 immediately after dinner. Expect a crowd of 20 or more.

The Ronan Library District is offeringa Basic Computer Use Workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m. To sign up, call 676-3682 or stop by the circulation desk. Sign up early; space is limited.

Children’s Story Time: Reading, activities, and crafts developed for preschool and elementary school age children is held every Thursday at 11 a.m. The upcoming story time theme for Feb. 20 is Lost & Found. Hear lost and found adventures and participate in a group scavenger hunt. The theme Feb. 27 is My favorite things — stuffed animals, blankets. and rainy days with puddles.

The Polson Chamber of Commerce Board is hosting its SPLASH event, today, Feb. 20 from 5-7 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to share thoughts and ideas for the Chamber with board members, connect with Chamber business members, and learn about some of the exciting things the Chamber is planning for 2020.

Meet at the Polson Chamber of Commerce Office, 402 1st St E #102. Cost for entry is $2. Entry fee helps support the Polson Chamber Fireworks Fund.

The Ronan Cooperative Brewery Annual Membership Meeting will be held Friday, Feb. 21, in downtown Ronan at the Grey Leaf Gallery (400 Main Street) directly next to the future home of RCB. Tours of construction progress will be available. Dinner will be potluck style and you are encouraged to BYOB.

Happy hour starts at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

The All In Stitches’ annual quilt show “Quilt Walk Around Polson!” runs through Sunday, Feb. 23. Plan some time to pick up a ballot at All In Stitches and stroll down Main Street to vote on your favorite quilts by Feb. 19. Ribbons will be hung Feb. 20. Call All In Stitches at 883-3643 with questions.