Community notes: Cowboy Ball gets back in the saddle
Cowboy Ball gets back in the saddle
After a few years on hiatus, the Cowboy Ball returns to the Polson Fairgrounds on Friday, April 22. This will be the 30th banquet and auction, which helps fund improvements at the fairgrounds. A no-host cocktail hour and silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a prime rib dinner at 6:30 and a live auction at 7:30 p.m. The live auction will be followed by live music from shō down (www.sho-down.com). Tickets cost $60 and are available in Polson at Two Nineteen Main Clothing and Home or Wild Horse Framing, or at Muley Bluz in Ronan. Call 406-883-1100 to make donations or for more information.
SKQ Dam overlook to open Friday
The overlook at the SKQ Dam on the Flathead River southwest of Polson will reopen to the public on Friday, April 15, Energy Keepers Inc. recently announced. Energy Keepers is a corporation owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes that manages the dam. Going forward, gates to the observatory will open April 15 each year and close Oct. 15. Contact information@energykeepersinc.com for additional information.
GPCF nonprofit grants available
The Greater Polson Community Foundation is accepting applications from local nonprofits for its 2022 grant funding cycle. The application deadline is Friday, April 29. Applications will be accepted from nonprofit organizations with a 501c(3) status in the Greater Polson area. The committee is looking for how well the prospective project matches the mission and values of the GPCF as well as addressing critical needs that strengthen our community. The application form and guidelines can be viewed and downloaded at www.greaterpolsoncommunityfoundation.org. Contact Jennifer at 406-883-4723 Tuesdays or Thursdays for more information.
St. Ignatius seniors holding Easter bake sale
The St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center will hold an Easter Bake Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16. There will be cookies, bread, cake, candy and pies. Bingo begins at 2 p.m., with cards available for 25 cents and a special Blackout payment. There also will be a raffle for a Tupperware basket, with tickets costing $1 or six for $5. The drawing will take place at 4 p.m.
Earth Day event at SKC
CSKT Tribal Health is co-sponsoring a special climate event for Earth Day, Friday, April 22. The event, titled “Elevating Indigenous Perspectives for Regeneration and Resilience,” will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Salish Kootenai College’s Joe McDonald Gymnasium in Pablo. SKC also is a co-sponsor, along with the University of Montana.
Agenda topics include: the CSKT Climate Change Strategic Plan; environmental and human health; mental health and climate change; preventive health and cultural humility; air quality, wildfire smoke and filters; protecting ecosystems; and healthy and sustainable diets.
Space is limited, and registration is required. Register online at www.CSKTclimate.org. Included with the free event is a meal provided by Qene Catering.
Earth Day hike at Big Arm
Celebrate Earth Day on a guided hike along the shores of Flathead Lake starting at 7 p.m. Friday, April 22. Learn about the different plants, trees, animals and other features found at the park. This family-friendly event is open to all ages. The hike will meet at the entrance station at the Big Arm unit. The cost is $4, and reservations are required. Call the ranger station at 406-837-3041 ext. 0 to reserve a spot.
Polson Rotary accepting Festival for Youth applications
Polson Rotary’s Festival for Youth event is an annual endeavor to raise money to benefit youth in the Mission Valley. Over the last decade, Polson Rotary has donated more than $365,000 to local organizations for youth-oriented projects in the Mission Valley. Information and applications can be found at portal.clubrunner.ca/1867. Those with questions also may contact Brooke Duty 406-250-5827 or any Polson Rotary member. The culmination of this signature event will be the Polson Rotary Community Event on Aug. 13 at the Polson Elks Lodge.
UM events celebrate native food systems
The University of Montana will explore Indigenous food systems with events on Wednesday and Thursday, April 20-21. “Healing Grounds: Celebrating Indigenous Farming and Foodways” will include book readings and panel discussions.
A book reading and discussion of “Healing Grounds: Climate, Justice and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming” will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Bonny Heavy Runner Rotunda of UM’s Payne Family Native American Center. Author Liz Carlisle will present, and the event will feature Indigenous food activist Latrice Tatsey, who is featured in the book.
A panel discussion, “Indigenous Farming and Foodways,” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Bonny Heavy Runner Rotunda of the Payne Center. Panelists will include Tatsey, Bernadine Young Bird and others.