Community news
School calendar
Planning is underway for the 2014-2015 Columbia Falls School District 6 calendar. Alternatives include earlier or later starting and ending dates, and different vacation times. Preliminary drafts of the calendar will be available for viewing and comment through March 28 at the School District 6 office, 501 Sixth Avenue West, and online at www.sd6.k12.mt.us. Public comment will be taken through Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m.
Senior class
The Columbia Falls High School Class of 2014 has lined up a fundraising opportunity with The Wave fitness center in Whitefish. Through March 28, a membership for two months is available for $30 with half the money going to the senior class graduation party. For more information, call 862-2444.
Quilt show
The Teakettle Quilt Guild of Columbia Falls will hold their annual quilt show at Glacier Gateway School, 440 Fourth Avenue West, in Columbia Falls, on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with vendors, demonstrations, boutique and raffles. The featured quilter will be Janet Masten. Admission is free, but non-perishable donations for the Columbia Falls Food Bank will be appreciated.
Senior fundraiser
The North Valley Senior Center will hold its annual Pancake Supper Fundraiser at the center, 205 Nucleus Avenue, in Columbia Falls, on Friday, March 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. They will serve pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee — all you can eat for $6. Visit with old friends and make some new ones. The money that is raised will be used for a much needed freezer. For more information, call 892-4087.
PTO luncheon
The Ruder Elementary School PTO will host its teacher appreciation luncheon in the teachers lounge at the school on Thursday, March 20, for the 45 teachers and staff members. The theme is soup, salad and bread. For more information, e-mail ptoruder@gmail.com.
Straw bales
The Farming For The Future Academy needs old or new straw bales to make raised beds for their garden at the Montana Veterans Home, in Columbia Falls. For more information, call 406-253-4369.
Free film
The movie “Who’s Driving The Dreambus?” will be shown at Imagine Health, 305 First Avenue West, in Columbia Falls, on Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m., co-sponsored by the local chapter of IONS. A $5 donation will be accepted. For more information, call 892-4406 or visit online at www.imaginehealth.net.
Canyon trail
A fundraiser for the Gateway to Glacier Trail will be held at the Belton Chalet on Friday, March 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. “Story Slam” is similar to a poetry slam but with stories. Master story-tellers from across the valley will share short stories. There will also be an open mic portion so willing parties can share their stories in 4-5 minute tales. The Belton Chalet will donate 10 percent of total proceeds for that evening to the Gateway to Glacier Trail project. Full dinner and bar service will be available. No reservations are required. For more information, visit online at www.beltonchalet.com or call 888-5000.
Salvation Army
The first major Salvation Army gala fundraiser to be held since they came to the Flathead Valley in 1895 will be held at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building on Saturday, March 22, beginning at 5:30 p.m. “We Can Swing It” will feature dance music by the Swingin’ On High Big Band, led by BJ Lupton, and a silent and live auction, and dinner catered by Vista Linda. Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, visit online at www.salvationarmygala.com or call 257-4357.
Creston Auction
The 48th annual Creston Auction & Country Fair and the accompanying Auto, Marine, RV & Equipment Sale, a fundraiser for the all-volunteer Creston Fire Department, will be held April 5-6 in Creston, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Highway 35. The event draws thousands of people from across the region and Canada. Merchandise will be accepted on Friday, April 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The main event will take place on Saturday, April 5, a day-long auction featuring building materials, household goods, tools, tack, antiques and many other items. Grounds will open at 8 a.m., and entrance is free. Bidding on cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, tractors, farm equipment, trailers and other large items will begin at noon on Sunday, April 6. For more information, visit online at www.crestonfire.org or call 406-250-7396.
Book sale
The American Association of University Women is now accepting good quality used books for the upcoming used book sale at the Kalispell Center Mall on April 11-13. Donation barrels are located in Columbia Falls at Super 1 Foods. Proceeds will benefit FVCC scholarships and other charitable projects. For more information, call Vicki at 608-712-9302.
Board opening
A two-year position is open on Flathead County’s Technical Advisory Committee. The term starts May 1. The committee serves as the city-county transportation planning body and includes representatives from Kalispell, Flathead County and the Montana Department of Transportation. Letters of interest including qualifications can be submitted to Flathead County Commissioners Office, 800 South Main, Room 302, Kalispell MT 59901-5420. Deadline is March 24. For more information, call 758-5537.
Co-op meeting
The 77th annual membership meeting of the Flathead Electric Cooperative will take place at The Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Drive, in Kalispell, on Saturday, March 22, with registration at 8:30 a.m., live fiddle music at 9:30 a.m. and the business meeting from 10 a.m. to noon. Members will learn about Co-op finances and hear from candidates for the board of trustee positions. For more information, visit online at www.flatheadelectric.com.
Plein air art
The Hockaday Museum of Art will hold its seventh annual Plein Air Paint Out event on June 18-20 with the theme of “person, place or thing.” During the three days, artists will create as many paintings as they can — rain, shine or snow. The completed works will be sold to benefit the museum at its Centennial Pavilion Tent on Saturday, June 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. or be placed on exhibit and remain for sale at the museum through July 19. Entry applications will be accepted online at www.hockadaymuseum.org until March 29. For more information, visit online at www.HockadayMuseum.org or call 406-755-5268.
Disaster training
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office will join rural fire departments in providing courses on Community Emergency Response Training, or CERT. The courses will include disaster preparedness, first aid and fire suppression for homes. Each class will hold up to 25 participants. Classes will take place with the Badrock Volunteer Fire Department in October. For more information or to register, visit online at www.flatheadcountysheriff.com or call Deputy Travis Bruyer at 406-758-5602.