Community briefs

Bigfork cafe hosts free Thanksgiving Dinner

The Pocketstone Cafe in Bigfork will host its 10th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. Free to all who come, the Pocketstone welcomes those who cannot or would prefer not to celebrate Thanksgiving on their own.

Although the event took a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the dinner is back this year. This year the cafe is under new ownership. Well-seasoned restaurateurs Marcus and Shelley Shahen took ownership of the cafe Nov. 1 and are eager to continue with this Thanksgiving tradition.

“This connection with the community is one of the things we found so endearing about the cafe,” Marcus said “We’re delighted to carry it on.”

More than just a meal, the Pocketstone Cafe offers a true Thanksgiving experience with a sumptuous menu and a cordial atmosphere. The menu includes soup, turkey, dressing, potatoes, yams, vegetable and dessert. All are welcome, but the cafe requests that those who would like to attend call for reservations as seating is limited.

There will be no charge for the meal. Food preparation, serving and cleanup is done by community volunteers and the food is donated by the cafeé. For those who are able and choose to contribute, a donation jar will be available. Those who would like to help with the meal are invited to volunteer. All contributions will be given to the Bigfork Food Pantry to kick off its Christmas season.

Three seatings on Thanksgiving Day will be available: 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Pocketstone Café is located at 444 Electric Ave. in Bigfork. Call 406-837-7223 for reservations or to volunteer.

Except for this dinner, the Pocketstone Cafe will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Christ Lutheran in Whitefish holds Thanksgiving dinner

The Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway, Whitefish, is holding a free community dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 406-862-2615.

Sunburst Mental Health holds open house

Sunburst Mental Health is having an open house from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at its new facility located at 125 Schoolhouse Loop in Kalispell. Tour the new facility, meet with staff and learn about services they offer. Representatives from other community agencies will also be on hand. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 406-756-8721.