Community briefs: Rain garden walking tour in Kalispell

Rain garden walking tour in Kalispell

The Flathead Rain Garden Initiative will host a rain garden walking tour on Wednesday, July 12 from 6-8 p.m. in downtown Kalispell. Participants will visit three rain gardens, learn about their functionality and benefits, and hear stories from the people that created them.

The tour will start at the Hockaday Museum of Art lawn. During the tour, participants will learn about rain gardens, their contribution in supporting pollinators, wildlife, and clean water, as well as the techniques involved in designing and constructing their own rain gardens.

All attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as the tour will cover approximately 2 miles round-trip. This tour promises to be a rewarding and educational event for all individuals who are curious about rain gardens.

The event is free, but registration is required. Register your spot through Eventbrite.

Electric Co-op taking photo submissions for calendar

Photo submissions for the 2024 Flathead Electric Cooperative Members’ Calendar opened July 1. Submissions are considered through Aug. 31.

Winners are notified in late September. Calendars are typically printed and available for members in November.

Photos submitted should depict wildlife, scenery, people, activities, or anything that represents our special corner of Northwest Montana. Members featured in the calendar receive $25. Their name is used wherever the Co-op uses the photo, which is typically in the calendar, on the Co-op’s social media pages as the monthly header photo, and in the Light Reading monthly newsletter that is mailed or e-mailed to members and posted on the Co-op's website.

To enter, you must be a member of Flathead Electric Co-op and a non-professional photographer. Each member may submit up to six horizontal, high-quality photos for consideration. Submit your photo at flatheadelectric.com/calendar

Cancer Support Group Reorganizing

A support group for people affected by cancer is reorganizing. The Rev. Matthew Connally, Ronan/Polson Nazarene Church, will lead the Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the Chapel at St. Joseph Medical Center. The group will begin meeting July 26.

The group welcomes those recently diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, cancer survivors, and/or family members. The group aims to provide a safe place for members to share, learn, support and encourage members after a cancer diagnosis, and to conquer the fear in themselves and others. Confidentiality is practiced, anything spoken in a group stays with the group.

Gatherings are informal allowing folks to drop-in when schedules and life permits. People can bring a brown bag lunch.

Cheerful Heart, an organization of volunteers who provide non-medical services for cancer patients in Lake County since 2002, sponsors the support group.

Questions can be directed to the Cheerful Heart message line at 883-3070. Visit online at cheerfulheart.org or email cheerfulheart46@gmail.com.

Logan Health partners with Range Riders for kids event

Logan Health’s inaugural Kids on the Rise – A Day at the Ballpark event is Wednesday, July 26, hosted by the Glacier Range Riders.

The event provides a unique opportunity for kids ages 6-12 to engage in exercises and drills with the Glacier Range Riders players, encouraging them to care for their minds and bodies while inspiring them to pursue their dreams.

“Logan Health is proud to co-host the Kids on the Rise event, which aligns with our mission to improve the health of our community," said Logan Health CEO, Craig Lambrecht. "We are excited to see Montana's youth engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being."

The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will include a boxed lunch, T-shirt, special giveaways and a ticket to the evening's Range Riders game, free of charge for all participants.

Logan Health's Kids on the Rise offers unique opportunities for kids to participate in fun and inspirational free programs. Through a variety of engaging activities and experiences, Kids on the Rise aims to inspire children to dream big, discover their passions, and unlock their full potential.

Kids on the Rise also works toward ensuring that every child in the Flathead Valley has access to appropriate footwear, enabling them to feel comfortable and confident while participating in activities they love.

For more information on the Kids on the Rise programs or to register a child, please visit the event website at logan.org/kidsontherise.