Community briefs

Historical Society seeks nominations for Montana History Teacher of the Year

The Montana Historical Society is accepting nominations of middle school or high school teachers who have done an exemplary job teaching state history to students.

Nominations will be considered for the 35th Montana Statehood Centennial Bell Award honoring the Montana History Teacher of the Year. People interested in nominating a teacher have until March 31 to fill out a form that takes about two minutes to complete.

Nominated teachers will be asked to submit two one-page letters from their principal, superintendent, fellow teacher or librarian and a letter from a student. Nominated teachers will also be asked to submit one to two pages detailing why they enjoy teaching state history; how they engage students in learning; and how their Montana history course recognizes cultural diversity. Nominees will receive instructions on how to submit these materials with a May 1 deadline.

The winner will receive a $3,250 cash prize to use for classroom materials, field trips, speakers and anything else that will enhance learning in their classroom. The winner and their class will be honored at a ceremony in the State Capitol Nov. 8. 

Events feature Spotted Bear District Ranger

The Flathead National Forest is hosting a series of spring meet and greet events with the new Spotted Bear District Ranger Adam LaDell. 

The purpose of the events are to allow the public to get to know LaDell and provide them with the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation in an informal setting, according to a release from the forest service. 

LaDell previously served as the Questa District Ranger for the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. LaDell is originally from Wisconsin. He started his career with the Forest Service as a wilderness ranger on the Inyo National Forest in California, and over the course of the last 15 years held positions in Wyoming, Arizona, and most recently New Mexico.

The meet and gree events are: March 12 at Sacred Waters in Kalispell from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; March 21 at Bias Brewing from 5-7 p.m.; April 10 at Backslope Brewing in Columbia Falls from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; and April 26 at Colter Coffee in Kalispell from 9-11 a.m. 

My Glacier Village hosts event on aging

My Glacier Village is helping area seniors make their plan about where and how they want to age, and subsequently, implement it. 

The organization is hosting a convervation about aging in the Flathead Valley at Montana Coffee Traders in Whitefish on Thursday, March 14 from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

The organization serves area seniors, many who are opting to age in their own homes. Founded in 2019, the local group was created by seniors for seniors who want to stay active and engaged in their lives and know they can rely on each other when they need a little help.

My Glacier Village is a local chapter of the nationwide Village-to-Village Network that began on the East Coast in 2002. It was led by a group of seniors who had watched their own parents age and did not want to be limited or marginalized as their parents were. They created the concept of neighbors helping neighbors as they aged. 

For more information, visit www.myglaciervillage.com, or call 406-250-8784.

Polson Library book sale 

The North Lake County Public Library District Friends of the Library will hold a used book sale Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. Hours for the sale are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. 

The sale will be held in the community room at the Polson Public Library, 102 First Street East.

The sale features a wide selection of assorted titles over many genres and includes

DVDs and audiobooks. Book sale proceeds support the library’s educational programs, resources, and services available to all in the community.

C-Falls Women’s Connection lunch

Columbia Falls Women's Connection will host a luncheon on Wednesday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 827 9th St West in Columbia Falls. 

Guest speakers, the Abbie Shelter will share how they serve the women of the Flathead Valley and Judy Johnson will share her inspirational story of hope, optimism and love. Donations of full size personal care and hygiene products will be collected for the Abbie Shelter. Cost is $10 and all women are welcome to attend. For reservations call Janet at 406-892-3621 or email cfwomensconnection@yahoo.com by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17. Please honor or cancel reservations. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.