Community events: Chili feed for history

Help the Columbia Falls Historical Society raise funds for a Columbia Falls Museum by attending the first annual chili dinner fundraiser from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at St. Richard’s Catholic Church. There will also be door prizes, a silent auction, raffle ticket sales and a special slide show on the history of the Aluminum Company. Everyone is invited.

Ruder Elementary fourth grade classes will be presenting Montana History Music programs, all at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16 for Mrs. Warner’s class; Tuesday, March 17 for Mrs. Burns’s class; and Thursday, March 19 for Mr. Preiss’s class. It will be a little bit of serious, a little bit of history, and a lot of fun! All performances are in the music room.

The Montana Native Plant Society and the Center for Native Plants invites the public to a discussion titled “The Dynamic Relationship of Native Plants, Insects and Birds,” by landscaper Kathy Ross focusing on why we need our native insects, the vital role native plants play in their survival, and how to use native plants in landscaping to create healthy environments for humans and birds. The talk will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the North Valley Community Hall, 235 Nucleus Avenue.

Columbia Falls Women’s Connection in affiliation with Stonecroft Ministries will host a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the North Valley Hospital Community Room on Nucleus Avenue. Guest speakers are Dave Conner from Columbia Nursery and Mary Frances Erler author, music teacher and outdoor educator. All women are welcome. Cost is $8. For reservations call Candy at 387-4119 or Janet at 892-3621 by 5 p.m. Monday, March 16.

The Columbia Falls Community Choir will be presenting their annual choral concert on March 21 and 22 at the Columbia Falls High School Little Theater. Saturday’s concert will begin at 7 p.m., and Sunday’s performance will be at 2 p.m. This choir is made up of singers from all areas of the valley who will be singing songs of hope and encouragement. The choir is directed by Steven Holte and accompanied by Dawn Hashley. The concert will feature a selection accompanied by a Jazz combo, another with an oboe, and one interpreted in American Sign Language. Songs include choral literature, spirituals, and hits from Broadway and Jazz. There is no admission fee, but there will be a free will offering to help with the cost of running a choir. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Holte at 730-2396.

Pint Night

Join the Montana Tap House in its mission to help the Flathead Valley’s homeless youth at Pint Night from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 in Whitefish.

Inspiring Toasts

Enjoy a day of inspiring speeches by local toastmasters at the Area 11 Toastmasters International & Humorous Speech Contests from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at the Evergreen Fire Station. The public is welcome, audience is appreciated. For more information call 212-6433.