Flathead Fat Tires, a local nonprofit that helps build and maintain local bike trails, will be hitting the path this weekend in Whitefish. On Saturday, members will be working on a section of the Whitefish Trail, packing the corners and sides to make a smoother ride (that will also benefit runners and hikers) and they're looking for some extra hands.

For those interested in helping out, Flathead Fat Tires members will be meeting at the Whitefish Trail at the end of the Skyles logging road at 9 a.m., and will be spending most of the day working and moving dirt. Hand tools and refreshments will be available on site.

For more information visit http://flatheadfattires.com/.

 

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Hundreds of art pieces, from photography to jewelry, will be on display at Flathead Valley Community College as part of its spring student art show. The show kicks off on April 19 in the Arts and Technology Building with an open house featuring live art demonstrations by students and faculty.

Every semester the FVCC art department hosts a show displaying students' recent work and Art Director John Rawlings said the event is more than just a “show and tell.”

“A student show isn’t about getting stuff on the wall to impress mom. It’s an important part of the process,” he said in an interview last year.

The open house event on April 19 starts at 6:30 p.m. inside the Student Art Gallery and Art Department at the Arts and Technology Building. For more information about past shows and the art program at FVCC, check out this Beacon story from December.

 

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A few months ago, I wrote a story about a disabled veteran whose family was trying to build a home for him, his wife and their son. That veteran, 29-year-old Kevin White, passed away over the weekend in his sleep. The home, according to an Associated Press story, was two weeks away from completion.

White was injured in April of 2007 on his second tour in the Iraq War when a rocket-propelled grenade ripped his right shoulder open and caused other injuries, including brain trauma. While he struggled with aspects of daily life, when I met him he was clearly happy to be in the company of his loved ones in Lakeside.

He leaves behind a wife and 15-month-old son, who will move into the home. I wish his family the best during this difficult time.

 

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The folks at Fresh Life Church, which also hosts Skull Church, have plans to fill up the Majestic Valley Arena this weekend for its Easter celebration.

As part of that weekend, the Skull Church event on Friday, April 4, will feature the popular crossover band, "Red," as well as a gospel message from pastor Levi Lusko.

According to Fresh Life, Red's most recent album reached No. 2 on Billboard’s charts and No. 1 on all of iTunes. The event is free, and the doors open at 6 p.m. The evening starts at 7 p.m. Skull Church attendees typically head to the Strand and Liberty theaters in downtown Kalispell, but the church hopes to fill the 6,500-seat arena for this event.

Then, on Easter Sunday, April 8, Fresh Life Church will host its celebration at the arena complete with a performance from "For King & Country," a Billboard 2012 “Artist to Watch." That event is also free, and begins at 10 a.m., with doors opening at 9 a.m.

For King & Country's debut album, "Crave," made it to No. 2 on the iTunes Christian and Gospel charts, and the band was part of the 2012 WinterJam tour.

For more information on Fresh Life Church, visit www.freshlifechurch.com or call 406-257-3339 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

 

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A Flathead Valley dentist has decided that good deeds shouldn't go unnoticed. Dr. Tom Pittaway will give away a new computer to a local youth, 18 years old or younger, who submits a short essay about their recent accomplishments.

The Good Deed Contest will last until May 15 and essays can be submitted online. Pittaway said as a parent there is no greater joy than knowing his child has done the right thing.

“We believe that children deserve a helping hand to make their own choice of what is right or wrong, to make their own choice of how to reach their goals without compromising their morals,” Pittaway said. “We all know that negativity will not improve a situation, but complimenting or rewarding a job well done will actually prompt more of these good activities.”

For more information visit www.dentistkalispellmt.com or call (406) 755-7117.

 

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With Spring just around the corner, it may be a good time to clean out the basement or back room and see what junk should occupy the curb. But before you trash your treasures, swing on by the Hampton Inn in Kalispell this week to let the Ohio Valley Gold and Silver Refinery evaluate it.

The refinery is holding an event in Kalispell from April 2 to April 6 and is looking for gold, silver, antiques and other collectables. According to spokesperson Korey Scott, the items can range from old war mementos to old baseball trading cards.

“We see a lot of cool stuff that you just don't see everyday,” he said.

According to Scott, Ohio Valley Gold and Silver has been around since 1996 and serves as a middle man between sellers and collectors from all over the world. The refinery representatives are able to evaluate the pieces onsite and offer cash right away. According to a press release, some rare coins have been purchased for upwards of $100,000, and recently an Ohio resident brought in a letter from President Abraham Lincoln that she thought was fake. Turns out it was the real thing and worth $25,000.

The event is free and open to the public. The refinery encourages people to bring anything they think may be worth something. It's open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Kalispell. For more information call (217) 726-7590.

 

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There are a handful of signs that mark the beginning of spring in Northwest Montana and one of them is the annual Creston Auction and County Fair. Held in the fields near MT Highway 35, as well as the Eastside Grange Hall and Creston School, the annual event is now in its 46th year.

On Saturday, March 31 the field near Creston School will be full of items to be auctioned off throughout the day. Meanwhile, inside the grange hall, a craft fair will feature handmade quilts, handbags, totes, baby clothes, toys, jewelry, beadwork and other crafts. Montana Coffee Traders will be on hand with breakfast and lunch items. There will also be food at the Creston School.

The auction and country fair is the Creston Fire Department's largest fundraiser.

The rummage and bake sale will kick off at 8 a.m. Saturday, and an hour later the craft fair and auction will begin. On Sunday, April 1, the auction will continue with cars, boats and other heavy equipment going up for bid at 12 p.m.

 

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We've written about Evergreen-based band Marshall Catch a couple times in the past year or so, and the band just keeps picking up speed.

On March 23, the band will celebrate the release of the band's new EP release at a CD release party at the Great Northern in Whitefish.

Not sure what the band sounds like? Follow this link to a free download of their song, "These Times."

For more information on Marshall Catch, check out their website.

 

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