Small dog park

New small dog park on its way to Polson

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The City of Polson is in the process of gathering materials to erect a park exclusively for small dogs, 20 pounds or less.

The whole project got its start thanks to local Wanda Heintz, who has three small dogs under ten pounds and has struggled to find appropriate places to take them out to play and enjoy the outdoors.

“It started three years ago,” Heintz explained. “I started asking around Facebook, everywhere, if people would be interested in going if I got one up and running. Then two years ago I talked to the city and asked them if there was something I could do to put one somewhere.”

After taking a walk around the existing Travis Dolphin Dog Park in Polson to see what they could think of, Heintz said the city suggested building it on the other side of the existing park fence near where the new water treatment plant went. The commission met on the issue and voted in its favor last year, so Heintz is working to gather the donations needed to make it happen.

With the donations gathered so far, Heintz has been able to buy two of the four needed 10x10 chain-link kennels that will be used in the park’s structure. T-posts and signage are still needed as well, and all together Heintz estimates they still need approximately $2,000 to complete the park.

To donate, checks need to be made payable to the City of Polson and sent with explicit specification in the memo line that the funds should be used for the small dog park. Those who donate $500 or more, Heintz said, will get their name on a plaque that will be posted in the dog park itself. Additionally, she stated anyone with a suggestion for the name of the park is welcome to submit it along with their check.

Send checks to the City of Polson, 106 First Street E, Polson, MT 59860.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help put the park together once the materials are acquired can get in touch with Heintz at 406-407-5154.

“There’s definitely a need for people to have a place to get together with their little dogs and have fun,” Heintz commented. “There’s a lot of small dogs, and they need room too.”

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

PORTER COUNTS / VALLEY JOURNAL

Support staff appreciation

News and Photos from Polson Scool District

POLSON — The school day is a special time for kids. They arrive at school, enter the doors of knowledge, receive morning greetings, and engage in exploration and learning. Yet a lot goes on behind the scenes that further enriches the school experience for the students. The bus driver offers a welcoming smile. The custodian ensures the buildings are cozy, clean, and safe. The food service worker prepares a warm meal. The secretary fields questions and provides information. The paraprofessional lends an ear. And the IT employee makes sure the internet and tech products are working properly.

According to a wellknown African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child, and the incredible support staff members are an essential part of the school district “village”. They not only provide classroom assistance, but many support staff connect with students throughout the day and offer additional optimism and a positive role model. Even those who work primarily “backstage” still significantly impact the students’ lives and learning environments.

When veteran support staff members were asked why they enjoyed their jobs, their answers always revolved around the joy of working with children.

“The highlight of my job is my rapport with the community. It often happens that previous students see me in the community and are excited to see me and excited that I remember them,” said Marvin Bjorge, who has worked as a custodian for thirty-one years.

Tami Curran, a bus driver for twenty-one years, said, “I love my job, and I love the kids.”

“I love helping out the kids and getting to know them,” said Wendy Morrin, who has worked as a kitchen helper for eleven years.

Margarett Arneson, a special education paraprofessional since 1991, said, “Children just always make you happy!”

The district could not function without its support staff. They bring crucial skills, provide an extra layer of student support, and contribute much to the learning experience. “We greatly appreciate the hard work and commitment of our invaluable support staff! They add so much to the educational journey of our students,” said Scott Boen, Director of Human Resources and Communication.

Zero to Five enters second year

News from Zero to Five Flathead Reservation - Lake County Coalition

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Promoting a safe, healthy, and thriving community is key to the work being carried out by the 0-5 Flathead Reservation-Lake County Coalition.

Established in 2021, the group is an extension of the Young Child Wellness Council, a network of professionals working to support parents and children in our communities for the last 7 years. The overall coalition is supported by the Headwaters Foundation, as part of a statewide initiative focused on the 0-5 population.

“We all know from personal experience and the research shows those early years are so influential on a person’s entire life,” explained project coordinator Jennifer Rolfsness.

Working collaboratively with the entire community, our program is seeking ways to help children have the best foundation possible. With a mission of connecting communities, celebrating families, and cultivating futures, the initiative centers on supportive relationships and direct family engagement.

Our first year, we partnered on events for families that were free and open to all. This included the Penguin Path and Spring Fling - Family Fitness Day, as well as other outreach activities. The special activities will take place again this year, including new “parent’s nights out” which we are developing to give parents a little break and healthy, fun alternatives for a night out. Along with community activities, the group also works to promote a strong professional network, hosting monthly information sharing lunches as well as helping families access services and resources.

To support these goals, the group has developed a website, www.zerotofivefrlc.org with community listings and links to providers. “The website is one way of connecting with the community,” Rolfsness said. “This year we have added a monthly community member profile, sharing the stories of those working in the community to support families.”

After year one, the group identified several areas of need for local childcare providers. Childcare options are limited and many of the service providers have a tough time keeping ahead of it all. To address some of the challenges, we will be offering assistance to childcare centers for connecting children to local historic, cultural, and educational venues and support for new play area tools and stations. The program will be hosting free professional development programs for those working in childcare. More information on these projects will be released in the next few months.

One of the most exciting upcoming endeavors will be the development of outdoor play spaces (Playing it Forward). We have a work group to help us build a strategic plan for creating permanent areas to connect families with the natural world and physical activity. During the year, the 0-5 Coalition is going to honor those working with families and children.

“We are hosting the Big Sky Bright Lights Program, honoring educators in the schools this fall,” Rolfsness said. “In the spring we will have a similar program for childcare agencies.”

Nominations for the Big Sky, Bright Lights Project are currently being taken. To get a nomination or find out more information, contact Jennifer at helpinghandsfund1@gmail. com. or call her at 406-8838256.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

News from DPHHS

MONTANA — The Department of Public Health and Human Services reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among Montana women, accounting for 31% of new cancers.

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control, and these cells can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer screening means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. The likelihood of surviving breast cancer increases when the cancer is detected at an early stage.

“Detecting cancer early when treatment works best is critical to saving lives,” said DPHHS Cancer Control Programs (MCCP) Section Supervisor Leah Merchant. “Starting at age 40, women should talk to their medical provider about the benefits of screening, and women of average risk age 50 to 74 years old should have a mammogram done every 2 years.”

This year, it’s estimated that over 281,000 women will be diagnosed in the U.S., including 920 new cases in Montana.

Some women may need to begin screening at a younger age due to personal or family health history or based on a doctor’s recommendation.

Merchant states that most health insurance plans cover the cost of screening mammograms. For women who lack adequate insurance, the MCCP provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings (mammograms and Pap tests) and diagnostic services. Breast and cervical cancer screening services are available statewide, and local health department staff can help schedule screening appointments.

Over the past five years, a total of 5,932 Montana women who lacked adequate insurance received free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services through the MCCP.

Free local breast and cervical cancer screening services are available statewide for women who meet income guidelines. To be connected to screenings in your community, call the program’s toll-free number, 1-888-803-9343, or visit: www.cancer. mt.gov.

All Montanans can help reduce their cancer risk by practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors: — Maintain a healthy weight — Engage in regular physical activity — Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day — Talk to your doctor about family health history and other ways to lower cancer risk

DPHHS will also be sharing information and screening reminders on social media throughout the month of October via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. DPHHS encourages Montanans to share the informational posts and use hashtags #BreastCancer #MCCP #Health406.