Here's what's happening in August

*Day of Action Volunteer Registration Open. Join United Way of North Idaho on September 24 for a community service day helping local nonprofits with essential tasks like fall cleanups, painting, and maintenance. Participation is free, and volunteers receive a complimentary T-shirt and lunch. Register by September 15 at volunteernorthidaho.org/VNI, or visit uwnorthidaho.org/day-of-action for more information.

And in September...

**Registration Open: READY! for Kindergarten. This is the free READY! for Kindergarten workshop series, designed to equip parents, grandparents, and caregivers with research-based strategies and hands-on tools to help young children learn, grow, and prepare for school. Expanding after 18 years, now choose from Sandpoint at Farmin Stidwell Elementary (Nov. 7) for ages 0 through 5, or a new location at Southside Elementary in Cocolalla for ages 3 through 5 (September 27). Every attending family receives free educational toys, activities, and books to continue supporting early learning at home, and registration details along with full event information can be found at panhandlealliance.org online.

1 Bonner County Commissioners Meeting. Join every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Bonner County Administration Building, 1500 Hwy 2, Ste. 338. bonnercountyid.gov.

1 Smart Recovery. Attend the free SMART Recovery Meeting every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring the flagship 4 Point Recovery program designed for adults 18 and older. Led by trained volunteer facilitators, this evidence based mutual support group offers practical tools grounded in motivational and cognitive behavioral theories to help individuals manage substance and activity addictions. Participants will learn to build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and feelings, and live a balanced life. Get more info at smartrecovery.org.

1 Lake Pend Oreille Toastmasters Meeting. Join from 5:45-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the East Bonner County Library, 1407 Cedar St. Every week a small group of 15-20 people gather to work on public speaking skills. Everyone is welcome. Email for more information at [email protected].

1 Kootenai City Council Meeting. Join on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 204 Spokane St. in Kootenai. cityofkootenai.org.

1 Compassion Every Day. Join this weekly class from Tuesday, June 2 through Tuesday, November 17. at the Newport PUD Administration Building, 130 N. Washington Ave. in Newport from 6:30-8 p.m. Buddhist Nuns from Sravasti Abbey will guide this class offering practical ways to develop peace of mind through daily acts of kindness. It is based on the book "An Open-Hearted Life: Transformative Methods for Compassionate Living from a Clinical Psychologist and a Buddhist Nun," co-written by Buddhist teacher and author, Thubten Chodron, and Eastern Washington University professor and clinical psychologist, Russell Kolts. No registration required. Drop-ins are welcomed.

2 Sandpoint City Council Meeting. Join on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1123 Lake St. sandpointidaho.gov/city-council.

2 Registration Deadline: Sketching Sandpoint Architectural History with Barry Burgess. Students will sketch iconic buildings that grace Sandpoint’s history from the late 19th century to today. Classes will be held on September 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. $72. Learn more or register at artinsandpoint.org/jds-student.

4 Registration Open: Find the Grant You Need. Join in the second floor computer lab at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, September 25. Learn how to use Grant Station to find grants that match your project or organization. Get more info here.

5 Friends of the Library Book Sale. Join on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1407 Cedar St. Discover hidden treasures at the library. Unbeatable deals on gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and more.

7 Ponderay City Council Meeting. Join on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 288 Fourth St. in Ponderay.cityofponderay.org.

8 Bonner County Commissioners Meeting. Join every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Bonner County Administration Building, 1500 Hwy 2, Ste. 338. bonnercountyid.gov.

8 Lake Pend Oreille School District Board Meeting. Join on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the LPOS District Office, 365 N. Triangle Dr. in Ponderay. lposd.org.

8 Smart Recovery. Attend the free SMART Recovery Meeting every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring the flagship 4 Point Recovery program designed for adults 18 and older. Led by trained volunteer facilitators, this evidence based mutual support group offers practical tools grounded in motivational and cognitive behavioral theories to help individuals manage substance and activity addictions. Participants will learn to build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and feelings, and live a balanced life. Get more info at smartrecovery.org.

8 Lake Pend Oreille Toastmasters Meeting. Join from 5:45-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the East Bonner County Library, 1407 Cedar St. Every week a small group of 15-20 people gather to work on public speaking skills. Everyone is welcome. Email for more information at [email protected].

8 Compassion Every Day. Join this weekly class from Tuesday, June 2 through Tuesday, November 17. at the Newport PUD Administration Building, 130 N. Washington Ave. in Newport from 6:30-8 p.m. Buddhist Nuns from Sravasti Abbey will guide this class offering practical ways to develop peace of mind through daily acts of kindness. It is based on the book "An Open-Hearted Life: Transformative Methods for Compassionate Living from a Clinical Psychologist and a Buddhist Nun," co-written by Buddhist teacher and author, Thubten Chodron, and Eastern Washington University professor and clinical psychologist, Russell Kolts. No registration required. Drop-ins are welcomed.

9 Native Bee Keeping. Bee keeper, Cara Carleton will present a class on how to nurture hives and care for the native members of this vital species. Cost is $25 with sign up link to come soon. Class will be held at Aster Garden Center, 924 W. Superior from 5-7 p.m. Check Kaniksu.org/happenings for the most up to date information.

10 Sandpoint Chamber Luncheon. Enjoy a great meal and connect with fellow business leaders at Marigold Bistro, 414 Church St. (in the Sandpoint center) for an 11:30 a.m. networking session followed by lunch at noon. Don't miss the mayors from Dover, Kootenai, Ponderay, and Sandpoint as the day's speakers and find out what is happening and what's on the drawing board. Register here.

10 Dover City Council Meeting. Join on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at 699 Lakeshore Ave. in Dover. cityofdover.id.gov/events/.

11 Embrace the Heat. Join in the Sandpoint Library Garden, 1407 Cedar St. from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your homemade salsa to share while practicing Spanish conversation skills. Get more information at ebonnerlibrary.org/events/.

13 Sharing the Dharma Day. This class offers an opportunity for newcomers and long time practitioners to explore Buddhist teachings and cultivate inner peace with the monastic community at Sravasti Abbey, 692 Country Lane in Newport, Washington. Held from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., each gathering features a guided meditation, a teaching on a designated topic from the book Working With Anger by founder and abbess Venerable Thubten Chodron, a vegetarian potluck lunch, and a facilitated group discussion. No prior experience is required, and all individuals are welcome to attend this free event. Anyone seeking additional information or wishing to register can contact the abbey directly by emailing [email protected] or calling 509-447-5549. See more information here.

14 Sewing at the Library. Adults and teens can join for this community sewing session from 2-4 p.m. at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Bring your own project or make one of the pre-selected projects. Experienced staff will be on hand to provide technical assistance as needed for your beginner or intermediate project. All materials and tools are provided while supplies last. Due to a limited number of machines, plan on sharing or bringing your own machine.

15 Bonner County Commissioners Meeting. Join every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Bonner County Administration Building, 1500 Hwy 2, Ste. 338. bonnercountyid.gov.

15 Grand Opening. Join Lake Pend Oreille School District #84 for the Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) Grand Opening from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the South end of Sandpoint High School.

15 Compassion Every Day. Join this weekly class from Tuesday, June 2 through Tuesday, November 17. at the Newport PUD Administration Building, 130 N. Washington Ave. in Newport from 6:30-8 p.m. Buddhist Nuns from Sravasti Abbey will guide this class offering practical ways to develop peace of mind through daily acts of kindness. It is based on the book "An Open-Hearted Life: Transformative Methods for Compassionate Living from a Clinical Psychologist and a Buddhist Nun," co-written by Buddhist teacher and author, Thubten Chodron, and Eastern Washington University professor and clinical psychologist, Russell Kolts. No registration required. Drop-ins are welcomed.

15 Smart Recovery. Attend the free SMART Recovery Meeting every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring the flagship 4 Point Recovery program designed for adults 18 and older. Led by trained volunteer facilitators, this evidence based mutual support group offers practical tools grounded in motivational and cognitive behavioral theories to help individuals manage substance and activity addictions. Participants will learn to build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and feelings, and live a balanced life. Get more info at smartrecovery.org.

15 Lake Pend Oreille Toastmasters Meeting. Join from 5:45-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the East Bonner County Library, 1407 Cedar St. Every week a small group of 15-20 people gather to work on public speaking skills. Everyone is welcome. Email for more information at [email protected].

16 Native Bee Cocoon Harvest. This event will be held at Aster Garden Center, 924 W. Superior St. from 10 a.m. to noon. Keep your eyes peeled for more details on this event at Kaniksu.org/events.

16 Clark Fork: Cricut Crafts. Adults and teens, join and create your own vinyl window or bumper sticker using the library's Cricut cutting machine from 2-3 p.m. at 601 Main St. in Clark Fork. All supplies are provided. Ages 13+. Register here.

16 Ribbon Cutting. Join at 3 p.m. at Go Pro Floors, 502 Cedar St. Let's celebrate local.

16 Sandpoint City Council Meeting. Join on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1123 Lake St. sandpointidaho.gov/city-council.

17 Homeschool Tools For You. Join from 9-10 a.m. at the Library, 1407 Cedar St. This is an introduction to library resources that support homeschooling including literature, languages, and more. 9-10 a.m. in the second floor computer lab. Registration is required and can be done here.

18 National POW/MIA Remembrance Day. Join the Sandpoint VFW at 1325 Pine St. at 4:30 p.m. for National POW/MIA Remembrance Day, a solemn gathering to honor America's Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action. All veterans, military families, and community members are invited to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with those who still wait for their loved ones to return home. The event will feature a special presentation by retired Lt. Col. Ken Hunt, who will share his story and provide insight into the ongoing efforts to recover his father's remains.

19 Native Plant Society: Tribal Youth Environmental Resource Program. The Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society (KNPS) will host the "Tribal Youth Environmental Resource Program" featuring guest speaker Phillip Cernera, who will discuss the Tar Creek Apprenticeship Program (TCAP). TCAP is an exciting hands-on initiative designed to reconnect tribal youth with natural resources and the cultural practices derived from them. An environmental advocate for Native tribes for over 45 years, Cernera is developing and teaching a one-month curriculum for North Idaho tribal youth aged 17–21, offering a direct path toward careers in natural resource restoration. The event takes place at 10:00 a.m. at the Sandpoint Community Hall, located at 204 S. First Ave.

19 Wilderness Survival Skills. Prepare to feel prepared. The Ladies Homestead Gathering's Deb Foster will present about wilderness survival skills. This presentation will be great for those wanting to continue hiking and camping as we move into the autumn season. This presentation will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the LDS Church in Priest River at 3281 US-2.

21 Volunteer Training for Sandpoint Friendship Station. Take part in a 'Friendship Revolution'! Volunteers assist with a weekly respite program, allowing for needed restorative time for Care Partners while creating an environment of fellowship, support, connection and joy-filled activity for participants living with dementia. Training will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sandpoint United Methodist Church-Respite for All Ministry, 711 Main St. Enjoy a complimentary lunch while you're there. RSVP is required and can be done by emailing [email protected].

21 Ponderay City Council Meeting. Join on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 288 Fourth St. in Ponderay.cityofponderay.org.

21 Registration Deadline: Glass Wind Chimes with Julie Ellis. In this class, students will be working with recycled products that include hand cut, kiln fused glass, gemstones, crystal beads and wood. You will create your own individual expression of glass art chimes to take home. Class will be held on September 26 from noon to 3 p.m. $36. Learn more or register at artinsandpoint.org/jds-student.

22 Bonner County Commissioners Meeting. Join every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Bonner County Administration Building, 1500 Hwy 2, Ste. 338. bonnercountyid.gov.

22 Smart Recovery. Attend the free SMART Recovery Meeting every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring the flagship 4 Point Recovery program designed for adults 18 and older. Led by trained volunteer facilitators, this evidence based mutual support group offers practical tools grounded in motivational and cognitive behavioral theories to help individuals manage substance and activity addictions. Participants will learn to build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and feelings, and live a balanced life. Get more info at smartrecovery.org.

22 Lake Pend Oreille Toastmasters Meeting. Join from 5:45-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the East Bonner County Library, 1407 Cedar St. Every week a small group of 15-20 people gather to work on public speaking skills. Everyone is welcome. Email for more information at [email protected].

22 Compassion Every Day. Join this weekly class from Tuesday, June 2 through Tuesday, November 17. at the Newport PUD Administration Building, 130 N. Washington Ave. in Newport from 6:30-8 p.m. Buddhist Nuns from Sravasti Abbey will guide this class offering practical ways to develop peace of mind through daily acts of kindness. It is based on the book "An Open-Hearted Life: Transformative Methods for Compassionate Living from a Clinical Psychologist and a Buddhist Nun," co-written by Buddhist teacher and author, Thubten Chodron, and Eastern Washington University professor and clinical psychologist, Russell Kolts. No registration required. Drop-ins are welcomed.

23 Planting the Sled Hill Beds. It's time to plant the Sled Hill beds with pollinator plants, native plants for seed collection, craft plants, and medicinals for Folk School classes. Volunteers will be needed. Stay tuned for the sign up link by watching Kaniksu.org/events.

23 KFS: Intro to Sashiko & Visible Mending. Join at Aster Garden Center, 924 W. Superior St. from 5-7 p.m. for this hands-on introduction to Sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching technique celebrated for it's beauty, strength, and rhythm. Age 12+. $45. Get more info at Kaniksu.org/events.

24 Day of Action . Join United Way of North Idaho for a community service day helping local nonprofits with essential tasks like fall cleanups, painting, and maintenance. Participation is free, and volunteers receive a complimentary T-shirt and lunch. Register by September 15 at volunteernorthidaho.org/VNI, or visit uwnorthidaho.org/day-of-action for more information.

25 Mushroom Foraging Safety Class. Discover the fascinating world of local mushrooms. Join for this beginner approach to identify local edible mushrooms with Ed Buzbee, along with some safety guidelines to avoid toxic fungi. 10 a.m. to noon in the Sandpoint Library Community Room, 1407 Cedar St. Get more info here.

26 Sewing at the Library. Adults and teens can join for this community sewing session from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Bring your own project or make one of the pre-selected projects. Experienced staff will be on hand to provide technical assistance as needed for your beginner or intermediate project. All materials and tools are provided while supplies last. Due to a limited number of machines, plan on sharing or bringing your own machine.

26 Clark Fork: Dutch Oven Campfire Cooking-Chili Feed. Join from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for dutch oven cooking at the pavilion, 601 Main St. in Clark Fork. This is a hands-on outdoor class cooking chili, cornbread, and huckleberry cobbler over an open fire. Complete with tips, tricks, and recipes. Everyone is welcome. Get more info here.

26 Open Mic: 100,000 Poets for Change. Join from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Evans Brothers, 524 Church St. to sing, dance, make art, or just list4en. Express the change you'd like to make in your life, in our community, in our world. Share your originals or found poems, sons, or otherwise artistically express ideas related to peace, unity, or sustainability. Sign up for a 5-minute time slot. Co-sponsored by BCHRTF, FOTL, and Evans Brothers. Get more info here.

26 Lakeview Cemetery Luminaria Tour.  This September, you're invited to join on a candlelit walking tour of Lakeview Cemetery. Three local historians will guide you through the cemetery, sharing life stories of the Bonner County residents buried there. From notable business owners to humble laborers, this tour is a reminder that every person's life holds significance and leaves behind a story for the future. Tickets will be available soon and will be limited to 45 attendees

27 KFS: Learn Your Neighborhood Herbs. Join from 2-5 p.m. at Pine Street Woods, 11915 W. Pine St. and learn to positively identify local herbs with clinical and field herbalist, Meryl Kastin. $45. Get more information at Kaniksu.org/events.

27 Ready for Kindergarten: Cocolalla. The free Ready for Kindergarten program is expanding to Cocolalla, and registration for the Fall workshop is open now. Designed for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children ages three to five, this series offers simple research based tools and strategies to help prepare young children for school. Families leave each workshop with free educational toys, activities, and books to continue learning at home. Join the fun at Southside Elementary, 307 Southside School Road. Classes for parents of children ages 3-5. Register here.

28 Sandpoint Historic Walking Tour. Brought to you by Sandpoint Parks and Rec, the Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission, and local volunteers, the Sandpoint Historic Walking Tours are completely FREE and require no advance registration. Just show up at 10:00 a.m. sharp in front of MickDuff's, 419 N Second Ave., on the following dates: June 28, July 24 & 26, August 28 & 30, and September 28 & 30.

29 Bonner County Commissioners Meeting. Join every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Bonner County Administration Building, 1500 Hwy 2, Ste. 338. bonnercountyid.gov.

29 Smart Recovery. Attend the free SMART Recovery Meeting every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring the flagship 4 Point Recovery program designed for adults 18 and older. Led by trained volunteer facilitators, this evidence based mutual support group offers practical tools grounded in motivational and cognitive behavioral theories to help individuals manage substance and activity addictions. Participants will learn to build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and feelings, and live a balanced life. Get more info at smartrecovery.org.*

29 Compassion Every Day. Join this weekly class from Tuesday, June 2 through Tuesday, November 17. at the Newport PUD Administration Building, 130 N. Washington Ave. in Newport from 6:30-8 p.m. Buddhist Nuns from Sravasti Abbey will guide this class offering practical ways to develop peace of mind through daily acts of kindness. It is based on the book "An Open-Hearted Life: Transformative Methods for Compassionate Living from a Clinical Psychologist and a Buddhist Nun," co-written by Buddhist teacher and author, Thubten Chodron, and Eastern Washington University professor and clinical psychologist, Russell Kolts. No registration required. Drop-ins are welcomed.

29 Lake Pend Oreille Toastmasters Meeting. Join from 5:45-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the East Bonner County Library, 1407 Cedar St. Every week a small group of 15-20 people gather to work on public speaking skills. Everyone is welcome. Email for more information at [email protected].

30 Sandpoint Historic Walking Tour. Brought to you by Sandpoint Parks and Rec, the Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission, and local volunteers, the Sandpoint Historic Walking Tours are completely FREE and require no advance registration. Just show up at 10:00 a.m. sharp in front of MickDuff's, 419 N Second Ave., on the following dates: June 28, July 24 & 26, August 28 & 30, and September 28 & 30.