Today

39th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair today and Sunday, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35. RV, marine auto and equipment sale, building materials, household, sports, tools, tack and antiques. Call 406-253-1770.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety course for teens and adults, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Class is free and a $15 course book is available. Call Maryann at 883-1718 or Jim at 837-0444 or e-mail jimsue@centurytel.net.

Kalispell Street Tree Commission semi-annual recycling drive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Flathead County Fairgrounds. Recycle your newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard, phone books and aluminum cans. Call Parks and Recreation at 758-7715.

U.S. Senator Conrad Burns hosts a social security listening session 10 a.m., FVCC Learning Resource Center rooms ABCD. All are welcome.

Sunday

39th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair continues today, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35. RV, marine auto and equipment sale, building materials, household, sports, tools, tack and antiques. Call 406-253-1770.

John White Lecture Series, 2:30 p.m., Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Guest speaker Laurie Heupel will speak on the topic, "Lewis and Clark in Montana." $8 per lecture; $25 for four lecture series for Northwest Montana Historical Society members, $30 for non-members. Call 756-8381.

Monday

AARP/IRS Tax-Aide offers help to middle and low income people, with special attention to those 60 and older, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Dr. Bring last year's tax return and all other information.

Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

Swan River School board special meeting at 3:30 p.m. to discuss gym construction costs and alternative plans.

Rails to Trails of the Northwest Montana meets at 5 p.m., Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Conference Room, 490 N. Meridian Road. All are welcome. Call Horace at 257-1932.

Chiropractor Richard Puchta offers a free class, "Foundations of Health," 5:15 p.m., Ashley Square conference room. Call 752-7289 if you plan to attend.

Montana Human Rights Network and People for Peace meet at Flathead Valley United Church of Christ, 204 Seventh Ave. W., Kalispell. Potluck dinner at 6 p.m., business meeting at 7 p.m. Study topic will be, "War and its Contribution to Poverty; What to Do." Free and open to the public.

Tuesday

AARP Seniors Driver Safety Program 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., today and April 7, The Summit, Kalispell. Instructor is Gail Strohscheim. Cost is $10. Call 751-4500.

Free income tax preparation by AARP volunteers 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Valley Senior Center. All are welcome. Call Roxy Larsen at 892-4087.

Lap-sit Story Time for children 12 to 24 months includes stories, singing and activities, 10:30 a.m., at the meeting room, Flathead County Library in Kalispell. Call Katie Boyes,

758-5713.

FVCC honors Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a presentation by Diane VonderHiede, victim witness; sexual assault advocate, and Tawnia Ramstad, community education coordinator for the Violence Free Crisis Line, noon Blake Hall Room 140. Open discussion will follow from 1 to 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Call Sharon Randolph at 756-3981.

Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m. at the Bigfork Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building boardroom.

Helena Flats School board meets at 7 p.m., school library.

Wednesday

MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support), 9:30-11:30 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Derek Dalton, counselor will speak on the topic, "Addictive Culture- How the Media Influences Choices our Children Make." Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).

Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

League of Glacier Symphony and Chorale "Swing Into Spring" luncheon, Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Registration is at 11 a.m.; lunch at noon. Entertainment by Nova Trio Jazz Combo.Cost is $15 at the door. RSVP to Sharon Berger at 755-1440, or e-mail svbleb@centurytel.net.

Flathead Valley Community College Honors Symposium presents "The Federal Budget and Social Security: by Harry Zeeve, The Concord Coalition, 7 p.m., WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Free and open to the public.

Children's Story Hour at 10:30 a.m., April 6, Children's Department of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell, 247 First Ave. E. Call 758-5822.

Silver Moon Kayak Company hosts "Blazing Paddles," featuring winning paddle sports films from around the world, 7-10 p.m., Flathead High School auditorium. Tickets are $10 in advance at Chloe Sports, Kalispell Center Mall; Runner Up Sports, Whitefish; Electric Avenue Books, Bigfork and Silver Moon. Tickets $11 at the door. Door prizes. Portion of proceeds benefit American Whitewater organization. Contact Susan Conrad at 752-3794.

After-school Storytime for children 6-12, 3:45 p.m., Children's Department of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell. Call 758-5822.

U.S. Forest Service Historian, Jerry Williams, will speak at 7 p.m., at the Museum at Central School in Kalispell. Admission by donation. Call 756-8381.

Thursday

CASA for Kids Light of Hope ceremony 7:30 a.m., Flathead County Justice Center, 920 S. Main St., Kalispell. Honorable Katherine Curtis, Montana's CASA Judge of the Year will give the address. A children's choir will perform. Public invited. Call 755-7208.

Friday

Red Cross blood drive, sponsored by Kalispell Rotary Clubs, 1-5 p.m., at the center, 17A First St. Ave., Kalispell.

School District 5 free Child Find developmental screening 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Russell School gym, 227 W. Nevada St., Kalispell. Call 751-3408 or 751-3443 for an appointment.

AAUW annual Used Book Sale today through April 10, Kalispell Center Mall. 3-9 p.m. April 8; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 9; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 10. Books $1.25 per inch. April 10 is Bag Day with books $3 per bag.

Flathead chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees meets at noon, Buffalo Room, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont st., Kalispell. Lunch is $7.50. For reservations, call Mary Turk at at 849-5172.

Violence Free Crisis Line sponsors a "Take Back the Night" march 5:30 p.m., beginning at the courthouse and ending at their office on First Avenue East at the KM Building. Discussion and refreshments to follow.

Big Sky Astronomy Club meets at 7 p.m., Kalispell Junior High School library. Visitors are welcome. Park in the school's back lot. Call Bruce at 857-3753 or Scott at 755-3939.

Contra dance, Sons of Norway Hall, 347 First Ave. E. in Kalispell. Lessons 7:30-8 p.m.; dance 8 to 11 p.m. $6 for adults, $3 for ages 12 to 18, and free for 11 and under. Live folk music and caller. Alcohol and smoke-free. Call Christina, 212-9444; or Joe, 752-7469.

A Look Ahead

Cherry Growers annual production seminar 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9, Yellow Bay Clubhouse, mile marker 18 on Montana 35. Registration at 7:30 a.m. Cost for those pre-registered by March 31 is $12 and includes lunch. On-site registration, $15. Call 406-982-3069 or 406-676-4271.

Ruder Elementary School, 1500 12th Ave. W., Columbia Falls, joins the Missoula Children's Theatre for a production of "The Frog Prince," 3 and 7 p.m. April 9 in the school gym. Tickets are $4 each or $10 for a family.

Kalispell Christian Center's King's Kids Choir presents, "American Ideal." Performances at 9 and 11 a.m. April 10, at the center, 255 Summit Ridge Dr. Call 752-6426.

AARP/IRS Tax-Aide offers help to middle and low income people, with special attention to those 60 and older, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 11 at Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Dr. Bring last year's tax return and all other information.

Red Cross blood drive 2-6 p.m. April 11, at the center, 17A First St. Ave., Kalispell.

School District 5 and Flathead High School Curriculum Committee meets 5:15 p.m., April 11, at the district office.

Kila School board meets at 6 p.m. April 11 at the school.

The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m. April 11 at 30 Lower Valley Road in Kalispell.

Sonia Lopez, director of a human rights organization in Colombia, will discuss "Women and War in Colombia" at 7 p.m. April 11, in the board room of Blake Hall at FVCC. Sponsored by the Flathead Valley Human Rights Network, Flathead Valley Community College Office of Multicultural Services, and the Montana Human Rights Network. Free and open to the public.

Flathead Audubon will feature fisheries professionals from Montana FWP to discuss their conservation efforts for native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout, at their meeting at 7 p.m. April 11, in The Summit conference room. Free and the public is invited.

Free income tax preparation by AARP volunteers 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12, North Valley Senior Center. All are welcome. Call Roxy Larsen at 892-4087.

Flathead Valley Community College Honors Symposium presents "The Politics of Health Care in America" by John Wilkerson, University of Washington Department of Political Science, 7 p.m. April 12, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Free and open to the public.

Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead meet 7:30 p.m. April 12, Fish, Wildlife and Parks Building, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell. Open to the public. Members wishing to participate in 2005 work projects need to come at 6:15 p.m. for a portion of the required Defensive Horsemanship training.

Bigfork Parentshare meets at 9:30 a.m. April 13 at the Community United Methodist Church. Guest speaker is Karla Ryan nutrition instructor at FVCC> Child care is provided. Call Renee Wynne at 837-2488.

Flathead Regional Business Center, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, hosts a free Brown Bag Series discussion by facilitator Kristin Donahue on the topic, "Stop the Revolving Door: Establishing a Culture of Retention," noon to 1 p.m. April 13. RSVP to Mora McCarthy at 758-6241.

Public meeting for concerned residents regarding planned development surrounding historic Kootenai Lodge in Bigfork, 7 p.m. April 13, Lake County Courthouse, third floor meeting room. Call 837-3849 or 270-2444.

Canyon area community meeting with Flathead County Sheriff and staff at 7 p.m. April 13, Hungry Horse Fire Station, regarding July 4th safety, area clean up progress, Community Watch program, juvenile issues and open discussion. All are welcome.

Glacier Lifelong Learning Center, a Waldorf initiative, presents the first of a four-part series, "Beginning Knitting with Marcy Mahr," 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 14, United Way conference room, Gateway West Mall, Kalispell. Cost is $30. Call Mahr at 752-6837.

FVCC President Jane Karas hosts a breakfast public forum on plans for the college, its new facilities and programs 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. April 15, the Nite Owl Cafe, Columbia Falls. Reservations requested. Call Carolyn Shriver at 756-3801.

United Way hosts Christmas in April, April 16, a day of community volunteerism to assist senior citizens. Call 752-7266 to register.

Spring flea market and garage sale 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 16-17, Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building. Call Leslie at 261-4560, or the fairgrounds at 758-5810.

11th annual Flathead County Tavern Association fund-raiser April 16, WestCoast Outlaw Hotel. Cocktails, 6 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m. Deluxe door prizes, live and silent auctions. Live comedy show featuring Jay Wendell. Calcutta prizes. Call 862-3281

Red Cross blood drive 2-6 p.m. April 18, at the center, 17A First St. Ave., Kalispell.

Free workshop on budgeting and consumer rights 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 19, North Valley Senior Center. Call Roxy Larsen at 892-4087.

Somers Townsite Association meets at 7 p.m. April 18 at Somers School. All interested residents are invited. Call Dennis Hatton, 857-3398.

Flathead Valley Community College Honors Symposium presents "The Dollars and Non-sense of Defense Spending," by Karen Adams University of Montana Department of Political Science, 7 p.m. April 20, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Free and open to the public.

Kalispell Montessori Elementary School annual auction/dance 6 p.m. April 22, Flathead County Fairgrounds, Country Kitchen. Music by Grin and Bear It. Free admission. Proceeds benefit the school's scholarship fund. Call 755-3826.

27th annual Eureka Rendezvous April 22-24. Barbecue at Lake Kookanusa Arena, Bop-a-Dips concert, April 22. Craft fair, parade, live entertainment April 23. Mud Bog 1 p.m. April 24.

The public is invited to an album-making workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23, FVCC in the Eagles Nest. Theme is "Sense of Style" and will include traditional, enhanced and decorative techniques and styles. Call Joyce Workman at 755-4922.

Big Sky Pro Racing Association event April 23, Polson Fairgrounds. Swap meet 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Valley Cruisers show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Outlaw cart racing 1-4 p.m. laps, 7 p.m. race. Call 406-261-6592 to pre-register or log on to www.bigskyracing.net.

Children's parade, noon; Dreambuilders Playhouses drawing 3 p.m. April 23, Kalispell Center Mall, Call the Nurturing Center at 756-1414.

Columbia Falls Kiwanis Mountain Madness Motocross event Hungry Horse Motocross track. Registration 6-9 p.m. April 23, 6:30-8 a.m. April 24. Race time 8 a.m. April 24. Admission $7, adults; children 12 and under accompanied by a parent, free; Call 892-7283 or 892-1000.

John White Lecture Series, 2:30 p.m. April 24, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Guest speaker Glenn Helms will speak on the topic, "Native Americans of Northwest Montana." $8 per lecture; $25 for four lecture series for Northwest Montana Historical Society members, $30 for non-members. Call 756-8381.

Red Cross blood drive 2-6 p.m. April 25, at the center, 17A First St. Ave., Kalispell.

Flathead Valley Community College Honors Symposium presents "Public Opinion and the Media: Looking Glasses of Funhouse Mirrors?" by Christopher Muste, University of Montana Department of Political Science, 7 p.m. April 27, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Free and open to the public.

Kila School board 2005-06 budget meeting at 5:30 p.m. April 28 at the school.

Montana Woman Magazine hosts a "Clothes Closet" from 1 to 5 p.m. April 30, Valley Fitness for Women (next to Joann's Fabric in Evergreen.) Donations of like new professional work clothes accepted. All are welcome to shop the sale. Refreshments, drawings. Proceeds go to Montana Woman of the Year Scholarship. Call Cindy or Bonnie at 755-5753.

Rites of Spring Benefit Wine Tasting and Auction, 6-10 p.m. April 30, Mountain West Bank, Whitefish. Auction items include pieces by Mark Ogle and Joe Abbrescia, West Taxidermy, celebrity items and more. Call Nancy Cohn at 892-3581 or Donna Johnson at 892-3099 for tickets or to make a donation.

FVCC President Jane Karas hosts a breakfast public forum on plans for the college, its new facilities and programs noon to 1:30 p.m. May 6, the Spruce Park Cafe, Columbia Falls. Reservations requested. Call Carolyn Shriver at 756-3801.

Kalispell Regional Medical Center's Baby Fair, May 7, Kalispell Center Mall.

Flathead Regional Business Center, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, hosts a free Brown Bag Series discussion by facilitator Dana Jefferies on the topic, "Drug Testing: An Employer's Perspective," noon to 1 p.m. May 11. RSVP to Mora McCarthy at 758-6241.

Contra dance, May 13, Sons of Norway Hall, 347 First Ave. E. in Kalispell. Lessons 7:30-8 p.m.; dance 8 to 11 p.m. $6 for adults, $3 for ages 12 to 18, and free for 11 and under. Live folk music and caller. Alcohol and smoke-free. Call Christina, 212-9444; or Joe, 752-7469.

Mountain Madness Air Show 2005 July 30-31 featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Call 758-2800; or log on to www.kalispellchamber.com/airshow/home.html

Flathead High School class of 1985 20-year reunion is July 22-24. Call Russ Marks at 257-4796, or e-mail rnrmarks@in-tch.com.

Fiberfest Eureka 2005 July 23-24, Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Livestock, fleece and skein judging, workshops, demonstrations. Free. Call Joy at 406-297-7656; or Lee at 406-882-4939.

Cruisen' By the Bay 2005 Aug. 12-14, Polson.