Today

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill meets 12:30-2 p.m. at The Summit, conference room one. Videos on manic depression and major depression will be shown. Open to the public.

Red Cross blood drive, 1-5 p.m., U.S. Post Office on Meridian Road, Kalispell.

Flathead County Library board meets at 3 p.m. at the Flathead County Library meeting room, Kalispell. Contact Kim Crowley, library director, at 758-5826.

Teen Advisory Council meeting, 4 p.m. Flathead County Library in Kalispell. Information: 758-5713.

FVCC presents a case study to allied health students and professionals titled, "Continuity of Care Depends on Teamwork," 4-5 p.m. April 27 Lupine Meetin Room at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Flathead Seniors, 403 Second Ave., W., Kalispell. Potluck at 5 p.m., meeting at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment to follow.

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

Dr. Patrick Burns of Sleep Medicine Center, presents a free talk on sleep apnea, 7 p.m., Lake Room, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish.

Benefit concert for Kristy Olson, 29-year old breast cancer victim, 7 p.m. Flanagan's Central Station, Whitefish. Silent auction and live entertainment by Electric Mud, Montana Beargrass Band, Pedacter Project and Homeland Security. $10 donation at the door.

The Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell, presents a program, "In Greatest Harmony: medicine Songs of the Lewis & Clark Trail" with singer, actor and teacher Joseph Mussulman, at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Call 756-8992.

Friday

Flathead Valley Community Prom "La Noche de la Rosa" 8 p.m., Columbia Falls High School gym, featuring Don Lawrence Orchestra and CFHS Columbians. Public invited. Sponsored by the CFHS Junior class. Donations accepted.

The City of Kalispell Tree Commission celebrates Arbor Day. Following a ceremony at 12:40 p.m. featuring a video of "It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown," and other activities, two trees will be planted by Trinity Lutheran School's third graders at 2:30 p.m. on the nearby boulevard. Call Parks and Recreation at 758-7715 or Bette Albright at 752-4836. Public is invited.

3Spring Skate Jam 2005 4-9 p.m. Whitefish Community Pavilion. Prizes in each age division. Helmet required. Music, refreshments, raffle. $5 minimum donation. Proceeds benefit Whitefish public skateboard park construction.

3Boomers Singles Activities Group social hour, 6 p.m., followed by dinner buffet at 7 p.m., Black Angus-Red Lion Inn, U.S. 2 W., Kalispell. RSVP by noon Thursday by calling Bill at 257-1313, or Debbie at 752-3215. All are welcome.

14th annual Flathead Valley Community Prom sponsored by the junior class of Columbia Falls High School, 8-11 p.m., CFHS gym.

Big Wheels "Basket Ball" 8-11 p.m., Elks Club, Kalispell. Live music by Loose Caboose. Raffle, silent auction, food. Admission by donation.

Saturday

Fifth annual Swap-O-Rama, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lakeside School. New and used items up for sale. Sponsored by Somers/Lakeside PTA. Call Lauri at 844-2511.

Big Wheels 19th annual Basketball Tournament 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Edgerton School gym. Free admission. Proceeds benefit Special Friends Advocacy Program for those with disabilities. Call 756-5488.

Epworth United Methodist Church annual spring rummage sale 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 329 Second Ave. E., across from the Hockaday Center. From 1:30-2:30 p.m., fill a bag for a buck. Proceeds benefit Flathead Youth Shelter. Call Sue Jacobson at 755-5375.

Parents and children invited to a potluck and spring festival 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to learn more about Glacier Lifelong Learning Center, a Waldorf Initiative. Outdoor activities and campfire. $5-$10 donation requested to cover craft supplies. Call Catherine at 756-0405 for directions.

Evergreen Business and Property Owners Association sponsors a community meeting, "What Next Evergreen,"10 a.m. to noon, Evergreen Junior High School gym. Call Linda Graham at 752-0292.

Montana Woman Magazine hosts a "Clothes Closet" from 1 to 5 p.m., 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.

Mountain Brook Ladies Club pie social 5-8 p.m. at community library, 2353 Foothill Road. Crafts and pies for sale. Proceeds go to the Club and library operations.

The public is invited to a free violin concert, featuring Suzuki teacher Terry Durbin and others at 3:30 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church, in Whitefish, at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church. Contact North Valley Music School at 862-8074.

Thought

"The world does not require so much to be informed as reminded."

-Hannah More, English religious writer (1745-1833).

Rites of Spring Benefit Wine Tasting and Auction, 6-10 p.m., 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.

Benefit performance of "Vagina Monologues" 7 p.m., at the KM Theater in Kalispell. Call Violence Free Crisis Line at 752-4735 for tickets, $15. All proceeds benefit Violence Free Crisis Line/Abbie Shelter.

Sunday

Speaker and author Wayne Weible talks about 23 years of alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the Medjugorje in Bosnia/Herzegovina, 7 p.m., Flathead High School auditorium. Free. Call 257-3818.

Monday

The City of Whitefish Public Works Department will pick up organic debris such as leaves, grass clippings and tree branches today through May 6. Leaves and clippings must be bagged and tied. Trim branches to 4-foot lengths and bundle. Place debris on nearest boulevard for pickup or at least 10 feet from nearest refuse container. Call 863-2460.

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

Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana meets at 5 p.m., Fish Wildlife and Parks conference room, 490 N Meridian Road. Public is invited. Call 756-9434.

Tuesday

AARP Driver Safety Program 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday and May 5, The Summit, Kalispell. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.

Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Troy Methodist Church.

Black Diamond Academy, a non-traditional school in Whitefish invites the public to an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the school location at the Whitefish Mountain Mall. The school is open to students 9 to 14. Call Mike at 250-5066.

Internationally acclaimed photographer, Tom Ulrich, presents a slide show of his photographs of wildlife from around the world at 7 p.m. at the WestCoast Outlaw Hotel. Admission $5 per person (Big Brothers and Little Brothers admitted free.) Proceeds benefit BBBS of Flathead County. Call 752-0092.

The Flathead County Library system is sponsoring a Get Real! Get Fit! program at 7 p.m., at the Columbia Falls branch. Snacks, prizes and health and fitness information for teens in a fun, interactive format. Call Public Services Librarian Katie Boyes, 758-5713.

Wednesday

Kila School board special meeting at 7:30 a.m.to canvass election votes.

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

Red Cross blood drive, noon to 3 p.m.,at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

American Heart Association Heartsaver Program offers CPR instruction, 1-4 p.m., West Wing, North Valley Hospital. Cost is $35. Call 863-5313 to pre-register.

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

Wine and Food Fest Auction, 6-9 p.m., Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Tickets are $30 per person. Call Whitefish Theatre Company at 862-5371.

DAV, Disabled Americans Veterans, meet at 6:30 p.m. in the rear of the VFW Post 2252, 111 S. Main, Kalispell. Call 752-0198.

Catherine Austin Fitts, former Assistant Secretary of Housing and FHA Commissioner with the George H. Bush Administration, discusses "How the Money Works -The Real Deal" 7 p.m.,second floor of the KM building, 50 Second Street W., Kalispell. Call Glacier Audio at 257-0145 for a free ticket. Questions and answer session followes as part of the presentation with other tele-linked communities.

A Look Ahead

14th annual City Wide Prayer Breakfast, 6 a.m. May 5, Salvation Army Community Center, 110 Bountiful Drive, Kalispell. $4 continental breakfast. Public invited.

Republicans Bridge Marathon 11:30 a.m. May 5, Black Angus Restaurant in the Red Lion Hotel. Lunch, prizes. RSVP to Kathy Barkus at 755-8362.

Whitefish Pottery, 355 Twin Bridges Road, invites you to attend their Gone Fishin' and 10th Anniversary Party. Pig roast and the music by Grin and Bear it String Clan and Electric Mud. Call the Whitefish Chamber for directions 862-3501.

Red Cross blood drive, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., May 5, North Valley Community Room, Columbia Falls.

Community kick-off for Bigfork's first Relay for Life, 5:30-6:30 p.m. May 5 in the Flathead Bank of Bigfork parking lot. Mexican fare, entertainment and information about cancer. A team captain's meeting will be held at 5 p.m. prior to the kick-off.

Spiritual leader, scholar and historian Father Charles Moore (Father Charlie) speaks on "The Theory of Knowledge, Quantum Physics, String Theory and Spirituality" at 7 p.m. May 5, Bohemian Grange Hall, 125 Blanchard Lake Road. All welcome. $8 donation requested. Call Gerald Askevold at 862-7711 or Mary Delaney at 862-6429.

Internationally acclaimed photographer Tom Ulrich presents a slide show of his photographs of wildlife from around the world at 7 p.m. May 5 at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Admission is $5 per person (Big Brothers and Little Brothers are admitted free. Proceeds benefit BBBS of Flathead County. Call 752-0092.

West Valley Planning and Zoning meeting 7 p.m. May 5, West Valley School library. Open to the public.

Flathead CARE and Whitefish CARE present a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Assembly at 7 p.m. May 5, Flathead High School. Sponsored by:

Flathead Prevention Alliance and Flathead Electric Coop's Roundup for Safety. Public invited.

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.

Spiritual leader, historian and scholar Father Charles Moore (Father Charlie) returns to the Bohemian Grange Hall at 7 p.m. May 5 to lecture on "the Theory of Knowledge, Quantum Physics, String Theory and Spirituality." $8 donation requested. Seating is limited. Public invited.

Tole Booth Spring Bazaar 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6-7, 515 First Ave. W., Kalispell (behind Flathead Travel.) Handpainted and handmade decorative items, shabby chic furniture, Mothers and Fathers Day gifts. Coffee and cookies.

Cheerful Heart Treasure Fest Garage Sale May 7, New Life Christian Center, Polson. Doors open at 8 a.m. Proceeds provide non-medical assistance to cancer patients in Lake County. Garage sale items may be dropped off at the church on May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call for a pick up at 883-3070 or 1-866-538-3070.

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

Creston Cemetery Association annual spring clean up at 9 a.m.; business meeting at 11 a.m. at the cemetery grounds.

Death by Chocolate Murder Mystery 7-10 p.m. May 7, Conrad Mansion, Kalispell. Tickets available at Books West, Kalispell; and Bookworks, Whitefish. Proceeds go to garden and landscape restoration. Call 755-2166.

Bibler Home and Gardens Spring Tours May 7-8. Tours on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets $8 adults, $3 children. Call the FVCC Foundation office at 756-3963.

Valley Voices Community Choir presents, "A Spring Concert of Favorites," 7 p.m., May 7, First Church of the Nazarene, located on Whitefish Stage and W. Evergreen. Refreshments. Free admission but donations accepted.

Glacier Christian School, 80 E. Railroad St., Columbia Falls, open house and registration 6-8:30 p.m. May 9. Call 892-4798.

The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m. May 9 at 30 Lower Valley Road in Kalispell.

Kila School board meets at 10 a.m. May 10 to reorganize.

The Flathead County Library system is sponsoring a Get Real! Get Fit! program at 7 p.m. May 10, at the Whitefish branch. Snacks, prizes and health and fitness information for teens in a fun, interactive format. Call Public Services Librarian Katie Boyes, 758-5713.

Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead meet at 7:30 p.m., May 10 at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Building, 490 North Meridian Road (across from the Fairgrounds). Open to the public.

Bigfork Parentshare meets at 9:30 a.m. May 11 at the Community United Methodist Church. Child care is provided. Guest speaker is Dana Stoddard, yoga practitioner and owner of Montanabliss. Wear comfortable clothing. Child care provided. Call Renee Wynne at 837-2488.

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.

Kalispell Edward Jones representative Mark Salansky offers a course for CPAs and accountants titled, "FLP & LLC: Formation to Liquidation" noon to 3 p.m., May 11, 22 Second Ave. W., Ste. 2000, Kalispell. Course fee is $50 and includes all materials. Reservations required. Call 755-8280.

Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. May 11 in the administration building boardroom.

Swan River School board meets at 7 p.m. in the school library.

North Valley Hospital centennial celebration 1-6 p.m. May 12, in Whitefish. Site blessing at 2 p.m. Barbecue at 6 p.m. Activities, demonstrations, free food and giveaways.

Whitefish/Kalispell North KOA, 862-4242, and West Glacier KOA, call 387-5341, offer free camping to the public May 13.

Bigfork Art and Cultural Center's Annual Benefit Auction, "Boots, Brims & Biddin' II," 5:30 p.m. May 13, Flathead Lake Lodge. Tickets $22 for members, $25 for non-members available at the gift shop and the Jug Tree. Call Marnie at 837-6927.

Fifth annual Big Band Revue with Christian Center's Swingin' on High Big Band, 7 p.m. May 13 Christian Center. Dessert will be served. Pick up free tickets at Christian Center office, Snappy Sport Senter, Rosauer's or Christian Book Supply.

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.

Great Northern 5K Fun Run and Walk fund-raiser May 14 on the Great Northern trail near Meridian and Center Streets in Kalispell. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Race time is 8:30 am. Prizes and door prizes. Race registration forms available at sporting goods stores and fitness clubs around the valley. Call Rebecca Shaw at 752-3325.

National Letter Carrier's Food Drive May 14 for Flathead Food Bank. Non-perishable food items only. Leave by your mailbox prior to mail delivery. Call Leroy at 755-6450 7-9:30 a.m.; or Kari Wiley at 250-1754.

International Migratory Bird Day May 14, National Bison Range, Moiese. Birding adventure begins at 8 a.m. with a walk along Mission Creek. Call 406-644-2211 ext. 207 to register.

Soroptimist International of Kalispell "Spring Fling,"10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14, Museum at Central School. Workshops on Women's Financial Issues, Sandwich Generation Concerns, Elder Care and the Living Will, Women in the Armed Forces, Relaxation Techniques and Massage Therapy. Pre-Registration required, $20. Call Sue at 892-3783.

Flathead County Library system is sponsors a Get Real! Get Fit! program at 7 p.m. May 17, at the Kalispell branch. Snacks, prizes and health and fitness information for teens in a fun, interactive format. Call Public Services Librarian Katie Boyes, 758-5713.

Montana Veterans' Home Alzheimer's and Family Support Group meets at noon and at 7 p.m. May 18, in the Veterans' Home. Lunch is served at 11:30am for those wanting to attend the noon group. The noon group will have Carle O'Neil, speaking on the topic, "Guilt in Placing a Family Member in a Nursing Home. Open to the public.

Meridian Trail Clean up and maintenance 9 a.m. May 21. Meet at the trailhead on Meridian. Call Steve at 758-5255.

Red Cross CPR/First Aid instruction for adults and children, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 21, Glacier Room, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. Cost is $50. Call 863+3513 to pre-register.

Fiesta Days, May 21, Whitefish. Chili cook-off noon to 2 p.m., downtown; bake-off 3 p.m. Mountain Mall. Cup for chili sampling, $3.50. Call 862-3501.

AARP Driver Safety Program for drivers ages 50 and over, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 24-25, Glacier Room, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. Cost is $10. Call 863-3630 to pre-register.

Flathead County Library system is sponsors a Get Real! Get Fit! program at 7 p.m. May 25, at the Bigfork branch. Snacks, prizes and health and fitness information for teens in a fun, interactive format. Call Public Services Librarian Katie Boyes, 758-5713.

Spring for Glacier fund-raiser for The Glacier Fund, the Glacier Institute, Glacier Natural History Association and the Glacier National Park Associates, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Belton Hotel in West Glacier. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, tours of the hotel and a variety of musical entertainment. Advance tickets only are $150 per person or $250 per couple. Call 888-5756.

Montana Audubon Bird Festival sponsored by the Montana, Flathead and Mission Mountain Audubon Societies and the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, June 3-5, Bigfork. Registration $40 for Audubon members, $50 for non-members, and $25 for students. To register, contact the Montana Audubon Society, P.O. Box 595, Helena, MT 59624, call (406) 443-3949, or log on to www.mtaudubon.org.

Whitefish High School has a class reunion July 15-16 at Majestic Valley Arena for 1960s classes. Classes from 1930 to 1959 are also invited, along with 1970-1999. To register or for information, call John Kajiwara at 907-248-1756, 230-0352 (cell) or e-mail WHSReunion2005@GCI.NET.

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.

Bigfork Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society 6 p.m. July 22; 8 a.m. July 23, at the Bigfork High School track. Call 837-1600.

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.