today
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.
Annual West Valley roadside cleanup 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at West Valley School or contact Kim Davis at 755-7239 or 755-1311 to schedule a particular area to clean and spruce up.
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. Contact North Valley Music School at 862-8074.
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
School District 5 spring enrollment begins today through June 10 for grades 1-8, at the enrollment office, 233 First Ave. E., Kalispell. Bring shot records and proof of residence.
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.
School District 5 and Flathead High School District board meets at noon at the district office.
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.
Fair-Mont-Egan School board has a special meeting at 7 p.m. in the school library regarding funding for fiscal year 2005-06.
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.
Swan River School board meets at 5:30 p.m. in the school library.
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.
Thought
"Upper classes are a nation's past; the middle class is its future."
-Ayn Rand, Russian-born author (1905-1982).
Wednesday
Kila School board special meeting at 7:30 a.m. canvass election votes.
School District 5 kindergarten enrollment day, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Flathead County Health Department. Complete immunization records and birth certificate required. Call Patty Fisher at 751-3430.
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.
Kalispell Toastmasters presentation, "Conflict Can be Healthy," noon to 1 p.m., Christ church Episcopal, 215 Third Ave. E. Call 881-2246. Public invited.
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.
Flathead Valley Community College's Local Topics/Global Issues lecture series on the topic "Lebanon: Observations and Reflections" at 6 p.m. Jan. 26, BSS 132. Guest speaker is Lincoln County campus director Pat Pezzelle. Free and the public is invited. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.
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 follows as part of the presentation with other tele-linked communities.
Fair-Mont-Egan School board special meeting at 7 p.m. in the school library to canvass election and issue election certificates to new trustees.
Thursday
14th annual City Wide Prayer Breakfast, 6 a.m., Salvation Army Community Center, 110 Bountiful Drive, Kalispell. $4 continental breakfast. Public invited.
Republicans Bridge Marathon 11:30 a.m., 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., North Valley Community Room, Columbia Falls.
Community kick-off for Bigfork's first Relay for Life, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 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., 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. 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., West Valley School library. Open to the public.
Flathead CARE and Whitefish CARE present a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Assembly at 7 p.m., Flathead High School. Sponsored by: Flathead Alliance and Flathead Electric Coop's Roundup for Safety. Public invited.
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.
friday
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., the Spruce Park Cafe, Columbia Falls. Reservations requested. Call Carolyn Shriver at 756-3801.
Tole Booth Spring Bazaar 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and May 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.
3 Volunteers for North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus in Columbia Falls, will be honored at Mexican themed potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. Call Roxy Larsen, Center manager, at 892-4087. Public invited.
A Look Ahead
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.
Inspirations Salon, 6468 U.S. 93 S., Whitefish, has a fundraiser May 7 for end-stage breast cancer patient Dawn Blades. Music by Swervin Irvin, Hot dogs, chips and soda for sale. Haircuts, polish changes and massages available with proceeds to medical expenses. Call Melissa at 862-8510.
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.
The public is invited to a free community lecture from 7:30-9 a.m. May 10, at Pathways Treatment Center, 200 Heritage Way, Kalispell. Professional marriage and family therapist Mark Odell will talk about "Couples Therapy."
Kila School board meets at 10 a.m. May 10 to reorganize.
Swan River School board regular and organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. May 10 in the school library.
Flathead Building Association general membership meeting 6:30 p.m. May 10, 2303 Merganser Dr., Kalispell. Pig roast, side dishes and dessert. $14 per person. RSVP by May 9.
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.
3 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. May 11 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.
Video presentation and discussion of "The Gift of Dyslexia" by Davis Dyslexia Association International 6:30 p.m. May 12, Whitefish Library. Public invited. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5713.
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.
The Bel Canto Singers from Hesston College perform sacred choral music 7:30 p.m. May 13, Mountain View Mennonite Church, 795 Road, Kalispell.
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.
Lone Pine State Park offers free 30-minute Wildflower Walks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14. Meet the ranger at the top of the hill. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Call 755-2706.
Video presentation and discussion of "The Gift of Dyslexia" by Davis Dyslexia Association International, 2:30 p.m. May 14, Kalispell Library. Public invited. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5713.
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 11:30 am 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.
Free concert by Trinity Lutheran School 4th, 5th and 6th graders "Salute to America," a night of music honoring the Armed Forces and veterans, 6:45 p.m. May 18, at the school. The public is welcome.
Rob Quist and Jack Gladstone with special guest David Griffith present "Odyssey West" an original musical and visual narrative celebrating the birth of a nation, 7:30 p.m. May 20, Christian Center, Kalispell. Adults, $15; students and seniors, $12; family of four, $25. Tickets at Whitefish Credit Union, Coffee Traders and Books West. Also auction fund-raiser for Parents Let's Unite for Kids (PLUK) and Special Friends Advocacy. Call 756-5488 or 253-3985 to donate.
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.
Lone Pine State Park offers free 30-minute Wildflower Walks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 28. Meet the ranger at the top of the hill. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Call 755-2706.
Spring for Glacier fundraiser 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.
Lone Pine State Park offers free 30-minute Wildflower Walks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11. Meet the ranger at the top of the hill. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Call 755-2706.
Lone Pine State Park offers free 30-minute Wildflower Walks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18. Meet the ranger at the top of the hill. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Call 755-2706.
Lone Pine State Park offers free 30-minute Wildflower Walks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25. Meet the ranger at the top of the hill. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Call 755-2706.
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.