Have your pet's picture taken with Santa Claus
The Humane Society of Northwest Montana hosts its annual Santa Paws Pet Photo event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Murdoch's Ranch and Supply, 2330 U.S. 93 S., in Kalispell. Pet owners will have the opportunity to have holiday photos of their pets taken with Santa.
All proceeds benefit the Humane Society. Call 752-PAWS (7297).
Restaurant hosts orphanage benefit
Tandoor Indian Restaurant in Whitefish will host a Cambodian orphanage benefit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. Cambodian silk scarves and wraps, jewelry and simple children's toys will be for sale.
All proceeds will be donated to the Palm Tree Institute in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
A percentage of each purchase is tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
Visa, MasterCard and Discover will be accepted. Indian spiced chai and light refreshments will be available.
Arts, crafts sale today in Bigfork
All are invited to the Winter Host of Artists holiday arts and crafts sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Swan River Community Hall, on Montana 83 across from the Echo Lake Cafe in Bigfork.
More than 15 artists and craftspeople will have their works displayed.
Original paintings, prints, cards, hand-knit goods, pottery and mosaic mirrors, and more will be for featured.
Live music will be provided by Brett Holmquist and the Hubbard Sisters. Refreshments will be served.
Bird-watching field trip is Sunday
Flathead Audubon invites you on a birding field trip Sunday of the West Valley. Songbirds and raptors, such as eagles, hawks and the occasional falcon, will be the main focus, but there may be some surprises. Bring binoculars or scopes and dress warmly.
Meet at 9 a.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks building, 490 N. Meridian Road, in Kalispell. Call Leslie Kehoe for details at 837-4467.
Grief group hosts ceremony Sunday
The Flathead Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends will join in a worldwide candlelighting ceremony as an act of remembrance for those who are grieving the death of a child at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. With the theme, "… that their light may always shine," the worldwide candlelighting is now in its ninth year.
The Compassionate Friends is an international self-help and bereavement organization that each year unites around the globe to light candles for one hour on the second Sunday in December.
Call Karene Manus at the Flathead Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends at 387-5215; call the national organization toll-free at 877-969-0010, or visit www.compassionatefriends.org where you will find a message board and extended chat-room hours.
Sculpture raffle benefits ill child
An alabaster stone grizzly bear sculpture donated by Kalispell wildlife artist Jon Pust will be raffled Sunday, Dec. 11, at The Summit to raise money for the family of 11-year-old Michael Lavin. Lavin has been undergoing treatment in Seattle since September and is receiving chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Call Kathy Schmauch at The Summit at 751-4505.