Today

Winter Classic 20th Anniversary champagne brunch, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Whitefish Lake Restaurant. $12 adults; $6 kids 12 and under.

Kalispell Junior Miss program 6:30 p.m., Flathead High School auditorium. Tickets $7 adults; $5 students and seniors.

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.

Senator Conrad Burns' Kalispell field representative Denise Smith holds community outreach hours 1-3:30 p.m. Troy City Hall Annex, 303 East Third. Call (406) 257-3360 or (800) 344-1513.

AARP meets 1:30 p.m. at The Summit, Kalispell.

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

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

Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group meets 6-8 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Guest speaker is Bobbie Kelly. Survivors, family, friends and care-givers are welcome. Refreshments, Call Dawn for transportation at 257-0050; or Sue at 756-4725 or Kathy at 756-4723.

Helena Flats School special board meeting 6:30 p.m. in the school library.

The Flathead Conservation District meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. is canceled and rescheduled for March 21at 30 Lower Valley Road in Kalispell.

Flathead Audubon meets at 7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Guest speaker is Dan Casey, Northern Rockies coordinator for the American Bird Conservancy. Free and the public is invited.

Public meeting for all Columbia Heights Water Company customers to discuss forming a County Water District in Columbia Heights, 7 p.m., Columbia Falls City Hall. Call Rick, evenings at 892-3341.

Flathead Valley Community College Honors Symposium presents "The Endangered Species Act: Making Innocent Species the Enemy," by Richard Stroup, The Property and Environment Research Center, Bozeman, 7 p.m. WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Free and open to the public.

Columbia Falls School board meets at 7 p.m., administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W. Columbia Falls.

Deer Park School board meets at 7 p.m. at the school.

Tuesday

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 at 758-5713.

Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Polson High School.

Buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., Kalispell Center WestCoast Hotel. Phyllis Tag speaks on the topic, "How to find joy and strength in difficult situations." Cost is $10. Complimentary child care is available. RSVP to Rosainne at 257-8098, or Julie at 261-8585. Complimentary child care by reservation. Sponsored by the Kalispell Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.

FVCC ninth annual Career Fair 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Learning Resource Center, rooms 123 ABCD. Call Robbie Sullivan at 756-3673.

Flathead Municipal Airport Authority meets at 4 p.m., airport manager's office, Glacier Park International Airport.

Easter egg decorating party for children of all ages 5-7 p.m., FVCC Science and Technology Building, room 130. Activities include basket making, relay races and photos with the Easter Bunny. Sponsored by the Human Service Club at FVCC. Call Sharon Randolph at 756-3981.

Somers School board meets at 6 p.m. at Somers Middle School for a MAP Assessment and School Climate Survey results, followed by a regular board meeting at 7 p.m.

Red Cross Adult CPR class, 6:30 p.m. Cost is $30. Call 752-6433 to register.

The Big Sky Bonsai Society meets at 7 p.m. at the Flathead County Library in Kalispell. David Stordal presents a program on forest planting. Free and the public is invited. Contact Jerry Mieslik at 862-0387.

Flathead Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets at 7 p.m. at Fenders Restaurant, U.S. 93 between Kalispell and Whitefish. Dave Brown of The Elk River Angler/Alberta Bird Hunts will give a fly tying demonstration and presentation on fly fishing in southeast British Columbia and Alberta. Free and the public is invited.

Creston Fire Department trustees meets 7:30 p.m. Creston Fire Hall.

Wednesday

On Wednesdays, Montana Coffee Traders will donate 100 percent of pump pot coffee sales to help coffee farmers in Aceh, Indonesia, as a result of the tsunami. Call 862-7633.

FVCC Festival of Cultures 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and March 17, Blake Hall foyer. Ethnic cuisines, crafts and gifts, music and art. Free and the public is welcome. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.

Children's Story Hour10:30 a.m., Children's Department of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell, 247 First Ave. E. Call 758-5822.

Red Cross blood drive, 1-5 p.m., at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana free credit clinic, noon to 1 p.m., 690 N. Meridian, Suite 220, Kalispell. Call 257-4069 to reserve a seat. Public is invited.

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

Columbia Falls School board Insurance Committee meets at 4 p.m., administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W. Columbia Falls.

Flathead Valley Community College's Multicultural Film Festival presents the documentary film, "Palestine is Still the Issue" 6-8 p.m., Blake Hall board room. The event is free and the public is invited. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.

Red Cross First Aids Basics class, 6:30 p.m. Cost is $30. Call 752-6433 to register.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana free credit clinic, 7-8 p.m. 690 N. Meridian, Suite 220, Kalispell. Topic is "Budgeting, Getting Back on Track and Power Payments." Call 257-4069 to reserve a seat. Public is invited.

Flathead Chapter of the Montana Native Plant Society hosts Montana Committee for the Humanities Speakers Bureau program "The Story of the Bitterroot" with Steve Slocomb, 7 p.m., at the Mountain View Mennonite Church in Creston. Free and all are welcome.

Whitefish Foursquare Church, 345 Spokane Ave., will show a documentary on Saint Patrick at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Be sure and wear green.

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

Thursday

Northwest Montana Educational Cooperative Governing Council meets 8:30 a.m., 2290 Farm to Market Road, Suite A, Kalispell.

Soroptimist Thrift Haus St. Patty's Day Bag Sale, March 17, noon to 5 p.m.; March 18-19, 1-5 p.m., 303 First, Whitefish. $2 bag on all clothing items. Call Sally at 862-5214 or Flo at 862-2543.

Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m., North Valley Hospital, Whitefish.

Flathead City-County Board of Health meets 2-4 p.m., second floor conference room of the Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W. Kalispell.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade 4 p.m., Main Street, Kalispell. Line up begins at 3 p.m. at corner of First Avenue West and Eight Street.

Flathead Valley Planning Program sponsors a "Growing Up Male" workshop for parents and sons 10-13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. March 17, Flathead City-County Health Department, 1035 First Ave. W. Cost is $20 per son and parent and includes pizza dinner. Call 751-8150 to pre-register.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana free credit clinic, 6:30-8 p.m., North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave. Columbia Falls. Topics include budgeting and tracking your money, and consumer rights. Call 257-4069 to reserve a seat. Public is invited.

Flathead Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group meets at 7 p.m. at The Summit in Kalispell. Call Jerry at 253-7228.

"Beyond the Flathead" independent film series presents the Croatian film, "Witness," 7 p.m., Flathead County Library, 347 First Ave. E., Kalispell, Free and open to the public. Call 758-5713.

The Flathead Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group meets at 7 p.m. in The Summit conference room. Call Jerry at 253-7228.

Friday

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana free credit clinic, 1 p.m., Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. Topics include "Budgeting and Tracking Your Money," "Your Credit History," "Avoid Scams and Credit Scams." Call 257-4069 to reserve a seat. Public is invited.

Cowboy Down Benefit Association fund-raiser, Majestic Valley Arena. Doors open at 5 p.m. for silent auction, cowboy polo begins at 6 p.m. Live music by Cold Creek. Tickets $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Contact Mont at 755-2628 or Dave at 257-7632 for advance tickets.

A Look Ahead

Columbia Falls Lions Club annual fund-raising pancake breakfast 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19, Columbia Falls Senior Citizens Center. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Adults, $3.50; youths 12 and under, $3; families $12.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety course for teens and adults, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 19, Polson City Library. 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.

Whitefish Community Center, 121 Second St., flea market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19. Lunch available. Call 862-4923.

Soroptimist International of Bigfork annual awards luncheon March 19, Bigfork Inn. Call Cheryl Harber at 837-6303 or 837-6011 by March 11 for reservations.

Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary presentation by its co-founder Alayne Marker 2-3 p.m. March 19, Whitefish Branch Library, 9 Spokane Ave. Learn how the nonprofit organization works with and cares for disabled animals. Call 862-6657.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County and Flathead Reservation Bowl for Kids' Sake, 6-10 p.m. March 19; noon to 5 p.m. March 20 Sportspage Bowl, 101 Heritage Lane, Polson. Call 883-3085 or e-mail bbbs@compuplus.net.

Dreambuilder Playhouses fund-raiser for Gemini Program of the Nurturing Center on display March 19-April 23, Kalispell Center Mall. Drawing April 23.

Glacier Nordic Club will be taking down the lights on the Glacier Nordic

Ski Course March 20. Volunteers are asked to meet at 2 pm. on the ski trails at the south end of Grouse Mountain Lodge.

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. March 21 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., March 21 at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

Red Cross Adult CPR review class, 6:30 p.m. March 21. Cost is $22. Call 752-6433 to register.

The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m. March 21 at 30 Lower Valley Road in Kalispell.

Kalispell City Council meets at 7 p.m., March 21, Kalispell City Hall.

Columbia City Council meets at 7 p.m., March 21, Columbia Falls City Hall.

Whitefish City Council meets at 7:10 p.m., March 21, Whitefish City Hall.

Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m. March 22 at Good Shepherd Church, sponsored by Polson soroptimists.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana free credit clinic, 6:30-8 p.m. March 22, North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Topics include home ownership and reverse mortgages, avoiding scams and identity theft. Call 257-4069 to reserve a seat. Public is invited.

A new local support group for family members 16 and older with an eating disorder will have their first meeting 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 22 at The Summit in Kalispell, facilitated by Kalispell Junior High School teacher Carrie Thiel. Call 257-7911.

Lake County Democrats meets at 7 p.m. March 22 in the meeting room of the Polson City Library. Business includes nomination of club officers.

Evergreen Business and Property Owner's Association meets at 7 p.m., March 22, Evergreen Firehall, 2236 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell. The public is invited.

AARP Driver Safety Program 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23-24, North Valley Hospital Community Room, Whitefish. Instructor is Gail Strohshein. Call 863-3630 for reservations.

Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m. March 23, Northwestern Energy, Meridian Road, Kalispell.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana free credit clinic, 5:30 p.m. March 23, 690 N. Meridian, Suite 206, Kalispell. Call 257-4069 to reserve a seat. Public is invited.

Red Cross Infant and Child CPR class, 6:30 p.m. March 23. Cost is $27. Call 752-6433 to register.

Workshop on "Ponds, Permits, Water, Weeds and Wetlands," 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch available. March 24, Eureka Senior Citizens Center. Education credits to loggers and retailers. Pre-registration required by March 18. Call 406-296-2233.

Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 24 at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m. March 26, at Stillwater Christian School, 1251 Willow Glen Dr., sponsored by Harvest Baptist Church.

EGGstravaganza Easter Carnival, noon, March 26, Kalispell Center Mall.

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. March 28 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., March 28 at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m. March 29, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kalispell.

Red Cross Adult CPR class, 6:30 p.m. March 29. Cost is $30. Call 752-6433 to register.

Whitefish School District board has a special meeting at 7 p.m. followed by a work session March 29 in the Whitefish High School Library.

Wellness Ministry sprouting seminar 4-6 p.m. March 29. Learn how to sprout grains, beans, seeds and more. Registration $25 each. Healthy Potluck Supper follows 6:15-7:30 p.m., Whitefish Mountain Mall Food Court. Families welcome. Bring a healthy dish to share. Call Jeanette Cheney at 862-6209.

Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m. March 30, Trinity Lutheran Church, Kalispell.

Flathead Valley Community College's Local Topics/Global Issues lecture series on the topic "International Politics: Lebanon" by Lincoln County campus director Pat Pezzelle at 6-8 p.m. March 30, Blake Hall board room. Free and the public is invited. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.

Red Cross First Aids Basics class, 6:30 p.m. March 30. Cost is $30. Call 752-6433 to register.

Red Cross blood drive, 1-5 p.m. March 31, Burch's Photo in the bloodmobile.

Flathead Valley Community College Honors Symposium presents

"What Does Landscape Protection Cost Us?" by Tom Power, University of Montana Department of Economics, 7 p.m. March 31, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Free and open to the public.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety course for teens and adults, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 2, 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 and U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg host a social security listening session 10 a.m. April 2, FVCC Lernin Resource Center rooms ABCD. All are welcome.

39th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair April 2-3 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. April 3, 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.

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 4 at Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Dr. Bring last year's tax return and all other information.

Flathead Valley Community College Honors Symposium presents "The Federal Budget and Social Security: by Harry Zeeve, The Concord Coalition, 7 p.m. April 6, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Free and open to the public.

School District 5 free Child Find developmental screening 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 8, 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 8-10, Kalispell Center Mall.

Contra dance, April 8, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dreambuilders Playhouses drawing and children's Parade, April 23, Kalispell Center Mall, Call the Nurturing Center at 756-1414.

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.

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.

"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.

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.