Friday

Pachyderm Club meets at noon at the WestCoast Outlaw Hotel. Clerk and Recorder Monica Eisenzimer will speak about the recent election. The public is invited.

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.

Author Don Clark reads from his novels, Saving Kennedy" and "Mission to Novgorod," at 7 p.m. at Borders, Kalispell as part of a Literacy Volunteers fund-raiser. Call 257-7323 or e-mail lvafc@centurytel.net to purchase vouchers.

DREAM disabled ski program fund-raising concert with Too Slim and the Taildraggers, 7 p.m. VFW, Whitefish. Tickets are $12 in advance at Sportsman and Ski Haus, Whitefish, and Books West, Kalispell. $15 at the door. Raffle tickets for a 2005-2006 Big Mountain ski pass at concert or call 862-1817.

Saturday

Columbia Falls Lions Club annual fund-raising pancake breakfast 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., 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., 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. Lunch available. Call 862-4923.

The Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead annual Spring Show 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Flathead County Fairgrounds. Free admission.

Peace gathering 10-11 a.m. corner of Spokane Avenue and Second Street, in front of Central School, Whitefish. All are welcome. Refreshments. Call 862-1629.

Peace gathering noon to 1 p.m., Depot Park, Kalispell. Public welcome.

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

Literacy Volunteers Kasey Kephart and Jeanne Olson present Story Hour at Borders, Kalispell, beginning at 10 a.m. for children ages 2 to 6, as part of a Literacy Volunteers fund-raiser. Call 257-7323 or e-mail lvafc@centurytel.net to purchase vouchers.

Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary presentation by its co-founder Alayne Marker 2-3 p.m., 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. today; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m Sunday, 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 today through April 23, Kalispell Center Mall. Drawing April 23.

Sunday

The Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead annual Spring Show10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Flathead County Fairgrounds. Free admission.

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

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

Palm Sunday Choral Festival 4 p.m. Immaculate Conception Church, Polson. Area churches will team up for the hour-long concert followed by a spaghetti dinner. Free-will offering. Proceeds go toward emergency help for residents and travelers in the area. Public invited. Call Donna Rowold at 883-1234.

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.

Flathead County Republican Women meet at noon at the WestCoast Outlaw Hotel. Guest speakers Carol Blake and Lu Ann Basirico of North Valley Hospital will discuss the new hospital planned for Whitefish. Call Jo Mahoney at 755-3588.

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

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

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

Somers Townside Association meets at 7 p.m. at the Somers School. A report on the recent meeting with the Flathead County Commissioners will be made.

Flathead Democratic Central Committee meets in the basement of the Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Executive committee 6:30 p.m.; general meeting 7 p.m. All Democrats welcome.

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

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

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

Tuesday

Lap-sit Story Time for children 12 to 24 months, 10:30 a.m., at the meeting room, Flathead County Library in Kalispell. Includes stories, singing and activities. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5822.

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

Martial arts competitor teaches a self-defense class for women, Rape Escape, 6-9 p.m. March 22, Polson High School. Cost is $10 per student.

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 home ownership and reverse mortgages, avoiding scams and identity theft. Call 257-4069 to reserve a seat. Public is invited.

Flathead County Relay for Life kickoff 5:30-7 p.m., Kalispell Regional Medical Center Cancer Center, 343 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell. Entertainment, snacks and a tour will be offered. All are invited. This year's relay is scheduled for June 24-25 in Kalispell. Call Betty Mace at 751-3353 or Joan Paulson at 751-8118.

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., 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. 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., Evergreen Firehall, 2236 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell. The public is invited.

Wednesday

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

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

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

After-school Storytime for children 6-2, 3:45 p.m., Children's Department of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell. Young Reader's Choice Award nominee. Call 758-5822.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana free credit clinic, 5:30 p.m., 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. Cost is $27. Call 752-6433 to register.

Thursday

Workshop on "Ponds, Permits, Water, Weeds and Wetlands," 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch available. 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., at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

Teen Advisory Council for the Flathead County Library in Kalispell meets at 4 p.m. at the library. Young people 12 to 18 are invited to choose furniture for the new teen area at the library and discuss creation of a mural for the space. Call Katie Boyes, 758-5713.

A Look Ahead

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

Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin', 5:30 to 7 p.m., Big Mountain Club, Big Mountain Resort. Refreshments served. Call 862-3501.

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.

Flathead Democratic Women meet for a no-host buffet luncheon at noon, March 28, WestCoast Outlaw Hotel, U.S. 93 South, Kalispell. Guest speaker is Kelly Hubbard of the Montana conservation Voters. Public invited. Call Pauline at 257-4452.

Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., March 28 at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

Columbia Falls School board meets at 6 p.m., March 28, administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W. Columbia Falls.

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.

AARP Seniors Driver Safety Program 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 5 and 7, The Summit, Kalispell. Instructor is Gail Strohscheim. Cost is $10. Call 751-4500.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 Montessorie 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 fune. Call 755-3826.

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.

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.

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.