Today

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2 -5 p.m., Flathead Electric Co-op, U.S. 2 East, Kalispell.

3 Area Edward Jones Investment offices offer a free video presentation featuring football coach Lou Holtz, 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Call a local office to reserve a seat.

3 Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., North Valley Community Room, 235 Nucleus Ave. Guest speaker is Liz Marchi of Montana West Economic Development. No reservations are required and lunch is available for $8. Call Carol Pike at 892-2072.

3 Swan River School board meets 5:30 p.m., in the library.

3 FVCC Local Topics/Global Issues lecture series presents A Trip Through Africa an overview of the issues of poverty, AIDS, war, and democracy by Eric T. Young, 6 p.m., Blake Hall board room. Free and open to public. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.

3 School District 5 and Flathead High School district board meets at 6 p.m., Kalispell Junior High School library.

3 Columbia Falls School Long Range Planning Committee meets at 6:30 p.m., administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W. Columbia Falls.

3 Creston School board meets at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. Public welcome.

3 Mission Mountain Audubon Society meets 7 p.m., Polson City Library meeting room. Wildlife biologist Brett Gullett presents Grouse and Loons: What Do They Have In Common. Free and the public is invited.

3 Fair-Mont-Egan School board meets 7 p.m., library.

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

3 Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead meet at 7:30 p.m., Fish, Wildlife and Parks Building, 490 North Meridian Road. Public welcome.

Wednesday

3 Evergreen Water and Sewer District board meets at 7 a.m. at the district office, 130 Nicholson Dr.

3 Bigfork Parent Share 9:30 a.m., Bigfork Gymnastics, Crossroads Christian Building, 7915 Montana 35. Children invited to sit with parents. Guest speaker Cathy Gaiser will discuss the gymnastics program and mentoring. Call Denise at 982-3257 or Dana at 837-4408.

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

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Main Street, Kalispell.

3 Lakside Community club meets at noon at Vista Linda, Somers. Kelly Brady will speak about her trip to Peru this summer. Cash or food donations accepted for Westshore Food Pantry. Call Virginia Gazewood at 857-3857 for reservations.

3 Local Advisory Council meets 12:30-2 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Mayor Pam Kennedy will speak about handling the mentally ill in the municipal court system. Public welcome.

3 Lakeside County Water and Sewer district board meets 2 p.m., district meeting room, 253 Bierney Creek Road, Lakeside.

3 Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m., administration building boardroom.

3 Free Falun Dafa Qiqong Workshop 7-8:30 p.m., community room, Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Self-cultivation practice involving four standing exercises and one sitting meditation. Public welcome.

3 Marion School board meets 7 p.m.

Thursday

3 Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline, Kalispell, annual holiday bazaar 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Nov. 11 until noon. Beautiful, unique handmade crafts by residents. Proceeds go to resident services and Alzheimers care program. Call 752-9622.

3 Agency on Aging sponsors an informational meeting on the Medicare Part D prescription drug program at 10 a.m., Kalispell Senior Citizens Center, 403 Second Ave. W., Kalispell.

3 Books are Fun Book Fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Valley Cafe, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. Portion of proceeds will benefit North Valley Hospital Foundation. Call 863-3630.

3 Fair Trade International Gift Festival 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Mountain View Mennonite Church, 795 Mennonite Church Road, Creston. Chili, homemade pie available. Bring a dark towel to donate to AIDS victims. Proceeds benefit Third World artisans. Call 755-8772.

3 The Flathead Valley Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management meets at noon, The Summit. Meal and silent auction. Cost is $10 per person. Call Cindy Carpenter at Glacier Bank, 756-4233.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 4-7 p.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Whitefish.

3 Charlotte Edkins Animal Adoption Center Open House to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, 4:30-8 p.m., 3499 U.S. 93 N., Kalispell. Tours. Call 752-PAWS.

3 Montanans for Multiple Use sponsor a Gathering of Friends for Chuck and Elaine Samuelson in support of Chucks battle with cancer, Bigfork Inn. No host bar at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. $13.50 per person. Reservations encouraged. Call Joyce Hollowpeter at 752-1334.

Thought

What is politics but persuading the public to vote for this and support that and endure these for the promise of those? n Gilbert Highet, Scottish-born American author and educator (1906-1978).

3 Dr. Matt Bailey of Peak Orthopedics and Sports Medicine gives a free presentation on the Total Knee, 7 p.m., North Valley Hospital Lake Room.

3 Free public introduction and lecture on the teachings and healings of Bruno Groenig presented by a physician, 7-9 p.m., Shining Mountain Center for Positive Living, 475 Eighth Ave. EN, Kalispell. Call Cindy Samora at 752-9028.

3 Free public seminar on How to Talk To Your Doctor About Pain, 7-8 p.m., Whitefish Public Library, 9 Spokane Ave. Author and pain management consultant Alicia Keene will speak. Bring a sack lunch; beverages provided. Presented by Pain and Supportive Care Services, 755-3201.

3 The Flathead County Republican Central Committee meets with College Republicans at 7 p.m. Nov. 10, FVCC Eagles Nest Cafeteria. Public is invited.

Bahai interfaith devotional gathering 7 p.m. Nov. 10, Flathead County Library, Kalispell branch, downstairs meeting room. Call 857-3799.

Friday

3 Free public introduction and lecture on the teachings and healings of Bruno Groenig presented by a physician, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Salish Kootenai College, Late Louie Caye Memorial Building, U.S. 93 S., Pablo. Call Anita Dupuis at 406-887-2808.

3 Bigfork High School Class of 2007 hosts a Veterans Recognition Assembly beginning at 11:15 a.m. in the gymnasium. All veterans and the public are welcome to attend.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m. KOFI office, First Avenue East, and bloodmobile, to celebrate 50th anniversary.

3 Lutefisk dinner 4-7 p.m., North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Menu includes lutefisk, lefse, meatballs, potatoes, string beans, coleslaw and Norwegian cookies. Cost is $10. No reservation required. Call Gladys Shay at 892-5070.

3 Fifth annual Stillwater Christian School benefit auction 5:30 p.m., 1251 Willow Glen Dr. Doors open for silent auction at 5:30 p.m. Hors doeuvres and entertainment by high school student. Two-meat dinner by Vista Linda. Live auction follows. Tickets are $25 at the school or $30 at the door. Call 752-4400.

Saturday

3 Scrapbooking class 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., FVCC Eagles Nest. Call Joyce Workman at 755-4922. All are welcome.

3 AARP Seniors Driver Safety Program 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Instructor Tom Hines. Cost is $10. Call 751-4500.

3 St. Richards Church Bazaar 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1210 Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls. Raffles, baked goods, crafts, childrens Christmas tree, and a hand embroidered and quilted quilt to be silently auctioned. Homemade pie, coffee and lunch available.

3 Eidswold Lutheran Church Fall Bazaar 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5935 U.S. 93 in Somers.

Epworth United Methodist Church annual holiday bazaar 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 329 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Coffee and sweet rolls 9-11 a.m. Turkey noodle soup luncheon with rolls and homemade pie, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Crafts, gifts, decorations, baked goods for sale. Proceeds support mission projects.

3 First Presbyterian Church, 301 Central Ave., Whitefish presents Joannies Thanksgiving Bazaar and Silent Auction. Bazaar 2-6 p.m.; silent auction 4-6 p.m. Art, entertainment, heirloom quilts and refreshments. Proceeds to National Foundation for Transplants toward cost of Joannie Greggs bone marrow transplant. Call Gina Barker at 863-9463.

3 Annual Rails to Trails Harvest Dance and Pie Auction fund-raiser, 7:30 p.m, Smith Valley Grange, four miles west of Kalispell on U.S. 2. Admission one pie per person, two per family or $5 per person. Children $2.50. Music by Grin and Bear It String Clan. Bid on pies. Silent auction.

Monday

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

3 Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group potluck supper 6-8 p.m., The Summit conference room, Kalispell. Survivors, family, friends are welcome. Those with last names beginning with A-G bring a salad or appetizer; H-O, a main dish; P-Z, a dessert. RSVP to Kathy at 756-4723 or Sue at 756-4725.

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

3 Tom Ulrich shows photos of Falkland Islands wildlife at Flathead Audubons meeting, 7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Free and the public is invited.

A Look Ahead

3 AARP Driver Safety Program 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15-16, North Valley Hospital Glacier Room. Cost is $10. Call 863-3630 to pre-register.

3 Montanas Homeownership Education Center free nonprofit Community Partnership nationally certified program for experienced and first-time home buyers course offered in three sessions, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 15, 17 and 22 at FVCC. Pre-register by calling 756-3832 or 1-800-739-4692. FVCC tuition cost $40.

3 Big Sky Bonsai Society meets 7 p.m. Nov. 15, Flathead County Library, 247 First Ave. E., Kalispell. Robin Johnson demonstrates basic and advanced wiring techniques. Public invited. Call Jerry Meislik at 862-0387.

3 MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 16, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Silent auction. Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).

3 Learn tips on telling your own story and bring old books in for appraisal, 1 p.m. Nov. 16, Whitefish Community Center, 121 S. Second Ave., next to Whitefish River Bridge. Saddest Pleasure Bookstore owner Hannah Plumb is guest speaker and will offer appraisals and answer questions regarding books or reading groups. Lunch may also be included by reservation. Call 862-4923. Senior donation, $3, all others, $4.25.

3 Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana (CCCS) offers a free community budgeting/credit workshop 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 690 N. Meridian, Suite 206, Kalispell. Control holiday spending. Free and open to the public. Seating limited. Call 257-4069 to reserve your seat.

3 Public meeting 1-3 p.m. Nov. 17, North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Joan Ortman will discuss Medicare information through Agency on Aging. Mark Fredenberg of Social Security will discuss available assistance. Everyone welcome.

3 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program members tie quilts 1:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. Call 758-5712.

3 Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Whitefish Pilot, 312 Second St. Bring your business card to win door prizes. Call 862-3501.

3 Glacier Pilot Club of the Flathead invites the public to learn about their activities 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 17, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel Fireside Room. Call Jeannie Luckey 756-7200.

3 Red Cross Infant and Child CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Public meeting on HKM Engineerings growth policy draft for the City of Polson, 7-9 p.m. Nov. 17, Lake County Courthouse. Contact Sarah Nicolai at 406-442-0370 or e-mail snicolai@hkminc.com

3 Flathead County Fair board meets 7 p.m. Nov. 17, fairgrounds office.

3 Flathead County Librarys Beyond the Flathead Film Series presents the Canadian comedy/romance Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Kalispell library; and 3 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Whitefish branch library. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5713.

3 Public invited to a day of aviation history, Nov. 18, Hank Galpins hangar near Glacier International Airport. Use Gate 7. Displays, past and present smokejumpers will be on hand. Smoke jumper drop 4 p.m., weather permitting. Guest speakers 4:30 p.m. Showing of the 1952 film classic Red Skies of Montana loosely based on the Mann Gulch Fire, 7 p.m. The 1928 Travel Air plane seen in movie on display. $5 donation go to the Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula. Call 755-2238.

3 Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County host and Art Show and Sale 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 19, Bohemian Grange Hall, Whitefish. Watercolor, jewelry, prints, photography, quilts, pottery and more. High Country Woodcarvers Club will also be selling their hand carved and hand painted ornaments. Refreshments. All proceeds support Literacy Volunteers. Call 257-7323.

3 Best Western KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson has a holiday craft bazaar, 4-9 p.m. Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 19. Free admission. Proceeds benefit Polson High School Spanish students trip to Europe. Call 883-3827.

3 National Survivors of Suicide Day program Nov. 19, Flathead County Health Department, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Registration 9-10 a.m.; teleconference 10-11:30 a.m.; discussion, sharing and refreshments, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration requested. Call 212-6380. Sponsored by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

3 Red Cross instructor training in Adult and Infant/Child CPR, AED and First Aid, Nov. 18-19. Current CPR and Firs Aid Certificate required. Cost is $105 and includes teaching manuals. Call 752-6433 to register.

3 Flathead County Librarys Beyond the Flathead Film Series presents the Canadian comedy/romance Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity 3 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Whitefish branch library. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5713.

3 Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 22. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead presents Holiday 2005 Show 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 25-26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 27, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel Ballroom. Daily prize drawings.

3 Libby Christmas Parade of Lights 6:30 p.m. Nov. 25.

3 Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28, for those who havent been certified in last 12 months. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Kalispells annual Art Walk and Christmas Stroll 5-9 p.m. Dec. 2, downtown and at participating galleries and businesses. Contact the Hockaday Museum of Art at 755-5268.

3 Sixth annual Christmas is in the Air variety show and benefit for Shepherds Hand Clinic, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Christ Lutheran Church, 233 Kalispell Ave., Whitefish. Call 862-2615.

3 Lakeside Holidayfest 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3, Lakeside Elementary School gym. Over 30 art and handcrafted gift exhibitors, Kids-Only Market. Free photos with Santa until 11 a.m. Fresh baked goods and Festival of Flavors food at noon. Musical entertainment by students. Silent and live auctions. Sponsored by Somers/Lakeside PTA.

3 MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 7, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Ideas for homemade Christmas gifts. Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).