Today
Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce economic development meeting, 7 a.m., Back Room, Nite Owl.
Advisors from Montana State University-Billings will be at FVCC from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today with information about online degrees. Call Jessica Baker at 406-657-2240.
Mass flu clinic for seniors 65 and older, and 2 and older with high risk medical conditions, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Expo Building, Flathead County Fairgrounds. $20 adults, $10 children, Medicare and Medicaid cards accepted.
Annual Harvest Country Fair and Auction and buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., Kalispell Center WestCoast Hotel. Silent and live auctions on merchandise, gift certificates, home baked goods and more. Harriet Calcaterra will speak on the topic, "Uncommon Common Woman. "Cost is $10. RSVP to Rosainne at 257-8098 or Julie at 837-2520. Complimentary child care by reservation. Sponsored by the Kalispell Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.
Kalispell Local Advisory Council hosts a listening tour by the Addictive and Mental Disorders Division 12:30-2 p.m., The Summit. Open to public.
Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Main Street, Kalispell.
Eidsvold Lutheran Church Oktoberfest 5-8 p.m., Vista Linda, 240 Boon Road, Somers. Live "oompah-style" entertainment, German food. Cost $7 adults, $3 children 4-12. Proceeds to Red Cross for hurricane disaster relief and to local food banks.
Benefit spaghetti dinner for Alyssa Pyper Smith, an infant with stage four neuroblastoma cancer, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 18, Columbia Falls High School. Tickets $6 adult, $4 children under 12, available at Glacier Banks of Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Kalispell. Tickets $1 more at the door. Sponsored by Columbia Falls Highs School Key club.
Representatives from Montana State Auditor's office and Flathead County Agency on Aging will provide information on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Part "D" 6 p.m., United Way conference room, Gateway West Mall, Kalispell. All potential beneficiaries encouraged to attend. RSVP to Agency on Aging 758-5730 or 756-8992.
Montanans for Multiple Use annual meeting 6 p.m., Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks building, Meridian Road, Kalispell. Nominations and election of board members for 2006-2007, report of 2005 projects and ongoing forest planning/roadless rule process. Public invited.
Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.
One Book Montana discussion group for Diane Smith's "Letters from Yellowstone" meets at 7 p.m., Columbia Falls public library. Call Public Services Librarian Katie Boyes at 758-5713.
Cayuse Prairie School board meets at 7 p.m. in the school library.
Big Sky Bonsai Society meets at 7 p.m. at the Flathead County Library in Kalispell. David Stordal will demonstrate the use of stones with bonsai. Free and the public is invited. Contact Jerry Mieslik at 862-0387.
Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited's first general membership meeting for 2005-2006, 7 p.m., Bohemian Grange Hall, just east of Montana Coffee Traders, U.S. 93 South, Whitefish. Guest speaker Vince Grillo, a south Florida guide presents a program on saltwater fishing for tarpon, snook redfish and other species in southern Florida.
Palmetto State Quartet traditional Southern Gospel, perform at 7 p.m., Church of the Nazarene, 1295 Whitefish Stage Road. Free; an offering will be received. Sponsored by Montana Gospel Music Association.
Wednesday
Brunch is offered the public at 9:30 a.m., Los Caporales, Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls. Cost is $7 per person. Program by Vali Ostrem of Ostrem Farms, a local herb business. Guest speaker is Harriet Calcaterra of Missoula. Free child care by reservation. Call Candy at 387-4119, or Sherry at 892-5990; or e-mail attard@bigsky.net. Sponsored by the Columbia Falls Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.
Representatives from Montana State Auditor's office and Flathead County Agency on Aging will provide information on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Part "D" 9:30 a.m., United Way conference room, Gateway West Mall, Kalispell. All potential beneficiaries encouraged to attend. RSVP to Agency on Aging 758-5730 or 756-8992.
MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Guest speaker Mac Bledsoe will speak on his new book, "Parenting with Dignity: The Preschool Years." Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).
Children's Story Hour is at 10:30 a.m. in the 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., United States Post Office, Meridian Road, Kalispell.
Thought
"I do not prize the word cheap. It is not a badge of honor … it is a symbol of despair. Cheap prices make for cheap goods; cheap goods make for cheap men; and cheap men make for a cheap country!" n President William McKinley (1843-1901).
Flathead Chapter of Montana Native Plant Society potluck 5:30 p.m., Mountain View Mennonite Church, at junction of Creston Hatchery and Mennonite Church Roads, Creston. All welcome. Call Rachel Potter at 892-2446.
American Cancer Society 2006 Flathead Relay for Life meeting 5:30 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Volunteers needed. Call Joan Paulson at 751-8118.
One Book Montana discussion group for Diane Smith's "Letters from Yellowstone" meets at 7 p.m., Bigfork public library. Call Public Services Librarian Katie Boyes at 758-5713.
DREAM volunteer program assisting disable skiers annual membership meeting 7 p.m. Mountain West Bank, Whitefish. All interested invited. Board members will be elected. Cal 862-1817.
Thursday
Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., at the VFW, Libby.
Friends of the Library meet at noon at the Flathead County Library, Kalispell.
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.
Northwestern Energy, 890 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, hosts a customer appreciation open house 3-8 p.m. Free weatherization kits and tips, face painting, bucket rides, treats and Louis the Lighting Bug for the kids.
Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary meets at 3 p.m., Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W.
Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin 5-7 p.m., Riverside Plaza, U.S. 93. Refreshments served. Call 862-3501.
West Valley Neighborhood Land Use Committee meets at 7 p.m., West Valley Library to discuss the details of the neighborhood plan.
Friday
Third annual second-hand sale to benefit breast cancer 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday, youth center behind Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35 just east of Montana 209 at blinking light. High quality clothing, jewelry, leather goods. Call Susan Gorbett at 837-2007. Sponsored by Soroptimists.
Saturday
21st Glacier Stamp Club Show and Exhibition 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Displays, stamp dealers, free stamps for kids and beginners. Free admission to show and to the museum. Call 755-7917 or 888-5204.
First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell, at Sixth and Main, annual Fall and Holiday Bazaar, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Crafts, decorations, homebaked goods, jams and syrups. Hearty soup lunch and pies served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds to local charities. Call 752-7488.
Montana Woman Foundation invites women to its Clothes Closet 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Valley Fitness for Women, on U.S. 2 East next to JoAnn's Fabric in Evergreen. Professional women's clothing at bargain prices. Proceeds go to Montana Woman of the Year Scholarship.
Fourth annual Montana Authors celebration and open house, 1-5 p.m., Whitefish Library. Books sold and readings held. All local authors and their readers are invited. Call 862-6657.
Sons of Norway presents a program of Norwegian Folk Songs and Dancing, 7 p.m., 347 First Ave. E., Kalispell. Free and all are welcome.
Sunday
21st Glacier Stamp Club Show and Exhibition continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Displays, stamp dealers, free stamps for kids and beginners. Free admission to show and to the museum. Call 755-7917 or 888-5204.
Montana Woman Foundation invites women to its Clothes Closet today from 1 to 5 p.m. at Valley Fitness for Women, on U.S. 2 East next to JoAnn's Fabric in Evergreen. Professional women's clothing at bargain prices. Proceeds go to Montana Woman of the Year Scholarship.
Free public screening of Prem Rawat's (aka Maharji) "Words of Peace" address 7 p.m., Clementine's, 265 Bridge St., Bigfork. Call 837-2456.
Free viewing of third movie in "Left Behind" series based on best-selling books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, 7 p.m. Little Brown Church, corner of Montana 35 and 83, Bigfork. Call 837-4369 or 249-4807.
Monday
D'Arcy McNickle Library Autumn Book Sale, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 25 and 26, Late Louie Caye Cultural Building. New and used books of all kind. Call 406-275-4875.
Flathead County Democratic Women meet for a no host luncheon at noon, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Guest speaker is Wendy Doely, division director of Flathead County Health Department and Family Planning Services. All interested parties welcome. Call Pauline at 257-4452.
Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.
The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., at 30 Lower Valley Road, Kalispell.
Somers School board meets at 7 p.m. at Somers Middle School for annual report on district student achievement.
A Look Ahead
Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 25, Our Lady of Mercy Church, Eureka.
School District 5 and Flathead High School district board meets at 6 p.m. Oct. 25, Smith Valley School.
Power of Humor Workshop 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 25 and 27, North Valley Hospital Lake Room. Presentation by Jeannie Jorgensen, certified laughter leader. Cost is $30. Call 863-3630 to pre-register.
Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.
One Book Montana discussion group for Diane Smith's "Letters from Yellowstone" meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Whitefish public library. Call Public Services Librarian Katie Boyes at 758-5713.
3 Evergreen Business and Property Owner's Association meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Evergreen Fire Hall, 2236 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell. The public is invited.
Flathead Citizens for Quality Growth special meeting 7 p.m. Oct. 25, West Valley School Library.
Middle Canyon Area Land Use Advisory Committee neighborhood meeting 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Community Building, Glacier Park headquarters. Planning Director Jeff Harris and Planner BJ Grief will discuss the growth policy and neighborhood plan, and review of two major land use applications for business expansion; Spoklie and Hoover for Spoklie's Canyon Gravel and Medrano and Medrano, for Heaven's Peak Restaurant.
Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., Oct. 26, Columbia Falls Aluminum Company.
Salvation Army Harvest Fest Carnival 6-8 p.m. Oct. 26, Salvation Army, 110 Bountiful Dr., Kalispell. Hot dogs, chips, and soft drink, $1.50. Proceeds go to youth programs. Games, door prizes, cake walk, duck pond, football throw and much more. All are welcome.
School District 5 and Flathead High School district Transportation Committee meets at 7 a.m. Oct. 27, Hedges School.
Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Oct. 27, Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Management board of the Flathead Special Education Cooperative meets at 1 p.m., followed by the Executive Council at 2 p.m., Oct. 27 in the Evergreen School District administration board room. Open to public.
Kalispell Montessori Annual Harvest Festival 5-7 p.m. Oct. 27, 5 Park Hill Road. Games, crafts, two haunted houses, Indian and Mexican cuisine, live Celtic music by Tra Le Gael. Costumes encouraged Proceeds go toward school scholarships. Call 755-3824.
Red Cross Infant and Child CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.
One Book Montana discussion group for Diane Smith's "Letters from Yellowstone" meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 27, Kalispell public library. Call Public Services Librarian Katie Boyes at 758-5713.
Whitefish United Methodist Children's Center hosts a Family Science Night 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Whitefish United Methodist Church, 1150 Wisconsin Ave. Activities include a sand pendulum, test tube experiments and more. Free and public invited.
Trinity Lutheran Church Thimble Club bazaar 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29. Handmade gifts. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28.
Immanuel Lutheran Home ninth annual Boo Bash and Trick or Treat Trail, 3-5 p.m., 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell. Children 0-12 invited to stroll halls for candy, prizes and goodies from residents and staff. Free.
Halloween Hunt for kids 3-9 years old 11 a.m. Oct. 29, Woodland Park, Kalispell, sponsored by Kalispell Parks and Recreation. Hunt for candy and pumpkins. Prizes in three age categories. Call 758-7717.
Sons of Norway annual Lutefisk Dinner 4-7 p.m. Oct. 29, Cost is $14 for adults; $6 for children, 4-12 years old. Call Alice Brosten at 837-3494 for reserved tickets or group seating. Tickets also available at the door.
Rollins Volunteer Fire Department "Meatloaf Mania" and "Haunted Wagon Ride into the Depths of Horror," 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the fire hall. Awards for costumes and best meat loaf. Karaoke. Free admission. Desserts to share are welcome.
Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Oct. 31, at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.
Glacier Bank hosts a Halloween Spooktacular 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 31, at the Main Street office, Kalispell. Toys for all who dare enter.
American Heart Association Heartsaver Program CPR certification, 1-4 p.m. Nov. 2, North Valley Hospital West Wing. Cost is $35. Call 863-3513.
"Court TV" and Bresnan Communications offer free digital fingerprinting for kids 3-7 pm. Nov. 4, Kalispell Center Mall. Each child will receive an 8 x 10 printout with photo, fingerprints and personal identification information.
Friends of the Flathead County Library annual book sale, 10 a.m. to 7 pm. Nov. 4; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 5; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 6, Kalispell Center Mall. Donations welcome. Call Lisa Simmer at 257-3888 or Erica Wirtala at 257-3988.
Tole Booth third annual Christmas Bazaar 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 4-5, 515 First Ave. W., Kalispell (behind Flathead Travel.) Hand made and hand painted decorative gifts, shabby chic furniture and more. Coffee and cookies.
Free Lotus Flower Origami Workshop 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 5, FVCC Business and Social Science building. Learn the art of folded paper to make a lotus blossom. Call Laurie Hammill at 755-4907. Public welcome. Sponsored by practitioners of Falun Dafa.
Free Falun Dafa Qiqong Workshop 7-8:30 p.m. Nov. 9, community room, Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Self-cultivation practice involving four standing exercises and one sitting meditation. Public welcome.
Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline, Kalispell, annual holiday bazaar 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 until noon. Proceeds go to resident services and Alzheimer's care program. Call 752-9622.
Dr. Matt Bailey of Peak Orthopedics and Sports Medicine gives a free presentation on the "Total Knee," 7 p.m. Nov. 10, North Valley Hospital Lake Room.
Lutefisk dinner 4-7 p.m. Nov. 11, North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Menu includes lutefisk, lefse, meatballs, potatoes, string beans, coleslaw and Norwegian cookies. Call Gladys Shay at 892-5070.
St. Richard's Church Bazaar 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12, 1210 Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls. Raffles, baked goods, crafts, children's Christmas tree, and a hand embroidered and quilted quilt to be silently auctioned. Homemade pie, coffee and lunch available.
Annual Rails to Trails Harvest Dance and Pie Auction fund-raiser, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 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.
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.
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.
Libby Christmas Parade of Lights 6:30 p.m. Nov. 25.
Sixth annual Christmas is in the Air Whitefish variety show and benefit for Shepherd's Hand Clinic, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Christ Lutheran Church, 233 Kalispell Ave., Whitefish. Call 862-2615.