Today

Montana Coffee Traders will donate all proceeds from brewed coffee sales today to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Locations include Kalispell Cafe, Columbia Falls Pines Cafe, downtown Whitefish store, and the Highway roastery. Call 862-7633.

Beginning today Stillwater Unit Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will be replacing several large culverts on Upper Whitefish Road. Traffic will be detoured for approximately two weeks. The detour will be rough and not be maintained for passenger vehicles. Call 406-881-2371.

Marion School board meets at 8 a.m. for a budget amendment proclamation.

Children's Story Hour at 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, noon to 5 p.m., at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell. Sponsored by State Farms Neighbors Give Life.

Red Cross Infant and Child CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Call 752-643 to pre-register.

Thursday

Wyoming Street will be closed for utility work today through Friday. Traffic will not be allowed to turn from Meridian Road onto Wyoming at the north side of the fairgrounds. Local residents only will have access to Wyoming Street between that intersection and the north fairgrounds entrance.

ProClean Car Wash, 515 E. Idaho, Kalispell, fund-raiser for Hurricane Katrina victims, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $2 of each car wash will be donated to the Red Cross.

The Flathead Valley Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management meets at noon, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Wanda Williams, Work Force Development Director for the Montana State SHRM Council will speak. Cost is $10 per person. Call Cindy Carpenter at Glacier Bank, 756-4233.

Long Range Planning Task Force meets 4-6 p.m., Earl Bennett Building, First Avenue West, Kalispell. Public invited to comment at end of meeting.

Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Whitefish Stage, Kalispell.

18th annual Taste of Whitefish 6-9 p.m., O'Shaughnessy Center and Credit Union Park, rain or shine. Sample the best in food, beer and wine that Whitefish has to offer. Tickets are $30 per person in advance, $45 at the door. Call the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce at 862-3501.

Flathead Citizens for Quality Growth meets at 7 p.m. at West Valley School to discuss gravel pit issues.

Citizens' Clean Air Group in conjunction with the Flathead City/County Health Department present a Flathead Valley clean air symposium 7-9 p.m. at the Flathead High School study hall. Speakers will address high tech wood burning, the past, present and future of air quality in the valley, health affects of pollution, and the roles of government and citizens in air quality. Time will be allowed for questions and comment. Free and refreshments served. John Crouch, a nationally recognized expert on clean wood burning, will be guest speaker. Call 257-6878.

Friday

Museum at Central School Bell Gift Shop reduction yard sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sept. 10, rain or shine, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 756-8381.

7th annual Bead Stampede noon to 5 p.m. today, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 10-11, Flathead County Fairgrounds, Grandstand Building. Beads and beadwork of all types and materials. Free. Call 208-676-9957.

Central School Alumni Club Picnic 2-4 p.m., on the lawn at the Museum at Central School. All alumni invited. Bring pictures and memorabilia. RSVP to 756-8381.

Burger night at the Eagles, 5-7 p.m. 37 First St. W., Kalispell, downstairs. Deluxe burger, homebaked beans, salad bar and tea or coffe, $6. Public welcome. Proceeds go to Eagles charities.

Glacier Institute hosts a benefit dessert reception for the premiere screening of "March of the Penguins," 6 p.m., O'Shaughnessy Center, Whitefish. Tickets for reception $17 adults, $10 children. Film showing at 8 p.m. Call 755-1211 or log on to www.glacierinstitute.org.

Montana Veterans Home, Columbia Falls, community dinner pig roast 6 p.m. Everyone welcome. RSVP to 892-3256.

Greater Woods Bay Sewer Committee and Woods Bay and Sheaver's Creek Water and Sewer Districts public meeting 7 p.m., in the basement of Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, Bigfork. Discussion on proposed wastewater project with engineering firm Morrison-Maierle Inc. Opportunity for public questions. Log on to www.yennepoint.org.

Saturday

Libby Nordicfest continues today and Sunday. Parade 10 a.m. International Fjord Horse Show 1 p.m. Call 1-800-221-0166.

Thought

"People do not live in the present always, at one with it. They live at all kinds of and manners of distance from it, as difficult to measure as the course of planets. Fears and traumas make their journeys slanted, peripheral, uneven, evasive."

-Anais Nin, American writer (1903-1977).

Drive for Doves Golf Benefit, Silver Fox Golf Course, Pablo. Nine-hole scramble. Register by Sept. 8. Check-in 9 a.m. Shotgun start 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit Doves, a short-term crisis intervention for victims of violent crime. Call Laura at 883-3350.

Dayton Day Parade and benefit for Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department. Parade at p.m. Barbecue at 4:30 pm. Church bazaar, sailboat rides, wine tasting. Music by Roy Wilhelm Band at 6:30 p.m.

Rev. Master Koshin Schomberg, abbot of North Cascades Buddhist Priory offers a free introduction to meditation workshop 9 a.m. to noon, 1658 Second St. E., Whitefish. Call Scott or Barbara Brant at 862-5356.

Antique Tractor Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Columbia Falls. Parade of Power, miniature steam train rides. Threshing and plowing, tractor contests. Entertainment. Thresher's lunch. Admission $5. Call Mark at 862-6275, Nick at 253-221 or Bob at 752-2469.

Hurricane Katrina Fund-raiser, 3-6 p.m. at Movie Gallery, 25 Heritage Way, Kalispell. Donations of nonperishable food, clothing, diapers welcome. Cash donations accepted for Red Cross. Food and fun for the whole family. Sponsored by Movie Gallery, Montana All Star Cheerleading and Flathead High School cheerleaders.

Friendship House 16th annual Pig Roast, 5-7 p.m., in the basement of the Eagles, 37 First St. W., Kalispell. Roast pig, baked potatoes baked beans, coleslaw, fruit salad, rolls and ice cream. Cost is $10 adults, $5 children under 12. Live music. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit assisted living facility. Call 257-8375.

Sunday

Sally Delby and her Celtic Cross School of Dance present an Irish dance program at 11 a.m. at First Baptist church, 301 W. Wyoming, Kalispell. Lunch will be served afterward. Free and the public is invited. Call 755-7343.

Celebrate the U.S. Forest Service Centennial at a free concert by the nationally known Fiddlin' Foresters, p.m., Glacier Bible Camp, Hungry Horse. Live music, visuals and humor. All are welcome. Call 758-5208.

Monday

North Valley Senior Center hosts a Red Hat program 1 p.m. All members and other seniors invited. Refreshments served.

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

Rails to Trails meets at 5 p.m. in the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks conference room, 490 Meridian Road. Call Horace at 257-1932.

Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group meets 6-8 p.m., The Summit conference room, Kalispell. Survivors, family, friends are welcome. A registered dietitian will talk about healthy eating habits and lifestyle, and share recipes. RSVP to Kathy at 756-472 or Sue at 756-4725. Call Dawn for special transportation needs.

First meeting of new mother's group, 7-9 p.m., Bohemian Grange Hall behind Coffee Traders on U.S. 9 South, Whitefish. Women with or without their children are welcome. Issues addressed concern women of all ages. Snacks available. Free. Hosted by Belly River Birth Service. Call Katie Gaines Madison at 892-2784.

Tuesday

School District 5 and Flathead High School district board Personnel Committee meets at 7 a.m. at the district office.

Swan Ecosystem Center sponsors a hike to Smith Creek pass. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Center. Pre-registration required. Call Diann at 406-754-3137.

Bigfork Edward Jones representative Beth Morgenstern offers a free video program, "Real Estate … Real Investment?," 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at a variety of Flathead Valley locations. To reserve a seat call one of the representatives nearest you.

Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Sponsored by Glacier Country Tourism Commission.

School District 5 and Flathead High School district board regular meeting, 6 p.m., Kalispell Junior High School library.

Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Call 752-643 to pre-register.

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

A Look Ahead

Montana Coffee Traders will donate all proceeds from brewed coffee sales Sept. 14 to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Locations include Kalispell Cafe, Columbia Falls Pines Cafe, downtown Whitefish store, and the Highway roastery. Call 862-7633.

Bigfork Parent Share meets 9:30 a.m. Sept. 14, at the Community United Methodist Church, Bigfork. Guest speaker Wendy Olson will talk about car seat safety. Call Denise at 892-3257; or Dana at 837-4408.

Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 14, Century Tel, Kalispell.

North Valley Senior Center offers a toenail clinic at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 14 with Kim Spicher.

Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Call 752-643 to pre-register.

Consumer Credit Counseling of Montana Inc., free community budgeting/credit workshop 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 14, 690 Meridian Road, Suite 220, Kalispell. Public is welcome to attend. Call 406-543-1188 to reserve a seat.

Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 in the administration building boardroom.

First planning meeting for the 47th Whitefish Winter Carnival is 7 p.m. Sept. 14, Mountain West Bank, Spokane Avenue. Call Cathy Juno at 862-2239.

Prostate cancer awareness seminar 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 14, The Summit, Kalispell. Dr. John Andenoro, urologist, and Dr. Gordon Stillie, radiation oncologist, will address topics of early detection, prevention and treatment. Co-sponsored by American Cancer Society and KRMC. Free and open to the public. Call Kalispell Cancer Center at 752-5111.

Red Cross blood drive, 12:30 -5:30 p.m., Sept. 15, Whitefish North Valley Hospital, sponsored by the Whitefish Rotary.

Grand opening of the Great Northern Historical Trail 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Dedication at 4:15 p.m. Gather at Smith Valley Grange (four miles west of Kalispell on U.S. 2) to join in a bike/hike celebration. Treats, prizes and music.

West Valley Land Use Committee meets at 7 p.m. at West Valley School library. All area residents are welcome.

North Valley Senior Center rummage sale 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16-17. Donations welcome.

Handcrafted Harvest Market, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 16-17, Bigfork Art and Cultural Center. Artists and craftsmen display their wares.

Parade of Homes, Open house to showcase Flathead Valley, Sept. 16-18. Cost $6. Call 756-2509.

Annual Native Games competition Sept. 16-18 in Elmo. Open to all youth and adults. Double ball, shinny, canoe races, archery competitions. Stick games and horse events. For information or to donate or sponsor an event, call Don Sam at 406-544-6715 or Orsino Walker at 406-849-5967.

Swan Ecosystem Center fall bus tour 9:30 a.m. to p.m. Sept. 17. Meet at the Center. Pack a lunch. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Call Diann at 406-754-3137.

9K for K9 Doggie Convention from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17 at Lawrence Park in Kalispell. Optional 9K walk, dog Frisbee contest, food, educational booths, animal rescue groups, obedience demonstrations and more. Dog awards. Call Sandie at 862-0411. Benefit for Humane Society of Northwest Montana.

Scandanavian Gift and Craft Sale, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17, Sons of Norway Lodge, 347 First Ave. E., Kalispell.

Bigfork Pines and Iron Cup 2 p.m. Sept. 17, at Lake Nine Golf Course, Eagle Bend. Fund-raiser for Bigfork Boosters. Entry fee $50 includes golf, cart, T-shirt, prizes and more. To register, call Eagle Bend Pro Shop at 837-7310 by Sept. 15.

Flathead Valley Young Life hosts a banquet for middle and high school students at 4 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Christian Center Banquet Hall, Kalispell.

Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Call 752-643 to pre-register.

Buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., Kalispell Center WestCoast Hotel. Cost is $10. Lakeshore Country Journal humor columnist Cynthia Yates talks about "For Heaven's Sake, Lighten Up." Complimentary child care by reservation. Reservations encouraged. RSVP to Rosainne at 257-8098 or Julie at 837-2520. Sponsored by the Kalispell Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.

Big Sky Bonsai Society meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Flathead County Library, 247 First Ave. E., Kalispell. David Stordal will discuss finding and selecting bonsai material. Free and the public is invited. Contact Jerry Mieslik at 862-0387.

Red Cross Infant and Child CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21. Call 752-643 to pre-register.

Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to p.m., Sept. 22, Meadow Lake Resort, Columbia Falls.

Lone Pine State Park and the Montana Conservation Corps host National Public Lands Day, beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 24, Lone Pine Park. Volunteers needed. Bring water bottle, and work shoes and gloves. Call MCC at 755-3619.

Lincoln-Reagan Dinner, 6 p.m. Sept. 24, Ronan Community Center. Guest speaker is Senator Conrad Burns. Military presentation. Door prizes, silent auctions, catered dinner. Tickets available at Gull Printing or call 887-2303.

Safety School Expo and Kick-a-Thon, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 24, Mountain Mall, Whitefish. Free. Donations benefit St. Jude's Hospital. Sponsored by American Karate Academy Inc. Call 862-7722.

Hurricane Katrina Relief Benefit with Andre Floyd and Mood Iquana, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Knead Cafe, Kalispell. Five course Cajun dinner and live musical entertainment. All proceeds go to Louisiana and Mississippi Red Cross. Admission is $50 per person. For reservations call 755-7510.

Coram/West Glacier Firemen's Benefit, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Dew Drop Inn, Coram. Entertainment by the Don Lawrence Orchestra.

Whitefish Community Center, 121 E. Second St., hosts Oktoberfest 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sept. 25 at the center. Authentic German food and Wheatfish beer, and wine. Music by the Bavarian Echoes. Tickets are $15 per person or $28 per couple, and are available at the center or at the door. Call 862-4923.

Taste of Home Cooking School, Sept. 26, Flathead County Fairgrounds. Call 758-5810.

Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Sept. 26, at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Sept. 27, Good Shepard Church, Polson, sponsored by Polson Soroptimists.

Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 27. Call 752-643 to pre-register.

Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Sept. 28, Lowe's, Kalispell.

Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Call 752-643 to pre-register.

Red Cross blood drive, 11 am. to 4 p.m., Sept. 29, Tele Tech, Gateway West Mall, Kalispell.

Free prostate cancer screening 9 a.m. to p.m. Sept. 30, The Summit, Kalispell. To register and for information call 751-4000.

Free prostate cancer screening 9 a.m. to p.m. Oct.1, The Summit, Kalispell. To register and for information call 751-4000.

Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Garage Sale Fund-raiser, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 1-2, Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo and Grandstand buildings. Clean, reasonable priced donations accepted Sept. 28-30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 212-2024 or 862-4039.

Speed the Light live and silent auction fundraiser Oct. 2, Central School Gymnasium, Whitefish. Free admission. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Auction begins at 6 p.m.

Sanders County Coalition for Families annual Fall Harvest Gala presents "I Am Domestic Violence," with Broadway actress Wambui Bahati, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 15, Thompson Falls Junior High School. Tickets $25 for adults, $12.50 for children 12 and under; or call 406+827-3218. Event is a fundraiser.