Today

Seeley Lake Tamarack Festival continues today and Sunday. Call 406-677-3330. Arts and crafts fair, Kids' Towne, quilt show, live music and more all weekend.

Montana Loon Society annual meeting 10 am. to 3 p.m. in Polson. Take Rocky Point Road off U.S. 93 north out of Polson for 6.4 miles. After the third cattle guard, take the third left. Regional reports on Montana's loons, election of officers and more. Bring a potluck dish to share, serviceware and lawn chairs. Call 406-883-5797.

Glacier RCers Model Airplane Fly-in and Swap Meet 10 a.m. RC planes, boats, cars, scale models and other hobbies. Raffle. Admission $2; 16 and under are free. Food and beverages available. The flying field is on Whitefish Stage Road 10 miles north of U.S. 2. Turn right on K-Lazy-D Ranch Road. Call Ray Cunan at 756-3455.

Whitefish Community Center, 121 E. Second St., hosts Oktoberfest 1:30 to 4 p.m. 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.

Monday

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

Democratic Women's Club meet for a luncheon at the WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Guest speakers are Kalispell Mayor Pam Kennedy and Columbia Falls Mayor Susan Nicosia on the topic, "Women in Politics." Call Pauline Sjordal at 257 4452.

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

SomersTownsite Association meets at 7 p.m. at Somers School to discuss drafting a neighborhood plan. All welcome.

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

Columbia Falls School board expulsion hearing at 6 p.m. followed b a work session at 7 p.m., administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W. Columbia Falls.

Tuesday

19th annual Flathead Valley Harvest Food Drive sponsored by the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors. Fill your bags with nonperishable food and place on doorstep for pickup at 6 p.m. Cereal, peanut butter, canned beans, juice and soup are needed. Call Robin (food bank director) at 752-3663, John at 253-5959 (realtor) or Janeen (realtor) at 752-5589.

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

Flathead County Republicans meet at noon at Perkins Restaurant. Call Ron Hoye at 257-1860.

Lakeside-Somers Chamber meets at noon at Vista Linda. Guest speaker is Somers Superintendent Teri Wing and Lakeside Principal John Thies. RSVP by calling 250-5098.

Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary meets at 3 p.m., Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W.

Flathead County Solid Waste District board meets at 5 p.m. at the landfill office.

FVCC Local Topics/Global Issues film series presents the documentary "Invisible Children," on the socio-political situation in Uganda, at 6-8:30 p.m., Blake Hall board room. Discussion will follow. Free and the public is welcome to attend. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.

Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m., Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

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

A self-help group for families and friends of people with eating disorders meets at 7 p.m., The Summit. Call Carrie Thiel at 257-7911.

Wednesday

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

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.

First Presbyterian Church, 301 Central Ave., Whitefish, invite community members to bring a craft project and brown bag lunch 11:30-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Meet new people. No child care provided. Use Third Street entrance across from Buffalo Cafe.

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

Chiropractor Richard Puchta offers a free class, "Life without Limits," 5:15 p.m., Sept. 28, Ashley Square conference room. Call 752-7289 if you plan to attend.

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

Thursday

Denise Smith, field representative for Senator Conrad Burns will offer community outreach hours 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Mission Mountain Market, 405 Main St. in Ronan. Call 257-3360 or 800-344-1513.

Thought

"There seems to be an excess of everything except parking space and religion."

-"Kin Hubbard" (Frank McKinney), American humorist (1868-1930).

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

Kalispell Senior Citizens meeting and potluck 5 p.m. with program by Russ Penne and Jim Buxton at 6:15 p.m., Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W. Call 257-1598.

Flathead Civil War Roundtable meets at 7 p.m.,The Summit conference room. Those with an interest in the Civil War welcome to attend. Call Ron Juno at 862-2239 or Jim Van Denburg at 837-4446.

A Look Ahead

Free prostate cancer screening 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 30, The Summit, Kalispell. To register and for information call 751-4000.

FVCC Global Friends presents the 2005 documentary, "The End of Suburbia," noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 30, Blake Hall board room. Free and the public is welcome to attend. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.

Boomers Singles Activities Group social hour, 6 p.m., followed by dinner buffet at 7 p.m., Sept. 30, Black Angus-Red Lion Inn, U.S. 2 W., Kalispell. RSVP by noon Thursday by calling Duane at 257-4502 or Marilyn at 862-9747. All are welcome.

Free prostate cancer screening 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 30, The Summit, Kalispell. To make an appointment 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.

Circle of Friends of the Community United Methodist Church annual fall bazaar 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 1. Soft sculpture folk art, Christmas ornaments, scripture pottery, homemade jam and fresh garden produce, baked goods. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds to relief for Katrina victims. Call 837-4547.

The Cat Adoption Center at the Flathead Spay & Neuter Clinic, 3491 Trumble Creek Road, Columbia Falls, will had cats and kittens available for adoption 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 1. Adoption fee is $25. Call Valerie at 752-3513.

Stroller Strides Fitness Classes for moms grand opening event, noon Oct. 1, Woodland Park, Kalispell. Demonstrations, refreshments, giveaways for free classes and more. Contact daniellem@strollerstrides.net.

Yellow Bay Community Club 22nd annual rummage/bake sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 1 at the clubhouse, Montana 35 at mile marker 18. Chili lunch available. Call Jackie at 406-982-3437.

Kalispell Conrad Mansion Tour and Tea, Oct. 1. Cost $18 per person. Call 755-2166 to reserve a place.

17th annual Log Jam Oct.1, Majestic Valley Arena, Kalispell. Entertainment by the Bop-A-Dips. Silent and live auctions. Proceeds go to Bill Hardy Memorial Fund Inc. General admission tickets are $20. Big tickets are $100 for eligibility for cash drawings. Call Barb Rile at 253-7729 or 892-1829.

Fund-raiser for Hurricane Katrina and local Moser family, Oct. 1, Paddle and Axe, 10 Central Ave., Whitefish. Tickets available at Tupelo Grille, The Clip Join, Montana Coffee Traders, and Loula's are $20 for the silent auction, wine tasting and Cajun fish fry at 6 p.m. Live auction at 7:30 p.m. Music and dancing to bands Supro and Moving Lucy begins at 9:30 p.m. Cost $7 at the door for music only. Call Melissa at 862-2547.

Pope John Paul II Catholic Church Oktoberfest 1-5 p.m. Oct. 2, 195 Coverdell Road, Bigfork. Live music, polka. Tickets $10 adults, $4 children 4-12; free children under 4. Brats, sauerkraut, potato salad, applesauce and dessert served. Call Mary at 837-0057 for tickets. Proceeds to the needy in the valley and around the world.

Annual Life Chain sponsored by Flathead ProLife, 2-3 p.m. Oct. 2 at intersection of U.S. 2 and U.S. 93, Kalispell. Silent demonstration of pro-life support. Signs provided. Bring a lawn chair if you're unable to stand for an hour. Call Ginny at 752-8424.

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

Free toenail clinic for senior citizens, 3:30 p.m. Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W. Call 257-1598.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month candlelight vigil, 6 p.m. Oct. 3, Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Dr., Kalispell. All who wish to speak out against family violence welcome to attend.

AARP Seniors Driver Safety Program 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 3 and 5. North Valley Senior Center, Columbia Falls. Instructor is Gail Strohschein. Cost is $10. Call 892-4087.

17th annual Bigfork Ducks Unlimited Banquet 5 p.m. Oct. 6 Marina Cay Resort. $50 single, $75 per couple. Call John Robinson at 249-4146 or Mark Manders at 837-3242.

Kila School board policy meeting 5 p.m. Oct. 4, at the school.

AARP Seniors Driver Safety Program 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 4 and 6, The Summit, Kalispell. Instructor Tom Hines. Cost is $10. Call 751-4500.

Kalispell City Council meets at 7 p.m., Oct. 4, Kalispell City Hall.

Columbia City Council meets at 7 p.m., Oct. 4, Columbia Falls City Hall.

Whitefish City Council meets at 7:10 p.m., Oct. 4, Whitefish City Hall.

Kalispell Ski Club will accept consignments 1-8 p.m. Oct. 7 for their annual Ski Swap and Sale Oct. 8-9, Flathead County Fairgrounds. Call 752-SKIS.

Big Sky Astronomy Club meets at 7 p.m., Oct. 7, Kalispell Junior High School library. Visitors are welcome. Park in the school's east lot. Call Bruce at 857-3753 or Scott at 755-3939.

The Cat Adoption Center at the Flathead Spay & Neuter Clinic, 3491 Trumble Creek Road, Columbia Falls, will had cats and kittens available for adoption 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 8. Adoption fee is $25. Call Valerie at 752-3513.

Kalispell Ski Club annual Ski Swap and Sale 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 8; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 9, Flathead County Fairgrounds. Proceeds go to fund the Learn to Ski Program. Call 752-SKIS or visit www.kalispellskiclub.com

Flathead Audubon meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 10, The Summit. Guest speaker Lou Bruno retired East Glacier Park school teacher, will present "A Naturalist's Journey in Mexico." Free and open to the public.

Edward Jones investment representatives host a free one-hour broadcast titled, "A Future Worth Protecting," at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at their offices valley wide. Call the nearest office to reserve a seat.

Kila School board meets at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 11, at the school.

Whitefish School board work session 5 p.m. followed by regular meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 11.

Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12, in the administration building boardroom.

Flathead Citizens for Quality Growth meets at 7 p.m., Oct. 13, West Valley School Library.

Cross Currents Christian School annual pancake breakfast, 8-11 a.m. Oct. 15, Mountain Mall Food Court. Donations go to teachers' professional development fund. Public welcome.

Free prostate cancer screening 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct.15, Flathead Valley Orthopedic in Whitefish. To make an appointment and for information call 751-4000.

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.

Bigfork's fourth annual Harvest Barn Dance with country band Live Wire and local band, LeftOver Biscuits, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15, at River Bend Ranch on Eastman Drive. Tickets are available at the Jug Tree and Bigfork Drug and are $110 per couple or $60 each includes roast pork loin barbecue dinner. Ticket $25 each for dance at 9 p.m. Fund-raiser for Bigfork Rotary Club. Call 837-5888.

Kalispell City Council meets at 7 p.m., Oct. 18, Kalispell City Hall.

Columbia City Council meets at 7 p.m., Oct. 18, Columbia Falls City Hall.

Whitefish City Council meets at 7:10 p.m., Oct. 18, Whitefish City Hall.

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.

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.

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.