Today

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding and stop sign violations on U.S. 93 between 11th and 18th Streets.

3 School District 5 and Flathead High School district board Facilities and Transportation Committee meets at 7 a.m., Kalispell Junior High School library.

3 Muldown Elementary School kindergarten registration 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Immunization records and birth certificate required.

3 Bigfork Elementary School kindergarten roundup 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Fifth birthday by Sept. 10, Bring immunizations and birth certificate. Call 837-7412, ext. 321 for an appointment.

3 Fair-Mont-Egan School kindergarten roundup 8:30 -11:30 a.m. Call 755-7072.

3 Mosquito Control District board meets 10 a.m. to noon, Earl Bennett Building, second floor conference room, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

3 Glacier Country Pachyderm meets noon to 1 p.m. at the Bulldog, Kalispell. Guest speakers include candidates for sheriff, Mike Meehan, Bruce Parish and John G. Weaver. Lunch is $9. Open to public.

3 Spinal Cord Injury Support Group meets 2-4 p.m., The Summit. Sponsored by Summit Independent Living Center.

3 Big Wheels Basket "Ball" 8-11 p.m., Kalispell Elks Club. Raffle for week in Cabo San Lucas. Big Daddy & the Blue Notes perform. Admission by donation. Public welcome. Proceeds to Special Friends Advocacy. Call 756-5488.

3 Lunafest Film Festival 8 p.m. today and April 22 and 23, Stumptown Art Studio, Whitefish. $16 general admission; $10 student. Proceeds benefit PEACE Project (youth volunteers of the Violence Free Crisis Line) and the Breast Cancer Fund.

Saturday

3 Columbia Falls Lions Club annual pancake breakfast 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Tickets from Lions members and at door. Adults, $3.50; youth 12 and under, $3; family plan $12.

3 Columbia Falls Teakettle Quilt Guild Show 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., 205 Nucleus Ave. Sale, demonstrations, boutique, raffle. Free admission.

3 Big Wheels Wheelchair Basketball Tournament 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Edgerton School. A benefit for Special Friends Advocacy and those with disabilities. Public invited. Call 756-5488.

3 West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Auxiliary annual rummage sale fundraiser 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and April 29, 2399 Whitefish Stage Road (West Valley Fire Station). Donations accepted. Call Lena at 755-5578 or Mary at 755-3643.

3 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary-Kalispell Flotilla boating safety course for teens and adults 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Free. Text is available and recommended for purchase. Call Maryann at 883-1718 or Katy at 756-6139.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Glacier Room, North Valley Hospital. Cost $10. Call 863-3630 to pre-register.

3 Earth Day Celebration, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Depot Park, Kalispell. Poster and recyclable sculpture contest, Call Bob Morrow at 257-2574 or Meg Lindberg at 751-5052.

3 Valley Recycling and Kalispell Downtown Merchants Association celebrate Earth Day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Depot Park, Kalispell. Recycled sculpture displays, activities and events for everyone. Call Bob Morrow at 257-4302 or Meg Lindberg at 751-5052.

3 Annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner tonight, Sons of Norway Hall, Kalispell. Reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Local and state Democratic candidates will present their platforms. Silent auction and raffle. Event in honor of Frank Morrison and Al Rierson. Cost is $30. For reservations call Nancy Fenner at 752-0298 by April 15.

3 Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Valley annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show, Expo Building, Flathead County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23. Over 40 local artists sell jewelry, needlework, leatherwork, metal art and much more. Daily door prizes.

3 Mountain Brook Community Library Pie Social, 5-9 p.m., 2353 Foothill Road. Buy by the slice or by the pie. Proceeds to library maintentance.

3 Montana HOME sponsors a workshop on "Protecting Families from the Negative Impact of Inappropriate Media," 7 p.m., WestCoast Outlaw Hotel. DVD presentation included by nationally acclaimed speaker Mark Kastleman. Public invited.

3 Friends of Bob Monsour fundraiser 8:30 p.m., Dire Wolf Pub, Whitefish, to pay medical and living expenses during his recovery from injuries sustained by an avalanche while skiing. Music by the Fabulous Belton Blues Band. Raffles and auction. Call Jeanie Schultz at 862-6038.

Sunday

3 Flathead Audubon morning birding field trip to Smith Lake Waterfowl Production area. Meet 8 a.m. at Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 490 Meridian Road. Bring binoculars, lunch. Contact Bob Lopp at 257-6886. All welcome.

Thought

"Why is it that we rejoice at a birth and grieve at a funeral? It is because we are not the person involved."

. Mark Twain (1835-1910).

3 Ken Dutter seventh annual Flathead Valley Gospel Music Festival featuring 12 singing groups, 6:30 p.m., Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge. Free admission; a free will offering will be made.

3 Flathead Chapter of LCTH sponsors archeologist Jim Keyser on the topic, "Written on Stone: Rock Art of the Lewis and Clark Trail, 7:30 p.m., Bigfork community Methodist Church. Call 756-8992.

Monday

3 Deer Park School kindergarten roundup 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 892-5388.

3 Computer class highlighting easy e-mail, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Free, but registration required. Call Brett Fisher, 758-5814.

3 Kila School kindergarten roundup 9-11:30 a.m. Call 257-2428.

3 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet at 9:15-11 a.m. at Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage, Kalispell. Topic will be a forum on schools in the area. Child care is provided. Free continental breakfast. Call 756-9768.

3 Flathead County Democratic Women meet for a noon luncheon, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Presentations by Democratic candidates Dale McGarvey, State House District 7; and Max Battle, State Senate District 4. Cost for lunch $8. Reservations not required.

3 Marion School kindergarten roundup 12:30 -3 p.m. Call 854-2333.

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

3 Kila School board negotiation meeting 4 p.m.

3 Flathead High School Booster Club annual general membership meeting 5:30 p.m., FHS large lecture room. Topics include the feasibility of having one or two booster clubs, future goals and election of new directors.

3 Flathead Paddlers spring potluck 6:30 p.m., Sons of Norway Hall, Kalispell. Meat provided; bring side dishes. Topics include trip planning, paddlefest, and public service. Public welcome. $10 to join.

3 The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m. at 30 Lower Valley Road in Kalispell. Call 752-4220.

Tuesday

3 West Valley School kindergarten roundup 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Call 755-7239.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Kalispell Regional Medical Center conference center.

3 Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Wellness Ministry's Healthy Potluck Supper, 6-7:30 p.m., 103 Ponderosa Lane, Kalispell. Families welcome. Bring a healthy dish to share. Call Jeanette Cheney at 862-6209.

3 Swan River School kindergarten roundup 7 p.m. Call 837-4528.

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

Public meeting and forum on current issues and laws on immigration 7-9 p.m., Salish and Kootenai College in Pablo, in the Pete Beaverhead (Math and Science) building Room No. 116. Question and answer session will follow.

Wednesday

3 Bissell School kindergarten roundup 8:30-11:30 a.m.. Call 862-2828.

3 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.

3 Helena Flats School kindergarten roundup 12:45-4 p.m. Call 257-2301.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 5 p.m., U.S. Post Office, Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Flathead County Library board meets 3 p.m. Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Call Kim Crowley, 758-5826.

3 Flathead Audubon Beauty of Birds meets 6-8 pm., Flathead High School. $10 registration. Contact Ansley Ford at 857-6788. All welcome.

3 Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

Falun Dafa Quigong class 7 p.m., community room, Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Meditation practice and gentle exercises for mind and body. Free. All welcome. Call Laurie Hammill, 755-4907; or Katherine Combes, 257-9798.

3 Northridge Lutheran Church spring talent show 7 p.m., in the Celebration Hall. Free admission; refreshments sold. Proceeds support senior high school youth summer mission trips.

Thursday

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the bloodmobile, FVCC.

3 Flathead National Alliance for Mental Illness meets 12:30-2 p.m., The Summit conference room. Mike Cummings, executive director of Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic will speak about co-occuring disorder of mental illness and alcohol or substance abuse. Public welcome.

3 Evergreen Elementary School kindergarten roundup 1-5 p.m. Call 751-1113, ext. 16.

3 Teen Advisory Group meets 4 p.m., Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5713.

3 Meet candidate for Flathead County sheriff, Mike Meehan, 6:30 to 7 p.m., West Glacier School.

3 Kila School building reserve levy community meeting 6:30 p.m., library.

3 Human Rights Film series presents, "Going to School" 7 p.m., Kalispell branch of Flathead County Library. Free and public welcome. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5813.

3 FVCC Honors Symposium free lecture series featuring Peter H. Irons of the Department of Political Science, University of California, on the topic, "God on Trial: America's Religious Wars" 7 p.m., WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Call FVCC at 756-3822.

3 Flathead Civil War Roundtable meets 7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Topic is "The Brown Water Navy." Call Ron Juno at 862-2239.

Friday

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eureka Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Arbor Day celebration, tree planting and award ceremony, 11 a.m. to noon, Mountain Trails Park, Whitefish. Public invited.

3 International Gift Festival, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 29, Mountain View Mennonite Church, 795 Mennonite Church Road, Creston. Fair trade hand crafted gifts and food by Third World artists. Village Cafe open.

3 Arbor Day tree planting 12:30 p.m., Greenbriar Park, sponsored by Kalispell Parks and Recreation, Montana Conservation Corps and Montana Academy volunteers. Public invited. Call Lisa at 758-7715.

3 Russell School Arbor Day events begin at 12:40 p.m. with a presentation and video of "It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown at Russell School, Kalispell. Flag raising at 2 p.m.; tree planting at 2:30 p.m. Parents welcome. Call Bette Albright at 752-4836.

3 Take Back the Night march beginning at 5:30 p.m., south parking lot of the Justice Center, South Main, Kalispell. Speakout follows at KM Theater with refreshments. Free. Event in coordination with Violence Free Crisis Line.

3 Boomers Singles Activities Group planning meeting, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel, Ballroom B. Social hour, 6 p.m.; dinner buffet 7 p.m.; meeting 8 p.m. RSVP by noon Wednesday by calling Duane at 257-4502 or Marilyn at 862-9747. All welcome.

Nurturing Center sponsors a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group 6:30-8 p.m., Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Dr., Kalispell. Free child care. Call Melody at 756-1414.

A Look Ahead

3 West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Auxiliary annual rummage sale fundraiser 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 29, 2399 Whitefish Stage Road (West Valley Fire Station). Donations accepted. Call Lena at 755-5578 or Mary at 755-3643.

3 Sixth annual Swap-O-Rama 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29, Lakeside School. New and used treasures of all kinds. Sponsored by Somers/Lakeside PTA. Call 844-2511.

3 Flathead Shrine Club and Flathead Valley Orthopedic Clinic offer a free screening clinic for children with orthopedic problems or problems from burns, 8 a.m. April 29, Call 752-7900 ext. 220 to schedule an evaluation.

3 Scrapbooking Memoranza workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 29, Eagles Nest, FVCC. Includes lunch, idea folder and more. Call 755-4922 to register.

3 ETHIC, Encouraging The Homeownership Ideals for Communities, a nonprofit, offers a free Homebuyers Certified Education course 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 29, Polson Library. All welcome. Call Michele Ramage, 751-5205.

3 Shining Mountains Doll Club vintage dolls and doll accessories for sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 29, La Salle Street Vendors Market, Apple Barrel Complex, 3250 U.S. 2 E, Kalispell. Free doll appraisals, refreshments.

3 First Lady of Whitefish 2006 luncheon honoring Shirlee Yeats, noon, April 29, Whitefish Lake Restaurant. Tickets $15 advance, no later than noon April 28. Call Sheila Picard, 862-4527.

3 ALERT Benefit Banquet, 6 p.m. April 29, Majestic Valley Arena, Kalispell. Reception, dinner and entertainment. $300 per couple. Call Lori Alsbury at 752-1710.

3 Neighbors in Need Spring Brunch fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 30, Museum at Central School, Kalispell. Tickets $10 each and $5 children 5 and younger, includes admission to museum, at Books West, Christian Book Supply and at the door. Vista Linda catering. Call 752-7266.

3 Taste of Bigfork 2006 from 2 to 6 p.m. April 30. Wine, music and wonderful food from more than 20 dining establishments in Bigfork. Large raffle at 5:30 p.m., Garden Bar and Grill. Event tickets are $40 each at Electric Avenue Books, the Stone Chair in Kalispell and Montana Coffee Traders in Whitefish. Call 837-5888.

3 Northwest Montana Historical Society John White series lecture, "Scaling the Heights: Climbs Around the World" with Gray Thompson, professor of geology, University of Montana, 2:30 p.m., April 30, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Tickets $7.50, members; $10 nonmembers at the door. Call 756-8381.

3 Informational meeting about being a Cougar Cheerleader, 6 p.m. May 1, Kalispell Elks Lodge. Contact BriAnn or Christina at 755-3867. Public invited.

3 The Glacier Stamp Club meets May 1 in the basement meeting room of the Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Stamp trading and talk begins at 7 p.m.; planning session for summer meetings at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments served. Visitors are welcome.

3 Kila School election noon to 8 p.m. May 2.

3 Project Whitefish 17th annual wine and food fest and auction, 6-9 p.m. May 2, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Tickets are $40 per person available at O'Shaughnessy Center, Imagination Station, Village Shop and The Towne Printer. Proceeds to Whitefish Theatre Co. and Project Whitefish Kids. Call 862-5371.

3 Kila School special meeting to canvass election, 7:15 a.m., May 3.

3 MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 3, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. The Potter's Field Ministry will discuss "The Value of a Mother." Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).

3 Trego School kindergarten roundup 9-11:30 a.m., May 4. Call 882-4713.

3 Fortine School kindergarten roundup 12:30-2 p.m., May 4. Call 882-4531.

3 Dirty Hands Garden Club Farmers' Market 4-6:30 p.m. May 4, Pin & Cue parking lot, Whitefish. Bedding plants, baked goods, vegetable and crafts.

3 Kila School budget meeting 5:30 p.m. May 4.

3 Gerry Banzet, Flathead County Commissioner candidate, invites the public to meet him to discuss issues, 6:30-8 p.m. May 4, North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Coffee and snacks.

3 FVCC Honors Symposium free lecture series featuring Christopher Muste, of the Department of Political Science, University of Montana, on the topic, "Public Opinion on Issues of Church/State" 7 p.m. May 4, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel ballroom. Call FVCC at 756-3822.

3 Walking in Beauty Foundation jazz concert 7:30 p.m. May 5-6, Columbia Falls High School auditorium, featuring Ernie Watts, Abraham Laborie, Lew Soloff, Ron Feuer, Harry Blazer and John Zoltek. Tickets $10, $5 for full-time students. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Open seating. Reserve online at www.walkinginbeauty.org; or call Olga at 257-1187.

3 Grammy nominated family entertainer Bill Harley performs 2 p.m. May 6, Christian Center, Kalispell. Advance tickets $12.50 adults, $8.50 children 12 and under and seniors over 65; available at DDC, Imagination Stations, Kalispell and Whitefish; Book West, Mother's Bless, Kalispell; Electric Avenue Books, Bigfork. Tickets at the door, $15, adults; $10 children 12 and under and seniors. Fundraiser for Discovery Developmental Center. Call 756-7295.

3 Valley Voices Community Choir spring concert, "Because We Sing," 7 p.m. May 6, Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell. Free admission. A free will offering will be taken. Reception follows concert. Everyone welcome.

3 Bibler Garden Tours beginning at 9 a.m. May 6-7 and May 13-14, sponsored by the FVCC Foundation. Tickets $10 for adults, $3 for children. Call 756-3963.

3 Flathead County Tavern Association 12 annual Tavern Calcutta Association fundraiser May 6, WestCoast Outlaw Hotel. Cocktails 6 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. Live and silent auctions, door prizes. Live entertainment. $150 per couple, or "no" dinner tickets for $100. Call 752-7070.

3 Smith Valley School kindergarten roundup 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., May 9. Call 756-4535.

3 Swan River School board meets at 5:30 p.m. May 9 in the school library.

3 Kila School board meets 10 a.m. May 10.

3 Flathead Mental Health Local Advisory Council meets from 12:30-2 p.m. May 10, Pathways Treatment Center conference room. Guest speaker is Municipal Judge Heidi Ulbricht. Public welcome.

3 Human Rights Film series presents, "Well-Founded Fear," 7 p.m. May 11, Flathead County Library. Free and public welcome. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5813.

3 KOA free camping day, May 12. For reservations call 883-2151 for Polson/Flathead Lake; 862-4242 for Whitefish/Kalispell; and 387-5341 for West Glacier.

Bigfork Art & Cultural Center's annual benefit auction, "Boots, Brims & Biddin' III," 5:30 p.m. May 12, Flathead Lake Lodge. Western-themed dinner featuring Jordan's BBQ. Split the Pot. Ticket $22 for Art Center Gift Shop members; $25 non-members, available at the Art Center, Jug Tree, and Frame of Reference. Call Marnie at 837-6927. Proceeds support the art center.

3 Swan River School annual Spring fling Festival 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 13, at the school in Bigfork. Arts and crafts, rummage, bake sale, food, car wash, recycling.

3 Bibler Garden Tours beginning at 9 a.m. May 13-14, sponsored by the FVCC Foundation. Tickets $10 for adults, $3 for children. Call 756-3963.

3 MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 17 for a potluck brunch luncheon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).

3 Scrapbooking Memoranza workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 20, Eagles Nest, FVCC. Includes lunch, idea folder and more. Call 755-4922 to register.

3 Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, 195 Cloverdell Road, Bigfork, has a Rags to Riches Rummage Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 2; 9 a.m. to noon June 3. Proceeds benefit local charities. Call Mary Clough at 837-0057.

3 Scrapbooking Memoranza workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 17, Eagles Nest, FVCC. Includes lunch, idea folder and more. Call 755-4922 to register.

3 Fiberfest Eureka 2006, July 22-23, Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Fiber contests, workshops, demonstrations, auction. Call Lee at 406-882-4939.

3 Scrapbooking Memoranza workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 15, Eagles Nest, FVCC. Includes lunch, idea folder and more. Call 755-4922 to register.

3 Heritage Days parade, 11:30 a.m. July 29, Columbia Falls.

3 Valley Cruisers annual Car Show Aug. 11-13, Polson.

3 Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, 195 Cloverdell Road, Bigfork, Oktoberfest noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 1. German food, beer and wine. Music by Don Lawrence Band. Tickets available at the door. Proceeds benefit local charities. Call Dan or Donna Danz at 892-2435.