Today

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding and stop sign violations on West Idaho from Main Street to Fifth Avenue.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8 a.m. to noon today and Wednesday, Ronan Indian Senior Center. $10 course fee. Call 866-338-7257 to register and inquire about scholarships.

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

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 Trail Runs Through It planning committee meets 6-9 p.m., Mountain West Bank, 601 Spokane Ave., Whitefish. Public invited. Call Lisa Jones, 862-7977.

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.

3 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 follows.

Wednesday

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding and stop sign violations at the pedestrian crossing on First Avenue East.

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.

3 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 will benefit senior high school youth summer mission trips.

Thursday

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding and stop sign violations, Three Mile Drive.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8 a.m. to noon today and Friday, Polson Indian Senior Center. $10 course fee. Call 866-338-7257 to register and inquire about scholarships.

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 Kalispell Senior Citizens business meeting and potluck supper, 5 p.m. Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W. All area seniors welcome.

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, 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.

Thought

"A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices." n William James, American philosopher and psychologist (1842-1910).

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 Arbor Day Celebration 3:30 to 6 p.m. Public invited to receive free Ponderosa pine, or red maple tree saplings. Call 751-5052.

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.

Saturday

3 West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Auxiliary annual rummage sale fundraiser 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 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., 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., Call 752-7900 ext. 220 to schedule an evaluation.

3 Clean the 'Fork. Meet at 8 a.m. at Bigfork Elementary School for pancake and ham breakfast, then tidy up Bigfork until noon. Call 837-5888.

3 Scrapbooking Memoranza workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 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., 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., 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, Whitefish Lake Restaurant. Tickets $15 advance, no later than noon Friday. Call Sheila Picard, 862-4527.

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

Sunday

3 Neighbors in Need Spring Brunch fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 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. 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., Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Tickets $7.50, members; $10 nonmembers at the door. Call 756-8381.

Monday

3 Rails to Trails meets at 5 p.m. at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks building, 490 N. Meridian Road, All welcome. Call 257-1932.

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

3 The Glacier Stamp Club meets 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 Columbia Falls Class of 2006 graduation planning meeting for graduating seniors and parents 7 p.m., high school staff room. Call Carol Ladenburg, 892-2538.

A Look Ahead

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 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Family History training workshop 7:30 p.m., May 4, Kalispell Stake Center. Topic is "Learn What Resources are Available at Our Family History Center." Public invited.

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 Fifth annual Death by Chocolate Murder Mystery 7-10 p.m. May 6, Conrad Mansion, Kalispell. Tickets $55 each, $100 per couple at Books West, Bookworks or call 755-2166. Fundraiser for Conrad Mansion.

3 Glacier United Soccer Club Coaches Appreciation Day pig roast, barbecue and potluck noon to 6 p.m. May 7, Grouse Mountain fields, Whitefish. All Flathead Valley Youth soccer coaches and their families eat free. All others $5 per person or $20 per family. Donations welcome.

3 Flathead High School Class of '45 meet at 11:30 a.m. May 8, The Bulldog. Class members and guests welcome.

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 Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. May 10 in the administration building boardroom.

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.

3 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 Barn Dance fundraiser 5:30-8 p.m. Lakeside Elementary School gym. Dinner 5:30-6:30 with chili, cornbread, dessert and beverage. $5.50 adults, $2.50 children, 5 and under free. Pie and cake live auction. Bring a pie. Square dancing 7-8 p.m. Call Judy Harris at 2613244 or 857-3531. Proceeds go toward gym equipment.

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 Family Forestry Expo XVII, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13, and 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14 Trumbull Creek Education Forest north of Blue Moon. Demonstrations and exhibits, mill tours, forest walk, free logging camp lunch. Free. Call 758-5252.

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 CollEctronics event 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 26-27, The Wave rear parking lot, 1250 Baker Ave., Whitefish. Recycle old computers, printers, scanners, typewriters, radios, cell phones, TVs, speakers and circuit boards. Trained technicians on hand to remove hazardous materials. Businesses, agencies and schools may pre-register. Fees charged depending on item. Call Susan Seaman at 250-6495 or e-mail susan028@centurytel.net

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.