Today

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding, and stop sign and equipment violations, in Northridge.

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 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., at the center, 17A First Ave. E. Kalispell.

3 Flathead Outdoor club hikes to Lupine Lake near Marion. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at Bojangles to carpool to trailhead. All interested welcome. Call Mike Spence, 857-2599.

Thursday

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding, and stop sign and equipment violations, on Northern Lights Boulevard.

3 DiaperFreeBaby of Montana free informational meeting 10:30 a.m., 57 Harbin Hill Road, Kalispell. Call Terry at 249-5103. Visit www.diaperfreebabyorg.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m., North Valley Community Room, Columbia Falls.

3 "You Won't Miss It" free financial workshop teaches how to achieve savings goals, 6 p.m. Investment Centers of America, 6 Sunset Plaza, Suite B. Limited seating. RSVP to 752-7232.

3 Civil Air Patrol, Flathead Composite Squadron meets 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, Montana National Guard Armory, 2989 U.S. 93 N, Kalispell, north entrance. Youth ages 12 and up welcome. Aerospace lessons, march/drill exercises, fly-ins and more. Call Lt. Dave Brim, 257-7547; Lt. Kevin Kasperson, 756-5959.

3 Polson Rural Fire District trustees meet 7 p.m., Polson City Hall conference room. Open to public.

3 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Family History training workshop 7:30-8:30 p.m., Kalispell Stake Center. Marge Fisher speaks on topic of "Civil War Pension Records." Public invited.

Friday

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding, and stop sign and equipment violations, on Appleway Drive.

3 Fair-Mont-Egan School board special meeting at 7 a.m. resource room.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Northwest Montana Human Resources, Kalispell.

3 Annual Summer Arts & Crafts Fair today through July 9, Courthouse Lawn, Main Street, Kalispell. Over 100 artists booths. Live music, concessions. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and July 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 9. Free admission.

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "Track, Track, Tracking Along," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 "Celebrating Women: Fourth Annual Quilt Show" kick-off reception 5-8 p.m. July 7 Loula's Cafe, Whitefish. Silent auction of quilts by local artists, wine-tasting, hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Tickets $15, available at Violence Free Crisis Line or at the door. Call 752-4735. All proceeds support Crisis Line and Abbie Shelter.

Saturday

Annual Skibsrud Scramble Duathlon for kids 14 and younger today Lawrence Park. Check-in and registration 8 a.m. Three age categories and awards. T-shirts for all participants. Light lunch following event. Call Val, 758-7848.

3 Little Bitterroot Lake annual meeting 10 a.m., Marion Fire Hall on Gopher Lane. Dave Erickson from Water and Environmental Technologies will explain data collected during sampling, lake hydrology and water flow into lake. Come early to register.

3 Annual Canyon View Grade School Picnic, Bohemian Grange Hall behind Coffee Traders on Blanchard Lake Road off U.S. 93 near Whitefish. Set up at 10 a.m., lunch begins at noon. Bring potluck dish and silverware and plates. Call Clarice Maas Gates, 752-1199 or Dale Darsow, 756-3211.

3 Fourth annual Celebrate the Swan 10K, 5K and one mile Race for a Place, 10 a.m. Start at sound end of Condon airstrip at mile marker 43 on Montana 83. Children's games follow race. Proceeds go toward purchasing Plum Creek Timber lands. Call 406-754-3137.

3 Glacier Nordic Ski Team car wash fundraiser 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mike's Conoco, Whitefish.

3 Free Stroller Strides class for moms and babies, 10 a.m. Lawrence Park. RSVP to Danielle, 250-0308.

3 Community Spirit Monument Project tile making workshop, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at sculptor Kay Lynn's studio, 258 Riverside Dr., Kalispell. All welcome.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Polson Wal-Mart.

3 Flathead Shrine Club presents the Jordan Circus of Las Vegas, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell. Tickets, $9 adults; $4 children at most area groceries, Flathead Bank of Bigfork, Sliter's in Lakeside, until day of show. Tickets $10 and $5 at the gate. Call Hector Arbour, 756-6349.

3 25th annual Artists & Craftsmen of the Flathead summer arts and crafts fair, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Over 100 booths, Food concessions. Free admission.

Thought

"To wish to act like angels while we are still in this world is nothing but folly." n St. Theresa of Avila, Spanish Carmelite nun (1515-1582).

Sunday

3 Flathead Audubon birding tour of Mission Valley and National Bison Range. Meet at Park 'n Ride at intersection of U.S. 93 and Montana 82 near Somers at 6:30 a.m. Bring binoculars, lunch and $4 (per vehicle) for admission to Bison Range. Call John Hughes, 261-2506. All welcome.

3 25th annual Artists & Craftsmen of the Flathead summer arts and crafts fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 100 booths, Food concessions. Free admission.

A Look Ahead

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 10 at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Kila School board IBB meeting 5-8 p.m. July 10.

3 Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group summer picnic and barbecue 6-8 p.m., July 10, new Lagoon picnic shelter, Woodland Park, Kalispell. Those whose last names begin with A-G, bring dessert; H-O appetizer; P-Z fruit or vegetable salad. RSVP to Kathy at 756-4723 or Sue at 756-4325.

3 The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m. July 10, at its new location, 141 Interstate Lane, behind JoAnn Fabrics, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.

3 Flathead Lakers annual membership meeting 7-9 p.m. July 10. KwaTaqNik Resort, Polson. Social time 6:15 p.m. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Rich Moy, Flathead Basin Commission chair, will give the keynote address. Jack Stanford, Flathead Lake Biological Station director reports on the state of the lake.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 11 and 12, North Valley Senior Center, Columbia Falls $10 course fee. Pre-registration required. Call 892-4087.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 11 and 13, The Summit, Kalispell. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 11, Trinity Lutheran Church, Kalispell.

3 Flathead Municipal Airport Authority meets at 4 p.m., July 11, airport manager's office, Glacier Park International Airport.

3 Whitefish County Water and Sewer District board meets 4:30 p.m. July 11 in the conference room of Riverside Plaza, 100 Second St. E., Whitefish.

3 Swan River School board meets at 5:30 p.m. July 11 in the school library.

3 School District 5 and Flathead High School district board meets at 6 p.m., July 11, Flathead High School library, second floor.

3 Montana's Homeownership Education Center free nonprofit Community Partnership nationally three-part certified program for experienced and first-time home buyers, 6-8:30 p.m., July 11, 13 and 18, FVCC, Kalispell. $40 registration fee. Call 257-6627 or 756-3832 to pre-register.

3 Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. July 11, at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead meet at 7:30 p.m., July 11, Fish, Wildlife and Parks Building, 490 North Meridian Road. Public welcome. Call Don at 862-6955.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 105 p.m., July 12, Kalispell Center Mall.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-3:30 p.m., July 13, The Wave, Whitefish.

3 Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. July 13, at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Spa Night for Breast Cancer fundraiser, 7 p.m. July 13, Remedies Day Spa, 105 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish. Facials are available at pre-sale cost of $25, or $30 at the door. Proceeds to Breast Cancer 3-Day Fund for Susan G. Komen Foundation.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. 2 p.m., July 14, Home Depot, Kalispell.

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "Critters of the Night," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., July 14, Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 Montana Association for the Blind meets 1:30 p.m. July 14 at Northridge Lutheran Church, Kalispell. All visually impaired are welcome.

3 Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County 5K walk/run fundraiser 8 a.m. July 15, Great Northern Historical Rails to Trails. Call 257-8042 or pick up entry form at LVFC office, 35 Fourth St. W., Kalispell.

3 Annual Lakeside 5K run July 15 in conjunction with Lakeside Fair. Check-in 8 a.m.; race starts 9 a.m. Walkers, baby strollers welcome. Advanced registration $10 at Kalispell Athletic Club, Athlete's Foot and The Summit. Race-day fee is $15. Call Muffie Thomson, 844-3940.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.

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 Lakeside Community Fair July 15 Lakeside Elementary gym. Silent auction bidding opens at 9 a.m. Children's auction with bidding closing every hour.

3 Humane Society of Northwest Montana "Hot Dogz and Cool Catz Summer Festival 10 a.. to 4 p.m. July 15, at the Animal Adoption Center, 3499 U.S. 93 N., Kalispell. Food, games tours and raffles. Proceeds support the Adoption Center and Humane Society. Call 752-7297.

3 Traveling Lantern Theatre Company performs "The Hobbit," 11 a.m. July 15, KM Building Theater, Second Ave. W., Kalispell. Call Katie Boyes at the Flathead County Library for tickets and information, 758-5822.

3 Lakeside Community Club's 20th anniversary fair and parade, 11:30 a.m. July 15. Call Claudia Potts, 844-3464.

3 Columbia Falls Public Library sculptural collage workshop for teens ages 12-18, with artist and author Miantae McConnell, 8-10 p.m. Bring small items for craft. Call 892-5919 to sign up.

3 Swanderosa Musicfest fundraiser for Nurturing Center 4-9 p.m. July 16, at Swanderosa, at the home of Michael and Jordonna Dores, 600 Wolf Creek Dr., Bigfork. Call for directions. Live entertainment, Kids activities. Silent auction. Concessions. Tickets $10 per person, $25 per family. Kids 5 and under free. Call 756-1414.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 17, at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., July 18, Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Connie Barker sings patriotic songs. Carla Buell, dance and aerobic teacher, talks about "Most Challenging Race." Cost is $10. RSVP to Pat at 844-2538 or Rosainne at 257-8098. Complimentary child care by reservation. Sponsored by the Kalispell Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., July 18, Big Mountain Resort.

3 Wa-Chu-Say? Support Group meets 6:30-9 p.m., July 18, Trinity Lutheran Church, Kalispell. Three representatives of Cochlear implant manufacturers will give a special presentation. Open to anyone who has hearing loss and interested family members and friends. Contact Amber or Flo at Summit Independent Living Center, 257-0048.

3 Helena Flats School board meets at 7 p.m., July 18, school library.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 19, Glacier National Park community room.

3 Red Cross Standard First Aid certification training, 6:30 p.m. July 19, at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $52. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., July 20, North Valley Hospital Lake Room. Call 755-7237 to make an appointment.

3 Safe Sitter babysitting training for boys and girls 11-13 years old 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 20, North Valley Hospital Falls Room. Cost $35. Call 863-3630 to pre-register.

3 Diabetes support group meets 5-7 p.m. July 20, Buffalo Hill Conference Center, KRMC. Gred Deamer talks about "New Advancements in Insulin Pumps and Glucose Sensing Devices." Free.

3 38th annual Arts in the Park July 21-23, Depot Park, Kalispell. Hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 21-22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 23. Over 100 booths. Live entertainment, children's activities, concessions. Admission $3 daily, $4 advance weekend admission, or $5 at the entrance. Under 12, free. Call the Hockaday Museum of Art, 755-5268.

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "Little Creatures of the Forest," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., July 21, Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 21, at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Third annual "Sailing into the Future" benefit regatta for Discovery Developmental Center, July 22, North Flathead Yacht Club, Somers. Races begin 9 a.m. Children's activities, silent auction, music by Montana Beargrass Band begins at 3 p.m., barbecue at 4:30 p.m., awards at 7 p.m. Everyone welcome.

3 Community Spirit Monument Project tile making workshop, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 22 at sculptor Kay Lynn's studio, 258 Riverside Dr., Kalispell. All are welcome.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 24, at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Flathead Valley All Star Cheerleaders mini-clinic July 25-28, with performance during Heritage Days Parade July 29, in Columbia Falls. Call 755-3867.

3 Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. July 25, at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

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

3 Red Cross open house 3-6 p.m. July 26, at new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Tour facilities. Refreshments. All are welcome. Call Director Gayle Wilhelm, 752-6433.

3 Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. July 27, at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "Trash Out!," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., July 28, Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 Montana State University Bobcat Booster all-you-can-eat barbecue and auction following fifth annual open golf tournament, July 28, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Cost $35. Events are all fundraisers for Boosters. Pre-registration required for both events, Call Don Rich, 756-3787; Bob Thomas, 752-0924; Jerry House, 261-0720.

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

3 Community Spirit Monument Project tile making workshop, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 and 30 at Hockaday's Art in the Park. All are welcome.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 31 at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 School District 5 fall enrollment begins Aug. 1 for grades K-8, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. district office, 233 First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call Patty Fisher, enrollment clerk, at 751-3430.

3 Civil Air Patrol, Flathead Composite Squadron meets 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays,(Aug. 3) Montana National Guard Armory, 2989 U.S. 93 N, Kalispell, north entrance. Youth ages 12 and up welcome. Aerospace lessons, march/drill exercises, fly-ins and more. Call Lt. Dave Brim, 257-7547; Lt. Kevin Kasperson, 756-5959.

3 Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority annual housing fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 4, at the Housing Authority.

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "Connecting the Dots," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., Aug. 4, Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 Flathead County High School Class of 1961 45th reunion Aug. . 4-5. Call Nola, 752-6813; or Nadine, 755-6231.

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

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "From an Ant's Perspective," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., Aug. 11, Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 Kila School board budget workshop 4:45 p.m. Aug. 15, followed by trustee meeting 5:30 p.m.

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "Midnight Munchers," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., Aug. 18, Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon, Aug. 19. Registration 8 a.m. Race begins 9 a.m. Start at Riverpoint Campground. Swim 300 yards, bike 13.3 miles, run 3.3 miles. Cost $25. Fundraiser for families of spinal muscular atrophy. Call 406-677-2880.

3 Seventh annual M.A.S.H Bash, 6 p.m. Aug. 25, 1600 River Lakes Parkway. Call 863-3630 for tickets.

3 Workshop for kids and teens with diabetes, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 28. The Summit, Kalispell. Registration 9:30 a.m. Games, activities, cooking for kids, diabetes in sports and other topics will be covered. Call 751-5454.

3 Kalispell Lions Club and KRMC's Diabetes Care Program Walk for Diabetes fundraiser, Sept. 16, Lawrence Park.

3 Civil Air Patrol, Flathead Composite Squadron meets 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, (Sept. 7)Montana National Guard Armory, 2989 U.S. 93 N, Kalispell, north entrance. Youth ages 12 and up welcome. Aerospace lessons, march/drill exercises, fly-ins and more. Call Lt. Dave Brim, 257-7547; Lt. Kevin Kasperson, 756-5959.

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.