Today

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

3 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Water Resources Division public open house regarding new flood hazard maps for Flathead County, 4-6 p.m. Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell.

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

3 Open house and presentation of Flathead County Growth Policy 6-9 p.m., North Valley Hospital Lake Room, Whitefish.

Flathead Valley Democratic Central Committee meets 7 p.m., Flathead County Library, Kalispell.

Tuesday

3 Montana Senator Max Baucus' field representative Kirby Campbell-Rierson, meets the public 9:30-11:30 a.m., Libby City Hall, 952 E. Spruce St.

3 Buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., 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., Big Mountain Resort.

3 Public meeting to discuss renovation plans for Flathead High School 5:30-6:30 p.m., FHS large lecture room. Enter school at north doors or in front of office area on east side.

3 Open house and presentation of Flathead County Growth Policy 6-9 p.m., Somers Middle School gym, 315 School Addition Road.

3 Wa-Chu-Say? Support Group meets 6:30-9 p.m., 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., school library.

3 Meeting for all interested in establishing Hands On Place, an interactive children's museum, 7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Contact Courtney, 756-7691.

Wednesday

3 Flathead City/County Health Department (WIC Division) walk-in clinic 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. Call 751-8170.

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, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Glacier National Park community room.

3 Lunch and ice cream social is offered the public at 11:30 a.m., Community Room, Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls. Cost is $7 per person. Music by Gavin and Liisa Lammatsch. Carl Buell will speak on "Beautiful pictures developed in life's darkroom." Free child care by reservation. Call Candy at 387-4119, or Sherry at 892-5990. Sponsored by the Columbia Falls Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.

3 Whitefish Chamber of commerce sponsors an "Update on the Growth Policy" noon to 1 p.m., The Wave. Bring a brown bag lunch.

3 Flathead Lake Biological Station summer 2006 open house 2-5:30 p.m., on Montana 35, 14 miles south of Bigfork. Tours, nature walks, research vessel boat trips and museum exhibits. Free. Public invited.

3 Lakeside County Water and Sewer district board meets 2 p.m., district meeting room, 253 Bierney Creek Road, Lakeside.

3 Lincoln Conservation board meets at 4 p.m., Lincoln Conservation District office, 655 U.S. 93 N., Eureka. Open to public.

3 Open house and presentation of Flathead County Growth Policy 6-9 p.m., Moving Image, North Valley Room, 235 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls.

3 Open house to discuss City of Whitefish Community Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails 2006-2007 projects 6-8 p.m., Stump Town Ice Den. Call Shari Halloran, 751-5246; or Karin Hilding, 863-2450.

3 Flathead Outdoor Club 4-6 mile moderate hike in the Jewel Basin. Meet at 6 p.m. at Echo Lake Cafe to carpool to Camp Misery. All welcome.

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

Thursday

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

3 Montana Senator Conrad Burns' field representative, Denise Smith, holds community outreach hours 10:30 a.m. to noon, Troy City Hall, 301 E.Kootenai Ave. Call 257-3360 or 800-344-1513.

3 Flathead City/County Health Department (WIC Division) walk-in clinic 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. Call 751-8170.

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

Thought

"Every soul is a melody which needs renewing." n Stephane Mallarme, French essayist and poet (1842-1898).

3 Kalispell Technical Advisory Committee meets 1:30 p.m., Kalispell City Chambers, 312 First Ave. E. Topics include bypass, Transportation Plan, Meridian Road and other road construction activities. Public welcome.

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

3 Flathead City-County Board of Health meets 2-4 p.m., second floor conference room of the Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W. Kalispell.

3 Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin' 5-7 p.m. at In Sink Quality Plumbing & Heating, 901 Wisconsin Ave. Refreshments served. Call 862-3501.

3 Montana Department of Labor and Industry board for Private Alternative Adolescent Residential/Outdoor Programs hosts a public meeting 7-9 p.m., Glacier Conference Room, North Valley Hospital. Comments regarding private schools in the area will be addressed.

26th annual Glacier Street Rod Association Cruise-in and Show and Shine, 6 p.m., Kalispell Dairy Queen. Public invited to walking tour of participating cars.

Friday

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

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

3 38th annual Arts in the Park today throug July 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 Glacier Country Pachyderm meets noon to 1 p.m. The Bulldog, Kalispell. Guest speaker Eric Giles from Falthead County Planning and Zoning staff talks about the county growth policy draft. Lunch $9. Open to public.

Saturday

3 Third annual "Sailing into the Future" benefit regatta for Discovery Developmental Center, 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 26th annual Glacier Street Rod Run parade 10 a.m., on Sixth Street West north to Main Street, Kalispell. Show and Shine 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Avenue West, south of Kalispell Center Mall. Public welcome.

3 Mission Mountain Winery hosts a free event, "Matching Wines with the Foods of Summer," 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., U.S. 93 in Dayton, west shore of Flathead Lake. All welcome.

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

A Look Ahead

3 Violence Free Crisis Line Summer Musicfest 2-8 p.m. July 23, Raceway Park, Kalispell. Live music all day; children's activities 3-5 p.m. Advance tickets $20 adults; $15 students and seniors over 55, available at all Montana Coffee Traders Books West, Kalispell; Electric Avenue Books, Bigfork; and Trails West Eagle Bend Realty, Lakeside. Call 752-4735.

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

3 Bibler Summer Garden Tours 5:30 and 7 p.m. July 24-28. Advanced tickets only, $10 adults, $3 children. Call 756-FVCC or 756-3912. Proceeds support FVCC scholarships.

3 The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., July 24, 141 Interstate Lane, behind JoAnn Fabrics, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., July 25, Polson Methodist Church.

3 Flathead Building Association "Raise the Roof" public social, 5:30 p.m. July 25, Vann's, 2185 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell. Refreshments and raffles. Call 752-2422.

3 Flathead County Democrats potluck picnic 5:30 p.m. July 25, Lawrence Park, Kalispell. Meet the local Democratic candidates. Beverages and table service furnished. Call 756-8992 or 756-7859.

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 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 Flathead City/County Health Department (WIC Division) walk-in clinic 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. July 26. Call 751-8170.

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

3 Free Falun Dafa class 7 p.m. July 26, Flathead County Library Community Room, Kalispell. Learn gentle, easy movements to improve mind and body. Contact Laurie Hammill, 755-4907; or Katherine Combes, 257-9798.

3 Montana Veterans Home, 400 Veterans Dr., Columbia Falls, open house at 3 p.m. to welcome new Director of Nursing Joren Underdahl and new Staff Development Coordinator Mary Ward. All welcome. Call 892-3256.

3 Human Equinus hosts an open house 3-7 p.m July 27, 164 Wheeler Lane, Whitefish. Call 862-2710. All welcome.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 4-7 p.m., July 27, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Whitefish Stage, Kalispell.

3 Flathead City/County Health Department (WIC Division) walk-in clinic 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. July 27. Call 751-8170.

3 Montana Senator Conrad Burns' field representative, Denise Smith, holds community outreach hours 10:30 a.m. to noon, July 27, Lake County Courthouse, 106 Fourth Ave. E., Polson. Call 257-3360 or 800-344-1513.

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 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., July 28, and noon to 4 p.m. July 29, in the blood mobile, Wal-Mart, Kalispell.

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, July 28-30, Columbia Falls. Boogie to the Bank 10K and 5K run July 29; late registration by 7:30 a.m. Bus departs 7:45 a.m. Call 892-6800. Parade, noon July 29.

Bibler Gardens Gardener's tours with master gardener Miriam Ascher, 3 and 6 p.m. July 29. Tickets $10, adults only. Call 756-FVCC or 756-3912. Proceeds support FVCC scholarships.

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 Montana Senator Max Baucus' field representative Kirby Campbell-Rierson, meets the public 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 1, Libby City Hall, 952 E. Spruce St.

3 Flathead City/County Health Department (WIC Division) walk-in clinic 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 2. Call 751-8170.

3 Bigfork Friends of the Library annual used book sale, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3, in front of playhouse. Paperbacks, 50 cents; hardbacks, $1.

3 Flathead City/County Health Department (WIC Division) walk-in clinic 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 3. Call 751-8170.

3 Flathead City/County Health Department (WIC Division) open house to celebrate Breastfeeding Month, 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 3. All welcome. Call 751-8170.

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 Eureka Quilt Show Aug. 3-5.

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 Flathead County Weeds/Parks board public hearing on reconsideration of park improvements at Lake Hills Park in Bigfork, 8 a.m. Aug. 7, department office, 1257 FFA Drive, Kalispell.

3 Valley Cruisers annual Car Show Aug. 11-13, Polson. Bop-a-Dips perform 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the beach party. Show and shine 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12, followed by fairgrounds concert at 7 p.m. with Jan and Dean, and fireworks.

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.