Today

3 School District 5 and Flathead High School district board Personnell Committee meets at 7 a.m., district office.

3 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet at 9:15-11 a.m. at Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage, Kalispell. Crown Ministries presents a program on home budgeting. Child care is provided. Brunch, door prizes, crafts and discussion. Call Katie at 756-9367.

3 Silver-haired Foxes meet at noon at Perkins conference room.

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

3 West Valley School board meets at 5:30 p.m, school library.

3 Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group St. Patrick's Day potluck, 6-8 p.m., The Summit conference room, Kalispell. Those with last name beginning with A-G, bring an appetizer; H-R, salad or dessert; S-Z, main dish. Survivors, family, friends are welcome. RSVP to Kathy at 756-4723 or Sue at 756-4325. Call Dawn for special transportation needs.

3 Evergreen School board Negotiations Committee and Evergreen Education Association meet at 6 p.m., administration building boardroom.

3 Chiropractor Michele Larsen of Life Spark Network Care Center speaks on topic, "Devastating Effects of Stress on Your Health and How to Bust it Permanently," at Shape Up!, 7 p.m., Whitefish Mountain Mall. Free. Public invited. Call 862-9939.

3 Flathead Audubon meets 7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Phil Frey and Carolyn Bechard give a slide presentation on "Mongolia's Lost Water." Free. Public invited.

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

3 Columbia Falls Class of 2006 meeting for seniors and parents, 7 p.m. high school cafeteria. Call Carol Ladenburg at 892-2538.

3 Deer Park School board meets 7 p.m. at the school.

Tuesday

3 Public is invited to a free community lecture from 7:30 a.m. at Pathways Treatment Center, 200 Heritage Way, Kalispell. Topic is "Surviving Anorexia and Bulimia." RSVP to 756-3950.

3 Kalispell Edward Jones representatives host a free satellite broadcast titled, "Living Retirement to the Max: Your Guide to an Active and Fulfilling Retirement," at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at their offices. Call a representative to reserve a seat.

3 Montana Conservation Corps and American Red Cross give a disaster readiness presentation, 11:45 a.m. North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Call Clifford Kipp at 755-3619.

3 Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon, noon, North Valley Community Room, 235 Nucleus Ave. Guest speaker is Gary Hall, Flathead County Commissioner. No reservations are required and lunch is available for $8. Call Carol Pike at 892-2072.

3 Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon, noon to 1 p.m. North Valley Community Room, 235 Nucleus Ave. Guest speaker is Gary Hall, county commissioner. No reservations are required and lunch is available for $8. Call Carol Pike at 892-2072.

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

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

3 Creston School board meets at 4:30 p.m. in the school library. Public welcome.

3 School District 5 and Flathead High School district board work session 5-7 p.m., followed by regular board meeting at 7 p.m., Kalispell Junior High School library.

3 Kila School board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the school.

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

3 Columbia Falls Heritage committee meets 6:30 p.m., Tote-n-Go, 605 Nucleus Ave., All interested invited to attend.

3 Owl expert Denver Holt presents a program on "Snowy Owls: From Arctic Tundra to the Mission Valley," at Mission Mountain Audubon's program 7 p.m., at Kwa Taq Nuk Resort, Polson. Free. Public invited.

3 First meeting of the Flathead Valley Forum on Energy, 7 p.m., Whitefish Public Library. The film, "The End of Suburbia" on the future of energy, will be shown followed by discussion. Free. All are welcome. Call Sam or Ruth Neff, 862-1629.

3 Smith Valley School board meets at 7 p.m. in the library.

3 Fair-Mont-Egan School board meets 7 p.m., library.

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

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

3 West Valley Fire District quarterly meeting 7:30 p.m. West Valley Fire Station, Farm to Market Road. All interested citizens welcome.

Wednesday

3 MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:30-11:30 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Author Joanna Weaver talks about, "For Better or for Best." Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).

Thought

"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." n Susan B. Anthony, American feminist (1820-1906).

3 Brunch is offered the public at 9:30 a.m., Los Caporales, Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls. Cost is $7 per person. Beverly Timentwa, new owner of Curves, will talk about exercise and healthful eating. Rosainne Taylor will also speak. 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 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 Alpine Weavers and Spinners meet at 10:30 a.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church basement. Program is on bootie felting. Bring a sack lunch. Call 257-9119.

3 Montana Highway Patrol Career Fair 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., FVCC Learning Resource Center, Kalispell. Call 1-877-8PATROL (872-8765).

3 Montana Conservation Corps and American Red Cross give a disaster readiness presentation, 11:45 a.m., Bigfork Senior Center, 639 Commerce St. Call Clifford Kipp at 755-3619.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Polson High School.

3 Somers School board budget work session at 6 p.m. at Somers Middle School.

3 North Valley Hospital hosts a community forum 7-9 p.m., NVH Community Room. Updates on building progress, sale of current facility and discussion. Call 863-3630. All welcome.

Montana Native Plant Society Flathead Chapter meets 7 p.m. Mountain View Mennonite Church, Creston. Dave Schwab, Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribal Preservation Department, gives a presentation on "Signs of the Past - Culturally Scarred Trees in Montana. Free. General meeting at 5:30 p.m. Public invited.

Thursday

3 Montana Highway Patrol Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Test, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Call 1-877-8PATROL (872-8765).

3 Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m., North Valley Hospital, Whitefish.

3 Montana Conservation Corps and American Red Cross give a disaster readiness presentation, 4:30 p.m. Eureka Senior Center. Call Clifford Kipp at 755-3619.

3 Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin' at North Forty Resort, 3765 Montana 40, West, between Whitefish and Columbia Falls, 5-7 p.m., March 16. Refreshments served. Call 862-3501.

3 ETHIC, a nonprofit consumer awareness organization, presents a free community partnership-nationally certified program, "Understanding Your Credit, It's You, Your Family and Your Future" 6-9 p.m., The Summit conference room, Kalispell. Pre-register at 257-6627 or 751-5205.

3 Meet and Greet with Mike Meehan, candidate for Flathead County Sheriff, 6:30-8:30 p.m., North Valley Senior Center, Columbia Falls.

3 Red Cross Infant and Child CPR review course, 6:30 p.m. March 16 at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Bigfork Steering Committee meets to discuss land use plan and receive input from property owners, 7-9 p.m., Bigfork Middle School gym. Call Al Johnson at 270-4044.

3 Dr. Kristin Veneman of Bear Paw Pediatrics presents a free program, "Teen Health Issues," 7 p.m., North Valley Hospital Lake Room.

3 Beyond The Flathead film series concludes with "Rage in Placid Lake, 7 p.m., Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Free. For mature audiences. Call 758-5713.

Friday

3 Montana Conservation Corps and American Red Cross give a disaster readiness presentation, noon, Whitefish Golden Agers Center, 121 Second St.; and at 4:45 p.m. at the Libby Senior Center. Call Clifford Kipp at 755-3619.

3 North Valley Senior Center St. Patrick's party at 1 p.m., 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Music by the Jammers begins at 12:30 p.m. All seniors invited.

3 North Valley Hospital hosts a community forum 7-9 p.m., NVH Community Room. Updates on building progress, sale of current facility and discussion. Call 863-3630.

A Look Ahead

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. March 18, The Summit, Kalispell. Instructors John Babcock and Bob Redinger. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.

3 Flathead Audubon field trip to view spring waterfowl migrations. Meet at 8:30 a.m. March 18, at the Park 'n' Ride at intersection of U.S 93 and Montana 82. Bring binoculars or scope. Contact Bob Rost at 837-2255.

3 N.W. Montana Veterans Food Pantry third annual attic sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 18, Flathead County Fairgrounds grandstand building. Antiques, art, books, records, videos, jewelry and more. Call 756-7304.

Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 18, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Whitefish Stage, Kalispell.

3 CPR/First Aid for children and adults instruction 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18, North Valley Hospital Glacier Room. Cost $50. Call 863-3513 to pre-register.

3 Scandinavian Gift and Craft sale 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 18, Sons of Norway Lodge, 347 First Ave. E., Kalispell.

3 16th annual Snow Rodeo, March 18, Izaak Walton Inn, Essex. Skiing, rodeo, half-pipe events. Activities for the whole family. Registration 11 a.m. to noon; rodeo begins at 1 p.m. Call 406-888-5700.

3 Gary Collett, founder/director of Jerusalem Ministries International, gives a presentation on Biblical archeology, 2-6 p.m. March 18, Fireside Room, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Offering will be taken.

3 Beyond The Flathead film series concludes with "Rage in Placid Lake, 3 p.m. March 18, Flathead County Library, Columbia Falls. Free. For mature audiences. Call 758-5713.

3 Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County host a "Scrabble" fundraiser March 18, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Obtain a pledge sheet by calling 257-7323. Two sessions available: 1-3 p.m. or 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

3 Cross Currents Christian School Ski Night fundraiser 4-9 p.m. March 18, on Big Mountain. Discount on rental gear at Big Mountain Sports. Tickets $15 with $7 of price going to playground equipment; available at Cross Currents, Glacier Bank of Whitefish, and Snowghost Outfitters day of event.

3 4th annual Rotary Beach Party and Chili Feed, 5 p.m. March 18, Garden Bar, Bigfork. Chili, brownies, cole slaw, corn bread. $10 for adults; $5 students. Fundraiser for Rotary Club of Bigfork's "Salute the Troops" project. Beach attire encouraged.

3 Somers/Lakeside PTA hosts a school carnival 5-9 p.m. March 18, Lakeside School gym. Over 20 games and activities and plenty of prizes. Carnival tickets available in advance at either school or at door. Call Kim Orr at 857-2402.

3 Children's House Montessori School of Whitefish eighth annual Spring Auction, 6 p.m. March 18, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Adult evening featuring silent and live auctions, fine food, and spin-to-win prize game. Call 863-4685.

3 Human Rights Film series presents, "Long Night's Journey into Day: South Africa's Search for Truth and Reconciliation" 7 p.m. March 18, Whitefish branch of Flathead County Library. Free and public welcome. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5813.

3 Swingin' on High Big Band concert and dance to benefit the Lighthouse Christian Home, 7 p.m. March 18, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Music, dancing, dessert, beverages and silent auction. Tickets $25 at Mountain West Bank in Whitefish; Snappy's in Kalispell; or call the Lighthouse at 857-3276.

3 Flathead Valley Concerts Association presents The Coats, a national a cappella ensemble, performs 7:30 p.m. March 18, Flathead High School auditorium. Tickets $20 adults, $15 students, available at the door.

Lutherans for Life sponsor a spaghetti dinner noon to 1:30 p.m. March 19, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Free will offering to benefit Hope Pregnancy Center. All welcome.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., March 20, at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

3 Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. March 20 at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Buffet luncheon and spring fashion show featuring The Cherry Tree, 11:30 a.m., March 21, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Cost is $10. RSVP to Rosainne at 257-8098. Guest speaker is cancer survivor Rosainne Taylor. Complimentary child care by reservation. Sponsored by the Kalispell Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., March 21, Northwestern Energy.

3 Montana's Homeownership Education Center free nonprofit Community Partnership nationally three-part certified program for experienced and first-time home buyers, 6-9 p.m., March 21, 23 and 28, FVCC, Kalispell. $40 registration fee. Call 257-6627 or 756-3832 to pre-register.

3 Townhall meeting about underage drinking, 7 p.m. March 21, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Call Linda Ravicher, coordinator of Flathead Prevention Alliance, 756-6453.

3 A meeting for anyone interested in starting an interactive children's museum will be 7 p.m. March 21, The Summit. Call Courtney Rudbach at 756-7691.

3 Big Sky Bonsai Society meets at 7 p.m. March 21, at the Flathead County Library in Kalispell. Bob Burmood talks about soil, watering and fertilizer. Free and the public is invited. Contact Jerry Mieslik at 862-0387.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 22-23, Flathead High School.

3 Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. March 22 at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Flathead National Alliance for Mental Illness meets 12:30-2 p.m., March 23, The Summit conference room. Jude Spors-Murphy, intake coordinator of Pathways Treatment Center, will be guest speaker. Public welcome.

3 ETHIC, a nonprofit consumer awareness organization, presents a free community partnership-nationally certified program, "Financial Strategies for Seniors" 1-3 p.m. March 23, United Way Conference Room, Gateway West Mall, Kalispell. Pre-register at 257-6627 or 751-5205.

3 Whitefish Booster Club annual auction 6 p.m. March 24, the Remington, downtown Whitefish. Proceeds support Whitefish High School activities. Tickets available in advance at WHS or at the door.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary-Kalispell Flotilla boating safety course for teens and adults 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 25 Polson City Library, 21st Ave. E. Free. Text is available and recommended for purchase. Call Maryann at 883-1718 or Katy at 756-6139.

3 ETHIC third annual affordable housing fair 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 25, Kalispell Center Mall. Booths, vendors in conjunction with nonprofit consumer awareness organization.

3 Beyond The Flathead film series concludes with "Rage in Placid Lake, 3 p.m. March 25, Flathead County Library, Bigfork. Free. For mature audiences. Call 758-5713.

3 Human Rights Film series presents, "Going to School" 7 p.m. March 25, Whitefish branch of Flathead County Library. Free and public welcome. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5813.

3 Northwest Montana Historical Society John White series lecture, " Flathead Lake: Purity on the Edge" with Jack Stanford of Flathead Lake Biological Station, 2:30 p.m., March 26, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Tickets $7.50, members; $10 nonmembers at the door. Call 756-8381.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., March 27, at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., March 28, Good Shepherd Church, Polson. Sponsored by Polson Soroptimists.

3 Red Cross Adult CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. March 28 at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m. March 29, in the blood mobile, Burch's One Hour Photo, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m. March 30, in the blood mobile, Semitool, Kalispell.

3 Human Rights Film series presents, "Bombies," 7 p.m. March 30, Flathead County Library, Kalispell.

3 Dr. Patrick Madigan of Glacier Cardiovascular Associates presents a free program, "Heart Disease in Women," 7 p.m. March 30, North Valley Hospital Lake Room.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 31, in the blood mobile, First Interstate Bank, Evergreen .

3 40th annual Creston Auction April 1-2, Creston, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35. Fundraiser for Creston Fire Department. Call 261-5913.

3 School District 5 Kindergarten Enrollment Day 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 5. Complete immunization records and birth certificate required. Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 10. Call Patty Fisher, enrollment clerk, at 751-3430.

3 MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:30-11:30 a.m., April 5, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Toni Cancilla, instructor and interpreter talks about "Teaching Your Child to Sign." Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).

3 Human Rights Film series presents, "Behind the labels: Garment Workers on U.S. Saipan" 7 p.m. April 6, Flathead County Library, Kalispell.

3 Share Fair 2006 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8, Kalispell Center Mall. Displays by health and human services agencies, nonprofit and service organizations and clubs. To sign up, call the United Way, 752-7266 or toll free at 888-720-7266.

3 Cowboy Down Benefit, April 8, Majestic Valley Arena, Kalispell.

3 Flathead Mental Health Local Advisory Council meets from 12:30-2 p.m. April 12 at The Summit conference room in Kalispell. Five-person panel discussion on need for a detox facility in Kalispell. Public welcome.

3 Human Rights Film series presents, "Promises," 7 p.m. March 13, Flathead County Library, Kalispell.

3 MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. April 19, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Dr. Lynn Dykstra, pediatrician talks about "How to Know When to Call the Doctor." Child care provided. Call 257-LOVE (5683).

3 Bigfork Elementary School kindergarten roundup 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. April 20-21. Fifth birthday by Sept. 10, Bring immunizations and birth certificate. Call 837-7412, ext. 321 for an appointment.

3 Human Rights Film series presents, "Long Night's Journey into Day: South Africa's Search for Truth and Reconciliation" 7 p.m. April 20, Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Free and public welcome. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5813.

3 Muldown Elementary School kindergarten registration 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21. Immunization records and birth certificate required.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary-Kalispell Flotilla boating safety course for teens and adults 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aprill 22, The Summit, Kalispell. Free. Text is available and recommended for purchase. Call Maryann at 883-1718 or Katy at 756-6139.

3 ALERT Benefit, April 22, Majestic Valley Arena, Kalispell.

3 Flathead National Alliance for Mental Illness meets 12:30-2 p.m., April 27, 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 Human Rights Film series presents, "Going to School" 7 p.m. April 27, Kalispell branch of Flathead County Library. Free and public welcome. Call Katie Boyes at 758-5813.

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 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 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 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 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 Flathead Mental Health Local Advisory Council meets from 12:30-2 p.m. June 10 at The Summit conference room in Kalispell. Discussion on co-occurring disorders-mental illness, and alcohol and substance abuse. Public welcome.

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

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

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.