Today

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

3 "Meet and Greet the Candidates" for Flathead County Commissioner 11 a.m. with debate beginning at noon, Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting, Red Lion Kalispell Center Hotel. Tickets $14 for non-members, $12 for members. Reservations encouraged. Call 758-2800.

3 Buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Joe Power of Sportsman and Ski Haus model clothes and demonstrates gear. Guest speaker is nurse Linda Sommerville of Bearcreek. Complimentary child care by reservation. Cost is $10. RSVP to Pat at 844-2538 or Rosainne at 257-8098. Sponsored by the Kalispell Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.

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

3 Meet John Weaver, candidate for Flathead County Sheriff, 5-7 p.m., Swan River Community Hall, 115 Swan River Road, Bigfork, opposite Echo Lake Cafe.

3 Somers School board Century Grant Update work session, 6 p.m., followed by a re-organizational and regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., Somers Middle School.

3 Health and Beauty Fair for women and girls 6:30 -9 p.m., North Valley Baptist Church, 1750 Talbot Road, Columbia Falls. Program features products and services for a spring makeover and guest speaker Linda Sommerville of Bearcreek. Cost is $7 per person. 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 Columbia Falls School board Policy Committee meets at 6:30 p.m., administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W. Columbia Falls.

3 Big Sky Bonsai Society meets at 7 p.m., at the Flathead County Library in Kalispell. "Bring your own tree" workshop. Free and the public is invited. Contact Jerry Meislik at 862-0387.

3 Flathead County Weed Control Department and Helena Flats Land Use Advisory Committee sponsor a seminar 7-9 p.m., Helena Flats School cafeteria. Bring in your weeds and grasses for identification and advice on control and re-vegetation. Door prizes.

3 Cayuse Prairie School board meets at 7 p.m. in the school library.

3 Flathead County Fair board meets 7 p.m., fairgrounds office.

Wednesday

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding and stop sign violations on West Idaho.

3 Montana Chapter Alzheimer's Association presents an "Education and Support for Alzheimer's Care Givers Seminar, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Lake County Public Health Department conference room, 802 Main St., Polson. Cost $15. Call 406-252-5053.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Libby High School.

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

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

3 Lincoln Conservation District meets 4 p.m., Conservation office. 655 U.S. 93 N., Eureka.

3 Flathead Chapter of Montana Native plant Society walk with botanists Jen Asebrook and Jen Hintz up Columbia Mountain Trail. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at trailhead. Bring picnic dinner, water, raingear, notebook. No dogs allowed. Call 863-9630.

3 Edward Jones investment representatives host a free course titled, "Understanding Insurance Basics at noon. Call an office in your vicinity.

3 Somers Townsite Association meets 7 p.m., Somers Middle School.

3 Ride Of Silence bicycle ride to honor those bicyclists who have been killed while riding and to raise awareness of the need to share the public roadways. Meet at Park & Ride at 7 p.m. at intersection of U.S. 93 and Montana 82. Ride is 14 miles at 12 miles per hour. Free. All are welcome. Wear a helmet. Call Chuck Harris at 837-0336.

3 Meet the Candidates forum 7 p.m., Swan Lake Community Clubhouse, featuring candidates for Lake County Justice of the Peace, Sheriff/Coroner, Superintendent of Schools, Treasurer, and State House Districts 5 and 9. Call Jackie Strosnider, 886-2003

Thursday

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding and stop sign violations on South Meridian.

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 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., North Valley Hospital, Whitefish.

Thought

"Take it easy, but take it." n Studs Terkel, American author.

3 Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin' 5-7 p.m., Glacier Outdoor Center, U.S. 2 East, West Glacier. Refreshments served. Door prizes and giveaways. Call 862-3501.

3 Knead Cafe hosts a fundraiser/ social to meet State Senate Candidate Jerry Reckin, 5-7 p.m., 25 Second Ave. W., Kalispell Guest entertainers are Andre Floyd and Marcia Siblerud. Food and drinks offered. Donations welcome.

3 Bigfork Relay for Live kick-off party 5 p.m. Flathead Bank, Bigfork. All participants, sponsors, teams, cancer survivors and those interested are invited. Call 837-1600.

3 Meet Flathead County Commissioner candidate Kathy Robertson 6-8 p.m. Bluestone Restaurant, Lakeside.

Friday

3 Kalispell Police Department conducts a saturation patrol today for speeding and stop sign violations on East Idaho.

3 Red Cross blood drive, to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., City of Kalispell Council Chambers.

3 Glacier Country Pachyderm meets noon to 1 p.m., The Bulldog, Kalispell. Guest speakers are Republican candidates for county commissioner. Lunch $9. Open to public.

Spring Fling Celebration fundraiser 6-8 p.m., The Bluebird in the old Post Office, 222 Main St., Hot Springs. Silent auction of jewelry, antiques and art bidding 5-7:30 p.m. Food. Live music by Melissa Blue and Friends, 8-10 p.m. at the former VFW. Call 406-741-3663.

Saturday

3 Yoga Day fundraiser event for Violence Free Crisis Center, Ananda Seva Yoga Center. Classes begin at 7 a.m. until noon. Many types of yoga will be offered. Call 567-1195.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 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., Eagles Nest, FVCC. Includes lunch, idea folder and more. Call 755-4922 to register.

3 Community and Family Safety Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bigfork Elementary School parking lot. Exhibits, demonstrations on gun, boating, car seat and electrical safety, Bigfork Fire and Ambulance, The Summit, Flathead County Sheriffs office and more. Free and public welcome. Luncheon 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Marina Cay with Gov. Brian Schweitzer. $20 per person. Reservations required. Call 837-5861.

3 Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 9 a.m., at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Martin City Fire Department annual yard and bake sale 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. Donations welcome. Bring by Friday.

3 Rails to Trails trail clean-up today. Meet at 9 a.m. at Meridian trailhead to help clear trash and garbage on western segments. Call 257-1932.

3 Creston Cemetery Association annual spring clean up at 9 a.m. and business meeting 11 a.m. at the cemetery grounds.

3 Salvation Army Emergency Service Volunteer Training Day 9 a.m. to noon, Salvation Army headquarters, 110 Bountiful Dr., Kalispell. Free. Call 257-4357 to enroll or for details.

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

3 North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls, annual lutefisk dinner 4-7 p.m. No reservations required. Cost $10 per person. All invited.

3 N Public reception for retiring Glacier Chorale Conductor, Shauneen Garner, 4-6 p.m. upstairs at Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Refreshments and no-host bar.

3 Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited annual fundraising banquet and auction, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. No-host cocktails at 6 p.m. Tickets $35 and include dinner and one chance for a door prize. Everyone welcome. RSVP by May 18 by calling Rick Davenport at 212-0911, Dan Short at 755-6838 or Glen Anacker at 257-7125.

3 Lincoln-Reagan chuck wagon dinner, Ronan Community Center. Social begins 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. Guest speaker is U.S. Congressman Denny Rehberg. Tickets $15 adults, $7 16 and under; at the door. Call Carol at 887-2303. Sponsored by Lake County Republican Party.

3 Stumptown Art Studio hosts a Rat Pack and Martini fundraiser 7-10 p.m., 145 Central Ave., Whitefish. Martini bar, card tables, art projects. Cost $30 per person or $55 per couple. Seating limited. RSVP to 862-5929. Proceeds will fund classes and workshops.

3 "Remembering Rwanda," a benefit for Sudan begins at 7:30 p.m., KM Theatre, upstairs, 50 Second St. W., Kalispell; featuring African music by the Flathead High School choirs and two films, "Lost Boys" and a Human Rights Watch film. No entrance fee but donations to help Sudanese refugees are encouraged.

Sunday

3 Flathead birding trip to Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at 6 a.m. at Fish, Wildlife and Parks building on North Meridian. Contact Leslie Kehoe at 837-4467. All welcome.

Monday

3 Flathead County Democratic Women meet at noon, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. Presentations by Democratic candidates Linda Jaquette, Edd Blackler and Carla Augustad. Lunch is $8. No reservations required. All welcome.

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

3 Big Arm Association meets 6:30 p.m. at the fire hall. Coffee and dessert available. Karen Sargeant will give a presentation on being "Fire Wise." Call Alison Meslin at 849-6628, Kristin Osborn at 849-5326 or Jan Philips at 849-5636.

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

A Look Ahead

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., May 23, Polson Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

3 United Way Volunteer Recognition Reception 2:30-5 p.m. May 23, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. High tea refreshments, entertainment and awards. Cost is $8 per person. Reservations required by May 22. Call 752-7266.

3 Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. May 23 at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Walkin' Jim Stoltz, America's wilderness troubadour, presents "Forever Wild - 2006," a free multi-media show, at 7 p.m. May 23, Swan Community Hall, Montana 83 and Echo Lake Road, Bigfork. Limited seating. Call 837-0783.

3 Meet Bigfork's candidates for the Montana House and Senate seats 7-8:30 p.m. May 23, Marina Cay. Question and answer session also. Call 837-5888.

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 Community Movie Night, 7 p.m. May 23, Faith Church, 405 Liberty St., in Kalispell. The two-hour documentary, " Trail of Tears: Cherokee Legacy" will be shown on the anniversary of the 1838 beginning of the Trail of Tears. Call 752-2481. Free and all invited.

3 Meeting for Hands On Place, a proposed interactive children's museum, 7 p.m. The Summit. Local artists encouraged to submit logo for project at meeting or call 756-7691, or online at corutneyanne@msn.com

3 Whitefish High School choir concert 7:30 p.m. May 23, high school gym. This is Bob Clawson's final concert prior to retirement. Free and the public is invited.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., May 24, at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 1-5 p.m. May 25, at the center, Immanuel Lutheran Home Education Center.

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 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 26, at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

3 Spinal Cord Injury Support Group meets 2-4 p.m., May 26, The Summit. Guest speaker is Mary Straub of Yoga Therapy and Treatment.

3 Third annual Spring for Glacier fundraiser 5 p.m. May 26, Belton Chalet, West Glacier. Boat tours live entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Tickets $125 per person. Proceeds benefit Glacier Fund, Glacier Institute and Glacier National Park Associates. Call 888-5756 or 862-6110.

3 Car wash fundraiser for Forrest Morgan-McGrath, a fifth grader seriously injured while skiing on a school field trip 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evergreen Junior High School. By donation only.

3 Raffle and fundraising event for Columbia Falls Food Bank, 11 a.m. May 27, current food bank location. Food and drinks and chances to win many items. Call Amore Events and Wedding Planning, 212-0733.

3 Alpine Artisans annual Loon and Fish Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 27-28, Seeley Lake Community Hall, on Montana 83 at the north end of Seeley Lake. Original art by local artists, soup served in handcrafted bowls on Saturday. Lectures on outdoor topics, crafts demonstrations and nature walks.

United Veterans of Flathead County host Memorial Day activities May 29 in Whitefish. Parade begins 9:30 a.m. Central School. Ceremonies will follow at 9:45 a.m., Second Street Bridge' 10:15 am., Whitefish Cemetery; 11:30 a.m. Glacier Memorial Gardens; noon Depot Park, Kalispel; 1:45 p.m. Fairview Cemetery, Columbia Falls; 2:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Wall, Marantette Park; 3 p.m. Woodlawn Cemetery; 3:30 p.m. Montana Veterans Home Cemetery.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., May 30, at the center, 17A First Ave., Kalispell.

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

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., May 31, First Interstate Bank, Main Street, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross First Aid Basics certification training, 6:30 p.m. May 31 at the office, 17A First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, 195 Cloverdell Road, Bigfork, 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 Fair-Mont-Egan School Bruins' Boogie one mile and 5K run June 3. T-shirts, refreshments and free pass to Raceway Park for all entrants. $12 for 13 years old and up; $10 12 and under. Advance registration available Race day 7-8:30 a.m. One Mile race at 9 a.m.; 5K 9:30 a.m. Call 755-4973 or 270-6250.

3 CAP Band plays positive message music for Habitat's Raise the Roof, 5:30-6:30 p.m. June 27, Fourth Ave. E., Kalispell.

3 Taste of Kalispell 5-8 p.m. June 10, KM Building. Live entertainment by Cocinando and Tropical Marimba Band. Tickets $30 available at Red's Wines & Blues, Wheeler Jewelry, Ceres Bakery and Montana Expressions. Call 261-7039.

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 CAP Band plays positive message music for Habitat's Raise the Roof, 5:30-6:30 p.m. June 27, Fourth Ave. E., Kalispell.

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 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 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.