Today

3 Flathead County Republican Women meet at noon, WestCoast Outlaw Hotel, Kalispell. Guest speaker Jim Fitzgerald, executive director Intermountain Children's Home in Helena, will discuss future outreach programs in the Flathead. All welcome. Call 837-3771.

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

3 Flathead Chronic Pain Support Group meets 5:30-6:45 p.m. at The Summit. Those who have chronic pain and their family, friends and care givers are welcome. Free. Call Dr. Alex Bokor, 250-5252.

3 Columbian human rights activist, Yaneth Perez, president of Dawn of Women for Arauca, gives a presentation on the human rights situation in Arauca, Colombia, 7 p.m., FVCC Blake Hall board room. Free and everyone welcome. Call 756-3945.

3 Rob Gilbert, member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, talks about "How Christ Heals Resistant Problems," 7 p.m. Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. All welcome. Donations accepted.

3 Fair-Mont-Egan School board meets at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Tuesday

3 Creative Memories scrapbooking workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eagles Nest, FVCC. Cost $15 includes lunch, snacks, free products. All welcome. Call Joyce Workman, 755-4922.

3 Flathead Electric Co-op has a planned outage beginning at 9 a.m. for most of the day for members in the Ashley Lake area due to a system upgrade. Area effected will be from intersection of U.S. 2 West and Ashley Lake Road, all the way to Ashley Lake and around both sides to the midpoint on both shores. Call 751-4408.

3 Buffet luncheon and "Victorian Tea," 11:30 a.m., WestCoast Outlaw Hotel, Kalispell. Cost is $12. Glen Kinsey of Glen's Teas & things will talk about teas. Marie Stoeckley of Eureka will also speak. RSVP to Pat at 844-2538 or Rosainne at 257-8098. Complimentary child care by reservation. Presented by Kalispell Women's Connection and Stonecroft International Inc.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., Lakeside Elementary.

3 Teens 'n Crisis gives a presentation on methamphetamine use in the Flathead, 5:30 p.m., Columbia Falls Junior High School. Call 892-6530.

3 Flathead County Planning board town-hall meeting to review Growth Policy's 50 goals, 6 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church basement, 8559 U.S. 35, Bigfork.

3 Canyon Elementary informational meeting 6-7 p.m. Call 387-5323.

3 Helena Flats School board meets at 6 p.m., school library.

3 Somers School board Facilities Planning Work Session at 6 p.m., followed by regular meeting at 7 p.m., Somers Middle School.

3 Columbia Falls Women's Connection invites public to a "Festival of Food, Fun and Frivolous Facts," 6:30 p.m. North Valley Baptist Church. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, demonstrations, and free samples. Guest speaker is Marie Stoeckley. Cost is $7.50 per person. Free child care by reservation. Call Candy at 387-4119, or Sherry at 892-5990. Co-sponsored by Stonecroft.

3 Big Sky Bonsai Society meets at 7 p.m. at the Flathead County Library in Kalispell. Bring your own tree to this workshop or watch others works on theirs. Free and the public is invited. Contact Jerry Meislik at 862-0387.

3 Flathead Democratic Central Committee meets 7 p.m. KM Theatre, downtown Kalispell. Officers will be elected.

3 Gen Kelsang Wangden, resident teacher of Kalinga Buddhist Center discusses the book "How to Solve Our Human Problems," written by Geshe Kesang Gyatso, 7 p.m., Borders Express Bookstore, Kalispell Center Mall. Public welcome.

3 Meeting for Hands On Place, an interactive children's museum coming to the Flathead Valley, 7 p.m. The Summit, Kalispell. Focus on summer venues and volunteer opportunities. All interested welcome. Call Courtney Rudbach, 756-7691.

Wednesday

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Flathead High School.

3 Whitefish branch of Flathead County Library Born to Read program for babies, 0-24 months, 11:30 a.m. April 18. Call 862-6657.

3 MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:15-11:15 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Sue Hansen discusses how to enrich young children. 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.

Thought

"The only graceful way to accept an insult is to ignore it; if you can't ignore it, top it; if you can't top it, laugh at it; if you can't laugh at it, it's probably deserved." n Russell Lynes, American author (1910-1991).

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 Columbia Falls Relay for Life 2007 team captains meeting, 6 p.m., Pizza Hut, 605 Ninth St. W. Call Dina Pomper, 755-7004.

3 Whitefish Garden Club meets 7 p.m., Whitefish Library. Topic is "Perennials for Montana." Public welcome.

3 Olduvai Forum meets 7 p.m., Clementine's, 265 Bridge St., Bigfork. The film "Call of the Condor," documenting eco-village activists in Peru, will be show. Coffee and tea provided. Desserts and other drinks available to purchase. All welcome. Call Edmund Fitzgerald, 837-5548; or Jeffrey Funk, 837-4208.

Thursday

3 Canyon Elementary kindergarten 2007-2008 registration 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Call 387-5323 for an appointment.

3 Cayuse Prairie School kindergarten round-up and registration 8:30-11:30 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m. Bring child's birth certificate and immunization records. Call 756-4560, ext. 10 to schedule a time.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Libby VFW.

3 Flathead Municipal Airport Authority special meeting at noon, airport manager's office, Glacier Park International Airport.

3 Flathead County Library, Kalispell, celebrates Support Teen Literature Day today. Help create a "Teen Picks" bookmark, 4 p.m. in the Teen Lounge. Call Martha Furman, 758-5713.

3 Columbia Falls School board Insurance Committee meets at 4:15 p.m., administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W. Columbia Falls.

3 Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin' 5-7 p.m. at Stewart Title of Whitefish, 6475 U.S. 93 S. Refreshments served. Call 862-3501.

3 Flathead Valley Community College 2007 Honors Symposium Series presents Lt. Col. Kevin Farrel, Department of History at the U.S. Military Academy on the topic, "History of Gender Integration in the Military" at 7 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, Kalispell. Free. Seating limited. Public welcome. Call 756-3822.

3 Flathead County Library, Kalispell, celebrates National Poetry Month and National Library Week with an all-ages open microphone poetry reading, 7 p.m. Call Public Services Librarian Jocelyne Bodden at 758-5823.

Friday

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

3 Sage Spa Living third annual Earth Day event 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Whitefish. Donation of $25 gives you choice of haircut, express facial, massage, express manicure or pedicure. Limited space. For an appointment call 862-0873. Proceeds benefit American Wildlands.

3 Big Sky Astronomy Club meets at 7 p.m. at the West Valley fire station, 2412 Farm to Market Road. All welcome. Call Bruce at 857-3753 or Russ, 214-4248.

3 Renowned climate change researcher Steven Running, University of Montana, gives a free presentation on "Climate Trends in Montana," 7 p.m., Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Call Henning Stabins, 892-6313.

3 FVCC multicultural event in observation of Earth Day noon, Blake Hall. Helen Pilling gives a presentation, "From Rails to Trails." Bring your lunch. Free. Public welcome. Call K.C. Zwisler, 756-3836.

Blazing Paddles Film Festival, 7 p.m., Flathead High School Auditorium. Best films from 25th annual National Paddling Film Festival. Advance tickets $10, or $12 at door. Available at Books West, Kalispell; Runner Up Sports, Whitefish; Silver Moon Kayak Co., Somers. Call 752-3794.

A Look Ahead

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. April 21, The Summit, Kalispell. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. April 21, Mountain West Bank, Whitefish. $10 course fee. Call 863-3630 to register.

3 Flathead Audubon celebrates Earth Day with the Mary Cohen Bird Day stroll along Whitefish River. Meets at 8 a.m. April 21, Whitefish City ballfields parking lot, off Montana 40. Return by 10 a.m. Call Bruce Tannehill, 862-4548; or Linda deKort, 755-3704. Everyone welcome.

3 West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue annual indoor fundraiser rummage sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 21, 2399 Whitefish Stage Road (West Valley Fire Hall). Lunch is available. Donations welcome. Pick up available. Call 755-3643 or 755-5578.

Creative Memories scrapbooking workshop, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21, Eagles Nest, FVCC. Learn about the Power Palette System. All welcome. Call Joyce Workman, 755-4922.

3 Montana Woman Foundation's annual Clothes Closet sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21, at Curves, 200 E. Idaho, Kalispell. Donations of functional clothing in good condition are tax deductible. Drop-offs at Curves, Montana Woman Complex, 1103 S. Main, and Glacier Wallflower, No. 9, U.S. 2 E., Columbia Falls. Call 755-5753.

3 Life Line Screening program for stroke, bone density and heart disease, beginning at 9 a.m. April 21, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 640 Seventh St., Columbia Falls. Cost $139. Pre-registration required. Call 1-877-237-1287.

3 Earth Day festivities, April 21, Depot Park, Kalispell. Scavenger hunt and community clean-up 9-11 a.m.; barbecue 11 a.m. to noon, poster contest winners announced, noon to 1 p.m. Call Bob Morrow, manager at Valley Recycling, 257-4302. Co-sponsored by Kalispell Downtown Association Merchants and Montana Conservation Corps.

3 Elrod School's Destination Imagination team rummage sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 21, at the school, 412 Third Ave. W., Kalispell. Donations welcome. Drop off at school. Call 756-1973.

3 United Way's Christmas in April, home improvement blitz, April 21. If you are a senior citizen on a limited income and need home maintenance or repairs done, or wish to volunteer, call United Way, 752-7266.

3 Teddy Bear Picnic 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm., April 21, Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Children 2 to 6 years old are invited to bring their favorite teddy bear and enjoy stories, songs and sweets. Call Jocelyne Bodden, 758-5823.

3 Flathead County Library Human Rights Film Series presents "Saz: The Palestinian rapper for Change" 2 p.m. April 21, Columbia Falls branch library. Free. Parental discretion advised.

3 Flathead Valley Veterans Memorial fundraiser April 21, Kalispell Elks Lodge, U.S. 93 S. No-host social hour 5:30 p.m.; buffet, 6:30 p.m.; auctions 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Life music by BJ Lupton's Big Band. Tickets $30 in advance at the Elks or call Jack Heller, 844-3538. Tickets $35 at door.

3 Christian Center's King's Kids Choir presents the musical, "Once Upon a Time Shop," at 2 p.m. April 21, and at the 9 and 11 a.m. services on April 22, Christian Center Church, 255 Summit Ridge Dr., Kalispell. Free. Public welcome.

3 "100 Best" Art Show by youth of Whitefish Community Center Programs and director Laura Blankenship, reception and opening 7-9 p.m. April 21, Sage Spa and Salon, 525 Railway Ave., Whitefish. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Call 249-5344.

3 Fundraiser concert for band shell at Depot Park, 4-9 p.m. April 22, Eagles, 37 First St. W., Kalispell. Music by Big Daddy and the Blue Notes, Andre Floyd and Deja Vu. Tickets $10 at Kalispell Parks and Recreation and at door. Call Jennifer Young, 758-7717.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8 to 11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. April 23, Polson Area Senior Center. $10 course fee. Call 883-4735 to register.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8 to 11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. April 23, St. John's Lutheran Hospital, Libby. $10 course fee. Call 293-0100 to register.

3 Flathead County Democratic Women meet at 11:45 a.m. April 23, at the Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Debi Strong will talk about her work as state coordinator for Montana Peace Alliance. Luncheon $10; no reservations required. All welcome.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., April 23, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross certified course in Adult CPR, 6:30 p.m. April 23 at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., April 23, 133 Interstate Lane, behind JoAnn Fabrics, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.

3 Kila School board technology meeting, at 7:30 a.m.; budget meeting 5:30 p.m., April 24, at the school.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., April 24, Columbia Falls High School.

3 Flathead County Planning board town-hall meeting to review Growth Policy's 50 goals, 6 p.m. April 24, Glacier National Park Community Building, park headquarters, West Glacier.

3 Helena Flats School board meets to award contract bids, at 6 p.m., April 24, school library.

3 Red Cross certified course in Standard First Aid, 6:30 p.m. April 24 at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Whitefish branch of Flathead County Library Born to Read program for babies, 0-24 months, 11:30 a.m. April 25. Call 862-6657.

3 Flathead County Fair board special meeting at 7 p.m. April 25, fairgrounds office.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 1-5 p.m. April 25 in the blood mobile, at the U.S. Post office, Meridian Road.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 26, in the blood mobile, FVCC.

3 Children's Story Hour is at 10:30 a.m. April 26, in the children's department of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell, 247 First Ave. E. Call 758-5822.

3 Kila School board Technology surplus sale 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 27, at the school.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 27, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross volunteer orientation beginning at noon April 27, at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Call 752-6433.

3 Eureka Rendezvous Days April 27-29. Barbecue and concert kick off 5 p.m. April 27, Lake Koocanusa Arena. Weekend events include parade, carnival, quilt, art and car shows, black powder shoot, mountain man events, crafts fair, kids games. Tickets and information: www.eurekaevents.com.

3 Columbia Falls Kiwanis Mountain Madness Motocross April 27-29, Hungry Horse Motocross Track. Registration 6-9 p.m. April 27, 6:30-8 a.m. April 28-29. Races begin 8 a.m. April 28-29. Gate admission $10 for entire weekend. Children under 12 free. Concessions and restrooms available. Proceeds benefit Kiwanis community projects. Call 892-7283 pr 892-1776.

3 Flathead Valley Jazz Society "Swingin' on High" dance concert fundraiser, 7-10 p.m. April 27, Kalispell Eagles Ballroom, 37 First St. W. Tickets $10 per person. Raffles, door prizes. Proceeds benefit Flathead Jazz Stampede. A non-smoking event. Call Gary Fischer, 752-4718.

3 United Way's Christmas in April construction project day, April 28. If you are a senior citizen on a limited income and need home maintenance or repairs done, or wish to volunteer, call United Way, 752-7266.

3 Epworth United Methodist Church spring rummage sale, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 28, 329 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Family clothing, furniture, toys, baked goods and more. Proceeds go to child abuse victims locally and globally. Call Sue Jacobson, 755-5375.

3 Flathead County Library Human Rights Film Series presents "Life and Debt" 2 p.m. April 28, Columbia Falls branch library. Free. Parental discretion advised.

3 Eighth annual Scraps and Threads Quilt Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Eureka. Free admission. Vendors on site, refreshments, door prizes, raffles, boutique.

3 Kila School auction and dinner 5:30 p.m. April 28, at the school

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 30, Eureka Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

3 FVCC multicultural event 6 p.m., April 30, Blake Hall. Documentary film, "Emmanuel's Gift" which take place in Ghana will be shown and discussed. Free. Public welcome. Call Gerda Reeb, 756-3945.

3 Spring enrollment begins May 1 for students new to School District 5, grades 1-8, enrollment office, 233 First Ave. E., (above Flathead County Library), Kalispell. Call 751-3430.

3 Flathead County Planning board town-hall meeting to review Growth Policy's 50 goals, 6 p.m. May 1, Mountain West Bank, 601 Spokane Ave., Whitefish.

3 18th annual Project Whitefish wine tasting, food festival and auction, 6-9 p.m. May 1, Grouse Mountain Lodge. Silent and live auctions. Seating limited. Tickets $40 per person. Call 862-5371, ext. 221.

3 Memorial service to honor the late Allen Hibbard, 2 p.m. May 3, Salish Kootenai College Amphitheater, Pablo. Call Kathie Maiers, 406-275-4887.

3 Lakeside annual Swap-O-Rama, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5, Lakeside School gym and parking lot. New and used items and products, imports, furniture, toys, books, tools, vehicles, sporting goods and more. To reserve a space, call Jennifer, 844-3216.

3 Flathead Shrine Club and Flathead Valley Orthopedic Center hold a free screening clinic for children with orthopedic or problems with burns, 8 a.m. May 5, at the orthopedic center. Call 752-7900, ext. 220 to schedule an evaluation.

3 Glacier Stamp Club meets May 7 in the basement meeting room of the Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Stamp trading and talk at 7 p.m.; regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. with a short slide show, "Designing the U.S. State Birds and Flowers Issue of 1982." Visitors welcome. Call Gail Long, 752-6110.

3 Kila School election noon to 8 p.m. May 8.

3 Kila School special board meeting to canvass votes, 7:30 a.m. May 9.

3 History Book Club discusses John Fraley's "A Woman's Way West," 6:30 p.m., May 10, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. All welcome. Call Gil Jordan, 756-8381.

3 Bigfork Art and Cultural Center's annual benefit auction, Brims & Biddin' IV, May 11, Flathead Lake Lodge. Barbecue, no-host bar. Auction begins 5:30 p.m. Tickets $22 for members, $25 for nonmembers at art center gift shop, or call 837-6927.

3 Free car seat inspections 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 12, Kalispell Center Mall, sponsored by State Farm and KRMC. Call Wendy Olson, 751-4502.

3 Bibler Spring Garden Tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12-13. Proceeds benefit FVCC Scholarship Program. Advance ticket sales only, $10 adults, $3 children. Call 756-3963.

3 Kila School board meets at 8:30 a.m. May 16 at the school.

3 Northern Rockies Paddling Symposium 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 19-20, Wayfarers State Park, Bigfork. Demonstrations of kayaks and canoes from area paddlesports shops. Learn tips and techniques. Free. Call Silver Moon Kayak Company, 752-3794.

3 Flathead Chronic Pain Support Group meets 5:30-6:45 p.m. May 21, at The Summit. Those who have chronic pain and their family, friends and care givers are welcome. Free. Call Dr. Alex Bokor, 250-5252.

3 Loon & Fish Festival 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 26-27, Seeley Lake Community Hall. Art show, soup bowl lunch to benefit Seeley Lake Food Bank, outdoor topics, demonstrations, children's art and raffle. Bird and wildflower walks, guided trip to view nesting loons, May 27. Call Alpine Artisans, 406-793-5706.

3 Flathead Chronic Pain Support Group meets 5:30-6:45 p.m. June 11, at The Summit. Those who have chronic pain and their family, friends and care givers are welcome. Free. Call Dr. Alex Bokor, 250-5252.

3 History Book Club discusses Carl B. Glasscock's "War of the Copper Kings" 6:30 p.m., June 14, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. All welcome. Call Gil Jordan, 756-8381.

3 Dressage for the Park dressage show, June 16-17, Rebecca Farm, Kalispell. Call Lindy Marriott at 752-4627 or Joy Struble at 755-8870

3 Columbia Falls Relay for Life for American Cancer Society June 22-23, Columbia Falls High School. Call Kathy Emerson, 862-7914; or Dina Pomper, 755-7004.

3 Kalispell Relay for Life for American Cancer Society 6 p.m. June 22 to 10 a.m. June 23, Flathead High School Legends Field. Call Joni McKiernan, 261-0184.

3 Big Mountain Resort opens June 30 for summer operations. Call 862-2911.

3 History Book Club discusses Norma Smith's biography, "Jeannette Rankin" 6:30 p.m., July 12, Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. All welcome. Call Gil Jordan, 756-8381.

3 Columbia Falls High School Class of 1967 40th reunion July 27-29 during Heritage Days. Call Cyndy Gochanour Deist, 755-3942; or Gail Shay Linne, 892-1935.

3 Columbia Falls High School Class of 1977 30th reunion July 27-28 during Heritage Days. Call Jim Cheff, 892-3682.

3 School District 5 fall enrollment begins 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Aug. 1, 233 First Ave. E., (above Flathead County Library), Kalispell. Call 751-3430.

3 Flathead High School Class of 1997 class reunion Aug. 10-11. E-mail fhsbraves1997@yahoo.com

3 Nature Energy Universe (NEU) hosts a Body, Mind and Spirit Fair, Sept. 8-9, Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Health consultation, rejuvenation technologies, yoga, feng shui, massage workshops and videos and more. Call Barb and Mike Thomas, 406-227-8401