Today

3 Expect short travel delays today and Sunday around the Flathead County Courthouse on U.S. 93 due to a road striping project by the Montana Department of Transportation.

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

3 Bring your pet to Murdoch's in Kalispell today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and have a photo taken with Santa for a $20 donation to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana.

3 Free youth orientation for teens 14-18, noon, Kalispell Athletic Club, 770 W. Reserve Dr., to discuss new fitness program to be launched at 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Call 752-2880.

3 Soroptimist International of Bigfork basket drawing and chili dinner, 5 to 7 p.m., Bigfork Elementary School cafeteria. Dinner is $3 per person or $10 for a family. Raffle tickets and baskets for sale. Proceeds benefit local scholarships, awards and projects. For more information, call Jodee at 837-1574.

3 Valley Voices Community Choir and Home School Select Ensemble holiday concert, 7 p.m., Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage Road. Free admission. Donations accepted. Reception follows concert. All welcome.

3 "Rockin' Holiday On Ice Show" ice extravaganza featuring local figure skaters and National Champion Nicholas LaRoche, 7-9 p.m., Stumptown Ice Den, Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish; 862-6524.

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

3 Contra Dance, Northridge Lutheran Church gym 323 Northridge Dr., Kalispell. Beginner's lesson is 7:30-8 p.m., dancing from 8-11 p.m. Cost $7 for adults; $4, teens; $13, families; 11 and younger, free. Call Joe, 752-7469; or Sherry, 752-8226.

Sunday

3 Glacier Country Boys and Girls Club Great Christmas Kick-off fundraiser 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Fun family day with lunch, crafts and activities, entertainment and photos with Santa. Tickets $25 per adult; $10 per child, available at Boys and Girls Club Roller Rink, Books West or call 752-1045.

3 Holiday Tour of Historic Homes fundraiser for Museum at Central School and Northwest Montana Historical Society, 1-5 p.m. Tour four homes and museum's Christmas decoration display. Reception throughout event at museum with wine, food and treats. Participants eligible for drawing for two round-trip air fares anywhere in contiguous U.S. Tickets $20 at museum or at any home day of tour. Call 756-8381.

3 Flathead Chapter of the Compassionate Friends annual candle lighting ceremony for families grieving the death of a child, 6:45 p.m. Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Dr., Kalispell. All welcome. Call Karcne Manus, 387-5215.

Monday

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

3 Daughters of the American Revolution, Chief Ignace Chapter, meet at noon at home of Pat Bass. Riva Amundson presents a program on "Marriages in the White House. Meet at 11:15 a.m. for carpooling. Call Kay McDonald, 892-4579.

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

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

3 Whitefish City Council joint meeting with U.S. 93 Citizens working group and WGM consultants to discuss Montana Department of Transportation's proposal for reconstruction of highway west of Lupfer Avenue.

3 Red Cross Infant and Child CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m., at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Call 752-6433.

3 Flathead Audubon meets 7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Dan Casey will presents a program on upcoming Flathead area Christmas bird counts. Free and all welcome.

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

3 Lecture on topic, "Changing Your Cholesterol Numbers with Food Choices, 7 p.m., The Summit. Registration fee $10. Call 751-4500.

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

3 Columbia Falls School board meets at 7 p.m., administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W. Columbia Falls.

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

3 Public meeting for people interested in having a powwow in Kalispell, 7:30 p.m., FVCC Businesses and Social Science building, room 109. Call E.B. Eiselein, multicultural coordinator, 756-3945.

Tuesday

3 Kalispell Women's Connection buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., New Outlaw Inn, Kalispell. Theme is an "Old-Fashioned Christmas." Music by Ron and Carol Pierce of Bigfork. Sing-along. Guest speaker is Arden Holmes. Cost is $12. RSVP to Jan at 857-2467. Complimentary child care by reservation. Affiliated with Stonecroft International Inc.

3 Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Valley Community Room, 235 Nucleus Ave. No reservations required. Lunch available for $9. Call Carol Pike, 892-2072.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

3 Curly Neal and Harlem Globetrotters Alumni All-Stars charity basketball game, 6 p.m., Flathead High School gym. Proceeds to Kalispell Police Department's Flathead CARE Youth Program. Tickets available at Super 1, Albertsons, McDonald's, Town Pumps, Coffee Traders, Army/Navy.

3 School District 5 and Flathead County high school district board meets at 6 p.m., Kalispell Middle School Library Media Center.

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

3 Smith Valley School board meets at 7 p.m., school library.

3 DREAM Adaptive Ski Program for disabled skiers, volunteer orientation, 7 p.m. Whitefish Library boardroom. Intermediate to advance skills recommended. No other experience required. Call 862-1817.

3 FVCC's Multicultural Services Program presentation on "A Photographer's view of India," by Lyle Olson of Whitefish, 7:30 p.m., Blake Hall board room. Free. Public invited. Call E.B. Eiselein, 756-3945.

3 West Valley Fire District trustees meet at 7:30 p.m., at the West Valley Fire Station on Farm to Market Road.

3 Free Avalanche Awareness Clinic, 8-9 p.m. Penco Power Products, 2310 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell. Co-sponsored by Penco, Forest Service and Glacier Country Avalanche Center. Call 758-5204.

Wednesday

3 Columbia Falls Women's Connection Christmas Celebrations brunch, 9:30 a.m., Los Caporales, Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls. Guest speaker is Arden Holmes of Kimberly, B.C. Cathy Alton shares candle decorating ideas. Cost $7.50 per person. Free child care by reservation. Call Candy at 387-4119, or Janet at 892-3621. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

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

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Pope John Paul II Church, Bigfork. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus.

3 Whitefish School District board meets 3:45 p.m., district board room.

3 North Valley Music School children's choir performs at 4 p.m. at Riverside Senior Living in Whitefish. Public welcome.

3 Somers School board Financial Committee meets at 4 p.m. at Somers Middle School.

3 Marion School board meets at 6 p.m.

3 Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building boardroom.

3 Mission Mountain Audubon Society meets at 7 p.m., Tribes' Natural Resources Conference Room, 316 First St. E., Polson. Tom McDonald, tribal Natural Resources Department division manager, and Brian Upton, tribal attorney, will present a program on "Tribal Connections to the National Bison Range" Free. Open to public.

3 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Citizens Advisory Committee meets 7 p.m., at FWP headquarters, 490 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Topic is hunting regulation proposals for coming year Public invited. Call 752-5501.

3 City of Whitefish public meeting to discuss proposed parking structure at Second Street and Spokane Avenue, 7 p.m. Roy Duff Memorial Armory, Armory Road.

3 DREAM Adaptive Ski Program for disabled skiers, volunteer orientation, 7 p.m. Realty Executives, (n

northwest corner of Main and Idaho) in Kalispell. Intermediate to advance skills recommended. No other experience required. Call 862-1817.

Thursday

3 Northwest Montana Education Cooperative management board meeting 8:30 a.m., Bridge Academy, (Linderman School,) 124 Third Ave. E., Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., West Kootenai Church.

3 Flathead Special Education Cooperative meets 11 a.m. at the FSEC office, basement conference room, 1001 S. Main St., Kalispell

3 Somers School board Faculty Advisory meets at 3:45 p.m. at Somers Middle School.

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

3 Bill Rossiter hosts a presentation, "Songs for Your Supper," in conjunction with "Montana by food: A Taste of the Past" exhibit, 7 p.m. FVCC Theater in the Arts and Technology Building. Call Librarian Michael Ober, 756-3853. Public invited.

Friday

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Northwest Montana Human Resources training room, Main Street, Kalispell.

3 Kalispell Fire Department and Summit Safe Kids coalition sponsor a car seat clinic, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kalispell City Fire Station 62, 255 W. Reserve Loop, behind Costco. Have your car seats inspected free by a certified child passenger safety technician.

3 Flathead Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees meets at noon, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Lunch is $7.50. For reservations, call Bill Driver at 837-2744.

3 Norma Lipp reads from her book "Profiles in Poetry," 2 p.m. Prestige Assisted Living, 125 Glenwood Dr., Kalispell. The public is welcome.

3 Whitefish Christmas Stroll, 6-9 p.m., downtown Whitefish. Santa arrives on fire engine at 6 p.m., 131 Central Ave.

3 North Valley Music School students perform tonight during Whitefish Christmas Stroll. Children's choir performs 5-6 p.m., Whitefish Presbyterian Church; guitar and piano students perform 6-7 p.m., Montana Coffee Traders.

3 "Calling All Angels" gala to introduce Intermountain nonprofit organization for children to Flathead Valley, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Tickets $75. Hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live music. RSVP to Amanda Creamer, 1-888-261-6014.

3 Valley Victory Church open gym night, 7-9 p.m., 215 E. Evergreen Dr. Bring the family for finger food, volleyball and basketball. Call 257-5623.

A Look Ahead

3 Creative Memories scrapbooking workshop 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 15, FVCC Arts and Technology Building, Room 122. Bring a sack lunch. Stay as long as you wish. Cost $10. Call Joyce Workman, 755-4922. All welcome.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 15, The Summit, Kalispell. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.

3 Flathead High School students wrap your Christmas packages 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 15; 1-5 p.m. Dec. 16, FHS Main Office Conference Room. Either bring own paper or let them provide. Proceeds go toward Close-Up educational student trip to Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia. Call Kala Lougheed, 751-3462.

3 34th annual Bigfork Christmas Bird Count Dec. 15. Potluck follows at 5 p.m. Cost $5. Call Dan Casey of Flathead Audubon, 857-3143 evenings; 756-2681, days.

3 North Valley Music School adult harp ensemble perform 1-3 p.m. Dec. 15, Kalispell Center Mall.

3 Festival of Lights holiday gala 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 15, Bohemian Grange Hall, behind Montana Coffee Traders, U.S. 93, Whitefish. Food, live music and visit from Santa. Winners of Flathead Valley Light Up the Night holiday home decorating contest will be announced. Proceeds benefit Flathead Youth Homes.

3 Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday School children present "The Mystery of the Manger," at 10:55 a.m. church service, Dec. 16, 400 W. California. Everyone welcome.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8:30-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Dec. 17-18, Polson Area Senior Center.. $10 course fee. Call 883-4735 to register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Dec. 17, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross Adult CPR for the Professional two-day course, 6-10 p.m. Dec. 17-18, at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 National Geographic writer Douglas Chadwick talks about his travels to Mongolia and India to learn about efforts to protect the snow leopard, and other travels, 7 p.m., Dec. 17, Bohemian Grange, U.S. 93 South and Blanchard Lake Road, Whitefish (behind Coffee Traders.) Public invited.

3 Flathead Democratic Party potluck dinner and presidential straw poll, 6 p.m. Dec. 18, Village Greens Clubhouse, 500 Palmer Dr., Kalispell. Call 862-4942.

3 Special Olympics Montana Breakfast with Champions fundraiser, 7-8:30 a.m. Dec. 18, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Keynote speaker is animal expert Jack Hanna. Tickets $65 each or $500 for table of eight. Call 406-216-5327.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 4-7 p.m., Dec. 18, Lakeside Elementary.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 19, Polson High School.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Dec. 20, Libby VFW.

3 PBS Point-of-View (P.O.V.) documentary, "The Fire Next Time" shown 6:30 p.m., Dec. 20, Flathead County Library, Whitefish. Guest speaker is Steve Thompson. Admission free. Not rated-parental discretion advised. Call Public Services Librarian Jocelyne Bodden, 758-8523.

3 Flathead Suicide Prevention Coalition meets 1 p.m., Dec. 20, Flathead City-County Health Department conference room, Kalispell. Films targeting interventions for teens struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts will be reviewed. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 21, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Whitefish Moose Lodge hosts "Breakfast with Santa" 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 22, at the lodge, 239 W. 10th St. Full breakfast $6 for adults; kids are free. Everyone welcome.

3 Shining Mountains Church musical celebration and story behind story of Christmas, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 23, 475 Eighth Ave. EN, Kalispell. All welcome. Call Rev. Yvonne Cottrell, 257-6539.

3 Friendship House ninth annual Light the Walk luminaria display, Dec. 23-24, 606 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. Luminarias $10. Call 257-8375.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 24, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

DOVES, Domestic Violence Education and Services, presents a workshop on "Celebrating Our Lives During the Holidays," 1:30-3:30 p.m. St. Joseph Medical Center, second floor conference room, Polson. Free. Open to Lake County and Flathead Reservation women. Call 883-3350.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., Dec. 26, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Dec. 27, Our Lady of Mercy Church, Eureka.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Dec. 28, Three Rivers Bank, North Meridian Road.

3 Annual Kalispell Christmas Bird Count Dec. 30. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Finnegan's Restaurant. Cost $5. Call Dan Casey of Flathead Audubon, 857-3143 evenings; 756-2681, days.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 31, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 "Walking the Labyrinth-A Sacred Journey Within" retreat facilitated by Roberta Silker of Columbia Falls, Jan. 4, Shining Mountains Center for Positive Living, 475 Eight Ave. EN, Kalispell. $15 donation. Call Silker, 755-6075 or Merrily, 249-1005.

3 PBS Point-of-View (P.O.V.) documentary, "Lomax the Songhunter" shown 6:30 p.m., Jan. 17, Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Admission free. Not rated-parental discretion advised. Call Public Services Librarian Jocelyne Bodden, 758-8523.

3 Youth Service Network meets at noon Jan. 28 at The Summit, Kalispell. Jenny Simon-Thomas will speak on "The Importance of Assessing Executive Functioning Abilities in children and Adolescents." Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.

3 PBS Point-of-View (P.O.V.) documentary, "Lomax the Songhunter" shown 6:30 p.m., Jan. 24, Flathead County Library, Whitefish. Admission free. Not rated-parental discretion advised. Call Public Services Librarian Jocelyne Bodden, 758-8523.