Today

3 14th annual Trego Christmas bazaar 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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

3 The Glacier Country Pachyderm meets noon to 1 p.m. at the Bulldog. Guest speaker is Michael Strotheide, president and CEO of Montana West Economic Development. Lunch available. Public invited.

3 PilatesPlus fitness studio open house 3-7 p.m., Main Street, Polson. Harpist performs holiday music, refreshments, give-aways.

3 Hockaday Museum Art Walk and Christmas Stroll, 5 to 9 p.m., Kalispell.

3 Columbia Falls Night of Lights Christmas parade 6:30 p.m. Live Nativity scene, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Craft fair, Christmas Village at Marantette Park.

3 Boomers Singles Group dinner, Village Greens Community Center, West. Nicklaus Avenue, Kalispell. Social hour, 6 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m.; meeting 8 p.m. Reservations required. RSVP to Melody, 892-3532. All 40-plus singles welcome.

3 Columbia Falls Night of Lights Christmas celebration and parade, 6:30 p.m. Santa visits at Moving Image. Bring own camera. Christmas Village, Marantette Park; craft fair, North Valley Community Room, Masonic Hall, North Valley Senior Center.

3 Christmas in the Air Variety Show, 7 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway, Whitefish, accessed off either Montana 40 or U.S. 93. Call 862-2615 or 212-9973.

319th annual Tree of Life ceremony, 7 p.m. Libby Memorial Center. Light a light in memory of loved ones. Call 406-293-4167.

Saturday

3 West Shore Holidayfest, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lakeside School gym. Art, handcrafted gifts, food, music, Kids Only Market, silent auctions noon to 3 p.m.; live auction at 1 p.m. Free photos with Santa, 9-11 a.m. Free admission. Call 844-3880.

3 Joy of Christmas bazaar, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., United Methodist Church, 117 Second St. W., Columbia Falls. Cinnamon rolls, lunch, crafts, Christmas cookie trays, pasties, lefse available. Call 892-5174 or 892-5403.

3 Elks Craft Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Elks Lodge, 1820 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell. Nearly 40 vendors feature art, crafts, sculpture, fleece wear, knives and more. Chili and cornbread lunch available. Proceeds from table rental benefit Elks veterans programs.

3 St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 201 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish holiday bazaar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baked goods, crafts and Christmas items. Proceeds benefit children's camp scholarships and world relief.

3 14th annual Trego Christmas bazaar 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

3 Holiday craft bazaar 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kila School gym. Handcrafted items, Avon, Creative Memories scrapbooking, and tie dye for sale. Proceeds from Pampered Chef sales, Christmas tree and bake sales go to seventh/eighth grade spring trips.

3 Personal Training Plus open house 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 284 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Refreshments. Drawing for a free 21-day Perfect Storm fitness program. Public invited. Call John Austin, 261-6258.

3 Pet Rescue Workshop 1-3 p.m. FVCC Learning Resource Center, room 123. Diana Polczynski, veterinarian technician with Alpine Animal Hospital will discuss how to safely release and treat injuries of pets who have strayed into a trap. Free. Public welcome.

3 A meeting regarding Columbia Falls High School's Class of 1968's 40th class reunion will be held at 1 p.m., Sunrise Bakery, Columbia Falls.

3 Spaghetti dinner benefit and auction for Columbia Falls native and Plum Creek employee Tim Friske, who is being treated for cancer in Salt Lake City, 4 p.m. Eagles, 1640 U.S. 2 W., Columbia Falls. Live and silent auctions include firewood, lumber, tires, equipment rental, furniture, gift certificates and baskets. All welcome.

3 Driven Quartet of Charlotte, N.C., presents a concert of Southern gospel music, 7 p.m. Whitefish Baptist Church, 6232 U.S. 93 S., Whitefish, sponsored by Montana Gospel Music. Blest will open concert. Admission free. Offering will be taken.

Thought

"'Classic': a book which people praise and don't read."

. Mark Twain (1835-1910).

Sunday

3 Elks Craft Show 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elks Lodge, 1820 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell. Nearly 40 vendors feature art, crafts, sculpture, fleece wear, knives and more. Chili and cornbread lunch available. Proceeds from table rental benefit Elks veterans programs.

3 14th annual Trego Christmas bazaar 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

3 Kila School Building Committee meets 5 p.m. at the school.

3 Red Cross two-day certified course in Standard First Aid, 6-10 p.m. today and Tuesday at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

Tuesday

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and Dec. 6, The Summit, Kalispell. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m., Bigfork Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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

3 Northwest Montana Education Cooperative guest teacher training session, 5-8 p.m., 124 Third Ave. E., Kalispell (Linderman Educational Center).

3 Big Brothers Big Sisters presents a Tom Ulrich slideshow, 7 p.m., Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Admission $5.

3 Flathead Citizens for Paved Roads meet 7 p.m., Glacier High School, 375 Wolfpack Way. Use main entrance by flag pole.

Wednesday

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, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Flathead County Health Department, Kalispell.

3 Flathead County Republican Women's 23rd Chocolate Extravaganza, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., New Outlaw Inn, Kalispell. Desserts by professional and amateur bakers and may be purchased. Admission $17 includes buffet luncheon, style show and desserts. Call Pamala Kaspersen, 837-4428 or Ralene Sliter, 755-3998.

3 Flathead County Library board meets at 6 p.m. at the Bigfork Branch Library. Contact Kim Crowley, library director, at 758-5826.

3 FVCC Multicultural Services program presents a program titled, "Iran," 7:30 p.m. Blake Hall board room. Pam Haglund will discuss her trip to Iran and provide photos. Free. All welcome. Call E.B. Eiselein, 756-3945.

Thursday

3 Flathead High School concert choir perform "An African Christmas," 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., First Presbyterian Church sanctuary, 540 S. Main, Kalispell. All welcome.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Sponsored by D.A. Davidson.

3 Free seminar on credit scores and identity theft, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Bohemian Grange Hall, 125 Blanchard Lake Road, Whitefish. Hosted by Fairway Independent Mortgage. RSVP to 862-3914.

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

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

3 Red Cross new volunteer orientation 6:30 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Call 752-6433.

3 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints family history training workshop, 7:30 p.m., LDS Stake Center, Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell. Marge Fisher will discuss "New England Research." Public invited. Call 752-5446.

A Look Ahead

3 Red Cross blood drive for TeleTech employees, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 7, TeleTech, Kalispell.

3 13th annual Festival of Trees, Dec. 7-8 Libby Memorial Center. Family night starts 3 p.m. Dec. 7. View beautiful tree, visit Santa and his elves. Homemade chili; events begin 6 p.m. Dec. 8. Fundraiser for St. John's Lutheran Hospital. Call 406-293-4167.

3 Libby Christmas Parade of Lights, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Mineral Ave. Carolers will sing.

3 Bet Harim Jewish community celebrates Chanukah, 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1515 Trumble Creek Road, Kalispell. Potluck dinner, followed by Sabbath services and party. Call 756-5159.

3 Big Brothers Big Sisters presents a Tom Ulrich slideshow, 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Flathead High School, Kalispell. Admission $5.

3 Big Sky Astronomy Club meets at 7 p.m., Dec. 7. at Glacier High School. Topic will be about various types and features of telescopes. All welcome. Call Bruce at 857-3753 or Kathie, 314-4037.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 8, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Whitefish Stage, Kalispell.

3 Soroptimist International of Bigfork basket drawing and chili dinner, 5 to 7 p.m., Dec. 8, 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. Dec. 8, 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. Dec. 8, Stumptown Ice Den, Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish; 862-6524.

3 Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead meet at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8, Fish, Wildlife and Parks Building, 490 N. Meridian Road. Public welcome. Call Don at 862-6955.

3 Glacier Country Boys and Girls Club Great Christmas Kick-off fundraiser 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9, 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. Dec. 9. 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.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Dec. 10 at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross Infant and Child CPR certification training, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10, at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Flathead Audubon meets 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 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., Dec. 10, 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.

3 Public meeting for people interested in having a powwow in Kalispell, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, FVCC Businesses and Social Science building, room 109. Call E.B. Eiselein, multicultural coordinator, 756-3945.

3 Kalispell Women's Connection buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., Dec. 11, 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. Dec. 11, 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., Dec. 11, Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

3 Swan River School board meets at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11, in the school library.

3 Columbia Falls Women's Connection Christmas Celebrations brunch, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12, 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 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Dec. 12, Pope John Paul II Church, Bigfork. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus.

3 Flathead County Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 in the administration building boardroom.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 13, West Kootenai Church.

3 Red Cross Standard certified course in First Aid Basics, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13, at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $52. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 14, Northwest Montana Human Resources training room, Main Street, Kalispell.

3 Whitefish Christmas Stroll, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14, downtown Whitefish.

3 "Calling All Angels" gala to introduce Intermountain nonprofit organization for children to Flathead Valley, Dec. 14, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Tickets $75. Hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live music. RSVP to Amanda Creamer, 1-888-261-6014.

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 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 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 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 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 "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.