Today
• Flathead County Republican Women meet at noon at the Red Lion Hotel, Kalispell. Lunch $11. Bobbi Kandarian will talk about the Wings Organization in Kalispell. Public welcome. Call Pamala Kasperson, 837-4428.
• Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Flathead Chronic Pain Support Group hosts a presentation by Dr. Brad Roy on role of stretching, body mechanics and cardiovascular training to improve quality of life, 5:30-7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Free. Call Dr. Alex Bokor, 250-5252.
• Flathead/Glacier Booster Club annual meeting, 6 p.m. Flathead High School conference room. Regular board meeting follows.
Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee meets 6:30 p.m., Lakeside Library. Open to public. Call 844-2479.
• Bethlehem Lutheran Church annual Waldum Memorial spring renewal, 7 p.m., 603 S. Main St., Kalispell. The Rev. Joe Haugestuen will talk about his ministry with the MaaSae in a presentation titled, "Captured by a Cause: How god Connects Abilities and Opportunities. Free. Public welcome. Offering taken.
• The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen; 752-4220.
• Fair-Mont-Egan School board meets at 7 p.m., school library.
Tuesday
• Free presentation on men's health issues by nurse practitioner Sheila Shapiro, noon, Blake Hall board room, FVCC. Call Sharon Randolph, 756-3981.
• Flathead Convention and Visitor Bureau board meets 2-4 p.m., Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Jodi Smith will talk about Superhost training workshops at FVCC. Public welcome. Call Dori Muehlfhof, 756-9091.
• Lakeside County Water and Sewer district board meets 2 p.m., district meeting room, 253 Bierney Creek Road, Lakeside.
• Red Cross blood drive, 2:30-6:30 p.m., Lakeside Chapel.
• Deer Park School board meets at 4:30 p.m. at the school.
• Mission Valley Christian Academy, WWJD Lane, Polson (two miles east of U.S. 93 on Montana 35) open house, 5-7 p.m. Tours, refreshments. All welcome. Call 883-6858.
• Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) open house 5:30 p.m., Rocky Mountain Lodge, 6510 U.S. 93 S., Whitefish. Visitors welcome.
• West Glacier Elementary School board meets 6 p.m., at the school.
• Somers School District board work session 6 p.m., followed by regular meeting, 7 pm. Somers Middle School.
• Flathead Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited meets 7 p.m., Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 490 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Guest speaker is Bruce Farling, executive director of Montana Trout Unlimited. Public welcome.
• Cayuse Prairie School board meets at 7 p.m. in the school library.
• Flathead County Democratic convention and election of officers, 7 p.m. KM Theatre, 40 Second St. E., Kalispell. Call 862-4942.
• Museum at Central School Historic Film Club presents "Young Frankenstein," 7 p.m., 124 Second Ave.E, Kalispell. Free. Donations accepted. Bring portable chairs, pillows, blankets. Call 756-8381.
Wednesday
• Sage Spa Salon Erin Thompson and Caden Odell Memorial Funds fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., 525 Railway St., Whitefish. Express services and men's and women's haircuts for $25 donation. Call 862-0873 to schedule an appointment.
• Whitefish School District board retreat 9 a.m., board meeting room.
Thought
"If anyone tells you something strange about the world, something you had never heard before, do not laugh but listen attentively; make him repeat it, make him explain it; no doubt there is something there worth taking hold of." n Georges Duhamel, French author (1884-1966).
• Flathead Valley Business and Professional Women meet noon to 1 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, Kalispell. Guests welcome. Lunch available for $13. RSVP to Shelley Loutherback, 755-4884.
• Essential Stuff Project (ESP) free presentation, 7 p.m., Clementine's 265 Bridge St., Bigfork. Presentation on "Pollinators and their Habitat." Free; donations accepted. Call Edd Blackler, 837-5196; or Catherine Haug, 837-4577.
• New Women's Spiritual Circle group will meet 7 p.m., home of Ina Albert, 955 Northwoods Dr., Whitefish. Call 863-2333 for directions.
• Free Falun Dafa Quigong class, 7 p.m. community room of Kalispell branch of Flathead County Library. A self-cultivation meditation with gentle, easy exercises. Call Katherine, 257-9798.
Thursday
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9-11 a.m., and 1-3 p.m., Polson Area Senior Center $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 883-4735.
• Whitefish School District board retreat 9 a.m., board meeting room.
• Red Cross blood drive, 10:30-3:30 p.m., Whitefish High School.
• Flathead Special Education Cooperative board meets 11:30 a.m., Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W., second floor conference room.
• Flathead Suicide Prevention Coalition meets noon to 1 p.m., Flathead City-County Health Department conference room, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.
• Local author Sharon Randolph gives a slide show on her new series about West and East Glacier communities, "Connecting Us to the Sun," noon, Blake Hall board room, FVCC. Free. Public welcome.
• T.M. Brown will lecture on "Pigmentation Genetics and the Eye of the Moth," and relationship to human pigmentary disorders, 6:30 p.m. Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free. Public welcome.
• Cyber bullying prevention seminar 7-8 p.m., Glacier High School Main Conference Room. Speakers are certified trainer Alison Schmaltz and Kalispell Police Detective Doug Overman. Free. Everyone welcome.
Friday
• Whitefish School District and Head Start conduct free developmental screening for children ages birth to 5, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., district office, 600 E. Second St. Call 862-8655.
• International Gift Festival, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25, Mountain View Mennonite Church, 795 Mennonite Church Road, Creston. Unique fair trade handcrafted items from around the world. Lunch available in Village Cafe.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. John's Hospital, Libby.
• Sen. Jon Tester's field representatives hold outreach office hours, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Eureka Historic Village, 2 Dewey Ave.
• City of Whitefish Arbor Day celebration 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Depot Park. Activities, food, arts and crafts vendors, live music by Tim Torgerson. Raffles.
• Columbia Falls Tree City USA ceremony 1-2:30 p.m., Marantette Park. Gov. Brian Schweitzer will present the award. Performances by local school children and tree plantings. Public invited.
• Lunafest film festival of independent short films by for and about women, FVCC Arts and Technology Building, room 139. Kick off 6 p.m.; showtime 6:30 p.m. Silent auction. Tickets $15; $10 for students at Montana Coffee Traders, downtown Whitefish; and Books West, Kalispell. Also at door. Fundraiser for Violence Free Crisis Line. Call Jill Hoxmeier, 261-9085.
• Free workshop by Jason Andrus on beginning a career with Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Hampton Inn, 1140 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell. Pre-registration required. Call David Hart, 752-3887.
• Big Sky Astronomy Club meets at 7 p.m., West Valley Fire Hall. All welcome. Call Bruce at 857-3753, or Mark at 257-7261.
• Homeschool Theater Club performs "The Jungle Book, 7 p.m. today; 4 p.m. April 25, New Covenant Fellowship, 436 Birch Grove Road, Kalispell Free admission.
A Look Ahead
• Flathead Audubon third annual Marty Cohen stroll, April 25, Whitefish River bike path. Meet at 8 a.m. at Whitefish City ball fields parking lot of Montana 40. Return by 10 a.m. Call 755-3704. Everyone welcome.
• "Clean the Fish," community clean-up of Whitefish, April 25. Volunteer breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Glacier Bank, 319 E. Second St.; clean-up 9:30 a.m.; barbecue 11 a.m. Prizes awarded. Call 863-6300.
• Epworth United Methodist Church spring rummage sale, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., April 25, 329 Second Ave. E., across from Hockaday, Kalispell. Most things are 50 cents. Benefit for numerous charitable organizations.
• Montana State Library Commission meets 8:30 a.m. to noon, April 25, Red Lion Hotel, Kalispell. Public invited. Call 406-444-5357.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25, North Valley Hospital. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 863-3630.
• West Valley area roadside clean-up, 9 a.m. to noon, April 25. Meet at West Valley School. Call the school at 755-7239.
• West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue indoor rummage sale fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 and May 2, West Valley Fire Hall, 2399 Whitefish Stage. Call 253-5908 or 755-3643.
• International Gift Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25, Mountain View Mennonite Church, 795 Mennonite Church Road, Creston. Unique fair trade handcrafted items from around the world. Lunch available in Village Cafe.
• Bighorn Divers Dive for Earth Day, 10 a.m. April 25, Les Mason Park, Whitefish. Shoreline and underwater clean-up, prizes, food. Call 752-4970 between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Swap-O-Rama 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25, Lakeside Elementary School. Food, homemade art, crafts, baked goods. Clothing, toys, games, books, movies and more. Bring a bag of donations and take a bag of items of your choice; cost $5 to participate. Fundraiser for sixth grade field trip.
• Montana Mountain Horse Arena open house, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25, 1210 Birch Grove, Kalispell. Young colt saddling, bridling and advanced riding horse demonstrations. Free. Public invited.
• Be Your Farmer Project demonstrates container gardening methods, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25, Kalispell Community Garden, intersection of Liberty Street and Hawthorn Avenue. Call 755-3619.
• "Nourish the Flathead" community event and Whitefish Community Garden open house, 1-4 p.m. April 25, Whitefish United Methodist Church. Baby lambs, goats, booths on composting, gardening, canning, dehydrating. Live music, concessions. Public welcome. Call Mike or Jenny Henson, 863-9758.
• Jami Belt talks about Glacier Park Citizen Science Program, 4-6 p.m. April 25, Montana House, Apgar Village, Glacier Park. Reservations requested; 888-5393.
• Homeschool Theater Club performs "The Jungle Book, 4 p.m., April 25, New Covenant Fellowship, 436 Birch Grove Road, Kalispell Free admission.
• Annual chili supper, 6 p.m. April 25, Birch Grove Center, Birch Grove Road, Kalispell. Homemade chili and cornbread, cupcakes. Cost by donation. Silent auction 6-8:30 p.m. All welcome. Call Margie, 755-8586.
• Neighbors in Need Spring Brunch, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 26, Hampton Inn, Kalispell. Catered by Vista Linda. Tickets $12 per person; $5 for children 5 and younger. Music by Stillwater Christian School students. Call 752-7266.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27, St. John's Hospital, Libby. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 293-0100.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 27, Plains Area Senior Center. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.
• Sen. Jon Tester's field representatives hold outreach office hours, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 27, Lake County Courthouse, Polson.
• Flathead County Democratic Women meet 11:45 a.m. April 27, Winchester Inn, Outlaw Inn. Bev Black and Pam Gerwe will talk about gardening and local projects. Lunch available. No reservation required. All welcome.
• Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., April 27, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Flathead Sea Kayakers season kick-off, Lone Pine State Park Community Room. Social hour 5 p.m.; potluck dinner 6 p.m. Bring a side dish and drinks; ham, turkey and service ware provided. New members welcome. Annual $10 dues accepted. Call Sue LaRoque, 837-2570.
• Take Back the Night rally, 6 p.m. April 27, Whitefish Depot Park, across from O'Shaughnessy Center. Guest speakers will address sexual assault issues. Public welcome. Call 261-9085.
• Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., April 28, Eureka Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Hands On Place, an interactive children's museum meeting regarding summer programming and volunteer opportunities, 6:30 p.m. April 27, The Summit, Kalispell. All interested welcome. Call Courtney Rudbach, 756-7691.
• Creston School board meets 4:30 p.m. April 28. Public welcome.
• MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:15-11:15 a.m. April 29, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. No child care available. Call Heidi Durban, 253-4886.
• Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., April 29, National Flood, in the blood mobile.
• Glacier Park Brown Bag lunchtime seminar, noon to 1 p.m. April 29. Clint Muhlfeld, U.S. Geological Survey aquatic ecologist at Glacier, park will present "Rainbows vs. Natives: It's a Cutthroat Competition." Free. Public welcome.
• Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 30, FVCC, in the blood mobile.
• Lipizzaner Stallions perform 7:30 p.m. April 30, Majestic Valley Arena.
• Flathead Democratic Party spring dinner May 1, Grouse Mountain Lodge, U.S. 93 North, Whitefish. Guest speaker is Montana Democratic Party Chairman Dennis McDonald. Doors open 6 p.m.; dinner 6:45 p.m. Live music by Andre Floyd. Tickets $38 available at Books West, Kalispell; Coffee Traders, downtown Whitefish. Call Sandy Schott, 250-9809; or Nancy Fenner, 752-0298.
• West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue indoor rummage sale fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 2, West Valley Fire Hall, 2399 Whitefish Stage. Call 253-5908 or 755-36
• Fashion for Compassion luncheon and dogs and women fashion show, noon, May 2, Whitefish Community Center, 121 E. Second St. Tickets $20, at S.M. Bradford, Humane Society of Northwest Montana and Community Center. Dogs will be available for adoption. Proceeds benefit Humane Society. Call 862-4923.
• Columbia Falls Arbor Day Festival, noon to 3:30 p.m. May 2, Glacier Discovery Square, 540 Nucleus Ave. Barbecue. Live music with Jack Gladstone. Kids' activities, raffle, craft vendors. Tree planting ceremony.
• Sixth annual "Making Miracles Happen dinner and auction, May 2, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Live and silent auction, cash bar, raffle door prizes. Entertainment by David Ackroyd. Doors open 4:30 p.m.; dinner 5:30 p.m. Live auction, 6:30 p.m. Tickets $50 per person; $350 table of eight. Proceeds go to Human Therapy on Horseback. Call 881-4192.
• Conrad Mansion Museum's Death by Chocolate Murder Mystery VIII fundraiser, 7-10 p.m. May 2. Tickets $50 each or $45 for Friends of the Mansion Museum, available at Books West, First National Bank, Kalispell; or call 755-2166.
• Bigfork Senior Center pancake breakfast, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., May 3, 639 Commerce St. Adults $5; children under 12, $3. Call 837-4157.
• MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:15-11:15 a.m., May 6, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Mac Bledsoe gives a program on "Messages of Love." Child care provided. Call Heidi Durban, 253-4886.
• Eagle Transit support training, 10-11:30 p.m. May 7, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Bert Hauser will talk about reservations, scheduling and ridership. Try getting on and off bus using adaptive equipment. All welcome. Refreshments served.
• Thursday Farmer's Market in Whitefish begins season, 4-6:30 p.m. May 7, Pin and Cue, Call Joanne Barnes, 862-3541; or Ann Donahue, 862-5139.
• Flathead Cherry Blossom Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9, Yellow Bay Club, Montana 35, mile marker 18. Arts and crafts, bake sale, luncheon and raffle for hand quilted throw. Live music by Old Time Fiddlers. Call Maureen, 982-3233.
• Bigfork area MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers' Dinner and Denim fundraiser, 5 p.m. May 9, Flathead Lake Lodge. Silent, live auctions. Tickets $20, available at Crossroads Christian Fellowship or the Barn antique store. (Adults only.)
• Ducks Unlimited annual banquet, 6 p.m. May 9, Hilton Convention Center, Kalispell. Raffles, auctions of art, services, firearms. Tickets $45 includes membership and dinner. Call Mark Salansky, 755-8280.
• Flathead Outdoor Club meets 7 p.m., May 13, Flathead County Library basement meeting room, Kalispell. Doug Mead discusses his recent trip to Fiji. Coffee and tea served. Everyone welcome. Call Mike Spence, 857-2599.
• Bigfork Center for Performing Arts grand re-opening reception and open house, 5-8 p.m. May 15. Public welcome.
• 2009 Montana Home Educators State Convention, May 15-16, Christian Center, Kalispell. Keynote speakers are Lorrie Flem from TEACH Magazine Mark Hamby of Lamplighter Publishing, and Steve White, of the Coalition. Twenty-eight workshops. Register by April 20. Call 892-0437.
• MOMS (Mothers Offering Moms Support) meets 9:15-11:15 a.m. May 20, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. MOMS brunch. Child care provided. Call Heidi Durban, 253-4886.
• Flathead Chapter of the Montana Native Plant Society meets 7 p.m. May 20 at Glacier Discovery Square, 540 Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls. Enter through northwest door. Volunteer planting of native shade garden. Public welcome. Call Terry, 892-0129.
• 17th annual Alpine Artisans Loon and Fish Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 23; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 24, Seeley Lake Community Hall. Art sale, demonstrations, programs, children's activities; bird and wildflower walks. Call Martha, 406-793-5706.
• Wellness Workshop to improve quality of life, 9 a.m. May 26, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 Main St., Kalispell. Call 752-9624 to make a lunch reservation.
• Flathead Special Education Cooperative executive council meets, 8:30 a.m., May 28, Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W., second floor conference room.
• Glacier Park Brown Bag lunchtime seminar, noon to 1 p.m. May 28, Glacier National Park Community Building, West Glacier. John Fraley gives a presentation on his newest book and pioneer history of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, in "Wild River Pioneers." Free. Public welcome.
• Fifth annual Great Northern 5K, May 30, Great Northern Trail near Meridian Road and Center Street, Kalispell. Pre-registration available; race day registration at 8 a.m. Call 471-1949 or greatnorthern5k@gmail.com.
• Celebration of life for Susan Christofferson who died Feb. 25, 2 p.m. May 30, Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Refreshments. Public welcome. Call Peg Rice, 755-1430, or Diane Clark, 756-1414.
• Glacier Park Brown Bag lunchtime seminar, noon to 1 p.m. June 18, Glacier National Park Community Building, West Glacier. Editor Chris Peterson gives a photographic presentation, "Confessions of a Wildlife Observer." Free. Public welcome.
• 13th annual Lake County Relay for Life, June 20-21, Polson High School track. Opening ceremony 6 p.m. June 20. Call Gayle Wilhelm, 471-1452; or Etta Moore, 883-3077.
• Flathead Special Education Cooperative executive council meets, 8:30 a.m., June 25, Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W., second floor conference room.
• Glacier Park Brown Bag lunchtime seminar, noon to 1 p.m. July 2, Glacier National Park Community Building, West Glacier Kassandra Hardy, Glacier Park Centennial coordinator, will give an update on events and programs being scheduled to celebrated the Park's 100th birthday. Free. Public welcome.
• Glacier Challenge multi-sport race, 7:30 a.m. July 11. Fundraiser for Flathead Youth Home. Call Hannah Plumb, 755-4622.
• Annual Montana Native Plant Society statewide meeting July 17, Hungry Horse. Call Betty at 892-0129.