Today
• Glacier Challenge multi-sport race, 7:30 a.m. Fundraiser for Flathead Youth Home. Call Hannah Plumb, 755-4622.
• Disney's "A Christmas Carol" train tour comes to Whitefish Amtrak Station, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 3D sneak peek of new film and behind-the-scenes look at making of movie. Free. Everyone welcome.
• Little Bitterroot Lake Association annual meeting and board elections, 10 a.m., Marion Fire Hall, Gopher Lange.
• Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead arts and crafts show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Flathead County Courthouse Lawn. Free admission. Food and beverages available. Non-perishable food donations welcome for Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry.
• Multi-faith Summer Blessing of Animals, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Woodland Park, Kalispell. Bring your pets and join in prayer. Song, stories, food and fun. All welcome. Call Flathead Valley United Church of Christ, 755-5205; or Ina Albert, 863-2333.
• Canyon View Grade School multi-school reunion 1-5 p.m., Bohemian Grange Hall, located behind Coffee Traders on U.S. 93, Whitefish. Alumni, teacher, friends and relatives from Canyon View, Valentine, Half Moon, La Salle, Birch Grove, Deer Park, Lake Blaine, Bissell and Helena Flats welcome. Bring potluck dish, service ware, choice of beverage. Coffee and tea provided.
• St. Joseph Medical Center Chuckwagon barbecue, auction, dinner, dance, 5:30 p.m., McCrumb's Barn, Finley Point. Register at www.boatnbbq.com or www.saintjoes.org or call 883-8251 or 883-8424. All funds go toward remodeling the oncology clinic.
Sunday
• Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead arts and crafts show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Flathead County Courthouse Lawn. Free admission. Food and beverages available. Non-perishable food donations welcome for NW Montana Veterans Food Pantry.
• Ordained pastor Kenny Peifer will talk about his faith experience, "Highway to Heaven," 6:30 p.m. Valley Victory Church, 315 E. Evergreen. All welcome. Call 257-6523.
• Gold City Quartet of Gadsden, Ala., Southern gospel concert, 7 p.m., Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge, Dr. Free; offering taken.
Monday
• Flathead County Animal Shelter advisory board meets 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Flathead County Health Department second floor conference room, 1035 First Ave. W. Public welcome.
• Red Cross blood drives today, 2-6 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, root beer floats for donors; noon to 3 p.m. Home Depot, Kalispell, in the blood mobile.
• Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group tours Bibler Gardens. Meets at 6 p.m. at Albertson's gas pumps to carpool. Survivors, family, friends are welcome. Refreshments. Call Kathy or Sue at 756-4723.
• The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.
Tuesday
• Kalispell Public School Facilities and Transportation Committee meets to discuss stimulus funds and building reserve projects, 7 a.m., District Administration Building basement.
• First Avenue Cafe, 128 First Ave. E., Kalispell, hosts a fundraiser for Glacier Institute, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu includes soup, salad, beverage, bread, dessert for $9. Call 755-1211.
• Kalispell Women's Connection ice cream social, 11:30 a.m., First Baptist Church, 301 W. Wyoming St., Kalispell. Guest speaker is Mary Zastrow of Helena. Cost is $10.50. RSVP to Jan at 212-3763. Complimentary child care by reservation. Affiliated with Stonecroft International Inc.
• AARP Driver Safety class, noon to 4 p.m., North Valley Senior Center, Columbia Falls. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 892-4087.
• Red Cross blood drives today; 2-6 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, Kalispell; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. U.S. Bank, in the blood mobile.
• Public open house discussing wildland fire use for resource benefit in the Middle Fork area of Flathead National Forest, 4-7 p.m., Izaak Walton Inn, Essex. Call 387-3800.
• Women's Cancer Support Group meets 5-6:30 p.m., KRMC Radiation Oncology Center, 343 Sunnyview Lane. Betsy Smith will speak on genetics counseling. Call Karen Hunnicut, social worker, at 752-1790.
• Swan River School board meets at 5:30 p.m., school library.
• School District 5 and Flathead County High School district board meets at 5:30 p.m. FVCC Business/Social Science building, room 132-133.
• Free community reiki share, 6-8 p.m., Whitefish BodyTalk Center, 211 Central Ave. Call 862-2608.
• Smith Valley Fire Department board meets 6 p.m., 3496 U.S. 2 W.
• Ordained pastor Kenny Peifer will talk about his faith experience, "Highway to Heaven," 6:30 p.m. Valley Victory Church, 315 E. Evergreen. All welcome. Call 257-6523.
• Lakeside Community Council special meeting to hear public comment on revised draft of Lakeside Neighborhood Plan, 7 p.m., Lakeside Community Chapel, U.S. 93 and Adams Street.
• Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead annual potluck 7 p.m., Rebecca Farms Pavilion on Spring Creek Road. Bring a hot dish, salad or dessert. A demonstration on packing for back country travel will follow. Call 212-8107.
• Whitefish School District board meets at 7 p.m., Whitefish High School Library.
• Helena Flats School board meets 7 p.m., at the school. Call Tonnie Decker, 257-2301.
Wednesday
• Evergreen Water and Sewer District board meets at 7 a.m. at the district office, 130 Nicholson Dr.
• Columbia Falls Women's Connection luncheon picnic, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., North Valley Community Center, 235 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Guest speaker is Mary Zastrow of Helena. Cost $8 per person. Free child care by reservation. Call Candy at 387-4119, or Janet at 892-3621. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.
• Red Cross blood drive, 3-6 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Sponsored by National Flood. Root beer floats for donors.
Thursday
• Edward Jones representative Beth Morgenstern hosts a free educational seminar titled, "Smart Choices in Retirement," 11:30 a.m., Bigfork office. Space limited. For a reservation, call Khena or Alison by July 14 at 837-1013.
• Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., at The Wave, Whitefish.
• History is Posh (HIP) local history group meets 4 p.m., Old McIntosh Opera House, Main Street, Kalispell. Guest speaker is Gordon Pirrie. Public welcome. Bring your own chair. Call 837-2459.
• Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin' 5-7 p.m. at Glacier Sotheby's International Realty, 100 Baker Ave. Refreshments served. Public welcome. Call 862-3501.
• Rabbi Allen Secher gives a presentation titled, "Refuting a one-side view: Israel and the Palestinians," about his recent journey to Israel, 7 p.m., Whitefish Library. Sponsored by Community Forum on Middle East Solutions. Free. Public welcome. Refreshments.
A Look Ahead
• Montana Jet Rally for radio-controlled jet enthusiasts, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 17-18; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 19, Glacier Rc'ers field, off Whitefish Stage Road, 1 1/2 miles south of Montana 40. Parking $5 courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 17, the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Annual Montana Native Plant Society statewide meeting July 17, Hungry Horse. Call Betty at 892-0129.
• Bigfork Relay for Life, July 17-18, Bigfork High School track. Call Debbie Ingram, 837-6280.
Flathead High School Class of 1999 10-year reunion July 17-18. Party and dinner 5 p.m. July 17, Majestic Valley Arena, U.S. 93; Day at beach starting at 11 a.m. July 18, Whitefish City Beach. Call Chris Hall 253-5615.
• Flathead Industries Climb Big Mountain fundraiser, July 18. Call 755-7657.
• West Shore Community Library book sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 18.
• Discovery Development Center "Sailing into the Future" fundraiser, July 18, North Flathead Yacht Club, Somers. Races begin 9 a.m.; Children's activities begin 11 a.m. on shore. Catered lunch, noon; Tropical Montana Marimba plays 1-4 p.m. Silent auction. Tickets $6 per person; children 12 and under, free. Call 756-7295.
• Jolly Roger Poker Regatta for boats, cars, truck and motorcycles, July 18, Marina Cay, Bigfork. Check in/registration noon to 1 p.m. Barbecue, silent auction, door prizes. Registration $50. Top prize Marina Cay weekend package. Benefit for Special Olympics Montana. Call 1-800-242-6876.
• 12th annual Somers Cajun Street Dance, July 18. Gate opens 6 p.m.; show 7 p.m. Advance tickets $18 at Del's Bar, Somers; Joe Blogz, Lakeside; $20 at gate; under 12, free. No dogs permitted. Call Steve Kelley, 857-3119.
• Glacier Chapter Harley Owners Group 2009 Toy Run 1 p.m. July 19. Open to all motorcyclists. Valley tour poker run; prizes; 50/50 drawing. Door prizes. Register at all local motorcycle dealers or www.glacierhog.com. Call Madeline Steeley, 257-7151.
• Blu's burger benefit and ice cream social, 2-6 p.m. July 19, ShowThyme Restaurant, Bigfork. Silent and live auctions. Raffles. Tickets at Books West and Violence Free Crisis Line. Proceeds benefit Abbie Shelter. Call 752-4735.
• Concordia College Cobber corn feed, for alumni, friends, prospective students, July 19, Lawrence Park Pavilion, rain or shine. Reservation deadline July 16. Bring lawn chairs and potluck dish. Call 755-1352.
• Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 20, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Root beer floats for donors.
• Flathead Adoptive Families picnic and playtime, 5 p.m. Lawrence Park, Kalispell. Bring a picnic lunch. Adoptive families and those interested in adopting are welcome. Call Cathy, 257-8907.
• Flathead Democratic Party meets 7 p.m., July 20, KM Theatre, 40 Second St. E., Kalispell. Call 862-2008.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 21, Glacier Bank, Main Street, Kalispell.
• Saddlehorn Guest Speaker Series presents David Horowitz, 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 21, Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. Cost $15. RSVP by July 18, 249-1091.
• Red Cross blood drive, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., July 22, Glacier National Park.
• Nature Conservancy and American Wildlands sponsor a half-day hike in northern Swan Valley to Glacier Lake and to look at Plum Creek lands to be acquired by Forest Service. Meet at 10 a.m. at junction of Montana 83 and Kraft Creek Road, near mile marker 36-37. Return by 2 p.m. Call Kim Davitt, 406-728-2087.
• North Lake County Planning and Zoning Committee progress report, 7 p.m., July 21, Bethany Lutheran Church, Bigfork; and 7 p.m. July 22, BruMar Conference Center, Ferndale. Public welcome to participate. Call Leslie, 837-6094.
• Essential Stuff Project (ESP) free presentation, 7 p.m., July 22, Clementine's 265 Bridge St., Bigfork. Fran Wade talks about food dehydrating and preserving food. Donations accepted. Call Edd Blackler, 837-5196; or Catherine Haug, 837-4577.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. 2 p.m., July 23, Glacier Subaru.
• American Association of University Woman meeting and potluck, 5:30 p.m. July 23, Village Greens Community Center. Guest speaker is author and workshop leader Ina Albert. Call Jo Mahoney, 755-3588.
• The Event at Rebecca Farm July 23-26, equestrian triathlon, Springcreek Road, Kalispell. Events begin between 8-9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Take West Reserve Drive west from U.S. 93; turn south on Spring Creek Road. Free to spectators.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 24, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Lone Pine State Park Star Gazers 101 Workshop, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 25. Cost $5. Children 12 and under, free. Call Mary Beth Chappelow, 75-2706.
• Glacier Rally in the Rockies, July 25, Kalispell. Open to cars and pick ups 1974 and older and all motorcycles. Parade down Main Street 10 a.m.; show to follow on First Avenue West. Proceeds benefit Flathead CARE. Call 261-3804.
• North Valley Senior Center Heritage Days celebration, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 25, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Estate jewelry sale; soup, sandwiches and pie, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; line dancers perform 11 a.m. to noon.
• Yaak Wilderness Festival, July 25, Roosevelt Park. Gates open 3 p.m. Food and craft vendors, kids' activities. Live music by Alan Lane Bank and Sol Jibe. Camping available. Adults, $10, children 12 and under free. Benefit for Yaak Valley Forest Council. Call 406-295-9736.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27, North Valley Hospital Whitefish. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 863-3630.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27, St. John's Lutheran Hospital, Libby. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 293-0100.
• Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 27, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Bibler Garden summer tours kick off reception, 6-8 p.m. July 27. Hors d'oeuvres, guided tour with FVCC art instructor John Rawlings. Tickets $50 or $90 per couple. Call 756-3963.
• Sheryl Eaglewoman gives part two of two-part presentation on natural health, "Homeopathy 101," 6 p.m. July 27, downstairs meeting room, Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Free. Open to public. Call Siara 257-3299.
• "Brown Bag" lunch seminar by Lucas Moyer-Horner on "Status of the American Pika in Glacier Park," noon to 1 p.m., July 28, West Glacier Community Building. Free. Public welcome.
• Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., July 28, Immaculate Conception Church, Polson.
• Bibler Garden summer tours July 28-31, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets $10 adults, $3, children; advance purchase required. Call 756-3963.
• Montana West Economic Development business seminar, "Social Networking on the Net: Why and How," noon to 1 p.m. July 28, Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free. Public welcome. RSVP to Kim Morisaki, 257-7711.
• Lakeside Community Council meets 7 p.m. July 28, Lakeside Sewer District building, Bierney Creek Road. Open to public
• Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 29, FVCC Arts Building.
• Red Cross blood drive, 3-6 p.m., July 30, Stillwater Free Lutheran Church.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 31, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Foy's to Herron Paddlethon Aug. 2. Kayak, bike and run for Foy's to Blacktail Trails Project. Race day registration 7:30 a.m.; race begins 9 a.m. Call Steve, 261-9250.
• Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 3, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.
• "Brown Bag" lunch seminar on "Listening to Sounds of Glacier: Monitoring Natural Sounds in National Parks' noon to 1 p.m., Aug. 4, West Glacier Community Building. Free. Public welcome.
• Free community reiki share, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 11, Whitefish BodyTalk Center, 211 Central Ave. Call 862-2608.
• Flathead Local Advisory Council on Mental Health meets Aug. 12, The Summit, Kalispell. Social time 12:30-1 p.m. Author David Juroe will speak about and sign copies of his book, "Lovers of Ourselves," about narcissism at 1-2:30 p.m. Open to public. Call Boyd Roth, 471-4483.
• Senior Tour & Tea, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 13, Hockaday Museum of Art, Kalispell. Free admission for senior citizens. Docent-guided gallery tour at 10:30 a.m. Light refreshments. Call 755-5268.
• "Brown Bag" lunch seminar on "Astronauts and Aliens," noon to 1 p.m., Aug. 18, West Glacier Community Building. Free. Public welcome.
• Whitefish Duck Derby fundraiser for Whitefish Community Foundation, Aug. 22. Call 863-1781.
• Montana West Economic Development business seminar, "Measuring Success: Is it Working?" noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 25, Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free. Public welcome. RSVP to Kim Morisaki, 257-7711.
• Flathead Suicide Prevention Coalition meets noon to 1 p.m., Aug. 27, Flathead City-County Health Department conference room, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.
• 10th annual MASH Bash, Aug. 28, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. Special guest Jaime Farr, "Klinger" from MASH TV series. Korean-style dinner, dancing to Don Lawrence Orchestra and Friends, silent auction. Tickets $75 each. Call 863-3630.
• Bigfork Rumble in the Bay Car Show, Sept. 5-6, Electric Avenue. Poker run around Flathead Lake, Sept. 5; Car show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6. Registration 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live music. Call Jill or Brian, 837-5669 or 837-1604.
• Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 14, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.
• Foys Fest, Sept. 12, in celebration of National Pubic Lands Day. Barbecue, outdoor concert, guided tours.
• Montana West Economic Development business seminar, "Software and Gadgets for a More Efficient Office" noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 22, Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free. Public welcome. RSVP to Kim Morisaki, 257-7711.
• Flathead Suicide Prevention Coalition meets noon to 1 p.m., Sept. 24, Flathead City-County Health Department conference room, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.
• Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 5, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.
• Flathead Suicide Prevention Coalition meets noon to 1 p.m., Oct. 22, Flathead City-County Health Department conference room, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.
• Montana West Economic Development business seminar, "What is the Future of the Web," noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 27, Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free. Public welcome. RSVP to Kim Morisaki, 257-7711.
• Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 2, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.
• Flathead Suicide Prevention Coalition meets noon to 1 p.m., Nov. 19, Flathead City-County Health Department conference room, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.
• Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 7, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.
• Flathead Suicide Prevention Coalition meets noon to 1 p.m., Dec. 17, Flathead City-County Health Department conference room, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.