Daybook
Friday
• Somers School board Financial and Federal Programs Committee meets at 7:30 a.m., Somers Middle School.
• Elephant figurine collection estate sale fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Shining Mountains Spiritual Center, 475 Eighth Ave. EN, Kalispell. Ceramic, glass, wood, metal, jewelry. Kiddie grab bags, pictures, non-elephant items. Refreshments. All proceeds go The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.
• Daughters of the American Revolution, Chief Ignace Chapter, meet at 10 a.m. at Conrad Cemetery to place flags on members’ graves; lunch follows at 12:30 p.m. at Perkin’s Restaurant. Call Cathy Lane, 755-6048.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Whitefish Soroptimist Thrift Haus bag sale, 1-5 p.m. today and Saturday, 303 First St. Fill a plastic grocery bag for $5. Proceeds support Soroptimist programs and scholarships.
• 20th annual Loon and Fish Festival kick off concert 7:30 p.m. today, Seeley Swan High School with Jack Gladstone, Rob Quist and David Griffith; Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 26; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 27, Seeley Lake. Arts and crafts, raffles, children’s activities, guided loon walk, wildlife film, live music. Soup bowl lunch fundraiser on Saturday.
• Tom Tracey of Swan Valley Herbs leads a hike on the Nature Trail and talks about native edible and healing herbs, 10 a.m. weather permitting. Meet at Swan Valley Herbs, 429 Grand Dr., Bigfork. Free. Open to public. Call 837-5747 to reserve a space.
• Glacier Pachyderm Club meets noon to 1 p.m., Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Speakers are candidates for Secretary of State, Scott Apenliender and Brad Johnson. Lunch available. Public invited. Call Mark Johnson, 253-7467.
Saturday
• West Valley Volunteer Fire Department pancake breakfast, 7-11 a.m., Fire Hall, 2412 Farm to Market Road, Kalispell. Menu includes sausage and all the fixings. ALERT will be on hand.
• Bigfork Lady Lions third annual craft sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in front of Chris’ Tea Cottage, River Street. $25 nonrefundable booth registration fee. Call 837-1010.
• 20th annual Loon and Fish Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Seeley Lake. Arts and crafts, raffles, children’s activities, guided loon walk, wildlife film, live music. Soup bowl lunch fundraiser today.
• 36th annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival and kayak races, today and Sunday, Wild Mile of Swan Rivers. Slalom 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday; race noon Sunday, call Mike or Niki, 892-2253. Triathlon 9:30 a.m., call Kalispell Athletic Club, 752-2880.
• Look, Listen, Learn speaker series presents renowned photographer Sumio Harada, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Montana House, Apgar Village, Glacier Park. Free; reservations required. Call 888-5393.
• Rescued kitten and cat adoption event, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aquarium Shop, 1101 E. Idaho, Kalispell. Area shelters and rescue groups offer spay/neuters, vaccinated and litter-box trained felines for small adoption fee. Bring your own carrier. Call Darcy, 752-4460.
• Flathead Valley Home School graduation, 2 p.m. Christian Center, Kalispell.
Sunday
• Paddle Triathlon 9:30 a.m. during Bigfork Whitewater Festival. Call Stan, Kalispell Athletic Club, 752-2880 or 253-4103.
• 20th annual Loon and Fish Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Seeley Lake. Arts and crafts, raffles, children’s activities, guided loon walk, wildlife film, live music. Soup bowl lunch fundraiser today.
• Benefit barbecue for 11-year-old Ember Fortuna who is battling a rare immune system disease, 11 a.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, Bigfork.
Monday
• United Veterans of the Flathead Valley Memorial Day Ceremonies: 10:30 a.m. Glacier Memorial Gardens, Kalispell; 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial, Depot Park, Kalispell; noon, VFW Post 2252 luncheon; 1 p.m. flag ceremony, C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell; 2:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial, Marantette Park, Columbia Falls; 3 p.m. Woodlawn Cemetery, Columbia Falls; 3:30 p.m. Veterans Home Cemetery, Columbia Falls. Call Jim Heibert, 862-4182.
• Bigfork Memorial Day ceremony, 11 a.m. Bigfork Community Cemetery, Swan River Road and Echo Lake Road. VFW and American Legion will present program.
• Memorial Day service 2 p.m., Fairview Cemetery, 1225 Fairview Cemetery Road, Columbia Falls. Honor guard at 1:45 p.m. Kelly Hartman officiating. Flags placed on veterans’ graves. Refreshments served following program. Call Wanda Haugen, 250-5038.
• North Valley Refuse will operate its regular schedule today.
• Evergreen Disposal will be running its normal routes today.
• City of Kalispell Solid Waste Division will be picking up 90-gallon containers today. Have containers out by 7 a.m. Call 758-7720.
Tuesday
• Fairview Cemetery annual meeting 9 a.m., Fairview Cemetery Chapel. Call Wanda Haugen, 250-5038.
• Flathead County Democratic Women meet, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Social at 11:30 a.m.; meeting at noon. Olivia Riutta, co-director of Montana Women Vote, will talk about four legislative resolutions on November ballot. Scholarships presented to three high school students. RSVP for lunch by May 23 to Theresa Conner, 897-2067.
• Columbia Falls Toastmasters free workshop titled, “Delegate to Empower,” noon to 1 p.m., Freedom Bank, 530 Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls. Lunch provided. Call Kathy, 212-6292.
• Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Whitefish Downtown Farmers Market season opener, 5-7:30 p.m. Central Avenue. Live music by Jae Hatt. Free bike checks offered by Glacier Cyclery and Great Northern Cycles.
• Wellness Education Center’s Healthy Potluck Supper, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 103 Ponderosa Lane, Kalispell. Families welcome. Bring a healthy dish to share. Call 755-8423.
• Somers School board meets at 6 p.m., Somers Middle School.
• The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.
• Lakeside Community Council meets 7 p.m., Lakeside Sewer District office, 253 Bierney Creek Road. Open to public.
• West Valley Fire District trustees meet at 7:30 p.m., West Valley Fire Station on Farm to Market Road.
Wednesday
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kalispell Center Mall.
• Somers School board meets at 1 p.m., Somers Middle School.
• Kalispell native and author Alexa Schnee signs her new book, “Shakespeare’s Lady,” 5:30 p.m. May 30, Split Rock Cafe, downtown Kalispell. Appetizers and no host bar.
A look ahead
• Kalispell Senior Citizens business meeting and potluck supper, 5 p.m. May 31, Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W. Bring a potluck dish or pay $3. All area seniors 55 and older welcome. Call 257-1598.
• Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m. May 30, Montana Athletic Club.
• Anne Morley leads a 2-mile loop hike along Sprunger-Whitney nature trail in Swan Valley, 10 a.m. May 31. Meet at trailhead off Montana 83, 7 miles south of Swan Lake Trading Post. Call 886-2242.
• Laser School graduation, 11 a.m., May 31, Linderman Education Center gym.
• Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m. May 31, Marion Volunteer Fire Department.
• Whitefish Independent High School graduation, 1 p.m. May 31, Hope Garden, Muldown Elementary School.
• Montana Wilderness Walks Program 50th anniversary celebration, 6-9 p.m. May 31, Split Rock Cafe and KM Theater, downtown Kalispell. Jake Bramante will talk about hiking all of Glacier Park’s trails last year. Free appetizers, door prizes, and Wilderness Walks books. Cash bar. Call Sarah Lundstrum, 755-6304.
Bridge Academy graduation, 7 p.m. May 31, Linderman Education Center gym.
• State of Montana Disabled American Veterans annual Department Convention, May 31-June 2, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Banquet 6 p.m. June 2. Speaker is Ryan Zinke, retired Navy Seal. Call Terry Brosten, 752-2357.
• First Friday, June 1, downtown Kalispell. Many shops open until 8 p.m. with refreshments, music and specials.
• Seventh annual Rags to Riches rummage sale, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 1; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 2, Blessed John Paul II Catholic Church, 195 Coverdell Road, Bigfork. Clothing, tools, furniture, antiques, small appliances and more. Bake sale. Call Daniel or Donna Danz, 892-2435.
• Glacier Pachyderm Club meets noon to 1 p.m., June 1, Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Candidates for local office will speak. Lunch available. Public invited. Call Mark Johnson, 253-7467.
Stillwater Christian School graduation, 6:30 p.m., June 1, school gym.
• Flathead High School graduation, 7 pm. June 1, high school gym.
• Humane Society of Northwest Montana driveway sale and open house, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 2, Charlotte Edkins Animal Adoption Center, 100 Adopt A Pet Way, Kalispell.
Gateway to Glacier Trail yard sale fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 2, 474 C St., Columbia Falls. Donations accepted. Items may be dropped off June 1 or after 7 a.m. June 2. Call 892-2011.
• National Trails Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 2, Herron Park, Kalispell. Volunteers needed for trail work and park upkeep. Lunch provided. Bring water and work clothes. Raffle prizes. Call Bonnie Johnson or Liz Bassler, 755-3619.
• Strides Walk for Diabetes June 2, The Summit, Kalispell. Registration 9 a.m. One mile walks and 5K run start 10 a.m. Diabetes presentation 11:30 a.m. Participants are asked to bring in $25 in pledges. Call KRMC Diabetes Care and Prevention Center, 751-5454.
Third annual Bikefish June 2, Depot Park, Whitefish. Kids bike parade 9:30 a.m., race 10 a.m. Race for Fish Tails run through downtown merchants, 11 a.m.
• Bigfork High School graduation, 11 a.m. June 2, high school gym.
• Columbia Falls High School graduation, 11 a.m. June 2, high school gym.
• Glacier High School graduation, 11 a.m. June 2, high school gym.
• Whitefish High School graduation, 1 p.m. June 2, high school gym.
• Whitefish Review release party for “The Wild Issue,” 6-11 p.m. June 2, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Readings begin 7:30 p.m. Special guest David James Duncan. Appetizers, drinks. Live music. Silent auction. $10 suggested donation. All welcome. Call 261-6190.
• Flathead County Animal Advisory Committee meets 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 4, Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 5, The Summit, Kalispell. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.
• Flathead Chronic Pain Support Group meets 1-2 p.m., June 5, The Summit, Kalispell. Group meets first Tuesday of the month. Learn how to cope with pain and improve your quality of life. Free. Call Dr. Alex Bokor, 250-5252.
• Fat Tire Club bike ride, June 5. Meet at downtown farmers market in Whitefish at 6:15 p.m.
• Flathead Kennel Club meets at 7 p.m., June 5, Montana Logging Association Building, 2224 Montana 35 (across from Hooper’s). Use back entrance. Call 471-2328.
• USMC Happy Hour for Marines and Navy who served with Marines, 5-7 p.m., June 6, Kalispell VFW, 330 First Ave. W. Cash bar. Spouses welcome. Call 406-890-1823.
Bike polo, 6 p.m. June 6, polo fields, Central School, Whitefish. Polo equipment provided.
• Autism Support Group meets 6:30-8:30 p.m., June 6, The Summit, Kalispell. Parents and caregivers welcome. Children welcome to come and play in skate park or watch movies on big screen. Call 257-8758.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Family Support Group meets 7 p.m., June 6, Flathead County Library, 247 First Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 862-6357.
• Local native plant expert Bill McClaren gives a free lecture at 7 p.m. June 6, FVCC Arboretum, behind Blake Hall. Bring a folding chair. In case of inclement weather, location will be Blake Hall boardroom. Call Sue Evans, 756-3963.
• Flathead Valley Project Homeless Connect, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 7, Samaritan House Administration Building, 110 Second St. W., Kalispell. Immediate medical and dental services for those in need, haircuts, veterans and housing services, bicycle repair, pet care, employment assistance and more. Call 752-6565.
• Vintage bike show 6 p.m. June 7, Glacier Cyclery, Whitefish. Snacks and beverages.
• Older Americans Day annual picnic, June 8, Expo Building, Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell. Doors open 10 a.m.; burgers, salads and desserts served 11:45 a.m. Bring a potluck dessert if you can. Call 758-5730. For bus transportation, call 758-5728 by 3 p.m. June 7.
• Think Local Summer’s First Art Blast, June 8-10, Kalispell Courthouse Lawn. Hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission.
• Montana Audubon Wings Across the Big Sky bird festival, June 8-10, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Guides field trips throughout Northwest Montana and Glacier Park. Keynote speaker is Peter Sherrington, founder of Rocky Mountain Eagle Research Foundation. Call 406-443-3949 to register.
• Bigfork Piecemakers Quilt Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 9; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 10, Masonic Lodge, 9098 Montana 35, Bigfork. Handmade quilts and crafts sale. Lunch by Easter Star women. Free admission. Call 871-8001.
• Neighbors in Need spring lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 10, Hampton Inn, Kalispell. Tickets $15 per person, $5 for children 12 and younger. Advance purchase appreciated by June 8. Limited number available at door.
• Olney-Bissell School board meets 6 p.m. June 11.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 863-3630.
• The Flathead Conservation District 2012/2013 work plan meeting, 1 p.m. June 12, 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.
• Flathead Municipal Airport Authority meets at 4 p.m., June 12, Glacier Park International Airport board room. Board workshop from 2-4 p.m.
• Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 8:30 a.m., June 14, Flathead Special Education Cooperative, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.
• American Legion Post 137 flag retirement ceremony, 1 p.m., June 14, American Legion Hall, 351 Fourth Ave. EN, Kalispell.
• Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 2 p.m. June 14, conference room, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.
• North Valley Senior Center garage sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 15-16, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Furniture, snowblowers, small household appliances, clothing and more.
Glacier Anglers Cast Off 2012, June 16, Glacier Outdoor Center, West Glacier. Casting instruction, competition product demos, raffles. Free. Great Northern Brewing beer and lunch for sale. @012 Fly Fishing Film Tour $10. Call 888-5454.
• Free type 1 diabetes screening for high risk individuals, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19, KRMC’s Diabetes Care and Prevention Center. Call 751-5454.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. June 19, Polson Area Senior Center. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 883-4735.
• Retired and Seniors Volunteers Program Advisory Council meets 9:15 a.m., June 20, Heritage Place, east wing solarium, 171 Heritage Way, Kalispell.
• The Flathead Conservation District 2012-2013 budget meeting at 9 a.m. June 21, 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.
• Evergreen School board meets 7:30 a.m., June 22, administration boardroom.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 23, The Summit, Kalispell. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25, Libby Christian Church. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 406-293-0100.
•CPR/First Aid certification 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., June 27, Cornerstone Building at North Valley Hospital, 3004 Hospital Way, Whitefish. $50 per person ($35 if just CPR). Brown bag lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 863-3513.
• Flathead Suicide Prevention Coalition meets noon to 1 p.m., June 28, Flathead City-County Health Department conference room, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.
• Bigfork Chapter PEO presents “An Evening Off Broadway — Way Off,” fundraising event, 5-8 p.m. June 30, Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork. Hors d’oeuvres, no-host bar, silent auction. Tickets $25, advance purchase only, available at Nancy O’s Interiors, Eva Gates or call Alda Pierce, 837-1151; or Betsy Platt, 837-1431.
• Grateful Nation Montana 5K run/walk July 5, Brookies Cookies, Bigfork. Check-in 7:30 a.m.; race starts 8:30 a.m. Medals for 12 and under. Register at www.gratefulnationmontana.com
• Kalispell Fourth of July parade 10 a.m., July 4, Main Street. Old-fashioned family celebration.
• Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County 5K fun run/walk, 8 a.m. July 7, Rails to Trails, at Meridian Road and Center Street, Kalispell. Advance registration online at www.literacyflathead.org or call Ashley at 471-9002 or 257-7323.
• Gateway to Glacier Trail Brewfest 2012, 5-10 p.m. July 14, Heaven’s Peak Restaurant, West Glacier. Eight breweries, live music, food. Advance tickets $15 at Stonefly Lounge, Coram; $20 at door. Call 892-2011.
• Retired and Seniors Volunteers Program Advisory Council meets 9:15 a.m., July 18, Heritage Place, east wing solarium, 171 Heritage Way, Kalispell.
• Fourth annual Glacier Rally in the Rockies, July 21, downtown Kalispell. Parade 10 a.m. Main Street. Show and shine follows on First Avenue West between Center and Third Streets. Free to public. Registration proceeds benefit Flathead CARE. Call Kari Gabriel, 751-3971.
•CPR/First Aid certification 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., July 25, Cornerstone Building at North Valley Hospital, 3004 Hospital Way, Whitefish. $50 per person ($35 if just CPR). Brown bag lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 863-3513.
• Epic Shore to Shore Race, Aug. 4, beginning on south end of Flathead Lake’s west shore. 24-mile race for teams or solo paddlers; 9.5-mile intermediate race; and fun 4.5-mile paddle. Fundraiser for First Descents adventure therapy organization for young adults with cancer.
• Concerts and benefit for future Great Northern Veterans Peace Park, Aug. 4-5, Depot Park, Whitefish. Door open 2 p.m. daily. Headliners take stage at 7 p.m. Beer garden, food vendors. Admission free for children under 5. Call 863-1000, ext. 5.
• CPR/First Aid certification 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Aug. 22, Cornerstone Building at North Valley Hospital, 3004 Hospital Way, Whitefish. $50 per person ($35 if just CPR). Brown bag lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 863-3513.
• Think Local Summer’s Last Art Blast, Aug. 24-26, Kalispell Courthouse Lawn. Hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission.
• Retired and Seniors Volunteers Program Advisory Council meets 9:15 a.m., Sept. 19, Heritage Place, east wing solarium, 171 Heritage Way, Kalispell.
•CPR/First Aid certification 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sept. 26, Cornerstone Building at North Valley Hospital, 3004 Hospital Way, Whitefish. $50 per person ($35 if just CPR). Brown bag lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 863-3513.
• Retired and Seniors Volunteers Program Advisory Council meets 9:15 a.m., Oct. 17, Heritage Place, east wing solarium, 171 Heritage Way, Kalispell.
•CPR/First Aid certification 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Oct. 24, Cornerstone Building at North Valley Hospital, 3004 Hospital Way, Whitefish. $50 per person ($35 if just CPR). Brown bag lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 863-3513.
• Retired and Seniors Volunteers Program Advisory Council meets 9:15 a.m., Nov. 21, Heritage Place, east wing solarium, 171 Heritage Way, Kalispell.
•CPR/First Aid certification 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Nov. 28, Cornerstone Building at North Valley Hospital, 3004 Hospital Way, Whitefish. $50 per person ($35 if just CPR). Brown bag lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 863-3513.
•CPR/First Aid certification 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dec. 26, Cornerstone Building at North Valley Hospital, 3004 Hospital Way, Whitefish. $50 per person ($35 if just CPR). Brown bag lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 863-3513.