Daybook
Saturday
• Joy of Christmas bazaar, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7, Columbia Falls United Methodist Church, 117 Second St. W. Cookie trays, lefse, Butte pasties, crafts, silent auction and more. Soup luncheon 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 17th annual West Shore Holidayfest, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lakeside Elementary School. Arts and craft vendors, Christmas tree and wreath sales, Festival of Flavors food concessions, kids only market, photos with Santa. Fun activities. Free. Call Jennifer, 253-3336.
• Christmas bazaar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Peter Lutheran Church, 201 Wisconsin Ave. Whitefish. Christmas crafts and food.
• Creston community Christmas bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Creston School gym. Handmade art and crafts.
• Dandy Dudes and Dolls 4-H Club annual Country Christmas bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastside Grange, across from Creston School. Handcrafted gifts, last-minute catalog shopping, baked goods, face painting, family photos. Taco/chili lunch. Call Jody Harp, 212-9217.
• Museum at Central School Christmas gift shop sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 124 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. Made-in-Montana gifts, T-shirts, huckleberry products, jewelry, historical books and maps. Call 756-8381.
• Sixth annual Kalispell Elks Christmas show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Elks Lodge, U.S. 93 South. Over 30 tables of gifts, decorations, baked goods, jewelry crafts. Chili and corn muffin lunch $5. Call 885-4124.
• Edgewood Homemakers Christmas craft bazaar, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Birch Grove Community Center, Birch Grove Road, Kalispell. Proceeds benefit community service projects.
• FVCC Art Club art sale, 4-8 p.m., Arts and Technology Building. Public invited. Call David Regan, 756-3993.
• Glacier Nordic Club’s annual potluck and auction, 6 p.m., Whitefish Moose Lodge, 2130 W. 10th St. Bring a dish to share and own serviceware. Annual meeting at 4 p.m.
• Valley Voices Community Choir presents its annual holiday concert, “With Gladness, Joy and Song,” 7 p.m., Glacier High School auditorium. Free. Public welcome.
Sunday
• Sixth annual Kalispell Elks Christmas show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Elks Lodge, U.S. 93 South. Over 30 tables of gifts, decorations, baked goods, jewelry crafts. Chili and corn muffin lunch $5. Call 885-4124.
• Hospice Tree of Lights, 6 p.m., Buffalo Hills Conference Room, KRMC. Music, refreshments and tree lighting ceremony. Call 751-4200.
• Seventh annual Spirit of Christmas Concert to benefit CASA for Kids of Flathead County, 6 p.m., Flathead High School auditorium. Tickets $12, available at all Glacier Banks, Freedom Bank and Laurie’s Deli in Columbia Falls.
Monday
• Flathead Community Health Center assists individuals with registering for the Health Insurance Marketplace and selecting a plan, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Tuesday, Flathead City-County Health Department, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Scheduled appointments are also available; call 758-2165.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.
• Daughters of the American Revolution, Chief Ignace Chapter, meet for lunch at noon at Katy Zundel’s home. Katy and Charlotte Van Dyke present a Christmas program. Call Jan Olson, 837-4732.
• Fair-Mont-Egan School board Facilities Committee meets 1 p.m.
• Red Cross blood drive, 1:30-5:30 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Nicotine-free Living! Support Group meets every Monday, 5:30 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. For those who have quit, want to or know someone who wants to quit. Call Deb, 751-4100, ext. 4491 or 253-0697.
• West Valley School board work session, 5:30 p.m.; regular meeting, 7 p.m., school library.
• Flathead Conservation District public hearing to discuss revising natural streambed and land preservation act rules of stream permitting program, 7 p.m., USDA building, 133 Interstate Lane, Kalispell. Call 752-4220.
• Death Cafe event, 7-9 p.m. Bohemian Grange Hall, U.S. 93 south behind Coffee Traders. Share conversation about all aspects of death and dying, along with tea and cookies. Public invited. Call Nancy Reece Jones, 257-1840.
Tuesday
• Flathead Community Health Center assists individuals with registering for the Health Insurance Marketplace and selecting a plan, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Flathead City-County Health Department, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Scheduled appointments are also available; call 758-2165.
• Red Cross blood drive, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.., U.S. Forest Service.
• Randy Winter, service officer for Montana Veterans Affairs Division, will be available to veterans and their dependents, 10 a.m. to noon, North Lincoln County Annex, Eureka.
• Kalispell Women’s Connection buffet lunch, 11:30 a.m., meeting room of church across from Russell School, 301 W. Wyoming St., Kalispell. Bring favorite Christmas decoration for show and tell. Allan Dunbar place Christmas music on piano. Speaker is Jessica Rogers. Cost $8 per person. Call Jan, 212-3763, or Rosainne, 257-8098 for lunch and free child care reservations. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.
• Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce Christmas luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Valley Hospital Community Room, 235 Nucleus Ave. Performance by Columbia Falls High School Music Department. Community Pride awards. No reservations required. Lunch available for $10. All welcome. Call Carol Pike, 892-2072.
• Flathead Municipal Airport Authority meets at 1:30 p.m., Glacier Park International Airport board room. Audit workshop 1 p.m.
• Boy Scout office grand opening, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Gateway Community Center, 1203 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell. Use north entrance to mall. Flag ceremony, refreshments, activities for youth ages 7 to 17. Call 406-390-2402.
• Deer Park School board meets 5:30 p.m. at the school.
• Swan River School board meets at 5:30 p.m., school library.
• Kila School board meets at 5:30 p.m.
• Whitefish High School Choir sings Christmas songs, 7 p.m., Whitefish Moose Lodge, 23010th St. Free. Public welcome. Call 862-3943.
• Jwalan Muktika School for Illumination fall speaker series by Saundra Alessi on “Exploring Foregiveness,” 7 p.m., 1005 Baker Ave., Suite G, Whitefish (in the Stamped Building). Free. Open to public. Call 862-6573.
• West Valley Fire District trustees meet at 7:30 p.m., West Valley Fire Station on Farm to Market Road.
Wednesday
• CenturyLink will match all Salvation Army kettle donations dollar for dollar today at local Walmarts. Employees will be ringing the bells.
• Flathead Community Health Center assists individuals with registering for the Health Insurance Marketplace and selecting a plan, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Flathead City-County Health Department, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Scheduled appointments are also available; call 758-2165.
• Alpine Weavers study group 10:30 a.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kalispell. Homemade ornament exchange. Bring a sack lunch. Beverages and dessert provided. All interested welcome.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Glacier Bank, Main Street, Kalispell.
• Columbia Falls Women’s Connection Christmas tea, 11:30 a.m. North Valley Hospital Community Room, Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls. Speaker is Jennie Rogers. Cost $8 per person. Free child care by reservation. Call Candy at 387-4119, or Janet at 892-3621. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.
• Parkinson’s disease support group meets 3-4:30 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Speech therapist Rhonda Nitschelm presents the LOUD Program. All welcome. Call Lois, 871-3767.
• Fulbright Exchange professor Robert Friel gives a presentation of Russian contemporary issues at 6 p.m., room 144, Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free. Public invited. Call Mick Stemborski, 756-3945.
• Marion School board meets at 6:30 p.m., eighth grade classroom.
• Evergreen School board meets 6:30 p.m., administration boardroom.
• Flathead Outdoor Club meets 7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Bree Fuqua will talk about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this past summer. Coffee and tea served. Everyone welcome. Call Leah Levitt, 892-6105 or 261-6874.
• Mission Mountain Audubon meets 7 p.m., Polson City Library meeting room. Warren Hanson gives a presentation on “Glacier Park’s Harlequin Ducks in a Changing Climate.” Free. All welcome.
• Bigfork County Water and Sewer District meets 7 p.m., 108 Harbor Heights Blvd., Bigfork. Public welcome.
• Flathead Valley Community Band holiday concert, 7:30 p.m., Red Lion Hotel ballroom, Kalispell. Free. Everyone welcome.
Thursday
• Organic Seed Alliance and Montana Organic Association offer a course titled, “Taking Seed Production to the Next Level in Montana, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., FVCC. Space limited. Registration $25, includes lunch.
• Senior Tour and Tea, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hockaday Museum of Art, 302 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Free admission for senior citizens. Coffee, tea and cookies served 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Docent-guided gallery tour at 10:30 a.m. Call 755-5268.
• Flathead Community Health Center assists individuals with registering for the Health Insurance Marketplace and selecting a plan, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Dec. 13, Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Scheduled appointments are also available; call 758-2165.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Libby VFW.
• Children’s Christmas event, 4-7 p.m., Conrad Mansion, 330 Woodland Ave., Kalispell. Admission $2 for children and $5 for adults, includes short tours and small gift for each child. Professional photos with Santa available for $10. Reservations required. Call 755-2166.
• Montana Organic Association 11th annual conference today through Dec. 14, FVCC. Theme is “An Organic Perspective: Facts and Fiction of GMOs and More.” Call Sandi Shanks, 406-297-7588.
Friday
• Kalispell Public Schools Committees meet in the administration offices, 233 First Ave. E.: Finance, 7:30 a.m.; Curriculum/Instruction, 9 a.m.; Personnel, 9 a.m.
• Red Cross blood drives: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. KRMC.
• Flathead Community Health Center assists individuals with registering for the Health Insurance Marketplace and selecting a plan, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Scheduled appointments are also available; call 758-2165.
• Montana Organic Association 11th annual conference continues through Dec. 14, FVCC. Theme is “An Organic Perspective: Facts and Fiction of GMOs and More.” Call Sandi Shanks, 406-297-7588.
• Annual Whitefish Christmas Stroll, 5:30-9 p.m., downtown Whitefish. Tree lighting ceremony 6:15 p.m. Depot Park, followed by Santa’s arrival. Arts and crafts, food vendors; fire juggling, caroling, frozen turkey bowling and more.
• Montanans for Multiple Use present a public presentation about “Transfer of Federal Lands to the States” with Rep. Ken Ivory of Utah, 6:30 p.m., Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell. Free Admission Call 406-261-9326.
• Christmas recital featuring violinist Wai Mizutani and pianist Siobhan McGuire, 7:30 p.m., John Paul II Church, Bigfork. Free will offering accepted for youth program. Public invited.
• Luke Dowler CD release party and benefit for Habitat for Humanity, 9:30 p.m., Crush Lounge, Central Avenue, downtown Whitefish. Free. Public invited.
A look ahead
• Montana Organic Association 11th annual conference continue at FVCC. Theme is “An Organic Perspective: Facts and Fiction of GMOs and More.” Call Sandi Shanks, 406-297-7588.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14, The Summit, Kalispell. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.
• Kila School PTO has a craft bazaar 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 in the gym.
• Wreaths Across America ceremony, 10 a.m. Dec. 14, Montana Veterans Home, Columbia Falls. Public invited. Wreaths representing all military branches will be placed. Wreaths available for $15 each and will be place on veterans’ graves at the cemetery.
• St. Matthew’s parish Cookie Carousel, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 14, school gym, 602 S. Main St., Kalispell. Homemade Christmas cookies and candies. Hot coffee, tea and cocoa for sale. Call 752-630.
• Christmas at Our House annual free dinner, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 14, Armed Forces Reserve Center, U.S. 93 north of Kalispell. No reservation needed. Call 471-4271. Complimentary bus service available for Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Call 758-5728.
• Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force Kitty Adoption Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 14, Holiday Inn Express, 275 Treeline Road, Kalispell.
• Big Arm community potluck, Dec. 14, Big Arm Historic School. Social time, 5:30 p.m.; potluck, 6 p.m.; live music by Sisler Family and Friends, 7 p.m. Call Ross, 849-5568.
• Missoula guitarist and singer/songwriter John Floridis benefit concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 15, Whitefish United Methodist Church, 1150 Wisconsin Ave. Free will donations benefit Neighbors in Need.
• Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 16, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Public meeting on “How to Reclaim Montana’s Lands, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Best Western Flathead Lake Inn, U.S. 93 and Montana 82, Somers. Kirk MacKenzie, founder of Defend Rural America, and a panel of experts will present. Call 837-6929 or 650-967-5679.
• Randy Winter, service officer for Montana Veterans Affairs Division, will be available to veterans and their dependents, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 17-18, Montana Veterans Home, Columbia Falls.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 17, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 863-3627.
• Red Cross blood drives Dec. 17: noon to 5 p.m. Eureka Baptist Church; 2-5 p.m. Lakeside QRU.
• City of Kalispell Impact Fee Advisory Committee meets 7 p.m. Dec. 17, City Hall Chambers, 201 First Ave. E., Kalispell. Open to public. Call 758-7722.
• NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness)/LAC Christmas party, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 17, Kalispell. Call 406-309-5199.
• Kalispell Public Schools district board meets at 6 p.m., Dec. 17, Kalispell Middle School Library.
Columbia Falls Historical Society meets 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Montana Veterans Home chapel. All interested in local history welcome.
• Alpine Weavers and Spinners meet 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kalispell. Holiday potluck. Beverages provided. All interested welcome.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 18, Montana Athletic Club, Bigfork.
• Salvation Army Competitive Day of Ringing in Kalispell, Evergreen, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork and Lakeside, Dec. 19. Communities will challenge each other to raise the most money.
• Kalispell Public Schools Policy and Communications Committee meets 8:30 a.m., Dec. 19, administration offices, 233 First Ave. E.
• Red Cross blood drive, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 19, Bigfork High School.
• Kalispell Public Schools district board work session 6 p.m., Dec. 19, Kalispell Middle School Library.
• Marion Fire District meets 7 p.m., Dec. 19, Marion Community Center, 180 Gopher Lane. Public invited.
• Red Cross blood drives Dec. 20: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell; 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. First Interstate Bank, Main Street, Kalispell.
• AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 23, Lakeview Village Apartments, Polson. $14 fee ($12 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 644-3446.
• Red Cross blood drive, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 23, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Annual luminaria lighting 5 p.m. Dec. 24, Rose Crossing, Evergreen. Luminaria will remain lit until at least 10 p.m. along roughly 2 miles between U.S. 2 East and Whitefish Stage. Free. Public invited. Memorial lights may be purchased for $5 at the Evergreen Fire Department.
• Community Kitchen Feeding the Flathead free Christmas dinner, 6 p.m. Dec. 25, Faith Alliance Church, 348 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. Turkey, ham and pumpkin pie. All will receive a gift.
• Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 26, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Red Cross blood drives Dec. 27: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell; 1-4:30 p.m. Straight Blast Gym.
• Whitefish Figure Skating Club Christmas for All ice skating show, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 28, Stumptown Ice Den, Whitefish. On ice tickets, $15; general admission $10; youth 6-10, $5; 5 and under, free.
• Columbia Falls Historical Society Cowboy Christmas Ball, 8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 28, Montana Veterans Home chapel, Columbia Falls. For tickets, call 892-0178.
• Red Cross blood drive, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 30, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 31, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
Annual Polar Bear Plunge, 2 p.m. Jan. 1, The Raven, Woods Bay.
• Columbia Falls Relay for Life Winter kick-off event, noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 4, Marantette Park, Columbia Falls. Family fun. Hot chocolate, coffee, cookies.
• Flathead Outdoor Club meets 7 p.m., Jan. 8, The Summit, Kalispell. Leah Levitt will talk about some of her Montana hikes last summer. Coffee and tea served. Everyone welcome. Call Levitt, 892-6105 or 261-6874.
• Flathead Conservation District meets 7 p.m. Jan. 13, USDA building, 133 Interstate Lane, Kalispell. Call 752-4220.
• Kalispell Little Explorers program tours The Aquarium Shop, Kalispell, 11 a.m. to noon, Jan. 14. For ages 2-6; must be accompanied by adults. $7 for nonresidents, $5 for city residents. Call 758-7975.
• Whitefish Winter Carnival world ski joring championships, Jan. 25-26, Whitefish Municipal Airport grounds. Opening ceremonies, 11:30 a.m. Jan. 25. Events start at noon daily. $5 parking fee benefits Human Therapy on Horseback.
• Flathead Outdoor Club meets 7 p.m., Feb. 12, The Summit, Kalispell. Mitchell Leus will talk about his Missouri River float trip. Coffee and tea served. Everyone welcome. Call Leah Levitt, 892-6105 or 261-6874.
• Kalispell Little Explorers program tours Sweet Peaks, Kalispell, 10-11 a.m. Feb. 20. For ages 2-6; must be accompanied by adults. $7 for nonresidents, $5 for city residents. Call 758-7975.
• Kalispell Little Explorers program tours Humane Society of Northwest Montana, Kalispell, 11 a.m. to noon March 20. For ages 2-6; must be accompanied by adults. $7 for nonresidents, $5 for city residents. Call 758-7975.
• Kalispell Little Explorers program tours Sweet No Wheat Bakery, Kalispell, 10-11 a.m. April 17. For ages 2-6; must be accompanied by adults. $7 for nonresidents, $5 for city residents. Call 758-7975.