Daybook
Saturday
• Frontier Hospice volunteer training, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 42 Bruyer Way, Kalispell. Lunch provided. RSVP to Marshauna, 755-4923.
• Special Olympics Montana Glacier Area games opening ceremonies, 8 a.m., Legends Field, Kalispell. Public invited.
• “Clean Your Fork” spring cleaning, 8 a.m. to noon, Bigfork. Continental breakfast 8 a.m. Flathead Bank of Bigfork. Bring brooms, flat shovels and rakes. Wear work clothes and gloves. Call 837-5888.
• Montana Wilderness Association’s Wings, Tails and Trails outdoor class, Kila. Field trips to area habitats to spot nests, tracks and signs. Meets at 9 a.m. at Kila Pub, 4220 U.S. 2 W. Bring cameras, binoculars, lunch and water. Register with Brian Baxter at 406-291-2154.
• Epworth United Methodist Church spring rummage sale, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 329 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Proceeds support local, national and mission projects. Call 257-6849.
• March of Dimes March for Babies, 9 a.m., Lawrence Park, Kalispell. Rain or shine. Lunch, music, children’s activities. Stroller-friendly.
• Whitefish Community Garden annual open house, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., behind Whitefish United Methodist Church, off Wisconsin Avenue. Gardening beds for sale. Call 862-0411.
• Whitefish Theatre Company spring cleaning, 9 a.m. to noon, O’Shaughnessy Center. Lunch served at noon. Call 862-5371 to volunteer.
• Earth Day celebration, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Depot Park, Whitefish. Food, music, student presentations and up to 50 activity and information booths.
• Third annual Animal Care Expo and Cat Adoption Event, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Flathead Spay and Neuter Clinic, 3491 Trumble Creek Road, Columbia Falls. Dog/cat vaccines, $10, including rabies. Microchipping $25. Dogs must be on leash and cats in carriers. Cats available for adoption Call Mimi, 261-5175.
• Soroptimist Thrift Haus bag sale, noon to 4 p.m., 303 First St., Whitefish. All proceeds donated to area nonprofits which benefit women and girls.
• Dedication of historic marker and baseball field in honor or Gus Thompson, 1 p.m., Thompson Memorial Park, Eighth Avenue East and Ninth Street East, Kalispell. Baseball game follows. Hot dogs and beverages. Bring your own seating.
• Missoula Children’s Theatre presents “The Jungle Book,” 3 p.m., Flathead High School auditorium. Tickets $5 per person; $20 for VIP seating, available at door.
• Look, Listen, Learn speaker series presents a program on avalanche forecasting for opening of Going-to-the Sun-Road and the Glacier Park by Erich Peitzsch, U.S, Geological Survey physical scientist, 4 p.m., Montana House, Apgar Village, Glacier Park. Reception follows. Free; reservations required. Call 888-5393.
• Mountain Brook Community Library annual spring chili, pie and ice cream social, 5-8 p.m., 2353 Foothill Road, Kalispell. Live music by Swan Range Jammers.
• Crown of the Continent Choir performs 6-8 p.m. O’Shaughnessy Center. Wine bar, silent auction, slide show. Free admission; free will donations accepted. Call 756-8993.
Bigfork Relay for Life survivor reception, 6 p.m. Bigfork Elementary School cafeteria. Live music, food and drink. Everyone welcome. Door prizes for cancer survivors. Call Debbie Ingram, 885-7714.
• 14th annual Death by Chocolate Murder Mystery, “A 1970s Sitcom,” 7-10 p.m., Conrad Mansion, Woodland Avenue, Kalispell. Tickets $55, or two for $100, available at The Bookshelf and Conrad Museum gift shop in Kalispell; and Whitefish Gift and Gear. For ages 21 and up. Call 755-2166.
Sunday
• Flathead Audubon field trip to learn about birds and conservation initiatives in Mission Valley. Meet at 9 a.m. Salish Kootenai College large parking lot, Pablo, to tour Montana Waterfowl Foundation and surrounding habitats. To sign up, call Janene Lichtenberg, 406-212-5473.
• Fifth annual Ladies Luncheon, noon, Museum at Central School, Kalispell. Wine available for purchase. Tickets $20 for general public; $17 museum members; $10 children 12 and under. Call 756-8381.
• Taste of Bigfork, 2-5 p.m. downtown Bigfork. Participating restaurants will be set up with samples along Electric Avenue. Beer and wine available. Tickets $40 per person at Electric Avenue Gifts. Raffle at 5:30 p.m. at Garden Bar and Grill. Call 837-5888.
Monday
• AARP Smart Driver Course, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Libby Christian Church. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 283-7000.
• Flathead City-County Board of Health Budget/Finance Committee meets 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., administration office, Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. E., Kalispell.
• Smith Valley School board meets 5 p.m.
• Red Cross blood drives: noon to 5:15 p.m. West Kootenai; 1:30-5:30 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
• Flathead Democratic Women host a wine and hors d’oeuvres party, 5:30 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 1840 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell. No host bar. Dramatic presentation of novelist Harper Lee. Tickets $15 members; $10 suggested donation for guests. RSVP Lynne Bradley, 756-9245.
• Lake County Democrats sponsor a showing of the documentary, “Coal Road to China,” 6:30 p.m., Johnny Arlee/Victor Charlo Theatre, Salish Kootenai College, Pablo. Public invited. Call Ruth, 883-3595.
• The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.
• Columbia Falls School board work session, 7 p.m., administration offices boardroom, 501 Sixth Ave. W.
Tuesday
• AARP Smart Driver Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 863-3627.
• Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Eureka Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Flathead County Solid Waste District board meets 3 p.m., landfill office.
• Fair-Mont-Egan School board Facilities Committee meets 3 p.m.
• City of Kalispell Impact Fee Advisory Committee meets 4 p.m. City Hall Chambers, 201 First Ave. E., Kalispell. Open to public. Call 758-7722.
• Lakeside-Somers Chamber of Commerce meets 4-5 p.m. Trevon Baker’s Studio, 10 Somers Road, Somers Free for chamber members; $5 nonmembers. Call 844-3715.
• Tuesday Toasts benefit night for Bigfork Whitewater Festival, 4-8 p.m. Flathead Lake Brewing Co. Pubhouse, 116 Holt Dr., Bigfork. $1 of every pint will be donated.
• Healthy potluck supper, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wellness Education Center, 103 Ponderosa Lane, Kalispell. Bring a healthy dish to share if you like. Families welcome. Call 755-8423.
• West Valley School board meets 7 p.m.
Wednesday
• Child Find screening for ages 3 to 5, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today, April 30 and May 1, Lakeside Elementary School. Call 844-2208 for an appointment.
• Red Cross blood drive, 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., FVCC.
• Gynecologic oncologist William Winter gives a free educational presentation on early detection of female “below the belt” cancers, particularly in younger women, 7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Free. Public invited. Call 212-3977.
Thursday
• Child Find screening for ages 3 to 5, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today and May 1, Lakeside Elementary School. Call 844-2208 for an appointment.
• Red Cross blood drives: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Three Rivers Bank, blood mobile; noon to 3:30 p.m. Flathead Electric.
• Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Prevent event, 4-6 p.m., Lawrence Park, Kalispell, rain or shine. Free food, children’s activities, art projects Wear blue.
• Savvy Social Security Seminar, 6-7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. What baby boomers need to know to maximize retirement income. Free. Call Kim Taylor, 752-7232.
• Flathead County Republican Central Committee County Convention, 6 p.m. Sykes’ Convention Center, Kalispell. Call Todd, 270-6908.
• Columbia Falls High School Alumni/Community Academic Endowment spring fundraiser, 6 p.m., Truby’s Restaurant, Meadow Lake Resort. Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, live auction of goods by local artists and pie makers, silent auction.
• Below the Belt benefit for Wings and Flathead Cancer Aid Services, 6-9:30 p.m. O’Shaughnessy Center, Whitefish. Screening of “N.E.D. The Movie.” Gynecologic oncologist William Winter speaks. Silent auction, live music, appetizers and beverages. For tickets, call 212-2729.
• Award-winning author Marty Essen presents his multi-media show, “Around the World in 90 Minutes,” 7 p.m., Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free. Public invited. Call 756-3981.
Friday
• Flathead Forest Friday 7 a.m., Nite Owl Back Room Restaurant, 522, Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls. Discussion on forest plan revision process. No-host breakfast. Public invited. RSVP to Colter Pence, 758-5252.
• Child Find screening for ages 3 to 5, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Lakeside Elementary School. Call 844-2208 for an appointment.
• Swan River Community Hall pie and dessert auction, 7 p.m., Montana 83, corner of Echo Lake/Swan River Road, Bigfork. Admission one pie or $5 per family. Pie slices for sale; complimentary coffee and lemonade. Proceeds go to renovation projects.
A look ahead
• Kalispell Farmers Market opens for season, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 2, FVCC parking lot, 777 Grandview Dr. Call 881-4078.
• Montana Dahlia Society annual tuber sale, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2, Kalispell Center Mall. Tubers $1 each or six for $5. Members will answer questions about growing dahlias. Call John Kestell, 756-6464.
• Fourth annual MK5K and 1-mile fun run, May 2, Lawrence Park, Kalispell. Registration 8:30 a.m. $15 for 5K, $5 for fun run. Proceeds benefit Mary Kay Foundation; www.marykayfoundation.org
• Northwest Montana Gold Prospector and Outdoor Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3, Grandstand Building, Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell. Gems, fossils, rocks, jewelry, prospecting equipment, gold panning and more. Seminars, raffles; Admission $2 adults; children 12 and under, free.
• Mission Mountain Winery annual Red Wine and Chocolate event to learn about food and wine pairings, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2, 82420 U.S. 93 S., Dayton. All welcome.
• Zumbathon fundraiser 3-5 p.m. May 2, The Wave, Whitefish. Adults $15; students $10; family (three or more) $30; kids under 5, free. Donations of $25 or more are eligible for prizes. Proceeds benefit Christian Academy headmaster Todd Kotilla as he battles cancer.
• Flathead Democratic Women present a dramatic performance of “Notable Heroines of America,” 3 p.m. May 2-3, Central School Museum, Kalispell. Women from America’s history as interviewed by Mary Reckin. Tea and desserts. Tickets $20 person, available at Kalispell Grand Hotel.
• 12th annual Making Miracles Happen dinner/auction, May 2, Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Doors open 5 p.m.; dinner 6:30 p.m.; live auction 7 p.m. Raffles, silent auction, door prizes. Ticket s $50 each. Proceeds support Human Therapy on Horseback. Call 406-212-2353.
• Fifth annual Spirits of the Valley tasting event, 6-9 p.m. May 2, Best Western Plus Flathead Inn and Suites, 4823 U.S. 93 S., just north of Somers. Local spirits, wines and microbrews. Silent auction, raffles. Tickets $25 at Sliters, Somers Bay Cafe and at door. Benefits Somers Company Town Project to build pavilion and museum at site of S2 engine.
• Spring Music Festival, 4 p.m. May 3, Immaculate Conception Church, Polson. Spaghetti dinner follows. Donations to Helping Hands Fund accepted. Call Toni, 883-1676; or Valerie, 883-4160.
• AARP Smart Driver Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4, The Summit, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.
• Anime Club for teens in grades six to 12 meets 4-5:30 p.m. May 4, ImagineIF Library, Kalispell.
• Flathead Community Foundation and United Way’s Give Local Flathead Fiesta of Philanthropy Day, May 5. Donations accepted for local nonprofit organizations online and at all-day event at Hampton Inn, Kalispell. Live music, refreshments, gift basket drawings; www.givelocalflathead.org, 756-9047.
• Karen Porteous of Complete Restoration gives a free presentation on “The Reality of Radon,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 5, ImagineIF Library meeting room, Kalispell.
• 26th annual Project Whitefish Wine and Food Fest, 6-9 p.m. May 6, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Fine food from area eateries, silent and live auctions for getaways and more. Tickets $60 per person, available at The Village Shop, Imagination Station and O’Shaugnessy Center. Proceeds benefit Project Whitefish Kids and Whitefish Theatre Company. Call 862-5371.
• Opening exhibit for “Gentlemen Wear Black,” 5-7 p.m. May 7, Hockaday Museum of Art, 302 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Free admission. Public welcome. Call 755-5268.
• Frontier Hospice open door bereavement support group meets 6-7 p.m. May 7, The Springs at Whitefish. Call 755-4923.
• Hilary Shaw gives a presentation titled, “Tell Me a Story” about the life of Grandpa Roman, Holocaust survivor, 7-8 p.m. May 7, Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1515 Trumble Creek Road, Kalispell. Free and open to public.
• 17th annual Louise Burk Memorial luncheon, May 8, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Eureka. Doors open 11 a.m.; lunch at noon. Dr. Melissa Hulvat from Bass Breast Center is guest speaker. Door prizes, silent auction. Proceeds benefit WINGS. Tickets $7.50 available at Glacier, First Interstate Banks and Whitefish Credit Union. Call Julie Smith, 406-889-5670 or 406-261-8600.
• Flathead Valley Christian Motorcycle Association’s annual baby diaper drive for Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, May 9, Smith’s in Columbia Falls and Kalispell; downtown Kalispell Super 1, and Walmart, Kalispell.
• Family Forestry Expo, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9, Trumbull Creek Educational Forest, west of Columbia Falls. Grandstand shows 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with logging demos and sports, mule pack string. Informational stations along a forested trail. Free logging camp lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Bibler Home and Gardens spring tours 11 a.m. May 9. A private tour of Persian rug collection with Carol Bibler at 1:30 p.m. May 9. Tickets $20; 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. May 16-17, above Foy’s Lake near Kalispell. All other tickets $15 adults, $5 children. Advanced purchase required. Call FVCC Foundation office, 756-3632.
• Bibler Home and Gardens Mother’s Day brunch prepared by FVCC Culinary Arts Institute, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 10, above Foy’s Lake near Kalispell. Advanced purchase tickets $60 per person; $100 per couple. Call 756-3632.
• AARP Smart Driver Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12, Bigfork Senior Center. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 837-4157.
• Bigfork Wednesday farmers market opens for season 3-6 p.m. May 13, Masonic Temple, 8098 Montana 35. Call Cathi, 249-8439.
• Columbia Falls Farmers Market opens for season 5-7:30 p.m. every Thursday, beginning May 14, Pinewood Park, 925 Fourth Ave. W.
• West Valley Naturalist program 7 p.m. May 14, West Valley School science room, Kalispell. Becky Smith-Powell, forest recreation program leader for Flathead Forest, will talk about hiking/recreation in Tally Lake Ranger District. Free. Everyone welcome. Call Linda de Kort, 755-3704.
• “Picnic for Lone Pine Cemetery,” 5-8 p.m. May 15, Swan River Hall, Bigfork. Barbecue dinner, silent, live auctions, music. Tickets $15 adults; $5 children 10 and under. Call Arlene Wilson, 837-2674.
• Hike, Bike and Roll Parade 5:30-6:30 p.m. May 15, Great Northern Trail, Meridian Road, Kalispell. Rain or shine. Decorations, costumes, noisemakers encouraged. Snack available for purchase. Bring your own water. Cost $5 per person; $15 per family of four (under 2 free). RSVP appreciated to 249-2497. Proceeds go to trail maintenance.
• Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates annual meeting/work day, May 16, Park Community Building, behind headquarters. Continental breakfast 8:30 a.m.; meeting 9 a.m. followed by project work. Call Nancy Barrus, 387-4516.
• AARP Smart Driver Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16, Swan Chapel, Swan Lake. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 756-8885.
• Creston Cemetery Association annual meeting May 16. Clean up 9 a.m.; business meeting 10 a.m. Call Lillie, 249-2114.
• 12th annual Yellow Bay Cherry Blossom Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16, Yellow Bay Clubhouse, Montana 35 at mile marker 18. Arts and crafts, bake sale, door prizes, raffles, live music. Lunch available for purchase. Free. Public invited.
• ImagineIF Library, Kalispell, sponsors a bird walk with a Flathead Audubon expert, 10:15-11 a.m. May 16. Meet at library and walk to Conrad Mansion and back. Optional project included. All ages welcome.
• Sunburst Service Foundation Amazing Race, 11:30 a.m. May 16, Depot Park, Kalispell. Pre-registration required at 2282 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell. $25 per team. Raffles, silent auction, prizes. Children’s activities noon to 5 p.m.
• Salvation Army Country and Western gala, 5:30-10 p.m. May 16, main ballroom, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Dinner Music by Rob Quist and Great Northern with special guest Halladay Quist. Tickets $50 per person. Non-alcoholic event. Call 257-4357.
• AARP Smart Driver Course, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18, Libby Christian Church, Libby. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 283-7000.
• Teen social for grades 6-12, 4-5:30 p.m. May 21, ImagineIF Library, Kalispell. Food, Wii gaming. Free. Craft is making bubble tea.
• EAA Chapter 102 Young Eagles flight event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23, Red Eagle Aviation Center, Kalispell City Airport. Registration 9 a.m. to noon. All youth ages 8 to 17 will take a 20-minute orientation flight. Free. Call Delbert Schneider, 249-4226.
• AARP Smart Driver Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23, The Summit, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.
• GMO Flathead sponsors a March Against Monsanto, noon, May 23, Depot Park, Kalispell. Non-GMO food drive for local food banks. Information booths, prizes, 50/50 raffles. Guest speakers.
• Memorial Day Parade, noon, May 25, downtown Polson.
• Whitefish downtown farmers market opens for season every Tuesday, 5-7:30 p.m. May 27 to Sept. 30, north end of Central Avenue and Depot Park.
• Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 10 a.m. May 28, Linderman School, 233 First Ave. E, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.
• Opening reception for “A Timeless Legacy — Women Artists of Glacier National Park” exhibit, 5-7 p.m. May 28, Hockaday Museum of Art, 302 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Free. Public invited.
• Fifth annual Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 30, Evergreen Fire Hall, 2236 U.S. E. Employment counseling, veterans service organizations, community resources and representatives. Giveaways of surplus military clothing, books, haircuts, personal care items. Chili and refreshments. Bring military ID. Call Allen Erickson Sr., 756-7304 or 250-0698.
• Pete’s spring 17th annual run-off fundraiser, May 30, Peterson School, 1119 Second St. W., Kalispell. 10K, 5K and 1-mile events starting at 9:30 a.m. Games, climbing wall, inflatables. Lunch and raffles 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register at school office or 406running.com
• Eureka farmers market opens for season every Wednesday, 3:30-5:30 p.m., June 10-Sept. 23, Riverside Park. Call 406-889-4636.
• Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 10 a.m. June 11, Linderman School, 233 First Ave. E, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.
• Naturalist and botanist Anne Morley leads a hike June 11 on Sprunger-Whitney Nature Trail in Swan Valley. Meet at 10 a.m. at trailhead on Montana 83, 7 miles south of Swan Lake near mile marker 64. Turn right at Point Pleasant and watch for signs. Call Morley, 406-886-2242.
• Bigfork Saturday farmers market opens for season 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 13, Masonic Temple, 8098 Montana 35. Call Cathi, 249-8439.
• Stumptown Quilters’ Society “Everything Old is New Again,” quilt show, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 4; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 5, Whitefish Middle School gym. Modern and vintage quilts, boutique, vendors, silent auction, raffle. Free admission.
• Annual AAC/ARCO/CFAC employees picnic noon to 4 p.m. July 9, Lawrence Park, Kalispell. All employees and their families are invited; Email Sharon Chubb, smarinochubb@centurytel.net.
• In the Footsteps of Norman MacLean Festival, July 10-13, Seeley Lake on the Blackfoot River, Double Arrow Resort and Camp Paxson. Smokejumping highlight, writers’ workshop and tour of Mann Gulch; www.macleanfootsteps.com. Call Jenny Rohrer, 406-754-0034.
• Whitefish Lake Institute wine auction, 6-10 p.m. July 17, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Master of Ceremonies is TV journalist Connie Chung. Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music, silent, live auctions; www.whitefishwineauction.org
• Opening reception for traveling exhibit, “Piecing Together a Changing Planet: Climate Change in America’s National Parks,” 5-7 p.m. July 30, Hockaday Museum of Arts, 302 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Free. Public invited. Call 755-5268.
• Fee free day Aug. 25, Glacier National Park. All entrance fees waived in honor of 99th birthday of National Park Service.
• Dragon Boat Festival Sept. 12-13, Volunteer Park, Lakeside Boulevard, Lakeside.
• Fee free day Sept. 26, Glacier National Park. All entrance fees waived in honor of National Public Lands Day.
• Fee free days Nov. 11, Glacier National Park. All entrance fees waived in honor of Veterans Day.