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TODay

- Kalispell Public Schools Finance and Operations Committee meets 7 a.m., district office basement meeting room.

- Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

- Neighbors in Need homemade chili and pie lunch, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Northridge Lutheran Church, Kalispell. Sit down; or order for delivery by Oct. 3. Call United Way, 752-7266. Proceeds benefit local homeless families.

- Glacier Pachyderm Club meets noon to 1 p.m., Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Dave Galt presents his case against I-186; www.gcpachy.org

- Flathead High School Homecoming Parade, 4 p.m., Main Street in Kalispell.

- Retro Film Festival, Oct. 5-7, Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. Ten film classics screened beginning 6 p.m. Guest speakers are Bill Butler and Peter Ford. VIP passes and per movie tickets available. Limited seating; www.bigforkfilmfestival.com, 837-2008.

- Book signing for Miantae Metcalf McConnel’s book “Deliverance,” 4-7 p.m., The Bookshelf, Main St., Kalispell.

- Annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest, today and Saturday, Depot Park Whitefish. Hours 5 to 11 p.m. today; and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday. Oct. 6 is “Senior’s Day.” Those over 60 years old get in free until 5 p.m. General admission $5; kids under 12, free.

Saturday

- Annual Libby Stand Down, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Asa Wood Grade School, 700 Idaho St., Libby. Free for veterans and families. Bring a DD214 or other military ID. Call 756-7304.

- Bigfork Community Methodist Church annual bazaar and lunch, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 750 Electric Ave., Bigfork. Handcrafted jewelry, art, pottery, wood, Homemade berry pies and jams. Soups for lunch. Call 837-4547.

- Annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest, noon to 11 p.m., Depot Park Whitefish. Today is “Senior’s Day.” Those over 60 years old get in free until 5 p.m. General admission $5; kids under 12, free.

- Sons of Norway meet 1 p.m., upstairs at Museum at Central School, 124 2nd Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 253-1702.

- Independent wildlife consultant Brian Peck gives an update on status of grizzly bear recovery, 4 p.m., Montana House, Apgar Village, Glacier Park. Free. Reservations recommended. Call 888-5393.

- Log Jam fundraiser, 4 p.m., Trade Center, Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell. Dinner 4:30 p.m. Bingo/auction 6 p.m. Entertainment. Proceeds benefit families of Montana loggers and logging truck drivers killed in work-related accidents. For tickets, call 892-4641 or 260-8268.

- Flathead Land Trust hosts a West Valley Wetlands Conservation Project grand opening and ribbon cutting, 5-7:30 p.m., bird view area off West Valley Drive, Kalispell. Public invited to watch sandhill cranes fly in to roost. Call Laura Katzman, 752-8293.

- Eagles Harvest Dinner, 5-7 p.m., 37 First St. E., Kalispell. Turkey with all the trimmings. Cost $12 adults, $6 for kids under 12. Everyone welcome.

- Flathead Libertarians meets 5:30p.m. Scotty’s Bar, backroom, 2205 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell. Watch debates for U.S. House and Senate with Libertarian candidates Rick Breckenridge and, possibly Elinor Swanson.

- Big Sky Astronomy Club hosts a Star Party, 7-9:30 p.m., Lone Pine State Park, Kalispell. Presentation at Visitor Center followed by telescope viewing of night sky. Bring chairs and dress warmly. Registration required on Eventbrite or Facebook. Call 755-2706, ext 2.

Sunday

- Annual Libby Stand Down, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Asa Wood Grade School, 700 Idaho St., Libby. Free for veterans and families. Bring a DD214 or other military ID. Call 756-7304.

- Whitefish Therapy and Sport Center annual Whitefish Trail Legacy Run,10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Whitefish Bike Retreat. Half marathon,?10K, 5K,?2-mile?family fun run. Post-race picnic and award ceremony. Call 862-3880.

Monday

- City of Kalispell Solid Waste Division will not be picking up roll-out containers today, Columbus Day. Today’s collection and for the remainder of the week will be delayed one day. Have containers out by 7 a.m. All other city office are open.

Thought

“The usefulness of a meeting is in inverse proportion to the attendance.” — Lane Kirkland, American labor leader (1922-1999).

- Glacier Rail Park grand opening 10 a.m., 801 Whitefish Stage, Kalispell. Enter from Flathead Drive. Ribbon cutting, tours, refreshments. RSVP to Dorothy Meyer, 257-7711.

- Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

- Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group game night, 6-8 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Survivors, family, friends are welcome. Refreshments. Call Jennifer, 756-4725 or 253-3336.

- Columbia Falls School board meets at 6 p.m.

- Marion School board meets 6:30 p.m.

- Flathead Audubon meets at 7 p.m., United Way conference room, Gateway Community Center, U.S. 2 West, Kalispell. Jake Bramante gives strategies for increasing backyard birds. Enter from west side of building. Free. All welcome.

Tuesday

- ImagineIF libraries board retreat 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Museum at Central School,124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Call Connie Behe, 758-5824.

- Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Easthaven Baptist Church, Kalispell.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m.

- Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Unwind, 5-6:30 p.m. U.S. Optics, 235 United Drive, Kalispell. Giveaways. All welcome. Call 758-2803.

- Kalispell Public Schools district board meets 6 p.m., Kalispell Middle School Library.

- Smith Valley School board meets 6 p.m.

- Somers Rural Fire District board meets 6 p.m., Lakeside Fire Station, 125 Bills Road.

- Kila School board meets 6 p.m.

- Deer Park School board meets at 6:30 p.m.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan, 871-1008.

- Flathead Conservation District 310 Stream Permit meeting 7 p.m., 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.

- Helena Flats School board meets at 7 p.m.

Wednesday

- Creston School board meets 7 a.m.

- Red Cross blood drive,10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Whitefish Credit Union, Kalispell.

- Parkinson’s disease support group meets 3-4:30 p.m., Gateway Community Center, north conference room, Kalispell. Music by Kris Boggs and the Craigslist Garage Sale Band. Lynnell Finley, Rock Steady boxing coach presents “Fun and Games while living with Parkinson’s.” All welcome. Call Lois, 871-3767.

- Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana fundraiser, 5-8 p.m. Cold Stone, Kalispell. 15% percent of proceeds goes to homeless prevention efforts.

- Bigfork Water and Sewer District meets at 7 p.m., district office, 108 Harbor Heights Blvd.

Thursday

- Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Flathead High School, Kalispell.

- Opening reception for Heidi Wagner’s photo exhibit “The Passions Project” and launch of Immanuel Foundation,” 5:30 p.m., Buffalo Hill Terrace lobby, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Cocktails, appetizers, Free. Open to public. RSVP to 752-9243.

- Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell presents a program on “Nocturnal Animals en Espanol,” 5:30-7:30 p.m. for Spanish speakers and those learning the language. Call 755-2706, ext. 4.

- Mission Mountain Audubon meets 7 p.m., Polson City Library meeting room. Ron Huff presents “Wildlife of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.” Free. All welcome.

A look ahead

- Kalispell Public Schools Board Governance Committee meets 10 a.m. Oct. 12, superintendent’s office.

- Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

- Sjogren’s support group meets 11:30 a.m. Oct. 12, The Summit, Kalispell. Free. Open to public. Call Laura, 270-7393.

- Smith Valley School Fall Festival, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 12, 290 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell. Games and food. Public invited.

- FVCC’s Music Department’s fall concert series with faculty 7 p.m. Oct. 12, room 139, Arts and Technology Building. Free. Public invited. Call 756-4813.

- Columbia Falls United Methodist Church fall bazaar and silent auction, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct.13, 117 Second St. W. Crafts, fair trade products, books, bake sale, attic treasures. Light breakfast and soup lunch available.

- Outdoor educator Brian Baxter leads a wetland ecology field trip to Owen Sowerwine Natural Area, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 13. 2.5 mile, moderate hike. No dogs allowed. Bring lunch, water, binoculars. Free. Meet at Montessori School, 349 Willow Glen Drive, Kalispell. Call 406-291-2154.

- Rocky Mountain Rollers Good Sam Chapter membership drive, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13, Back Room, Night Owl, 522 Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls. Guests welcome. RSVP to Bob or Lynn, 755-4942.

- Glacier Park hosts a Mount Brown Hawk Watch Program noon to 4 p.m. Oct.13, near Lake McDonald Lodge. Park biologists will teach volunteers how to identify and count migrating raptors. Meet at Golden Eagle interpretive sign near Jammer Joe’s parking lot; snacks and hot beverages provided. Volunteers can also hike to an observation point just below Mount Brown Lookout. Call 888-7986.

- “Lights, Camera, Auction” fundraiser for Trinity Lutheran School, Oct. 13, Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell. No host bar 5 p.m. Buffet dinner 6 p.m. Silent, live auctions, games. Tickets $25, available at the school, 495 First Ave. WN. Call 257-6716.

Tim Ryan presents a program on ancestral tribes titled “ Traditional Cultural Landscapes of the Flathead Valley,” 6-8 p.m. Oct. 13, Lone Pine State Park, Kalispell. Best for ages 13 and older and $6; Free for ages under 12 and under. Call 755-2706.

- Annual North Valley Community Crop Walk to raise hunger awareness, Oct. 14, Marantette Park, Columbia Falls. Registration 1 p.m.; 1K or 5K walk 1:30 p.m. Hot dogs served afterward.

- Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m. Oct. 15, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 15, North Valley Senior Center, Columbia Falls. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 892-4087.

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Billiards Room, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Call Laura Normandy, 752-9612, ext. 1351.

- Kalispell Women’s Connection buffet lunch and annual fundraising auction, 11:30 a.m. Oct 16, meeting room of Victory Baptist Church, 1830 Montana 35. Speaker is Charisse Bruner of Columbia Falls. Cost $8 per person. Call Jan, 857-2467, or Rosainne, 257-8098 for lunch and free child care reservations. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

- Kalispell Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction Committee meets 3 p.m. Oct. 16, assistant superintendent’s office.

- Creston Fire Department’s annual Soup for Supper fundraiser, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, Creston Fire Station, 4498 Montana 35, Kalispell. Twenty soups and chowders, salad, rolls, desserts. Dine in or take out. Donations appreciated. Call Gloria Graves, 250-4655.

- Columbia Falls Women’s Connection luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Oct. 17, North Valley Hospital Community Room, 235 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls. Speakers are Wilma Framness and Charice Brunner.Cost $8 per person. Free child care by reservation. Call Candy, 387-4119; or Janet, 892-3621. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

- Immanuel Lutheran Communities hosts a community presentation geared for seniors, “Local Political Climate — Issues and Candidates” 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 17, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. Call 752-9625.

- Sobbacycle in Whitefish sponsors a spin class to raise money for A21, a nonprofit combating human trafficking, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17. $20 per person. Limited to 20. Call 406-730-8744.

- Dances of Universal Peace, 7-8:30 p.m., Oct. 17, Shining Mountain Center for Spiritual Living, 475 Eighth Ave. EN, Kalispell, Call Red Star, 871-4783.

- Montana House District 11 candidates meet and greet with Derek Skees and JoBest Blair, 5-6 p.m. Oct. 18, Lakeside QRU, 201 Bills Road, Lakeside. Free. Open to public.

- Kalispell Public Schools Finance and Operations Committee meets 7 a.m. Oct. 19, district office basement meeting room.

- Big Arm community potluck, 6 p.m. Oct. 19, Historic Big Arm School. Shawn Devlin, a scientist from the Yellow Bay Biological Station gives a presentation at 7 p.m. Call 849-5064.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22, Libby Christian Church. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 406-283-7000.

- Flathead Conservation District business meeting, 7 p.m. Oct. 22, 133 Interstate Lane, Kalispell, 752-4220.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 8:30-11 a.m. and 1-2:30p.m. Oct. 23, Polson Senior Center. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 883-4735.

- Kalispell Public Schools district board work session 6 p.m. Oct. 23, Kalispell Middle School Library.

Refresh Leadership Simulcast with guest speaker Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 24, Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Registration 8-9 a.m. Cost $15; continental breakfast. Call 257-2255.

- Teen social for grades 6-12, 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 25, ImagineIF Library, Kalispell. Food, Wii gaming. Learn how to use a 3D printer and pen. Free.

- Kalispell Public Schools Policy Committee meets 8:30 a.m. Oct. 25, IT office.

- Kalispell Public Schools Policy and Communications Committee meets 10 a.m. Oct. 25, superintendent’s office.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 11:45 a.m. Oct. 25, Gateway Community Center, United Way Conference Room, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- Marion Fire District Board meets 5 p.m. Oct. 25, at the Marion Community Center, 180 Gopher Lane.

- Good Shepherd Lutheran Church harvest dinner, 4-6:30 p.m. Oct. 25, 409 First Ave. E., Polson. Swedish meatballs, potatoes and gravy, homemade lefse, salad, desert. Adults $10; children under 12, $5. Take-out orders available; call 883-5864. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County.

- Free Night at the Museum, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Miracle of American Museum, 36094 Memory Lane, Polson. Film “The Devil Horse” will be shown. Treats and donations welcome. Call Gil, 883-6804 or 270-7895.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27, Gateway Community Center, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 752-7266 for a reservation.

Kalispell Elks Lodge annual pumpkin carving contest, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27, 1820 U.S 93 S., Kalispell. All welcome. Call David Barnes, 249-0535.

- Flathead Valley Community College Veterans’ Association hosts Trunk or Treat, 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31, west-facing parking. Free. Open to public.

- Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse hosts a Trick or Treat community event, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 31, 155 Shady Lane, Kalispell (former Boys and Girls Club Roller Rink). Games, candy, prizes. Tables by first responders and local businesses. Free admission.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. Nov. 12.

- Creston Fire Department offers an adult, infant and child CPR/obstructed airway course, 6 p.m. Nov. 13, at the fire department, 4498 Montana 35, Kalispell. $40 minimum donation. Reserve by Nov. 6. Call 250-4655.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. Nov. 13, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan, 871-1008.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 11:45 a.m. Nov. 15, Gateway Community Center, United Way Conference Room, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- Smith Valley School ‘50s-Themed Happy Days Pie Bingo, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 16, 2901 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell. Public invited.

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Billiards Room, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Call Laura Normandy, 752-9612, ext. 1351.

- Immanuel Lutheran Communities hosts a community presentation geared for seniors, “Fall Prevention and Winter Safety Tips,” 2-3:30 p.m. Nov. 21, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. Call 752-9625.

- Free Night at the Museum, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 22, Miracle of American Museum, 36094 Memory Lane, Polson. Film “Kelly’s Heroes” will be shown. Bring Thanksgiving leftovers to share; donations welcome. Call Gil, 883-6804 or 270-7895.

- Smith Valley School Holiday Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1, 2901 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. Dec. 10.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 11, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan, 871-1008.

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Billiards Room, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Call Laura Normandy, 752-9612, ext. 1351.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 11:45 a.m. Dec. 20, Gateway Community Center, United Way Conference Room, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- Free Night at the Museum, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 27, Miracle of American Museum, 36094 Memory Lane, Polson. “Heading Home for the Holidays” filmed in Glacier Park and Browning with Amy Grant and Jimmy Stewart’s “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas” will be shown. Treats and donations welcome. Call Gil, 883-6804 or 270-7895.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. Jan. 14.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 11:45 a.m. Jan. 17, Gateway Community Center, United Way Conference Room, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. Feb. 11.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 11:45 a.m. Feb. 14, Gateway Community Center, United Way Conference Room, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. March 11.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 11:45 a.m. March 21, Gateway Community Center, United Way Conference Room, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. April 8.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 11:45 a.m. April 18, Gateway Community Center, United Way Conference Room, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. May 13.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 11:45 a.m. May 16, Gateway Community Center, United Way Conference Room, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. June 10.