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TODay

- Annual Raptor Day, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lone Pine State Park, near Kalispell. Bird hikes begin 7:30 a.m. Exhibits, booths and programs begin 9:30 a.m. Guest speakers all day Outdoor booths and activities 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All free and open to public. Food available for purchase.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP members.) Call 751-4500.

- Walk MS event, Lawrence Park, Kalispell. Check-in 9 a.m.; walk begins 10 a.m. Register at www.walkms.org or call 855-372-1331.

- Tom Osborne offers a class titled “Christianity and Islam, 9 a.m. to noon, Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage, Kalispell. Seating limited. Reserve by calling 752-7021.

- Montana State Ceramic Association annual Ceramic and Doll Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Guesthouse Inn, Kalispell. Judged competition in hobby and professional. Raffle. Open to public. Call Sherry Milller, 885-6555.

- Glacier Woodturners meet 9 a.m., Hanson Trucking, Columbia Falls. Call 755-1795.

- In Appreciation of Veterans Day Picnic, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Depot Park, Kalispell. Live music by three groups. Guest speakers. Bring lawn chairs, lunch and lemonade.

- Annual Shriners Chili Cook Off and Weiner Dog Races, Spinnaker Bar and Grill, Lakeside. Chili served 4 p.m. Parade of dogs 5:15 p.m. Races begin 5:30 p.m. $5 entry fee.

- Immanuel Lutheran Community 60th anniversary celebration, 2-4:30 p.m., Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Live music by Zino & the Bel Aires. All welcome. Call Tracy Bridges, 752-9148.

- Puppy Party fundraiser for Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 6 to 9 p.m., Red Lion Inn in Polson. Cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres. Dinner Live auction. Tickets $50 per person, available at the shelter on North Reservoir Road in Polson and at its thrift store, Seconds 2 Go, next to McDonald’s in Polson. Call 883-5312.

- ImagineIF Libraries offer free, guided knife sharpening workshops, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kalispell branch; 1-3 p.m. Columbia Falls branch. Muse be 18 or older. Bring one kitchen or hunting knife. Dress for outside conditions.

Sunday

- Out of the Darkness Community Walk, 1 p.m., FVCC parking lot, Kalispell. Access through Kidsports field/tunnel. Proceeds support American Foundation of Suicide Prevention’s local and national programs. Register at afsp.org/flatheadvalley. Email Alison Schmaltz, alischmaltz@gmail.com

- Begg Dog Park grand opening, 2 p.m., off of Airport Road, Kalispell. Ribbon cutting, spin the wheel for prizes, food trucks, volunteer opportunities.

Monday

- Red Cross blood drives: 2-6 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell; 2-6 p.m. Trinity Lutheran.

- Fair-Mont-Egan School board meets 5 p.m.

- Northwest Montana Posse of Westerners presents a program by Ken Egan of Humanities Montana titled, “Montana’s Transition Years, 1864-1889,” Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Greeting time 5:30 p.m.; dinner 6:15 p.m. Cost $19 includes presentation. Program starts at 7 p.m., free for posse members and youth under 16; $5 for nondinner walk-in nonmembers. For dinner reservations, call 406-407-6189. For information, call Ron, 756-8791.

- Somers School District board meets 6 p.m., Somers Middle School.

- Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot is guest speaker at the Mansfield Lecture, 7 p.m., Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free and open to public. Call Gerda Reeb, 756-3889.

- Kalispell Rockhounders Club meets 7 p.m., Montana Loggers Association building, Montana 35, Kalispell. Call 755-3037.

Tuesday

- All McDonald’s restaurants if Kalispell, Whitefish and Libby will donate 20 percent of today’s sales to NW Montana Fire Relief.

- Deer Park School Improvement Bond election.

- Sons of Norway board meets 9 a.m., Three Rivers Bank, 552 North Meridian Road, Kalispell. Members welcome. Call 253-1702.

- Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation holds a “contested case” administrative hearing for a water-use permit application by the Montana Artesian Water Company, 9 a.m., Fairbridge Inn and Suites (former Outlaw Inn), 1701 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell.

Thought

“America has been called a melting pot, but it seems better to call it a mosaic, for in it each nation, people or race which has come to its shores has been privileged to keep its individuality, contributing at the same time its share to the unified pattern of a new nation.” — King Baudouin I of Belgium (1930-1993).

- Kalispell Women’s Connection buffet lunch, 11:30 a.m., meeting room of Victory Baptist Church, 1830 Montana 35. Cosmetic artist Hollis McCartney talks about permanent make-up. Guest speaker is Peggy DeVries. Cost $8 per person. Call Jan, 857-2467, or Rosainne, 257-8098 for lunch and free child care reservations. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

- Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Red Lion Hotel, Kalispell. Luncheon tickets $19. For reservations, call 758-2803.

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

- Flathead County Agency on Aging hosts an informational open house on Medicare cost-saving programs, 12:30-2 p.m., Gathering Place, 238 Adams St., Lakeside. Lunch available. Call Shelly, 546-8537 by noon Sept. 18. For information, call 758-2471.

- Lakeside County Water and Sewer district board meets 2 p.m., district meeting room, 253 Bierney Creek Road.

- Coffee with the Chief, 5:30 p.m., Sykes Diner, 202 Second Ave. W. Kalispell. Chief of Police Roger Nasset discusses community issues over free coffee. Public welcome.

- Flathead County Democratic Central Committee meets at 7 p.m., VFW Post 2252, 330 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Bring a non-perishable food item or donation for Northwest Veterans Food Pantry. Call Lynn Stanley, 471-8317.

- West Valley Rural Fire District trustees meet at 7:30 p.m., West Valley Fire Station on Farm to Market Road.

Wednesday

- Evergreen Water and Sewer District board meets at 7 a.m. at the district office, 130 Nicholson Dr.

- ImagineIF Libraries board meets at 9 a.m., meeting room, Kalispell. Call Kim Crowley, 758-5826.

- Montana Food Bank Network hosts a community conversation on hunger in Montana and Flathead County, 10 a.m. to noon, ImagineIF Library, Kalispell. All interested in learning more about and addressing hunger is welcome. RSVPs appreciated to Elizabeth Weaver, SNAP outreach coordinator, 406-215-1752 or eweaver@mfbn.org

- Red Cross blood drive, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elks Lodge, Kalispell.

- Columbia Falls Women’s Connection luncheon, 11:30 a.m., North Valley Hospital Community Room, Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls. Speaker is Peggy DeVries of Conrad. Kettle Care Organics presentation. Cost $8 per person. Free child care by reservation. Call Candy at 387-4119. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

- Marv Sather reads from his new book titled, Towers of Somers: Flawed Majesty,” set in Somers during the Great Depression, 4 p.m., West Shore Community Library, Lakeside. Book signing follows.

- Nurturing Center hosts an ice cream social and open house, 4-6 p.m., 146 Third Ave. W., Kalispell. Learn about services and meet and ask questions with staff. All welcome. Call Kalie Doretti, 756-1414.

- Whitefish Women of the Moose monthlychili cook off, 5-7 p.m., Moose Lodge 230 W. 10th St. Bring your favorite. Cornbread and desserts provided. Call Carol, 260-8493.

- Open house for FVCC’s Surgical Technology Program, 6-8 p.m., room 135 Brossard Center for Nursing and Health Science. Current students provide an overview. Public invited. Call Patty Lincoln, 756-4414.

- Public workshop regarding development of Herron Park/Foy’s Community Forest Management Plan, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center, near Kalispell. Topics include forestry, roads and recreation. Public comment requested. Call Alex Hogle with True North Land Planning at 406-212-3448.

- Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Valley meet at 7 p.m. Elks Lodge, 1820 U.S. 93. S., Kalispell. Call 881-4288.

Thursday

- Kalispell Public Schools Policy Committee meets 8:30 a.m., district office, 233 First Ave. E.

- Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., The Wave, Whitefish.

- Friends of the Library meet at noon, ImagineIF Library meeting room, Kalispell. All welcome.

- Flathead County Agency on Aging hosts an informational open house on Medicare cost-saving programs, 12:30-3 p.m., Kalispell Senior Center, 40 11th St. W. Call 758-2471.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 1 p.m., 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- Teen social for grades 6-12, 4-5:30 p.m., ImagineIF Library, Kalispell. Craft is making lava pens, food, Wii gaming. Free.

- Kalispell Public Schools Insurance Committee meets 4 p.m., Flathead High School Conference Room.

- Friendship Force of the Flathead Valley meets at Vista Linda, Somers. Social hour 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. All interested in travel welcome. For reservations, call Pat, 257-1932.

- Polson Chamber of Commerce Splash, 5-7 p.m., Whitefish Credit Union, 110 Third St. E., co-hosted by Super 1 Foods. Open to public. Call 883-5969.

- Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana fundraiser, 5-9 p.m., Pizza Hut Express, Kalispell. Portion of proceeds go to helping local homeless prevention efforts. Deliveries qualify.

- Big Ski Chair Affair, 7 p.m., Craggy Range Bar & Grill, Whitefish. Auction of 10 decorated vintage quad lift chairs. Fundraiser for SNOW Bus.

Friday

- Red Cross blood drives: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell; noon to 4:15 p.m. Kalispell Center Mall.

- FVCC Fall Faculty Concert Series presents violinist Wai Mizutani, 7 p.m., Arts and Technology Building. Free. Public welcome. Call 756-4813.

A look ahead

- Flathead Lutherans for Life annual multi-church rummage sale, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23, Faith Lutheran Church, 405 Liberty St., Kalispell. Donations welcome. Proceeds benefit Hope Pregnancy Ministries and other projects. Call 756-8344.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23, Swan Lake Chapel, Swan Lake. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 756-8885.

- Annual Hemophilia Walk, Sept. 23, Lawrence Park, Kalispell. Registration 9 a.m.; walk 10 a.m. To create or join a team go to hemophilia.org/walk

- Heritage Museum ribbon cutting and naming ceremony for new pavilion, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 23, 34067 U.S. 2, Libby. Vendors, lunch, pie baking contest. Guest speakers in morning. Ribbon cut 1:30 p.m. Live music 2-6 p.m. Call 406-293-9421.

- Annual Flathead River Writers Conference, Sept. 23-24, Flathead Valley Community College. Guest speakers include award-winning authors and literary agents. Fee is $160 for both days or $90 for one day; www.authorsoftheflathead.org/conference.asp or call 406-881-4066.

- Glacier-Two Medicine Alliance annual Fall Gathering, Sept. 23-24, Summit Mountain Lodge, near East Glacier Park. Keynote by Gloria Flora, executive director of Sustainable Obtainable Solutions. Featured cultural speakers are William Big Bull and Robert Hall. $30 donation per person suggested. Lunch and dinner included; www.gtma-mt.org.

- Humane Society of Northwest Montana Microchip Clinic, noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 23, Adoption Center, 100 Adopt A Pet Way, Kalispell. First come, first served. $15 per animal. Bring pets on leash or in carrier. Call 752-7297.

- Flathead Land Trust annual Barn Bash, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Diamond B Ranch, 2909 Lower Valley Road, Kalispell. Local craft beer, wine, appetizers. Dinner by Piggyback BBQ. Live bluegrass music. Silent auction. Tickets $75 per person. Seating limited. Call 752-8293.

- Hillbilly Fun Day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 24, Fritz Corn Maze, Birch Grove Road, Kalispell. $5 admission. Drawings, door prizes. Proceeds support victims of Montana wildfires. Call 755-4210 or Dana Higgins, 261-3327.

- Flathead High School Superhero Walk, 4 p.m. Sept. 24, Legends Stadium, Kalispell. One-mile walk to raise funds for Flathead Valley Special Olympics teams. Dress up as favorite hero. $10 per participant; 5 and younger, free. T-shirts to first 100.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 25, Libby Christian Church, Libby. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 25, Gateway Community Center, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 752-7266.

- Red Cross blood drives Sept. 25: 12:30-6 p.m. West Kootenai Colony; 2-6 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

- Montana Department of Transportation has an open house meeting to discuss proposed reconstruction improvements to the intersection of Dern Road and Springcreek Road on U.S. 2 west of Kalispell, 3-7 p.m., Sept. 25, Springcreek Room, Hampton Inn, 1140 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell. Project team members will be available to discuss the proposed project. Public comment invited. Call Jan Nesset at 406-556-4707

- Flathead Conservation District business meeting, 7 p.m. Sept. 25, 133 Interstate Lane, Kalispell, 752-4220.

Tip-A-Cop fundraiser for Special Olympics Montana, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 26, all MacKenzie River Pizza locations. Local law enforcement works as celebrity waiters.

- Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 26, Good Shepherd Church, Polson.

- Kalispell Public Schools district board special meeting and work session, 5 p.m. Sept. 26, Kalispell Middle School Library.

- Red Cross blood drive, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27, Saint John Paul II Church, Bigfork. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus.

- Kalispell Public Schools Technology Committee meets 8:30 a.m. Sept. 28, district office, 233 First Ave. E.

- Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5:15 p.m. Sept. 28 at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Sponsored by Kalispell Rotary Clubs.

- Joe Coco presents a free seminar “Cash Flow Management,” 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 28, Coco Enterprises Conference Center, 6438 U.S. 93 S., Whitefish. Free. RSVP to 862-9400.

- Red Cross blood drives Sept. 29: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell; 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. National Flood.

- West Shore community dinner, 5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 29, the Gathering Place 238 Adams St., Lakeside. Free of charge to anyone. Families welcome.

- Annual Northwest Montana Veterans Libby Stand Down, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 1, Asa Wood Grade School, 700 Idaho St., Libby. Free services and resources for veterans. Bring military ID. Call Allen W. Erickson Sr., 756-7304 or 250-0698.

- Seed Saving Workshop 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 30, Columbia Falls Junior High School Wildcat Garden, hosted by ImagineIF Libraries and Good Seed Co. Learn how to harvest and save seeds from your garden. Bring garden gloves and be prepared to work in any weather. Take home seeds for next season. Free. Open to public.

- Plein Air Paint Out party and sale, 5-8 p.m. Sept. 30, Hockaday Museum of Art, 302 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Renowned artists sell their Glacier Park paintings. Free admission.

- Coram-West Glacier Volunteer Fire Department 43rd annual Firefighters’ Ball, 7 p.m. Sept. 30, Dew Drop Inn, Coram. Live Big Band era music by Don Lawrence Orchestra. Dancing, live auction; grand prize full day fishing trip for two. Free admission. All welcome.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 2, The Summit, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 3, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.

- Mountain Brook Craft Cooperative annual Quilt and Craft Market, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7, Mountain View Mennonite Church, 795 Mennonite Church Road, Kalispell. Hand- and machine-quilted quilts and wall hangings, fine art, jewelry, accessories, décor, baked goods, jams and treats.

- Find It Win! Scavenger Hunt, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 6, at participating businesses in downtown Kalispell. Chance to win $70 gift certificate. All ages welcome. Call Raette, 530-209-7769.

- Mission Mountain Winery vertical tasting and free program to learn about food and wine pairings, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7, 82420 U.S. 93 S., Dayton. All welcome.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. Oct. 9.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 8:30-11 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Polson Senior Center. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 883-4735.

- Treasures and Tombstones Family History Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Oct. 14, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1380 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell. Choose from 17 free classes. Public welcome. Register at flatheadgenealogy.org

- Alpine Artisans Tour of the Arts, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14-15, Seeley-Swan and Blackfoot Valleys. Self-guided tour of nine studios featuring over 25 artists. Free showing of the film “Charged: The Story of Eduardo Garcia,” Oct. 14 in Lincoln and Oct. 15 in Seeley Lake in respective community halls; wwwalpineartisans.org

- Nooks and Crannies Tour, 9 a.m. Oct. 14, Conrad Mansion Museum, 330 Woodland Ave., Kalispell, $28 per person. Reservations required. Call 755-2166.

- “A Night to UnWined” fundraiser, 6:30 -9:30 p.m. Oct. 14, Casey’s, downtown Whitefish. Wine tasting, live music, raffle, silent auction. Proceeds benefit Whitefish Community School.

- Immanuel Lutheran Communities hosts a wellness presentation geared for seniors, “ Winter Ready” 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 20, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. Call 752-9624.

Conrad Mansion Museum Ghost Tours, Oct. 20-21, 330 Woodland Ave., Kalispell. One-hour tours begin at 7 p.m. and run every 15 minutes until 9 p.m. $17 per person; $15 members. Reservations required. Call 755-2166.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21, Gateway Community Center, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 752-7266.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23, Libby Christian Church, Libby $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 406-283-7000.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 23, North Valley Senior Center, Columbia Falls. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 892-4087.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 863-3627.

- Salvation Army Harvest-fest Carnival, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25, Salvation Army gym, 110 Bountiful Dr., Kalispell. Games for all ages, prizes. Costumes welcome. Hot dogs and pop for $1. Children must be accompanied by adult. Free. All welcome.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26, Mission Valley Senior Center, Ronan. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 406-676-2371.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Management board and Executive Council meets 11:30 a.m. Oct. 26, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- FVCC Fall Faculty Concert Series presents Micah Hunter, Amy Beth Chisholm, Wai Mizutani and Nichole Sanford, 7 p.m. Oct. 27, Arts and Technology Building. Free. Public welcome. Call 756-4813

- Annual Democrats Harvest Dinner, Oct. 28, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Guest of honor is Sen. Jon Tester.

- Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Oct. 29, Pick’s Bowling Center, Bigfork. To sign up, call 752-0092 or visit www.bbbsfc.org.

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

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

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 1 p.m. Nov. 16, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- Immanuel Lutheran Communities hosts a wellness presentation geared for seniors, “ Managing Stress through the Holidays” 2-3:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. Call 752-9624.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 5, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan Schmidt, 871-1008.

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

- Immanuel Lutheran Communities hosts a wellness presentation geared for seniors, “Festive Holiday Crafting” 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. Call 752-9624.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 1 p.m. Dec. 21, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

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

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Management board and Executive Council meets 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

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

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 1 p.m. Feb. 15, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

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

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 1 p.m. March 15, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m. April 9.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Management board and Executive Council meets 11:30 a.m. April 19, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

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

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 1 p.m. May 17, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

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

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Executive Council meets 1 p.m. June 14, 15 Meridian Court, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.