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TODay

- Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5:30 pm., Bigfork Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

- FVCC’s Art Department hosts a reception featuring Jennifer Li’s paintings, 4-6 p.m., Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Light refreshments. Public invited.

- Community Benefit Night, 5-8 p.m., Backslope Brewing, 1107 Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls. Portion of sales benefits Northwest Montana Forest Fire Lookout Association and Glacier Park fire lookouts.

- Women Wine of the Flathead host a benefit for Flathead Land Trust, 5:30 p.m., Park Side Credit Union, Kalispell. Bring a bottle of wine and $30 check made out to Flathead Community Foundation.

Wednesday

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

- Friendship Force meets for breakfast 9 a.m., Sykes Restaurant, Kalispell. All interested in travel welcome. Call Priscilla, 756-9332.

- Annual fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Hu Hot, Kalispell. 100 percent of sales donated.

- Free Falun Dafa Qigong instruction easy-to-learn exercise instruction for all ages, 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays in April, Kalispell Senior Center, 40 11th St. W. Call Katherine, 257-9798.

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

- Farm Hands-Nourish the Flathead Community Night, 5-8 p.m., The Raven, 15321 Montana 35, Woods Bay, five miles south of Bigfork. Dinner $15, of which $10 and $1 of every drink benefits the nonprofit.

- Fair-Mont-Egan School special board meeting 5 p.m.

- USMC Happy Hour for Marines and Navy who served with Marines, 5-7 p.m., Kalispell VFW, 330 First Ave. W. Cash bar. Spouses welcome. Call 406-249-2448.

- Wilderness Speaker Series presents “The Recovery of Grizzly Bears in Montana,” by Rick Mace, Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist, 7-8:15 p.m., Arts and Technology Building Room 139, FVCC. Free. Open to public. Call Carol Treadwell, 387-3847.

Thursday

- Cholesterol screening and education, 7-10 a.m., and first Thursday of every month, The Summit, Kalispell. Includes triglycerides, glucose, cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Walk-in clinic; no preregistration required. Fast 8-12 hours prior and drink plenty of water. Cost $35; $31.50 for seniors. Call Kathy Prim, 751-4500.

- Flathead County Transportation Advisory Committee meets 8:30 a.m., South Campus Building, 40 11th St. W., Kalispell. Public welcome. Call 758-5728.

- Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m. Applied Materials.

- Brews for Benefits, 5-8 p.m. Cabinet Mountain Brewery, Libby. Author Jim Posewitz signs his books. Benefit for Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.

- Smith Valley School board Audit Committee meets 5 p.m.

- PlantWise Flathead hosts a screening of the documentary film “Eating You Alive,” 7 p.m., Signature Theaters, Kalispell. Call Diana, 406-253-0498; or Michael, 406-253-0451.

Friday

- Annual Creston Auction and Country Fair today through Sunday, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35. Today — Consignment Day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday — Auction begins 9 a.m. Grounds open 7 a.m. Bid tickets $5. Sunday — RV, Marine Auto and Equipment Sale, 11 a.m. Grounds open 9 a.m. Bid tickets $10. Call 406-250-7396.

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

- Glacier Pachyderm Club meets noon to 1 p.m., Sykes, 202 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. Speakers are Warren Illi, House District 9 candidate, and Jordan White, candidate for sheriff; www.gcpachy.org

- Backpacking 101 class series part I on “Organization and Planning,” 5:30-6:30 p.m., Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell. Pre-registration required. Call 755-2706, ext. 2.

- FVCC Spring Concert Series, 7 p.m., Arts and Technology Building. Students in private instruction and Chamber Ensemble perform. Free. Public invited.

- Author Jim Posewitz gives a presentation on conservation efforts in Montana, 7 p.m. K.W. Maki Theater, Libby.

Thought

“Our firmest convictions are apt to be the most suspect, they mark our limitations and our bounds. Life is a petty thing unless it is moved by the indomitable urge to extend its boundaries.” — Jose Ortega y Gasset, Spanish philosopher (1883-1955).

Saturday

- Annual Creston Auction and Country Fair today and Sunday, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35. Today — Auction begins 9 a.m. Grounds open 7 a.m. Bid tickets $5. Sunday — RV, Marine Auto and Equipment Sale, 11 a.m. Grounds open 9 a.m. Bid tickets $10. Call 406-250-7396.

- Soroptimist Thrift Haus, spring bag sale, noon to 4 p.m., 303 First St., Whitefish. Fill a plastic grocery bag for $5. Proceeds go toward area nonprofits benefiting women and girls.

Sunday

- Annual Creston Auction and Country Fair RV, Marine Auto and Equipment Sale, 11 a.m. Grounds open 9 a.m. Bid tickets $10. Call 406-250-7396.

Monday

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 8 a.m. to noon, Troy United Methodist Church. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 406-293-0100.

- Red Cross blood drives: noon to 5 p.m. Spring Hill Suites; 1-6 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

- West Valley School board meets 5 p.m.

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

- Flathead Audubon meets at 7 p.m., in the United Way conference room, Gateway Community Center, U.S. 2 West, Kalispell. Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Chris Hammond presents a program on the neotropic black swift. Enter from west side of building. Free. All welcome.

A look ahead

- Red Cross blood drives April 10: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flathead High School; 2-6 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

- Smith Valley School board meets 6 p.m. April 10.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. April 10, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan, 871-1008.

- Holocaust survivor Peter Metzelaar shares his story at a lecture, 7 p.m. April 10, Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Free. Open to public.

- Somers Rural Fire District board meets 6 p.m. April 10, Lakeside Fire Station, 125 Bills Road.

- Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 11, Whitefish Credit Union, Kalispell.

- Whitefish Community Library hosts Toddler Storytime for toddlers ages 1-3, 11 a.m. April 11, Springs at Whitefish. Free. Call the library at 862-9914, or The Springs at 862-6322.

- Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12, Bigfork Methodist Church. Sponsored by Glacier Bank.

- Senior Tour and Tea, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12, Hockaday Museum of Art, 302 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Free admission for seniors 60 and older. Docent tour 10:30 a.m. Call 755-5268.

- Flathead Republicans meet at noon, April 12, Sykes Conference Center, Kalispell. Montana securities commission event, 4:30-6 p.m., Sykes.

- Swan Valley Bear Resources Spring Bear Wake-up Social, 6-9 p.m. April 12, Swan Valley Community Hall, Montana 83, mile marker 42.5, Condon. Tim Manley, FWP grizzly bear management specialist, and Stacy Courville, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes grizzly bear specialist, give presentations about bear behavior, biology, and conflict management. Snacks, beverages. Free. Open to public.

- Flathead County Parks and Recreation/Weeds Department conducts volunteer training, 7-9 p.m. April 12, Department Shop, 307 FFA Drive, Kalispell. Requirement for non-tool related volunteer works in Herron Park in 2018.

- Book reading by historian and baseball aficionado Rob Bauer, author of “The Boys of Summer Are Back: A Celebration of Baseball History,” 7 p.m. April 12, FVCC Library, in the Learning Resource Center. Refreshments, baseball history trivia game with prizes awarded to top players. Free. Public invited.

- Red Cross blood drives April 13: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell; 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Communities.

- Glacier Pachyderm Club meets noon to 1 p.m., April 13, Sykes, 202 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. Speaker is Dr. Al Olszewski, candidate for U.S. Senate; www.gcpachy.org

- Backpacking 101 class series part II on “Leave no Trace and Gear Repair,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 13, Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell. Pre-registration required. Call 755-2706, ext. 2.

- Flathead Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will host a “Family and Friends” class to inform and support loved ones with a mental health condition, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 14, Gateway Community Center, 1203 U.S. 2 W. Free of charge, but registration required. Call 250-3795 or 260-6433.

- Flathead Lake State Park Mussel Walk, 2 p.m. April 14, Wayfarers Unit. Learn how to identify invasive mussels, clean, drain and dry your boat. Shoreline walk. Meet at picnic shelter by water.

- Annual Cowboy Up auction fundraiser for Samaritan House, April 14, Gardner’s Auction Barn, U.S. 93 South, Kalispell. Pulled pork dinner, live dance music with Smart Alex, raffle, live and silent auction. Doors open 5 p.m. Dinner 6 p.m. Tickets $40 each; tables of eight $320 reserved in advance. Call 257-5801.

- Polson United Methodist Church 1950s dinner and bingo party April 14. Entertainment, 50/50 raffles, door prizes. Dinner 6-7 p.m. Bingo 7 p.m. Cost $12. Children 5 and younger, free. All proceeds benefit East Slope Winter Storm Disaster Relief Party. Call Dee Walker, 883-0099.

- Museum at Central School Schoolbell Bookstore grand re-opening, 1-5 p.m. April 14, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Closeout sales, coffee, champagne. Free. Public invited.

- Lighthouse Christian Home country dance and auction, 6 p.m. April 14, Best Western Inn, 4824 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell. Barbecue dinner, live music, silent and live auctions, raffle. Tickets $50 per person. Tables of eight are $350. Call 857-3276.

- Flathead County Republicans Lincoln Reagan Day Brunch, April 15, Expo Building, Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell. Doors open at noon, brunch buffet 1 p.m. Meet all four Republican candidates for U.S. Senate and other local candidates. Sen. Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte will attend. $30 single, $50 per couple. Call 406-250-5098.

- PlantWise Flathead hosts a healthy potluck, 5-7 p.m. April 15, Fellowship Hall, Northridge Lutheran Church in Kalispell. Bring a whole food, plant-based dish to share, and recipe. Call Diana, 406-253-0498; or Michael, 406-253-0451.

- Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 16, FVCC.

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. April 16, Billiards Room, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Call Laura Normandy, 752-9612, ext. 1351.

- Fair-Mont-Egan School board meets 5 p.m. April 16.

- AARP Driver Safety Course, 8:30-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. April 17, Polson Area Senior Center. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 883-4735.

- Kalispell Women’s Connection buffet lunch, 11:30 a.m. April 17, meeting room of Victory Baptist Church, 1830 Montana 35. Magician Dan Jimmerman entertains. Speaker is Debbie McPherson of Kila. Cost $8 per person. Call Jan, 857-2467, or Rosainne, 257-8098 for lunch and free child care reservations. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

- Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4:15 p.m. April 17, Lakeside QRU.

- Immanuel Lutheran Communities hosts a community presentation geared for seniors on, “Eating Local and Loving It,” 2-3:30 p.m. April 18, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. RSVP to 752-9625.

- Flathead Special Education Cooperative Management board meets at noon, April 19, Gateway Community Center, Kalispell. Call 257-1857.

- Evergreen Lions annual spaghetti dinner/auction, 4:30-7:00 p.m. April 19. Evergreen Middle School gym. Benefit for family of TJ Cooper who was injured in a logging accident.

- Columbia Falls Academic Endowment annual spring fundraiser, April 19, Cedar Creek Lodge, Columbia Falls. Finger food, cash bar, student entertainment, live and silent auctions. Doors open 5:30 p.m.; live auction begins 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 406-270-5210.

- Backpacking 101 class series part III on “Camp Set Up and Cooking,” 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 20, Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell. Pre-registration required. Call 755-2706, ext. 2.

- Teakettle Quilt Guild 2018 Quilt Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21, Glacier Gateway Elementary School, 440 Fourth Ave. W., Columbia Falls. Vendors, boutique, raffle. Bring donations for Columbia Falls Food Bank. Free admission.

- Flathead Conservation District business meeting, 7 p.m. April 23, 133 Interstate Lane, Kalispell, 752-4220.

- Medicare 101 class, 1-3 p.m. April 24, Flathead County South Campus, 40 11th St. W., Kalispell. Representatives guide through health insurance basics. Fee is $10, cash or check. Call 758-5730.

- Nurturing Center annual Blue Ribbon event for Child Abuse Prevention Month, 4-6 p.m. April 25, Lawrence Park Pavilion, Kalispell. Wear blue to make human blue ribbon. Food and music. All welcome.

- Marion Fire District board meets at 5 p.m. April 26, Marion Community Center, 180 Gopher Lane. Public welcome.

- Job Fair, 2:30-6 p.m. April 26, Gateway Community Center, 1203 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell. Hosted by Job Services Kalispell. Call Roberta Diegel, 758-6273.

- Death by Chocolate fundraiser production titled “Out of This World,” 7-10 p.m. April 27-28, Conrad Mansion, Kalispell. Tickets $60 person available at Mansion Gift Shoppe and The Book Shelf, 101 Main St., Kalispell. VIP tickets are $100, available at mansion only. Call 755-2166.

- Celebration of Native American culture, 2-5:30 p.m. April 28, Arts and Technology Building, FVCC. Dancing, drumming, storytelling by members of the Spirit of the Buffalo from Browning. Free. Public invited. Raffle. Concessions available.

- Flathead Democrats annual spring dinner, April 28, Cedar Creek Lodge, Columbia Falls. Guest speaker is Helena mayor Wilmot Collins.

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

- Kids Count in Evergreen event, 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 3, Evergreen Junior High School. Free games, pizza, prizes. Future Evergreen Leaders announced 6 p.m. Call Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, 885-1212.

- FVCC Spring Concert Series, 2 p.m. May 4, Room 144, Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center. Student recital. Free. Public invited.

- FVCC Spring Concert Series, 7 p.m. May 9, Arts and Technology Building. Orchestra, Choral and Chamber Ensembles perform. Free. Public invited.

- 406 Voice Competition finals, 6 p.m. May 12, Grand Ballroom, Best Western Plus Flathead, Kalispell. Live music, silent auction. Families welcome. Fundraiser for Flathead Youth Home; www.the406voice.com

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

- Immanuel Lutheran Communities hosts a community presentation geared for seniors, “Strategies for Lifelong Physical Fitness” 2-3:30 p.m. May 16, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. RSVP to 752-9625.

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. May 21, Billiards Room, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Call Laura Normandy, 752-9612, ext. 1351.

- Heritage Museum 40th anniversary grand season opening, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 2, 34067 U.S. 2, Libby. Speakers, music, dancing, lunch in historic cookhouse, Model T rides. Call 406-293-7521.

- Lakeside QRU annual ham dinner, 3-6 p.m. June 3, Lakeside QRU, 201 Bills Road. Menu is ham, homemade scalloped potatoes and buns, vegetable, coleslaw, beverage and dessert for $10. Call Lois Lauman, 253-2841.

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

- Taste of Kalispell, 5:30-8 p.m. June 21, Museum at Central School lawn, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Food provided by local restaurants, drinks, live music by Cocinando. Tickets $30 adults, $25 seniors (64 and older), $20 youth 11-14, kids under 10, free. Call 253-6923.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. June 12, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan, 871-1008.

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. June 18, 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, “ Easily Explore Glacier Park — A Ranger’s Insight,” 2-3:30 p.m. June 20, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. RSVP to 752-9625.

- Whitefish Woody Weekend classic and antique boat show, June 22-24, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Friday — Evening cruise Saturday — Public viewing on dock, waterski demonstration. Sunday — poker run 9:30 a.m.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. July 10, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan, 871-1008.?

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. July 16, 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, “Are your Cyber-savvy?” 2-3:30 p.m. July 18, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. Call 752-9625.

- Miracle of America annual Live History Days, July 21-22, 36094 Memory Lane, Polson. Pioneer crafts, demonstrations, activities, food concessions. Call Gil, 406-883-6264.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 14, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan, 871-1008.

- Immanuel Lutheran Communities hosts a community presentation geared for seniors, “Flathead Valley — A Look Back,” 2-3:30 p.m. Aug.1 5, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. Call 752-9625.

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. Aug. 20, Billiards Room, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Call Laura Normandy, 752-9612, ext. 1351.

- Annual Dayton Daze “Montana Gold Rush” celebration and fundraiser for Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department and QRU, noon Sept. 8, Dayton. Car show, parade, music, flea market and craft sale, silent auction, rifle raffle, concessions and beer.

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

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 3-4:30 p.m. Sept. 17, 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, “Dementia Treatment — What’s On the Horizon,” 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 19, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Free. Call 752-9625.

- Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 9, The Summit, Kalispell. Call Joan, 871-1008.

- 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.

- 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.

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

- 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.

- 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.