Today

3 Kalispell Parentshare meets 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a field trip to Sweet Pickins Pumpkin Patch. Meet at Northridge Lutheran Church to carpool. Call Ursula DeStefano, 212-0879; or Jennifer Rogge, 844-3216.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Our Lady of Mercy Church, Eureka.

3 Montana's Congressman Denny Rehberg's field representative Keli McQuiston conducts traveling office hours, 1 p.m., Troy City Hall, 301 E. Kootenai. Call 406-543-9550.

3 Evergreen Water and Sewer District board meets 1 p.m. at the district office, 130 Nicholson Dr., to continue discussion of choosing an engineering firm for feasibility study.

3 Montana's Congressman Denny Rehberg's field representative Keli McQuiston conducts traveling office hours, 3 p.m., Memorial Center, 111 E. Lincoln Blvd., Libby. Call 406-543-9550.

3 Last Harvest Downtown Whitefish Farmers Market of the season, 4-6 p.m., north end of Central Avenue. Call 862-3440.

3 Flathead County Solid Waste District board meets 5 p.m. at the landfill office.

3 Gov. Brian Schweitzer offers his support for local House and Senate District candidates 5-6:30 p.m., Red's, Wines & Blues mezzanine, 30 Second St. E., Kalispell. Music by John Dunnigan. Suggested donation $25 to candidate of your choice or divided evenly among them.

3 Flathead Building Association "Raise the Roof" public social, 5:30 p.m., at First Horizon Home Loans, 1845 U.S. 93, Suit 110, in the Forum East building. Refreshments and raffles. Call 752-2422.

3 School District 5 and Flathead High School district board meets at 6 p.m., Kalispell Junior High School library.

3 Red Cross certified course in First Aid Basics, 6:30 p.m., at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Montana Repertory Theatre presents a free performance of "Antigone 2026," a futuristic retelling of Sophocles' 442 B.C. masterwork at 7 p.m., Whitefish Branch Library, community room. Discussions of the play will be 27 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Whitefish branch, and Oct. 26 at the main library in Kalispell. Call 862-6657.

3 Safe Routes to School outreach meeting for Evergreen School District, 7 p.m., Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department, 2236 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell. Guest speaker is Jeff Key, lead engineer for Evergreen SR2S study. Open to public. Call Darla Harmon, 752-3255.

3 Evergreen Business and Property Owner's Association meets at 7 p.m., Evergreen Fire Hall, 2236 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell. Public invited.

Wednesday

3 School District Six and Eight Child Find screening for preschool children birth to 5 years old who are not attending kindergarten in Columbia Falls, Canyon, and West Glacier, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Oct. 26, Glacier Gateway Kindergarten building, 440 Fourth Ave. W. Call 892-6562 for and appointment. Free.

3 Children's Story Hour is at 10:30 a.m. in the children's department of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell, 247 First Ave. E. Call 758-5822.

3 Montana's Congressman Denny Rehberg's field representative Keli McQuiston conducts traveling office hours, 11 a.m., Eureka Chamber Visitor Information Center, 2 Dewey Ave. Call 406-543-9550.

3 Flathead County Board of Commissioners' dedication ceremony for the Cornerstone of Law Memorial, noon, at the Court House, 800 S. Main, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., The Wave, Whitefish, co-sponsored by First Interstate Bank.

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

3 NorthWestern Energy public weatherization event, 3-7 p.m., North Valley Community Room, Columbia Falls. Free starter home weatherization kits and demonstrations. Refreshments. All welcome.

3 Salvation Army Harvest-fest Carnival 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25, 110 Bountiful Dr., Kalispell. Hot dogs and pop, 25 cents. Games, cupcake walk, jail, drawings. Families welcome. Call 257-4357.

3 Red Cross certified course in Adult CPR, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25, at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Free Falun Dafa Quigong class, 7 p.m. community room of Kalispell branch of Flathead County Library. A self-cultivation meditation with gentle, easy exercises. Call Katherine Combes, 257-9798.

3 Free emergency first aid pet workshop 7-9 p.m. Oct. 25, Humane Society of Northwest Montana, 3499 U.S. 93, Kalispell. Dave Pauli, director of regional office of the Humane Society of the United States, trapping expert and local veterinarian, will talk about treating animal injuries. Call 857-2045.

Thought

"History must always be taken with a grain of salt. It is, after all, not a science but an art." n Phyllis McGinley, American poet and author (1905-1978).

3 Eastern Flathead County Neighborhood Plan follow-up meeting 7 p.m., Deer Park School gym. All interested welcome.

3 Northwest Montana Bar Association sponsors a debate between Jerry O'Neill and Mark Sullivan, candidates for Flathead County Justice of the Peace, Position no. 2, 7-8:30 p.m., O'Shaughnessy Center, Whitefish. Public invited.

Thursday

3 Kalispell Elks host a blood drive in the blood mobile, noon to 5 p.m., 1820 U.S. 93 S. Walk-ins welcome; or call Dawn Brown at 755-9542 for an appointment. Donors receive free ticket to Elks Vampire Ball on Oct. 28. Proceeds benefit Elks and Red Cross.

3 Flathead Special Education Cooperative meets at 1 p.m. in the Cooperative's offices. Call 257-1852.

3 NorthWestern Energy public weatherization event, 3-7 p.m., Royal Duff Memorial Armory, Whitefish. Free starter home weatherization kits and demonstrations. Refreshments. All welcome.

3 Flathead County Library board meets at 3 p.m. at the Bigfork Branch Library. Contact Kim Crowley, library director, at 758-5826.

3 FVCC Faculty Senate sponsors a candidates' forum 4-6 p.m. Resource Center, room 123, mediated by George Cowan. Public welcome to attend. Call Brenda Rudolph, 756-3858.

3 Kalispell Senior Citizens business meeting and potluck supper, 5 p.m. Kalispell Senior Center, 403 Second Ave. W. All area seniors welcome. Call 257-1598.

3 Benefit to help with expenses for ongoing cancer treatments for National Park employees Bill Hayden and Brace Hayden, 5 p.m. NPS Community Building, West Glacier. Potluck dinner, door prizes, raffle, auction. Bring your own beverage. Donations welcome. Contact Nete Reinhard, 888-7929; Mark Wagner, 732-7757, or Karen Giesy, 888-7921.

3 Teens-N-Crisis, a community support group for at-risk youth, meets 7 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Public welcome. Call 471-6599.

Friday

Flathead County Transportation Committee meets 10 a.m. to noon, Earl Bennett Building, conference room (side B) to consider changes to school bus routes. Call Susanne, 758-5722.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., in the blood mobile, today and Oct. 28, Wal-Mart, Kalispell.

3 Northwest Montana Retired Teachers meet at noon at Buffalo Hill Terrace. Lunch is $7.50. For reservations, call 755-5079.

3 Spinal Cord Injury Support Group meets 2-4 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell Topic is "Movin On" after spinal cord injury.

3 Kalispell Jaycees Haunted House 6 p.m. to midnight today and Oct. 28, 45 River Road, rain or shine. Cost $5 per person, or $4 with two nonperishable food items for Flathead Food Bank. Proceed also benefit Jaycees. Call 752-1522.

3 Boomers Singles Group planning meeting, Red Lion Hotel Kalispell, Fireside Lodge. Social hour, 6 p.m.; dinner buffet 7 p.m.; meeting 8 p.m. RSVP Duane at 257-4502 or Judy at 253-7187. All welcome.

3 Hedges School October Festival, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 827 Fourth Ave. E., Kalispell. Food, games, costume contest, prizes. Proceeds go toward new playground. Entrance fee $2 per family and one can of food for local food bank. Children must be accompanied by adult at all times.

3 Christmas at the Mansion Craft and Holiday Gift Bazaar, Conrad Mansion, Kalispell. Preview party, 7-9 p.m. tonight. Tickets $30. Gift show hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 28; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29. Admission $5 adults, $1 children. Call 755-2166.

Saturday

3 Women's Awareness Day, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Christian Center, Kalispell. Focus on health issues. Continental breakfast, lunch and child care provided. Free. Register by Oct. 24, at Christian Center or call 752-6428, ext. 227.

3 First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell, 540 S. Main St., annual Fall Bazaar 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fall and holiday crafts, fresh produce and homemade preserves and baked good. Children's Corner. Soup luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit local charities. Call 752-7488.

3 Mission Mountain Winery Oktoberfest, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the winery, on U.S. 93 in Dayton. Special wine and food pairings served.

3 10th annual Halloween Hunt for kids ages 3-9, 11 a.m. Meet at Woodland Park Pavilion, Kalispell. Candy, pumpkins, and prizes. Sponsored by Kalispell Parks and Recreation. Call 758-7717.

3 Montana puppeteer Herb McAllister talks about his career and experiences hosting a children's TV show in the 1950s and '60s with his puppet Froggy Do, 1 p.m., Flathead County Library, Kalispell. All ages welcome. Call 758-5822.

3 NorthWestern Energy public weatherization event, 3-7 p.m., division office, 8900 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Free starter home weatherization kits and demonstrations. Bucket truck rides, and special treats for kids. Refreshments. All welcome.

3 Come listen to "Spooky Tales at the Big Arm Fire Hall, Stories shared 5-6:30 p.m. Community supper 6:30 p.m. Bring a "scary" dish. Witch's ale provided. Costumes welcome. All invited. Call 849-6628.

3 Flathead Castoffs knitting group sponsors a one-day workshop today in Bigfork. Learn new techniques or brush up on basics. Proceeds benefit Soroptimists International of Bigfork Community Baby and Mother Shower. Call 837-4313 to register.

3 Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre haunted house fundraiser, 6-10 p.m., Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. Tax-deductible tickets $3. Call 837-4886.

3 Fifth annual Hall of Horrors 6:30-9:30 p.m., Rollins Volunteer Fire Department. Soup supper with bread. Bring a spooky dessert. Prizes for best dessert and costumes. Karoake, bonfire, face painting. Call 844-0210.

Sunday

3 Free Community Halloween party and Fiddlers Jam, 1 to 5 p.m., Miracle of America Museum in Polson. Prizes for top three youth and adult costumes. Call Jeri, 883-1519; Galen, 837-0105; or Alida, 892-5507.

Monday

3 AARP Driver Safety class today and Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, The Summit, Kalispell. Cost $10. Call 751-4500.

3 AARP Driver Safety class today and Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, St. John's Lutheran hospital in Libby. Cost $10. Call 293-0100.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 FVCC's Office of Multicultural Services presents part one of a two-part program on the culture and traditions of indigenous Arab Israelis featuring slides by the Bisharat family of Whitefish who recently returned from Israel, 6 p.m. Blake Hall. Discussion will follow. Call Gerda Reeb, 756-3945.

3 Nurturing Center and Flathead Family Planning present a panel discussion on the topic, "What You Always Wanted to Know about Sex Education - But were Afraid to Ask," with Kalispell Police Chief Frank Garner and the Rev. Dan Heskett, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Flathead City-County Health Department, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell. Call 751-8155.

3 Oct. 30, Nov. 2 - Tryouts for "Christmas is in the Air! Shepherd's Hand" variety show, 7 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 233 Kalispell Ave., Whitefish. Call 862-2615, or Cathy Relf at 212-9973.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Oct. 31, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell; sponsored by Johnson Mortuary.

3 Stillwater Christian School Class of 2008 host a harvest festival 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 1251 Willow Glen Dr. Hot dogs available at 5:30 p.m. Pirate theme. Face painting, cannon toss, walk-the-plank and more. Non-goblin and non-witch costumes appreciated. Call 752-4400.

3 Lakeside Community Council meets 7 p.m. Oct. 31, Water Works building, Bierney Creek Road. Public welcome.

3 Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau meets 11 a.m. Nov. 1, at the Whitefish Library meeting room. All members and public welcome. Call 862-3390.

3 Civil Air Patrol, Flathead Composite Squadron meets 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, (Nov. 2) Montana National Guard Armory, 2989 U.S. 93 N, Kalispell, north entrance. Youth ages 12 and up welcome. Aerospace lessons, march/drill exercises, fly-ins and more. Call Lt. Dave Brim, 257-7547; Lt. Kevin Kasperson, 756-5959.

3 Tryouts for "Christmas is in the Air! Shepherd's Hand" variety show, 7 p.m., Nov. 2, Christ Lutheran Church, 233 Kalispell Ave., Whitefish. Call 862-2615, or Cathy Relf at 212-9973.

3 Eidsvold Lutheran Church fall bazaar, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4, 5935 U.S. 93 S., Somers. Baked goods, soups, lefse, produce, Christmas items, boxed greeting cards, kids' table.

3 Somers/Lakeside annual Harvest Dinner 4-8 p.m. Nov. 4, Somers Fire Hall. Turkey with all the trimmings, homemade pumpkin pies. Adults $8, children 6-12 $4, children under 5 free. Proceeds benefit Somers/Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department.

3 Swan Valley Emergency Services (Volunteer Fire Department) 11th annual Firemen's Ball 7 p.m. to midnight Nov. 4, Swan Valley Community Hall, mile-marker 42, Condon. Live music by The Woodpickers, live and silent auctions, raffles, door prizes. Admission $5 at the door is $5.00 or $15 per family. Call Randy Williams, 754-3012; or Joyce Sharp at 754-2002.

3 Swan View Coalition companionship and rewards of conservation party and silent auction, 5-8 p.m. Nov. 5, El Topo Cantina, Montana 35, just north of Bigfork. Live music by John Dunnigan. $5 door donation.

3 FVCC's Office of Multicultural Services presents part two of a two-part program on the culture and traditions of indigenous Arab Israelis with two short films, 6 p.m. Nov. 6, Blake Hall. Discussion will follow. Call Gerda Reeb, 756-3945.

3 Kalispell Mental Health Local Advisory Council meets 12:30-2 p.m. Nov. 8, The Summit. Panel discussion on co-occurring disorder (mental and alcohol substance abuse). Public welcome. Call 885-3865.

Lakeside Elementary School Veterans Day Remembrance 12:25 p.m. Nov. 8, school gym. Veterans and service people in the Lakeside/Somers community invited to attend, and welcome to come in uniform. Call Judy Harris at 857-3531, or the school at 844-2208.

3 Flathead City-County Health Department offers flu shots 2- 6 p.m. Nov. 8, Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building, Kalispell. Cost $25 adults, $15 children; or bring Medicaid or Medicare card. Call 751-8110.

3 Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the administration building boardroom.

3 Flathead Outdoor Club meets 7 p.m. Nov. 8, Flathead County Library basement meeting room, Kalispell. Karin Connely gives a presentation on her walk across English continent. Coffee and tea served. Everyone welcome. Call Mike Spence, 857-2599.

3 International Gift Festival 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 9-10; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11, Mennonite Church, at corner of Mennonite Church and Creston Hatchery Roads, Kalispell. Fair trade goods from around the world. Proceeds benefit Ten Thousand Villages Third World artisans.

3 Flathead City-County Health Department offers flu shots 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Nov. 9, Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building, Kalispell. Cost $25 adults, $15 children; or bring Medicaid or Medicare card. Call 751-8110.

3 Big Bike Bonanza, good used bikes for cheap prices for sale, 9-11 a.m. Nov. 11, Rails to Trails Meridian Road trailhead.

3 Rails to Trails annual barn dance and pie auction 7:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 11 Smith Valley Grange Hall. All welcome.

3 Kalispell Elks Lodge hosts an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner 5-7 p.m. Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Adults $8 in advance, $10 at door. Children 5 to 12 $4 in advance, $6 at door. Under 5 are free. All proceeds support Elks veterans programs. Advance tickets available until Nov. 10 at lodge or from Elks members.

3 Red Cedar Circle ancient spiritual path for healing, 5 p.m., Nov. 12, 1730, E. Second St., Whitefish. Free. Call 863-9412 or Jill Fanning at 862-8070. All welcome.

3 Flathead City-County Health Department offers flu shots 9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 14, Three Rivers Ambulance Building, 31 Seventh St. W., Columbia Falls. Cost $25 adults, $15 children; or bring Medicaid or Medicare card. Call 751-8110.

3 Flathead City-County Health Department offers flu shots 1:30-4 p.m., Nov. 14, Golden Agers Senior Center, 121 Second St., Whitefish. Cost $25 adults, $15 children; or bring Medicaid or Medicare card. Call 751-8110.

3 Swan River School board meets at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in the school library.

3 Flathead City-County Health Department offers flu shots 10 a.m. to noon, Nov. 16, Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, Bigfork. Cost $25 adults, $15 children; or bring Medicaid or Medicare card. Call 751-8110.

3 Creative Memories scrapbooking workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Eagles Nest, FVCC. Theme is "Getting Ready for Christmas." All welcome. Call Joyce Workman, 755-4922.

3 Kalispell Christmas City of the North parade, 7 p.m. Nov. 24 downtown, Main St.

3 Buffalo Runner event and auction of 10 Spanish Mustangs, Nov. 25, Bar W. Guest Ranch, 2875 U.S. 93 S., Whitefish. Doors open 2:30 p.m. Tickets $20 per person; children free. Entertainment by Rob Quist. For reservations, call Olga, 257-1187. Fundraiser for at-risk children through Buffalo Horse Coalition, Browning, and Spanish Mustangs.

3 Flathead County Republican Women 2006 Chocolate Extravaganza 11:30 a.m. Dec. 6, Bulldog Convention Center, WestCoast Outlaw Hotel. Tickets $17, includes luncheon; Call Pamala Kasperson at 837-4428 or Ralene Sliter, 755-3998. For information on entering a dessert, call Caroline Solomon, 837-4525.

3 Creative Memories scrapbooking workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Eagles Nest, FVCC. Theme is "Getting Ready for Christmas." All welcome. Call Joyce Workman, 755-4922.