Good morning, Great Falls.

Operation Christmas Child collection week started Monday with nearly 5,000 drop-off spots open nationwide—several of which are in Great Falls.

Local churches including Victory Church serve as sites where community members can pack shoebox gifts for children in need until November 24.

Pomodoro Italian Cuisine opened at 1008 20th Street South after a soft opening on November 14 and a main opening on November 15.

The restaurant offers authentic Italian dishes made with imported olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, and local produce—its menu features house made gnocchi gorgonzola and classic pasta dishes and is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Downtown Great Falls will kick off the holiday season with a groovy 70s theme as the Parade of Lights will feature 50 floats and start on November 29 at 6 p.m. on Central Avenue, and the Christmas Stroll on December 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. will include a Polar Plunge at 7 p.m.—organizers are still seeking volunteers.

Saint Patrick's Academy West Campus is hosting events today—Discovery Day for high school students and a family fundraising launch—and will host elementary open houses Thursday and bring-a-friend Friday to show Catholic education to Great Falls residents.

Saint Patrick's Academy West Campus is hosting events this week as part of Discover Catholic Schools Week—these include a Discovery Day for high school students Tuesday, a fundraising event Tuesday evening, and open houses for elementary schools Thursday.

The school aims to show Great Falls what Catholic education offers by engaging both families and current students.

The Great Falls Public Library board voted on November 14 to offer Amy Dissmeyer the position of library director after a public meet and greet was held on November 13—she will replace Susie McIntyre, who will continue until December 27 to aid a smooth transition.

November Wine Pairing Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Enbar Craft Cocktail Lounge — $95 per person — Enjoy a delightful full-course dinner paired with five exquisite wines from Del Rio Vineyards.

Cat vs. Griz Cycle Fundraiser

5-7 a.m. — Peak Health and Wellness Center — Free for members — Ride for a cause during this fun rivalry event while enjoying pancakes and pieing instructors.

PMP Certification Training in Great Falls, MT

Nov 25-28 — Small Business Development Center — $1599 — Gain essential project management skills and earn your PMP certification with expert-led training.

Pinky and the Floyd Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Newberry — Tickets starting at $86 — Experience an unforgettable night with the tribute band Pinky and the Floyd.

The Nutcracker Ballet

6:00 – 8:30 PM — Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets $42.00 - $91.00 — Experience the magical journey of Marie and her Nutcracker in this holiday classic.

Beth Stelling Comedy Show

9:30 PM – 12:30 AM — The Newberry — Tickets from $58 — Experience an unforgettable night of comedy with Beth Stelling in Great Falls.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Admin II Training Class

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. — Great Falls College Montana State University — $1890 — Enhance your Linux skills with hands-on training in Great Falls, MT.

Russell Varsity Basketball vs. Flathead

2:00 – 3:15 PM — C.M. Russell High School — Ticket prices may vary — Cheer on the Russell varsity basketball team as they face off against Flathead in a thrilling non-conference game.

December Wine Pairing Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Enbar Craft Cocktail Lounge — $95 per person — Delight in a full-course meal expertly paired with exquisite wines from Cline Family Cellars.

The Very Arbitrary Book Club for December

2-3 p.m. — Great Falls Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion of 'Small...' with Dan and Amanda.