thursday 2|27

Middle Eastern Dance 11am. Get fit and learn a new form of dance with instructor Flora Anderson. Wear comfy clothes. Advance sign-ups appreciated, free. Sally Griffin Senior Center, 700 Jewell Ave., Pacific Grove. 375-4454.

Steinbeck Birthday Party 6pm. Sweet Thursday at the La Ida Cafe, with food, beverages, entertainment and presentations. Celebrate this piece of Monterey history in the place where it was lived. $20 donation recommended. Kalisa's La Ida Cafn, 851 Cannery Row, Monterey. 372-8512.

Musical Theater 6:30pm. Watsonville Charter School for the Arts' production of The Journey, a family musical adapted from Aztec myth. Adults $4, kids $2. Watsonville High School, Lincoln and East Beach, Watsonville. 728-1553.

Book Discussion 7pm. Discuss The French Lieutenant's Woman with other book lovers. Ages 16+. Free. Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. 646-3477.

Sailing Course 7:30pm. First of eight meetings to teach sailing fundamentals, offered by the Monterey Coast Guard Auxiliary. Takes place Tues. and Thurs. evenings. Pre-registration required. Coast Guard Station, 100 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 375-3767 or 372-3569.

friday 2|28

Freestyle Dance Jam 8:15pm. A wide variety of music to accommodate as many different styles of dance as there are dancers. Free movement and expression for all ages. $10 adults, $5 youth. Chautauqua Hall, 16th and Central, Pacific Grove. 375-2312.

saturday 3|1

Walk and Run 7:45am. Meet for 8am walk/run with the 50-plus association. Meets at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. 625-3627 or 648-1845 or www.50plus.org.

Women's Multicultural Conference 8 a.m. Theme for this year's conference is "Women's Body Image: Healthy Body vs. Society's Ideal" in the MPC Music Hall. Accompanying the conference is an exhibition by nationally-known artist Susan Kingsley, "(Necessitous) Accessories and Other Works," in the MPC Art Gallery (see story pg. XXX). Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St., Monterey. 646-4057.

Young Artists' Painting Workshop 9:30. Young painters aged 8-15 are invited to this day of learning and creation. Mark Farina teaches the plein air style of painting. Rain moves to 3/8. Free, bring a bag lunch. Lovers Point, Pacific Grove. 372-5255.

Art and Craft Sale 10am-5pm, today and Sunday. Dozens of vendors sell their fine handmade arts and crafts of all sorts at this two-day event. Free admission. Custom House Plaza, Monterey. 625-0931

Gardening Talk 10am. Susan McDonald, landscape contractor and garden designer, will give a talk "Getting Your Garden Ready for Spring: Hands-on Maintenance" as part of the First Saturday series sponsored by the Friends of the Carmel Valley Library. Free. Call or visit the library to reserve a seat. Carmel Valley Library, 65 West Carmel Valley Road. 659-2377.

Native Plant Day 10am. Join the California Native Plant Society in a manzanita foray at Ft. Ord. Expect to see six different varieties in bloom. Meet at the thrift store just inside the Fort Ord main gate, with lunch and water. Bruce, 394-8314

Seaside Talent Show 3pm. Over 30 youth acts grace the stage at the 17th annual Seaside Talent Show, with singing, dancing and other fun forms of entertainment for the whole family. Free. Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside. 899-6805.

Argentine Tango Party. 7:30pm. Fun way to spend the evening learning an exotic dance from another culture. Mardi Gras costumes welcome. Appetizers provided. $10. Carmel Scout House, Mission and Eighth, Carmel. 394-1520.

Contra Dance 7:10pm. Class until 7:30, then the dance kicks off with caller Lynn Ackerson and music by Earl White Dance Band. $8 non-members, $7 members, kids under 12 free. Monterey YMCA, 600 Camino El Estero, Monterey. 372-7528.

sunday 3|2

Sounds of Scotland 2pm. Vocalist Gabriela Kapfer stops in Carmel on her first U.S. tour. This German vocalist who now resides in Scotland is known for her spiritual and beautiful music. Admission is by donation. All Saints Episcopal Church, Dolores and Ninth, Carmel. 373-4392.

Youth Music Monterey 3pm. Enjoy YMM's Spring Concert, with Alissa Bell, winner of the Concerto Competition on Flute. Families are encouraged to attend. $5 adults, $3 kids and seniors. Santa Catalina Performing Arts Center, Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey. 375-1992.

Bocce Ball and Italian Dinner 4pm. Learn about the Italian game of bocce ball on an indoor court, then get treated to a four-course dinner and music by Mike Marotta Sr. and Friends at this "Bella Bocce" evening. $50 per person, proceeds benefit the center. Sally Griffin Senior Center, 700 Jewell Ave., Pacific Grove. 375-4454.

monday 3|3

Hungry Readers Book Group Noon. Bring a bag lunch and books to suggest to other readers in this monthly meeting of voracious readers. Get previews of coming books and free dessert, and walk away with something new to read. Free. Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. 646-3477.

tuesday 3|4

Relationship Discussion 7pm. Barrie Elizabeth O'Brien leads a discussion of what it takes to endure a long-lasting relationship. Couples and singles are welcome to attend. Call 646-3866 to register. Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie St., Monterey. 646-3975.

wednesday 3|5

Swing Class 7pm. First of ongoing weekly swing classes, beginners at 7pm, intermediate at 8pm and a dance at 9pm. Learn and dance for fun's sake. $10 with dance party, $3 for class alone. Japanese American Citizen's League, 424 Adams St., Monterey. 373-6738.

thursday 3|6

Sarode Performance 10am. David Trasoff has studied sarode performance and North Indian Classical music, and brings his expertise here for a performance and lecture on this fascinating stringed instrument. CSUMB Music Hall, Building 30, Sixth Avenue, Fort Ord. 582-3009.

History Book Signing 7pm. Michael Hemp presents his book Cannery Row, the beefy second edition of which has just been released. Discover Steinbeck anew with this historical text, and get your copy signed by the author. Free. Monterey Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. 624-2456.

Writer's Roundtable 7pm. Best-selling author Harrison Livingstone, who is an authority on JFK's assassination, is the featured speaker at this month's writer's roundtable. Free. Thunderbird Bookshop, 3600 The Barnyard, Carmel. 624-1803.

ongoing events

Yoga For Every Body Reduce stress and tone your body with yoga. Abhaya Bonnie Bragg teaches techniques that will melt away tension and soothe the soul. Tuesday classes in Salinas and Friday classes in Pacific Grove, call for times and locations. 643-YOGA.

African Dance and Drum Classes Learn to drum and dance in a way that recalls Africa. Drum class is at 11am, dancing begins at noon. Every Sunday at the Park Avenue Performing Arts Center, 33 Park Ave., Monterey. 246-2314.

A Course In Miracles Explore this sacred text with Larry and Helene Daniels. Bring your own copy of A Course In Miracles. Donation. Unity Church, 601 Madison St., Monterey. 372-0457.

On the Waterfront Bicycle tours of the Monterey waterfront, first Saturday of every month. Meet at the Maritime Museum, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey. 372-2608.

Personal Growth Workshop Weekly meeting each Saturday to explore the healing and growth aspects of writing. 11:30am. Limited space, call ahead to Frank Losik, 784-0646.

Belly Dancing Extravaganza Every Friday night at Kalisa's La Ida Cafn. Seating starts at 8, show begins at 9 and goes on until midnight or later. Kalisa's, 851 Cannery Row, Monterey. 656-0957.

Belly Dance Classes On-going Tuesday and Wednesday classes at Hartnell College in Salinas and the Carmel Ballet Academy in Carmel. Egyptian, Persian, Gypsy and Turkish techniques. Call 643-2775 for details.

Monterey Actors Studio Ongoing auditions for newly formed theater group focusing on theater games, voice, music, improv and movement. Saturdays, 11:30-1:30, St. James Episcopal Church, 381 High St., Monterey. 784-0646.

Cribbage Club Cribbage enthusiasts meet every Wednesday at 6:30pm in the Oldemeyer Community Center, 986 Hilby, Seaside. Call 883-0963 for details.

Friends of Acoustic Music Those with instruments and/or who sing are welcome to join in every Saturday from 2-5pm at Sculpture House & Gardens Gallery, Highway 1, Carmel Highlands. 624-2476.

West African Drum Classes Features authentic rhythms and culture from Senegal. Drums available. All skill levels, drop-ins welcome. $15, $5 drum fee. Classes held Thursdays from 7:30-9pm at Salinas Valley Yoga, 248 Main St., Salinas; and Fridays from 6:30-8pm at Chautauqua Hall, 16th and Central, Pacific Grove. 754-8779.

Peace Vigil The Peace Coalition of Monterey County holds a vigil for peace every Sunday from noon to 2pm at Window on the Bay Park, Monterey. The Salinas Action League holds a peace vigil every Friday from noon to 1pm outside the Salinas Post Office; and the Women's League for International Peace and Freedom passes out anti-war information every Monday from noon to 1pm outside Morgan's Coffee and Tea in Monterey. The public is invited to stop by or join the vigil.

Friends Of Jung Monterey Peninsula Friends of Jung meet Fridays at 7pm for book discussion and Mondays at 7pm for Dream Work sessions. Call 649-4018 for details.

MPC Certified Farmers' Market Every Thursday from 2:30-6pm, this farmers' market sells produce, crafts, fresh food and much more. Monterey Peninsula College, Parking lot A, 930 Fremont St., Monterey.

Old Monterey Market Place This year-round, rain or shine market takes place every Tuesday from 4-8pm. Vendors offer a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, arts, crafts and jewelry. Alvarado St., Monterey. 655-2607.

Historic Monterey Walking Tours Guided tours of downtown Monterey focusing on California's history from 1842-1849 begin daily at 10:30am. The 2pm daily tour focuses on California's history from the 1820s to the 1840s. Free. 649-7118.

Carmel Heritage Walking Tours Saturdays at 9:30am, join the Carmel Heritage Society in touring and learning about the town's history. Meet at the First Murphy House, Lincoln and Sixth, Carmel. 624-4477.

Family Night The Monterey Recreation and Community Services Department hosts evenings for teens and their families to play, talk, eat and enjoy. Billiards, ping-pong, foosball, video games and more. 5-8:45pm. Monday: Monterey Youth Center, 777 Pearl St., Tuesday: Casanova-Oak Knoll Park Center, 735 Ramona Ave., Wednesday: Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie St., Thursday: Archer Park Center, 542 Archer St. 646-5665.

Poetry Workshop Every Wednesday from 6:30 at Bookworks, at 667 Lighthouse Ave. in Pacific Grove, come share and improve your poetical rants. Call Ryan at 373-3829 for more information.

announcements

YMCA Volunteers Volunteers are needed for the Monterey YMCA's support campaign to raise money. Call 373-4167 to find out more, or visit them at 600 Camino El Estero, Monterey.

Ombudsman Volunteers Volunteers are needed to help care for the elderly and dependent residents of care facilities. Call 333-1300 or e-mail Ombug@aol.com .

California Coastal Commission Contest Amateur photographers are invited to compete for a variety of great prizes by taking beautiful photographs of the coastline. For guidelines and restrictions, go to www.coastforyou.com. Contest ends 3/31. (800)COAST4U.

Literacy Volunteers Sought Help people learn to read and five them an incredible gift of literacy. Call 899-0417 for details.

Legal Services The Sally Griffin Senior Center is offering legal services for seniors, advising about wills, and more. Appointments possible, 899-0492. Sally Griffin Senior Center, 700 Jewell Ave., Pacific Grove.

Tax Help for Elderly The Alliance on Aging is offering volunteer help with tax preparation. Various locations and times available, call for more information, 1-800-510-2000.

Big Sur Arts Initiative Classes Painting, Aikido, Yoda and Theater Arts classes are offered. Call the Big Sur Arts center at 667-1530 for more information.

Big Sur Photography Workshop Deborah Samuel, former editorial photographer for GQ, Esquire and Rolling Stone, will lead a weekend workshop in creative photography March 14-16 at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur. $600 includes lodging; $400 without lodging, includes meals. Registration deadline 2/20. Call 667-2574 or e-mail to photography@henrymiller.org.

Book Fund Donate money to the Pacific Grove Public Library for books. You may specify what type of purchases you'd like to be made with your contribution. For more information about how to help, visit them at 550 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove.

Be a Buddy Best Buddies Citizens matches adults with developmental disabilities with volunteer buddies for friendship. Want to help out? Call 393-9185.

Blankets for Animals The Monterey County Animal Services Center needs towels and blankets to keep homeless animals warm this winter. Bring donations to 2840 Fifth Avenue in Marina, or call 442-3857.

Homework Pals Monterey Public Library is seeking volunteers for their homework assistance program. Volunteers must be able to commit to at least two hours a week. Training and materials provided.