Book Circle Discussion 7pm. Discussion of The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen, with facilitators Stuart and Paula Walzer. Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. 646-3477.

How Children Learn 8pm. Dr. Mel Levine, nationally-known expert on the successful education of children and author of A Mind at a Time, will speak about the differences in how children learn, and why teachers should resist placing simplistic labels on students who have difficulties. Free in the Performing Arts Center at Santa Catalina School, 1500 Mark Thomas Dr., Monterey. 655-9350.

saturday 2|1

Walk and Run 7:45am. The 50-Plus Association holds their monthly Walk and Run. Walk begins at 8am. Lovers Point, Pacific Grove. 625-3627 or 648-1845.

Build A Playground 8am-4pm. Volunteers needed to help build a safe playground at the Melody Park Christian School in Salinas. Organizers promise it will be "like a barn-raising," with fun activities for kids, music, dancing, snacks and a free BBQ lunch. For details call Paula Stoddard or Teacher Nicole at 422-5311. Funding from the Packard Foundation.

Disaster Health Services Course 9am. This course for nurses teaches how to deal with disaster care. Advance reservations required, $35. Red Cross, 942 Lupin Dr., Salinas. 424-4824 ext. 301.

Storied Land Lecture 10am. Professor John Walton will speak about his book on the history of Monterey, Storied Land: Community and Memory in Monterey. Reservations appreciated. Carmel Valley Library, 65 West Carmel Valley Rd., CV. 659-5877.

Tree Planting 10am-1pm. Join the City of Salinas and Return of the Natives Project in a day of tree planting. Meet at Veterans Memorial Park, E. Laurel Ave., Salinas; follow signs to parking area. For details call 582-3689.

Animal Volunteer Training Orientation 11am. Those 18+ who can contribute 8 or more hours weekly to helping animals with the Monterey County Animal Services Center are asked to attend this two-hour orientation and training. Dress appropriately, reservations encouraged. Animal Services Center, 2840 Fifth St., Marina. 442-3857.

Cypress Grove Open House 1pm. Cypress Grove High School for the Arts and Sciences invites the public to its open house celebration for students entering 7th to 12th grade in Fall 2003. 225 Normandy Rd., Seaside. Call 392-0200 or visit www.cypressgrovechs.com.

Wine Time 1-5pm. Galante Vineyards presents a wine tasting and futures open hour. 18181 Cachagua Rd., Carmel Valley. 1-800-GALANTE.

Inner Christianity 1pm. Learn the deeper meanings of Christian tradition and the real spirituality it has to offer. $25. Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, Fourth and Guadalupe, Carmel. 624-7491.

Lighthouse Play 1:30pm. The Point Pinos Lighthouse celebrates its history with this play written and presented by docents. Free. Point Pinos Lighthouse, between Asilomar Ave. and Sunset Ave., Pacific Grove. 372-3256.

Chinese New Year 2pm, 5pm. The Monterey Peninsula is ringing in the Chinese New Year with lion dancers performing their fascinating dance at two locations. The 2pm performance in Carmel will be outside the restaurant and is free. Golden Buddha, Barnyard Shopping Center, Carmel. 5pm show is at the Cathay Restaurant, 213 Monterey St., Salinas. 373-4208.

Contra Dance 7:10pm. Class until 7:30, then the dance kicks off with caller Eric Hoffman and music by The Percolators. $8 non-members, $7 members, $4 students, kids under 12 free. Monterey YMCA, 600 Camino El Estero, Monterey. 372-7528.

sunday 2|2

The Human Face of Iraq 2pm. Leah Wells, Peace Education Coordinator foe the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation in Santa Barbara, presents this lecture on the implications of war. SEIU Hall, 334 Monterey St., Salinas. For more information visit www.wagingpeace.com.

monday 2|3

Hungry Readers Book Group Noon. This lunchtime meeting and book exchange is designed to spread the word on good books for voracious readers. Dessert provided, bring a bag lunch. Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. 646-3477.

tuesday 2|4

Martial Arts 11am. Black-belt Sheila Haddad teaches how to vitalize yourself through martial arts. $2. Sally Griffin Senior Center, 700 Jewell Ave., Pacific Grove. 647-8466.

Watercolor Artist Lecture 7pm. A lecture by Robin Dormiter, about the works of painter Winslow Homer. Free, reservations required. Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. 646-3949.

wednesday 2|5

Learn Support 2:30pm. The Carmel Foundation hosts this day of discussion about how to help out those around you who appear to be suffering. Question and answer period included. Carmel Foundation, Lincoln and Eighth, Carmel. 624-1588.

Professional Women's Meeting 6:45pm. Workshop to help women get in touch with their inner warrior and use one's strengths in the business world, with self-defense authority Dawn Callan. Community room, Crossroads Shopping Center, Hwy. 1 and Rio Rd., Carmel. 646-0796.

ongoing events

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.

Feel the Beat 7pm. Drum circle meets each Monday, no drum required. Sing, dance, chant or drum your heart out. Free. Unitarian Church, Aguajito Rd. at Hwy. 68, Carmel. 624-7404 or 643-2298.

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 Cafe. 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.

Afro-Latin Jazz Dance Weekly classes combine dance techniques of jazz, funk African and Latin dance for those aged 8-18. Performance opportunities available. Monday through Friday afternoons, call to pre-register. Pacific Grove Recreation Department, 515 Junipero, Pacific Grove. 648-5730.

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.

Eagle Watching Tours Lake San Antonio offers Eagle Watch Boat Tours from Jan. 5 through Feb. 23. $10 per person, $8 for seniors and kids under 12. Call the Monterey County Parks Dept., 755-4895.

Cribbage Club Cribbage enthusiasts meet every Wednesday at 6:30pm in the Oldemeyer Community Cednter, 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.

Alanon Meetings If a loved one is in trouble with substance abuse, there's a group that can help you through this trying ordeal. Monday meetings from 4-5:15pm. Salinas Valley Church of Religious Science, 21 W. Laurel Dr., Salinas. 484-1420.

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.

Alzheimer's Grief Support 7pm. Dealing with a loss from Alzheimer's is often "Living the Long Goodbye," and this five-week series is designed to help deal with this loss. Tuesday nights through 2/18. $25. Alzheimer's Association, 182 El Dorado St., Monterey. 647-9890 or 757-0531.

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.

Carmel Walks 10am and 2pm Tue-Fri., meet outside the Lincoln Inn (Lincoln and Ocean Ave.) for this two-hour walk through historic Carmel. $20, reservations encouraged. 624-2700.

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.

Grief and Loss Meeting Ongoing, free group for anyone who's lost a loved one, held at the VNA office at Ryan Ranch. For more information, call Carol Owen at 758-8243.

Meditation for Peace 5:30pm, Sundays. Unity Church hosts this event held by Emphasis on Communication, a new meditation session to encourage peace on the last Sunday of each month. Free. Unity Church, 601 Madison St., Monterey. 649-1835.

Christian Singles Fridays at 7:30, meet and connect with other Jesus-loving singles. Call Carolyn Chaney at 784-0207 for information.

announcements

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.

Future Of Life Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix with Time magazine and Nobel Laureate James Watson, one of its three discoverers. Register early for this three-day science-and-society conference at the Monterey Conference Center, Feb. 19-21, but beware: registration costs almost $2,000. Visit www.thefutureoflife.com for details.

Valentines Needed The Thunderbird Bookshop and Dale Forbes are soliciting valentines in the form of prose, poetry or artwork, for display in a special exhibition at the Thunderbird through the month of February. Deadline for submissions: 2/10. For details call Dale at 624-1803 or e-mail to Heartsvntr@aol.com.

History Day Judges Needed Amateur and professional historians needed to judge this year's Monterey County History Day, to be held 3/1. Call 373-2955 ext. 364.

Basketball Camp Applications are being accepted until April 15 for the Ten Star All-Star summer basketball camp. Players from 50 states and 8 countries attended in 2002; acceptance by invitation only. Boys and girls aged 10-19. Call 704-373-0873.

Together With Love Run/Walk Register now for this Pacific Grove run/walk to benefit the Monterey Rape Crisis Center, taking place 2/9. $20 per person until 2/1, then $23 on race day. Volunteers are needed to work the event. Call 373-3955.

Arbor Day Foundation Join the National Arbor Day foundation this month and get five free Crapemyrtle trees shipped to your home. To receive, send $5 to Five Crapemyrtles, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City NE 68410 by Jan. 31.

Silent Auction Items Sought John XXIII AIDS Ministry requests silent auction items for their Valentine's Day Ball. For information or to donate, call 655-1737.

Lighthouse Docents Sought The Point Sur lighthouse needs docents to train in the end of February. This is a once-a-year opportunity to be part of this historical structure. Call 647-7139.

Nominees for Public Service Awards Nominate a volunteer for the 27th annual Community Service Awards. Different age groups, unsung heroes (paid) and corporate stars are all welcome as nominees. 757-3206 or e-mail dsk@hotcity.com for information.

Classical Ballet School Many classes are available for all skill levels at the Classical Ballet School in Marina. Call 384-3626 or visit www.classicalballet.com for information.

Theater For Kids Children's Experimental Theater announces its mid-year registration for the second half of its 43rd Conservatory year. Contact CET at 624-1531.

Auditions for Talent Show The Seaside Talent Show, to be held March 1, is now auditioning talented youth 4-18. For more information, call 899-6805.

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.

Charter School Applications The Monterey Bay Charter School is accepting applications for the fall until March 14. Tuition-free Waldorf education for K-8. Call 655-4638.

Hartnell Scholarships Confidence Lodge Scholarships are available for Hartnell students, as part of the Free and Accepted Masons endowments toward education. Deadline is 2/20. 755-6811.

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.

Prevent-a-Litter Become a sponsor of the Animal Friends Rescue Project. A one-time donation of $1,000 is all it takes to become a lifetime friend of AFRP. 333-0722.

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.