Event calendar

WEDNESDAY

Feb. 2

PRESCHOOL PARADE STORY TIME: Stories, songs, rhymes and activities for children ages 3-5; 10:15 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055.

“IT’S IN THE BAG” LECTURE SERIES: Maureen Kelly presents the lecture “The Value of a Virtual Deschutes Basin,” which will explore a Web-based natural resources library. Complimentary beverages available. Audience members are asked to pick up a free parking pass from the main office before parking; free; noon-1 p.m.; OSU-Cascades Campus, Cascades Hall, 2600 N.W. College Way, Bend; 541-322-3100.

FIRE DISTRICT: Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District No. 1, board of directors meeting, public welcome, 5:30 p.m.; 341 N.W. Dogwood Ave.; 541-504-5000.

TEEN COUNCIL MEETING: New members always welcome. We share books, plan volunteer activities, plan teen programs in the library, and have a good time; free; 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055 or www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar.

THURSDAY

Feb. 3

BABY STEPS STORY TIME: A gentle story time for infants to 18 months; 10:30 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055.

TEEN ANTI-VALENTINE’S PARTY: Annoyed with all the ooey gooey Valentine celebrations? Bring your anti-holiday attitude or lonely heart to this celebration! Free and open to sixth- to 12th-graders. First Thursday of each month is teen day; free; 3-4:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055 or www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar.

ART COMMITTEE MEETING: The Redmond Library Art Committee features the works of local artists. New members always welcome; free; 5-6 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1064 or www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar.

NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP: The Redmond chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness meeting; newcomers welcome; 6-7:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-504-1431.

FRIDAY

Feb. 4

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK: Event includes art exhibit openings, artist talks, live music, wine and food in downtown Bend and the Old Mill District; free; 5-9 p.m.; throughout Bend.

SATURDAY

Feb. 5

SLIMY SLITHERS: Learn about reptiles and amphibians; $4 adults, $3 children, members free; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, 57245 River Road, Sunriver; 541-593-4394.

CRAB FEED FUNDRAISER: Meal features crab, bread, an assortment of beverages and more; ages 21 and older only; proceeds benefit the student technology program at St. Thomas Academy of Redmond; $20; 4-8 p.m.; St. Thomas Parish Hall, 12th Street and Evergreen Avenue, Redmond; 541-548-3785 or www.redmondacademy.com.

OPEN HOUSE: featuring champagne, hors d’oeuvres, music and a special sneak preview of the upcoming production “The Spin Cycle” by David Rambo; free; 6-7:30 p.m.; Bend Performing Arts Center, 1155 S.W. Division St., Bend; 541-504-6721 or www.innovationtw.org.

MOUNTAIN COUNTRY IDOL: Central Oregon musicians compete to see who is the best country artist; ages 21 and older; proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; $5; 8 p.m.; Coyote Ranch, 1368 S. U.S. Highway 97, Redmond; 541-548-7700 or www.mountain997.com.

SATURDAY NIGHT JOKERS & JAMS: Local comics perform, with special musical guests; $10; 8 p.m., doors open 7:30 p.m.; Bend Performing Arts Center, 1155 S.W. Division St., Bend; 541-977-5677.

MONDAY

Feb. 7

SPANISH STORY TIME: English and Spanish speaking families welcome; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASSES: First class free, no experience/partner necessary; $5; 7-9 p.m.; Sons of Norway Hall, 549 N.W. Harmon Blvd., Bend; 541-549-7511 or 541-410-5784.

TUESDAY

Feb. 8

TODDLIN’ TALES STORY TIME: For children 18–36 months and caregiver, every Tuesday; 10:15 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055.

SPIRITUAL GATHERING: “Become the Self-Love You Seek,” thought-provoking activities and handouts to take with you, RSVPs required. The group meets monthly; donations welcome; 6-8:30 p.m.; Healthy Habits, 222 N.W. Seventh St., Suite 5, Redmond; www.aspiritualgathering.com.

KNOW ITALY, WINE 101: Learn the basics of wine tasting from Dennis Sienko, owner of Bend Wine Cellar, while he highlights wines from Italy. Limited to 25 participants (21 and older only). Register by phone or online; 6:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055 or www.deschuteslibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY

Feb. 9

PRESCHOOL PARADE STORY TIME: Stories, songs, rhymes and activities for children ages 3-5; 10:15 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055.

SCHOOL BOARD: Redmond School Board meeting, public welcome; 5:30 p.m.; Brown Education Center, 950 W. Antler Ave.; agenda at www.redmond.k12.or.us.

“9500 LIBERTY”: A screening of the documentary about an explosive immigration-policy battle in Virginia; free; 6:30 p.m.; Becky Johnson Center, 412 S.W. Eighth St., Redmond; 541-383-7412 or http://multicultural.cocc.edu/events.

THURSDAY

Feb. 10

BABY STEPS STORY TIME: A gentle story time for infants to 18 months; 10:30 a.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055.

GOOD CHAIR, GREAT BOOKS: Read and discuss “Half Broke Horses” by Janette Walls; bring a lunch; free; noon; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055 or www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar.

TEEN THURSDAY, OPEN DAY: Hang out with your friends and listen to music. Games and drawing supplies available. Free snacks, grades 6-12; 3-4:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055 or mercedesh@dpls.us.

SATURDAY

Feb. 12

“EAT, DRINK AND BE DEADLY!”: Buckboard Mysteries presents a Valentine’s Day dinner theater mystery; reservations recommended; $49, $45 seniors; 6-9 p.m.; Cafe 3456’, 63136 Powell Butte Highway, Bend; 541-350-0018 or www.buckboardmysteries.com.

MOUNTAIN COUNTRY IDOL: Central Oregon musicians compete to see who is the best country artist; ages 21 and older; proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; $5; 8 p.m.; Coyote Ranch, 1368 S. U.S. Highway 97, Redmond; 541-548-7700 or www.mountain997.com.

SATURDAY NIGHT JOKERS & JAMS: Local comics perform, with special musical guests; $10; 8 p.m., doors open 7:30 p.m.; Bend Performing Arts Center, 1155 S.W. Division St., Bend; 541-977-5677.

MONDAY

Feb. 14

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASSES: First class free, no experience/partner necessary; $5; 7-9 p.m.; Sons of Norway Hall, 549 N.W. Harmon Blvd., Bend; 541-549-7511 or 541-410-5784.

Sisters Folk Festival

On Friday, Feb. 4, legendary Americana artist and songwriter Tom Russell will perform at Sisters High School in the second installment of the Winter Concert Series. Russell is credited with helping to create the Americana radio format with the great Dave Alvin.

On Friday, Feb. 25, the series concludes with Moira Smiley & VOCO, a visionary blend of voices that redefine harmony singing with the power and physicality of folksong, the avant-garde fearlessness of Béla Bartók and the delicious, vaudevillian accompaniment of cello, banjo, accordion and body percussion.

For tickets go to www.sistersfolkfestival.org or call 541-549-4979. Tickets are also available at Paulina Springs Books in Redmond and Sisters. Advance tickets are $15 adult, $10 student. Shows start at 7 p.m.

Scripps Spelling Bee

Home Federal Bank is sponsoring the 2011 Scripps National/Regional Spelling Bee program.

The 2011 Home Federal Bank Spelling Bee will take place at 9 a.m. Feb. 5 at Ponderosa Elementary School in Bend. Bob Shaw, community affairs director and meteorologist for KTVZ, will emcee the event. The champion of the 2011 Home Federal Bank Spelling Bee will win an expenses-paid trip to compete in the 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The public is encouraged to attend this event.

Nanda comes to the Tower

Enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly fun Sunday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m., when the Tower Theatre Foundation presents the acrobatic, juggling, musical and “kung-faux” antics of the four-man troupe Nanda. Described by the Seattle Times as “funny, smooth and dare-devilishly inventive,” this Portland-based act combines high energy athleticism with a quirky sense of humor to create a one-hour show that’s aimed at kids 8-13 years old. The Tower Theatre is located at 835 N.W. Wall St. in Bend. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.

In addition to the show at the Tower, Nanda will offer kids ages 10 and up a chance to learn juggling and stage combat on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. The one-hour workshop, limited to 40 children, will be held at Three Rivers School, located at 56900 Enterprise Drive in Sunriver. This event is free, but reservations are required at 541-593-3555.

Season of Nonviolence

Central Oregon Community College’s Multicultural Activities office is helping to sponsor a variety of events during COCC’s King, Gandhi, Chavez and Mankiller Season of Nonviolence, which honors the work of advocates of social justice and nonviolent change.

All events are free and open to the public. For information contact Karen Roth at 541-383-7412 or kroth1@cocc.edu, or visit http://multicultural.cocc.edu/events.

Feb. 2: Day of Zinn honoring Howard Zinn, author, teacher, playwright and political activist, Room 114, Cascades Hall, Bend campus. Throughout the day: OSU Cascades and community members perform Zinn’s “A People’s History of the United States of America” and “Voices From a People’s History.”

Noon, OSU-Cascades lobby, “Teach-in on Non-violence”; 6 p.m., dinner and a movie followed by discussion, Room 114, Cascades Hall, sponsored by OSU-Cascades. Register for the dinner by contacting Natalie Dollar at ndollar@osucascades.edu or 541-322-3140.

Feb. 9: 6:30 p.m., film “9500 Liberty;” documentary of Prince William County, Va., in the explosive battle over immigration policy, Becky Johnson Center Community Room, Redmond; sponsored by the Latino Program and Latino Club at COCC. Another showing is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 6 p.m., in the Hitchcock Auditorium on COCC’s Bend campus.

Feb. 10: 3:30 to 5 p.m., “I’m not your Indian mascot anymore: Countering the assault of Indian mascots in schools,” Dr. Cornel Pewewardy, director and professor of Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University, Wille Hall, COCC Bend campus, sponsored by the Native American Program at COCC.

Feb. 16: 4 to 6 p.m., film “Dead Man Walking,” inspired by the story of Sister Helen Prejean, Hitchcock Auditorium, COCC Bend campus, sponsored by Multicultural Activities and the Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program.

Feb. 18: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Peacemaking through Compassionate Communication,” Room 116, Campus Center, COCC Bend campus. Free event, but you must register by contacting Karen Roth, 541-383-7412 or kroth1@cocc.edu. Presented by the Peace Center of Central Oregon and sponsored by Multicultural Activities.

Feb. 24: 1 p.m., “ Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues,” Redmond Public Library. Another showing at 6:30 p.m. at Pinckney Center on the COCC Bend Campus. Donations accepted at the door to help cover costs. Sponsored by the Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program, Multicultural Activities, ASCOCC and Deschutes Public Library.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability, contact Joe Viola at 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of another disability such as hearing impairment, contact Anne Walker at 541-383-7743.

Free tax preparation

In cooperation with AARP, The Partnership to End Poverty will offer free tax preparation from Feb. 1 to April 15 across Central Oregon for low- to moderate-income tax filers. Certified volunteers will help those who need assistance file their taxes and as eligible to claim tax refunds that benefit local families and the local economy.

In general, free tax preparation is offered to individuals and families at or below about $58,000 in gross income. The services are available in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs and La Pine. Additionally, there are specific days dedicated to Spanish-speaking tax payers.

Beginning Feb. 1, free tax preparation has been offered at the Redmond Senior Center Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 541-548-6325. For more information visit www.partnershiptoendpoverty.org, www. takecredit.org or www.bankonco.org.