Events

MUSIC TO THE EARS: Seventy-five of the finest handbell musicians from around the country will gather for Distinctly Bronze West, the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers’ flagship performance; Sun., Feb. 15, 4 p.m.; Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside, 100 Washington Ave.; $5 at the door. Info: www.agehr.org.

OPERA EARS: Seattle Opera Preview to feature a member of the Seattle Opera Education Department who will discuss the Seattle Opera production of “Bluebeard’s Castle” and “Erwartung;” Sun., Feb. 15, 2:15 p.m.; Kitsap Regional Library, Sylvan Way, Bremerton.

DRIVE SAFE: Country Meadows is sponsoring an AARP driver safety program to serve as a refresher course for drivers older than 50; most insurance companies offer a discount to those who complete the course; Tues., Feb. 17 and Wed., Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each day; 12169 Country Meadow Lane, Silverdale; $12 for AARP members, $14 for nonmembers; open to the public. Registration or info: (360) 692-4480.

CHECKMATE: Open games with chess players from the Kitsap County Chess Club; Wednesdays, Feb. 18 and 25, 6-8 p.m.; Downtown Bremerton Library, 612 Fifth St. Info: (360) 377-3955.

TRILLIUM SCHOOL: “Loving School: Educational Models That Bring Kids to Life” to feature information on local Montessori, Sudbury and Waldorf schools; Thurs., Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.; Poulsbo Library. Info: LovingSchoolForum@gmail.com.

KNIGHT OF HONOR: Bremerton High School’s Knight of Achievement to honor students’ successes; Thurs., Feb. 19, 6 p.m.; BHS Performing Arts Center. Info: (360) 473-0800.

FAMILY MUSIC: Patrick and Sophia Stoyanovich — a father and daughter piano violin recital; Fri., Feb. 20, 7-9 p.m.; Collective Visions Gallery, 331 Pacific Ave., Bremerton; $15 advanced sales, $17 at the door. Info or tickets: (360) 377-8327 during business hours.

MONEY SMARTS: Super Saturday Financial Information Fair featuring free tax preparation services, free credit reports, credit counseling and housing counseling, low-income public housing and self-help programs and more; Sat., Feb. 21, noon-4:30 p.m.; West Park Community Center, 76 Russell Road, Bremerton. Info: (360) 479-8108.

FAMILY TREE: Puget Sound Genealogical Society to feature “Genealogy 101” workshop; Sat. Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 2501 SE Mile Hill Drive, Suite A 102, Port Orchard; free. Info: (360) 874-8813 or visit www.pusogensoc.org.

BREAK BREAD: Salad Bowl 2009 — a potluck gathering of people coming together to worship and break bread with one another; Sun., Feb. 22, 4 p.m.; Crossroads Neighborhood Church, 7555 NE Old Military Road, Bremerton. Info: (360) 479-3674 or harrijim2@comcast.net.

PET POPULATION CONTROL: Kitsap Spay Day to feature 14 Kitsap County veterinarians who will offer discounted rates to help cut down on pet overpopulation; Tues., Feb. 24; CK vets include All Creatures Animal Hospital, Bremerton Animal Hospital, Wheaton Way Vet Clinic and the Kitsap Humane Society. To schedule an appointment for surgery, call (360) 479-6775.

KAPO DINNER: Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners (KAPO) to feature Bob Williams, founder and senior fellow of the Evergreen Freedom Foundation; Thurs., Feb. 26, 6 p.m. social hour, 6:45 p.m. dinner; Silverdale Beach Hotel; $40 per person, open to the public. Reservations and payment required by Sat., Feb. 21. Info: Gerry Taylor at (360) 692-8109 or donald_taylor@wavecable.com.

Meetings

MEMORY CARE: Ashley Gardens at Bremerton to feature an Alzheimer’s and dementia support group; Wed., Feb. 18, 7 p.m.; The Willows, 3201 Pine Road; free and open to the public. Info: (360) 478-7277 or www.cascadeliving.com.

WOMEN UNITE: GFWC Kitsap Peninsula Women’s Club to feature launching of new fundraiser “Grounds for Change” — selling of fair trade coffee and tea; Thurs., Feb. 19, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meeting; Subway, Kitsap Way; guests welcome. Info: http://www.orgsites.com/wa/gfwckitsap, gfwckitsap@hotmail.com or (360) 698-0087.

FUTURE OF OPERA: Kitsap Opera’s annual meeting to feature discussion on future plans, refreshments included; Fri., Feb. 20, 7-9 p.m.; Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum, 257 Fourth St., Bremerton. Info: (360) 377-7774.

TECHNOLOGICAL LOOK BACK: The Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society to discuss “Computer Programs for the Genealogist;” Fri., Feb. 20, 10 a.m.; Bainbridge Island Public Library meeting room; $5 suggested donation for nonmembers; annual dues are $35. Info: www.bigenealogy.org or (206) 842-6059.

SPEAK PROUDLY: Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization that provides a supportive and positive learning environment to help people excel in speaking, listening and leadership skills; Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.; Subway party room, 3850 Kitsap Way, Bremerton. Call or e-mail for a free reservation: Dave Harris at (360) 478-7089 or Harriscd.wa@comcast.net.

AMERICAN RED CROSS CLASSES

The American Red Cross has a number of upcoming classes offered at the West Sound Service Center, 811 Pacific Ave., in Bremerton. To register, call (360) 377-3761 or visit the Web site at www.westsoundredcross.org.

Adult CPR — Thurs., Feb. 19; and Tues, Feb. 24; 5:30 p.m.– 9:30 p.m.; $36.

First Aid — Thurs., Feb. 26, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; $36.

Adult CPR with First Aid — Wed., Feb. 18, 1-8 p.m.; $55.

CPR and First Aid Review — Fri., Feb. 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; $38.

Adult, Infant and Child CPR and First Aid — Sun., Feb. 22, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; $70.

Seven-Hour HIV/AIDS Prevention — Fri., Feb. 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; $65.

Family Caregiver Workshop — Sat., Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-noon; Abiding Home Care, Silverdale; $10.

Cat and Dog First Aid — Sat., Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $38.