Feb. 20-26 Happenings Calendar

EVENTS
THIRD THURSDAY LECTURE SERIES
Dr. Daniel L. Schafer discusses Anna Kingsley and her presence in Mandarin, 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville. 268-0784.
WHALE OF A SALE
The Junior League of Jacksonville host its 22nd annual garage sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 23 at Greater Jacksonville Fair & Expo Center, 510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville. Admission is $2; parking is $5. 424-5368. jljacksonville.org
SCOTTISH GAMES
The 18th annual Scottish Games & Festival is held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (additional entertainment till 10 p.m.) Feb. 23 at Clay County Fairgrounds, 2497 S.R. 16 W., Green Cove Springs. More than 100 athletes participate on Saturday, including a team of combat-injured veterans. Hurling, parade of tartans, battle axe throwing, Scottish foods and wares, sheep dog trials, livestock displays, kids’ games, falconry, traditional Scottish music and archery are featured. Tickets are $12; $15 at the gate. The Ceilidh (Scottish musical evening) features Albannach, Rathkeltair and bagpiper Ron Davis. Proceeds benefit K9s for Warriors. 725-5744. neflgames.com
BIKE & BOIL
Riders and non-riders register 8:30 a.m. Feb. 23 for a ride and low-country boil; kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. at Adamec Harley Davidson, 8909 Baymeadows Road, Southside. Sheriff John Rutherford is honorary chair, WJXT’s Richard Nunn emcees. Registration for VIP rider with passenger is $150; rider, $30; passenger, $20. Lunch and afterparty, $10 each. A silent auction and music by Mr. Natural are featured. Proceeds benefit Angelwood programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. 288-7259 ext. 19. angelwoodjax.org
FLOWERING TREE SALE
The 26th annual Greenscape flowering tree sale is held 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 23 at a new location: the intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and Hendricks Avenue, in the heart of San Marco. Thousands of trees and shrubs are for sale at $10 each. Specialty areas for native plants, edibles and ornamental species and a full array of flowers are indicated with banners. A preview sale is held 3-5 p.m. Feb. 22 for Greenscape members; memberships start at $25. Arborists and landscape architects are on hand to answer questions. 398-5757. greenscapeofjacksonville.com
FUNDRIASER YARD SALE
Anastasia State Park, in conjunction with the Friends of Anastasia, holds a yard sale 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Park Administrative Office, 1340A A1A S., St. Augustine, across from the Amphitheatre. All sorts of great stuff is available. Proceeds benefit the effort for playground restorations and upgrades. 461-2035. friendsofanastasia.org
BEST BUDDIES FRIENDSHIP WALK
Best Buddies Jacksonville, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, holds this 1.5-mile walk 10 a.m. Feb. 23 at The Jacksonville Landing, Downtown. There is no cost to participate, but fundraising is encouraged. 296-0510 ext. 404. bestbuddiesflorida.org
MISS TEEN JACKSONVILLE
The 12th annual Miss Jacksonville USA and Miss Jacksonville Teen USA pageants are held 4 p.m. Feb. 23 at FSCJ’s Wilson Center, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. For details, call 384-3578. jacksonvillepageants.com
CHARITY FESTIVAL
Family fun — face-painting, sack and 3-legged races, obstacle courses, prizes, food and bounce house — happens noon-2 p.m. Feb. 24 at Beth El the Beaches Synagogue, 288 N. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra. Proceeds benefit the charities being supported for Bar/Bat Mitzvah projects. 273-9100. bethelbeaches.org
FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER
This local-centric event is held 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas, 296 Royal Palms Dr., Atlantic Beach. A reception and four-course meal, with locally sourced food from the Green Market Vendors, a wine pairing and a silent auction are featured. Tickets are $85. Proceeds benefit outreach programs of Beaches Local Food Network, including Beaches Green Market, Community Garden and Children’s Garden. 372-0052. beacheslocalfoodnetwork.org
MING SHIOW HUANG
The pianist and Edward Waters College instructor performs as part of the Friends of the Library’s Dr. Gerson Yessin Music Series, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra. Admission is free. 827-6950. sjcpls.org
MOSH AFTER DARK
University of Florida’s Dr. Faye Harrison discusses “Race in the New Millennium & The Age of Obama,” 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Downtown. Admission is free. 396-6674, ext. 226.
FRONT PORCH SERIES
Mandarin Museum & Historical Society presents longtime Mandarin resident Billy Barwald 2-3 p.m. Feb. 24 at the museum, 11964 Mandarin Road, Mandarin. Barwald discusses his family’s move to Loretto. 268-0784. mandarinmuseum.net
COSMIC CONCERTS
Laser Spirit 7 p.m., Laser Vinyl 8 p.m., Laser X p.m. and Laser Metallica 10 p.m. Feb. 22 in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank. Online tickets are $5. Saturday shows are held noon and 5 p.m. 396-7062. moshplanetarium.org
FARMERS & ARTS MARKET
This market is held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sun. of the month at 2042 Park Ave., Orange Park. Everything is handmade or homegrown. Live entertainment, kids’ activities and food are featured. 264-2635. townoforangepark.com
CHOCOLATE TOUR
The tour departs 1:30 p.m. every Sat. through February from Old Town Trolley’s Welcome Center, 27 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Stops include Aviles Restaurant, Hilton Bayfront, Raintree Restaurant and San Sebastian Winery. Reservations are required; call 829-3800.
ST. JOHNS RIVER FARMERS MARKET
Local produce, arts and crafts are offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at Alpine Groves Park, 2060 S.R. 13, Switzerland. 347-8900.
FARMERS MARKET OF SAN MARCO
Fresh local and regional produce is offered 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at 1620 Naldo Ave., Swaim Memorial United Methodist Church parking lot, San Marco. Family fun day is the third Sat. 607-9935.
ANCIENT OAKS ARTS & FARMERS MARKET
An open-air farmers market, noon-4 p.m. Feb. 24 and every other Sun. at Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Road. 607-9935.

POLITICS, BUSINESS, ACTIVISM
SOUTHSIDE BUSINESS MEN’S CLUB
Winn-Dixie’s Senior Vice President Robert Devine is the featured speaker 11:30 a.m. Feb. 20 at San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin. Admission is $20 for members, with lunch; $25 for nonmembers, with lunch. 396-5559.
JACKSONVILLE JOURNEY
The oversight committee of this crime-fighting initiative meets 4 p.m. Feb. 21 in Eighth Floor Conference Room 851, Ball Building, 214 N. Hogan St., Jacksonville. 630-7306. coj.net
PEOPLE’S LAW SCHOOL
St. Johns Legal Aid staff hold a free seminar, “Domestic Violence Laws and Resources,” 4 p.m. Feb. 26 at Southeast Branch Library, 6670 U.S. 1 S., St. Augustine. 827-9921.

BOOKS & WRITING
HENRY COLE
Children’s author and illustrator Henry Cole talks about and sign copies of his new book, “Unspoken: A Story of the Underground Railroad,” 7 p.m. Feb 20 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach. 241-9026.
RON WHITTINGTON
Local author Whittington signs copies of his thrillers, “Second Strike” and “Doppelganged,” 1-3 p.m. Feb. 23 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 10280 Midtown Parkway, St. Johns Town Center. 928-2027. rpwhittington.com
WHISTLE TALK
Author Maurice J. Robinson discusses his new book “Hidden History of Ponte Vedra Beach,” 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Beaches Museum & History Park, 
381 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members. 241-5657.
THIRD THURSDAY BOOK CLUB
The discussion of environmental literature is held 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Tree Hill Nature Center, 7152 Lone Star Rd., Arlington. Admission is $15 for members; $20 for non-members. 724-4646.
BOOK WAREHOUSE SALE
Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library hold a book sale from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 23, a $10 bag sale noon-5 p.m. Feb. 24, 4-7 p.m. Feb. 26 and 28, and 9 a.m. -1 p.m. March 2 at FJPL Book Warehouse, University Park Library, 3435 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville. Proceeds from FJPL book sales are used to supplement the Library budget. FJPL is asking shoppers to sign petitions supporting a straw vote on establishing a special tax district for the library. The tax district was the proposal that came out of a special JCCI study to find a way to stabilize library funding. 630-2104. fjpl.org
SWAMP STORIES
Community Conversations presents musician Steve Shanholtzer 2 p.m. Feb. 23 at Southeast Branch Library, 6670 U.S. 1 S., St. Augustine. Shanholtzer shares his grandfather’s tales of Volusia and St. Johns counties back in the cracker days. 827-6900. sjcpls.org
DR. GARY SMALL
New York Times bestselling author and UCLA Longevity Center director Small talks about and sign copies of his new book, “The Alzheimer’s Prevention Program: Keep Your Brain Healthy for the Rest of Your Life,” 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach. 241-9026.
ST. JOHNS READS
This year’s book is “The Yard” by Alex Grecian. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants discuss the Victorian language of flowers 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at Ponte Vedra Branch, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra. 827-6950. A Genealogy Workshop with genealogist C. Ann Staley is held 2 p.m. Feb. 23 at Bartram Trail Branch, 60 Davis Pond Blvd., Fruit Cove. How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator is presented 4 p.m. Feb. 27. 827-6960. St. Johns County Sherriff’s Department Officer Angie Hosford demonstrates modern crime-scene evidence collection and analysis, 10 a.m. Feb. 21 at Hastings Branch Library, 6195 S. Main St., Hastings, 827-6970. A Dessert & Book Discussion are held 10:30 a.m. Feb. 23 at Main Library, 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., St. Augustine, 827-6940 and at 3 p.m. Feb. 26 at Ponte Vedra branch. sjcpls.org
JAX YOUTH WRITERS
Writers younger than 18 and their parents meet 7-8:45 p.m. Feb. 28 and on every fourth Thur. each month at Southeast Regional Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd., Southside. 742-7359. FloridaYouthWriters.org

COMEDY
TOM ARNOLD
Moving past his Roseanne past, Arnold appears 8 and 10 p.m. Feb. 22 and 23 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (in Ramada Inn), Mandarin. Tickets are $20-$25. Comedy Zone All Stars 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and 21. 292-4242. comedyzone.com
COMEDY CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE
Rodney Laney appears 8:34 p.m. Feb. 21, 8:04 p.m. Feb. 22 and 8:04 and 10:18 p.m. Feb. 23 at the new club, 11000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 8, Southside. Tickets range from $6-$25. 646-4277. jacksonvillecomedy.com

NATURE, SPORTS, OUTDOORS
FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
The Jacksonville Chapter of the FNPS, Ixia, gets together 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville. Environmental Specialist Meghan Knapp discusses “The Rare Plants of Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, and Other Interesting Information.” Admission is free. 655-2550. ixia.fnpschapters.org
FAMILY SEINING ACTIVITY
Pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting fish, crabs and more, and learn about the animals’ roles in the habitat, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Feb. 23 at Guana Dam Recreational Area, A1A South, Ponte Vedra. All needed gear is provided. Free with paid entrance. 823-4500. gtmnerr.org
JACKSONVILLE GIANTS
The local ABA basketball team — they’ve won every game but one (take that, big cat!) — closes out the awesome season with the Fayetteville Flight 5 p.m. Feb. 24 at Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville. Tickets range from $8-$100. 355-6531, 630-3900. jacksonvillegiants.com

KIDS
HOMESCHOOL HOOPLA
Homeschooled kids and their parents socialize during a bring-your-own brown bag library lunch, noon Feb. 27 at Southeast Branch Library, 6670 U.S. 1 S., St. Augustine. It’s followed by a Test Your Library Skills class at 12:30 p.m., kids learn how to use library resources, from finding books on the shelf to checking out e-Books. Call 827-6900 for more information. sjcpls.org
CHARLOTTE’S WEB
Theatreworks presents this cherished story of lasting friendship 10 a.m. and noon Feb. 28 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets are $7.50 in advance, $8 at the door. 353-3500, 355-2787.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
WORLD SWORD SWALLOWERS DAY
Strong-throated folks mark the sixth annual event 2 p.m. Feb. 23 at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, 19 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. 824-1606. ripleysnewsroom.com/swordswallowersday2013
LGBT WORSHIP SERVICES
Services are held 10:30 a.m. every Sun. at First Coast Metropolitan Community Church, 2915 C.R. 214, St. Augustine. 824-2802.
JEWISH ETHICS COURSE
The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute offers the course “Living with Integrity: Navigating Everyday Ethical Dilemmas,” conducted by Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky of Chabad @ the Beaches. Sessions are held 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27 and March 6 at The Aaron & Blanche Scharf Chabad Center, 521 A1A N., Ponte Vedra. The course challenges students to articulate their opinions, while providing practical Talmudic wisdom to help navigate through life’s ethical challenges. All JLI courses are open to the public; you needn’t be affiliated with any house of worship. 543-9301. myJLI.com
OLD TIME JAM
Mountain-type folk music is played 7 p.m. every Tue. at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown. Open to players of all skill levels. Admission is free. facebook.com/JacksonvilleOldTimeJam

CLASSES & GROUPS
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION WORKSHOP
The St. Johns Housing Partnership offers this workshop 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at Main Library, 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., St. Augustine. 819-1266 for more information. sjcpls.org
MEMORY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Learn simple strategies that focus on cognitive stimulation, education and socialization. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tue. and Thur. at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach. 729-9535.
DEBTORS ANONYMOUS
12-Step meetings 7 p.m. every Thur. at Christian Family Chapel, Bldg. D, 10365 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville. 269-8010.
COMBAT MARTIAL ARTS
Six-week martial arts classes for men and women are offered 7-8 p.m. every Tue. and Thur. at 4083 Sunbeam Road, Southside. The fee is $40 a month, which includes access to fitness center. 343-6298.
MARINE VETERANS GROUP
The Oldest City Detachment 383 gathers 7 p.m. on first Tue. of the month at Elks Lodge 829, 1420 A1A S., St. Augustine. 461-0139. mclfl383.org
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
The Duval County Chapter No. 1046 gathers 7 p.m. the first Wed. of every month at the Elks Lodge, 1855 West Road, Southside. 419-8821.