Counting Birds

The phrase “strictly for the birds” is not a bad thing when talking about The Great Backyard Bird Count. Counting the birds is done around the world in February and helps give a snapshot of the distribution of birds before the spring migration ramps up. You can count birds from your backyard, a local park, a wildlife refuge or anywhere else beginning Friday, Feb. 17 through Feb. 20. For registration and instructions go to gbbc.birdcount.org.

GILROY

Cioppino Feed

Prepare yourself for an excellent meal at the annual Gilroy Elks Lodge Cioppino Feed where participants can build their own cioppino. The Order of Elks is dedicated to helping mentally and physically challenged children, and raising funds for scholarships. Chow down for a cause on Saturday, Feb. 18. Bar opens at 5 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m. at the Lodge on the Hill located at 2765 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for kids. Call ahead for ticket availability at (408) 842-9397.

Gardeners Workshops

It’s time to get your garden in order with master gardener Joan Cloutier at the Gilroy Library, and get outside-the-box information for growing from seed and producing a successful harvest. Find out which veggies, herbs and flowers are easiest to start from seed and what factors affect germination on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Beyond seeds, learn how correct planting methods, pest control and irrigation can produce healthy and productive plants on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Both workshops are from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Get the scoop at sccl.org/Gilroy.

Family Night

Take the kids, the grandparents or even the family dog downtown to enjoy game time or story time at Gilroy’s newest and largest bookstore, Book Buyers, during First Friday Family Nights. Take advantage of this free community event and spend some time browsing the vast collection of used books, movies and music. Everyone is welcome to join the owners on the first Friday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. at 7541 Monterey St. Visit bookbuyers.com

Mardi Gras

Calling all revelers for an exciting festival of mayhem and romance at The District Theater’s Mardi Gras Celebration. Show your party spirit and don your purple, green and gold—and don’t forget your beads! Come and enjoy the Fat Tuesday decorations, drink specials and dancing to local DJ selections on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. at 7430 Monterey St. Find out more at thedistrictheater.com.

MONTEREY

‘JANKA’

Witness a performance of JANKA, a true story of one woman’s journey through history’s most notorious death camps to the shores of the United States. A play adapted from a 60-page, handwritten letter describing deeply moving and often humorous accounts of her will to not only survive, but to thrive. Premiering in Monterey starting Friday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee time of 2:30 p.m. at The Pink Flamingo Theater on 2115 North Fremont Ave. Suite, C. Go to pinkflamingotheater.org for more information.

Animal Athletes

Get the kids out of the house for a fun day of activities and crafts at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Learn about furry feats and super-human strength Animal Athletes. Investigate the fastest, strongest and most extreme animals on Earth with free Science Saturdays, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. located at 165 Forest Ave. For more information visit seemonterey.com.

MORGAN HILL

Celebrate Morgan Hill

Dust off your Kentucky Derby hat and get ready for the Run for the Roses and Celebrate Morgan Hill

Awards Dinner. The evening includes champagne, appetizers, a full meal and a dessert. Wine, beer and mint juleps will also be served. Bid on the silent auction and find out what’s in the mystery boxes. Dance the night away and win a prize for best hat on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Community and Cultural Center on 17000 Monterey Road. Tickets are $105 per person and can be purchased at morganhill.org.

Meet the Author

BookSmart wants to invite the public for a new book launch party to meet David Chappell, author of Age of the Great Prophets. It is said that the book combines scripture and science fiction to unveil two of the New Testament’s most pivotal figures bringing scripture to life where dark matter changes the lives of all humanity. One reviewer described it as “realistic fiction.” Come hear more and enjoy light refreshments on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at BookSmart on 1295 East Dunne Ave. Ste. 120. Visit mybooksmart.com.

THE VALLEY

Meet the Brewers

Get ready to celebrate the best locally produced beers from Monterey to Livermore at the annual Meet the Brewers Craft Beer Festival, where you can sample more than 30 brews. Enjoy live entertainment and mobile eats including El Burrito Loco, Brother’s Baby BBQ and Sweet Dragon Baking Co. As you sample all that there is to taste, peruse the many local vendors on Saturday, Feb. 18. From 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Hermitage Brewing Co. on 1627 South Seventh St, San Jose. Tickets range from $5 to $45. Get more information at nearbymatters.com.