Here is what's happening in January 2020!

16 Alzheimer's Support Group. Sandpoint Senior Center, 820 Main St., hosts an Alzheimer's Support Group from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., for families, caregivers, and friends of those with Alzheimer's. Free respite care is available at the Day Break Center next door during group session with advance reservations (208-265-8127). For more information on the group, contact Jan Griffitts at 208-290-1973 or e-mail [email protected]. *Held on the first and third Thursday of each month.

16, 23, and 30 Girls Who Code. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. in the Young Adult Reading Area. In this 10-week program using immersive activities, you and your team will build a Girls Who Code project to solve a real-world problem. Girls Who Code Clubs are meant for girls to become part of a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models to join in the use of Computer Science to help change the world. For additional information on Girls Who Code, visit girlswhocode.com.

17 Explore Virtual Reality. From 10 a.m. to noon in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Reserve a 15-minute session in the VR room at eBonnerLibrary.org on the event listing. Info: Contact the Tech Desk at 208-263-6930 ext.1251. *Held every Friday.

17 M.A.C. (Manga/Anime Club) for Teens. Celebrate fandom during the Manga/Anime Club for Teens from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Innovia Foundation Community Room B. Read, write, and watch your favorite manga and anime with other enthusiasts. 208-263-6930 ext. 1245 or [email protected]. *Held every Friday.

17-18 Poetry Workshop. Sandpoint Literary Collective hosts a poetry workshop featuring Seattle poet Carolyne Wright, beginning Friday at 5 p.m. and running until 7:30 p.m.; on Saturday, class meets from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. No need to submit writing before the workshop, all work will be generated in class using prompts. The workshop takes place at Sandpoint Library's Conference Room B. The timely theme for this workshop is The Poet Strikes Back. Preregister by email at [email protected] or call 208.255.4410.

18 READY! for Kindergarten - Winter Session. Panhandle Alliance for Education provides free READY! for Kindergarten classes for parents of children from birth to age five. The nationally-recognized program includes a 30-minute orientation for first-time participants, followed by a 90-minute class with other parents of children the same age. In these fun, hands-on classes led by trained facilitators, parents are encouraged to talk, laugh, sing and play with fun, high-quality toys, games, books and activities. Parents then take home these free "tools" to enjoy with their children. READY! makes learning enjoyable for the whole family. Remember: Children who start school ahead, stay ahead… year after year! Register at ReadySandpoint.org.

18 North Idaho Women's March 2020. The community is welcome to attend and participate in the North Idaho Women's March, starting at the Sandpoint Middle School with doors opening at 11 a.m. It is free to attend; register online at the North Idaho Women's Facebook page. "Take Action!" information for 2020's election year will be available from local organizations promoting human rights and equality. Three powerful speakers will ignite participants' energy to march and sing from SMS through Sandpoint. Bring a sign that expresses your passion (in PG-rated terms) for this difficult time in our nation's history. Yes, our good brothers are welcome to join!

18 Explore Virtual Reality. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Reserve a 15-minute session in the new VR room online at eBonnerLibrary.org or contact the Tech Desk 263-6930 ext.1251. *Repeats every Saturday.

21 Champions for Women. SPIN (Service Provider Information Network) presents Champions for Women from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. All are welcome to attend and learn about women's resources for all ages and stages. Keynote speaker is Jessica Bonar; featured speakers include WIC - Nanci Jenkins; Panhandle Health - Mary Fiedler; Court Assistance Officer 1st Judicial District - Jay Sturgell; Life Choices Pregnancy Center - Melissa Bond; Priest River Ministries - Rhonda Encinas; Life/Business Coach - Mickey Quinn; Women Helping Women - Vivian Kirkwood; Mountain States Early Head Start - Brenda Hammond; Weme Counseling & Clinical Consultation - Erin Weme; Union Gospel Mission CDA - Linda Cook. Come, connect, care. Light breakfast and coffee donated by Jessica Jamison. RSVP at SandpointCommunityResource.com. 208-255-4025

21 Mother Goose. At 10 a.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. in Karen's Room. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 yrs. and their caregivers with stay & play until 10:40 a.m. Info: 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or [email protected]. *Repeats every Tuesday

21 Preschool Storytime. Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., hosts stories and crafts for kids age 2-5 and their caregivers at 11 a.m. Free and open to the public. eBonnerLibrary.org. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis at 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne[email protected]. *Held every Tuesday

21 General Meeting of the BCRWI. The Bonner County Republican Women, Inc. hold their general meeting at 10:15 a.m. in the Ponderay Events Center, 401 Bonner Mall Way. BCRWinc.com. *Held on the third Tuesday of every month

21 Trivia and Taco Tuesdays at the Teen Center. The Sandpoint Teen Center, 221 S. Division Ave., hosts Trivia and Taco Tuesdays after school from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. A volunteer reads trivia questions split up into different categories or rounds, and the questions are then answered by different groups of people in an audience. *Held every Tuesday.

21 Explore Virtual Reality. Drop-in sessions between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form; under 10 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. For more information, contact the Tech Desk: 208-263-6930 ext. 1251. eBonnerLibrary.org. *Held every Tuesday.

21 Robotics. Explore STEAM with Lego Mindstorm robotics from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clark Fork Library, 601 Main St. eBonnerLibrary.org. 208-266-1321 *Held every Tuesday.

21 Beading. 3:30 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. in Karen's Room. Come make a beaded bracelet. Registration required for this free workshop for kids: 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or [email protected].

21 ASL Participatory Performance - Harriet Tubman. 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Community Room 102. This standalone workshop will involve a participatory performance using ASL and based on the song 'Harriet Tubman' by Holly Near. Open to anyone regardless of level. For more information, contact Susan Schaller at [email protected].

22 KRFY Morning Show. Morning Show hosts Suzy Prez and Chris Bessler discuss a current affairs topic. Tune in at 8 a.m.; or hear a podcast later in the day on the KRFY Podcast page. *Held every Wednesday.

22 Clark Fork Storytime. Clark Fork Library, 601 Main St., hosts stories, rhymes, and music geared to ages 3 to 6 starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by 20 minutes of playtime. For more information, call 208-266-1321. *Repeats every Wednesday.

22 Chinese New Year Celebration - 'Year of the Rat.' 2:30 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., in Karen's Room. Make a rat-themed craft and learn about rats. 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or [email protected].

22 Teen Lounge Passive Pop-Up Programs. Teen-driven art, engineering, robots, and science projects and workshops are held every Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Rotary Teen Lounge at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Info: 208-263-6930 ext. 1245 or [email protected]. *Held every Wednesday.

22 Sandpoint Teen Center Bowling/Pool Tournament. Huckleberry Lanes, 120 S. Division Ave., hosts the Sandpoint Teen Center bowling and pool tournaments - open to all STC teens! The STC tournaments are non-qualifying tournaments, which means teens do not have to have a certain average. Simply put: if you are checked in at STC, you can bowl in the STC tournaments. Plus, it's Holiday Card and Ornament Making. Decorate the Sandpoint Teen Center Christmas tree for raffle at Breakfast with Santa! *Held every Wednesday.

22 3D Printing Community. 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., in the computer area. Drop by on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month if you're interested in 3D Printing. Collaborate with others or learn more from staff about 3D printing and design. Some computer space will be reserved for the program. Open to all ages and skill levels. 208-263-6930 ext. 1251

23 School Day Tour. Spend the morning visiting Kindergarten through eighth grade to experience the rich curriculum offered at Sandpoint Waldorf School, 2007 Sandpoint West Dr. The curriculum includes Japanese, Spanish, music, strings/orchestra, woodworking, handwork, games, and more. Call 208-265-2683 to pre-register. RSVP: [email protected]. SandpointWaldorf.org.

23 Let's Talk About It: Our Earth, Our Ethics. Noon to 1 p.m. in Sandpoint Library Community Room B at 1407 Cedar St.. Let’s Talk About It involves book reading and discussions that include a presentation by, and interaction with, a program scholar. This month's reading is A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold.  Books are available by calling the Info Desk at 208-263-6930. If there are no books left, the audiobook version is available through RB Digital in the Digital Library. More information: 208-265-2665.

25 Native Plant Conservation and KNPS Presentation. The Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society and City of Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department will present Native Plant Conservation and KNPS at 9:45 a.m. in Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave. Featuring guest speakers Preston Andrews, program coordinator for KNPS, and Phil House, former co-chair of the Conservation Committee, the program will include a brief presentation and discussion of native plant conservation in our changing world, as climate and competition from invasive species increasingly impact our native plant ecosystems. Free and open to the public. NativePlantSociety.org.

25 Family Virtual Reality Day. 10 a.m. to noon, and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Reserve a 30-minute session with your family or small group of friends in the VR room at eBonnerLibrary.org on the event listing. Info: Contact the Tech Desk 263-6930 ext.1251.

25 ASL Participatory Performance - Harriet Tubman. 10:30 a.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation Community Room A. This standalone workshop will involve a participatory performance using ASL and based on the song 'Harriet Tubman' by Holly Near. Open to anyone regardless of level. For more information, contact Susan Schaller at [email protected].

25 Life Drawing. Tru Art, 212 N. First Ave. Suite 101, hosts a Life Drawing session from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $15 model fee. RSVP at 818-395-3936.

25 Teen Movie Night. The Sandpoint Teen Center, 221 S. Division Ave., hosts a movie night. *Held on the last Saturday of the month.

27 Open Play. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Karen's Room at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. This is a drop-in STEM-inspired "What can you build?" challenge. Younger children should have a parent present. 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or [email protected].

27 Kids Science Day. 3:30 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Innovia Foundation Community Room B and outside. Learn all about winter by exploring the science of snow (if we have snow). If we don't have snow, we'll substitute other winter science activities. Wear warm clothes so we can go outside. 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or [email protected].

27 Mended Hearts Support Group. A support group for cardiac patients is offered at no cost from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the classrooms at Bonner General Health, 520 N. Third Ave. The group provides education and support to cardiac patients, their families, and caregivers. Call 208-265-7480 for more information. *Held on the fourth Monday of every month.

28 Geezer Forum. Columbia Bank, 414 Church St., hosts the Geezer Forum from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Geezer Forums are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, presented by Elder Advocates. Free and open to the public. 208-610-4971

28 ASL Participatory Performance - Harriet Tubman. 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation Community Room A. This standalone workshop will involve a participatory performance using ASL and based on the song 'Harriet Tubman' by Holly Near. Open to anyone regardless of level. For more information, contact Susan Schaller at [email protected].

28 PFLAG Sandpoint. Meetings are held at First Presbyterian Church from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PFLAG holds a support meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, and a game night and social event on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Free and open to the public. *Held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

30 Puppet Tales. 10:30 a.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. in Karen's Room. Come listen to puppet, cutting, and drawing stories - all welcome! 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or [email protected].

30 Civil Discourse Initiative. The Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., hosts the third meeting of the Civil Discourse Initiative sponsored by the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 208-290-2732 or email [email protected].

30 'The Tools of Spiritual Warfare' Book Signing and Discussion. Philotimo, a new Sandpoint Orthodox Christian gift and book shop at 100A Cedar St., hosts a book signing and discussion from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Gather with author Joy Corey of 'The Tools of Spiritual Warfare' for a short discussion of the book and signing. This is the first of Philotimo's monthly author series! Free and open to the public.

Here is what's coming up in February!

1 Sandpoint Friends of the Library Book Sale. Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., hosts the FOL Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. eBonnerLibrary.org. *Held on the first Saturday of every month.

1 Bella Note Musical Program. Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., hosts the Bella Note Musical Program at 10:30 a.m. Part of a monthly series, this program features a different musical theme and is geared for families with young children. eBonnerLibrary.org. 208-263-6930. *Held on the first Saturday of the month.

3 Diabetes Education and Support Group. 10 a.m. in the Bonner General Health classrooms, 520 N. Third Ave. BGH Adult Exercise RNs will discuss "Staying Active." Call 208-265-1116 for more information.

4, 11, 18, 25 Childbirth Education Classes. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Suite 101 of the BGH Health Services Building located at 423 N. Third Ave. Bonner General Health offers Childbirth Education classes to help parents-to-be learn what to expect both during and after pregnancy. Classes are free and no registration is required, refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Joann at 208-265-7484.

5 3D Printing Workshop. The Clark Fork Library, 601 Main St., hosts a 3D Printing Workshop from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Design your own 3D printed object, and also learn some fascinating ways 3D printers are being used. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 208-266-1321. *Held on the first Wednesday of every month.

6 Adult Grief Support Group. 6 p.m. in the classrooms at Bonner General Health, 520 N. Third Ave. This group, facilitated by trained bereavement counselors, is primarily comprised of those who've lost a spouse or parent and is offered at no cost. Anyone grieving is invited to attend. Call 208-265-1179 for more information.

8 SHS eSports at The Library. 1 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Rotary Teen Lounge. Making eSports available to high school gamers by facilitating healthy competition on a varsity level in a comfortable environment is the mission of the HSEL. The Library is partnering with the SHS eSports team to further that mission. Info: [email protected]. *Held on the second Saturday of every month.

10 Parkinson's Support Group. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Individuals affected by Parkinson's, family, caregivers, and friends are encouraged to attend! Call Elizabeth at 208-265-3325 for more information.

10 Parents of a Teen with Depression Support Group. Kaniksu Health Services, 301 Cedar St., Ste. 201, hosts a free support group from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The group provides support and education to parents who have teens ages 13 to 18 who have symptoms of depression. Learn about support to offer teens, communication skills, and community opportunities. Official diagnosis not needed. For more information, email [email protected] or call 208-265-2242 ext. 5025. *Held on the second Monday of the month.

11 Bonner County Democratic Women. A monthly meeting of Bonner County Democratic Women, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Jalapenos, 314 N. Second Ave. Free and open to the public; the group does not collect dues, but donations are accepted. For more information, email [email protected]. *Held on the second Tuesday of every month.

12 The Conversation. Ivano's Ristorante, 102 S. First Ave., hosts The Conversation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Conversation is a free monthly event open to the public, with the intent to support the tenacity it takes to make and market art in the visual, literary, and performing fields in and around Sandpoint. 208-263-1592. *Held on the second Wednesday of the month.

13 Better Breathers Club. 1 p.m. in the East Classroom at Bonner General Health, 520 N. Third Ave. Meetings are offered at no cost for those living with chronic lung disease and their caregivers. Led by an American Lung Association trained facilitator, these meetings will teach better ways to cope with your diagnosis and live life to the fullest. Call 208-265-1045 for more information.

13 Cancer Support Group. Community Cancer Services, 1205 Highway 2 Ste. 101 B, hosts a new group for residents in Bonner and Boundary counties who have been affected by cancer. For more information, contact Cindy Maarx at 208-255-2301 or [email protected]. *Repeats the second Thursday of every month.

19 Parents Grieving the Loss of a Child Support Group. 5 p.m. at Turning Leaf Counseling, 1205 Highway 2, Suite 301. This meeting is open to all parents who have experienced the loss of a child at any age, is offered at no cost, and grandparents are also welcome. Please call 208-265-1185 for an application or for more information.

20 Adult Grief Support Group. 6 p.m. in the classrooms at Bonner General Health, 520 N. Third Ave. This group, facilitated by trained bereavement counselors, is primarily comprised of those who've lost a spouse or parent and is offered at no cost. Anyone grieving is invited to attend. Call 208-265-1179 for more information.

21 Bonner General Health Blood Drive. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the classrooms at Bonner General Health, 520 N. Third Avenue in Sandpoint. Go to Vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 to schedule an appointment; walk-ins are also welcome.

22 KNPS: Priest River Forest Reserve - Then and Now. The Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society and City of Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department host a presentation, Priest River Forest Reserve: Then and Now, with guest speaker Jennifer Costich-Thompson, a botanist with the IPNF. The Priest River Forest Reserve, Idaho's first federal forest reserve, was established in 1897. What followed was the extensive evaluation and publication of the Reserve's characteristics and resources by John Leiberg in his 1899 report, 'The Priest River Forest Reserve.' Costich-Thompson's presentation will provide both historical context and comparison of Leiberg's work to current forest conditions. The program is held at 9:45 a.m. in Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave. Free and open to the public.

24 Mended Hearts Support Group. 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the classrooms at Bonner General Health, 520 N. Third Ave. A support group for cardiac patients offered at no cost, it provides education and support to cardiac patients, their families, and caregivers. Call 208-265-7480 for more information.

Here is what's coming up in March 2020!

7 READY! for Kindergarten - Spring Session. Panhandle Alliance for Education provides free READY! for Kindergarten classes for parents of children from birth to age five. The nationally-recognized program includes a 30-minute orientation for first-time participants, followed by a 90-minute class with other parents of children the same age. In these fun, hands-on classes led by trained facilitators, parents are encouraged to talk, laugh, sing and play with fun, high-quality toys, games, books and activities. Parents then take home these free "tools" to enjoy with their children. READY! makes learning enjoyable for the whole family. Remember: Children who start school ahead, stay ahead… year after year! Register at ReadySandpoint.org.