To include community events in this calendar, email [email protected]. Deadline for information: Saturday please.

IMPORTANT — WAIMEA TOWN MEETING: 5:15 p.m. Feb. 2. Waimea School cafeteria. Learn to save money by reducing electricity and oil consumption and receive a free energy saving Advance Power Strip (“smart strip”) valued at about $40 — one per household. WCA is partnering with Hawaii Energy, a ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency program administered by the Public Utilities Commission. Presented by Helen Wai. Free and not selling any product or service but focused on ways to reduce monthly expenses on electricity and water — and also care about conversation and what’s best for the future of Hawaii. Will include information about rebates when purchasing energy-saving appliances, lighting and water heating. All welcome. As always at WCA Town Meetings, donations are urged for Waimea food pantries — preferably checks or cash to enable pantry staff to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and other essentials for families in need. Also, hot coffee provided by Starbucks-Waimea for all meetings. Donations welcome for the coffee, which are given to the food pantry, too. If you aren’t receiving WCA’S informative emails, including the latest on Coqui Free Waimea project, visit WaimeaTown.org and sign up on home page. Info: Sherman Warner: 885-1725.

2011-12 KAHILU THEATRE SEASON CONTINUES:

7 p.m. Feb. 2: The Martha Graham Company “Prelude and Revolt” as part of Dance Month at Kahilu.

8 p.m. Feb. 10: Szymanowski Quartet — one of the most exceptional string quartets of its generation.

7 p.m. Feb. 14: Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance. Sexy, athletic, entertaining and fun.

8 p.m. Feb. 17: 10th Waimea Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar Masters I (part of the 10th Annual Waimea Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute — see Makana series events this same weekend)

8 p.m. Feb. 18: 10th Waimea Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar Masters II

8 p.m. Feb. 25: Trey McIntyre Project “Ma Maison” — a powerful blend of street styles and ballet athleticism concludes Dance Month at Kahilu.

8 p.m. March 2: Naumberg Competition 2010 1st Prize Winner — Korean pianist Soyeon Lee.

8 p.m. June 2: The Brothers Cazimero in Concert.

FREE TAX PREPARATION FOR LOW-MODERATE INCOME RESIDENTS/FAMILIES AND SENIORS WITH SIMPLE TAXES: Appointments are now being made for this free service provided by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS. The service will open Feb. 3 and run every Friday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout tax season (except Feb. 20 and 24), ending April 16 at Tutu’s House. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, call 808-388-6645. Federal and state tax returns will be prepared by volunteers who have donated their time and skills to serve their community. All returns will be filed electronically with a few exceptions. After scheduling an appointment, prepare your tax packet to bring with you to include the following items:

Picture identification (drivers license, passport, etc.)

Social security cards for yourself, spouse and all dependents

Copy of last year’s income tax return

W-2 forms from each employer

Unemployment compensation statements

SSA-1099 if you were paid social security benefits

All 1099 forms, 1099-INT, 1099- DIV, 1099-B, etc. showing interest or dividends, and documentation showing original purchase price of sold assets

1099-MISC showing any miscellaneous income

1099-R if you received a pension or annuity

All forms showing income tax or estimated tax payments paid

Dependent care provider information (name, address, ID no. or social security no. of care provider, and amounts paid)

Any other forms or statements you received applicable to your tax situation.

A copy or voided check showing bank acct. no. so refund can be deposited directly into bank account.

COUNTY P&R GIRLS AGE GROUP BASKETBALL SEASON TO BEGIN SOON: Ages: 8 to 14 (10u, 12u, 14u) — League Fee: $10 (must be paid at time of registration). No checks. Register now through Feb. 9 as follows: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday at Waimea Community Center and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Alii Sports Waimea (behind Waimea Instant Printing) — 885-7280. Student athletes must participate in mandatory clinic on Feb. 13 and 14 at Thelma Parker Gym — 3:30 p.m. for 10u; 4:30 p.m. for 12u/14u. League Games: March 12 through May 3 at various sites in Waimea-Honokaa-Kohala. Coaches needed. Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Thelma Parker Gym. Info: Call Melissa Samura, Waimea’s P&R Recreation Director, 887-3014 or email [email protected].

FREE WEEKLY SHORELINE WHALE WATCH: 9 to 11 a.m., Fridays through April. Narrated by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary staff from Puukohola National Historical Site Visitor’s Center. Just beyond the park’s shore lies a sanctuary where humpback whales gather to give birth, breed and escape the cold arctic winter. Presented by staff and volunteers who are well versed in whale biology and moolelo (legends). Info: 327-3697.

WAIMEA COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES: To learn more and register: waimeaeducation.com, email [email protected] or call 885-1539. There is a small class fee to support this not-for-profit community learning center established in 1984:

Karate Do for Adults and Keiki (ages 5 and up) with Maria Lineker — may join at anytime. 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16.

Capturing the Dynamic Image: Tips and Tricks for Making Better Photographs w/ Robert Frutos — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 4

Oriental Brush Painting introducing new instructor Ezra Rose — 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 4 throug 25.

Beginning Ballet classes continue from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays for 6 to 10 year olds, and from 4 to 4:45 p.m. for 3 to 5 year olds. Instructor Sharon Petrosky brings 30 years of dance experience and a great love of teaching youth.

Susan Griley, zumba instructor extraordinaire, rocks WCE on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m., and again on Friday at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. WAIMEA KARATE PROGRAM

ACCEPTING BEGINNER CHILDREN, ADULTS: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Fridays at Waimea Senior Center (note venue change). Presented by International Karate League — Kamuela Kokusai Karate Renmei. Annual fee for children 10 and older: $10. Adults $15. Children between 8 and 10 years may join with participating adult. Info: Sensei Earl Yamamoto (885-7573) and Sensei Scott Nakahara (885-0060) or visit ikl.org.

IMPORTANT — SAVE THE DATE — ’60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE’ — A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR BRUDDAH SMITTY. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Kahilu Theatre. Please help make it a surprise. Choke entertainers including “Boys From Laupahoehoe” band and many guest musicians including Eddie and Myrna Kamae, Keoki Kahumoku, Darlene Ahuna, Mark Yamanaka, Lono Kanakaole Trio, Nino Kaae, Sugah Daddy, Kailua Bay Buddies. Anyone interested in participating — dancing, singing, sharing a hula, presenting a lei — contact Susy Chillingworth to schedule. Grab a bite to eat before you come; there will be a wine and champagne bar, as well was water, juice and soft drinks and coffee. Ninety percent of every ticket sold will directly benefit Smitty via a trust account to pay most immediate bills, and hopefully some of his debt. Even if you can’t attend, kokua welcome. Info: Francis or Susy Ruddle (885-3588). Tickets: $25/$45/$100. Call Kahilu Theatre 885-6868.

HONORING ‘PANIOLO KEPANI’ — OUR JAPANESE COWBOYS! Paniolo Preservation Society joins with Waimea’s 19th Annual Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival — Feb. 4 with an all-day celebration at the new Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables. Begins with an early 8 to 10 a.m. Cowboy Breakfast (paniolo loco moco with smoked meat and a traditional paniolo pancakes with guava jelly with steaming hot coffee, tea or cocoa). $12 donation. Breakfast tickets available at Kamuela Liquor Store and Parker Ranch Store, or by calling PPS (854-1541) and at the door — first come. Other activities throughout the day at the Paniolo Heritage Center to include:

Talk Story spotlighting Japanese and Hawaiian cultural practices that helped Japanese men become revered paniolo. Discover how and why Japan’s prestigious Imperial Riding Club came all the way to Parker Ranch’s Pukalani Stables in 1960 to buy several magnificent horses.

Museum exhibit of Waimea’s Japanese cowboys, including one of Waimea’s most respected paniolo kepani — Charley Kimura. Exhibit also features near century-old saddles, tack, rawhide lariats and photographs dating back to the mid 1800s.

Hawaiian Tree Saddle Exhibit and talk story by master saddlemaker Alvin Kawamoto and Sonny Keakealani.

A tasting of two delicious hand-crafted beers from Big Island Brewhaus — Waimea’s new award-winning microbrewery — beginning at 11 a.m. until the kegs run dry. Tastings will include Paniolo Pale Ale and Starshine Ginger Bier.

Learn to play the Japanese card game hanafuda with Milton Yamasaki and friends including Hanafuda players from Tutu’s House.

Pukalani Stables will be on the free shuttle bus route around town, or guests may walk or drive to the stables. Look for the tall pink banners. All free except food, beverages, breakfast offerings and PPS memorabilia.

ALL ‘FRESH’ INVENTORY AT WAIMEA THRIFT SHOPS: Both shops have brought in like-new, gently used clothing, household items and more:

Waimea Elementary Thrift Shop: Regular hours 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, and 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Donations and volunteer help welcome; please bring donations during shop hours. Park in gravel lot behind (south of) the Post Office and walk in. All income goes to public elementary school children. Questions: email Gunda Iaea at [email protected].

St. James Thrift Shop: New Hours: Wednesdays — Noon to 4 p.m., as well as the long-time 8 a.m. to noon on Thursdays and Saturdays. Closed on Mondays. Donations welcome. In addition to providing a valuable community service, the church contributes a portion of thrift shop income to Annunciation Catholic Church’s Food Pantry and also supports other seasonal needs through the year. Questions: Mary Obrastoff (756-1644).

NEW HOPE WAIMEA’S INDOOR FLEA MARKET, ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at New Hope Waimea Gym. Many schools, groups/organizations and individuals utilize the gym, and proceeds from this monthly marketplace benefit the Gymnasium Improvement Fund. Shop for antiques, unique collectibles, crafts, plants, Hawaiiana, clothes, books, food, art, rummage, jewelry, rare bottles, toys, hard to find and one of a kind items. Vendor space still available and reasonable; call 885-5510 or email [email protected].