"Mimi's Manners Etiquette Class" for ages 6 to 12 takes place at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, today, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 17. The two-hour session teaches basic dining etiquette as well as etiquette concerning holiday gift-giving and writing thank-you notes. Class size is limited to 14 children. Cost is $48 which includes a four-course meal, a workbook and certificate of completion. Information: 598-6644.

Royal Conservancy of Music, a nonprofit school of the performing arts at 1807 J&C Blvd., is hosting a winter open house at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The public is invited to tour the school and meet the instructors. An informal musical program is planned. Admission is free but donations to benefit the scholarship fund will be welcome. Information: 596-3520.

Old Naples Farmers Market is open for business from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and every Saturday through April in the parking lot off Third Street South behind Tommy Bahama's. Local vendors sell fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked goods, jams, native plants and fresh flowers through Easter. Information: 263-0424.

"Heidi," the story of a hopeful, orphaned little girl living in the Swiss Alps, will be presented by Naples Dinner Theatre's children's division, Ice Cream Theatre, on selected matinee days. Performances can be seen Saturday, Dec. 6, as well as Dec. 13, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30 and Jan. 1, 2 and 3. A kid-friendly lunch is served from 11 a.m., followed by the 12:45 p.m. show. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for children. The theater is at 1025 Piper Blvd. off Immokalee Road in North Naples. Information: 514-7827.

Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida will hold a Classic Vehicle Cruise to benefit Helping Kids with Cancer from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Mel's Diner on Route 591 in Golden Gate. Free admission. Information: 455-4242.

Naples Players' series of on-stage readings of short plays, "Etc.," continues at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Sugden Community Theatre's Tobye Studio. Theme for the evening is "It's Only Make Believe." Tickets are $5 and seating is limited. The theater is at 701 Fifth Ave. S. Information: 263-7990.

Florida Repertory Theatre continues its Second Annual New Play Reading Series at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, with "The Contrite Spirit" by Denis J. Harrington. Readings take place at the Arcade Theatre on Bay Street, between Jackson and Hendry streets, in Fort Myers. Single tickets are $8. Information: (239) 332-4488.

Friends of the Library's free public classic film series continues at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive and Thursday, Dec. 11, at Naples Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., with "The Four Feathers." Seating is limited; it's best to arrive early. Admission is free. Host Jay Wolff gives an introductory presentation; an open discussion follows the movie. Information: 263-7768 (Naples) or 593-0177 (Headquarters).

Free public foreign film series continues at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, with a Chinese film set against decades of political turmoil, "To Live," at Headquarters Library and Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive. Seating is limited; it's best to arrive early. Admission is free. Information: 263-7768 (Naples) or 593-0177 (Headquarters).

"Mame," the classic musical comedy, opens at Naples Dinner Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 11, and runs through Jan. 25. Productions take place Tuesday through Saturday evenings with matinees set for Wednesdays and Sundays; call for specifics. Ticket prices range from $37.50 to $42.50 and $45. After Jan. 1, 2004, tickets will be $45, $45 and $47. The theater is at 1025 Piper Blvd. off Immokalee Road in North Naples. Information: 514-7827.

Thursdays on Third Street South continue up and down the avenue from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 11 and 18. Music and Naples-style snow showers are on the agenda. Admission is free. Information: 649-6707.

"The 1940s Radio Hour," from the book by Walton Jones, is the Naples Players' current main stage production at Sugden Community Theatre's Blackburn Hall. The show, featuring Big Band classics from the 1940s, can be seen at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 20. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. The theater is at 701 Fifth Ave. S. Information: 263-7990.

Gordon River School of Digital Art and Collier Athletic Club present another Cinema Under the Stars poolside at the Collier Athletic Club Friday, Dec. 12. A cash happy hour bar and dinner will be available from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the film "I Am Cuba!" are $8. The 1964 film was a USSR/Cuba production. The club is at 710 Goodlette-Frank Road N. Information: 263-2566.

Etudes de Ballet Company will perform at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3285 Pine Ridge Road. The program will feature new original musical compositions from "Colors" by James Stephenson, a member of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. Six members of the string and reed sections of the orchestra will participate. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Light refreshments will be served. Information: 593-8280.

German American Club "Harmonie" holds its "Weihnachtsfeier" dinner dance Saturday, Dec. 20, at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 7100 Airport-Pulling Road N. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. A buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Catering by Peppers and music provided by Peter. Admission is $15 for members and $20 for guests, which includes dinner and beverages. Reservations required. Information: 793-6575.

"Chocolate Dipped Kids," a new cooking class to teach children ages 6 to 12 how to artfully decorate desserts with award-winning pastry chef Frederick Monti at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, takes place from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Cost is $18 per child. Reservations required. Information: 598-6644.

Naples Winter Antiques Show and Sale, presented by Zita Waters Bell, takes place at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 28, through Dec. 30. The show brings 40 new dealers and repeat exhibitors to Naples with fine antique furnishings and accessories. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets at $15 allow repeat entry to the show. Special events include an "Evening with the Dealers" and a lecture titled "The Art of Buying Art." Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Collier County. Information: 643-1880, ext. 213, or www.zitawatersbell.com.

Free entertainment comes to The Promenade at Bonita Bay at U.S. 41 just north of Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. More entertainment will be provided from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. Information: 403-3722.

Naples Doll Club presents a show titled "The Object of My Affection" from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at Naples Elks Lodge, 3950 Radio Road. Antique, artist and modern dolls will be featured as well as accessories, miniatures and books. Doll appraisals will be available. Admission is $8 for two days or $5 Sunday only. Information: 353-0898 or 566-9137.

MUSIC/CONCERTS

Naples Music Club hosts its next concert of the season at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, featuring soprano Steffani Pearce and pianist Richard Bosworth, at First United Methodist Church, 388 First Ave. S. A suggested donation of $5 to $10 will be appreciated. Information: 435-1105.

Naples Concert Band plays a concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S. Donations are accepted to help provide music scholarships. Participants are urged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Information: 213-3058.

Naples Country Music Club hosts a jamboree from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at VFW Post No. 7721 at the corner of Pine Ridge Road and Collier Boulevard. Host band will be the Night Sounds Band. Cost is $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. Information: 495-1109 or 455-2649.

Entertainer Gerry Forde, "Galway's Golden Voice," headlines the Olde Irish Christmas Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. Finbarr's Community Center, 132 U.S. 41 E. Numerous other Irish performances will make appearances. Tickets are $15 and available at various locations in the area; call for details. Information: 793-4580.

Miracle Baseball is hosting a pre-Christmas jazz concert at the Lee County Sports Complex at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The concert will feature the smooth sounds of Miami's Ed Calle and the Stacey Knights. Santa will make a special appearance. Tickets are $20 in advance or $23 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Southwest Florida Jazz Society scholarship fund. Information: (239) 768-4210.

Gulf Coast Big Band appears in concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S. The band plays sounds from the '30s, '40s and '50s. The concert is free but donations are welcome for summer band camp scholarships. Participants are urged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Information: 353-3688.

Spirit of the Gulf, the current Sweet Adelines international state champion women's barbershop chorus, performs "Celebration of Champions" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Tickets are $20. Information: (239) 418-1500.

Ming Gao, assistant concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and violinist Alan Gao, cellist Si-Cheng Liu and pianist Richard Bosworth will perform in concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6340 10th Ave. SW. The varied program will include works by Prokofiev, Tschaikovsky and music from "Phantom of the Opera." Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for teenagers. Information: 566-3065.

City of Fort Myers String Band plays a free concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Hall of 50 States, 2254 Edwards Drive in Fort Myers. Stan and Yvonne Covert will perform the "Yvonne Polka." Participants are urged to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited. Information: (239) 334-3330.

Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church introduces its 2003-04 music series at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, when the Trinity Choir performs a variety of old and new Anglican Christmas music, including "Silent Night" and "Sleep Judea Fair." The church is at 553 Galleon Drive. The public is invited; an offering will be taken. Information: 262-6581.

"Seussical the Musical," a witty and whimsical family show, comes to the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, and at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28. Tickets are $48 for adults and $30 for students. Information: 597-1900 or (800) 597-1900.

Monthly Basically Bluegrass Concert & Pick-in has moved to the Tinsley Pavilion on the grounds of the Lee County Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, Fort Myers, where concerts take place the first Sunday of every month. Acoustic musicians are invited to jam sessions. Admission is $5 for adults and free with annual membership in the Acoustic Music Society, which is $20 per family. Information: (239) 693-5743.

Bach Ensemble will present "Bach Plus!" featuring "Mass in A Major" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at First United Methodist Church, 388 First Ave. S. The conductor's prelude takes place at 2:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $15 and $20; subscriptions are available. Information: 732-1055.

Music Makers Show Band appears at Mackle Park on Marco Island from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11. Free admission. Information: 642-0575.

Soprano Risa Renae Harman appearance in concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd. off Immokalee Road. The public is invited. Information: 597-5410.

Naples Concert Band plays a concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S. The next concert is set for Feb. 15. Donations are accepted to help provide music scholarships. Participants are urged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Information: 213-3058.

Anthony Kearns, an original member of the Irish Tenors, doesn't appear in concert at St. Finbarr's Community Center until 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, but tickets are already on sale. Concert tickets are $30; tickets for a reception with Kearns immediately following the concert are $10. Tickets are available at Erin's Island Restaurant, Collier Boulevard, or through the Irish American Club. Information: 793-4580.

Bluegrass, folk and American traditional music jam sessions take place at Flamingo Island Flea Market in Bonita Springs from noon to 3 p.m. every Sunday. Other players who sit in during the sessions receive free refreshments. The flea market is on Bonita Beach Road 100 yards west of Interstate 75, exit 116 (formerly exit 18). Information: 948-7799 or (239) 405-0355.

Classic Chamber Concerts will present a Rising Star concert featuring violinist Suliman Tekalli at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Edison Community College, 7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples. Tickets are $20. Information: 434-8505.

Naples Music Club hosts a members concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at First United Methodist Church, 388 First Ave. S. A suggested donation of $5 to $10 will be appreciated. Information: 435-1105.

"Evening with Ivy" concert series continues Monday, Jan. 26, with an 8 p.m. concert at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S. "Masquerade" will feature music from Broadway, the world of opera and movies. Individual tickets are $30; a series ticket which includes the Jan. 26 "Feel the Rhythm" concert is $50. Information: 263-7990.

"A Night of Jazz with Carla Valenti" doesn't come to Sugden Community Theatre until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, and March 23, but tickets are now on sale. Cost is $45. The theater is at 701 Fifth Ave. S. Information: 263-7990.

Percussionist John Evans and friends on violin, steel drums, vibraphones and piano present a concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at United Church of Marco Island, 320 N. Barfield Drive. Tickets are $12, with proceeds benefiting the organ maintenance fund. The public is welcome. Information: 394-6572.

VISUAL ARTS

Art League of Bonita Springs' annual "Off the Walls" fund-raiser takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 5. Each ticket has a unique number and enters the ticketholder in a random drawing for artworks and collectibles valued from $150 to $3,000. The event includes a catered buffet with wine. Tickets are $100 per person. The ALBS is at 26100 Old 41 Road. Information: 495-8989.

The von Liebig Art Center introduces "Art Encounter 2003" at a preview reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 5. The event is free for members, $10 for nonmembers. Forty Florida artists will exhibit a wide array of artwork. The show runs from Dec. 6 through Jan. 17, 2004. The von Liebig Art Center is at 585 Park St. Information: 262-6517.

Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St. in Fort Myers, hosts an opening reception from 7 to 11 p.m. today, Dec. 5. "Whispered Narratives" features works by Matthew Boerio and "Paints on Location -- Alaska/Wisconsin/North Florida/Chesapeake Bay" showcases watercolors by David Belling. Information: (239) 939-2553.

Naples Art Association's Art in the Park takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, as well as Jan. 3 and the first Saturday of every month through April, on Park Street, next to the von Liebig Art Center just west of Cambier Park. These shows include original oils, watercolors, acrylics, pottery, jewelry, photography, sculpture, glass objects, etc. Admission is free. Information: 262-6517.

Museum of the Everglades will present an exhibition of paintings by Fort Myers artist William North titled "Florida's Natural Landscape." The show will be introduced at a meet-the-artist reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, and can be seen through Dec. 27. His oil paintings are done on location, beginning early in the morning to capture the play of light and shadow. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Free admission. The museum is at 105 West Broadway on the circle in Everglades City. Information: 695-0008.

Sunday Gallery Walk takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, on Fifth Avenue South. Participating businesses usually serve wine and offer special attractions. Lighted tiki torches light the way from gallery to gallery. Free admission. Information: 659-2787.

Naples Artcrafters Fine Arts & Crafts Association hosts another art show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S. On Jan. 10, the group moves its event to Fleischmann Community Park, Fleischmann Boulevard across from Coastland Center. Visitors will find original works of art including oils, watercolors, photography, jewelry, pottery, batik, sculpture and more. Admission is free. Information: 643-7141.

Naples Museum of Art, next to the Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., has reopened for its fourth season. The first major exhibition of the 2003-04 season, "Hans Hofmann: A Retrospective," can be seen through March 21. The show includes 70-plus paintings on loan from some of the world's leading art institutions and collections. In addition, the museum features 15 galleries showcasing a variety of works by acclaimed artists such as Dale Chihuly, The Pollak Collection of Mexican Art featuring works by masters such as Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco; The American Modernism Collection showcasing selected paintings and works on paper from 1900-1955; and Masters of Miniature. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Complimentary docent-guided tours are available. General admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Information: 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Artwork by local artists is currently on display at the Economic Development Council of Collier County offices, 3050 N. Horseshoe Drive, suite 120. The show, the result of a partnership between EDC and the United Arts Council of Collier County, features paintings and photographs of local scenes by Paul Arsenault, Barbara Groenteman, Fred Nold, Sam Platt and Jay Stanton. The public can view the exhibit 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through 2002. Information: 263-8989.

West Wing Gallery at Naples Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., is currently featuring watercolors by Pat Cunningham. Her work is displayed in numerous galleries throughout the United States and Canada. The exhibition can be seen throughout December during regular library hours. Information: 261-8208.

Eighth Annual Downtown Naples New Year's Weekend Art Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, up and down Fifth Avenue South. The free event was named No. 31 out of the 100 Best Fine Art & Design Shows by Sunshine Artist magazine. About 300 artisans will display paintings, life-size sculptures, stained glass, photography, ceramics, jewelry, handmade jewelry and more. Information: 435-3742.

Bonita Springs National Winter Art Festival at The Promenade at Bonita Bay takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10 and 11. The event is presented by the Art League of Bonita Springs. Information: 495-8989.

Naples Art Association's Art in the Park takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, and the first Saturday of every month through April, on Park Street, next to the von Liebig Art Center just west of Cambier Park. These shows include original oils, watercolors, acrylics, pottery, jewelry, photography, sculpture, glass objects, etc. Admission is free. Information: 262-6517.

Naples Artcrafters Fine Arts & Crafts Association hosts another art show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Fleischmann Community Park, Fleischmann Boulevard across from Coastland Center. Visitors will find original works of art including oils, watercolors, photography, jewelry, pottery, batik, sculpture and more. Admission is free. Information: 643-7141.

Naples Invitational Art Fest presented by Eden Florida Outreach takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25, at Fleischmann Community Park, Fleischmann Boulevard across from Coastland Center. The fest was named No. 35 out of the 100 Best Fine Art & Design Shows by Sunshine Artist magazine. Information: 263-1667.

Second Annual Wet Paint Auction hosted by Atlantic States Bank takes place Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 3, 4 and 5, at various locations. The public is invited to watch about 50 artists paint outdoors on Feb. 3 and 4. The artists will then donate their works for purchase at a gala auction set for Feb. 5. Proceeds benefit the Mental Health Association of Collier County Foundation. Information: 659-2828.

Naples Art Association's Art in the Park takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, and the first Saturday of every month through April, on Park Street, next to the von Liebig Art Center just west of Cambier Park. These shows include original oils, watercolors, acrylics, pottery, jewelry, photography, sculpture, glass objects, etc. Admission is free. Information: 262-6517.

Marco Art 2004, presented by the Art League of Marco Island, takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7 and 8, at the Art League building at 1010 Winterberry Drive on Marco Island. Admission is free. Information: 394-4221.

BOOKS/POETRY

Kindermusik's Marne Gleason will visit Borders Books & Music at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, to introduce children to the joy and adventure of music. Kindermusik is appropriate for children from infancy to 7 years of age. Free admission. The bookstore is at 10600 U.S. 41 N. Information: 596-7199.

Naples Press Club hosts its Authors & Books Festival Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, offering a variety of cultural events. The fest kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon featuring popular local writer Randy Wayne White at Vergina Restaurant. The local premiere of his award-winning documentary will be screened at 1 p.m. at Sugden Community Theatre. The agenda also includes a gala reception with artist Jonathan Green, the opportunity to meet 50-plus authors, a writers conference, etc. Some events are free. Information: 435-3742 or www.authors&booksfestival.org.

Author and motivational speaker Judith Kaye will discuss her memoir, "Pieces of a Life," and share the importance of writing our memoirs and how to proceed with the task at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Naples building, 6340 10th Ave. S.W. Take Pine Ridge Road east towards Interstate 75 and go to Napa Road. Information: 659-1591.

Naples author David J. Fekete will sign copies of his book, "A Rhapsody of Love and Spirituality," at B. Dalton Booksellers, Coastland Center Mall, from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Information: 262-7115.

Local writer Wade Keller begins his three-part series, "Your Personal Memoirs Workshop," from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive. The class continues from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20 and 27. The series is free but registration is required. Information: 593-3511.

Florida author and retired police captain Marshall Frank will discuss and sign copies of his latest mystery novel, "On My Father's Grave," at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Marco Island Library, 2210 Heathwood Drive S. and at 3 p.m. that day at Naples Branch Library,650 Central Ave., as well as at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive. Information: 262-7768 or 593-3511.

Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, offers story times for a wide variety of age groups -- from 3 months to 5 years -- at various times. Call for specifics. Information: 593-0870.

Naples Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., offers story times for a wide variety of age groups -- from 3 months to 6 years -- at various times. Call for specifics. Information: 262-6853.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers offers After School Storytime at 4 p.m. each Tuesday and Storytime for all ages at 7 p.m. Fridays. Barnes & Noble is adjacent to the Waterside Shops, 5377 U.S. 41 N. Information: 598-5200.

Borders Books & Music offers story time at 11 a.m. each Saturday for all ages. The bookstore is at 10600 U.S. 41 N. Information: 596-7199.

Tamiami Tale Tellers meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at Grand Court, 8351 College Parkway in Fort Myers. Sessions are free and open to the public. Both storytellers and listeners are welcome. Information: (239) 472-1781.

Naples School Stuff, 12820 U.S. 41 N., offers free story times for all ages at 10 a.m. every Saturday with teacher and reader Irene Hamrick. Free Mommy & Me story and craft time takes place Thursdays at 10 a.m. Information: 593-8311.

Teddy Bear Museum of Naples offers story time from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday, when children are regaled with teddy bear tales. The museum is at 2511 Pine Ridge Road. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children. Information: 598-2711.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

Gary Pettit, interpretive naturalist for the city of Naples and marine biologist, is leading a series of free talks about the area's flora and fauna at 1:15 and 2:30 p.m. most Thursdays and Fridays at Naples Pier. Topics and dates are as follows: Dec. 5, flamed box crab; 11 and 12, cardinal; 18 and 19, Christmas tree worm; Jan. 8 and 9, red bellied slider; 15 and 16, manatee; 22 and 23, variegated urchin; 29 and 30, Gulf fritillary; Feb. 5 and 6, carrier shell; 12 and 13, scrub pine; 19 and 20, black drum; 26 and 27, roseate spoonbill; March 4 and 5, mole cricket; 11 and 12, loggerhead turtle; 18 and 19, brown widow spider; 25 and 26, upsidedown jelly; April 1 and 2, indigo snake; 8 and 9, bottle-nosed dolphin; 15 and 16, vase sponge; 22 and 23, river otter; 29 and 30, rosary pea; May 6 and 7, penshell. The Pier is at the western terminus of 12th Avenue South. Information: 213-7120 or 213-4779.

Park Ranger Heath Alboher is conducting a guided kayak tour at 9:30 a.m. today, Dec. 5, through the waters in the natural areas of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park at the end of 111th Avenue North. Ranger Jeff Richard will fish with you Friday, Dec. 12, and ranger John Chassey brings his snakes to a reptile program Friday, Dec. 19. There is no fee but reservations and an entrance fee is required as follows: $2 for one driver in a vehicle, $4 for more than one person, and $1 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Information: 597-6196.

"Bird Behavior" will be the topic of the first lecture of the 2003-04 season at the Learning Center at Barefoot Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Anne Martin, a Crow volunteer, is the speaker. No charge is involved, but visitors without a beach parking permit must pay a $3 parking fee. The beach is at the west end of Bonita Beach Road. Information: 948-4155 or 992-9676.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road West in Naples, hosts an adult swamp walk guided by resource manager Jason Lauritsen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Call for particulars. Cost is $30. Information: 348-9143.

Hedges Family Visitors Center at The Naples Preserve, 1690 U.S. 41 N. at Fleischmann Boulevard, is open as follows. From 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Gary Pettit, naturalist for the City of Naples, gives talks about local flora and fauna. Wilderness meditation is available from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, and guided boardwalk tours are available from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. All events are free and continue through December. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Information: 261-4290.

Ranger guided tours of the Koreshan Unity Settlement at Koreshan State Historic Site are now conducted at 10 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Lasting about 11/4 hours, tours include a discussion of Koreshan ideologies of communal living, celibacy and hollow earth theory. Cost of tour is $1 plus $3.25 per vehicle park entrance fee. Information: 992-0311.

Kowiachobee Animal Preserve, a nonprofit educational and hands-on learning facility at 2861 Fourth Ave. S.E. in Golden Gate Estates, is home to 60-plus animals. They include African spotted and black leopards, panthers, horses, goats, fowl, birds, prairie dogs, etc. Individuals and groups are invited to visit; call for an appointment. Donations are accepted. Information: 352-5387 or www.kowiachobeeanimal-preserve.com.

The Double Sunshine runs five 11/2-hour narrated sightseeing cruises along Naples Bay each day. Departure times are 10 a.m. noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and one hour before sunset. Dolphins are normally visible on all the cruises. Cost is $23 per person; children under 12 are half-price. Cruises depart from Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S, off U.S. 41. Information: 263-4949.

Sweet Liberty Sailing Tours offers two- and three-hour cruises on a sailing catamaran, featuring dissertations on dolphins, shelling trips to an island and two hour sunset cruises. Prices range from $25 to $35, and boats sail from Boat Haven in Naples, off U.S. 41, 1484 Fifth Ave. S. Information: 793-3525.

Naples Bay Paddleboats offers paddleboat and hydrobike rentals as well as remote control laser sailboat rentals at 1221 Fifth Ave. S. at the Comfort Inn on the Bay, Naples. Explore the upper Naples Bay in your own four-person paddleboat or one- or two-person hydrobike (bicycle on pontoons) or relax while sailing easy-to-use laser sailboats. Open daily weather permitting from 10 a.m. to sunset. Rates: 30 minutes for $5 to $10; call for details. Information: 774-3154.

Southern Extreme Water Ski Show Team performs at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays on Fountain Lake between Miromar Outlet Mall and TECO Arena, off Interstate 75, exit 123 in Estero. Admission is free. Classes also available. Information: (239) 571-4957.

Naples-Fort Myers Ultimate Frisbee Club meets from 9 to 11 p.m. Thursdays at the lighted fields at Estero Middle School, Williams Road, Estero. Information: 415-8970.

Dog Day Sundays take place from 4 to 6 p.m. the first Sunday of every month at Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Families can walk their dogs, which must be leashed, on three different trails. Cost is $5 per dog; humans admitted free. Information: (239) 275-3435.

Nautilus Boat Tours offers 90-minute sunset and nature cruises, which both include ecosystem education, from the Vanderbilt Beach Marina, across from The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, into the gulf. Cost is $20 for adults and $8 for children. Call for availability; reservations recommended. Information: 597-4408.

Lovers Key State Park is offering bike tours guided by State Park Ranger Matt Kruse through Black Island the first Friday of every month. Join the ranger at 10 a.m. for the three-mile adventure. Supply your own bike if possible; the number of rentals is limited. Reservations are required. The cost is regular park admission: $2 for one person in a car, $4 for two to eight people. Lovers Key/Carl E. Johnson State Park is at 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Information: (239) 463-4588.

Interested in hiking? If so, look into the local Calusa Group of the Sierra Club, which sponsors twice monthly hikes as well as other outings. Numerous special events such as canoe/kayak trips and shelling on Sanibel are on the summer agenda. Call for details. Information: (239) 432-0111, (239) 495-7962 or sierraclub.org/chapters/fl/calusa.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

The Naples Players invite playwrights in Collier and Lee counties to enter their original 10 to 30 minute long nonmusical plays starting Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, for consideration in a new program of staged readings in Fall 2004. Deadline is March 31. Entries should be addressed to "An Evening of New Plays," the Naples Players, Sugden Community Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, Fla. 34102. Call for further details. Information: 434-7340, ext. 10, or 213-0258.

Actors Repertory Theatre is holding auditions for its Christmas production of "Ebenezer," a 45-minute adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Two male actors are needed, one 50 or older, the other in his 20s to 40s. All performances are paid. Call to schedule an appointment. Information: 513-8600.

Royal Conservancy of Music at 1807 J&C Blvd. is looking for 10 talented actors ages 12 to 28 to play student uprisers in the battle scenes of its musical, "Les Miserables." There is no fee to participate. We also need singers to complete the final chorus scene. Call for details and to schedule private audition from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Information: 596-3520.