Today

New Beginnings

* No meeting due to New Years Day.

NIC Museum

* Closed for New Year's.

Artists Guild

* Through Jan. 12, West Wind Gallery closed.

Clubs & meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous

* 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech, open, nonsmoking.

* 10 a.m., 328 E. A St., Eastsiders, smoking.

* Noon, 136 W. Eighth St., Expect a Miracle, nonsmoking.

* 5:30 p.m., 456 S. Walnut, Traditions, smoking.

* 6 p.m., Douglas, Congregational United Church of Christ, 405 N. 6th St.

* 7 p.m., Edgerton: 763 Center St., Serenity in the Oil Patch, smoking.

* 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech St., nonsmoking; 328 E. A St., Faith, Hope and Love, smoking; Douglas: 628 S. Richards #5, Loft Group, smoking.

* Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1286.

Al-Anon

* 7 p.m., 136 W. Eighth St., Just for Today, nonsmoking.

* 7:30 p.m., 328 1/2 E. A (upstairs), 12 Step Study Group, Step Study Meeting, nonsmoking.

Blue Envelope Health Council

*Noon, Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, 5715 E. 2nd St. Info: 265-2254

Narcotics Anonymous

* 7 a.m., and noon, 136 W. 8th St., 12-24 Club. Open meetings, topic and discussion.

* 8 p.m., 4700 S. Poplar (church basement). Closed meeting, topic and discussion.

* Info: 266-7154. Wyoming hot line: (866) 315-1861; Web site: (http://wyomingna.org).

New Beginnings

* 7 p.m., meet in the lower level of St. Patrick's Church, 400 Country Club Rd. The group is an interdenominational peer support group for divorced, widowed and separated persons. For more information contact LaVerne at 237-7333 or Lauretta at 235-3317.

VITA

* From 7-9 p.m., Room 125, Thorson Business Building at Casper College, Casper Volunteer Income Tax Assistance electronically prepares and e-files individual tax returns for senior citizens, low-income taxpayers and students for free.

Casper Autism Society

* From 6:30-8 p.m., Jefferson School. Parents, family, friends, self advocates and professionals welcome. No dues or fees. Lending Library available.

Rockhounds Club

* 7 p.m., 5211 Rambler, Mountain View addition. Business meeting. Rock saws and polishing equipment are available for use. Info: 265-3187 or 234-5482.

German Stammtisch

* 6:30-8 p.m., Wonder Bar, restaurant area. Everyone who is interested in German heritage, culture, and language are invited to attend this no-host event, even those who do not speak German. Info: 265-3696.

Brownbag Birding

* 12-1 p.m., Audubon Center, 101 Garden Creek Rd. Take a break to connect with nature. Bring a lunch, binoculars. Informal gathering to enjoy birds and other wildlife from the comfort of the education building. Info: 473-1987 or jryan@audubon.org.

Gambler's Anon

* 6:30-7:30 p.m., 136 W. 8th St., 12-24 Club. Info: 251-2613.

Coming Up

NIC Museum

* Through Jan. 4, the Nicolaysen Art Museum's newest exhibition features more than two dozen works by Jackson Hole artist Conrad Schwiering in the Rosenthal Gallery. Select prints are available in the Museum Shop. Info: 235-5247.

* Jan. 24, 6 p.m., the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Casper College will host the Second Annual Burns Dinner at the Nic Museum. Tickets are on sale through Jan. 14 for the traditional Scottish dinner and entertainment. Seating is limited and cost is $45 per person. Those with kilts are encouraged to wear them to the event. To make reservations or for more info: 268-2097.

Blues & Jazz Society

* Jan. 2, the Wyoming Blues and Jazz Society presents nationally known blues artist Candye Kane at the Attic. Doors open a t 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Non-smoking show. Tickets are $12 for Wyoming Blues and Jazz Society members and $15 for non-members. Info: www.wyobluesandjazz.org or 259-8725.

Free-Throw Competition

* Jan. 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., a free-throw basketball contest will be held at Casper College T-Bird gym. Free and open to all Casper area boys and girls ages 8-13. Info: DEBCJ1026@aol.com

Amoco Retirees

* Jan. 5, 11:30 a.m., Amoco Retirees Club will have lunch and a business meeting at the Casper Petroleum Club.

Wagon Wheels

* Jan. 5-9, 1-4 p.m., skate for 3 hours each day. Admission with your own skates are $3 and admission with any skate rental is $5.

* Jan. 7, 6-8 p.m., Car Load Night. Admission for 5 or more skaters together is $1 with own skates or $2 with any skate rental including blades.

Beta Sigma Phi

* Jan. 6, 7 p.m., meeting of the Epsilon Master chapter of Beta Sigma Phi will be hosted by Catherine Kercher at the Primrose Pub. Refreshments served during the meeting. Info: 265-5776.

Silent Peace Vigil

* Jan. 7, 12-1 p.m., all individuals are invited to participate in a peace vigil with Women In Black in front of the court house at Center and B Streets. We dress in black and stand in silence. Women In Black is an international movement supporting nonviolence. Info: 265-3278 or www.womeninblack.org.

Artcore

* Jan. 7, 12:15 p.m., Bach's Lunch Organ Recital at First United Methodist Church.

* Jan. 9-10, 16-18, 22-24, 7:30 p.m., Stage III Community Theatre presents Moonlight and Magnolias.

* Jan. 11, 4 p.m., Artcore presents Casper Brass & Storm Door Co. with Fred Taylor.

* Jan. 14, 12:15 p.m., Bach's Lunch Organ Recital at First United Methodist Church.

* Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., Artcore presents The Muses at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.

* Jan. 20, All State Music Festival Concert at Natrona County High School.

* Jan. 21, 12:15 p.m., Bach's Lunch Organ Recital at First United Methodist Church.

* Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., Artcore and Casper College Music Dept. presents Rhapsody in Taps at Natrona County High School.

* Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m., Wyoming Symphony Orchestra presents Chamber Orchestra - It's a Classic! at Natrona County High School.

* Jan. 28, 12:15 p.m., Bach's Lunch Organ Recital at First United Methodist Church.

New Beginnings

* New Beginnings is an interdenominational peer support group for divorced, widowed and separated persons. New Beginnings meets at 7 p.m. in the lower level of St. Patrick's Church at 400 Country Club Road. Public can access each lecture via podcast at http://outreach.uwyo.edu/ocp/podcasting.asp

* Jan. 8, week 1, The Support Group.

* Jan. 15, week 2, Stages of Grief.

* Jan. 22, week 3, Feelings.

Rendezvous & Traders Fair

* Jan. 9, 12-10 p.m., Jan. 10, 8 a.m., Jan. 11, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., the Wyoming State Muzzle Loaders State Rendezvous and Traders Fair will be held at the Ramada Plaza Riverside. There will be fun, entertainment, goodies, friends, dinner, dancing and more. Three seminars held, artisan's fair, and photography contest. Info: 234-6591 or www.wyomingmuzzleloaders.com.

Casper College

* Jan. 12-Feb. 26, Alex Kraft: Arterial Introspection exhibit on display at the Goodstein Gallery. Info: www.caspercollege.edu or 268-2100.

* Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m., women's basketball game vs. Northwest College. 7:30 p.m., men's basketball game vs. Northwest College. Info: www.caspercollege.edu or 268-2100.

* Jan. 17, 3 p.m., women's homecoming basketball game vs. C. Wyo. 5 p.m., men's homecoming basketball game v. C. Wyo. Info: www.caspercollege.edu or 268-2100.

* Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Casper College District Board meeting in the Strausner Student Center in room CE 217.

* Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March 21, May 2, 1-3 p.m., a reading band, composed of musicians who can play music by sight, will be held at Casper College in Room 107 at the Aley Fine Arts Center. Open to all musicians. Participants should bring their own instrument.

* Jan. 24, 3 p.m., women's basketball game vs. Air Force Prep. Info: www.caspercollege.edu or 268-2100.

* Jan. 29, 5:30-7 p.m., Casper College will recognize Martin Luther King Jr. and African American History Month with a soul food dinner in the Roberts Commons Cafeteria. Live music provided by the Casper College Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $8.50 in advance through Jan. 16 or $10 at the door, $7 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids age 5 and under.

* Feb. 26, 5:30-7 p.m., Hawaiian ethnic dinner at Roberts Commons Cafeteria.

* Feb. 27-28, March 3-7, 7:30 p.m., Shakespeare's powerful and famous tragedy, "King Lear" will be presented on the McMurry Mainstage of the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 students 5-18. Tickets available for purchase Feb. 23 at the box office from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or calling 268-2500 or 800-442-2963 ext. 2500.

* April 2, 5:30-7 p.m., Native American ethnic dinner at Roberts Commons Cafeteria.

Windy City Quilt Fest

* Jan. 16-18, the Windy City Quilt Fest will be held at the Ramkota Hotel/Best Western. To receive information and a registration pack, call 237-8458 or mail to Windy City Quilt Fest, P.O. Box 50392, Casper.

Jam Session

* Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15, April 19, 4-8 p.m., the Wyoming Blues and Jazz Society will have a jam session with local musicians at All That Jazz at the Parkway Plaza. Bring your instrument and join in, or just come to listen for free. Info: 259-8725, www.wyobluesandjazz.org.

PEO Chapter G

* Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., meet at the home of Evelyn McDaniel. Dues will be collected.

* Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., meet at the home of DeeAnne Simonson.

* Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., meet at the home of Martha Rakestraw.

PEO Chapter AC

* Jan. 20, 12:30 p.m., meet at the home of Rebecca Nolte, 2141 S. Cedar.

PEO Chapter Y

* Jan. 21, 1:30 p.m., meet at the home of Karen Donley, 1140 Ivy Lane.

PEO Chapter O

* Jan. 21, meet at the home of Rene Rickabaugh, 80 Magnolia. Social at 6:45 p.m., meeting at 7:30 p.m.

* Feb. 4, meet at the home of Susan Jacobson, 4431 Sunrise Dr. Social at 6:45 p.m., meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Casper Events Center

* Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m., Broadway in Casper presents The Pajama Game. Tickets are $35, $40 and $45. For tickets or info: 577-3030 or (800) 442-2256 or www.caspereventscenter.com.

* Jan. 23, 7 p.m., As I Lay Dying will perform in the Three Trails Summit Room at the Events Center. Opening the show will be Protest the Hero, The Human Abstract and My Children My Bride. Tickets are general admission, costing $20 in advance and $22 day of the show. For tickets or info: 577-3030 or (800) 442-2256, www.caspereventscenter.com or www.asilaydying.com.

* Jan. 25, 1:30 p.m., Playhouse Disney Live! will be stopping by the Events Center as part of its tour. Tickets are $20, $27, $34 and $47. Children who have reached their first birthday must have a ticket. For tickets or info: 577-3030 or (800) 442-2256 or www.caspereventscenter.com.

* Jan. 30, 1-8 p.m., Jan. 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Great Rockies Sports Show will be held. This is designed for people who love the outdoors and the Wyoming Rocky Mountains. It is a fishing, hunting, boat & RV and a travel & vacation show. Tickets are $6 adults, $3 juniors ages 6-16 and free for kids age 5 and under. For tickets or info: 577-3030 or (800) 442-2256, www.caspereventscenter.com, (406) 580-3907 or www.greatrockiesshow.com.

Fort Caspar Chapter

* Feb. 2, 1 p.m., Ft. Caspar Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution will have a meeting at the Central Wyoming Senior Center, 1831 E. 4th St. Program is "Update of the Fort Caspar Museum" by Rick Young. Info: 237-7320.

* March 2, 1 p.m., Ft. Caspar Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution will have a meeting at the Central Wyoming Senior Center, 1831 E. 4th St. Program is "Girl Scouts of Today" by Janet DeVries. Info: 237-7320.

* April 6, 1 p.m., Ft. Caspar Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution will have a meeting at the Central Wyoming Senior Center, 1831 E. 4th St. Program is "Safety" by a Casper Police Officer. Info: 237-7320.

* May 5, 12:30 p.m., Ft. Caspar Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution will have a luncheon and installation of officers at the Central Wyoming Senior Center, 1831 E. 4th St. Reservations and info: 235-5557.

Red Cross classes

* American Red Cross of Natrona County, 318 W. B St. Office hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Preregistration and payment is required for all classes. Full courses for CPR/AED/First Aid, review courses for CPR/AED/First Aid, baby-sitter training, full courses for CPR for the Pro, review courses for CPR for the Pro and CPR/AED/FA Instructor courses are offered. Info: 237-8436.

Head Start

* Natrona County Head Start is now taking applications for three to five year-olds for the 2007-2008 school year. This quality preschool program is free to qualifying families. Info: 577-1864.

Parent-education seminar

* The Wyoming Children's Access Network provides parent-education seminars for divorcing, separated, and never-married parents. The one-time four-hour seminar is provided monthly in Casper and other cities around the state. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other adults close to the children are welcome to attend. There is a nominal fee that may be waived upon request, based on need. Preregistration is required 24 hours in advance. Info: Wyoming Children's Access Network at 866-726-3700.

Genealogy at library

* The Natrona County Public Library offers several library catalogs and Internet links to help you make the most of your genealogy quest. Many of the "library edition" sites can now be accessed from an out-of-library computer by using a Library Card number and code that is assigned with it. Ancestry.library and HeritageQuest can both be found on the library's website and can be accessed only at the library with a card and user code. But you can also find links to other genealogy websites from the library's website. For additional information and help with researching your past contact the library at 237-4935 or www.natronacountylibrary.org/.

Fort Caspar Museum

* The Fort Caspar Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The Fort is closed for the season. Admission is $1.50 adult and $1 for teens 13-18. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Info: 235-8462 or www.fortcasparwyoming.com.

Science Zone

* The Science Zone is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The museum is a community-based museum that provides science, math and technology experiences to people of all ages. Admission fees are $4 for adults, $3 for children, and free for kids under age 3. Info: 473-ZONE or www.thesciencezone.org.