Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate and Cornerstone Mortgage Co. are joining together to offer a free first-time home-buyer education class at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. The focus will be on learning and understanding the steps involved in the home-buying process. Learn about different financing programs available including 96.5 percent and 100 percent loans. Prospective buyers can see how much of a loan they might qualify for. Learn about short sales and foreclosures. Understand commonly used real estate terms. Learn how to determine what price to offer. Class will be in the Coldwell Banker Mason Morse building at 0290 Highway 133, Carbondale. Call 970-274-1765 to reserve a spot today.

The Garfield County Libraries announce that the Food for Fines program has returned for the month of February. Bring in nonperishable food items to any of the six branch libraries to receive credit on library card accounts. Each item donated earns a $1 credit toward current overdue fines (not lost materials or fees). All items donated will be given to the local LIFT-UP. Last February there were 3,297 items collected by the libraries.This program is the perfect opportunity to take care of those pesky fines, while also helping out the community. For information call 625-4270 or stop by any local branch library.

Come get your questions answered regarding all aspects of your retirement needs, including tax-smart strategies and long-term care, at a Senior Expo at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Glenwood Springs Community Center.Offering their expertise during this Senior Expo will be Frank J. Danzo III, estate planning attorney with Chayet & Danzo of Denver, Vail & Aspen; Andrea Uliano, life care planning specialist of iheartolderpeople in the Rockies; Chandra Mortensen of the Rifle Funeral Home; and Amy Fetterhoff, financial advisor with Edward Jones. Call Allison at 928-0585 to reserve a seat for this free event.

Show your daughter(s) how a gentleman treats a lady. The Glenwood Springs Recreation Department invites every father (grandfather, uncle) to take their little girls (12 years and younger) out on a date. It will be a magical evening of dining and dancing that will create memories to last a lifetime from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at Glenwood Springs Community Center. Fee ($35 members/$45 nonmembers and $10 for each additional daughter) includes corsages for the young ladies and a delicious pasta buffet catered by Rob Fishman of Chomps Deli.Registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 3. To register call 384-6301 or simply stop by the Glenwood Springs Community Center.

CMC Children’s Mini College in Glenwood Spring is hosting its ninth annual Chocolate Extravaganza from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the CMC Glenwood Center Campus at 1402 Blake Ave. The annual event features free chocolate desserts, a drawing for $500, and a huge silent auction featuring more than 100 items. Businesses throughout the Roaring Fork Valley have donated an array of fabulous items for this year’s auction. The auction items include golf packages, ski packages, automotive work and detailing, original artwork, clothing, games, numerous gift certificates and much more. Babysitting for the event is available on a limited basis, call to make your arrangements today.Funds raised at this event will help Children’s Mini College continue to provide local children with enriching, affordable preschool programs.

The Valley View Hospital Holistic Harmony music program is in its seventh year of providing music to patients, family and staff. Not only does this program provide entertainment and diversion for those at a very vulnerable time in their life, but it is also very rewarding for the musicians as well, which is what keeps them coming back. If you are a musician looking for a way to volunteer your time for a worthwhile program, contact Lesa Russo, program director, at 309-1701. We are specifically looking for cello, violin, and autoharp, but will interview anyone appropriate.

The Valley View Hospital Auxiliary is looking for both men and women with a little time to give that not only care but are willing to do something about it. It is seeking new members with an interest and desire to join in serving the hospital community. The auxiliary’s mission is to help patients, families, friends and staff have a little easier time coping with often difficult situations. We have many rewarding volunteer positions to meet differing interests and schedules. Some involve patient contact and some do not. If interested in becoming an auxiliary member or volunteering at the hospital, or simply for more information, contact Annalise Appel, Valley View Hospital volunteer coordinator, at 384-6656 or at aappel@vvh.org.

Sounds of Praise! community choir, directed by Laura Porterfield, is beginning rehearsals for its 2012 season and for its Easter cantata, “Then Came the Morning,” to be performed April 6. Rehearsals are every Wednesday from 5:30-7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs on Ninth and Cooper. Singers of all ages and abilities welcome.