Looking for something to do this weekend? The Santa Monica Mirror has you covered with local events, live music, theater, and art gallery listings.

LAST CHANCE

ICE at Santa Monica, for anyone who hasn’t visited the outdoor ice skating rink at Fifth St. and Arizona Ave., this weekend is your last chance. Admission and skate rental is $12. This Monday, Jan. 16 will be the last day to skate. For more information, call 310.496.9880 or visit iceatsantamonica.com

Craig Krull Gallery, concludes three exhibits this Saturday, Jan. 14, which have been part of the Getty initiative, “Pacific Standard Time: Art in Los Angeles 1945-1980.” The exhibits are: Julian Wasser’s “Los Angeles,” George Herms’ “Collages,” and Edmund Teske’s “Portraits.” Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave. Building B3. 310.828.6410, craigkrullgallery.com

Battle of the Buddha, Jeffrey Wisniewski creates a choreographed fight scene between good and evil Buddhas utilizing motion capture technology. Concludes this Saturday, Jan. 14. The video begins with one levitating Buddha which then separates into one gold and one red who battle each other rolling half naked around an empty, starkly lit space. Patrick Painter Inc. 2525 Michigan Ave., Unit A8 and B2. 310.264.5988, patrickpainter.com

Peter Shelton: Eyehand, L.A. Louver concludes a survey exhibition of sculpture by Peter Shelton this Saturday, Jan. 14. Including more than 40 works from 1975-2011, the exhibition encompasses the full range of forms created by the artist over the past 35 years, and is presented throughout all L.A. Louver galleries. 45 North Venice Blvd., Venice 310.822.4955, lalouver.com

THIS WEEK

Friday, January 13

Westside Interfaith “MLK Prayer Breakfast,” presented in cooperation with the Westside Interfaith Council from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. An inspirational community gathering, featuring speakers, reflection, and prayer. The guest speaker will be Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council. At Calvary Baptist Church, Carter Center, 1502 20th Street, Santa Monica. Tickets: $25 per person donation, $200 for a table of 10.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Awards “Jazz & Blues Dinner Show,” featuring Jazz Pianist Ron Levy and Sharon Marie Cline “The Divine Miss Cline” plus Blues Singer Sista Jean. Enjoy a complete gourmet dinner along with intimate musical performances from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Upper West. $50/person donation. Proceeds to benefit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition’s Education Awards for Westside high school and community college students. 3321 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.

MLK Education Awards “R&B Dance Party,” featuring the Derek Bordeaux Group from 10 p.m. to midnight. One of the hottest bands in Southern California for more than 25 years, the Derek Bordeaux Group has performed in Southern California and Las Vegas, becoming one of the most sought after artists for their sultry renditions of Motown classics, jazz, R&B and blues standards. At Upper West, 3321 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Advance Tickets: $25/person donation. Tickets are for admission only. Additional charge for food and beverages. Proceeds to be used for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition’s Education Awards for Westside high school and community college students. facebook.com/events/252338431495721

Saturday, January 14

“MLK Kidz Party,” a child-friendly introduction to the life and teachings of MLK from 9 a.m. to noon. The morning will feature live music for children by Michael Cladis; “We Shall Overcome,” by Creative PlayGround; face painting, Wet-On tattoos and stickers; art projects and origami; Fabian’s Foto Booth and more. Virginia Avenue Park’s Kidz Zone, 2200 Virginia Ave. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/117887414944593

MLK Westside Teen Unity “Peace In,” featuring “Dreams of King,” by actor Gerald C. Rivers; DJs & live teen bands; spoken word poets, art and more from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Talking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 Lincoln Blvd., Venice. Free and open to the public.

12th Annual Lei-Out Beach Ultimate Frisbee, is an annual beach ultimate frisbee competition where some of the best players in the world come to compete in Santa Monica. Today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. lei-out.com

Charles Fox presents Killing Me Softly, to celebrate the release of his new autobiography, Grammy and Emmy winning composer Charles Fox plays and discusses some of the many songs that have won him acclaim, including the Roberta Flack classic “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” the theme songs to “Laverne & Shirley,” “Love American Style,” and so much more. Ticketed event, which will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free tickets released one hour prior to program at 2 p.m. One ticket per guest. Guests must be present to receive a ticket. 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 310.458.8600, smpl.org

MANvBAR 7 Santa Monica Pub Crawl, in the 7th installment of the charity pub crawl series, MAN v BAR returns to Santa Monica, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Final Schedule: The Yard 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., West 4th Jane 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monsoon Cafe 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wokcano 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $20 for wristband to get your drink specials all day/night. Admission $20. 626.201.5846, manvbar.com

Annual Open House, facility tours and one week free pass from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free group exercise classes from 8:30a.m to 12:30 p.m. YMCA Program presentation by Senior Program Director Lidia Magarian from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free admission. Santa Monica Family YMCA. 1332 Sixth Street. 310.393.2721, ymcasm.org

The bilingual puppet show Dream Carver, presented by Swazzle Puppets, comes to the Fairview Branch Library at 2:30 p.m. The show is based on the children’s picture book “Dream Carver” and was inspired by the life of renowned Oaxacan woodcarver, Manuel Jimenez. This program is free and open to the public. 2101 Ocean Park Blvd. 310.458.8681, smpl.org

CLASSICAL Theatrics 2012, A Medley of classic scenes from plays by Miller, Shakespeare, Shaw, Twain, and Wilder in this guest event on the main Stage at Santa Monica Playhouse. Today at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. 310.625.4561. OperaTheaterInk.com/CLASSICALTheatrics2012

Sunday, January 15

Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra, presents its 6th Annual Commemorative “MLK Weekend Family Concert” at 3:30 p.m. featuring Adam Del Monte, guitarist, and Allen Robert Gross, conductor. The program includes Dvorák’s Three Slavonic Dances; Chen Yi’s Duo Ye; Adam Del Monte’s Paisajes, Concerto for Flamenco Guitar & Orchestra (premiere); and Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 2. At the SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Free and open to the public. smsymphony.org/programMLK.html

Stogie MLK Day. On the night before Martin Luther King Day, Santa Monica Playhouse and Stogie Kenyatta present a special one night return engagement at 7 p.m. of Kenyatta’s acclaimed solo show about African-American artist/activist Paul Robeson, a powerful and poignant, entertaining and educational, heartfelt and humorous evening of theatre. Tickets $30. 1211 Fourth St. 310.394.9779 ext.1, SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com

The Pacific Palisades Democratic Club, will hold a Candidates Forum for the newly created 50th Assembly District from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. All three Democratic primary candidates — Richard Bloom, Betsy Butler, and Torie Osborn — will be in attendance. Each will address the audience and participate in a Q&A. 901 Haverford Avenue in Pacific Palisades. 310.230.2084, palisadesdemclub.org

French hornist Tim Battig and Friends, in concert at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church at 3 p.m. Works by Tim Battig, Carl Reinecke, Max Bruch, and a surprise or two. Free admission, free parking, free-will offering. 1343 Ocean Park Blvd. 310.452.1116, mtolivelutheranchurch.org

Noted producer, talent manager, and club owner, Fred Weintraub will sign copies of his newest book, “Bruce Lee, Woodstock and Me” at Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica at 2 p.m. 1201 Third Street Promenade, 310.260.9110, bit.ly/uS550F

Monday, January 16

27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Celebration and Community Involvement Fair, a multi-ethnic interfaith program, with featured speaker Congresswoman Janice Hahn; music and dance performances; education awards presentations; inspirational readings and more from 9 a.m. to noon. This annual celebration of the official King National Holiday has grown to become one of the largest and most diverse celebrations of its kind on the West Coast. At SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Free and open to the public. The celebration is followed by a Community Involvement Fair, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, across the street at 606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. The fair will offer refreshments and informational displays by a variety of community organizations. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/ 109136529159790

“New Year, New Beginnings.” Playwright and Annenberg Community Beach House 2012 Writer in Residence Lucy Wang starts her 10-week residency off with an afternoon of reflection and sharing from 2 .m. to 4 p.m. Express your vivid memories and discover new inspirations in an evening of storytelling exchange. Free. The Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway. 310.458.4904, beachculture92-eorg.eventbrite.com

Tuesday, January 17

Democratic Party Assembly Candidate Forum, for the new 50th Assembly District will be held at 6:30 p.m. featuring Democratic primary candidates Richard Bloom, Betsy Butler, and Torie Osborn. Santa Monica Library, second floor, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Free and open to the public. santamonicademocrats.com

Wednesday, January 18

2012 Green Living Workshop.Are you struggling with your New Year’s Resolution? How about learning to Conserve natural resources, save water, and making your home more energy efficient at this free workshop from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. $25 donation. 310.458.8716, sustainableworks.org

Thursday, January 19

“All Systems Go,” as part of the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time Initiative, The Bleicher/Golightly Gallery is pleased to present “All Systems Go” – A Solo Exhibition by Dave Quick with an artist reception from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This exhibition features a compelling array of Quick’s multi-media artworks including his signature narrative tableau/assemblages and his quirky kinetic installations. The exhibition continues through Jan. 25. 1431 Ocean Ave. 310.878.2784, santamonica.bgartdealings.com

Quality of Life Forum series, will be held at 7 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Hosted by Kit Cooper, founder of the Quality of Life Project, the Forum is a semi-regular program at the Main Library that spotlights accomplished, engaging, and grounded guest speakers who share best practices on what they do to get the most out of life. Admission is free, and seating is first come, first served. 310.458.8600, qualityoflifeproject.org

MUSIC

Friday, January 13

The Goods With DJ Anthony Valadez, KG Superstar @ Zanzibar

Ray K Acoustic Happy Hour,Neil Daly, Juan Ruiz “Miel” @ Bar Pico

Cash’d Out @ Harvelle’s

‘Nette Radio Night @ The Talking Stick

David Rosenfield @ Trip

Swahili Blonde with Free Moral Agents, Raw Geronimo The Ross Sea Party, Brady Spear (DJ set) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Cash’d Out @ Harvelle’s

Saturday, January 14

SILENT FRISCO FT. TALKING HEADS VS LCD SOUNDSYSTEM WITH AARON CASTLE AND THE BONNAROO SILENT DISCO RESIDENT: MOTION POTION @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Mark Fonseca, Blues Bettie, Wooden Robot @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch

DJ Paul Loeb @ Bar Pico

Sista Monica Parker @ Harvelle’s

Modern Vintage, The Withers, Ultramunx, Gavilan and the Connections @ Trip

Grassroots Acoustica @ The Talking Stick

Quality with DJs Haul & Mason @ Zanzibar

Sunday, January 15

THE TOLEDO SHOW @ Harvelle’s

Jaclyn Rose, Joie Blaney @ Trip

D. Bess with Will Morrison @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Stone Groove featuring DJs Tailwind Turner, Cee Brown, Mantron, Spill @ Zanzibar

Pico Joke Show @ Bar Pico

BluesTime with Tom Gramlich & Mystic Miles @ The Talking Stick

Monday, January 16

CASEY HURT, BRAYDEN PIERCE, KRISTI BRIDE AND THE LIGHT @ Trip

Tumbao Salsa Dura @ Zanzibar

MoZaic Open Mic @ The Talking Stick

Ultra Love @ Harvelle’s

Tuesday, January 17

OPEN MIC, THE VIGNATIS @ Bar Pico

La Vie and friends @ Harvelle’s

Stef & Steve’s Folk-Rock ‘n’ Blues Night @ The Talking Stick

Touché Tuesdays with Coco Morier, Future People, Traps PS + DJ set by Billy Scher (of American Royalty) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Casual Encounters Live Band Karaoke @ Trip

Wednesday, January 18

OPEN MIC WITH CAROLYN AND NANCY @ The Talking Stick

TRiP Tease Burlesque @ Trip

Sundress with The Sister Ruby Band and Burroughs @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Small Animals , The Trades @ Bar Pico

Luminous Movement: Makepeace Brothers, DJ Fabian Asultany, DJ Drez @ Zanzibar

House of Vibe All-Stars @ Harvelle’s

Thursday, January 19

JANI KOSTURSKI @ The Talking Stick

Sunride Divide, Friends In Low Places @ Bar Pico

City of Blue, Sergio Michel @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Afro Funke Thursday: DJ CAM (France) @ Zanzibar

The VS (Versus) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Harlow Gold @ Harvelle’s

EXHIBITS

Just Occupy, Robert Berman Gallery presents Just Occupy – a pop-up exhibition documenting the Occupy movement featuring photojournalists Ted Soqui and Christopher Felver Jan. 14 through Feb. 28. Also featured in Just Occupy will be a series of photographic collages by photojournalist Christopher Felver, who is known for his documentary photographs of the beats, poets, and musicians. Gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave, C2/D5. 310.315.1937, robertbermangallery.com

NY/LA, an innovative program initiative that diversifies Santa Monica Museum of Art’s curatorial voice through an all-new, annual exhibition series. Developed by New York-based independent curator Jeffrey Uslip and SMMoA Deputy Director and curator Lisa Melandri, NY/LA connects emerging contemporary artists on the East and West coasts. NY/LA will debut at SMMoA with two exhibitions on view from Jan. 14 through Feb. 25: Adam Berg: Endangered Spaces (LA) in Project Room 1 and Georgi Tushev: Strange Attractor (NY) in Project Room 2. 2525 Michigan Ave G-1. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org

Home.Sweet.Home: Gerald Slota and Neil LaBute, Robert Berman Gallery present Home.Sweet.Home: a collaborative exhibition of images by artist/photographer Gerald Slota with captioning by celebrated playwright/filmmaker Neil LaBute through Feb. 4. Opening Reception Jan. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave, C2. 310.586.9128, robertbermangallery.com

Art Mortimer: Pacific Ocean. Since 1971 Art Mortimer has painted nearly 100 murals, including major public murals in Claremont CA, Billings MT, 29 Palms CA, Lompoc CA, Susanville CA, and many Southern California communities. A selection of paintings by Mortimer will be on display Jan. 7 through Feb. 4 at Schomburg Gallery. Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave, E3A. 310.453.5757, SchomburgGallery.com

Refocus: Multicultural Focus, a photography exhibition organized by Sheila Pinkel will commence this Saturday, Jan. 7 and run through Jan. 29. In 1981 the exhibition Multicultural Focus was mounted at Los Angeles Municipal Gallery Barnsdall Park where Josine Starrels was Gallery Director. The exhibition was organized by Sheila Pinkel for the Los Angeles Center for Photographic Studies and curated by 12 artist/curators in the Los Angeles area, three each from the Asian, Black, Latino, and White communities. Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Arena 1. 3026 Airport Avenue. 310.397.7456, santamonicaartstudios.com

The Dead Are Here, in his first solo Los Angeles show in more than two decades, New York artist Izhar Patkin, will début “The Dead Are Here” (2009), a room wrapped with 14’ tall wall size paintings in ink on tulle curtains. It will open this Saturday, Jan. 7 and run through Feb. 18. Opening reception Jan. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Shoshana Wayne Gallery. 2525 Michigan Ave. Suite B1. 310.453.7535, shoshanawayne.com

Magical Thinking, an ambitious new exhibition at Rosamund Felsen Gallery features the work of Los Angeles painter Karen Liebowitz, Philadelphia-based Nancy Blum, and Los Angeles-based Vanessa Conte. The exhibition opens to the public this Saturday, Jan. 7 with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will run through Feb. 4. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 2525 Michigan Avenue, B4. 310.828.8488, rosamundfelsen.com

Buy Local: Think International, a new exhibition at TAG Gallery at Bergamot Station will be on display through Jan. 28. The 40 diverse artists of this gallery will display their latest work in a group exhibition. The exhibit will span all media and genres of painting, photography, and sculpture with an opening reception to be held on Jan. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2525 Michigan Avenue, D-3. 310.829.9556, taggallery.net

Peter Fetterman Gallery, through March 1, 2012, is featuring two exhibitions: a series of images by distinguished contemporary photographer Jerry Uelsmann and introducing the work of Finnish photographer Pentti Sammallahti with a selection of images shown in Los Angeles for the first time. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm. 2525 Michigan Avenue A-1, 310.453.6463, peterfetterman.com

Lost & Found: Abstracting Los Angeles 1945-1980, this exhibit features paintings, drawings, sculptures, and assemblages from obscure and known artists who used different media to interpret the abstract expressionist movement with a Los Angeles twist through Dec. 30. The focus will be post war works up to 1980. Free. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 Michigan Ave. B7. 310.315.1937, robertbermangallery.com

Trunk Gallery presents “Fetish,” featuring James Mullen, Kari Harvey and other artists working with doll parts, mannequins, and nails. Opening Reception Dec. 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Gallery open Thursday through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Show runs through Jan. 22. 12818 Venice Blvd., L.A. 310.483.7221, trunkgallery.org

Wall Works: The Walls Have Eyes, at the Santa Monica Museum of Art is its most extensive educational public art program, connecting acclaimed contemporary artists with the imaginations of local students. The exhibit is collaboration with Los Angeles-based ceramic artist Peter Shire, and will be on display through Feb. 26, 2012. Bergamot Station G-1, 2525 Michigan Ave. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org

Beatrice Wood: Career Woman-Drawings, Paintings, Vessels, and Objects, through March 3, 2012. Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., smmoa.org

THEATER

Our Town, Oscar-winner Helen Hunt stars in this groundbreaking new version of Wilder’s iconic American play starting today, Jan. 13 through Feb. 12. Our Town tells the story of young lovers George and Emily, whose life in a small New England town becomes a microcosm of every day life. The wisdom of the play, rendered through a deceptively simple story, makes Our Town an enduring treasure of the American theater. Tickets $40-$175. Performances daily at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. except Mondays. The Broad Stage. 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com/show_info.php?show_id=24

Enchanted Fairytale Interactive Theatre for Kids and their Grown-ups, children aged 4 to 10 join in on stage for a totally interactive afternoon of story-telling, sing-a-longs, crafts, face-painting, enactment of a fairytale, theatre games, refreshments and special surprise gifts in this delightful Santa Monica Playhouse Special Event for youngsters and their grown-ups, hosted by the gaily costumed Enchanted Fairytale Players. It will recur weekly on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Jan. 29. $15 for children, free for adults. 1211 4th St. 310.394.9779 ext. 2, santamonicaplayhouse.com

Filthy Talk For Troubled Times. City Garage, resident company at Track 16, Bergamot Station, under the patronage of Tom Patchett, will commence its West Coast premiere of Neil LaBute’s Filthy Talk for Troubled Times today through Feb. 26. LaBute, known for his biting portrayals of misogynistic and deceitful men, subtitles the work “scenes of intolerance.” Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 4 p.m. Building C1, 2525 Michigan Ave. 310.319.9939, citygarage.org

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS/ONGOING EVENTS

YWCA Winter class sessions are now under way.Sign up now for classes for adults and teens: Barre, Belly Dancing, Core Pilates, Dancing like the Stars Ballroom Dance, Gentle Exercise, Life Drawing, Step Aerobics and Step Interval, Strength Training, Strong and Stretched, Timeless Body, Women’s Basic Ballet, Yoga, Yoga for Cancer Survivors, Yoga with Bhavani, Zumba Gold. For children and youth: Afternoon Kids Club (ages 4 to 6), Ballet (ages 6 1/2 to 9), Basketball (ages 4 to 14), Broadway Stars Gymnastics (ages 6 to 10), Creative Dance and Pre-Ballet (ages 3 to 6), World Dance Fusion (ages 7 to 12), Karate for Kids (ages 5 to 10), Little Tumbling Stars (ages 3 to 5), Tiger Kick Fit (ages 3 to 5), Twinkle Toes Ballet and Tap (ages 2 to 3), Toddler Tumbling Fun (ages 2 to 3.5) For just $25/year (youth ages 17 and under), $30/year (seniors 55+) and $45/year (adults), you can become a member of the YWCA Santa Monica / Westside. To sign up for one or more of any of the above classes, visit smywca.com or call 310.452.3881

Axiom Health Presents Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy Classes for pain management without the use of drugs and their harmful side effects. Easy to learn, practical to use anywhere or anytime healing body and mind. Taught by Dr. Bonnie Hemauer, Ph.D. (Dr. B.) who for 25 years has specialized in self-help, relaxation/meditation therapies, and prevention of stress causing diseases. Excellent for athletes. Ongoing, Mondays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. in Santa Monica. Call for more information at 310.433.2382

The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers. Various positions are available. To volunteer, call Tom Viscount at 310.394.3773 ext. 112 from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Do You Have the Heart for Hospice? Roze Room Hospice seeks volunteers to provide support and companionship to terminally ill patients and their families. Training is free. We have patients at home and in nursing facilities in throughout the Westside and Los Angeles. For more information, contact Kathleen McMahon, Volunteer Coordinator, at 323.938.1155 or volcoord@rozeroomhospice.org

Donate blood on Monday and Wednesdays at the American Red Cross of Santa Monica, 1450 11th St. Hours for donations vary, so call to schedule an appointment. 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or 1.888.POR.FAVOR

The Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market is held Wednesdays at Arizona Ave and Second St. and Saturdays at Arizona and Third St. The two weekly markets are widely considered to be among the best on the west coast and feature field-fresh produce, hundreds of kinds of vegetables, brilliant cut flowers, breads, cheeses, delicious foods, live music, and more. 310.458.8712, smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket

Free help with anxiety, depression, stress, and anger. Recovery International provides tools and practice in changing thinking habits so individuals can gain personal control over distressing emotions and improve general well-being. This worldwide non-profit organization, founded in 1937, holds weekly meetings every Saturday, 12 p.m., at Trinity Church, California and Eleventh Street, Santa Monica. Donations are requested but not required. For more information, call Randy at 310.828.9328 or go to lowselfhelpsystems.org

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a 12-step program for those struggling to control their relationship with food, has three meetings every week in Santa Monica. Tuesday, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Youth Lounge, 1220 Second St., Santa Monica; Wednesday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Community Church, The Cottage, 1260 18th St., Santa Monica; and Saturday, 9 to 10:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, Room 101, 1008 11th St., Santa Monica. Free. Call: 800.600.6028 or see: foodaddicts.org

Heart Centered Toastmasters Club meets 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 pm Thursdays in Santa Monica. Practice and improve your communication skills in a warm, heart-centered environment. Call Cynthia at 310.995.4283 for more information.

Homeless discussion and advocacy group, Side By Side, for homeless and non-homeless citizens every first, third, and fifth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ken Edwards Community Center, located at 1527 4th St., Any resident interested in listening to and talking with local homeless can come to this regular meeting. Side By Side has met continuously at Ken Edwards since 1996.

Joel S. Goldsmith Tape Group meets Mondays to listen to the taped class work of Joel S. Goldsmith on his spiritual teaching known as The Infinite Way. 7:15 p.m. (silent meditation), 7:30 p.m. (tape played), 8:30 p.m. (silent meditation). New Age Bible and Philosophy Center, 1139 Lincoln Blvd. (rear entry only off alley) in rear classroom. $5 minimum donation appreciated. 310.963.9377 or email in.stillness@yahoo.com

Meals on Wheels West needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound people in Santa Monica. Deliveries are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. To volunteer call 310.394.7558

A new Grief Support Group for Parents who have lost children to addiction, drugs, medications, alcohol. Santa Monica near Ocean and Montana Ave. Dates and times TBA. 310.917.5008, grasphelp.org, graspsantamonica@yahoo.com

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy Classes for pain management without the use of drugs and their harmful side effects! Easy to learn, practical to use anywhere or anytime healing body and mind. Taught by Dr. Bonnie Hemauer, Ph.D. 25 years specializing in Self Help, Relaxation/Meditation Therapies, and prevention of stress causing diseases. Every Monday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 122 Lincoln Blvd. #103, Venice, near Rose Avenue. By donation. RSVP: 310.433.2382

Free Qigong class for cancer survivors in Clover Park, located at 2600 Ocean Park Blvd, on Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. These classes are offered through the Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center, and are taught by Michael Sieverts, an 11-year brain cancer survivor. For more information, call CSC at 310.314.2555 or go to www.cancersupportcommunitybenjamincenter.org

Zen meditation group led by Sensei Daishin Buksbazen, teacher at Zen Center of Los Angeles meets weekly on Wednesday evening at the Hill Street Center, 237 Hill St., Santa Monica. Meditation instruction for newcomers held from 7 to 7:30 p.m., Zazen from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Dharma talk the first Wednesday of each month. Contact Sensei Daishin at 310.315.3506 or daishin@zcla.org