Starting Sunday, if you look into the south horizon where the interference from city lights is at a minimum, you should get a glimpse of eight constellations while viewing the sky from the east to the west including: Virgo, Leo, Hydra, Gemini, Canis Minor, Canis Major, Orion and Taurus. You should have no problem seeing Sirius in the Canis Major, because it is the brightest star in the constellation.

* Have you ever tasted food or wine from Argentina? Sounds interesting to me. Now is your chance because the 11th annual Dinner, Wine Tasting and Silent Auction presented by Beecher 200-U Education Foundation will feature food and wines of Argentina. Starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 9 is the silent auction followed at 7 p.m. with a five-course meal accompanied by matching wines. The event is at Villa de Bruno, 19825 Stony Island Ave. in Lynwood. Tickets can be purchased at Beecher Veterinary Clinic. For more information, call (708) 946-3131.

* John Rich Hyerczyk of the Chicago Lichenoiogical Society will speak about a unique life form found in nature preserves. Lichens and mosses are often neglected in natural areas management yet they may play important roles in the recolonization of disturbed habitats; acting as pioneers that promote the development of new communities in barren areas that have been impacted by human or natural actions. From 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 9 at Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher, you can learn the basic ecology, life cycles and identification of these common, yet overlooked organisms. Hand-outs will be provided and a short hike is featured so dress for the weather. For more information, call (815) 727-8700.

* Do you feel lucky? How lucky? Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 10 so you will have plenty of time to get your lucky 50/50 raffle tickets for the special concert featuring internationally-renowned Ball State University Singers and Crete-Monee High School Faces and Cavaliers. The performance is being held in the Milton Payton Performing Arts Center at Crete-Monee High School located at 1515 W. Exchange St. in Crete. For more info call Jacklyn Henry at (708) 516-9940.

* My new friends Michael and Sheila Madura recently opened Ye Old 5 Loaves Sandwich Shoppe at 34 E. 34th St. in Steger. The name of the shop comes from the fact that they both love Renaissance faires and because Jesus was able to feed more than 5,000 with five loaves. They support enlisted men and women and if you wish to send a thank you note to someone in particular or just any enlisted that is overseas, they will have them delivered. All you have to do is write the card and drop it off at the Ye Old 5 Loaves Sandwich Shoppe.

For more information, call (708)755-4020.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. Barb Dorman can be reached at i_hva_dream@yahoo.com.