Sierra College will be offering classes in snow and ice driving. Classes stress techniques of acceleration, turning and braking to maintain control of the vehicle on winding mountain roads and in steep terrain. The instructor will also outline the hazards of front-wheel and four-wheel driving under adverse conditions. The only thing you need is the desire to learn.The free classes are held at the Tahoe Truckee Sierra College campus, 11001 College Trail, Room 231 and are free. Each class is one session and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation is required. Classes are scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30 and March 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 550-2225 or Officer Steve Skeen, California Highway Patrol-Truckee Area at 582-7570.

Our Solar System is a free interactive science education series for all ages. Join an exploration of the Universe with twice monthly, free interactive space science education events, as part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. Next date, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Parents must accompany elementary-aged children. Sierra Nevada College, UC Davis Tahoe Center for Environmental Science, 291 Country Club Way, Room 141, ground floor. For information call (775) 720-6999.

The Truckee-Donner Recreation andamp; Parks District is now accepting registration for the Music, Movement, and Me spring session for families with children ages birth through 5 years. This six-class session begins March 2, and features the completely integrated Musikgarten program. Instructor Rita Whitaker-Haun is a trained professional musician with 29 years teaching experience. For more information, call 582-1341. To register call 582-7720.

Fair andamp; Green, Truckees local fair trade shop, hosts its 2nd annual Fair Trade Chocolate tasting Saturday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.Americans spend $13 Billion on chocolate every year. Learn why Fair Trade chocolate should be the chocolate of choice. From milk to dark, mint to almond, sample many flavors of chocolate, fair trade coffee, tea, and of course hot chocolate. Free tasting. 10382 Donner Pass Road, Truckee. Call 582-0908.

Join volunteer outdoorsman Bill Holt and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for a one-day winter skills workshop, Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Begins with morning classroom and afternoon outdoor navigation. Map and compass will be provided; please bring lunch and winter clothing suitable for an afternoon of snowshoeing. The class will include challenges of winter navigation, using a map to navigate, hands-on exercises, using compasses and optional navigation with a GPS (bring your own GPS). Please register in advance as space is limited to 12 participants. Call the TRTA office at (775) 298-0012 or e-mail emilyw@tahoerimtrail.org.