CINCINNATI MIGHTY DUCKS -- The Ducks tangle with Cleveland. 7:35 p.m. Saturday ... The Ducks defile Milwaukee. 3:05 p.m. Sunday. ... $15-$5. Cincinnati Gardens, Seymour Ave., Roselawn. 513-562-4949.

KENTUCKY PRO CATS -- The area's only professional basketball team battles Chicago. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $10-$5. Thomas More Convocation Center, 333 Thomas More Pkwy., Crestview Springs, KY. 859-655-9372.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSIY MEN'S BASKETBALL -- The Norsemen contest SIU Edwardsville. 7:45 p.m. Thursday. ... The Norseman collide with Lewis. 3:15 p.m. Saturday. ... $5. Regent's Hall, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSIY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- The Norse storm Lewis. 1 p.m. Saturday. ... $5. Regent's Hall, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI MEN'S BASKETBALL -- The 'cats battle St. Louis. 8:05 p.m. Tuesday. $20. Shoemaker Center, University of Cincinnati, Clifton. 513-556-CATS.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- The Bearcats smash St. Louis. 7 p.m. Friday. ... The Bearcats tangle with Memphis. 3 p.m. Sunday. $5. Shoemaker Center, University of Cincinnati, Clifton. 513-556-CATS.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- The Muskies maul St. Joseph's. 7 p.m. Monday. $5. Cintas Center, Xavier University, Avondale. 513-745-3411.

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL -- The Cincinnati Dockers Australian Football Club is preparing for the upcoming season and is seeking anyone interested in playing or becoming an official. Full instruction is provided. 513-251-4158.

CHESS AND BID WHIST CLUBS -- Find out how your game matches up with beginners and pros. Cards and chessboards provided. 2-6 p.m. Saturdays. The Greenwich, 2442 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills. 513-221-1151.

CINCINNATI BLADE BRIGADE, INC. -- Free in-line skate lessons are offered at 6:30 p.m. every other Monday. 513-648-9000. Loveland Bike Trail, Loveland. 513-852-0898.

CINCINNATI FLYING PIG MARATHON -- Now registering for the fourth annual race which takes place May 5. Pre-registration: $60. To register, call 513-721-PIGS or www.flyingpigmarathon.com

CINCINNATI FRONT RUNNERS -- Gay and lesbian runners and walkers meet Saturdays at 9:15 a.m. in the parking lot across the street from Spring Grove Cemetery's main gate; Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. in the Mount Storm parking lot; and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. at the gazebo in Eden Park. 513-621-6363.

CINCINNATI MARLIN MASTERS SWIMMING -- This year-round adult fitness program runs through Keating Natatorium at St. Xavier High School. Practices are offered Monday-Thursday and Sunday. 513-761-3320 or 513-761-SWIM.

CINCINNATI NATURE CENTER -- Come enjoy the great outdoors at three different locations: Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; Gorman Heritage Farms, 3035 Gorman Heritage Farm Lane, Reading; and Long Branch Farm, 6926 Gaynor Road, Goshen. Programs are offered to school groups and individuals year-round. $5-$1; free to CNC members. 513-831-1711.

CINCINNATI OUTDOOR GROUP -- COG is an informal group of energetic, fun, non-competitive outdoor enthusiasts 25-35 who enjoy self-organized outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, skiing and adventure travel. Holds a monthly potluck. 513-981-0801.

CINCINNATI PARK BOARD EVENTS -- "Nature Art" discovers our natural world through the eyes of budding young artists. 3:30-5 p.m. Thursdays through March 14. $30 city residents; $35 non-residents. LaBoiteaux Woods, College Hill. To register, call 513-542-2909. ... "LaBoiteaux Woods Preschool Camp" looks at a different nature topic each week by way of games, crafts, stories, music and other like-minded activities. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Fridays through March 15. $30 city residents; $35 non-residents. ... "Picture Book Story Hour" is a program for kids and their guardian. 10-11 a.m. Fridays through Feb. 22. Free. LaBoiteaux Woods, College Hill. 513-542-2909. ... "Avon Woods Preschool Camp" looks at a different nature topic each week through games, crafts, stories, music and other like-minded activities. 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays through March 6. $22 city residents; 27 non-residents. Avon Woods, North Avondale. 513-861-3435. ... "Pre Spring Show -- A Gardener's Sanctuary" provides a glimpse into whimsical world of a gardener's home, greenhouse and gardens, and also shows you how to become involved as a volunteer gardener. Through Feb. 24. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free. Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. 513-421-5707. ... Explore the quiet mysteries of winter outdoors with "Winter Nature Explorers." For children, age 6-8. 3:30-5 p.m. Mondays through March 11. $30 city residents; $35 non-city. LaBoiteaux Woods, College Hill. 513-542-2909 ... "Trails and Tales Story Hour" is offered to preschoolers and they're parents. After the story the children will be introduced to live and mounted animals and birds. Thursdays through Feb. 28. Free. Trailside Nature Center/Burnet Woods, Clifton. 513-751-3679. ... Enjoy "Natures Crystal Palace" with this tour of winter's wonders. 3-4:30 Friday. Free. Kennedy Heights Park, Kennedy Heights. 513-861-3435. ... "Walk-Look-Listen Club" invites older adults to enjoy bird watching, wild flowers, and brunches in the parks. 1-4 p.m. (times vary) Saturday. $3 yearly due. Various Cincinnati parks and nature centers. 513-861-3435 ... "How is Gardening Therapeutic?" teaches one how to grow a healthy and fruitful garden via several different techniques. Noon Saturday. Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. 513-352-4080. ... Free story hours are offered for preschoolers and their guests. 9:30 a.m. Thursdays. Free. Trailside Nature Center/Burnet Woods, Clifton. 513-751-3679. ... "Parsing the Paw-Paw" is fun, and Chris Chmiel, a native plant entrepreneur, shows why these trees are interesting, too. Refreshments provided. 7:30-9 p.m. Friday. Free. Avon Woods Nature Preserve, North Avondale. 513-861-3434. ... Enjoy "Capturing Nature Through the Seasons" with artists who teach you how to paint well. Materials list will be provided. Reservations required. 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday. California Woods Nature Preserves, California. 513-231-8678. ... "Meet the Presidents" celebrates American presidents and their trees. Meet in the Krohn Conservatory Lobby. 2-3:00 p.m. Saturday. Free. Presidential Grove, Eden Park. 513-231-8678 ... Learn "The Mysterious Makings of Maple Syrup" and taste maple sap directly from a tree as well as more maple-related surprises. Reservations required by Feb. 7. 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m. Saturday. Caldwell Nature Center, Carthage. 513-761-4313. ... "The Garden Inspires Art" imparts some creative ideas for use in your garden. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. 513-352-4080. ... Enjoy "The Garden is Alive with Art!" by way of various expert-guided programs. Noon-4 p.m. Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. 513-352-4080 or gardenersnetwork.org

CINCINNATI SINGLES GOLF -- The Cincinnati chapter of the American Singles Golf Association holds its monthly meeting. 6-8 p.m. Monday. $70 per year. The Golf in Tri-County, 455 E. Tri-County Pkwy. Springdale. 513-588-0271.

CINCINNATI TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION -- For the love of a game that used to called Ping-Pong. 6:30-11 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Xavier University Field House, 3900 Winding Way, Evanston. 513-244-6008.

DUDE RANCH HORSEBACK RIDING -- Visit the Dude Ranch for daily horseback riding and cattle drives complete with Texas Longhorns and professional wranglers. Ripple Creek Farm, 3205 Waynesville Road, Morrow. 513-956-8099 or www.theduderanch.com.

EMERALD MILES 5K RUN/WALK -- Now registering for The Epilepsy Council of Greater Cincinnati's second annual race which takes place March 16 in Covington. Pre-registration: $10 race only; $20 for T-shirt and goodie bag. To register, call 513-721-2905 or www.ecgc.net

FIGURE SKATING -- Join the Figure Skating Club of Cincinnati. All ages and skating levels welcome, and both lessons and competition offered. ... 4-6 p.m. Sundays; 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays. Sports Plus, Reading Road, Evendale. ... 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Cincinnati Gardens, Seymour Avenue, Roselawn. 513-321-0428 or 513-752-6085.

GOGGIN ICE ARENA -- Offers Summer KidSkate group ice skating lessons. Session I and Session II are in session. ... Offers public skating sessions. 7:30-9 p.m. Fridays; 3-4:30 p.m., 7:30-9 p.m. Saturdays; 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays. ... Moonlight and noon skating. 9:30-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Ages 17 and up. ... Noon skating. Noon-12:50 p.m. Fridays. $1.50. ... $2, Miami students; $3, high school students, faculty and staff; $4 for all others. $1.50 for skate rental. Goggin Ice Arena, Miami University, Oxford. 513-529-3343.

HAMMERHEADS -- The international network of divers with chapters is recruiting members for the Cincinnati chapter. The scuba diving enthusiasts get together to explore their local waters. They also hold dive-related field trips and parties. 513-521-3483.

HAMILTON COUNTY PARK DISTRICT -- Valid Hamilton County Park District Motor Permit is required to enter the parks. $1 daily, $3 annually. 513-521-PARK.

HEART MINI-MARATHON -- Now registering for its 25th running, which takes place March 24 in downtown Cincinnati. $25 pre-registration; $30 after March 13. To register, call 513-281-4048.

HOMEPLATE ACADEMY -- Now accepting applications for fast pitch instruction for girls ages 7-14. For location, times, rental and signup information, 513-768-1958 or fax 513-665-4369.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP VOLLEYBALL -- Meets the first Saturday of each month beginning in April. 513-325-4615.

MARTIAL ARTS CENTER CLASSES -- Karate is more than the art of self-defense. Self-confidence and self-discipline come with practice. New, intermediate and advanced students welcome. 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Free introductory class; $7.50 per class. Martial Arts Center, 1718 Queen City Ave., Western Hills. 513-257-3724.

MEDIEVAL MARTIAL ARTS -- Weekly Medieval martial arts practice for the local branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism, using metal armor with rattan weapons to learn the skills of the medieval knight. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. Immanuel Church of Christ, 1520 Queen City Ave., Fairmount. w3.one.net/~scotty/fenix.

MIAMI UNIVERSITY RECREATIONAL SPORTS CENTER -- Hosts "Family Fun Days," which welcomes swimmers of all levels to challenge themselves at the rolling water log, master your kayaking skills and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday. $3 members and students; $8 for everyone else. 513-529-1844. ... Now registering for upcoming outdoor pursuit center trips and workshops. Call 513-529-1991 or www.muohio.edu/outdoor.

NORTHLAND ICE SKATING -- Offers public skating, open hockey, skate classes, hockey leagues and figure skating clubs for those interested. Hours vary. Admission: $6; Skate Rental: $2. 10400 Reading Road, Evendale. 513-563-0008 or 800-563-9358.

QUEEN CITY RUGBY -- Looking for players, new or used. Rookie season is free. If you practice, you play. 888-RUCK-OVER.

RUGBY LEAGUE -- No experience (or pads) needed. Men and women wanted to play, coach, administrate or just watch. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games on Saturdays. For locations, 513-684-1166 or 800-CIN-KELT.

SIERRA CLUB -- Join the Miami Group Sierra Club for their weekly trek into the woods. 7 p.m. The first, third and fifth Friday of the month meet at the Kemper Road Playground at Sharon Woods. Second and fourth Friday of the month meet at the Oval in Mt. Airy Forest. 841-0111. ... National conservation organization encouraging protection of the environment for families and the future. Weekly activities include hiking, backpacking, biking and canoeing/kayaking. 7:30 p.m. first Monday of every month. Raymond Walters College auditorium, 9555 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash. 513-841-0111.

SIN CITY (CINCINNATI) HASH HOUSE HARRIERS & HARRIETS -- A drinking club with a running problem. Go chasing Hare(s) on alternating Saturdays at venues all around town, 5K to 10K. Only the Hare knows where it's going -- but it always leads to beer. $5. Call for next run start time and location. 513-956-7234.

TAE KWON DO -- Tiger's Lair Martial Arts offers Classical Tae Kwon Do classes. The first two classes are free. 7:30-830 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. To reserve a free class, 513-225-KICK.

TEN STAR ALL STAR BASKETBALL CAMP -- Now accepting applications for summer 2002 camp. Former attendees include Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Grant Hill and many more. Boys and girls ages 10-19 are eligible to apply through April. For a free brochure, call 704-568-6801.

TOUR DE WEDNESDAY -- Tour de Wednesday is a Cincinnati Cyclery Club activity for intermediate bicyclists. Morning start times vary. Every Wednesday. All riders must wear ANSI-approved bicycle helmets. 513-831-0746.

ULTIMATE FRISBEE LEAGUE -- Is a co-ed, non-contact, team sport organization. Call for details. 513-351-2429 or www.cincyultimate.org.

WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL -- An insane combination of flesh and metal. Weekly games. Able-bodied players welcome, extra wheelchairs provided. 513-755-2427.

WHEELCHAIR SPORTS -- Games held weekly for all ages and disabilities. Non-disabled are welcome. Extra wheelchairs provided. 513-792-8625.

personals | classifieds | cover | news | columns | music | movies | arts | dining | listings | classifieds | mediakit | home