Simple items from your garage and house can be used and there will be discussion on binoculars and telescopes. Learn which lunar phases are best for observing, filters for various weather conditions, and how to maintain your optics. Get ready now. Two comets may be visible this year.

Free SCAS programs include prizes, discussions and advice from the friendly SCAS members. Refreshments follow the programs. For more call 305-661-1375 or visit www.scas.org.

SEE GIANT MODEL PLANES

Radio-control model plane pilots from all over the Southeastern United States will gather starting at 9 a.m., Feb. 16-17 for the 2013 Aero Modelers of Perrine (AMPS) Aerobatics Challenge at Silver Field, 20044 SW 168th St., 21/2 miles west of Krome Avenue on Southwest 168th Street.

The public is invited to this free family event. Food for purchase and prizes are available both days. Competition is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 16 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 17.

The pilots of these giant-scale model airplanes follow the same competition rules and regulations as their full-size counterparts. Pilots compete at five levels range from Basic to Unlimited. Pilots in the Unlimited class perform hair-raising aerial maneuvers you won’t soon forget. Some of the planes have wingspans over 10 feet and exceed $10,000 in value.

A $3 per-car parking donation will go to the Good Hope Equestrian Training Center, founded in 1999 to help persons with special needs with recreational, rehabilitative, educational and community-based training programs. For more info and directions check www.amps-rc.com.

VILLAGERS GARDEN TOUR

Order your tickets now for the Villagers’ 2013 “Garden Concepts” Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 2 in central Coral Gables. Tickets can be picked up the day of the event at 1138 Obispo Ave. or 1242 South Greenway Drive. Tickets are $25 for advance orders and $30 the day of the event. For advance orders, send a check payable to The Villagers, marked “Garden Tour,” with a self-addressed stamped envelope, no later than Feb. 23, to: The Villagers Inc., PO Box 141843, Coral Gables, FL 33114-1843. For more information contact Julie Petrella Arch at 305-460-6030 or mcatkst@aol.com.

This year’s tour will showcase the smaller gardens of do-it-yourselfers in an area that is part of the original Town Plan developed in the 1920s. Each year the famous Garden Tour allows guests to explore different landscape themes, designs and concepts at properties selected within the heart of the City Beautiful.

The 2013 tour will allow you to see examples of urban oasis in an edible community garden, a low maintenance garden, a native habitat garden and a children’s garden. A boutique with plants, garden art and other gift items for sale will be set up at Merrick House where refreshments will be served.

FREE FAMILY CONCERT

Miami’s own Alhambra Orchestra, with Zoe Zeniodi conducting, will present a free all-classical program featuring cello soloist Ross Harbaugh in the lyrical Elgar Cello Concerto at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Ransom-Everglades School, 3575 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove. The musicians also will perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 and the Overture to Don Giovanni by Mozart.

Alhambra Orchestra is now celebrating its 23rd season of making great music accessible to all. Parking for the concert is also free though donations are requested. No reservations needed except large groups should call in advance. For information, call 305-668-9260, or visit www.alhambramusic.org.