Less than 30 days until bare feet, beer and a bag of peanuts -- our annual trek to spring training. I started the day with a hairdryer in the basement, thawing out frozen water pipes. Where is my Expedia marker to X out the days? In the meantime, a few ways to feed the brain, and see/and be seen...

February 22 -- West Michigan PRSA, Networking event, The Bite, downtown Grand Rapids, 5:30 p.m. For details, contact anne_veltema@yahoo.com.

February 23 -- Ad Club of West Michigan, 2006 ADDY Awards. There's still time to get on the guest list. Like the Academy Awards, only better. This year's theme: Freaks and Geeks.

February 27 -- Grand Rapids Press Club, Protecting News Sources, top of the 5/3 building downtown Grand Rapids, lunch 12:30 p.m., remarks at 1 p.m. Cost: $14. To register, call 616-456-8623.

March 9 -- NW Alumni Club, Embracing New Media in the Converged Newsroom, Mercantile Bank, 310 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, reception at 5:30 p.m., presentation 6-7 p.m. Cost: $10. To register, e-mail jbauer@grpress.com.

March 15 -- Ad Club of West Michigan, Mega-Trends and Counter Trends: Creating Marketing Plans With Lasting Impact, presented by Susan Saurage-Altenloh, president of Saurage Research. Call 616-459-9196 for cost/information.

March 16 -- West Michigan PRSA, deadline for annual PRoof Awards. Applications online for programs, projects and individual award nominations. Mark your calendar for April 20, West Michigan PRSA PRoof Awards, Grand Rapids Press Club/University Club, reception at 5:45 p.m, dinner at 6:30 and awards at 7:30.