(Published Thursday July 24, 2008)

Here are some local events happening today:

Gardeners Mini-College, all day, CH2M Hill Alumni Center, 725 S.W. 26th St. Workshops discuss rain gardens, gardening with native plants, bees, and an environmentally friendly approach to gardening. Information: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/ or minicollege2008@gmail.com.

Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave.

Bingo, 1 p.m., Corvallis Moose Lodge, 2240 S.W. Third St. Information: 758-1411.

Heartland Humane Society Benefit, 1 p.m., private residence, 2616 S.W. Brooklane Drive, Corvallis. Event will feature a short outdoor play, “The Grand Race,” based on Aesop’s fable of the tortoise and the hare, and music by Cool Conspiracy. Donations accepted at the door. Information: 207-3658.

Summer reading program: Henrik Bothe, physical comedy, 1 p.m., Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St., Philomath.

Summer reading program: Henrik Bothe, physical comedy, 3:30 and 7 p.m., Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave.

Teen library night, 5 to 7 p.m., Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St., Philomath. Information: 929-3016.

Southtown freestyle jam, 9 p.m., FireWorks Restaurant and Bar, 1115 S.E. Third St. Information:

754-6958.

For more information, see Friday’s Entertainer, the F.Y.I. column in each day’s edition or www.gazette

times.com. All events are open to the public and free unless otherwise indicated.