(Red-breasted Nuthatch, photographed by Mark Wangerin – click image for larger view)

The Presidents Day weekend is about to begin – a four-day weekend for many, with Monday/Tuesday this year’s abbreviated “mid-winter break” for many local schools. Here are five ways to kick it off:

WINE TASTING: 5-9 pm, West Seattle winery Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) opens its tasting room for regular Friday-night hours. (5910 California SW)

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Not in West Seattle but you might want to go crosstown to cheer on the WSHS girls-basketball team going for the Metro League title tonight, 5:45 pm, vs. Bishop Blanchet, at Ingraham HS. (1819 N. 135th)

CHOCOLATE TASTING: 6 pm class mixing chocolate-tasting and stretches, at Limber Yoga. Check to see if there’s still room. (6019 California SW)

CONCERT AND CHILD CARE! 7:30 pm at Alki UCC, the series benefiting West Seattle Helpline continues with “Spanish Romance – Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend with an evening of marvelous piano pieces by Spanish composers, sweeping serenades and festive folk songs. Featuring pianist Tim Strong and vocalist Karen Oleson. Make it a date night! Child care provided.” $15-$20 free-will offering suggested – if you can, bring checks made out to WS Helpline. Full details here. (6115 SW Hinds)

‘COMPANY’: Opening night for Twelfth Night Productions‘ presentation of Stephen Sondheim‘s Tony Award-winning “Company,” 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

MORE! … on our complete calendar.