FRIDAY

Fighting the tide that this particular week in February is all about selling cars and cheap fares to Punta Gorda, as opposed to being mindful of the accomplishments of Washington, Lincoln and our other presidents, we nevertheless found some history-related activities that merit the attention of people who may share our like-minded (though definitely minority) view. This weekend, The John Brown House Museum (52 Power St., Providence) will be offering house tours with a floral theme (sort of like Flora in Winter at the WAM). These special tours are offered in collaboration with the annual Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show (also this weekend). Tours begin at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. today and tomorrow. For information, call 401-273-7505, ext. 62. And at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) in Boston today (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), investigate the events of the Boston Tea Party with a scavenger hunt and a tea tasting. Granted, the Boston Tea Party took place in December, but there's too much going on then — you'd have to put Santa in a Patriots uniform to get anyone to notice. And yes, both of these things are out of town, but if you can get yourself to Punta Gorda, you can manage Providence.

Here's another important thing to do: The city of Worcester's Community Coalition on Bias and Hate, in partnership with the Center for the Human Rights at Worcester State College, is hosting a Building Bridges of Understanding film series. The intent of the series is to offer an activity that continues to build upon a commitment by the city to create a welcoming and respectful community. The first offering is tonight (7-9 p.m., in the Eager Auditorium at Worcester State's Sullivan Academic Building, 486 Chandler St.), titled Lest We Forget: The Black Holocaust, an award-winning documentary and educational perspective not taught in most history books. The film will be followed by a music presentation and discussion. For more information, call 508-799-1186.

SATURDAY

Now that's a party: The folks at the Dudley Senior Center (40 Schofield Ave., Dudley) are raising some money by appealing to our affinity for gustatory decadence. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, they're having an event called Chocolate and Scents, an all-you-can-eat chocolate fondue. While you're slurping up the nectar of the gods, you can buy such things as handcrafted moisturizing soaps, incenses, "smellie jellies" (love the phrase — wish we'd though of it), candies and jewelry. There will also be a masseuse "giving hand massages." (What other kinds are there? It either means you're getting your hands massaged, or somebody's hands are massaging other things of yours.) Either way, it costs $1 a minute. And we're not going to say any more about that. For more info., call 508-949-8021.

One love: Everyone's invited to celebrate the life and music of Robert Nesta Marley, better known as Bob, Ziggy's dad. He's the man who started it all, reggae-wise, and the Worcester Public Library (Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square) pays tribute to this remarkable, gentle soul by presenting a documentary on his life, drumming, live music, exhibits from a mobile black history museum, a sampling of authentic Jamaican food and spoken-word poets. Don't miss the chance to get better acquainted with this troubadour of the people, whose smile (and music) could brighten anyone's day. For more information, call 508-410-1209. 

And speaking of musical legends: It's been 49 years this month since Charles Hardin Holley, J.P. Richardson and Richard Valenzuela and their pilot, Roger Peterson, were killed in a plane crash in Iowa. With the exception of Valenzuela (who was 18), all the men were in their 20s. The world is better acquainted with these men by their stage names — Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens — all popular and prominent early rock 'n' rollers. The occasion of their passing was called "the day the music died" by fellow musician Don ("American Pie") McLean. To recall the time, Theatre at the Mount (Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner) is performing Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story tonight at 8 p.m. This production recalls Holly's meteoric climb to the top of the charts to become the biggest-selling recording artist worldwide at the time of his death at 22. Lots of songs performed live in this one — like "Peggy Sue," "Chantilly Lace" (perhaps more a Big Bopper tune) and "That'll Be The Day." For more information, visit http://theatre.mwcc.edu or call 978-632-2403.  

SUNDAY

Hey, watch where you're going: Driving's a lot like sex — most of us think we're a lot better at it than we really are. We've all seen people on the streets who could use a little brushing up on their skills (behind the wheel, that is, for purposes of this discussion), and if we're honest, we'll admit to a vehicular failing or two ourselves. Here's your chance to do something about it. In Control Advanced Driver Training Classes, sponsored and certified by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, are half-day, hands-on instructional sessions that will help protect drivers from dangerous situations. This session goes beyond traditional driving classes and situations, teaching participants how to avoid, react and respond skillfully to emergency situations. This would make an ideal birthday, belated Valentine's Day or early graduation gift for a teenager you love. Today's session is at Worcester Regional Airport (375 Airport Drive) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. And it's the perfect spot — you won't be bothered by any traffic, aeronautic or otherwise. Just don't scare the deer. For more details and information, visit www.WeDriveInControl.com. o