The NW Film Center is always looking for volunteers, especially around festival time. If you’re interested in volunteering for this year’s Portland International Film Festival (which starts February 5), plan on attending the mandatory volunteer orientation. Volunteering is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of filmmaking, and you'll earn free admission to events at the NW Film Center. Here are the details for the 2009 orientation:

When: Thursday, January 22, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
(no need to RSVP, just show up).

Where: At the Portland Art Museum's: Field Ballroom
(Main floor of the Museum's Mark Building at 1119 SW Park Avenue)

If you have questions, e-mail the film center at volunteer@nwfilm.org.

Want to bike almost 20 miles around Portland, no matter how wet and cold it gets? That's the idea behind the Worst Day of the Year Ride. Now a Portland tradition, the ride happens on Sunday, February 15, and proceeds will benefit the Community Cycling Center and their bicycle safety programs.

3,000 people are expected to participate, which means the event needs lots of volunteers, many of whom will get to participate for FREE. Want to know more? Visit the Worst Day volunteer page or simply gear up and register to ride along.

If there's a wedding in your future, you probably don't need another item on your to-do list. But the Portland Bridal Show is this weekend (January 17 + 18) at the Oregon Convention Center and it could be just what you need to kick-start your planning.

Caterers, photographers, florists, limo companies—if it's related to weddings, you'll find it at the Portland Bridal Show. And by attending, you "shop around" without having to run all over town. Go to the show's website to print a discount coupon/code for the show, and then get your advance tickets through TicketsWest.

Find out what else is happening in Portland in January.

Are you a weekend food shopper? If so, you'll be happy to know that if you shop at New Seasons between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays or Sundays, you'll get to to experience their free tastings.

The store's website lists what samples will be available, so check it if you're curious. This weekend, it's all about citrus, from Cara Cara Oranges to Page Tangerines. Since I crave orange food, I think it's a not-to-be-missed event.