1. Thread the needle
Making things yourself is all the rage these days. Learn some new quilting techniques at Clark County Quilter’s Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 12-13 at WareHouse ’23, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver. Guest lecturer Katie Pedersen, a Seattle author, will present a two-day workshop: “Improv Strip Piecing” on Jan. 12 and “Double Trouble” on Jan. 13. The cost is $65 for Clark County Quilters members and $90 for non-members (includes membership). Online registration required; no drop-ins. Pedersen wrote the book “Quilting Modern” and specializes in mixing improvisational quilting methods with traditional designs. clarkcountyquilters.org/workshop_jan2017-18.html
2. Say anything
The microphone is open for business. Climb on stage and say your piece at the Writer’s Open Mic from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, 205 E. 39th St., Vancouver. The theme of this month’s open mic is “Beginnings.” Poetry and short stories may be read. Sign-up starts at 5:30 p.m. with readings starting at 6. The full food and drink menu will be available. 360-448-7651 or lattedacoffeehouse.com/event/writers-open-mic-night-7
3. A helping hand
Help plant some new trees to keep the greenery growing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 13 as part of the Central Vancouver Neighborhood Planting With Friends Of Trees at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 400 S. Andresen Road Vancouver. Volunteers are invited to the staging site at 8:45 a.m. to enjoy breakfast treats and coffee or hot chocolate. Planting starts promptly at 9 a.m. Gloves and tools will be provided. Just dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Neighborhood volunteers will also provide a potluck lunch for all volunteers after the planting is complete. A signed youth waiver is required for those 18 and younger to volunteer. The group requests those 15 and younger are accompanied by an adult. 360-487-8324 or friendsoftrees.org
4. Pretend you’re Einstein
It usually takes years of hard work, education and money to become a scientist, but you can do it for free by just showing up to Second Saturday at the Water Center: Be a Scientist from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver. Explore different fields of science with interactive activities. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 360-487-7111 or www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/page/second-saturday-water-center
