MAR. 12 — I am happy to announce the FIRST ANNUAL FORT VANCOUVER RUN. Starting and ending at the Columbia Credit Union Grand Central Shopping Center location, this is a 5K & 10K Walk/Run along with a kids run. Registration includes t-shirt, food and prizes. Registration and packet pick-up is at Fit Right Northwest at 700 SE 16th Ave. (fitrightnw.com). Sponsors include The Rock Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits, Columbia Credit Union, Fit Right Northwest, Team Quest Fight Club, Fred Meyers, and many more. Bring it! (Grand Central Shopping Center, 2500 Columbia House Blvd.; 7a.m. gear check-in, 8-8:15 run starts, 10 a.m. awards/festivities; $28-35 with shirt included; email thefortvancouverrun@gmail.com or visit vancouverrun.com for more info.)

MAR. 13 & 19 — As the economy suffers its downturn, or recession, or depression, or whatever term you want to call this fly-infested, stanky carnage of deregulation, people and businesses need to share with each other so we can all find a way through this. The NON-PROFIT NETWORK OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON is hosting two workshops this month do just that.

On March 13, meet to discuss LEADING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES...MOVING FORWARD. Experts in key areas will share perspectives and resources. (EB Hamilton Hall at the Vancouver Historic Reserve, 605 Barnes Rd., 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.; $42 - $46; call 735.7110 or visit nonprofitnetworkwa.org for more info.)

On March 19, find out more about BOARD ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES. This workshop will include nuts-and-bolts tools helping those of you in the “the big picture” thinking of being on a board, as well as how to build an effective agenda, find an easy process for doing an annual board assessment, and share some strategies for successful board recruitment. The presenter will be LIZ HEATH, Executive Director & Principal Consultant of The Nonprofit Center in Tacoma. Liz has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector as facilitator, trainer and speaker with a special emphasis on nonprofit governance. (YWCA Clark County, 3609 Main St., 4-7:30 p.m.; $40-$50; call 735.7110 or visit nonprofitnetworkwa.org for more info.)

MAR. 14 - 15 — KID KONSIGN NW will host their second annual sale this month. Kids Konsign NW throws two kids consignment events each year – one in spring and one in fall. These sales are a way for parents or other family members to buy and sell like-new and gently-used kids clothing, toys, gear, furniture, and the like to other parents whose children have outgrown them. Organizers expect to draw 500+ shoppers and consigners with nearly 2k items. This sale will feature spring/summer items. (Red Lion at the Quay Centennial Center, 100 Columbia St.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; free; call 909.9552 or visit kidkonsignnw.com for more info.)

MAR. 17 — Attend the 18th ANNUAL PADDY HOUGH PARADE. The Hough School and neighborhood’s namesake, Patrick Hough, was an Irish immigrant and pioneer educator in Vancouver, serving as the assistant superintendent for the Vancouver school in the late 1800s to early 1900s. As the luck of the Irish would have it, Paddy Hough was born on St. Patrick’s Day. Seriously. Each year the Hough Foundation throws the parade in his honor. The theme of this year’s parade is, “YES WE CAN”, which sounds awfully familiar. Expect bagpipers, marching bands, cars, and more bagpipes. (Uptown Village, on Main St.; call 313.2107 or email Barbara.Hammon@vansd.org for more info.)

MAR. 21 — THE VANCOUVER FARMERS MARKET IS OPEN!! Three cheers, eh? The Vancouver Farmers Market is a pet-friendly market, and is home to over 200 vendors. You’ll be sure to find fresh produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, delicious food, pet treats, and accessories for yourself, home, or garden, from its many unique artisans. You can chat with the people who have grown or made your purchase, grab a bite to eat, listen to music, stroll through the park, watch the kids play, and enjoy a wonderful, relaxing day. (Sixth and Esther Streets near Esther Short Park; Saturdays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

MAR. 22 — It’s WORLD WATER DAY! People around the world (even in Djibouti) are going to celebrate, come hell or high water. Some say this is not an important day, but frankly their arguments just don’t hold water. I mean, you could get rid of the day, but you don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater! Water is life. Besides, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. Okay, I’m done. (Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth St.; Noon-5 p.m.; free; call 487.7111, email bev.walker@ci.vancouver.wa.us or visit cityofvancouver.us/watercenter for more info.)

MAR. 21 — GRAND OPENING of the new AMERICAN RED CROSS CLARK COUNTY BLOOD DONATION CENTER near the Westfield Vancouver Mall. Mayor Pollard will cut the ribbon, and Burgerville will be hosting the food. Both KUPL and KINK will be broadcasting live with giveaways and prizes throughout the day. Face-painting for the kids and Jolly Molly the clown will be there (better than Pennywise, for sure!). Learn about the Red Cross in your community, including training and life-saving skills. Be a part of this special day by giving blood. All presenting donors will receive a special commemorative pin. (New American Red Cross Clark County Blood Donor Center, 5109 NE 82nd Ave., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free; call 503.528.5731, email matthewd@usa.redcross.org, or visit nwblood.redcross.org for more info.)

MAR. 12 — I’m sure you have heard of First Friday by now, but have you heard of Second Thursday? Me neither, but Around the Table is hosting a SECOND THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR AND WINE TASTING, so who can complain? March is Spanish Wines Month, so the evening will focus on Spanish wines and heavy tapas. (Around the Table, 316 NE Dallas, Camas; 4 - 9 p.m.; $15; call 834.0171 for more info.)