DOWNTOWN

FEB 4 —So going to the dentist was never a high point for me during my formative years. But imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered Children’s Dental Health Day, a day when children ages 2 to 19 without dental insurance are eligible for X-rays, sealants, fluoride treatment, fillings and extractions! (Cleanings are not included.) Going to the dentist isn’t the same as it was when I was a kid. My kids get to wear cool sunglasses and stare at fun cartoony murals. Anyhew, this event offers dental care to children whose families do not have dental insurance or funds to provide care. Services are donated by Clark College, Clark County Dental Society, Clark County Public Health, Free Clinic of Southwest Washington and Greater Southwest Washington Dental Hygiene Association. Funding is provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities and Washington Oral Health Foundation. It’s really just so cool! Thanks to everyone who donates the time and money to make this happen! (Clark College Dental Hygiene Clinic, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way; FREE: Saturday, Feb. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; children will be seen by appointment only, call 397-8020, 397-8010 or 397-8000 ext. 7371 to schedule an appointment; contact Melody Scheer at 397-8020 or Melody.Scheer@clark.wa.gov for more info.)

FEB. 5 — I am a firm believer that the true meaning of art is created not only by the trained artist, but by the average person who sees artistically. In “MYTH & LEGEND,” the annual non-juried show presented by North Bank Gallery, the shackles separating the two groups are removed, allowing Jane Q. Public and any other level of artist, old or young, to express themselves visually. As they said, “Anything that comes in the door, we take it, and find a place on the wall to hang it. This has historically resulted in some of North Banks most eclectic and lively shows.” Need I say more? I will. I think this might be the best show in Clark County this year. Certainly the most diverse. LOVE IT! (North Bank Gallery, 1005 Main Street, Vancouver; FREE; Friday, Feb. 5 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.; call Kathi Rick at 693-1840 or go to www.northbankartistsgallery.com for more info.)

Feb. 13 — Llew and Thomas have fashioned a romantic and fun 6th Live at the Fries concert “Fleurs et Chocolat” on this Valentine’s Day Eve. Each show has a diverse and eclectic mix of classical, jazz, folk and popular music designed to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes. They usually offer treats too! Me thinks there might be chocolate in this one… (Fries Auditorium at Washington State School for the Blind; 2214 E. 13th St.; Saturday, February 13th at 2pm and 8pm; tickets $12 matinee and $16 evening, tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com; call 1-800-838-3006 for more info.)

NORTH

Feb. 14 — It’s time for the Valentines Day Chocolate & Wine Tour, a perfect way to pass the bottle and the time. Grab a group of friends, rent a limo and cruise the NO CO in style drinking fine wines with your honey by your side. Six of Southwest Washington’s most excellent wineries will welcome visitors for the pairing of chocolate and wine tasting. Yummy, yummy, yummy I got Merlot in my tummy. (Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Bethany Vineyards and Winery, 4155 NE 259th St. in Ridgefield, www.bethanyvineyards.com; Rusty Grape Vineyard, 16712 NE 219th St., in Battle Ground, www.rustygrapevineyard.com; Three Brothers Vineyard & Winery, 2411 NE 244th St. in Ridgefield, www.threebrotherswinery.com; Confluence Vineyards and Winery, 19111 NW 67th Ave. in Ridgefield, www.confluencewinery.com; East Fork Cellars, 24415 NE 10th Ave. in Ridgefield.)

NORTHWEST

Through Feb. 26 — For the third year, the creative little mini Cougs, preschoolers aged three to five, are the artists to be seen on campus. Artwork created by the CDP children showcases their natural curiosity and free-flowing creativity, while reflecting their individuality and personal interpretations of the world around them. These kids used traditional and non-traditional art media in unique ways — exploring and experimenting as they went. There are examples of creative art and art focused on fine art, photography, literature and nature. Not bad for a bunch of preschoolers! (WSU Vancouver Library, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave.; FREE; now through Feb. 26, Mon. - Thurs., 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m, and Sat. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; contact Erin Dengerink Madarang at 546-9551 or madarang@vancouver.wsu.edu or Brenda Alling at 360-546-9601 or brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu for more info.)

CENTRAL

FEB. 13 — Look out! Bride-zilla is on the move. Fortunately, brides, grooms and family will find thrilling wedding-related information at this Bridal Show! Photographers, caterers, wedding dress/tuxedo boutiques and more will be on-site to answer all of your questions. Consider it one stop shopping for weddings. Hey, East Couv is known for convenience. Join 104.1 The Fish Radio and the Firstenburg Community Center as they host a free wedding at 2 pm out in the courtyard during the Bridal Show. I wonder if they are serving enough cake for all of us? Normally free would entice, but the idea of all those brides and their mothers makes me, um, RSVP sorry! (Firstenburg Community Center,700 NE 136th Ave.; FREE; Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; call 487-7005 ext. 4 or email rebecca.bafus@ci.vancouver.wa.us for more info.)

EAST

FEB. 13 - 14 — I’m not quite sure why Camas Performing Arts is presenting “Vancouver USA Singers” in a Washougal venue, but we’ll call it multiculturalism, Clark County style. Celebrating “A Century of The American Musical!” the 80 member choir will perform hit Broadway show tunes. Now, if you love someone, share the gift of show tunes; that’s what I always say. Come and enjoy hits from Broadway musicals from the last 100 years, featuring the works of greats such as Cohan, Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and many others. (Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th Street; Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. and February 14th at 3 p.m.; tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for children 4 - 18, under 4 free; call 834-7807 or go to www.eccgas.org/artists/vancouver-usa.htm for more info.)