Vancouver

Vanessa Grace of Soul Amplified will lead a workshop about the spiritual aspects of autumn from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Self Balance Massage, 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Autumn is the transition between the outward-focused, fast pace of summer and inward-focused, slow pace of winter. Students will learn how to “live the autumn life” in preparation for winter, the art of releasing and the significance of endings. Grace will lead participants in a guided mediation, leaf release ritual and journaling. The cost is $30, including a digital workbook. For details, email [email protected].

Learn about your tenant and survivor rights as renters with YWCA Clark County and Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program’s Housing Justice Project during a workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at YWCA Clark County, 3609 Main St., Vancouver. Participants will learn about their rights and responsibilities as tenants, common housing issues and available legal resources. The workshop will also provide information specifically for survivors of domestic violence, including housing protections and considerations and resources to support housing stability. Register at eventbrite.com/e/tenant-rights-workshop-tickets-2002166313340.

Metropolitan Performing Arts will offer K-Pop Dance Workshops on Nov. 8, Dec. 6 and Jan. 17, taught by Caitlin Bui. From 1:30-3 p.m. Nov. 8, kids 12-18 will learn “Iconic by Mistake” by Katseye, Illit and Le Serrafim. From 1:30-3 p.m. Dec. 6, kids 12-18 will learn “The Feels.” The Jan. 17 class from 3:30-5 p.m. is for kids ages 8-12. Each class is $25.

Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver, offers First Friday Open Sculpting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Bring your own inspiration or choose from a variety of simple, beginner-friendly projects including mugs, vases, gnomes and animal sculptures. A clay instructor will teach you the basics of sculpting up to two pounds of clay into your own unique creation. No prior pottery experience is needed. Kilnfolk staff will fire and glaze your piece with the color of your choice and it will be ready for pick up about a month after the workshop. A separate custom glazing session is available at an additional cost. The workshop is $50 per person; sign up at kilnfolkclay.com.

Ballroom Dance Vancouver will host Sunday Ballroom and Latin Group Classes from 4-6 p.m. Sundays at Dance Fusion/Northwest Classical Ballet, 14511 N.E. 10th Ave., Vancouver. Beginning classes are 4-5 p.m. and advanced classes are 5-6 p.m. The cost is $15 for ages 12 and older. Learn more at ballroomdancevancouver.com, by emailing [email protected] or calling 503-789-3023.

Preparing to take the U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) Test? Attend this ongoing U.S. Citizenship class to help you prepare for the test and interview. The class and study materials are provided free of charge. Presented in partnership with Goodwill Industries. Classes held weekly on Thursdays from 3–5 pm.

Walk-ins welcome.

¿Se está preparando para obtener la ciudadanía (naturalización) de los Estados Unidos? Asista a este curso en continua, que lo ayudará a prepararse para al examen y la entrevista. Las clases y los materiales se proporcionarán de forma gratuita. Este evento es presentado con la colaboración de Goodwill Industries.

Todos los Jueves de 3 a 5 pm.

Clark County Green Neighbors will host “Low Waste Holiday: Save Money, Make Memories,” a kid-friendly workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Waste Connections of Washington 9411 NE 94th Ave, Vancouver. This workshop shares simple ways to cut holiday waste while shifting the focus from buying “stuff” to creating experiences, family traditions, and lasting memories. Get low‑waste decorating ideas, experience‑based gift alternatives and tips for planning holiday meals and managing seasonal leftovers. Then families can make upcycled ornaments, bookmarks and gift tags from repurposed vinyl records and other reclaimed supplies.

Live in an apartment? Rent? Own? Everyone is invited to join this informative Recycling 101 class. Get all the details about our regional garbage and recycling system. Learn the basics about what to recycle curbside and why, and where items go after being picked up. If you are unsure if certain items can be recycled, bring those questions to this…

The Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, will offer a six-week class for beginning and intermediate bridge players from 10 a.m. to noon March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 and 9, instructed by Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master and an accredited ACBL and Better Bridge Instructor. Topics include opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles, doubler’s rebid, balancing and other doubles. Each lesson will also include handouts and practice boards for hands-on experience. The cost is $10 per lesson or $50 for all six.

Traditional Okinawan Kenpo and Kobudo classes are taught in a small dojo with personalized instruction by Eric Sensei, a 9th dan Shihan. Classes are adult-oriented, and children are welcome when accompanied by a parent for each class, offering families a chance to participate. Remote classes are also available for those who are not local. Monthly rates are offered with no contracts, and the first month is free.

The Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington hosts Enhance Fitness for adults age 60 and older. Instructors tailor evidence-based exercises to each person’s ability, from seated to full mobility. Pre-registration is not required. Classes are free. First-time attendees should arrive early to register on-site. Classes are offered in Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Camas and Washougal.

• Classes at Battle Ground Senior Center, 116 N.E. Third St., Battle Ground, are 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Classes at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 N.E. 159th St., Brush Prairie, are 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Classes at Lacamas Lake Lodge, 227 N.E. Lake Road, Camas, are 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Classes at the Washougal Senior Center, 1681 C St., Washougal, are 8:30-9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Are you new to genealogy or looking for a refresher? Join us for this three-part series to start digging into your family history. We will help you get off on the right foot!

• Sep 17: Basics of Genealogy — Learn how to use library databases, including Ancestry.
• Oct 15: Genealogy Research Tools & Procedures — Discover tools to help you effectively organize your family history searches.
• Nov 19: Research Strategies & Tips — Explore out-of-the-box search methods and tips for locating hard-to-find ancestors.

A Hall Artworks and Studio will offer a beginner-friendly Ornament Make-and-Take Workshops from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 22 and Dec 13 at 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 300, Vancouver. Nathun Finkhouse will guide attendees through the process of painting wooden ornaments to take home. Choose from four designs or make your own. Supplies will be provided. Bring painting clothes or an apron. The cost is $33.85.

Sophie Wegecsanyi of Self-Balance Massage will lead a guided meditation and visualization session from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday mornings at 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy a gentle guided meditation and visualization designed to calm the mind, reconnect you with yourself and create space for greater peace, focus and purpose. The fee is $20.

The nonprofit Taoist Tai Chi Society will host Introductory Taoist Tai Chi classes from 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 17-Jan. 2 (except Dec. 5) at Vancouver United First Methodist, Jason Lee Hall, 403 E. 33rd St., Vancouver. Start at the first session or attend any session. Try a class or two before deciding to continue. For more details, email [email protected].

“Friday Frolic” Scottish Country Dance Classes are 7:30-9 p.m. Fridays at Columbia Dance Center, 1700 Broadway, Vancouver. New dancers are welcome. No partner or special clothing is needed, though soft-soled shoes are recommended. The cost is $8 at the door and the first class is free. Learn more at facebook.com/RscdsSwws.

Odd Bone Crafts will lead a DIY Trollarium Workshop from 5-6 p.m. Nov. 20 at Magpie Dreams Collective, 1001 Main St., Suite B, Vancouver (directly underneath Short & Sweet bubble tea shop). Create your very own troll dome with trinkets and personalized details. All supplies are included in the $15 price. Register at instagram.com/0ddbonecrafts/.

Patching 4 Wellness will offer an informational session about phototherapy from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 18 at Hi There Juice Co, an underground event space 1701 1/2 Broadway, Vancouver; access is only via stairs. Attendees will learn about phototherapy, sometimes called light therapy or photobiomodulation. Explore the science and hear how this approach can support the body’s natural processes. Another session will be offered at the same time on Dec. 3.

C.A.L.M. (communicate, assess, listen, mediate) is a free, NAMI Southwest Washington presentation focused on understanding mental health crises, practical de-escalation techniques, and reducing stigma. Training sessions happens from 11 a.m. to noon on the third Wednesday of every month. This training is especially valuable for businesses and community organizations which may encounter someone experiencing a mental health crisis. The presentation is part of “See Me,” a movement focusing on reducing mental health stigma, improving understanding of mental illness through personal stories, teaching communication skills and promoting positive interactions.

Learn Okinawan Kobudo in traditional classes held in a small dojo with personalized instruction. Classes are taught by Eric Sensei, a 9th dan Shihan in Okinawan Kenpo and Kobudo, and follow the way classes are taught in Okinawa. Instruction is adult-oriented, but children are welcome when accompanied by a parent. Remote classes are also available for those who are not local. Monthly rates are offered with no contracts, and the first month is free.

VanCity Ballroom offers Saturday social dancing and beginners’ lessons at 9212 N.E. Highway 99, Suite 110, in Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson starts at 7 p.m. followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 p.m. No partner or dance experience are required. Learn a new dance each week, from ballroom and Latin to swing and country. The cost is $10. Get more details at vancityballroom.com.

Community Development’s Learning Lab covers a new topic every month, from building permits and land use review to animal control and code enforcement. The lab meets 11 a.m.-noon on the third Thursday of every month in the Public Service Center, sixth floor training room 679, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. Presentations given by expert staff will include time for Q & A. Visit clark.wa.gov/community-development/learning-lab for this month’s topic and more details.