Tango lessons, opera previews, political town hall - it must be January at the Third Place Commons

As always, the Third Place Commons is bustling with life and activity. Here's a look ahead at the activities for January - find your favorites and mark your calendars.

Third Place Commons Community Calendar for January 2013

For information: 206-366-3302, or the webpage

17171 Bothell Way NE, upper level, by Third Place Books

Seattle Opera Preview 7-8pm

Thursday, January 3

Members of Seattle Opera’s education staff will lead an informal opera talk designed to give you a great orientation to their upcoming production of Cinderella.

Commons Art-In 10am-4pm

Saturday, January 5

Come make art at this free, drop-in creative time for drawing and painting artists. BYO art supplies (no oil paints/solvents, please). All levels of experience welcome! Look for the plastic-covered tables in the Commons.

Eduardo Mendonça Brazilian Jazz Combo 12:30-1:30pm

Saturday, January 5

This 9 piece Brazilian Jazz ensemble will liven up your day with traditional and contemporary Brazilian tunes using well known styles such as Samba and Bossa Nova.

A Dino of a Tale with Penny Holland 2:30-3:30pm

Monday, January 7

Come meet local children's book author and illustrator Penny Holland and listen to her read her newest book, The Adoption of Boris, about a boy who adopts a new toy dinosaur. Penny will also share her original artwork and provide some dinosaur themed crafts afterwards.

No Grades, No Tests, No Problem! 6-7pm

Monday, January 7

Schooling without testing is a viable educational option, with several successful approaches in our region. Students, parents and educators are all welcome to this discussion about education based on trust and responsibility instead of tests. For more information, email.

LFP Garden Club Meeting 9:15-11:30am

Tuesday, January 8

The Lake Forest Park Garden Club holds its monthly business meeting at 9:15, and a public program at 10:30. 

Playtime! 10am-11:30am

Wednesday, January 9,16,23,30

Join other parents, grandparents, and caregivers with children ages birth to 5 in front of the stage for art, games, and conversation, sponsored and led by the Shoreline Family Support Center.

Education Forum 7-9pm

Thursday, January 10

Education is a constitutional right. Come hear your 46th and 32nd District Legislators discuss issues affecting local schools. Sponsored by Shoreline PTA Council Legislation.

46th District Legislative Town Hall 1-3pm

Saturday, January 12

Come meet Senator David Frockt, Representative Gerry Pollet, and Representative-Elect Jessyn Farrel, who will share their priorities for the upcoming 2013 Legislative Session, and update citizens on the current budget situation impacting the state.

Introduction to Tango 2-2:30 pm

Saturday, January 19

Come get a taste of the Argentine Tango! Have fun and learn simple principles you can apply immediately, and take to your other dances as well.

Pinewood Derby 9am-4pm

Saturday, January 26

Cheer for local Cub Scouts as they race their cars in this annual competition.

Computer Q and A 2:30-4pm

Sunday, January 27

Ask questions and get user-friendly answers during this free workshop. This month, we will walk through the five most common reasons why your computer can slow down, and what you can do to make it speedier.

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for the annual Third Place Commons Breakfast on Thursday, February 14, from 7 to 8:29 am. Tickets cost $40 per person, or you can buy a table for 8 friends for $300. Available online, or from the Bookstore cashiers. Come celebrate the heart of the community on Valentine’s Day, and support your Commons. Questions? Call 206-366-3302.