When I received notice of the AAUW Great Explorations program, coming in March (see Page 2), I wanted to take the opportunity to share with our readers what a fantastic opportunity this is for 5th-8th grade girls. The program is $5 and includes a lunch. (Scholarships are available.)

My daughter, who is now 22, participated years ago and loved it. When I texted to ask if she remembered going to a science program at Whitman College she said, “Yes! I was just thinking about that the other day and was trying to remember what it was!” It obviously made a lasting impression.

“I remember they let me take a cow heart home for you to cook, but you threw it away,” she said. I don’t recall that, but I won’t say she’s wrong.

The point I would like to make is that this program is top notch and an amazing local opportunity for young girls to be inspired by accomplished women. This year’s speaker is a Wa-Hi graduate and NASA scientist Liz MacDonald.

Girls may choose from six of 30 science-related workshops ranging from building and flying drones to discovering how DNA evidence solves crimes. Learn more and register at http://www.gewallawalla.com while space is still available. There are few better ways a young lady could spend a Saturday.

While we’re on the topic of education, I also noticed that Walla Walla Community College is offering a wide variety of practical and continuing education classes starting over the next few weeks.

Michael Kiesbuy will teach a class on Streaming Music & Video in February and March. Here is the blurb from the class: “Learn how many people are cutting the cord on cable and satellite services. This class will cover how to use and enjoy the many streaming services available through your high-speed internet connection at your home and on mobile devices. We will take the time to enjoy the music we discover while learning at a relaxed pace. Services such as ROKU, Amazon Fire Stick, Netflix, HULU, Sling, Pandora, iHeart Radio, and many other streaming providers will be explored.”

The class is held on Tuesdays and Thurs Feb. 19-March 21 from 1-3 p.m. The fee is $109.80, but just think how quickly you could recover that if you cut cable!

Other offerings include:

Seeing Beyond the Third Dimension. This is a one-day class and, honestly, even after reading the description I still don’t totally understand it but it sounds interesting. The class uses video with 3D glasses, so I’m sure it will be fun.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Class. This course is so popular they’ve added additional offerings. Starts Feb. 15.

Oyster and Wine Pairing. Pair six oyster varieties with wines and champagne. Learn to shuck oysters and take home recipes and your own oyster knife. What’s not to like? Starts Feb. 16.

Outdoor Equipment Maintenance. Get ready for spring by learning to service and troubleshoot everything from your car and lawn mower to ATVs. Starts Feb. 20. I’m seriously considering this one. I wish they covered garbage disposals and washing machines because I’m having issues with both of mine. I think I’ll keep an eye on future offering. You never know . . .

And if you don’t want to go out of town, we have some hyper-local learning opportunities as well.

Kate Hockersmith meets weekly with kids interested in learning to play Bluegrass at 2:45 on Wednesday afternoons at the 10 Ton Press building in Waitsburg. She said all ages are welcome but prefers that children under 2nd or 3rd grades attend with a parent. Her current group ranges in age from 7 to high schoolers. Hockersmith said she also has some instruments to loan if a student is in need. Traditional bluegrass instruments are guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and bass. Call Kate at 337-8789 to learn more.

Aspiring artist can stop by 10 Ton Press at any time and take advantage of drawing supplies available for use. Practiced artists will be available to lend a hand during “Drawing Club” on Thursdays from noon-2 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

Artist Brianna Wray will teach an alternative collage class on Tues., Feb. 26 from 1-4 p.m. at 10 Ton Press. The cost is $25.

Dayton’s Wenaha Gallery often hosts art shows and demonstrations. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to keep updated.

And if all else fails, stop in at the Dayton or Waitsburg libraries and grab a good book. There is no excuse for not expanding your horizons.