Thursday, Jan. 18
Research (online)
9:30–11 a.m. - MinnesotaWorks.net
In this workshop learn how to identify which jobs, salaries and companies fit you best as you progress in your career. A key component of an effective job search is the right kind of research.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to learn everything you need to know to manage your career now AND in the future. This event is free to the public.
For more information go to co.washington.mn.us

Baby Storytime - Ages 0-24 Months
9:45-10:15 a.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Join us in singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing at this inclusive storytime for families with babies. This is a time for you and your baby to bond with one another through early literacy activities. It's also an opportunity for you to meet new friends in a welcoming environment.
This storytime is recommended for soon-to-be parents, developmental ages 0-2, and their grown-ups (siblings always welcome).
You are encouraged to attend the storytime that best meets your family’s developmental needs.
Registration is not required. Ages 0-5.

Library Play Date
10:30 a.m. to noon - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Stop by for the opportunity to play with your child(ren) in a literacy-focused environment. Each week will feature a variety of stations designed to strengthen fine motor skills, large motor skills and early literacy development. You may even meet a new friend or discover a new activity you enjoy!
This inclusive, welcoming program is recommended for developmental ages 0-8 years and their grown-ups (siblings always welcome).
No registration required.

Contraption Club
3:30-5 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Children ages 9-12 are welcome to join us to learn how to use a variety of technologies including 3D printers, a Glowforge laser cutter, a Cricut machine, an embroidery machine, TinkerCad, AdaFruit, and much more. No prior experience is required, librarians are on hand to assist you with the project of the day or free exploration.
No registration is required.

School Board Business Meeting
6–8 p.m. - District Service Center, 7362 E. Point Douglas Road E., Cottage Grove
The second meeting of each month will be a formal school board business meeting that is recorded and live-streamed. The meetings will provide time for comments to the board, staff presentations and will include items that require the board to take action or conduct a vote.
School board workshops are open to the public but do not include public participation.
Friday, Jan. 19
Vote early (absentee) for the Presidential Primary begins today
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Various Washington County locations
Starting Jan. 19, voters can cast their absentee ballot in-person for the Presidential Primary Election at the following Vote Centers through March 4.
For more information go to https://www.co.washington.mn.us/.

On Our Quilt Time
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Do you have a quilting project you are working on? Join fellow quilters for camaraderie, inspiration, and ideas. Bring your own sewing machine and project supplies. Come and go as needed.
No registration required.

Preschool Story Time – Winter Fun, MN Campus
10–11 a.m. - Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings
These programs introduce children ages 2-5 to nature in a fun and safe environment. Listen to stories, spend time outdoors, make a craft and meet CNC’s live animals. Call ahead to register. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program Fee: $6 per child or $4 for Friends of CNC. No charge for adults.
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359

Storytime – Ages 0-8
10:30-11 a.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Join us in singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing at this inclusive, welcoming Storytime for families.
This storytime focuses on concepts such as life skills, emotions, community, family, and kindness. Storytime is your opportunity to meet new friends, socialize, and strengthen early literacy skills. Activities during and after Storytime are designed to strengthen fine and large motor skills. Grown-ups are encouraged to actively participate alongside their children (modeling is one of the best ways to influence behavior).
Registration is not required. We will meet in the children's area. This Storytime is recommended for developmental ages 0-8 and their grown-ups.

Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos
5:30–10 p.m. - River Oaks Golf Course & Event Center, 11099 S. Highway 61, Cottage Grove
Join us for our fan-favorite dueling pianos event performed by Sweet Keys. This event brings music to life in a fun and exciting way. With dinner included, bring your 21+ adult friends & family for an evening of creative fun. Starting at $75 plus tax per individual or save money by bringing a group of 8 for $500 plus tax.
Social hour – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner – 7 p.m.
Dueling Pianos from 8-10 p.m.
For more information go to https://riveroaksmunigolf.com/.

Winter Constellations
6:30–8:30 p.m. - Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo
Make the stars your old friends while watching the great celestial show in the skies over Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Following a short orientation, get to know constellations like The Big Bear, Orion the Hunter, Gemini the Twins, Taurus the Bull, and some of the great stories behind them. We’ll also use large telescopes, among the largest mobile telescopes in Minnesota, for close-up views of the Moon, Jupiter, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and other wonders in the winter skies.
Register now online. Call 651-430-8370 for help.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Hamlet Park Parkrun – Weekly 5K
9-10 a.m. - Hamlet Park, 8883 Hamlet Ave. S., Cottage Grove
New this year to Cottage Grove is the parkrun program! Park runs are free weekly community events held all around the world taking place every Saturday morning in parks and open spaces. parkrun events are 5ks and are meant to be a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience for all. There is no time limit, and no one finishes last. Whether you walk, jog, run volunteer or spectate, you are welcome to join us every Saturday at Hamlet Park for a parkrun.
Register here: https://www.parkrun.us/hamletpark/

Morning Snowshoe Hike – WI Campus
10 a.m. to noon - Carpenter Nature Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, Wis.
Join us for a guided snowshoe hike with a naturalist. Warm up and rest after the hike and enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and popcorn provided. Snowshoes are provided or bring your own, dress for the weather.
Program Fee: $10 per person / $5 for Friends of CNC / Free for Frosty 40 participants. 18+
*6+ inches of snow cover required. Programming will be modified based on the weather.
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register online.

Winter Market at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Ravine Regional Park, 9653 Keats Ave. S. Cottage Grove
The event will be at Ravine Landing, where visitors are invited to browse a curated selection of handcrafted items in the Multipurpose Room.
Sip apple cider, roast marshmallows, decorate a pumpkin, and enjoy lunch from a local food truck after taking a fall color hike through the woods of Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.

Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the front desk, along with park merchandise and gift cards.
This is a free event with vehicle permit ($7 daily and $30 annually) and a suggested donation of $3 per person.

C.S.I. – Critter Sighting Investigations
1–2:30 p.m. - Dodge Nature Center Main Property, 365 Marie Ave. W, West St. Paul
It’s time to be a C.S.I. – Critter Sighting Investigator! Dodge challenges you to uncover the identity of a mystery critter. You’ll need to use your observation skills, examine biofacts for clues, check field guides, and solve puzzles. Discover the answer and you’ll be rewarded with a prize.
This program is designed for adults and children ages 8 and up—children must be accompanied by an adult.
Go to https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/ for more information or to register.

The Great Anime Get Together
2-4:30 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Come join other anime and manga lovers at Park Grove Library. Test your anime and manga knowledge with Anime Bingo, read some favorite or new manga, or have fun crafting and drawing. Cosplay welcome.
Registration not required. For ages 8-18.
Monday, Jan. 22
Crafty Needles
6–8 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Do you have a project you are working on that uses needles – knitting, crocheting, embroidery? Join fellow enthusiasts on the second and fourth Mondays of the month for camaraderie, inspiration, and ideas. Bring your own project supplies. Come and go as you wish. Join the fun.
Tuesday, Jan. 23
LinkedIn Basics (Online)
9:30–11 a.m. - MinnesotaWorks.net
Discover how to get the most out of using LinkedIn. Learn how to construct or improve your LinkedIn profile to showcase your expertise and find out how to effectively use the platform for marketing while getting one step closer to your next career. Topics include settings and privacy, profile info content, headline, summary, work experience, skills, and recommendations.
To participate you must have a LinkedIn account. If you do not have one you will need to join at https://www.linkedin.com/
Registered participants will receive information on how to connect to the online workshop prior to the beginning of the event. This event is free to the public.
For more information go to co.washington.mn.us.

Blazing Needles
9:30 a.m. to noon - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Do you have a needlework project you are working on? Join fellow enthusiasts for camaraderie, inspiration, and ideas. Bring your own project supplies. Come and go as you wish.

Teen Game Night
3-4:30 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to play video games, board games, study, and hang out in the large meeting room at Park Grove Library after school. Games will be provided. Bring your friends and come have fun.

CARS (Children and Restraint Systems) Training
6–9 p.m. - Government Center, Lower Level Room 14, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater
Prior to transporting children under the age of nine, providers must satisfactorily complete a three-hour training on the proper use and installation of child restraint systems. Public Health is offering in-person classes with a maximum class size of 25 participants. Please register early.
The cost is $30 per participant. The fee is waived for foster care providers and county staff.
Please provide your Develop number when registering; if you have one.
For more information go to co.washington.mn.us.

Park Grove Library Book Club (Hybrid/Online)
6:30–8 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
This month we will be reading “After Francesco” by Minnesota Author Brian Malloy. Copies of this book are available for check out at the Park Grove Information Desk for participants one month before the book club meeting (first come, first served).
The Park Grove Book Club is a hybrid program. If you want to attend the book club in person, the event will be held in the large meeting room at Park Grove Library. Online participants will be emailed a meeting link after registration.
This book club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
LinkedIn Advanced (Online)
9:30–11 a.m. - www.MinnesotaWorks.net.
Learn advanced strategies for using LinkedIn to job search. Review profile criteria, learn how to make networking connections, find jobs, research companies, and more! It is suggested to attend a prior LinkedIn Workshop or have basic knowledge of navigating the LinkedIn website. This event is free to the public.
For more information go to co.washington.mn.us.

Storytime – Ages 0-8
10:30-11 a.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Join us in singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing at this inclusive, welcoming Storytime for families at Park Grove Library starting at 10:30 a.m.
This storytime focuses on concepts such as life skills, emotions, our community, and kindness. Storytime is your opportunity to meet new friends, socialize, and strengthen early literacy skills. Plus, there will be plenty of music (both singing and dancing varieties).
We will meet in the children's area and each week will feature a new palabra de la semana (word of the week) en español.
Registration is not required. This Storytime is recommended for developmental ages 0-8 and their grown-ups.

Girls Explore Science: Wintry Mix
4–5:30 p.m., - Dodge Nature Center Main Property, 365 Marie Ave. W, West St. Paul
New year, new science! Let’s spend time enjoying and exploring the snow and ice outside at Dodge. Kicksled on frozen ponds, hike snowy trails while learning about winter wildlife adaptations, build shelters to keep warm, and try seasonal experiments. Warm up inside with a wintry mix of fun science activities. Who knew life in the cold could be so fun!
Girls, female-identifying, and non-binary youth in grades 5-8 are welcome to participate.
Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Go to https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/ for more information or to register.

Teen Makerspace
5–7 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
The Park Grove Library makerspace is open to teens. Stop by and work on 3D printing, lasercutting, CNC milling, coding, and more. Don't have an idea on what you want to create? There are tutorials and projects selected by a librarian to help you get into a creative mindset. Beginners to these machines are welcome. No experience needed. Basic materials are supplied.
No registration necessary. Ages 13-18.

Women in the Woods: Under the Stars
7–8:30 p.m., - Dodge Nature Center Main Property, Farm Entrance 3, 1701 Charlton St., West St. Paul
Stars light up the night sky, but does their placement indicate anything about you? Join naturalist Pam Welisevich and learn how the starscape on your birthdate might be correlated to basic traits like health, romantic compatibility, and friendship. Afterwards, get out under the stars on a short hike to enjoy our kicksleds on the frozen pond.
Women, female-identifying, or non-binary adults age 21+ are welcome to participate.
Preregistration is required. Registration typically closes the day before the program at 12 p.m.
Program fees are nonrefundable and transfers are not permitted.
Go to https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/ for more information or to register.

Bingo! At the Muddy Cow
7 p.m. - Muddy Cow, 7350 Hardwood Ct. S., Cottage Grove
Join us every Wednesday for Bingo! $1000 Coverall game starts at 7 p.m. Get there early to grab a delicious bite to eat before the game begins!