Get a Book Signed, Exchange Vegetables, Be Styled

It’s Thursday, and you’ve begun to think about the long weekend stretched out before you. Don't let the rain put a damper on your plans. Let us help. We’ve got the best bets for you, whether you want to stay close to home or find something to do a little farther afield. Check our picks for the places to see and things to do.

This week we feature local authors, a film festival and a free health forum hosted by some big-time surgeons.

Click for all the details.

• Where/when: , Coronado, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

• Why Go: Writer Christine Donovan and photographer Anna Woerman discuss their new book, a compilation of pictures, history and poems that celebrate Coronado.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , Ruby Room, 9 a.m. Feb. 19.

• Why Go: To share in the , the brainchild of three friends in town. They invite people who grow their own produce or cook at home to offer up their surplus in exchange for a bag of fresh goodies from other gardens and kitchens. Event includes a cooking class, too.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Various theaters, including San Diego and La Jolla, Feb. 17-20.

• Why Go: The San Diego Jewish Film Festival concludes this weekend with screenings at multiple venues, including Clairemont Reading Town Square in Clairemont Mesa and Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla. For full venue/movie listings, see the festival website.

• Price: $11.25-$13.25

• Where/when: , Coronado, 1 p.m., Feb. 19.

• Why Go: Because you want to know what a shmirshky is? Local author "E," the pen name of Ellen Sarver Dolgen, titled her book Shmirshky: The Pursuit of Hormone Happiness. Think of it as Sex and the City for the menopausal set. The salon hosts a party for her and the first 50 people to attend receive a free copy of the book.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: San Diego Convention Center, downtown San Diego, 9:30 a.m., Feb. 19.

• Why Go: To learn about bone, joint and back health, and injury prevention. Orthopaedic surgeons in town for their annual conference offer free sessions and will participate in a Q & A from the audience. 

• Price: Free.