Around Stanwood

This Sept. 26 class will be about basic landscaping principles, an easy technique for mapping your current site, as well as some inspiring ideas for including edible plants in your yard. It will be taught by Pam Shoberg, Master Gardener intern. "Growing Forward Gardens" is sponsoring the 1 p.m. class in partnership with the Country Store. For information, call the Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center, 629-5257. Learn how to 'go green' Thursday

"Important steps to designing green" is Thurs., Sept. 17, 7 p.m., at the Stanwood Library. Whether it's saving energy, eliminating allergens, or reducing waste, many are wanting to go more green in the design or new home or remodel, but aren't sure how to get started. Join David Pelletier, local architect and LEED accredited professional, for a discussion that will de mystify being green.

St. Cecilia Women's Guild to meet

St. Cecilia Women's Guild will meet Thurs., Sept. 17, with a potluck, followed by an inspirational message by Kay Wells. Women are asked to bring items for the annual raffle.

Special Olympics bowling set

Special Olympics bowling begin Sept. 17 at Twin City Lanes in Stanwood. Adults will bowl at 1:30 and school age at 2:30 p.m. There will be a small cost per game, and also a cost for shoe rental. For details contact Leah Mertklinghaus, 425-870-5589.

Support group for mental illnesses

NAMI-Northsound, a support group for family and friends of the mentally ill, will meet Mon., Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. in Stanwood United Methodist Church. Information and sharing is done at meetings held the third Monday of the month for all those who are interested. For more information, call 387-2519, 387-5705 or 629-2282. The church is located in west Stanwood, at the corner of 102nd Dr./271 N.W.

Trio appears at Viking this weekend

Nick Vigarino Trio will be in Stanwood Sept. 18 and 19, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., at the Viking Bar and Grill.

Holiday craft bazaar applications open

Applications are now available at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center to participate in the fifth annual holiday craft bazaar Nov. 6 and 7, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Call 629-7403, or visit stanwoodseniorcenter. org.

Live music at the Stanwood Hotel

Playing at the Stanwood Hotel Saloon Sat., Sept. 19, is the Jim Basnight Band. The music starts at 9 p.m. and there is no cover charge. The Stanwood Hotel is located at 26926 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood; phone 629-2888, Web site is www.stanwoodhotel.net

'One hundred mile diet' is book topic

A book discussion group will focus on "Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100 Mile Diet" Tues., Sept. 22, 7 p.m. at the Snow Goose Bookstore 8616 271st St NW, Stanwood. For more information, contact Rob Branigin at the library, 629-3132.

Camp Fire holds information meeting

Any child three years of age and up can become an official member of a Camp Fire USA club. An informational meeting will be held Tues., Sept. 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW. Camp Fire USA will be celebrating their 100 year birthday coming up in 2010.

Second annual scarecrow contest

The second annual scarecrow contest, sponsored by Christianson's Nursery, is open now, entries must be submitted by Wed., Sept. 30. Your scarecrow will be exhibited in the esplanade at the front of the nursery and the public is invited to vote for their favorite interpretation of this autumnal icon. The winning entry will receive a gift certificate to be awarded Oct. 30. Scarecrows should be self-supporting, props allowed such as chairs, wagons, hay, etc. Call 360-466-3821 for more information.

Festival of Family Farms coming

The 11th annual Festival of Family Farms will be celebrated Oct. 3 at Christianson's. Freshly squeezed apple cider will be served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; see how cider is made on an antique press. Bring the kids to see the scarecrows and also live bees in action brought by Skagit Valley Beekeepers. For gardeners. "Winterizing dahlias" by John and Kathy Willson from Swede Hill Dahlia Sunflower Farm at 11 am. Make reservations to attend by calling 466-3821.

Auditions open for local talent show

There will be a Stanwood-Camano talent show and food drive Oct. 10 in the high school performing arts center. Auditions for the talent show will be held in the high school Commons Thurs., Sept. 17, 3 to 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Stanwood-Camano Rotary Club, admission to the show will be non-perishable food items. Contact Kallie Smith, 425-308-8985, for more information.

GriefShare helps those who sorrow

GriefShare is a Christ-centered support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. It will be held at Warm Beach Free Methodist Church Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon, 20815 Marine Dr. There is a one-time materials fee. For more information, call 652-6555.

'Money Makeover' workshop starts

A 13-week program on budgeting and getting out of debt will be taught by Dave Ramsey of Financial Peace University, at Stanwood Foursquare Church, 27007 90th Ave. NW in Stanwood beginning Fri., Sept. 18. For information and registration e-mail Lonnie Tafoya, Iktafoya@verizon.net.

Seven Lakes Lions Club open invitation

Seven Lakes Lions Club is inviting anyone interested to come to a meeting to see what they are all about. They meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 6:30 p.m., at the Lake Goodwin Community Club.

'Walk A Mile In My Shoes' walk

The second annual Friends of the Poor® Walk will help neighbors in need. Sat., Sept. 26. The North Sound Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul encourages residents of Snohomish County to participate locally -- as walkers, pledgers, volunteers, or all three. All donations received will benefit St. Vincent de Paul to help the less fortunate in the local community. All donations can be sent to the council office at SVDP, PO Box 2269, Everett, WA 98213. To register as a walker, to pledge support for a walker, or for more information, go to www.svdpfriensofthepoorwalk.org. To volunteer, call Jim Bloss, 425-231-5186.

Stilly Flood Control District meeting

The Stillaguamish Flood Control District will meet at the Stanwood PUD conference room, 7 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 17.

Mark calendars for blood drawing

There will be a blood drawing at St. Cecilia Church, 26900 78th Ave. N.W. Mon., Sept. 21, noon to 6 p.m., sponsored by the Stanwood Camano Knights of Columbus. For information, call Richard Ridgway, 387-0174 or Jack Cartee, 629-3091. No appointment necessary.