On The Island

CASA will host an auction at the Camano Senior and Community Center Sat., Oct. 3, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., in a benefit effort to find "forever homes" for the island's homeless animals. There will be live and silent auctions, gourmet appetizers, dessert and beverages. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 387-1189 or online, auction.camanoanimalshelter. org. Island County commissioners meeting

The Board of Commissioners of Island County will meet in special session Tues., Sept. 22, 6 p.m. at the Camano Senior Center, Camano Island, to hold a public hearing and consider adoption of a proposed ordinance which would establish the Camano Gateway Village Zone. Also related development regulations that govern aspects such as design, building size, landscaping, density, minimum lot size, setbacks, site coverage ratios, signage, and building height will be discussed.

Blessing of the animals event

All two and four footed, finned, scaled or feathered folk are invited to a blessing of the animals on the Feast of St. Francis, Sun., Oct 4, 10 a.m., St. Aidan Episcopal Church, top of Land's Hill on SR 532, Camano. "Please have your animal on a leash or in a carrier and under your control at all times," said a spokesperson. Large animals can be tethered and blessed outdoors; all others welcome in the sanctuary during the Eucharist. There will be special organ and choral music, and a festive "Parade of the Species," as well as individual blessings for each animal. Bring a photo if you can't bring your pet (and yes, teddy bears are welcome). Call church for more information, 629-3969.

Senior center offers hot lunches

Camano Island Senior Center offers hot lunches Monday, Wednesday and Friday, in a sitdown meal at noon, for seniors only. There is a suggested donation. A "Camano Meals on Wheels" program is the same type of hot menu, same price, and delivered to seniors over the age of 60, or those who are homebound. For details, call Jerry, 387-0222.

Art for kids has started in two sites

John and Jenna Delzell's Art for Kids classes have started: pencil magic, Mondays, 4-5 p.m. at the Stanwood Senior & Community Center, 7430 276th ST NW, and famous palettes acrylic painting, Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. Pencil magic, Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. at the Camano Senior & Community Center, 606 Arrowhead Rd., artistic expressions, Thursdays, 4-5 p.m. at the Delzell's Studio, 2177 Highland Drive, Camano Island. There is a cost for every four weeks of class, 12-week minimum sign up.To register, call 387-2251, or email john@johndelzellart.com or for more information, go to johndelzellart.com.

Habitat tour on Camano Island

Sat., September 26, the public is invited to join the Whidbey Camano Land Trust on a tour that includes a guided walk along the Land Trust's Livingston Bay tidelands, and to a newly-protected pocket estuary. The 2:30-4:30 p.m. tour is free and limited to 15 people. Reserve your spot by in advance by calling the Land Trust, 360-222-3310, or e-mailing info@wclt.org. Details about the trip will be e-mailed after signing up.

Kids Day celebrates 16 years

The Padilla Bay Reserve in Bay View has been helping kids and parents celebrate Puget Sound with it's annual Kids Day celebration, this year on National Estuaries Day, Sept. 26, noon to 2 p.m. Adult and high school volunteers make it all happen, call 360- 428-1558 for details.

'Tea Party' explores the Constitution

Whidbey Island Tea Party invites the public to join them Tues., Sept. 22, for "Exploring the Constitution" presented by Ty Balascio, communications director, Seeds of Liberty. Time is 7 to 9 p.m., location is Hayes Hall, Rm 137, Skagit Valley College, 1900 SE Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor. RSVP to whidbeyteaparty@ gmail.com, or call 360-320-1323. Whidbey Island Tea Party is a nonpartisan organization and cannot support, subscribe to or endorse any individual, legislation, bill, law or decree that diminishes or conflicts with those freedoms, sovereignty and unalienable rights provided every citizen under the Constitution of the United States and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

Plastic plant pot exchange set

There will be a plastic plant pot exchange Sat, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Camano Island. Follow signs from Can Ku Road (just north of the CASA Animal Shelter). Recycle your plastic nursery pots, or pick up ones you can use for next spring. Gardeners, organizations and volunteer groups are highly encouraged to come and get what they need; what is left over will be recycled. Pots should be reasonably clean, without any dirt, tags or wire. Sponsored by WSU Waste Wise in Island County. Contact Scott Chase, 387- 3443, ext 258, or schase@wsu.edu.

Free walk, work party at island site

There will be a work party Sat., Sept. 26, at Kristoferson Creek, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by the Whidbey Camano Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy. Directions and tool requests will be sent after RSVP to Jessica Larson, 360-222-3310.. Bring your favorite tools or use those provided. Refreshments served for all. The free, guided walk will tour Iverson Spit and a private property recently protected by the conservancy, to learn about pocket estuaries, near-shore habitats and future restoration plans. Co-leaders are Kat Morgan, The Nature Conservancy's stewardship manager for Port Susan Bay, and Cheryl Lowe, land steward for the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.

Fall storytime until October 30

Ready Readers Fall Storytime at Camano Island Library Pilot Project includes stories, songs and crafts for preschoolers and toddlers. Children and families welcome. Fridays, 10:30 a.m., now until Oct, 30; address is 848 N. Sunrise Blvd., phone 387-5150.

' Western Night' is special event

"Western Night" is the Camano Country Club special event Sat, Sept. 26, with music by Kathy Van Luden. B.Y.O.B. 5:30 p.m., dinner, 6:30 p.m.

V endors wanted for Christmas House

"Christmas House" is to open on Camano Nov. 1, with prime indoor space for 50 or more vendors, all under one roof. Reservations are being taken now, and applications for vendors wanting to join. Deadline for all vendors set up and space availability is Oct. 15, opening set for Oct. 17. Brindles Marketplace is back, a show case venue for artists, crafters, gift items, natural products and handmade items. For information, contact Sylvy, 360-572-4577, or email: sylvy111@aol.com

Dance lessons include Latin, swing

Learn to dance at the Camano Senior and Community Center— ballroom, Latin, and swing—Thurs. Oct. 8 for five weeks, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sampler class of ballroom, Latin, and swing dances. Join instructor Lindsey Hoyer for two new dances each week. Sign ups are available now for 30 leaders and 30 followers, 387-0222. There is a cost.

End of summer swap meet/flea market

Sun., Sept. 27, there will be an end of the summer swap meet and flea market at Terry's Corner in the Commons area. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; set-up time at 9 a.m., contact Sylvy, 360-572-4577 to find cost for a 10x10 space.