Around Stanwood

Come tell Santa and Mrs. Claus what is on your wish list at Camano Senior and Community Center, Tues, Dec. 8, 2 - 6 p.m. The children will decorate Christmas cookies, make a holiday craft, visit with Mr. Bear and the balloon man, and pick out a stuffed animal from the “lost toy box.” Enjoy Christmas music, and remember to bring your camera! Shoreline Master Program meeting is set

The city of Stanwood is providing this notice to interested citizens, property owners, agencies and groups, of a public information meeting on the program to update the Shoreline Master Program for the city of Stanwood. It will be held Wed., Dec. 9, at Stanwood City Hall, 10220 270 St. NW, 6 to 7 p.m. Topics to be discussed include statutory requirements of the Shoreline Management Act, requirements of the Shoreline Guidelines WAC 173-26, lands within the city subject to the jurisdiction of the Act, the city’s process and schedule for updating the Shoreline Master Program, and opportunities for public input to the update process. This is the initial public meeting to be held on the update process. Additional meetings will be held in the future. There will be opportunities to sign up for further public notice. If you have questions or comments, contact Devin Tokizawa, 629-4577.

Old fashioned Christmas open to all

An Old Fashioned Christmas in Stanwood will be Sat., Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Floyd Norgaard Center, 27108 102 Avenue N.W. Music of the season, activities for children, free photos with Santa, gift bags from Santa, museum tours, coffee, cocoa and cookies.” Thanks to our Stanwood Chamber members, this entire event is free, even the photos,” said a spokesperson. For more information, call the chamber, 629-0562.

Y ule Fest combines day and night events

Sat., Dec. 5 at Tazer Valley Farm, 7314 300 St. NW, day festivities continue 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with free admission. This family event includes kids activities, live entertainment, visit Santa, silent auction, holiday shopping, food, raffle and Norwegian delicacies. Ucut Christmas trees available for purchase. Live music by “Ready to Run.” Evening celebration begins at 5:30 p.m., where guests will have spirits and fine cuisine catered by The Upper Crust; live entertainment, raffles, comedy by the SAG Sisters, live and silent auction (which is open for bid all day). Tickets to the evening party available at Stanwood Community and Senior Center. Festive attire is encouraged. Contact Terri, 629-7403, ext. 114, for more info or visit stanwoodseniorcenter.org. All proceeds benefit the center in providing a broad spectrum of services in health, social, nutritional, educational and recreational to seniors, families and youth.

Historians invite public to Christmas

Stanwood Area Historical Society will hold its annual Christmas party Thurs., Dec. 3, 7 p.m. at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130-102nd Ave., NW. There will be Christmas carols, holiday desserts, and tours of the new exhibit, “Berries, Farms, and Dairies.” The public is cordially invited.

‘We have a voice’ at The Station

The first of its kind at The Station, Life Beyond Labels presents “We have a voice” Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m, 8713 271st N.W. Open poetry, local bands and music, stories, give aways, and an open mic after event. Donations will be accepted for a community member who was struggling with drugs and is now receiving help. For information, call 425-923-4249. Also, indoor public market every Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Arts, crafts, chair massages, face painting.

Local branch of Forgotten Kids appeal

The Forgotten Children’s Fund is now accepting names of families in the area who need help with their children’s Christmas this year. Call the Stanwood Camano branch of the North Pole, 387- 1447. Deadline for submitting names is Dec. 15.

Blood drawing at St. Cecilia Monday

Mon., Dec. 7, there will be a blood drawing at St. Cecilia Church, 26900 78 Ave. N.W., noon to 6 p.m. For information, contact Jack Cartee, 629-3091; no appointment necessary. The drive is sponsored by the Stanwood-Camano Knights of Columbus.

Chamber holiday open house Thursday

The Stanwood Chamber of Commerce will host a holiday Open house Thurs., Dec. 10 at the Stanwood Chamber office. “Stop by between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for treats and lots of fun,” say chamber members (you might even win a door prize).

Eats Café open to public December 10

The Assist Program is having its next Eats Cafe breakfast Thurs., Dec. 10, 8 - 10:30 a.m. in room 62 at the SHS Church Creek Campus.

‘A miracle at Smokey Point?’ Sunday

Will there be a miracle on the main street of Smokey Point Blvd this Sunday? The public is invited to come see, as the cast of Smokey Point Community Church presents their seventh annual musical Dec. 6, 4 and 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. The program is to benefit local foster children and their families. Donations of new unwrapped pajamas, socks, undergarments and cash will be accepted. The church is located at 17721 Smokey Pt. Blvd., phone is 360-659-2844.

‘Gifts from the kitchen’ class Saturday

Joanne Romann will offer “gifts from the kitchen,” at Christianson’s Nursery Sat., Dec. 5, 11 a.m. There is a small cost for this class on yeast and quick breads flavored with lemon thyme and verbena, caraway crackers, fennel cookies, herbal cheese spreads and herbal rubs. Along with the recipes, she will make suggestions for creative packaging and gift ideas that will inspire you to experiment with the wide variety of flavors that herbs provide. Call ahead for reservations, 360-466-382. Then on Sun., Dec. 6, 1 p.m., designer Andrew Pickens will conduct a program on holiday plants—both traditional houseplants and outdoor plants.

Holiday light tour December 12

Christianson’s Nursery will host its third annual trip to the display of lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden Sat., Dec. 12, 12:30 – 8:30 p.m., reservations required, call 360-466-3821. The tour also includes a visit to Molbak’s Nursery to attend the Poinsettia Festival and sample Kringle. John and Toni Christianson will once again be the hosts; make reservations by Dec 1.

Gift cards going to Housing Hope

The Stanwood Branch of Frontier Bank is participating in a holiday gift card drive sponsored by Housing Hope. Cards will be given to Housing Hope’s holiday program to make sure many families can participate in the holidays. Donations of gift cards may be dropped off up until Dec. 20 at Frontier Bank, 8870 271 S. NW.

Open house at Wellness Center Saturday

Stanwood Camano Wellness Center is having its open house Sat., Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with complimentary hand massage and paraffin dips. There will be a raffle for a spa gift basket if donations are made for either people food or pet food; opportunities to win free services as well as discounted spa packages to purchase for Christmas gifts. The discounts will continue through out the holiday season. Refreshments served.

Christmas Festival candle sale event

Quiet Light Candle’s eighth annual Christmas Festival is Dec. 5, 12, and 19; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 29206 64th Ave NW (off 68th Ave NW) in Stanwood; 629-0285. All proceeds benefit a non-profit organization.

Bank drive to benefit food bank

Coastal Community Bank will be hosting a food drive to benefit the Stanwood Camano Food Bank, collecting non-perishable food such as canned food and flour from now through Dec. 23.

Winter coat collection for less fortunate

Z’s, All Things Good, 9504 271 St. in Stanwood, is collecting coats, adult new and used, both men and women’s for this winter. Please drop off anything you have during 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon - Friday. For details, call 629-5040.

H oliday food drive continues to Dec. 31

Restoration Dental will gift $10 to the local food bank, or nonprofit dental van at the Stanwood Resource Center, for every canned food donation received by the end of the year at the office of Scott VonBergen, DDS during their holiday food drive. For more information, call 629-7645.