Around Stanwood

Original rock stories, performed live at Stanwood’s newest live music venue will take place upstairs Dec. 12, 8 to 10 p.m., at Leatherheads Pub and Eatery, 10209 270th Street N.W., Stanwood. It’s all in celebration “of making it through a dozen days of the dozen month of 2009,” say organizers. Dozens of tall tales begin at 8 p.m. No cover. Democrats to celebrate Mitchell’s life

Stanwood Democrats will celebrate Quentin Mitchell’s life, 10 to noon Sat., Dec. 12 at the Viking Restaurant in Stanwood. There will be no formal meeting. “We will be remembering one of the best and favorite Democrats in the area,” said a spokesperson. “Please come and bring your memories of Q. There is a no host breakfast available. Everyone who knew Quentin is welcome.” Questions? Call Carol, 629-2037, or see the Web site: stanwooddemocrats. org

Walk-through Nativity at Cedarhome

The public is invited to come follow the star at a walk-through “Living Nativity” at Cedarhome Adventist Church this weekend, Dec. 11 and 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There is no charge for this heartwarming event. Travel with the Magi from the temple to the manger; bring the entire family and dress warmly. The journey takes 15-20 minutes, hot drinks and cookies served inside. The church is located at 28505 68th Ave NW. For details, call 629-2441.

Reception Sunday for new pastor

Rev. Don Brekhus is now the pastor at Freeborn Lutheran Church, and a potluck reception to welcome him and his wife Pat, will be right after the 10 a.m. worship service Sun., Dec. 13. The SLC Preschool will present a Christmas program at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Brekhus was the minister at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Stanwood for 17 years until his retirement.

Dinner hosted in honor of fallen officers

Merrill Gardens at Stanwood will host a pasta dinner to raise money for the families of fallen police officers in Western Washington Wed., Dec. 9, 5 to 7 p.m. All money collected will be donated to the fund for the families. Residents and team members at each of the 22 Washington state Merrill Gardens retirement communities will host this fundraiser that is open to the general public. All food and beverages will be donated by Merrill Gardens. For more information, call 629-3445 or e-mail gm.stanwood@merrillgardens.com.

Friends of the Library set potluck

The Stanwood-Camano Friends of the Library will meet Tues., Dec. 15 at the Lost Lake Country Club. The 12 noon meeting will include a potluck and all members are encouraged to attend.

Volleyball tryouts announced

Open volleyball tryouts for Stanwood Club Team 6th grade, girls only has been announced. A January through May commitment is asked. For information, go to stanwoodvolleyball.net.

Yuletide Baroque features carols Friday

The Stanwood Area Historical Society once again presents Yuletide Baroque, a festive celebration with carols old and new, and other baroque music, featuring flutist Jeffrey Cohan and harpsichordist George Shangrow (the Cohan-Shangrow Duo) Fri., Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center at 27130 102nd Ave. NW in Stanwood. Flutist Jeffrey Cohan and harpsichordist George Shangrow, who have performed around the world, will perform festive contemporary favorites of the season and baroque Noels and other works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Dandrieu, Corrette and others. Holiday refreshments will follow the concert.

Blood drive for ‘gift of life’

The Puget Sound Blood Center urges community members to donate the “gift of life” at the blood drive Wed., Dec. 23, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m.) at the Skagit Valley Medical Center, Stanwood/Camano, 9631 269th St. NW. Blood drive held in the mobile van in the parking lot. Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

Gingerbread housebuilding event

Wed., Dec. 9, gingerbread house builders are invited to an 11 a.m. event at the Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St NW. “Get ready for winter by building a delectable gingerbread house with your whole family,” say librarians. “We’ll provide the goodies, you provide the imagination.” For more information, contact Joy Feldman, children’s librarian, 629-3132.

Youth symphony’s holiday concert

Fri., Dec. 18, 7 p.m, the Fidalgo Youth Symphony will give its holiday concert in the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, 1511 E. Broadway, Mount Vernon. Questions: 360-679-6778. Admission is a suggested donation. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” arranged by Jerry Brubaker, is an all time classic sure to be entertaining. The junior symphony will perform “Winter Wonderland.” The youth symphony will perform “A Vaughan William’s Christmas”; Festive Sounds of Hanukah will also be performed.

Booster club’s general meeting set

Stanwood High School Band Booster Club will have its first general meeting Thurs., Dec. 10, 6 p.m. Address is 10520 Saratoga Dr., Stanwood. Details at 629-4992.

Methodists to host Christmas party

The annual Christmas party is planned for the congregation of the Stanwood United Methodist Church and their guests at 5:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 11. Community members are invited to come for food, fellowship, music, Santa, and door prizes. For information, call 387-7681, 387-0203, or 629-9555.

C ompassionate volunteers needed

A free information session to review the volunteer opportunities at Providence Hospice & Home Care is scheduled for Wed., Dec. 16, 2-4 p.m. in downtown Everett. To register and to get driving/parking information, call 425-261-4815 by Dec. 14.

Festive holiday music presentations

Leatherheads Pub & Eatery presents festive holiday music featuring Camano Island Duo Heartstrings, Fri., Dec. 11, 7 p.m., 10209 270th St NW, Stanwood, 629-5555. The next evening, Dec. 12, “One Ton of Ducks” will be featured with original rock and roots music, 8 p.m.

Local volunteers needed for tourney

The annual Special Olympics Washington Regional Basketball Tournament will be held at Stanwood High School and middle school in February and local volunteers are needed. Teams will be traveling to Stanwood from all over Northwest Washington to compete. The tournament is 8:30 a.m. to about 4:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 7, 2010. Local volunteers are needed to assist with scorekeeping, handing out awards, and managing the different courts. For information or other opportunities to get involved, call Joe Hampson, 800-442-2508, ext. 209, or e-mail him, jhampson@ sowa.org.

Old Fiddlers meet at Sisco Heights Club

The Old Time Fiddlers meet Fri., Dec. 11 at the Sisco Heights Community Club, 13527 99th Ave NE. Celtic jam is at 5 p.m., workshop at 6, circle jam at 7. Stage show from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Jamming afterward if anyone is up for it. Coffee, tea, juice, and snacks throughout the evening. Free family entertainment; listeners and acoustic musicians of all ages (and their instruments) welcome. There will be no jam session on Dec. 25.

‘Brown Bag Lunch’ considers taxes

The Economic Development Association of Skagit County presents “Tax considerations for today’s business as part of the Brown Bag lunch series Dec. 16, at noon in the EDASC offices at 204 West Montgomery, Mount Vernon. This session will help business owners plan for the end of the 2009 tax year and help prepare them for 2010. This session will be lead by CPA Tony Cook of Williams & Nulle and promises to deliver straight answers to an often confusing taxation reality. The Brown Bag lunch series is designed with both seasoned businesses and new businesses in mind, and is presented every other week at noon. Advanced registration is required on-line at www.skagit.org, or 360-336- 6114. Lunch is provided.

Community MessiahSing Dec. 29

The second annual community MessiahSing will be 7 p.m., Tues., Dec. 29 in St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church on Camano. Featured musicians will be the Overman Family (in addition to organ and piano accompaniment, plus trumpet and a harpsichord, as well as local soloists). Plum pudding reception following. Bring a score if you have one tucked away, but there will be some available to buy or borrow (or pick one up in advance at the Snow Goose Bookstore). All welcome, singers and listeners alike. Freewill offering. For more information, contact Judy Mieger, judymieger@ epud.net, phone 939-0240.

New Year’s Eve benefit dance in Silvana

“Save the hall dessert and dance benefit” is Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Viking Hall in Silvana. Proceeds to go to upkeep of the hall. There will be two bands, “Subject 2 Change” and “Stirred not Shaken.” Bring a dessert; there will be a “sing with the band” contest; beer and wine available. Must be 21, tickets available at Silvana stores.

Shoreline Master Program meeting is set

The City of Stanwood will hold a public information meeting on the program to update the Shoreline Master Program for the City of Stanwood, Wed., Dec. 9, at Stanwood City Hall, 10220 270 St. NW, 6 to 7 p.m. If you have questions or comments, contact Devin Tokizawa, 629-4577.

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.

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 Dec. 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. “We will also be having a holiday bazaar for unique studentmade gifts,” say those in the assist program.

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.