Around Stanwood

Girls from Troop 50405 will present a mov ie Dec. 31 as a fundraiser for CASA, and for their trip to Europe. The movie, “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” will be presented at the Stanwood Cinemas, 9:30 a.m., the morning of New Years Eve and is open to the public. The admission fee covers the movie, “The Squeakquel,” popcorn and a drink. Donors to CASA will receive $1 off of the ticket price. Although cash donations are preferred CASA can also use bleach, laundry detergent, cat, dog and kitten food, and animal toys. Christmas eve at Our Saviour’s Lutheran

A candlelight service is planned for Christmas Eve at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 5 p.m., with a traditional service to follow at 11 p.m., when Holy Communion will be served. Sun., Dec. 27, contemporary worship is at 8:45 a.m., and traditional worship at 10:45, led by young adults. Coffee fellowship begins at 9:45 a.m.

‘Winter extravaganza’ planned for kids

Dec. 28 to 30, the Stanwood Library will present a “Winter Extravaganza” for school-age kids, all three days for toy-making with Rick Hartman. In addition, Lego mania, and winter crafts with Creation Station. Monday, Rick will lead participants through a toy-making craft with wit, humor and “incredible” ingenuity. Due to small parts, this activity is not recommended for children under 4 years of age. Lego Mania on Tuesday employs the imagination to build and create anything. Creation Station on Wednesday will use funny and fanciful things to make and take home. For details, contact children’s librarian, Joy Feldman; jfeldman@sno-isle. org, or call 629-3132.

Community ‘MessiahSing’ next Tuesday

The second annual community “MessiahSing” is Tues., Dec. 29, 7 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church on Land’s Hill, 1318 SR 532, Camano. There will be a flaming plum pudding reception at the conclusion. All welcome, freewill offering. For details, call 939-0240.

New pawnshop owners in Stanwood

Celebrating its grand opening, Jimmy’s Jewelry and Loan will have complimentary hot cider and coffee Monday through Wednesday and Christmas Eve Day, for all shoppers. The new owners invite the public to 27012 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood, where they will be greeting the community. Phone number is 629-4698.

Volunteers sought for senior transport

Help low income seniors by volunteering to transport them from their homes to appointments, then bring them home again. Drivers will be reimbursed 48.5 cents per mile. Since this is a reimbursement, they will not be taxed. “You can even be on unemployment and receive mileage reimbursement,” said a spokesperson. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, show proof of current insurance, pass a WSP background check as well as provide three personal references, and your vehicle must pass a safety inspection. Volunteers need to like people, be on time, be reliable and like to drive. If you are interested, contact DebraBo@ccsww.org, or Debra, 425-257-2111, ext. 3323.

C hristmas Day community party, potluck

There will be a Christmas Day community party and potluck at The Station, 3 to 6 p.m. Residents are invited to stop by for Christmas cheer, pool, ping-pong, games and family fun. Bring a dish to share if you like, or just come and join others. The Station is at 8713 271st St NW (Main Street in downtown Stanwood) Questions? Call 939-0089.

C hristmas eve jam session at hotel

There is a free Christmas Eve event for 21 and over with Steve Raible & the Newscasters Thurs., Dec. 24, 8 p.m. to midnight. Jam session, open mic and free appetizers available. The hotel is located at 26926 102nd Ave. NW, 629-2888, or www. stanwoodhotel.net

Services at Stanwood United Methodist

Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas eve family candle lighting will be held in Stanwood United Methodist Church, 5:30 p.m. At 11 p.m., will be the traditional candle lighting service. Sun., Dec. 27, Christmas Sunday will be celebrated at the 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. services. For more information, call 629-9555. The church is handicapped accessible and child care will be provided.

Time to register for winterschool 2010

County Living Expo and Cattlemen’s Winterschool 2010 will be at Stanwood High School Sat., Jan. 30, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register online, visit Skagit.wsu.edu/CountryLivingExpo. Or call 629-6408 for details. Over 135 classes are offered, and “space fills up quickly, register early to assure yourself a space,” say organizers. Some of the classes are on general livestock, poultry, goats, sheep and fiber, forestry, pastures, gardening, food preservation and cheese.

Advantage Basketball Camp open

Advantage Basketball Camps are accepting registration for winter camp/Christmas break 2009 for kids. Located in Bellingham at Whatcom Community College, the camp will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Dec. 30 and 31. For more information, call 425-670- 8877 or visit advantagebasketball.com.

Unitarians invite public to service

Open to the populace of northern Snohomish County, Island County and south Skagit County, the Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Marysville will have a Christmas Eve service Dec. 24, 4 p.m. The congregation is located at 1607 Fourth St. For more information, call 360-659-6621, or e-mail evergreen.uuf@ verizon.net.

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.

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, 9631 269th St. NW. Blood drive held in the mobile van in the parking lot. Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

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,1-800-442-2508, ext. 209, or e-mail him, jhampson@ sowa.org.

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.

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 items 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.

Christmas singalong, kids welcome

Leatherheads Pubv and Eatery is hosting a 6 p.m. Christmas singalong with “Just Plain Folk” Wed., Dec. 23. Free, and kids are especially welcome. There will be steel tip darts upstairs for the 21 and over crowd. Pub & Eatery will be closing early Dec. 24 and closed Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with “The Acoustic Detour” and rib/champagne dinner. More music in January.