Around Stanwood

The Stanwood Chamber of Commerce is a sponsor of the Great Northwest Glass QUEST, which is scheduled Feb. 12-28. For information on how to join in the fun, call 360-631-0688 or visit www. thegreatnwglassquest.com. Conservation District election set

Snohomish Conservation District will hold an election Tues, Feb. 9, 2-6 p.m. at the district office in Lake Stevens for a volunteer board supervisor position to serve for three years. All registered voters who own or occupy land within the district, including Camano Island, are eligible to vote and run for the office. The polling place is 528 91st Ave. NE, Ste A, Lake Stevens. For more information on the election, contact the district election official, Bobbi Lindemulder, at 425-335-5634, ext.109 or the Washington State Conservation Commission Web site www.scc.wa.gov.

Mayor to give state-of-the-city address

The first general meeting of the Stanwood Chamber of Commerce for 2010 is Thurs, Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Stanwood Camano School District Admin Bldg (26920 Pioneer Hwy). Mayor Dianne White will give her Annual State of the City Address, and there will be a brief presentation by the WSDOT on the 532 Project. There is a cost for the catered lunch.

Safe Harbor Clinic offers diabetes class

Safe Harbor Free Clinic services include the diagnosis and management of acute care conditions, including basic office laboratory testing and referral for more complex problems requiring additional care. There will be a free diabetes education class Fri, Jan. 15, 6 p.m. Medications are provided through the $4 monthly generic programs offered by local pharmacies. Pain medications will not be prescribed. All services are provided by volunteers 6 to 9 p.m. on the first and third Fridays each month. Walk-in only – no appointments. Skagit Valley Medical Center – Stanwood/ Camano, 9631 269 St. NW, Stanwood. Safe Harbor Free Clinic phone is 425-870-7384, e-mail - safeharborfreeclinic@msn.com, web - www.safeharborfreeclinic.org

Last call to register for winterschool

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.

Gearing up for Relay for Life

Committee chairpersons are meeting to plan for the upcoming Stanwood/Camano Relay for Life to support the American Cancer Society. Everyone is welcome to attend the Kick-Off meeting Tues, Jan. 26, 5:30 p.m. in the Red Barn at the Stanwood Fairgrounds to see how they might get involved in the effort to fight cancer. Lots of volunteers are needed to help make this event the tremendous success it has been in the past. Relay for Life is May 21, 6 p.m. and May 22, 9:30 a.m.

Grand opening for Suzie’s Place

Suzie’s Place Greek Bistro and Bakery opening is Tues, Jan. 12 in Brindles Marketplace at Terry’s Corner. The menu will include Bonnie Brindle’s awarding winning fish and chips. Hours: Tues - Sat: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., closed Mondays.

PTA seeks donors for auction

Stanwood Elementary School PTA is seeking donors for its sixth annual auction Sat, March 20. This year’s theme is “Rock ‘til You Drop” and will be located in the school gymnasium with both live and silent auctions, dinner and entertainment in a nostalgic 1950’s style atmosphere. Funds raised by the school’s auction provide support for field trips, classroom supplies, the Missoula Children’s Theatre and other educational enhancements that benefit students. Individuals or businesses wishing to donate to the auction may phone Michelle Freedman, 629-1250, ext. 2132 or e-mail her, mfreedman@stanwood.wednet.edu.

Haggen collecting clothes for kids

Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores in Snohomish County are collecting donations for their Warm Clothes for Kids drive, which runs now through Fri, Jan. 22. New or gently worn coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens are needed. Donation at the Stanwood Haggen store will be distributed by Operation School Bell, an Assistance League of Everett program, and Arlington Kids’ Kloset, to children throughout Snohomish County.

AARP driver safety program sites

The AARP Driver Safety Program will be offered in two places this week: Jan. 14 at the Camano Island Senior and Community Center, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Jan. 16, at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your driver’s license, and there is a fee.

‘Mulebone’ brings blues and lots of soul

Leatherheads Pub & Eatery presents “Mulebone,” Jan. 16, 8 p.m. This 5-piece group brings “high-intensity blues with funk and a lot of soul.” No cover. Leatherheads is located at 10209 270th St NW, Stanwood, phone 629-5555.

B irding festival volunteers needed

Volunteers are currently being sought to help with the 2010 Port Susan Snow Goose & Birding Festival Feb. 20 – 21. Folks can help with registration and activities throughout the weekend. Anyone interested should call Kristine Kaufman at the Snow Goose Bookstore, 629-3631, or e-mail snowgoosebookstore@yahoo.com.

Mark calendars for Lil’ Cheer clinic

Stanwood High 4A Booster Club is holding a Lil’ Cheer clinic for grades K-5, with a halftime performance Fri, Feb. 5, 4:30-8:15 p.m.(approx). There is a cost per child (two or more from same family will be discounted). Includes Lil’ Cheer t-shirt, poms, picture with cheerleaders, dinner and snack. For a registration form, visit Stanwood.wednet.edu. For information e-mail stacykj3@ hotmail.com.

B ook group meets Wednesday

The Stanwood Book Group will meet Wed, Jan. 13, 6 p.m., to discuss the book “Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women,” meets at Merrill Gardens Library, 7212 265th St. NW, Stanwood, and everyone is welcome.

Musical comedy presented Saturday

A musical comedy, “Nunsense” is presented by Last Leaf Productions Sat, Jan. 16, 2 p.m. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center in Arlington. Tickets on sale now at byrnesperfomingarts.org.

O ld Time Fiddlers host jam sessions

The Old Time Fiddlers meets Jan. 22 at the Sisco Heights Community Club, 13527 99th Ave NE, Arlington. Celtic jam is at 5 p.m., workshop at 6., circle jam at 7. Small stage show 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. For information, contact Noel Lareau, 360-691-5907, Noelula@aol.com.

Clean, sober dances at community club

Sat, Jan. 30, 7:30-11:30 p.m. there will be a clean and sober dance at Lake Goodwin Community Club, all are welcome. Live classic rock music featuring “Little Hurricane,” food and beverages provided, no outside food and drink, address is 177323 42 Ave NW.

Lighthouse Women Networking Group

Lighthouse Women Networking Group, organized by Nadia Liu, a third generation Chinese herbalist, is based on the I-Ching. The group’s goal is to re-ignite the vitality of life in the body through specific group activities. Women interested in joining are invited to contact Nadia Liu, Lighthousewomen@yahoo.com, or call 360-395-5880.

Support group for mental illness

NAMI-Northsound, a support group for family and friends of the mentally ill, will meet Mon, Jan. 18, 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, 387-6769, or 629-2282. The church is located in west Stanwood at the corner of 102 Drive/271 NW.

Reunion committee looks for classmates

Arlington High School class of 1950 reunion committee is looking for classmates who might be living in the Stanwood-Camano area. The reunion will be held Aug. 20. Information phone is 530- 365-0945, or write Lola Wolfe Rogers, 20350 Hole in One Drive, Space 48, Redding, Calif., 96002, or KennyRlola@hotmail.com.

Ministry for those with memory loss

“Memoria,” a support group ministry of Warm Beach Free Methodist Church, begins Sat., Jan. 23 through March 20, 9 a.m. to noon in upper Wesley Center, 20815 Marine Drive. If you are a family member or caregiver for someone with memory loss, you are invited, at no cost. Information phone is 652-6555.

All blood types needed at draw

All blood types are needed for blood drawing at Skagit Valley Herald Tues, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (lunch 11 a.m. to noon). The mobile bus will be in the parking lot at 1215 Anderson Road. Please eat and drink prior to donating. For information and to sign up, contact Stacie Filler, 360-416-2185 or e-mail, sfiller@skagitpublishing. com. For health eligibility questions, contact the ClinicalProgram@ PSBC.org or call 1-800-DONATE-1 ext. 2543.

HealthQuest programs offered

Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates provides vascular health screenings that include evaluation of the carotid arteries for disease and the abdominal aorta for aneurysms. A physician referral is not necessary. There is a cost for the combined carotid and aorta screening, and is payable by cash or check only. To register for an appointment, call 360-428-8208, Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. A free two-hour total joint replacement class at Skagit Valley Hospital is offered 1 – 3 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month to help prepare patients for surgery. Lunch is included. To register, call 360-814-2424.

Volunteers needed for senior programs

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), sponsored by Catholic Community Services Snohomish County, seeks people 55 and above for more than 400 volunteer opportunities throughout the county in every area of interest and level of ability. As an RSVP volunteer, a person receives free supplemental liability, accident and automobile insurance coverage while performing volunteer duties, and a chance to meet new people and learn new skills. RSVP strives to help seniors find fulfillment in volunteer work by matching a person’s lifetime of skills and experience to the organization of choice. For information, e-mail John McAlpine, johnm@ccsww.org, or call 425-257-2111, ext. 3374, or 888- 240-8572.

Stanwood Library story times begin

The winter story time series begins next week at the Stanwood Library with storytimes for babies, preschoolers, and families. Ready Readers Preschool Story times meet Wednesdays, Jan. 13 – March 3 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 years are invited to attend either session for stories, songs, activities, and getting ready to read with a parent or caregiver. Ready Readers Baby Story times meet Thursdays, Jan. 14 – March 4, 9:30 a.m. Babies and their favorite adults will learn to love reading together with stories, songs, finger plays and rhymes. A playtime will follow and a caregiver is required. For ages 3 months to 24 months. Ready Readers Family Storytimes meet Thursdays, Jan. 14 – March 4, 10:30 a.m. Listen to stories, songs, and rhymes for the family, and make a craft to take home each week.

Volunteers make it happen in community

Learn about local volunteer opportunities Tues, Jan. 19, 3 p.m. at the Stanwood Library. Find ways to help others and make your community a better place. Presented by United Way, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), and Sno-Isle Libraries.