Around Stanwood

Organizers of the Stanwood-Camano Relay for Life have announced the kick-off for this year’s relay will be 5:30-7 p.m., January 26 at the Big Red Barn on the Stanwood/Camano Fairgrounds. All of last year’s participants are invited, including survivors, caregivers, supporters, walkers, captains, and as well as anyone interested in participating this year. It will be the time to sign up as a survivor, member of a team, team captain, or all three, along with gathering information. Please come and meet your committee and those involved in the battle against cancer in the greater Snohomish and Island counties area. Organizers will once again publish a book on the event, “Make Every Day Count! Volume II,” with new survivor profiles, as well as updates on those profiled last year. Questionnaires for survivors and samples of last year’s book will be at the kick-off. This year’s relay “runs” from 6 p.m. May 21 to 10 a.m. May 22. PHOTO BY KRISTI PIHL C ensus Bureau tests for workers

The U.S. Census Bureau is testing at the Stanwood Library for employment with the 2010 Census at the following dates and times: Mon, Jan. 25, 2 p.m., Fri, Jan. 29, 11 a.m., and Tues, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. Employment is temporary/part time, $17.50/hr., starting in late February through June, 2010. Interested persons can call 1-866-861-2010 to arrange a testing time, or attend one of the Stanwood Library sessions. Walk-ins are welcome. A practice test is available in the library entryway. Testing instructor is Dana Stoffel, U.S. Census.

Violin virtuoso to give free concerts

Jaime Jorge, violin virtuoso, who migrated to the U.S. when he was 10 years old in 1980 with his family from Cuba, will perform several free concerts during his visit to Stanwood Feb. 1 -7. Confirmed performances are at Merrill Gardens, 7212 265th Street NW, Wed, Feb. 3, 3 p.m.; and Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Avenue NW, Thurs, Feb. 4, 7 p.m. Following graduation from Loyola University of Chicago, Jorge was accepted into the University of Illinois Medical School. However, Jorge chose to leave medical school for a life of service dedicated to music ministry. He has performed in high school auditoriums to magnificent cathedrals, from simple church programs to Carnegie Hall. To find out more, visit www.jaimejorge.com. For more information about performances, call David Johnson, 425-345-1008.

Bible discussion group invites public

A Bible discussion series, “The Authentic Christian,” is beginning at Anchor of Hope Community Church. The discussion is lead by Pastor Bob Hosmer. Discussions begin Sunday at 11:30 a.m., following the 10 a.m. worship service and coffee break. The public is cordially invited to either or both, meeting in the Stanwood Sons of Norway Hall, next to Wells Fargo Bank.

Swap meet, lunch for fundraiser

There will be a swap meet in Viking Hall, Silvana, Jan. 23 and 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Twenty-plus vendors. Lunch available, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an admission donation. Funds will go towards care of the hall’s septic system.

Yacht club invites new members

Camano Island Yacht Club is undertaking a 2010 membership drive. There will be no “initiation fees” to join, and dues are prorated on a monthly basis. For more information, call Jack 387- 9417, or Sam, 387-4030.

Flood district control meets Thursday

The Stillaguamish Flood Control District will meet at the Stanwood Chamber of Commerce Thurs, Jan. 21, 7 p.m.

Learn about shorebirds this Thursday

Friends of Port Susan Bay birds invite the public to a Thurs, Jan. 21 event to learn about shorebirds and how you can help with conservation. It will be held at the Stanwood United Methodist Church, 7 to 9 p.m. Ruth Milner, biologist with the WDFW, will present information on current local studies.

Acoustic Detour performs live

Acoustic Detour will be playing at the Stanwood Hotel Sat, Jan 23, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There is no cover charge. The Stanwood Hotel is located at 26926 102 Ave. NW, Stanwood; phone 629- 2888, or stanwoodhotel.net.

Pre-register for Life Line Screening

There will be a Life Line Screening Tues, Feb. 23 at the Stanwood Foursquare Church in downtown Stanwood across from Stanwood Hardware (formerly Coast to Coast). By registering now, participants will save $10 on their screening package. Sign up online or call 1-877-237-1256 and mention priority code ELTR- 579 to pre-register. Life Line Screening can identify those persons with potentially serious health risks for stroke or cardiovascular disease.

Advance notice of benefit for students

PALS is a parent support group that assists high school science teams at Stanwood High School, Stanwood Middle School and Port Susan Middle School. There will be a showcasing of some of the students and their events at Stanwood Middle School Feb. 21, 3 p.m. All students will be headed to regional competition at Seattle Community College Feb. 27, with the hopes of moving on to state.

Guitar hero tournament offers prizes

Davis Place, next door to the Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center, will be holding a guitar hero tournament Wed, Feb. 3, 3 to 5:30 p.m. Registration is free. The first 16 teens to register will be guaranteed a spot. Prizes awarded for first, second, and third place. For more information and to register, call Davis Place, 629- 5257. This is an event for teens, created by teens.

Coin club sets January 26 meeting

The Stanwood Coin Club will meet Tues, Jan. 26, 7 p.m. at the Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW. Coin displays and raffle, member coin auction and refreshments. Doors open at 6:30; visitors welcome.

Art classes for kids, adults

John and Jenna Delzell’s “Art for kids and adults” offers enrollment anytime in specialized art classes, held 4-5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center. Art classes also held at the Delzell’s studio on Camano Island, Wednesdays 4-5 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Visit the Web site for more information, johndelzellart.com, or call 387-2251.

Firefighters’ calendar signing Saturday

Leatherheads Pub & Eatery hosts the Washington State Council of Firefighters 2010 Calendar signing Sat, Jan. 23, 6-9 p.m. Meet some of the “hottest” firefighters the state has to offer; and one of Camano’s own - Mr. February! Music follows this event by the rock/blues band, Teasin’ The Cat at 8 p.m. No cover charge.10209 270th St NW; phone is 629-5555.

New Zumba studio offers free class

Studio Z, Stanwood’s new Zumba studio, is located at 7009 265th St., 105 Bldg B, behind Haggen, and three doors down from Subway. Their grand opening Friday, includes a free 90-minute introductory Zumba class 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit studiozstanwood.com.

Nursery announces photo contest

Christianson’s Nursery announces its winter gardens photography contest that ends Feb. 19. Amateurs and professionals alike are encouraged to submit up to two digital images of previously unpublished images, with entry forms available at the nursery or request one, chrisnsy@fidalgo.net. For details, call 360-466-3821.

Advantage spring basketball camps

Advantage basketball camp is accepting registration for local kids for spring break camp in 22 different camps. For information, call 425-60-8877, or visit advantagebasketball.com.

Volunteer positions open at Hospice

Providence Hospice & Home Care of Snohomish County is seeking a volunteer to fill in for a receptionist at the front desk once a week (Monday through Friday). A good command of the English language, a friendly, helpful personality and reception or telephone answering experience is preferred. Tasks will be to answer and transfer calls and greet visitors as they arrive at the agency; a minimum year-long commitment is asked. If you are interested, call Joanie Hemm, Volunteer Services, 425-261-4815, or Joan. Hemm@Providence.org.

R elay for Life committee meeting open

Committee chairpersons are meeting Tues, Jan. 26, 5:30 p.m., to plan for the Stanwood/Camano Relay for Life to support the American Cancer Society. The Kick-Off meet will be in the Red Barn at the Stanwood Fairgrounds.

PTA seeks donors for auction

Stanwood Elementary School PTA is seeking donors for its sixth annual auction Sat, March 20. 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.

Children’s clothing drive ends Friday

Haggen is collecting donations for their Warm Clothes for Kids drive, which ends Fri, Jan. 22. New or gently worn coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens are needed.

Lil’ Cheer Clinic set for February 5

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). For a registration form, visit Stanwood.wednet.edu. Questions? E-mail stacykj3@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. Information phone is 652-6555.

Conservation district election

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. For more information, contact the district election official, Bobbi Lindemulder, 425-335-5634, ext.109, or the Washington State Conservation Commission, scc.wa.gov/. SCD’s Web site address is www.snohomishcd.org.