Around Stanwood

The U.S. Census Bureau is testing at the Stanwood Library for employment with the 2010 Census Fri., Jan. 29, 11 a.m., and Tues., Feb. 2, 11 a.m. Interested persons can call 1-866-861-2010 to arrange a testing time, or attend one of the Stanwood Library sessions. Haggen collecting for Haiti relief efforts

Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores are collecting donations to fund World Vision’s relief efforts in Haiti, which was devastated by a Jan. 12 earthquake. World Vision, based in Federal Way, is using cash donations to send the most urgent of life-saving supplies, such as water and medicine, to Haitian victims of the earthquake. World Vision has been working in Haiti since 1959 and has had an office in its capital of Port-au-Prince since 1978. “World Vision is trusted by Washington residents,” said Becky Skaggs, spokesperson for Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores. “World Vision was supporting seven healthcare clinics and operating 19 development programs for the people of Haiti before the earthquake struck, so we’re confident that donations will be utilized efficiently and compassionately.” Customers may make donations of any amount at Haggen checkstands through Feb. 9. For more information, visit www.WorldVision.org.

Gearing up for Silvana fair auction

The annual Silvana Fair Board auction is Sat., Match 13 at Viking Hall in Silvana. Board members are again this year, asking for donations from local merchants. “We appreciate your continued support over the years,” they said, “which in turn allows us to put on a family fun country fair at a free admission price.” This year’s auctioneers will be George Magnochi and David Fenton. Anyone wishing to donate, call 652-8682. Due to limited space, the board is requesting only new merchandise. The silent auction begins at 5 p.m., and the live auction at 6.

Special worship to prepare for Easter

Freeborn Lutheran Church invites the public to special worship services every Sunday, 10 a.m., in preparation for Easter Sunday April 4. Worship is led by Pastor Donald Brekhus, former pastor of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Stanwood. Freeborn is located just off Exit 215 east of I-5 on 300th Street.

Grant applications deadline next week

The Greater Everett Community Foundation is accepting grant applications for education, environment, and health and wellness programs, with a deadline of Feb. 1. These three areas of focus are referred to as the foundation “pillars.” Grants serve Snohomish County. Typical grant amounts range from $500-$2,500. For more information and to apply, go to www.greatereverettcf.org. Information is available by selecting “For Grant Seekers” from the left hand column, and then selecting “Available Grants.”

Mark calendars for MD fundraiser

A Muscular Dystrophy “Cabaret” fundraiser will be held at Stanwood Elementary Feb. 19, 7-9 p.m.; tickets include a raffle ticket. There will be entertainment and homemade desserts. Many businesses in the community have already donated items and money for the raffle. More details published later.

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Morning Star Riders Chapter meeting is 6 p.m., Thurs, Jan. 28 for dinner, fellowship, and review of the 2010 calendar. Guests welcome; activities open to all motorcyclists. Meet at Denny’s, 100 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Contact Scott Burner, pres., 360-770-0728, for chapter info; visit national website cmausa.org for organization overview or state Web site, riding4theson.com, for ride opportunities throughout Washington state.

Three musical groups here

Leatherheads Pub & Eatery welcomes The James King Band Thurs, Jan. 28, 7 p.m. This bluegrass group makes their Stanwood stop all the way from West Virginia. Presale tickets are available at the pub only. Limited table/chair seating upstairs. Listeners welcome downstairs (free). Fri, Jan. 29, 6 p.m., an informal evening of the Snohomish County Firefighters Pipes & Drums performing, with guests from Seattle/Pierce County. Music and dancing by “DJ” Carlton will follow at 9 p.m. No cover charge. Sat, Jan. 30, 8 p.m., Nick Vigarino and Larry Dennis perform. Nick’s delta-style (slide) guitar playing is unmistakably unique and polished. Address is 10209 270th St. NW, phone 629-5555.

RLS support group to meet next week

Skagit Valley Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Support Group is holding its winter quarterly meeting at Island Hospital, 1211 24th St., Anacortes, in Conference Rooms 1, 2 and 3, 10 a.m. until noon Sat, Feb. 6. A panel discussion will be presented, including two couples, each having a spouse with RLS. Discussion subject will be RLS: “A Family Affair,” giving members a chance to explore the effects that RLS has on those people closest to them, and how patients and support people can help each other cope with this affliction. Anyone who is suffering from RLS, knows someone with it, or is interested in receiving information regarding the illness, is welcome to attend.

Soiree at the Jack Gunter Gallery

The public is invited for a Friday evening soiree at the Jack Gunter Fine Art and Antique Gallery in Stanwood Jan. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. Live jazz music by Vanessa Soderbe, vocal, and Rich Rorex, jazz guitar. Browse, socialize and have appetizers, spirits. Web site is jackgunterart.com.

Stamp show includes junior collectors

Sno-King Stamp Club will hold its annual stamp show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun., Jan. 31, at the Everett Boys and Girls Club, 2316 12 Street, Everett. The show will feature a table for assisting junior collectors, dealer sales tables and philatelic exhibits.

S cholarship amount increases for seniors

Stanwood-Camano Friends of the Library announce the increase of the scholarship offered to a graduating senior, to $1,000. The senior must reside within the Stanwood-Camano School District boundaries. Students are asked to write an essay on the importance and benefits of the library to their student life. More information is available from Stanwood High School Counseling Services. The scholarship is administered through the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation, and will be presented at the annual scholarship award program in June, 2010. Friends of the Library, a non profit organization with a 510C3 status, obtain funds from an ongoing book sale at the Stanwood Library and a large weekend book sale in May as well as gifts and memorials. Along with the scholarship grant, these funds are used to support programs for all ages at the Stanwood Library, as well as assisting with the purchase of needed items.

Help for those in chronic pain

Z’s, All Things Good, is offering a class Mon, Feb. 1, 5:30 to 7 p.m., to teach techniques in dealing with pain and stress. Call 629- 5040 for more information.

‘Storming the Sound’ workshop

Over 150 north Puget Sound environmental educators will gather at Maple Hall in La Conner, 9 a.m. Fri, Jan. 29, for the 10th annual “Storming the Sound” educator workshop. The all-day workshop is co-organized by People For Puget Sound, Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the National Park Service, and brings together environmental educators in the K-12 schools, organizations with education resources, and students interested in pursuing a career in environmental education. Attendees will hear inspiring speakers and meet representatives from over 30 sponsoring organizations who bring with them environmental resources and valuable information to share. For more information, contact Ann Butler, 360-754-9177, abutler@pugetsound.org. A short video clip of the Jan. 2009 Storming the Sound gathering is found at http://www.youtube.com/user/people4pugetsound.

H ow to get financial aid for college

Students and their families can learn how to get free money for college Sat, Jan. 30, 1 p.m., at Everett Community College’s Shuksan Hall, Room 132, when EvCC is hosting “College Goal Sunday.” This free program that helps college students, high school students and their families fill out the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) for 2010-2011. For information see www.collegegoalsundaywa.org or call 888-758-2253. Information is also available at Everett Community College’s Web site, www.everettcc.edu/collegegoal.

‘Come sing with us’ invites male chorus

The Skagit Valley Mannskor (Norwegian Male Chorus) meets the first Monday of every month at the Stanwood Sons of Norway Lodge, 7 to 8:30 p.m. A community sing-along for everyone starts at 6 p.m. Coffee and cookies will be served. The chorus rehearses at the Conway Sons of Norway Lodge on the other Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. Singing Scandinavian and American songs, the chorus performs regularly for local organizations and events, and supports the Norwegian male chorus tradition. For more information, contact Jeff Highland, 387-5285.

Guitar clinic for middle, high schoolers

Guitar classes are being held Thursdays, 3-5 p.m. for six weeks beginning Feb. 4 at Davis Place, next door to the Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center. There is a registration fee, and scholarships are available upon request. Class size is limited, so register now. Bring your own guitar. Contact the center, 629- 5257.

Gallery welcomes Jack Gunter

Northwest Masters and Seaside Gallery, an artists/gallery cooperative, welcomes Camano Island artist, Jack Gunter to the group. The plein-air oils of special guest artist, William F. Reese, are highlighted in the January-March “Winter Showcase” show. The Northwest Masters group includes a number of local artists: Ned Mueller, Jack Dorsey, Mark Bistranin, Steven R. Hill, Annette Tamm, David Nichols, Catherine Moffat, Nathan Drushinin, Aleks Kargopoltsev and Mark Conley. This eclectic show features plein-air oils and pastels, portraits, glass sculptures and photography. Artists themselves are there to welcome customers and to discuss the works of art. On site art demonstrations will also be happening at La Conner Seaside Gallery, 112 Morris Street, La Conner, Friday to Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., 360-466-5141.

Violin virtuoso to give free concerts here Jaime Jorge, violin virtuoso, will perform two free concerts in Stanwood next week; the first at Merrill Gardens, 7212 265th Street NW, Wed., Feb. 3, 3 p.m.; the second at Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Thurs., Feb. 4, 7 p.m. For more information about performances, call David Johnson, 425- 345-1008.

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. For more information and to register, call Davis Place, 629- 5257.

PTA seeks donors for auction

Stanwood Elementary School PTA is seeking donations 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.

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.