On The Island

Elegant stone sculptures by Sabah Al-Dhaher are now on display along with architectural abstracts by Richard Nash, at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. Sabah Al-Dhaher was born in Nasriyah, Iraq. After more than two years in a refugee camp in the desert of Saudi Arabia, he came to the United States as a political refugee in 1993, and now lives in Seattle. Al-Dhaher has taught stone carving at the annual International Stone Sculptor’s Symposium at Camp Brotherhood in Mount Vernon since 1998, and at the California sculpture symposium’s Ocean Camp in 2006 and 2007. He currently teaches stone carving at the Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle. The show runs through March 28, and is open weekends 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or weekdays by appointment, at 360-387-2759. For information see www.matzkefineart.com. Island County board positions open

Island County Board of Commissioners is seeking applicants to fill four positions on the Board of Equalization to begin June 1, 2010. Three terms will run until May 31, 2013, while the fourth position is to complete a term that expires May 31, 2012. Commissioners appoint members for three-year terms, which may be renewed by mutual agreement. Interested individuals should provide a letter and statement of qualifications by mail, e-mail or FAX to: Island County Board of Commissioners, Attn: Ingrid Smith, Re: Board of Equalization Vacancy, Post Office Box 5000, Coupeville, WA 98239. The FAX number is 360-679-7381, and E-mail applications should be sent to ingrids@co.island.wa.us Application materials should be received no later than 5 p.m. April 15. For additional information, phone 360-679-7353, or email Ingrid Smith at the above address.

55+ Resource Fair at senior center

The first annual 55+ Community Resource Fair is Sat, March 27, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and also includes a free lunch to all attendees as well as a welcome bag (while supplies last). Camano Senior and Community Center at 606 Arrowhead Road. Guest speakers, including keynote speaker Barry Meyers, will be available to speak one on one. For more information, contact Luci or Karla at the center, 387-0222, or check out the Web site, camanocenter.org.

Fire Sirens will discuss coming tour

The Madrona Fire Sirens will meet at noon Wed, April 7 in the Madrona Fire Station, 916 W. Fifth Avenue (at Tarragon). Discussion will be about the Mother’s Day tour Sat, May 8, bake sale. District women are invited to join the group, bring a brown bag lunch and creative ideas. Dessert will be provided by Marie Miller and Nancy Wentzel.

South Camano Grange pancake feed

The monthly pancake breakfast at South Camano Grange will be Sun, March 28, 8 to 11 a.m. Open to the public for all-you-can-eat pancakes plus scrambled eggs, ham or sausage. Coffee, tea, cocoa and orange juice are included in the price. The grange is located at 2227 South Camano Drive. For more information and rentals of the hall, call Pat, 629-3276.

Spring break programs at library

Camano Island Library Pilot Project will be offering the following programs over spring break: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” games and prizes, Wed, March 31, 1 p.m. Kids are invited to test their knowledge and play wimpy kid games in preparation for the movie. Two free movie tickets will be given away to the new Wimpy Kid movie. Beads and Beading is the April1 program at 1p.m. Everyone will have a bead project to make and take home.

Cloud’s canine classes start March 29

Put your pup on the path to great “pawsibilities” when Cloud’s Canine offers a positive progressive training program for puppies to adult dogs. New group classes start March 29 at Camano Senior and Community Center. Teach your dog basic obedience skills.. Tuition is for a six week course, with one hour lessons that are limited in size. Visit www.cloudscanine.com or call 387-9341 to register.

Vendors still needed for art tour

Vendors are still needed for Camano Country Club Clubhouse art tour weekend Sat, May 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Island specialty vendors and lunch. Contact the clubhouse office manager, 387-1655, or go to camanocountryclub.com for registration deadline is April 15.

Training class for water systems

Evergreen Rural Water and Whidbey Island Water Systems Association are having a training class on leak detection and fire hydrant maintenance April 2, at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 Alexander Street, Coupeville. This class will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., there is a cost per person, and it is approved for 0.7 CEU’S. Sign up by calling 1-800-272-5981 or at www.whidbeywatersystems. org.

AARP Driver Safety program April 2

The AARP Driver Safety program will be held at Camano Senior and Community Center Fri, April 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a small fee, bring your driver’s license.

C ountry club hosts ‘wearing o’ the green’

Camano Country Club is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Sat, March 27. B.Y.O.B. - 5:30 p.m., dinner, 6:30. Menu is corned beef and cabbage, carrots, potatoes, Irish soda bread and dessert, all catered by Debbie Christopher. Music by Larry Laverne. The event is chaired by Bill and Mary Burns by reservation for members and their guests only.

Learn about soil, food and organics

WSU Island County Beach Watchers fourth Wednesday Information Series will have Jon Stevens of Open Gate Farm on Camano Island give a talk on how gardeners can have “wonderful” soil, diversify plantings and how small farms create a living community in this area. “Local food for local people, organic, healthy, fun” March 24, 7 p.m. at the Camano Multipurpose Center, 141 N.East Camano Drive. For more information call 360-572-4130, or tskorheim@wavecable.com.

Positions open at state park

Cama Beach State Park needs to fill three new positions at the park and interested parties may go to parks.wa.gov, scroll to the bottom and click on jobs. Then scroll down to see the jobs posted at Cama Beach. For questions, call 387-1550.

Prospective home buyer free class

Free home buyers class Thurs, March 25, put on by Realtor Bobbi Samples at Re/Max Associate Brokers, and mortgage consultant, Stacey Reynolds from Coastal Bank. Current lending, tax credit info as an update on current market, relating to buyers. Camano Re/max meeting room, 185 McElroy Dr., 6:30 p.m. Just come or call for info. Bobbi, 425 508-2931, or Stacey, 425-232-3264.