Around Stanwood

Celebrate Earth Day Sat, April 24, with a 1 to 3 p.m. bird- watching tour at the Nature Conservancy’s Port Susan Bay Preserve (www.nature. org/wherewework/northamerica/states/washington/ preserves/art6837) near Stanwood. Witness spring migration and learn about the many birds that stop at this nutrient-rich preserve on their way back to the Arctic. The tour will be led by Tim Manns, naturalist and president of the Skagit Audubon Society, Julie Morse, conservancy shorebird expert, and Dr. Joanna Smith, conservancy marine ecologist and seabird expert. Multiple Sclerosis support considered

Interest has been shown in forming an MS support group in the Stanwood Camano area. If you are interested, contact MS Helping Hands-MSHH, 425-712-1804, or info@mshelp.org.

Benefit dinner to help center needs

Warm Beach Senior Community will have an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and silent auction benefit Sat, April 17, 4 -6:30 p.m. in Beachwood Lounge. Tickets may be purchased at the marketing office, the volunteer center, or at the door on the day of the dinner. Proceeds will purchase a Vanderlift machine for the health care center. For questions, contact Sheila Bartlett, 652-2645.

Tickets now for dairy princess banquet

The Snohomish County Dairy Women’s 55th Dairy Princess/Ambassador banquet will be held Sat, April 17 at Viking Hall in Silvana. To reserve tickets, call Bev Soler, 360-435-4557. The reception line will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, the program, and crowning of the new Snohomish County Dairy Princess/Ambassador. Candidates are Marissa Levi, Stanwood, Corina Ross-Cantu, Snohomish, Emily Neff, Marysville, Leah Peek, Arlington, and Sharron Rodeffer, Snohomish.

NAMI-Northsound sets Monday meeting

NAMI-Northsound, support group for family and friends of the mentally ill, will meet Mon, April 19, 6:30 p.m. in Stanwood United Methodist Church. Information and sharing is done at meetings held the third Monday of the month. For more information, call 387-2519, 387-5705 or 629-2282. The church is located in west Stanwood, at the corner of 102nd Drive/271st NW.

Junior class raises money for prom

Zumba dances will be at Stanwood High School April 16, to help the junior class raise money for the prom. Join Kayla Shisler, certified Zumba instructor, and the junior class of 2011, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in SHS main gym. There is an admission cost, raffle tickets and a small childcare cost. The junior class invites those interested to come for dance fitness, prizes and a live DJ.

Flood Control District at chamber

The Stillaguamish Flood Control District will meet at the Stanwood Chamber of Commerce Thurs, April 15, 7 p.m.

American Legion dinner fundraiser

American Legion dinners are on the third Friday of each month, April 16, beginning at 4:30 p.m. “The dinners are our main fund raiser to support all of our projects for veterans and for scholarship funds,” said a member. Dinners are opened to the public and are at the American Legion Post 92 Hall in Stanwood. Just off Highway 532 next to Rite Aide. Menu includes a generous cut of prime rib, baked potato with all the trimmings, salad bar, veggies and dessert.

Wellness series on ‘concoctions’

The Wellness Series continues with “creating healing concoctions,” is Mon, April 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Stanwood Library Learn how to care for yourself, and take your own healing creation home with you. Presented by Susanna “Z” Mantis, local Stanwood business owner, certified aromatherapist and reflexologist since 1994. Funded by the Stanwood/Camano Friends of the Library.

Curves supports Relay for Life

Curves of Stanwood is starting its handbag and scarf drive. Ladies pay whatever they want for slightly used bags and scarves. All proceeds go to Relay for Life. The staff is also collecting used cell phones to donate for battered women.

Artistry in Wood features two locals

A Camano Island wood carver, Lynn Scism, and Stanwood resident Nancy Marsh, will participate in the 25th annual Artistry in Wood carving and sculpture show to be held at the Stillaguamish Pioneer Museum in Arlington 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat, April 24, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun, April 25. The non-juried show includes people’s choice awards in junior, beginner, theme and gallery categories. Vendors will be selling books, patterns, tools and some wood carvings. For information, see www.quilcedacarvers.com.

Choral presentation at McIntyre Hall

“Celebrating in Song” is the Skagit Valley Chorale’s presentation at McIntyre Hall April 24 and 25. Saturday’s performance is 7:30 p.m., and Sunday’s, 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office, on line McIntyreHall.org, or call 360-416-7727. The hall is located at 2501 East College Way in Mount Vernon.

Airport ‘spring into flying’ barbecue

Out of the Blue Aviation, at Arlington Airport, is holding a “spring into flying” barbecue Sat, April 17, noon-2 p.m. In addition, there will be informal air entertainment offered by the Blackjacks Squadron and members of the IAC. There is no charge for this event and it is open to anyone interested in aviation, or learning to fly. Contact 360-474-1060 for more information, or visit outoftheblueaviation. com.

Tickets available for tea fundraiser

Tickets for the May 1 tea at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center are available now at the center. Bring hats, pearls, tiaras and ribbons...” whatever suits you best and get all dolledup” (optional); guests will enjoy tea, homemade scones, Devonshire cream, tea sandwiches, fruit and desserts. Proceeds benefit the center in providing health, social, nutritional, educational and recreational services. www.stanwoodseniorcenter.org

Musical groups appear at Leatherheads Dine to the guitar artistry of Richrd Rorex every Wednesday 6-8 p.m. at Leatherheads Pub & Eatery. No cover. Steve Raible and the Newscasters will preform, Sat, April 17, 8 p.m. Soulful blues, funk and R&B! No cover. The pub is at 10209 270th St. NW Stanwood; phone 629-5555, or visit www.leatherheadspub.com.

R elay for Life billiards tournament

Sat, May 1, 6 -9 p.m., there will be a Relay for Life billiards tournament at The Station. Help fight cancer by sharing in an evening of billiards, live music, partake of appetizers and desserts with friends, shop for Silpada jewelry and Party Life candles, etc. There is a cost per person, and also to enter the billiard tournament.

Clinic introduces diabetes evaluation

Safe Harbor Free Clinic is introducing comprehensive diabetes evaluation and management with free testing the third Friday of each month. The clinic, at Skagit Valley Medical Center, begins with a 6 p.m. class and testing continuing until 9. The regularly scheduled clinic will be held during those same hours. Walk-in only – no appointments. Clinic services include the diagnosis and management of acute care conditions, including basic office laboratory testing and referral for more complex problems requiring more additional diagnostic work-up of ongoing care. Well child visits and immunizations are provided. Information and referral to the array of social services in the tri-county area are also provided. 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. Safe Harbor Free Clinic phone is 425-870-7384; e-mail, safeharborfreeclinic@ msn.com, or Web site www.safeharborfreeclinic.org.

‘Voices of Hope’ choral benefit

Sun., April 18, 2 p.m., the annual “Voices of Hope” choral benefit concert and bake sale is at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. The concert benefits Housing Hope, and the first $1,000 raised will be matched by Thrivent Financial.

Stanwood artists in Rexville Grange

Three Stanwood artists will demonstrate their artistic skills at the Pleasant Ridge Art Show at the Rexville Grange this week. Nancy Dean of Stanwood demonstrates techniques she uses to embellish her felt hats with bird art 1-4 p.m. Tues, April 13, and Camano artist Molly LeMaster will demonstrate the technique of painting silver reflections in watercolor, noon – 4 p.m. Wed, April 14. Gary Wold of Stanwood demonstrates how to use copper foil and solder in stained glass work 1 – 5 p.m. Fri, April 16. The art show is open 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. through Sun, April 18, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. For information, call 360-466-0469.

John Denver tribute shows at Lincoln

Join the amazing Ted Vigil along with multi-talented Steve Weisberg (John Denver’s lead guitar player) as they join together for the first time at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon for two shows Sat, April 17. At 4 p.m., gather the kids to listen as the duo share songs and talk about one of John Denver’s passions – taking care of the environment. An adult show (children can come also) will take place at 7:30 p.m. when Steve shares John Denver stories on the road while Ted and Steve sing all of the favorites. They will be joined by local musicians and singers. Reserved seating. A silent auction at the 4 p.m. show benefits Children’s Museum of Skagit County.

Celebrate Earth Day with PUD

Join Snohomish County PUD in Everett on Earth Day Thurs, April 22, to take steps to reduce your environmental impact. Discover what PUD is doing in the areas of renewable energy, conservation and environmental stewardship. The free event will feature light bulb exchange (turn in up to five incandescent bulbs for free compact fluorescent light bulbs); a plant sale by high school students; videos, information booths, demonstrations, drawings for energy-saving gadget, etc., noon to 3 p.m. The PUD office in Everett is located at 2320 California Street, call 425-783-1000 or visit snopud.com.

Art at the Schoolhouse with Art Guild

For the third year the Stanwood Camano Arts Guild will take up residence in Christianson’s Nursery 1888 Meadow Schoolhouse to showcase the works of 25 artists through Sun, May 2, daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Glass artists will show their work from sculptures to jewelry and sun catchers. Other art works are metal sculptures, photography, watercolors, gifts and cards; oils on canvas and handcrafted purses with needle-felted art; acrylic and pencil sketches. Make plans to attend the Soiree Fri, April 16, 6 p.m. in Christianson’s Propagation House. Light refreshments will be served. Call 360-466-3821 to make reservations. Meet and greet the artists. Create a hanging basket demo is Fri, April 23, 6 – 7:30 p.m., reservations required.

Stanwood nurseryman explores fuchsias

Kevin Jones, owner of Jordan Nursery Greenhouses in Stanwood, is responsible for growing many of the fuchsia plants offered at Christianson’s Nursery. He explores the “cousin” of the ubiquitous hanging fuchsia—the hardy fuchsia Fri, April 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. There is a small fee, reservations are required. Call 360-466- 3821.