Around Stanwood

Twin City Idlers hosts its popular classic, antique and custom car, truck and motorcycle show Sun, June 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in downtown Stanwood. A controlled cruise through Stanwood is planned the evening before, 8 to 10 p.m. Cruisers meet at the former Thrifty Foods’ parking lot. The show is open to all makes and models — even tractors. There is also a junior rodder category for kids up to age 21. Car registrants can pre-register for $12. The day of show, registration is $15. To download a registration form, visit www.twincityidlers.org. The event is free for spectators. For more information, visit www.twincityidlers.org. PHOTO BY RICK WOOD Amateur Radio Club has field day

The Amateur Radio Club will have a June 26-27 Field Day, open to the public, where amateur radio operators all across the country set up portable radio stations “in the field,” and make radio contacts around the world. The Stanwood Firehouse will be the site, at intersection SR530/SR532. “This is a great way to test our equipment as well as exercise our coordination and radio operating skills to enhance our emergency communications capabilities,” said a spokesperson. “The best time to visit is Sat, June 26 between noon and 3 p.m. Other community leaders have been invited. You can have the experience of talking to local radio operators, and check out an impressive array of antennas and radio gear. Talk on the ham radio, and there will be plenty of food. Everyone is welcome.”

‘High Seas Expedition’ is VBS theme

At Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana all this week until Friday, kids will explore the mighty love of God with Bible-learning that they see, hear, touch and taste. Crafts, games, songs and treats are just a few of the activities offered (send kids in play clothes and safe shoes!). Parents, grandparents, friends are invited each day at 11:45 a.m. for the “floating finale,” a daily celebration of God’s love. Classes start at 9 a.m. and end at noon, and VBS is over Fri, June 25.

First wedding show at Warm Beach

Warm Beach is hosting its first-ever wedding show Fri, June 25, 1:30 p.m. in Beachwood Lounge at the Warm Beach Senior Community. Dresses from 1909 to the present will be modeled by the brides themselves, or another representative. A little history about each dress will be given as the gowns are modeled.

Music at Stanwood Hotel Saturday

Mark DuFresne is one of the most sought after blues talents in the Northwest and his band will be performing at the Stanwood Hotel and Saloon Sat, June 26, 9 p.m. No cover. The Washington Blues Society has awarded him for best vocalist, songwriter and harmonica more than any other artist.

Class announces reunion date

The SHS Class of 1980 is having a 30-year reunion Sat, July 17 in the banquet room of the Angel of the Winds Casino in Årlington, beginning at 5:30 p.m. “We are still missing addresses and phone number of some of our classmates,” said a spokesperson. “If you know anyone from the class who hasn’t heard about the reunion, let them know.” For more information, contact Carole Ruble, 629-4713.

Blood drive scheduled July 5

A HealthQuest program provided by Skagit Valley Hospital is a blood drive Mon, July 5, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and 1:15–4 p.m. in Skagit Valley Medical Center – Stanwood/Camano, 9631 269 Street NW. Mobile van in the parking lot. One blood donation can help up to three patients. The Puget Sound Blood Center urges community members to donate the “gift of life.” Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

Christian Motorcyclists to meet

Morning Star Riders Chapter meeting will be Thurs, June 24 for a 6 p.m. dinner, fellowship, and review of upcoming rides, rallies and outreach events. Guests welcome; participation open to all motorcyclists. Meet at Denny’s, 100 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. “Ice cream” rides are held weekly Monday nights (excluding holidays) now through September; all motorcyclists welcome, no need to pre-register. Stage 6:15 p.m. at Texaco/Skagit Red Barn, I-5/Conway exit; roll out at 6:30 p.m. Contact Steve Pitts, pres., 360-420-1987, or slpitts@acm.org for chapter info; visit national website cmausa.org for organization overview, or state Web site riding4theson.com for ride opportunities throughout Washington state.

Adult summer reading kicks off

The Stanwood Library Adult Summer Reading program kicks off Thurs, June 24, 1:30 p.m., with “In Between the Words: Authors, Books and Charades,” a unique presentation of summer reading titles as presented through book talks and rounds of charades. Managing Librarian Jill Wubbenhorst, and Pam Cronkrite, will host the event, and prizes will be awarded for winning “charaders.”

Sewing for teens offered Thursdays

A sewing class for ages 11-18 will cover all levels of sewing at Davis Place Thursdays, 3 – 5 p.m. for six weeks starting July 1. There is a registration fee, with scholarships available. For more information, contact the Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center, 629-5257.

Learn to make concrete leaves

Learn the art of making concrete cast leaves using actual leaves and cement at Christianson’s Nursery Sat, June 26, 1-4 p.m., as instructor Debbie Pigman guides participants through the process. This make-and-take class will provide participants with the knowledge and skill to make more leaves. There is a cost and reservations are required. Call 466-3821 for more information.

Waterclasses begin next month

Summer watercolor classes, with Molly LeMaster, will be held at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center in four week sessions: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 1, 8, 15, 22; Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26. There is a class fee.

Public invited to hear fiddle music

Leatherheads Pub and Eatery welcomes Walt Werme and his entourage Fri, June 25, 6 p.m. with a plethora of musical styles including fiddle, ragtime, contemporary and familiar rock ’n roll arrangements. No cover at 10209 270th St NW, Stanwood; phone 629-5555 or visit www.leatherheadspub.com.

Summer story times start at library

Baby Story time will meet Wednesdays, June 23–Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m. Babies and their favorite adults learn to love reading together with stories, songs, finger plays and rhymes. A playtime will follow the story time. For ages 3 months to 24 months. Family story time will meet Wednesdays, same dates only at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 18 months get ready to read with a parent or caregiver. Includes a craft activity funded by the Stanwood/Camano Friends of the Library.

Environmental movie at cinemas

“The Ducks and Us Songbook Movie,” an animated short about three neighbors understanding how they affect the environment, will show as a pre-feature at Stanwood Cinemas for one month starting July 9. Visit farawayentertainment.com for showtimes.

S enior center hosts boating course

Safe boating education classes will be taught at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center July 13, 15, 20, 22 and 27, 7-9 p.m. There is a class fee. Learn the rules of the road, trailering, navigational aids, knots, safety requirements and state law. Successful completion of this course qualifies the participant for a Washington State Boater Education Card. Instructors: Skagit Bay Sail and Power Squadron. To register or for more info, contact Mark Richey, 387-1260, or ssboatschool@hotmail.com.

Golf classic played on Kayak course

The Stanwood Chamber of Commerce’s sixth annual golf classic is Fri, July 30 beginning with an 8 a.m. shotgun start on the Kayak Point Golf Course. Teams are registering now, with forms online, stanwoodchamber.org, or call 629-0562. Sponsored by Sterling Savings Bank and Golf Savings Bank, there will be prizes, displays, free giveaways, raffle drawings, mulligans, networking, breakfast and lunch. Pastries and coffee provided by the Blackbird Bakery Café and Black Swan Coffee; soda pop from QFC, and hole-in-one prizes provided by Angel of the Winds Casino.

WWU reunion set for July 13-14

The Western Washington University Alumni Association will host its Golden Viking Society and reunion Tuesday and Wednesday, July 13-14, at Western’s campus and in Bellingham. The reunion is open to Western alumni from 1930-1965. Golden Vikings are alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago; this year the classes of 1958, 1959 and 1960 will be inducted into the Golden Viking Society. Activities include a salmon barbecue in the courtyard of Edens Hall; planetarium shows; talks and presentations; luncheon with a welcome by WWU President Bruce Shepard; an evening of music from the 1950s and early1960s in Wilson Library; placement of a time capsule; a campus tree tour; a session on estate planning; a campus bus tour and a dinner cruise. Many of the activities are free although some involve a cost. For more information and to register see wwualumni.com, or call 360-650-3353, or 800-676-6885.

Birth center opens, expanded clinic

The Mount Vernon Birth Center has opened, along with an expansion of Skagit Natural Family Medicine, LLC, at 916 South 3rd Street in Mount Vernon. The center will offer a midwife-attended out-of-hospital birth center option for those who desire natural labor, and is expected to begin serving birthing women this summer. Skagit Natural Family Medicine is opening an expanded clinic that provides primary care medicine to people of all ages and is able to integrate the best of conventional, natural, and alternative medicine. The clinic accepts most insurances and is open Monday to Friday, 8-5, with same day appointments available. More information can be found at skagitdocs.net, or by calling 360-336- 5658. More information can be found at mountvernonbirthcenter. com, or by calling 360-336-9997.

‘Voices of the Village’ perform at walk

Voices of the Village will perform rock and roll hits from the 60’s, 70, and 80’s at Village Community Services’ annual Friendship Walk, Sat, June 26, at the Legion Park Gazebo, 114 North Olympic Ave. in Arlington. All ages are welcome; register at the gazebo at noon, and donations of any amount are accepted. Call Michelle Dietz-Date, 360-653-7752, ext. 14, or visit VillageCommunitySvcs. org and click on events.

H ow to maximize marketplace session

The Economic Development Association of Skagit County has partnered with Duane Knapp, president of Brand Strategy Inc, to bring businessmen/women what they need to know now to create their organization’s transformation strategy to maximize the emerging marketplace of the next decade. Entitled “Transformation, Your Keys to Success,” the presentation will be Tues, June 29, 1 – 3 p.m. in the EDASC offices, 204 West Montgomery in Mount Vernon. Advanced registration is required on-line at www. skagit.org, or call 360-336-6114; includes the speaker’s book, “The Brand Promise.”

A rt in the Barn set for June 26 & 27

The Arlington Arts Council announces that the Yantis Family will once again host Art in the Barn at their picturesque farm in Oso. With about 30 AAC members and friends, the art show includes a range of media, from paintings and photography to wire sculpture and pottery. Although the barn was reduced to rubble in the winter storm of 2009, the cement provides a nice plaza for the show— one mile from Oso on SR 530, about 12 miles from Arlington, at 20412 SR 530 NE. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information, see arlingtonartscouncil. net, or call 360-435-3778.