Around Stanwood

Stanwood-Camano Fire Department would like to invite the community to gather Sat, Sept. 11 for a 9/11 memorial and fire station dedication at the new Vista/Madrona Fire Station, 273 N. West Camano Drive. Time announced later. Residents input asked on shoreline plan

Snohomish County residents are invited to hear an update on the county’s Shoreline Management Program and offer their comments on proposed changes during a Sept. 1 public hearing, 1 p.m., in the Henry M. Jackson Board Room, 8th Floor, Robert J. Drewel Building, 3000 Rockefeller, Everett. Documents and maps, along with the public hearing schedule, are available for review at: www.snoco.org/Departments/Council/About/Meeting_Calendar/ long_term_calendar.htm

‘Back to school blessing’ at local church

A “Back to School Blessing” has been planned for both worship services, 8:30 and 10:45 a.m., at Stanwood United Methodist Church, Sun., Sept. 12. The community is cordially invited to share in this special time. The church is located at 27128 - 102nd Dr. NW. For more information call the church office, 629-9555.

Bingo games in Silvana’s Viking Hall

Silvana Viking Hall will be the setting for bingo Sun., Sept. 12, 6 p.m. Doors and snack bar open at 5 p.m., address is 1331 Pioneer Highway. For questions, call 652-8682.

MOMS club holds park day

MOMS Club Open Park Day is Tues., Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Heritage Park in Stanwood, north of the bowling alley, 9800 276th Street NW. The MOMS Club of Stanwood/Camano/Arlington invites those interested to stop by to get information about the club and how to join. MOMS support group is for stay-athome moms or moms who work part-time. For more info, contact arlstanmoms@gmail.com, or visit www.momsclub.org.

VA Workshop highlights vets benefits

If you are a veteran or the surviving spouse of one, you could be eligible for benefits that will help with retirement expenses. A free workshop with Mahala Murphy-Martin, of Senior Assurance Consultants, Inc., will be held at Merrill Gardens in Stanwood to learn about the benfits and how to apply for them, Sept. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free lunch is provided. Call 629-3445 to RSVP by Sept. 6. A Tunisian theme dinner, complete with belly dancers, is Sept. 16, 4:30 to 6 p.m. There is a fee. RSVP by Sept. 14.

AAUW sets first meeting of year

The first meeting of the year for AAUW of Stanwood-Camano is Thurs., Sept. 9, 10 a.m., at Merrill Gardens. Speaker is Opal Cocke, quilter. Anyone interest in joining AAUW, call Cathlin, 387-7240. With education and philanthropy as its foundation, AAUW Stanwood-Camano has been a contributing partner to the community for the past 31 years.

Weekend of music at Leatherheads

Fri, Sept. 3, Don Mailloux returns to Leatherheads Pub & Eatery performing acoustic folk/rock, 6:30-9:30 p.m. No cover. 10209 270th St NW Stanwood; 629-5555, www.leatherheadspub.com. Sept. 4, 6 p.m., “informal” music evening with the “Skagit Blues Man,” Tom Rigney. He performs blues on harmonica and guitar. At 8 p.m., “Steal Thunder” with “good old rock and roll!” Sunday evenings 6-8 p.m., musicians that wish to perform original music, newly composed material, or just want to play music informally, perform 45 minutes or take the whole block. A meal will be provided for each performer, stage and sound system. Limited to acoustic instruments and one or two-person groups. Call 360- 348-3361, or e-mail leatherheads10@gmail.com for more info or to set up a date and time.

Lineup for storytimes this fall at library

Baby Storytime with Joy, Preschool Storytime with Mrs. Jones, and Family Storytime with Joy, is the lineup for storytimes this fall at the Stanwood Library. Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, Sept. 15 - Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 years will enjoy stories, songs, and getting ready to read with a parent or caregiver. A playtime or craft may follow. Baby Storytime, Thursdays Sept. 16- Nov. 11, 9:30 a.m. Babies and their favorite adults learn to love reading together with stories, songs, fingerplays and rhymes. Playtime follows. For ages 3 to 24 months. Caregiver required. Family Storytime, Thursdays, Sept. 16 - Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome at this storytime filled with books, felt stories, rhymes, and music. Includes a craft activity funded by Stanwood/Camano Friends of the Library.

Blood drives help the ‘gift of life’

The Puget Sound Blood Center urges community members to donate the “gift of life” at the Tues., Sept. 7, blood drive at the Skagit Regional Clinic in Stanwood, 9631 269th Street NW. A mobile van will be in the parking lot. Hours are 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

September events at Eagles club

Sept. 3 is burger night at the Stanwood Eagles club near the fairgrounds. Eat between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sept. 11 is Dorothy and Reuben’s prime rib dinner at 5 p.m., and karaoke by Randy and Steve at 8 p.m. Sept. 17, there will be fish and chips starting at 3 p.m.

Performing Arts sets audition times

META Performing Arts will hold auditions for its upcoming production of the musical “How to Eat Like a Child,” Wed. - Thurs., Sept. 8 and 9, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 15th and Broadway, Mount Vernon, across from Skagit Valley Hospital. Performances will run Dec. 3 - 12, at the historic downtown Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. The cast will be comprised entirely of youth, ages 7-13. Call 877-490-6382 for more information or to set an audition time.

Teen homeless shelter gets resources

The Skagit YMCA Oasis Teen Homeless Shelter is teaming up with other local agencies for the first ever Project Homeless Connect in Skagit County 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wed, Sept. 1, at Skagit Valley College. This event brings needed resources to homeless individuals, including dental and medical services, vaccinations, prescriptions being refilled, haircuts, vision services, clothing, toiletries, housing resources, DSHS, a free meal and more.

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Youth Symphony new member registers

Musicians between the ages of 5 - 21 are welcome to join Fidalgo Youth Symphony Sept. 9, 6-8 p.m., Riverbend Bldg, 205 Stewart Road, Mount Vernon. Contact Pam Hobson to schedule a placement interview for new members, webmaster@fysmusic.org, or call 360-293-8180. Fidalgo Youth Symphony is a non-profit organization now in its 15th year of offering orchestral experience for talented young musicians in Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties. Under the direction of Sharyn Peterson, 360-421-2527, there is the Sinfonette designed for beginning students, Junior Symphony for intermediate level, and the Youth Symphony, which offers challenging symphonic material. Participation in FYS may earn students college credit through Skagit Valley College and may accumulate for high school credit through “Running Start.” Students should contact their high school/college counselor for more information or www.fysmusic.org.

Exchange students need host homes

International high school exchange students are coming to study in the Stanwood area during the 2010-11 school year, and need host homes. These students will integrate themselves into a Stanwood area family with the goal of experiencing American culture as an American high school student does. In turn, they will provide insight into their own culture. STS Foundation, a non profit student exchange organization, has been placing students for more than 20 years. Two students this year are Mark and Georgia. Mark is a 17-year-old boy from Miskok, Hungary. Georgia is a 17-year-old girl from Mitcham, Australia. They are both excellent students and will have their own spending money and health insurance. The host family provides a separate bed, family meals and a safe environment. If your family is interested in being a host family, call Lillian, 1-800-522-4678, or send an e-mail to lillian@stsfoundation. org. For more information visit www.stsfoundation.org.

Audition notice for Baylight Theatre

Professional actors/actresses are being sought for a production of “Christmas on the Tumblin’ D” that will run in December at The Baylight Dinner Theatre during Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp. Roles are available for seven men and women, ages 20-55. Ability to play a musical instrument helpful. Actors will be paid a stipend. Auditions held the evening of Sept. 7 at Warm Beach Camp. Prepare a monologue and a song. For more information and to schedule an audition time, call the director, Tori Ritchey, 652-2233.

Tour tickets available at local outlets

Tickets can be purchased in Stanwood at Snow Goose Bookstore and Marcy’s Boutique, for the Camano Island 32nd Annual Home Tour Sat., Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Camano Island Women’s Republican Club. There are five homes on the tour and a Tea House at 873 North Heichel Road. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits a local student scholarship fund. Tickets can also be purchased at Starlight Vintage Emporium, Camano Island Coffee Roasters and Copy This Mail That on Camano Island.

Critical need for volunteer ombudsmen

There is a critical need for volunteer ombudsmen throughout Snohomish County to assist the elderly living in adult family homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The next four-day volunteer training will be held Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29. As a certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman, individuals can make a difference by being an advocate, educator, investigator and problem solver. The Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes the interests, well-being and rights of vulnerable adults living in long-term care facilities. It is part of the Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman program, a federally mandated program created by the Older Americans Act. For more information and an application packet, contact Michal Glauner, 425-388-7393 or michal.glauner@snoco.org.

Auditions for ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

Director Judy Hendriux will be casting numerous adults and 12 kids for “Miracle on 34th Street” that runs Nov. 26 - Dec. 18. Auditions are Sept. 11, 2 - 4 p.m., and Sept. 12, 7 - 9 p.m., at Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M. Audition materials are available at the ACT office. For questions, call Judy, 360-293-5544.

Workshop for new business or hiring

The Department of Labor and Industries is offering a workshop designed for new businesses or those hiring for the first time. The free workshop covers everything from workplace safety rules to guidance filling out quarterly reports. The three-hour sessions are scheduled at L&I offices across the state, with the final one in Mount Vernon, Sept. 9, 9-11:30 a.m., 525 E. College Way, Suite H. Visit www.Workshops.Lni.wa.gov to register for the workshop.

Experienced human beings wanted!

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), sponsored by Catholic Community Services, is seeking interested folks for hundreds of opportunities throughout the county. All active RSVP enrollees receive free supplemental liability, accident and automobile insurance coverage while performing volunteer duties, an ongoing personal recognition program, the chance to meet new people and share those skills acquired through a lifetime of work and experience. For more information, contact John McAlpine, johnm@ccsww.org or call 425-257-2111, ext. 3374, or toll free, 1-888-240-8572.

‘Know & Grow’ Workshop: the real dirt

WSU Skagit County Extension Master Gardeners, in partnership with WSU - Mount Vernon NWREC, present a WSU Know & Grow workshop, “The Real Dirt on Skagit Soils,” Tues., Sept. 14, 1-2:30 p.m. at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC Sakuma Auditorium, 16650 State Route 536 (Memorial Highway). Don McMoran, fourth generation Skagitonian and WSU Skagit County Agriculture Extension Educator, will be teaching about soils in cooperation with William F. Black Soil Testing. For more information, call 360-428-4270 or visit http://skagit.wsu.edu/MG.

S noCo seeks volunteers

Snohomish County residents interested in issues facing elders and people with disabilities are needed to serve on the Snohomish County Council on Aging. Applications are due Fri., Sept. 17. The CoA is a 30-member citizen board that advises the county executive, Snohomish County Long Term Care, and the county’s Human Services Department’s office on aging. The offices manage federal, state and local funds and rely on advice from the CoA. New members will begin three-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2011. The CoA meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except December) 9:30 a.m. to noon. It is expected that every council member attend regularly and join at least one sub-committee. All meetings occur during work hours. The CoA strives for a membership that is geographically balanced throughout the county, urban and rural, ethnic and racial minorities. For an application or information, contact Joyce Frasu, 425-388-7377, or j.frasu@ snoco.org.

C ompassionate volunteers needed

A free information session to review the volunteer opportunities at Providence Hospice & Home Care, is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 15, 2-4 p.m., in downtown Everett. To register and to get driving/ parking information, call 425-261-4815 by Sept. 13.

Gerry Andal’s has re-opened

Gerry Andal’s restaurant in Stanwood has re-opened, and the owners want patrons to know that the menu is exactly the same, “although we are working on a few new ideas that we will implement as time permits,” said a spokesperson. “Down-home cookin’ with real mashed potatoes and prime rib is what got us voted ‘The Best of Stanwood/Camano’.”

Auditions open for September workshop

META Performing Arts is holding it’s twice annual audition workshop Sept. 2, 6-8:30 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church, 15th and Broadway, Mount Vernon. To register for the workshop, call 877-490-6382, and there is a fee. The workshop is open to all youth. The workshop is not a pre-requisite for auditioning nor does it guarantee casting in the show. “How To Eat Like a Child” performances run Dec. 3-12 at the historic downtown Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. The cast will be comprised entirely of youth, ages 7-13.