Around Stanwood

Community invited to station dedication

WSU Skagit County Extension Master Gardeners, 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 visitskagit.wsu. edu/MG. PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O Camano Island Fire and Rescue invites the community to join firefighters Sat., Sept. 11, to dedicate the new Vista/Madrona Fire Station, 273 N. West Camano Drive and to remember Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial will be at 11 a.m., the dedication at noon and an open house runs 1-4 p.m. with tours and fun events for children.

Library speaker at chamber meeting

Stanwood chamber meets for breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Stanwood Camano School District Administration Building, 26920 Pioneer Highway, Stanwood. The guest speaker is from the Stanwood Library, plus a brief presentation on the school district levy. RSVP by e-mail to Stacy Johnson at stacykj3@hotmail. com, by noon, Tuesday, Sept. 7.

AAUW meets Sept. 9

Quilter Opal Cocke is speaker at the AAUW of Stanwood-Camano meeting 10 a.m. Thurs., Sept. 9, at Merrill Gardens. With education and philanthropy as its foundation, AAUW Stanwood-Camano community activities include math tutoring programs at schools, scholarships to university women, recognizing Stanwood and Lakewood high school scholars in math, science and technology, and they sponsor a candidate forum during national and statewide elections, among other things.

Anyone interested in joining should call Cathlin, 387-7240.

YouthBuild offers info session Sept. 9

A grant-funded program hosted by Workforce Development Council Snohomish County, Housing Hope, and local community college partners, will be hosting six upcoming information sessions for potential members, with one at The Station, 8713 271st St. NW, Stanwood, starting 6:30 p.m., Sept. 9.

YouthBuild Snohomish County, now in its second year, is a 10-month construction training program that offers paid work in housing construction, an opportunity to complete a GED at no cost, training in community leadership, personal support and advocacy, and assistance with finding a job upon program completion.

For information, call 425- 921-3439.

L&I workshop in Mount Vernon

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 reports. The three-hour sessions are scheduled at L&I offices across the state, with the final one in Mount Vernon, 9-11:30 a.m. Sept. 9, at 525 E. College Way, Suite H.

Register at www.Workshops. Lni.wa.gov.

Rock-n-Bowl for middle school ages

Camano Chapel Junior High Ministries offers Rock-n-Bowl at Twin City Lanes Sept. 10, after the Spartan game.

Information online at www. eyp7.org.

National Day of Service

In honor of the National Day of Service and Remembrance, community service projects are planned Sept. 11 in Stanwood and Camano Island. Sponsored by the the city of Stanwood, the state park rangers, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, all are invited to participate 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. In Stanwood, volunteers will be weeding and cleaning up Church Creek Park, north of SR532 at 72nd Avenue NW and at Camano Island State Park, 2269 Lowell Point Road, teams will pick up litter on two miles of beach, paint restrooms and tables, and attempt to eliminate invasive plants.

Youth symphony accepts members

Musicians aged 5 - 21 are invited to join Fidalgo Youth Symphony. New members should contact Pam Hobson at webmaster@fysmusic.org or call 360-293-8180 to schedule a placement interview.

A non-profit organization in its 15th year Director Sharyn Peterson offers Sinfonette for beginning students, Junior Symphony for intermediate level, and Youth Symphony for skilled musicians. Participation in FYS may earn students high school credit through Running Start at Skagit Valley College. Students should contact their high school/college counselor for information.

For information, see www. fysmusic.org, call 360-421- 2527 or stop in the next rehearsal Sept. 9, 6-8 p.m., Riverbend Bldg, 205 Stewart Road, in Mount Vernon.

Drag strip reunion in Arlington

The seventh annual Arlington Drag Strip Reunion and Car Show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 11 next to the retired drag strip at the Arlington Ultra Light Airport. Presented in collaborations with Port Gardner Vintage Auto Club the show benefits the Arlington Boys & Girls Club and other charities. For directions, go to Arlingtondragstripreunion. com or call 360- 435-4442.

Acoustic folk music at pub

Leatherhead Pub has announced its first “Informal Music Evening” featuring Skagit Valley couple Chris and Mary Brown who play acoustic folk and rock, 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12. No cover, at 10209 270th St NW, Stanwood.

For information, see www. leatherheadspub.com or call 629-5555.

Bless the children and the teachers

A “Back to School Blessing” has been planned for two worship services, 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Sun., Sept. 12, at Stanwood United Methodist Church, 27128 102nd Drive NW. The community is invited to join in blessing students, teachers, administrators, support staff and anyone who works with children, youth or adults.

For information call 629- 9555.

Bingo at Viking Hall

The snack bar opens at 5 p.m. Sun., Sept. 12, for bingo at Silvana’s Viking Hall, 1331 Pioneer Highway. Bingo starts at 6 p.m.

Questions? Call 652-8682.

Art classes for kids

John and Jenna Delzell’s Art Quest for Kids classes will start during the week of Sept. 13. Sign up now for Pencil Magic, 4-5 p.m. Mondays and Famous Palettes Acrylic Painting, 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Stanwood Senior Center. At the Delzell’s studio on Camano Island, Artistic Expressions, 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays. The artists are now offering Pencil Magic and Famous Palettes at Highland Christian School, 135 S. French St. Arlington on Thursdays. To register call 360-387-2251 or email john@johndelzellart.com.

For information, see www. artquestforkids.com.

DNR’s recreation issues forum

Washington state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants the public to participate in a week-long, online conversation related to recreation on DNR-managed lands. Each day of the week, Sept. 13 – 17, the DNR Forum will ask a different question about recreation on DNR-managed lands, with topics ranging from funding strategies, public need, planning and safety. Budget shortfalls continue to challenge DNR as it works to identify priorities for managing recreation in the future. DNR will post the questions for the following week on its ‘Ear to the Ground’ blog at washingtondnr.wordpress. com.

Home remedies for cold and flu

A free lecture on naturopathic home remedies for cold and flu season will be presented by naturopathic physician, Dr. Maria Eckert-Ronning, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13 Alternative Medicine Clinic, 9902 270th St. NW, Stanwood

Tunisian feast at Merrill Gardens

A Tunisian dinner, complete with belly dancers, will be served 4:30 to 6 p.m., Sept. 16 at Merrill Gardens in Stanwood. RSVP by Sept. 14, 629-3445.

Facilities close early

Snohomish County’s Solid Waste Division has planned early closures at its facilities including the North County Recycling and Transfer Station in Arlington to allow for staff training. The North County sites will close at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Customers of each facility should arrive by 3 p.m. to allow for processing before the 3:30 p.m. closure. Questions? Call 425-388-3425 and press 0.

‘Unnatural Selection’

The Food For Thought Film Series, sponsored by Snow Goose Books, The Blackbird Bakery & Cafe, and The Open Gate Farm continues Friday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at The Blackbird Bakery and Cafe in Stanwood.

The challenging film, “Unnatural Selection” looks at the issue of genetically modified foods, not just the canola and corn but also the pigs and fish. A short discussion follows the one-hour film, to help us digest the information. The showing is free, but there will be a jar for donations for the next film called “Flow” about water issues.

Reserve a spot by e-mail to jon@theopengatefarm.com.

Female food and fashion festival

All are welcome to the Fall Finger Food Fashion Festival for Females, Sept. 18 at Warm Beach Community Church, 9260 188th St. NW, in Stanwood. Bring clean and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for exchange, and plan to enjoy food and fellowship while shopping. Set up starts at 10:30 and free shopping runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Remaining items will be donated to the Snohomish County Center for Battered Women.

For information, call 360- 652-8787.

Plant program

Sandy Koffman, Shawn Brown and Bev Reaume from Camano Island’s Community Wildlife Habitat, will talk about the advantages of going native in home gardens, at Christianson’s Nursery 11 a.m., Sat, Sept. 18.

Make reservations at 360- 466-3821.

Storytimes this fall

Stanwood Library offers storytimes for preschool ages, 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 15 through Nov. 10. Baby story times are for ages 3 to 24 months 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, Sept. 16 - Nov. 11. Caregiver required. Family story times start 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Sept. 16-Nov. 11. Craft activities are funded by Stanwood/Camano Friends of the Library. September at Eagles club

Dorothy and Reuben offer prime rib dinner 5 p.m., Sept. 11, at the Stanwood Eagles Club near the fairgrounds, followed with karaoke by Randy and Steve at 8 p.m. On Sept. 17, there will be fish and chips starting at 3 p.m.

META auditions

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

Call 877-490-6382 for information or to schedule an audition.

Students need hosts

A boy from Hungary and a girl from Australia coming to Stanwood with the STS Foundation are seeking host families. They are both excellent students and will have their own spending money and health insurance. The host family must provide a separate bed, family meals and a safe environment.

For information see www. stsfoundation.org, call Lillian at 800-522-4678, or send e-mail to lillian@stsfoundation.org.

‘Miracle on 34th Street’ auditions

Director Judy Hendriux has announced auditions for “Miracle on 34th Street” are Sept. 11, 2-4 p.m., and Sept. 12, 7-9 p.m., at Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M streets. She needs many adults and 12 kids. Audition materials are available at the ACT office.

Questions? Call 360-293- 5544.

Workshop for new business or hiring

The Department of Labor and Industries is offering a free workshop designed for new businesses or those hiring for the first time, to cover workplace safety rules and guidance filling out quarterly reports. 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.

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.

• The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), sponsored by Catholic Community Services, is seeking volunteers. RSVP enrollees receive free supplemental liability, accident and automobile insurance coverage while on the job.

For information, contact John McAlpine, johnm@csww. org or call 425-257-2111.

• Volunteer ombudsmen are needed to assist the elderly who live in adult family homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Snohomish County. A four-day volunteer training will be offered Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29. Once trained, volunteers are asked to give four hours a week, to attend monthly meetings and submit a monthly activity report. Mileage is reimbursed. The Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman program is a federally-mandated program created by the Older Americans Act.

For an application packet, contact Michal Glauner, 425- 388-7393 or michal.glauner@ snoco.org.

• Applications are due Fri., Sept. 17 for Snohomish County residents interested in issues facing elders and people with disabilities. Snohomish County Council on Aging 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. New members will begin three-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2011. The CoA meets 9:30 a.m. to noon on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except December). 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 form, contact Joyce Frasu, 425-388-7377, or j.frasu@snoco.org.

• Everett Community College’s Adult Literacy Center is seeking volunteers who can offer two or more hours per week to assist adults learning reading, writing, English speaking and basic math. Volunteers must have patience, possess good literacy skills, and be sensitive to a variety of learning styles and ethnic backgrounds. Training is free with a six-month commitment. For information, call 425-388-9524 or e-mail jfrost@ everettcc.edu.

Victims Memorial Wall applications

Families of someone killed in an alcohol- or drug-related crash, may arrange for placement of a free tile in their loved one’s name on the Snohomish County DUI Victims Memorial Wall. Residents of Snohomish County are eligible. The eighth round of tiles on the wall at Mc- Collum Park will be unveiled Oct. 6.

To request an application, go to www.co.snohomish.wa.us and type “DUI Task Force” in the search engine, or call 425- 388-7200.

Life, music of Edward Grieg

Daughters of Norway Thelma Lodge 26 will present a program on the life and music of Edward Grieg, with a slide show and music Sat, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. at Normanna Hall, 2725 Oakes Ave. in Everett. Guests are welcome. Membership is open to women and girls over age 13 of Scandinavian descent.

On conquering your enemies

Study the book of Joshua in the Bible, on “Conquering Your Enemies,” starting Sept. 15. The class follows Ken DeLacy teaching videos at Cedarhome Baptist Church, 10 a.m. - noon. Call Faith C. to sign up, 360- 939-0670.

Prosecutor candidate forum

Snohomish County Bar Association and the Snohomish County Chapter of Washington Women Lawyers are hosting a candidates forum, for the position of Snohomish County prosecutor at the Monte Cristo Ballroom, 1507 Wall St., Everett. It will start with a meet and greet 5:30-6:15 p.m. Sept. 30, the forum runs 6:15-7:45, followed by a candidates’ social 7:45-8:30. Appetizers provided; no-host bar. Any questions, contact Melanie Dane at (425) 778-2429 or Beth Fraser at (425) 388-3500.