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Dear Editor
On February 5, Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor had the pleasure of presenting a night of fun filled entertainment at Oak Harbor High School’s Parker Hall to raise funds to be pledged to the High School Stadium Project, “Build the Pride.” Over six hundred people filled the hall to sing, clap and dance to the fabulous music of the Timbenders of Victoria, Canada.

The Soroptimists would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the people who made this evening such a resounding success. First, thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and came to the event. While it may sound a bit funny to thank you for having a great time, your decision to purchase tickets and spend that evening with the Timebenders resulted in some seventy- five hundred dollars to be pledged to the stadium project!

Without the generosity of Wal-Mart, Radio Station KWDB, The Coachman Inn, Saar’s Market Place and the Whidbey Marketplace and Community Journal, this “Magical Rock and Roll Revue” would not have been such a great success. We also thank the High School DECA students who worked so hard operating the refreshment stands.

Last, but not least, we thank that great bunch of entertainers, the Timebenders. Once again, they gave us an evening that was memorable. It’s a long trip from Victoria, and we hope that the crowded dance floor, enthusiastic clapping to the music and vigorous response from the audience communicated everyone’s thanks for a job well done.

Helping to make a difference in our community is a major goal of Soroptimist, and we truly appreciate all the help we received in putting on and enjoying the Timebenders concert.

Members of Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor
Becky King, President

Dear Editor:
To raise the tariff of part time workers on the mainland 17% plus to limit the ticket booklet to a card for one month will kill many of us financially. I travel over to work in schools or colleges about two to three times a week as a free lance writer and artist. To be paid $60 for a workshop, and have one third of that be in ferry ticket is just plain mean and unfair.

Please reconsider the card limitation so that you do not screw the part time worker who happens to live on Whidbey.

I intend to contact all my appropriate representatives and newspapers on this.

Susan Zwinger, Langley

To the Editor:
Like it or not your high school student is targeted by the military for recruitment through the school system. That is, unless you as a parent specifically request that your student not be approached by recruiters.

Meanwhile, Congressman Mike Honda of California has put forward a bill that would make it easier for parents to block military recruiters from gaining access to their high school-aged children. He stated: “I don’t believe successful recruitment efforts require access to students’ personal information without their consent.” His Student Privacy Protection Act would bar schools from giving out the personal information without the explicit approval of the student’s parents.

Contact your Representative to support this legislation!

Thanks,
John Hurd, Clinton

Bits 'N' Pieces

Senate Votes to Give Counties Option for All-mail Voting
Olympia – Washington’s counties, which administer the state’s polling sites and pay for elections in even years, would be given broad authority to move to all mail-in elections under a measure passed today by the Senate.

“More and more voters are signing up as permanent absentee voters,” said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, the sponsor of the bill. “With fewer voters headed to the polls on Election Day, counties are facing higher costs per voter to keep multiple polling sites open. And we have seen that absentee voting has encouraged wider participation, something we all support.”

Senate Bill 5744, approved by a vote of 32-16, was crafted by a coalition of rural, suburban and urban senators who want to give counties more latitude to conduct all-mail voting. Currently, all-mail voting is only allowed in certain special elections and in precincts with fewer than 200 voters. The bill approved today does not mandate all-mail voting, but allows the county legislative bodies (the 39 councils and commissions) to have the option to eliminate many or all of their polling sites.

Four rural counties with small precincts have already moved to all-mail voting. Whatcom County has contemplated dividing its current precincts into smaller pieces to take advantage of current law, but the bill approved today would save the county considerable time and expense. The neighboring state of Oregon has already moved to all-mail voting.

The same signature verification process that is currently used for absentee ballots would remain in place for all-mail voting. The Senate is contemplating additional legislation this session to bolster existing ballot security statutes.

In addition to encouraging participation, the proposal would save counties considerable expense. For example, counties are facing new federal requirements that mandate special voting machines for the sight-impaired. By reducing the number of polling places that must have this expensive equipment, all-mail voting reduces the cost of the federal requirement.

Under this bill, counties could retain a central polling place or ballot drop so that voters who enjoy the civic pride of going to the polls could still have that patriotic experience. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.

[Submitted by the Senate Democratic Caucus]

Camp Ten Trees Now Accepting Staff Applications
Camp Ten Trees, a summer camp for the youth of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) community is now accepting staff applications for their summer, 2005 sessions. Located in Washington State, Camp Ten Trees runs August 14 - 20 for youth, ages 8 - 15, with LGBTQ parents and August 21 - 27 for LGBTQ youth, ages 13 - 18.

Camp Ten Trees hires approximately 45 adults, ages 19 and older, to fill roles such as cabin counselor, kitchen crew, medical officer and area leader for one or both camp sessions. All staff, except kitchen crew, participate in camp activities that include arts and crafts, archery, sports, swimming, boating, dance, drama, fishing, outdoor living, hiking, and more. All camp staff are volunteers from across the United States and Canada. Every volunteer staff receives a $100 travel reimbursement stipend for their participation.

The staff volunteer application for Camp Ten Trees is available at www.camptentrees.org. The application deadline is April 1. For more information, please contact Camp Ten Trees at (206)985-2864 or email info@camptentrees.org.

[Submitted by Camp Ten Trees]

Started on Whidbey, World Friendship Day Goes Global
World Friendship Day was originally conceived by the Friendship Force (FF) of Whidbey Island and held at the Island County Fairgrounds in Langley, in September of 2002 and 2003. The club dreamed of this becoming a worldwide event with FF groups around the world participating. That dream became reality on March l of this year. On that day, more than 200 Friendship Force Clubs around the world held events in all the time zones around the world. The party, expected to be a world record for a continuous party, began in New Zealand and ended in Hawaii. Our particular event was held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Greenbank Farm.

Friendship Force International planned the celebration to coincide with the date the organization was founded 28 years ago. Donations were accepted towards the Legacy Fund which will be used to create new Friendship Force clubs and train new leaders in parts of the world where there are presently few or no clubs .

It turned out to be an event beyond our wildest expectations with displays representing other countries and cultures, children’s art, and non-stop entertainment. Bright colors were very much in evidence. The air was charged with the excitement of folks enjoying themselves and having a great time learning about people from other cultures. Children decorated paper bags to be used as luminaries later on. The children also had maps of the world and went around asking the grownups about their experiences with folks from other countries. They received smiling faces to stick to their maps from those they questioned. It was all so much fun. There were displays from the Girl Scouts, Northwest Language Academy, Macedonia , Estonia, Friendship Force past and future exchanges, South Whidbey Literacy, AAUW , Baskets for Books, Permaculture, artifacts from Ghana, art from children in Moscow, Sapporo Japan and Ghana. Posters about Big Brother Big Sister, an adoption fundraiser, French conversation group, Roots and Wings, Languages on Whidbey, Foreign Born on Whidbey and Countries represented on Whidbey (over 60 so far) provided interesting information.

The party began with Dave Adams describing his recent experiences with the Peace Corps while he was an art teacher at a school in northern Ghana. Carla Schneider of Heifer Project International then introduced Armin Chermu, a young woman from the Akha tribe of about 20,000 people in northern Thailand. She wore her tribal clothes, blouse and short black skirt, all heavily beaded with masses of necklaces and an intricate headpiece. She told us that this is what the women wear all the time. She was from a very poor family that eked out an existence by subsistence farming, with no hope of her going to school. Her life changed when her village received training and gifts of buffalo and cattle from Heifer Project. She has since completed a university education and now works for Heifer Project helping the Akha and other tribal people.

A group of students from Coupeville raised funds with a baked potato bar to help with their expenses in traveling to Thailand this summer and the Skandia Dancers provided waffles. The entertainment was continuous from 5:15 and began with the Young Skandia Dancers. Vern Olson and his brother Karl, Swords into Plough Shares bluegrass music, Japanese and Sitar music by Linda Good and Island Strings students, all entertained us. The evening climaxed with a heart-pumping performance by the Dana Moffet’s Student Marimba Band and then the open Circle Singers with everyone joining in for the final song. To close the evening, we were invited to experience the circle of lighted luminaries outside the building. It was very moving.

It was a truly memorable event. If you weren’t there, you missed something really great. For more information, please contact Chris Williams at (360)321-4027 or Mary Ann Imkamp at (360)678-1928.

[Submitted Friendship Force of Whidbey Island]

Scouting for Food Campaign This Month
Boy Scouts across the country will be busy lending a helping hand to support local communities. The annual “Scouting for Food” campaign makes it easy for local residents to participate in this noteworthy endeavor. The Scouts will go door to door asking for donations or may set up a stand outside local grocery stores or place a large box at your church. These attempts are to gather as much non-perishable food as possible for those who are less fortunate. We will be distributing the collection to the local food banks throughout Island County.

Our local participants will be comprised of more than thirty units from the Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Varsity Teams, Venturing Crews and Exploring Posts. These young men and woman will be donating their weekends to perform this community service.

How can you help out? It’s easy, just donate any extra canned goods or other nonperishable food items when these young scouts visit your neighborhood. By doing this, you will be supporting one of the nation’s largest annual food drives. This will surely help the needy in Island / Skagit County.

“Scouting for Food” nation-wide, will be comprised of more than 4 million young scouts and adult leaders all fulfilling the Scout Oath, “To help other people at all times.” Your participation in this worthy cause is most appreciated.

Collections will happen on the 1st four weekends in March (Saturday and Sundays) between 10:00am and 5:00pm.

[The Coupeville Cub Scout Pack 58 and the Coupeville Boy Scout Troop 58 will be combining their efforts this year. On Saturday, March. 19 the scouts will be going door to door collecting food for the local food banks. The Scouts will be collecting food from 10:00am to 2:00pm inside the Coupeville city limits.]

[Submitted by Island District Boy Scouts of America and ]

The Magic of Whidbey Island’s Peaceful Woodland Garden
Reservations for guided tours at Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens throughout June are now being accepted. Ten acres of majestic rhododendrons, magnificent magnolias and drifts of spring blossoming bulbs crescendo into a symphony of spring, April through May. New for 2005 is the BlueBell Wood planted in the Meerkerk’s Secret Garden Arboretum.

Visitors will enjoy the company of an enthusiastic garden docent as they weave the history of Meerkerk Gardens with horticultural tidbits and fun plant stories. A guided tour generally takes an hour to an hour and a half. Arrangements may be made for your group to lunch at the picnic area, or in the cute Volunteer Cottage on cool, misty days. Your group can schedule a shopping trip to the Meerkerk Rhodie Nursery as well.

Please make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance, by phone at (360) 678-1912 or by email to meerkerk@whidbey.net. Indicate the date you would like to schedule, time of arrival and number of people in your group. For groups of ten or more, the tour is included in the $5 admission price.

[Submitted by Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens]

Help Keep the Penn Cove Water Festival Afloat
Join the Penn Cove Water Festival Association on Sunday, March 20 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm for a delightful cruise on the waters of Penn Cove, and learn about the Native cultural history of the area. Anthropologist Louis LaBombard will be on board to discuss the history of various Native village sites around the area as we take a boat tour through history. We’ll board Island Adventures’ luxurious tour boat from the Coupeville Wharf, and enjoy a warm, dry cruise of the cove - and may even get lucky and see a gray whale or two! Gourmet appetizers and drinks are included in the price of $50 per person for this unique sail. Support the tradition of the Penn Cove Water Festival, and don’t miss this chance to learn more about the rich history of our area. Limited space is available, get your tickets early by contacting Molly Hughes at (360)678-8312.

The association is also looking for volunteers to help with this year’s festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 7. We particularly need volunteer help with marketing, creating a web site, and with set-up and take-down on the day of the festival. If you’ve never taken part in this unique and historic tradition, now is the time! Contact us at (360)678-3310 or juliemdougherty@msn.com and be a part of the Penn Cove Water Festival as we gather to share and celebrate our rich cultural history on the shores and waters of beautiful Penn Cove.

Also tax-deductible contributions may be sent to the Penn Cove Water Festival Association at PO Box 393, Coupeville WA 98239. Those who donate to the festival become part of the “Coupeville Canoe Club”, and receive certificates with a historic Water Festival canoe photo and will have their names carved on canoe paddles to be displayed in downtown Coupeville.

[Submitted by Penn Cove Water Festival Association]

Concert for Young Skandia Dansers Trip
In May, 2006, the Young Skandia Dansers will be traveling to Norway for a cultural exchange. Our theme is Living our Heritage thru Dance. The first big event to get us going will be a concert, Fling into Spring with the Pickled Herring Band, The concert will be held on Saturday, March 19, 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Sons of Norway Normanna Hall in Everett. The entrance fee of $8, $5 for seniors and children 12 and under, includes kaffe and dessert. There will also be split pea soup and rye bread for sale for dinner.

Our very own local Pickled Herring Band has graciously donated their time to the Young Skandia Dansers, and the Normanna Hall has donated their space. Let’s have a full house to support these Young Skandia Dansers in their endeavor to reach a dream come true. Invite your friends, grab your dancing shoes, do the polka. This will be a fun time for the whole family. Velkommen. For more questions and information on how you can support these young dancers, call (360)320-0950 or by email to spencer@whidbey.com.

[Submitted by Young Skandia Dansers]

WICA Announces Youth Theatre Summer Camps
Come participate in a rewarding, fun, summer program at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA). All WICA Youth Theatre summer camp lead teachers have theatre degrees and bring years of professional training to the program. Campers also have the unique experience of working and performing in a state-of-the-art facility. Sibling discounts are available. This year’s schedule includes:

Tech Camp, ages 11 to 15, $150
Wednesday - Friday, June 29, 30, July 1, 6, 7, 8; 9:30am - 3:00pm

Introduction to the Stage, ages 5 to 9, $150
Tuesday - Thursday, July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28; 10:00am - 12:30pm

Advanced Production, ages 10 to 18, $400
Four Weeks, July 11 to August 5, Monday - Friday. 9:30am - 3:00pm

To have a brochure mailed to you, or for specific curriculum information, contact WICA Camp Director Deana Duncan at (360)221-8262.

Local Directory Cover Art Competition Announced
Whidbey Telecom has announced a competition for local artists who are interested in having their artwork featured on the cover of the next issue of the company’s 2005 directory. The theme is “Local Color/Local Flavor” and original art by artists 18 years of age or older who reside in the company’s telephone service areas are eligible. In addition, artwork must have been created after May 15, 2004. Entries are due by June 3, and will be reviewed by a panel of judges consisting of the company’s executive management as well as members of the local art community. The grand prize is $500, front cover printing with artist credit, plus promotional exposure.

Recent artists featured on Whidbey Telecom directory covers have included Moe Jerome of Freeland and Briony Morrow-Cribbs of Clinton. Jerome’s painting of spawning sockeye salmon appears on the current directory, while Morrow-Cribbs’ blue heron could be seen on the cover of the 2003 directory. Competition entry forms and details are available online at www.whidbey.com, as well as in the Whidbey Telecom Customer Service Centers. Call (360)321-1122 for additional information.

[Submitted by Whidbey Telecom]

Whidbey Business Gets Boost From Everett Events Center
Whidbey Coffee is now brewing at the Everett Events Center. The Freeland based company is now supplying coffee beans to the Everett Events Center in an agreement with the Everett Events Center and Centerplate Catering. Whidbey Coffee beans will be used for all drip coffee sold at concession stands within the Everett Events Center and at two coffee carts serving premium coffee drinks.

“We are pleased to offer our event patrons a high quality coffee product from a local company,“ states Kim Bedier General Manager of the Everett Events Center. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our company,” states owner Dan Ollis. “Our product will be sampled and the Whidbey Coffee name introduced to thousands of new customers as they visit the Everett Events Center. Our company has a strong presence on Whidbey Island and this relationship offers a catalyst to grow our company in Snohomish County.”

Whidbey Coffee Company has been in business since 1991. The company currently operates 6 drive-through coffee stands in Island and Skagit Counties, coffee stands at Shoreline Community College and Skagit Valley Hospital and operates Whidbey’s Coffee Cafés in Mukilteo, Freeland and the Cascade Mall. The company also operates a wholesale division with bulk coffee beans sold at retail supermarkets.

[Submitted by the Whidbey Coffee Company]

Publish a Poem and Support Burning Word
As you know, we’re gearing up for another great Burning Word poetry festival to be held this coming April 30. It will be a day you do not want to miss. The way we raise money to pay our performers and presenters a small fee is by selling space in our beautiful 28-page+ festival program. Some of the space is sold to advertise new books, other festivals and workshops and services, some to local businesses who want to support the arts, and some we hope to fill with poetry. That’s where you come in!

The more poetry printed in the program, the more it becomes a “Burning Word Festival Chapbook” as well as a program to help you keep track of all the venues and action that is going on. A chapbook and a keepsake - I say the more poetry the better!

By buying a space in the ‘05 Burning Word festival program for a poem of your own, or of another favorite poet, you get published, help create a poetry chapbook, and support the festival all in one poetic swoop. The Washington Poets Association is a non-profit so all donations are tax deductible, and as I said, all money raised will go to pay our performers.

The small business card size @ $50 is space enough for an elegant stanza, inspiring quote or brilliant haiku, and the half page size @$125 will hold most “regular length” full poems. Longer poems? A full page is only $225.

If you have any questions or wish to reserve your space please give me [Victory Lee Schouten] a call at (360)331-7099 or by email to victory@greatpath.com

[Submitted by Washington Poets Association]

Whidbey Children’s Theater Campaign to Build a Theater
Whidbey Children’s Theater (WCT) has launched a capital campaign to raise funds for the construction of a permanent home on the ground floor of the Porter Building in Langley. Plans are in place and the contractor has been hired to build a facility that will serve as home to WCT and provide space for multiple use by the broader community at nominal cost for concerts, productions, meetings and events.

Plans include a 100-seat main stage theater, a 35-seat cabaret theater/workshop space, expanded and improved bathrooms to meet current codes, and three multi-use areas for workshops, green room, storage and expanded office space. The plan also includes sound, lighting, and technical equipment.

Following the 22-year tradition of Martha Murphy, founder and Artistic Director of WCT, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children by creating opportunities to discover, experience and participate in the performance arts. Martha began the tradition in her home, and later in a barn owned by her family. She presented performances for young actors in such venues as the Clyde Theater and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.

This past year, WCT expanded many programs, formed a nonprofit organization, created a board of directors and signed a 10-year lease for the Porter Building space. WCT also produced it’s most ambitious performance to date with “Les Miserables” at the South Whidbey High School Auditorium with full student orchestra and cast. The production received rave reviews from several sold-out audiences as well as local press.

Now is the time the community can help support and sustain the progress WCT has made. Donors are needed at all levels, from funds to materials to volunteers. General support through any amount of cash donation will be gratefully received and recognized. All donors giving $500 and over will be listed in a custom-designed tile wall in the theater foyer. Sponsorship of specific equipment and major donors will receive prominent signage and press recognition. Or, supporters can buy a theater seat for $125 and that seat will bear a plaque with the donor’s designated name.

WCT is going to an exciting new level in its service to young people and the community. Over the years many have enjoyed the productions by WCT and watched these talented young people benefit in many areas of their lives because of their theater experience. Martha and WCT have been praised by former students and community members, such as Mike McInerney, former South Whidbey High School drama coach, who said, “...I have reaped the benefits of WCT in that a large number of my drama students have received their initial training with Martha. They consistently report a high level of enjoyment with their theater experience... I feel very fortunate to have this type of high quality ‘feeder program’ sending me students excited about theater.”

Several community groups are already using the facility for performances and meetings. Dan Monte Calvo, SW Acoustic Music Preservation Society, praised “this wonderful new venue in the heart of Langley”. Many others have expressed interest.

Please help WCT realize the dream. For more information contact WCT at (360)221-8707 or send donations to WCT Capital Fund, P.O Box 1493, Langley, WA, 98260. Check us out on the web at wctonline.com.

[Submitted by Whidbey Children’s Theater]

Fiske Attends Conference in Texas
David Fiske, Owner of Gerald’s Jewelry in Oak Harbor, recently attended a series of educational seminars, workshops and courses at the independent Jewelers Organization’s (IJO) Spring Conference held in Austin, Texas. Fiske also had the opportunity to preview the lines of more than 150 top manufacturers and jewelry designers who exhibited their merchandise, some of which is exclusive to Master IJO Jeweler members and is not available from any other stores in this area. Fiske then carefully selected many unique and exciting items for the Spring season that are sure to delight customers.

IJO (www.ijo.com) is an international buying group and educational organization of independent retail jewelers with almost 900 members worldwide. Its group buying power enables members to offer customers the finest in high-quality jewelry and loose diamonds at tremendous savings, while maintaining the reliability and integrity of an independent retail jeweler. Gerald’s Jewelry is this area’s exclusive Master IJO Jeweler member and is located at 645 NE Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor. Visit them soon to see the latest in jewelry fashions, or for a personal consultation on the diamond of your dreams.

[Submitted by Gerald’s Jewelry]

It’s Girl Scout Cookies Time
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a time-honored tradition. It dates back to 1917 when Girl Scouts baked their own cookies and sold them from baskets to their neighbors. Today, The Girl Scout Cookie Sale is recognized as an educational program activity that helps girls grow strong by teaching them to set goals, develop budgets and obtain hands-on experience in math, scheduling, entrepreneurship, marketing, communication and teamwork. The Cookie Program is conducted in accordance with the highest safety standards, which guide all Girl Scout activities.

Local troops will be selling cookies now through March 20, for $4 a box. The cookie varieties are: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Do, Trefoil, Double Dutch, Lemon Coolers, and All Abouts.

“Even if you don’t eat cookies, you can support Girl Scouts,” Executive Director Grace Chien said. “Buy a box for someone who did something nice for you or find a troop who is donating cookies to a local charity through the Gift of Caring program. You can even make a financial gift to Girl Scouts by logging on to our web site.” Locate troops selling cookies at www.girlscoutstotem.org/Cookies/TroubleFindingCookies.htm.

[Submitted by the Girl Scouts - Totem Council]

Island Transit Citizen Advisory Committee Needs Members
The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) of Island Transit for Whidbey Island is seeking residents from North Whidbey Island to fill a vacancy on the committee. This is a voluntary position.

The Citizen Advisory Committee is comprised of up to twelve members who live in the service area of Island Transit. The committee holds public meetings six times per year in various locations and at various times throughout Whidbey Island.

The purpose of the committee is to receive input from the public at their meetings regarding the operation of Island Transit, and then make recommendations to the Island Transit Board for their consideration. While the committee does not have policy-making powers, they are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the public and do get actively involved in assisting the Board in their decisions.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Whidbey Citizen Advisory Committee should contact Sandy Rubini, Executive Assistant, at (360)678-7771 or sas@islandtransit.org or come to the next CAC meeting which will be held on Thursday, May 5, at 3:00pm at the Oak Harbor Library, Room 137.

Interested persons should be residents of the current Whidbey Island service area of Island Transit, preferably of the Oak Harbor area, be interested in public transit service, and be able to attend the meetings on a regular basis.

[Submitted by Citizen Advisory Committee of Island Transit]

Girl Scouts Resident/Day Camp
Finding a safe and nurturing environment is essential to providing girls with valuable summer learning experiences. If you are searching for a place where your daughter can practice resourcefulness, discover her talents and master physical and social skills, look no further than Girl Scout camp. Accredited the American Camping Association, girls are offered a multitude of program to expand their mind, body and spirit. Whether she is interested in animals, crafts, trips or leadership, your daughter will find a session that stretches her to her fullest potential!

Summer resident camp programs are available at Camp River Ranch in Carnation and Camp Robbinswold on the Hood Canal, which run from four days to two weeks, will be offered from June 26 to August 20. Available sessions will be updated nightly on our web site under “Program Availability” or email shannonlp@girlscoutstotem.org.

Thanks to recent expansions, a new summer day camp program will be offered this year at Camp River Ranch. This is the perfect introduction to the camp experience for first-time campers who want to explore the outdoors, then return home each night to their familiar surroundings. Eight weekly sessions, with a choice of four themes, will be offered. Bus transportation to camp, staffed by trained camp leaders, will be available from select King County Park and Ride facilities. Extended care from 7:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 6:00pm is also available. Lunch and snacks provided daily.

All girls in northwest Washington are welcome to attend Girl Scout resident or day camp; financial assistance is available. Parents are invited to attend an Open House at River Ranch on June 18 and at Robbinswold on June 19 (registration required at www.girlscoutstotem.org/capitalcampaign/dates.cfm). Camp programs are staffed by adults who are trained to facilitate a positive, caring camp community. A high staff to camper ratio of 1:8 is always present. To find out more about our summer resident or day camp programs and registration information, log on to www.girlscoutstotem.org or call (800)767-6845 to request a copy of the brochure by mail.

[Submitted by Girl Scouts - Totem Council]

Registration SVC Spring Quarter
Early Registration is going on now for returning students for Spring Quarter classes and workshops at Skagit Valley College (SVC). Spring Quarter will begin Tuesday, March 29 at all SVC locations including Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor and South Whidbey Center in Clinton.

The college offers academic transfer degrees, professional/technical career options, courses in basic skills and English as a Second Language, job skill upgrades, as well as many personal enrichment courses and workshops. In addition, many courses are available online, via distance education. The college also offers GED preparation courses and testing.

For more information, visit SVC online at www.skagit.edu or call the campus or center near you: Whidbey Island Campus at (360)675-6656 or South Whidbey Center at (360)341-2324.

[Submitted by Skagit Valley College]