TODAY'S FEATURED WEBSITE:  www.nwtg.org

--Elder Service Providers presents the 14th annual Caregiver Conference—“Find Your Raven Within”—today at St. Luke’s Health Education Center (3333 Squalicum Parkway) in Bellingham. (715-6563)

--If you’re new to computers you’re invited to a free Basic Computer Skills session—today (10am) at the Bellingham public library. (778-7327)

--Bellingham’s Squalicum High School Jazz Band presents their annual Blue Note Swing Dance And Dessert Auction—also featuring Bellingham Youth Jazz Band—tonight (6:30) at the Squalicum High School Forum (3773 East McLeod Road). Admission’s $10. (676-6471, extension 5121)

--Ferndale High School presents the musical "Oliver"—tonight and tomorrow night (7:00). Admission is $10. (Group rates are available for ten-or-more people. Call 383-9261 for information)

--The 19th annual Dance Gallery Spring Concert is tonight, tomorrow night, March 19th and 20th (7:30pm) and March 21st (2:30pm). (peaceniks@comcast.net)

--The 4th annual Assumption Chess Open (for kindergarten-through-8th grade) is tomorrow at Assumption Gym (2116 Cornwall Avenue) in Bellingham. (http://mysite.verizon.net/kaech/assumption2010.doc)

--Master Gardener Foundation Of Whatcom County is offering a Free Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop—tomorrow (9am) at Tennant Lake Interpretive Center  (5236 Nielsen Avenue) in Ferndale. (676-6736)

--The Bellingham Parks And Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to help prepare sites for newly potted bare-root plants at Squalicum Creek Park—tomorrow (9am). They’ll provide tools, gloves and direction. (778-7105)

--The Bellingham Parks And Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to help replace invasive plants with native vegetation in the Connelly Creek Nature Area—tomorrow (9am). They’ll provide tools, gloves and direction. (778-7105)

--Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association is looking for volunteers to join a Spring Work Party along Bells Creek—tomorrow (9am). They’ll provide tools, gloves and direction. (www.n-sea.org)

--The Bellingham Parks And Recreation Department is sponsoring the annual “Runnin’ O’ The Green” races—tomorrow (10am) at Bloedel Donovan Park. There are two races—a two-mile fun run/walk and a five-mile run. Both wind through Whatcom Falls Park, beginning and ending at Bloedel Donovan. The band Maggie’s Fury will perform at the finish. The $20 cost includes an official race shirt. (The Runnin’ O’ The Green will be followed by the first annual Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown). (778-7000 or Lromo@cob.org)

--Whatcom County Farm Forestry Association is hosting their Annual Tree Sale—tomorrow (10am-noon) in Henry Jansen Ag Center at Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden. The sale will feature over 18,000 2 year-old bare root conifer seedlings (Scotch Pine, Sequoia, Fraser Fir, Western Red Cedar, etc). Seedlings are 85-cents each. (332-5803 or 671-6988)

--You’re invited to “Spin 2010”—an event for “fiber fanatics”—tomorrow (10am-4pm) at Bellingham’s Fairhaven Middle School (110 Park Ridge Road). The event is sponsored by The SpinDrifters. (www.spindrifters1.blogspot.com)

--United Church Of Ferndale (2034 Washington Street) is hosting a Free Community Meal tomorrow (10am-noon). Meals are offered twice-a-month. Organizers say the purpose of the program is to provide a nutritional meal and a social lifeline to the community. (IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING, call 303-4058 or 384-1422)

--Whatcom Hills Waldorf’s Early Childhood Program presents a Puppet Show (for ages 3-6)—“The Rough-Face Girl”—tomorrow (11am) at the Bellingham public library. (www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org)

--Bellingham’s first annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is tomorrow (noon)—starting on Cornwall Avenue (across from Bellingham High School) and ending at Boundary Bay Brewery. (www.stpatsbham.com)

--You’re invited to help celebrate the 100th birthday of Camp Fire U.S.A. at a Dinner And Auction to benefit Samish Council and Camp Kirby—tomorrow (5pm) at Best Western Lakeway Inn in Bellingham. Tickets are $45. (733-5710 or www.campfiresamishcouncil.org)

--Bellingham’s Mount Baker Theatre Summer Repertory Theatre is HOLDING AUDITIONS for Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie”—Sunday. (510-2587 or Mark.Kuntz@wwu.edu)

--You’re invited to join a new Photography Discussion Group. Any level of expertise is welcome. The topic of the first meeting—Sunday (1pm) at Island Library (2144 South Nugent Road) on Lummi Island—is how to use “Flickr” to store and share photos online. (758-7145)

--Whatcom Symphony Orchestra presents a program of “Celestial Classics”—Sunday (3pm) at Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham. Tickets are $10-$24. (www.whatcomsymphony.com or www.mountbakertheatre.com)

--North Sound Youth Symphony presents their Fall Concert—Sunday night (7:30) in the Performing Arts Center at Western Washington University. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. (www.wwu.edu/nsys)

--Northwest Washington Theatre Group is HOLDING AUDITIONS for a musical version of “The Wizard Of Oz”—MONDAY AND TUESDAY. (www.nwtg.org)

--ALL THIS MONTH St. Joseph Hospital’s Cancer Center is offering Free Colorectal Cancer Home-Testing Kits. For information call 788-6706 or email cbrumet@cancer.org.

--ALL THIS MONTH Katie’s Cupcakes (1005 Harris Avenue) in Bellingham will donate proceeds from the sale of specially decorated cupcakes to Whatcom Humane Society. (www.katiescupcake.com)

--A.A.R.P. volunteers will be on hand to provide free assistance in preparing income tax returns--Mondays and Wednesdays, NOW-THROUGH—APRIL 14TH (8:30am-2pm)--at Bellingham Senior Center (315 Halleck Street). AN APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED: 733-4030.

--EVERY MONTH ON THE FIFTEENTH in 2010 it's "Free Resume Day" at Copies Now (810 North State Street) in Bellingham. Copies Now will print up to five resumes for free. (647-7565 or admin@copysnow.com) If you need help creating a resume you can consult WorkSource Whatcom (101 Prospect Street) in Bellingham. (676-1521)

--THROUGH FEBRUARY OF NEXT YEAR Bellingham Food Co-op is accepting donations of cash and gently-worn shoes for the earthquake victims in Haiti. The shoes will be donated to the “Soles4Souls” program. (www.communityfood.coop or www.giveshoes.org)

--Pastor Tim at Bellingham’s Central Lutheran Church (925 North Forest Street) is LOOKING FOR TALENTED MUSICIANS TO START A NEW “CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP” BAND. For information call 734-7180 or email pastor@centrallutheran.net.

--Whatcom County has launched a discount card program to help consumers cope with the high price of prescriptions. The County is making FREE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS available under a program sponsored by National Association Of Counties. It offers average savings of 22-percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. (www.caremark.com/naco)

--ATTENTION, KNITTERS: Volunteers are needed to help knit and sell hats to raise money for earthquake relief in Haiti. "Hats For Haitians" will sell adult hats for $35 and children's hats for $30, with proceeds going to Haiti. For information call 223-4620 or email EarthieMama@yahoo.com.

--The latest State budget cuts are forcing cutbacks in service at Bellingham's Mother Baby Center, according to the center's directors. They're asking for your TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS. (www.motherbabycenter.org)

--The Bellingham Home Depot store is teaming up with the local appliance repair and recycle facility Appliance Depot to prevent waste. When Home Depot customers buy a major appliance their old appliance will go to Appliance Depot. (www.reuseworks.org)

--Amy's Place For Youth NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT. Amy's place (2006 J Street) in Bellingham offers a clean and sober, safe place for youth to get off the streets and to receive food, clothing, counseling, mentoring and peer support. (www.amysplaceforyouth.org)

IMMINENT OR URGENT:

--There’s a free LIVING WILL WORKSHOP—MARCH 16TH (10am) at St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center (3333 Squalicum Parkway) in Bellingham.  (www.hospicehelp.org)

--Bellingham’s Harborview Lions Club is hosting a ST. PATTY’S PARTY—featuring corned beef and cabbage, entertainment and more—MARCH 17TH (5pm-8:30pm) at American Legion Post #7 (1688 Bakerview). Tickets are $12 BY ADVANCE SALE ONLY: 671-5788.

--As an owner of a stormwater pond (in Ferndale), you’re responsible for maintaining and inspecting your pond and submitting an annual inspection report the city of Ferndale. The City is holding a free workshop—“STORMWATER POND MAINTENANCE 101”—March 20th (9am-noon) at City Hall (2095 Main Street). YOU’RE ASKED TO PRE-REGISTER BY MARCH 18TH: 685-2378 or wendyfisher@cityofferndale.org.

--They’re offering a hands-on program—“CREATE YOUR OWN BONSAI”—at the next meeting of the Komo Kulshan chapter of American Rhododendron Society—MARCH 18TH (7:30pm) at Burlington Community Center (1011 Greenleaf Street) in Burlington. The $10 cost includes registration and a Bonsai plant. TO PRE-REGISTER call 360-856-2410. (www.flounder.ca/KomoKulshan/index.asp)

--Bellingham Senior Activity Center (315 Halleck Street) is hosting a MONEY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP—MARCH 19TH (1:30pm-5pm). The cost is $15. TO REGISTER CALL 733-4030.

--Legal Alternatives (2058 Main Street) in Ferndale is offering a FREE CREDIT COUNSELING WORKSHOP—covering budgets, debts and planning for the future--March 19th (7pm). RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED: 384-1217.

--You’re invited to bring heirlooms and antiques—porcelain, jewelry, stamps, coins, toys, etc.—to be evaluated by an eleven-member panel at an ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES VIEW AND VALUE—MARCH 20TH (11am-4pm) at Bellingham Senior Center (315 Halleck Street). The cost is $6 per item/$15 for three items. (733-4030)

--The Bellingham public library is hosting an ALL-DAY ANIME & COSPLAY event—MARCH 20TH (noon-5pm)—including prizes for best costume. (www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org)

--You’re invited to celebrate World Water Day—MARCH 21ST (10am) at Fairhaven Village Green in Bellingham—and to take part in the 2.3-mile WALK FOR WATER. The walk’s followed by events at Depot Market Square (11am-1pm). (778-7700 or waterconservation@cob.org; www.n-sea.org)

--The Whatcom County Library System is looking for HUMOROUS STORIES ABOUT LIBRARIES or humorous stories that take place in libraries. The best ones will be published in a booklet. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MARCH 23RD. (www.wclschuckles.weebly.com)

--Bellingham City Club is hosting a PANEL DISCUSSION of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that removed all restrictions on corporate/union/trade association spending designed to sway the electoral process(!)—MARCH 24TH (noon) at Northwood Hall (3240 Northwest Avenue). The $16 admission includes a buffet lunch. SEATING IS LIMITED. (www.cityclubonline.com)

--KIDS (age 6 and up) ARE INVITED TO READ ALOUD TO A DOG—March 24th (4pm)—at the Bellingham public library. SPACE IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION’S REQUIRED: 778-7200. (www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org)

--YOU CAN HELP PERSUADE “GOOGLE” TO BRING THEIR HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND TEST TO BELLINGHAM by submitting your video, webpage, animation, etc.—BEFORE MARCH 26TH—to a contest sponsored by the Bellingham chapter of Technology Alliance Group (TAG). For information visit  http://bringfiber.getgrogger.com.

--Bellingham Arts Commission is SEEKING ORIGINAL, SMALL SCULPTURES for display in the lobby of City Hall. MARCH 26TH IS THE DEADLINE to submit your work. (www.cob.org/government/public/boards-commissions/arts/index.aspx)

--Bellingham Senior Activity Center (315 Halleck Street) presents a course--“A Paradigm Shift: THE CHANGING FACE OF RETIREMENT”—March 26th and 31st (3:30pm-5:30pm). The cost is $32. (733-4030)

--You’re invited join friends and family of Sedro Woolley High School senior Brandon Bielen for a “LOADED BAKED POTATO BENEFIT”—MARCH 28TH (1pm-4pm) at the Sedro Woolley Eagles Hall (1000 Metcalf Street). Brandon is beginning a long, difficult recovery, following a motorcycle accident. Admission is $5, with all proceeds benefiting the Bielen family. FOOD AND CASH DONATIONS ARE WELCOME: 360-708-8490 or k-ewing@hotmail.com. (Also, donations can be made at any Skagit State Bank branch)

--Blue Skies For Children is ACCEPTING DRIVER’S EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for (age 15-to17) homeless or foster students and students from low-income families. The APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1ST. (www.blueskiesforchildren.org)

--The 14th annual Whatcom Literacy Council TRIVIA BEE AND SILENT AUCTION is APRIL 2nd (6pm) at Bellingham High School. More than 25 teams will compete. Tickets are $8. (www.whatcomliteracy.org)

--Whatcom Community College is offering a FREE CAREER EXPLORATION AND JOB SEARCH CLASS—starting APRIL 5TH (day session) or APRIL 13TH (night sessions). The classes are designed for people who are “in transition, no longer supported by the income of another and seeking support and direction in either career or educational needs”. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: 383-3135. (www.whatcom.ctc.edu)

--Bellingham’s Lairmont Manor is hosting a CHILDREN’S TEA PARTY--APRIL 7TH--featuring tea, juice and cookies, plus “dress-up” clothes. Local photographers will take photos—with proceeds benefiting Haiti earthquake relief efforts. For information visit www.teaNroses.blogspot.com.

--The Bellingham chapter of International Association Of Administrative Professionals presents the 48th annual ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY CELEBRATION—featuring guest speakers Phil Hurtig and Karen Wright, as well as a luncheon and professional development workshops—April 21st at Bellingham Golf And Country Club (3729 Meridian Street). REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 9TH. (www.iaap-bellingham.org)

--Researchers say Multiple Sclerosis affects more people in the Pacific Northwest than almost anywhere else on Earth(!) You’re invited to rally your family, friends and co-workers and take part in the 20th anniversary of WALK M.S.—APRIL 10TH—in Bellingham. For information visit www.walkmsnorthwest.org.

--Bellingham High School is hosting Transition Whatcom’s “THE GREAT UNLEASHING”—a three-day event aimed at motivating, educating and engaging the community on the subject of Global Warming and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels—APRIL 10TH, 11TH AND 12TH. (http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com)

--Blue Skies For Children is holding their 2nd annual OFFICE SUPPLY DRIVE—APRIL 15TH-MAY 31ST. (They need printer paper, #10 envelopes, Post-It Notes, H.P. ink cartridges, “forever” postage stamps and more) (www.blueskiesforchildren.org)

--The 5th annual FERNDALE POETRY FESTIVAL—“merging the talents of local, established authors with community youth to support both the art and joy of reading and writing”—is APRIL 22ND AND 29TH. (www.wcls.org/friends-of-the-ferndale-public-library)

--You’re invited to take part in the first annual “FUN WITH THE FUZZ” 5K run/walk—APRIL 24TH (9am) in front of the Bellingham Police Station (505 Grand Avenue). The race is a fundraiser for Behind The Badge Foundation, which provides support services for families of fallen law enforcement officers. Registration is $20. (www.funwiththefuzz5k.com)

--The annual DIRTY DAN DAYS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL—featuring cooking demonstrations, a chowder cook-off, a rowing race, live music, family entertainment, a piano race and more—is APRIL 24TH AND 25TH in Bellingham’s Fairhaven District. For information visit www.fairhaven.com.

--Artists, APRIL 30TH IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE for the 2010 BELLINGHAM ARTS FESTIVAL AND for the 2010 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL. You can apply for a spot at either or both festivals on a single application. Last year’s participants are not automatically accepted again this year; everyone has to go through a jury process. Applications are available at Allied Arts Gallery (1418 Cornwall Avenue). (676-8548, extension 5)

--The Bellingham Y.W.C.A. invites Whatcom County organizations to join a national effort to raise awareness that racism hurts everyone in our community and our nation. Led by Y.W.C.A.’s in 65 cities across the country “STAND AGAINST RACISM” will be observed APRIL 30TH. For information call 734-4820 or email ywca@ywcabellingham.org. (www.standagainstracism.org)

--Marianne’s House is organizing a 70’s Dinner, Dance And Auction May 1st. SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE. For information call 319-8125 or email director@marianneshouse.org. (www.marianneshouse.org)

--MORE THAN 600 VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help put on this year’s SKI TO SEA RACE! Help is needed in a variety of areas before, during and after the event. All volunteers will receive an official 2010 Ski To Sea t-shirt. APPLICATIONS NEED TO BE TURNED IN BY MAY 9TH. (318-7332 or Volunteer@SkiToSea.com; www.skitosea.com)

--Whatcom Women In Business is offering SCHOLARSHIPS to women who are furthering their education. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 15TH. (www.wwib.org)

--Bellingham House Concerts presents "TALENTED YOUTH SHOWCASE"--featuring Western Washington Scholarship students--MAY 23RD (3pm). SEATING IS LIMITED; tickets must be purchased in advance: $15. (671-6104 or bellinghamhouseconcerts@gmail.com)

--The Western Washington University COLLEGE QUEST PROGRAM—JULY 11TH-16TH--gives participants (grades 10-12) an opportunity to experience university life and to learn about a variety of topics, from Criminal Law to Behavioral Neuroscience. For information visit www.wwu.edu/collegequest.

--Bellingham’s Heritage Flight Museum presents their first annual Mustang/Mustang Show—“Props And Ponies”—August 21st (10am). It’s dedicated to P-51 Mustangs AND Ford Mustangs. THE FIRST 100 MUSTANG OWNERS TO REGISTER ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE IN THE SHOW. For information visit www.heritageflight.org/mm2010. (www.stangnation.com)

--The most POPULAR PARKS fill up fast--Whatcom County Parks And Recreation Department advises applying NOW for reservations this Spring--at Hovander Homestead Park, Lighthouse Marine Park, Samish; Semiahmoo and Silver Lake Park Lodges, as well as other local areas for your upcoming picnics, reunions, weddings and other events. (www.whatcomcounty.us/parks)

MEMORIAL AND SUPPORT FUNDS:

--You’re invited join friends and family of Sedro Woolley High School senior Brandon Bielen for a “LOADED BAKED POTATO BENEFIT”—MARCH 28TH (1pm-4pm) at the Sedro Woolley Eagles Hall (1000 Metcalf Street). Brandon is beginning a long, difficult recovery, following a motorcycle accident. Admission is $5, with all proceeds benefiting the Bielen family. FOOD AND CASH DONATIONS ARE WELCOME: 360-708-8490 or k-ewing@hotmail.com. (Also, donations can be made at any Skagit State Bank branch)

--The "JUSTICE FOR MANDY PROJECT" is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the person responsible for the death of Mandy Stavik. Mandy was killed in 1989, while jogging in the Acme/Van Zandt area. If you can help, call 715-7459.

--A fund has been set up on behalf of the family of the late AARON UITDENHOWEN. You can donate at any Industrial Credit Union branch.

--A fund has been set up on behalf of the family of CLAY WEDEN, who recently died in a canoeing accident on Lake Padden. You can donate at any Industrial Credit Union branch.

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