TODAY'S FEATURED WEBSITE: www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=sconnect

--The Lynden V.F.W. Auxiliary is holding their annual Craft Show And Bake Sale today and tomorrow--at the V.F.W. Hall (7011 Hannegan Road)--featuring crafts of all kinds, plus hamburgers and soup. (354-3606 or 815-2781)

--Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Charles Snyder will preside over public "National Adoption Day" proceedings in the Whatcom County Superior Court 5th floor courtroom today (9am). (676-6777)

--Bellingham Cruise Terminal (355 Harris Avenue) is hosting the 28th annual "Home For The Holidays" arts and crafts show--today (9:30am-9:30pm) and tomorrow (9:30am-5:30pm). The show features a variety of vendors offering seasonal gifts and gourmet foods. (676-1891)

--The Fairhaven Arts & Crafts Holiday Sale is today-through-Monday (10am-6pm)--featuring art, weaving, jewelry, ceramics and more. Also, you can have your picture taken with The Grinch(!) today-through-December 21st (10am-6pm) in the basement of the Waldron Building (1312 12th Street) in McKenzie Alley. (part-proceeds go to Blue Skies For Children) (www.whatcomartguild.org or www.blueskiesforchildren.org)

--Dr. Hart Hodges of Western Washington University's Center For Economic And Business Research discusses "The State Of The Economy"--today (noon)--at the D.I.S. Building (1315 Cornwall Avenue) in Bellingham. The $15 admission includes lunch. The program is hosted by Technology Alliance Group For Western Washington. (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/89928 or www.tagnw.org)

--St. Brendan's Anglican Church (910 North Forest Street) in Bellingham is hosting Five Talents International's celebration of ten-years of "using microfinance to alleviate poverty in some of the poorest and riskiest places in the world"--tonight (6:30) at Best Western Lakeway Inn (714 Lakeway Drive). The $25 admission includes dinner. To R.S.V.P. call 752-2614. (www.stbrendansanglicanchurch.org)

--The Lynden Christian sixth-graders present their annual program "The Best Christmas Present Ever"--tonight (7:00) at Lynden Christian High School. Admission's $5.

--Nooksack Valley High School presents Neil Simon's "Lost In Yonkers"--with performances tonight, tomorrow night (7:00) and Sunday (2pm). Admission is $7. (988-2641)

--The Bellingham Parks And Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to help restore the wetland along Racine Trail--tomorrow (9am). They'll provide gloves and tools. (778-7105)

--Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association is looking for volunteers to help plant native trees and shrubs along Whatcom Creek--tomorrow (9am). They'll provide tools and gloves. (www.n-sea.org)

--There's an Arts And Crafts Sale--featuring more than 40 vendors and crafters--tomorrow (9am-4pm) at Meridian High School. It's a fundraiser for the Meridian High School cheerleaders. Mondey raised will help buy practice mats and help pay for upcoming competitions.

--King Mountain Church (567 East Kellogg Road) is hosting their 11th annual Community Craft And Gift Fair tomorrow (9am-4pm)--featuring more than 25 crafters and vendors with a variety of items for sale. (733-8980)

--United Church Of Ferndale (2034 Washington Street) is hosting a FREE, NUTRITIOUS MEAL tomorrow and December 12th and 19th (10am-noon). The church offers the free Ferndale Community Meal TWICE-A-MONTH. (www.unitedchurchofferndale.org)

--Blaine Senior Center (763 G Street) is hosting a Public Breakfast tomorrow (11am). The cost is $5. (332-8040)

--Bellingham's Heritage Flight Museum is holding their monthly Fly-In Day And Open House tomorrow (noon-4pm), featuring the newly acquired F89 Scorpion. Also, kids of all ages are invited to test their paper airplane-making skills. (www.heritageflight.org)

--The Ferndale High School Equestrian Team is holding a Spaghetti Dinner (6:00)fundraiser--plus silent and live (7:00) auctions--tomorrow night at Kranz Koop (2452 Aldergrove Road) in Ferndale. Tickets are $7. ALSO, THEY'RE COLLECTING NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DONATIONS AND COATS FOR THE COMMUNITY. (366-4060 or 366-9301)

--The Ugandan Orphans Choir is performing at Bellingham Seventh-Day Adventist Church tomorrow night (6:00) at First Presbyterian Church in Bellingham Sunday night (6:30) and at Northwest Baptist Church in Bellingham November 29th (9:30am and 11am). (www.childcareworldwide.org/index.php?page=what_we_do&subpage=ugandan_orphans_choir&subsubpage=choir_schedule)

--The 2nd annual "Bid Local First" Online Auction runs Monday-through-December 6th--in conjunction with "Buy Local Week" (November 30th-December 6th). Auction proceeds benefit Sustainable Connections. (www.sustainableconnections.org or www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=sconnect)

--The Sehome High School Chess Club is sponsoring the Sehome Grand Prix Monday--for chessplayers in 2nd-12th grades. TO PRE-REGISTER and for information visit http://mysite.verizon.net/kaech/sehome2009grandprix.doc.

--Lynn Christoferson and Don Wick are teaching Swing Dance steps Monday and November 30th (5:30pm). The lessons are free with the purchase of a ticket to the upcoming "Swing Into The Holidays Dinner, Dance & Auction." SPACE IS LIMITED. (336-6114)

--Bellingham's Village Books is hosting an Open Mic Night Monday (7:00). (www.villagebooks.com)

--VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP ORGANIZE a Blood Drive and a Food Drive for December 8th at Bellingham Blood Center in Sunset Square. For information visit www.pugetsoundbloodcenter.blogspot.com/2009/11/food-blood-drive-in-bellingham.html.

--Bellingham's Erik Dyrland Insurance Agency (2105 Park Street) is ACCEPTING NONPERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS for the Bellingham Food Bank NOW-THROUGH-DECEMBER 14TH. Baby food, Diapers and Pet Food are also needed. (www.dyrlandinsurance.com)

--Residents of Whatcom and Skagit Counties can buy permits to cut Christmas trees in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest--NOW-THROUGH-DECEMBER 24TH. Permits are $10. (559-2714 or www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs)

--The 2009 TOYS FOR TOTS campaign is underway. Local businesses (Hardware Sales, Quarterback Pub and others) are selling toy train cut-outs for $1 each. Also, donations can be made online at www.bellingham-wa.toysfortots.org.

--Whatcom P.T.S.A. Co-Presidents Wendy Albrecht and Kerrie Zerba are coordinating names of community members who are WILLING TO VOLUNTEER, as needed, in a variety of ways, to help students and their families deal with the damage caused by the recent fire at Bellingham's Whatcom Middle School. (WhatcomPTSA@gmail.com)

--Whatcom Community Foundation is accepting CASH DONATIONS AND DONATIONS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES for students displaced by the recent Whatcom Middle School fire. (www.whatcomcf.org)

--The arrival of Autumn means falling leaves--the most common cause of catch basin and culvert drainage problems. The Whatcom County Public Works Department reminds local residents that maintenance of driveway culverts--including removal of weeds, brush, rocks, dirt, toys and other debris--is the property owner's responsibility. (676-6759 or 380-8111)

--The 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Unified Command--put together by the City Of Bellingham, Whatcom County and Saint Joseph Hospital--is LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS WITH MEDICAL TRAINING to help handle swine flu vaccinations. If you're a current or retired physician, nurse, emergency medical technician, paramedic, respiratory technician or other health care professional and are willing to volunteer time to help with a potentially large influx of flu patients and to help with flu vaccination clinics, call 676-6724, extension 50852. (www.whatcommrc.org)

--Now you can watch the City Of Bellingham's government and educational t.v. channel--BTV10--anytime via the Internet. The channel is streamed at the City website: www.cob.org/services/education/btv10/live-stream.aspx.

--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)

--The Edmonds-based organization "M.S. Helping Hands" is looking for people with multiple sclerosis--to let them know what services and resources are available (many of which are free). (www.mshelp.org)

--DONATIONS ARE NEEDED TO HELP PAY FOR PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT at Peace Arch State Park. For information call 332-8221 or email foursnows@comcast.net.

--Blue Skies For Children is LOOKING FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING A CHILD. For information about their "Little Wishes" and "Sponsor-A-Child" programs visit www.blueskiesforchildren.org.

--The Bellingham public library offers a new email service, featuring 23 different NEWSLETTERS FOR BOOK LOVERS. No library card is needed. For information about the "NextReads" newsletter visit www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

--Bellingham's STICKMEN BASEBALL CLUB is SEEKING DONATIONS to help fund team play at upcoming tournaments. Donations can be dropped off at Inside Pitch (1750 Moore Street). (www.eteamz.com/stickmen)

--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)

--For information about upcoming SWINE FLU CLINICS call 778-8170. (www.whatcomcounty.us/health/h1n1)

IMMINENT OR URGENT:

--Thanksgiving Week is one of the busiest weeks of the year for Bellingham Food Bank. The food bank is SEEKING TURKEY DONATIONS for Thanksgiving. (676-0392)

--The State Department Of Ecology is TAKING PUBLIC COMMENT THROUGH NOVEMBER 30TH on a proposal to study the Blaine Mini Mart site on Drayton Harbor for possible cleanup under the "Puget Sound Initiative". (www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/sites/blaineMM/blaineMiniMart_hp.html)

--Lynn Christoferson and Don Wick are teaching SWING DANCE STEPS November 30th (5:30pm). The lessons are free with the purchase of a ticket to the upcoming "Swing Into The Holidays Dinner, Dance & Auction." SPACE IS LIMITED. (336-6114)

--Whatcom Hospice will have two trees on display in December. The Hospice Memorial Tree Of Lights will be on display at Bellis Fair Mall and St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham DECEMBER 1ST-DECEMBER 28TH. For a gift of $35 you can remember a loved one with a light on the tree and a personalized keepsake ornament for your own tree. (www.hospicehelp.org)

--Blaine Community Senior Center's 3rd annual Christmas Bazaar--featuring homemade arts and crafts--is December 4th and 5th (9am-4pm). VENDORS ARE NEEDED (HOMEMADE ITEMS ONLY) For information call 332-8040 or email DDHanks@co.whatcom.wa.us.

--Golf Savings Bank is holding a FOOD DRIVE for the Bellingham Food Bank--DECEMBER 4TH (10am-3pm) in the parking lot of the Barley Haggen store. The bank is also donating $1,000 to the food bank.

--KIDS ARE INVITED TO BUY HOLIDAY GIFTS for family, friends, teachers and pets at a special Children's Shop--featuring 30 vendors selling handmade crafts--DECEMBER 5TH (10am-3pm) at Bellingham's Bloedel Donovan Park. All items are $8 or less. Admission is free. (778-7000)

--You're invited to a CHRISTMAS PROGRAM at Bellingham's Birchwood Presbyterian Church (400 Meadowbrook Court)--featuring traditional carols with an orchestra, contemporary carols with a rock band, crafts, food and more--DECEMBER 5TH (3pm). VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help put on the show: 733-8860, extension 209 or mary@bpchurch.org. (www.bpchurch.org)

--Bellingham Arts Commission is ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS for the 31st annual MAYOR'S ARTS AWARDS--THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST. Nomination forms and a list of previous recipients are available at www.cob.org/services/arts/mayor-award.aspx.

--LYNDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS' WINTER RIDE BUS is gearing up for another season of skiing and snowboarding. The chaperoned bus is open to Lynden-area students in grades 5-through-12 for trips up to Mount Baker, STARTING JANUARY 9TH. (www.lyndenwinterride.org)

--You're invited to DESIGN A NEW LOGO FOR CAMP KIRBY. THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 31ST. (www.campkirby.org or www.campfiresamishcouncil.org)

--Western Washington University's offering scholarships of up to $2,000 to prospective new students, based on their creative VIDEO entries. The COMPETITION--facilitated by www.youtube.com--is open to high school seniors interested in attending Western next Fall. For information call 650-3442, email kayle.walls@wwu.edu or visit www.admissions.wwu.edu/whywestern. ENTRIES ARE DUE JANUARY 31ST.

--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)

MEMORIAL AND SUPPORT FUNDS:

--Friends of Cancer survivor Jill Patterson are trying to raise money for her medical bills.  If you can help call 733-0246 for information.

--The family of Erik Gelhar is trying to raise money for his medical bills.  He suffers from a rare heart condition. Donations can be made at Whatcom Educational Credit Union branches. (752-0177 or www.bellinghamherald.com/255/story/1086678.html)

--Friends are trying to raise money to pay medical bills for Deb Cummings, who has a rare and aggressive form of cancer. For information on how you can help, call 961-1337 or email minibean96@yahoo.com

--Friends and family of stroke survivor BERNADINE ROGSTAD have set up a fund on her behalf at Whatcom Educational Credit Union. (201-2454)

--Friends of KYLE WOLDEN have set up a fund on behalf of Kyle, who's suffering from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. You can donate at any Wells Fargo Bank location. (360-856-2100 or 360-391-3438)

--The Bellingham Community Food Co-op and Whatcom Educational Credit Union are accepting donations for the family of MATTHEW CHASE, who was killed in a snowboarding accident January 9th, 2006.

--A fund has been set up for Bellingham radio (KISM 92.9 FM) morning show co-host LAURIE MICHAELS, as she recovers from brain surgery. Donations can be made at Industrial Credit Union locations. (733-KISM or www.kism.com)

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