TODAY'S FEATURED WEBSITE: www.healthsupportcenter.org

--Bellingham Parks And Recreation is hosting a Winter Rummage Sale—featuring items from more than 25 families—today (9am-noon) at Bloedel Donovan Community Building (2214 Electric Avenue). (778-7000)

--The third annual “Compete For A Cause” Scrabble Tournament is today (10am) at Leopold Retirement Center (1224 Cornwall Avenue) in Bellingham. (There’s a “secret tips for success” session at 9:45am. Admission is $5. The entry fee is $20, with proceeds benefiting Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. (www.whatcomdrc.org)

--The 4th annual “Heart For The Hungry” FOOD DRIVE for Bellingham Food Bank runs today-through-February 13th. Volunteers will be accepting donations at the Lakeway Fred Meyer store and the Barkley Haggen store in Bellingham and the Ferndale Haggen store—today (10am-5pm). Also, donation bins will be set up at Fairhaven, Meridian and Sehome Haggen stores and at Bank Of The Pacific branches through the 13th. (www.bellinghamfoodbank.org)

--Volunteers from Western Washington University’s Communications Club will be collecting monetary donations and donations of baby food for Bellingham Food Bank’s “Food4Tots” program—today (noon-6pm) at the Fairhaven and Sehome Haggen stores in Bellingham. (www.bellinghamfoodbank.org)

--You’re invited to take part in Snowshoe Hikes at Heather Meadows—today and February 18th, 19th and 25th (11am) and up Hannegan Road, off Mt. Baker Highway—February 11th (11am). Groups will be limited to 15 people. No experience is necessary. Snowshoes will be provided. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Rangers will discuss the area’s history, winter ecosystems and wildlife. The cost is a suggested $10 donation. TO PRE-REGISTER call 360-856-5700, extension 515.

--Bellingham’s Center For New Media presents “Access Orientation: Rules For Use”—part of a series of presentations designed to introduce Bellingham residents to the use of Public Access TV—today (11am) at the Bellingham public library. (heather@centerfornewmedia.org or www.watchyourtv.org)

--Author Wayne Lutz presents a Slide Show—“Off-The-Grid Living”—today (4pm) at Bellingham’s Village Books. (www.villagebooks.com)

--You’re invited to Ferndale Band Boosters’ annual Benefit Dinner And Auction—today (5pm) at Hampton Inn’s Fox Hall. Tickets are $35. (510-8590 or ferndaleband@gmail.com)

--Bellingham Sunrise Rotary Club’s 21st annual Oysterfest—tonight (6:00) at Bellingham Golf & Country Club (3729 Meridian Street) will benefit Amy’s Place, Explorations Academy and Bellingham Childcare And Learning Center. The evening will feature an auction for a one-week stay in a Cabo San Lucas presidential suite, a weekend at The Chrysalis (with spa treatments), a hot air balloon ride and more. Tickets are $100. (223-6840 or rob@thefirs.org)

--Western Washington University presents Moliere’s “Tartuffe”—tonight (7:30). There’s a matinee performance tomorrow (2pm). Tickets are $12. (www.tickets.wwu.edu or www.wwu.edu/theatre)

--Mount Baker High School presents the musical “Annie”—with performances tonight and February 10th and 11th (7:30pm) and February 12th (2:30pm). Tickets are $8. (383-2030 or melody@mtbaker.wednet.edu)

--Rome Grange (2821 Mount Baker Highway) is hosting a Public Breakfast—tomorrow (8am-1pm) (The fastest service is between 11am and 1pm). The cost is $5. (739-9605)

--Bellingham Parks And Recreation is sponsoring Free Open Swims for middle school-age youths—FRIDAY NIGHTS (8:00-10:00) THROUGH FEBRUARY 24TH at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center. (778-7000)

--Allied Arts Of Whatcom County and Bellingham Chinese Cultural Festival present “Grateful And Prosper: Chinese Cultural Festival Art Show”—featuring the works of 17 local Chinese artists, as well as concerts and other performances—NOW-THROUGH-FEBRUARY 28TH. (www.alliedarts.org or www.chineseculturefestival.org)

--You’re invited to help raise money for the Western Washington University library through the “BASKETS FOR BOOKS” program. Participants pledge between $1 and $10 for every three-point shot made at a home Viking men’s or women’s basketball game THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. For information call 650-3051 or email Chris.Cox@wwu.edu. (www.applyweb.com/public/contribute?wfwwu)

--I.R.S. certified volunteers with the A.A.R.P. Tax-Aide program are offering FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICE at the Bellingham public library and five other sites in Whatcom County—THROUGH APRIL 17TH. The service is available to anyone, except those with rental property, complicated capital gains, business returns with more than $10,000 in expenses or otherwise complicated returns. (www.aarp.org/taxaide)

--You’re encouraged to GIVE YOUR FURS BACK TO THE ANIMALS…  NOW-THROUGH-APRIL 22ND Buffalo Exchange (1209 North State Street) in Bellingham will take donations of (real) fur apparel, including trims, accessories and shearling. The donated furs will be used to provide bedding and comfort to orphaned and injured wildlife as part of the “Coats For Cubs” program. (676-1375 or www.buffaloexchange.com/bulletins_det.php?Bulletin_ID=1791)

--FOR A LIMITED TIME Whatcom Humane Society is offering coupons for free HAY AND GRAIN to local residents who need assistance providing food for livestock during the harsh Winter months. Coupons are available at the Baker Creek Shelter (1661 Baker Creek Place) and the Williamson Way Shelter (3710 Williamson Way) in Bellingham. (www.whatcomhumane.org)

--Interfaith Coalition is asking for DONATIONS OF WARM SOCKS, HAND SANITIZER AND BOXES OF TISSUES for the severe weather Homeless Shelters in Bellingham. Donations are accepted at Garden Street Methodist Church. (www.interfaith-coalition.org)

--The Opportunity Council is accepting applications for the LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM from people who need help with utility bills: 255-2192 or 1-888-586-7293. (www.oppco.org)

--Whatcom County Library System is now making “ebooks” available for Kindle. For information visit www.wcls.org.

--Whatcom County Library System is introducing a brand new method of finding books, movies and music. You can check out the new catalog system at www.wcls.bibliocommons.com.

--Old Town Ministries and Amy’s Place have reopened D.J.’s Outpost Thrift Store (1703 North State Street) in Bellingham. (393-9818)

IMMINENT OR URGENT:

--You’re invited to take part in SNOWSHOE HIKES at Heather Meadows—February 18th, 19th and 25th (11am) and up Hannegan Road, off Mt. Baker Highway—February 11th (11am). Groups will be limited to 15 people. No experience is necessary. Snowshoes will be provided. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Rangers will discuss the area’s history, winter ecosystems and wildlife. The cost is a suggested $10 donation. TO PRE-REGISTER call 360-856-5700, extension 515.

--You’re invited to the BELLINGHAM ROLLER BETTIES’ OPENING BOUT OF THE SEASON—a double header, with Team FLASH vs. Public Frenemy and COG Blockers vs. Tough Love—FEBRUARY 11TH (4pm) at Whatcom Community College. Tickets are $14. SEATING IS LIMITED. (www.brownpapertickets.com or www.bellinghamrollerbetties.com)

--Ferndale Senior Activity Center (1999 Cherry Street) is hosting a SWEETHEART DANCE—featuring music by Mary Michaelson & Travelin’ Light—February 11th (6:30pm). Tickets are $15 UNTIL FEBRUARY 9TH; $17 thereafter. (384-6244)

--You’re invited to “An Affair To Remember” VALENTINE CELEBRATION—a Benefit for Alzheimer Society Of Washington, featuring live Jazz by The Spence Redmond Quartet, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and more—FEBRUARY 10TH (7pm) at Bellingham’s The Leopold Retirement Residence (1224 Cornwall Avenue) in the Crystal Ballroom. Tickets are $30 IN ADVANCE/$40 at the door.  You must be 21 or older to attend this (cocktail attire) program. (671-3316 or www.alzsociety.org)

--Members of Ferndale High School Swing Choir will SERENADE YOUR VALENTINE and present him or her with a rose and chocolates—February 13th and 14th in the Bellingham, Blaine and Ferndale areas. The cost is $25. Call 383-9313 to SCHEDULE A TIME.

--Your child (up to age 5) can have a FREE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING—FEBRUARY 13TH (9am-3pm) at St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center (3333 Squalicum Parkway) in Bellingham. For information call 676-6470, extension 4408.

--Local teens (grades 6-12) are invited to submit original Poems for the 2nd annual Forest Of Words TEEN POETRY CONTEST. The APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15TH. For information call 592-2422)

--The Islands chapter of American Red Cross will honor “EVERYDAY HEROES” at a Real Heroes Breakfast—March 29th. Nominations for residents of Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands and San Juan County, who’ve shown exemplary courage are DUE FEBRUARY 22ND: 425-740-2323 or akemib@theislandsredcross.org. (www.theislandsredcross.org)

--Local lawyers will dispense FREE LEGAL ADVICE and referrals—FEBRUARY 25TH (1pm-4pm) at the Bellingham public library. (www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org)

--Artists practicing in Craft, Literary, Media or Music in Washington are invited to apply for the 2012 ($7,500) ARTIST TRUST FELLOWSHIP. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 26TH. For information visit www.artisttrust.org. (www.callforentry.org)

--HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS IN BELLINGHAM are invited to compete for a $500 scholarship, sponsored by Friends Of The Bellingham Public Library. Applicants are asked to submit a typed, original essay of approximately 500 words, describing how libraries have influenced their lives. Essays and application forms are DUE MARCH 1ST. For information visit www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

--Lynden Pioneer Museum Endowment Foundation is holding a Collectibles And Antiques Sale—March 22nd, 23rd and 24th to raise money for the museum. IF YOU HAVE ITEMS TO DONATE CALL 354-3675 BY MARCH 7TH. (www.lyndenpioneermuseum.com)

--The State Secretary Of State’s Office invites students in grades 4 and 5 to enter an ART CONTEST. The winning artwork will be featured in the State Voter’s Pamphlet. The theme of the contest is “If I Could Vote”. ENTRIES ARE DUE BY APRIL 16TH. (360-725-5795 or julieanne.behar@sos.wa.gov)

--The 9th annual RED RAIDER BASEBALL GOLF TOURNAMENT fundraiser is APRIL 29TH (8am) at Sudden Valley Golf Course. Proceeds will help buy new batting cages. For information about signing up a team OR BECOMING A CORPORATE SPONSOR contact Bellingham High School or tournament director Brian Phelps. (927-0444)

--As demolition and environmental cleanup continues at the former Georgia Pacific mill site, one of the best places from which to watch the activity is Chestnut Avenue Bridge. Port Of Bellingham invites you to capture the ever-changing “VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE” with a photograph, painting or other artistic medium. Selected submissions will be on display at Squalicum Boathouse during the Haggen Family 4th Of July Celebration. SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE MAY 31ST. (www.portofbellingham.com/photocontest)

--U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION is looking for hard-working, dedicated men and women to join its ranks on the frontline of protecting our homeland. C.B.P. officers and Border Patrol agents carry out the agency’s dual mission of facilitating travel and trade, while securing the nation from those who would do us harm. The primary responsibility of a C.B.P. officer is to protect the nation by detecting and preventing terrorists and their weapons from entering the U.S., while facilitating the orderly flow of legitimate trade and travelers. For information visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/careers/customs_careers/border_careers/application_process/bpa_hire_proces.xml

MEMORIAL AND SUPPORT NOTICES:

--DONATIONS ARE BEING SOUGHT for the MACGREGOR FAMILY. They were seriously injured when their home burned down New Year’s Day. For information visit www.facebook.com/pages/Help-support-The-MacGregor-Family-in-Bellingham-WA/326913730666275?sk=wall

--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.

--The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is REQUESTING THE ASSISTANCE OF THE PUBLIC in their ongoing investigation into the disappearance of LEAH TOBY ROBERTS in 2000. If you have information you’re asked to call 676-6650. (www.co.whatcom.wa.us/sheriff/helpus/missing/leah.jsp)

--There’s a reward for information about the murder of 43 year-old BRYAN MARRIOTT. He was killed in Bellingham in November of 2009. (www.piersystem.com/clients/1264/364655.doc)

MAJOR DISASTER INFO:

--www.ready.gov

--www.whatcomready.org  (Whatcom Unified Emergency Management)

--http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov  (N.O.A.A.’s West Coast And Alaska Tsunami Warning Center)

--http://blogs.sos.wa.gov/FromOurCorner/index.php/2011/03/avoid-scams-if-you-wanna-help-japan-tsunami-victims

--www.bbb.org  (Better Business Bureau helps you avoid charity scams--including scams on otherwise legitimate sites like facebook--and suggests real disaster relief organizations)

--You can get help locating U.S. citizens living or traveling overseas by contacting U.S. Department Of State, Office Of Overseas Citizens Services: 1-888-407-4747 or (202) 647-5225.

--The American Red Cross has set up a FAMILY LINKS REGISTRY--to help people locate friends and family in the wake of disasters. You can access the registry at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-877-LOVED-1S (1-877-568-3317)

--Also, there's www.missingkids.com.

--Another resource is the NATIONAL NEXT OF KIN REGISTRY: www.nokr.org

--Organizations that HELP ANIMALS THAT SURVIVE DISASTERS: www.petfinder.com  (The nation's largest and oldest online pet adoption community); www.healthypet.com  (A resource for researching animal hospitals); www.hsus.org  (The Humane Society of the United States)