I’m glad to see that the promised rain (and maybe more snow) is due through mid-March, according to the long-range forecasts. Be sure to check with each organization below for any last minute changes. To check on updates for Harmony and Salmon Creek schools, visit: www.schoolsnow.com?skid=64755

• Thursday, March 2 (first Thursday), 8:45 am - The Ark Education Foundation which raises money for Salmon Creek Middle School and Harmony Elementary School is holding their monthly meeting at Salmon Creek School. All are welcome.

• Friday, March 3, 10 am to 12 noon - Ocean Song monthly tour. Contact Ocean Song at 874-2442 or visit their website at www.oceansong.org.

• Saturday, March 4 through March 17 - A two-week Permaculture Design Class is being offered by the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. For more information, visit www.oaec.org or call 874.1557, x201.

• Sunday, March 5, 10 am - 4 pm - “Living Willow Structures in the Garden”. This is a one-day workshop being presented in the Salmon Creek School Garden. It will cover all aspects of working with living willow, from locating, harvesting, and processing the material, through all the tools and techniques needed for making domes, tunnels, and benches. The cost is $25. RSVP to 874.1557, x226. Space may be limited.

• Sunday, March 5 (first Sunday), 1 - 4 pm - Ocean Song Sunday Community Gathering and Potluck. Members and nonmembers are invited to Ocean Song to celebrate, enjoy music, and share food. For more information and to RSVP, contact Annie Klein at 874.2442 or anniek@oceansong.org. Visit their website at www.oceansong.org

• Wednesday, March 8 (second Wednesday), 6:30 pm - monthly meeting of the Occidental Chamber of Commerce. This month it will be held at the Union Pizzeria. Everyone who is interested in business issues in Occidental is invited. For more information, call Cheri Keel, President, 874.3279.

• Thursday, March 16 (usually the third Thursday), 7 pm - Harmony School Board is meeting at Salmon Creek School. (note date change due to school break)

• Saturday, March 18 (third Saturday), 9:30 am to 12:30 pm- Occidental Community Council holds it’s regular monthly meeting at the Occidental Community Center. This meeting will be a special planning meeting. They will revisit their mission, establish goals, and plan for the future. Note the time change as well, beginning an hour earlier and running an hour longer.

• Saturday, March 18, 2 pm - Willow Creek State Park Orientation. Hike, bike and horseback ride in the new Willow Creek State Park with access near Duncans Mills. A free permit and orientation is required. For more information contact LandPaths at willowcreek@landpaths.org or call 524.9318.

• Saturday, March 18, 8:15 pm - The Redwood Arts Council presents the Mendelssohn String Quartet in concert at the Occidental Community Church. For more information visit www.redwoodarts.org. Tickets are available at Hand Goods or call 874.1124.

• Sunday, March 19 - “Stories for a Sunday Afternoon” at the Occidental Center for the Arts. It features eight West County writers and poets,including Susan Swartz and Elizabeth Herron, Robin Beeman and others. KRCB's Roland Jacopetti will join Jane Stuppin in reading an excerpt from her play and chocolate will be provided for the suggested $5 donation. Occidental Center for the Arts is at 4008 Bohemian Highway in the former Harmony School. For more information, or a reserved seat, call 874.9392.

• Wednesday, March 22, 7:30 pm - Occidental Fools Parade 2006 organizational meeting will be held at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. Space is limited, so if you wish to come, RSVP to Kate Price at katepricemusic@prodigy.net or visit her website at www.kateprice.com.

Occidental events should be submitted to column@jgblairphoto.com by the Monday before publication.