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

• 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.

• Tuesday, March 21 (third Tuesday), 7 pm - the regular monthly meeting of the Occidental Community Services District will be held at the fire station.

• 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.

• Thursday, March 23 (every Thursday), 9 am to 4 pm – Garden Volunteer Day at Ocean Song. Contact Benjamin Fahrer, Garden/Farm Manager, at 874-2442 or by email at for more information and to RSVP

• Saturday, March 26, 1 pm - Garden Tour at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. For more information, visit www.oaec.org or call 874-1557, x201.

• Thursday, March 30 (every Thursday), 9 am to 4 pm – Garden Volunteer Day at Ocean Song. Contact Benjamin Fahrer, Garden/Farm Manager, at 874-2442 or by email at for more information and to RSVP

• Thursday, March 30 (last Thursday), 6:30 pm - Occidental Center for the Arts holds its monthly meeting. It will be held at 4008 Bohemian Highway at the former Harmony School. For more information contact the Center at 874-9392.

• Saturday, April 1, 1 pm - Occidental Fools’ Day Celebration and Parade. Parade will gather at Noon in the Community Center parking lot. The parade will begin at 1 pm and go down one side of town and back the other. The King and Queen of Fools will be crowned in the middle of the Parade. To volunteer, contact Kate Price at 874-1474. For more information, visit the Fools Parade section at or their new website at www.occidentalfoolsparade.com.

• Sunday, April 2, 10 am - noon - Ocean Open House. Come hear stories about Ocean Song’s history and current projects that they are working on, walk the trails, learn how to become a member, and find out about opportunities to get involved with Ocean Song. Stay for the afternoon potluck which follows at 1 pm (see details below). For more information, and to RSVP, contact Annie Klein at 874-2442 or anniek@oceansong.org. Visit their website at .

• Sunday, April 2 (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

• Thursday, April 6 (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.

• Saturday & Sunday, April 8-9, 9 am to 5 pm – Plant Sale. Garden Tours at 10 am and 11 am each day at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. Event will be held rain or shine. If stormy, an extra day may be added. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.oaec.org or call 874-1557, x201.

• Wednesday, April 12 (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.

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