Briefs...

Invisible Children film to be shown March 27
The Blaine student group Students With A Purpose (SWAP) has scheduled a free viewing of Invisible Children: Rough Cut, a film documenting the daily lives of children in northern Uganda under the threat of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebel group, at 7 p.m., Tuesday March 27 at the Blaine Performing Arts Center.

The event will include appearances by representatives from Invisible Children Inc., a Spring Valley, California-based non-profit organization founded by three young and idealistic California filmmakers after a trip to Uganda with limited funds and a video camera purchased on eBay.

SWAP, a 15-year-old organization, was re-started in the spring of 2006 by 18-year-old Point Roberts resident Andrew Grubb, a senior at Blaine high school.

“I just felt that Blaine high school needed an outlet for socially conscious and globally aware students not only to voice opinions but work toward constructive change,” he said.

Governor to introduce discount card for prescription drugs
Governor Chris Gregoire last week introduced a new, state-sponsored prescription drug discount card that will save Washington residents an average of 20 percent on brand-name drugs and 60 percent on generic drugs. The card will be available to all Washington residents, regardless of age or income. 

“We want to get the news out to everyone in the state who is struggling with high prescription drug costs,” said Gregoire. “There is help. Even if you don’t qualify for other discount programs, this card will save you money on prescription drugs.”

Gregoire was joined by AARP and the Washington Community Action Network (Washington CAN), who will also introduce the card today in Spokane and tomorrow in Yakima.

The Washington Prescription Drug Program card is available now.  Enrollment forms are available online at www.rx.wa.gov or by calling 800/913-4146.  The program is administered by ODS, an Oregon-based pharmacy benefits management company. Mail order and specialty pharmacy services are also available.

Women’s handgun class offered at Plantation indoor range
Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department is offering a one-evening women’s handgun class at Plantation Indoor Range from 7 – 10:30 p.m., Monday, March 26. The course covers the basic operation and care of hand guns, how to choose the right ammunition and the laws and liabilities related to self and home defense. It focuses on instinctive shooting techniques.

The fee is $30 per person. Hand gun rentals and total metal jacket ammunition are available for the class.Register by phone (360/733-2900) by mail (3373 Mt. Baker Highway, Bellingham, or online at whatcomcounty.recware.com.