Mary Gillilan gave me an advanced readers' copy of the third volume of "Clover, A Literary Rag," and let me know that several of the contributors will debut their contributions for the magazine at the Chuckanut Writers Conference on Friday and Saturday, June 22-23, at Whatcom Community College.

The conference emcee is contributor Jeremy Voigt, who teaches English at WCC. Mary says she's proud of the 202 pages of poetry and prose, submitted by, among others, the inaugural Washington state Poet Laureate Samuel Green and his wife, Sally Green; Janet Oakley, James Bertolino, Christine Kendall, Shelley Muzzy, Andy McBride and Théa Rosenburg.

The magazine is organized by the Independent Writers' Studio, which meets regularly at (coincidentally) the Clover Building on Holly Street, across from Wild Buffalo. The essays, poems and literary meanderings in the volume range from haiku to story-poems to political thoughts. Readers should be aware that one of the pieces is for mature readers.

The book is available at the publisher of "Clover," Copies Now, owned by Norman Green, co-founder of the magazine with Gillilan; at the IDW studio, 203 W. Holly St.; and at Village Books.

For details on the group and its writings, go to independentwritersstudio.com or to the Independent Writers Studio on Facebook, or call Gillilan at 360-961-4477.

For conference details, see chuckanutwritersconference.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS HELP SHAPE DOWNTOWN PLAN

Activities, workshops and tours planned throughout the summer and fall offer opportunities for area residents to shape the future of Bellingham's downtown. The events are part of the city's "my downtown" planning process, designed to engage people in identifying actions the community can take to support a vibrant, thriving downtown.

One of the subjects for summer and fall events will highlight downtown art and the importance of art and culture to the economic health of downtown. A "Downtown Art Tour" and a discussion afterward will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at Bellingham City Hall, 210 Lottie St. The event is open to the public. Bring a brown bag lunch for the discussion if you wish. For details, call 360-778-8389.

"My downtown" is a community planning process that will result in policies and actions the city and community will take to make downtown even more vibrant and thriving. It was initiated by the city in collaboration with various community partners in 2011. Phase one asked community members to consider how downtown is doing today and what it should be like in the future. Phase two, now under way, focuses on how to achieve the community's vision for downtown and offers residents opportunities to come together to share ideas.

Send an email to mydowntown@cob.org to be added to the project's email list. For more information, go to cob.org/mydowntown.

VARTANYAN WINERY HOSTS SUMMER MUSIC

Margarita Vartanyan, owner of Vartanyan Estate Winery, at 1628 Huntley Road (off of Noon Road), says the winery is hosting a variety of events this summer. She encourages visitors to bring lawn chairs and picnics to the events. Suggested donation for each event is $7, which goes to the performers.

- Saturday, June 23, 6 to 8 p.m.: Pretty Little Feet plays old-time songs and tunes from the bygone days of radio to the present, as well as their own originals. Their newest album is a soundtrack to the locally produced film "The Mountain Runners."

- July 7, 6 to 8 p.m.: Kate MacLeod and Kat Eggleston, who have performed together since 1999 and have completed their second duo recording, "Lost and Found," which features original songs, traditional instrumental pieces from the British Isles, and a few surprise covers, including one by the super-group ABBA.

- July 14, 2 to 6 p.m.: Bellingham musicians and bands Pacific High, Ashley Douglas, Naaman Brooks and Warren Meier perform.

- July 21, 6 to 8 p.m.: Cabin Fever NW Dianne Bochsler and Tara Caldwell sing mountain music and songs of love, loss and social topics.

- Aug. 4 and Aug. 18: 2 to 6 p.m.: Warren Sexsmtih & Co., Tea Seas Little Big Band and Pacific High perform.

- Aug. 11, 6 to 8 p.m.: Rose Laughlin performs Celtic and Ameriana roots music.

- Aug. 25, 6 to 8 p.m.: Conner Helms performs.

- Sept. 1, 6 to 8 p.m.: R Factor 5 plays dance tunes from the '60s to the '90s.

Details: vewinery.com, 360-756-6770 or 360-961-9484.

ABOUT BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the Scenes focuses on the people who make the arts and entertainment world of Whatcom County happen. It appears in Take Five, The Bellingham Herald's entertainment section, each Thursday. Margaret Bikman is the Entertainment News Coordinator at The Bellingham Herald. Contact her at margaret.bikman@bellinghamherald.com or 360-715-2273.