Community Extra: Calendar for Dec. 18-26, 2015

EVENTS

Tour of Lights: The city of Marysville’s Holiday Tour of Lights continues 6-9 p.m. or until sell-out Dec. 18-19 and 21-23 with a grand finale planned Dec. 26 at Cedarcrest Golf Course, 6810 84th St. NE. Ride the Marysville Noon Rotary train for a 20-minute tour of lighted holiday displays. Hot chocolate, music, s’mores and more. Suggested donation is $5, $3 children, $20 family. More info: marysvillewa.gov, 360-363-8400.

Musical jam: Enjoy an evening of old-time music with fiddle, guitar, banjo and more at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 (third Friday) at the Sisco Heights Community Club, 13527 99th Ave. NE, Arlington. Musicians welcome, or just come and enjoy the music. Hot coffee and refreshments provided. More info: Don King, 360-658-8107.

Pancakes, Lake Stevens: A Norwegian Pancake Breakfast is served 7:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 19 (third Saturday, September to May) at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 2111 117th Ave. NE. Cost is $5; children under age 4 are free. This month’s breakfast benefits the Lake Stevens Food Bank. More info: 425-334-0421.

Pancakes, Monroe: 8-10:30 a.m. Dec. 19 (third Saturday) at the East County Senior Center, 276 Sky River Parkway. Cost is $5, $3 under age 12. Proceeds benefit the center. More info: 360-794-6359.

Pancakes, Bothell: Seahawks’ alumnus Manu Tuiasosopo joins the Northshore Senior Center during its pancake breakfast, 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at 10201 E Riverside Drive, Bothell. All-you-can-eat pancakes, two eggs, sausage, coffee, tea, and orange juice for $5. Tuiasosopo was a first-round draft pick in 1979 and played defensive end for the Hawks before going on to win a Super Bowl ring with the San Francisco 49ers. More info: 425-286-1023.

Caroling: The Sultan community is invited to go Christmas caroling to neighbors, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 20. Meet at First Baptist Church, 315 Eighth St. More info: 360-793-1893.

Blood ’n’ Guts: The Pacific Science Center brings its exhibit all about the human body to the Mukilteo Library on Dec. 21. Drop in between 1 and 4 p.m. Test your balance, assemble skeletons, try optical illusions, look inside a real human brain and see other real organs from humans and animals. For school-age children. The library is at 4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd. More info: 425-493-8202.

Solstice Science: School-age children are invited to learn why it gets so dark in winter and to explore how people around the world celebrate the long days of winter, 2 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Mukilteo Library, 4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd. More info: 425-493-8202.

Everett: The Carl Gipson Senior Center gift shop is open to all, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Get your holiday shopping done faster with no crowds and no lines. The senior center is at 3025 Lombard Ave. More info: 425-257-8780.

WAYS TO HELP

Sew Thoughtful: This month the Snohomish County Clothing and Textile Advisors sew walker bags for those with mobility issues at Group Heath Hospital Rehab. Sewers are invited to help, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Cougar classroom behind the WSU Extension Office at McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Kits provided. Bring your sewing machine, sewing tools, assortment of thread colors and lunch. More info: Arlene, 425-743-0118 or afharris@juno.com.

Socks drive: The Snohomish County Tourism Bureau is collecting new socks of all sizes through Dec. 18 at its Visitor Information Centers at Lynnwood’s Heritage Park (19921 Poplar Way) and at 1301 First St. in Snohomish. Donated socks will go to kids and teens in Snohomish County through the in-home youth services program of the nonprofit Pioneer Human Services. More info: www.snohomish.org.

Startup Gym benefit: GroWashington hosts a Startups for Startup fundraiser, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 18 at the nonprofit GroWashington shop, 923 Main St., Sultan. Sample some Locust Cider from the start-up brewery and take a chance on winning other locally produced items. Proceeds benefit restoration of the Historic Startup Gym. More info: 360-217-7235.

Benefit concert: Split Personality performs a benefit concert for Toys for Tots at 9 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Wild Hare, 6504 Evergreen Way, Everett. Free entry. Donations of new, unwrapped toys encouraged. Raffle for a new electric guitar ($5 per ticket).

Textile drive: Everett High School Class of 2016 Parent Boosters hold a textile drive with Clothes for the Cause, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 19 at Everett Downtown Storage, located at 3615 McDougall Ave. More info: 425-239-6478.

CASA lights: Honor your pet with a light on the Camano Animal Shelter Association’s Lights of Love Tree at Mark’s Camano Pharmacy at the Camano Plaza. Donate $5 and a Christmas tag with your pet’s name will be hung on the tree. Donations help the dogs and cats at CASA. Donations can be made through Dec. 24. Forms are at the shelter or at www.camanoanimalshelter.org.

Socks on Saturday: The Arlington Community Resource Center seeks donations of heavy warm socks. Donations also will be accepted through Dec. 31 at City Hall, 238 N Olympic Ave., or at ACRC, at the northwest side of the senior center complex at 18308 Smokey Point Blvd. More info: 360-386-7989.

Light a light: A living fir tree strung with lights stands at the entrance of the Frances Anderson Center (700 Main St.) through Jan. 2 before being planted at Yost Park. Donate $5 per light in honor of someone and the donation will be posted on the main floor bulletin board. Proceeds go to the city’s Youth Scholarship Fund for parks and recreation programs. More info: 425-771-0268.

MLK Day volunteers: Adult volunteers are needed to work with and mentor students on a Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 18 at locations around the county. Service hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A training session is set for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 in Everett. More info: John McAlpine at johnm@ccsww.org, 425-374-6374 or 888-240-8572.

Red kettles: The Salvation Army of Marysville-Tulalip holds its Christmas Kettle drive, which seeks donations of money, toys and food. Volunteers are needed to help ring the silver bell throughout the season. More info: 360-926-2228, volunteer.usawest.org.

Shelter volunteers: The South Snohomish County Emergency Cold Weather Shelter opens at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood when the temperature is forecasted to fall below 34 degrees for four or more hours overnight. Volunteers are needed to help open the shelter, stay overnight, prepare meals, drive the shelter van, or offer security screening. More info: 425-778-2159 ext. 8 or www.trinitylutheranchurch.com.

Stanwood Camano center: The Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center, at 9612 271st St. NW in Stanwood, seeks a variety of volunteers. No experience necessary. The Center is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays. More info: Michelle Griffith at 360-629-5257.

Camano Center: The Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road on Camano Island, seeks a variety of volunteers. More info: 360-387-0222.

Senior center, Arlington: The Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18308 Smokey Point Blvd. in Arlington, has volunteer opportunities. More info: 360-653-4551 or program@stillycenter.com.

Volunteer: Youthville in Marysville and Everett needs volunteers for its “Incredible Years” programs, which teaches parents how to build good relationships with their children. Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals, do crafts with children or simply hold babies. Must be 18 or older. More info: 360-651-4444, johill@youthville.org.

Donate instruments: Music4Life seeks musical instruments from adults who no longer need them. The nonprofit gets them fully repaired and ready to play, then gives them to participating public school districts for use by children from low-income families. More info: 425-330-4614.

Tutor: Everett Community College’s Adult Literacy Center seeks volunteers who can tutor adult learners two or more hours per week in reading, writing, basic math and English as a second language. Volunteers must be patient, have good literacy skills and be sensitive to a variety of learning styles and cultural backgrounds. Tutoring times and locations are flexible. Training is free with a six-month commitment. More info: vlp@everettcc.edu, 425-388-9524.

Assist cancer patients: The Cancer Resource Center at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership seeks volunteers to work weekly four-hour shifts meeting with cancer patients and caregivers to provide support. Drivers also are needed to get cancer patients to treatments and appointments. Volunteers use their own vehicles and get mileage reimbursement. More info: Jerri Wood, 425-322-1114 or jerri.wood@cancer.org.

SENIORS

Coffee time: Marysville Parks and Recreation features Café Baxter, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays (except holidays) at the Ken Baxter Community Center, 514 Delta Ave., Marysville. Free coffee, pastries and conversation. Open to seniors and their adult friends. More info: 360-363-8450.

Friendship Club: A group of senior citizens meets for lunch second Thursdays, September to June, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1216 Broadway, Everett. Ages 50-plus. Lunch is $7. The group also takes monthly bus tours. More info: Jim or Polly at 425-335-4324.

Mill Creek Seniors Club: Potluck meetings are noon first and third Mondays in the City Hall community room, 15728 Main St. More info: 425-357-1260.

Hilltoppers: The Hilltoppers of Mukilteo Presbyterian Church, a senior social group, meets 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. fourth TuesdayS at the church, 4514 84th St. SW, Mukilteo. The luncheon costs $7. For reservations, call Sheila McGillivray at 425-348-3056.

Singles, Active North Sound Socials: Singles age 50 and older share in a variety of social activities, including potlucks, day trips, games, car shows and more. More info: 206-362-2773 or 425-353-6213.

Singles, Puget Sound Singles: Singles over age 50 join for fun activities, such as weekly breakfasts at 9 a.m. Saturdays at the IHOP at Everett Mall Way and Evergreen Way, as well as movie nights, potlucks, day trips and dinner adventures. More info: 425-374-3203.

Bingo, Arlington: 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 7 p.m. Fridays at the Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18308 Smokey Point Blvd. Ages 10 and up. Prizes, large pots available. Pull tabs, food. More info: 360-653-4551.

Bingo, Everett: 12:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Carl Gipson Senior Center, 3025 Lombard Ave. Cost is $2 for three-on. Everybody older than 50 can participate. More info: 425-257-8780.

Bingo, Edmonds: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave. Cost is 25 cents per card with prizes available. More info: 425-774-5555.

Bingo, Granite Falls: 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays ($6 buy-in) and 50-cent sessions 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays at the Granite Falls Senior Center, 302 S Granite Ave. Also, penny bingo follows Thursday lunches (lunch is $3). More info: 360-691-7177.

Bingo, Snohomish: Bingo games are 5:30 p.m. first Saturdays at the Snohomish Senior Center, 506 Fourth St. Buy-in is $8. More info: 360-568-0934.

Scrabble, Everett: Plays 12:15 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays at the Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett, 3025 Lombard Ave. Age 50 and older. More info: 425-334-2878.

Scrabble, Snohomish: Plays 12:30 p.m. Mondays at the Snohomish Senior Center, 506 Fourth St. All ages welcome.

Table tennis: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, 12:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays and 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays at the Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett, 3025 Lombard Ave. Five tables with paddles and balls provided. Cost is $1 per session. For ages 50 and older. More info: 425-257-8780.

Bridge, Everett: The Unsanctioned Duplicate Bridge Club has a game begin at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and at 12 p.m. Saturdays at the Carl Gipson Senior Center, 3025 Lombard Ave. Age 50 and older. Cost is $1. More info: 425-257-8780.

Bridge, Arlington: The Arlington Bridge Club meets 12-4 p.m. Thursdays at the Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18218 Smokey Point Blvd. More info: 360-440-7029.

Driving safety, Arlington: A “55 Alive” defensive driving class is offered 9 a.m.-1 p.m. the second Tuesday to Wednesday of each month at the Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18308 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington. Cost is $12 AARP members, $14 non-members. To sign up, call 360-653-4551.

Driving safety, Camano: The Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, offers the AARP “Smart Driver” class. The course is 8 hours and designed for the driver over 50. Cost is $15 AARP members, $20 non-members. Bring a sack lunch. Current schedule and more info: 360-387-0222.

Enhance Fitness: Group Health Medicare members are invited to take a low-impact aerobics class for free. The class, for ages 50 and older, runs 8:45-9:45 a.m. weekdays in five-week sessions at the Carl Gipson Senior Center, 3025 Lombard Ave. in Everett. No experience needed. Non-Group Health Medicare members can take the class for $30 (three days a week per five-week session). More info: 425-257-8780.

Parkinson’s movement: The Edmonds Senior Center helps support a movement and exercise class along with Parkinson School For Change to help Parkinson’s patients get control of their movement again, 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The senior center is at 220 Railroad Ave. Classes are $5 members, $8 non-members. More info: jennifer@ParkinsonSchoolForChange.org or 206-920-1151.

Ceramics: An informal ceramics group with a volunteer instructor meets 9-11 a.m. Thursdays at the Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett, 3025 Lombard Ave. Paints, glazes, tools, bisque, greenware and kiln provided. Cost is $2 a month, or $1 if one visit. Ages 50 and up. More info: Terry, 425-337-6922 or 425-337-5198 (cell).

ASSISTANCE

Holiday food: Sky Valley Food Bank (233 Sky River Parkway, Monroe) holiday hours are 9-11:30 a.m. Dec. 18 (last names A-G), Dec. 21 (H-O) and Dec. 22 (P-Z), and 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 21 for those who work or go to school only. Closed Dec. 23-27 and Jan. 1. More info: 360-794-7959.

Health insurance: People wishing to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act will find assistance through January at three libraries. First-come, first-served with WithinReach staff. Mountlake Terrace Library: 2:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18; Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Marysville Library: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 16 and 30; Jan. 13 and 27. Lynnwood Library: 2-4 p.m. Mondays through Jan. 25. More info: 360-651-7081.

Depression Bipolar: The Support Alliance meets 7-8:30 p.m. the second, third and fourth Mondays in the Rainier Room of the Medical Office Building at Providence Hospital Colby Campus, 1700 13th St., Everett. Supporting those with depression or bipolar disorder as well as their family and friends. More info: www.dbsasnoco.org or call 425-405-0786.

Mental illness, family support: Meets 7-8:30 p.m. second Mondays at Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 5115 100th St. NE, Marysville. A group for family members of adults living with mental illness to share ideas about coping and becoming better caregivers for their loved ones. More info: Wendy, 206-790-0162.

Mental illness, NAMI: A National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection recovery support group meets 7-8:30 p.m. second Thursdays at Verdant Health, 4710 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. Free, confidential and safe support for those living with mental health challenges. More info: Kathy Chiles, 206-218-6449.

Suicide Loss: A Survivors of Suicide Loss support group meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW. For those grieving and surviving suicide loss. More info: Angie Drake, 425-622-3313 or scsuicideprevention.org.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS): Several local chapters of this nonprofit weight-loss club meet at different days and times across Snohomish County. Meetings include a private weigh-in, peer support, information and awards for progress. First meeting is free. More info: www.tops.org, or area captain Darlene Wascher at 360-658-1311.

Celiac support: A Celiac Disease Foundation support group meets 1 p.m. third Saturdays at Mountain View Assembly of God Church at Lakewood Crossing, 907 Lakewood Road, Arlington. Free. More info: Stanwood@celiac.org.

Self-management: Trained presenter James Luark hosts a discussion group, “Understanding Self and Training Self in Desirable Habits,” 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays at the Center For Healthy Living, 4100 Alderwood Mall Blvd., Suite 1, Lynnwood. Join anytime. Free information, discussion, coffee and tea. More info: 425-330-2860.

Swedish/Edmonds: A variety of free support groups and fee-based health classes are offered at the hospital, 21601 76th Ave. W., Edmonds. More info: www.swedish.org/classes.

Alzheimer’s caregivers, Arlington: An Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group for unpaid care partners, family members and friends of those with memory loss meets 10:30 a.m. third Wednesdays in the community room at DSHS Home and Community Services, 3906 172nd St. NE. More info: Amy Leonard, 425-317-3482.

Alzheimer’s caregivers, Everett: An Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group for unpaid care partners, family members and friends of those with memory loss meets 6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesdays at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 215 W. Mukilteo Blvd. More info: Donna Vande Kieft, 425-423-9571.?

Alzheimer’s caregivers, Snohomish: An Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group for unpaid care partners, family members and friends of those with memory loss meets 7-8:30 p.m. second Thursdays at the Snohomish Senior Center, 506 Fourth St. More info: Sheri Pemberton, 425-673-3109.

Caregivers, Marysville: A support group to help those who are dealing with the challenges of unpaid care giving meets 10-11:30 a.m. first and third Tuesdays at the Ken Baxter Community Center, 514 Delta Ave., Marysville. More info: 360-363-8450.

Caregivers, Lynnwood: A family caregiver support group meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. second Wednesdays at Gencare Scriber Gardens, 6024 200th St. SW, Lynnwood. Refreshments provided. More info: 425-673-7111.

Cocaine Anonymous: A nonprofit recovery program for those seeking sobriety or support in staying sober from cocaine and other mind-altering substances. For program information and local meeting times and locations in Snohomish County, visit www.caofwa.org. More info: 425-244-1150.

Drug abuse family support: A support group for those affected by someone else’s drug addiction meets 9 a.m. Saturdays in the Monte Cristo Room at Providence Regional Medical Center’s Pacific Campus, 900 Pacific Ave., Everett. More info: www.nar-anon.org.

Grandparents: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren meets 6 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Stevens, 1609 E. Lakeshore Drive. Childcare provided. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. More info: Kelli Lynn, 425-212-1919 or KelliLynnEvents@gmail.com.

Parenting: A drop-in parenting group meets 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays at the YWCA Family Village at 19703 68th Ave. W in Lynnwood. Discuss common parenting challenges, ask questions, practice new techniques. More info: 425-412-2360 ext. 2435 or 2433.

Parents, behavioral: A support group for parents of children with behavioral problems meets 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays at Zion Lutheran Church, 4634 Alger Ave., Everett. Peer-to-peer support for parents struggling with children exhibiting risky behaviors such as drug or alcohol use. Confidential and free. More info: 888-468-2620 or www.cpsn.org.

Parents, special education: A support group for special education parents in the Everett School District meets 6:30-8 p.m. third Wednesdays, except December, at View Ridge Elementary School, 202 Alder St., Everett.

Parents, LGBTQ: The Everett chapter meets 7 p.m. third Mondays at the Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave. Group unites people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer with families, friends and allies. More info: www.pflag.org.