South County Notebook

In photos: South County Senior Center director welcomed back

STAFF CHOICE: Boys clothes needed

Keep Clothes for Kids in mind when cleaning out your child’s closet this spring. The Lynnwood nonprofit particularly needs boys clothing sizes 4-16, but all new or gently used children’s clothing is accepted. Clothes for Kids provides low-income children in Snohomish County with fall and spring wardrobes — including underwear, socks and shoes — at no cost to their families. You can also make a donation ($82 provides one complete wardrobe) or attend the Sip Into Spring fundraiser April 10.

– Melissa Slager, Enterprise copy editor

SEMINARS AND EDUCATION

Adopt-A-Stream streamkeeper events:

Tickets are $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Classes are held at NW Stream Center at Snohomish County’s McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Sponsored by the Adopt-A-Stream Foundation &Snohomish County Parks &Recreation. For more information, visit: www.streamkeeper.org.

• Amphibians of mystery: 7-8:30 p.m. March 17

Salamanders and frogs come in many sizes and colors and their lifestyles are just as amazing. Come join naturalist Tom Noland for a slide show and discussion to learn interesting facts about these creatures who live double lives — one in the water and one on the land.

• Slugs and snails leave slimy trails: 10-11:30 a.m. March 18

The Pacific Northwest’s temperate, moist climate and frequent overcast days make it a slug and snail paradise. Join naturalist Tom Noland for a fun morning learning about the interesting lives of slugs and snails that can be found in your own backyard. Learn to distinguish between the native species and introduced species of slugs. There will be live specimens to observe and time for questions.

• Fishers: 7-8:30 p.m. March 24

Join Jeffrey Lewis, wildlife biologist with the state Department of Fish &Wildlife, for a program about fishers and the reintroduction of these animals to the Pacific Northwest. Fishers disappeared from Washington sometime in the mid-1900s due to over-trapping and loss of habitat. Come and learn more about these efforts.

Professional development grant to be awarded

The Friends of the Mill Creek Library will award one or more grants of up to $2,000 to defray professional development costs to support the provision of literacy education or the expansion of literacy services in the community. Proposed projects may include seminars, courses, conference attendance or other continuing education endeavors that support professional development.

Individuals must be actively engaged in the provision of literacy services or literacy education and live, work, or otherwise have ties to the greater Mill Creek area.

To apply, mail a resume and cover letter detailing interest in the grant, postmarked by April 15, to: Grants Committee, Friends of the Mill Creek Library, 15429 Bothell-Everett Highway, Mill Creek, WA 98012.

Awards will be announced at the Friends meeting May 12.

Driver improvement class

The AAA Driver Improvement Program is accepting reservations for its refresher course on defensive driving skills. The course gives practical guidance for traffic accident prevention and enhances driver safety and confidence. Successful course completion qualifies drivers age 55 and older for automobile insurance premium discounts, but all ages are welcome to attend.

The class will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 27 at Sons of Norway-Normanna Hall, 2725 Oakes Ave., Everett.

Cost is $16 per person. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 800-462-3728.

Skandia Folkdance events

Skandia Folkdance Society will host a five-week basics class series on Wednesdays from March 31 to April 28. Classes are held at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N (upper building, Room 2), Seattle. No partner or dance experience required. Classes are 7:30-9 p.m. Cost: Members, $25 per series; nonmembers, $35 per series. Minimum: eight participants. Information: www.skandia-folkdance.org or 206-784-7470.

Rick Steves’ free travel classes

Check out classes at Rick Steves’ Europe through the Back Door. Cost is free, but reservations are required: online at www.ricksteves.com or call 425-771-8303, ext. 298. Class seating is first come, first serve.

• Travel Drawing: 6-7 p.m. March 18 in the Travel Center classroom

As you stop to smell the roses on your travels, learn to record your surroundings with simple line drawings. It’s a way to savor the moment, start conversations and add character to your journal. Required tools: pocket-size drawing tablet and your favorite writing pen for sketching.

• European Rail Skills: 10-11:30 a.m. March 20 in the Edmonds Theater

Can’t make heads or tails of railpass options and train schedules? Our experts from America’s busiest rail department will teach all you need to know about European trains. Ÿ Beginning Czech for Travelers: Noon-1:30 p.m. March 20.

Impress the Czechs … by speaking their language! Here’s your chance to know the many meanings for “Prosim.” Learn how to ask how to get around, understand a menu and how to make small talk. You’ll practice basic pronunciation and a few key phrases — and toss in a few cultural tips — all to make your travels smoother and more fun.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Treasure Hunt at MC Town Center

The Mill Creek Town Center is celebrating spring by hosting a Treasure Hunt for the community from 11 a.m. to noon March 27. There will be festivities throughout the Town Center including a family-friendly treasure hunt hosted by the Town Center merchants, photos with the Easter Bunny, live music, balloon art, carnival games, face painting, kids crafts, treats and more.

Treasure hunters can begin by checking in at The Forum at Creekside Village (outdoor stage between Blazing Onion, Capri and Firestation Deli restaurants) at any time during the event. Each group will be given a passport, a map and their first mystery clue. Kids, with the assistance of their sleuthing parents, follow the clues to various businesses and receive a stamp on their passport and a clue to the next stop. Once the passport is full, treasure hunters return to The Forum where they will be rewarded with a bronze, silver, or gold level prize depending on the number of stamps on their passport.

Kids can visit with the Easter Bunny at The Forum and pose for that perfect keepsake Easter photo, presented by CLIX Portrait Studio. While at The Forum, families can enjoy refreshments and live music. As kids and their parents wander through the Town Center following their treasure clues, they will find fun stations along the way including carnival games, face painting, balloon art, crafts and more. For more information visit www.MillCreekTownCenter.biz.

Louis Braille School benefit auction

The Louis Braille School, a private day school for vision-impaired students located in Edmonds, will host a benefit auction from 1-4 p.m. March 20 at the South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds. Tickets are $15. For more information, e-mail Carolyn@louisbrailleschool.org or visit www.LouisBrailleSchool.org.

Norwegian Cultural and Heritage Day

The Sons of Norway’s Leif Erickson Lodge will host Tastes of Norway/Norwegian Cultural and Heritage Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 27 at the Leif Erikson Hall, 2245 NW 57th St. in Ballard. The day’s events will also feature the Leif to Leif 5K fun run/walk starting at 9 a.m. Registration is $10 adults and $5 children ages 12 and under (registration forms are available at Leif Erikson Hall). Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sons of Norway Humanitarian Fund. For information, call 206-783-1274.

Registered participants will receive a Norwegian flag to carry on the run and traditional Norwegian heart waffles afterward. Ribbons will be awarded to the top three runners. Participation counts toward a Sons of Norway sports medal.

Heritage Day is also an opportunity to learn about Sons of Norway community programs, including our sports and cultural skills medal programs and scholarships.

Public service appreciation at Liberty Tax Service

It’s tax season again. Liberty Tax Service, located at 2003 132nd St. SE, Suite C, Everett, is grateful to community members who have dedicated their careers to public service professions. To show their appreciation, the company will give active military members, law enforcement officers, firefighters and school teachers a 25 percent discount on their tax preparation fees. This offer is good throughout the tax season (ending April 15).

During March, Liberty Tax will welcome new customers in public service professions with its special free tax return program:

• March 15-21: School Teacher Appreciation Week

Call 425-338-7799 for more information.

Multiple sclerosis open house

During March, National MS Education &Awareness Month, people with multiple sclerosis and their family and friends are invited to an open house at the MSHH Donor Closet each Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The closet, located at 409 Howell Way in Edmonds, is part of the nonprofit MS Helping Hands.

It will be an opportunity to view all the items of durable medical equipment (DME) and mobility equipment (ME) available for minimum donations while you enjoy free hot dogs, chips, cookies, pop and bottled water. There will be a drawing each Saturday for a free recycled scooter or power chair to be awarded to someone with MS. You have to be present for the drawing to win. The drawings will be held at noon each Saturday.

Get your tickets for annual tea

Beginning March 28, North Sound Church will be selling tickets to its annual Women’s Tea.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church, 404 Bell St., Edmonds. For more information, call 425-776-9800.

The Women’s Tea is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. May 1 at Community Christian Fellowship, 615 Glen St., Edmonds.

Save the date for 25th annual Run of the Mill 5K

Run of the Mill run/walk organizers, Columbia Funding Mortgage, have set July 10 for the 25th annual Run of the Mill 5k charity event.

Pre-registration will open April 1 at www.mcrunofthemill.com and will be limited to 2,000 participants. Last year this event donated $38,000 to local charities. Get event information, including sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, by contacting Steve Knox at 425-341-2222 or visiting the Columbia Funding Mortgage office in the Mill Creek Town Center.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Clay animation class for teens

Have you ever wondered how clay-animated movies like “Wallace and Gromit” are created? At You Can Do Clay Animation, teens will learn how to animate their own movies, operate a digital camera and create simple clay characters. Each participant will receive a DVD of their work after the session.

The class will be at 4:30 p.m. March 31 at the Brier Library, 23303 Brier Road. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call the library at 425-483-0888.

VOLUNTEER

Special food bank donations this spring

During March and April, Alan Feinstein of Rhode Island will give away $1 million to anti-hunger agencies throughout the country as part of the Feinstein Foundation’s annual giveaway. The community’s gift to its local food bank will be matched. Cash, check and food items will be matched. Send checks and/or call for food pick-ups from:

• Edmonds Food Bank, 828 Caspers St., Edmonds, 425-778-5833

• Lynnwood Food Bank, 5320 176th St. SW, Lynnwood, 425-745-1635

• Mountlake Terrace Food Bank, 4700 228th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace, 425-778-7227

For more information, contact the Rev. Richard K. Gibson of the South County Food Banks at 425-774-7007.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

Community ‘active’-ists wanted

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), sponsored by Catholic Community Services, seeks persons over age 55 for many interesting and meaningful volunteer opportunities in the community.

There are hundreds of RSVP volunteer opportunities throughout the county, with something to suit all interests.

As an RSVP enrollee, you receive free supplemental liability, accident and automobile insurance coverage while performing your volunteer duties, along with an ongoing personal recognition program and the chance to meet new people and learn new skills.

For more information, e-mail John McAlpine at johnm@ccsww.org or call 425-257-2111 ext. 3374 or toll-free at 888-240-8572.

Gadget coaching for seniors at the MLT Library

Senior citizens: Got a great new gadget, but are frustrated trying to figure it out? Get personal coaching from talented Teen Tech Coaches. Bring in your cell phone, iPod, computer or other gadget and learn tips and tricks.

Gadget Coaching will take place at the Lynnwood Library (19200 44th Ave. W.) from 4-5 p.m. March 24 and at the Mountlake Terrace Library (23300 58th Ave. W.) from 1-3 p.m. March 27.

Interested teens should contact Dawn at 360-651-7069; for more information about the event, call the library at 425-776-8722.

South County Senior Center activities

Most events are held at the South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds. Contact Janice at 425-774-5555 for more information, reservations and sign-ups.

• Ukulele Lessons: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays in the View Room at the South County Senior Center. Join instructor Ben Amido and the Sweet Someones to make music and new friends. New students are always welcome.

• Thursday Quilters: 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays. Come and join a friendly group of stitch and gatherers.

• Woodcarving: A drop-in class meets 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the View Room free of charge. The weekly woodcarving class meets Wednesdays in the Ceramics Room from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and the cost is $5 per class. No experience necessary. Bring your tools and wood — experts are glad to help you. New students are welcome.

• Bingo: 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost is $1 for five cards.

• AARP Tax Preparation: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays through April 9. By appointment only; sign up at front desk. Jim Wassall, a local AARP tax aide coordinator, and his volunteer staff will be at the center to help prepare tax returns.

• China Painting: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays. Join leader Loretta Huston for china painting. Familiarity with paintbrush suggested but china painting experience not necessary. The class costs $3 per session. Space is limited; must sign up.

• Knitting (Stitch &Gatherers): 1-2 p.m. Thursdays. Join instructor Lynn Richardson for this class on knitting and crocheting or stitch away in this relaxed gathering. The class costs $3 per session.

• Dance: 1-3 p.m. Sundays. A selection of favorite music will be played. Call 425-774-5550 by the Friday prior to confirm the schedule. Cost is $3.

• Volunteer needed for Sound Writers: The South County Senior Center is looking for an instructor for a writing class. This group is for old and new writers. The group exchanges ideas, talks about writing styles and gives tips. Write at home and bring to class for critique. Everyone is welcome. Call 425-774-5550 to inquire about the class or volunteer as the instructor.

• Hair cuts: First and third Thursdays of the month. For men and women. Call for an appointment.

• Modern World History: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays in the South County Senior Center library. Join instructor Millie Thompson circumnavigating the globe studying the politics, economics and cultures of the countries around the world from the 17th through the 20th century. The cost for joining this class is $5 per quarter.