Motorcycle jackets cool gift for shelter teens

Published 10:03 pm Monday, December 15, 2008

Most groups collecting Christmas goods for the needy are desperate to receive presents that would appeal to the younger crowd.

Folks at Cycle Barn are entertaining about 20 teens who will be thrilled with their gift.

Dave Preston with Cycle Barn says teens from Cocoon House shelter in Everett will visit the Lynnwood store Wednesday for dinner. The meal is cooked by the staff and members of motorcycle riding clubs.

The best part comes right before dinner.

Each teen picks out their own motorcycle jacket.

Now that’s a gift.

It’s the last day for folks to comment online about fire and rescue services on Camano Island.

The fire district hired a clever consultant, James McCafferty, to figure out how to ask residents about response times and potential ballot measures.

“The initial feedback has been very positive and informative,” McCafferty said.

He found a class at Western Washington University in Bellingham that requires students to do a research project.

“I was able to connect the fire district with this resource which enables them to share information and collect public opinion,” he says. “The results will be used to shape upcoming operational changes and direct growth for the next couple of years.”

Students designed the program and will report their findings. To complete the survey, visit www.tinyurl.com/Camano.

Connecting the fire district to WWU is a win-win idea, McCafferty says.

Learn about the history of the old Monroe City Hall building at 207 E. Main St.

The Monroe Historical Society offers a program to celebrate the centennial of the building at 7 tonight at Tualco Grange, 18933 Tualco Road in Monroe. A potluck is planned at 6:30 p.m. Please bring a dish to share.

Tami Beaumont, trustee with the Monroe Historical Society, said there have been some interesting events in the structure, built in 1908. It’s been City Hall, a police and fire station, library and rest stop for farm families after they jostled into town by wagon.

In 1982, the society opened the front two rooms of the building and its museum occupies the old fire hall portion on the first floor.

“The 1908 jail is still there complete with a heavy metal door that clanks shut,” Beaumont says. “I heard that the firemen actually set fire to their own sleeping quarters at one point. They were horsing around and had to call an alarm on themselves.”

And purely rumor — some of the town’s noted citizens were locked up now and again in the jail.

Here is a serene way to celebrate winter: Karen Guzak’s Yoga Circle Studio offers a river walk Sunday.

Stroll along 400 luminarias from 4 to 8 p.m. on the River Trail in Snohomish between Avenue D on the west and Maple Street on the east.

Bring your own candle to carry, says Guzak.

“This free community event is meant to celebrate the shortest day of the year when the sun reaches its southernmost point,” she says. “It is a festive and peaceful event to celebrate our community — this year with music as well as light — where all are welcome to stay awhile and simply enjoy.”

Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.