Opportunities (Dec. 30, 2016)
Published 1:30 am Friday, December 30, 2016
Plunge: Start New Year with a freezing splash
Why anyone would want to pretend they are a polar bear and celebrate the New Year by jumping in the frigid waters of the Salish Sea or a lake is anyone’s guess.
But, hey, if that’s your idea of a good way to ring in 2017, then here are some options …
All are welcome to join Edmonds’ Uplift Society members during the 10th annual polar bear plunge, which takes place at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 at Brackett’s Landing beach, just north of the Edmonds ferry terminal.
The deadline has passed to get a personalized bathrobe, however.
The event, in part, raises money to support the Edmonds South County Historical Society and Museum.
More info: 425-771-0230
Meanwhile, the second annual (yet “unofficial”) Arctic Chill gets under way with a warmup at 12:30 p.m. and plunge at 1 sharp at Martha Lake Community Park, 16300 E Shore Drive, Lynnwood.
There will be a bonfire and hot cocoa to warm up plungers, plus an award for the best costume.
No money is exchanged at this event, just crazy tomfoolery. Organizers recommend eating ice cream to the point of brain freeze as one preparation tip.
Don’t forget your towel.
More info: snohomishcountywa.gov
Help: Everett venture sells hats for cause
Imprint is a new online venture that aims to help families affected financially by childhood cancer. It was started by three Everett friends: Amanda Best, Brieann Kadiric and Danny Lopez. Patrons buy “beanie” hats — beneficiaries pick out the selected designs — and proceeds go directly to families.
Their first beneficiary is a 4-year-old Spanaway girl with terminal brain cancer.
More info: imprintmakeyour mark.com
Reunite: A gala for ‘Harry Potter’ fans
A Hogwarts Gala Reunion is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW. This is a free family program.
Attendees are invited to wear their dress robes and look up old professors, indulge in Honeydukes sweets, brush up on potions, flaunt their house colors and cop a memento or two.
More info: 360-629-3132
Sign up: Chronic pain sufferers class
Senior Services of Snohomish County offers a free six-week workshop on “Living Well with Chronic Pain” starting in January.
Learn to manage fatigue, sleep better, exercise safely, deal with depression, manage medications and more.
Class locations:
Everett, 9-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 9-Feb. 13, at the Everett Clinic Conference Center, 3830 Hoyt Ave.
Edmonds, 12:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 23-Feb. 27 (no workshop on Presidents Day), at the Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave.
Arlington, 9:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays, Jan. 26-March 2, at the Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18218 Smokey Point Blvd.
Registration is required.
More info: 425-265-2283
Ditch: Scouts offer Christmas tree disposal
Boy Scouts troops offer Christmas tree recycling by donation to help raise money for leadership and outdoor skills programs as well as summer camps.
Trees are typically turned into mulch, so they must be free of decorations. No flocked trees accepted.
Drop-off and curbside locations are available in January. Many drop-off events are set for Jan. 2. The typical donation is $10 to $15.
Don’t know your local Boy Scout? Many Snohomish County troops have posted their program information on the below website for easy look-up.
More info: www.dryneedles.com
