City briefs

Published 5:48 am Thursday, February 28, 2008

MLT town meeting Monday March 31

The Mountlake Terrace City Council wants to hear from its citizens and have a conversation about whatever is on their mind regarding the community. Drop in and join the Council at this informal gathering from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 31 in the Mountlake Terrace library meeting room on 58th Avenue West next to the City Hall. Information displays and materials will be available, along with refreshments. Come, bring your neighbor, and spend an evening with your City Council members. For more information call 425-776-1161.

Firefighters climb for a good cause

Six firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District 1 and Mountlake Terrace successfully completed the 12th Annual Firefighter Challenge – climbing 69 stories in full combat gear to the top of the Bank of America Tower in Seattle on March 16.

Running up 1,311 steps is challenge enough, but these firefighters completed the climb wearing full bunker gear weighing 25 pounds and using breathing apparatus weighing another 25 pounds.

The event raised funds for the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society of America. Firefighter Brad Cheek from the Hilltop Fire Station east of Lynnwood turned in the fastest time from Fire District 1 – 18:07. Other department firefighters who completed the climb were Paul Cretella, Capt. Jim Starck, Scott Fitzpatrick, Bryan Collins and Chief Jack McArthur.

Plato’s Closet Clothing Drive

Plato’s Closet, a store in Lynnwood which buys and sells brand name teen and young adult clothing, will accept donations for Friends of Youth, a local non-profit organization which develops, provides and advocates for children, youth and their families. From March 28 – 30 bring gently used clothing to Plato’s Closet and they will sort through the clothing, pay you for the clothes that fit within their assortment, like they usually do and then donate the rest to Friends of Youth. The clothes will go directly to help teens and young adults at Snohomish County support outlets such as Arbor House in Bothell, a facility which houses young pregnant and parenting women among others.

Plato’s Closet is located in Lynnwood across from Alderwood Mall next to Target at 18205 Alderwood Mall Parkway. For more information call 425-775-5868. If your organization supports teens and young adults on the Eastside or in Snohomish County and you would like to benefit from a clothing drive like this contact Jeff Swanson, President of Plato’s Closet at 425-775-5868.

MLT Police mugs for sale

The Mountlake Terrace Police Department have large mugs with a silver badge and a painted emblem on the sides for sale now for $12. To get a mug, go to the Mountlake Terrace Police Department at 5906 232nd St. SW, behind the City Hall and Library. The proceeds from the mugs benefit the Mountlake Terrace Police Officers Association. For more information call 425-670-8260.

Food prep from foodbank fare

The Family Support Center of South Snohomish County in Lynnwood will be having its last “Cooking With Josie” cooking class from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 28. The class takes food typically received from a food bank and shows people how to make that food into some “fabulous meals.” Call 425-670-8984 to register.

Lynnwood girl ‘speaks up.’

Jessica Bowen, a Lynnwood 12-year-old, will be traveling to Washington D.C. on April 7 to talk to U.S. legislators about her experiences with epilepsy and why it’s important to fund quality of life programs to educate the public, especially teachers, school nurses, classmates and caregivers, about this serious and misunderstood condition, according to a press release.

Bowen battles epilepsy, which is marked by recurrent seizures.

Bowen is one of 38 children from around the country participating in “Kids Speak Up,” a new national program sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation with support from Abbott Laboratories. The program helps families of children with epilepsy make their voices heard in the halls of the U.S. Capitol as advocates for the nation’s 2.3 million children and adults with the disorder. Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in children, according to a press release.

Play dates for children -5

There is an ongoing play group from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at Maplewood Presbyterian Church at 19523 84th Ave. W. This is a chance for parents to meet other parents and their children, under 5-years old to meet new friends. For more information call the Family Support Center in Lynnwood at 425-670-8984.

ESL conversation group in Lynnwood

There is an ongoing English as a second language class going on from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Family Support Center in Lynnwood at 6330 195th St. SW. Practice English with a trained tutor and others in the process of learning English.

For more information call 425- 670-8984.

Free swing concert in Lynnwood

The Trolley Days Band and the Trolley Jazz Band will be performing a free, public swing concert at 7 p.m. on April 24 at the Edmonds Community College. This concert, conducted by Timothy Leese, is sponsored in part by the City of Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, Lynnwood Arts Commission, Edmonds Community College Student Programs and a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission. For more information call Becky at 425-745-9121.

Unity Church Grand Opening

A long journey with many stops began for the congregation of this Lynnwood Unity Church which started out about 20 years ago in Mountlake Terrace.

Now the congregation has a home at 16727 Alderwood Mall Parkway and they will have an open house and tours, including of their child care center, starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 28.

Reverend Ann Thomas, pastor of the Unity Church will conduct opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. that evening.

According to Thomas, the growing church gained membership at “all stops along the way” and met at The Lynnwood Dance Studio, The Best Western Hotel in Lynnwood, The Hotel International in Lynnwood and finally at The Martha Lake Community Center for the last six years. The membership now stands at about 150.

“Although it has taken several years, the construction of our dream church is now a reality,” Thomas said, “We have been blessed with many people whose efforts have made it possible.”

Sunday services will start at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. with one service only on March 30 at 10 a.m.. For more information call 425-741-7172 or go to www.unityinlynnwood.org.

Lynnwood man honored by railway

Lynnwood resident George Houle received the Maynard Laing Award, one of the Northwest Railway Museum’s top volunteer honors. The award recognizes broad, longterm service to the museum in Snoqualmie.

Houle has contributed over 20 years of volunteer service to many different aspects of the museum’s operations. He uses his machining skills to make railway equipment parts. He arranges donations of useful items. He helps with special events such as Santa Train and Day Out With Thomas(TM). He applies his painting, carpentry and research experience to restoration of historic transportation artifacts in the museum’s collection. He is involved in the current restoration of a Weyerhauser wood caboose. For information about volunteer opportunities at the Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie Valley Railroad excursions to the top of Snoqualmie Falls, or Thomas the Tank Engine’s visit this July, see www.trainmuseum.org or call 425-888-3030.

Dillon honored in scholarship

The Lynnwood Firefighters Association is proud to honor the memory of former Lynnwood Fire Chief, Alan Dillon, who recently passed away, by re-naming the Lynnwood FireFighters Association Scholarship, the “Alan M. Dillon Memorial Scholarship.” This will be an annual $600 scholarship open to all high school seniors in the Lynnwood area. For more information call the Lynnwood Fire Department at 425-744-6433.

Tax help for seniors at MLT library

Tax help is here for seniors and lower income people. There is a free AARP Tax Aide program from 4:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings at Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Avenue West, Mountlake Terrace. This program is slated to assist with basic tax questions and returns. Our volunteer is trained to do e-filing. No appointments are taken, it is a first-come, first-served program. There may be other locations within the area which also offer this service. For other locations with free tax assistance, call the Library Reference desk at 425-776-8722.

Clothing, blankets needed now

For the first time in more than three years, the clothing bay in World Concern’s global distribution center at 19802 Highway 99 in Lynnwood is bare.

World Concern is the only international relief and development organization in the Northwest that locally collects gently used clothing, shoes and blankets specifically for shipment to the world’s poorest families. This year, if donations remain low, World Concern may not be able to meet shipping goals for containers requested by Haiti, Southern Sudan, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo or relief requests as emergency situations arise. Clothing and blankets of all types for both warm and cold climates are needed. World Concern also accepts tents and gently used sleeping bags, sheets and towels. Regular warehouse hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on World Concern, call 425-771-5700 or go to www.worldconcern.org.

Match funds raised for food bank

The Feinstein Foundation in Rhode Island has offered to match funds raised to Concern For Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace. Any money donated in the name of the Feinstein challenge will be matched. For more information contact Joan Hinjim at the food bank at 425-778-7227.

The Lynnwood Food bank is also in dire need of volunteers. If you can help call 425-745-1635.

Donate your old car for a local cause

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County are starting a car donation program. Funds from the program will benefit the activities of the Boys and Girls Clubs. For more information call 1-800-246-0493.

CFBW needs volunteers

The Center For Battered Women is looking for volunteers who want to work together to eliminate domestic violence. If interested in taking a training class, applications must be received no later than April 21. The training class will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26, May 10 and May 17 at the Everett General Hospital (Colby Campus). To receive a volunteer application packet, call Darla Lewis at 425-259-2827, ext. 12.

Free harp concert

at MLT library

Harper Tasche (www.harpcrossing.com), shares his haunting and beautiful harp, psaltery and recorder music in a special free evening concert “Viking Echoes: An Evening of Nordic Music and Stories, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7 at the Mountlake Terrace library at 23300 58th Avenue West in Mountlake Terrace. The concert is open to all ages. Travel through the landscapes and cultures of Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland from medieval to modern times. Funding for this special free concert is provided by the Tulalip Tribes and the Friends of the Mountlake Terrace Library. For more information call the Library at 425-776-8722.

PIE is looking for local reps.

The non-profit organization, Pacific Intercultural Exchange is looking for out-going, friendly, responsible and caring individuals who would enjoy working with teens and families as representatives. As a representative you would match local and/or out of country students with local and/or out of country families who would make a difference in a young person’s life. Earn a little money while having fun. For more information call Teresa Knapp toll-free at 1-800-894-7633.

Spring concerts coming, no choir

The Trolley Days Band presents

• “Swing into Spring” Swing Concert at 7 p.m. on May 9.

• “Red, White &Brass” Patriotic Concert at 7 p.m. on June 27.

All Concerts will be at LDS Church 17321 44th Ave. W. in Lynnwood

Because of lack of funding and interest The Trolley Days Band is canceling its Community Choir this spring. The group is still looking for musicians for the band and ensemble groups. No auditions or dues and everyone is welcome. For more information call Becky Janecke at 425-745-9121.

Heed burn bans in your area

Washington state law prohibits residential burning and land clearing fires in urbanized areas, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. If you’re thinking of burning outdoors, know that, violations of outdoor burning regulations can be costly. Fines can exceed $13,000 per day and typically start at $2,000 plus reimbursement costs for fire department responses. Contact your local fire department before you burn. In the City of Lynnwood call 425-744-6433 in unincorporated areas of South Snohomish County, Mountlake Terrace or Brier call Fire District 1 at 425-551-1200.

Yard sale, cleanup coming soon to MLT

Put this on your calendars: The annual Mountlake city wide yard sale is the weekend of May 2, 3 and 4.

Then, the city’s annual spring cleanup, on May 7 will allow residents unlimited quantities of garbage picked up free of charge, according to a Mountlake Terrace press release.

The event also offers a free-drop off time on May 10.

Look for more information about the city-wide yard sale and cleanup in an upcoming edition of the Enterprise, the March edition of the City Happenings newsletter and a flyer in Mountlake Terrace residents’ utility bills. For more information call 425-776-1161.

VFW meets first Thursdays

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, All – American Post 1040, Lynnwood meets the at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Alderwood Youth Club, 19619 – 24th.

For more information contact Post Commander Martin Spani at 425- 673-7702 or 425-774-7416 for information. All combat Veterans who earned a campaign medal are eligible for membership.

Go to a City Council meeting

Lynnwood City Council regular meetings start at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Mountlake Terrace City Council regular meetings start at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month.

Brier City Council regular meetings start at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

For more information in Lynnwood call 425-775-1971 in Mountlake Terrace 425-776-1161 and in Brier 425-775-5440.

Donate an old cell phone for safety

Project Donate a Phone is back on and the need is high, say officials for The Snohomish County Center for Battered Women.

The center is in need of old or new cellular phones, even ones with missing parts can help, Center officials said. Usable cell phones will be provided free to all women who use the center’s services. In case of emergency old phones can still be used to dial 911. The ones that can’t be used will be recycled to a business who has agreed to pay the non-profit organization for parts. To donate phones, drop them off at the Mountlake Terrace Police Department at 5906 232nd St. SW or to the Snohomish County Center for Battered Women at 1310 Pacific Avenue in Everett #5 (corner of Grand and Pacific) or Mr. Bill’s restaurant at the Everett Mall. More information call Terri or Vicci at 425-259-2827. The Center for Battered women are also looking for volunteers. For more information contact Darla Lewis at 425-259-2827, ext. 18.

Free car seat checks in Lynnwood

Motor vehicle crashes are the single largest cause of child fatalities in the country, officials said.

However, proper child seat safety can reduce the risk of injury or death by 70 percent, officials added, if the car seat is installed correctly. Lynnwood Police have recently nationally certified five technicians to help parents and care givers be sure their precious cargo is as safe as possible.

Free car seat checks are now available every Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m. by appointment, at the Lynnwood Police Station at 19321 44th Avenue West. Checks take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete and it is best to have the child there for the check. For more info. or to make an appointment call 425-744-6900.

Have a court date? Click here:

Citizens can now go to a new website, www.courts.wa.gov, and look up their court dates by clicking on “find your court date” and entering a valid name or case number.

All courts in Washington including Lynnwood Municipal and South Snohomish County District Court are on the site except for Seattle Municipal Court.

Given that court proceedings may be rescheduled at any time, official said, users are encouraged to call their local court the morning of their appearance. An automated court directory is also available online via the Washington Courts website, combined with a “Courthouse Locator” which provides maps and directions to every courthouse throughout Washington State. For the Lynnwood Municipal Court call 425-670-6668. For the South Snohomish County District Court call 425-774-8803.

Free blood pressure screening at library

Red Cross volunteers provide free blood pressure screening from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Friday of each month at the Lynnwood Library at 19200 44th Ave. W.