Front Porch: Snow geese have returned to Stanwood fields

Published 12:01 am Saturday, October 22, 2011

Field turning white

Snow geese have started to return to the fields south of Stanwood, which is a good two weeks before they usually return.

That could mean one or both of the following: That they’re escaping lousy weather at their summer roosts on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean; or that they’re preparing early for what could be equally lousy weather here.

Vacation house checks: Mountlake Terrace police are reminding people to sign up for house checks before they go on vacation this fall or holiday season.

The city’s Crime Watch program will send volunteers to check on people’s homes while they’re away. Volunteers call patrol officers if anything is amiss.

The program also is accepting applications for volunteers. In addition to house checks, volunteers can help out police at city events.

For more information, go to www.cityofmlt.com or call 425-670-8260.

Auction to benefit seniors: East County Senior Center is hosting its annual benefit auction today.

The auction is the center’s main fundraiser, with food and hundreds of live and silent auction items.

It starts at 5 p.m. at Echo Falls Golf Club, 20414 121st Ave. SE, Snohomish.

Tickets are $60. To reserve tickets, call 360-794-6359 or email director@eastcountyseniorcenter.org.

For more information, go to www.eastcountyseniorcenter.org.

Support cancer research: Party in Pink is planned for 6 to 8 tonight at Monroe High School, 17001 Tester Road in Monroe. Zumba, for $15, for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.