Around the County

Mountlake Terrace

Annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5

The city’s annual tree lighting ceremony is planned for Dec. 5.

The event is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at Evergreen Playfield, 22205 56th Ave. W. The city’s “tree” is a frame built of more than 900 lights and placed on top of the city’s water tower. It’s known for being visible for miles.

Caroling, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus are planned. Volunteers plan to serve cookies, hot coffee and cocoa. Santa is expected to make a grand entrance on a firetruck while children sing carols and families warm themselves beside small bonfires.

The Terrace Park School Choir and City Church are scheduled to sing Christmas carols.

The Terrace-Brier Lions Club works with the city’s police, public works and park departments and Snohomish County Fire District 1 to put on the event.

More info: 425-744-6203 or visit www.cityofmlt.com.

Snohomish

Step inside historic houses on parlor tour

Peek inside of some of the areas historic homes on the Historic Snohomish Parlour Tour, noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 14. This annual self-guided tour will feature nine private homes, including five historic and four newer homes, all decked out in festive holiday finery.

Ticket-holders can also tour the Victorian-era Blackman House Museum and sample tea and cookies at the Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater. Tour maps are included with tickets, which cost $15, or $10 for seniors and children younger than 15. Proceeds will benefit the Blackman House Museum.

Buy tickets in advance at Joyworks, Kusler’s, Queen Bee, Speckled Hen, Sun Song and Weeds Variety, all in Snohomish. Day-of-tour tickets will be available at the Blackman House Museum, 118 Ave. B, and Tim Noah’s Thumbnail Theater, 1211 Fourth St.

More info: 360-568-5235 or 360-568-2526.

Find out what kaddywompas means

Spend an evening at the Thumbnail Theater watching Kaddywompas Country Store and Curiosity Shop Holiday Radio Show. Expect musical numbers, stories, funny and weird characters and a cast of people and puppets.

The performances start at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at the theater, 1211 Fourth St.

More info: 360-794-8348.

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Lake Stevens

Discussion of 2009 budget planned

A discussion of property taxes and the city’s budget for 2009 is planned at a workshop of the City Council tonight. The meeting is 7 p.m. at the Lake Stevens School District Educational Services Center, 12309 22nd St. NE.

The city is considering a 1 percent increase in its portion of property taxes for 2009.

More info: 425-334-1012.

Mountlake Terrace

City clerk promoted in state organization

Community relations director and city clerk Virginia Olsen was recently appointed to serve as a board member on the Washington Municipal Clerks Association executive committee. Olsen is a graduate of Leadership Snohomish County, a program that familiarizes participants with local issues and teaches leadership skills. Currently, Olsen is co-chairwoman of the clerks’ association’s conference planning committee and is a member of the bylaws and scholarships committee.

Olsen was honored earlier this year by the organization as the state’s clerk of the year and has served as the Mountlake Terrace city clerk for the past seven years.

Mukilteo

Hearing on 2009 budget planned

A public hearing on the city’s 2009 budget is planned for tonight. The meeting is 7 p.m. at City Hall, 4480 Chennault Beach Road. The hearing is continued from a hearing held on Oct. 20.

More info: 425-355-4141.

Snohomish

Businesses receive TV show awards

Viewers of the television show “Evening Magazine” named Bickford Ford Mercury best dealership in Western Washington, the Cabbage Patch Restaurant &Catering best caterer in Western Washington and Antheia Ballroom best venue. Snohomish resident Leisha Minich was named most eligible bachelorette.