Community Calendar

Events

Student rally: Students at the University of Washington Bothell are organizing a rally, noon to 2 p.m. today on the campus at 18115 Campus Way NE, to protest increases in tuition and state cuts to higher education. More info: www.facebook.com/events/139870566194273.

Microchip clinic: Get your cat or dog microchipped for free while supplies last, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Homeward Pet Adoption Center, 13132 NE 177th Place, Woodinville. Pets must be spayed or neutered. More info: 425-488-4444.

Walk MS: The Snohomish County 2013 Walk MS fundraiser for the National MS Society starts its 2.4-mile route at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Tulalip Amphitheatre, 10400 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip. More info: www.walkMSnorthwest.org.

Gift show: The Snohomish Senior Center, 506 Fourth St., hosts a Vendor and Gift Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. There also will be plant and bake sales. More info: 360-568-0934.

E-Waste recycling: Bring old computers and electronics to a free recycling event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at McClain Insurance Services, 10410 19th Ave. SE, Everett. More info: www.authomeboat.com/ecycle.

Health expo: Olympic athlete Nichole Porath speaks at the Health and Fitness Expo, to be held 1-3 p.m. Saturday at North Whidbey Middle School, 67 NE Izett St., Oak Harbor. This is a free event. More info: www.whidbeyislandmarathon.com.

Charity auction: Moving Ahead to Serve Our Community, a dinner and silent auction, is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church’s Parish Hall, 330 Union Ave., Snohomish. Dinner proceeds benefit the Snohomish Special Services Shuttle; auction proceeds benefit the Snohomish Community Kitchen. Suggested donations are $10 or $25 per family, or $8 or $20 if paid before the event. More info: 360-568-2700.

Dinner and dance: The Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18308 Smokey Point Blvd. in Arlington, hosts a dinner and dance, 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $8. More info: 360-653-4551 or program@stillycenter.com.

Benefit concert: “Raise A Ruckus,” a benefit concert to benefit the Patrick Castro Excellence in Vocal Music Scholarship will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Snohomish High School Performing Arts Center, 1316 Fifth St. The concert features Broadway performer Billie Wildrick, the Snohomish Men’s Chorus, Real Men and jazz pianist Eric Verlinde. Tickets, at the door, are $20, $10 for students and seniors, $50 for families. There also will be a silent auction.

Health care panel: How is the Affordable Care Act affecting residents in Washington state? Hear from Brendan Williams, deputy commissioner for Policy and Legislative Affairs at the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner, at 7 p.m. April 17 at the PUD Building, 2320 California St., Everett. A Q-and-A will follow.

Ways to help

Donate blood: Everett Community College Student Activities Health/Wellness Program and the Puget Sound Blood Center host a blood drive 8:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. today and Wednesday in EvCC’s Henry M. Jackson Center Wilderness Auditorium on the campus at 2000 Tower St. To make an appointment to donate, call 425-388-9561. Walk-in donors also welcome.

Vaux’s swifts project: The Vaux’s swifts are migrating north and will soon arrive in Monroe to roost at the Wagner Center chimney. The Monroe Swift Watch committee and the Monroe Swift Night Out committee seek volunteers to monitor the numbers of birds and to help at Monroe Swift Night Out on Sept. 14. A planning meeting is set for 7 p.m. today in the Goddard Room at Valley General Hospital, 14701 179th Ave. SE, Monroe.

Work party: Greenbank Farm benefits from steady volunteer support. On April 15, the Whidbey Island nonprofit will be looking “for some folks to come take out their buried aggressions on the Scotch broom growing out along the highway.” More info: volunteer@greenbankfarm.com.

Sew block quilts: The Snohomish County Clothing and Textile Advisors invites crafters to help sew simple four-patch block quilts for premature infants at Providence hospital, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 19 at McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett, in the Evergreen classroom behind the WSU Extension Office. The pattern and fabric will be provided. Bring a sewing machine, basic sewing tools and your own lunch. More info: Carla Peery at 206-595-9717 or Cpeerysew@aol.com.

Marysville Clean Sweep: The city of Marysville is working with various local businesses, churches, service clubs and nonprofit groups for Clean Sweep Week April 20-27, an annual weeklong celebration of free activities to help residents get their spring cleaning off on the right foot. More volunteers, both individuals and groups, are needed for cleaning and beautifucation projects. Ongoing projects include grafitti paint-outs and street cleanups. More info: Parks Maintenance Manager Mike Robinson at 360-363-8406 or mrobinson@marysvillewa.gov.

School banners: Frank Wagner Elementary School in Monroe was recently named a No Excuses University school that promotes a college-bound attitude in students. Staff are now seeking sponsors to purchase motivational banners to hang in the school. If interested in helping, contact school counselor Elsa Trabanino at trabaninoe@monroe.wednet.edu or 360-804-3200.

Garden for food bank: The Red Barn Community Farm, about half of which is dedicated to raising fresh food for the Volunteers of America Everett Food Bank, seeks volunteers to help with the upcoming growing season. Saturday morning work parties start this month. More info: Paulette Jacobson at 425-374-6311 or paulettej@ccsww.org.

Fourth sponsors: The city of Mountlake Terrace seeks sponsors at varying levels for its Independence Day Celebration, July 4 at the Evergreen Playfield. Sponsors are recognized in event materials and with plaques. More info: 425-776-9173 or www.cityofmlt.com under “news.”

Farm tour: The Spring Jubilee Farm Tour, presented by the Port Susan Food &Farming Center, will be held May 11-12. The self-guided tour includes nurseries and farms in Silvana, Stanwood and on Camano Island. Volunteers are needed. More info: Autumn Falk at 425-530-0594 or Nancy Chase at 360-387-4110.

Camano Center: The Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road on Camano Island, seeks a few volunteers. Needed are a cashier for Monday lunches (cash handling experience required) and a front desk volunteer 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays (people skills and basic computer skills required). The Thrift Shop also needs several volunteers: one to work on linens 1-4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday or 1-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday or all day Monday (labor intensive; no allergies, not squeamish); someone strong with a good back to move heavy items on Tuesdays; someone to help put merchandise onto shelves; and someone to work testing, repairing and pricing male-oriented items on Mondays and Fridays. More info: Lisa at 360-387-0222.

Clothes For Kids: Spring cleaning your closets? Clothes For Kids requests gently used children’s clothing for spring and summer, including shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits, dresses and flip-flops, among other donations. The nonprofit provides wardrobes for low-income families; spring and summer shopping runs through May 23. More info: www.clothesforkids.org.

Fabric donations: The Clothing and Textile Advisors of Snohomish County in partnership with Washington State University Extension 4H Youth Development seeks donations of fabric, notions, trims, patterns, related books, magazines, yarn and needlework items for its third annual Fabric Sale, to be held June 15. Proceeds from the sale support Camp Stitch-a-Lot and camp scholarships. Donations will be accepted 2-8 p.m. June 14 at the McCollum Park Education building, located behind the WSU Extension office at 600 128th St. SE, Everett. To donate earlier, contact Rita at 425-483-3594 (south Snohomish or north King counties); Julie at jameaner@gmail.com (central Snohomish County); or Midge at 425-319-3351 (north Snohomish County).

Advocates needed: Snohomish County’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program seeks volunteers to serve as advocates for vulnerable adults. Volunteers receive four days of initial training, then are asked to volunteer four hours a week, attend in-service meetings and submit an activity report. The 2013 certification training is May 15-16, 22-23. Applications can be printed from www1.co.snohomish.wa.us (type “ombudsman” in the search box). More info: July Andre, 425-388-7393 or july.andre@snoco.org.

Providence gift shop: The nonprofit Providence General Children’s Association needs volunteers at the Providence Regional Medical Center Pacific campus gift shop — located at the Women’s and Children’s Pavilion, 916 Pacific Ave., Everett — for four-hour shifts, day or evening, one or more times per month. Gift shop proceeds benefit Northwest children in need. Must complete hospital volunteer forms, TB test, background check and training. More info: PGCA president Julie Dickson, 425-339-1398.

Cascade Valley Hospital: Cascade Valley Hospital, 330 S. Stillaguamish Ave. in Arlington, is recruiting volunteers to work in a variety of positions — from greeting patients and visitors, to helping out in the Emergency Department. Call 360-618-7850 to register for a volunteer orientation session. The next session is at 2 p.m. April 17.

Port Susan Bay: Spend a couple of hours each week volunteering at The Nature Conservancy’s Port Susan Bay Preserve near Stanwood. Volunteers are especially needed on weekends to help monitor visitation during busy times. Help familiarize visitors with preserve rules; check if they have permission to visit; report any management concerns to Conservancy staff. Must provide own transportation, be able to work on weekends, have friendly “customer service” skills and be able to handle occasional tense situations diplomatically. More info: Barbara French at bfrench@tnc.org or 206-436-6236.

Hospice volunteers: Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Ave., Everett, holds volunteer information sessions the third Wednesday of the month. More info: Joanie, 425-261-4815.

The Binky Patrol: A group of quilters, knitters and crocheters who make “binkies” for children in traumatic situations seeks volunteers and donations of fabric, yarn or thread. Meetings are on the first Sunday of the month in Marysville. More info: 360-659-7198.

RSVP: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), sponsored by Catholic Community Services, seeks people age 55 and older for a variety of volunteer opportunities at schools, food banks and homeless shelters, in the court system and more. More info: John McAlpine at johnm@ccsww.org, 425-374-6374 or 888-240-8572.

Dental care: Dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and others are invited to help provide dental care to patients who have lost their Medicaid dental benefits. The one-day event is slated for 8 a.m.-3 p.m. June 7 at Cedar Family Dentistry in Marysville. More info: Kendra Russell at smilesforcitizens@gmail.com or 360-659-3232.

Operation Lookout: The National Center for Missing Youth in Everett seeks volunteers for 20 hours weekly. The group is looking for social and community service providers experienced with criminal justice or victim backgrounds to assist with case management, data entry, office work and graphic design. Send resume or letter of interest to oladmin@operationlookout.org.

Help out at Habitat store: Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County seeks volunteers to help staff the store in four-hour shifts between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The store is at 2302 Broadway, Everett. The store also accepts donations of building materials, household items and furniture by appointment. More info: 425-903-4430 or www.habitatsnohomish.org.

Assist cancer patients: The Cancer Resource Center at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership seeks volunteers to work weekly four-hour shifts meeting with cancer patients and caregivers to provide support. Drivers also are needed to get cancer patients to treatments and appointments. Volunteers use their own vehicles and get mileage reimbursement. More info: Jerri Wood, 425-322-1114 or jerri.wood@cancer.org.

Volunteer Chore Services: This program of Catholic Community Services seeks volunteers to assist with household chores and more, enabling elders and adults with disabilities to remain independent in their own homes. Volunteers can help the same person each week or be listed for on-call assistance. More info: Cherisse Webb, 425-374-6323 or cherissew@ccsww.org.

Tutor: Everett Community College’s Adult Literacy Center seeks volunteers who can tutor adult learners two or more hours per week in reading, writing, basic math and English as a second language. Volunteers must be patient, have good literacy skills and be sensitive to a variety of learning styles and cultural backgrounds. Tutoring times and locations are flexible. Training is free with a six-month commitment. More info: vlp@everettcc.edu, 425-388-9524.

Soup kitchen volunteers: The Salt of the Earth Soup Kitchen needs volunteers to help prepare, cook, serve and clean up starting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2531 Hoyt Ave., Everett. The group also is looking for a box truck to pick up food for food banks in Snohomish County. More info: Sandra, 425-355-1042.

Arlington Food Bank: Arlington-area businesses and community groups are needed to hold food drives. Volunteers also are needed. More info: Dori, 360-435-1631.

Hands of Hope Food Bank: Volunteers and donations welcome. Send checks to 9506 Seventh Ave. SE, Everett, WA 98208, or bring in food donations, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. More info: 425-355-5985.

Marysville Community Food Bank: Volunteers are needed to help sort food (10 a.m.-noon Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday), serve clients groceries (9-11 a.m. Monday and Friday and 3-6 p.m. Tuesday), pick up groceries and other tasks. The food bank is at 4150 88th St. NE, Marysville. More info: 360-658-1054, marysvillefoodbank.org.

VOA needs drivers: The Volunteers of America food banks in Everett and Sultan need volunteer drivers for their senior home delivery and grocery pick-up services on weekdays. Training is provided. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check. The Everett distribution center also needs warehouse volunteers, who must be able to lift 30-plus pounds. More info: Bill Kraut at bkraut@voaww.org or 425-259-3191 (Everett); Jennifer Reasoner at jreasoner@voaww.org or 360-793-2400 (Sultan).

Humane Society: HappyPaws Farm, a no-kill, farmlike shelter in Arlington, has a variety of volunteer opportunities. Donations also are accepted, such as gift cards to pet stores, dog heating pads, pet food and more. More info: 360-652-5844, hmnsoc@aol.com, www.saveourdogsandcats.org;http://www.saveourdogsandcats.org.

Veterans center needs help: Healing Hearts In Hope Veteran Retreat Center seeks volunteers to help clean trails and organize fundraisers, among other things. The nonprofit helps veterans by providing a retreat. It is located at 28902 Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls. More info: Teresa, 360-691-6284 or hhhvrcfounder@netzero.com.

Assistance

Interview technique workshop: Free interview technique workshops for job-seekers will be offered at various Sno-Isle Libraries through March and April. Remaining workshops: 1-3 p.m. today at Monroe Library (1070 Village Way), and 1-3 p.m. Thursday at Lynnwood Library (19200 44th Ave. W.).

Employment Network: 10 a.m.-noon Fridays at the North Creek Presbyterian Church, 621 164th St. SE., Mill Creek. Free help with job searches, resume writing and interviewing. More info: 425-743-2386.

Grief support group: 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays at Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 5115 100th St. NE in Marysville. This group uses the GriefShare curriculum. More info: 360-659-7777, www.mtvpc.org.

Lymphedema support group: Meets next from 6-8 p.m. April 18 (third Thursday) in conference room B at Providence Regional Medical Center, Pacific Campus, 916 Pacific Ave., Everett. More info: kim@kimsfocus.net.

MS self-help group, Lynnwood: Meets next from 1-2:30 p.m. April 19 (third Friday) in the group room at the YWCA Village, 19703 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. More info: Sharon Todd, 360-651-9720.

MS self-help group, Marysville: Meets next from 10:30 a.m.-noon April 13 (second Saturday) at Cascade Christian Reformed Church, 13908 51st Ave. NE, Marysville. More info: Linda, 425-238-0849.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: Meets next at 7 p.m. April 15 (third Monday) at the Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave. This is the Everett chapter of the national support group. More info: http://www.pflag.org.

Support group for parents of children with behavioral problems: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays at Zion Lutheran Church, 4634 Alger Ave., Everett. Peer-to-peer support for parents struggling with children exhibiting risky behaviors such as drug or alcohol use. Confidential and free. More info: 888-468-2620 or http://www.cpsn.org.

Support group for special education parents in the Everett School District: Meets next from 6:30-8 p.m. April 17 (third Wednesday) at View Ridge Elementary School, 202 Alder St., Everett.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS): Several local chapters of this nonprofit weight-loss club meet at different days and times across Snohomish County. Meetings include a private weigh-in, peer support, information and awards for progress. First meeting is free. More info: www.tops.org, or area captain Darlene Wascher at 360-658-1311.

Seniors

Teed Off Seniors Golf: The Lynnwood Senior Center sponsors a fun, social golfing group for those age 62 and older. Teed Off meets alternate Thursdays throughout the spring, summer and early fall at the Nile Shrine Golf Course in Mountlake Terrace. More info: 425-670-5050.

Scrabble group: Plays at 12:15 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at the Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett, 3025 Lombard Ave. More info: 425-334-2878.

Friendship Club: A group of senior citizens meets for lunch the second Thursday of each month at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 216 Broadway, Everett. Lunch costs $7. The group also takes monthly bus tours. More info: Edward, 425-493-2588.

Bingo: 12:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett, 3025 Lombard Ave. Cost is $2 for three-on. Everybody older than 50 can participate. More info: 425-257-8780, http://www.ci.everett.wa.us/seniors.

Double-deck pinochle: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 4:30 p.m. Thursdays at Scriber Gardens/GenCare, 6024 200th St. SW, Lynnwood. More info: Carla, 425-771-5471.