Opportunities

Chart: Genealogy class, conference

The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society and the Northwest Genealogy Conference will sponsor a free beginning genealogy class series from 1-5 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd. in Arlington. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

The class is in advance of the Northwest Genealogy Conference, hosted by the local society Aug. 13-15. The conference is open to anyone interested in their family and its origins. Session topics include general research, DNA and court records, among more. Registration ranges from $75 to $175, depending on how many days attended and time of sign-up.

More info: www.nwgc.org, 360-435-4838

Explore: Teens can learn about police work

The Lynnwood Police Department seeks youth members ages 14-19 for its Explorers Post 911 program.

Police Explorers are students with an interest in law enforcement who meet three times per month, get training and volunteer. Some of the Explorers training includes crime scene investigation, building searches, traffic stops and report writing, along with police ride-a-longs.

More info: www.lpd explorer911.com, 425-670-5600

Bark: Mutt Strut is coming Aug. 8

The annual dog-lover’s Mutt Strut event is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 at Langus Riverfront Park, 400 Smith Island Road, Everett. Admission is free.

The event features a community dog walk, vendors, free dog and cat microchipping while supplies last, the American Kennel Club’s “Canine Good Citizen” testing, and more.

Competitions include a Big Dog Derby, Dachshund Dash, Pug Chug and Tea Cup Trot. A Pet Showcase will feature a toilet paper leash obstacle course and hand out awards for Best Two-Legged Walk and Most Barks In 20 Seconds, among other categories.

More info: everettwa.gov/656/Mutt-Strut

Watch: Professional sheep dog trials planned

Watch professional sheep dog trials at the Ninety Farms Northwest Classic, Aug. 6-9 at Ninety Farms, 22912 67th Ave. NE in Arlington. This year’s event is a qualifying trial for the 2016 Soldier Hollow Classic in Utah.

Admission for spectators is $5 per day, and free up to age 12. The farm will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be concessions on Aug. 8 and 9, as well as vendors, kids crafts, and a lamb petting zoo (12-4 p.m.). Local farm-raised lamb and beef also will be for sale while supplies last.

Organizers suggest spectators bring a lawn chair, hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars.

More info: www.ninetyfarms nwclassic.com, 360-941-1613

Patrol: Pooches invited to help police

The Arlington Police Department Volunteers have started a new program called Pooch Patrol. The crime awareness program encourages individual dog walkers to serve as extra eyes and ears for the police department as they go on walks through their neighborhoods.

Support of the Pooch Patrol is provided by the Arlington Police Department, with funding from NOAH, Arlington Hardware, the Gleneagle Home Association and various individuals.

Interested dog walkers who are residents of the city are invited to learn more by contacting Judy Ness.

More info: jness@arlingtonwa.gov or 360-403-3400