Our towns

Arlington

Horse therapy fundraisers set

EquiFriends, a nonprofit therapeutic horse-riding program for the disabled, is taking pledges now for two fundraisers in May at Pilchuck Tree Farm north of Arlington.

The first will be a “Slicker ‘n’ Nicker” ride-a-thon, with pledges of $50 or more per rider, May 6 at the tree farm. Take Highway 9 north and turn onto Armstrong Road. From there, signs will direct drivers the rest of the way.

The next day, May 7, will be a “Boots and Buggies” hiking or horse-buggy event.

To get pledge sheets or more information, call EquiFriends, which is based in Snohomish, at 425-377-1137.

Bothell

Panel will discuss novel by Iranian

The University of Washington-Bothell, Cascadia Community College and the Seattle Public Library present “Reading Revolutions in and Beyond Iran: Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.”

A panel will discuss Satrapi’s tale of coming of age in Tehran in “Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood” at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the UW-Bothell library, 18115 Campus Way NE.

“Persepolis” is a graphic novel or long-form comic book.

Panelists include staff from the UW-Bothell, the UW’s Seattle campus, Cascadia Community College and Fantagraphics Books. The free event is part of Seattle Public Library’s “Seattle Reads” program.

Edmonds

English teachers for Japan sought

The Edmonds Sister City Commission is accepting applications for two assistant English teacher positions to help teachers at the middle school level in Hekinan, Japan. The positions are for two-year terms beginning Sept. 1.

Application packets with minimum requirements and a sample contract are available at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., or may be received in the mail by calling 425-771-0230.

The deadline March 15.

Everett

Try speed dating at coffee shop

For those seeking a partner, the adventurous or the curious, speed dating will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Zippy’s Java Lounge, 1804 Hewitt Ave.

The first Tuesday will be for people in their 20s, and will be limited to 30 people. Other rounds scheduled for later Tuesdays will focus on the 30s, 40s and other age groups.

The event will offer a chance to interview 15 people for a few minutes each. People who indicate mutual interest to the event moderator will be provided with the other person’s contact information.

Tickets will be $12 in advance, or $17 at the door. Appetizers will be served.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, call Zippy’s Java Lounge at 425-258-4940.

Swim center will reopen in March

The Forest Park Swim Center at 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., which closed in late January following an arson that destroyed portions of the building, is expected to reopen the week of March 13, city officials said. The fire caused about $100,000 in damage.

For updated information on the reopening, call 425-257-8312.

Lake Stevens

American Legion officer to speak

Kathy Nylen, a state American Legion service officer, will speak at 7 p.m. today about her work helping veterans with Veterans Administration benefit claims and other federal, state, or legion programs.

The meeting will be at the Lake Stevens School District Educational Service Center, 12309 22nd St NE. For details, call 425-334-6520.

Lynnwood

Globetrotters coming to town

Two members of the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters will give children and families a sneak preview of their basketball antics at the Lynnwood and Marysville libraries on Saturday.

The events begin at 10 a.m. at the Lynnwood Library, 19200 44th Ave. W., and at 1 p.m. at the Marysville Library, 6120 Grove St. The programs are open to the public.

The Globetrotters team will perform at the Everett Events Center Feb. 23 and 24. For information on the library visits, go to www.sno-isle.org or call 800-342-1936.

Marysville

Mayor is upbeat on development

Mayor Dennis Kendall gave his state of the city address to the Kiwanis Club on Tuesday, and predicted this will be a breakout year for commercial development that will expand the city’s sales tax base.

He cited a new shopping center opening at 116th Street NE and State Avenue, and a proposed Wal-Mart at 64th Street NE and Highway 9.

Also on the way is a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership south of Smokey Point, and new Costco and Target stores west of I-5.

The mayor also announced that six new restaurants, including Applebee’s, are coming to town.

Those who missed the speech can catch it from 7 to 9 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Tulalip Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd. To register, call 360-659-7700. Cost is $15 with a reservation or $18 at the door.

Mukilteo

Sewer district considers merger

The Olympus Terrace Sewer District Commission will hold a special meeting today to discuss a possible merger with the Mukilteo Water District.

The meeting will be at 5:45 p.m. at the Olympus Terrace headquarters, 4902 76th St. SW. For more information, call 425-353-6000.

Snohomish

Fundraiser set for missionaries

St. Michael’s Parish plans a benefit dinner and dance to support the church’s youth missionaries, who will work in New Orleans this summer with the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort.

The fundraiser will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at 1512 Pine Ave. The event will feature live music, New Orleans food, door prizes and a gift basket raffle.

Cost is $35 per couple or $20 for individuals. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

For more information or for tickets, call GerriAnne McMakin at 360-568-9660.

Snohomish County

Volunteer sought for district board

The Snohomish Conservation District has a three-year position open for a volunteer board supervisor.

A conservation district supervisor represents landowners and the public and directs natural resource conservation programs.

Eligible candidates must be registered voters in the conservation district, which includes most of Snohomish County and Camano Island. Call 425-335-5634, ext. 102. The deadline is March 1.

Stanwood

Council changes its meeting place

The City Council will meet at 7 p.m. today at a new location, the Stanwood Fire Station, 8117 267th St. NW. City staff are expanding and need more room in City Hall, where the council had been meeting.