Our Towns

Arlington

Parent info night for kids on move

Fifth-grade information nights are set for May 8 at both of the Arlington School District’s middle schools.

The evening sessions give parents a chance to meet sixth-grade staff and administration, review a typical day of a sixth-grade student and hear about activities and clubs.

They can also meet counselors and the district nurse, ask questions and learn about the PTSA and the Parents on Campus program.

The session at Haller Middle School, 600 E. First St., begins at 7 p.m.

The session at Post Middle School, 1220 E. Fifth St., begins at 6:30 p.m.

Bothell

Day honors local ‘Idol’ contender

The city of Bothell plans to proclaim Wednesday as Blake Lewis Day in honor of Blake Lewis’ achievement on American Idol.

Lewis, of Bothell, was among the finalists in “American Idol,” a popular TV show. Mayor Mark Lamb is scheduled to present the proclamation at 6 p.m. tonight at the City Council meeting at Municipal Court, 10116 NE 183rd St.

For more information, call 425-486-3256.

Edmonds

Writing class will cover varied styles

A writing class is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 at Edmonds Parks and Recreation, 700 Main St.

The class teaches different writing styles such as fiction and collage. The cost is $45.

To register, call 425-771-0230.

Everett

Diversity Business Expo Wednesday

The 2007 Everett Diversity Business Expo is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Weyerhaeuser Room at Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave.

The free event, which features presenters from government agencies, Community Transit, Boeing and the Everett School District, is aimed at helping women and minority business owners learn how to win government contracts.

For reservations, e-mail Karen Shaw at kshaw@ci.everett.wa.us.

Mayor appointed to regional council

Everett Mayor Ray Stephenson was appointed Thursday to serve as the Puget Sound Regional Council’s vice president.

Auburn Mayor Pro Tem Sue Singer was appointed to serve as its president.

The regional council develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The council includes more than 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region.

It distributes about $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. The council sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.

Local plans win awards for vision

Long-range growth plans by the city of Everett and Snohomish County were among six winners of the Puget Sound Regional Council’s 2007 VISION 2020 Award.

The Everett Downtown Plan was recognized for having a number of innovations to help encourage redevelopment of downtown Everett in a “smart and sustainable” way, including bonuses for historic preservation, environmentally friendly development practices and materials, and the elimination of minimum parking requirements.

The Snohomish County Urban Centers Demonstration Program was also recognized.

That program was developed to allow creative approaches to more urban development in Snohomish County centers. Eleven projects have been accepted into the program, which offers alternative land use code requirements from the traditional county rules.

Granite Falls

Learn to make container gardens

Master gardener Carol Bello is scheduled to show how to create container gardens and how to grow vegetables on patios and decks at an upcoming event at the Granite Falls Library.

The talk, titled “Spring Has Sprung!” is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 24 at the library, 815 E. Galena St.

For more information, call 360-691-6087.

Lynnwood

Muslim center plans discussion

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community is planning a series of lectures and question-and-answer sessions at its center in Lynnwood.

The event is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. April 29 at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center, 19212 Highway 99.

People are asked to RSVP by calling 425-778-1861 or by e-mailing events@amiseattle.org.

Marysville

Guild offering grants for artists

The Greater Marysville Artists Guild is awarding grants and scholarships in the visual arts.

Graduating high school seniors and adult artists are invited to submit applications, which must include five photographs of their work.

High school seniors accepted into accredited art programs are eligible. Application letters should include grade point average, art experience and goals, a teacher recommendation letter and a copy of the acceptance letter from next year’s school.

Adult artists can compete for grants for professional development. Letters should include a background and goal description, as well as a description of the class or workshop planned.

The deadline to apply is May 11. Packages should be sent to Scholarship Committee, GMAG, P.O. Box 562, Marysville, WA 98270. For more information, call 360-658-2727.

Monroe

Group meets to promote diversity

The Monroe Diversity Council plans to meet at 3 p.m. on April 18 at Park Place Middle School, 1408 W. Main St.

The council consists of community leaders and residents interested in promoting a welcoming, culturally sensitive community.

Barbara Yasui from Everett Community College is expected to discuss an upcoming workshop to be held during Monroe World Family Week. For more information, call Martha Dankers at 425-870-4597.

Mountlake Terrace

Town Center study under way

Mountlake Terrace plans to hold an open house for the public to learn more about a Town Center impact study at 7 p.m. April 24.

The event is scheduled at Mountlake Terrace City Hall, 23204 58th Ave. W.

The City Council adopted a new Town Center plan in February to revitalize downtown. The plan calls for wider sidewalks, more street trees and a public plaza.

For more information, visit the city’s Web site at www.cityofmlt.com/towncenter.

Mukilteo

Benefit dinner helps students

Mukilteo Lions Club plans to hold its fifth annual Italian dinner fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. April 21 at the Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave.

Proceeds will benefit the club’s scholarship fund.

Tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for seniors and $6 for children age 10 and under.

Snohomish

Farmers market will open May 3

The Snohomish Farmers Market is set to start May 3 at the corner of First Street and Cedar Avenue.

The market will have operating hours of 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays through Sept. 27.

The market features certified organic fruit, vegetables and berries. Vendors also will offer crafts made by local artisans, nursery stock, local honey, fresh baked goods, cut flowers and farm-fresh, cage-free eggs.

For more information, contact Neil Landaas at 206-412-4630 or rockfish5@seanet.com, or Kirsten McClure at 360-568-7974 or kmcclure00@aol.com.

Stanwood

Dinner theater at school Friday

A performance of “The Apple Tree” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Stanwood High School Theater Performing Arts Center, 7400 272nd St. NW. Dinner from the Olive Garden is scheduled to be served prior to the show at 6 p.m.

The play is based on “The Diaries of Adam and Eve” by Mark Twain.

Tickets are $20 for the dinner and show, or $10 just for the show.

Proceeds from the event are expected to benefit the Twin City Idlers Endowed Scholarship Fund.