Around Town

No, you’re not seeing things. There’s a new face at the Lynnwood/Mountlake Terrace Enterprise, mine. I’ve worked for several newspapers in Washington and other states and now replacing Jenny Lynn Zappala as editor.

Prior to joining the Enterprise, I spent six years as staff writer with King County Journal Newspapers’ twice-monthly Reporter Newspapers , where I recently won a few state journalism awards. I’ve also written for daily newspapers and magazines.

When not reporting or editing, I enjoy hiking, spending time with friends and family, cooking, and getting the family Chihuahua to stop barking at every passerby.

Although I’m a Portland, Ore., my wife and I now live in Mountlake Terrace. That’s a little about me, now I’m ready to learn a lot more about you.

Secure that car seat

Wondering whether your child’s car seat is really safe?

Snohomish County Fire District 1 is offering free child car seat checks by certified safety technicians at two locations monthly.

Technicians are available for 30 minute checks the second Friday of the month at the Martha Lake Fire Station, 16819 13th Ave. W., Lynnwood and the fourth Monday of the month at the Mariner Fire Station, 12310 Meridian Ave., Everett.

To schedule a visit, call Fire Prevention Assistant Kristen Thorstenson at (425) 551-1250 or send e-mail to: kthorsten-son@fire-district1.org. The fire district’s web site address is www.firedistrict1.org.

Volunteers sought

Mountlake Terrace’s annual Tour De Terrace is run by volunteers, not by the city of Mountlake Terrace. Organizers are looking for volunteers they can train for the 2007 event. To help out, call (425) 774-7335 and leave a message.

Lead volunteers

A two-day course about how to manage successful volunteer programs, identify resources for future development and provide networking opportunities is being offered by United Way of Snohomish County.

The event is set for 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 6 and Nov. 20 at United Way of Snohomish County, 917 134th SW, Everett. Cost is $160 per person.

For information or to register, call Sara Ballard, United Way of Snohomish County, at 425-921-3459.

Tobacco-free, please

Leave your cigarettes and tobacco chew at home when you visit Mountlake Terrace city parks. Signs provided by the Health District will be posted at parks as part of a city partnership with the district to encourage a healthy environment for kids, families and all park users.

New Muslim center opens

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Greater Seattle , located at 19212 Highway 99, Lynnwood., will hold an inauguration ceremony for its new center beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, with dinner starting at 4 p.m. The international Ahmadiyya movement stresses peace, tolerance, love and understanding among faiths and rejects violence. Contact them at (425) 778-1861 or send e-mail to: rsvp@amiseattle.org.

Tips for safe Halloween

The National Fire Protection Association offers the following pointers for a safer Halloween:

•Make sure you buy costumes, wigs and props labeled as fire-resistant or flame retardant and choose materials that won’t ignite easily.

• Keep dried flowers, corn stalks and crepe paper away from all open flames and heat sources;

• Use flashlights rather than candles to illuminate Jack-O-Lanterns. If you have to use candles, use caution, especially when children participate in lighting them;

• Provide children with light-weight flashlights to carry with them;

• Send someone a special Halloween e-card with Halloween safety tips fro Sparky the Firedog at http://www.sparikvcards.org.

Downtown dreams

In Mountlake Terrace, the public will get its first glimpse of two or more alternative visions for the town center area on Monday, Oct. 30, and Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Mountlake Terrace City Hall. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

City Council members hope many will attend the open houses and comment on the plans, which will shape the city’s core for years to come.

For more information, visit www.cityofmlt.com/towncenter or call (425) 744-6266.

Have an item for Around Town? Please e-mail information to Oscar Halpert at lynnwood@-heraldnet.com or by mail to 4303 198th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA. 98036.