Briefs

Kiwanis has

food drive

The Edmonds Senior Kiwanis Club will have its 15th annual food drive from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 12-14 at Top Foods, 21900 Highway 99.

Canned foods, fruit juices, peanut butter in plastic jars, boxed macaroni and cheese, baby food and formula and soap and paper products are being sought.

Gifts of cash or checks are also accepted. Checks may be made payable to Edmonds Senior Kiwanis Club Food Bank. Donations may be mailed to Edmonds Senior Kiwanis Club, Alvin Rutledge, Chairman, P.O. Box 221, Edmonds, Wa. 98020.

Volunteer sought

for arts panel

The Edmonds Arts Commission is seeking applicants for one partial term two-year position, starting Feb. 1.

The Commission is charged by city ordinance with “promoting the arts as an integral part of the community.” This is accomplished by presenting programs that enrich the community; providing information and exhibit space for area artists; providing technical assistance and grants to local arts organizations; and awarding scholarships to Edmonds students pursuing higher education in the arts.

The Arts Commission is made up of seven Edmonds residents who serve staggered four-year terms. By ordinance, four of these positions must be filled by people professionally engaged in the arts. This opening is for one of the three general positions. Applicants are interviewed by the EAC Nominations Committee and appointed by the mayor.

For a position description and other information call 425-771-0228 during weekday business hours or e-mail: gillespie@ci.edmonds.wa.us. Or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 425-771-0230 (same address as below).

Applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest to: Nominations, Edmonds Arts Commission, 700 Main Street, Edmonds WA 98020. The deadline for applications is Monday, Jan. 12.

Apply to promote

cultural tourism

The Edmonds Arts Commission is accepting applications for Cultural Tourism Promotion contract awards from not for profit arts and cultural organizations which serve the citizens of Edmonds.

Up to $9,000 may be available this year for contracts for services that promote the arts and attract visitors to Edmonds. Projects might include brochures, banners, posters or other advertising materials. Generally no more than $2,000 is awarded to any one organization. The funds used for this program come from the Lodging Tax Funds allocated to the Edmonds Arts Commission by City Council Resolution. These funds can only be used for promoting programs/events that bring visitors to Edmonds.

The Cultural Tourism Promotion Awards program is part of EAC’s work, in accordance with the Community Cultural Plan.

Applications are available at the City Arts Office, 700 Main Street, Edmonds or by calling 425-771-0228. The deadline for filing applications is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Rail safety

grant available

The state is accepting applications for projects to improve safety along Washington’s railways. The applications must be submitted by Feb. 17.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) is seeking proposals for projects that will decrease the number of accidents and fatalities at railroad crossings or along the tracks.

The WUTC administers the fund, which currently has almost $300,000 available to disburse to worthy projects. The commission will review and select projects for funding based on the relative severity of the hazard being addressed, the safety benefits resulting from the project, and the costs and geographic diversity of the project. Applications will be available by request or at the commission’s website: www.wutc.wa.gov/GCPFgrants. Applicants will be notified if their project has been selected to receive funding.

Rotary donations

tax deductible

The Rotary Club of Edmonds recently approved the bylaws for its 501 (c) (3) foundation that, for the first time, allows the local club to receive gifts that are accepted as tax deductible by the Internal Revenue Service.

The club now has an easy way for donors to help the Rotary Club expand its scholarship programs and lend a hand to others in need while still getting a tax deduction.

The club’s bylaws committee chair, Kirk Greiner, Capt., U.S. Coast Guard (retired), said; “We have received help and support from Rotary Clubs all over the Pacific Northwest. We wanted to be sure we met all of the I.R.S. criteria while still making it easy to accept donations. We have been asked to do a lot for our community and the members of the club needed a way to attract more financial support.”

The Rotary Club is encouraging prospective donors who are planning their year-end giving to make their checks out to the Rotary Foundation of Edmonds and send their donations to: Rotary Foundation of Edmonds, Rotary Club of Edmonds, P.O. Box 115, Edmonds, WA 98020.