City briefs

MLT receives budget award

The City of Mountlake Terrace received confirmation earlier this month that it has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Award for the second consecutive year. GFOA, a Chicago-based professional association, administers the nation’s lone awards program for governmental accounting. In order to receive the budget award, an organization must satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation and produce a budget document that is rated “proficient” in four categories. Mountlake Terrace captured the award last year for its 2002 annual budget. This year, the city received the honor following its inaugural biennial budget process for the 2003/2004 biennium. Less than two percent of the nation’s nearly 36,000 cities and towns received the GFOA award in 2002.

Administrative Services Director Jerry Trojan and Financial Services Manager Sonja Springer will be recognized by the City Council during its July 7 meeting for their roles in securing the GFOA award for the organization.

Taking Care of You for free

The South Snohomish County Family Support Center is offering a free six week course Taking Care of You: Powerful Tools for Caregiving to help family caregivers care for themselves while caring for another adult, older relative or friend.

The classes are beneficial whether caregivers are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or in another part of the country. Groups meet 2.5 hours once a week for six weeks. This class will provide tools to: Reduce stress, communicate effectively with other family members, the doctor, the health team and paid help. It also provides techniques for practicing self-care, reducing guilt, anger and depression, for making tough decisions, setting goals and problem-solving.

Classes don’t discuss how to provide physical care for a family member but rather how the caregiver can thrive while managing their caregiving responsibilities. Specially trained class facilitators co-lead the classes. Each facilitator has also experienced being a participant in the class. For more information call Pam Graham at 425-670-8984.

Court employees honored

Three Lynnwood Municipal court employees were honored by their peers recently.

The employees honored are Lynnwood Municipal Court Judge Stephen Moore, court administrator Jill O’Cain and probation officer Regina Alexander-Mack.

Moore has been appointed Chair of the District and Municipal Court Judges Association. O’Cain was presented the President’s Award at the District and Municipal Court Management Association’s annual meeting. The award is given to the member that has provided the greatest assistance in the past year. Alexander-Mack was elected vice president of the state’s Misdemeanant and Corrections association Alexander-Mack is Lynnwood’s first probation officer, having opened the probation department in June 2002.

Red, White and Brass tonight

The Trolley Days Band will be performing a free patriotic concert, Red, White and Brass to celebrate the American spirit at 7 p.m. tonight, June 27. The 8th annual concert with 40 volunteer musicians will be conducted by Timothy Leese at the LDS Church. 17321 44th Ave. W. in Lynnwood.

The band’s outdoor season will begin with a free concert “Summer Serenade” July 17 at Brier Park 2901 228th SW in Brier. Bring a chair, family and picnic for family fun in the park.

For more information call Becky at 425-745-9121.

Large donation to MLT Fire Dept.

Vivian Norris, who had been a long time resident of the Tall Firs Apartments in Mountlake Terrace, left $10,000 to the Mountlake Terrace Fire Department before she passed away Dec. 27, 2002. Currently, the city staff is discussing an appropriate way to use the donation, such as purchasing something for the new fire station with her name on it, city officials said.

Capable Young People

A research based, parent education free series, consisting of seven two-hour sessions. DCYP teaches participants how to communicate more effectively, how to use techniques that increase achievement and motivation, and how to better develop a sense of responsibility in youth. Especially helpful for parents, foster parents, grandparents and other relatives raising children, teachers and others whom work with children.

Certificate and ongoing support available upon completion. Childcare and space for this class is limited so call to ensure your place. Sessions are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. seven consecutive Thursdays starting July 10 and going through August 21 at the Family Support Center at 6330 195th St SW in Lynnwood. For more information call Pam Graham at 425-670-8984.

Pancakes and firefighters

The 8th annual Lynnwood Firefighters Pancake Breakfast fundraiser is from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 12 at the main fire station at 18800 44th Ave. W in Lynnwood.

The annual breakfast includes ham and pancakes along with coffee, juice or milk and is served up by the firefighters.

Along with the breakfast is a blood donation event with the Puget Sound Blood Center and there will be tours of the station and the fire equipment. The Trolley Days Band will also be performing.

Last year’s “free” breakfast served over 500 people and raised about $1,700.

All proceeds go to the Lynnwood Firefighters Association which benefits many local charities such as Pathways For Women, The Child Source Center, Lynnwood Food Bank and the Lynnwood firefighters scholarship fund. Funds also benefit the department’s free smoke detector program which supplies free smoke detectors for those who need them. For more information call 425-744-6433.

Fire Dist. 1 Board has vacancy

Snohomish County Fire District 1 is seeking nominees to fill a vacancy on its Board of Fire Commissioners. The board is responsible for defining the fire district’s long-term vision and for adopting policies to be implemented by administrative staff.

Nominees must be registered voters who live within the boundaries of Fire District 1 (unincorporated areas south of Everett and north of Lynnwood and Edmonds including Eastmont, Hilton Lake, Pioneer Trails, Silver Firs north of 148th, Martha Lake, Lake Stickney, Lake Serene, Picnic Point, Norma Beach, Esperance, Hilltop and Mariner). The candidate appointed by the board to fill the vacancy will have to stand election in the fall to remain in office.

Interested candidates need to submit a letter of interest by July 3 to the District Secretary, Fire District 1 Headquarters, 12310 Meridian Ave., Everett WA 98208. A workshop for candidates will be at 7 p.m. on June 19 at Fire District 1 Headquarters. For more information, contact the District Secretary at 425-551-1233.

New look to city utility bills

As of May 2003, Lynnwood began using a different format for utility bills. The bill looks different, but the rates stay the same, according to city officials. The change in format is part of an upgrade to the city’s computer systems. The new bill is on a standard sheet of paper, to help keep costs down, according to city officials. The new bill includes a graph to illustrate water use and should be easier to understand. For more information call Debie Cornelius at 425-670-6609.

MLT’s Rec. Pavilion on the big screen

The Mountlake Terrace Recreation staff along with Action Billboards have developed a 30 second promotional video that will be shown at the Alderwood Mall from June to August. The video will promote the new pool and various programs at the city’s Recreation Pavilion. Along with viewing the video, shoppers will be able to pick up the recreation program guide.

Citizens University in Lynnwood

This fall, The city of Lynnwood will offer Lynnwood Citizens’ University. The free class will have eight weekly meetings between September and November 2003. The class will include educating citizens on government and important local issues, encourage citizens to become active in local government and serve as an orientation for future elected or appointed City officials.

For more information call Elena Victorine at 425-744-6475.

Free and safe fun for teens

The Neutral Zone, a non-profit organization which benefits at risk youth, continues its safe and supervised Friday and Saturday night programs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Scriber Lake High School, 20525 52nd Ave. W in Lynnwood. The always free program for youth 12 to 20 includes free food, games, basketball, movies and more. Volunteers are needed. For more information call 425-344-6445.

Heed burn bans in your area

Washington state law prohibits residential burning and land clearing fires in urbanized areas, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. If you’re thinking of burning outdoors, know that, violations of outdoor burning regulations can be costly. Fines can exceed $13,000 per day and typically start at $2,000 plus reimbursement costs for fire department responses. Contact your local fire department before you burn. In the City of Lynnwood call 425-744-6433 in unincorporated areas of South Snohomish County, Mountlake Terrace or Brier call Fire District 1 at 425-551-1200.

Help out on National Night Out

Citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses, youth organizations and local officials are joining forces on August 5 to sponsor the Third Annual National Night Out Picnic in the Park in Lynnwood.

The event is an opportunity for neighbors to get out and get acquainted with one another.

Research shows that in neighborhoods where folks know one another, crime and violence are reduced. Nationwide over 9,850 communities from all 50 states participate in a variety of local events designed to help make neighborhoods safer places.

Last year over 300 residents participated in the Lynnwood festivities that included a free picnic meal, activities for the kids, opportunities to meet local law and safety enforcement personnel, and demonstrate their singing talents on the Karaoke stage.

The Family Support Center, along with the Lynnwood Police and Fire departments, are coordinating this years event. They are looking for volunteers to help with the planning, organizing and help on the day of the event. Individuals, groups and organizations looking for public service opportunities can apply by contacting Pam at 425-670-8984.

Donate your old car for a local cause

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County are starting a car donation program. Funds from the program will benefit the activities of the Boys and Girls Clubs. For more information call 1-800-246-0493.

Donate an old cell phone for safety

Project Donate a Phone is back on and the need is high, say officials for The Snohomish County Center for Battered Women.

The center is in need of old or new cellular phones, even ones with missing parts can help, Center officials said. Usable cell phones will be provided free to all women who use the center’s services. In case of emergency old phones can still be used to dial 911. The ones that can’t be used will be recycled to a business who has agreed to pay the non-profit organization for parts. To donate phones, drop them off at the Mountlake Terrace Police Department at 5906 232nd St. SW or to the Snohomish County Center for Battered Women at 1310 Pacific Avenue in Everett #5 (corner of Grand and Pacific) or Mr. Bill’s restaurant at the Everett Mall. More information call Terri or Vicci at 425-259-2827. The Center for Battered women are also looking for volunteers. For more information contact Darla Lewis at 425-259-2827, ext. 18.

Play dates for children -5

There is an ongoing play group from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at Maplewood Presbyterian Church at 19523 84th Ave. W. This is a chance for parents to meet other parents and their children, under 5-years old to meet new friends. For more information call the Family Support Center in Lynnwood at 425-670-8984.

ESL conversation group in Lynnwood

There is an ongoing English as a second language class going on from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Family Support Center in Lynnwood at 6330 195th St. SW. Practice English with a trained tutor and others in the process of learning English.

For more information call 425- 670-8984.

VFW meets first Thursdays

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, All – American Post 1040, Lynnwood meets the at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Alderwood Youth Club, 19619 – 24th.

For more information contact Post Commander Martin Spani at 425- 673-7702 or 425-774-7416 for information. All combat Veterans who earned a campaign medal are eligible for membership.

Go to a City Council meeting

Lynnwood City Council regular meetings start at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Mountlake Terrace City Council regular meetings start at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month.

Brier City Council regular meetings start at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

For more information in Lynnwood call 425-775-1971 in Mountlake Terrace 425-776-1161 and in Brier 425-775-5440.

Free car seat checks in Lynnwood

Motor vehicle crashes are the single largest cause of child fatalities in the country, officials said.

However, proper child seat safety can reduce the risk of injury or death by 70 percent, officials added, if the car seat is installed correctly. Lynnwood Police have recently nationally certified five technicians to help parents and care givers be sure their precious cargo is as safe as possible.

Free car seat checks are now available every Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m. by appointment, at the Lynnwood Police Station at 19321 44th Avenue West. Checks take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete and it is best to have the child there for the check. For more info. or to make an appointment call 425-744-6900.

Have a court date? Click here:

Citizens can now go to a new website, www.courts.wa.gov, and look up their court dates by clicking on “find your court date” and entering a valid name or case number.

All courts in Washington including Lynnwood Municipal and South Snohomish County District Court are on the site except for Seattle Municipal Court.

Given that court proceedings may be rescheduled at any time, official said, users are encouraged to call their local court the morning of their appearance. An automated court directory is also available online via the Washington Courts website, combined with a “Courthouse Locator” which provides maps and directions to every courthouse throughout Washington State. For the Lynnwood Municipal Court call 425-670-6668. For the South Snohomish County District Court call 425-774-8803.

Free blood pressure screening at library

Red Cross volunteers provide free blood pressure screening from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Friday of each month at the Lynnwood Library at 19200 44th Ave. W.