Community Focus

Protect yourself against ID theft

State Rep. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, will moderate a panel discussion by experts on ways people can protect themselves from identity theft and what to do if their identity is stolen. A question and answer session will follow.

Organizations that are participating in the forum include the FBI, Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission, Secret Service, Postal Inspection Service and Washington Bankers Association.

The forum takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in the council chambers at Mill Creek City Hall, 15728 Main St.

Food needed for homeless families

Pathways for Women YWCA is experiencing a shortage of non-perishable food items to fill emergency food boxes for homeless families.

The organization is seeking hearty soups, canned meats, box dinners, Jell-O gelatin and pudding, canned chili, dried or flaked potatoes, cereal, honey, bake mixes, peanut butter, jams and jellies, dry beverages like hot chocolate or instant coffee, popcorn, candy, snack foods and gift cards to local grocery stores for purchasing perishable food.

All donations are tax-deductible. Items can be dropped off at Pathways for Women YWCA, 6027 208th St. SW., Lynnwood, or call 425-774-9843 ext. 245 for more information.

Pathways for Women YWCA is a non-profit, multi-service agency providing shelter, employment and counseling services to women, children, and families throughout Snohomish County.

Blessing of the Animals upcoming

On Oct. 8, Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Mill Creek will have a “Blessing of the Animals” service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, on the side lawn of the church, which is located at 13716 Bothell-Everett Highway, just north of the Mill Creek Sports Park.

The service is an annual affair held around the time of the birthday of St Francis of Assissi. It is a short service, open to the community, and each animal is held individually and blessed.

Christian women’s club luncheon

The Mill Creek Christian Women’s Club will host a fashion show and live music as part of its next monthly luncheon.

The luncheon is from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Mill Creek Country Club, 15500 Country Club Drive.

Reservations and cancellations are required by Oct. 11. Call Kathy at 425-775-0868 or Nancy at 425-338-4498.

Local garden club October event

For its October program, the Mill Creek Garden Club will have brunch at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 the Mill Creek Country Club, 15500 Country Club Drive, followed by a trip to Emery’s Nursery for a gardening class.

Club membership is open to all interested gardeners. Annual dues are $20 and meetings are held at the Mill Creek Country Club the second Tuesday of each month except in June, July and August. Luncheon costs for members are $17 and $20 for non-members.

For reservations or more information, call Marlene King at 425-337-1316.

Lions seeking vendors for bazaar

The Mill Creek Lions Club is seeking vendors for its second annual craft bazaar, which will take place Dec. 2-3 at the Tri-Way Grange Hall, 3509 Seattle Hill Road, Mill Creek.

Vendors can get more information online at www.millcreeklions.org or by calling Kathy Schumer at 206-890-1369.

Pediatric CPR class begins Saturday

Snohomish County Fire District 7 is offering a free pediatric (child and infant) CPR class once a quarter starting tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 1.

The class follows the American Heart Association Guidelines for pediatric CPR. A CPR certification is given at the end of the class for all those who successfully complete the training.

This class will be held every three months on the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required for this class, and class size will be limited to 20 participants.

The district also offers adult CPR classes each and every month. Classes are held at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of every month and last approximately two to three hours. Class size is limited to 25 participants.

To sign up for classes call 425-486-1217 or visit www.firedistrict7.com.

Child safety seat installations

Snohomish County Fire District 7 offers child safety seat installation. Installation times are by appointment because not all fire stations have a certified child safety seat technician on every shift.

Call 425-486-1217 for more information or to schedule a seat installation.

Community Focus items for Mill Creek and surrounding areas can be sent to millcreek@heraldnet.com, faxed to 425-774-8622 or mailed to 4303 198th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA. 98036, attention John Santana.