South County Notebook

Members of the Friends of the Mill Creek Library gathered Jan. 30 to celebrate the group’s 25th anniversary.

Edmonds and Ballard Sons of Norway lodges came together for a joint installation Jan. 13.

STAFF PICK: Get ready to grow

Put your green thumb back to work by joining the Edmonds Floretum Garden Club as they plan a community garden with the cooperation of Edmonds Parks and Recreation. The club will be responsible for the organization and leadership regarding growing vegetables. Those interested in growing their own vegetables or helping to organize the community garden should contact garden club President Betty Larman through www.edmondsfloretumgardenclub.org.

— Chris Goodenow, Enterprise photo editor

SEMINARS AND EDUCATION

Free travel classes

Rick Steves’ Europe Though the Back Door is offering the following classes:

• Travel as a Volunteer, 6-7 p.m. Feb. 11 in the Travel Center Classroom, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds.

“Smiling at the World” author Joyce Major shares her experience with her “volun-tourism” travels. There are many volunteer opportunities like helping at the cat sanctuary in Italy, archaeology in France, teaching English in Spain, conservation and wildlife in England and more. Get closer to the local community by working side by side with them in their pursuits and perhaps share your expertise on something that may add to their culture as well.

• Village Italy, 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 13 in the Edmonds Theater.

Italy is just as exciting out in the countryside. Join the class and drink in a rich blend of wine-cellared villages, countryside vistas, artisan visits and button-popping home-cooked meals. Visit places most people only dream about: Juliet’s Verona, Byzantine Ravenna, St. Francis’ Assisi, Tuscany and Umbria, and the storybook islands of Lake Maggiore.

Classes are free, but reservations are required: online at www.ricksteves.com or call 425-771-8303, ext. 298.

Edmonds Pea Patch

The Edmonds Floretum Garden Club is starting to plan the creation of a community garden, to be known as the Edmonds Pea Patch, with the cooperation of Edmonds Parks and Recreation. The club will be responsible for the organization and leadership as well as the people’s education regarding growing vegetables. Those interested in growing their own vegetables or helping to organize the community garden should contact garden club President Betty Larman through www.edmondsfloretumgardenclub.org.

Coast Guard public boating classes

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla in Edmonds will be teaching two public boating classes for experienced and novice boaters. The first 12-week course, “Weekend Navigator,” focuses on getting the most out of electronics and navigating in the Sound and off shore. This course starts Feb. 9. The second, “Boating Skills and Seamanship,” is a study of all aspects of boating. The 12-week course starts Feb. 11. For more information, e-mail boatclasses@hotmail.com or call Mark Hawley at 360-668-0196.

County offers free arthritis seminar

Snohomish County’s Long Term Care &Aging Division will host a free seminar focusing on the effects of arthritis.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis that can affect one’s joints in the body. The class will look at what individuals can do to keep joints healthy as well as treatment options for severe arthritis.

Orthopedic surgeon Michael Codsi, of The Everett Clinic, will discuss easy ways to prevent and/or treat pain during the Feb. 24 class, which meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Compass Health’s Administrative Office, 4526 Federal Ave., Everett. Codsi also works as the team physician for the Everett AquaSox.

To register, contact Joyce Frasu at 425-388-7377 or j.frasu@snoco.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Daughters of the American Revolution

The Peter Puget Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet for lunch and a program at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Blue Ridge Fire Station, 18800 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Chapter Chairman Frances Jones will introduce the winners of the American History essay contest from Holy Rosary School. Teacher Carlotta Rojas will listen as her students read their essays; Erik Ratchford won for the fifth grade and Kayla Chipongian won in the seventh grade. The essay topic was “The Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad.” For more information, call 425-224-4081.

Get Moving: Day of Dance

Dance your way to good health — it’s as simple as a few salsa moves, belly dance wiggles or line dance kicks. Find out how at the Evergreen Hospital Medical Center’s Day of Dance. The free event will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. Molly Shen of KOMO Television will be the celebrity emcee at this inaugural event in Evergreen’s new partnership with Spirit of Women.

The Day of Dance will include performances by local dance groups, free health screenings, booths and health tips and handouts. It is cosponsored by KOMO TV and Hope Heart Institute. Parking at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW, is free. For more information about the Day of Dance or the Spirit of Women at Evergreen, call 425-899-2950.

Adopt-A-Stream Foundation events

The Adopt-A-Stream Foundation and Snohomish County Parks &Recreation present the following events:

• COUGARS: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4. Cougars are the apex predator of the Pacific Northwest forests. Solitary and secretive, these big cats are often shrouded in mystery, mythology and misinformation. Join presenter Brian Kertson for an entertaining and informative lecture on cougar ecology, behavior and management. Learn how to identify signs in the field and the keys to coexisting with cougars where you live and recreate. Brian is a wildlife scientist and Ph.D. candidate with the Washington Cooperative Fish &Wildlife Research Unit and University of Washington. He has nine years of experience conducting intensive, field-based cougar research in the Cascade Mountains and his current research examines the potential influences of demographic characteristics and landscape features on cougar-human interaction in western Washington. Age recommendation: Grade 6 to adult.

• AMPHIBIANS OF MYSTERY: 10.-11:30 a.m. Feb. 16. Salamanders and frogs come in many sizes and colors and their lifestyles are just as amazing. Come join naturalist Tom Noland for a slide show and discussion to learn interesting facts about these creatures who live double lives — one in the water and one on the land. Grade 1 to adult.

Free tax prep, e-file at Edmonds CC

IRS-certified accounting volunteers will prepare and e-file income tax returns for U.S. citizens and residents with incomes of less than $40,000 at Edmonds Community College. Confidential tax return preparation will be offered on a drop-in basis from Feb. 9 to March 11 and April 6-13 in Mountlake Terrace Hall room 212, Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. No tax preparation will be done during spring break, March 12-April 5. Assistance in several languages will be available. Tax forms will be provided. Call 425-640-1874, e-mail edccvita@edcc.edu or go to www.edcc.edu/acct/vita for more information. Get directions to campus at www.edcc.edu/campus.

Edmonds blood drive

The community is invited to donate life-saving blood at the community blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.) on Friday, Feb. 5, in the parking lot of Petosa’s Family Grocer, 550 Fifth Ave. S. in downtown Edmonds.

Healthy individuals over age 18 are encouraged to donate (ages 16 and 17 with parent permission). All blood types are needed; however, O-negative is especially needed and is at critical levels. Type O-negative is considered the “universal donor” and can be given to people with other blood types. The drive is cosponsored by the city of Edmonds and Petosa’s Family Grocer. To sign up, contact Linda Carl at the Mayor’s Office at 425-771-0247 or carl@ci.edmonds.wa.us. For more information about donating blood, visit the Puget Sound Blood Center’s Web site at www.psbc.org.

MC Have a Heart

February is a time to celebrate loved ones by giving hearts and valentines. In the spirit of giving back, several businesses in the Mill Creek Town Center are joining together to celebrate some important charities during their “Have a Heart” event.

From Feb. 5 through Feb. 14, Mill Creek Town Center merchants are offering specials to support their charity of choice. You can identify the participating businesses by the “Have a Heart” decal in store windows. During Valentine’s week, visit the Mill Creek Town Center to shop, dine or utilize services and help support some deserving charities.

“Have a Heart” brochures listing all of the promotional offers and charities being supported are available at participating Town Center businesses. For a complete list of charities and promotions, visit www.MillCreekTownCenter.biz.

Event for human service workers

Join other human service workers for an evening of celebration. Human service workers across Snohomish County are invited to enjoy live entertainment, great music, good food and each other on Feb. 12 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. SW, Lynnwood.

Bring your TGIF attitude, a favorite food to share and dress casual.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Teens volunteer for 30-hour famine

American teens will go hungry in an effort to help Haiti quake survivors and fight global hunger through World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine. This year, a portion of funds raised by 30-Hour Famine groups will go toward Haiti’s long-term recovery.

On Feb. 26-27, teens will participate in World Vision’s 19th annual 30-hour Famine, forsaking food for 30 hours to get a taste of what the world’s poorest children face. Prior to the event, teens raise funds by explaining that $30 a month — just $1 a day — can feed and care for a child for 30 days. As they fast, teens consume only water and juice as they participated in local community service projects.

For more information, visit www.30hourfamine.org or call 800-7-FAMINE.

Family events at MLT library

The following events are offered through the Family Night @ the Library series. The Mountlake Terrace Library is located at 23300 58th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace.

• Pajama Storytime at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3. Join us for an evening of stories, songs and a simple craft activity.

• Storytime with Joy Knight at 7 p.m. Feb. 10. Joy Knight of Creation Station fame will be here to tell stories and share a favorite craft activity.

• Reading with Rover at 7 p.m. Feb. 17. Stop by to read aloud to loving canine listeners. The community-based literacy program, Reading with Rover, helps kids strengthen reading skills and improve reading confidence.

MLB umpire to speak to Little League

Mill Creek Little League welcomes Major League umpire Mike Muchlinski for a lively discussion of his experience umpiring in the big leagues.

Mill Creek Little League is recruiting volunteers for baseball and softball umpires for the 2010 season and would like to invite you to hear Muchlinski speak and learn about local umpiring opportunities for our baseball and softball divisions.

If interested, come to Shawn O’Donnell’s Restaurant, 122 128th St. SE, Everett, on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Space is limited; RSVP to Al Gingras at 425-315-3692.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

South County Senior Center activities

Most events are held at the South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds. Contact Janice at 425-774-5555 for more information, reservations and sign-ups.

• Volunteer opportunities: Feel wanted, valued, and needed! Get free job training or use the skills from your former job. Make new friends! Jobs include sorting clerks and cashiers for the Thrift Store, receptionists for the front desk, drivers for day trips (CDL license not required), administrative office help, cosmetologists, special events/program planning, nutrition program and coffee bar workers, instructors for classes, publicity/marketing assistant, membership/database updating.

• AARP Tax Preparation: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 5 to April 9. By appointment only; sign up at front desk. Once again, Jim Wassall, a local AARP tax aide coordinator, and his volunteer staff will be at the center to help you prepare your tax return. Appointments are one hour and are free. You must pick up your tax preparation instructions package at least one day before your appointment and complete the AARP Intake and Interview Form to the best of your ability prior to coming for your appointment. You must bring Social Security cards for all taxpayers listed on your return, picture ID, and all W2s and 1099s.

• Community Breakfast: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, strawberry compote, eggs and ham, biscuits and sausage gravy, orange juice and unlimited coffee or tea. The breakfast is sponsored by Prestige Care. The cost is $5.

• SCSC Amtrak trip to Chihuly Museum of Glass and Museum of History: Thursday, Feb. 4. Visit the Chihuly Glass Museum and Museum of History as well as explore the Tacoma Railroad Depot shops. The train leaves the Edmonds Amtrak station at 10:27 a.m. The train arrives in Tacoma at 12:10 p.m. The return train leaves Tacoma at 5:16 p.m. and arrives back in Edmonds at 7:17 p.m. The cost of the trip is $65 for members and $75 for nonmembers. Registration required.

• China Painting: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays. Join leader Loretta Huston for china painting. Familiarity with paintbrush suggested but china painting experience not necessary. The class costs $3 per session. Space is limited; must sign up.

• Knitting (Stitch &Gatherers): 1-2 p.m. Thursdays. Join instructor Lynn Richardson for this class on knitting and crocheting or stitch away in this relaxed gathering. The class costs $3 per session.

• Get a Web site – Quick and Easy! 6-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8. Join instructor Kevin Boyd. Learn the type of Web site you require, how to create a good domain name, find the best host company, determine profitable products to sell and, lastly, step-by-step how to create your own Web site in 60 minutes. The cost of the class is $47 for members and $57 for nonmembers. Must sign up.

• Dance: Join other Seniors at the South County Senior Center from 1-3 p.m. every Sunday for dancing. A selection of your favorite music will be played. Call by Friday (425-774-5550) to confirm the schedule. The cost of the dance is $3.

• Volunteer needed for Sound Writers: The South County Senior Center is looking for an instructor for a writing class. This group is for old and new writers. The group exchanges ideas, talks about writing styles and gives tips. Write at home and bring to class for critique. Everyone is welcome. Call 425-774-5550 to inquire about the class or volunteer as the instructor.

• Seniors Swingers Orchestra: 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Join musical director Tim Leese and the Senior Swingers musicians. Musicians always welcome in our string, woodwind and brass sections. For more information on joining, e-mail Tim at timothyleese@verizon.net.

• Hair cuts: South County Senior Center offers hair cuts for men and women on the first and third Thursdays of the month. The next day that haircuts are offered is Thursday, Feb. 4, for $10. Call for an appointment.

• Visiting Nurse from NW Hospital: from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 3. No appointment required and the visit is free of charge. The nurse provides consultation, health advice and medication information.