South County Notebook

  • Tuesday, March 9, 2010 9:10pm

IN PHOTOS: More than 20 acts performed at a talent show to benefit the Mountlake Terrace Senior Center.

STAFF CHOICE: Celebrate Norway

Here’s something for the lefse lovers out there: Norwegian Cultural and Heritage day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 27 at the Leif Erikson Hall in Ballard, 2245 NW 57th St.

Trace your Scandinavian roots or participate in the Leif to Leif 5K walk/run (registrants receive a Norwegian flag to run with and Norwegian waffles afterwards). If that isn’t enough to convince you, I have just three more words: picked herring taste-off.

– Lauren Thompson, Enterprise copy editor

SEMINARS AND EDUCATION

Adopt-A-Stream Streamkeeper events

Tickets are $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Classes are held at NW Stream Center, Snohomish County’s McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Sponsored by the Adopt-A-Stream Foundation &Snohomish County Parks &Recreation. For more information, visit www.streamkeeper.org or call 425-316-8592.

• Secretive predators: 7-8:30 p.m., March 11

Want to learn about a couple of the most secretive and wily predators in the Pacific Northwest?

Join the U.S. Forest Service’s Keith Aubrey when he presents “On the Track of the Elusive Wolverine.” The audience will learn about the habitat requirements of the wild wolverine and also be treated to photographs of the predators out in the wild.

• Amphibians of mystery: 7-8:30 p.m., March 17

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.

• Slugs and snails leave slimy trails: 10-11:30 a.m., March 18

The Pacific Northwest’s temperate moist climate and frequent overcast days make it a slug and snail paradise. Join naturalist Tom Noland for a fun morning learning about the interesting lives of slugs and snails that can be found in your own backyard. Learn to distinguish between the native species and introduced species of slugs. There will be live specimens to observe and time for questions.

Rick Steves’ free travel classes

Check out classes at Rick Steves’ Europe through the Back Door. Cost is free, but reservations are required: online at www.ricksteves.com or call 425-771-8303, ext. 298. Class seating is first come, first serve.

• Traveling Solo, 6-7 p.m. March 11, Travel Center Classroom

No matter the destination, solo travel can be the most rewarding adventure of your life. Learn insider tips from a seasoned pro. You’ll discover: how to save money in today’s travel environment; helpful safety tips; how to overcome language barriers; how to have a journey alone without being lonely and much more.

• Spring European Travel Festival, 9 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. March 13, Travel Center Classroom

Join Rick and his travel-savvy staff for a full day of free travel classes in downtown Edmonds. The spring Travel Festival features nine slide-show presentations packed with the latest European travel tips, insights and discoveries. Plus, Rick shares his stories from Europe, Central America and the Middle East to show how traveling thoughtfully can broaden your perspective.

• Travel Drawing: 6-7 p.m., March 18 in the Travel Center classroom

As you stop to smell the roses on your travels, learn to record your surroundings with simple line drawings. It’s a way to savor the moment, start conversations and add character to your journal. Required tools: Pocket size drawing tablet and your favorite writing pen for sketching.

Home-based business fair

Have you thought about starting your own home-based business?

Do you want to discover a wide range of goods and services your neighbors are providing?

The third annual Lake Forest Park Home-Based Business Fair can answer all your questions. The event is free and there will be prizes to win.

The fair is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 13 at the Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

MLT Citizens Academy

The MLT Police Department is hosting the Police Citizens Academy on Wednesday nights from 7-9:30 p.m. at the MLT Library, 23300 58th Ave. W. The 12-week program begins April 14 and runs through June 30 concluding with a graduation reception for all participants and their families. The deadline to apply for the Police Citizens Academy is 5 p.m., March 12. Space is limited to the first 30 people accepted, so prompt registration is recommended.

Training session includes information and demonstrations by K-9, SWAT, narcotics, records, evidence handling and a ride-along with an officer.

For an application or additional information, contact Officer Kim Berg at 425-670-8260, ext. 4418 or Management Analyst Joie Worthen at 425- 670-8260 or e-mail mltpd@ci.mlt.wa.us. More information is available on the city’s Web site at www.cityofmlt.com.

Ham Radio course offered by ESCA

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) is offering an entry level amateur radio license course starting on March 16, to prepare students for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) license examination.

The Tuesday night course will run for eight weeks from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St. SW. Topics include radio and electronics fundamentals, operating regulations and radio safety, and will prepare students to pass the FCC examination, scheduled on May 4. The course is free, the textbook is $17.21 plus shipping. The FCC exam fee is $15. There are no additional costs.

For questions or registration, contact the course manager, Dan Good, at 425-776-3722 or dan@esca1.com.

Skandia Folkdance events

Skandia Folkdance Society hosts basics classes on Wednesdays through March 17. Class is held at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N (upper building, Room 2), Seattle. No partner or dance experience required. Classes are 7:30-9 p.m. Cost: members, $25 per series; nonmembers, $35 per series. Minimum: eight participants. Information: www.skandia-folkdance.org or 206-784-7470.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Treasure Hunt at MC Town Center

The Mill Creek Town Center is celebrating spring by hosting a Treasure Hunt for the community from 11 a.m. to noon on March 27. There will be festivities throughout the Town Center, including a family-friendly Treasure Hunt hosted by the Town Center merchants, photos with the Easter Bunny, live music, balloon art, carnival games, face painting, kids crafts, treats and more.

Treasure Hunters begin by checking-in at The Forum at Creekside Village (outdoor stage between Blazing Onion, Capri and Firestation Deli restaurants) at any time during the event. Each group will be given a passport, a map and their first mystery clue. Kids, with the assistance of their sleuthing parents, follow the clues to various businesses and receive a stamp on their passport and a clue to the next stop. Once the passport is full, treasure hunters return to The Forum where they will be rewarded with a bronze, silver or gold level prize depending on the number of stamps on their passport.

The Easter Bunny will also join the party. Kids can visit with the Easter Bunny at The Forum and pose for that perfect keepsake Easter photo, presented by CLIX Portrait Studio. While at The Forum, families can enjoy refreshments and live music.

For more information, visit www.MillCreekTownCenter.biz.

‘Sample South County’ in Lynnwood

Sip, sample and savor the finest selection of food, wine and beer at Sample South County, a local food and beverage expo, from 4-9 p.m. April 14 at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th Street SW.

The South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the second Sample South County event — featuring top food and beverage vendors throughout Snohomish County. Cost is $25 per person — guests are encouraged to register for Sample South County prior to April 12. To register, visit www.samplesouthcounty.com, www.s2c3.com, call 425-774-0507 or e-mail info@s2c3.com. Sponsors include Event Management Services, Journal Newspaper Group, KRKO Radio, Lynnwood Convention Center, Red Hook Brewery and Washington Restaurant Association.

Louis Braille School

The Louis Braille School, a private day school for the vision impaired located in Edmonds, will host a benefit auction from 1-4 p.m. March 20 at the South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds. Tickets are $15 a piece. For more information, e-mail Carolyn@louisbrailleschool.org or visit www.LouisBrailleSchool.org.

Police memorial at Silvertips game

On March 12, the Everett Silvertips will say “thank you” to all officers and law enforcement in Snohomish County. A fund is being created for the sole purpose of providing immediate financial assistance to the surviving spouse and minor children of any officer in Snohomish County killed in the line of duty. The fund operates on donations. This is a way that everyone can help support this fund and also receive a ticket to the Silvertips game against the Seattle Thunderbirds. There will be police themed activities during the game all night long. Half of all tickets sold through this promotion will be donated to the Fallen Officers Support Fund.

Special food bank donations this spring

During March and April, Alan Feinstein of Rhode Island will give away $1 million to anti-hunger agencies throughout the country as part of the Feinstein Foundation’s annual giveaway. The community’s gift to its local food bank will be matched. The more people give during March and April, the more food banks will receive from that million dollars. Cash, check and food items will be matched. Send checks and/or call for food pick-ups from:

• Edmonds Food Bank

828 Caspers St., Edmonds, 425-778-5833

• Lynnwood Food Bank

5320 176th St. SW, Lynnwood, 425-745-1635

• Mountlake Terrace Food Bank

4700 228th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace, 425-778-7227

For more information, contact the Rev. Richard K. Gibson of the South County Food Banks at 425-774-7007.

Public service appreciation at Liberty Tax Service

It’s tax season again. Liberty Tax Service, located at 2003 132nd St. SE, Suite C, Everett, is grateful to community members who have dedicated their careers to public service professions. To show their appreciation, the company will give active military members, law enforcement officers, firefighters and school teachers a 25 percent discount on their tax preparation fees. This offer is good throughout the tax season (ending April 15).

During March, Liberty Tax will welcome new customers in public service professions with its special free tax return program:

• March 8-14: Firefighter Appreciation Week

• March 15-21: Schoolteacher Appreciation Week

Call 425-338-7799 for more information.

Multiple sclerosis open house

During March, National MS Education &Awareness Month, people with multiple sclerosis and their family and friends are invited to an open house at the MSHH Donor Closet each Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The closet, located at 409 Howell Way in Edmonds, is part of the nonprofit MS Helping Hands.

It will be an opportunity to view all the items of durable medical equipment (DME) and mobility equipment (ME) available for minimum donations while you enjoy free hot dogs, chips, cookies, pop and bottled water. There will be a drawing each Saturday for a free recycled scooter or power chair to be awarded to someone with MS. You have to be present for the drawing to win. The drawings will be held at noon each Saturday.

Women’s Symposium celebrates ‘Triumph’

Edmonds Community College holds its fifth Women’s Symposium, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 13 in Triton Union Building 202 at Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood.

Author, educator and poet laureate Mona Lake Jones is the featured speaker for the event. She will address participants on the theme of this year’s event, “Women: 100 Years of Triumph.”

The Women’s Symposium also will include a living history lecture by actress and historian Tames Alan titled “Suffragettes in Petticoats”; a women’s resource fair; a “Fashion Through the Ages” show; and a panel on “The Changing Roles of Women: Reflecting the Past, Realizing the Future.”

Prior to the symposium, the community is invited to meet Seattle artist Mary Ann Peters at the Heart and Grace reception, 5-7:30 p.m., March 12 in the college library. The free event is open to the public and features art, music and culinary offerings. Peters’ works in progress, “If Thinking Is Form: A Visual Diary,” are on exhibit in the college art gallery through March 15. Find out more at www.edcc.edu/gallery.

The cost of the Saturday Women’s Symposium is $15 for students and $40 for the public. Buy tickets online at www.theatreedmonds.org or call 425-640-1448. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event.

For more information, call the Office of Diversity Affairs at 425-640-1538.

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.

• Ukulele Lessons: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays in the View Room at the South County Senior Center. Join instructor Ben Amido and the Sweet Someones to make music and new friends. New students are always welcome. Call the South County Senior Center at 425-774-5555 for more information.

• Thursday Quilters: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Come and join a friendly group of stitch and gatherers.

• Woodcarving Class: A drop-in class meets Tuesdays in the South County Senior Center View Room from 9-11:30 a.m. free of charge. The weekly woodcarving class meets Wednesdays in the Ceramics Room from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and the cost is $5 per class. No experience necessary. Bring your tools and wood — experts are glad to help you. New students are welcome.

• Bingo: Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m. Enjoy games of bingo at the South County Senior Center. The cost is $1 for five cards.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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