South County Notebook

STAFF CHOICE: “On Golden Pond”

Phoenix Theatre presents Ernest Thompson’s poignant play about a family endeavoring to reconnect and bridge generations, at the Firdale Village Theatre, 9673 Firdale Ave., Edmonds. The show opens Jan. 29 and runs through Feb. 21, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday performances. Tickets are $22.50 general, $18 seniors (65 and up), $12 youth (18 and under), group rate and TPS members, all available at brownpapertickets.com, 206-533-2000 or www.phoenixtheatreedmonds.com.

— Andrea Miller, Enterprise features editor

SEMINARS AND EDUCATION

• ‘Money and Politics’ lecture

Is money polluting our democracy? What can we do about it — as concerned citizens?

Mill Creek Conversations presents “Money and Politics” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 at 15720 Main St., Mill Creek.

Craig Salins and Ken Dammand, of Washington Public Campaigns, will start the discussion about Campaign Finance Reform and Fair Elections.

For more information, visit: www.washclean.org

Sponsored by Friends of the Mill Creek Library.

• Edmonds Wellness support group

For anyone with an ongoing health challenge, the class meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. every other Tuesday, Jan. 26 to May 4.

This is an opportunity to learn practical health and wellness skills taught in Chronic Disease Self Management Programs. These strategies and resilient attitudes can make a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

The groups consist of eight sessions with specific topics, time to journal and time to share — and have fun! Some of the topics covered include:

– Becoming your own health scientist

– Responding to social pressures for productivity and busyness

– Dealing with difficult comments

– Getting out of the push and crash cycle

– Staying within your energy envelope

– Setting boundaries for self care

– Relaxation and mindfulness for stress and physical pain

– Dealing with illness and difficult emotions

– Communicating with health professionals

– Finding strength and inspiration in the tough times

– Embracing the imperfect life

Contact 425-775-4262 or safox44@gmail.com for more information. A brief pre-registration phone interview is required. Groups are small and space is limited, so sign up early. Short-term individual counseling with a health focus is also available.

• ‘White Birds of Winter’

Snohomish County Parks &Recreation and the Adopt-A-Stream Foundation’s Streamkeeper Academy present “White Birds of Winter.”

Learn the facts, myths and legends of Washington’s White Birds of Winter from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28 at the NW Stream Center, McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett.

Experience magnificent photographs on the “big screen,” and learn about the best places to view these majestic birds locally. Presenter Martha Jordan is a well-known biologist and director of the Washington Swan Working Group, an Affiliate of the Trumpeter Swan Society — a non-profit organization dedicated to assuring the vitality and welfare of wild swan populations. Tickets: $5 Members / $7 Non-members. Advance purchase necessary. For tickets, call 425-316-8592. Age recommendation: Grade 5 to adult.

• Through the Back Door travel classes

– “Istanbul: Where East Meets West,” 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Travel Center Classroom.

– “Italy,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at Edmonds Theater.

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

• Upcoming Savvy Traveler seminars

The Savvy Traveler is offering the following classes at 112 Fifth Ave. S, Edmonds. For updates, check www.savvytraveleredmonds.com. Space is limited; call 425-744-6076 for reservations.

– “The Kingdom of Morocco,” 10 a.m. Jan. 30.

• Pruning and dormant spraying 101

Wight’s nursery manager will explain how to prune and use natural dormant sprays to control insects and diseases during a first Thursday of the month Gardening Series.

The class is at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Lynnwood Library, 19200 44th Ave. W. Another class is scheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at Wight’s Home &Garden, 5026 196th St. SW, Lynnwood.

For more information, call 425-775-3636.

• 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.

• Toddler Play and Learn Group at MLT Library

The MLT Library is partnering with the Little Red School House to provide a Toddler Play and Learn Group. The group meets weekly at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Parents, caregivers and children ages 18 months to 3 years are invited to come play, learn and socialize during this free facilitated play group. Activities include open play, making friends, art, stories and music.

The MLT Library is located at 23300 58th Ave. W. For more information, call 425-776-8722.

• Edmonds Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project

All are invited to the Edmonds Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project and Puget Sound Bird Fest social and planning meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., Room 206, Edmonds. Come and meet other bird and backyard wildlife enthusiasts in Edmonds. Find out about the community certification celebration planned for April, and what can be done to help Edmonds reach the goal for certification as a community wildlife habitat. Participate in a discussion of habitat and sustainability goals for Edmonds and learn about volunteer opportunities, including helping to plan the next Puget Sound Bird Fest in September. For more information, call Sally Lider at 425-771-0227 or Laura Spehar at 425-672-2150.

• 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 Feb. 24 class will look at what individuals can do to keep joints healthy as well as treatment options for severe arthritis.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon at Compass Health’s Administrative Office, 4526 Federal Ave. in Everett, orthopedic surgeon Michael Codsi, of The Everett Clinic, will discuss easy ways to prevent pain or to treat pain that already exists. 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

• 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.

• Hospice volunteers needed

A free information session to review the volunteer opportunities at Providence Hospice &Home Care is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, in downtown Everett. To register and to get driving/parking information, call 425-261-4815 by March 15.

• 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 Mike 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 Feb. 6.

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

• Ladies night of indulgence

If you love to have fun, mingle and get spoiled, this event is for you.

Dr. Jenni Ricker is hosting a night for ladies complete with facial, mini massages, hand scrubs and appetizers from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the Health and Wellness Clinic, 21920 76th Ave. W, Edmonds.

A night for yourself and your best girls. Celebrate health and wellness in good company while indulging in massage, skin care, nutrition and more. RSVP to 425-776-3800.

• Free cruise show in Lynnwood

Whether you’re just toying with the idea of cruising or have sailed around the world, AAA’s free cruise show is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 30, at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW.

Get all of your cruising questions answered and compare several cruise lines in one place. Enjoy presentations by many of the premier cruise lines and, if you’ve never cruised before, there’s a first-time cruisers presentation.

Free admission and parking. RSVP is encouraged, but not required: 425-744-7310.

• 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.

• Friends of the Edmonds Library meeting

Chuck LeWarne, noted local historian and Edmonds resident, will be the guest speaker for the Friends of the Edmonds Library meeting at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Plaza Room of the Edmonds Library.

LeWarne has prepared a lighthearted talk, “From Bug to Usk: A Look at Washington State Place Names,” which is illustrated with slides of the welcoming signs of various towns in the state.

This is a great opportunity to test your own knowledge of some of the more unique names in our state and their origins.

The meeting will be preceded by a coffee social at 1 p.m. New members and interested public are invited to attend. For more information, visit www.edmondsfriends.org.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

• Dodgeball!

Lynnwood’s Teen Programs along with the Lynnwood Teen Advisory Group (LTAG) is hosting a Teen Dodgeball Tournament from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 29. Teens in grades 7–12 are invited to pre-register teams of six players. Soft “gator” dodgeballs are used in accordance with the National Amateur Association of Dodgeball rules.

The Teen Dodgeball Tournament will be held at Cedar Valley Gym, 19400 56th Ave. W, Lynnwood. Check-in and warm-up will begin at 6 p.m. and tournament play will begin at 6:30 p.m. A team captain or adult must register the team by Jan. 27. Cost is $6 per team. To register, contact the Lynnwood Recreation Center in person at 19000 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, by phone at 425-670-5732, or online at http://recconnect.ci.lynnwood.wa.us.

For more information, contact Teen Programs Assistant Supervisor Jennifer Savage at 425-670-5524 or jsavage@ci.lynnwood.wa.us or visit www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/teens.

• TACO trip to Skatebarn

Lynnwood’s Teen Programs’ Teen Adventure Camp Outdoors (TACO) is going to Skatebarn West indoor skate park in Renton from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 29. School is out and Skatebarn West is opening early just for TACO! Teens will get the entire skate park to themselves in the morning with a four-hour skate session of unlimited vert and rails.

Teen skateboarders and in-line skaters are invited to register for the trip. Teens need to bring a skateboard or in-line skates, a helmet and lunch or money for lunch. The pick-up and drop-off location is at the North Administration Building, 19000 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood.

To register, contact the Lynnwood Recreation Center in person at 19000 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, by phone at 425-670-5732, or visit http://recconnect.ci.lynnwood.wa.us.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

• South County Senior Center activities

Activities occur at 220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds. Contact Janice DeShon at 425-774-5555 for more information.

– Lunch: Provides an opportunity to catch up with and meet new friends while enjoying a delicious, hot, nutritionally-balanced meal. Offered weekdays. Must purchase tickets between 9:15 a.m. and noon the day of the meal. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.