Briefs

PUD has ideas

for solar heating

Snohomish County PUD will be holding informational sessions in Stanwood July 27 and in Everett Aug. 4, to share information about installing solar panels and solar hot water systems. The utility offers a range of cash incentives, low-interest loans and other resources to make it easy for interested consumers and businesses. Tuesday’s session is noon-1 p.m. in the Stanwood PUD office on Main Street, and Wednesday’s session is 6-7 p.m. in the Everett PUD office, 2320 California Street. For information and how to qualify, call 425-783-1700, or visit snopud.com/solarexpress.

Nursery offers class

“Hypertufa” is the subject at Christianson’s Nursery Sat, July 31,10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; reservations required - 360-466-3821, there is a fee. Kathy Hirdler of Floribunda Designs will explore the world of hypertufa in this workshop. Each participant will complete a hypertufa trough that, once cured, will make a rustic container to showcase herbs and succulents.

Wholesale market invites shoppers

The Skagit WholeSale Market is up every Thursday morning through harvest season, 8:30-10:30 a.m., in the parking lot underpass of the Skagit Valley Food Coop (I-5 Exit at Kincaid).

Volunteers needed for seniors

Earn extra money while helping low income seniors by volunteering to transport them to and from essential doctor appointments. You will be reimbursed 48.5 cents per mile. Since this is a reimbursement, you will not be taxed and it will not affect you if you are on unemployment. You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license and complete a volunteer application. If you like to work with the elderly or disabled and want to make a difference in someone’s life, then this is the volunteer opportunity for you. Contact Debra at DebraBo@ccsww.org or 425-257-2101, ext. 3323.

Basic first aid classes scheduled

Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of injuries and sudden illness and how to deal with emergencies from certified Instructor Sheila Davis, in a Bee Safe Education and Training class in the community room at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club 18513 59th Ave. NE in Arlington. Renew existing certification or become first aid certified, OSHA, WISHA, L&I, and DSHS approved, for adults and youth ages 12 and older. The class runs 6-9 p.m. Mon, Aug. 2. Tues, Aug. 3 CPR and AED for the Community and Workplace runs 6-8:30 p.m., teaching the chain of survival, activation of 911, emergency response, airway obstruction and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and childhood injury prevention and information on adult heart attacks and strokes. Pre-register by calling 360-403-3448.

Fill a backpack for local children

Haggen stores have started a drive to collect backpacks filled with school supplies for local children in need. Customers may purchase specially designated backpacks for $9.99. Haggen stores already have filled the backpacks with a variety of school supplies valued at $23 that they are donating. The filled backpacks will be given to local schools and organizations for distribution to children in need. The drive will continue until the stores run out of the backpacks.

WWU offers info on MBA program

Western Washington University’s Everett-based weekend Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is accepting applications now for the next cohort of students who will begin classes Jan., 2011. Program details will be provided at a 6 p.m. information session Wed, Aug. 4 at University Center of North Puget Sound, Gray Wolf Hall-Room 160, 2000 Tower St., on the campus of Everett Community College. WWU’s Weekend MBA features small class sizes that meet Friday afternoon-evening and all day Saturday of every other weekend for eight quarters, with traditional quarter breaks. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply now to ensure all enrollment requirements are met by the application deadline of Nov. 15. For more information, visit the program’s Web site, www. wwu.edu/weekendmba, or contact weekendmba@wwu. edu, or call 360-650-7780.

Foster parents needed

Anyone willing to open their hearts and home to a child in need is asked to contact Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, who is seeking married couples, individuals, and families of diverse cultural, ethnic, social and religious backgrounds willing become licensed foster parents. Foster parents receive support from staff as well as 24-hour access to emergency assistance. Foster parents receive a monthly stipend to assist in the care of a foster child based upon age and needs of the child. Medical, dental and daycare costs are covered through the state. For information, contact Natalia Pierson, CCS Foster Home Licensor, nataliap@ ccsww.org, call 425-257- 2111, ext. 3317, or visit the Web site, ccsww.org.

Screening to detect diseases

The Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute offers a community screening for all adults over age 18 held Tuesday mornings. The screening includes the following tests and results are immediate: ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior); blood pressure; full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior); body composition testing; review results with a health care provider. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment and find out cost.

Volunteers needed at Providence

A free information session to review the volunteer opportunities at Providence Hospice & Home Care is scheduled Wed, Aug. 18, 6-8 p.m. in downtown Everett. To register and to get driving/parking information, call 425-261-4815 by Aug. 16.

Valley Poker Run benefits Hospice

Motorcycle and classic car enthusiasts from across the Northwest are invited to participate in a 110-mile Poker Run Sun, Aug. 15. “Rally in the Valley” travels through the scenic roads of the North Cascades to benefit hospice services in local communities. Registration is from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on Metcalf Street in Sedro- Woolley between Hometown Café and Joy’s Bakery. Stops along the route will feature a variety of businesses where participants will play for card numbers for the chance to win prizes. There will also be a competition for the largest club, chapter or group entered in the event as well as People’s Choice Awards. All bikes and classic cars are welcome. There is a registration fee and additional poker cards are available. This is the ninth annual rally to support Hospice of the Northwest. For more information about Hospice or the rally, call 360-814-5702.