Winterfest in Snohomish
Winterfest is returning to downtown Snohomish, Dec. 8, 9 and 10 with fun events for everyone! Featuring a Christmas Crawl, Snow Globe Village, Gingerbread House Party, Wine Walk, crafting event, live music, ice sculpting and more. To purchase tickets for select events, visit historicdowntownsnohomish.org/winterfest

Stuff A Bus
Volunteers of America Western Washington is partnering with Everett Transit, ATU Local 883 and Fred Meyer to host the annual “Stuff-a-Bus” toy and food drive at Fred Meyer, 12906 Bothell-Everett Hwy near state Route 527 in Everett. Shoppers are invited to help load an Everett Transit bus on site with gifts and donations that will be distributed to local families in need. This year’s goal is to provide 6,000 meals and 2,500 gifts. Stuff A Bus is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10.

Food Drive
Ashley Pointe Senior Living is sponsoring a Food Drive to benefit the Lake Stevens Food Bank.  Please donate your non-perishable food items in the main lobby by Dec. 21. Located at 11117 20th St. NE in Lake Stevens.

“The 39 Steps”
Monroe High Drama will be performing “The 39 Steps,” an adaptation of an early suspenseful Alfred Hitchcock movie rewritten as a comedy.
Remaining dates and times are Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 1 and 7 p.m. at Monroe High, 17000 Tester Road.
Tickets are $13 online or $15 at the door for adults, $8 online or $10 at the door for students. The online link is https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/79028
Senior citizens in the Cat Tracks Club are admitted free. To get further information on Cat Tracks, go to www.monroe.wednet.edu/community/cat-tracks-club or call (360) 804-2500.

Snohomish Winter Gala theater show
For its showcase, the Snohomish High School Theatre Club is doing a wild, cabaret-style performance with scenes and songs from a variety of well-recognized shows.
Remaining performances are Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13 ($10 if with student ASB card). Tickets are online
at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/78883
The Winter Gala Student Showcase is raising funds to support the club’s spring semester production. They have a $20,000 fundraising goal.
A raffle and silent auction for SHS Theatre are also being held. Raffle tickets are $5 and can be bought online through the shortlink www.tinyurl.com/shsdramaraffle The auction is at www.tinyurl.com/shsdramaauction

Luminary classes
Learn how to make luminaries at free classes on two Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Evergreen Arboretum classroom. Instructors will guide how to craft your own luminary.  The Arboretum is at 145 Alverson Boulevard in Everett.

“Krakenfest!”
A fundraiser for the Snohomish Food Bank, “Krakenfest!”, will feature golfing, mini-golfing, skating, and watching the Kraken pro hockey game Saturday Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Snohomish Valley Golf Center, 8511 Marsh Road, Snohomish.

Must be Christmas
Tim Noah brings his celebrated holiday music, timeless message, and effervescent energy to the stage to the Thumbnail Theater, Fourth Street and Avenue D in Snohomish.
There are two shows Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Tickets for age 12 and under $20. See www.ticketpeak.co/TNTT for tickets ( .co not .com)

Dog goods drive
Got Sit Dog Training has arranged a holiday dog drive collecting donations to benefit People for Animal Care and Kindness (P.A.C.K.) with a collection bin at Bridges Pets in Snohomish Station in Snohomish. P.A.C.K. is a Western Washington nonprofit organization that provides medical funds, food and supplies for animals living in low-income, no-income, senior and homeless environments. The drive is from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24.

Christmas House drop-offs
 Snohomish Auto Licensing will be a Host Drop off site for Christmas House, a nonprofit organization that collects new children’ toys, new hats and gloves as well as new teen gifts – electronics, sports equipment, hair dryers etc. for those in need.   Please stop by Snohomish Auto License at 510 2nd St Ste C to drop off any new unwrapped item(s).  For more information, please visit the website at www.christmas-house.org

Stuffed animal giveaway
Fabulously Frugal Thrift Shop has walls of stuffed animals and toys in good condition to give away to children as part of a program to give back to the community.
Stop by the store at 611 Second St. in Snohomish. Call 360-563-6353 with questions.

Port Ice Rink opens
The Port of Everett’s ice rink opened at the Pacific Rim Plaza at Waterfront Place, 1028 13th Street, Everett (south side of Hotel Indigo).
Operating hours will be Monday-Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Extended holiday hours are offered from Dec. 18-Jan. 1. Costs are $15 for adults and $12 for children, plus processing fees.

Holiday Trees for Salmon & Bazaar
The Adopt A Stream Foundation kicked off its annual Holiday Trees for Salmon event at the Northwest Stream Center (600 128th Street SE, Everett), and continues Tuesdays through Saturdays through Dec. 22. You can buy a live, short-height holiday tree in a pot (tallest are five feet). Proceeds benefit environmental education and salmon stream restoration.  
Proceeds from Holiday Trees for Salmon sales benefit the Adopt A Stream Foundation’s environmental education and salmon stream restoration programs.  For more information call 425-316-8592 or go to www.streamkeeper.org.

Free paint recycling
Snohomish’s Benjamin Moore (located in Panther Square next to Subway, 723 Ave. D.) is now also a paint recycling center. This service is offered absolutely free with a 10 gallon per customer per day limit. No rattle cans, paint thinners, mineral spirits or paint strippers.

Winter Dog Park re-opens
The Winter Dog Park at The Evergreen State Fair Park is back. Get out of the weather and let your pups play at this covered off-leash dog park. Open to Feb. 29 from dawn to dusk excluding Dec. 23-25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1, Jan. 15 or Feb. 19.
The rules to use the dog park include no sick dogs, no dogs in heat and no puppies under six months. Owners must stay at the dog park, and clean up after their dogs.

Everett Art Walk
The Everett Art Walk always takes place downtown on the third Thursday of the month.
Stroll downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. that third Thursday to see art in spots such as The Lucky Dime, Port Gardner Bay Winery, Artisans PNW and Zamarama Gallery.
For full list, see www.everettartwalk.org

Engage Snohomish
Network with fellow businesses at Engage Snohomish! The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at various locations.
For information, contact manager@snohomishchamber.org

Bike repair clinic
Sharing Wheels, an Everett nonprofit, is providing free bicycle repairs at Bike Clinics at the Evergreen Branch Library on the second Tuesday of the month.
Mechanics can also help repair scooters, walkers, and other wheeled mobility devices! No registration required.
The library is at 9512 Evergreen Way.

MedShed calls for equipment donors
The MedShed of Snohomish is in need of durable medical equipment that is in good condition, especially wheelchairs, rolling or front wheel walkers, canes, raised toilet seats, pull-ups of all sizes (unopened), shower chairs and bedside commodes.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. MedShed is located at 210 Ave. B, in the parking lot of the Snohomish Evangelical Church. 360-213-1600.

Flag retirement service
The Monroe Police Department accepts flags that are soiled, torn, worn, or otherwise unable to be displayed. Police front desk personnel will personally accept your retired US flag.
If requested and available, Officer Shaun Van Eaton can assist in folding the flags to a regulation triangle.
For any questions, please contact the Monroe Police Department at 360-794-6300 or reach out to Officer Van Eaton at SVanEaton@MonroeWA.gov. The front desk hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Blood donations still urgently needed
Blood banks are continuing to ask for the public’s help to ensure local blood doesn’t go short on supply.
To donate:
With the Red Cross: Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment at its center or find a blood drive near you.
With Bloodworks Northwest, 2703 Oakes Ave., Everett: Same-day appointments are available. Appointments required at www.bloodworksnw.org or 1-800-398-7888.

Afterschool fun
Drop into the Evergreen Branch library in Everett each Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. to play video and board games, make crafts, hang with friends, and share snacks. For ages 9-18. The library is at 9512 Evergreen Way.

Wednesday Bingo
Bugu Brewing of Monroe does “music bingo” every Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. The music theme of the night varies each week. No cost to play, and open to all ages.
The microbrewery is in the Kelsey Place plaza at 14751 North Kelsey St. in building No. 107. Questions, call 360- 243-3364.

Grief recovery
GRASP, Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing, was created to help provide sources of help, compassion and most of all, understanding for families who have had a loved one die through substance use. This is a peer-led group. The local GRASP group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m at the Marysville library room, 6120 Grove St, Marysville. For more information please contact Cathy 425-344-3520.

Mobility transportation
The Monroe Community Senior Center offers transportation every Thursday. They will pick you up in Monroe and take you shopping, to the Senior Center, to your physician – you name it and they will take you there – as long as your destination is in Monroe. Call 360-794-6359.

Everett Poetry Night
The weekly public spoken word event (with occasional features) is each Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.at Sisters Restaurant, 2804 Grand Ave., Everett, Signups are on site.

Seed library
The Everett Public Library has introduced a seed library. Borrow seeds to spread. It’s on the second floor of the Main Library, 2702 Hoyt Ave.

Food bank volunteers needed
Sky Valley Food Bank is looking for volunteers for Monday through Friday. Many opportunities include distribution help, selecting and packing boxes for homebound seniors, warehouse help and quality control. Most are morning shifts, but they do have afternoon/evening shifts on Tuesdays. If you want to help, please visit www.svfoodbank.org and fill out an application.

Alzheimer’s Support Group
The Alzheimer’s Support group meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Snohomish Senior Center, 506 Fourth St. in Snohomish.
It is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, but is open to anyone caring for someone living with any form of dementia whether it is a spouse, parent, etc. Learning how to navigate the difficult journey of dementia can be a challenge, but knowing you are not alone and maybe learning from other’s experiences can be so beneficial. For more information, contact Megan Maples, Support Group Facilitator, 425-501-6444 or email megantm@comcast.net.

Chair Massage
Chair massage is available on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12:20 p.m. at the Snohomish Senior Center, 506 Fourth St. in Snohomish. 15 minute massages are $15 Members/ $18 Non-Members. Sign up for a relaxing appointment at the front desk; drop-ins are accepted based on availability.

Free mental health counseling for 60+
Therapy counselor Steve Harper, of Monroe Counseling is offering free 30-minute in-person therapy sessions for individuals age 60 and older at the Monroe Community Senior Center, 276 Sky River Parkway, Monroe.
The center’s number is 360-794-6359. The number of appointment slots is limited.

Open Mic
The Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater holds Open Mic nights on Fridays. Sign up on Fridays from 6:30-7:15 p.m.; showtime is at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $5 general, $3 for performers. All content must be family-friendly.
The Theater is located at 1211 Fourth St. in Snohomish. 360-568-9412.

Ballroom dancing
Enjoy ballroom dancing every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. at the Normanna Lodge, 2725 Oakes Ave. in Everett.
Music by Bob’s Dance Band. Admission is $7 (or $10 when bartender is present). For ages 21+, partners not necessary. Masks might be required, and were required prior to March 2022.
For more information, 425-252-0291 or www.sonsofnorway.com

USO Military Seats of Honor program
The USO Military Seats of Honor program provides local active-duty military and dependents with two free tickets to the Everett Historic Theatre plus a dinner for two at one of Everett’s finest restaurants, a $25 concessions card for the theatre, and a $25 gift certificate for the Funko store.
Tickets are distributed via the Historic Everett Theatre’s website www.yourhistorictheatre.org and social media. Recipients will be chosen randomly from entries received. Military ID must be shown at the box office on show night to claim tickets
If you would like to contribute to this program to thank local military families for their dedication, service and sacrifice, you can make a tax-deductible donation by visiting www.yourhistorictheatre.org.

Life jacket loaner program
Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue participates in a Life Jacket Loaner program. If you need to borrow a life jacket for a day or the weekend, visit Fire Station 31, 163 Village Court in Monroe, to get fitted and check one out for free.

You are not alone. Need to talk?
The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255, or text GO to 741741 to connect with someone. Free.

Islamic Resources by Mail
Islamic Resources by Mail is an Everett-based resource and referral system.  You can call on most afternoons  and evenings and receive help with resources at no cost. The number is 425-355-4608. Help is available for residents, community participants, supporters, visitors to find sometimes emergency information available to all at no cost. It’s a free service and all can just call in. There is an Islamic Network where all of your questions will be answered. You will receive a referral. 
Frequently someone will call to ask about the location of the Islamic Center or Mosque, what to wear on your first visit, or others would like to find Islamic Schools or day care centers. 
Whether it’s food, clothing, shelter, gas cards, charity, Someone will answer your call and you will be directed to assistance.

Emergency dental referral help line
A nonprofit affiliated with Delta Dental, a benefits provider firm, is using its free dental referral service called DentistLink to connect people.
People needing assistance can call or text DentistLink at 1-844-888-5465 to get the referral process started at no cost.
DentistLink is a service focused on people who have Apple Health (Medicaid) or do not have insurance.

Foster parents needed
Is foster parenting for you? Do you have questions about becoming a foster parent? Are you currently a relative caregiver for a foster child? Please email jill-mutcheson@olivecrest.org for more information or go to their website, www.olivecrest.org

Immigration resource
The Everett Community Resource Center presents free immigration consultations. Support is available in English, Spanish, Nepali, Hindi and Russian. For more information, email everett@lcsnw.org or call 425-355-6005.

Seniors get in free
The Snohomish School District has brought back a free pass that lets seniors 65 and older living within the district boundaries receive complimentary tickets to high school plays and Snohomish ball games.
It’s called the Golden Kla Ha Ya Club, and registration forms are online at the school district’s website, www.sno.wednet.edu
The gold cards can be picked up at the school district office, 1601 Ave. D.
To use the card for an event, first call the Snohomish High School ticket booth at 360-563-4008 or the Glacier Peak High School ticket booth at 360-563-7504 to have a ticket ready at will call and ensure to bring the card for free entry.
The Snohomish Senior Center also has information, 506 Fourth St. or 360-568-0934.