December 23, 2020 North County Outlook by The North County Outlook

P.O. BOX 39 n MARYSVILLE, WA 98270

utlook

Presorted Standard US POSTAGE

PAID

Mt. Vernon, WA Permit #34 ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

Real People. Real Life.

www.northcountyoutlook.com

Vol. 13 No. 48 n December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021

MARYSVILLE • ARLINGTON • SMOKEY POINT • LAKEWOOD • TULALIP • QUIL CEDA VILLAGE

Communities help spread holiday cheer

Holiday dinners handed out to families Arlington Community Food Bank by Marysville Community Food Bank provides holiday meals to local families

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

Marysville Community Food Bank volunteer Don Whitfield pushes a cart of food outside to take it to one of the food bank clients on Dec. 18.

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com

The Marysville Community Food Bank held their Christmas Basket distributions on Dec. 18, 21 and 22. The food bank provides a variety of holiday dinner offerings similar to what it provides on Thanksgiving. "We've got hams and that's a nice offering," said Dell Deierling, director of the Marysville Community Food Bank. "We've had some in the past but it was more like what we had on hand." Typically the food bank's biggest days are just before Thanksgiving, although Deierling said the days before Christmas are typically 85 percent of that.

The Arlington Community Food Bank provided their holiday meals again this year with distribution events held on Dec. 14, 16, 18, 21 and 23. The food bank provides their normal food items along with Christmas dinner items such as ham or turkey during the annual holiday distributions. This year they received a grant that allowed them to provide a ham with every Christmas basket. The Stillaguamish Tribe also donated a large number of hams for the Christmas dinners as well. "We've done a week of distribution and served

See DINNERS on page 2

See MEALS on page 9

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

Arlington Community Food Bank volunteer Jared Swislow puts a box of food into a food bank client's car during one of their Christmas dinner distribution days on Dec. 18.

Maloney named State Fire Marshal of the Year By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Marysville Fire District Fire Marshal Tom Maloney was recently named the State Fire Marshal of the Year. The Washington State Association of Fire Marshals gives out the award during their annual meeting. "It got to the awards portion of the meeting and they started describing the winner as 'calm' and I thought 'well, that's not me,'" said Maloney. "Then I heard my name and I was legit speechless and quite honored that I have a group of peers within the state that felt I was deserving of this award. There's a

lot of great people out there." As Fire Marshal his responsibilities largely include the work of preventing fires through building inspections and reviewing plans of future developments. "We want to keep those assets, which are those great big buildings, standing and those people employed. Without a fire marshal's office we wouldn't have the ability to make sure those are safe," said Maloney. Marysville Fire District Chief Martin McFalls said preventative work is an important but often forgotten part of a fire agency's duties. See MALONEY on page 10

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

Marysville Fire District Fire Marshal Tom Maloney, right, talks with Fire District Chief Martin McFalls at the district's administrative office on Dec. 17.

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Communities

www.northcountyoutlook.com

DINNERS Continued from page 1

Do you love being part of the community? The North County Outlook is seeking a full- or part-time advertising sales representative to join our hometown newspaper team! Preference is for selfmotivated, results-driven people who are excited to share the many benefits of newspaper, online, and niche product advertising. The North County Outlook is locallyowned and operated since 2007. Please email resume to sue@northcountyoutlook.com.

Get your copy of the

utlook

"This year, I'm preparing that it may be on the higher side," he said. In particular, he didn't know how many families would be staying home this year and that may increase demand. "We're hedging that we may see the same thing for Christmas as we did for Thanksgiving," he said. Deierling said the food bank community enjoys providing holiday meals every year. "It's tradition. Just like the families, we get together to provide this. It's just what we do. I feel that it would leave a hole if we didn't do it anymore," he said. Volunteers said they came out to help out those in need. "I've been doing it for a couple of years and I love

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

Marysville Community Food Bank volunteer Zita Grey grabs a carton of eggs to prepare a cart of food on Dec. 18. doing this," said volunteer Zita Grey. "I love the people here and just feel like I'm giving back a little bit." Don Whitfield, who came out with some fellow Marysville Rotary Club members, said he was there because "there's a need," in the community.

Going into next year Deierling said the food bank has been able to keep its stock up so far. "We have been able to keep up with the demand and we're so thankful for the community," he said. The biggest cause for concern is the uncertainty

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from All of Us

Real People. Real Life.

FREE at these locations! MARYSVILLE: NCO Office Village Restaurant Walgreens YMCA E&E Lumber Les Schwab Fanny’s Restaurant The Everett Clinic TULALIP: Tulalip Liquor Store Priest Point Store QUIL CEDA: Tulalip Bingo Bob’s Burgers & Brew Tulalip Market SMOKEY POINT: Stilly Athletic Center ARLINGTON: Ellie’s Cafe Stilly Diner Blue Bird Cafe Arlington Hardware 76 Gas Station Cascade Valley Hospital Home & Land Realty

utlook

Real People. Real Life.

BROWN’S PLUMBING & SPAS 1717 Grove Street • Bldg. B • Marysville • 360-659-1002 Monday-Friday 8-5 • Saturday 10-3 • Closed for Lunch

around the Boeing layoffs and whether a second federal coronavirus relief bill will happen. "What gets me is that I don't know where we're headed," said Deierling. "With the latest [pandemic] restrictions that went into effect in November more and more pain is going to be felt from that." He encourages anyone that could be helped to still stop. "One of the biggest messages I want to get out, especially for first-time users, is that it's easy to use," said Deierling. "If we can save you money so that you can pay rent or pay for your car or keep your power on, come on in. We're here for that." Deierling wanted to thank the community for their support. "It has gotten really creative during this time with how to help the food bank," he said. The volunteers also deserve a lot of appreciation, he said. "It doesn’t happen without them … people are coming in here and I don't want to say putting themselves in risk, but in a way they are," he said.

Happy Holidays from

VILLAGE LICENSE AGENCY, INC.

VEHICLE/VESSEL TITLING AND LICENSING

NOW SELLING HUNTING & FISHING LICENSES, DISCOVER PASSES

NORMAL HOURS RETURNING JANUARY 2ND M-F 10AM-6PM, SATURDAY 10AM-3PM 9327 4TH ST NE SUITE 7 • LAKE STEVENS • 425-334-7311

Communities

facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Sno-Isle Libraries offer Your Next Job program By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com In response to the high unemployment in the area, Sno-Isle Libraries has now made available the Your Next Job program to help people find their path to employment. The free program began on Dec. 7 in Snohomish and Island counties. Sno-Isle Libraries is partnering with Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System, which launched the program this summer. "The Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System started this program in response to the unemployment crisis that we are seeing in this area," said Emily Felt, adult services coordinator at Sno-Isle Libraries. Those interested can begin through the Seattle Public Library's website at spl. org/YourNextJob. A Spanish version is available at spl. org/SuProximoTrabajo. Services are also currently provided in 11 other languages besides English. Job seekers can also call in at 206-386-4636 or by emailing jobhelp@spl.org.

"One thing that is amazing about this program is that it is designed for those who have the most barriers to access," said Felt, who added the library hopes to reach those who have language or technology barriers. "We are intentionally reaching out to those still learning some digital literacy skills." During initial contact, either through the website or through the phone, participants can talk about what they are hoping to do. Afterward, the program consists of 30-minute oneon-one appointments between a job-seeker and library staff. "If we went to one of the community colleges and asked to get a credential they would sit down and tell us to take this class and this class, help to map the path to get there. This service is about a librarian helping you map the path," said Felt. Staff is also in contact with other organizations that can help with related problems that participants are facing. "We know there will people who need access to case management or funding and we partner with community

organizations to make those referrals," said Felt. Sno-Isle Libraries has already had at least one appointment, which went well, said Felt. Further south in King County and Seattle, the program has helped more than a hundred people, said Felt, many who have come for multiple appointments. "You are free to schedule as many follow up appointments as needed," she said. Follow-up surveys show a high satisfaction with the program so far in King County, said Felt. Ninety-two percent of the participants either agreed or strongly agreed that their goals were understood and that their questions were answered. Many also appreciated help navigating the modern job market. "For many patrons, the Your Next Job service allowed them the time and space to approach the employment process in an organized fashion. Patrons frequently expressed that they were overwhelmed by the process on their own and needed the guidance," said Felt. Felt said it was common to be confused by current employment resources.

The Marysville Library, which is part of the Sno-Isle Libraries. "I've been a job seeker and recognize that it can be a really overwhelming space to be in," she said. "There's a lot of different resources to pursue and it can be really hard to figure out what that next best step is." Survey responses also said the program has helped individuals who may have trouble receiving support elsewhere. "Another common theme is the library is a safe space to seek guidance and support, especially for groups with many barriers (e.g. age, language, financial, transportation)," said Felt. Felt said she was glad that Sno-Isle Libraries was able to

partner to bring the program to local libraries. "We're really excited

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

about this unique free resource that we've been able to create," she said.

Happy Holidays

ROY ROBINSON RV

6616 35th Ave NE â&#x20AC;˘ Marysville, Wa 98271 (360) 363-8633 www.royrobinsonrv.com

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Communities

www.northcountyoutlook.com

Additional Arlington students return to classrooms in January By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com

Arlington School District's second and third graders are scheduled to return to campus on Jan. 19, dependent on any future changes of guidelines from state health agencies. On Dec. 16 Gov. Jay Inslee released his most recent school guideline recommendations. He recommended that counties that have a high number of COVID cases, such as Snohomish County, offer in-person instruction for only elementary and high-need students in groups of 15 or fewer. Snohomish Health District Health Officer Chris Spitters said the health district continues to support in-person instruction for kindergarten through third grade as long as safety measures are taken by the school district. "There is very limited, if any, outbreaks occurring in the learning situation," he said during a Dec. 15 briefing. "Hopefully as things progress we can layer in some of the older kids, circumstances permitting," said Spitters. The Arlington School District has seen positive cases but has not dealt with an outbreak situation. District nurse Krissa Cramer

gives updates to the board of directors every two weeks and said there have been 27 positive cases of COVID-19 since March that have stepped onto an Arlington campus. "I can't go into too much detail because we're trying really hard to protect the health information," of the staff and students, she said. "When we do have a positive case, we are not seeing that spread around the school," which is their biggest concern, so it was good that there hasn't been an uncontrolled spread, said Cramer. "The safety measures have been working really well," she said. Those measures include masks, physical distancing, plastic barriers and keeping students in small groups that don’t interact with other groups. Returning second and third grade students will also be in the 'hybrid' model, so they spend two days a week on campus for inperson learning and the rest of the week learning online. Students will also be spending the first two weeks of the year with online learning to prevent any spread due to the holiday season. When they return, the district plans to provide rapid testing for staff that wish to volunteer. "So, before our staff have any

COURTESY PHOTO

Kent Prairie Elementary teacher Jami Everett leads her class.

interaction with the students they will already be tested," said Gary Sabol, director of communications with the school district. Cramer doesn't foresee any challenges from scaling up to accommodate the potential of incoming second and third graders. "We have been seeing students for a few weeks now and I feel we are prepared for more students," said Cramer. The pandemic is a new situation for many in the district and exactly how fast to return is a frequent point of discussion. "At the board meetings there is a lot of discussion on when ex-

actly is the best time to bring students back," said Sabol. Although the decision on when to return is ultimately up to the school board of directors they are following guidelines from the Snohomish Health District and state health agencies. "The guidance from the health district allows us to bring first through third grade as long as it is in a hybrid situation," said Sabol. Since returning to school for kindergarten and first grade, many teachers have been glad to return, said Sabol. "We've visited some different

classrooms and all of the teachers are so excited to have students back," he said. For students, face-to-face is still "the most effective" way to learn, said Sabol, although he also said the district took steps to improve their online learning from the spring. When the pandemic first hit, the school district was "thrown into the deep end," and had to quickly adapt to an online learning place. "Over the summer we had much more time to prepare and that has made a big difference," he said.

Season’s Greetings

ROY ROBINSON SUBARU Serving Snohomish County Since 1958 I-5 Exit 199 In Marysville • 360.659.6236 www.royrobinson.com

Communities

facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

County officials prepare for vaccine's arrival By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Snohomish County officials discussed the plan for COVID-19 vaccine's arrival in Washington while concerns about rising case numbers continue. The two-week daily average case rate through Dec. 12 has increased again to 448 cases per 100,000 population for the county. Cases numbers continue to be much higher than they were in the spring, which reached a peak of 129 cases per 100,000 population. "That's a smaller increment [increase] than we have seen in recent times," said Snohomish Health District Health Officer Chris Spitters during the Dec. 15 briefing. That could be the first signs of turning the case trend downward or it could be a momentary pause, he said. "We've had a couple of those episodes where the curve bent a little bit and then continued going up. So sometimes that's an artifact of the timing of when the cases come," said Spitters. Other points of data aren't as encouraging though. "Just about every other indicator has tended to go in the wrong direction," said Spitters. Workplace outbreaks have increased and there were 65 ongoing outbreaks in workplaces, said Spitters. Hospitalizations remain high, although they are relatively stable with 95 confirmed cases and 12 suspected cases in hospitals. "That number is about 15 percent of total hospital capacity with the threshold of concern for 10 percent," said Spitters. "It's not a crisis, but they're still having to stretch their resources for all the COVID cases and all the other acute care cases." While the vaccine could mean the beginning of the end for the pandemic, officials are urging continued practice of all safety measures. "We will have to continue wearing masks and practice physical distancing protocols. While the vaccine does protect yourself, it doesn't really mean you can't transmit the virus to others," said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. Vaccines will not be an instance solution and it could take 9 to 12 months to vaccinate the entire population. "It's a good point not to prematurely declare victory," said Spitters. "It's an incredible milestone and a great sense of psychic uplift and relief, certainly for us

in the health district. But we still have miles to go. It's probably reckless to consider us out of the woods." Even vaccinated people should continue to practice caution, said Spitters. The vaccine trials were designed to measure the effectiveness of preventing transmission to the vaccinated individual and not whether that individual is no longer contagious. "I believe that will eventually be shown," said Spitters, but right now it is an unknown. The first wave of vaccines to the county is expected to be about 5,000 to 6,000 doses. Spitters said production is expected to increase significantly in the coming months. The Snohomish Health District's plan will follow CDC's vaccine guide that prescribes "planned phases to provide the greatest benefit to society and the most vulnerable," said Spitters. Urgent care, doctors, nurses, staff in hospitals such as janitors, first responders, emergency medical technicians and longterm care facility staff and residents are 'Phase 1A' and are expected to be the first to receive the vaccine. The Tulalip Health Clinic also expects to receive vaccines from the Washington state Department of Health

in late December. Tulalip chief medical officer John Okemah said in a Tulalip update that they are largely following the same phases as the CDC. "Because tribes are sovereign nations we are going to vaccinate our elders," as well, he said. "We will set up appointments and a scheduling system so we can do that in an orderly fashion instead of having hundreds of people here," said Okemah. Older at-risk individuals are a priority demographic for the CDC's plan as well, but they will be vaccinated in 'Phase 1B' after the initial wave that largely targets hospital workers and first responders. The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management is working on sites to help distribute vaccines when they are going out to the general public. "It may not look exactly like it did for the folks that remember H1N1," said Jason Biermann, director of the department. "These will be places decentralized and outside the normal healthcare system where people can get vaccinated," he said. Agencies are also working on improving trust in the vaccine. "We know there are some challenges with the

COURTESY IMAGE

Snohomish County's case rate numbers by zip code. concerns that people have," said Biermann. According to the county's current surveys about 50 to 60 percent of people are planning to get the vaccine, he said. They hope to get that number higher. "There's a multi-agency team that's working on getting the word out on vaccine availability and vaccine safety," said Biermann. Spitters said the COVID vaccine was produced in record time but it went through the same regulatory process that all vaccines go through. "While the COVID vac-

cine is new, the clinical trials and the review and approval process, the regulatory aspect of their approval is not new at all," he said. "The speed of the development process may have made some people wary, but there were multiple layers of safety and quality assurance," he said. Washington state is part of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup which provided a further level of review over the CDC and FDA. A successful vaccine roll out could mean the first steps to returning to a world

without the threat of COVID-19. "We know a lot of people have been looking forward to this day knowing that vaccines are the best way to end the pandemic," said Somers. "We're all very excited with the news this week that the first vaccine doses have arrived today in Washington state and we expect them in Snohomish County in the next few days," he said. The health district's full interim plan for vaccine distribution is available at snohd.org/564.

Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours!

PILCHUCK RENTALS Family Owned and Operated

Hellen, Dan, Rudy, Ryan, Becky, Lance. Not pictured: Jesse.

9114 State Ave. â&#x20AC;˘ Marysville 360-659-5557 â&#x20AC;˘ 360-322-7760 www.pilchuckrents.com

Communities

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

www.northcountyoutlook.com

M-PHS drama goes digital with 'Freaky Friday' By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Mar ysv i l le-Pi lchuck High School's Drama Club was interrupted from their spring musical production of "Freaky Friday" this year, but was able to broadcast a digital version on Dec. 18. The club had originally planned to do the production last school year, however the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools down. The musical would have brought to the school's stage the classic film about a mother and daughter who mystically swap bodies and gain perspective on each other's lives. At the time of school closure the club was a month from opening night. "This was heartbreaking to them on many levels," said Roy Klementsen, direc-

tor of Marysville-Pilchuck High School's drama program. "The cast had been working on this show since January. They auditioned, learned all of the music, lines, choreography and blocking. The sets were completely built, posters were printed, programs were completed, and they were just about to start working with microphones and the orchestra," he said. The club at the time continued rehearsals and brainstormed ways to save the show, but Klementsen said morale was low. "For our seniors, this was something they've been looking forward to for many years. They decided, as a club, to cancel the show," he said. With the new class in the

fall, students decided to take a second shot at the show and re-cast the lost parts. That decision was in part a financial one as well. "Since our club has been based on the success of one show paying for the next show, we decided to at least try to put on the show, somehow," said Klementsen. COVID-19 necessitated the show be filmed and they would have to do it safely over Zoom. "Because of this new format that we had to adapt to I think the most challenging part was trying to make sure the show made sense to the audience, but I think we were able to achieve that," said M-PHS student Jesus German. Initially the club tried to film in small segments in-

COURTESY PHOTO

Marysville-Pilchuck High School Drama Club students rehearse some of the Freaky Friday musical over Zoom. person with social distancing, and then to film their own parts at home, but each method ran into problems. Eventually they filmed using Zoom.

"We went through various ways of trying to get the show to work, often having to completely scrap the idea and start over, including recasting most of the

LUNG CANCER SCREENING

So you can be there for the next adventure.

Not just for smokers.

Need a healthcare provider?

Identify cancers at their earliest stage. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait, talk to your care provider today.

360-848-5555

SkagitRegionalHealth.org/CancerScreenings

utlook

Real People. Real Life.

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Wait Until Wednesday?

Read the North County Outlook online anytime at www.northcountyoutlook.com

roles," said M-PHS student Jackson Lawler. "The whole club got really frustrated over these challenges a good amount of times, but we persevered and made something that, while not what we originally intended, we can still be proud of." Unequal access to internet also proved a problem while trying to film the show. "The biggest challenge that we had doing the show over Zoom was that some students had subpar internet connections. We had to re-film a lot because some students just 'froze' on screen, or cut in and out," said Klementsen. Despite the difficult production process, students said they enjoyed being part of the Drama Club and the community there. "I liked doing this musical because I got to grow closer to the people in the club," said M-PHS student Nolan Crumrine. "I really enjoyed being part of this mainly because it's something we've never done and I got to meet some new people," said German. They also said it was good to finish what they started earlier this year. "The best part was probably just getting to see my friends again and (somewhat) continue where we left off last spring," said MPHS student Lily Siron. Siron said she was glad that the Drama Club was able to put something together for the play. "In the end we made something the club can all be proud of even if it wasn't the original plan, but we got this," she said.

Communities

facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Free recycling event set for Jan. 9 By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Marysville locals can get rid of Styrofoam and cardboard from their holiday celebrations at a recycling event on Jan. 9. The event is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Marysville United Methodist Church at 5600 64th St. NE, Marysville. There is no charge for the recycling, but donations to the Marysville Food Bank will be accepted at the event. "We had an idea of doing this cardboard and Styrofoam recycling event right after the holidays," said Glenn Smith, a member of the Marysville Sunrise Rotary Club. The service club is joined by other local groups, including the Everett Community College's Students for Environmental Action,

the Creation Caretakers of Marysville United Methodist Church and the Marysville Community Food Bank. Smith said lots of people have cardboard and Styrofoam around their house in January because of holiday gifts and most people don't know how to properly recycle Styrofoam. "Every time we do it during the Marysville Shred-a-Thon we get a truckload of Styrofoam," said Smith. "We fill trailers of truckloads with the stuff." Smith has been involved in the construction business for many years and said that experience has taught him how to recycle the material. "They're big and bulky and hard to get rid of, but there is a way to recycle it correctly," said Smith. Styrofoam has to be clean and free of tape and other materials for

it to be recycled. "We hate to turn anything back," said Smith, but the company they use to recycle the material won't accept Styrofoam that is dirty or has other material. There are also many different types of Styrofoam and Smith said they will take the majority of them and sort through them themselves. "The only kind we can't take is the blue and pink Styrofoam that is used as construction material," he said. Other packing items such as bubble wrap, air pillows and cardboard will also be collected at the event. This is the first time that the local Rotary Club along with other groups is helping to put on this event. "We just wanted to do a good job with recycling rather than fill

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

The Marysville United Methodist Church that will host a recycling event on Jan. 9. a landfill with these," said Smith, who added that Styrofoam doesn't break down easily and stays in the environment. Most estimates for how long it takes Styrofoam to break down ranges in the hundreds of years. Many of the groups involved "want to do environmental conscious types of work" and were happy to help, said Smith.

The event is taking safety precautions because of the pandemic, said Smith, and volunteers will be wearing masks and the event is organized so that it is drive-thru and no-contact. "We want to make it really safe for those people who have concerns," said Smith, who added he hopes people feel comfortable at the event.

Season’s Greetings! SILHOUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS

REBATES STARTING AT

Don’t wait to get your home holiday ready with beautiful Hunter Douglas shades.

100

ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES

SEPT. 14 – DEC. 9, 2019

Abbey Van Dam Carpet And More 1060 Cedar Ave Marysville, WA M-F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sun: Closed 360-653-2210 www.vandamsabbeycarpetandfloor. hdwfdealer.com

FREE Premium Easyrise Headrail on Duette Honeycomb Shades *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/14/19–12/9/19 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes HDOrigins™ and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2019 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 19Q4NPSIC2

ll !

License #ABBEYVD847JR

Shop Local

License #ABBEYVD847JR

Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm, Sat: 10pm - 3pm Sun: Closed 60 Day Guarantee

ays , we do it al

M-Fri: 8am - 5pm, Sat: 10am - 3pm, Sun: Closed 60 Day Guarantee

say s, we do it a

1060 Cedar Ave. • Marysville 360-653-2210 • 1-800-910-2210 www.abbeyvandamcarpet.com

Zoey

y Zoe

1060 Cedar Ave. • Marysville 360-653-2210 • 1-800-910-2210 www.abbeyvandamcarpet.com

Abbey Van Dam Carpet and More

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Communities

www.northcountyoutlook.com

Schools work to ensure students have internet access By Nathan Whalen nathan@northcountyoutlook.com

When classes resume after the winter break in the Arlington School District, most students will spend at least the first several weeks taking classes virtually. The school district had to step back its re-opening plans as a result of the pandemic. School officials have been working during the pandemic to ensure that all students have internet access. Around 20 percent of the students, which is

around 1,000 students, don’t have access to the internet, said Brian Lewis, executive director of operations for the Arlington School District. Internet issues aren’t necessarily a rural issue as there are parts of the city that have internet connection issues. When schools shut down last spring because of COVID-19, each student received a Chromebook and students will continue to have access to devices even after the pandemic,

said Kari Henderson-Burke, executive director of teaching and learning for the Arlington School District. “We expect that to stay regardless of the pandemic,” Henderson-Burke said. “We want kids to have that advantage.” Students in kindergarten through first grade have been attending on a hybrid basis since October. The school board last month approved moving the district back a step until Jan. 19, which means most students will participate in classes via distance learning except for students identified with

Pet

having the greatest need for educational support. Those students can receive in-person instruction, according to information from the Arlington School District. After Jan. 19, kindergartners and first graders will return to hybrid instruction. If Department of Health guidance allows, second graders and third graders will join them. To help resolve the connection issues, more than 400 internet hotspots were provided to students, Henderson-Burke said. Students could also get internet access through connectiv-

Building A Bond For Life.

Lil’ Ninja Lil Ninja is a 10 month old male Labrador Retriever mix. Lil Ninja is a high energy boy who thinks he know the moves but really is all just legs! He’s a goofy teen, ready to take on the world! He is fearless and up for any adventure. He does not understand his size so may not be suitable for a home with young children since he is HIGHLY likely to bowl them over. He would benefit from structure and training. With a little work, he’s sure to stealthily steal your heart. Not suited for apartment living. NO CATS. Weighs 61 lbs.

ity stations at schools in the district. While providing internet access, hotspots also provided some challenges, Lewis noted. It was difficult to obtain the hotspots earlier in the year because the provider ran out of devices. Also, if the signal strength was weak, then they couldn’t access programs, such as Zoom, needed to conduct their schoolwork. There are also problems if multiple people use the hotspot. Around 120 students a day go to schools throughout the district to access the internet. Lewis said students go into rooms or the gymnasium or any space that allows social distancing standards to be maintained. Elementary students can show up between 9 a.m. and noon and middle and high school students can access the internet between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Lewis also pointed out the students aren’t the only ones who have challenges. “Teachers face the same challenges as students reaching the Internet.” In Marysville, school of-

ficials surveyed families and learned about a third of the students didn’t have access to the internet, said Jodi Runyon, director of communications for the Marysville School District in an email. The district’s technology team took several steps to help students including providing Chromebooks with built-in internet, providing hotspots, giving information about resources that help with internet connections and serving some students in-person who are the farthest from educational justice. There are challenges Arlington school officials are facing when providing distance learning. HendersonBurke noted that English Language Learners need support such as interaction with specialists and equipment. School employees are going to keep moving forward and keep students engaged and make sure the workload is manageable. “The goal is to continue to provide options to families,” Henderson-Burke said.

I AM AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT. Please call and leave a message that you are interested in me. The adoptions team will be calling people back in the order calls are received to perform over the phone interviews to make sure an animal is the right fit for your family. Once you are an approved adopter for the pet, an adoption appointment will be set up. Please be patient, we have limited staff due to the COVID 19 crisis so it may take us a few days to get back to all interested parties. Open Monday - Friday, 11-6 and weekends from 11-5. 31300 Brandstrom Road • Stanwood • 360-629-7055 Visit us on the web at www.thenoahcenter.org email: adopt@thenoahcenter.org

We Fetch You More

Serving Snohomish County for the past 50 years

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

and deliver it to your door! Subscription Special Buy 1 Year, Get the 2nd Year

FREE!

Offer ends December 31, 2020. New Subscribers Only.

Name ____________________________________ Phone ____________________________________ Address __________________________________

50 for One Year 45 for Seniors Free Online Access

360-435-5531 19604-67th Ave. NE, Arlington www.cuzconcrete.com www.cuzseptic.com

Send with your check to North County Outlook, P.O. Box 39, Marysville WA 98270 or call us with your credit card number at 360-659-1100



utlook

Real People. Real Life.

Communities

facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Help isolated loved ones this holiday season A phenomenon called “cabin fever” tends to set in around late autumn or in midwinter. Long hours of darkness coupled inclement weather is a recipe for increased time spent indoors. For people who live alone, the effects of cabin fever might be more pronounced. In addition to seasonal cabin fever, this year another factor comes into play: social distancing and voluntary quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Even those who may venture outside to socialize, particularly around the holiday season, may be hesitant or unable to do so to help prevent the spread of the virus. In these

instances, friends and loved ones can mitigate feelings of isolation in various ways. n Schedule video chats. Video conferencing apps have become the communication vehicles of choice during the era of social distancing. Different applications and services continue to evolve and help people stay in touch. Plan regular chats, either once or twice per week with isolated or vulnerable people. Try to organize a large group chat on the holiday itself so no one has to spend Christmas or Chanukah alone. n Drop off supplies. Even though supermarket shop-from-home and other delivery services have nor-

malized somewhat since the start of the pandemic, treat individuals who may be isolated to some personalized attention. Put together care packages of supplies or holiday treats and deliver them in person so you can see the smiles that result from being able to visit with someone familiar. n Send uplifting messages. Children or even adults can make personalized cards and mail them to loved ones at home or those who may be in longterm care facilities. Send new mailings every week or two so that residents always have something to look forward to in the mail. n Start a virtual club.

A book club or another shared interest can be the catalyst for more frequent communication. A club puts everyone on the same page and enables them to come together, via phone or video chat, for a discussion. n Ask for help learning a new skill. Along the same vein as a virtual club, lessons on everything from woodworking to crochet to making favorite holiday recipes can be conducted online. Give an isolated individual daily purpose and distraction by engaging him or her with online lessons. Isolation and feelings of loneliness can affect anyone who normally suffers from cabin fever. However,

MEALS

compared to last year each month has seen between a 40 to 80 percent increase in demand. "The demand has steadily been increasing throughout the year," said Gastineau. Those stopping by the food bank have changed to include a lot more middle class families and individuals. "So many more families who have one person who is not working, or they are working but they are not getting as many hours," said Gastineau. "Those people are drawing unemployment, but it's often not the same amount they were making before." Many who were previously able to pay mortgages or car payments now find themselves in a problem and don't want to backslide. "People who had longterm jobs but now find themselves displaced because of COVID … and

Continued from page 1

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

Arlington Community Food Bank volunteer Christina Carbajal puts a box of food into a food bank client's car during one of their Christmas dinner distribution days on Dec. 18.

about 275 households," said Carla Gastineau, director of the Arlington Community Food Bank. She noted their biggest days for December are usually just before Christmas though, so she expected the Dec. 21 and 23 distribution days to be busy. Volunteers came by during the holiday season to help out local families. "I like serving my community and there's always need. It's always set up here and it's just an easy way to show up and help," said food bank volunteer Christina Carbajal. "It's lovely to be able to see all the people and help out in the community," said food bank volunteer Jared Swislow. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic it has been a busy year overall for the food bank. They have had 150 to 160 new households per month sign up for services and

Happy Holidays to your family from ours

Linda Buchanan,Chris Kelln, Kathy McCone, Cindy Hendrickson, Sarah Anne Lippold.

4027 80th Street NE • Marysville 360.653.6744 • www. lmbcpas.com

COURTESY PHOTO

There are things you can do to help your loved ones feel less isolated during the holiday season. this year it may be more pronounced, as it could be coupled with social distanc-

___

ing precautions that have already been in effect for some time.

“

I like serving my community and there's always need. It's always set up here and it's just an easy way to show up and help.

____

Christina Carbajal

now find themselves in crisis," said Gastineau. The tough economic times have also pushed donations down as well. "I believe due to COVID, individual donations have decreased," said Gastineau. "People are really guarding their finances right now." There are fewer food drives than in years past as well, likely due to the difficulty of holding one under COVID-19 restrictions. "The Santa Run set records, but that was the only large food drive that was held this year," said Gastineau. The funding from the

”

federal coronavirus relief bill passed in March has helped provide some relief to food banks, but without a replacement yet that funding is scheduled to end Dec. 31. "There's just a lot of unknowns right now that are really unsettling," said Gastineau. She said direct monetary donations are the best way to help currently. "If everyone would consider doing a little bit as a re-occurring donation, that would go a long way," said Gastineau. More information about donating is available at arlingtonfoodbank.org.

Communities

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

www.northcountyoutlook.com

Santa Run benefits Arlington food bank The Arlington Fire Department recently completed the annual Santa Run Food Drive. For almost 30 years, off-duty fire department staff escorts Santa on a 10-night tour of Arlington neighborhoods spreading holiday cheer. With Christmas music playing, a decorated fire engine and Santa on a lighted rolling sleigh, staff collected 17,066 pounds of food and $3,007 for the Arlington Food Bank. A truly amazing event the community loves and looks forward to. Special thanks to the Arlington Fire Department staff, IAFF Local #3728 – Arlington Firefighters, the Rotary Club of Arlington and various city of Arlington staff. “In a year compromised in so many ways by the Coronavirus, we ended strong with our biggest year ever,”

MALONEY Continued from page 1

"The importance of a fire marshal is to put things in place so our people aren't facing these insurmountable tragedies that with proper planning and intervention wouldn't have happened," said McFalls "It's a proactive position in a very reactive industry." In that role Maloney supports prevention work around fireworks, heating fires and other preventable disasters, said McFalls. One of Maloney's big-

Chief Dave Kraski said, "We appreciate everyone's help. This event is truly amazing." "The demand on our food supply has increased significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while regular food donations have decreased with most events and businesses closed this past year. The Arlington Food Bank is extremely grateful for the extraordinary efforts of the Arlington Fire Department for adapting this year’s Santa Run making it a contact-free, safe activity for the community whose generosity continues to help us ensure no one in our neighborhoods go hungry, especially this holiday season. From all of us at the food bank, we thank you!" said Carla Gastineau, executive director of the Arlington Community Food Bank. gest pushes has been for installing more sprinklers in buildings. Research consistently shows that even a small sprinkler system in a building decreases the chance of death or injury by a significant amount, said McFalls. "Studies have shown if there would have just been one sprinkler head in the area when a fire started, things would've been much different, especially in the lives saved," he said. Many local businesses and organizations are supporting the effort now, said

COURTESY PHOTO

Arlington Fire District Chief Dave Kraski, right, presents a check to Carla Gastineau, executive director of the Arlington Community Food Bank.

McFalls. "He's got some people behind him that I thought would never get behind him. The Master Builders [Association] and some of the developers," he said. The Marysville Opera House is now scheduled to receive sprinklers in 2021, as well, thanks to the push. "Just from the standpoint of preservation we never want to lose such a historic building," said McFalls. "That's one of those retrofits in a building like that is not easy to." Maloney is also the cur-

Art of the Frame by Carole CUSTOM FRAMING CAROLE ESTENSON

rent vice president of the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals, and helps lead the organization. "He looks at the whole picture. Whenever we're making a decision he makes sure we represent as many people as we can," said David Kokot, president of the association. The association puts on an annual Fire Prevention Institute that is a week-long meeting to help advance the field locally and Maloney has been the lead organizer for a number of years, said Kokot. "He's really turned it into quite the event," he said. "He really brought in a higher quality of speakers." Maloney attends national events and was able to make connections there to bring back to Washington state, said Kokot.

Kokot said he thought Maloney was very deserving of the award. "He's a very humble person, although he's also outspoken about many things," he said. "It's nice to give the award to someone who doesn't know they deserve it." Maloney has worked in Marysville since 2008, and before that served as Snohomish County Fire Marshal and as the Fire Chief in Polson, Montana. He began his career as a volunteer in a small town in upstate New York. For the past nearly 13 years he said he has enjoyed Marysville, and the other areas the Marysville Fire District serves outside Marysville city limits such as Lake Goodwin. "It's special because the Marysville area and the rural area kind of reminds me

of home, and the people that make up Marysville and the RFA remind me of home," he said. "I have been blessed to do this since 1984," he said. The profession is a calling for Maloney, according to McFalls, who wanted to congratulate him for the recognition. "It's encouraging to see someone who has been in the business as long as he has and is just as excited about it as the first day he started," said McFalls. Maloney wanted to thank those who have mentored him and those who work with him. "I really attribute my success to the support of our counsel, our board members, the staff assigned to me and the firefighters as well," he said. "That has allowed me to do what I do."

Custom archival framing Specialized color & design Special order frames Shadow boxes Accent mats Flat mounts CONSULTATIONS AND DESIGN AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT (425) 750-5767 Inside The North County Outlook

Warmest Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year. 360-653-9292

1331 State Ave. Suite A, Marysville artoftheframebycarole@gmail.com

Over 88 years of experience

Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm

1-877-289-8444 • www.budbartons.com

805 Cedar Avenue • Marysville

facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook

Communities

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Sharing Wheels provides bikes to local children

COURTESY PHOTO

Sharing Wheels volunteer Joan Whittington cleans up a donated kids bike at a fall work party. Snohomish PUD Safety Message

THANKS

for staying at least 30 feet away from fallen power lines

Many Snohomish County kids will get a bike this holiday season thanks to Sharing Wheels Community Bike Shop supporters. More than 75 volunteers helped the nonprofit prepare 151 new and used bikes for low-income families this fall. About 100 bikes were matched up directly with families through the Everett bike shop. Additional bikes have been distributed to the Salvation Army, Dawson’s Place, Interfaith Family Shelter, Everett High School PTA, and Domestic Violence Services. “These bike gifts were made possible by the generosity of the community,” explained Executive Director Christy Cowley. Many peo-

ple donated cash or gentlyused bikes in support of the program. Sharing Wheels purchased new helmets to go with every bike. The Stillaguamish Tribe recently awarded a $5,400 grant to support Sharing Wheels kids bike programs and volunteers. Eagle Scout Henry Amend did a GoFundMe campaign to raise $3,000 for new bikes that fellow Scouts helped build. The Everett Sail and Power Squadron donated 34 new bikes. Bikes aren't just kids toys, though. Sharing Wheels works year-roiund to help adults who need bikes for transportation and health. A city of Everett grant allowed the nonprofit to give

maintenance classes and bikes to 12 low-income adults this year. The Everett Port Gardner Rotary granted $2,000 to support the shop's free self-help repair services. Sharing Wheels is not currently accepting donations of bikes for kids or adults – the shop is full, along with our hearts. If you need a bike, however, the shop has an excellent selection of refurbished adult bikes. The shop is located at 2531 Broadway, Everett. Parking and access are at the back of the Broadway Mall building. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Sharing Wheels will be closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1.

Arlington School Board approves scholarships By Nathan Whalen christopher@northcountyoutlook.com

NEVER approach fallen power lines. They could still carry enough electricity to cause severe harm, even death. Just being within 30 feet without ever touching the fallen lines is very dangerous. Learn more at snopud.com/fallenlines

The legacy of an Arlington High School alumnus continues to help students. The Arlington School Board recently approved making available $38,000 worth of scholarships that are funded through the Merl McGuire Mayo endowment. The awards will be divided into eight one-time scholarships of $2,750 each and two recurring scholarships of

$2,000 over four years. Merl McGuire Mayo was a 1936 graduate of Arlington High School. He graduated from Washington State University, served in the Air Force during World War II and spent his career working at Boeing in finance and contracts administration, said Gina Zeutenhorst, executive director of finance for the Arlington School District. When Mayo passed away in 2013, he left a $2.44 mil-

lion endowment to support college scholarships for Arlington School District students. The accrued interest funds the endowment, and the principal cannot be distributed, according to information from the Arlington School District. “This is a sizable endowment,” Zeutenhorst said. The school board for the 2019-2020 school year approved $55,000 worth of scholarship funds. Zeutenhorst said the endowment for the previous year had higher interest earnings. While the school board sets the number of scholarships, Arlington Dollars for Scholars sets up the process to award the scholarships. “They’ve got a fairly rigorous application process,” Zeutenhorst said. Scholarships are scored blind where the people evaluating applications don’t see names, said Annette Braaten vice president of Dollars for Scholars. Scholarships are evaluated on financial need and merit. Students applying have to be a graduate of an Arlington School District school. The application period for the scholarships opens Feb. 1. Braatenn said Dollars for Scholars is contacting schools within the district to inform students about the scholarships. She recommended students make a profile on Scholarship America before the application period opens. For more information about Arlington Dollars for Scholars, go to www.arlingtonwa.dollarsforscholars. org/.

Communities

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

www.northcountyoutlook.com

Stay safe during holiday season

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

From left, Deputy Fire Marshal Don McGhee, Firefighter Doug Cassidy, Firefighter Jared Alskog, Firefighter Josh Sampson, Medical Services Administrator Dean Shelton with some of the coats the firefighters collected.

Marysville firefighters answer the call for new coats this Christmas In a commitment to keep local children warm this winter, Marysville Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3219, delivered over 600 coats this month to the Marysville Community Food Bank Toy Store. Each year, firefighters partner with a local school to provide free coats to children, but the pandemic put that plan on hold. In the meantime, the food bank’s annual Toy Store was seeing unprecedented need for new coats among children in Marysville, Tulalip and Lakewood. Firefighters

knew they needed to step in and help. “Marysville Firefighters, like all of you, have had a tough year, but we have so much to be thankful for,” said Dean Shelton, Local 3219 President and Battalion Chief/MSA. “In a season of giving, it is our pleasure to give back to our community." Firefighters will work to ensure coats remaining after the Toy Store are distributed to children in need. These coats are provided in partnership with Operation Warm and 99.9 KISW.

Since partnering with Operation Warm in 2012, IAFF Firefighters across North America have provided new winter coats to more than 200,000 children in need.

The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are some of the most festive times of the year. Family and friends socialize and exchange gifts while many people take inventory of their good fortunes. Many things are enjoyed in abundance during the holiday season, and that unfortunately can include alcoholic beverages. A 2018 survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the supplement company Morning Recovery revealed that, among 2,000 American respondents, the average person consumes twice as many alcoholic drinks over the holidays than any other time of year. That uptick in drinking likely has something to do with the holiday social scene. In normal, nonholiday weeks, Americans attend just one social event, but that number climbs to three when the holidays arrive. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a division of the Na-

tional Institutes of Health, warns that the holidays can be a time when some people are more likely to drink to excess in the name of merrymaking. Despite the known dangers of excessive consumption of alcohol, many people still overindulge. Perhaps some sobering statistics can be just what people need to avoid drinking too much this holiday season. SCRAM systems, which make alcohol monitoring software systems for the criminal justice market, offer these statistics. n Seventy percent of holiday drunk driving deaths are caused by drivers with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher. n In December 2017, 885 people were killed as a result of alcohol-impaired crashes. n BAC between 0.08 and 0.14 causes noticeable impairment of coordination and driving skills. It is illegal to drive at this level in all 50 states. n One in eight drivers who consume alcohol say

they’ve driven when they thought they were close to or over 0.08 BAC in the past year, according to AAA. n The NIAAA reports that 40 percent of traffic-related deaths during Christmas and New Year’s involve drunk drivers. Alcohol lowers people’s inhibitions and affects their judgment, potentially contributing to reckless decisions. Many people think that a cup of coffee is all that’s needed to sober up and get home safely. The NIH says even after someone stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestines continues to enter the bloodstream, resulting in impaired judgment and coordination for hours after one has had his or her last drop. Impaired driving and other activities can make for unsafe conditions this holiday season. Celebrants should be aware of their alcohol intake and have responsible ways to get to and from social occasions.

Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT TODAY!

888-674-7053

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

Offer valid August 24, 2020 - December 31, 2020

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Thank You for Your Support

That’s what you’ll find in every issue of

North County Outlook

The only free local community paper that’s delivered d irect to your mailbox every week.

Locally owned, locally managed.

...an absolutely Marysville • 1508-A 3rd St.

360-653-3538 -Shipman Happy Schaefer funeral home Holidays (360) 659-3711 804 State Ave. Marysville WA 98270 



Happy Holidays

Sun, Moon and Tides in Snohomish County

Wednesday, December 23, through Tuesday, December 29 Wednesday, December 23 Sunrise 7:57 am • Sunset 4:19 pm

Sunday, December 27 Sunrise 7:58 am • Sunset 4:22 pm

Thursday,December 24 Sunrise 7:57 am • Sunset 4:20 pm

Monday, December 28 Sunrise 7:58 am • Sunset 4:22 pm

Friday, December 25 Sunrise 7:57 am • Sunset 4:20 pm

Tuesday, December 29 Full Moon Sunrise 7:56 am • Sunset 4:18 pm

1:49 am 6:45 am 12:37 pm 8:16 pm

Locally Owned & Operated

360-657-2773

1212 B State Ave Marysville • In Safeway Plaza

Veterans Serving Veterans 1321 State Avenue Marysville Savings over 360-658-1921 Neptune Society funeralsandcremationswa.com

Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5

12:08 am 5:35 am 12:00 pm 7:40 pm

Cremation $795 Direct Burial $1195*

Funeral Alternatives

charming store

% OFF 0 1

One per customer. With coupon only. Not valid with other offers.

3:07 am 7:58 am 1:12 pm 8:48 pm

High Tide Low Tide High Tide Low Tide

7.1 ft 4.2 ft 10.9 ft 2.5 ft

7.7 ft 5.3 ft 10.7 ft 1.6 ft

8.6 ft 6.1 ft 10.5 ft 0.8 ft

Saturday, December 26 Sunrise 7:58 am • Sunset 4:21 pm 4:03 am 9:02 am 1:46 pm 9:19 pm

High Tide Low Tide High Tide Low Tide

9.5 ft 6.7 ft 10.3 ft 0.0 ft

4:46 am 9:57 am 2:19 pm 9:50 pm

5:22 am 10:43 am 2:53 pm 10:22 pm

5:54 am 11:23 am 3:28 pm 10:57 pm

High Tide Low Tide High Tide Low Tide

10.2 ft 7.0 ft 10.2 ft -0.6 ft

10.8 ft 7.2 ft 10.1 ft -1.1 ft

11.2 ft 7.3 ft 10.0 ft -1.5 ft

Source: Mobile Geographics LLC NOT FOR NAVIGATION North County Outlook assumes no liability for damages arising from the use of these predictions. They are not certified to be correct, and they do not incorporate the effects of tropical storms, El Nino, seismic events, continental drift or changes in global sea level.

Communities

facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook

Christmas is coming and we are...

Newspaper Fun! www.readingclubfun.com

Every year, while waiting for Christmas, people around the world place glowing candles in their windows. Lights are hung on houses and trees. Cheerful fires are lighted in fireplaces. Bonfires and Yule logs blaze. Candlelight services are held in churches. Burning candles and colored lights show our joy and hope. Candles in windows show a welcoming home and hearth. Lights remind some people of stars in the sky. All kinds of light can send a message of warmth and peace to all.

I N R P U Z Z L E D P

H C S I V O Q T Q M E

G A P T X U C A N T

bu y

ing

ha ng in

nd in

sta

sin

gin

g pin

ing mp

51 50 49 48

3 4 5

7 46 47

10 40

J H I P F nuts A candy

cane orange magic t ricks gum socks

Lighting the 43 42 Way!

Follow the dots to see what Pinch put in his windows.

39 36 37

35 13 34 16

14 18

17 6

g 2 kin Wow! There’s so much to do at holiday time. a baki m ng Read the clues to fill in the puzzle and see 3 what families are doing: 11 10 1. __________ and tasting Christmas cookies 7 2. __________ for the perfect gift until your feet hurt 1 3. __________ in long lines to take photos with Santa 4. __________ and hanging wreaths and garlands 9 5. __________ through the woods to find and cut down the perfect Christmas tree str ing 4 6. __________ ornaments and stockings glaz ing ing 7. __________ and hiding gifts 8. __________ up outdoor lights and putting Santa ng 12 and Reindeer in the yard ppi o h s 9. __________ a giant ham and baking it On the first day of Christmas, 10. __________ plane tickets and packing suitcases my true love gave to me... 11. __________ greetings and sending Christmas Cards 12. __________ carols and sipping hot chocolate

tro

... a __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ in a pear tree!

29 28

30 31

32 21

27 26 25 24

22 23

Most people start shopping and wrapping gifts after the Thanksgiving holiday and continue until Christmas Eve. The well-known song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” tells about gifts given and received from December 25th until January 5th. The next day is January 6th, the day Christians believe the Three Kings brought gifts to the Holy Child.

t g i

Symbols of Christmas

There are symbols of Christmas all around us, but what do they mean or stand for? Use the letters in the word “Christmas” to fill in the blanks in the words below: 1. __ andle__ = light, joy, peace 2. c __ rol __ = music, cheer, friendliness

Answers on Page 15

3. S __ nta Cl __ us = gifts, generosity, magic 4. sto __ k __ ngs = tradition, wonder, surprises 5. b __ ll __ = church, Santa’s sleigh, merriment 6. w __ ea __ hs = neverending circle of life, growth,

7. mis __ l __ to __ = love, fun, decoration 8. re __ nd __ er = Christmas eve, Santa, sleigh

9. __ in __ el = excitement, shining, Christmas tree 10. ang __ l __ = joy, messages, peace 11. __ ard __ = friends, greetings, photos 12. t __ ee __ = evergreen, end of winter, pine scent

J S K A A R H U S O R N

Holiday Hustle and Bustle

Kids: color stuff in!

Christmas is Coming!

Christmas is coming and I ’ve hung up my stock ing. Now I’m writing my letter to San ta Claus! H ave you?

wr iti

...decorating, baking, and hiding gifts!

Dear Santa, I’ve been very good this year...

Can you find and circle items below that might fit into a stocking? L L O D K E T J B I O Y A N S E F N T O P K N E R B H N E T T E D V D C M J V N C O I J U G B N T E S H G O A N C E G N A R O K B N U I K N K O U T R E S A G F R N L J D E K O O B T E O I H S J G B Y I Y R A Z I F G I T M A G I C T R I C K N H T F D A P O I J book M U Y G F B N G R D coins S G S A Q U H E P Y doll T U C S P D G B N Y s on cray le M Y T J I N U O K puzz G H U N C N N K J D DV J N K Q S O C K E F R G T A I K L P Y T

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Opinion

www.northcountyoutlook.com

Our Best Friends

Our Favorite Quotes

Lucky

"Christmas is the spirit of giving without thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing true values." Author — Thomas S. Monson Submitted by North County Outlook editor Scott Frank.

RAVE RAVE: Thanks to the Marysville Community Food Bank, its volunteers and everyone who donated for helping so many local families have a better holiday with their annual Christmas dinner food distribution.

designated driver or take a taxi, Uber or Lyft so that you don't have to drive while drunk. RAVE: I can't wait for 2020 to finally be over and done with. It's been a very challenging and difficult year in so many ways and I look forward to 2021 being much better and brighter for everyone. Happy New Year to everyone.

RAVE: I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year. If your celebration will include alcohol, please be sure to have a

COURTESY PHOTO

This is our boy Lucky. We adopted him from Noah. We were blessed to have him for 3 years before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge in September. We love and miss him so much.

Send us photos of you and your pet The North County Outlook has a weekly feature titled Our Best Friends. Community members can send us photos of them with their pets and we will elect one to run in that week’s issue. To submit a photo, please send it to editor@northcountyoutlook.com. Please include the names of the people and pets in the photo.

North County Outlook is published every other Wednesday and mailed direct to households and businesses in Marysville, Arlington, Smokey Point, Tulalip and Quil Ceda Village. Letters to the editor, community news and story ideas may be e-mailed to editor@northcountyoutlook.com, or sent to the mailing address below. The Publisher reserves the right to edit material for content, grammar, taste, style or length, and all submitted items are published at the sole discretion of the Publisher. News Deadline: Friday 5PM before publication editor@northcountyoutlook.com

Printing and Direct Mail Services provided by Skagit Publishing

Publisher/Sales Manager ....................................... Sue Stevenson Editor ..............................................................................Scott Frank Staff Writers .............Christopher Andersson, Nathan Whalen Display Ad Sales ...................................................Carole Estenson Graphic Design ..................................................... Christina Poisal Office Manager/Billing/Directories . . . . Leah Hughes-Anderson Contributing Writers .................Steve Smith, The Tulalip Chefs

Ad Deadline: Thursday before publication 4 PM sales@northcountyoutlook.com

P.O. Box 39 • Marysville, WA 98270 1331 State Ave. #A • Marysville, WA (360) 659-1100 • Fax (360) 658-7536 www.northcountyoutlook.com

Member Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

Weekly Puzzle CLUES ACROSS 1. Popular pickup truck 4. Profoundly wise men 9. Camera company 14. Folk singer DiFranco 15. Passerine birds 16. Plum-shaped fruit used for preserves 17. Popular kids channel 18. Dodgers’ skipper 20. Removes 22. The Atlantic is one 23. Badgerlike mammal 24. Foulness 28. Luke’s mentor __-Wan 29. Commercial 30. A type of gin 31. Temptress 33. Shuts in an enclosed space 37. Milligram 38. Actress Adams 39. Strive to equal or match 41. Health insurance 42. A detective’s source 43. Small American rails 44. Alfred __, Brit. poet 46. Crest of a hill 49. Atomic #52 50. __ Caesar, comedian 51. Breaks apart

55. Register formally (Brit. sp.) 58. Worker 59. Chemical compound 60. Disgraced newsman 64. Born of 65. Chemical substance 66. Supernatural powers 67. Clothes 68. Indy footballers 69. Moves forward 70. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Driver 2. Bone cavities 3. Menacing 4. Where coaches patrol 5. Greek mythological figure 6. War-based board game 7. Midway between northeast and east 8. 18-year period in astronomy 9. Mid-century term used to describe Japanese-Americans 10. Large bodies of water 11. Eurasian ryegrass

12. Perform on stage 13. Greek island 19. 10th month of the year (abbr.) 21. One point east of southeast 24. Belgian city 25. Praise excessively 26. River in France 27. Edible lily bulbs 31. Quarterbacks take them 32. Organic compound 34. Tears down (Brit.) 35. Beloved Hollywood alien 36. Unconscious 40. Missouri 41. Firemen use them 45. Pig noise 47. Greatly dismay 48. Imitator 52. Moves by turning over 53. Boxing’s GOAT 54. Swarms with 56. Margarines 57. Feudal superior 59. As fast as can be done 60. Reciprocal of a sine 61. Chinese city 62. Tell on 63. United

facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL E. KENNAMER, Deceased. NO. 20-4-01844-31, PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS, RCW 11.40.030 The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: December 23, 2020 Personal Representative: Katherine Kennamer Attorney for Personal Representative: Bradley E. Neunzig, WSBA #22365 Address for Mailing or Service: P.O. Box 188, 103 North Street, Arlington, WA 98223

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DANNY LEE GERRER, Deceased, NO. 20-4-01773-31, PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS, RCW 11.40.030

Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Snohomish County Superior Court, Cause No. 20-4-01844-31

Submit Legal Notices to:

THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE NAMED BELOW has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: December 9, 2020. Personal Representative: Ernest Wayne Gerrer Attorney for Personal Representative: Bradley E. Neunzig, WSBA #22365 Address for Mailing or Service: P.O. Box 188, 103 North Street, Arlington, WA 98223 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Snohomish County Superior Court, Cause No. 20-4-01773-31.

Crossword answers from page 14

editor@northcountyoutlook.com Dear Santa, I’ve been very good this year...

Christmas is coming and I ’ve hung up my stock ing. Now I’m writing my letter to San ta Claus! H ave you? Did you find and circle items below that might fit into a stocking?

B G O F

A B V H N F I G

N H N G U R H I

L S N C O I N S T

L E E O A K L J M N M S T

O F T I N N J G A H U G U M G

D N T J C K D B G T Y S C Y H J

E T E U E O E Y I F G A S T U N E

T O D G G U K I C D F Q P J N K F

J P V B N T O Y T A B U D I C Q R K

B K D N A R O R R P N H G N N S G L

I N C T R E B A I O G E B U N O T P

O E M E O S T Z C I R P N O K C A Y

Y R J S K A E I K J D Y Y K J K I T

Christmas is Coming!

3. S a nta Cl a us 4. sto c k i ngs 5. b e ll s 6. w r ea t hs J S K A A R H U S O R N

I N R P U Z Z L E D P

H C S I V O Q T Q M E

G A P T X U C A N T

J H I P F A

6 S H O P P I

A 3 S T A N D I N G 10 1 B A K I N G 7 N U Y 9 G L A Z I 7. mis t l e to e N 4 M A K 8. re i nd e er G 9. t in s el 12 S I N 10. ang e l s

The Symbols of Christmas

1. c andle s 2. c a rol s

Holiday Hustle and Bustle

11. c ard s 12. t r ee s

G 11 W

N G

5 T

R O M R A P P I I N N G G

R I T I N G N G I N G

8 S

T R I N G G I N G

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

p __ a __ r __ t __ r __i __ d __ g __ e ... a __ in a pear tree!

December 23, 2020 - January 5, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Communities

www.northcountyoutlook.com

n WHISTLING GARDENER

Hug a tree, you might feel better In this day and a calming effect on us age of social distancthat cannot be denied. ing, I am inclined to You don’t have to unthink that the vast derstand it in your majority of us, either head to feel it in your consciously or unconheart. sciously, are suffering By Steve Smith This calming effect from a lack of physical of being around nacontact with our fellow human ture brings me to the subject of beings. There is something heal- tree hugging. To be clear, I am ing that happens when two indi- not talking about being a “tree viduals connect with each other hugger," a term that sadly is ofthrough a hug and it turns out ten used in the pejorative sense that a similar feeling can also be to refer to someone that is an obtained when we hug a tree. environmental extremist. I am Now, I know that some of you talking about the physical act of are probably thinking that I have a full-body-contact hugging of a finally lost it when it comes to our tree and the positive vibes we can relationship with our plants, but receive from that action. there is evidence that supports According to Þór Þorfinnsson, the benefits of bonding with an East Icelandic forest ranger, trees, and more generally, with “When you hug [a tree], you feel nature. I have written in the past it first in your toes and then up about the practice of “forest bath- your legs and into your chest and ing," also known as the Japanese then up into your head. It’s such art and science of shinrin-yoku. a wonderful feeling of relaxation If you would like to learn more, I and then you’re ready for a new recommend reading Forest Bath- day and new challenges.” He ing by Dr. Qing Li. It could help goes on the tell us that “If you open your mind to the benefits of can give yourself five minutes of this practice. But even if you can’t your day to hug [a tree], that’s buy into the metaphysical aspect definitely enough. You can also of this activity, just being in the do it many times a day — that forest (without your cell phone wouldn’t hurt. But once a day or any other connection to your will definitely do the trick, even everyday distractions) can have for just a few days.” As for what

kind of tree we should select, he offers this advice, “There are plenty of trees … it doesn’t have to be big and stout, it can be any size. If you don’t have access to a forest, any tree will do. Chances are that there are trees down the block that haven’t been hugged in a while either.” Once you find that perfect tree, hold on tight and don’t let go. “It’s also really nice to close your eyes while you’re hugging a tree,” Þór Þorfinnsson says. “I lean my cheek up against the trunk and feel the warmth and the currents flowing from the tree and into me. You can really feel it.” While I realize that some of you will dismiss this fellow as a total nut, I would say “don’t knock it until you’ve tried it." I have never doubted that there is a spiritual connection to all living things that we encounter in life and there is no reason to exclude the plant kingdom from that list. In this time of social distancing, I ask you “what have you got to lose?" Stay safe and keep on gardening. Steve Smith is the owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached at sunnysidenursery@msn.com.

Hugging a tree just might make you feel better.

COURTESY POTO