Stand Against Racism event
Snohomish County YWCA's 13th Annual Stand Against Racism event will be on Thursday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Snohomish County Courthouse Plaza for a rally with presentations from community leaders such as state Rep. Julio Cortes (D-Everett), music, resource tables and more! Raise awareness about institutional and structural racism while getting to know your Snohomish County YWCA community at this outdoor event.

Energy Block Party
The Snohomish County PUD is shutting down their block for the annual Energy Block Party Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. This free family fun includes touch a truck, children’s activities, dazzling electrical safety demonstrations (11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.) EV car show and food trucks. Come meet Zip and Zap, PUD’s squirrel mascots! 2320 California St, Everett (and behind the building).  

Free Earth Week Recycling Event
The Snohomish County Office of Energy & Sustainability is hosting a FREE earth week event for the public on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Evergreen State Fair Park, Red Parking Lot; 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe.
Runs until trucks reach capacity.
Bring hard-to-recycle items to this event to be recycled or properly disposed of for free. Items accepted include Styrofoam, electronics, household batteries, fluorescent lightbulbs, and metal including appliances like washing machines, stoves, or BBQs. A full list of items accepted is at www.snohomishcountywa.gov/3871/Earth-Day There also will be booths and tables to learn about county programs for climate resiliency.

Kaci’s Big 5K and Battle of Badges
The Fifth Annual Kaci Edelbrock Memorial 5K will be Sunday, May 5 at Lake Tye Park, Monroe.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for children 3-12, free for under age 2. The “kids korner” opens at 10 a.m., the race is at 11 a.m.
Race registration is open at www.runsignup.com/bigheartbigsmilekaci5k
Stick around for the Battle of Badges Softball Game at noon between Monroe Police and Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue.
Proceeds help fund Big Heart Big Smile programs that include a high school scholarship, a backpack program, a pumpkin giveaway and a holiday toy drive.
Ward Roney Jr. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7511 and its Auxiliary’s annual Flags for our Fallen 5k run/walk event is Saturday, May 18 at Lake Tye Park, 14964 Fryelands Blvd., Monroe. Run to remember and honor the lives of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Race start is 9 a.m.
Registration is $35 until May 1, and $40 after.
To register: www.monroe5k.com

E-waste and Paint free recycling event
Interstate All Battery Center is collecting paint and electronic waste for free Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Interstate All Battery Center is at 727 134th St SW, Everett.
Don’t let old paint, expired batteries, faulty appliances, electronics, or other items take up space.

Spring Bazaar  and Plant Sale
The Monroe Community Senior Center’s annual Spring Bazaar will be Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring plants from the Monroe Garden Club. Arts and crafts, jewelry, home decor, fashion, gifts and more. 276 Sky River parkway in Monroe.

Snohomish Plant Sale
The Snohomish Garden Club will hold its plant sale on Saturday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Swan’s Trail Farms, 7301 Rivershore Rd., just 3.5 miles west of Snohomish. The sale will offer many varieties of perennials, annuals, small trees and shrubs as well as a garage sale of miscellaneous items. The proceeds will go to scholarships to graduating high school students from Snohomish who choose to continue their educations in the field of horticulture. For further information about the Plant Sale, please go to www.snohomishgardenclub.com.

Monroe annual plant sale
The Monroe Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the Monroe Community Senior Center, 276 Sky River Pkwy, Monroe.  Shoppers will find a wide selection of perennials, vegetable starts, and shrubs. Cash, checks, debit or credit cards accepted.

HVAC contest for Everett moms
CM Heating and Cooling wants to show their appreciation to mothers with a contest for a free HVAC unit to a local mom. They are working with parent company Air Pros USA to identify a local mother within the Everett area who could use a new HVAC unit valued at $10,000.
Individuals are invited to nominate until Monday, April 22 by completing a brief application at: https://airprosusa.com/airpros-mothers-day/

Watercoloring workshops
Learn watercolor painting through the Northwest Watercolor Society. Laurie Goldstein-Warren’s workshop “Dynamic Pouring” will be April 22-23 and Sarah B. Hansen’s ‘Energetic Acrylics’ April 24-25. 
Both events are online. Tickets cost $50. Register at www.nwws.org/nwws-workshops/   

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.

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

Hooves ‘N Boots
Nonprofit Empowering Strides, which works with children with neurological differences, is holding a fundraiser called Hooves ‘N Boots from 4:30 p.m. into the night April 28 at Dairyland, 12128 Treosti Road, Snohomish. Tickets are $60. Ticket includes a BBQ Dinner Buffet but not drinks. Drink tickets are extra at $6 each.

Rock & Gem Show
The Everett Rock & Gem club will host its 69th Annual Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe.
Highlighting the show will be exhibits of crystals and minerals, beads and pendants, polished decorated stone artwork and handcrafted silver jewelry. Lapidary artists will demonstrate gemstone faceting, intarsia, wire wrapping, silversmithing, stone shaping, carving and polishing techniques throughout the weekend.
An educational activity area for youth (under 18) will be open continuously during the show. A free polished rock will be given to all kids
There will also be a silent auction, custom jewelry design, manufacture and repair service, dealer booths and free door prize drawings every hour.
Admission and parking is free. www.everettrockclub.com

Salmon for Soldiers
The 2024 Day of Honor boater registration is now open. The event is in need of 100 volunteer boaters who wish to provide a day on the water for Veterans and Active Duty Military members. The Day of Honor is scheduled for Sept. 14 at Harbor Marine at the Port of Everett. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided. Launching, moorage and parking free. Send an email to salmonforsoldiers@gmail.com if interested.

Locals start STEM scholarship
Snohomish residents Dave Schmotzer and Lynette Fricke have created the Otto Bear Memorial Scholarship with a total fund of $5,000. Any female high school senior in California, Oregon, or Washington who is pursuing STEM with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply for this scholarship opportunity. To apply, go to www.bold.org/scholarships/otto-bear-memorial-scholarship/

College entrance help
Casino Road community members ages 16 to 29 needing help with applying for college or career advising can set 1-on-1 meetings in English and Spanish with an adviser through Connect Casino Road. This is free. Make an appointment with Vilma Alvarado Garcia at 206-531-3022 (call/text) or email vilma@nweducationaccess.org Assistance is offered the first and third Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. Meet at The Village on Casino Road center, 14 E. Casino Road, Everett.

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.

Cribbage and cards
Artisans Books and Coffee, in the Hodges Building at 1802 Hewitt Ave., Everett, offers cribbage and card playing every second and fourth Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m.

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.

Don’t grieve alone
Have you lost a loved one to substance addiction? You don’t have to grieve alone. Meetings are the first Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Marysville Library, 6120 Grove St. For more information visit www.grasphelp.org or email the local contact at seameruok@msn.com

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.

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.

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.

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.