Front Porch

HEADS UP

Sounder parking shortage

Sounder commuters at the Mukilteo Station may have found parking a bit more difficult Tuesday. Those challenges may continue during construction of the new WSDOT ferry terminal for the next six months. Twelve Sounder parking spots were temporarily relocated but were restored. Sound Transit said if the regular stalls are full, commuters should drive through to the front of the lot, loop around, and the new stalls will be on your right.

OPPORTUNITY

Giving trees in Edmonds

The city of Edmonds and Volunteers of America are inviting folks to visit two giving trees in town to select and donate gifts to children in need.

One is at City Hall, located at 121 Fifth Avenue, and the other is at the Frances Anderson Center on 700 Main Street.

The tags are for children aged 1 to 12 who are in the early childhood education and assistance program or in the Volunteers of America short-term shelter, a news release said.

Once you’ve got a tag from a tree, you have until Dec. 16 to return the wrapped gift to either of the locations.

More info: www.voaww.org

Motorcycle club hosts toy drive

The Unchained Brotherhood Motorcycle Club is hosting its 11th annual toy drive Dec. 14 and 15 at the Everett Mall Way Walmart.

Members will be outside the store 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. There will be a biker Santa taking pictures with children for free.

All toys go to “Seeds of Grace – Christmas House.”

More info: (425) 754-7096.

EVENTS

Local musicians play holiday hits

The Everett Music Initiative is hosting an evening of holiday hits featuring local musicians and bands.

The concert will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 12 at the Schack Art Center.

Musical groups include Alex Johnston, Hillary Grace Fretland, Moody Bear and Rio Chanae.

Tickets are $5.

More info: www.schack.org

Sing-a-long at Everett library

Children age two to six are invited to join singer Nancy Stewart at the main branch of the Everett Library for a morning of holiday songs.

The event is free and goes from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 12 at 2702 Hoyt Avenue.

More info: www.epls.org

Fire dangers

The Marysville Fire District will display wreaths at all five of its stations through New Year’s Day, to remind people about fire safety. Each wreath is covered in green bulbs that change to red when there’s a fire in the district, and to white when a firefighter dies in the line of duty in the United States.

The wreathes are supposed to serve as a reminder to prevent fires during the holidays.

The fire district gives these reminders:

Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Christmas Eve and Christmas are two leading days when home fires are caused by unattended cooking.

Put out candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Don’t place candles near decorations or other flammable items.

Make sure Christmas trees are at least three feet away from any heat source.

Always turn off the Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.