News, Information and Announcements

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Lynnwood Library Gallery Featuring Photographer Maylee Noah

From August 13 – September 23, the Lynnwood Library Gallery will feature artwork by photographer Maylee Noah.

The series of photographs titled “Oaxaca: Vida Mirado” features works that explore the streets, markets and festivals of Oaxaca, Mexico.  This documentary style look not only shows the daily life of the people of Mexico, but also shows how warm and welcoming they are. About her presence as a photographer among the people Maylee says, “I’m not invisible. It would be so much easier if I were.  But invisible I’d miss the rewards that go beyond making images. I’d miss the warmth of being there and feeling accepted.”

The Lynnwood Library Gallery, 19200 44th Avenue West, is Free to the public, and presented by the Lynnwood Arts Commission. 

Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Library is closed on national holidays. For more information, please call 425-670-5518.

44th Ave W & Interurban Trail Pedestrian Bridge Grand Opening

On August 4, 2010 at 2 p.m. the City of Lynnwood will be holding a Grand Opening for the 44th Ave West & Interurban Trail Pedestrian Bridge.

The new bridge and connecting trail improves safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, completes the Interurban Trail in Lynnwood, and provides better access to the Lynnwood Transit Center from the trail.

The bridge crosses 44th Avenue West near Interstate 5.  The west end of the bridge connects to the existing Interurban Trail near the Lynnwood Transit Center. The east end of the bridge has a new 1500-foot section of trail connecting the bridge to the existing Interurban Trail at 40th Avenue West.  The new pedestrian bridge separates vehicle and pedestrian traffic, helping to improve safety for everyone. 

As a part of the project, over 60 new signs have been added to the Interurban Trail through Lynnwood to enhance safety and way-finding for all users.

Highlights:

• Ribbon Cutting
• Refreshments
• Participants of “First to Cross the Bridge” will lead the first crossing.

Information about the transition from Verizon to Frontier

As you may know, the transaction for high-speed internet, telephone, and television services between Frontier and Verizon closed on July 1, 2010.  There will be a transition period as customers are moved from Verizon to Frontier. For example, over a six-month period, Frontier will assist it’s customers in moving from an @verizon.com to an @frontier.com email address. Also, Frontier indicates that there will be a few changes to the Interactive Media Guide. Frontier will proactively communicate with their customers before any changes are made.

To assist customers with the transition, Frontier has established a website, www.frontier.com/new, as a resource to answer questions and to share information about Frontier.

Citizens with questions about Frontier or the transition from Verizon to Frontier should call 1-877-462-8188.

Lynnwood Call For Artists – Deadline Approaching

The July 31st deadline is quickly approaching for artists of all ages and abilities to submit artwork for Lynnwood’s “It’s Not Easy Being Green” art exhibit.

The Lynnwood Arts Commission is looking for entries for its annual juried themed art exhibit that will take place September 27 – November 18, 2010. This year’s exhibit is titled “It’s Not Easy Being Green” and artists are invited to submit 2D and 3D work that explores the color green, the idea of being environmentally green, or any other interpretation of the word “green”. 

This is the 7th year Lynnwood has hosted the very popular themed art exhibit.  Artwork selected will be on exhibit in the Lynnwood Library Gallery and a juror will select three prize winners to receive award baskets filled with donated items from the local business community. 

For an application or more information visit www.LynnwoodArts.org or call Marianne Johnson at 425-670-5518. Deadline to apply is July 31, 2010. 

Fireworks in Lynnwood

It’s OK to have a blast in Lynnwood on the Fourth of July – as long as you’re safe and abide by the law.

This Fourth of July, be sure your family is prepared to have a safe and fun holiday. A great way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a local celebration. 2009 marked the “Last Blast” of Lynnwood’s Star Spangled Celebration so citizens will have to travel to view an aerial display this year. Fortunately, you don’t have go far. The cities of Edmonds, Everett, Kenmore, Seattle and Bellevue will all be hosting aerial fireworks displays that are open to the public. Information about many of these events is available at www.snohomish.org on the events calendar.

All fireworks are dangerous, especially to children. Each year there are hundreds of injuries from fireworks in Washington State and nationally. Legal fireworks were responsible for nearly half of all injuries. Of the incidents involving legal fireworks, sparklers, which many parents feel safe allowing a child to use, caused 24 percent of the injuries.

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks. But if you plan to use fireworks, use the following safety tips:

• Fireworks can be discharged within the city limits of Lynnwood from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4 only.
• Buy locally to be sure that you have purchased legal fire works.
• If it blows-up (explodes) or goes-up (shoots like a rocket) it is illegal.
• Only adults should light fireworks. Do not overestimate your child’s ability to use good judgment.
• If a device doesn’t launch correctly DO NOT LOOK INTO THE TUBE. Serious injuries and death have occurred from this. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks.
• Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.
• Don’t store fireworks in plastic bags, static in the bags can ignite flash powder used in some fireworks.

Don’t forget about your pets:

• If you can, stay home with your pets on the Fourth of July.
• Encourage calm behavior with praise and attention. (Don’t try to soothe and comfort a scared dog, it will only increase the problem. Instead be cheerful and in control.)
• Keep your dog indoors if you cannot be at home.
• Put the dog in an interior room that is safe and familiar.
• Make sure your dog is well identified in case of escape. (For example: updated micro chipping and a collar and tag.)
• Cat owners should also keep their cats indoors.
• Rabbits and other caged animals should be safely secured in a garage or outbuilding, away from the sight and sound of fireworks. As an alternative, the cage can be covered with thick fabric to muffle the sound, making sure there is sufficient ventilation.
• Horses should be securely stabled or moved to a different location during fireworks displays in the area. Also, remove sharp objects and be sure stable windows are covered.

Enforcement of illegal use of fireworks range from confiscation of all fireworks materials to being charged with a felony. Unlawful sale or discharge of fireworks is a misdemeanor (fine up to $500). Unlawful possession of fireworks, depending on the type, could range from a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000) to a class C felony ($5,000 with possible jail time), if in possession of an illegal explosive device (IED).

In case of emergency, or to request the Lynnwood Fire and/ or Police departments for a fireworks violation, dial 911.

Project Concentrus Citizen Survey

Citizen's of the City of Lynnwood are invited to participate in an important Web-based survey about economic development and economic vitality in Snohomish County.

The leadership of the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County, Everett Area of Chamber of Commerce, and the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this survey as a part of Project Concentrus, a planning and engagement process to spark greater economic development and economic vitality across the County.

Completion of the survey will only take 5 to 10 minutes of your time. Please review each question carefully and select the answer that best reflects your view or situation. Also, please answer all parts of all questions in the survey so we have all your inputs on the important issues being assessed in the survey.

 Citizen Survey Link

The survey website will be open day and night for two weeks, starting on Tuesday, June 22. The survey will run through July 9th.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please email Don Iannone, the consulting team project manager.

BRIDGING THE GAP

Be the First Across Lynnwood's New 44th Avenue West & Interurban Trail Bridge

Did you know that this summer the City of Lynnwood is bridging the gap on the interurban trail at 44th Avenue West and Interstate 5?
 
This summer the City of Lynnwood will have a ribbon cutting and ceremonial first walk and first bike ride over the new Pedestrian Bridge that bridges the gap on the interurban trail.  We will be doing a contest for the first group of walkers and the first group of bicyclers to go over the bridge at this ceremony.

If you are interested in being part of the first group fill out the application below and turn into the Public Works Department located at Lynnwood City Hall 19100 44th Ave W ; mail to PO Box 5008 Lynnwood WA 98046-5008 ; or e-mail to mquerry@ci.lynnwood.wa.us by June 25, 2010.

 PDF version of Application for printing 

 MS Word version of Application for emailing

Construction Starts at Lynnwood Recreation Center Renovation Project

Demolition is complete and construction has already started, says Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Director Lynn Sordel regarding work on the new Lynnwood Recreation Center located at 44th Avenue West just south of 188th Street.

We’ve come through the winter months on schedule and under budget, he added. As long as we find no surprises in the rest of our construction process, we expect to stay that way. The project is a $25M remodel of the 33-year-old facility. When completed, the new Center is expected to serve as a regional recreation destination attracting more than 520,000 users each year.

Passersby of the Lynnwood Recreation Center on 44th Avenue West have seen dramatic changes to the building in the past month, Sordel added. “Site utilities, locker room, and pool plumbing is complete and we’ve hauled off nearly 150 truckloads of dirt and about 128 truckloads of debris during the last four months.

M.A. Mortenson Company, general contractor for the project, oversaw the completion of structural demolition and site excavation and is currently wrapping up the remaining north side soils excavation from around the new leisure pool area.

In response to residential and staff questions asking why the City didn’t just take down the whole Recreation Center, Sordel stated that we asked that same question of our architect, NAC, early in the design process. Their response was that selective demolition would result in considerable cost savings to the City. By salvaging portions of the building we’ve saved an estimated $1.3 million in construction costs. That’s significant, he added. In addition we’ve also reduced the amount of construction waste going to the landfill.

Management of construction waste is one element of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design project checklist. The City is seeking LEED ® Silver certification from the U.S Green Building Council.

In keeping with the City’s Green Building objectives, the debris removed during demolition included concrete, brick, drywall, wood framing, roofing and metal. These materials were taken off site and sorted, according to officials. Of the total amount of construction waste, 1,260 cubic yards were recycled for re-use; only about 27 cubic yards were sent to the landfill for disposal.

The renovated Recreation Center is scheduled to reopen in spring 2011. For more information contact Katie Anderson, City of Lynnwood Parks and Recreation Department at 425-744-6445, or e-mail kanderson@ci.lynnwood.wa.us.

United States Census 2010

Why does it matter if I'm counted?

Community planners and governments rely on census data to make the case for providing critical social services and funding for community programs that affect your quality of life. Census data also helps determine the distribution of federal funds for community services.

Is it safe to participate in the census?

Yes! By law, the Census Bureau cannot share your answers with anyone, including the Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency or any other government agency.

What kind of assistance is available to help people complete the form?

Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will be available to support those unable to read or understand the form. Language Assistance Guides will be available at all QAC locations in 59 languages.

The Lynnwood Library has been designated as a QAC site.

If you do not receive a questionnaire in the mail, you can pick one up at any Be Counted Site, and also drop off your completed questionnaire. Lynnwood City Hall, Fire Station 15 and the Lynnwood Senior Center are designated as Be Counted Sites.

For more information visit www.2010.census.gov.

Community Transit Helps Drivers Find Healthier Options

Community Transit Helps Drivers on Snohomish County’s High Congestion Roads Find Healthier Options Curb the Congestion program unveils new tools and incentives

Snohomish County, Wash. - Residents and commuters along three high congestion roads in Snohomish County are being targeted by a Community Transit program urging them to get out of their cars. Drivers can even get personalized assistance to plan a bus trip, find a biking or walking route, or join a carpool or vanpool.

Plus, they have a chance to win some incentive prizes.

Curb the Congestion is a partnership between Community Transit and Snohomish County to reduce traffic and encourage healthy travel options on congested roadways. The program provides people who live and drive along the designated roads with information and incentives to reduce their drive-alone trips. A dedicated Curb the Congestion specialist provides one-on-one help with planning trips.

Participants who log their alternative trips at least 12 days a month are eligible to win a $250 monthly incentive prize or a $1,000 quarterly incentive prize.

Curb the Congestion is funded by Snohomish County through development mitigation fees and federal grants, and operated by Community Transit.
The county identified three specific high congestion corridors because they could benefit the most from this type of program based on the existing infrastructure (i.e., roads, bike lanes, sidewalks and transit facilities), constraints to further road improvements and development patterns.

The three corridors are:

• 164th Street SW/SE (between Lynnwood and Mill Creek)
• 128th Street (between Everett and Mill Creek)
• 20th Street SE (between Lake Stevens and Everett)

Anyone 16 years or older who lives or works in Snohomish County and travels one of these corridors can participate. When signing up, participants will be encouraged to bus, carpool, vanpool, bike or walk instead of driving alone.

In addition to utilizing a travel specialist, Curb the Congestion participants have new web tools and resources available. An easy online calendar helps people log their trips and tracks eligibility for prize drawings. The calendar can also track the impact of an individual’s new travel alternative, such as air pollution prevented and money saved.

The website also has resources for bus information, maps, carpool matching, a “Bike Buddy” program and other tools.

Information and registration is available at www.communitytransit.org/CurbIt. Residents without Internet access can contact (425) 438-6136 or CurbIt@commtrans.org.

Curb the Congestion was first launched in May 2008 on the 164th Street corridor after the county declared that road at “ultimate capacity.”
In the first 18 months of the program, about 400 people cut their drive-alone trips about 60 percent, and a follow-up survey indicated that about 90 percent of participants continued using bus or vanpool after their formal participation ended.

Community Transit strives to help Puget Sound commuters think transit first. With 62 local and commuter bus routes and one of the nation’s largest vanpool programs, the agency is a leader in finding new ways to make alternative transportation an attractive option. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-RIDE or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or
(888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to www.communitytransit.org.

Lynnwood Launches Citywide Branding Project

Lynnwood has launched an intensive nine-month branding program designed to discover what makes the community special so it can stand out in the marketplace. The ultimate goal of this citywide initiative is to define Lynnwood for residents, busiesses and visitors and to promote the city's identity.

To bring outside objectivity to the project, Lynnwood has partnered with North Star Destination Strategies. North Star has helped develop community brands for more than 100 cities in 25 states nationwide.

"It is time for our citizens, residents, businesses and community to define Lynnwood. We are pleased to have North Star Destination Strategies as our partner on this important project" said Lynnwood Mayor Don Gough. North Star was selected through a competitive process and we have every confidence in their ability to guide the community through this very important branding effort."

"Your brand is what people say about you when you're not around. In other words, your reputation." explains Don McEachern, CEO of North Star. "People and business define a city - without ever visiting - based wholly on the word-of-mouth about it. Branding is what you do to change or refine that message. We are delighted to be working with Lynnwood in this capacity."

The integrated process includes research, strategy and creative development. The first stage is research and comprises about 80% of the work. "Here we determine the state of your existing brand," says McEachern. More than 15 pieces of qualitative and quantitative research will paint a thorough picture of where Lynnwood is today. This research includes an assessment of the environment, inquiry origin, visitor origin, demographics and psychographics of residents and visitors, perceptions of visitors, residents and stakeholders, and a review of current communications and the competition.

Using that research, North Star will develop a brand strategy that is relevant to Lynnwood's current situation but also differentiates the city. "The research will not only tell our existing story, it will yield insights that point us in the direction of our desired and chosen future story," says Mayor Gough.

The final stage of the project will involve the development of a brand identity guide for Lynnwood. "You will get suggestions for a new logo and tagline as part of this guide. But a brand is so much more than that," stresses McEachern. "A city needs to embrace their brand, and we will work with Lynnwood to develop the creative tools and ideas to make that happen."

"We have a lot to be proud of here in Lynnwood," concludes Mayor Gough. "We just need to let everyone know that."

If you are interested in learning more about Lynnwood's branding initiative visit www.brandlynnwood.com or contact Mary Monroe, Project Manager, at 425-670-5043 or mmonroe@ci.lynnwood.wa.us. To learn more about North Star Destination Strategies, go to www.northstarideas.com.

For more information contact: Mary Monroe, Project/Tourism Manager, 425-670-5043, mmonroe@ci.lynnwood.wa.us

BBB Alerts Consumers about U.S. Census Workers: Be Cooperative, But Cautious!

For years, Better Business Bureau has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at their front door.  With the U.S. Census process beginning, BBB advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.
 
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.  Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data. 

“Most people are rightfully cautious and won’t give out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors, however the Census is an exception to the rule,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “Unfortunately, scammers know that the public is more willing to share personal data when taking part in the Census and they have an opportunity to ply their trade by posing as a government employee and soliciting sensitive financial information.”
 
The Census data will be used to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds every year, as well as determine a State’s number of Congressional representatives. Households are actually required by law to respond to the Census Bureau’s request for information.

During the U.S. Census, households will be contacted by mail, telephone or visited by a U.S. Census worker who will inquire about the number of people living in the house. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers who are impersonating Census workers in order to gain access to sensitive financial information such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers. Law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and Social Security numbers.
 
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
 
• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.  While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

• Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home.  However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org