Dickens Fair a huge success

Dear Editor,

The 26th Annual Dickens Fair was a busy community day at Cavelero Mid High.  Over 100 vendors, many dressed in Dickens era clothing, sold their handcrafted items while choirs and bands from the district’s schools performed throughout the day.
This community event provides spaces for free to non-profits and community civic organizations in an effort to support their fundraising campaigns. 
The senior class parents take over the cafeteria providing food throughout the day with profits going to help pay for the All Night Drug and Alcohol Free Graduation Party.  As shoppers leave the fair many purchase their Christmas wreaths and swags from Lake Stevens High School FFA students, proceeds helping to support their program.
At the door shoppers were greeted by  members of the Lake Stevens Fire Department who gathered food and monetary donations for the Lake Stevens Food Bank.  The community was extremely generous providing over 45 boxes of food and $693.34 in donations taken at the door.
There are many thanks that go out to those who contributed to make this day a huge success.  Thanks to the Lake Stevens Music Directors and students who performed throughout the day—the fair is unique due to their participation. 
Thanks to Lake Stevens Police for assisting with vendor parking in the early morning hours, thanks to City Administrator Jan Berg and her daughter Macy who collected food and donations at the west entrance and to the Lake Stevens Fire crew who managed the front door collections throughout the day, thanks to Assistant Principal Lisa Sanchez who assisted with logistics on Friday prior to the fair.
And so, on the first Saturday in December, for the past 26 years, the Lake Stevens Community has come together to support each other and to spend the day here in our community.  So mark your calendars now for next year, December 7, where you can start your day at the Dickens Fair, see the arrival of Santa via a “Big Red Fire Engine” in downtown Lake Stevens, and end the day at Ixtapa where firefighters collect tips to make Christmas merry for those in need.
Thank you for making this an amazing event for our community.

Arlene Hulten
Director of Community Services
Lake Stevens School District

Sometimes you need a little help from your friends

Dear Editor,

We are a Lake Stevens family with numerous Staten Island and New Jersey family members who have been horribly affected by the Hurricane Sandy disaster. (Lake Stevens is where these family members come on their summer vacations.) 
Their homes and neighborhoods have been devastated, and some have still not been able to return home. Please consider a personalized donation if you have the means.
We have a mission of assisting “John Mahoney Back East to Rebuild.” John drove back east on November 8. He was in between employment opportunities here, and his family needed him. He is doing great and has been rebuilding our niece’s home since he arrived and has additional requests from others in her Midland Beach community as well.
We have “grown up” in the Lake Stevens community. Not as kids, but since our early twenties as young parents. Maybe you know us through the LSSD as fellow parents? Maybe you know us as neighbors? Maybe John coached your child in softball or basketball in the past?
No matter where you know us from, we are in a situation where we need to call on our friends and community. If you have a little bit to donate, please know whatever you can give will be a blessing.
You are not only helping a community back east, you are also helping a local Lake Stevens family directly assist in rebuilding, while keeping our home here as well. Payments from insurance and FEMA fall short of the expenses needed, and are not always timely.
Thanks for considering our mission as a donation opportunity. You will be helping both a local family and helping rebuild devastated communities in the Staten Island borough of NYC.
An account has been created at Wells Fargo for our heartfelt mission. (Account Name: “John Mahoney Back East to Rebuild.”) This account was set-up at the downtown branch, but donations can be made at any branch.
God Bless you and your family as we approach the end of our notorious 2012 year.
We wish your family well as all of us walk through some very challenging times.

Karen, Meghan, Shannon,
Lauren (& John) Mahoney
Lake Stevens

Thanks to Fire Station 81 crew

Dear Editor,

While heading home from basketball practice recently my 10-year-old son suffered an exercise induced asthma attack. 
Unfortunately, his inhaler was not where it is usually kept!  Panic immediately set in, as his breathing quickly became labored and skin tones changed to a bluish-purple color, while knowing that we were a good 10 minutes from his nearest inhaler. 
However, we were incredibly fortunate to be near Fire Station 81 in downtown Lake Stevens where paramedic Keith Terry and his crew were on duty. 
As we arrived the units were being dispatched to a call.  Paramedic Terry and his crew radioed for coverage and graciously stayed behind at the station to assess my son’s condition and provide the medical treatment necessary for my son to resume normal breathing.
Paramedic Terry calmed my son and quickly made him comfortable given the circumstances.
While treating him, another firefighter picked up on the fact that my seven-year-old daughter was quite frightened for her brother’s well being and quickly averted her attention with a personal tour of the fire station and equipment. 
Both children left the station much happier than they had arrived wearing their newly acquired shiny red fireman helmets. 
Kudos to the crew at Station 81 for their quick response, dedicated and personal service!

Marlo Warbis
Lake Stevens

Boy Scouts thank Kiwanis for tree lighting

Dear Editor,
 
Boy Scout Troop 41 wants to thank the Lake Stevens Kiwanis for their incredible efforts and sponsorship of the Lake Stevens community Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus for the event.
The young men of Troop 41 were happy and proud to again serve hot chocolate to the parents and kids waiting on Santa’s arrival and want to really thank the Rainy Day Caffe for their help.
The Caffe employees sang songs, kept the energy up, and prepared the hot chocolate the boys served.
The boys truly appreciate the great friendships we create with local businesses and the Lake Stevens Kiwanis Club. It is these partnerships between our local businesses and community that make Lake Stevens such a wonderful city to live.


Todd Welch
Boy Scout Troop 41
Outings Coordinator