Artist's rendition of the mural to be raised at 111 5th Ave. S.

“When I painted these, my backyard overlooked the Puget Sound,” muralist Tracy Kay Fraker commented, “just off the ridge of Maplewood Drive in Edmonds. My favorite part of the view there was the sky.” Fraker’s diptych mural Sun/Rise, Moon/Rise is being mounted this weekend, weather permitting, on the side of Edmonds Bookshop in downtown Edmonds. “Sky imagery has always captivated me, so when I saw that the Mural Society’s theme was A Moment In Time, I knew immediately what mural concept to submit.”

“They’re stunning works, really,” Mural Society spokesman Jeff Stilwell said.  “To look at them is to drown in them.  I don’t know too many works like that.  We’re lucky to have a painter of Tracy’s caliber living just a few doors down the street.”

Fraker’s mural is the fifth of five murals being raised this summer by the Edmonds Mural Society.  “That brings us to a total of six so far,” noted development director Manya Vee, “two historical, two contemporary and two abstract; a wonderful mix for everyone in the community to enjoy.”

“For me, knowing that one of my works was going to be permanently mounted in this town I love so much, cemented my ties to the community,” Fraker said.  “I love the way they have supported me over the years and this is my way of supporting them right back.”

Edmonds Bookshop owner Mary Kay Sneeringer plans to paint the front of her store to match one of the colors in the mural.  “I’d like to de-beige Edmonds,” Sneeringer said.

Fraker has been painting as a fine artist since 2000.  “The Mural Society’s Call to Artists for next season was just put out,” Fraker said. “I encourage all artists to find something in their work that fits this next theme and see if they can become part.  I mean how cool it is that?” Edmonds Mural Society Members vote, choosing the theme each year.  2010′s (history) theme was A Moment In Time.  2011′s (natural beauty) theme is Hidden Treasures. “In this way, the Mural Society rotates yearly among the three goals of its mission to celebrate the beauty, history and people of Edmonds,” Stilwell said.  “That way, it’s always fresh and keeps us on our toes.”

The Edmonds Mural Society, seeking 501(c)3 status, is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization relying exclusively on donations from its members. For more information, visit www.edmondsmuralsociety.org.

See the website for more information.  Questions? Contact Mural Society Liaison Jeff Stilwell at jeff@newclassicstheatre.org or 206-595-7765.

According to Food Safety News, a joint food safety research report issued by researchers at the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University said that unwashed reusable grocery bags “can serve as a breeding ground for dangerous foodborne bacteria and pose a serious risk to public health.”

The researchers randomly tested reusable grocery bags carried by shoppers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Tucson. Researchers also found consumers were almost completely unaware of the need to regularly wash their bags. “Our findings suggest a serious threat to public health, especially from coliform bacteria including E. coli, which were detected in half the bags sampled,” said Charles Gerba, Ph.D., a University of Arizona environmental microbiology professor and co-author of the study. “Furthermore, consumers are alarmingly unaware of these risks and the critical need to sanitize their bags after every use.”

The report also recommends that consumers not store their bags in the trunk of their car, “because the higher temperature promotes growth of bacteria.”

And speaking of bus stops, Edmonds School District students who were registered for school by Aug. 20 and are eligible for bus transportation should have received a card in the mail with the location and times for their bus.  Students who live within a one-mile radius of the school and are not eligible for bus transportation still may ride the bus, however, if they walk to the closest stop outside the one-mile radius.  It is not necessary for students to have a bus card in order to ride a bus.  All current stops are listed, by school, on the Transportation Department website.

If your student walks or bikes to school, here are some safety tips provided by local law enforcement agencies:

- Teach your children to be wary of strangers and to report any suspicious contacts to a trusted adult or 911. It’s never ok to accept a ride without parent’s permission—even from people who they know.

- Since there is safety in numbers, urge your children to walk or bike with a buddy.

- Insist that your children wear bike helmets and teach them the bicycle rules of the road. (The Lynnwood Recreation Center offers helmets for only $9.)

- Make sure your child’s bike is safe; check the brakes, reflectors, and chain guard or take it to a bike shop for a check up.

- Encourage your children to be highly visible by wearing bright, light-colored clothing.

- Urge your children to walk against traffic and ride bikes with the traffic whenever possible.

- Teach your children to cross streets only at marked crosswalks and to watch for turning vehicles. They should make eye contact with drivers before stepping out and look both ways.

- It’s not safe to wear headphones because you may be unable to hear approaching vehicles.

- Children under 10 should cross the street with an adult or older child.

- Teach children to look around parked cars or other objects blocking their view before they cross the street.

The Transportation Benefit District (TBD) was formed in Edmonds on Nov. 18, 2008, by a vote of the Edmonds City Council in response to an opportunity to raise revenues for transportation projects in the city. Under Washington State mandated guidelines, the TBD is allowed to raise license fees by $20/vehicle without voters consent. Any increase above that amount requires approval by voting citizens of the city.

The question before us in the next election is whether or not a $40 increase of TBD fees would be an acceptable way to fund transportation projects in the city of Edmonds. Let me explain why I believe that TBD funding is an excellent option despite my usual aversion to tax and levy increases.

First, the funds raised this way must be utilized for transportation projects. They may not be siphoned off to fund any other budget shortfall in the city. The 2008 ordinance limited the use of the first $20 to maintenance of existing transportation infrastructure. Proposition 1 will provide funding for construction of new transportation projects listed in the 2009 Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. A dedicated  form of funding helps City staff secure matching grants and create partnerships that leverage the amount each of us contributes.

Second, there is oversight for transportation expenditures by the TBD board and accountability to the citizens for the way these funds are used. The TBD Board has an annual reporting and review process. The board is assisted in its evaluations by the Citizens Advisory Transportation Committee, a group of volunteers appointed by the mayor to participate in the development of the City’s comprehensive plan. I have personally participated in the development of two of these plans over the last 7 years.

Third, it is a graduated fee, in that households with more vehicles pay more in license fees for the transportation system they utilize.

If you are interested in knowing more about the state of the transportation in the city, you may access the detailed plans, committee meeting notes and attend future meetings. Citizen input is always welcomed. You may also visit the City’s website to learn more about the TBD proposal at www.ci.edmonds.wa.us/transBenefitDist.stm

Neil Tibbott, Co-chair
Citizen Advisory Transportation Committee
Edmonds

Editor’s note:  The My Edmonds News poll on this proposal can be found here.

When the updates were first discussed at the July 27 council meeting, several councilmembers expressed concerns that the proposed relaxation of SEPA regulations in those two geographic areas could potentially have a negative impact on residential neighborhoods. As a result, the council voted to hold two public hearings – one for each geographic area. Maps of both areas and more details are available via the council agenda here.

In addition, the Council will discuss and may take action on a proposal from Council President Steve Bernheim to establish a seven-member Tree Board, to be appointed by the City Council, designed to preserve and protect existing trees, encourage the planting of additional trees and encourage active stewardship of the urban forest.

The meeting will be in the Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex, 250 5th Ave. N.

E-W's Marco Hernandez, left, was the winner of the Red Onion's Intimidator Challege between district football teams Sunday night. Other EWHS participants were Vance Meyringe and Calib Tuivonovono. (Photo courtesy of MLTNews.com)

The Red Onion’s Intimidator challenge Sunday night was decided in a down-to-the wire, last few belly busting bites, our friends at MLTNews.com report. Edmonds offensive center Marco Hernandez took home the hardware, finishing his burger just ahead of Mountlake Terrace defensive end Julian Snow. Third place went to Edmonds right tackle Caleb Tuivonovono, with all other competitors dropping out early. The competition was to completely eat a 3 1/2-pound pound burger consisting of 1 1/2 pounds of beef, a half-pound of buns and fixings, half a pound of chili, half a pound of macaroni and cheese and half a pound of French fries.

As the winning team, Edmonds-Woodway will receive $500 toward its football program from The Red Onion and sponsors. In addition, the Mountlake Terrace mayor will go to the EWHS-vs.-Meadowdale game wearing the Edmonds-Woodway colors and will sit at the 50-yard line

Team participants included:

Edmonds Woodway: Marco Hernandez C, Vance Meyringe G, Calib Tuivonovono RT

Mountlake Terrace: Julian Snow DE/TE, Zach Karels RB, FS, David Turner OL

Lynnwood: James Ryales LB/WR

Meadowdale: Ethan Coffey DT

Check out the video below:

In the first week of operation this year, Clothes for Kids has served over 500 children — a record number for the organization.  Last year, it served more than 5,200 children. While Clothes for Kids has received generous clothing donations this year, it is struggling to meet operating costs for its storefront facility.

Financial donations – big and small — are needed to cover the cost of providing critical needs and ensuring that the doors stay open. Secure donations can be made online at clothesforkids.org.

“With many families feeling the effects of this difficult economy, this trend will continue and likely increase,” a Clothes for Kids news release said. “With the winter season approaching, people — specifically children — in our community deserve the opportunity to wear clothing, socks and shoes to help keep them warm.”

These healthier alternatives and activities would be provided during the Downtown Edmonds Halloween Festivities on Oct. 31, where Green Halloween will have a booth in the center of the action. “This will be a great opportunity to promote your business as well as provide a healthier alternative for parents and children,” said Green Halloween Edmonds sponsor Melinda Knight of Womentorz.com.

All participating businesses will have their logo includes on a local sponsors’ banner that will be displayed at the Green Halloween Costume Swap, scheduled for Oct. 9 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Coldwell Banker Bain, 108 5th Ave. S., in  Edmonds. This same banner will be used in the GH booth during the downtown Halloween festivities.

For more information or to sign up, contact Melinda Knight at mknight@womentorz.com.  You can also follow local events at the GH Edmonds Facebook page.

The event, which runs from 6:30-10:30 p.m., includes tastings from local wineries and breweries, food, a silent auction and live entertainment. Emcee will be Ron Clyborne of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce board, himself a Vietnam veteran.

Tickets, which are $25, are tax-deductible and include a wine glass and tickets for four tastings. Purchase tickets at www.operation-open-arms.com.

All proceeds benefit Operation Open Arms, which provides outreach activities for veterans being treated for PTSD at the Seattle VA Hospital.