City Manager’s Friday Newsletter

City and Property Owner Collaborate to Improve Downtown

In preparing to install the new downtown wayfinder signs, it was noticed that the birch trees along Avenue C are in very poor condition. These street trees, while of good size, are badly disfigured from severe pruning and are not healthy. The birch trees are in the right-of-way and one is being removed to make room for a wayfinder sign. While the City strives to preserve mature trees whenever possible, the condition of these birch trees indicates they will not be a long-term asset to the community.

The adjacent property owner and the City have agreed to collaborate to renew the appearance of this portion of the historic district. The existing birch trees will be removed and the property owner will plant large Katsuras – an ideal species for use as street trees. The trees will be spaced appropriately.

Microsoft Small Business Summit 2008 Wheel of Small Business

Join the Microsoft Small Business Summit broadcast live, March 24-27, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. PDT.

This FREE online event provides hours of valuable small business programming each day. You will get tips, advice, and secrets from experts, all designed to make the hats you wear each day fit more comfortably.

For more information and to register, visit

www.sbsummit.com

Snohomish Easter Parade and Egg Hunt

The 28^th annual Easter Parade, egg hunt, and bonnet contest will take place this Saturday, March 22^nd. The egg hunt will be held at Harvey Field and will start promptly at 9:00 a.m., so plan to arrive early. The parade will be held on First Street and will begin at 10:30 a.m. If you would like to participate in the bonnet contest, registration is at Avenue A and First Street, starting at 9:30 a.m. with judging after the parade.

Historic Railroad Show

Snohomish Seniors invites you to a Historic Railroad Show benefit presentation on Tuesday, March 25^th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, lower level, small hall – 1514 Pine Avenue in Snohomish. More than 100 rare photos will be shown in an amazing power point presentation spanning nearly 100 years. Stories and photos are drawn from local railroader, historian, and entertainer, Bob Heirman's archives of working on the railroad for 44 years, as well as his late father's 50 years. Included will be history on the Northern Pacific Railroad, local logging areas, the old Monte Cristo, the interurban, historic depots, the first train into Snohomish in 1888, and the steam boats that helped in the building of the railroads, resulting in their ultimate demise. This is a great program for young and old. Bring a friend, take a tour of local history, hear inside stories of early railroading, and enjoy light refreshments provided by Merrill Gardens-Monroe, all while benefiting the programs and services of the Snohomish Senior Center. Suggested donation is $5.00.