Good morning, Everett.

Brian Smith will leave his CEO role at Volunteers of America Western Washington on July 10 to head a Wyoming branch after his family chose a slower pace.

The board named COO Kristi Myers, with the nonprofit since 2019, as interim leader to maintain local services.

Everett visionaries plan a 165-foot 3-D octopus mural on the concrete wall under I-5 on Pacific Avenue — the public-private project will begin painting in July and finish by summer’s end, pending final permit approvals.

Everett will host a live reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 as part of state-wide celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Many communities will hold parades, pie-eating contests, and lectures, with the state historical society supporting local events by awarding grants & encouraging inclusive festivities.

The NOAH Center is breaking ground on renovating its Dog Pod and Wellness Center for shelter animals by installing new walls, flooring, air conditioning, and a meet-and-greet space — construction will last six months and is expected to finish this winter.

Following the 2021 heat dome, local hospitals in Everett and nearby areas have boosted measures against extreme heat by stocking extra ice and coordinating cooling centers.

New rest break rules for outdoor workers and subsidized air conditioning will help protect vulnerable residents during future heat waves.

The 10th annual Snohomish Summer Smash tennis tournament for high school players will be held July 16-19, with registration ending July 8 at 9 p.m. Organized by the Snohomish High School Tennis Booster Club and coaching staff — the event expects 185 participants from across the region.

The AquaSox lost their third game in a row when the Emeralds won 9-1 on Sunday at PK Park and also recorded two Friday walk-off losses, leaving both teams with a 4-5 record (tied at the bottom).

The team will play at Memorial Stadium Tuesday in a six-game series against the Tri-City Dust Devils.

14-year-old Racelee McCoy from Mountlake Terrace will travel in August to compete at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Tennessee for the Amateur Motocross Championship (the largest race of its kind).

She qualified in May by finishing third in the Northwest regional qualifier after overcoming injuries and diabetes challenges.

Wedi Certified Installer Workshop

8:00 a.m. — T & A Supply Company Inc — Free entry — Get wedi certified and learn about waterproof shower systems while enjoying a light breakfast.

Fourth of July Festival

10 PM — American Legion Memorial Park — Free entry — Celebrate America's 250th with live music, food trucks, and family fun before the fireworks show.

Vishal and Shekhar Live Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Angel of the Winds Arena — Tickets from $108 — Experience the energetic performance of Vishal and Shekhar in Everett.

Family Fairy Garden Event

6-7:30 p.m. — Girl Scouts of Western Washington North Regional Office and Store — Free entry — Create your own enchanting fairy garden while making new friends.

Candlelight Concert: The Lord of the Rings

60 minutes — Arctic Club Hotel — Limited edition tickets available — Experience the enchanting music of The Lord of the Rings trilogy in a candlelit setting.

wedi Table Top Event

8:00 a.m. — T & A Supply Company Inc — Free entry — Discover wedi's waterproof shower systems and meet the Technical Sales Manager for demonstrations.

Shawn O'Donnell's Aquasox Night

4:05 – 6:05 PM — Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill and Irish Pub — Complimentary tickets available — Enjoy a night of baseball with the Everett Aquasox as part of Founder's Week celebration.