Computer collection

Computers and other peripherals will be accepted for recycling on Saturday, May 31, at a special collection event.

The event will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at the parking area at Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E.

All computers, working or not, will be accepted for free as a donation. A $10 handling fee will be charged for monitors, and $5 for printers and scanners that weigh less than 15 pounds. A tax-deductible receipt is provided for all items. Hard drives will be securely erased on all donated computers.

Computers collected at the event will be refurbished and provided to schools and non-profit organizations. Computers that are too old to be reused will be properly recycled along with monitors and computer peripherals at the InterConnection Computer Reuse Center in Seattle and a local hazardous waste recycler. Proceeds from the event will go to the Computers for the World travel scholarship, which sends students to developing countries to set up computer labs.

Computers for the World (C4W) is an organization sponsored by Rotary Club International. This club has traveled to all continents in the world, setting up computer labs. More information is available at www.rotary5030.org.

InterConnection is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing computers to communities in need. Newer computer equipment will be refurbished and provided to low-income nonprofits and schools. For more information or to volunteer to help, visit www.interconnection.org or call Charles Brennick at (206) 310-4547.

Flower pot contest

New flower pots were delivered to participating Town Center businesses last week as part of a contest for the best floral arrangements.

There are five categories in the contest, titled “Color MI Beautiful,” and awards will be presented on July 12 after the Summer Celebration parade. The People’s Choice category will be chosen by Island citizens who cast a vote for their favorite of 30 planters prior to July 1. The ballots may be picked up at city hall, the Community Center at Mercer View and participating businesses.

Businesses are encouraged to finish planting by June 6. The other four categories include Simply Sustainable, Creatively Colorful, Edible Flowers and Herbs, and Merci Bouquet, which is a French tribute to the Island’s sister city, Thonnes Le Bain. The Judges will be Mayor Jim Pearman, Bill Rodgers of the Chamber of Commerce, Sue Sherwood of the Sister City Association, Kevin Curry of the city’s Arts Council and Joel Wachs as a community representative.