Special to the Times/News

For most people, the sound of a fire truck horn means, "Get out of the way!"

But when Mary Lou Grinols heard the horn honk on August 9, it meant, "Get on board, birthday girl!"

Members of North Highline Fire District surprised Grinols by treating her to a ride on their fire truck to show their gratitude for her support.

The "Cookie Lady" (a name given to Grinols by her students) served as a cook in nearly every school in the Highline School District.

Now retired, she still loves to bake. She says that baking is her therapy.

But because she can't possibly eat everything she makes, Grinols delivers her goodies to local firefighters and police officers each week.

In addition to bringing enjoyment to the men and women in uniform, Mary Lou participates in the annual breast cancer walk, makes Christmas ornaments for cancer patients at area hospitals, donates money to the annual stair climb for leukemia research, and gives her time and talent to other causes such as the Northwest Burn Foundation, the Christmas Outreach program and White Center Jubilee Days.

A giving person Grinols also donates food and toys to the North Highline Fire Department's annual Christmas Outreach program for families that need assistance for the holidays.

She selects gifts as if she is shopping for a close family member, and contributes lots of good nutritious food that will be appreciated by any family.

Last month, Grinols accompanied the fire department to the Northwest Burn Foundation's Camp Eyabsut, (at Camp Waskowitz) where she created arts and crafts with campers.

She shopped for and donated craft materials, snack and juice goodies, and outdoor sports equipment to help make the young burn survivors' camp experience memorable.

She also served as a judge for the White Center Jubilee Days Parade in July.

Because of her outstanding contribution to the North Highline community, Mary Lou recently was awarded the North Highline Fire District 2004 Commissioners" Award for Distinguished Service.

Her "big" heart has made a "big" impact on the department and the community, so giving her a ride on the "big" ladder rig was the firefighters' way of saying thank you.

Happy 70th Birthday, Cookie Lady!