Swedish Medical Center Opens New Clinic

The Swedish Medical Center has opened the Swedish Midwifery and Women's Health Clinic in the Ballard Medical Plaza,

The staff includes three experienced certified nurse midwives.

A full array of obstetrical and women's health care services includes: preconception counseling; prenatal visits; nutritional counseling; labor support; childbirth (at Swedish's Ballard Family Childbirth Center); breastfeeding support; family planning; annual exams; gynecologic exams; and care from adolescents through menopause.

The clinic's office is at 1801 Market St., Suite 207 and phone number is 781-6080 or visit http://www.swedish.org/midwives.com.

Shred it for free

Consumers and small businesses are invited to bring sensitive financial documents to HomeStreet Bank in Ballard, 8050 15th Ave. N.W., for a Shred-a-thon on April 28.

American Data Guard will provide shredding from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until trucks are full, whichever comes first. In order to accommodate as many people as possible, there is a limit of three grocery bags or two file boxes per customer.

The event is one of 29 statewide organized by Washington's Law Enforcement Group Against Identity Theft. The statewide Shred-a-thon is the first for Washington, and aims to raise awareness of identity theft prevention and assist the public in keeping sensitive information safe and secure.

Secret Garden Birthday

Secret Garden Bookshop is celebrated 30 years of Independent Bookselling with a 30th Anniversary Party on Saturday, April 21. All editions of The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett were 30 percent off. Then, for the next 30 weeks, watch for a different favorite every week - discounted 30 percent! The address is 2214 NW Market St. Call 789-5006 or email bookshop@secretgardenbooks.com.

Doggie Bags go 'Dingolope'

Ballard resident Oakley Carlson has launched a line of "Dingolope" bags for dog owners to carry pet items while they walk.

The bags can be worn over the shoulder and holds food and water bowls, has mesh pockets for cell phones, iPods and keys. Shock cords on the bags can hold dog toys and sticks. A dispenser holds dog waste bags that can be pulled out easily.

Carlson created the first bag to take his own dog around Ballard. He often stops at the Ballard Commons Park and Golden Gardens. The bags come in a variety of colors and retail for $65. They can be found on-line at http://www.dingolope.com or at Mud Bay pet supply stores.