Two long-awaiting "big box" stores, Target and Best Buy Electronics, are set to open this month in a brand new retail complex just north of Northgate Mall.

The new $80 million four-story shopping center, located on the north side of NE Northgate Way, between 5th Ave. NE and 3rd Ave. NE, is called Northgate North, a project of Seattle development company Touchstone Corp. Despite its name, Northgate North has no connection to Northgate Mall, which is owned by Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group.

Touchstone owner Douglas Howe said the official opening date for the Target store is Sunday, Oct. 8. The tentative opening date for Best Buy is Friday, Oct. 20.

While Target and Best Buy will most likely hold grand opening celebrations of their own, Howe said his company isn't planning a big opening gala for Northgate North until next spring when the center is expected to have the rest of its tenants.

Western Vigilantes to hold auction, Oct. 14

The Lake City Western Vigilantes will hold an auction on Saturday, Oct. 14, 6 p.m. at the Lake City Elks Lodge (14540 Bothell Way NE) to raise money to further its efforts to benefit local youth groups.

The Vigilantes is an all-volunteer group best known for their entertaining antics as performers in parades throughout the summer, including the annual Lake City Pioneer Days Festival and other Seafair events. Formed in 1946, the non-profit group also raises money all year long to help local charities and causes, including community events for schools, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the DARE Program and the American Cancer Society.

The Vigilantes welcome donations of products or services to offered at the auction. To help, call Skeeter Christianson at 425-776-3714 or Chuck Mellinger at 425-775-9019.

25th Annual University Kiwanis Club Auction, Sunday, Oct. 22

The Kiwanis Club is holding its 25th annual Club Auction to benefit neighborhood organizations such as Talmadge Hamilton House in the U-District, Circle K Club at the University of Washington, and Key Club at Ingraham High School in Haller Lake.. Tickets for the event cost only $20 and include wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a dessert buffet. For the first time, the event will be catered by Thornton Creek Alliance as a fundraiser. The event will be held at Meadowbrook Community Center from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets can be reserved by calling A. J. Skurdal at 525-2524.

Lake City Chamber seeks donations for Dec. 2 auction

Donations are now being accepted for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce Fourth annual Spaghetti Dinner and Auction. The dinner and auction are a family event with a special section for children only. This year's event will be held on Sat., Dec. 2 at the Lake City Community Center.

For more information about the event or to arrange donations, contact Linda Skurdal at (206) 363-3287.

Star of Upstairs Downstairs to perform at Taproot Theater

On Sunday, October 22nd, famous actor Paul Alexander will be performing his critically acclaimed one-man show, John's Gospel. Tickets are only $15.

In addition, Alexander will also hold a one day Masters workshop for local actors on October 24. For information, call the Taproot Theater in Greenwood at 206-781-9705.

Students at Bagley Elem to track salmon

On October 6th, students from Bagley Elementary in Green Lake plan to take a field trip to Matthews Beach to count salmon. The field trip is designed to show children how wildlife can survive in an urban environment.

Students will test water for oxygen content, discover how a watershed naturally cleans water that runs into a stream, and visit a baby forest - a City of Seattle Reforestation project. They will also have a discussion on the impact of daylighting Thornton Creek.

Register to vote by Oct. 7 and leave it blank if you want

You still have time to register to vote in the Presidential election on Nov. 7. Simply pick up your voter registration form at your local library and mail it so that it is postmarked by Saturday, Oct. 7. Once registered, you have the right to leave part of the form blank and only vote for the elections where you feel you can make a wise and informed decision, such as only for the President.