Articles published Thu, Mar 4, 2010

"A fellow will remember a lot of things you wouldn't think he'd remember," says Mr. Bernstein in "Citizen Kane." It's a famous quote from a famous movie with lots of famous moments, but it's the one I think about the most. He tells of seeing a girl once, on a ferry, wearing a white dress and carrying a white parasol.

Washington's economy picked up some steam in January, adding an estimated 12,400 jobs - the first monthly gain since November 2008.

Sometimes I think I'm a restaurant critic. After all... I eat and, believe it or not, occasionally have an opinion. I think there's some kind of an old saying... something like "I eat and therefore I am." I'll have to check with John Owen and see if that's right.

I often quote old sayings my grandmother repeated, sayings I suppose her own grandmother repeated to her.  Sometimes I’ll quote something that causes someone else to say, “Oh, MY grandmother used to say that, too.”  Or—if the person is younger-- she might frown and ask, “What does THAT mean?”

Our travel gang had decided it was time for a cruise.   And to the Mexican Riviera, no less. Looked to be a lot of  fun.  Well, everyone piled onto the boat, and took stock of the surroundings.  The cabins were great, with two of them being sumptuous suites, but not, unfortunately, with hot and cold running girls.  

You are liable to meet some interesting people during the "Beacon Cafe" gatherings at the Pancake Haus.   Readers of this newspaper occasionally get together with writers and editors to exchange ideas on the publication and on the community.  The typical Edmonds neighborhood might take on a slightly different personality if Ruby Smith had her way.

At the regular Commission meeting last week, a report on economic development in Snohomish County was presented by EDC Executive Director, Deborah Knudson. The report expressed the latest demographic, business development and tax base information. It was focused on the greater Edmonds/Woodway community. It revealed some challenging questions and framed the economic realities facing future development that was not always pretty or pleasant to hear.

Wow, we had three more earthquakes since my earthquake report in “The Edmonds Beacon” last week. It was interesting to me that all three are reported occurring at different times but on the same day!

Cindi and Doug Howell have turned a good idea into a great idea. As owners of The Whole Pup, a dog day care (and more) center, they provide a needed service to dog owners and the opportunity for their pets to be around other dogs and socialize instead of being cooped up in an empty space when their owners are away at work.

The Lynwood Arts Commission in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lynnwood and Alderwood Mall hosted the annual Student Showcase at the mall on Feb. 25 to celebrate the talents of local students.

Edmonds Public Facilities District held a reception at the Center Monday for retiring board member Earling. The reception celebrated his six years of leadership and service as a member of the EPFD board. A large number of local arts enthusiasts and civic leaders showed up to thank Earling for his service to the community.

Now comes the hard part – selecting the 2010 Edmonds Citizen Of The Year from among all the optimal choices.

Thanks to the generous support of Meadowdale High School's Drive2Win Auction attendees, local businesses, volunteers, Harbor Square Athletic Club, Meadowdale students, faculty and coaches, the Meadowdale Booster Club announced that more than $30,000 was raised to sustain and improve Meadowdale interscholastic sports opportunities.


The Edmonds Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 3.

On Thursday, June 10, Work Opportunities proudly hosts its Eighth Annual Gala Dinner & Auction, ‘Dreams: A Celebration of Abilities’ at the Lynnwood Convention Center. 

The Driftwood Players announce auditions for their world premiere of a new play, Teacup Tipsy by local Northwest Playwright Jeff Stilwell.

Join the Edmonds Merchants, local restaurants and community participants for their Spring Fashion Show titled “A Day In Edmonds”. 

You C.A.N. (Citizen Action Network) volunteer as a civilian and help the U.S. Coast Guard save lives and property, prevent oil spills and protect wildlife. Think of this as a “neighborhood watch” for the Puget Sound.

PUD customers and employees gave more than $110,000 last year to help people struggling to pay their utility bills. The contributions, collected through two community programs, helped nearly 1,100 customers in 2009.

Edmonds Community College holds its fifth Women’s Symposium, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat., March 13 in Triton Union Building 202 at Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood. 

Many businesses, organizations, and individual citizens across the United States have come together to offer support for the needs of the people of Haiti. The Owners of Prestige Care & Rehabilitation of Edmonds, Prestige Care Inc., wanted to assist with the worldwide campaign for relief efforts for Haiti; therefore the “Prestige for Haiti Fund” was established.

Michael Passey of Boy Scout Troop 275 and many volunteers performed a tree-planting project at Hickman Park on Saturday, Feb. 27. Hickman Park is located at 23700-104th Avenue W in Edmonds.

Thirty-nine Special Olympics Washington athletes will compete in the Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games from July18 – 23 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Once again I will nominate Rick Steves for Citizen of the Year.

My frustration about Edmonds tree chopping continues. Another event has caused me to write this letter.

As a music lover raised in the Seattle area in a virtual hotbed of various styles and trends, Mr. Pierre wrote a very interesting article I believe that hits a "chord", pathetic term I know, with many. 

Global climate change poses a serious threat to our planet and the economic wellbeing of our world; every individual and business has a stake in our future and must do whatever possible to make a difference. 

Barb passed away at the home of her son in Edmonds WA on February 12, 2010 from metastatic breast cancer. She was 82 years old.

Glenn W. Eaton was born in Seattle on May 14, 1930 and after living a rich, full life, died at home surrounded by his loving family on February 7, 2010 after a brief battle with cancer.

Snohomish County Fire District 1 responded to 312 calls the week of Feb. 18-24: 248 emergency medical aid calls, 23 fires, 20 motor vehicle collisions, five service calls, four natural gas leaks and one carbon monoxide alarm.

Students from the Edmonds area have been named to the Dean's List at the University of Washington for Autumn Quarter. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must have completed at least 12 graded credits and have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (out of 4). 

Up until this school year, Community Transit bus passes were in surplus at Edmonds-Woodway High School. At the end of every month, the passes either went in the trash or were absentmindedly left somewhere on campus: In class, at lunch, in the halls, on the ceiling.

Never did Vera Yeremeyeva imagine she’d go from cooking in her kitchen to speaking at a national conference. But she did. Ten years ago, Yeremeyeva was just an immigrant from Ukraine. Just an expecting mother of six. Just a housewife.

The Madrona Children’s Theatre (MCT), in cooperation with Madrona K-8 school in the Edmonds School District, is producing its 17th musical – Oliver. The cast is comprised of 78 Madrona students in two casts (Charles cast and Dickens cast).