Category Archives: People

Activities, People, Sports, Uncategorized

Home Away From Home For a Silvertip

Tyler Giebel of Balgonie, Saskatchewan is calling the Mill Creek area home. AtSilvertip Puck least for the WHL [Western Hockey League] Hockey season. This is Tyler’s first season in the “Dub” playing for the Everett Silvertips. He is listed on the roster as a center, but he told me he’s been playing on the wing as of late. Players are here from mid-August until April into May depending on how far the team goes in the playoffs. Because they are 16 to 20 years of age, they live with host families known as “billets.” Tyler lives with his billet family, the Steigerwalds in the Silver Lake neighborhood. The Steigerwald family consists of parents Deb & Lee, daughter Noelle, Noelle’s dachshund – Oskar and the family lab – K.C. Another daughter, Lindsay, is out of the house on her own.

I asked Tyler if there were any big surprises coming to Everett from Saskatchewan and he said probably the biggest thing is that the “Weather is a lot different. Not having to go out and scrape the [ice off the] car in the morning is different. And all the rain. Not used to all the rain.”

Any billet mates? “For the most part I’m the only player staying with the Steigerwalds. During the season there have been a few call-ups and since there’s an extra room, players have stayed there temporarily at times during the season.”

Knowing what it is like to billet, I asked if he had any humorous stories he’d be willing to share. Without hesitation, he said, “Well yes. One of the Streigerwald’s daughters has a little wiener dog that has a tendency to be a bit yappy. And especially when I come home, even though I’ve been in the house for about 6½ months. Every time I come home the dog goes a little berserk and I kinda have to wait for someone to get the dog calmed down for me to come in. So that’s pretty funny.”

So what’s the typical daily routine for a Silvertip? “I get up & shower, help myself to breakfast and go to school. [Tyler is a senior at Everett High School.] Since I’m Canadian and the classes don’t match between the systems and schedules, I only take one class.  So about 9:00 I leave Everett High and go to the rink. Practice is usually over at about 3:00 and I go home for dinner. If I’m not going directly home or not going to be home for dinner, I call to let my billet know. After dinner I hang out in my room or maybe chat with the Steigerwalds. Curfew [time to be at the house] is 9:00pm for the guys in school.”

“On game days if it’s a home game, pretty much the same schedule, after school go to the rink for a short skate or meeting then it is home for a sleep, then Deb prepares pregame meal which is usually pasta and chicken.”

Next I had a chance to ask Deb for her perspective. How long have you been a billet? “This is our 6th year. ” If someone reading this is considering billeting what would you tell him or her? “Every kid is different we only had girls, so it is a whole different ballgame. Teen boys are a lot different from teen girls.”

Why did you decide to billet? “We were excited to have hockey here. We moved here in 1996 from an NHL city. There were the T-Birds but it was a little too far for us to go to many games. We were excited to have hockey in Everett and we got season tickets as soon as we could. They were asking people to billet, but Noelle was still at home so we said no. But then we had the opportunity to go to Australia with the Everett High band and we stayed with families as billets and saw what it was like.”

Any rewards of billeting? “We get the kids still in school so we get a chance to know them. We are still friends with [Zach] Hamill’s family. We’ve met great kids and people over the years that we still keep in touch with. We like making a contribution, making it possible for the players to come here and play for Everett.”

How do you try to make Tyler part of the family? Activities, mealtimes, chores? “We try to have sit down dinner together whenever possible without hats. Sometimes after a home game we’ll go out to a restaurant. They are always so hungry after a game. Tyler’s birthday was at the end of February so we had a celebration and had him invite a few of the other guys over.”

Any humorous stories you would like to share? “One of the boys, a couple of years ago (not Tyler) was raised by a single dad, I guess. We had dinner with mashed potatoes. He looked up very surprised and said, ‘Oh my God, did you make these from scratch?’ ‘You mean the potatoes?’ ‘Yeah, they are the best.’  Another time there were a few players over and someone saw a spider. No one wanted to deal with. Lee got it down with a broom and showed it to the guys; they kind of screamed and he chased after them then it fell off; no one knew where it went?!? But, it was kind of funny because these guys are the tough hockey players, you know.” Do tell.

Thanks to Jon Rosen, Director of Broadcasting & Public Relations – Everett Silvertips for setting this up, and thanks to Deb Steigerwald & #7 Tyler Giebel for taking the time to talk to me. Good luck in the playoffs!

Everett Silvertips begin Round 1, best 4 out 0f 7 against Western Conference top-seed Portland Winterhawks in Portland this Sat Mar 26 7pm & Sun Mar 27 5pm                           Games 3 & 4 will be played in Everett @Comcast Center Mar 30 & Mar 31 both 7:05pm Game 5 back in Portland Apr 2 7pm*  Game 6 in Everett Apr 4 7:05pm*  Game 7 in Portland 7pm*                * if necessary

People, Services, Shopping, Uncategorized

Friends in Mill Creek Jewelers

Mill Creek JewelersIf  I’m ever in the market for a unique piece of jewelry, need an appraisal on a treasured piece or the battery dies in my watch, it’s nice to know I have local friends in the jewelry business.  Jerry and Donita Price have owned and operated the Mill Creek Jewelers in Mill Creek Plaza since 1991.  And it is since then that “. . . they have cherished their friendships with the community and enjoyed people stopping in as they are out running errands.” — From their website www.millcreekjewelers.com I think I can speak for the community when I say the feeling is mutual.

Jerry and Donita specialize in fine jewelry sales, jewelry repair, watch repair and custom design all with an emphasis on excellence in personalized customer service.

Some of the lines they carry are: Bulova, Hot Diamonds, Leo Ingwer, Lorenzo, and Jewelry Innovations. Through these prestigious vendors they offer fine jewelry such as diamonds, wedding bands, gold & silver bracelets/necklaces, watches, semi-precious colored gemstones, hand-blown glass and beautiful clocks.

They can accomplish all types of jewelry repair from changing out a watch battery & resetting stones. I’ve had them repair the clasp on my beloved  silver charm bracelet and add some new charms. On the subject of charms, they offer a vast selection and can handle special orders, too. Once, an even more beloved charm bracelet that belonged to my mother needed a good cleaning and soe minor repair to make it wearable. This piece, which is so special to me, was just like new again, thanks to Mill Creek Jewelers!

As for custom jewelry design and restyling, if you can imagine it they will work closely with you to make it a reality. I recently had them reset a diamond out of a ring into a beautiful pendant. Now it will spend less time in the safe deposit box. Do tell.

Mill Creek Jewelers is located in Mill Creek Plaza at 16306 Bothell-Everett Highway Mill Creek, WA 98012    Phone Number is: 425-745-5122                                                 Hours are: Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5  Closed on Sundays

 

People, Shopping, Uncategorized

Creek Chic via Opal Boutique

Opal is the women’s fashion boutique on Main Street in The Mill Creek Town Center. Mill Creek is the third store for Opal in the greater Seattle area, owned and operated by Shannen Wyman. Other locations are the original store in Redmond and one in South Lake Union, Seattle. The Mill Creek store opened in April 2008.

Opal Boutique on Main Street

There is an emphasis on designer jeans including 7’s, Citizens of Humanity, William Rast, AG Jeans, Hudson Jeans, True Religion, Rock & Republic, Genetic, Pur and the list goes on. The angst induced by shopping for jeans is right up there with shopping for a swimsuit for many women, but with this great selection, there is certain to be something for everybody, and I mean every body.

Tops to go with these bottoms are also in great supply. I found many variations on the basic T including assorted styles from Michael Stars. Moving past the jeans & T’s, I found sweaters from Michael Stars, velour from Juicy Couture, dresses & jackets from Bailey 44, tops from Miss Me and casual knits from Fluxus. Other brands represented are: James Perse, Fifteen-Twenty, Alternative Apparel and Left on Houston.

Fluxus is a relatively new brand carried by Opal. The company is located in Los Angeles and headed up by its founder (since 2007) Martin Paquette and lead designer Jeffrey Sebelia winner of Project Runway-Season 3. Sebelia joined Fluxus in the summer of 2008.  All the clothing is made in the Los Angeles area. Pacquette chooses not to outsource. In the line you will easy fitting tops, bottoms, tunics, dresses. All great layering pieces in soft, neutral shades.

In addition to clothing, Opal carries an assortment of Voluspa candles, Lolita glassware — you know those cute hand-painted martini glasses, and La Licious body care/spa products. Another specialty item is Ms. Wyman’s own line of hand-made jewelry, Kazia Digo. Her collection includes earring and necklaces featuring Swarovski crystals and precious metals.

Opal has a VIP Club membership. Pay $25 dollars to join and you will receive 15% off all your purchases for one year and invites to special events. So be sure to ask a sales associate for all the details on that. Do tell.

Boutique Hours are:   M-F 10-7     Sat 10-6     Sun 11-5

Opal is located at 15117 Main St. Suite B102 in Mill Creek Washington.

photos&text ©adminDotellmillcreek.com  All rights reserved.

 

Food, People, Shopping, Uncategorized, Weather and ambience

Mill Creek Square Looking Green and Good

Mill Creek Square Sign

Just in case you haven’t noticed, Mill Creek Square has a pretty new face. For the past several months construction crews have been busy and are now applying the final touches to Phase One of the shopping complex project.

 

Mill Creek Square front QFC/Starbuck's

The plants on the roof overhang were what really caught my eye. This kind of roof  is known as a Green Roof. The plants, from the Sedum family, are indigenous, highly drought resistant plants that “reduce the heat island effect and slow water run off.” Cisterns at both ends of the complex, will collect some of the water run off and will be used to “enliven sculptural elements at each end of the complex.” Water will also be directed to existing sumps in planting areas, to a rain garden or existing swale.  And you thought it was all just for show.

I had the opportunity to chat with John Cannon, AIA a Partner with Lewis Architecture + Interior Design, designers of the project. See www.lewisarchitects.com He told me that the owners of the Mill Creek Square, who reside in Southern California, are very much art oriented in all aspects of their lives. The complex was originally built in the early 1980’s; they had acquired it some years ago, and felt it was time for a much needed makeover. They wanted to move away from the previous waterwheel and peeler pole look, and go with a clean, big lodge look, with a timeless quality. They wanted to move in a creative,  innovative, forward thinking direction. Inspirations were the house in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and Frank LLoyd Wright’s Taliesin.

Mill Creek Square looking to East

A striking feature used to achieve this “Big Timber Look” is the large beams canted out. Rather than being cut from single large logs, they are Glulam Beams created using a high pressure lamination process. Beautiful stonework adds texture to the overall organic aesthetic.

common area with fireplace

 

 

Another nice feature of the Mill Creek Square project is the common space or gathering area between QFC and Starbuck’s. It is open to the air, yet covered from the rain. It is spacious with plenty of seating and tables. There are ample overhead heat lamps, and the space is centered by a gas fireplace. I found it to be rather cozy. Even in this rainy, damp season.

The floor itself, is a work of art. It contains hundreds of pieces of broken glass in a myriad of colors. As stated before, the owners are artists and they were hands on, first sitting down with the architects to design it, then with the contractor to personally place the floor out by hand.  Abbott Construction, general contractor on the project, is adept at this type of flooring, and took special care to make sure the floor would not be slippery. It was honed to a smooth texture, and then given a matte finish.

One thing you might notice is that QFC is still looking the same. Phase Two which will include the updated facelift of QFC is planned to begin this Summer of 2011. Do tell.

 

Activities, People, Shopping

Mill Creek Garden Club

Mill Creek is home to several social/philanthropic groups. One of these is the Mill Creek Garden Club.  They meet at the Mill Creek Country Club for a program and lunch at 11:30 AM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month- September through May. The group collects annual membership dues of $25. In addition to the dues, the cost of lunch of $23 for members and $25 for guests. The programs cover a wide variety of gardening and horticultural topics.

In addition to the luncheon meetings the group plants and maintains flowers in several public sites within the city limits, and recently provided holiday arrangements for the dining tables at Emeritus Senior Living in Mill Creek. There are tours to places of interest and other activities planned throughout the year.

Currently, The Mill Creek Garden Club is taking orders for Spring Flower Baskets. The profits raised from the sale of the baskets goes to a scholarship for an Edmonds Community College students enrolled in the Horticulture Program and toward grants available by application to local elementary schools.

For more information, to see about becoming a member and/or to order a Spring flower basket go to: www.millcreekgardenclub.com Supply for the baskets is limited and the deadline to order is April 1, 2011 for delivery May 5th and 6th. Do tell.

Activities, Kids, People

Recess Monkey Coming to Mill Creek March 12

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Recess Monkey is coming to Mill Creek University Bookstore. So what exactly is a Recess Monkey? Should I be running for cover? I’ve heard of a Rhesus Monkey, but . . . . Well I did a little research and it turns out Recess Monkey is not one but three elementary school teachers from Seattle who have a band. Not just any ordinary band but a very successful band playing music inspired by their classroom experience plus The Beatles and The Who.  This makes for a musical experience geared for kids but delightful for parents as well.  A happy laughing child = a happy laughing parent.

“’This is his fifth Recess Monkey concert,’ says the man next to me, whose 3-year-old son has already been led up front by Mom. Only a bit abashed, the 40-something father holds up his iPod, confessing, ‘Yes, it’s loaded with Recess Monkey songs.’ Such is the phenomenon and cross-generational pull of Seattle’s Recess Monkey: a band of three private-school teachers whose growing fame as purveyors of kiddie rock/pop has reached the ears of the Dalai Lama.” —Excerpt from an article by Megan Sheppard –Special to the Seattle Times

Recess Monkey has produced 6 CDs  with titles like Tabby Road, Field Trip, Final Funktier and two-part DVD series Field Trip which features music and video from their tours local and cross-country.

“They continue to be praised across the country for singable danceable songs that parents enjoy as much as their kids.” —Recess Monkey site

“Self-proclaimed graduates of ‘Monkey U,’ three teachers make up Recess Monkey and pay homage to The Beatles, The Who, The Byrds and other bands through mellow, light- hearted tunes on their third CD …This is a perfect selection for long roadtrips — quick jaunts across town will deprive listeners of the full, continual experience of Wonderstuff.” —Nashville Parent

Mark your calendars now. Load up the kids and prepare for some fun.

Final Funktier
photo Kevin Fry

Appearing at the University Book Store in the Mill Creek Town Center on Saturday March 12 at 11 AM  as part of the Kindiependent Series with Top Pot Doughnuts. Do Tell.

People, Restaurants, Uncategorized

La Palmera Family Mexican Restaurant

I simply have to review our recent experience at La Palmera II Family Mexican Restaurant. We went in on Valentine’s Day evening with a group of 17 people. Yes, Valentine’s Day. Very romantic, si? This happened because it was the only time we could get together with our family plus some out-of-town business associates [who had invited us] and their families and we were all fine with it.

The husband and I were the first to arrive at about 5:30 and we asked about a reservation; we were reminded they don’t take reservations, but no problem. We thought there might be about 12 of us, and the staff set right to work arranging a large table for us complete with all the service items, waters and menus. The showed the two of us to our seats and brought chips, salsa and (my favorite) pico de gallo.

As others in the party began to arrive it became clear that there were going to be more than we thought. Someone mentioned 17! Without batting an eye the staff, including Hector the owner, began rearranging the furniture and resetting for 17. Did I mention that we were comprised of 12 adults, 1 teen, 1 tween, 1-4 year old, 1-1 year old and a 5 week old infant.

I do mention this because this could have been a recipe for disaster in some restaurants, but Hector and his staff handled the whole thing with aplomb. While refilling our chip basket and our waters, they brought chips with salsa for the rest of the table and took beverage orders with nary a hiccup.

All the plates came out [I didn’t time it, but it seemed] in less than 10 minutes, and we were all served as close to the same time as you could ever imagine. How often have you had it happen when you’re in a large group, that the meals come out one-at-a-time and one or more diners are forgotten? Not here!

From the excellent quality of service, on to the quality of the food. I didn’t query anyone else after they finished, but when I glanced down the table  all I could see were clean plates. As for myself, I ordered the Steak Fajita. The grilled steak arrived sizzling hot as it should, perhaps a little heavy on the onions, but including tender yet still snappy green and red peppers. The sides included a container of warm tortillas, and a plate of rice, beans, sour cream, shredded cheese, lettuce, guacamole, and a sprinkling of olives. Except for the rice being a little on the cool side, it was perfect and plentiful; I did have to ask for a “doggie” box.

There were a total of five couples and it may not have been the romantic evening with our sweethearts we might have planned, but it turned into a fun, happy multi-family night. The 5 week old slept through it all with bliss,  and we all got a chance to hold her.

We commend the owners and staff of La Palmera for obviously loving their guests, their business and their jobs. It shows. Thanks for showing us such a great time.  Do tell.

People, Shopping

Fine Living . . . Spirited Gifts

I just popped into one of my favorite little shops in the Town Center, Belle Provence – Fine Living . . .  Spirited Gifts. Their tagline truly says it all. You walk into the shop at 15407 Main Street #104 in Mill Creek and oh, what treasures await. You will be thrilled with unique jewelry, fashion accessories & decorative items for the home- for you or the perfect gift for that special someone.

Belle Provence opened in 1983 in Country Village in Bothell. Since moving to Mill Creek Town Center in 2005, it has continued to be favorite for locals and visitors to the area, alike. Diane and Royal Reinsch are the owners and Diane says she loves Mill Creek and especially the Town Center. She loves the real neighborhood feel and sense of community, for example when she witnesses two friends meet by chance in the shop. Also, Diane enjoys the experience when patrons start as customers, but soon become friends.

Here you will find beautiful candles, luscious fragrance diffusers, pillows, lamps, fluffy cozy throws, greeting cards, along with unique bracelets, necklaces, scarves, purses and more. Speaking of scarves, one that really caught my eye was one from a selection of fine silk crepe scarves from Cocoon House. Rich beautiful colors in assorted patterns from florals and geometrics to a Paris motif. I especially liked the fact they were light and airy, perfect for Spring and Summer when you want a splash of color. Actually, seeing that it is the middle of February, I think I am in need of a splash of color right now! The Paris one is calling me.

Belle Provence is a Brighton Heart Store which means they are recognized by Brighton for having a well-appointed store, the best in customer service, and a passion for what they do. They carry the full line of Brighton including jewelry, ladies belts, watches, wallets, eyewear, home & gift and footwear.

Diane also carries a fabulous selection from Vera Bradley. Handbags, totes, wallets, and numerous accessories in all the patterns and colors you’ve come to expect from Vera Bradley. What a feast for the eyes. Decisions, decisions.

Belle Provence is an authorized seller of Troll Beads, one of my personal obsessions. These colorful glass, silver and/or gold beads are collectibles. Each bead has a symbol or a “story” associated with it and can represent different special occasions, certain facets of your personal journey, or maybe you just like the color!  They make terrific gifts, whether you are adding to someone’s bracelet or getting them started, it will be much appreciated. Trust me.

Hope I have whet your appetite for a visit. Their hours are Mon- Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5 For more information visit them on the web at www.belleprov.com

Do tell.