Category Archives: Food

Summer Block Party

Recently 65+ Douglas Fir residents got together for a neighborhood block party/BBQ, which they hope will become an annual event. Way back in 1987-89, or so, when Douglas Fir Division was in the process of build up & becoming populated, there were several get togethers held. There were the Summer Block Parties, the 4th of July conflagrations, er, I mean celebrations. (This was when it was legal to have “safe & sane” fireworks in Mill Creek. It  wasn’t particularly safe or sane, however. You original/longtime Douglas Fir people know what I’m talking about.) For several years a hayride/caroling party was organized in the Winter. Everyone shared the fact that they were all the “new neighbors”.  Then — no one is really sure why, but most  likely the natural evolution of the division — “it” just sort of stopped. People moved, kids grew up, everyone got busy with other things, no one stepped forward to organize. For whatever the reason, the neighborhood get-togethers just seemed to fade away.

Last fall after Douglas Fir experienced some car prowls & break-ins, a group of residents got together to form a Block Watch Group. At the same time it was suggested that an effort be made to revive the “Annual Douglas Fir BBQ & Block Party”. The Key to keeping a neighborhood safe & in fact, “Neighborly” is neighbors who actually recognize & know their neighbors & keep an eye out for each other. Without going all vigilante, it is residents simply being aware of surroundings & taking notice if someone/something seems out of place & reporting it to authorities if necessary.

This was a great opportunity for everyone to come out, to get reacquainted with old friends, and to meet newer neighbors & friends. Burgers, hotdogs, chicken & a few laughs were shared. Many found it to be a great chance to get caught up with everyone else. Pretty safe to say, a good time was had by all. Do tell.

Art Walk Tomorrow Evening

Mill Creek Town Center Business Association has just announced participating merchants & restaurants for the Second Thursday Art Walk happening this Thursday August 9th 2012 5-8PM.

  1. Central Market will host Artists James Taylor featuring ink washes & Ann Davenport who works with pastels and acrylics.
  2. Artist Terri Davis will be at Color Me Mine showing her oil paintings.
  3. Enjoy a bite to eat and listen to music from the Cascadia Big Band at Firestation Deli.
  4. Tana McCoy will show & answer questions about her Sea Glass Jewelry at Belle Provence.
  5. A feast for your eyes at Eye Society as they welcome artist Lynn Kerr with her watercolors.
  6. Paddywack feaures pet photographer, Emily Reimann of course.
  7. Nature photography from Kevin Merchant at the University Bookstore.
  8. Nest Home & Gifts presents Ashley Danae Flameless Art Candles: Hand-decorated wax candles.
  9. Artisan Custom Framing will host Richard Duval, photographer featuring scenic, landscape & wine imagery.
  10. Blazing Onion another good stop for food, drink & music featuring The Jazz Tonz.
  11. Artist Philip McCrain will be on hand at NorthWest Pharmaceutical Compounding, Inc. with his Nature Photography.
  12. Purity Integrative Health & Wellness Center features wood craft by artist Dan Bowman. 
  13. Devine Wines hosts artist Gail Martinez – globally inspired realism art.
  14. World’s Tastiest Frozen Yogurt will welcome Amy Hill showing her acrylic paintings.
  15. Boston’s will be home base as the locale for the Information Booth. Pick up maps & get your questions answered here. See map below.
  16. Musings Artist Inspired hosts artists in several media : Traci Bixby – watercolor illustrations, Charlton Glassworks – fused glass with hand-cut metal inclusions & Melissa Davis – pencil/charcoal drawings.
  17. Columbia Funding Mortgage photography by artist, Nathan Brend.
  18. Windermere Mill Creek also showcases photographs, by artist Sue Russell.
  19. Photographer Tim Boyer will display his work at People’s Bank.

Word has it that in addition to the restaurants & aforementioned live music stops, some of the merchants will be serving light bites & wine when you visit their shops. Do tell.

And, as always, for more information visit:  www.millcreektowncenter.biz   Enjoy!

 

 

 

Kid’s Concerts Again. Yay!

Library Park Stage ready for Children’s Concert.

The Friends of The Mill Creek Library,  the City of Mill Creek Parks & Recreation & local sponsors are once again presenting a Summer Children’s Concert Series. The concerts are on Wednesdays from 12PM – 1PM at the Library Park adjacent to the Mill Creek Library!

August 1 — Alleyoop AKA Allan “Al” Hirsch is the featured performer. “He is an author, storyteller, historian, poet, riddler, puppeteer, musician, singer, teacher, dad, and now a grandpa!” “An upbeat concert that includes musical games & active playful songs & so much more. The children become the show as they dance & play along. Then there are the puppets.” Excerpt from:  www.alleyoop.us

August 8 — Tia’s Quackertunes  “Tia! is a nationally acclaimed, award-winning children’s song writer and an international recording artist who has been nominated for “Best Female Music Artist” by the American Academy of Children’s Entertainment and has won the Gold Parents’ Choice Award for her audio recording ‘Tia’s DINO-STEW ZOO.’ ” Excerpt from:  www.quackertunes.com

August 15 — Last but not least in the series for the Summer!  Buck & Elizabeth return to the Mill Creek Library Park all ready ” . . . to lasso you for cowboy or cowgirl costume contest. So come ready to strut your stuff and enjoy a fun & exciting show.” “For 20+ years Buck has been pursuing his passion in ‘Education Through Entertainment.’ ” ” ‘Animated personality’ ‘Dynamic vocals’ ‘the best ventriloquist EVER’ are just a few of the many talents Elizabeth brings to the stage.  From character voices to soulful blues she is comfortable with Looney Tunes and Patsy Cline.” Excerpt from: www.beep.8k.com

Technically these are free concerts. However, PLEASE bring a non-perishable food item to support the New Mill Creek Food Bank located at Jackson High School. Do tell.

Note: Parking is available at the Library parking lot on the north side of the street off 156th St SE Mill Creek. Parking is also available near Azteca Restaurant. Please use crosswalks at all times for safety. If you need additional information please call Parks & Recreation at (425) 745 -1891

Mill Creek Women’s Club

On March 8, 2012, The Mill Creek Women’s Club was awarded the International Rose Day Award by the Zonta Club of Everett. Zonta International’s mission is “advancing the status of women worldwide.” The award reads as follows:  “The Yellow Rose presented to you [The Mill Creek Women’s Club] from the Zonta Club of Everett is in recognition of your service to the Snohomish County community in your work to improve the status of women.”

Mill Creek Women’s Club began as a social club in 1983. The objective of the club is the promotion of friendship, social connections & philanthropic spirit among members. Membership in the Mill Creek Women’s Club is open to women in the greater Mill Creek area. The annual dues are $30, payable at the April & May meetings.

Monthly meetings are held September through May at the Mill Creek Country Club. These meetings begin with a time to socialize at 10:30AM followed by an enrichment program at 11:00 and a delicious lunch served at 12 Noon.

As for the philanthropic part, the MCWC has designated the YWCA Pathways for Women of Snohomish County as their primary focus. Pathways for Women reaches out to over 1000 women each & every year in Snohomish County, helping them to help themselves & their families become independent. During the December meeting, through the 2011 Auction, MCWC rose over $15,000 to support Pathways!

In March, donations of gently used purses, scarves, & jewelry were collected to benefit the YWCA Pathways for Women’s Working Wardrobe. In addition, The MCWC has over 35 volunteers each & every week supporting the efforts of Working Wardrobe.

The MCWC organizes socials to such places as The Northwest Women’s Show, Lynnwood Culinary School, Molbak’s Nursery, and an evening at UW Bookstore &  dinner at Tablas in Mill Creek Town Center.

Coming up on April 18th, the program for the luncheon will feature Marilee Simpson from My Garden, a full serve nursery focusing on the small garden. My Garden was voted King 5 Evening Magazine’s 2012 Best in Washington in the Home and Garden Category. Do tell.

The deadline to reserve your place for the April Program & luncheon is Thursday, April 12 by 11:30AM. If you are not a member yet visit www.millcreekwomensclub.com to learn about the Mill Creek Women’s Club & membership. Contact Membership Chair, Kathleen Corbriere by phone: 425-357-6239 or email: membershipmcwc@gmail.com

Much of the information for this story was obtained from Melissa Akers, Publicity Chair  & directly from the club website. Thank you.

 

 

Hear those Sleigh Bells Jingling

Santa Claus is coming to Mill Creek! This Friday, Dec 3rd at 3:00PM, Santa will have his own parade down Main Street in the Mill Creek Town Center to kick off an evening of Holiday Festivities.

Following the parade, Mill Creek City Hall will be the place to be for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, scheduled for 4:30PM.

From 4:00-7:00PM, throughout the Mill Creek Town Center, enjoy photos with special characters, pictures with Santa at The Forum, live music, carriage rides, cookie decorating, carollers, face painting, shopping, dining and more. Do tell.

Come bring your friends and family to join in this wonderful kick-off to the Holiday Season in Mill Creek. Proudly sponsored by the City of Mill Creek, Mill Creek Town Center and Mill Creek Rotary Club.

National Night Out-America’s Night Out Against Crime

The 28th Annual National Night Out is tonight! — Tuesday, August 2nd and the Snohomish County County Executive Office, in partnership with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, is hosting a county-wide event at McCollum Pioneer Park from 5 to 8PM. Citizens are encouraged to turn on porch lights, lock their doors and come out to meet police, fire-fighters, civic leaders, non-profit groups and other community groups. There will be food, music by Trainwreck [a country band from Stanwood] booths and giveaways. McCollum Pioneer Park is located at 600 128th St. SE  Everett, WA

“This annual event is an excellent opportunity for families and individuals to learn how they can make our community a little safer,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “It’s also a great chance to meet the women and men who work and serve in public safety.”

National Night Out is sponsored by National Association of Town Watch. It’s designed to heighten crime & drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit & police-community partnerships & send the message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized & fighting back. It grew out of a need to strengthen & build neighborhood “Block Watch” programs. Do tell.

Originally, National Night Out was observed by putting the lights on and keeping vigil on the front porch, but over the years neighborhoods, cities, whole communities have opted to observe the “night” by holding block parties, BBQs, inviting local police and sheriff departments to visit, hosting parades, exhibits, flashlight walks, contests and entertainment.

Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2010. —  www.nationalnightout.org/nno

Additional info obtained from media release — Office of the Snohomish County Executive.

 

Mill Creek Festival

Make plans to have fun this weekend with family and friends. Attend the annual Mill Creek Festival and Street Fair presented by The Mill Creek Business Association, Providence Regional Medical in Everett & North Creek Roofing. This year the festival runs Saturday July 16th and Sunday July 17th beginning at 11AM.

Parking should be a breeze this year because of the free shuttle service running continuously [ 7AM to 7PM on Saturday & 10AM to 6PM on Sunday ] between the parking lot at Jackson High School and the North end of the Mill Creek Festival site.

Highlights include favorites such as the Pet Plaza, the Kids Korner, Arts & Crafts, Main Stage and Community Stage entertainment, Beer Garden, non-profit and commercial booths. There will be food booths in addition to the many dining options throughout Mill Creek.

Returning this year after being sorely missed last year is a car show! This year the Rod-Tiques — a Premier Northwest car club, will produce the classic car event for the festival. While in the past festival car shows have featured Chevrolet Corvettes or Ford Mustangs, Rod-Tiques open their shows to any special interest auto. Car enthusiasts can expect to see just about anything, from wild customs to lovingly restored models from the 40’s through the 60’s at their showroom best. Car show is Sunday July 17 8AM-4PM.

Pet Plaza Highlights: Boeing Explosives K9 Team, Seattle Fly Dogs, Washington Fish & Game Karnelian Bear Dog, Snohomish County Fire Detection Dog. Check festival website for schedule. www.millcreekfestival.com

Main Stage: The Edsels, Rhythm Nation, Dana Osborn Band, Kellee Bradley, Superfecta, and Big Dog Revue.

Kids Korner: Little Gym, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Mill Creek Tennis Club, Uncle Stinky’s Magic and Novelties, Gold Creek Community Church and Dance Elite.

Community Stage: Local artists such as White Tiger Martial Arts, Applause Studio Solos, Gold Creek Trio, Zumba, “So So Suessical the Mini Musical”, Kidz Mix with Blake, and Uncle Stinky’s Magic. Do tell.

For more information and details about parking/shuttle, schedules, sponsors visit: www.millcreekfestival.com or www.facebook.com/millcreekfestival

 

Music Mid-Week

As we all know, Summer in Western Washington begins not on June 21st, but on July 5th! So it’s only fitting that the Music Mid-Week in Mill Creek Summer Concert Series should begin on July 6th.

This popular concert series is back thanks to the generous donations from North Creek Roofing, Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Windermere Real Estate, Windermere Mortgage Services, Azul, Central Market, City of Mill Creek, Rotary of Mill Creek and Mill Creek Business Association. Do tell.

Cherry-Cherry —a Neil Diamond Tribute band will kick-off the series this Wednesday, July 6th from 6-8PM at The Forum at Creekside Village, located at the Northend of the Town Center between The Blazing Onion, Capri – Ristorante Italiano, Firestation Deli and the Muddy Buddy Dogwash. For more information about Cherry-Cherry visit www.cherrycherryband.com

Music Mid-Week will continue every Wednesday 6-8 PM through August 31st with the following schedule:

  • July 13 Ventura Highway Revisited — 60’s & 70’s Classic Hits
  • July 20 Hyah Visions — Reggae
  • July 27 Sly MY Y — Classic Rock
  • Aug 3 All Mixed Up — 80’s Tribute
  • Aug 10 Jake Bergevin and Javatown Swing Orchestra — Big Band Era Swing Night
  • Aug 17 Gold Rush — Oldies Hits
  • Aug 24 Bump Kitchen — Funk/Blues
  • Aug 31 Creme Tangerine — Beatles Tribute

Performers are subject to change without notice. Visit www.millcreektowncenter.biz for the latest updates.

There is sure to be something for everyone. So, make plans to come down to Mill Creek early,  enjoy some food and  beverage at any of the great restaurants, then head over to The Forum for a fun evening of unique entertainment.

 

 

Support Our Troops

On Wednesday, June 15th from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM Merrill Gardens will be hosting special events nationwide to support our troops. Locally, the Merrill Gardens – Mill Creek will host “Fabulous feasting, music and dancing.” Besides kicking up a little fun and good times the purpose is to raise funds, with all the proceeds going to benefit the USO—United Service Organization.

11:30  to 6:00 enjoy a delicious meal in the Skylight Dining Room.

1-2 in the afternoon, there will be a Veterans’ Pride in Service Display.

2-3:30 USO style music & dancing. Do tell.

The cost is only $10 per person and goes to a great cause.

Merrill Gardens – Mill Creek

14905 Bothell Everett Highway Mill Creek, WA 98012   425-338-1580

 

 

National Doughnut Day this Friday!

This year National Doughnut Day will fall on Friday, June 3rd. National Doughnut Day is always held on the first Friday in June in honor of the Salvation Army “Lassies” of World War I.

During WWI, Salvation Army “Lassies” were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home cooked meals, i.e. doughnuts, and provided a morale boost to the troops. The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by the Salvation Army in 1917. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army’s “first doughnut girl”.

The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys, and we’re talking about doughnuts so you might wonder if one got their name from the other. In my research, while I found some discussion about a connection, I found no definitive answer as to a connection between doughnut and doughboy.  Both had been to referred to by their respective nicknames for years before World War I.

In any case, the National Doughnut Day “holiday” was established in Chicago in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army as both a much needed fundraiser during the Great Depression and to honor the many volunteers, those Lassies,  who cooked food, including doughnuts for thousands of soldiers overseas. Do tell.

On National Doughnut Day, look to see if your local doughnut shop, or other organizations, are offering free donuts to solicit donations for the Salvation Army or for another needy cause. If you find them, please be generous.

In Mill Creek,  Frost-Doughnuts Evolved is having a doughnut eating contest. How many do you think you can eat in 2 minutes? The contest will be held from 4-6 PM [ I suggest you skip breakfast & lunch and just forget about dinner! ] and there will be winners in three age categories.  http://www.frostology.com/

Rival doughnut shop, Top Pot – across the parking lot- inside the University Bookstore, will also honor National Doughnut Day. They are partnering with Northwest Harvest to spread doughnut-y cheer. Representatives from Northwest Harvest will be at all of the Top Pot Cafes including the one in Mill Creek from 6AM until Noon collecting donations of non-perishable food items. They will also have “tons” of fun giveaways at the cafe throughout the day.  http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/