Discover the perfect gift at One Common
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From timeless wardrobe staples to Birkenstocks he’ll wear all summer long, we’ve got everything to make his day special.
This issue holds a special place in my heart, partly because I’ve enjoyed every stage of our children's growing up, but also because of their delight in the pets they've brought into our family. While it's easy to wonder if we have enough love and attention to go around, adding one more member to the family always seems to result in more love to go around.
As parents, we put a great deal of effort into nur turing our children, looking forward to their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also bring out the best in us. They foster empathy, inspire wonder, and cause us to realize yet again that just because something is hard doesn't mean it is bad; it’s just hard, and we can do hard things.
Likewise, our other family members also bring out the best in us. Unlike our children, our pets never develop the ability to speak, thus requiring us to pay close attention to discover what they want and often need. If you are a pet owner, you have likely been frustrated by not knowing what is wrong, compounded by the fact that they can’t tell you either. The same is true when they are thriving.
I once had a German Shepherd that enjoyed the snow more than anything else, including treats. He would sit at the door, patiently waiting to go outside and bound around the yard, diving deep into the snow drifts. His delight was infectious, and he wasn’t the same after the snow melted.
I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children, grandchildren, and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.
Here’s to our future, our children, and the pets who make our lives better.
Cheers!
PUBLISHER
Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kelly Bone | kelly.bone@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Carley Ridley | carley.ridley@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amber Dawn Schultheis, Courtney Evans, Mara Williams, Michelle W. Parnell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cheryl Robinson, Dawning Memories, Jake Miller, Lawson Coy
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
8: On June 5th, the Futurecast Forum was held at the Kirkland Performance Center arraying market luminaries in the residential real estate industry. 9: Two dozen contributors and industry leading brands collaborated on the 2025 Futurecast Forum. 10: Several hundred attendees enjoyed a morning mix and mingle in the foyer. 11: Event hosts, Taylor Robinson (left) and Dean Jones (right), welcomed UBS CIO Jonathan Woloshin and economist Matthew Gardner for a spirited debate. 12: An attentive audience included real estate brokers, developers, lenders and industry advisors from numerous states. 13: Tadashi Shiga, Co-Founder of Realtie and land broker for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty educates on House Bill 1110. 14: Chris Ishii of Mercer Island City Lifestyle moderates a panel on FOMI vs. FOMO.
At Legacy Wealth Partners, we don’t just manage money, we build legacies. Whether you’re planning for retirement, growing generational wealth, or navigating complex investments, our tailored strategies and hands-on guidance are designed to align with your goals and elevate your
Eli Asberry joins the team at Tanya Mock Real Estate. He brings a servant’s heart and deep connection to the Snohomish community. With faith as his guiding principle, Eli offers strong and steady leadership to his clients regardless of whether they are buyers, sellers, or real estate investors. His desire to serve and earn the trust of clients makes him an ideal addition to this dynamic team.
Cascade Concrete Coatings relocated to a newly available commercial location to accommodate increased product storage, additional equipment, and the continued growth of their business. The new office is located in the industrial park at 18562 142nd Ave., NE in Woodinville. Primarily serving the north end of the Puget Sound with Polyaspartic Polyurea Penntek floor coatings, their services are ideal for industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Visit https://www.cascadeconcrete coatings.com to learn more and schedule an appointment.
New taproom and restaurant, Dwellers Drinkery, opens in Lake Stevens. Three families join together to create a place “we want to spend our weekends in” in service to friends and the community. Visit 8928 Vernon Road, where you’ll find friends, Jeff Dugan and Alex Wells, along with Executive Chef and General Manager, Danny Ludwig. They are joined by Suzie Dugan, Missy Dahl, and Kimberly Wells plus a growing team to provide outstanding food and beverage.
August 4th to 7th & August 18 to 21st th
Ages 5 to 7: 1pm to 3pm
Ages 8 to 17: 9am to 12pm
LESSONS INCLUDE: MASTERING THE GOLF GRIP HOW TO SWING PUTTING CHIPPING/PITCHING RULES & ETIQUETTE
MEET JACKSON CONWAY, THE 12-YEAR-OLD TURNING HEADS—AND WOOD
When Jessica Trouillaud, Owner and Designer of Opaline Interiors mentioned that she had met a delightful young entepenure that we just had to do a story about, our journey to get to know Jackson began. At an age when most kids are still figuring out how to ride their bikes with no hands, 12-year-old Jackson Conway is already running a full-blown business.
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAKE MILLER
What started as a way to pass time in a grocery store parking lot during the pandemic quickly turned into something much bigger. While waiting for his mom to shop, Jackson and his dad bonded over YouTube videos about woodturning. That spark of curiosity caught fire. Sensing his growing passion, Jackson’s parents gifted him a beginner lathe for Christmas two years ago. “They wanted to see if I’d actually do it—and get good at it,” he laughs.
Spoiler alert: he totally did. And he’s crushing it.
Jackson is the founder and creative force behind JC’s Woodshop, where he designs and handcrafts unique wooden items like
bowls, coffee tampers, pizza cutters, bottle openers, and ice cream scoops. “I like using my creative mind to come up with the designs,” he says.
His work blends traditional woodworking with modern tools—lathes, table saws, and band saws—all used safely under close supervision. His home workshop buzzes with the sound of machinery and the scent of fresh wood shavings.
But what really sets Jackson apart is his commitment to quality and sustainability. He uses salvaged and eco-friendly wood whenever possible, making sure nothing goes to waste. Each item he makes is functional, beautiful, and made with intention.
“HE’S LIVING PROOF THAT CURIOSITY, COURAGE, AND PASSION CAN TAKE YOU FAR.”
Of course, even the most talented 12-year-old needs a solid support crew. Jackson’s business is a true family affair. Dad is the (unpaid but enthusiastic) social media manager, helping with posts and online questions. Mom handles inventory, supply orders, and packaging—plus anything requiring excellent handwriting. Together, they’ve built not just a business, but something even more valuable: time spent learning, creating, and growing as a family.
“We’ve all learned a lot through this,” Jackson’s mom says. “But watching him take ownership of something so big at such a young age—that’s been the best part.”
Jackson sells his work online at https://www.jcswoodshop.com/, at local craft markets, and in-store at Opaline Interiors in downtown Snohomish. Whether he’s making items for a customer across town or shipping them across the country, he puts the same level of care into every piece.
Don’t be fooled by his age—Jackson’s got big plans. His long-term goal? “To never work for anyone but myself,” he says. “I want JC’s Woodshop to be a brand that’s carried in stores all over—not just one shop, but lots of them.”
Recently, he set his sights on upgrading his lathe and created a savings tracker—with
a photo of the dream machine taped to his wall to stay motivated. He’s already reinvesting profits, expanding his inventory, and learning how to think long-term.
At markets, Jackson’s booth always draws a crowd. “People assume an adult made the products,” says his dad. “Then they meet Jackson and are blown away.”
And while Jackson is proud of his work, he’s even more excited to inspire others. He’s living proof that curiosity, courage, and passion can take you far—no matter how young you are or where you start.
In a world of instant gratification, Jackson Conway is living proof that hard work, patience, and a little grit still go a long way. With a block of wood and a big imagination, this young maker is carving out a future that’s entirely his own—and inspiring others to do the same.
FOLLOW JACKSON’S JOURNEY: Online at:
https://www.jcswoodshop.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ jcs_wood_shop
Pets are more than just companions—they’re little wellness coaches in disguise. Whether you’re taking your dog for a walk through the Centennial Trail, cuddling your cat while sipping coffee from a local café, or watching fish swim peacefully in their tank, the benefits are real and backed by science.
In fact, pet ownership has been shown to improve physical health, support mental wellness, and help us feel more connected— to others and ourselves. Here in Snohomish, where community matters and outdoor living is part of our lifestyle, pets fit right in as fourlegged (feathered or finned) family members. Here are just a few of the health perks that come with being a proud pet parent:
Multiple studies show that people with pets have lower resting heart rates and blood pressure. Even better? Pet owners tend to experience less extreme spikes in stressful situations. Just petting a dog or cat can help your body relax and feel safe. That’s a powerful tail wag.
Kids who grow up around pets may develop stronger immune systems and are less likely to suffer from allergies or asthma later in life. Exposure to dander, fur, and even a little outdoor dirt might help build long-term resilience—and it doesn’t hurt that pets are great at lifting moods, too.
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY EVANS
Need a reason to get outside? Dogs especially are great motivators. They encourage daily walks, spontaneous play, and lots of movement. Whether it’s a stroll down 1st Street or a game of fetch at Pilchuck Park, having a pet can make staying active feel like fun instead of a chore.
From easing anxiety to reducing depression, pets provide emotional support in a way that’s hard to match. They listen without judgment, offer unconditional love, and create structure in our days. For some, that daily routine—feeding, walking, playing—is exactly what helps life feel more manageable.
CONTINUED >
Pets are amazing icebreakers. Walking your dog down Centennial Trail or visiting the dog park at Sam’s Cats & Dogs in Monroe, often leads to spontaneous conversations and new friendships. And for kids, pets can help teach empathy, social skills, and emotional regulation in a hands-on, heartwarming way.
It’s no secret that scratching your dog behind the ears or having your cat curl up on your lap just feels good. But science backs that up, too. Petting animals boosts oxytocin (the bonding hormone), lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases serotonin and dopamine—your body’s natural mood lifters.
There are some wonderful local rescues and adoption centers nearby if you’re looking for your perfect pet match. Check out organizations like Pasado’s Safe Haven, Noah, PAWS, or Motley Zoo Animal Rescue
Our pets bring joy, structure, connection, and comfort to our lives every single day. They’re more than just animals—they’re family. And in a community like Snohomish, where neighborly spirit and local love run deep, our four-legged friends are right at home.
So the next time your dog gives you that goofy grin or your cat lands gracefully on your keyboard mid-email, remember: they’re not just there for laughs (though those are great too)—they’re helping your health in the most lovable way possible.
Pet ownership has been shown to improve physical health, support mental wellness, and help us feel more connected—to others and ourselves.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS
Simple 3-Ingredient Treats for Your Canine Pal
Have you ever met a dog who doesn’t love peanut butter? And are you always looking for ways to use up ripe bananas? These 3-ingredient dog treats are simple to make and leverage some of our most basic pantry staples: oats (oat flour), natural peanut butter, and bananas. That’s it! They come together in about an hour, most of which is hands-off while the biscuit dough chills and then bakes. These Pantry Pup Biscuits are wholesome little delights for your furry pal and make thoughtful gifts for new pup-parents or your dog-loving friends and family.
24 biscuits 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups oats + 2 tablespoons, divided
• 2 ripe bananas, fresh or thawed from frozen
• ½ cup natural, unsweetened, unsalted peanut butter
EQUIPMENT:
• Measuring cups
• Food processor with blade attachment
• Rubber spatula
• Medium mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter(s) or butter knife
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Metal spatula
• Large jar with a lid
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to320°F and prep the baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In the base of your food processor,grind the oats into a coarse flour. You can also use oat flour to start with if you’d like to skip this step.
3. Add the ripe bananas and peanut butter to the oat flour and pulse until well incorporated and a sticky dough has formed. If you’re using frozen bananas, thaw them first and drain the excess liquid before adding them to the mixture.
4. Use the rubber spatula to move the dough into your mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to become firm, less sticky to handle. You can chill the dough overnight if you are making it ahead.
5. Use 2 tablespoons of the oat flour to dust your work surface to further keep the dough from sticking. Using the rubber spatula, scrape the chilled dough onto the floured surface. Roll the dough to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness. You can cut the dough into treat-sized squares based on the size you need for your particular dog or use cookie cutters to make any size and shape you like. Kids love this part!
6. Bake 12 per sheet, evenly spaced apart. They do not spread much during the bake.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, then use a metal spatula to flip them. Return to the 300 degree oven for another 15 minutes or until they are firm to the touch and golden on both sides. See notes for bake time and crunchiness adjustments.
8. Allow the biscuits to cool for 20 minutes before serving them to your pet, just to be safe.
9. Once cooled, store in an airtight container. They will last for about 1 week on the counter top, 2 weeks in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer.
RECIPE NOTES:
• Freeze the dough for future use! You can choose to bake half of the biscuits now and use the rest of the dough when you run out or want to make a hostess gift for your dog-loving friends.
• If your pup requires a chewier treat, reduce the bake time by 3 minutes per side. If you want them a bit crunchier, you can also increase the bake time until they reach your desired texture.
• Thawed, previously frozen bananas work just as well as ripe bananas. Just be sure to drain the excess liquid before adding them to your oats to keep the dough from becoming too moist and sticky.
• Be sure to check with your veterinarian on your pet’s specific dietary needs!
These 3-ingredient dog treats are simple to make and leverage some of our most basic pantry staples.
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS
One of the best parts of summer in the Pacific Northwest is the abundance of fresh produce and seasonal ingredients available to play with. It’s a great time to introduce kids to new foods and ingredients, connect them to where their food comes from, and teach them to create delicious meals and snacks with their own two hands and a little imagination.
As you dig into the kid-friendly culinary creations featured in this article, remember that collecting ingredients from local farmers markets and makers can be an enriching part of the experience. It’s an opportunity to help kids understand where their food comes from and why it matters. At the local farmer’s market, they
can talk with vendors and farmers, ask questions, and learn more about the origin behind the food. Plant the seed of curiosity!
Bringing kids alongside you to learn how to shop and make a few easy snacks and recipes teaches them skills they can take with them wherever they go!
Here are some kid-friendly snacks and recipes to get you started:
1. Rainbow Fruit Skewers: Pick up a combination of familiar and new fruit options from your local farmer’s market. Be sure to choose something for each of the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) for maximum visual delight! Rinse and prep your fruit selection and carefully push pieces of fruit onto wooden or bamboo skewers. Kids can play with different color combinations and patterns to their hearts’ content. Store in ziplock bags and take them along on picnics, road trips, and long days at the ball park. What a great way to get the little ones to make their own snack and squeeze in a few more fresh fruit servings this summer!
2. ‘Smore Mallows: Melt some chocolate in a double boiler on the stove top or in the microwave until smooth. Skewer a large marshmallow and gently dip and roll in the melted chocolate. Then, roll the chocolate-covered mallow in crushed graham crackers (or shredded coconut, pecans, toasted sesame seeds, or toffee bits). Allow the chocolate to cool before devouring. Enjoy directly from the skewer for a campfire-adjacent ‘smore experience anytime this season. All the ‘smore flavor, no fire required.
“BRINGING KIDS ALONGSIDE YOU TO LEARN HOW TO SHOP AND MAKE A FEW EASY SNACKS AND RECIPES TEACHES THEM SKILLS THEY CAN TAKE WITH THEM WHEREVER THEY GO!”
3. Personal Cheese Boards: Using small cutting boards, bamboo or paper plates, each family member gets their own personal “board” to work with. Set out your standard cheese board ingredients - a variety of cheeses, meats, crackers, pickles, a few fruit and veggie options- and be sure to include items your kids generally gravitate toward for snacking. To make it fun, set a timer for “decorating” and when time is up, everyone can take a turn explaining what they chose to include on their board and what they love about this snack. This is a great way for kids to learn how to assemble something in a thoughtful way, and get them comfortable with making their own food.
4. Snackle Boxes: You may have seen these tackle-box-like food storage containers making their way around the internet. Similar to the Personal Cheese Boards, Snackle Boxes are a great ‘choose your own adventure’ snack that travels incredibly well! It’s also a fantastic way to clean out your pantry! Start by grabbing all the dried and fresh ingredients you’d like to offer. If you have one box per child, they can fill each container with their choice of snacks. If you have one box for the entire family, each child may have a set number of compartments they can fill with their favorite snacks. Added bonus of the Snackle Box: You won’t need to trolly as many containers while on the go and the variety can help keep kids from snack boredom. Win/win!
5. Make-Your-Own Pizza: Making pizza dough ahead of time or scooping some up at the market makes this hands-on family dinner an easy way to get kids cooking! Prep your veggies, meat, and cheese toppings and put them out in individual containers for your kids to choose from. Consider challenging them a bit by having them select an adventure topping that they wouldn’t usually choose. Having a bit of extra dough on hand for re-do pizzas is helpful in case they don’t like their new ingredient. Side note: If you don’t want to deal with actual pizza dough, try using tortillas or English muffins as the “crust” and baking them in the oven or air fryer just as you would a traditional pie, adjusting the bake time as needed, for a surprisingly simple and delicious way to make pizza night a hit.
Wherever this summer takes you, bringing kids alongside you at the market and in the kitchen is a great way to spend quality time and build their skills and confidence in being able to create something delicious on their own.
Money habits start early—sometimes earlier than we think. But teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Parents often ask me the same few questions when it comes to raising money-smart kids. Here are my top three, with quick tips you can use right away.
Q1: WHAT’S THE RIGHT AGE TO START TEACHING MY CHILD ABOUT MONEY?
A: Start early—preschoolers engage with the world through pretend play and mirroring what they see. This is the perfect time to introduce pretend money, set up play stores, and model everyday money habits. As kids enter Kindergarten and early elementary school, they begin to understand quantities, compare prices, and grasp simple decision-making. This is when habits start to form—how they choose, what they value, and whether they save or spend. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s practice and positive exposure.
ARTICLE BY COACH MARA WILLIAMS
Q2: SHOULD I GIVE MY CHILD AN ALLOWANCE?
A: Every family is different, so do what feels right for yours. That said, introducing the idea of earning money at a young age can be powerful. Kids don’t always see how adults make money—so talk about the jobs people do when you’re out and about (like baristas, bus drivers, or small business owners). Then, coach your child to find simple ways to earn— like offering helpful chores to you, grandparents, or neighbors. You can also encourage them to sell things they make or grow.
Q3: HOW DO I TEACH MY KID TO SAVE MONEY INSTEAD OF SPENDING IT ALL?
A: Keep it visual and tangible. Cash is key—kids can see it, hold it, and understand what it represents (like an hour of doing chores). Once they earn money, help them divide it into simple categories using jars, envelopes, or labeled pouches. Start with three:
• Personal Fund – money they can spend now.
• Savings – for something bigger they really want (like a bike or vacation money).
• Donation – for a cause they care about (like the local cat shelter or food bank).
As they grow, add more envelopes: a long-term savings fund for big goals like a car or college (deposited into a bank monthly or quarterly), and a business fund for any kid-run ventures like lemonade stands or dog walking. This approach builds real budgeting skills in a way that’s fun, hands-on, and confidence-building.
Mara Williams is a business coach with Success Street Coaching and the author of The Little Books of Big Business. Explore more at www.TheLittleBooksOfBigBusiness.com and Follow @TheLittleBooksOfBigBusiness on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube!
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
- Benjamin Franklin
Wealth Wave and Planswell have partnerned to bring you a powerful financial planning program for free. Follow the QR code to start your plan today!
CUSTOMIZED PHARMACEUTICAL CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, INCLUDING YOUR PETS.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
Dawn Ipsen, PharmD began her journey in the world of compounding pharmacy nearly 25 years ago as a graduate intern. Today, she remains passionate about finding solutions to ensure patients get the medications they need, delivered in a way that best fits each unique condition.
“I love the science of it, and I also love the creative, artistic side of it,” shares Dawn. “Everything that I get to do is individualized medicine, which I firmly believe we all deserve, and I get to solve problems that normal pharmacies and drug manufacturers aren’t able to solve.”
In 2014, Dawn took ownership of Kusler’s Compounding Pharmacy, continuing its 50+ year legacy of providing excellent service to the Snohomish community. Two years later, she and her husband, Michael, purchased Clark’s Compounding Pharmacy in Bellevue. Both locations continue to build on a solid reputation for providing quality services with compassion and having a strong commitment of providing customers with the best products that make a positive difference in their health.
Unlike most retail pharmacies that simply distribute pre-made, commercially available drugs, Kusler’s works with prescribers to customize medications to meet the individual needs of patients, including those with allergies, sensitivities, or specific requirements.
“I really like the collaboration part of what I do,” says Dawn. “Because there are so many intricate details, we work very much in a team approach with the prescriber and the patient to make sure all of it is matching up correctly.”
Because of the versatility of services, Kusler’s is a great option for the whole family, including children and pets. For kids who have trouble swallowing pills,
the Kusler’s team can create a liquid form of medications in customizable flavors. For children with specific sensitivities, they can avoid using certain fillers, dyes, and preservatives.
As a Full Fellow Veterinary Pharmacist, Dawn also understands the nuances of working with veterinarians and medications for all types of animals. “It would be hard to shock me anymore with the type of pets,” she explains with a bit of a chuckle. “We obviously help cats and dogs - we do that every day - but we’ve had tarantulas, wallabies, sugar-gliders, and quite a few pet chickens. There are several exotic veterinary practices in our area and as a result, there are all kinds of different birds, turtles, and rabbits that we make medicine for on a daily basis.”
Kusler’s also carries its exclusive KC Pro-Nutrients line of vitamins and supplements and provides services such as wellness support, hormone balance consultations, medication reviews, travel vaccinations and health consultations.
“If somebody is faced with a medication problem – such as they can’t find it, have an allergy or concern about it, or want to explore the possibilities of a more natural approach, we are able to be an educational resource for them and work with their current medical team to see how we can help,” says Dawn.
For more information, visit kuslers.com or call/text 360-568-1297. Also follow @kuslerscompoundingpharmacy on social media and explore educational resources through the KC Wellness Talks podcast and YouTube channel. Referrals are not necessary for consultation services and pharmacy team members are available to assist patients in coordinating communication between prescribers and the pharmacy.
“What I do is extremely rewarding, it makes a tremendous impact on individual lives within our community. I get to see the outcome of people reaching their health goals.”
Farmer Frog: Where compost is cool, frogs are friends, and learning is hands-on fun.
Frogs are nature’s messengers, ecological indicators that tell us when an environment is thriving. That’s why Farmer Frog chose the Healthy Farms make Healthy Frogs, and at Farmer Frog, that’s something worth celebrating.
What began as a small school garden in South Everett has blossomed into one of Washington’s most inspiring nonprofit movements. Today, Farmer Frog supports dozens of school gardens across the state, operates regenerative farms, leads hands-on education programs, and distributes millions of pounds of food to communities in need—all under the powerful mission of “Sprouting Simple Change.”
At its core, Farmer Frog is more than a farm—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem of educators, growers, scientists, and volunteers, all working toward a shared vision: a happy community living abundantly in a healthy environment.
Farmer Frog believes that some of life’s best lessons happen outside—in the dirt, under the sun, surrounded by the buzz of bees and the smell of fresh soil. That’s why their education programs for children are rooted (pun intended) in hands-on, real-world experiences. Through their SOIL to STEM curriculum, short for Social Outreach Innovative Learning, kids learn science, technology, engineering, and math through the lens of sustainable farming.
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY EVANS
Whether they’re identifying edible plants, testing soil, observing wildlife, or learning how to irrigate a garden, students experience nature not as a textbook subject, but as a vibrant classroom full of wonder and discovery.
Every summer, the farm bursts with laughter and muddy hands as kids dive into games, stories, hikes, and harvesting. Farmer Frog’s summer camps are rooted in connection—to the land, to animals, and to each other.
But this is more than just a camp. It’s a place where kids are treated as contributors. They’re invited to shape the experience with their own stories, games, songs, and art—building a community that feels like home.
As founder and co-director Zsofia Pasztor puts it: “We teach all subjects through farming. It’s interdisciplinary by nature and helps people reconnect with where food comes from and how we’re all part of something bigger.”
Farmer Frog doesn’t stop with kids. Their team offers community classes in regenerative agriculture, aquaponics, beekeeping, and more. Adults can learn livestock management, irrigation systems, meat processing, and other skills grounded in sustainability and care for the environment.
They also help schools and organizations build and maintain gardens that double as outdoor classrooms and community gathering spaces. These aren’t just vegetable patches— they’re places for connection, confidence, and pride.
Farmer Frog’s work is as joyful as it is serious. Whether it’s a child proudly pulling their first carrot from the ground or a volunteer delivering food to a family in need, every effort is rooted in love—for people, for the planet, and for what’s possible.
So the next time you hear a frog croak near your garden, think of Farmer Frog.
It might just be nature’s way of reminding us that when we care for the earth, we care for each other.
Farmer Frog always has room for more helping hands! Whether you join for an hour or a whole day, your time and talents help their gardens—and our communities—grow. Check out the calendar for summer camps, educational classes, and volunteer opportunities online at: farmerfrog.org or email grow@farmerfrog.org
ARTICLE BY PAM REID
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
AUGUST 3RD
Field of Wheels - Presented by Allied Motorsport
Craven Farm - 13817 Short School Rd, Snohomish | 11:00 AM
The Snohomish Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer this event in partnership with our presenting sponsor - Allied Motorsport and our host, Craven Farm. This event is free for spectators and is designed to inspire outdoor exploration and offroad adventure. There will be food trucks, a vendor market, and a beer garden to enjoy.
AUGUST 5TH
Night Out
Averill Field - 400 2nd St., Snohomish | 4:30 PM
National Night Out is a night when people from all across Snohomish County are meeting and connecting with law enforcement and each other to help prevent crime in the neighborhoods. To be effective in our mission, the Sheriff’s Office must maintain a strong partnership with the communities we serve. Together, we send a message.
AUGUST 6TH
Classes by Culinary Immigration
Culinary Immigration - 1939 Ludwig Rd, Snohomish | 6:30 PM
Learn to prepare cuisines from around the world with Chef Victoria at Culinary Immigration. Register for this class, Pasta Ravioli, or any number of other courses offered throughout the month of August - visit www.culinaryimmigration.com to enroll.
CONTINUED
AUGUST 8TH
Bob’s Corn - 10917 Elliott Rd, Snohomish | 9:00 AM
Step back in time and experience farming history in action at the Sky Valley Stock & Antique Tractor Club Show & Threshing Bee! This annual 3-day event celebrates vintage tractors, classic farm equipment, and traditional threshing techniques, giving you a hands-on look at the way farming used to be. For more information and admission pricing, visit - https://skyvalleyantiquetractor.com/ annual-show
AUGUST 16TH
Harvey Airfield - 10530 Airport Way, Snohomish | 1:30 PM
Presented by Alternative Roofing Systems, Inc. join the community for the annual Snohomish Block Party. Featuring ZEPPARELLA, QUEEN MOTHER, GOOD TIMES ROLL, PETTY THIEF, and WILD RUMOURS.
AUGUST 23RD
Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe | 5:00 PM
Join community leaders for an afternoon of recognition and awards for hard work, well done. Youth in our community have invested heavily in growing and caring for livestock animals in preparation for sale in an auction setting. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early enough to register to bid.
Explore the trends shaping the region’s distinctive and desirable waterfront market in Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s 2025 Waterfront Report. With insightful yearover-year analysis, examinations of the most relevant trends, and tips on purchasing and selling a waterfront property, this is the definitive guide to navigating the dynamic market.
Inside the report:
• Year-over-year data across 16 communities and 12 counties
• Active waterfront listings
• Shoreline facts and figures
• Executive summary from CMO Andrea Savage
Plus, this year’s Futurecast Forum recap video is now available, allowing you to keep up with the latest trends, news, and expert predictions on the real estate market. This annual event brings together the top minds in luxury real estate to discuss what’s shaping our market and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
futurecastforum.com
Dean Jones President and CEO
