Lifestyle Letter
With this, the November issue, we are proud to say that we have completed our first full year of curating and sharing a few of the stories of those who make living in Snohomish and the surrounding area such a wonderful experience. While we are just getting started and look forward to many more stories in the coming months and years, it is important to mark this notable milestone, completing year one with so much support from both readers and our partners, we are immensely grateful.
Additionally, we are so thankful for the various organizations who have supported our work with their own unique contribution to the publication including Life N Light, Shannon Beauclair Photography, Dawning Memories, Business Ladies of Society, and every one of the partners whose ad placement you see within the pages of our publication every month.
This issue is special in that we want to introduce you to individuals whose work we are particularly thankful for. The first is a couple who have brought a leading and well-recognized brand to our area with a heart for service and fill a need that is difficult to find craftsmanship within. Next is an organization intent on saving lives and encouraging those they serve to continue their education and become contributing members of our community. Lastly, we are proud to write a story about one of our community leaders whose interest in everyone she meets is genuine and causes her to create connections and introductions that help us all.
Finally, we want to say a heartfelt Thank You to you, our readers. Without you reading, sharing your delight with us every month, and supporting our partners whose best-in-class products and services are carefully selected, this publication would not be possible. In short, YOU are the community, and our work is to utilize storytelling to show off what is so wonderful about living in Snohomish. With that, please continue to share with us those who you know, the multi-generational families and the recent transplants, the ones we have not met yet and help us create a publication that continues to reflect all that is good in our community.
SHANNON COY, PUBLISHER SNOHOMISHCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kelly Bone | kelly.bone@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Tasia Heintzelman | tasia.heintzelman@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amber Schultheis, Michelle W. Parnell, Snohomish City Lifestyle Staff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dawning Memories, Life N Light, Beauclair Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
1: Gusto Wood Fired Pizza Catering at Snohomish Farmers Market
Burkhead Art Center at Snohomish Farmers Market 3 – 4: Evergreen Youth Livestock Auction at the Evergreen
SNOHOMISH CITY LIFESTYLE
SNOHOMISH CITY LIFESTYLE
SNOHOMISH BLOCK PARTY
SNOHOMISH
SNOHOMISH
Vibe Tribe Fitness wins Best Personal Trainer award
Vibe Tribe Fitness has been awarded the highest honor awarded, Platinum, as the Best Personal Trainer in Everett. Additionally they were the Silver award winner for Best Fitness Centers and Gyms in Everett. Voting was conducted by CommunityVotes and continues the well-deserved recognition Bergan, Morgan and their team of talented trainers deserve. Learn more about Vibe Tribe and how they can help you reach your fitness goals by visiting https://vibetribefit.com
Photography by Vibe Tribe Fitness
Snohomish Golf Course adds new teaching pro
Snohomish Golf Course recently hired a new pro! Tanner Perry
Tanner is a young golf professional offering engaging and tailored lessons to golfers of all levels. With a background in teaching and more than 20 years playing golf himself, he uses his expertise to help others improve their skills and enjoy the game.
Photography by Snohomish Golf Course
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Celine Williams earns Luxury Home Marketing designation
Celine Williams with Realty One Group Orca has earned the CLHMS Designation and GUILD™ Recognition. “Agents who have earned the GUILD™ recognition are performing at the highest level in their community,” said Kathleen Bibbins, Director of The Institute. “It takes a superior level of service to be successful and consistently close sales at or above one million dollars.”
Scan to read more
Photography by Celine Williams
Thankful For The Opportunity
ONE COUPLE’S WAY OF GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITY
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT
For thirty years, Charles Masters has worked in the home services industry, twenty of which with Ace Hardware. Being the son of a third-generation plumber and having grown up in Southern California around the family plumbing business, he found home services a great fit professionally. Over the years, he has noticed that more and more customers want help completing projects beyond what store personnel could offer.
“If we look back twenty years ago in a hardware store, for every twenty people that walked in and said, ‘How do I fix this’, you would really only have one person that would say, ‘Do you have someone that can fix it for me?’ Fast forward to a few years ago and that twenty to one became five to one,” explained Charles. “So, in hardware stores, we needed a reliable, trustworthy resource for our customers to do those projects that they were seeking to have done for them. Ace Hardware saw this shift in customer needs and requests and decided to leverage the Ace Hardware brand into home services. They acquired a handyman franchise that they eventually rebranded to Ace Handyman Services.”
In 2020, Charles and his wife, Crystal, opened a Snohomish County branch of the new Ace Handyman Services. As a locally owned and independently run business with the backing of a nationally known and trusted brand, and with the support of local Ace Hardware store owners, they saw it as a perfect opportunity to help people beyond the storefront and in their own homes. This was especially timely with the recent growth in “do it for me” services.
“Boomers are realizing that it’s not smart for them to get on the ladder anymore or they are not able to do the things they used to do,” said Charles. “Millennials are a generation who place a high value on time and instead of spending weekends working on projects, they prefer to go for a hike and hire someone to do it for them.”
As a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor, Ace Handyman Services assists with a wide variety of projects for private and commercial properties that range from small jobs such as replacing cabinet hardware and mounting TVs to larger jobs such as drywall repair, deck and fence restoration, and bathroom refreshes. With the ability to help with over 1100 types of projects, their experienced craftsmen come equipped with the skills and tools to provide the support customers need.
For Charles and Crystal, however, providing these services is about more than just helping clients knock out their to-do list, it is about building relationships and giving back to the community and to people who have been so impactful in their lives
“People call us to fix random x, y and z, but sometimes we end up knowing them and they are people who had been impactful to us because the world is small,” said Crystal. “We like being able to give back in ways to people who aren’t expecting it, even if it is being able to provide them a service with a trusted handyman.”
Recently, Crystal came across a Facebook post asking for referrals for someone to build a deck. When she saw that the person in need was her high school German teacher who had a profound impact on her life, Crystal was excited to be able to give back to her in this special way.
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“We like being able to give back in ways to people who aren’t expecting it, even if it is being able to provide them a service with a trusted handyman.”
“We like having our own team so that we can take care of them in a way that is important to us, including having a family-friendly environment for our employees.”
“She has some medical issues right now and we were able to go and build her new decks around her home so that she can go outside and read in the sunshine and do it safely,” Crystal shared. “We were able to provide this service for someone who, even 30 years later, I’m very protective of. So being able to send a team to her house that I was comfortable with means so much.”
Because Crystal was the primary caregiver to her grandparents for ten years, she also understands the stress that comes with having someone unknown come into the home of a family member or friend. Her experiences foster a unique understanding that it is important to be able to trust whoever comes in to do projects and know they will do so with great care.
“I know the anxiety of bringing someone into your home. Having someone come to your house that you feel comfortable with and that you trust to fix a problem is a big deal,” said Crystal. “After my grandpa passed away, it was just my grandma and me. She remained sharp but was physically frail. Even though my grandma knew so many people from being the secretary of the elementary school in Stanwood, there was still that anxiety of having someone around my most precious person without me being there. So, it was important to be able to have craftsmen who had a criminal background check, wore a uniform, and to have a picture of who was going to be arriving at the door.” With this in mind, Ace Handyman Services intentionally focuses on building trust with clients through clear communication and fostering relationships.
“Once we have a craftsman who is a good match for a
customer, we send that person back again, because it’s about relationships and trust,” added Crystal.
Charles and Crystal also feel it is important to take great care of and give back to their employees. They attract high quality craftsmen by ensuring they are paid a living wage plus making sure they have the resources and tools they need to best complete projects. They also offer incentives and recognition for hard work and reward 5-star reviews with bonuses.
“We like having our own team so that we can take care of them in a way that is important to us, including having a family-friendly environment for our employees,” shared Crystal. “I love that our craftsmen will, after they finish a job, pick up their kids and come by the office with them. Or with our customer service ladies, if there is a day when their kids are off from school, the kids will be in the office area. They’ve got their easel, crayons, and things. To be able to have the flexibility to have that family environment is pretty awesome.”
Through Ace Handyman Services, Charles and Crystal intentionally build a culture of care and service, seeking out employees who share the same philosophy. As locals who are an active part of the community, they want to serve as a trusted resource for their neighbors.
“We find fulfillment in that we offer a white glove service that people appreciate and that we are able to make a difference in the lives of our craftsmen,” said Charles. “We can’t change the world, but we can change our little corner of it by being impactful and making a difference.”
LEARN MORE: For more information on how Ace Handyman Services can help, visit the website and fill out inquiry form at http://www. acehandymanservices.com/office/snoco , or call 425-403-4004
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PROVIDING THE PNW WITH PROFESSIONALS WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE OFFROAD AND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
ARTICLE BY AMBER SCHULTHEIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEAUCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY
HOW NANCY KEITH IS TRANSFORMING THE SNOHOMISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
While Nancy Keith waited in line to order her tea, she kindly patted the back of another patron and offered an ear of support. A seemingly small gesture, but indicative of the kind of human-centric leadership and kindness she exudes. Unsurprisingly, many people passing through the cafe seemed to know Nancy by name. She is approachable, cheery, and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to small business and nonprofit advocacy. Nancy’s experience as a small business owner, along with her genuine desire to know the human being behind each business, make her an ideal fit in her role of Executive Director of the Snohomish Chamber of Commerce.
As an entrepreneur and vested member of the Snohomish community for over twenty years, Nancy is motivated to bring value and connect small businesses with resources and a network that will help them find success. Her interest and care for others and her desire to clearly understand what each business owner’s contribution is to the local community make her an exemplary connector.
The Chamber of Commerce has experienced significant growth over the last few years. Since Nancy started in the leadership role, membership has more than doubled, while program enrollment and Chamber meeting attendance is at an all-time high.
“Chambers are shifting from being heavily event-focused to offering additional ways to provide value to members, such as educational opportunities.” Nancy shares. And the Snohomish Chamber is on track with this trend.
The Chamber will hold their third annual ‘Kid’s Vendor Day’ at the Snohomish Farmers Market in 2025. Kid’s Vendor Day is an entrepreneurial kid’s experience that combines education, community, and participation in a special kid-run market event. The program allows local youth to sell their own products at the market with guidance from other small business owners and Chamber volunteers. “Even if the participants don’t go on to start their own business in the future, maybe this experience will plant a seed of confidence in their ability to try new things that interest them,” Nancy explains the intended impact of the program on the youth of Snohomish.
The Chamber is taking what they learned from Kid’s Vendor Day and applying that to their work with The Snohomish Boys and Girls Club. Professionals from various fields present an overview of their career path and the role they play as a way to expose the kids to new ways of thinking about work and the possibilities that lay ahead for them.
Programs like Kid’s Vendor Day and the Chamber’s involvement with The Boys and Girls Club are key ways Nancy and her team seek to influence the workforce of the future by providing early exposure to different career paths and ways of thinking about work than they may have previously understood. “I didn’t grow up in the worst circumstances, nor the best. I like to spearhead programs that I would have been excited about or I would have needed as a kid,” shares Nancy.
Nancy credits much of the Chamber’s success to adding Jackie Ross to the team as, the Operations Coordinator. She handles many of the details that make their programs and events happen so seamlessly, and also credits the members, volunteers, and incredible board of directors. Nancy explains the dynamic duo between she and Jackie, “Our skillsets complement each other perfectly.”
Another great event on the horizon: The Big Give, presented by Lamb & Co, is coming up Saturday, November 23rd from 10am-3pm at Craven Farm. This will be a fun holiday event for the whole family featuring free activities, games, and crafts from the Chamber nonprofit organizations. They are also offering a chance to win a deluxe holiday prize basket for attendees who visit every booth. The Big Give is a great way to get excited about the holiday season and learn about the Chamber’s nonprofit organizations and the amazing work they’re doing in the community.
“I am so grateful to the sponsors and board of directors for their ongoing support. They make all of these efforts possible,” said Nancy.
Outside of her work advocating for small businesses and nonprofits, Nancy enjoys spending time with her husband, Bill, of 37 years, her kids and grandkids. Her family spends downtime in Lake Chelan and enjoys exploring the local culture of new places as well. She’s known to love “anything that involves a theme” and seasonal decor that changes with each season, gardening and crafting, hosting and connecting the people in her life.
The warmth Nancy brings to her friends and family spills over into her work and is felt by Chamber members and colleagues alike. “Every member is valued and seen,” she says.
Learn more about upcoming events and how to become a member at snohomishchamber.org.
“I AM SO GRATEFUL TO THE SPONSORS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT.”
SECOND CHANCE foundation
OFFERING A SECOND CHANCE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST
ARTICLE BY SNOHOMISH CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
Is there anything more comforting to hear than “you get a do over” or “I’ve also made mistakes in my life, how about another chance”? As hard as it can be to offer a bit of grace sometimes, there is an organization in our area whose mission is to offer those in the greatest need, maybe someone who is on the path to recovery or who has spent a period with uncertainty in their housing or a place to call home, a second chance.
While nearly everyone has experienced uncertainty at one time or another, there are some among us who because of a variety of circumstances or decisions find themselves on the street or living in their car and not sure where their next meal is going to come from. Regardless of the reason, the fact remains that these are human beings, former neighbors who have grown up and likely had goals and dreams at one point that did not resemble anything like their reality today.
Second Chance Foundation is a nonprofit in the area founded on the idea that everyone deserves an opportunity to make a contribution and neither previous addiction, incarceration, nor homelessness should be a permanent barrier to that.
It’s never too late to start making the right decisions.
It is one thing to say the words “they deserve a second chance” and quite another to create an environment, including a roadmap and resources that make it possible for someone to permanently leave their former life behind and begin anew. Often the education alone is enough of a barrier that those well on their way to a better life return to their former lifestyle and the reality of being trapped in a cycle of despair.
Jason Cockburn is all too familiar with this scenario having lived on the street for more than a decade himself. Jason’s story illustrates the realities of homelessness, uncertainty, desperation, fewer and fewer options, poor decisions, horrible consequences, all of which contribute to the likelihood of addiction and/or incarceration. Fortunately for Jason though, someone saw the human being and cared enough to engage him, discovering the potential that has taken root and grown into a man who is grateful for the opportunity to help others discover the same in themselves.
Since 2016 Jason, Executive Director, and Kyle, President of Second Chance Foundation, along with their team have been putting action behind their belief that “it’s never too late to start making the right decisions.” They leverage mentorship from those with wisdom, like Jason, along with education funded by scholarships and individualized support to help those previously on destructive paths. Participants
- Jason Cockburn
are encouraged to make different decisions that result in becoming productive and contributing members of our community.
Through this foundation the resources and care necessary for success are available. They have outreach services to meet and encourage those in need. They have recovery resources to help people start the process and begin to get the encouragement to persist through the hardest parts. Their team facilitates meetings and activities where connections are made, and supportive relationships are fostered. They offer clean and sober housing which promotes well-being and provides an environment for education and training. Finally, through the community and private organizations funds are raised to provide scholarships to make training available and dreams realized.
The result of their work is nothing short of miraculous and includes several graduates who are paying it forward providing help to guide and mentor those currently enrolled in similar programs. “Jason’s encouragement and guidance brought me to school and now I have found a way to thrive working in a treatment center, helping others change their life.”
Help us thank and encourage Jason, Kyle, and their team for their willingness to engage in this difficult but rewarding work to find, care for, love and offer a second chance to those who need it most.
For more information and how you can help visit www.secondchancefoundation.wa.org.
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in a n oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
Elevate Your Home
Remodeling Experience
When you choose VanderBeken Remodel, you'll enjoy:
▪ Confidence of a fixed-price contract—no last-minute surprises, just peace of mind.
▪ A friendly, local team that understands the needs of Snohomish County homeowners.
▪ An educator’s approach that simplifies complex projects into easy, manageable steps.
▪ A design and construction process handled with precision and thoughtful attention to detail.
NOVEMBER 2ND
National Beard and Moustache Championship
The Historic Everett Theatre - 2911 Colby Ave., Everett, WA | 8:00 PM
Since 2010 this annual competition has visited Bend, OR, Las Vegas, Brooklyn, NY, Nashville, Scranton, PA, and Daytona Beach, Florida in addition to being held online in 2020. Competitors will compete in moustache, partial beard, craft, and full beard categories for prizes and bragging rights. Visit https:// events.theeveretttheatre.org/ for more information and to purchase tickets.
NOVEMBER 8TH – 9TH
Historic Downtown
Snohomish - Holiday Open House
Historic Downtown Snohomish | 12:00 PM
Join the Historic Downtown Snohomish Association as they Kick-off the holiday season with the Holiday Open House. Select shops stay open until 7:00 PM daily to welcome you into their festive storefronts featuring all the holiday cheer and sparkle you could ever hope for.
NOVEMBER 9TH
Snohomish Education
Foundation - Annual Auction
Tulalip Resort - 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip | 6:00 PM
Since 1986, the Snohomish Education Foundation has invested in the students of the Snohomish School District. SEF is fueled by people who champion world-class education and excellence in cutting-edge programs for students of all ages in our district and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Support the work of the foundation by attending this event. Purchase tickets at https://snoed. ejoinme.org/2024Register
events
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NOVEMBER 11TH
Holiday Macaron
Culinary Class
Culinary Immigration Cooking School 1939 Ludwig Rd | 1:00 PM
The French are known for their patisseries, the macaron is everyone’s favorite. You will learn the techniques of a classic French-meringue macaron shell, how to macaronage and pip these tricky cookies, which are naturally gluten-free, a festive orange-flavored with a ganache filling.
NOVEMBER 23RD
4-person Turkey Trot Moneyball (Best ball format)
Snohomish Golf Course - Winter Series | 9:00 AM
As part of the Winter Series at Snohomish Golf Course, you and 3 friends have the opportunity to team up and win big! Visit their website to register your team. All winnings for events at Snohomish Golf Course are paid in book money or member balances. Funds can be used for merchandise, food, beverages, cart rentals, or range balls.
NOVEMBER 30TH
Snohomish Christmas Tree Lighting
The Snohomish Carnegie Building 105 Cedar Avenue, Snohomish | 6:00 PM
Ring in the holiday season with this beautiful annual tradition. Sing-a-long as everyone welcomes the Christmas festivities. Enjoy photos with Santa as well as the big moment when we all welcome the season together by lighting the City Tree!
