Holiday Cheer
- Edmonds Beacon
December 23, 2010
www.edmondsbeacon.com
The best fruitcake ever F
ruitcake has a small, loyal following… and a whole lot of detractors. But nearly everyone loves this version… if they’re the cook…
1 c. butter 2 c. dried fruit 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 2 c. nuts 2 qts. whiskey 1 c. sugar 4 lg. eggs 1 tsp. baking soda juice of 1 lemon 1 c. brown sugar
Ready for Christmas… The Edmonds Conference Center’s Community Holiday Gathering after Saturday’s tree lighting brought out all sorts of elves and Christmas costumes.
Before starting, sample whiskey to be absolutely certain it is of the highest quality. Select a large mixing bowl, measuring cup, etc. Get all mixing ingredients out before starting. Check the whiskey once more as it must be just right. To be sure the whiskey is of the highest quality, pour one level cup into a glass and drink it as fast as you can. Repeat this step once more. With an electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter in a large, fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon thugar and beat again. Meanwhile, make sure the whiskey is of the finest quality. Cry another tup. Open second quart if nethasury. Add 2 large eggs, 2 cups fried druit and beat until high. If druit gets stuck in the beater, pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the whiskey again, checking for tonscisiticity. Next, fits 3 cups of salt, or whatever. It really doesn’t matter. Sample the whiskey againnnnn. Sift ½ pint jemon luice, fold in chopped butter and strained nuts. Add a babblespoon of shrown bugger, or whatever color you can fine and mix well. Grease oven and turn cake on to 650 degrees. Now pour the hole mess into the oven. Check shilsky agin an go to bed. Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.
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All you want for
Decorate yourself this season with
Christmas...
Parisian Eyewear For Men, Women, & Children at Edmonds Vision Center Don’t forget to use your Flex Fund or Year End Benefits 402 Main Street | 425.771.7772 www.edmondsvisioncenter.com
In the Spirit of the Season of Lynnwood passion | experience | convenience |value 17800 Hwy 99, Lynnwood • (425) 673-0505
www.Mblynnwood.com
Certified Public Accountants
offers this Holiday Challenge to ALL EDMOND’S BUSINESSES to meet or beat our $1,500 contribution to the EDMONDS FOOD BANK.
110 James St. Suite #100 Edmonds, WA 98020. Phone 425-640-8660 Fax 425-640-8665
November 23, 2010
www.edmondsbeacon.com
Edmonds Beacon - 11
Holiday Cheer Christmas... All you want for
EVENTS, from page 10 Mr. Vizzutti has performed with orchestras and bands around the world, on television, and on many movie and game soundtracks including Star Trek and Halo. A classical and jazz artist, composer and music educator, Mr. Vizzutti will perform with the MTHS concert and jazz bands including nationally recognized Jazz Ensemble 1. Sponsors of Mr. Vizzutti’s guest appearance include Yamaha and Kennelly Keys. Don’t miss a great night of music. The last MTHS concert with Mr. Vizzutti was phenomenal! There is a $10 suggested donation at the door which will support the band program. Call 425-750-2811 or email randj.lundquist@comcast.net for more information.
Choir and orchestra perform Messiah The Mountlake Terrace High School Choir and Orchestra Winter Concert will feature music from Handel’s Messiah on December 14 at 7 p.m. in the MTHS Theater at 21801 44th Ave. W. Messiah is considered Handel’s best loved and well known work and is a popular holiday offering. The combined choirs, Chamber Orchestra, and guests are excited to perform this challenging music for parents and the community. There will also be other seasonal and non-seasonal music. Donations will be accepted at the door to help support the MTHS choir and orchestra programs. Contact 425-431-5057 for more information.
Lynnwood Parks and Rec holiday programs Holiday Shopping Sitters For ages 5 - 10. Nov. 26, 27 – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., or December 4, 5 – 9 p.m. How about a few hours to yourself
to catch up on holiday shopping, TV or just uninterrupted conversation? No need to scramble for a babysitter, sitters watch your child(ren) while you’re out on the town! Drop off the kids for fun filled activities, games, movies, music, pizza and crafts. Cost is $20/child.
Tot Holiday Workshop For ages 3-4. Thursdays, Dec. 2 – 9, 1 - 1:45pm. Create ornaments, gift-wrap, gift tags, and/or cards. Budding artists must be toilet trained. Cost is $14/student.
Holiday Ornaments For age 5-7. Tuesdays, Dec. 7 – 14. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Create ornaments for your tree using all kinds of fun materials. Use your imagination to make precious things for the holiday. Cost is $14/student.
Holiday Gingerbread Houses For ages 5+. Perfect for Families! Saturday, Dec. 11, 3 – 4:30 p.m. Make great holiday memories together. Graham crackers, icing and candy supplied. Cost is $19/ student.
Bobs Burgers & Brew in Burlington Ages 55+. Friday, Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Let’s go out to lunch! This local establishment offers 20 burger choices as well as an array of mouth-watering sandwich options. After eating the group will visit The Outlet Shoppes to browse and walk off some calories. You’ll pay for your own lunch on this trip. Sign-up starts December 3. Cost is $14.
No Community Transit service on Thanksgiving There will be no Community Transit bus service on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25. Due to budget cuts, the agency has suspended service on Sundays and six major holidays. Snohomish County’s transit provider will have reduced commuter service on Friday, Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving. Local and Boeing commuter service will remain on regular schedule. Community Transit’s RideStore and Customer Information Services will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, Nov. 26, the RideStore will be open from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Customer Information will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Schedules and other information about Community Transit services is available 24 hours a day at www.communitytransit.org or in Bus Plus schedule books. On Friday, Nov. 26, most Community Transit service will operate on regular schedules. Due to reduced demand, some commuter trips to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington will not operate. These trips are marked with the letter “H” in the Bus Plus schedule books.
For ages 3-6. Saturday, Dec. 11, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Join the group at the North Pole Kitchen where the smell of baking cookies lingers in the air. Mrs. Claus is coming to share her famous milk and cookies along with classic holiday stories. Come decorate your own holiday mug and baking apron! Cost is $25/student.
New Day Nw at KING 5 For ages 55+. Thursday, Dec. 16, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. This is your chance to visit the set of this fun new daytime television show and see host Margaret Larson in person. After taping the show the group will have lunch in the station cafeteria and then head over to Seattle Center to take in Winterfest displays. You’ll pay for your own lunch on this trip. Sign-up starts December 3rd. Cost is $16.
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Ingrid Rudolph Attorney
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Ages 55+. Friday, Dec. 19, 1 – 3 p.m. Do you know the story of The Other Wiseman? Come for a lively narrative by actress and professional storyteller Debbie Dimitre. Dessert and discussion are included. Cost is $8.
Camp Holidaze For grades K - 7. Monday – Wednesday, Dec. 20-22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Happy Holidaze! Come visit the North Pole and meet famous friends Frosty and Rudolph as they come to life in this winter wonderland! Together you’lll bring in the New Year playing reindeer games, creating cool crafts & drinking hot cocoa! Cost is $50/student.
passion | experience | convenience |value 17800 Hwy 99, Lynnwood • (425) 673-0505
www.Mblynnwood.com
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Teen Adventure Camp Outdoors (TACO) Grades 7 – 12. Dec. 20-22, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Does your teenager get bored during school breaks? Don't let your teenager sit at home all day when the sun is out! During TACO, teens play outside and have fun all day being active while making new friends and creating life-long memories! Lucky Strikes Bowling & Bell Square Mall on Monday, Dec. 20, $30; Downtown Seattle & Movie Matinee on Tuesday, Dec. 21, $25; Sky High & Bell Square Mall on Wednesday, Dec.22, $30. For more information or to register for these programs, visit www.PlayLynnwood. com or call the Lynnwood Parks and Recreation office at 425-670-5732.
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Cookies with Mrs. Claus
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12221 Village Center Place, Suite 202, Mukilteo
Give her something cozy…
November 17, 2010
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Mukilteo Beacon - 11
Holiday Cheer Marines collect Toys for Tots U.S. Marines will be meeting the public Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 in support of the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. Marines will be at TOP Food & Drug stores in Everett, Snohomish and Edmonds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The stores are collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys from Nov. 17 through Dec. 17 for Toys for Tots. Cash donations may be made at www.toysfortots.org. Toys for Tots, a non-profit charity, conducts toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states. Ninety-six percent of all cash donations stay in local communities for the purchase of toys, ensuring there is something available for all age groups of boys and girls. Lo-
cal coordinators collaborate with agencies, organizations and churches to distribute the toys to children of area families in need. “Toys for Tots makes the holidays brighter for thousands of children each year,” said Becky Skaggs, spokesperson for TOP Food & Drug stores. “Its outstanding reputation assures donors that their gifts will be used well.” Haggen, Inc. operates 32 supermarkets in Washington and Oregon under the TOP Food & Drug and Haggen Food & Pharmacy names. Headquartered in Bellingham, it is the largest independent grocer and sixth-largest private company based in the State of Washington. For more information, visit www.Top-Foods.com.
It’s that time of year again. The Kamiak Choir and Orchestra will be performing selected portions from Handel’s “Messiah” as well as other holiday favorites for the holiday season. Always a sellout, this year will feature two performances at the Kamiak High School gym at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m Sunday, Dec. 12. Tickets are on sale now at
All you want for
Holiday art show goes ‘Out with a Bang’
Christmas...
No Community Transit service on Thanksgiving There will be no Community Transit bus service on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25. Due to budget cuts, the agency has suspended service on Sundays and six major holidays. Snohomish County’s transit provider will have reduced commuter service on Friday, Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving. Local and Boeing commuter service will remain on regular schedule. Community Transit’s RideStore and Customer Information Services will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, Nov. 26, the RideStore will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and
Kamiak to perform Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Customer Information will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Schedules and other information about Community Transit services is available 24 hours a day at www.communitytransit. org or in Bus Plus schedule books. On Friday, Nov. 26, most Community Transit service will operate on regular schedules. Due to reduced demand, some commuter trips to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington will not operate. These trips are marked with the letter “H” in the Bus Plus schedule books.
The Arts Council of Snohomish County will present a special opportunity for holiday shoppers with the 2010 Holiday Show, called “Out with a Bang!” The exhibit, which opens Nov. 18, will feature works from all of the past 20 Arts Council “Artist of the Year” honorees. Holiday shoppers also will find an assortment of glass and pottery by Northwest artists. The exhibit continues through Dec. 30 at the Monte Cristo Gallery, 1507 Wall St. in downtown Everett. An opening reception is slated from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours
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• 3615 Mukilteo Blvd., everett • alSo SMokey poiNt (next to Loew’s)
Whidbey Island Coffee drive thru next to Ace Hardware on the Mukilteo Speedway or via www.kamiakarts. org. General admission is $5 per ticket. Proceeds benefit the Choir & Orchestra Travel Scholarship Funds.
All you want for
Christmas...
of Lynnwood passion | experience | convenience |value 17800 Hwy 99, Lynnwood • (425) 673-0505
www.Mblynnwood.com
12 - Edmonds Beacon
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December 2, 2010
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All you want for
Christmas...
of Lynnwood passion | experience | convenience |value 17800 Hwy 99, Lynnwood • (425) 673-0505
www.Mblynnwood.com
Holiday Cheer
Staying off the naughty (spending) list by Eric Tyson
The holidays are upon us, bringing all those personal and family images and sensations we cherish. But for many of us, there are a few not-so-joyous holiday sights (a purse overflowing with credit card receipts) and sounds (the ca-ching! of the cash registers marking our escalating debt). These negatives can easily outweigh all that we love about the holiday season, especially during this less-than-prosperous economic period. “Overall, the recession has brought about a renewed dedication to saving,” says Tyson, author of Personal Finance for Dummies, 6th Edition. “Before the recession, our national personal savings rate was close to zero, and now it’s around 5 percent. But it is very important that you not let your holiday spending zap all of the saving progress you made during the year.” “Whether it’s a dedication to the gift-giving tradition, a sense of obligation, or a feeling that the holidays entitle us to have a little more fun than usual, too many of us seem to turn a blind eye to the budget-busting reality of all that spending over just a couple of months,” says Tyson. “Don’t let excessive holiday spending cause any unnecessary financial stress for you and your family.” What if you could have a wonderful, memorable holiday and avoid the financial hangover afterwards? Tyson provides great tips on how to keep your holiday spending in check. Find an alternative to gift-giving during the holidays. Many people feel they have to give gifts during the holidays, either because it’s a family tradition or because they know their friends and relatives have gotten gifts for them. There are plenty of great ways to trade in this tradition for another one that is even more meaningful, and chances are your family and friends will be happy to save gift-buying dough as well. “Instead of exchanging gifts, your family members might want to pool their money and spend it on a holiday outing,” says Tyson. “If you have kids, you’ll probably want to get them a little something, but set strict spending limits. Instead of piling up the toys, let each child choose an outing or event that he or she gets to spend with you one-on-one. Kids will look back on the valuable time you’ve spent together a lot more fondly than they will any toy or video game they use a couple of times and then toss aside.” If you must buy gifts, cut your expenses elsewhere as necessary. Perhaps you’d rather
dine out or go to the movies less, or maybe you can forego that new pair of shoes you’ve been wanting for yourself in order to afford gifts for the grandparents. “It doesn’t matter where you make cuts, just that you make them,” says Tyson. “Keeping your other spending under control while you’re out there doing your shopping can be a challenge, but just keep repeating to yourself the importance of not over-spending. That way when it comes time to actually pass out those presents you’ve purchased, you can do it without grimacing as you think about the damage they did to your bank account.” Set a budget and keep tabs on what you are spending. While you’re doing your holiday shopping, your new best friends should be your checkbook register, credit card statements, and all of your receipts. It’s easy to get into a spending rhythm when shopping for yourself or others, and that’s why you need to physically write down every purchase you make and make sure you don’t go over your budget. “When you start to add up everything you’re spending, you may be shocked at what all those expenses from this store and that store add up to be,” says Tyson. “And don’t forget about all those ‘necessary’ holiday extras. Most people don’t budget their shopping and don’t realize that by the time you buy all the presents, plus wrapping paper, cards, decorations, etc., it’s added up to a ridiculous amount. Having a budget that you know you must stick to will help keep your impulse spending from getting out of hand and will help you hone in on the most reasonably priced holiday items.” Plan what you are going to buy, and don’t get any extras! Particularly during the holidays, companies pull out their most appealing packaging in hopes of snagging the eyes of shoppers. That’s why along with your budget, you’re going to want to take an exact list of what you want to buy for your gift recipients. Don’t go shopping for someone’s gift until you know exactly what you are going to buy. “Money can easily become the focus of the holidays when it should be the last thing you are thinking about,” says Tyson. “By keeping your spending under control, you can have a great holiday and avoid the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach that occurs when you start getting those credit card bills in the mail. If you prepare properly, you can achieve a happy balance of spending and saving during the holiday season. That’s a great gift in and of itself, for both you and the people you love.”
County joins ‘Buy Local for Transit’ campaign Snohomish County has joined Community Transit in an effort designed to encourage people to shop within their communities this holiday season and beyond. Called “Buy Local for Transit,” the campaign will further strengthen local businesses while increasing local tax revenues during these difficult economic times. “This reminds residents that doing your holiday shopping right here in Snohomish County is an easy way to support local business and valuable services like Community Transit,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “We all have the power to re-energize the local economy, support transit and make a few holiday wishes come true at the same time.”
Community Transit is funded primarily through a portion of retail sales taxes generated in its service district, which is most of Snohomish County. The majority of its funding comes from a voter-approved 0.9 percent sales tax – or nine cents on a $10 purchase – within its service district. With consumer spending down, Community Transit’s sales tax revenues have fallen about $20 million a year. The result has been major service cuts, including eliminating all Sunday service. “We had to make some hard choices, but it was a necessary response to the economic situation we faced,” said Community Transit CEO Joyce Eleanor. “On the other hand, Buy Local for Transit is
an easy choice. You can help your community and save money.” To promote the program, businesses and residents can download an “I Buy Local for Transit” card at www.communitytransit.org/BuyLocal showing a growing list of participating businesses offering special discounts. Transit riders can show their ORCA regional fare card to get discounts as well. “We are always looking for new ways to bring customers in the door,” said Koko Niemi, owner of FASTSIGNS of Lynnwood, a commercial sign and banner manufacturer. “The Buy Local for Transit program is a great idea at the right time. For us, this is a nobrainer.”
December 9, 2010
www.edmondsbeacon.com
Edmonds Beacon - 11
Holiday Cheer How to budget for the holidays
Contest calls for creative gingerbread houses Grab the graham crackers and frosting, because it’s time to start building. Seattle Dream Homes is hosting a gingerbread house contest. Winners of the contest receive a $75 gift certificate to use toward a Kodak Gallery Photo Book, provided by Kodak. Send in your photos of your house to enter our contest. There are two ways to enter: Either create a real gingerbread house or create virtual one in Photoshop or other photo imaging software. There will be two prizes awarded, one for
each category .The best entries will be posted at http:// GingerbreadHouse.SeattleDreamHomes.com for all to see and enjoy. The deadline is midnight, Dec. 20. Send all entries to GingerbreadHouse@SeattleDreamHomes.com along with a photo, your name and media (real or virtual?). Please include your mailing address, as Seattle Dream Homes will ship your prize to you via snail mail. For more information, go to the contest Web site.
All you want for
Christmas...
Voices Northwest presents ‘Tis the Season’ Voices Northwest, an a cappella women’s chorus wishes to invite you to their Holiday Show. In their fourth season, Voices Northwest Chorus presents: “Tis the Season”, a show to melt your holiday cares away with an eclectic program of traditional and very untraditional songs of
the season. Find out if Reindeer really do boogie and if the Elves can teach Santa how to use a GPS. “Tis the Season” opens Saturday, Dec. 4 at the PUD Auditorium, 2320 California Ave, Everett. There is plenty of available parking, and handicapped access. Shows are 3 p.m. and 7:30
offers this Holiday Challenge to ALL EDMOND’S BUSINESSES to meet or beat our $1,500 contribution to the EDMONDS FOOD BANK.
110 James St. Suite #100 Edmonds, WA 98020. Phone 425-640-8660 Fax 425-640-8665
Receive the gift of confidence when you hire Ingrid for your legal needs. She is compassionate, qualified, and past clients appreciate her for being easy to talk to, down to earth, making them feel like a friend and not just another client. • • •
Ingrid Rudolph Attorney
Bankruptcy • Family Law • Wills & Trusts Divorce • Child Support/Child Custody Criminal Misdemeanors • Domestic Violence
425-493-1672
simply taking a step back to look at our situations realistically, we can actually plan a joyous holiday without taking ourselves to the poorhouse to
All you want for
Christmas...
p.m. Tickets are $15 Adults and $12 seniors and students, go to www.voicesnorthwest.org. Voices Northwest Chorus is the only chartered Sweet Adelines International Chorus in Snohomish County. VNW is comprised of 40+ women who range in age from 20 to 75.
In the Spirit of the Season Certified Public Accountants
Boy, how time flies when the economy is in the toilet. The tension of the holiday shopping season is here -- and consumers with low confidence and retailers with low expectations will soon begin limping into the happiest time of the year. But it doesn’t have to be that way, said Lou Scatigna, a financial planner, radio host and author of The Financial Physician (www.thefinancialphysician.com). “The holidays can either be the happiest time of the year or the most stressful time of the year,” Scatigna said. “The truth is, it can be easier. We all have high expectations for ourselves when the holidays come around, but by
12221 Village Center Place, Suite 202, Mukilteo
of Lynnwood passion | experience | convenience |value 17800 Hwy 99, Lynnwood • (425) 673-0505
www.Mblynnwood.com