MANAGER’S CORNER
“Life is about change. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s beautiful. But most of the time, it’s both.” Lana Lang
Recently, I was reading a novel, and this idea stood out to me: “We tend to be locked in a prison of our own nostalgia.” Have you ever looked back on your childhood, a past relationship, a previous job, or a different living situation, and longed to be back there? I believe that as we get older, we tend to idealize the past. Change can be hard, and accepting changes beyond our control can be even harder.
We have had many changes here at Bow Lake over the last few years. Some of them have been painful, and some of them have been beautiful. Many of you long for the “good ole days” when rent was cheap, and you had free cable. We understand the desire to keep things as they were. However, if you look back, you can also remember times when eggs were a dollar a dozen, and gas for your vehicle was $1.99 a gallon. Things are more expensive for everyone, so unfortunately that expense is passed on to you, the consumer.
There have also been many good changes at Bow Lake. We have a beautifully updated clubhouse with a wonderful fitness center, a lovely park with a newly renovated picnic and grilling area, new electrical infrastructure, new landscaping, and more. All these beautiful amenities have helped to retain, and in many cases increase the value of your home, and they make Bow Lake a very enjoyable place to live.
I encourage you to have an open mind about the possibilities of your present and future and not be so attached to the past that you cannot enjoy and appreciate what you have. It is wonderful to have fond memories of the past, but it is equally important to be thankful and enjoy today!
So, let’s take a step forward together, leaving behind the confines of nostalgia and welcoming the vibrant possibilities that lie ahead. Here’s to celebrating change, finding joy in the journey, and making the most of every moment we have!
Sean and Denise
recreation association NOTES
The monthly Recreation Association meeting will begin at 6:30 PM on the last Monday of each month, with our next meeting taking place on Monday, May 26th at the Clubhouse. When we have at least 17 residents in attendance, there will be a drawing for a $20 gift card.
Your 2025–26 Board is busy planning and coordinating events for the upcoming year, beginning with last Saturday’s Salad Bar(ish) Lunch on April 12th. We served 62 meals—11 to-go and 51 inperson. Thank you to everyone who attended! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 10th for the Mother’s Day Brunch.
Mark your calendars—we're working on the following events this year:
• Father’s Day Lunch – Saturday, June 14th
• Hobby/Collection Showcase – Saturday, June 28th
• Community Summer BBQ Potluck – Saturday, July 26th (at the lake)
• National Night Out – Tuesday, August 5th
• Community Carport/Yard Sales – Friday, August 8th & Saturday, August 9th
• Music in the Park – Saturday, August 23rd (at the lake)
• Annual Chili Cook-Off – Saturday, October 25th
• Veterans Day Lunch – Saturday, November 8th
• Holiday Dinner / Silver Sounds – TBD
Reminder: These monthly meals are open to all residents and their guests. As always, residents eat free, and guests are $5.00 each (please bring exact change).
If there’s anything you’d like to see, please join your neighbors at the monthly meetings and share your ideas!
Stay tuned to this monthly newsletter and calendar, along with posted signage, for updates on events, dates, times, locations, and more.
COMMUNITY NOTES AND REMINDERS
• SPRING CLEANING
Thank you to everyone who participated in cleaning up their yards and driveways during our Spring Clean-Up Week! Even if you haven’t finished everything, there’s still time to get your lot in tip-top shape. It will also soon be great weather for painting and repairing any areas on your house that need new life, so please take advantage of the weather and lets continue to keep Bow Lake beautiful! Our annual Yard of the Month and Most Improved Lot contests will begin in June—stay tuned to see this year’s winners!
• CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF
In the past, we have reminded you not to drop your cigarette butts on the ground. I will add what seems like a no-brainer for adults, please do not throw your gum out on the ground where it can be stepped on or our maintenance guys have to clean it up.
• QUESTIONS FOR MANAGEMENT
As you may be aware, there is a rent stabilization bill that is being discussed in the Washington state legislature. There have also been rumors floating around about the City of SeaTac and their plans for the future of SeaTac, with our community right in the middle of those plans. We want to encourage you to submit your questions to us about any of these issues, or any other issues that are of concern to you. If we don’t have the immediate answer, we will try to get answers where we can and publish some of those questions and answers in future newsletters. You can drop your questions in the comment box in the clubhouse foyer, drop them in our mailbox, or bring them to our office.
• YARD WASTE PICKUP REMINDERS
As most of you know, yard waste pickup occurs on Mondays. Please keep the following guidelines in mind for disposing of yard and compostable waste:
• You must provide your own containers. Acceptable options include plastic waste cans, buckets, and paper yard waste bags. Plastic bags are not accepted.
• Compostable food items and containers are allowed. However, dirt, sod, rocks, and gravel are not accepted.
• Do not overload your container; the maximum weight is 40 pounds.
• Be sure to place your yard waste out early on Monday morning. Occasionally, our maintenance crew finishes pickup on your street before a new container appears later in the day. Thank you for your cooperation!
• LOT RENT PAYMENTS
As we mentioned in the April newsletter, we will be tightening our procedures regarding late or underpayment of rent.
Please ensure your payments match the exact amount of your bill. Going forward, we will call to request full payment—even if you are only a small amount short. Additionally, please remember that rent is due on the 1st of each month. There is a grace period until the 5th, after which a late fee of 1.5% of lot rent will be added to your bill. If you know you will be paying rent late, you must include the late fee with your payment. In that case, it’s a good idea to give us a call so we can provide the total amount due.
COMMUNITY NOTES AND REMINDERS
We will also begin sending 30-day notices to anyone who has not paid by the 10th of the month. As mentioned in the previous article, the purpose of these notices is to ensure all residents are held accountable to our community rules and regulations and to maintain consistency among all tenants. If you have any questions about this policy, feel free to contact us.
• GOOD NEWS ABOUT NEW MAILING FEE FOR MONTHLY INVOICES!
The Commonwealth Management team has negotiated an agreement with Submeter Solutions (our monthly billing company) to discontinue moving forward with the $1.00 mailing fee for Bow Lake residents. Also, Submeter Solutions is now partnering with Pioneer Energy Management, so you may see that name on your billing statements in the future.
• PARKING REMINDERS
When you are parking around the clubhouse, please do not pull your car all the way in so the nose of the car is over the sidewalk. There are residents who need the full sidewalk to use their scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Also, if you or a visitor will be parking in guest spaces overnight or for several days in a row (even if not overnight), please stop in the office to get a guest pass. If there is no parking pass and we do not know who the car belongs to, your car will be towed. With over 500 residents living here, we do not know every single vehicle, so please don’t assume we will recognize yours. The parking spaces around the clubhouse are for guests, people using the clubhouse or those who work in the office. There is no overnight parking allowed around the clubhouse without permission from management.
• SHOWER REMODEL IN CLUBHOUSE
The shower and changing room in the clubhouse will soon undergo remodeling. During this time, it may be necessary to temporarily close the spa. When the time comes, we will post signs with the specific dates. Thank you for your patience during this period of improvement.
• PET RULES
Please remember to clean up after your pets to help keep our community safe, attractive, and enjoyable for everyone. Pet waste left on the ground is not only unsightly but can also pose health risks to other residents and pets. Always carry waste bags when walking your dog and dispose of used bags in designated trash bins. Additionally, for the safety of both your pet and others, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when outside your home. This helps prevent accidents, unwanted interactions, and ensures all residents feel comfortable in shared spaces. Thank you for being a responsible pet owner!
• PROOF OF INSURANCE FOR YOUR HOME
If you have not brought in your proof of insurance yet, please do so as soon as possible. Remember that we need current coverage so make sure you are up to date. You can also have your insurance company send notifications when your policy changes or renews. This can be mailed to Bow Lake Estates, 18050 32nd Ave. S, SeaTac, WA 98188, or emailed to us at bowlake@cwres.com.
EVENTS and CLUBS
BLOCK WATCH/NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
A program that helps neighbors work together to prevent crime by organizing and extending informal watchfulness. This marks the beginning of a Block (Neighborhood) Watch. We strive to share information and insights into the safety of our community. All residents of Bow Lake Estate are invited and welcome to attend. Please join us to share your thoughts and learn from your neighbors.
This month’s meeting will be on Thursday, May 8th at 7:00 PM in the Clubhouse.
• To report all emergencies, call 911
• For non-emergencies, call 206-296-3311
Bow Lake Estates Association of Manufactured Homeowners (BLEAMH) /HOA
The new Homeowners Association’s mission is to work for the betterment of all residents of Bow Lake. Every resident has a voice and is welcome to attend the monthly Association meetings. Join your neighbors to share your thoughts and learn from one another as we work together to make this community the best it can be. We meet on the first Monday of each month, with our next meeting scheduled for Monday, May 5th at 6:00 PM in the Clubhouse.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
We are continuing to re-staff the Disaster Preparedness Team. Thank you to those who have volunteered for this important responsibility—we truly appreciate your commitment. However, we are always in need of additional volunteers to participate.
Over the next few weeks, we will be going throughout the community to introduce ourselves, so you will know our names and faces in the event of a community-wide emergency. In addition, we will be hosting community-wide training sessions and holding ongoing quarterly meetings for our Disaster Preparedness Team. These will include training exercises and regular checks to ensure that supplies and equipment are maintained and up to date.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding any of these community programs, please attend the applicable monthly meeting or reach out to: Will Booth �� 206-310-1307 �� williambooth.wb@hotmail.com
EVENTS and CLUBS
DANCE CLUB
Sallie Palella - 206-960-0303
May more than any month of the year, wants us to feel more alive; what better way than attend the dance, Saturday, May 17th with the fabulous CC Engel? Doors will be unlocked, and check-in will begin at 6:45pm. Please do not arrive early. Guests must be accompanied by their resident host. The event is 7-9:30 pm. Masks are optional, no reserved tables, no pets. Cups, water & ice will be provided. Bring your own beverages and snacks.
Remember you don’t need to dance to enjoy a fun evening. Did you know Siddie, Wilma & I have collectively volunteered on The Dance Committee for over 50 years? In order for our dances to continue we need new members of Bow Lake to attend our next Dance Meeting on Wednesday, May 7th at 5:15pm. This meeting is open to all residents.
DANCE CLUB LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE:
May 17th – CC Engel
June 21st – Crush on Her X July 19th – Mark Stern
August 16th – Phil Slater
LINE DANCE CLUB
Sharon Gosline - 206-588-3459
September 20th – Randy Litch
October 18th – CC Engel
November 15th – Phil Slater
December 20th – Randy Litch
Line Dance Club meets every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm. If you are interested in kicking up your heels a bit, al fresco style please let me know. Everyone is welcome!!!
BINGO, BINGO, BINGO!
Sharon Gosline - 206-588-3459
BINGO Every Friday: 6:15-9:00pm in the Club House! The cost, as always, is $2.00 to join and then 25 cents a card which is collected before the games begin. We are also in need of volunteer Bingo assistants to set up and tear down. Please call Sharon if you’re interested!
HOBBY SHOP HAPPENINGS
Mark Eidem – 425-306-9878 | konatrader78@gmail.com
If you like woodworking, come check out the Bow Lake Hobby Shop. There are a variety of tools, including Table Saw, Radial Arm Saw, Chop Saw, Band Saw, and Router table just to name a few. Contact Mark Eidem by phone or email if you have questions.
EVENTS and CLUBS
KARAOKE
David Withrow | 443-910-3943
Second Saturday of the month. May 10th, 2025, 7:00 pm
Nibbles and beverages are welcome! Bring your neighbors, your family and friends. Dancing shoes not required but welcome. Come and join the fun!
BOW LAKE LIBRARY CORNER
Liz | 206-604-3665
Come check out our library! In addition to books, we have a large selection of jigsaw puzzles, CDs, DVDs, and some games as well. When visiting the library, please do not disturb the partially constructed puzzles. It takes hours to put these together, so please be respectful of that time and effort! Please note that the library does not accept magazines for donations. They can be left in the laundry center for folks to read while waiting for their laundry. Also, at this time we have enough puzzles.
MOVE IT :)
Come move your body with us. We have a walking video, treadmill, bikes, and free weights. Whatever you want to do. Just keep moving with friends. Every Monday and Friday at 9:30am in the club house downstairs. If you have any questions, just call Beverly 206-380-2844
EVENTS and CLUBS
Were You Horse Crazy as a Kid?
Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gene Autry, Bonanza, and Gunsmoke—they shaped our lives. You had your carpet herd: Hartlands, Breyer, Johnny West for the plastic horses; Hagen-Renaker, Lefton, Beswick, and others for the China ones. You rode the range, jumped massive fences, hunted down bad guys with your herd. And you dreamed. Do you remember taking your favorite horse on vacation with you, or to Grandma’s? Horses were included in every picture, every holiday—even if they were just tiny plastic ones.
Maybe you went on to run barrels, ride racehorses, rope cattle, or jump Olympic-level fences. Maybe you rode your horse on the beach or in the mountains. Maybe you rode shotgun for the Texas Rangers. Maybe... you just dreamed.
Model horses are still popular—collected by folks from every walk of life and every age. BreyerFest has been held at the Kentucky Horse Park every summer since 1990, a huge event filled with horse lovers of all ages.
We are part of a national organization: the North American Model Horse Showers Association. There are model horse shows all over the world—horses caught in a moment in time, every breed imaginable, competing for ribbons and trophies just like live horses.
We will be having a show at the Rec Center on Sunday, May 25. This show will feature miniature China and other brands of model horses, some less than an inch tall. Come on down after 10:00 AM, grab a cookie and a cup of coffee, watch the show, and meet artists, sculptors, painters, and collectors. We are still horse crazy. Want to show off your herd? We’d love to see it. Maybe you’ll even spot an old favorite of yours.
The only thing we ask is that you do not touch the horses without asking first. Better yet, ask the owner to show them to you—plastic horses do not bounce well! We hope to see you there.
GOOD NEWS CORNER
BOW LAKE MHP 55+ RESIDENTS BUY/SELL/GIVEAWAY FACEBOOK GROUP
Selling something? Giving something away? NEW Facebook Group page for Bow Lake residents. To buy, sell, giveaway, make announcements, ask for recommendations, etc. Please join! Search Facebook groups for “Bow Lake MHP 55+ Residents Buy/Sell/ Giveaway”. Or text 253-218–8700 for the link.
The City of SeaTac has a Minor Home Repair program. Call 206-973-4815 to request an application.
King County also has a Housing Repair Program. To apply with King County or to find out if you might qualify, call 206-263-2490 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/ housingrepair.
HANDYMAN – you name it, I do it! Call David at 206-963-0578
NEED A JUMP? | Call Sam 206-229-0439
Retired Auto-mechanic can help you with the following auto emergencies in Bow Lake: No start/Jump Start Battery/Battery change
NEED HELP MOVING OR DUMP RUNS?
Call Scott Lohkamp 206-383-6390
LOST AND FOUND
A bracelet and what appears to be a wedding band were found in the Clubhouse. Please call or stop by the office to claim it.
MAY CALENDAR
May 202 5
Easiest Sheet Pan Tacos
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if needed
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 4 ounces diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 corn tortillas
• 1 cup refried beans (optional)
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Toppings: cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole or hot sauce (optional)
1) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly coat with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2) Combine beef, onion, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl and mix until well incorporated.
3) Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave just until softened, about 30 seconds.
4) Spread about 3 tablespoons beef mixture over half of a tortilla in a very thin layer that reaches to the edges Spread about 1 tablespoon beans onto the other half. Sprinkle all over with about 2 tablespoons cheese. Fold tortilla in half to make a taco; place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas, meat and cheese. Brush tops of tacos with remaining oil.
5) Bake tacos in the preheated oven, flipping halfway through, until lightly browned, toasted, and crisp around the edges, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.
May Trivia
1. WHAT HOLIDAY IN THE U.S. IS CELEBRATED ON THE LAST MONDAY OF MAY?
A) Labor Day
B) Memorial Day
C) Veterans Day
D) Flag Day
2. WHAT FLOWER IS COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE MONTH OF MAY?
A) Rose
B) Lily of the Valley
C) Daffodil
D) Tulip
3. WHICH FAMOUS BRITISH ROYAL WAS BORN IN MAY?
A) Queen Elizabeth I
5. “MAY DAY” IS CELEBRATED ON MAY 1ST. WHAT IS IT TRADITIONALLY A CELEBRATION OF?
A) End of winter
B) New Year
C) Workers and spring
D) Independence
6. WHAT ICONIC HORSE RACE IS HELD IN MAY?
A) Belmont Stakes
B) Kentucky Derby
C) Preakness Stakes
D) Royal Ascot
7. WHAT U.S. STATE BECAME THE 11TH TO JOIN THE UNION ON MAY 29, 1790?
B) Prince William
C) Queen Victoria
D) Prince Harry
4. WHICH ZODIAC SIGNS FALL IN MAY?
A) Aries and Taurus
B) Taurus and Gemini
C) Gemini and Cancer
D) Pisces and Aries
A) Rhode Island
B) New York
C) Georgia
D) North Carolina
8. WHAT IS THE BIRTHSTONE FOR MAY?
A) Ruby
B) Emerald
C) Sapphire
D) Amethyst
