Office News September 5, 2023

Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show Charity Event

2023 marked the Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show charity event, which took place on July 29th.

I’ve been a part of this event since its very beginning, volunteering at the original Cruise-In Car Show. It’s truly impressive to see how the combined efforts of our team and the local community have turned this year’s event into a HUGE success!

Reflecting on the First Car Show

Back when we organized the first Cruise-In Car Show, things didn’t quite turn out as we had planned. With just 13 registered participants, the event didn’t have the impact we hoped for. Nonetheless, the experience was enjoyable. The modest turnout encouraged us to give it another shot, aiming to make improvements for the following year.

The Growth of Our Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show

Thankfully, our perseverance paid off. This time around, we garnered a total of 74 registered participants, with a few unregistered cruise-ins deciding to leave before the event concluded. We also witnessed a notable increase in spectator attendance. I was particularly thrilled to see some familiar faces from the previous year’s turnout returning to show their support for our second car show. To add to the excitement, Las Garnachas made a comeback, treating everyone to their delicious food. What’s even more gratifying is that our fundraising efforts saw a significant boost!

Las Garnachas served up some seriously delicious cooked to order food!

A Community Effort at the Heart of Our Success

None of our achievements would have been possible without the incredible support we received from our community. It’s truly heartwarming to express our sincere gratitude for your participation in the Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show Charity Event. With your backing, we managed to raise $3280. 100% of the proceeds will go to: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County, the Boys and Girls Club, The Mill Creek Food Bank, and The Windermere Foundation.

Anticipating a Bright Future Together

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the prospects of sharing more memorable moments with our community. We’re already looking forward to the summer of 2024, when we’ll host our 3rd Annual Cruise-In Car Show Charity Event. Your continuous support means the world to us, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of our journey! We hope to see you all again next year!

With sincere appreciation,

Windermere Mill Creek

 

Looking for pictures from the event? Head here: for PIN UP GIRL PORTRAITS and CAR PORTRAITS 

 

Kerriann Jenkins

Office News November 22, 2022

Free Christmas Events

Free Christmas Events

There are a lot of cool things happening this Christmas season. But the rising cost of EVERYTHING these days has put the financial freeze on many of us. Meaning, many will not be able to afford unnecessary holiday events this year. To keep your holly jolly vibes going strong throughout the holiday season, I have compiled a list of FREE Christmas Events worth checking out!

Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village

Sheraton Grand Seattle | 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 | November 22nd – January 1st | Sunday-Thursday from 9:00 am – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

Credit: Sheraton Grand Seattle

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I repeat, this is not a drill! For the first time since the pandemic, the iconic Sheraton Grand Gingerbread Village is returning! Their theme this year is “Buzzing Back in 2022.” The gingerbread village is free for all ages and opens on November 22nd.  If you miss out on this one “you are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity.”

I should also add that while this event is free, they will be accepting donations at the door that will directly benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Northwest Chapter. So, if you can give, it goes toward a worthy cause.

Bellevue Snowflake Lane

Bellevue Square | On the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Street | November 25th – December 24th | Nightly at 7:00 pm

Credit: @SnowflakeLaneBellevue Facebook

Snowflake Lane’s magical parade is returning this year!  Along with it, free complimentary sights from character performances to floats, to lights and nightly snowfall. If you get there early enough, you can use one of the free parking garages nearby. You’ll also want to get there early enough to grab a front row spot on the sidewalk.

Green Lake Pathway of Lights

Green Lake Community Center | 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115 | December 10th from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Credit: Seattle.gov

Attending the annual Green Lake Pathway of Lights is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. At this event, the crowd is a big part of creating the magic in the atmosphere. When I went years ago there were people, pets, strollers, wagons, and even umbrellas bedazzled in twinkling Christmas lights. Apart from being around people in high spirits, there was complimentary refreshments and live holiday music near the Community Center. I saw on their Facebook page that “The hot air balloon glow will only be from 4:30- 5:30 and is weather dependent. The main events are rain or shine!” So, plan to get there early if you want to be part of the lighting up Green Lake!

Evergreen Christmas Light Show hosted by Evergreen Church

3429 240th St SE, Bothell, WA 98021 | December 2nd – 24th from 6:00-9:00 pm

The Evergreen Christmas Light show is the perfect setting to drive out the Washington winter darkness. Eat Evergreen’s FREE famous chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies, while you warm yourself from a heated viewing area. The music choreographed light show lasts for 30 minutes and runs back-to-back from 6:00-9:00pm; from a tunnel light with a snowstorm that dusts every 30 minutes to a heated indoor train and village display there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. For more information on the event please visit their website at Christmas at Evergreen

Holiday Light Drive (GPS Mapped)

All over Washington | Check their map for confirmation lights are up and operational

Credit: Pacific NW Christmas Lights & Google Maps

In my family we usually just drive around until we happen upon a home. Unfortunately, gas prices have risen astronomically this year. Which puts a real damper on our normal Christmas light display quest. Luckily, Pacific NW Christmas Lights has put together a map of locations with drive worthy displays. They are still accepting submissions to add displays to their map at Pacific NW Christmas Lights

Winter Porch Light Parade – Communities Shining Bright (Virtual Map launches Dec 1st)

Bothell | Kenmore | Lake Forest Park | Shoreline | Map Launches Dec 1st and they are still accepting submissions to have your display featured

Credit: Winter Porch Light Parade Web Page

“Join the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline, WA to celebrate communities shining bright with the 2022 Winter Porch Light Parade from December 1 – 31! Create light displays that will become part of a virtual map, marking the many holidays and traditions celebrated during the winter season. From porches to patios, balconies to banisters, windows or even cars, anyone can participate and help our communities transform into a magical wonderland of lights.” For more information please visit their website at Winter Porch Light Parade

Festival of Trees

Mill Creek Town Center | Main Street Merchants | 15310 Main St, Mill Creek WA 98012 | November 25- January 2nd | Grand Prize Announced on January 3rd 2023

Credit: City of Mill Creek & The Mill Creek Town Center

The Festival of Trees is brand new for 2022. Go hunt down four cute holiday critters along the windows of the Mill Creek Town Center Main Street. Find them all and submit their locations to be entered to win a prize! For more detailed information on the event please visit the event page.

Santa Parade

Mill Creek Town Center Main Street from LA Fitness to City Hall| Windermere Mill Creek 15418 Main St, Suite M103 Mill Creek, WA 98012 | Parade Starts at 3:30 pm

Credit: Mill Creek Town Center & the City of Mill Creek

Santa is coming to town! That’s right! For the first time since the pandemic, the Santa Parade will be returning to main street at the Mill Creek Town Center. There will be free train rides offered from 2-6pm. The Santa Parade will start at 3:30 and the tree lighting will be at 4:00 at City Hall. There will also be an appearance from the jolly man himself, Santa!

Meet and Greet with the Grinch hosted by Windermere Mill Creek

15418 Main St, Suite M103 Mill Creek WA 98012 | Windermere Mill Creek |2:00 – 6:00

The Grinch by Windermere Mill Creek

Come see us to meet the Grinch!

After the Santa Parade on December 3rd stop by our Windermere office to meet none-other than the Grinch! Remember to bring your own phone to snap off your own portrait! We can’t wait to see you there!

Holiday on the Bay

Port of Everett | Pacific Rim Plaza, 1028 13th Street, Everett, WA 98201 | December 3rd from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm 

Holiday on the Bay by Windermere Mill Creek

Credit: Port of Everett

“Rain or shine, guests will gather in and around the Port’s Pacific Rim Plaza, near Hotel Indigo, for the day’s outdoor festivities including a holiday pop-up market, free kids’ activities from cookie decorating, crafts and face painting to touch-a-truck, fire truck rides and character meet-and-greets, a tree-lighting ceremony and visit from Santa, lighted boats on parade, holiday drive-in movies (reservation required), and festive music and lighting displays.”

Check out Your Local Tree Lighting Event!

All over Washington State | Dates Vary

Credit: City of Mill Creek Tourism Page

Many of these tree lighting ceremonies have events attached to them. I would recommend following the hyperlink to the city pages to confirm dates, times and activities.

  • November 25 Everett from 4-7 at on Colby & Hewitt
  • November 26th Snohomish from 12:00 pm-7:30 pm at Historic Downtown Snohomish
  • Nov 26 Arlington from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm on Olympic Ave
  • Nov 26 Edmonds  from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm at Centennial Plaza
  • Nov 27th Monroe from 4:30-7pm at Travelers park
  • Dec 2nd Mount Lake Terrace at 6:30 pm at City Hall
  • December 3rd Everett from 11:00 am-7:00 pm at the Port of Everett Waterfront.
  • December 3rd Marysville from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Delta Plaza
  • December 3rd Lake Stevens from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at North Cove Park
  • December 3rd Mill Creek 4:00 pm at city hall
  • December 3rd Woodinville  from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm in DeYoung Park
  • Dec 3 Camano Island & Stanwood 4:00 pm -5:00 pm at Camano Commons
  • Dec 3 Mukilteo  from 3:00 pm-6:30 pm at Rosehill Community Center
  • Dec 3 Granite Falls  4:30p.m. in front of the museum at 109 E. Union Street, behind the Granite Falls Civic Center
  • December 4th Lynnwood from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Silver Creek Family Church

Free Christmas Events Are Here to Help Make Your Holidays Brighter!

I am sure there are many other free Christmas Events events to check out. These were just a few that I was aware of and chose to highlight. I know that I will be going to several of these activities because they really do help to make my season brighter! I hope you found something in this list to help make your holiday season merrier! 

 

 

Kerriann Jenkins

Kerriann of Windermere Mill Creek

 

CommunityEventsRecreational Activities May 25, 2022

Mill Creek Town Center Spring Wine Walk and Tasting Notes

Featured wineries: Bacovino | Cavelero Hill Cellars | Cedergreen Cellars | Dahlman Cellars | Drum Roll Wine | Forgeron Cellars | Martedi Cellars | Michael Florentino | Naches Heights Vineyard | Sin Banderas Wines | Structure Cellars | Tricycle Cellars | WineHunter | Wit Cellars | Woodinville Ciderworks

 

Wine Walk

 

Bacovino: proudly hosted by Inflection Wealth Management

BACOVINO sideways and underlined runs the left-hand length of an otherwise clean wine label. It is a Portuguese word that “speaks of the legendary culture of the vine and the mod of extracting its precious juice.” Reading through the Bacovino STORY page let me know that Wine Maker & Founder Randy Brooks has a passion for the symbiotic relationship between cultivated land, crop, harvest, and production and is mindful of the impact human creation has on the environment, so his brand practices and promises sustainability. I was surprised to learn that Bacovino had opened just before the pandemic. While many doors shuttered closed for the last time, they found a way to grow. With grapes sourced locally from Eastern Washington, I was excited to see how Brooks’ mindfulness and boldness played out when bottled.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: This was my first stop of the event and I had a 2018 Sangiovese. I am glad that I did not miss out on this wine because it was a great one. It poured a brilliant garnet color and smelled well developed with an unobtrusive light cherry sweetness present. This medium bodied wine tasted of juicy red fruits and carried into a nice acidity that was balanced out by bold tannins.  Baccovino’s 2018 Sangiovese was well rounded and easily one of my favorites of the wine walk.

Chasity: This was also my first stop, and I had the 2019 Signature Sauvignon Blanc as I am more of a white wine connoisseur. I give these 3 stars out of 5. I enjoyed the smooth woodsy taste it provided and how it was not on the sweet side. It was well balanced, and I would drink more than one glass.

Cavelero Hill Cellars: proudly hosted by Boston’s Restaurant

Cavelero Hill Cellars was harder to find information about before attending the event; skimming down their Facebook feed I was able to learn that they are a wine house located in Lake Stevens and they had their initial startup in 2013. They also have two winery cats named Neo and Triniti which as an animal lover I was happy to see.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: Cavelero Hills was my second to last tasting of the night. I arrived looking like something the cat had dragged in. Sodden with rain and holding on to my hat. Chuck Hagglund warmly greeted me and took the time to chat while he poured his offerings. He shared that his red grapes were sourced from Eastern Washington and his whites were from Oregon. I had a white wine followed by a preview of a Cabernet Franc named 100 Buck Good Stuff Chuck which I noted was “really good.” I would love to make it out to Lake Stevens to give this winery a proper sit and sip review because the hospitality given in a modicum of an interaction was off the charts.

 

Cedergreen Cellars: proudly hosted by First Financial Northwest Bank

Cedergreen Cellars is a family operated winery owned by Kevin & Julie Cedergreen. From the homepage on their website, I was clued into the fact that they craft great pairing wines by the leading sentence “if you’re passionate about food, you’re going to love our wine.” Kevin spent his childhood harvesting on his family’s orchard in Eastern Washington and has gained a winemaking education through UC Davis as well as working harvests in Washington and New Zealand. The Cedergreens source their grapes from many notable vineyards throughout the state.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: Unfortunately, this was a winery that I missed out on.

 

Dahlman Cellars: proudly hosted by John L. Scott

Dahlman Cellars mission statement is “seriously great wine for less serious people.” It is branding that carries over from their website to their Instagram to their Facebook page. Scrolling down their feed I had a laugh at their inspirational post about fitness: “did you know 14 muscles are activated when opening a bottle of wine? Fitness is my passion.” I was also surprised to see they had shared and shouted out other wines and wine makers they were sipping on.  Jim & Andrea Dahlman began dabbling in garage production wine making in 2013 and grew their non-serious hobby into a passion project alive with “innovative and experimental fermenting.” Dahlman Cellars wine is made in Woodinville and crafted from both notable and smaller vineyards.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: Unfortunately, this was a winery that I missed out on.

 

 

Drum Roll Wine: proudly hosted by Mill Creek Chamber of Commerce

When faced with job loss not many would turn to the bottle quite as metamorphically as Matt Frazier did. After being laid off from a long-term job Matt Frazier, Co-Founder and Wine Maker behind the brand Drum Roll moved forward to new pursuits. He combined his love for his family, music, art, and fun with wine making. Along with his wife, Sundee, and their daughters, Matt Frazier and family grant you a backstage pass to their wine and a glimpse into their lives. Visit their website to see all their passions including a few fun family music videos.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: This was my second stop of the day. I had the 2016 Drum Roll Red. I was told by Matt Frazier who was the pourer for the evening that it was a blend of cherry and strawberry. It poured a brilliant red and smelled softly sweetened. This red blend drank sweet and rolled through layers of light acidity and dryness. At the end of the event I rushed back to purchase this wine but I had missed curtain call.

Chasity: Kerriann and I started out at the same wineries but quickly went our separate ways, haha…. This was also my second stop. I tried their 2020 Drum Roll White Wine and it was very delightful I must say. I enjoyed the fruity, smooth crisp taste it provided on my pallet. It was very refreshing with notes of white grapefruit, pineapple, and peach. I give this a 4 star and it is one of my favorites!

Forgeron Cellars: proudly hosted by Kate’s Gifts

Forgeron is French for blacksmith, and it is in the remains of a re-forged old blacksmith building that Forgeron Cellars opened a winery and tasting room in downtown Walla Walla. Forgeron Cellars’ mission is to produce artisan wines that are site-specific and varietally-correct to pay proper homage to the vineyards they credit as being responsible for 80% of winemaking. With a team of Founders and newly seasoned Wine Maker Cody Janett at the helm Forgeron Cellars has achieved critical acclaim and expanded to a tasting room in Woodinville.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: At this stop I had the 2017 Imaginarium Red Blend. This wine was another one that was easy to drink. It smelled sweet on the nose. It presented itself fruit forward on the tongue. The blend tasted full like chocolate covered strawberries softened by savory light tannins.

 

Martedi Cellars: proudly hosted by DeVine Wines

The word Martedi is Italian for Tuesday. As noted on their Yelp review page this word holds special importance to the brand because it “commemorates the fact that for years all of the Miglino brothers would get together on the second Tuesday of each month to visit, eat pasta, drink wine, play cards, lie to each other, smoke cigars, discuss family and just spend time together.” It is their familial closeness that is displayed across their Instagram page along with an insight into their production crushing. Their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon was the last wine I got to taste. By that time, I had retreated to my go to order, and I was not disappointed with the wine in my glass.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: This was my final stop made in a mad dash. I had a 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. I noted that it was bold, deep, dark, and smooth. If you are a person who likes a Cabernet you would not be disappointed with this one.

 

Michael Florentino: proudly hosted by Kafe Neo

As noted on their website Michael Florentino began as a digital catalog winery. They made small batches for private label wine shops. Owner Brad Sherman studied at the UC Davis Vinology program and through volunteer work with local wineries and his time as VP at the Boeing wine club he fueled his own passion to begin making wine. Michael Florentino specializes in Spanish and Italian varietal wines and now has a tasting location and winery in Woodinville.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: Unfortunately, this was a winery I missed out on.  

Chasity: I tried the 2013 Michael Florentino Sangiovese. I enjoyed the woodsy barrel taste it gave, very nice dark red blend. As I mentioned before I enjoy white wine but a good red blend is hard to turn away. I would purchase a bottle and for the price you could buy more.

Naches Heights Vineyard: proudly hosted by Frost

Naches Heights Vineyard and Winery is a family owned and operated business based out of Yakima. Owner Phil Cline is a third-generation farmer who entered the wine business in 2002. Refreshingly although Cline was born into farming land that has been in his family for over 75 years, he credits his team with the success of winemaking and helping to propel his business venture forward. Naches Heights area was established as an American Viticultural Area in 2012 lending even more credibility to the NHV brand.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: I tried the 2015 Crooked Red Blend. This blend comes bottled and canned. I was told by my pourer that this blend is a mix of a Tempranillo, Malbec and Syrah. This wine was smooth and full. This wine was complex but balanced and I could see it being a good on the go drink.

 

 

Sin Banderas Wines: proudly hosted by Windermere Mill Creek

Four strangers from around the world came together in a happenstance meetup at the Owen Roe crush facility and formed a bond that would lead them to create the wine brand Sin Banderas. Sin Banderas is Spanish for without flags and pays homage to its four owners Jacki Evans, Nacho Licea, Elyse Woda and Francois Dereeper. As their website states the brand was “cultivated by a Mexican, vinified by a Texan, cellared by a Frenchman, and distributed by a Washingtonian.” Together these four friends craft small batch wines with extra attention to detail. As of right now they do not have a tasting room so the only way to get your hands on their wares is to visit their website or one of the restaurants and boutiques that stock them.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: At this location I had the 2021 Rhone Rose. I remember thinking this would be a good summer or bridal wine. It smelled floral and bright. It was light and airy, crisp, and fresh. I don’t reach for a Rose often but this was a good one.

Chasity: This was one of my lasts stops and I tried the 2020 Rhône Rosé, I love a good Rosé. This must be one of my favorites, 4 stars! I appreciated the Rose gold hue it gave, and it was not too sweet or dry, it was the perfect balance for me. I would buy a bottle, or more….

 

 

 

 

Structure Cellars: proudly hosted by Banner Bank

I am a sucker for a love story and Structure Cellars had its beginning while building love and a brand from the ground up. I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in this brand to head over to their about us section on their website to read their story as told by the winemaker’s wife Brandee. Their brand gained its name during a very human moment of overwhelming frustration; faced with life challenges Brian and Brandee Grasso came together in the midst of the rubble of their stripped to the studs fixer upper and sought comfort in each other over a glass of Brian’s first crafted wine. In Brandee’s words “we sat down on the floor among the sawdust and sheetrock and opened a bottle of the 2008 Syrah (the first wine he ever made). The flood gates opened and I spewed out a string of the day’s house misadventures while gulping down my tumbler of wine. Brian listened, nodded and showed genuine concern. When he finally did speak he said you know, this house is a lot like this wine, it’s got good bones… it’s got good structure, it just needs some love. Our house may have been falling down, but I could see the irony of the situation. This was truly the beginning of STRUCTURE CELLARS.”

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: At this venue I tried the 2018 Foundation Syrah. It poured out a deep plum color and smelled like fruit and leather on the nose. This one tasted dark, earthy, robust, smoky and VERY dry. When I tasted it I thought it was a wine that my older sister would have LOVED.

Chasity: At this tasting spot I tried their 2021 Oculus Viognier (sounds like it came out of a movie). I would say this one was very, very smooth, with a little crisp and dry taste, perfect balance. I would have to say this one might of been my favorite out of them all, 4 Stars!

Tricycle Cellars: proudly hosted by Peoples Bank

Owners Chuck and Pam Hundley credit their interest in wine to a 2006 Porsche Club tour through Yakima Valley wine country. Their initial enthusiasm led Chuck Hundley to enroll into a wine program at Walla Walla CC and helped the Hundleys to switch lanes and head toward a new endeavor. Tricycle Cellars was formed in 2011 and released their first vintage, a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rocks District of Milton Freewater that won double gold at the Seattle Wine awards. Since then, Tricycle Cellars has continued to be a family owned and operated winery and is currently carried by Double Barrel Wine Bar in Snohomish and Heritage Restaurant and Bar in Woodinville with some of their proceeds being donated to mission work.

Tasting Notes:  

Kerriann: Tricycle Cellars was the 8th stop of my night. I was excited to finally see a Cabernet on the docket and they had featured two. I ended up asking for the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon and next to it I wrote and underlined the word AMAZING! Cabernets are my comfort zone, if I don’t know what to get I usually leave with a cabernet or a red blend in hand. The wine itself poured a traditional ruby red and smelled like smooth dark fruit. This was a fruit forward presenting Cab that finished with a rich velvety texture. It encapsulated everything that I like about Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

Red Earth/WineHunter: proudly hosted by Expedia CruiseShip Centers

Red Earth wines is a brokerage of wines. The company was established in 2012 by Martin and Lisa Gorman who moved to Seattle from Melbourne Australia. Their mission was to bridge the gap between the impressive wine catalogue that Australia had to offer and the Australian wines that had made their way to the states already. Their goal is to represent wines that encapsulates the essence of Australia- it’s red centre, its dryness and its richness to bring the US wines Australians are proud to pour.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: This was my 7th stop of the evening and it was at this point that I got a little more adventurous and decided to finally try a white. I let the gentleman pouring my wine know that I was a red drinker, but I wanted to try a white and was leaning toward sampling “The Wattle.” He told me if I really wanted to try something a little wild that I could have fun with I should try the 2012 Mitchell Watervale Riesling. I did and I was pleasantly surprised with my experience with it. The 2012 Mitchell Watervale Reisling poured out a light golden hue and smelled of fragrant summer citrus with a hint of a floral character note. It ended up tasting a lot like it smelled. There were obvious notes of citrus and I had written down that it was reminiscent of a soft champagne, meaning there was a light dryness but I felt that the complexity of the flavors overpowered the dryness and remained on my tastebuds long enough to make them water.

 

Wit Cellars: proudly hosted by Artisan Custom Framing

Wit means mental sharpness and inventiveness; keen intelligence; having a natural aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humor. Wit is something that is often passed between friends, and it is this thoughtful, meaningful interaction with a lightness of mood and certain elegance of style which encapsulates the spirit of WIT Cellars. Wit Cellars was started by three friends Gina Adams, Flint Nelson and Carolina Warwick. Together their mission is to create wine that will be a catalyst to encourage family and friends to come together and have meaningful conversations shared over a bottle of Wit Cellars wine.

Tasting notes:

          Kerriann: Unfortunately, this was a winery I missed out on.

 

Woodinville Ciderworks: proudly hosted by Brooklyn Brothers Pizza

If you have made it all the way down the list of featured wineries, you have probably been clued into the fact that Woodinville Ciderworks is the only sanctioned non-wine offering at the event. Woodinville Ciderworks specializes in small batch hard ciders that are balanced, nuanced and food-friendly hard ciders from Pacific Northwest Apples. All their hard ciders are off-dry, highly drinkable and gluten-free. Owner Leroy Radford left behind his title as winemaker and closed shop at his Flying Dreams winery to become Owner and head of production at Woodinville Ciderworks which was established in 2015 and has gone on to become a notable Pacific Northwest cider brand.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: I should preface this review by saying I am admittedly not a cider drinker, but on our 4th  stop of the day I decided to branch out and try Red Flesh. Red Flesh poured out a bright coral color and remained lightly frothy at the top while I sampled it. The best way I can describe this drink is that it was bright, fresh, crisp, very tarte and it had an earthy quality to it that made it seem less processed than previous ciders I had tried. I think this cider would have been great accompanied by a slice of Brooklyn Brother’s Pizza. I could also envision myself adding a shot of fireball to this cider on a cold fall night and waiting for the warmth to overtake me but on its own it was a bit too puckering for me.

 

Stay tuned for our next wine tasting! We are having fun sharing our tastings and experiences with you. We are all about our local wines and community!

 

 

 

Kerriann Jenkins

Receptionist/Creative Team

Chasity Rodriguez

Social Media Director/Creative Team

Events May 19, 2022

Mill Creek Town Center Spring Wine Walk

Seattle Uncorked | Mill Creek Town Center | First Financial Northwest Bank

On Thursday the forecast called for a 100% chance of rain and by Friday it had dropped to 89%. Come what may, I was committed to bundling up and making my way outdoors to sip and stroll down main street at the Mill Creek Town Center Spring Wine Walk on Saturday. Our Windermere Mill Creek office was set to feature Sin Banderas Wines and I wasn’t going to miss out on a fun opportunity to taste wine from local crafters because bad weather. After all, when you live in Washington you must get comfortable with a little or a lot of rain.

For the advanced purchase price of $25 attendees received 10 wine tastings and a souvenir glass. The only caveat being that there were 15 featured wineries all of which I would have loved to try. On Saturday the rain did fall as the forecasted. Despite the rain, I was pleasantly surprised to see there was a large turnout of eager and happy sippers lined up in the entrance cue. I was further surprised when I was handed extra gifts at check-in. I left the cue with a heavy-duty wine tote, a wine tour map and a golden coin for an extra pour.

The event itself was well thought-out. If you flipped the map over there was a list of the wines available for purchase along with their prices, makers, and hosts. If you were less inclined to use the map the event planners had marked the doorways of the hosting businesses with a purple star balloon which was great since my map started to get waterlogged as time passed. Several of the hosting businesses laid out additional refreshments and snacks and even offered swag and had live music and giveaways. There was even a free valet service offered to store any purchased event wine so you wouldn’t have to lug it around with you all evening.

 

 

The only thing I would have changed about the wine walk was the speed at which I maneuvered through it. At the start of the event, I had thought that 11 tastings would be easily doable. I anticipated having time to make it through my tickets and coin and have spare time to go back and purchase the bottles that I had marked with a star on my map. That was not how things worked out. Once I got to sipping, sitting, snacking, chatting and purchasing other things, I veered too far off track to accomplish that goal. At the end of the event, I still had a few tickets and my golden coin left over and didn’t make it back in time to purchase my starred bottles.

Overall, the event was such a fun way to get out and socialize on a rainy Saturday. It was great exposure for the town center businesses and the featured wineries, and I would highly recommend going to the next one! Just be advised you should plan to put on good walking shoes and move like a Winosaur if you want to make it through all your tickets in time.

Stay Tuned for a Roundup of the Featured Wineries and Tasting Notes!

 

 

 

written by Kerriann Jenkins/Creative Team

 

CommunityOffice NewsRecreational Activities April 14, 2022

Local Farmers Markets

I am always excited to put together the Local Farmer’s Market Blog! Another year all the farmer’s and local community get to share their food, art, creations and much much more! This list covers Snohomish and the surrounding area so you can pick up essentials fresh from the farm at any of these locations.

 

Arlington Farmers Market

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays May 7th through October 25th

140 N. Olympic Ave.; 360-659-5453 – www.stillyvalleychamber.com/farmersmarket

 

Ballard Farmers Market

Every Sunday rain or shine year-round from 9:00 AM – 2:00PM

Ballard Avenue NW between Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue Ballard AVE NW – www.sfmamarkets.com/visit-ballard-farmers-market

 

Bellevue Farmers Market

3 PM – 2PM Every Thursday, From May 12th through October 6th

Bellevue Presbyterian Church parking lot, 1717 Bellevue Way NE – www.bellevuefarmersmarket.org

 

Capitol Hill Farmers Market

All Year Around, visit site to see which market and times work for you

E Barbara Bailey Way between Broadway Ave E and 10th Ave E, Seattle – www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org

 

Duvall Farmers Market

Thursdays from 3pm – 7pm

Taylor Landing, 16201 Main Street NE, Duvall WA 98019 next to Park & Ride – www.duvallfarmersmarket.org

 

Edmonds Museum Garden & Summer Market

Saturdays May 7th from 9am – 2pm

5th Avenue N. & Bell Street – www.historicedmonds.org/summer-market

 

Everett Farmers Market

Sundays May 8th – October 30th from 11am – 3pm

5th Avenue N. & Bell Street – www.everettfarmersmarket.com

 

Kirkland Wednesday Market

Wednesday’s starting June 1st

Marina Park 25 Lakeshore Plaza – www.kirklandmarket.org/www.everettfarmersmarket.com

 

Lake Stevens Farmers Market

Wednesdays June – August from 3pm – 7pm

North Cove Park and The Mill – 1808 Main Street in downtown Lake Stevens – www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/www.kirklandmarket.org/www.everettfarmersmarket.com

 

Snohomish Farmers Market

Thursdays May – September from 3pm – 7pm

Union & Glen Avenue in Historic Downtown Snohomish – www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org

 

Shoreline Farmers Market

Saturdays June 4th – October 1st from 10am – 2pm

Location TBD – www.shorelinefarmersmarket.org/home

 

Woodinville Farmers Market

Saturdays May – September from 10am – 3pm

Festival Street in Downtown Woodinville – www.woodinvillefarmersmarket.com

 

 

 

written by Chasity Rodriguez

Social Media Director

CommunityOffice NewsRecreational Activities March 29, 2022

Wine of the Month

Pasek Cellars Wine of the Month 

When I think of Wine destinations, I pour out images of France, Tuscany, Sonoma, and Napa Valley. I never really considered to look more locally at my own home of Washington State. That being said, recent events led me to learn that I needed to re-evaluate my ill formed opinion on the matter. After a few weighted exchanges of polite words and a quick google search, I learned that Washington’s Wine game was in fact the real deal. As it turns out, while small in comparison to California’s boastful 680,272,512 production gallons, Washington is the second highest wine producing state in the US crafting 40,747,190 gallons per year as of 2021. Washington also ranks 3rd in our number of operating wineries at 792 and falls short of second highest only by one to Oregon at 793 wineries. Some sources claim a winery is opened here every 15-30 days. Washington’s wine economic impact comes in hot at a whopping 9.6 Billion dollars and was only really developed into a commercial industry in the 1960’s when the first commercial-scale plantings began by Chateau Ste. Michelle & Columbia Winery. With figures like that it’s hard for a wine student like myself to not want to learn more. This information got me thinking about the bottles I have delved into in the past and really thinking about where they came from and who made them and now, I have a strong thirst to explore the pours that Washington has to offer. As the saying goes wine only gets better with age and as Washington’s graperies ripen with age and experience our wine will only get better with time.

 

Wine Tasting

 

Why I Chose this Wine Label 

This month I’m cheating and talking about a wine label that has frequently been poured into my glass at home. It’s the wine I offer to my friends who say they are not a fan of drinking wine and it’s the wine that has converted many of them into wine lovers. Pasek Cellars.

After only ever drinking grape wines, my Dad brought me home my first bottle of Loganberry wine from Pasek Cellars well over a decade ago. I had told him I liked reds and technically the wine he offered was red inside the bottle. I was skeptical but back then drinking was less about the experience and more about the buzz, so I uncorked the top, gave it a go, and was instantly hooked. In honor of my Dad I continue to offer this label to those who haven’t tried it.

About Pasek Cellars  

Pasek Cellars was started in Mt. Vernon in 1995 by Gene & Kathy Pasek and is best known in the area for their fruit wines. Unlike other fruit wines who add in fruit flavoring, Pasek cellars fruit wine is 100% Northwest grown fruit through & through. They currently offer 18 varietals to choose from including five berry wines, 5 port style dessert wines, 3 reds, 3 whites and two tropical wines; six of which are certified Kosher. Pasek Cellars top selling bottle is their Cranberry wine, which makes up a third of their business followed distantly by their Blackberry bottle. Their demand has grown since the 90’s and they are now the official wine of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Pasek Cellars continues to grow and expand what their production has to offer under a change in hands of ownership to David James and his wife Judy Pascale. If you would like to find out more about Pasek Cellars or purchase their wine you can visit their website here: www.pasekcellars.com

Tasting Notes: 

In this portion you will be reading my personal notes as well as our Social Media Director, Chasity Rodriguez’s tasting experiences.

 

CRANBERRY 

Kerriann: Having previously had this wine I knew that despite this being the top seller for Pasek Cellars this was not going to be my favorite. I usually pick up a bottle of Pasek Cellars Cranberry wine for Thanksgiving and call that my Cranberry side dish. It goes great paired with a Thanksgiving Day Turkey. During the tasting I paid closer attention to details I had passed over during previous sipping. The wine itself is a brilliant red to even a deepened pink tone. When I smelled it, I was surprised to find that I could actually smell the sweetness and tartness of a cranberry. My initial sip was fresh and there was a deep sweetness to the wine followed by abruptly by a juxtaposed crisp tartness and a dry finish. For me the sweetness and tartness provided something of a sour patch kid experience, the warring flavors brought out an impactful burst of tarte and sweet. In closing, this is a great and unique wine but without food to offset it this was too strong for me. At the end of the tasting this is still a one glass wonder for me, it’s not something that I would sit and sip on without food but it will remain a holiday side dish necessity in my household.

Chasity: This is the first time I have tried this type of wine and this flavor and I have to say it was not my favorite. It did provide a fresh crisp tart taste with a dry ending. The smell was sweet and did smell of cranberries. The taste did resemble cranberry juice but the cranberry taste was not predominate. The color was rich in red but held to light it was blush in color. I would say this a sipper wine and wouldn’t drink too much of it, perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

RASPBERRY 

Kerriann: I went into this tasting knowing that I really enjoyed this bottle, but I believed it wasn’t my personal favorite out of the wines I had purchased for this tasting. This one poured out much deeper in color and had a smooth pleasing smell I couldn’t quite place that was almost floral and summery. My initial sip started out tarte and finished sweet and left my mouth watering. To me this wine tasted closer to a true red varietal grape wine. Unlike the Cranberry wine where the tarte and sweet flavors seemed at war with one another, the Raspberry wine’s tarte and sweet flavors were well balanced and complimentary of one another. I was surprised to find that this wine was the overall winner for me of the wines that we tasted this day. The Raspberry literally left my mouth watering well into the Blackberry wine tasting and at the end of the tasting I couldn’t help but have a full glass of this one.

Chasity: So as like Kerriann I really enjoyed this wine. Surprisingly it was my favorite out of the three we tasted. The color was a deeper in red and was true to a more traditional red wine we are all unaccustomed to. This wine started off a little tart and then finished with a sweet taste in my mouth. It made my mouth water, wanting to go back for more and well balanced so you could have more than one glass. Overall, a winner for me!  

BLACKBERRY 

Kerriann: Initially this was the wine that I had thought was my favorite out of the flavors I had managed to find. However, having the wines back-to-back made me take notice of things that I had not before and left me with an unexpected change of opinion. The Blackberry wine poured out even darker than the two previous glasses and for me there was no mistaking that this was a Blackberry wine. I could smell the Blackberry and it wasn’t as sweet smelling as the first two wines had been. There was a bit more of a robustness to it. For me, this wine tasted the closest to a true red varietal grape wine. Despite not smelling as sweet as the previous two wines this one tasted consistently sweet throughout, but not sickeningly sweet, it was more of a deepened smooth rich sweetness that ended dry on the taste buds. There was something almost homemade and comforting about this wine. It reminded me loosely of a blackberry cordial my parents used to concoct. It is a very enjoyable wine, and I could have more than a glass of this one on its own, but it was the Raspberry that had sated my taste buds the most.

Chasity: This wine is also more of a red wine, smoother throughout the tasting then the others I believe. I could smell the blackberry but not very sweet when it hits your nose. This wine was also true to a red grape wine. The taste was sweet and tart but stayed consistent throughout. To be honest it did end with a dry taste in my mouth not like the Raspberry where my mouth was literally watering. The color was even deeper in red and I thought it was very pretty, I’m about the color……I know.

 

blog written by Kerriann Jenkins

Creative Team

blog featuring Chasity Rodriguez

Social Media Director/Creative Team

 

 

 

CommunityEventsOffice NewsRecreational Activities November 9, 2021

November Artist of the Month

Every Month our office holds space for an Artist of the Month. We display their work at our Mill Creek Town Center location for the whole month. Its a great opportunity for the artist! We love supporting our community and this is just one way of showing how much we love it.

 

 

This month for November we have an artist by the name of Jim Schleis. He specializes in acrylic painting and loves to add texture, depth and liveliness to each one of his canvas he creates. Jim was born in 1939 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  He started his artistic endeavors in the ‘50’s with painting, pottery, and stagecraft projects. He started with water colors but is exclusive to only acrylic medium. He only paints subjects he has personally seen and photographed, most often using landscapes or tourist subjects observed while traveling.  His paintings portray subjects found in the United States, England, Germany, Holland, and Turkey. Jim has a theatrical background in over 100 productions including scenery design, scenery and set construction, scene painting and decoration, lighting design and execution, and technical direction. He has participated in many workshops becoming a mentor and tutor to art teachers and young aspiring artists along the way.  His work has been shown at the Bothell Arts Fair and in the High Country Artists associates members art shows at the Carpenter House Museum in Cle Elum and various other venues in Kittitas, King, and Snohomish counties. You can visit his website to view more of his incredible work at jimschleisart.com.

 

 

 

 

Social Media Director

Blog written Chasity Rodriguez

CommunityOffice News September 14, 2021

Fall Reading List

These are my reading picks through the Fall months. I hope you enjoy them along with other reading options through Sno-Isle Libraries which is open for in person services. All online services and resources continue to be available as well. Visit there site here, sno-isle.org

 

How to be Fearless in 7 Simple Steps by Hagy, Jessica

“A visual infographic self-help book from the Seattle-based master of the venn diagram, Jessica Hagy, author of How to Be Interesting. This book empowers readers to see themselves as capable and powerful even when beset by worry and worrying messaging”–

 

Evidence Not Seen by 

The True story one one woman’s triumph of faith. Newlywed American missionary Darlene Deibler Rose survived four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp set deep in the jungles of New Guinea. Thinking she was never to see her husband again, Darlene Rose was forced to sign a false confession and face the executioner’s sword, only to be miraculously spared.

 

 

I hope you enjoy the books I have chosen for you to read. Visit sno-isle.org to view other wonderful books that are available. All online services and resources continue to be available. Sno-Isle Libraries are offering in-building services. Visit there site here, sno-isle.org

 

 

written by Chasity Rodriguez

Social Media Director

CommunityHomesOffice News July 15, 2021

Tips For Amping Up Your Home Security While On Vacation

We all look forward to vacations for months, and it’s maybe the only opportunity to enjoy a few consecutive stress-free days away from the typical day-to-day pressures of work and life. You’ll want to make sure that while you’re away, your home is safe and secure.

The most obvious option is to invest in some high-end home security devices; however, those can be very pricy, and wouldn’t you rather put that money toward your getaway instead? If so, we’ve got you covered with five tips that you can use to increase the security of your home while you’re on your next vacation.

1. Set Your Lights on a Timer

Having lights on in your home is one of the most obvious indicators that the home is not empty. However, if you’re planning to go away for several days, or several weeks at a time, keeping the lights on for the entire duration of your trip is not only going to drive your electric bill through the roof, but it’s also dangerous as it poses a risk for fires.

Light timers are a great and cost-effective way to increase the security of your home while you’re away. You can set the timers to automatically turn your lights on and off at the same times that they typically would be if you were home. You can set up a few throughout the different floors of your home so it appears that people are around and occupying both the upstairs and downstairs.

2. Have a Friend Check in on Your Home

If you’re going to be away for more than a day or so, a smart idea is to have a trusted friend or neighbor come by to check up on your home a couple of times. Not only will this help to ensure that everything is right within your home, but it will also bring some motion and human presence to your house.

3. Keep a Car in the Driveway

Unless you have to use your car to get to your vacation destination, leaving it parked in the driveway can be a a great option for increasing your home’s security while you’re not there. It’s all about creating the illusion that someone is home, even when that’s not the case. Although you might be planning to use your car to drive to where you’re going. If that’s the case, a good alternative is to ask a nearby friend or neighbor if they would be willing to park their car in your driveway while you’re away. To sweeten the deal, offer to pay for their next carwash when you get back.

4. Be Mindful of Your Curtains and Blinds

If you typically keep your blinds closed throughout the day, keep them closed while you’re away. However, if it’s more common for you to leave them open for the majority of the day, mimic this while you’re gone, and make the choice to keep them open. The recurring theme here is doing little things in order to generate the impression that you’re still home, so consider leaving your curtains and blinds in a position that is more like how they are on a normal daily basis.

5. Create a Decoy Security System

By putting up decoy security signs, stickers and even imitation cameras in plain sight, you’re increasing your chances of deterring trespassers from trying to enter your home or approach your property. If it looks like a security system is installed, and it’s not hidden, it’s unlikely that someone would try to break in if they saw it.

While we don’t recommend this as your only means of protecting your home but by putting up decoy security signs, stickers and even imitation cameras in plain sight, you’re increasing your chances of deterring trespassers. If it looks like a security system is installed, and it’s not hidden, it’s unlikely that someone would try to break in if they saw it. This should help to give you the peace of mind that you need in order to enjoy your vacation and know that your home will be adequately safe and secure until you return back.

 

blog post by Chasity Rodriguez

Social Media Director

 

Agent NewsCommunityRecreational Activities June 7, 2021

Summer Reading List

These are my reading picks through the Summer. I hope you enjoy them along with other reading options through King County Library System which is now open for in person services. All online services and resources continue to be available as well. Visit there site here kcls.com

 

People We Meet On Vacation by Henry, Emily

When Poppy met Alex, there was no spark, no chemistry, and no reason to think they’d ever talk again. Alex is quiet, studious, and destined for a future in academia. Poppy is a wild child who only came to U of Chicago to escape small-town life. But after sharing a ride home for the summer, the two form a surprising friendship. After all, who better to confide in than someone you could never, ever date? Over the years, Alex and Poppy’s lives take them in different directions, but every summer the two find their way back to each other for a magical week long vacation. Until one trip goes awry, and in the fallout, they lose touch. Now, two years later, Poppy’s in a rut. Her dream job, her relationships, her life – none of it is making her happy. In fact, the last time she remembers feeling truly happy was on that final, ill-fated Summer Trip. The answer to all her problems is obvious: She needs one last vacation to win back her best friend. As a hilariously disastrous week unfolds and tensions rise, Poppy and Alex are forced to confront what drove them apart – and decide what they’re willing to risk for the chance to be together.

 

What Happened To You by Perry, Bruce Duncan

Have you ever wondered “Why did I do that?” or “Why can’t I just control my behavior?” Others may judge our reactions and think, “What’s wrong with that person?” When questioning our emotions, it’s easy to place the blame on ourselves; holding ourselves and those around us to an impossible standard. It’s time we started asking a different question. Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” Here, Winfrey shares stories from her own past, understanding through experience the vulnerability that comes from facing trauma and adversity at a young age. In conversation throughout the book, she and Dr. Perry focus on understanding people, behavior, and ourselves. It’s a subtle but profound shift in our approach to trauma, and it’s one that allows us to understand our pasts in order to clear a path to our future―opening the door to resilience and healing in a proven, powerful way.

 

We hope you enjoy the books I have chosen for you. Visit kcls.org to view other wonderful books that are available. Kcls.org Libraries are now open for in person service but you can still reserve books online and do curbside pick up and drop off.

 

 

Social Media Director

by Chasity Rodriguez