Celebrating our First Year
The holidays are here and the spirit of the season is upon us. Traditions are a big part of the holidays - tree trimming, cookie making, finding the perfect gifts for family and friends, and arguing over the best holiday movie. This time of year also brings with it the unique aromas of the season. Which is your favorite? Pumpkin Spice, fresh cut pine, or Peppermint Cocoa?
While there are many to consider gifts for this time of year, I hope you will be mindful of the local individuals and organizations who contribute so much to making Snohomish an amazing place to live, work, and raise a family. They each have needs, often unspoken and so many do the necessary work without asking for so much as a “Thank you”. Our prayer is that you will think about who you know and that you will offer a word of appreciation, buy them a special drink, and throw a little extra their way to lighten their load in some meaningful way.
Every year City Lifestyle requests nominations from you, our readers, within each community to help us find those in need whether it's health, financial, or grief related. Nominate them, allow our Giving Team to read their story, and your nominee may receive a financial gift. Individual gifts have ranged from a thousand dollars to several thousand, all aimed at lightening the burden in a time of need and letting them know they are loved. See the article in this issue about how to nominate someone you know and “Thank you” for helping us.
Finally, this issue is intended to express our gratitude for welcoming Snohomish City Lifestyle into your home. For the past year, our team has enjoyed meeting people in the community, learning about their work and why they have chosen to serve the community in the way they do - all so we can craft stories you’ll enjoy reading. As we celebrate the holidays, we are also celebrating the anniversary of our first issue. The pages that follow have been a blessing to prepare, from the cookie recipe that may be new to you, ideas on how to Host with Intention, or the introduction to Snohomish’s own highly acclaimed water-color artist, we hope you find this issue a blessing to you and your family. Happiest of Holidays!
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kelly Bone | kelly.bone@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Tasia Heintzelman
tasia.heintzelman@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Teresa Coy, Amber Schultheis
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lawson Coy
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
inside the issue
A
Scan of original painting by Thomas Jones entitled Santa Mug. Painting was inspired by a Christmas Mug that Thomas and Carrie originally stumbled upon at Star Center Antique Mall on 2nd Street Downtown Snohomish.
Thomas William Jones
city scene
1: Cider pressing time at Fraid Knot Farms 2: Ben Richards and his group at Snohomish Golf Course supporting the American Cancer Society 3:
Golf Course hosted Bogies for Boobies Tournament in support of curing breast cancer 4: Business Ladies of Society - powHer up conference 5: Celine Williams at Business Ladies of Society powHer up conference 6: Fresh Apple Cider, - harvest with Fraid Knot Farms
Allied Motorsport sponsored the Off-Road Division at the Snohomish Classic Car & Hot Rod Show
Snohomish
Allied Motorsport hires Sales ManagerSteve Holm
Steve Holm grew up in the local offroad clubs, wheeling for the first time at the age of 6 and has always wanted to work in the industry.
“He is a great fit for Allied!” He has extensive hands-on experience and an uncanny ability to research and find answers for just about anything thrown at him! He is great with customers because he loves the outdoor lifestyle! Drop in, say “hi” and introduce yourself!
Photography by Allied Motorsport
Elevate Your Home
Remodeling Experience
When you choose VanderBeken Remodel, you'll enjoy:
▪ Confidence of a fixed-price contract—no last-minute surprises, just peace of mind.
▪ A friendly, local team that understands the needs of Snohomish County homeowners.
▪ An educator’s approach that simplifies complex projects into easy, manageable steps.
▪ A design and construction process handled with precision and thoughtful attention to detail.
City Lifestyle - Annual Giving Campaign
The annual Giving Campaign is City Lifestyle’s way of providing generously for individuals in our community who need it the most. If you know of someone affected by an unexpected health issue, a struggling single parent, an elderly person who has experienced loss, or maybe a co-worker who has experienced a tragedy or hardship, nominate them today. See the article in this issue for details and help us help someone in our community.
The Host Notes: Debut of Joyful Food & Hospitality Blog
Amber Schultheis, owner of The Host Notes, has launched her vibrant new blog dedicated to joyful cooking and storytelling. Offering fresh weekly recipes, entertaining tips, and local dining insights, The Host Notes inspires readers to live and cook with intention. Explore at https://thehostnotes.com and follow @thehostnotes on Instagram!
Photography by City Lifestyle
Photography by The Host Notes
HONOR OF A LIFETIME
A HUMBLE ARTIST FINDS HIS WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE THROUGH THE PACIFIC NW
ARTICLE BY TERESA COY
Growing up in the small rural town of Bay Village, Ohio, Thomas William Jones fell in love with nature and the stories it holds. His father, a banker by day and a watercolor artist in his spare time, was a masterful example to both Thomas and his brother, Bill.
“I was fortunate to have a dad who loved to draw and paint. On the weekends he would set up his paints and like any little kid, I wanted to emulate him.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAWSON COY
I would watch him for hours using colors in Winsor Newton tubes that he stored in a little cigar box.”
As Thomas grew up, time allowed for the exploration of the rural countryside. The natural surroundings began to build up layers in his mind culminating in a desire to express what he was seeing. Thomas didn’t realize it at the time but his unique ability to capture the most nuanced details of an image was beginning to develop in him and would serve him well in the future. His time outside inspired Thomas naturally to get out his own paper and paints where his
dad began to show him how to shape a tree trunk, how to express bark texture, and over time how to paint a sky suggesting the feeling of clouds using color.
In high school, Thomas had an art teacher who recognized this ability. “I guess it was just in my DNA, and he recognized that. My confidence started to grow as I realized I was becoming a better judge of what was in my head and getting my impressions onto watercolor paper.”
After attending The Cleveland Institute of Art, Thomas gleaned a little more technique in drawing and painting.
"I DEVELOPED THE ABILITY TO SIMPLIFY - WHERE LESS BECAME MORE."
Along the way, to help with tuition, he accepted commissions to do paintings of Bay Village homes. Also, with his interest in flying, World War II pilots would ask him to paint aircraft they had flown during the war. In 1967 Thomas visited Everett, WA after having been commissioned by the president of General Telephone Company of the NW to paint 25 paintings of their five-state rural service areas to hang in their new corporate headquarters.
“Through that experience, I learned to appreciate the way light plays throughout the day in the PNW as compared to in Ohio. I love the contrast between light and dark, and as a result, I developed the ability to
simplify - where less became more. By doing so, I became a more emotional painter.”
In 1969 Thomas met Carrie, a teacher and quick champion of his talent; soon to be his wife in 1973. Until the early 1980s, Carrie continued teaching while Thomas pursued his art. Gaining more exposure, his local & national invitational exhibitions increased and Carrie chose to stop teaching to join Thomas in his endeavors.
During the next few years of national recognition, Thomas found himself interacting with other well-known American artists and collectors. In 1985 he was contacted by the White House social staff informing him that he had been selected
by the Reagans to create their Presidential Christmas card. Mrs. Reagan had been shown Thomas’ work and fell in love with his ability to capture beauty and detail on paper. That 1985 card, “The Blue Room at Christmas”, turned out to be the first in a series of 4 paintings that he would do for the Reagans in their final term in office.
Thomas and Carrie eventually decided to relocate to Snohomish where they have lived for 31 years. “We are fortunate to live where we live and do what we do”, says Thomas. “It quickly became home because of this community.”
HOSTING WITH INTENTION
8 tips for leaning into joy and minimizing stress this holiday season
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAWSON COY
Hosting friends and family during the holiday season can bring us so much joy. And also… stress. Having the privilege of sharing meals and laughter with loved ones takes thought and preparation as well as time that we don’t always have.
“The people are the purpose, and no one will remember which cloth napkins you chose.”
Though if we look back on our most memorable holiday moments, it wasn’t the flawless decor or overthe-top meals that stand out. It’s the still moments between the hustle and bustle, the imperfect moments where we fully embraced the joy and reflection that come hand-in-hand with the holiday season.
Whether you are hosting Christmas brunch, Chanukah celebrations, or throwing your annual New Year’s Eve party, here are some simple hosting tips for creating a meaningful holiday without losing sight of why you choose to host friends and family in the first place.
1) Set fair and reasonable expectations for yourself. Acknowledge that things may not be perfect, and that’s okay. Identify the ways you want to go all-out with your efforts and where you are open
to compromise. There are a lot of creative ways to make ordinary things feel magical. For example, if you have big tablescape dreams and a kitchen twine budget, try skipping the new table runner for a long piece of decorative butcher paper from a local gift shop. It’s amazing how a combination of unexpected materials and textures can effortlessly elevate the feeling of a space.
2) Plan your menu, cleaning, and decor at least a few weeks in advance. It’s amazing what having a plan can do to decrease stress and maximize your enjoyment of the hosting process. Make a list of tasks that can be checked off in the weeks leading up to your event. Planning ahead can help you avoid last-minute decisions, expenses, and unnecessary stress. Also, be prepared to pivot. The best laid plans often change.
3) Share the work. Where possible, delegate to friends and family or hire a contractor for work you don’t enjoy. Whether it’s the cleaning, shopping, or preparing food and beverages, many hands make the work light. Guests will often ask, “How can I help?!” and would delight in the opportunity to contribute to the experience. Bringing in a trusted vendor or two is a great way to support local business. Win, win!
4) Build a holiday schedule that leaves room for quiet moments. Carve out time for yourself and keep your movement and nutrition routine intact as much as possible this season. It sounds like a simple thing, but taking a solo walk the morning of a big holiday or event can shift stress into momentum in no time at all! Remember to be available to yourself first and foremost. Host yourself.
5) Decide on one over-the-top dish, and keep everything else simple. This also applies to decor or even gift-giving. Whether you’re planning an elaborate six-course dinner or a simple appetizer spread, it’s okay to create one “star-of-the-show” dish and to let everything else remain unfussy. Maybe you have a signature dish or dessert that takes a lot of hands-on effort and it’s an absolute must for your holiday table. Great! Plan on preparing complimentary sides that take little prep and energy to free yourself up for your signature dish.
6) Focus on connection. Most of us who love to host do so because we value bringing people together and creating life-long memories. Try to keep connection at the forefront of your mind and heart when you find yourself getting caught up in the details. The people are the purpose, and no one will remember which cloth napkins you chose. They will remember whether you were able to be fully present and who they had time to connect with.
“It’s the still moments between the hustle and bustle, the imperfect moments where we fully embraced the joy and reflection that come hand-in-hand with the holiday season.”
Our guests want to be seen and cared for, not simply impressed by the glitter and glam.
7) Keep traditions you love, scrap the rest. If there’s a tradition that is no longer serving your family, this is a reminder that it is okay and perfectly healthy to stop doing them. The wonderful thing about this change, while it can be challenging, is the space it will make for new traditions that make sense for you and your family right where you’re at. As life evolves and our needs as people and family units change, so should our rituals.
8) And lastly, Practice Gratitude: It may sound trite, but take time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This can help shift your mindset from stress to appreciation. A five minute journaling session with your morning coffee might be a quick way to prioritize gratitude before jumping into your infinite task list.
The holiday season is upon us and is often the busiest time of the year. With a few adjustments and a mindful approach to hosting, we can all fully enjoy the season.
THE ULTIMATE RECIPE FOR A VARIETY OF CLASSIC HOLIDAY TREATS.
Sugar Cookie Magic
The sugar cookie is an iconic holiday tradition. Families come together to make a delicious festive mess with all the icing and sprinkles our hearts desire. And that buttery, vanilla smell? It transports us into the kitchens we grew up in, creating ornament-like treats with the people who shaped us.
INGREDIENTS
• ½ cup Butter (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ cup Shortening (or coconut oil)
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2 Eggs at room temperature (or egg replacement equivalent)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla
• 2 ½ cups All purpose flour (or Bob’s Redmill 1:1 Gluten-Free)
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt TOOLS:
• Hand or stand mixer w/ paddle attachment
• 2 Medium mixing bowls
• Mesh sieve
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
This “magic” dough can easily be made into several different cookies with just a few added pantry staples. It’s the simplest way to create a variety of sweets with minimal effort. It's versatile, yet timeless. And most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious. Buttery Vanilla-Sugar Cookies (Base recipe, great for cookie cutter fun!)
DIRECTIONS
1. Cream the Ingredients: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, shortening, and sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for about 1 month.
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This “magic” dough can easily be made into several different cookies
6. Roll Out the Dough: When ready to use, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. For a slightly softer cookie, keep the thickness; for a crispier cookie, roll thinner.
7. Cut and Bake: Use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes or carve custom designs with a knife. Place cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. To test doneness, insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
9. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with your favorite icing and sprinkles and enjoy!
OTHER WAYS TO USE THIS DOUGH:
SESAME TEA COOKIES
Additional Ingredients: Raw sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS
1. Form a one-inch round ball of dough.
2. Roll the dough ball firmly in the raw sesame seeds until coated completely. Re-shape into a ball as needed.
3. Place on a lined baking sheet three inches apart and bake at 350 degrees until lightly golden, about 12 minutes.
4. Let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
For creative ways to use this magic dough, check out the holiday cookie feature at www.thehostnotes.com.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
DECEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 15TH - DECEMBER 15TH
Artful Giving: Holiday Fine Art Market
21416 95th St. SE, Snohomish
Join Burkhead Art Center as they feature local artists from around the Puget Sound who will be selling their work which may make the perfect gift. Give a creative gift this holiday season! Fridays: 3 PM - 7 PM, Saturdays: 10 AM - 5 PM, Sundays: 10 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 23RD
Lamb & Co. PresentThe Big Give
Craven Farm - 13817 Shorts School Road, Snohomish | 10:00 AM
Join Lamb & Co. as they highlight local non-profit organizations that contribute so much to our community. There will be games, activities, and crafts for kids. The beer garden will be open for adults and photos with Santa, Hot Cocoa, and a 360 degree Photo Booth for everyone. Visit https://snohomishchamber.org/ the-big-give/ for all the details
NOVEMBER 29TH
Wild Turkey (Men’s Tournament) - Snohomish Sports Dome
Snohomish Sports Dome - 511 Maple Avenue, Snohomish
Limited spots! Sign up now! Winning team will receive 12 Championship t-shirts. 3-game guarantee, $325 Per Team
Registration Deadline - November 24
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DECEMBER 7TH
Allied Motorsport
Anniversary Celebration
1824 Bickford Avenue Suite C
Snohomish
Plan on joining Dana and Bree, Tony and Sheri, along with their team and families, in the anniversary celebration at Allied Motorsport. Festivities will include food vendors, door prizes, photos, and fun! 9:00 AM to 1:00PM
DECEMBER 13TH - 15TH
Downtown Snohomish
Winterfest - Miracle on First Street
First Street, Snohomish
Bundle up and head to Downtown Snohomish for Winterfest, a magical weekend filled with festive events for the whole family! From twinkling lights to live music, a holiday market, and special treats, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy ice sculptures, sweet and cozy craft sessions, and a chance to meet Santa. Check out the full schedule of events at - https:// www.historicdowntownsnohomish .org/winterfest
DECEMBER 21ST - 30TH
Snohomish Sports Dome Mistletoe Madness
Snohomish Sports Dome - 511 Maple Avenue, Snohomish | 12:00 PM
Register your team (Men, Women, Boys, Girls, and Coed) for this December tournament. $325 Per Team with a 3-game guarantee. Visit www.snohomishsportsdome.com for information and to sign-up.
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