The Heart of our Home
Welcome home! Doesn’t that sound good? There is something about home that lightens the load and provides a respite from the weight the day has loaded upon us. Home is also where we typically wake from restful sleep and lie down at the end of the day to seek whatever it is that recharges us. George Moore may have said it best when he said, “A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.”
Whether you are thinking of the house you call home or this corner of the world called Snohomish, our home is where our connections are both numerous and deep but also where we want to contribute, make a difference, and leave it better than we found it. Snohomish has people, long standing families who have done this well and make us proud to live here and call it Home. Familiar names such as Sinclair, Ferguson, Carnegie, Marks and Blackman, followed by Stocker, Spada, and Bickford have all left an indelible mark on our home.
As you flip through the pages this month, we hope you feel connected, a sense of pride, maybe even inspired. Every time we hear from one of you about a story we have written or a recipe we have shared, it inspires us to want to find the next little known contributor who is part of the overall Snohomish story. We are grateful to live here and be a part of sharing it.
Welcome Home!
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kelly Bone | kelly.bone@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle W. Parnell, Amber Dawn Schultheis, Courtney Evans
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Life N Light, Dawning Memories, Lawson Coy
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
city scene
1: Cheers to Bickford Ford! 2-4: Leaders from Bickford Ford, Ford Motor Company, Bank of America, and Fisher Construction Management
5: Fisher Construction’s Ford relationship 6: Bubbly with Bickford Ford team members. Cheers! 7: Mark D’Antonio, Ford Regional Manager and Jason Bickford, Bickford Ford Vice President
DAWN TAYLOR
DAWN TAYLOR
DAWN TAYLOR
Celine Williams
Real Estate partners with lender Jeff Miltenberger
Celine Williams Real Estate has partnered with Jeff Miltenberger of NFM Lending in Lynnwood to provide a comprehensive buying experience for those she serves. Join them for Finance Fridays where they offer insight into real estate financing. You can find these conversations also on Instagram.
Photography by Jeff Miltenberger
Wendy Bremer joins Tanya Mock Real Estate
Wendy loves helping people and has dedicated her career to serving others and building relationships. Trained as a pharmacist, she utilizes communication and a deep desire to serve to match people with their ideal home. A graduate of the University of Washington, Wendy resides in historic downtown and has been married to her husband, Kevin, for 27 years. They have two grown children, love to travel, watch football, and spend time with family and friends.
Scan to read more
Bickford Ford breaks ground on new service center
Bickford Ford broke ground on January 17th and is building a new service center. Will Breen, Bickford Ford General Sales Manager, Marc Curtis, Bickford Ford Parts Manager, Brian Millhuff, Bickford Ford Service Manager, Mark D’Antonio, Ford Regional Manager, Jason Bickford, Bickford Ford Vice President, Mike Bickford, Bickford Ford General Manager, Ron Eldredge, Bank of America Vice President, Judy Nguyen, Ford Service Performance Manager, John McCanna, Fisher Construction Sr Project Manager, Scott Sarto, Fisher Construction Superintendent
Scan to read more
Photography by Tanya Mock Real Estate
Photography by Dawn Taylor
VanderBeken Remodel
Fresh Branding and Identity
VanderBeken Remodel, a high-end remodeling firm renowned for delivering personalized remodeling experiences since 2007, has launched a refreshed brand and graphic identity. The new look debuts March 1st across print and online platforms, including updated trucks, signage, and a redesigned website with enhanced navigation and stunning project photography. This refreshed identity underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and hospitality, creating remodeling experiences that make you feel at home every step of the way.
Photography by VanderBeken Remodel
This year, Northwest Security & Sound celebrates 15 years of delivering exceptional security and audio-visual solutions. We owe our success to the trust and loyalty of our valued clients who continue to recommend us to family and friends. Your support has been the cornerstone of our growth. We look forward to continuing to provide personalized, cutting-edge services to meet your needs for years to come. Thank you for making this milestone possible!
Energy Exteriors NW adds Vice President of Sales
Energy Exteriors NWis excited to introduce Ryan Damschen as Vice President of Sales. With over 17 years of experience in the home improvement industry, Damschen is set to lead sales, foster business expansion, and fortify customer relationships. His role will also include the development of new services. Damschen’s background includes leading sales teams and introducing innovative strategies to elevate customer experience. Before joining Energy Exteriors NW, he held significant roles in distribution and home sales.
Photography by NW Security & Sound
Photography by Energy Exteriors NW
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY
N LIGHT The Williams Family.
One of the many things Celine Williams loves about calling Snohomish County home is the variety of activities the area offers for residents and visitors. “There is so much that we can do here,” she shares. “There are great restaurants and bars for foodies, lots of trails and activities for the outdoor folks, and cute boutiques on the riverfront for folks who like to shop. There is something for everyone.”
Celine Williams, Real Estate Broker with Realty ONE Group Orca, has a fun and bubbly personality, making her approachable and easy to befriend. This demeanor helps her clients achieve their real estate goals in any market. Over four dynamic real estate years, she has ranked in the top 1% of her Realty One Group nationwide and is known for giving her clients a five-star experience. She also knows how to have a good time whether she is out on a weekly date night with her husband Nathan, cheering on her sons as they play with the youth hockey program, or singing/hosting karaoke night at Rustic Cork, Celine lives life to the fullest.
Living and playing in the area where she works helps Celine assist clients with achieving their home ownership goals and finding the best community for their stage of life. She understands that what neighborhoods and communities have to offer individuals and families outside of the walls of a home is important and she wants clients to experience it all. So, she works diligently and considers many factors when assisting clients in finding that special place to call home.
“Home is love… it’s a feeling,” said Celine. “A lot of people see a house, but the goal is to envision it as your own and make it your own space, your oasis. It is the place where you are going to be entertaining the people that you love, your friends and your family. So, it’s about finding the home where you want to create amazing memories.”
To ensure clients find the perfect home, Celine begins the process of getting to know them by helping clients cast a vision at the first consultation. Then, she and her team walk clients through a seven-step process which includes setting out the criteria for what they want and need in a home. This step includes brainstorming on paper and real-time research while visiting properties.
“First we go into the house and see if it really hits their needs and wants,” Celine explained. “As we’re going through it, I’m making notes and picking things out that might be issues. Then, I always ask my clients what they love about the home and if there are any deal breakers about the home.”
Once a client locks in on a home that fits their criteria, whether they are first time buyers, next stage buyers, or seasoned real estate investors, Celine strives to make the process seamless. She does this by using a community of trusted partners she has built through years of networking and experience.
“I pride myself in being a fivestar Broker, so I make sure that the people that I’m working with also have five-star reviews,” she explained. “I’ve done my due
CELINE WILLIAMS | @HOMEWITHCELINE
For more information and to connect with Celine, visit www.homeswithceline. com or call/text 360-292-9710. Also follow @homewithceline on Instagram/ Tiktok and @celine.gorskiwilliams on Facebook.
Celine with Sons Lucas (9) and Isaac (6)
Nathan & Celine Williams
"Lot of people see a house, but the goal is to envision it as your own and make it your own space, your oasis."
diligence to network with other home specialists, so then I can connect clients with them and make sure that they’re taken care of in the highest way.”
Celine also works in an office that places great value on having a culture of collaboration. She mentors brokers to help them be successful and frequently partners with other brokers to ensure her clients have access to the best opportunities. She also leverages the power of social media to connect with other brokers as well as potential buyers and sellers.
In addition to helping buyers find a new home, Celine is also known for taking the reins and helping families take care of details during relocation, especially for military families and those who may be on a tight transition timeline.
“I’ve had relocations when homeowners hand me the keys and ask me to sell their home and they’ve completely left,” said Celine. “So, I can take care of everything, even coordinating with painters and general contractors.”
For Celine, working with clients is about more than completing a transaction, it is about developing long-term relationships and being a resource well into the future.
“I like to get to know my clients as much as I can, because I also want to be their real estate broker not just for this transaction, but for the course of their life,” said Celine. “I want to be the one who helps them buy and sell that home, get into their next home, or buy investment properties in the future. I want to also be that one stop shop where they can reach out to me, not just for selling or buying a home, but also as a resource for projects that involve roofing, electricity, plumbing, crawl space… really anything they need.”
BUILDING Community One TINY HOME AT a Time
For Budget Blinds, giving back isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a core value. Recently, the team at Budget Blinds dedicated their Saturday to participate in a unique team-building experience with Sound Foundations NW. They assisted in helping to construct tiny homes for individuals experiencing homelessness. This day of service not only strengthened their bond as colleagues but also deepened their connection to the community they serve.
“As a business owner and part of the community, I believe it’s our responsibility to give back,” shares the owner of Budget Blinds, Aaron Miler. “This was a chance for us to come together as a team and contribute to a cause that’s making a real difference. It wasn’t just about building tiny homes; it was about building hope.”
How Budget Blinds Gives Back
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAWSON COY
The outing proved to be transformative for the team. Working side by side, they started with a pile of lumber and, within a few hours, saw the framework of a tiny home come to life—a platform, four walls, and a roof. This hands-on experience provided an immediate sense of accomplishment. Barb Oliver, the Director of Operations at Sound Foundations NW explains, “Groups like Budget Blinds get to see tangible results of their work. It’s not just about hammering nails; it’s about knowing you’re creating a safe space for someone to rebuild their life.”
Built to last 20+ years, a single tiny home has the potential to transform the lives of up to 60 individuals. Currently, about 750 tiny homes are in use, and last year alone, these homes helped approximately 2,000 people transition off the streets. Sound Foundations NW, which operates six days a week with volunteers ranging from ages 16 to 96. “We’ve donated almost $2.5 million worth of homes, and with the support of groups like Budget Blinds, we’re closer to our goal of achieving functional zero homelessness in King County by 2027,” says Barb.
The experience also gave Budget Blinds’ team a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the homeless population. “When everyone came back, they were so energized,” Aaron recalls. “Not only were we proud to contribute, but we also gained a deeper understanding of the challenges our homeless neighbors face and the hope that programs like this bring.”
“For me, it’s about more than running a business,” Aaron explains. “Knowing that we’re part of something bigger—that we’re helping to improve lives— gives me immense pride. What you get back is so much more than what you give.”
By stepping up to support Sound Foundations NW, Budget Blinds exemplifies how businesses can combine community service with team building, showing that even small actions can lead to big changes. If you would like to get involved with Sound Foundations NW, you can visit their website at: soundfoundationsnw.org
“For me, it’s about more than running a business, knowing that we’re part of something bigger—that we’re helping to improve lives—gives me immense pride. What you get back is so much more than what you give.” - Aaron Miler
Thank you Snohomish for all you do to support our local businesses and overall community.
Please welcome our newest partners!
One Common Gorman Winery
Northlight Custom Builders
Cascade Concrete Coatings
M3 Decks and Outdoor Living
American Patio Covers
Evergreen Health
Alaska Kenai Adventure Lodge
Core Contracting
IRISH-AMERICA
CLASSIC
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
Corned Beef & Cabbage Latkes made Simple
A fresh twist on an Irish-American classic, these Corned Beef and Cabbage Latkes are simple to make and a crowd-pleasing seasonal appetizer. This is the quick, delicious route but feel free to use scratch-made components if you feel inspired!
IRISH-AMERICA CLASSIC:
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add cabbage, vinegar, sugar, and mustard to a small sauce pan on medium heat.
2. Simmer and stir until the cabbage becomes a bit translucent and is about half way to being krautlike, about 5 minutes.
3. Chill before assembling the latkes.
*You can substitute your favorite sauerkraut for the slaw, if you like, just know the end product will be on the salty side.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 boxes Trader Joe's frozen latkes, prepared
• 2 lbs Corned beef, fully cooked
• For the quick-pickled cabbage:
• 3 cups Green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 TB Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Stone ground mustard
ASSEMBLE THE LATKES:
1. Once all components are prepared, corned beef and latkes should still be warm, the cabbage and aioli chilled.
2. Layer them up in a stack with the latke as the base. Latke, aioli, corned beef, and quick-pickled cabbage.
3. Repeat until you have a platter of appetizer-sized bites.
4. Plan on about 2-3 per person. They are hearty and so delicious your guests will be returning for seconds. Enjoy!
For more joyful recipes and entertaining tips, check out thehostnotes.com.
HORSERADISH AIOLI:
HORSERADISH AIOLI:
• 6 TB Mayo
• 2 TB Horseradish or horseradish cream
• 1 tsp Stone ground mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Black pepper to your heart’s content
• Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir until well combined. Set aside.
Dine & Sip Snohomish
One thing is for certain: This stage of winter calls for a bowl of something cozy accompanied by a frosty pint and this town is the place to find both. There’s a collection of incredible local pubs and breweries to belly up to in Snohomish whether you’re looking for a cold brew, something sans alcohol, or a salty snack, the pub scene here has something to offer everyone.
FROSTY PINTS & COZY NOSHES
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SNOHOMISH CITY LIFESTYLE
Josh’s Taps & Caps
Josh’s is your one stop shop for local craft beer and niche bottles of your favorite brews. Their mission is to serve you the most amazing craft beer you’ve ever tasted in a fun but relaxing environment. Josh and Mara Arnold serve up fresh varieties of beer brands and flavor combinations on tap and in the beer fridge, always seeking to keep things interesting for their beer-loving patrons. They offer growler refills and even kegs for your next gathering or event and there’s always something new to try, making this a prime spot for beer connoisseurs and curious palettes alike.
Check out the food truck schedule on Josh’s website and to inquire about private events. They have recently expanded and have space for private parties.
https://www.joshstapsandcaps.com/ #home-1-section
>
Haywire Brewing Co.
If you haven’t ventured to Haywire Brewing, it’s about time. It’s a solid neighborhood brewery - spacious, yet welcoming, and set up for groups large or small with indoor and outdoor seating options. It’s a great place to escape the cold weather for a brew and some quality time with friends and family.
A little known secret about Haywire: they feature one of the few hidden speakeasies in Snohomish. If you look a bit closer at the wall of lockers as you enter the brewery, you may notice there’s a hidden door embedded in the wall. Give it a push and you might find yourself suddenly in a new little world within the Haywire brewery. It’s a great space to catch up with friends, a casual date night, or escape the mid-winter weather with your favorite canine pal.
The speakeasy area is adults and canines only but otherwise Haywire is a kid-friendly establishment. Gather around a table and play your favourite card games while savoring the latest award-winning seasonal pint.
https://www.haywirebrewingco.com/
Trails End Restaurant and Tap House
Trails End is a local staple and iconic stop for those cruising through town via the Centennial Trail or looking for one of the best bites around. Rumor has it the French Dip Sandwich will turn a burger lover into a believer in just one bite and don’t pass up the house-made potato chips or freshly made pasta, potato salads. Trails End features twenty-eight beers on tap from a selection of local, national, and international breweries. They also have a creamy, vanilla-sassafrass root beer on draft from Mukilteo’s Diamond Knot Brewing Company.
It’s worth noting that if you’re looking for a private event space or a caterer, Trails End is a prime option, just ask the staff for information on how to book.
https://www.trailsendtaphouse.com/
Sound to Summit Brewing
Sound to Summit is a locally owned and operated brewery with a steady commitment to quality and true-to-style beer. Here you’ll find some of Washington Brewer’s winning beers, including “Bridging the Trestle” and the “Apex IPA” among many others. Their kitchen is run by the Best of Both Worlds Food Co. team at both locations so they can focus on the quality beer and leave the food to the experts. The menu features a generous selection of mouthwatering appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and fresh salads.
The Sound to Summit calendar of events includes regularly scheduled beer releases, weekly trivia night, live music, and occasionally featured guest “beertenders.” Be sure to visit their staple Snohomish location off of Bickford and check out their new space at the Everett Waterfront. https://www.sound2summit.com/
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
THE HEART OF THE HOME
designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting
compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
events
MARCH 1ST
Community Breakfast
Snohomish Senior Center 506 4th St. Snohomish | 8:30 AM
Kick off the month with family and friends and leave the cooking and clean-up to the volunteers at the Happy Place - The Snohomish Senior Center. Enjoy biscuits & gravy, pancakes or French toast, sausage links, scrambled eggs, juice, tea or coffee. This event is a monthly fundraiser for the center - for more information go to https://www.snohomishcenter.org.
MARCH 1ST & 2ND
Snohomish Conservation District 40th Annual Plant Sale
Evergreen State Fairgrounds - Don Britton Livestock Building | 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Come get your plants, visit booths from our partners, and purchase plants from our limited walk-up sale! For planting guides and tips, and more information on Annual Plant Sale, visit www.theplantsale.org/
MARCH 16TH
Love in Action Spring Auction
Liljebeck Farms 9009 222nd St SE Woodinville, WA 98077 | 5:00 PM
Helping Hands Ministries International presents their Annual Love in Action Spring Action. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and desserts while you bid on fantastic items and experiences - helping them carry on their mission to serve people in need from our local communities and Peru. For more information visit http://charityauction.bid/HelpingHands2025
MARCH 22ND
We Heart All - Annual Anniversary Gala & Celebration
Carnegie Hall in Snohomish | 5:30 PM
Grab your bow ties and flapper dresses because you're invited to join us, stepping back in time to the roaring 20's!
A night filled with great food, lively music, trivia, and loads of dancing! This annual gala includes our silent auction so bring your pocket book and be ready to help raise money for the deserving children we serve!
MARCH 22ND
George Michael Experience
APEX Everett 1611 Everett Ave, Everett | 8:00 PM
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing with DJ Evan Blackstone, followed by a performance from George Michael Reborn and WHAM. Robert Bartko will get the crowd on the dance floor for Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and prompting standing ovations for his performance of Careless Whisper. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.georgemichaelreborn.com/bio
MARCH 23RD
World's Fastest 10K
Machias Trailhead Picnic Shelter, Virginia Street, Snohomish, WA | 7:00 AM
Come run the World's Fastest 10K. Participants will enjoy a gorgeous and fun downhill route from Lake Cassidy to Machias Trailhead along the Centennial Trail. Registration will include a finisher medal. Race swag is available for an additional fee. For information and to register visit https://snohomishrunning.com/worlds-fastest-10k/
“If
- Benjamin Franklin
Wealth Wave and Planswell have partnerned to bring you a powerful financial planning program for free. Follow the QR code to start your plan today!
www.snohomishsky.com
www.snohomishsportsdome.com
Your home deserves more than just a remodel—it deserves hospitality. For nearly two decades, we’ve been transforming homes with creativity, excellence, and a personal touch.
Rooted in a passion for learning and growth, we’re always evolving to better serve you. Our refreshed brand reflects our unwavering dedication to high-quality, personalized solutions that make you feel at home every step of the way.
