Washington North Coast Magazine - 11.22.19 by Sound Publishing

WAS H I NGTON NORTH M AG A ZIN E

Exploring Snohomish & Island counties

Snow play Slide into winter with these ideas for cold-weather fun

TASTE

WINTER ISSUE $3.99

DISCOVER

Everett’s indie scene

TRAVEL

Whidbey’s north end

YOU DON’T NEED TO GO FAR TO FEEL INSPIRED.

We craft a hotel experience that is creative, intuitive and authentic to the character of the Everett neighborhood. We consciously bring what’s outside our doors, inside; drawing on the story of our local area to inspire every aspect of the hotel, from an intriguing design touch to a distinctive local ingredient on our menus. Start your discovery at indigoeverett.com / 1.425.217.2772 EVERETT – WATERFRONT PLACE

Independently Owned by WaterPlace Hotel LLC and Operated by Columbia Hospitality LLC

2 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

WINTER 2019

WHAT’S INSIDE

Contents

VISIT NORTH WHIDBEY Hike at Deception Pass, eat lunch in Oak Harbor.

RICHARD PORTER

HISTORIC HOME

SNOW ADVENTURES

An Everett writer immerses himself in local history.

Peek inside a 129-year-old Victorian in Snohomish.

Where to go for winter fun in the mountains.

WINTER CAMPING Camp in comfort in heated cabins and yurts.

MR. HOLLYWOOD

PAINTING PRO

ANDY BRONSON / COAST

Lisa Pickford will welcome visitors to her 1890 Queen Anne Victorian home for the Snohomish Historical Society’s annual Christmas Parlor Tour.

ON THE COVER The hilly streets of Everett make for good sledding when it snows. See Page 18. PHOTO BY OLIVIA VANNI / COAST

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lynnwood native Tom McGrath is a big-time player in Hollywood, with movie credits including “Madagascar” and “The Boss Baby.”

His journey from Lynnwood to “Madagascar.”

This Everett instructor will make an artist out of you.

OUT OF CLAY

BLACK LAB

MIGRANTS ON THE FLY

THE VAULT

SIGNATURE DISH

Meet a Granite Falls sculptor who specializes in portraits.

The venue for Everett’s up-andcoming artists and musicians.

Five birds that head south — and five more that come here.

It’s Maltby’s new destination for wine and whiskey lovers.

A French pastry chef shares his Yule log tradition.

IN EVERY ISSUE MIKE BENBOW

A flock of snow geese flies in unison over a farm field south of Stanwood.

4 6 48 50

Editor’s Note Everett Sketcher Our Favorite Events Why I Love It Here

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 3

WINTER ISSUE: A beacon in the woods

n the old days of logging, a spar tree was the tallest tree on the tallest hill. A logger had to climb the tree — cutting off branches as he went — to heights upwards of 200 feet. Once at the top, he’d use an ax to chop off the tree’s crown, taking great care to not fall

with it. Cables were anchored to the tree and stretched out into the woods. They were used to hoist felled trees up the hill. Loggers could see the spar tree through miles of forest. It was a lightless beacon, showing where they needed to go to drop off each log. Everett’s Richard Porter, a local writer and historian, hiked through Snohomish County’s backcountry for his latest book, “The Spar Tree.” He was in search of a metaphorical spar tree — one that could still be seen through the fog of modern life. His mission: Figure out what it means to live here at this time. As he hiked, he wrote poems and essays to celebrate the past, but also look to the future. A chapter in “The Spar Tree” name-drops the historic Spar Tree Tavern in Granite Falls, so I recently paid a visit. Though the tavern has changed locations and was renamed the Spar Tree Bar and Grill, it still holds on to Snohomish County’s logging history. The original Spar Tree Tavern opened in 1936 in the old Ashe Bros. building, on the corner of Granite Avenue and Stanley Street. It later moved across the street to the former Johnson’s Cafe, which was built on the corner where the Commercial Hotel burned down in 1917. After all these years, the Spar Tree has pockmarked wood walls that look like they could be 100 years old. Poster prints of old-time photos from the Granite Falls Historical Society collection hang on them. A photo of a steam locomotive at the old Granite Falls train station in 1909 caught my eye. In this issue of Washington North Coast Magazine, you’ll read about Richard Porter and how he’s working, one essay at a time, to preserve our history and heritage. In “The Spar Tree,” you can venture with him through the county’s backcountry, from the driftwood beaches of Kayak Point to a lookout at the top of Mount Pilchuck. Or visit The Vault at Maltby, a new destination for lovers of wine and whiskey. Six wineries and one bourbon distiller have moved their production and tasting rooms to three 18,000-square-foot buildings in Maltby’s warehouse district. These top producers in Woodinville have found room to grow in Snohomish County. Meet Tom McGrath, who is famous for voicing Skipper, the leader of the penguins in the “Madagascar” movies. The Lynnwood native is a Hollywood voice actor, anima4 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

ANDY BRONSON / COAST

Sara Bruestle visits the Spar Tree Bar and Grill, a Granite Falls institution since 1936.

tor, film director and screenwriter with “The Boss Baby” and “Megamind” on his lengthy list of credits. There’s also our feature on winter recreation in the Cascade Range — and not just at Stevens Pass. Find six other places close to home where you can go skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, ice skating — or my favorite, building a snowman. The next time I’m in Granite Falls, I plan to stop by the Granite Falls Historical Society’s museum. I want to see more of what life was like a century ago.

Sara Bruestle

Editor editor@washingtonnorthcoast.com

STORM PREVENTION

TREES

WAS H I NGTON NORTH

PREPARE YOUR NOW FOR WINTER!

Exploring Snohomish & Island counties

PUBLISHER

Josh O’Connor

EDITOR

Sara Bruestle

COPY EDITOR

Mark Carlson

DESIGNER

Jacie Landeros

WRITERS

Mike Benbow Sara Bruestle Mark Carlson Stephanie Davey Gale Fiege Janice Podsada Sharon Salyer Aaron Swaney Evan Thompson Ben Watanabe

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andy Bronson Kevin Clark Ian Terry Olivia Vanni

ADVERTISING

Cam Wilson

AD DESIGN

Sound Publishing Creative

CIRCULATION

Tim Williams

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Amy Stephanson

STORM PREVENTION TREES

PREPARE YOUR SPECIALIZING IN COMPLICATED NOW FOR WINTER! & HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVALS

SPECIALIZING IN COM & HAZARDOUS TREE RE

trimming shaping pruning view clearing crown reduction selective tree removal emergency tree service

trimming shaping SPECIALIZING IN COMPLICATED “Creating beautiful treescapes, & HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVALS pruning one client at a time. ” view clearing 425.408.0449 crown reduction pinkchainsaw.com selective tree removal emergency tree service SERVICE ROOTED IN Passion • Integrity • Nuance • Knowledge

10% OFF ON PROJECTS OVER $2000

Call for details. Must show this ad at time of estimate. Expires 12/31/19.

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

BONDED • INSURED • LIC# PINKCCT830K

beautiful SERVICE ROOTED IN“Creating treescapes, one DISTRIBUTION Jere Grubb Passion • Integrity • N uance Knowledge client at a• time. ” CONTACT INFO For advertising inquiries, subscriptions, change of address and back issues, please call: 425-339-3200 Washington North Coast Magazine is published quarterly by The Daily Herald, a division of Sound Publishing, Inc., and may not be reproduced without express written permission, all rights reserved. No liability is assumed by Washington North Coast Magazine, The Daily Herald or Sound Publishing regarding any content in this publication. Subscriptions to Washington North Coast Magazine are $14 annually. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Puget Sound region.

“Creating beautiful treescapes, one client at a time.”

425.408.0449 pinkchainsaw.com

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 5 Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

THE EVERETT

SKETCHER

Santa Sighting While crossing Hewitt Avenue, I did a doubletake. It appeared that Santa Claus himself was walking the streets of Everett, led not by reindeer, but by a pack of dogs! Michael “Scooby” Silva, owner of Scooby’s Dogwalkin, has become an effervescent fixture in downtown Everett. He’s hard to miss, holding an array of colorful leashes attached to dogs of every breed and size. I wasn’t the only passerby who did a double-take after spotting him in the red Santa suit.

As he strolled down the street, he was repeatedly asked to pose for photos. Michael has been a professional dog walker for seven years. Washington North Coast Magazine ran a wonderful article about Michael and his business two years ago. For more information on his dog walking services, visit scoobysdogwalkin.com. Happy holidays! I hope you’re lucky enough to spot Santa and his pack this season. — Elizabeth Person

MORE: ELIZABETHPERSON.ETSY.COM OR ELIZABETHPERSON.COM

6 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

THANKSGIVING SALE Going on Now!

100% LEATHER SLEEPER SOFA RETAIL $5,550, THANKSGIVING SALE $2,799 SOFA RETAIL $4,250, THANKSGIVING SALE $2,250 CHAIR RETAIL $3,400, THANKSGIVING SALE $1,599 STORAGE OTTOMAN RETAIL $1,870, THANKSGIVING SALE $999

100% LEATHER RED SECTIONAL, RETAIL PRICE $8155, THANKSGIVING SALE $4299 OTTOMAN, RETAIL PRICE $1575, THANKSGIVING SALE $799 SLEEPER SOFA, RETAIL PRICE $4846, THANKSGIVING SALE $2499

100% LEATHER POWER DUAL RECLINING 4 SEAT HOME THEATER RETAIL $9,375, THANKSGIVING SALE $4,999

Available in a variety of configurations

100% LEATHER POWER DUAL RECLINING SECTIONAL WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE HEADREST RETAIL $12,825, THANKSGIVING SALE $5,999

100% Genuine Full Grain Leather LASTS LONGER—MORE COMFORT MADE IN

PERSONALIZED COMFORT. MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS.

“THE PLACE OF CHOICE FOR COLOR SELECTION”

THE USA

Lynnwood Superstore: 19417 36th Avenue West, (425) 771-5008, Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 11-6 Southcenter/Tukwila: 1015 Andover Park West, (206) 575-3081, Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 11-6 www.hayeksleatherfurniture.com PROUDLY LOCAL & FAMILY OWNED SMALL BUSINESS SINCE 1992

Sale in progress

LOTS OF STYLES AND COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM

AVAILABLE IN 146 COLORS,

7 COLORS AT THE SAME SALE PRICE.

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 7

Built during the Great Depression, the Deception Pass Bridge connects Whidbey and Fidalgo islands.

Whidbey’s

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

STORY BY GALE FIEGE • PHOTOS BY IAN TERRY

AK HARBOR — Winter can be a fabulous season to visit Deception Pass State Park. Fewer crowds, windswept beaches, great views of the snowcapped Olympic Mountains and deer foraging out in the open. You can even do some winter camping, if that’s your thing (see Page 24 for more on that). The park, the state’s most popular, is open for day visits from 8 a.m. to dusk, which right about now is around 4 p.m. Many see the park only from the 84-year-old Deception Pass Bridge, where they are mesmerized by the swirling water 180 feet below. 8 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Built by 50 men in 354 days for less than $500,000 ($9.5 million in today’s money), the steel cantilever bridge has two spans, which together stretch more than a quarter of a mile in length. In 1982, the bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The following year it was painted for more than it cost to build. (Visitors may notice the bridge restoration work ongoing, a project that is expected to be completed in the fall of 2020.) Below the bridge, it’s fun to explore the 4,134-acre park, with its saltwater shorelines and freshwater lakes. Hike or mountain bike among the old hemlock, cedar and Douglas

The currents in Deception Pass can approach 10 mph in January. This view looks west toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

After a winter ramble at Deception Pass State Park, head south to Oak Harbor for shopping and dining fir trees, check out the flocks of birds, skip rocks on the beach and wait for the early sunset. Make a point to visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center on Bowman Bay on the north side of the park. The center’s exhibits tell the story of the CCC’s work in the park and across the state during the Great Depression. This time of year, you’ll have to call park staff to open the doors. To make arrangements, phone 360-675-3767. Also on the north side, visit the Maiden of Deception Pass story pole on Rosario Beach. The carving depicts the story of Ko-Kwal-alwoot, a culturally important legend of the Samish Indian Nation. In the Cranberry Lake area on the south side, the park store is open Friday through Sunday. When you’re done, head into Oak Harbor, the largest city on Whidbey Island. The best place to see the famed Garry oak trees is in Smith Park on the east end of the old downtown district. Oak Harbor has a Dutch heritage that remains strong

A mural completed in 2013 is among many newer additions to Oak Harbor’s SE Pioneer Way.

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 9

A windmill is visible from downtown Oak Harbor. A strong Dutch heritage remains in the north Whidbey Island town dating back to the late 19th century.

today. You see it in the names of longtime business owners and in the city’s festivals and windmill landmarks. It also is a Navy town, owing to its proximity to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. A highlight in downtown Oak Harbor is the PBY Naval Air Museum at 270 SE Pioneer Way. It’s open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Run by volunteers, many of them retired Navy personnel, the museum is devoted to the PBY Catalina seaplane, which was based in Oak Harbor during World War II. Wil Shellenberger, who manages the museum, said there are plenty of new and updated exhibits on the history of Oak Harbor, its Native Americans and its European settlers. The museum focuses on World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, but also takes a look at more recent military conflicts. See uniforms, engines, plane parts, flight simulators and, soon, a night-vision goggle exhibit. “We surprised ourselves with how much we’ve accomplished with the museum,” volunteer Dave Strohmeyer said. “It’s become a destination attraction in Oak Harbor.” Also at the museum, visitors can pick up a National Park Service map and brochure that leads you through the Navy’s old seaplane base east of downtown and then south to Forbes Point and Maylor Point for views of the wetlands and wildlife. Downtown’s Pioneer Way is home to all sorts of specialty shops that are worth a visit. They include Frida’s Beautiful Mess, Whidbey Island Souvenirs, Whidbey 10 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Wind & Tide Bookshop’s Karen Mueller took over ownership of the store in 2011.

Opened in 1967, the Wind & Tide Bookshop offers an array of books for young and old alike.

Made artisan products, the wonderful Garry Oak Gallery, Purple Moon gifts and Whidbey Wild Bird, where you can learn about our regional birds and pick up seeds and feeders. Also check into the Wind & Tide Bookshop, one of the few longtime independent bookstores left in the region. The shop has a large collection of titles on local history. Oak Harbor is home to a number of fine restaurants, but Pioneer Way is where you’ll find some great lunch spots that include Rustica, Perla’s Lumpia and the Noe Jose Cafe. For me, the to-go place is Seabolt’s Smokehouse and Restaurant at 31640 Highway 20. Seabolt’s sells all sorts of smoked salmon products. Longtime employee David Jackson works primarily with local and Alaskan fish. On the restaurant menu, Seabolt’s serves halibut, cod and salmon with chips, as well as Penn Cove mussels, Dungeness crab, oysters, clam strips, calamari, prawns, shrimp, chowder, seafood stew and Kobe beef raised on the island. If nothing else, pick up a packet of salmon candy, smoked salmon with brown sugar sprinkled on top. It’s the best around. It will help get you through a nippy winter afternoon.

TOP: Oak Harbor gets its name from Garry oak trees such as these in Smith Park. LEFT: At Seabolt’s smokehouse in Oak Harbor, David Jackson prepares racks of smoked salmon.

See the

Great Outdoors

#2445 #2075

in Comfort this Year G

AWA

I RD W

• Pull-out Rear Stove, Cooker & Awning

• Private Queen Size Master Bedroom, Double Upper & Lower Bunk Beds

LOW 7.8% SALES TAX IN CLEARVIEW | Toy Haulers • Travel Trailers • Fifth Wheels • Truck Campers

• 2 Year Structual Limited Warranty

Please see lancecamper.com/ warranty for details.

17104 State Route 9 SE, Snohomish

CLEARVIEW RV

CALL TODAY: • 12 Year Roof Limited Warranty (360) 668-9595 • Great Selection • No Pressure Sales Staff www.clearviewrv.com • Credit Union Lending (CUDL) – 27 Lenders SALES SERVICE PARTS • Top Rated Brand Lance units in stock WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 11

ANDY BRONSON / COAST

Richard Porter, 33, says he’s been a compulsive writer since he was a teenager growing up in Monroe.

Everett writer Richard Porter tells stories of grassroots people and places in Snohomish County BY S A R A B R U E S T L E

riter Richard Porter likes to hang out at Buck’s American Cafe because he thinks Ernest Hemingway would have liked it. Buck’s is in the 1892 Swalwell building at the corner of Hewitt Avenue and Pine Street in Everett. It’s been in business for more than 30 years. It’s not hard to imagine Hemingway, an avid hunter, seated at a table at Buck’s, beneath the gaze of one of the many 12 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

mounted game trophies that adorn the dining room. Porter, 33, of Everett, is a local writer and historian. We met at Buck’s American Cafe on a recent Thursday to talk about his latest book, “The Spar Tree.” We sat at a table near a window so we could soak up the cafe’s rustic charm and some sun rays. I asked for sweet tea; Porter ordered black coffee and seltzer water with lime. Porter, who writes for Live in Everett and the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau, has three other books to his name: “Arizona Light,” “I Speak the Spell” and “Smokestackers!”

“Since I was a teen, I’ve been a compulsive writer. I had a How can we keep the character of Everett intact?” notion that I would become a writer somehow,” said Porter, Porter explored ghost towns, climbed mountain lookouts who graduated from Monroe High School in 2004. “It’s not and strolled driftwood beaches in search of prose for “The always the easiest thing to do, breaking into the writing scene.” Spar Tree.” He studied English and literature at North Seattle CommuAs a writer, Porter’s influences include Joseph Campnity College and Everett Community College, making it a goal bell, author of “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” as well as to write 750 words per day — his key to breaking writer’s block William Faulkner, Carson McCullers and Flannery O’Connor. — as he looked for work as a writer. He landed a job in 2016 as His motto is borrowed from poet Emily Dickinson: “Tell the a blogger for Live in Everett. truth but tell it slant.” Porter also runs Porter Wordsmith, his writ“As much as I’m a compulsive writer, I feel ing and editing business. He published his four like I’m also a compulsive reader,” Porter books through his own imprint. All of his books said. “Everything I read ends up coming back were printed at Alexander Printing Co., a local somehow.” press that has been in business since 1886. While writing “The Spar Tree,” Porter read “Smokestackers!” is a narrative history of the works by prominent Washington writers: underdogs of Everett when it was known as “Snow Falling on Cedars,” by David Guter“The City of Smokestacks.” Porter was inspired son; “The Orchardist,” by Amanda Coplin; and by a Live in Everett assignment to share what “Starvation Heights” by Gregg Olsen. he calls “lesser-told tales” — stories of everyday Another one of Porter’s favorite hangouts heroes, such as civic leader Carl Gipson and is the Northwest Room at the Everett Public dance teacher Betty Spooner, who exemplify Library. A history buff, Porter happily spends the city’s grit. hours researching Snohomish County’s days “The Spar Tree” “I found the narratives to be so striking, I gone by. Porter Wordsmith. dramatized them in third person,” Porter said. In writing “Smokestackers!”, for example, 44 pages. $12. “Arizona Light” is a book of poetry that serves Porter listened to oral histories collected by as a eulogy for his mother’s family from Scottsdale, Arizona, the library’s historians. Porter also read local history books, including his mother, who died 10 years ago. “Riverside Remembers” and “Voices from Everett’s First “I Speak the Spell” is another collection of poetry, this one Century” among them. written on his typewriter. Porter owns an Olivetti Lettera 22, If Everett Public Library’s Lisa Labovitch is there, Porter also a Italian typewriter designed by Marcello Nizzoli in 1950. He will pick the history specialist’s brain. picked it up in one of Snohomish’s many antique shops. “It “It’s neat that Richard takes oral histories and compiled worked and the price was right,” he said. histories and gives them a fresh spin,” Labovitch said. “His Porter writes short works on his typewriter — mostly poems. work takes a poetic approach to storytelling — it’s more literYou may see Porter at work on his Olivetti at another favorite ary than what you might see in a textbook.” hangout of his — Narrative Coffee, housed in a storefront built Next, Porter is working on another collection of poetry and a in 1921 on Wetmore Avenue. He also writes in a shed in the sequel to “Smokestackers!” back yard of his home in the Delta neighborhood of Everett. Labovitch is excited by Porter’s work. She said there is a “Some people think it’s an affectation,” Porter said of the need for more writers and historians like him in Everett. typewriter. “I like the manual feeling.” “Everett’s seeing a rebirth in a way. We’re revamping Ernest Hemingway, by the way, preferred to write standing ourselves; we’re trying to rebrand,” Labovitch said. “What that up and kept his Royal Quiet de Luxe typewriter on a bookshelf means is we have a lot of transplants moving here, and they in his Havana home. want to make connections here. They’re trying to find their “The Spar Tree” is a longer work, so Porter wrote it on his new roots. laptop. He said Buck’s American Cafe also matches “The Spar “They’re not familiar with the history of Everett yet.” Tree” vibe. For some of those newcomers, myself included, those new It’s a collection of essays, poems and photographs illustratroots may lead to Porter’s “The Spar Tree.” ing what it’s like to live in Snohomish County. The book was inspired by trips to the county’s backcountry while on assignment for the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau. About the author He was writing his 750 words per day when he noticed a pattern: All of his essays were about local culture and the Richard Porter, 33, writes for Live in Everett and the Snohomish importance of preserving it. County Tourism Bureau. He also runs Porter Wordsmith, an “Everett — and in a greater sense Snohomish County — editing and writing business, through which he has published is rapidly changing,” Porter said. “Without foresight, a lot of four of his own books. He and his wife of 11 years, Christa Porter, things will be trampled. I’m not just talking about culture, but make their home in Everett’s Delta neighborhood. They have the environment as well. We need to be conservative in the three daughters, ages 5, 3 and 1. They also perform together in literal and figurative sense. a band called The Porters — Christa on ukulele and Richard on “How can we enjoy the natural beauty without destroying it? rhythm guitar. Learn more at porterwordsmith.com. WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 13

Pride of Snohomish Lisa and Stew Pickford’s 129-year-old Queen Anne Victorian is one of the city’s finest historic homes S TO RY BY M A R K C A R L S O N P H OTO S BY A N DY B R O N S O N

Lisa and Stew Pickford live in Snohomish’s historic Hensell House, which they bought in 2001. The Queen Anne Victorian home was built in 1890.

14 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

isa and Stew Pickford aren’t just owners of their 129-year-old Queen Anne Victorian home on Avenue B in Snohomish. They’re its custodians. Over the past two decades, they’ve done what it takes to keep the historic home in tip-top condition — redoing the plumbing, replacing the boiler, renovating the kitchen so it meets modern needs while still matching the rest of the house, and painting the intricately detailed exterior. “Things come up,” Lisa told The Daily Herald in 2011. “You find the money. You do it.” Their home “is a prime example” of late-19th century Victorian-style residential architecture, said Christopher Gee of the Snohomish Historical Society. “Stew and Lisa have done an excellent job of maintaining it.” It’s no wonder that the roughly 2,500-square-foot home has been a favorite stop on historic home DWAYNE LAN tours over the years, especially on D the annual Christmas Parlor Tour, CHRYSLER DODGE CHRYS for which it’s the most-requested EVERETT house, thanks to Lisa Pickford’s 425.267.900 devotion to elaborate holiday decorating. This year’s tour is set for Dec. 15, and will include the Pickfords’ home. “Everybody loves Lisa’s

all about It’sIt’s allIt’s about all abo fami It’s family... all family... about It’s all about family... family...

Our auto family serves Our auto family serves Our your auto famiy withfamily a sup family withfamily a superb selection of new a Our auto family serves yourof family with selection new and selectio a superb selection of new and pre-owned trusted-bra pre-ownedpre-owned trusted-brand pre-owned trusted-brand vehicles, fi nancing, vehicles, financing, as vehicles, financing, as vehicles, well finaw as well as service and parts. as service and pa Ourservice auto family serves your as and parts. as serv family with a superb selection of new and pre-owned trusted-brand vehicles, financing, as well as service and parts.

NE’S DWAYNE DWAYNE LANE’S LANE’S DWAYNE DWAYNE LANE’S LANE’S DWAYNE DWAYNE LANE’S LANE’S DWAYNE DWAYNE LANE’S LANE’S DWAYNE DWAYNE LANE’S LANE’S LA DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S DWAYNE LANE’S JEEPDODGE RAM SKAGIT FORD CHEVROLET SKAGIT FORD SKAGIT MAZDA CHEVROLET NORTH CASCADE FORD NORTH CASCADE FORD CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM SKAGIT MAZDA SKAGIT SUBARU CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM SKAGIT CHEVROLET SKAGIT MAZDA NORTH CASCADE FORD SKAGIT SUBARU LER JEEP RAM SKAGIT FORDFORD CHEVROLET SKAGIT MAZDA NORTH CASCADE FORD SKAGIT SUB BURLINGTON ARLINGTON BURLINGTON SEDRO-WOOLLEY BURLINGTON T EVERETTEVERETT BURLINGTON ARLINGTON BURLINGTON BURLINGTON ARLINGTON SEDRO-WOOLLEY SEDRO-WOOLLEY BURLINGTON BURLINGTON EVERETT BURLINGTON ARLINGTON BURLINGTON SEDRO-WOOLLEY BURLINGT 425.267.9000 360.752.2000 360.435.2125 360.757.2200 360.855.1551 360.757.7737 360.757.7737 00 360.752.2000 360.435.2125 360.752.2000 360.757.2200 360.435.2125 360.855.1551 360.757.2200 425.267.9000 425.267.9000 360.752.2000 360.435.2125 360.757.2200 360.855.1551360.855.1551 360.757.7

1.888.444.LANE (5263) • www.DwayneLane.com

1.888.444.LANE (5263) 1.888.444.LANE • www.DwayneLane.com (5263) • www.DwayneLane.com 1.888.444.LANE (5263) • www.DwayneLane.com WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 15

Like the other rooms in Lisa Pickford’s home, the dining room is filled with the collections she and husband Stew have amassed over the years. She says she does the dusting — “when I have time.”

house,” Gee said. The Hensell House is the Pickfords’ third old home. They previously owned and renovated two homes in Seattle: a bungalow in Wallingford and a foursquare on Capitol Hill. They both are retired from the University of Washington, where she worked in the parking office and he was a forestry professor. The Snohomish home was built in 1890 for L.W. and Mary Hensell, about a decade after the land it sits on was granted by the federal government to Snohomish pioneer E.C. Ferguson. It’s a typical example of the Queen Anne style, with a wraparound porch, a turret that shelters a second-floor balcony, stained glass in transoms above the double-hung windows, and a steeply pitched roof. L.W. Hensell was a jeweler and one of the town burghers. Fine homes like his expressed Snohomish’s civic pride, in an era when it was still the county seat and was filled with optimism for the future. But a severe recession in 1893, followed by a controversial vote to move the county seat to Everett in 1894, took some of the wind out of Snohomish’s sails. And the Hensells’ marriage also appears to have foundered; Lisa Pickford said she’s seen a newspaper clipping reporting that L.W. was ordered by the court to stay away from the house he built. In 1902, Mary J. Kohn (nee Hensell) sold the home to the second of its 13 owners. The home’s ownership history is recorded on a framed document hanging in the foyer. Those previous owners deserve a 16 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

A display box in the foyer is filled with long-hidden artifacts the Pickfords found while working on the home.

good deal of credit for the house’s excellent condition, Gee said. It’s always been occupied by its owners; it’s never been a rental, and it was never subjected to the dire fate of many old homes: to be hacked up into multiple rental units. The foyer functions as a mini-museum of the house’s history. A display case contains artifacts the Pickfords have found while working on the house, inside and out, such as the silver spoons Pickford guesses were used by kids to dig in the garden. Also displayed on a foyer wall are portraits of P.A. Wright,

a longtime Snohomish School District superintendent, and his family. The Wrights lived in the home from 1926 to 1948, and their legacy lives on there, Lisa Pickford said. Wright’s daughter, Annette, was the source of much of the home’s history, compiled by the owners previous to the Pickfords, and contained in a thick binder. She had polio as a child, and slept in a bed on the first floor near the stairs. The superintendent turned a butler’s pantry into a small bathroom, and modified the front parlor to use as his office. “He built these bookcases, and he wrecked the moldings doing it,” Pickford said. “If I were to take that out, I would love to replace it with a fireplace.” Part of the Pickfords’ work over the years has been correcting earlier repairs that weren’t period-correct, or well-executed. “In the good old days, people didn’t take care of their homes very well,” Lisa Pickford said. A prime example, she said, are the stained-glass transom windows, a signature element of Queen Anne Victorian design. “They didn’t try to save the colored glass. When the windows started falling apart, they just threw them out,” she Photographs of the Wright said. family, who lived in the The Pickfords have done Hensell home for two their best to keep the house decades, hang in the foyer. true to its period. When they redid the kitchen, their carpenter built an elaborate crown molding out of seven separate pieces of wood. But some compromises were necessary; they had to use medium-density fiberboard for a few missing molding pieces, because wood trim thick enough to carve the intricate patterns is unaffordable today. On the exterior, a fiber cement product was used for fish-scale siding because the cedar available these days curls, she said. The home is a perfect showcase for the couple’s eclectic collections, including a blow gun Stew Pickford brought home from Indonesia, where he worked in forestry for six months. They had to keep the blow gun well out of the reach of their two sons, Lisa Pickford said. There’s a vast array of other treasures on display, including Stew’s collection of cribbage boards and Lisa’s trove of crystal glassware — “the real stuff,” she said. “Know where I get it? Value Village.” As for renovations, Lisa Pickford said they’re “pretty much” done. Then she remembers the upstairs window casing where the paint’s starting to peel. “That house is getting touch-up jobs constantly,” Gee of the historical society marveled.

COAST XTRA

Coas t to F arm!

REAL ESTATE

Over 27 years experience in Snohomish County. Residential, land, Investments, 1031 Exchanges, property management.

FRANK YOUNG

Brier Realty, Inc. BrierRealty.com BrierFrank@yahoo.com 425-770-5378

Real estate professional since 2005, building lifetime relationships through service, trust and integrity.

RENÉ PORUBEK

Windermere Real Estate M2 LLC www.RealtyRene.com renep@windermere.com Direct/Text: 425-478-8864

FOR H.J. McGee SALE Real Estate Call me today to utilize my 30+years of experience. I have the knowledge and skills to make your residential and commercial purchase or sale a SUCCESS!

BARRY McGEE

H.J. McGee Real Estate SnohomishAreaHomes.com barrywmcgee@gmail.com 425-870-1901

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 17

OLIVIA VANNI / COAST

With Three Fingers Mountain in the background, Hap Wertheimer cross-country skis at Legion Memorial Golf Course in Everett.

7 places to play in the snow

From snowshoeing to snowmobiling, here’s where to have fun this winter

BY E VA N T H O M P SO N

ure, it’s not Colorado, but winter adventures abound in our own back yard. You can strap on snowshoes for a trek through a snow-covered forest. Or you may prefer the adrenaline rush of jumping on a tube and zooming down a hill. You’ve got your choice of winter 18 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

recreation in the Cascade Range — and not just at Stevens Pass, where you also can go skiing and snowboarding — or just make snow angels. The mountain resort, 70 miles east of Everett, averages 460 inches of snowfall per year. Its 1,125 acres of terrain boasts 37 runs and 10 chairlifts.

COAST XTRA

g n i p p o h S d n a Dining

EVERETT KEEPING EVERETT ON TIME Wide variety of clocks! • Full service clock repair • Free estimates • We make house calls on floor clocks • Gifts and more!

Country Clock Shop 4714 Evergreen Way 425-252-2360

A BOUTIQUE FOR CONTEMPORARY WOMEN Featuring stylish clothing, jewelry, accessories and footwear for today’s contemporary woman.

Renee’s

2820 Colby Ave. (425) 252-2230 facebook.com/reneesclothing reneesclothing.com

LOCAL STOMPING GROUND SINCE 1986

Our goal is simple. We strive to offer our customers great food and friendly, prompt service at affordable prices in a comfortable atmosphere.

Buck’s American Cafe 2901 Hewitt Ave. 425-258-1351 bucksamericancafe.com

SAVVY CLOTHING FOR WOMEN Located in the heart of downtown Everett for over 40 years, Burkett’s provides women with a well-edited collection of the best in women’s fashion. Customer service is our #1 priority.

Burkett’s

2617 Colby Ave. 425-252-2389 shopatburketts.com

SEASONAL ITALIAN Capers + Olives is a seasonally-based Italian restaurant focused on fresh seafood, vegetables, hand crafted pasta, and cocktails.

Capers + Olives 2933 Colby Ave 425-322-5280 www.capersandolives.com

EAT RIGHT, EAT HEALTHY Local, comfortable, organic deli with a wide variety of salads and sandwiches.

The Valley Organic Deli 2805 Colby Ave. 425-512-8577 www.valleyorganicdeli.com

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 19

You’ve got your choice of winter recreation in the Cascades — and not just at Stevens Pass

OLIVIA VANNI / COAST

Don Sarver (left) and Kyle James snowshoe on the Skyline Lake Trail near Stevens Pass Mountain Resort.

OLIVIA VANNI / COAST

Making a snow angel brings a joyful smile to the face of Kaylee Williams, 3.

JENNIFER BUCHANAN

The Stevens Pass Nordic Center attracts serious winter-sports athletes, such as biathlon racer Dave Anana.

20 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Here are six other places close to home to play in the snow.

Skyline Lake Trail This trail is a short but rewarding snowshoe experience. The 3-mile trail across from Stevens Pass Mountain Resort offers expansive views, deep snow and wildlife encounters with limited avalanche risk. You’ll find the 1,100-foot climb moderately challenging, though it doesn’t require much technical skill. Skyline Lake, at 5,092 feet, is a popular winter camping destination. The lake, typically covered with a thin layer of ice in winter, is not suitable for crossing. After the lake, the trail continues to Heather Ridge at 5,100 feet. There, you’ll enjoy vistas of the Alpine Lake and Glacier Peak wildernesses, Glacier Peak and Mount McCausland. Boulders the size of houses are also near the lookout. The trail is typically well-worn. Stay on course for the safest, most enjoyable trek. Rent snowshoes and poles from REI. Getting there: The Skyline Lake Trail

OLIVIA VANNI / COAST

Kellie Alleman helps her son Camden Alleman as he learns to skate with a walker at the Everett Community Ice Rink.

can be found in the northern parking lot of Stevens Pass. No parking pass required.

Deer Creek/Kelcema Lake Deer Creek Road off the Mountain Loop Highway is another popular winter recreation spot. The road

typically closes between December and February, giving cross-country skiers and snowshoers the chance to explore silent forest landscapes, admire surrounding peaks and catch glimpses of wildlife. The 10-mile Deer Creek/Kelcema Lake ski route begins at the winter

Bring the...

Wine is the center of any good gathering, whether you’re celebrating at home or bringing your small, intimate party into us. Open Mic Thursday starts at 6:30 p.m. Live Music Friday and Saturday starts at 7 p.m. Our wines make great gifts – for holidays or any occasion!

Ask about our Wine-Making Class in our Barrel Room

3006 Rucker Ave. Everett, WA 98201 425.339.0293 portgardnerbaywinery.com

Winner in the Daily Herald’s 2019 Readers’ Choice for Best Winery and Best Wine List! WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 21

IAN TERRY / COAST

Stevens Pass averages 460 inches of snowfall per year.

road closure gate, meanders through thick forest, then opens to a sight of Bald Mountain farther up the valley. Later on, there are views of Devils, Sperry and Vesper peaks, and Big Four Mountain. It’s common to see animal tracks along the way: rabbits, squirrels, cougars, bobcats and birds such as chickadees, winter wrens and stellar jays. Getting there: The route begins at Deer Creek Road No. 4052, 23 miles east of Granite Falls, and 12 miles east of the Verlot Public Service Center.

Summit Tubing Park The Summit at Snoqualmie’s tubing center, just off I-90 at exit 53, is great for those looking for carefree, fast-paced fun. It typically opens for the season in early to mid-December and closes in April, depending on the weather. Summit Tubing Park has more than 20 lanes of groomed snow on gently sloped hills 40 feet high and 500 feet long. The cost of admission includes a tube. Leave your sleds and tubes at home — they’re not allowed. Walk up the hill or take a lift to the top for another go. Riding double is OK for

IAN TERRY / COAST

The 1,125-acre ski area at Stevens Pass boasts 37 runs and 10 chairlifts.

all ages, but kids 5 and younger must pair up with an adult. Sessions last two hours. Cost is $26 for adults (13 and older), $24 for youth (6-12) and $8 for children (0-5). Buy tickets online at summitatsnoqualmie. com/snow-tubing. Getting there: Summit Tubing Park is

22 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

across the street from Summit Central, 1641 Highway 906, Snoqualmie Pass.

Stevens Pass Nordic Center The center, just east of Stevens Pass, offers about 17 miles of trails for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and skate skiers.

A Stevens Pass trail pass is required, which can be purchased at the center. For rates and more, go to stevenspass. com/plan-your-trip/more-options/ nordic-center.aspx. Getting there: Continue east on U.S. 2 after Stevens Pass for 5 miles.

Finney Creek-Segelson Sno-Park

IAN TERRY / COAST

Walt Questad, of Edmonds, makes his way through fresh snow.

Groomed trails and snowshoe routes criss-cross the Mill Valley area, which features alpine scenery, creeks and forest along the bottom of Jim Hill Mountain. Some routes lead to the biathlon range, the site for competitions that combine cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship. In addition to rental gear, Stevens Pass Nordic Center also offers private skiing lessons.

The park, northwest of Darrington, features 63 miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling. The winter recreation trail system is located in the heart of the Cascades and leads you through scenic forest corridors. See Little Deer Creek, Finney Peak and Round Mountain, among others. In addition to tire chains, it’s recommended you bring avalanche rescue gear, a survival kit and a blanket, as well as extra clothing, food and water. Be prepared for changing weather and road conditions. Getting there: From Darrington, drive west about 5 miles to Swede Heaven Road, then drive 1.5 miles to Forest Service Road 18. The parking lot and trailhead are about 1 mile away.

OK, this isn’t snow. But we’d be remiss if we failed to mention that Snohomish County has two ice skating rinks open year-round: Lynnwood Ice Center and the Everett Community Ice Rink. Both are open to all skill levels and offer learn-to-skate classes. The rinks also have assistance devices, called walkers, which help with balance. Everett Community Ice Rink’s costs are $6 admission, $4 skate rental, $4.50 children 5 and younger and includes skate rental. Lynnwood Ice Center’s rates are $7 general admission, $6.50 seniors and those 12 and younger; skate rental $4. Bundle up on the ice. It’s recommended that you wear long socks and cloth mittens or gloves. Bring helmets, knee pads and elbow pads to avoid injury. No scarves or shorts allowed on the rink. Getting there: Lynnwood Ice Center is at 19803 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Everett Community Ice Rink is at 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett.

Northshore Performing Arts Foundation EMERALD BALLET THEATRE

Is someone you love experiencing memory loss?

presents

JOSEPHINE JAN. 25

HALAU O KEIKILI'I

We can help.

FEB. 22

Is your loved one in need of memory care? We can help you with this challenging transition. • Caregivers around the clock • Thoughtful interior design and programming • Monthly family support group • Respite/short-term care program

4686 Pointes Drive Mukilteo, WA 98275

Ice skating in Everett and Lynnwood

RISE UP: HAMILTON TRIBUTE MAR. 7

DECEMBER 7, 8, 14, AND 15 AT 2 P.M.

Tour today! (425) 247-0715

www.MukilteoMemoryCare.com

ABBAFAB MAR. 14

Tickets at: 425.298.3449 npacf.org

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 23

CAMPING IN THE COLD CABINS AND YURTS ARE A MORE COMFORTABLE WAY TO ENJOY THE QUIET JOYS OF WINTER

Cama Beach Historical State Park on Camano Island boasts 33 waterfront cabins. All are heated and are equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot.

STORY BY SHARON SALYER • PHOTOS BY KEVIN CLARK

he darkest, wettest, windiest months of the year may not seem like prime time for camping. But it does have its own unique charms, starting with: The crowds are gone. “If you come on a weekday, a lot of times it’s like having your own waterfront resort,” said Tina Dinzl-Pederson, an interpretive specialist at Cama Beach Historical State Park on Camano Island. Visitors to the park’s 33 beachfront cabins might spot porpoises, harbor seals, sea lions, orcas and, often seen 24 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

stalking near the shoreline, great blue herons on the prowl for a fish. Loons, buffleheads and goldeneyes are among the migratory ducks that can be seen from the park. The days are short — not much longer than eight hours in December. But the fun doesn’t stop at sunset. If it’s clear, you can enjoy the stars and moon. If it’s stormy, listen to the wind in the trees and waves breaking on the beach. All the cabins are electrically heated and have a small

Directional signs guide visitors at Cama Beach Historical State Park.

Yurts at Kayak Point County Park have hardwood floors, electricity, screened windows and skylights.

If you go Wallace Falls State Park, 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar. Call 360-793-0420. A 1,380-acre camping park with shoreline on the Wallace River, Wallace Lake, Jay Lake, Shaw Lake and the Skykomish River. Cama Beach Historical State Park, 1880 SW Camano Drive, Camano. Call 360-387-1550. A 38-acre park on Camano Island that preserves the site of a 1930s-era fishing resort. Camano Island State Park, 2269 S. Lowell Point Road, Camano. Call 360-387-3031. The 134-acre camping park on Camano Island has views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. Kayak Point Regional County Park, 15610 Marine Drive Stanwood. Call 360-652-7992. The 670-acre park located along the shores of Port Susan with a beach, picnic shelters, boat launch and fishing pier. River Meadows Park, 20416 Jordan Road, Arlington. Call 360-435-3441. The 144-acre park includes large open meadows and forests along the banks of the Stillaguamish River and has trails, fishing, picnic shelters and camping. WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ WINTER 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ 25

refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot. There are handmade quilts on the beds, courtesy of Cama Beach Quilters. “They have to be prepared to cook meals in the microwave or the barbecue grill, or a camp stove that they bring,” Dinzl-Pederson said. Off-season (Nov. 1 to March 31) nightly rates for the cabins runs from $72 to $87 a night on weekends. A larger bungalow that can sleep up to eight rents for $146 a night weekdays and $177 a night for weekends and holidays. Some enjoy coming to the park to watch the season’s big storms. When high tides and strong winds coincide, waves break into the seawall and spray lands on the boathouse roof. “It’s exciting to watch these big sheets of water fly up into the air,” Dinzl-Pederson said. Another highlight to camping there in the winter: The park lies in a rain shadow and gets less rain than Everett or Seattle. “We might be clear and not have any rain at all,” Dinzl-Pederson said. The off-season charge for the five cabins at nearby Camano Island State Park is $61 weekdays and $72 weekends and holidays. Five cabins, which can accommodate up to five, are available to rent yearround at Wallace Falls State Park. Winter season rates are $45 a night. If you’re a dedicated tent camper, you have options, although they’re more limited in the winter. Year-round tent camping is possible at Camano Island State Park. Reservations are not required in the winter, so it’s first come, first served. Seasonal rates are $20 a night. All campsites and cabins at state parks come with an overnight vehicle pass for the duration of the stay. Another winter camping option — yurts — are available at two Snohomish County parks. There are 10 at Kayak Point and six at River Meadows, both of which are open year-round. “They have heat and electricity, and they’re really popular in the off-season,” park ranger Emily Young said. The yurts can easily accommodate four and, in a pinch, up to eight. Pets, however, have to stay home. Bring your own bedding. No alcohol is allowed.

Emma Layton relaxes on her bunk at Cama Beach Historical State Park.

Michelle and Dan Layton of Indianola in Kitsap County enjoy a cool but sunny day on their annual trip to Cama Beach Historical State Park.

Private showers are available in nearby restrooms. Yurts range from 16 to 20 feet in diameter and cost $60 to $90 a night to rent. Reservations are required. A pass is required to visit a county park. The charge is $10 per day or $75 per year. However, if you’re camping or have yurt or cabin reservations, the pass is included in the rental price. In addition to the yurts at Kayak Point, there is Kayak Kottage (yes, it’s spelled with a K) — a craftsman-style dwelling with all the comforts of home: a pellet stove for heat, TV and DVD player, a kitchen range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer, dining and cooking utensils. Rental fees for the house range from $120 to $190 a night, plus a $75

26 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

cleaning fee. “Like a little bit of paradise,” is how Susan Schulz, from Riverside County, California, described the Kayak Kottage. She and her husband, Jerry Schulz, recently met up with family there. “It’s clean, well-organized and really easy to use.” They were tipped off to the site by Dan and Merlene Goan, Susan Schulz’s brother and sister-in-law, who were serving a stint as camp hosts. The family cooked group dinners in the Kottage and explored local sights. The Schulzes have taken cruises and traveled throughout the world, but Susan said their trip and stay at Kayak was one of the best. “Beautiful memories — wonderful,” she said. “We want to come back and stay longer.”

A tribally-owned Cannabis Store

9226 34th Avenue NE | Marysville 360-716-3200

REMEDYTULALIP.COM

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 years of age or older. WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ WINTER 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ 27

FROM LYNNWOOD TO HOLLYWOOD Meadowdale grad Tom McGrath is an animator, director and screenwriter with A-list credits on his resume. And he’s the voice of Skipper in “Madagascar.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lynnwood native Tom McGrath arrives at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in 2018.

BY E VA N T H O M P S O N

ou may know him best as the voice of Skipper, the leader of the penguins in “Madagascar.” Tom McGrath, 55, is a Hollywood voice actor, animator, film director and screenwriter with A-list credits to his name. Of course, there’s “Madagascar” and its sequels. But he also worked on “Shrek the Third,” “Puss in Boots,” “The Boss Baby” and “Megamind.” Stuff that makes hundreds of millions at the box office. He’s rubbed shoulders with the likes of Alec Baldwin, Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich. Ron Howard is one of his mentors. Benedict Cumberbatch, praised for voicing Smaug the dragon in “The Hobbit” trilogy, has complimented McGrath on his voice acting. Oh, also: He hails from Lynnwood. McGrath is much more than the voice of Skipper in the “Madagascar” franchise. He also is credited as a director, 28 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

McGrath not only directed the hit animated film “Madagascar” but also voiced Skipper, the leader of a comical squad of commando penguins.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tom McGrath (far right) poses with colleagues (from left) writer-director Eric Darnell, actors John Malkovich and Benedict Cumberbatch, and director Simon J. Smith at a 2014 event in San Diego.

Providing Ankle and Foot Care for the Entire Family We Specialize in Foot or Ankle injuries, Custom Mold Orthotics, Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain. Ask us about Laser Treatment for Tendon Pain. Bringing back Customer Service to Healthcare

We have two locations to serve you!

425-778-5666

425-397-7401

www.ankleandfootclinic.org WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 29

ASSOCIATED PRESS

TOP: Voice actors (from left) Conrad Vernon, Tom McGrath, Christopher Knights and Chris Miller record dialogue for “Madagascar.” BOTTOM: The penguin squad includes Kowlaski (left), named for one of McGrath’s high school classmates.

writer and creator of the movies, and is a creative consultant on the television show. The penguin squad of Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico from the Central Park Zoo perform various paramilitary missions in the films and TV series. (Fun fact: McGrath named Kowalski after a Meadowdale High School classmate.) McGrath voiced Skipper’s catchphrases: “Just smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.” “You didn’t see anything.” “Cute and cuddly, boys. Cute and cuddly.” The thing is, voicing Skipper was never the plan. McGrath lent his voice to the blue-eyed penguin during test animations, but he actually envisioned veteran actor Robert Stack (“The Untouchables,” “Unsolved Mysteries”) as the leader of the comical squad of commando penguins. Alas, Stack died before he could be hired.

All was not lost. McGrath had done such a good job channeling Stack’s on-screen persona that the CEO of DreamWorks Animation offered him the part. “I love being a goofball,” said McGrath, who now lives in Burbank, California. “I have to say, when you hear your voice … booming throughout the theater, it’s really an existential experience.” Growing up in Lynnwood, McGrath was all about putting on a show. Magic tricks. Parody films made on Super 8 film and projected on the neighbor’s house. Stop-motion shorts. Pranks at Meadowdale High School. One of his pranks at Meadowdale? He built a 12-foot-long submarine replica and sneaked it into the high school’s biology pond. His brother, John, of Edmonds, still laughs at that one.

30 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

It’s just one of the McGrath brothers’ fond memories of growing up in south Snohomish County. As children, they built a home movie theater in which they projected cartoon reels with a View-Master. Each screening they put on for their parents was complete with a red carpet and tickets. (Another fun fact: The entire family walks the red carpet at Tom’s Hollywood premieres.) One particularly memorable McGrath Brothers production was a Super 8 spoof of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” — theirs was called “Cheap Encounters of the Cheapest Kind.” John, now 56, also remembers watching Tom work for hours on stop-motion animation using action figures and his own drawings. “He always had projects going on,” John McGrath said. “From an early

age, he was a really talented artist. He could draw exceptionally well.” Tom McGrath studied industrial design at the University of Washington in 1985 before enrolling in the character animation program at the California Institute of the Arts in 1986. He graduated in 1990. When he found out that a Cal Arts degree could lead to a career with Disney, McGrath made a portfolio of his work and drove the 1,137 miles to Los Angeles. The admissions office was floored by McGrath’s obvious talent. Needless to say, McGrath was accepted. “I guess they looked at him like, ‘Are you kidding?’ ” John McGrath said. “Tom was floored. We were all floored.” New to Hollywood, McGrath worked mainly as a storyboard artist and animator for both television and film: “Cool World,” starring Brad Pitt; the popular series “The Ren and Stimpy Show;” “Space Jam,” starring

Michael Jordan; the live-action film “Cats & Dogs” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” starring Jim Carrey. McGrath’s still at it. Right now he’s working on “The Boss Baby 2.” He said “The Boss Baby” has the most meaning for him — and not because it received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. The film, starring Alec Baldwin (about a cuteness war between babies and puppies), is based on McGrath’s relationship with his brother. No matter how many times they fought growing up, McGrath said, John and Tom never stopped loving each other. “That’s family in a nutshell,” he said. “We can fight like cats and dogs, but there’s no one closer who can defend you.” In making “The Boss Baby,” “My whole goal was to make John cry at the end,” Tom McGrath said. Yep, his brother cried.

Tom McGrath’s career IN FILM “The Thing What Lurked in the Tub” (1988) “Cool World” (1992) “Space Jam” (1996) “Hercules and Xena — The Animated Movie: The Battle for Mount Olympus” (1998) “Herd” (1999) “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) “Cats & Dogs” (2001) “Madagascar” (2005) “Flushed Away” (2006) “Shrek the Third” (2007) “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (2008) “Monster vs. Aliens” (2009) “Megamind” (2010)

✽ Public & Private Groups available ✽ Holiday & Corporate Events ✽ Gift Certificates & Special Events ✽ Kid & Family Friendly Options ✽ “Like” us on Facebook!

“Puss in Boots” (2011) “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” (2012) “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” (2014) “Penguins of Madagascar” (2014) “The Boss Baby” (2017) “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” (2017) “The Boss Baby 2” (2021) IN TV “The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1994-1996) “KaBlam!” (1996) “The Penguins of Madagascar” (2008-2015) “Merry Madagascar” (2009)

www.DoodlebugSportz.com Indoor Paintball Arena 3303 McDougall Ave Everett, WA 98201 (425) 257-9800

Outdoor Paintball Park Paintball Pro Shop 9600 115th Ave SE 4610 Evergreen Way Snohomish, WA 98290 Everett, WA 98203 (425) 257-9771 (425) 257-9100

“Madly Madagascar” (2013) WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 31

e h t f o PETE BARTH DEMYSTIFIES PAINTING AND DRAWING AT HIS SCHACK ART CENTER CLASSES

Pete Barth demonstrates how to paint feather details during his class at the Schack Art Center in Everett. S TO RY BY J A N I CE P O D S A DA • P H OTO S BY O L I V I A VA N N I

hen Brenda Sharkey, a busy hospital executive, began showing up for work happier and calmer — her boss wanted to know: What in the world had caused the shift? “It’s this class I’m in!” Sharkey, 58, told the boss. Class was a Sunday afternoon course taught by Pete Barth.

A student in one of Barth’s weekday workshops, 13-year-old Mercedes Zobrist, also described a happy transformation. “It’s changed my life! I’ve never been able to do anything like this before,” said Mercedes, a student at Voyager Middle School in Everett. These aren’t courses in mindfulness and inner peace. They’re drawing and painting classes at the Schack Art

32 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Center in Everett. Barth, an artist in his own right, has been teaching art classes at the center for seven years. Barth teaches more than a half-dozen courses throughout the year, including painting, watercolors and drawing with pastels and colored pencils. During the summer, he helps teach week-long camps for kids that cover drawing and

painting wildlife, sea creatures, and science fiction and fantasy characters. “People find out about the classes through the Schack catalog or they get them as a gift for the holidays or a birthday,” said Barth, who also teaches at Seattle Central College and South Seattle College. Every quarter, the Schack offers more than 90 courses, said Shannon TippleLeen, the center’s art class coordinator. Most classes provide supplies, said Maren Oates, the Schack’s marketing and communication manager. “It removes another barrier — you just have to show up,” Oates said. “There’s a class for every person,” added Tipple-Leen. Students of all ages routinely describe eureka moments after learning art techniques such as how to mix forest green, or use an eraser to make a cat’s whiskers look more, well, whiskery. “I never knew a pencil could create so many different shades,” Mercedes said. Sharkey signed up for Barth’s drawing class to “loosen up,” and found she could draw and shade a circle. “That was very encouraging!” she said.

A few months later, she followed up and took Barth’s acrylic painting class. There, she learned how to mix colors to make her palette and paintings more lifelike. “It’s hard to get colors to look really natural. I’m getting better!” said Sharkey, then chief nursing officer at EvergreenHealth-Monroe. She has since taken a sabbatical to “be with family and rejuvenate with painting.” Barth, 46, landed the Everett gig in 2012 when he stopped by the Schack and showed them his portfolio. His own work is joyful: A portrait of an orange and brown squirrel captures its cautious delight as it savors a nut in the crook of a mossy tree. And in a small, square landscape, an upwelling of copper cliffs reach into a golden sky and press against the edge of the canvas. In a sci-fi themed painting, a trio of space ships sail through a black and red sky as an approving orange moon looks on. Barth’s teaching style has him drawing and painting along with students, many of whom — Sharkey included — say they haven’t painted since firstgrade finger painting. “Pete is very step-by-step … a lot

Desks

Barth teaches more than a half-dozen courses throughout the year, including painting, watercolors and drawing with pastels and colored pencils.

If you go The Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 425-259-5050 or go to schack.org for more information. You may also email stipple-leen@schack.org about art classes that interest you.

Check with us on pricing!

End Tables

Your no stress Snohomish County resource for all your home or facility office furniture needs.

EVERETT OFFICE FURNITURE carries a large selection of quality NEW and pre-owned office furniture. With a LARGE SHOWROOM, from the simplest task chair to a complete office solution, with design & installation, E.O.F. can solve your facility needs.

We carry a large selection of quality NEW and pre-owned office furniture. Call us or visit us on the web www.EverettOfficeFurniture.com

Everett Ofﬁce Furniture

9121 Evergreen Way • Everett, WA

(425) 257-3242

WASHINGTON NORTH

COAST COAST ORTH TON N

G WASHIN

magazine

magazin

nding Ebey’s La lore How to exp

Island’s Whidbey hidden gem

PLAY

Skydive over h Snohomis

EAT

rs 6 new flavo ard cust of frozen

RELAX

self Indulge your no Casi at Tulalip Resort

SUMMER

ISSUE $3.99

Daily Herald

A unique journey into everything Snohomish and Island County. It opens the door to diverse community experiences celebrating people, places, events and cultural enrichment. There’s food, wine, anecdotes, events, homes, travel, proud history...and, yes, even pets. Come explore with us and take a journey through Washington’s North Coast.

4 ISSUES FOR $14! SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

www.WashingtonNorthCoast.com • Call 425-339-3200

A supplement of The Daily Herald. The Washington North Coast Magazine is published quarterly.

M-F 10-6 Sat. 10-5:30 Sun. 12-5 2615 Colby Ave., Everett 425-258-2287 | www.jmatheson.com WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 33

Brenda Sharkey works on a painting during Pete Barth’s class at the Schack Art Center in Everett.

Artistic license — that’s the degree you earn at the end of my classes. You can go and draw or paint anything you like. of people really like that,” Tipple-Leen said. “People come away with cool stuff, and they have the tools to make it again.” Barth, a Florida transplant, has been sketching since he could hang onto a crayon. Though as a kid, much of that creativity was unleashed at home. “There was very little in the way of art education at the public schools I attended,” said Barth, whose parents ran a bagel shop and deli in Tallahassee. He drew animals, from iguanas at the local pet store to his own menagerie of pets: gerbils, cockatiels and Molly, a Samoyed that “looked like a little white husky.” “I was interested in animals before I was interested in art,” Barth said. As a student at Florida State University in Tallahassee, he split his focus between studying animals and drawing them, graduating with degrees in biology and art. One of his first jobs after college was

as a park ranger at Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in California. But it wasn’t quite a fit. “I liked the outdoors. I liked that I could explore the area and take hikes, but I needed the creative outlet. I decided I wanted to do the art thing,” he said. Barth moved to the Northwest 10 years ago for the chance to teach full time, settling in Edmonds. “Pete always says he would have loved to take the classes that he teaches when he was a kid,” Tipple-Leen said. At first, Barth taught at senior centers, where he learned to “go slowly and be patient,” and at drink-and-draw events, where students sip wine and complete a painting in an evening. Those experiences taught him the value of providing students with a toolbox of basic skills so they could continue on their own. Not everyone is interested in art school methodologies that demand you paint an apple over and over again for months on end.

34 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

“Maybe you want to do a portrait of your dog or a yard bunny,” Barth said with a chuckle. It is true — the Old Masters might spend forever on a canvas. Scholars theorize that it took Johannes Vermeer months to complete “Girl with the Pearl Earring,” one of his most famous paintings. Leonardo Da Vinci is believed to have fussed over the Mona Lisa for four years — who has that kind of time? If they’d taken Barth’s class, they could have called it a wrap in four or five weeks. Drawing students are introduced right away to the effects of light and shadow on an object. Budding painters learn to mix colors in the first few classes. “It gives them the tools to jump right in,” Barth said. Acrylic paints are especially forgiving, and inexpensive. ”If you don’t like the result, you can paint over it,” he said. At the end of six sessions, students take home a finished painting — and the confidence to continue. “Artistic license — that’s the degree you earn at the end of my classes,” Barth said. “You can go and draw or paint anything you like.”

in the woods

Judeth Davis creates sculptures in her studio on 21 acres in the Granite Falls outback

Judeth Davis works on a bust at her studio in Granite Falls.

STORY BY STEPHANIE DAVEY • PHOTOS BY OLIVIA VANNI

WHO: Judeth Davis, 67, started sculpting more than two decades ago. Her first piece was a portrait of her daughter, then 12 years old. Davis mostly works in clay but also creates in bronze. Her work has been shown locally and nationally, and she’s been recognized with several awards. Davis grew up in California. In college, she began to study art but switched her major to child development. She and her husband moved to Granite Falls a few years ago, where they live on a 21-acre forest preserve. Her studio is on the property. See more of her work at judethdavis.com.

Here’s what she has to say about her work.

WHAT: I started with portraiture, and that’s how I got

my foot in the door with some of the more well-known groups. I’m a member of the Portrait Society of America, and have taken awards with them. I am self-taught, but I would go buy books. I fell in love with Bruno Lucchesi’s work. He’s in Tuscany. I found out his son was putting on this workshop in Italy, and I had been studying Italian. So I said, “I’m going to go.” I was there for the summer. The workshop was in May and I came home WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 35

in August. I just couldn’t keep up with all I was exposed to — it was overload. I’m still trying to download stuff I’ve experienced, and that was a long time ago. It was in 2001, because I came home in August and 9/11 happened the next month. WHEN: I’ve been an artist my whole life. In my studio I have a cat I sculpted when I was 4 years old. I got into drawing, and all through high school people would pay me to draw on their notebooks — back in the day of canvas-covered notebooks — and on their book bags. So I was always doing art, but when I got married the first time, it was a very difficult marriage. His health went south very fast. It was mental illness. He was a paranoid schizophrenic. He could not seem to work, keep a job. So, you know, you make the lemonade you can with those kinds of lemons. I did a lot of banners, a lot of illustrations, a lot of art you could sell. But nothing out of my soul, except for my kids. My kids have always been great fun. I would write stories for them, and I would illustrate the characters. WHERE: We moved from Los Angeles to the Columbia River at the end of 2014. We were there for two years before we decided we wanted more privacy and a lot more land, and so we found this place. We didn’t know anything about Granite Falls, but we fell in love with this place. That was in 2016, so it’ll be three years this Christmas. So basically for four years, I have been setting up households and taking them down. And setting up household studios, and trying to meet other artists and resources. My husband, Jim, and I both feel like we just now live here — we are just now getting to know our neighbors, we just now know what restaurants we like to go to and, boy, has it been hard to meet people. WHY: My first husband was very, very ill for 17 years. Very ill. And near the end, he was pretty housebound, bedridden. I had three kids, pre-teen, teenagers, and it was a lot. I realized that for my mental health, gardening wasn’t going to be enough, cooking wasn’t going to be enough, teaching wasn’t going to be enough. I needed something that fed my soul because it was give, give, give. I would always go

Davis has been an artist her entire life, and a sculptor for more than 20 years.

get car magazines for him, because he loved reading car magazines when he could stay with it long enough to read. I was at the magazine section in a Barnes & Noble, and there was the Sculpture Review. On the cover I saw what I think was a Fredrick Hart sculpture, and I said, “I can do that.” Who knows why you think these things. I don’t know why I thought I could. But across the street there was a hobby shop. So I went over there, bought a 25-pound block of wet clay, went home, and we had this little loft, and I sat up in the loft and I did my daughter’s portrait. She was 12, so that was in 1994. My neighbor had a kiln and I took it over to him and asked if he would fire it, and he said, “OK.” But the next morning his wife came over and said, “You’re not going to trust him with that masterpiece. He’s a hobbyist. You need to have a professional fire that.” And I said, “It’s my first thing. It’s not important, I’m just trying.” She said, “OK, we will fire it, if you do my kids.” So I did her kids’ portraits. Then her mother said, “Well, I want those of my other two grandkids.” Within less than a year, I rented a beachfront hotel in Morro Bay, California, and opened my first studio. HOW: I have three ways I approach my sculpture. I either work in waterbased clay, where I just fire them once and they are dry, and that’s the permanent finished product — I love doing

36 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Davis mostly works in clay but also creates in bronze.

portraiture in water-based clay; I do best in that. Or I work in oil-based clay, and I mold it in silicone, then I pull a wax version out of the silicone mold and the foundry pours it into bronze. A third way is stone; direct carving into stone. FIRST PIECE: I did the full 360 of my daughter’s head, and the back of the hair was so heavy it fell off. So I just took the wire and cut it, so the face was what got fired. Years later it was on the wall in one of my studios, and it came down and cracked. I glued it back together and painted it with this awful paint, but I was learning. I still have it.

EVERETT’S

BIGGEST

LITTLE SPOT

FOR MUSIC

IAN TERRY / COAST

Christa and Richard Porter, The Porters, play a set at the Black Lab Gallery during the 2017 Fisherman’s Village Music Festival in Everett.

BY B EN WATA N A B E

tiny art gallery has become a huge player in Everett’s local music scene. Black Lab Gallery, which opened three years ago on Hewitt Avenue after moving to Everett from Seattle, touts itself as a place “where the art doesn’t suck.” And it’s become more than a space to peruse paintings. The gallery, run by a mother-daughter team, has become one of Everett’s go-to spots for live music, from folk-rock to hip-hop. There are shows by local musicians nearly every weekend. The former vanguard local music venue, The Cannery, run by the Everett Music Initiative, closed shop, although the initiative continues to host shows and festivals in town.

With live shows almost every weekend, Black Lab Gallery in Everett has become the place to hear up-and-coming local musicians

But a need remained. That’s where Black Lab Gallery, which has a maximum capacity of about 125 but feels crowded with 50 bodies, helped fill a void. “The doors opened and someone asked if they could play,” said gallery owner Bella Valencia, adding that Black Lab is named for a photography dark room, not a dog. “You had all these people who needed a place to play,” said her daughter, Nicole Valencia, who manages the bar and books musicians at the gallery. Black Lab has a broad mission: Support the artists. That covers painters and pianists, sculptors and singers. WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 37

ANDY BRONSON / COAST

Members of The Moon Is Flat, a Lake Stevens band, perform at Black Lab Gallery.

Musicians in town have noticed. “Black Lab is one of the only ones giving space for young talent in the city,” said Everett electronic musician Mac Dobbins, 30, who has performed and hosted a monthly show there. “It’s definitely changed things.” Venues for live music dot downtown Everett. Everett Music Initiative hosts concerts at Scuttlebutt Taproom and the Fisherman’s Village Music Festival. There’s music for a variety of tastes; another Hewitt Avenue venue, Tony V’s Garage, books hard-rock and metal bands that contrast with the alternative-indie musicians that Black Lab caters to. In addition, Black Lab has become a place for up-and-comers. Its small size means the Valencias don’t worry about turning over drinks to make money, and bands don’t fret about playing to an empty room. The gallery at 1618 Hewitt Ave. is sandwiched between Subway and Yummy Banh Mi. The gallery is long and narrow from the front door to the back, where the stage was built. About halfway down the length is a partition

KEVIN CLARK/ COAST

King Mammoth performs at Black Lab Gallery on the opening day of the 2019 Fisherman’s Village Music Festival in Everett.

that allows the place to serve beer, hard seltzers and wine and remain an all-ages venue. Near the partition is the sound booth, where an audio engineer can manage the levels during a show. “It’s tough to be legit. It’s not cheap,” Bella Valencia said of establishing the all-ages venue. “It’s worth it, I hope.”

38 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Allowing teens into the scene means they have a place to take part in the art. Doug Evans, who plays synth, bass and drums in the Everett band I Will Keep Your Ghost, said he sees Black Lab Gallery as a beacon for young musicians. “I’m 30 years old, and I’ve been

playing music since I was a kid,” he said. “The gallery is a place where musicians can develop their songs, their stage presence, and be somewhere that young people can aspire to perform.” The alternative group The Band Van Dog played their first show at Black Lab. Bass player Kellan Duffy, 29, said the audience was lively. “When we were younger and didn’t know a lot of stuff, it was hard to imagine an exchange of energy with the crowd,” Duffy said. “I was happy that we finally got to have that experience that night.” Evans said I Will Keep Your Ghost had a similar experience with its show there. “It was fun, it was easy, and all of my best friends were there,” he said. Almost all the money taken at the door, usually around $10 for the cover charge, goes to the musicians. It’s an uncommon split, Duffy and Evans said. The Valencias do that because of their mission to support the artists, which in turn further helps cultivate musicians in the area. “Black Lab seems to be small enough of an operation to sustain itself, and minimalistic enough to cover all its bases

ANDY BRONSON / COAST

Black Lab Gallery also is a venue for local artists to display their work.

without compromising,” Duffy said. As it continues to host weekly concerts, the Valencias are eager to provide space and time to those who want it. And they would like to see it go on indefinitely. “What I want to see is something that lives past me,” Bella Valencia said. “I

want to come back when I’m 89.” Outside of the winter holidays, when the frenetic weekly pace of concerts takes a break, Black Lab will keep buzzing Fridays and Saturdays. For now, pop in on almost any weekend, and you’ll find a new band to listen to.

ESCAPE ROOM IN EVERETT!

IS YOUR CHILD READY? Soundview School

ESCAPE ROOM IN EVERETT!

is now accepting applications. (425) 778-8572 | www.soundview.org

The perfect choice for:

• Holiday Parties • Friends’ Night Out • Birthday Parties • Family Fun • Team Building

Looking for the perfect gift for that impossible to shop for person? Give them a great night out!

No Long Drives!

All bookings

are private Hewitt Ave. –• Everett no playing with

strangers! escapescene.com

Use coupon code

escape15 for

15%

OFF

The perfect choice for:

• Family Fun 1313 • Friends’ Night Out • Team Building • Birthday Parties

1313 Hewitt Ave. • Everett

Book Now at escapescene.com

Ethical, rigorous, and compassionate.

With over 30 years of experience cooking in Snohomish County, our chef is excited to present his vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff will ensure you have a fantastic experience with us.

Soundview School 6515 196th ST SW • Lynnwood, WA 98036 A private, International Baccalaureate school

1414 Hewitt Ave. • 425-259-4040 abbottsineverett.com WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 39

Comings&goings Five birds that migrate here in winter — and five others that fly away to sunny skies

A trio of swans fly over the delta, with Three Fingers Mountain as a backdrop.

S TO RY A N D P H OTO S BY M I K E B EN B O W

olks who head for Arizona for the winter aren’t the only Northwesterners who migrate. Many species of Northwest birds head south, too, in search of warmer temperatures and more to eat. Then they fly back north in the spring to raise their young. Conversely, birds that spend the spring and summer farther north in cooler habitats find Western Washington winters just right. Here’s a look at five of our feathered friends who migrate to the Everett area for winter, and five more that leave here for warmer weather.

40 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Comings Trumpeter swans Hunted for meat and feathers for quill pens and ladies’ hats, trumpeter swans were nearly extinct by the late 1800s. Aggressive conservation efforts revived the swans by the 2000s, and many come from northern Alaska and Canada to winter in the Skagit, Snohomish and Stillaguamish river valleys. Trumpeters are big birds — the largest waterfowl in North America. They weigh an average of 26 pounds and have a wingspan of about 6 feet. They eat a lot of water plants, but the birds also like to bulk up on corn and potatoes gleaned from farm fields in the Snohomish, Monroe and Arlington areas.

Most hummingbirds head south for the winter, but some Anna’s remain in Western Washington.

Snow geese Thousands of snow geese visit Western Washington each winter, coming from Wrangel Island in the remote Russian Arctic in a flight that takes at least a week. The birds center on Fir Island in Skagit County, but like the swans, they spend a lot their time in farm fields in the Snohomish and Stillaguamish river valleys, feeding on grasses and gleaning unharvested crops. Large flocks of the birds are often seen in rural areas around Stanwood, Silvana, Camano Island and Mount Vernon from November into May.

Snowy owls

A bufflehead is among the many types of ducks that spend the fall and winter in the Everett area.

The Arctic owls don’t typically migrate to the Northwest, but they do show up here. Snowy owls eat a lot of lemmings in their Arctic home, and when lemming populations explode, the owls have a lot more babies. But the adults don’t tolerate competition in their feeding territory, so the babies get kicked out. Many head south to the United States. During those periods, which happen about every seven years, Washington birders report seeing many young snowy owls spending the winter. They like tundra-like areas that remind them of their home, so some wind up around Port Susan near Stanwood, while others are seen in Bellingham and along Hood Canal.

5OFF

Your Purchase of $25 or More

One coupon per person. Not valid on gift cards or DSC Membership fees. Expires 12/31/2019

4821 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98203 (425) 252-2220 www.wbu.com/everett BIRD FOOD • FEEDERS GARDEN ACCENTS • UNIQUE GIFTS

10% off

on Thursdays in December

Handcrafted by Northwest artists 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett, WA 425-259-5050, schack.org M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

Made possible in part by City of Everett Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Pottery: Larry Halvorsen

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 41

An osprey brings its offspring dinner at their nest near the mouth of the Snohomish River.

Canada and Alaska. Buffleheads, a small sea duck, are among the winter visitors. They spend spring and summer in ponds and lakes in northern forests. In winter, they spend their time around coastal bays and inlets, diving underwater for mollusks and crustaceans.

Goings Osprey

Snow geese fly from Wrangel Island in the Russian Arctic to spend the winter in our area.

The last time the owls visited us in force was in 2012, so it could happen again soon.

Bald eagles Bald eagles live in the Northwest year-round, and their numbers have expanded significantly after officials protected their nesting sites and banned the pesticide DDT, which made their eggs fragile. They’re no longer considered endangered.

In winter, many bald eagles head for the upper Skagit River to feed on chum salmon. The birds can be seen perched in large trees next to waterways, particularly in January and February, when festivals celebrating them take place in Arlington and Skagit County.

Bufflehead Many ducks live in Snohomish County year-round, but others migrate here for the winter from

42 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Snohomish County has the largest group of saltwater-based osprey on the West Coast, with dozens of nesting pairs raising their young in the Snohomish River estuary. The birds usually show up in April to repair any damage to their nests caused by winter winds and to evict any unwanted visitors. Their nests are built of sticks and grass and usually kept for many years. The nests can be quite large: 7 feet wide and 5 feet tall. The females typically lay three eggs and the males gather much of the food for the family. Their diet is nearly entirely fish. After teaching their young to fly and gather their own food, the osprey typically leave in fall to spend the winter in

Snowy owls don’t typically migrate to the Northwest, but they tend to show up here about every seven years.

Trumpeter swans were almost hunted to extinction, but their numbers have revived significantly in the last decade.

Snowy owls prefer areas like Port Susan that resemble their tundra habitat in the far north.

Mexico or South America.

long-beaked wading birds that gather in large groups on the mudflats.

Hummingbirds Originally, Anna’s hummingbirds bred only in northern Baja California and Southern California. But ornamental plants in residential gardens farther north on the Pacific coast provided more nectar and nesting sites, allowing the tiny birds to expand their breeding range. In recent years, a few Anna’s hummingbirds have remained in Western Washington for the winter. That’s why it’s important that those who regularly feed the hummingbirds continue to do so, especially during freezing temperatures. But not all Anna’s remain in the area, and most other types of hummingbirds fly south for the winter.

Shore birds Port Susan regularly hosts more than

Juncos

Trumpeter swans were almost hunted to extinction, but their numbers have revived significantly in the last decade.

20,000 shore birds and is classified as an important bird area because of the large numbers that stage, breed or nest there. The bay’s shallow north end is an important stop for migratory shore birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway, which extends from Alaska all the way to Patagonia in South America. A few of the species stay in the area year-round. One of those are dunlins,

Juncos pull a bit of a switch in Snohomish County. The small gray sparrows we see in spring and summer typically head south. But dark-eyed juncos, which live in mountain forest in the spring and summer, typically come down from the hills to enjoy warmer temperatures. If you hear a dark-eyed junco singing, it’s a male. The females do not sing.

Common yellowthroat warbler The “twichety twichety twichety twich” call of the common yellowthroat is a much-loved sound of spring here. The yellowthroat, found in local marshes, is a tiny, bright-yellow bird with a black mask that feeds on insects. It migrates to Mexico for the winter.

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 43

Maltby’s new WINE COUNTRY Six wineries and a distiller have moved to a new facility that was custom-built to their requirements

KEVIN CLARK / COAST

Oliver Gonzalez talks with Mara Funk at JP Trodden’s new tasting room in Maltby. BY A A R O N S WA N E Y

oodinville wine country was born in 1976, when Chateau Ste. Michelle built a $6 million winery there. It grew exponentially after 2000, when the Legislature passed a law allowing wineries to open satellite tasting rooms (much of the wine in this state is made in Eastern Washington). Today, more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms have made the suburban King County city their home. With so many tasting rooms in one place, wineries that want to expand are finding there’s no more room in wine country. The

same is true for whiskey distiller J.P. Trodden. “We had simply maxed out our space in Woodinville,” said Mark Nesheim, who started J.P. Trodden nearly a decade ago. “We were looking to expand, but it just wasn’t going to happen in Woodinville.” J.P. Trodden and six wineries — JM Cellars, Guardian Cellars, Two Vintners, Gorman Winery, Covington Cellars and Laterus Winery — have found room to grow in Snohomish County. They have moved their production from Woodinville and opened tasting rooms in three 18,000-square-foot

44 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

OLIVIA VANNI / COAST

Guardian Cellars’ tasting room at The Vault is open.

The Vault tenants

OLIVIA VANNI / COAST

Barrels of wine are moved around at JM Cellars at The Vault in Maltby.

buildings collectively called The Vault, 9206 200th St. SE, Maltby. It was built to their specifications, and is meant to be a new destination for lovers of wine and whiskey. It all started with a drive though Woodinville. Erik Larson, a real estate agent representing The Vault, was brainstorming with developer Mike Budig of 90/50 LLC in Spokane about what to do with 5 acres near Maltby’s Flower World. Budig bought the land about three years ago. On their drive, they saw that many of the top-producing wineries are outgrowing Woodinville. “The wine industry is fairly underserved from a production standpoint,” Larson said. “The warehouses they were producing in were not designed for wine production. They were too old and too small. These wineries had frankly grown out of those spaces. “A light bulb went off for us. It was a ‘Field of Dreams’ mentality: ‘If you build it, they will come.’ ” Larson called up JM Cellars owner John Bigelow with the idea. Not only was Bigelow intrigued, he soon championed the project. Well-connected in the wine industry, Bigelow put his Rolodex to work. He called up some of the top producers in Woodinville and soon had a roster of five award-winning wineries willing to expand to Maltby. The Vault was 100%

KEVIN CLARK / COAST

Funk offers a bourbon tasting at JP Trodden in Maltby.

leased before it was even built. “I wanted to be around other wineries who knew how wine should be made,” said Jerry Reiner, owner of Guardian Cellars. “I truly believe if you like one of us, you’ll like us all.” The $6.5 million project in Maltby’s warehouse district was designed by Riverside Architecture and built by Build Smart NW to each vintner and distiller’s specifications. This meant trench drains, temperature and humidity controls, instant hot water, barrel rooms and awnings for bottling trucks to protect them from the rain — seemingly small but significant customizations when it comes to whiskey and wine production. “John was the litmus test,” Larson said. “When he said he was optimistic about the project, I knew we had something.”

J.P. Trodden: After almost 10 years in Woodinville, J.P. Trodden has made its move to Maltby. The whiskey distillery has doubled in size to meet the growing demand for its bourbon. The tasting room has rustic charm and features large windows that overlook the production facility. Owner Mark Nesheim bottles three bourbons barrelaged a minimum of three years. JM Cellars: Launched in 1998, the winery is headquartered at Bramble Bump, a 7-acre property in Woodinville. Owner John Bigelow worked in Walla Walla vineyards with such acclaimed winemakers as Charlie Hoppes, Mike Januik and Holly Turner before purchasing his own — Margaret’s Vineyard — in 2006. JM Cellars’ tasting room in Maltby focuses on the winery’s trademark burgundy-striped barrels. Covington Cellars and Two Vintners: These sister wineries are owned by David and Cindy Lawson. Winemaker Morgan Lee, who oversees all red and white wine production for Covington Cellars and Two Vintners, was named Winemaker to Watch by Seattle magazine in 2016. Lee said he’s going for a family-friendly vibe in the new tasting rooms. His motto: “There is no room for pretension in wine.” Laterus Winery: A winery by Tyler Farnsworth, the assistant winemaker at JM Cellars. He was hired at JM Cellars in 2009 following graduation from Washington State University. The popularity of Laterus’ recent release of its rose, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and riesling wines is a sign that it’s one to watch. Gorman Winery: Owner Chris Gorman has 28 years in the wine industry, 16 of those in wine production. Auction of Washington Wines selected Gorman as the 2019 honorary vintner. Though his focus is on cabernet sauvignon and syrah, Gorman’s rose, chardonnay and red blend have also won top honors at wine contests. Guardian Cellars: This winery’s tasting room tells the story of the owners’ careers: Jerry Reiner is a cop; Jennifer Sullivan is a journalist. The downstairs wallpaper looks like stacks of newspapers. Black-and-white booking photos and police silhouette targets adorn the walls upstairs. While they’ve kept their day jobs, the husband-and-wife team has been making wine since 2004.

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 45

Signature Dish Jacky Lichtenthaler, L’Artisan French Bakery, Everett

S TO RY BY S H A R O N S A LY ER P H OTO S BY A N DY B R O N S O N

n frosty December mornings, as the holidays near, you may very well see a crowd gathering in front of a bakery in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Everett. They’re like children staring in wonderment at a department store window at Christmastime. Except they’re not looking at toys — they’re watching a master pastry chef at work. The master is Jacky Lichtenthaler, who draws on his 50 years in the field to create a special once-a-year confectionery: a Yule log, or as Jacky, who was born in France, calls it, “buche de Noel.” As Christmas approaches, orders for the seasonal specialty flow in like an avalanche — as many as 300 customers count on having the rich but oh-so-light delicacy for their celebrations. “At Christmas it’s like 32 hours straight,” he said, “and we’ve got cakes and pastries to do. People say: ‘You’re crazy!’ ” He smiles, though, as he tells the story of crowds standing at the window to watch him work. “Everything is done from scratch,” he said. “We use the best ingredients.” The bakery specializes in traditional French favorites: pastries, croissants, tarts, cakes, breads, turnovers and eclairs, as well as lunchtime sandwiches. Customers have been known to linger in front of the display cases, nearly overwhelmed, as they gaze at the choices. Layla Acghazly, of Mill Creek, said it is one of her favorite places for a mother-daughter date, a time to reconnect with 13-year-old Cookie. Peach tarts, croissants and the bakery’s brie sandwiches are some of their favorites. Fae McLean, also of Mill Creek, said she and longtime friend Yvonne Endicott, of Snohomish, have been meeting

L’Artisan French Bakery’s Yule log also is known as “buche de Noel.”

If you go L’Artisan French Bakery, 11419 19th Ave. SE, Suite B103, Everett, is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call 425-379-8401 or go to lartisanfrenchbakery.com for more information. regularly at the bakery for about seven years. They have coffee, croissants and sometimes more. “Their cakes are superb,” Endicott said. Laura Ortiz, of Everett, said her reason for stopping by the bakery is simple: “It tastes so good.” Lichtenthaler, 63, began his culinary studies at age 14, learning the intricacies of making pastry, bread, chocolate and ice cream at a French technical college for five years before moving to the United States. He worked at French bakeries in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, where he said Kennedy family members were customers, and then New York City, where he said he helped cater some of

46 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

Donald Trump’s parties. “Over there, if you want something, you spend the money,” Lichtenthaler said. “(Trump) wanted a special cake, he spends the money.” Lichtenthaler moved to the Seattle area in 1992, just as the economy here was beginning to boom. He brought the French pastry baking tradition, and his expertise at making the multi-step Yule log, to L’Artisan French Bakery, which he opened in 2004. In France, the making of a Yule log is an annual tradition. “The whole family used to help,” he said. “It was fun.” Yule logs are genoise cakes baked in a large, shallow pan, which are then iced with chocolate buttercream, rolled to form a cylinder, and iced again to resemble an actual Yule log. For those making a Yule log for the first time, Lichtenthaler’s advice is: “Have fun.” It’s obvious he follows his own philosophy. It’s easy to catch him grinning as he decorates the log’s chocolate frosting with buttercream snowflakes and holly leaves.

“We’ll play around,” he said. It’s a good attitude to have when about 150 of those 300 Yule log orders are scheduled for pickup on Christmas Eve.

L’Artisan French Bakery’s Yule Log For the genoise cake batter: 4 eggs, room temperature ⁄3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons lemon zest ⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract

⁄4 teaspoon salt

1 cup cake flour

For the chocolate buttercream: 7 egg whites ⁄3 cup granulated sugar

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled ⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups plus 3 tablespoons butter, softened Making the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 10-inch by 15-inch pan with a 1-inch lip and line it with parchment paper. Butter the parchment or spray it with cooking spray. Set the pan aside. Beat the eggs for 5 minutes, until they turn thick and foamy. Add the sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract and salt to the eggs, then continue beating for 2 minutes. Fold the flour, a few tablespoons at a time, into the whipped egg mixture. Once the flour is incorporated into the batter, stop mixing. Do not overmix or the cake will have a tough texture. Gently spread the batter into the prepared pan. There will be peaks of batter; gently smooth them over, but do not press the batter down. Bake the cake for 10 minutes, until the cake is just set. Invert the baked cake onto a clean, dry kitchen towel and peel off the parchment paper. Wait 3 minutes and then gently roll the cake, still in the towel, starting at the 10-inch end. Allow it to cool completely. Making the chocolate buttercream: In a clean, completely dry bowl, beat the egg whites on high until soft peaks form. Set aside. In a saucepan, bring the sugar and 2⁄3 cup water to a boil. Allow it to boil until it has reduced into a slightly thickened syrup. Begin beating the egg whites on high speed again, and pour the hot sugar syrup into the eggs in a slow, steady stream. Pour the melted chocolate and vanilla extract into the egg whites, and continue beating them until the

Jacky Lichtenthaler puts the finishing touches on a Yule log at L’Artisan.

meringue has cooled completely, about 5 minutes. Add the softened butter to the meringue, 2 tablespoons at a time, while beating on high speed, until all the butter is incorporated into the frosting. If the buttercream becomes runny at any time in this process, refrigerate the meringue until it has chilled through, and continue the process of beating the butter into the meringue. Making the Yule log: Unroll the cake and set

aside the towel. Evenly spread 2 cups of the chocolate buttercream on the inside of the cake and, following its natural curve, gently form it into a cake roll. Cut off the ends of the cake on a diagonal. Spread the exterior of the buche de Noel with enough chocolate buttercream to cover it. Gently pull a butter knife or small, offset spatula through the frosting to give the appearance of rough tree bark. Add Christmas decorations, such as raspberries with chocolate leaves and chocolate shavings.

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 47

OUR FAVORITE

EVENTS DECEMBER The Lights of Christmas DEC. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 18-23, 26-29 The festival is 5 to 10 p.m., Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. More than 1 million Christmas lights, dazzling displays, live music, theater, pony and train rides, petting zoo, Santa, Bruce the Spruce. Tickets are $13-18. Children 3 and younger get in free.

Cantabile Chamber Choir DEC. 7 The Mount Vernon-based choir performs “Carols by Candlelight” at 7:30 p.m. at Tidelands Church, 10101 271st St. NW, Stanwood. Includes classic and contemporary songs of the season. Tickets are $16-$18 in advance or $18-$20 at the door. cantabilechamberchoir.org

Everett Chorale DEC. 8

Holiday Home Tour

The “Joy!” concert will be performed at 3 p.m. at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Featured will be Daniel Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata for Chorus, Brass Quartet and Oregon” and selections from Beethoven’s Ninth. Tickets are $19-$22.

DEC. 2

everettchorale.org

Tour north Everett homes decorated for the holidays from noon to 6 p.m. Hosted by the Assistance League of Everett. Features tastings from local chefs, raffle baskets and a gift boutique. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 on tour day. Purchase tickets at the Assistance League Thrift Shop, 5107 Evergreen Way, Everett.

Pacifica Chamber Orchestra

thelightsofchristmas.com

assistanceleagueofeverett.org

Christmas with the Gothard Sisters DEC. 6 The world-traveling sisters return home for their annual Celtic Christmas concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Tickets are $10-$26. edmondscenterforthearts.org

Mark O’Connor’s Appalachian Christmas DEC. 6 The virtuoso fiddler will perform songs from his “An Appalachian Christmas” album at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. The album features 11 Christmas tracks, as well as several other Appalachian-themed songs. Tickets are $55-$65.

DEC. 8 The winter concert will be performed 3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2301 Hoyt Ave., Everett. Program includes Anton Reicha’s “Quintet for Winds in E Flat Major No. 2” and “Capriol Suite for String Orchestra” by Peter Warlock. Tickets are $15-$20. pacificachamberorchestra.org

Cascade Symphony Orchestra DEC. 8-9 The “Holiday Pops” concert will be performed at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Program includes Percy Faith’s “Brazilian Sleigh Bells,” “Vaughan Williams’ “Greensleeves” and selections from Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Featuring Sasha Starcevich on piano. Tickets are $10-$27. cascadesymphony.org

CeCe Winans’ Christmas Show DEC. 11

become an Everett tradition. Tickets are $20. alderwooddancespectrum.com

Olympic Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” DEC. 13-15 The Edmonds ballet company will perform abridged versions at 10 a.m. and noon Dec. 13, and full versions 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14, as well as 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 15, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. The ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” Tickets are $25-$39. olympicballet.com/obthome/tickets

Sno-King Community Chorale DEC. 14 The “Holiday Magic: Rockin’ Around” concert will be performed at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Featuring holiday favorites such as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Feliz Navidad.” Tickets are $15-$22. sno-kingchorale.org

Seattle Men’s Chorus DEC. 14 The “’Tis the Season” concert will be 7:30 p.m. at the Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave., Everett. Seattle Men’s Chorus has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and Westminster Hall in London. Featuring The Supertonics. Tickets are $25-$58. seattlechoruses.org

“Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” THROUGH DEC. 15 The rowdy Herdman kids join their local church’s annual production of “The Christmas Story,” causing panic throughout the town. Red Curtain presents this new musical adaptation of the holiday classic at the Red Curtain Arts Center, 9315 State Ave., Suite J, Marysville. Tickets are $10-$20. redcurtainfoundation.org

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”

The Dance School’s “Nutcracker”

The bestselling female gospel artist of all time will perform a Christmas concert 7:30 p.m. at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Tickets are $39-$74.

DEC. 7

edmondscenterforthearts.org

The Everett dance company will perform the ballet at 2 and 7 p.m. at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Ticket prices have yet to be determined.

“A Storybook Nutcracker”

4 p.m. Dec. 15 The Jose Gonzales jazz trio plays the Vince Guaraldi’s gem at the Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater, 1211 Fourth St., Snohomish. Tickets are $20-$25.

DEC. 13-14

thumbnailtheater.org

Alderwood Dance Spectrum presents a briefly narrated “Nutcracker” ballet at 7 p.m. Dec. 13, and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Snohomish County PUD Auditorium, 2320 California St., Everett. Now in its 24th year, the show has

Snohomish Christmas Parlor Tour

yourhistoriceveretttheatre.org

thedanceschool.org

48 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

DEC. 15 Tour historic Snohomish homes decorated for the holidays from noon

to 4 p.m. Hosted by the Snohomish Historical Society. Tickets are $12-$15. Advanced tickets are available at Joyworks, 1002 First St.; McDaniel’s Do-It Center, 510 Second St.; and Annie’s On First, 1122 First St. Buy tickets day of tour at the Waltz Building, 116 Ave. B. snohomishhistoricalsociety.org

Olympic Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” DEC. 19-23 The Edmonds ballet company will perform abridged versions 10 a.m. and noon Dec. 19 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20, and full versions 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 5 p.m. Dec. 22 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. The ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 fairy tale, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” Tickets are $28-$48. olympicballet.com

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” THROUGH DEC. 22 The Edmonds Driftwood Players perform the musical based on the 1983 motion picture at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun. Tickets are $25-$28. edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org

“Inspecting Carol” THROUGH DEC. 22 Phoenix Theatre presents this Charles Dickens spoof at the Edmonds theater of the same name at 9673 Firdale Ave., Edmonds. It’s a behind-the-scenes look of a struggling theater’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets are $20-$25. tptedmonds.org

JANUARY Skagit Eagle Festival JAN. 4-26 The celebration is held during eaglewatching season in nearby Skagit County. Events and activities take place in Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount each weekend in January. concrete-wa.com/skagit-eagle-festival

“Guys & Dolls” JAN. 3-FEB. 2 Village Theatre presents the 1950 Broadway hit based on short stories by Damon Runyon at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. The musical won five Tony Awards and was turned into a film in 1955. Tickets are $45-$85. villagetheatre.org/everett

Cascade Symphony Orchestra JAN. 13 The “Happy Birthday, Ludwig!” concert will be performed 7:30 p.m. at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. The program includes Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano,” featuring Mae Lin on violin, Eric Han on cello and Jessica Choe on piano. Tickets are $10-$27. cascadesymphony.org

Mavis Staples JAN. 16 The renowned R&B and gospel singer will perform 7:30 p.m. at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Staples was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. Tickets are $39-$74. edmondscenterforthearts.org

Arlington-Stillaguamish Eagle Festival JAN. 31 AND FEB. 1 With winter comes the return of the eagles to the Stillaguamish River. The 13th annual festival along Olympic Avenue includes animal talks, bird walks, river rafting, chainsaw carving, live music and an art show.

ANDY BRONSON / COAST

Alderwood Dance Spectrum’s “A Storybook Nutcracker,” an abbreviated version of the ballet for young audiences, will be staged Dec. 13-14 at the Snohomish County PUD Auditorium. Herbert Chappell’s “Paddington Bear’s First Concert” with Dave Dolacky as the narrator, as well as the Cascade Percussion Ensemble and the Rising Star winner. Tickets are $3-$10. cascadesymphony.org

arlingtonwa.gov/eaglefest

The Art of Food & Wine

FEBRUARY

FEB. 8

Groundfrog Day FEB. 2 The local alternative to Groundhog Day. Will Snohomish Slew predict an early spring? Events are scheduled from 12:30 to 2 p.m. along First Street in Snohomish, starting at the Avenue A Gazebo. Events include the annual Frognostication and Lazy River Frog Race. Race tickets are $5. snohomishcoc.com/groundfrog

“Wonder of the World” FEB. 7 TO MARCH 1 A firm believer in fate, Cass leaves her husband and boards a bus to Niagara Falls, where she checks items off her list of “things to do in life.” Phoenix Theatre presents the Off-Broadway play at the Edmonds theater of the same name at 9673 Firdale Ave., Edmonds. Tickets are $20-$25. tptedmonds.org

Cascade Symphony Orchestra FEB. 8 A children’s concert will be performed at 3 p.m. at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Featuring

This event for foodies and wine lovers from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, is a fundraiser for community art projects. Tickets are $20-$50. lynnwoodcc.com

John Scanlon on viola. Tickets are $10-$25. Children 12 and younger get in free. everettphil.org

The Great Northwest Glass Quest FEB. 14-23 The great treasure hunt on Camano Island and in Stanwood rewards successful explorers with a trove of artist-made glass floats. Find a “clue ball” and turn it in for your prize. Father and son Mark and Marcus Ellinger make about 450 glass balls for the event.

Duke.” Tickets are $10-$36. srjo.org

FEB. 20

Hiplet Ballerinas Hiplet is a fusion between classical pointe technique and hip-hop — plus a variety of other urban dance styles. A video of the dance style went viral on Instagram in 2016. The show is 7:30 p.m. at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. There will be a pre-show talk from 6 to 6:40 p.m. Tickets are $19-$39. edmondscenterforthearts.org

Pacifica Chamber Orchestra

“Pride and Prejudice”

The Port Susan Snow Goose & Birding Festival

FEB. 9

OPENS FEB. 14

FEB. 22-23

The Edmonds Driftwood Players bring Jane Austen’s 1813 novel to the stage at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds. The new adaptation tells of the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner.

This event held each February focuses on migratory birds. See wintering trumpeter swans and snow geese in the Stanwood area, as well as on Fir Island near Conway. Sign up for birding classes, seminars and bus tours.

The “Sunshine” concert will be performed at 3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2301 Hoyt Ave., Everett. Program includes Carl Neilsen’s “Humorous Bagatelles Op. 11 for Winds” and “Sinfonia No. 31 Op. 294 for Strings” by Alan Hovhaness. Tickets are $15-$20. pacificachamberorchestra.org

Everett Philharmonic Orchestra FEB. 9 “That Magnificent Mozart!” concert is 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Program includes Overture to “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Symphony No. 41 in C Major (Jupiter).” Featuring “Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola” with

thegreatnwglassquest.com

edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org

Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra FEB. 16 The orchestra will play pieces from the first meeting of the two greatest big bands in jazz history 7 p.m. at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Featuring selections from the Count Basie and Duke Ellington orchestras’ 1961 album “First Time! The Count Meets the

snowgoosefest.org

“The Importance of Being Earnest” OPENS FEB. 28 A carefree young man has created a fictional brother, giving him the freedom to live and love unfettered. Imagine his chagrin when the brother appears! Red Curtain presents in Oscar Wilde’s witty play of fashion and form at the Red Curtain Arts Center, 9315 State Ave., Suite J, Marysville. Tickets are $10-$20. redcurtainfoundation.org

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 49

Why I Love It Here | Marianne Brown

KEVIN CLARK / COAST

Marianne Brown owns Red Cup Cafe in Mukilteo. She lives in the countryside near Snohomish.

have lived in Washington all of my life. I grew up loving camping and swimming in lakes. My stepdad would take my six siblings — I have four brothers and two sisters — and me fishing. That part wasn’t my favorite, but I did savor fresh-caught trout cooked over a campfire. My grandparents had a beach house at Useless Bay on Whidbey Island. I have fond memories of our frequent visits. We would go clam digging — my brothers would dig for geoducks. We would play on the beach for hours, searching for hermit crabs and pretending to be mermaids by putting seaweed on our legs. Our dog thrived at the beach, running to and fro. It was like she was a puppy again. When I was allowed to bring a friend with me to the beach house, we played restaurant. We would take orders from my family for breakfast. Now that I am grown, I realize how fortunate I am to live here. I can go on an adventure without having to travel very far and still make it home in time for dinner. I can stroll the Mukilteo beach, take a ferry ride to Whidbey Island or go hiking in the foothills of the Cascades. My husband and I like to go for walks along the waterfront, watching the sailboats and

the birds. We love weekend getaways at a bed and breakfast on Whidbey Island right on the beach. All we have to do is walk out the back door and have coffee on the beach in the morning or watch the sunset in the evening. I also like that we have a mild mix of weather. No hurricanes, tornadoes or blizzards. I am so thankful for the greenery, and the fresh air we are blessed to breathe. I personally don’t have a problem with our gray and rainy days. They help me appreciate the sunshine all the more. I always say nothing beats Washington on a sunny day. My husband and I live a country lifestyle in Snohomish. We have made our home in a 112-year-old farmhouse with ducks, chickens, bees, dogs and cats. But I am still close enough to go shopping at the mall. I feel equally blessed to have a business in Mukilteo overlooking Possession Sound. I’m celebrating my 10th anniversary as the owner of the Red Cup Cafe in Mukilteo this year. When I’m at work, I get to smell the sea air, hear the trains going by, and watch the ferries come and go. I even get to play restaurant! That’s why I love it here.

50 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019

More about Marianne Marianne Brown, 60, grew up in Lynnwood and graduated from Meadowdale High School. She and her husband, Steve Camp, live in an old farmhouse in Snohomish, where they grow flowers and keep ducks, chickens and bees. She has two grown children and two grandchildren. After 10 years as a bookkeeper, she started a career in the coffee industry. She has been the owner of Red Cup Cafe in Mukilteo for 10 years.

WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019 • 51

TULALIP ESCAPE TO A DESTINATION OF

PREMIUM LUXURY Indulge in Washington’s premier AAA Four-Diamond resort with eight restaurants, a luxurious spa and world-class shopping.

5 MINUTES NORTH OF EVERETT

888.272.1111 | T U L A L I P CAS I N O.CO M 52 • WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE • WINTER 2019