Dan Raley

My Edmonds News: You covered many different sports during your three decades with the Seattle P-I. What inspired you to write “Pitchers of Beer”? Why a baseball book?

Raley: A friend, Dave Eskenazi, talked me into writing the book. We’ve shared a mutual love for baseball, Seattle and its long-ago history, and the Rainiers had all of that.  He was very persistent that I should do this. He provided photos, programs, letters, poems, all sorts resources for the book. On a more personal note, which is mentioned in the introduction, the last thing I did with my dad, William Raley, was go to a Rainiers exhibition game. He was killed the next morning in an auto accident. I subsequently spent a lot of my childhood going to Rainiers, Angels and Pilots games as a way of coping without a father.

My Edmonds News: What were the biggest surprises for you when researching the book?

Raley: I really had no idea how important the Rainiers were to Seattle, that they were this civic treasure. As a kid, I caught the Rainiers at the tail end of their existence, and Seattle’s interest was lukewarm in the team by then as it tried hard to become a big-league city in every way — commerce, the arts, sports. Yet in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, the Rainiers were kings, treated like rock stars, and a great source of pride for Seattle. I also had no idea of how deep the Babe Ruth connection was to Seattle. That remains mesmerizing to me. … I knew he had visited the city multiple times, but I wasn’t aware at all that he easily could have managed the team and that he could have died here. … Ah, the historical possibilities. …

My Edmonds News: What influence did the Indians/Rainiers/Pilots have on the development of Seattle’s baseball culture? Do you think that our long history of minor league baseball in Seattle influenced how we support our major league franchise?

Raley: The Rainiers were indeed a rallying force for baseball in Seattle, providing a natural springboard to the Major Leagues. The Rainiers were the most successful minor-league team in the nation at times, often drawing more fans than several big-league teams, giving people reason to dream bigger.

Raley notes that he’s glad to be living in the Seattle area again after spending two years in Atlanta, where he worked as an editor for the Journal-Constitution after the Post-Intelligencer stopped its print publication in 2009. He now serves as a homepage editor for MSN.com in Bellevue.

“While I was gone, I missed the mountains, the mild temperatures and simple things like riding the ferry out of Edmonds,” Raley said. “Most of all, as a Seattle native, I missed running into people everywhere I went; I was somewhat anonymous walking around Atlanta, which never seemed like home.

Raley attended Roosevelt High School where he took journalism classes and played on the football, basketball and baseball teams, “hence my interest in sportswriting grew out of that.” A Western Washington University journalism grad, Raley spent 29 years at the P-I, working mainly as a sportswriter but also serving as a design editor and police reporter.

The Edmonds Bookshop is located at 111 5th Ave. S, in downtown Edmonds.

Facilitator is Catherine Mich, who holds a masters degree in counseling and is certified as an organizational change consultant. Mich has herself experienced over 40 life changes and through her consulting practice, Heart and Soul Works, has helped clients navigate life changes of all types.

The introductory workshop will focus on these key elements:

- How are major changes and those tricky transitions tied together?

- How can we experience change without feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty and anxiety?

- How to face an uncertain future with confidence
and eagerness.

- How to literally befriend major changes and transitions, whether they involve a small change or an entire life “make-over.”

- What role does resistance play in the process?

Space is limited so reserve your spot by calling 425-478-3022 or email linda@fabricoflife.org. There is a suggested $15 tax-deductible donation, which includes snacks and beverages. The Fabric of Life Boutique is located at 523 Main St.

April Pate before...

...and after. (Photos courtesy of Vision Quest Sport and Fitness Centers)

By Eric Brotman

April Pate of Edmonds decided last January she wanted to lose a lot of weight and get paid well for losing it.

The 39-year-old has belonged to a fitness club for years, but she worked out infrequently and didn’t eat healthfully until the club’s new owner began a Biggest Loser competition for members who wanted to shed extra pounds.

The contest takes place a few times each year and is open to members of the 10 Vision Quest Sport and Fitness centers located in the Puget Sound region. Participants are judged on the percentage of body weight they lose, with $5,000 going to the Grand Prize Winner.

Pate hesitated before joining the 90-day competition. She sat at the sign-up table twice, only to leave both times without making a commitment.

Her boyfriend, 57-year-old Brian Wilds, accompanied her on a third attempt and said, “What’s holding you back?”

She signed the paperwork.

Pate, who works as a nurse, weighed a fraction over 258 pounds before the contest began late last January. She wanted to lose 76 pounds, which represented just over 29 percent of her bodyweight.

Before joining the competition, her time in the gym was spent socializing. “Most of my exercise was oral,” she says. “I’d do a little bit of work, then leave. Nothing was accomplished. Nobody ever said to me, ‘Wow, you look great.’”

Working as a nurse on the night shift could be stressful, and she often succumbed to the same food temptations as her work colleagues. “People bring in food,” Pate explains. “They say, ‘It’s somebody’s birthday; [or] it’s Mother’s Day; [or] we haven’t had a potluck this month.’ When you deal with stress, eating is a great comfort. If you’re mad or sad or happy, eat! It’ll make you feel better.”

That kind of thinking began to change as she started working with Chris Freedman, a 20-year-old Vision Quest fitness trainer who put her and approximately a dozen of her competition teammates through their exercises and helped them formulate meal plans.

In high school, Freedman himself weighed 290 pounds. His doctor advised him to take medication for his high blood pressure. He refused, turning instead to a program of healthful eating and vigorous exercise, and brought his weight down to a current 206 pounds.

When Freedman drove her hard in training, Pate admits his life experience was as valuable to her as it was frustrating. “I couldn’t tell him he didn’t know what it’s like to be heavy, or how hard it is to lose weight,” she says.

Every two weeks within the 90-day training period, Pate attended a weigh-in with her teammates. The contestants supported each other and exchanged thoughts on how to reach their goals.

“All the team members brought their food journals to the weigh-ins and were asked to review them,” Pate recalls. “You write down every piece of food that goes into your mouth. If you eat five M&M’s as you walk through the kitchen, you write down ‘Five M&M’s’ to be held accountable.”

Pate credits her boyfriend for his support and involvement during the contest. Although he did not formally enter the Biggest Loser competition, Wilds exercised with Pate and followed the same meal plan she did for the 90-day period.

Both trained several days each week. When they talk about the experience, they acknowledge the importance of exercise, but speak even more passionately about the power of keeping a food journal.

“Writing down the food [I eat] is humbling,” Pate says.

Wilds calls the food journal “a wake-up call” that has provided him and Pate with an effective tool for change. “I used to eat more than 1,000 calories every day before 11 a.m. by having donuts and lattes for breakfast,” he says. “During the contest, each of us was down to 1,200 to 1,400 calories a day.

“I think we lose track of what we actually eat during the course of a day,” he adds. “If you write down everything that goes into your mouth [and the number of calories that go with it], you’re shocked.”

The benefits yielded by their new discipline have gone beyond weight loss alone.

“Having a shared goal of losing weight—it changes all aspects of your life,” Wilds says. “We’re spending more time together in the kitchen. There’s more fun stuff going on there now.”

When the 90 days were over, Pate had lost 59 lbs., or about 23 percent of her body weight. She placed a very respectable 20th in the overall competition. (The winner lost 111 lbs., or about 42 percent of his pre-contest weight.)

“It’s tough to go it alone,” said Wilds, who lost 43 pounds. “Even if you can’t join a group, I think it’s really important to have someone else be there for you, slap you on the back and say, ‘You’re doing a great job, keep on going.’”

Pate smiles as she says she wishes she had won the $5,000. But she’s proud of her accomplishment. After some people told her it was unfortunate she didn’t place first in the competition, she had a ready answer.

“I’ve got a new body,” she told them.

Wilds has similar thoughts. “I’m 57 and I feel great,” he says. “I think being healthier, with the weight loss, will add years to my life. I told April, ‘We’re never going back to being out of shape and large again.’”

Pate plans to informally keep on track with some of her former teammates this summer. They’ll weigh in every two weeks and probably meet each Sunday.

“Everybody will have another 90-day goal,” she says. “I’d like to reach my original goal of losing 76 pounds. By the end of 90 days, I’d like to lose that additional 17 pounds.”

—p. 3 (of 3)—

Classy Chassis, by Cheryl Hufnagel at Edmonds Library

By Janette Turner
A sold-out chef’s tour and Third Thursday’s Art Walk top the list of Edmonds events. Here’s a peek at selected activities in town.

Visual arts

Stellar Conversation, by Kim Brayman

Kim Brayman at C’est La Vie – May 17, 5-8 p.m.
Paintings by Kim Brayman will be at C’est La Vie for Third Thursday’s Art Walk. Brayman recently told us about her pieces: “My birds always have body language and represent people in my mind. They’re usually communicating, too. I love to use lush, rich colors in new combinations and discover how they interact with the texture I put down as my first layer. Right now I’m painting in my summer palette and am reveling in the flowers popping out all over Edmonds, giving me new ideas for color combinations. So I also have flowers in the show for the first time. “

Paris Evening Glow, by Mark Boyle

The Courtyard, by Michele Usibelli

Cole Gallery hosts Mark Boyle & Michele Usibelli – May 17, 5-8 p.m.

Mark Boyle and Michele Usibelli showcase their recent travels through Europe, the Pacific Northwest and beyond in their new paintings. Boyle paints landscapes and vistas, while Usibelli’s landscapes, figurative pieces and still life paintings are infused with her tradition of Russian Impressionism.

Heartstone, by Alicia Cox

ArtsNow EDGE reception at ECA – May 17, 5-8 p.m.

ArtsNow, Edmonds Community College’s non-credit continuing education program, will host a reception for “A View from the EDGE,” a multi-media exhibit at ECA. Live music and refreshment will be provided at this free event, featuring works by twelve graduates of the EDGE Professional Development Program for Visual Artists, developed by Artist Trust. The EDGE Program provides artists with entrepreneurial skills to help them achieve their career goals. For more information, call 425-640-1243 or go to www.edcc.edu/artsnow.

Gallery North hosts Crow Lady – May 17, 5-8 p.m.
Gallery North’s featured artist, Kathleen Johnson, will answer questions about her recent work at a reception. Recently she said: “Nature is an endless inspiration for me. I get lost in the colors, patterns, and intricate beauty of our natural world. I try to express and share that joy and wonder through my art.” Johnson’s website is www.twocrows-studio.com

Interiors of Edmonds hosts new artist – May 17, 5-8 p.m.

Lee Campagne’s artwork

According to a press release, Interiors of Edmonds will feature the works of David Marty, Pam Padgett, Dorcus Harb, Marsha Lippert, and new artist Lee Champagne.

Coastal Cruisers, by Mary Ann Nagy

Semantics Gallery features Mary Ann Nagy – May 19, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Semantics Gallery features artist Mary Ann Nagy, who told us recently: “This group of paintings is part of the ongoing dream I have to combine my delight in painting animals with my longstanding interest in issues of animal advocacy and compassion.  It is done with a prayer that we humans gain a greater love and respect for the strange, unique and wonderful found in them and work to translate that into making this a better world for all.”

Performing arts

Theater at Meadowdale HS –May  17, 18, 19 at 7 p.m.
Art appreciation is on stage in the play, “Museum,” at Meadowdale High School Black Box Theatre. Tony Award-winning playwright Tina Howe’s comedy takes place on the last day of an art show titled “The Broken Silence. “ Meadowdale High students perform all roles with real clothespins on an imaginary line.

Gaelic Storm: Celebrating Ireland Around The World at ECA – May 18 at 7:30 p.m.

There’s a Titanic storm headed toward Edmonds – the group Gaelic Storm performed in James Cameron’s  film, “Titanic,” and now plays ECA. Tickets at www.ec4arts.org or by phone at 425-275-9595.

Kirkland Choral Society’s SongFeast auction at ECA – May 19 at 6 p.m.

Kirkland Choral Society at Daniels Recital Hall.

According to publicist and singer Jessica Martin, “Our crowning jewel in (KCR’s) successful season will be our SongFeast fundraiser at Edmonds Center for the Arts, featuring some of the most famous and beautiful opera choruses!”

Martin provided additional information: “(T)here will be a silent auction featuring many exciting items beginning at 6 p.m.  We will (also) be presenting a concert of fantastic opera choruses, including works by Verdi, Wagner, Mozart, and Bizet, emceed by local radio personality Dave Ross. Kirkland Choral Society was formed in 1988 with a handful of singers and has grown in size and skill to be considered by many to be one of the top three choruses in the Seattle area. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit community choir that includes around 80 members, all auditioned volunteers.” A list of the live auction items can be found at www.kirklandchoralsociety.org.”
Other noteworthy events

EdCC celebrates Bike To Work Day – May 18
Ride your bike to Edmonds Community College and be eligible to enter the “Go Green” Alternative Transportation contest during Earth Month. Co-sponsored by Commute Trip Reduction, Community Transit and the Sustainability Council.

Chef’s Tour of Dream Kitchens – May 19
This popular fundraiser for the Edmonds Center for the Arts sold out back in August, and lucky ticket holders will tour high-end kitchens and sample appetizers featuring hazelnuts, morels, beef tenderloin, prawns, crab and puff pastry prepared by area chefs. The date for next year’s tour is already set for May 18, 2013, according to Nancy Fleck, ECA Board Member and Kitchen Tour Coordinator. Tickets for the 4th annual tour go on sale at 6 p.m. May 19 through the ECA box office at 425-775-9595; more info on ECA website.

4th Annual International Film Festival at Edmonds Community College – May 19-31



The fourth annual Edmonds Community College International Film Festival starts Tuesday, May 29, with a focus on “Languages of Laughter, Cultures through Comedy,” in the Black Box Theatre on campus, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. The films are free and open to the public. 

This annual three-day festival selects critically acclaimed films, diverse cultural and artistic offerings, and offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere open to the entire community.

“This event is more than a film festival,” said Christina Fusch, Edmonds CC Arabic and anthropology instructor and event organizer, in a press release. “Through the magic of film, we open young minds of all ages and expose students to new perspectives. Through innovative, thought-provoking cinema, we also strive to expose audiences to the artistry, current issues, and perspectives in foreign cultures.” For more information, call 425-640-1448 or go to www.BlackBoxEdCC.org.

EdCC International Film Festival schedule:

• “Moliere” (French film)- 10:30 a.m., Tues., May 29, Black Box Theatre
• “Gerald”  (ASL film) – 2 p.m., Tues., May 29, Black Box Theatre
• “L’Auberge Espagnole” (Spanish film)- 7 p.m., Tues., May 29, Black Box Theatre
• “Winter Vacation” (Chinese film)- 12:30 p.m., Wed., May 30, Black Box Theatre
• “The Band’s Visit” (Arabic film)- 7 p.m., Wed., May 30, Black Box Theatre
• “Time Traveler: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” (Japanese film)- 12:30 p.m., Thurs., May 31, Black Box Theatre

Edmonds Community College’s Celebration of Food Festival – May 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
This event brings together farmers, ranchers, culinary professionals, youth, students, eaters, and business owners to taste samples and learn about the stuff of life. Sponsored by Edmonds Community College, City of Lynnwood, Verdant, Swedish/Edmonds Hospital and Cascade Harvest Coalition, among others. At Lynnwood Convention Center. More info here.

Floretum’s Spring Hat Luncheon and installation of officers – May 21 at 11 a.m. Details here.

Social media workshop to benefit Senior Center – May 24 and June 14
Dana Lewis of Swedish Medical Center’s social media campaign will conduct a workshop series to go beyond the basics into how social media works and what tools to use. The first part will be instructional and the second part will answer marketing issues. The workshop is geared for business owners, non-profit organizations, authors, artists, restaurant owners, and will be held in two parts, May 24 and June 14, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Edmonds Senior Center. Lewis is volunteering her time for this event and all proceeds benefit the Senior Center. Cost is $60; info at http://soundconnection.org or email social@soundconnection.org.

Meeting Professionals International Luncheon – May 22 at 10:30 a.m.
The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, the Edmonds Conference Center, Edmonds Center for the Arts and the City of Edmonds will welcome members and guests of the Washington State Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, to ECA for a reception and lunch program. According to Ken Pickle, of Pickle Meetings Management, the event will “showcase the Edmonds area as a venue for events and meetings.”  http://www.mpiwsc.org/

Advance notice

Summer camp with The Driftwood Players

The Driftwood Players present two opportunities for youth to be on stage this summer:

Summer Teen Ensemble – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Aspiring actors ages 12-18 are invited to participate in Driftwood Players’ Summer Teen Ensemble. After three weeks of rehearsal, there will be two performances July 20-21 in the Wade James Theatre. If those two performances sell out, an additional performance will be scheduled on Sunday July 22 at 2 p.m.

Missoula Children’s Theatre – Jack and The Beanstalk, Residency Week: July 30 through Aug. 4, with performances following. Ages 8-18.

Arts reporter Janette Turner is your guide to local culture.  In addition to covering visual, performing and literary events for MyEdmondsNews, Janette is managing director of EPIC Literary Series and a member of the Swedish Hospital Art Committee.

Gaelic Storm

Edmonds Police Sgt. Karl Roth receives the David N. Stern Memorial Officer of the Year Award from Chief Al Compaan and Rotary Club of Edmonds representative Doug Purcell.

A police staff assistant who talked a man out of committing suicide. A couple who helped a disabled man from his car before it exploded into flames. A group of police officers who rescued apartment residents from a burning building.

Those were just a few of the dramatic stories told Monday night when members of the Edmonds Police Department, their families and friends and community members gathered for the department’s 11th annual awards ceremony. With one notable exception, all of the awards were given for service in 2011.

At the end of the evening, Sgt. Karl Roth was awarded the department’s Chief David N. Stern Memorial Officer of the Year Award, named after the Edmonds police chief who died of an aneurysm five years ago. The award was presented by both the American Legion Frank Freese Post #66, represented by Commander John Bustard and Les Abel, and the Rotary Club of Edmonds, of which Stern was a member. (Stern’s wife Darlene and Doug Purcell, both Rotary members, did the honors.)

Edmonds Police Chief Al Compaan noted that the ceremony was held on Peace Officers Memorial Day, aimed at recognizing the 900,000-plus law enforcement officers serving across the United States. “In particular, we remember the almost 20,000 law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been killed in the line of duty since the first recorded death in 1792,” Compaan said.

Here are Monday night’s awards in order of presentation:

CITIZEN SERVICE CITATION, awarded to citizens who assisted the police department:

Alexandria Jason receives her award from Compaan and Assistant Chief Gerald Gannon.

To Alexandria Jason, who on July 23rd, 2011, was walking with some friends when she found a wallet containing “a significant amount of cash” but no identification. She took the wallet home and talked with her father, and they called police. The wallet contained $362.

“Given that there was no identification in the wallet, it would have been quite easy for Alexandria to have kept the money,” noted Edmonds Police Sgt. Mike Blackburn, who provided narration for the awards ceremony. “However, she did what was correct and honest; she told her father and then called the police to turn the wallet in. After the required 60 days had passed and the owner had not claimed the property, the wallet and the cash within it were released to Alexandria; it does pay to be honest!”

Erica, John and Darla Elder. John is holding son Kameron.

To Robert Elder, his wife Erica and his mother Darla, who on Dec. 22, 2011 were leaving their home in the 22500 block of 73rd Place when they rescued a driver from a burning vehicle. The driver, who used a wheelchair, was having difficulty getting out of the car on his own after it caught fire. Robert and Erica helped the man out and into his wheelchair, and got him to safety while Darla Elder called 911.

“Within seconds of Robert and Erica assisting the gentleman from the car, it became fully engulfed in flames,” Blackburn said. “As a result of the quick, selfless actions of the Elders, as well as their willingness to get involved, a tragedy was most certainly averted.”

Compaan with Tom Bach.

To Tom Bach, who on Nov. 7, 2011 was operating his City of Edmonds street sweeper along Olympic View Drive when he noticed three men leaving a residence on foot. “Mr. Bach knows that the resident of that particular house happens to be an Edmonds police officer and that it did not appear that the subjects belonged at the house,” Blackburn said. Bach noted the vehicle description and license plate, and also saw that the side door to the home’s garage had been forced open.

After calling the officer and confirming that the subjects did not belong at the residence, Bach called 911. Officers quickly arrived and determined that a burglary had in fact occurred. “As a result of Mr. Bach’s actions, the suspect vehicle was quickly located near Alderwood Mall; the suspects were taken into custody, and Mr. Bach positively identified the three subjects that he had seen leaving the residence,” Blackburn said.

Erik Larson and Austin Peterson

To Erik Larson and Austin Peterson, two Edmonds Police Explorers who were assisting with traffic control at the June 5, 2011 Waterfront Festival when they observed an intoxicated driver crash his vehicle into a fence near the Amtrak Train Station. Larson, an Explorer captain, and Peterson, an Explorer sergeant, radioed for police assistance and — when the suspect turned violent after the responding officer arrived — stayed with the officer until back-up assistance could respond.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, based on nomination by a supervisor, and is given to a department employee whose actions deserve recognition:

Assistant Police Chiefs Jim Lawless and Gerald Gannon applaud as Officer Tony Collins receives his award.

To Officer Tony Collins,  who in 2011 led the department with 53 DUI arrests. This is the second year in a row that Collins, who works the 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. shift, has led the department in apprehending DUI drivers.

LETTER OF COMMENDATION, to department employees or officers from other law enforcement agencies, who perform particularly noteworthy acts or service:

To Officer Don Kinney, who on Dec. 21, 2011 was on routine patrol at 9th and Main when he apprehended a driver who was acting suspiciously and turned out to be a residential burglary suspect.

Officers Bill Nelson and Jason Robinson

To Officers Bill Nelson and Jason Robinson, who worked diligently over the past year to track down group and individual photographs of Edmonds police personnel in preparation for the department’s centennial celebration.

To Officer Bill Nelson, for his efforts on Dec. 1, 2011 to the save the life of a woman suffering from a drug overdose at a Highway 99 motel.

Amy Collins

To Police Services Assistant Amy Collins, who was off duty and driving her private vehicle near Alderwood Mall on Sept. 6 when she observed a suicidal man ready to jump off an Interstate 5 freeway overpass.

Collins called out to the man to get down but he ignored her, so she yelled at him repeatedly, Blackburn said. “Finally, the man acknowledged Amy’s efforts to help him. He informed her that he was experiencing a mental breakdown and needed help, and Amy assured him that she had already called for help.” Collins invited the man to sit down on the roadway curb while the two of them waited for police. “Moments later officers arrived on the scene and ultimately transported the man to a local hospital for mental health treatment,” Blackburn said.

Detective Shane Hawley

To Detective Shane Hawley for his efforts in 2011 to update the police department’s Field Training Officer manual.

Corporal Michael Richardson

To Corporal Michael Richardson, who in February 2011 arrested a man suspected of robbing the Edmonds Pharmacy on 212th Street five times before finally being apprehended. After the Feb. 14 robbery, Richardson single-handedly apprehended the suspect and another man in a car in Mountlake Terrace. “As a result of Detective Richardson’s quick thinking and subsequent actions both subjects were charged with and convicted of robbery and all five cases were cleared,” Blackburn noted.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CITATION FOR VALOR, awarded to a department employee who performs an act of heroism in the face of personal injury or risk of life, and LETTER OF COMMENDATION:

To Officers Jodi Sackville, Ryan Speer, Earl Yamane (Citations for Valor) and Sergeant Jeff Jones, Corporal Mike Richardson and  Officers Davidson Lim, Andy Mehl and Jason Shier (Letters of Commendation). Due to the nature of the incident, this award was for actions performed in February 2012. The award was related to the dramatic rescue of residents from a fire at Park Ballinger Apartments. Richardson, Yamane, Speer, Mehl and Sackville were in the process of contacting a burglary suspect at the apartment building at 3 a.m. when the fire broke out. The lights in the building went out but officers continued their rescue efforts, Blackburn noted.

“Officers Yamane, Speer and Sackville continued to evacuate residents from the two burning apartments. While Officer Sackville was evacuating a disoriented, elderly gentleman, she was overcome by smoke. Sergeant Jones, Corporal Richardson, and Officer Lim continued to evacuate the residents from the bottom floor of the building. Officers Lim, Shier and Mehl assisted by directing the fleeing residents to an area of safely away from the burning building,” Blackburn said.

Richardson, Shier, Yamane and Speer returned to the same complex two days later and arrested the burglary suspect without incident.

NON-COMMISSIONED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR, nominated by fellow department employees and is reflective of the recipient’s significant achievement and dedication.

American Legion Frank Freese Post #66 Commander John Bustard and Les Abel present the Non-Commissioned Employee of the Year Award to Kari Hovorka.

To Kari Hovorka, who serves as the Domestic Violence Coordinator for both the Edmonds and Mill Creek police departments. Hovorka reviewed 859 domestic violence cases for the City of Edmonds and 367 DV cases from the City of Mill Creek.  At any one time, she is likely to be working 40 to 60 active domestic violence cases between the two cities, Blackburn said. “In addition to this busy workload, Kari continuously looks for ways to improve both departments’ overall service to domestic violence victims,” he added.

CHIEF DAVID N. STERN MEMORIAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR, nominated by fellow department employees and then selected by previous recipient’s of the award, and is reflective of the recipient’s significant achievement and dedication.

Darlene Stern and Doug Purcell presenting the Rotary award to Officer of the Year Roth.

To Sgt. Karl Roth, nominated by last year’s winner Tony Collins, for his tireless efforts to provide police services for Edmonds’ many special events. Roth is also “extremely active with the Target Zero program, including coordination, budgeting, and training for extra DUI patrols in Edmonds and throughout Snohomish County,” Collins said in nominating Roth. “He has attended numerous meetings for the regional task force, working closely with our law enforcement liaison, with many of the aforementioned meetings routinely taking place on his days off.”

Suzanne Schaeffer's "Mockingbird Baby" at the Resident Cheesemonger.

This Thursday’s Edmonds Art Walk will feature live music by student musicians scheduled to perform as part of the May 26 Jazz Connection event in Edmonds.

The Art Walk, which runs from 5-8 p.m., also features watercolor demos at Aria Studio Gallery, a book signing at Edmonds Bookshop, a painting demo at Autumn’s Framing and wood turning at Xavier Salazar Woodturning. Jazz Connection previews  will be at Arista Wine Cellars, Cole Gallery, Manya Vee Selects and the Savvy Traveler. You can also enjoy the Solar Jazz Trio at Fabric of Life, three prize drawings at Champions Real Estate, coffee specialties at Waterfront Coffee Shop and live music at The Loft, starting at 8 p.m.

Here’s the complete lineup:

Aria Studio Gallery: New miniatures in watercolor, demos in watercolor, by Joan E Archer, photography by Leah K Goodwin .

Arista Wine Cellars: Beach rock wine stoppers and jewelry by Rachel Palmer.

ArtsNow Gallery – Edmonds Conference Center: Twelve recent graduates from the ArtsNow EDGE Professional Development Program display their work.

Autumn’s Framing: Autumn’s plein aire landscapes in oil and watercolors never fail to wrinkle your toes!

Beige Blonde: Richly colored paintings by Corinna Sinclair capture travels of the mind and body.

Bluefish Designs: Experience beauty through Jan Viney’s fine art photography prints featuring Northwest birds.

C’est La Vie: Kim Brayman expresses what she loves both visually and emotionally. Beautiful paintings of textured botanicals and organic shapes.

Champions Real Estate: Glass and pottery works – paintings & drawings – Photography will be on display. Enjoy 3 prize drawings.

Cline Jewelers:  Charms Charms Charms! New Pandora charms in yellow and white gold, sterling and Murano glass. Mix and match to create your own.

Coldwell Banker Bain: Works by oil painter, graphic designer, and SAM docent Phyllis Thornton.

Cole Gallery:  Michele Usibelli and Mark Boyle bring a double hitter show entitled “Journeys”. A Collection of paintings from their recent travels in Europe.

Dayton St. Studio: Jeff Krewson’s black and white photography captures woods, mountains and streams.

Edmonds Bookshop: Fatal Induction is the second mystery featuring UW Engineering Prof. Benjamin Bradshaw, by Bernadette Pajer. Set in 1901 Seattle.

Edmonds Frame Design: Kathryn Kim shares her collagraphs and monoprints inspired by Korean history and culture.

Edmonds Library: “10 Ladies Painting 1” group show by Harold, Shaw, Webberly and Drummond.

Edmonds Museum: Mesmerizing art photography by Carol Marty.

Fabric of Life: Lynda Rckey and Barbara Zanders create silk, paint, paper fiber construction collages in abstract form.

Frances Anderson Center: d’Elaine Johnson’s Ancient Timeless Waters exhibit. Artist presentation at 7PM, Rm 206.

Gallery North: Kathleen A. Johnson presents: Crows, Owls, Hummingbirds, and Trees…a colorful collection of paintings.

Garden Gear:  Distinctive designs in fused glass, Jones Glassworks creates pieces for home, public art and architectural projects.

Housewares: Nancy Duncan’s color and b&w photos express the intimacies of shape, form and light.

Interiors of Edmonds: Come in to see new works by some of our favorite artists.

J Rankin Jewelers: Carmel-by-the-Sea… Travel photography by Sally Honeycutt of Sea Studio.

Manya Vee Selects: New spring hats by Seattle milliner Pandemonium!

Masonic Lodge: Greg Urban shows photography and handmade chain jewelry, and Debbie Harrington’s stunning nature photography from the world.

RBC Wealth Management: Water imagery prevails in Chris Fleck’s photography, capturing images from various parts of the world.

Reliable Floor Coverings: Carol Henle’s paintings capture precious moments in time.

Resident Cheesemonger: The keen realism of Suzanne Schaeffer’s paintings will amaze, as will her new innovation of porcelain lace bowls.

Revelations Yogurt: Jill Nunemaker’s botanical paintings; Jeanie Harper’s metal and stone jewelry; Robin Montgomery’s textile designs.

Rick Steves’ Europe:  Molly Murrah exhibits watercolor paintings from Greece and Italy.

Saetia: Impressionist paintings by Diane Kingsley.

Savvy Traveler: Jazz Connection Preview featuring a Mountlake Terrace HS jazz combo.

Semantics Gallery: Colorful animal paintings by Maryanne Nagy.

Soma Salon: Mark Grandchai’s macro lens reveals the beauty in nature’s details and the freedom of non-commercial expression.

The Papery: Cheryl Stiteler shows cards with unique and expressive photographs of local and foreign sites.

The Loft: Live music begins at 8pm.

Waterfront Coffee Shop: Caffe Vita, Seattle’s premier coffee roasters, offers a tasting experience.

Wells Fargo: Specializing in unique senior portraits with impact, Vicki Derks’ studio is located on the Mukilteo waterfront.

Windermere: Doug Hebenthal’s focus is on nature and his passion for photography has taken him to some of the the most remote areas of the world.

Xavier Salazar Woodworking: New works of turned wood unveiled by owner Xavier Salazar.

“The students are excited for this year’s festival,” said Jake Bergevin, who has been the band instructor at Edmonds-Woodway since 1999 and has been taking student jazz groups to the Bellevue Jazz Festival since it began in 2008. “I love jazz. Any time we get to play in festivals like this I’m pretty happy.”

Two Edmonds-Woodway Jazz Combos will be performing in the Bellevue Jazz Festival’s Student Showcase this year. Each quartet, which are student-organized and include a guitarist, bassist, drummer and the tenor saxophonist, will play in the styles of Jazz greats Wes Montgomery and Dexter Gordon. The students meet outside of school to rehearse their material and share their love of jazz. There aren’t any auditions for the groups; the members are all friends who are mostly juniors with a few seniors. “They do everything,” Bergevin said.

EWHS students participating are:
-Miles Laven, junior on drums
-Jack Roben, junior on guitar
-Jackson Mindt, junior on bass
-Max Bennett, junior on tenor sax

The students’ hard work and dedication pays off. The combos are routinely honored with the “Outstanding Combo Award” at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and the “Outstanding Rhythm Section Award” at the Columbia Basin Community College Jazz Festival.

A few of the jazz students have also earned the opportunity to perform with the KPLU School of Jazz Rising Stars at the Bellevue Jazz Festival. These outstanding students were nominated by Bergevin and chosen to perform in one of three ensembles that are led by a local professional musician. The selected students rehearse and perform with other musically talented students from area high school programs, which allows them to meet new friends and expand their jazz network.

The Rising Stars program will culminate with the ensembles performing at the closing event of the Bellevue Jazz Festival at 5 p.m.  Sunday, June 3 at Bake’s Place in downtown Bellevue. “I like the Rising Stars concept, I think it’s a cool idea and I like that there’s an educational concept to the Bellevue Jazz Festival,” Bergevin said.

Congratulations to the Edmonds-Woodway High School jazz students for their great achievements. Be sure to catch their shows as well as 40 free shows and headline acts offered at this year’s Bellevue Jazz Festival. For information on the festival visit http://www.bellevuejazz.com/

Additional info on the jazz festival:

The Bellevue Jazz Festival is held in downtown Bellevue over five days, beginning Wednesday, May 30 through Sunday, June 3 and features a mix of ticketed and free performances by top national and regional jazz musicians.

Headline acts include the GRAMMY-nominated Clayton Brothers Quintet featuring the renowned brothers John and Jeff Clayton, legendary multi-instrumentalist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MG’s, and premier jazz flautist and 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award winner Hubert Laws and his Quintet.

In addition, over 40 free shows featuring top local and regional artists, plus a Student Showcase with the best school jazz bands in the area, will keep the music flowing throughout the weekend.

Tickets to individual concerts and all access Theatre Packages can be purchased online at bellevuejazz.com or by phone: 1-800-838-3006. Student discounts are available.

The Bellevue Jazz Festival is produced by the Bellevue Downtown Association. For more information, visit bellevuejazz.com.

Moms and brunch are trending this weekend, so make your reservations early. And if you’re looking to be her favorite offspring, you might want to share one of these Edmonds events – but you better act fast because some are already sold out.

Musical and performing arts

Noses and swords battle onstage May 10-13 in “Cyrano de Bergerac,” by Driftwood Players’ Alternative Stages at Wade James Theatre. Full story at http://myedmondsnews.com/2012/05/cyrano-on-stage-in-edmonds-thursday-sunday/

“Xanadu,” by Edmonds Heights K-12, brings the world its first roller disco, based on the 1980s film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. The Heights’ “Xanadu” is directed by Shileah Corey, choreographed by Gabriel Corey and Indeah Thomaier, and conducted by Michael Corey with a cast of thirty actors, ages 14-18. May 11 at 7 p.m., and May 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the old Woodway High School. Tickets $5 at the door. Call 425-431-7840 for information.

Friday, May 11, Grammy winner Mary Chapin Carpenter performs an acoustic show with Shawn Colvin at ECA, 7:30 p.m.  SOLD OUT.

Saturday, May 12, Four Bitchin’ Babes bring their brew of humor and hormones to the ECA, at 7:30 p.m.  “Hormonal Imbalance….A Mood Swinging Musical Review.” More info http://edmondscenterforthearts.org/master_calendar

Monday, May 14, Cascade Symphony’s 50th Anniversary Season closes with “Beethoven’s Ninth in D Minor,” at ECA, 7:30 p.m., and lecture by KUOW’s Dave Beck at 6:30 p.m.  Soloists Melanie Hingson (soprano), Linda Cornell (alto), Marcus Shelton (tenor), and Thomas Hingson (bass) will be featured, with direction by Frank DeMiero of the Sno-King Community Chorale. www.cascadesymphony.org  SOLD OUT.

Storybook Theater presents “The Little Mermaid”at ECA, Tuesday, May 15, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. In this original StoryBook Theater version of Hans Christian Anderson’s tale, “the audience will decide whether the Little Mermaid should keep her legs or high-tail it back to the sea.” Tickets are $10 and under. More Info

“Bobby Norfolk presents Shadowball: A History of the Negro Baseball League,” Wednesday, May 16, at 12:30 p.m., Edmonds Community College Black Box Theatre. Three-time Emmy Award winner and story performer, Bobby Norfolk, gives a living history performance of the heyday of the Negro Baseball Leagues. With historical slides and period music, Norfolk illustrates the clash of race, sports and culture. For more information, call 425.640.1139 or www.BlackBoxEdCC.org.

Meadowdale Players present “Museum,” Thursday, May 17, 7 p.m. Art snobbery comes under attack in this comedy, written by Tina Howe and performed by Meadowdale High School students.

Kermet Apio at Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Thursday, May 17, 8:00 p.m.  Demetris Woodstone Taverna.

The Sculptors Workshop Spring Pottery Sale is an annual Mother’s Weekend tradition at the Frances Anderson Center, Room 210, Friday May 11, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to find a one-of-a-kind gift and meet the artists. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sculptors-Workshop-of-Edmonds/197903463587056

Edmonds Community College Visual Arts will host an open house, May 17, 4-7 p.m. You are invited to tour the art studios, view student work and learn more about the Visual Arts Department. http://artsandculture.edcc.edu/

Edmonds Community College presents Push and Pull: A Happening In Multi-Arts, May 17, 7 p.m. You are invited to enjoy a performance and art collaboration featuring the Karin Stevens Dance Company. http://artsandculture.edcc.edu/

Through May 31 at Cole Gallery, Ann Fleming’s bronze sculptures.

Thursday, May 10, outdoor guide Craig Romano will speak and share slides of his adventures as part of EPIC Literary Series, 6:30 p.m. at the library. Free. More information at www.EpicLiterarySeries.com

On Thursday, May 17, 5-8 p.m., Edmonds Bookshop welcomes local author Bernadette Pajer to speak about her Professor Bradshaw Mystery, “Fatal Induction,” set in turn-of-the-century Seattle.Other noteworthy events and announcements

Edmonds artist Sue Robertson will be part of the line-up for this year’s Kirkland Artist Studio Tour, May 12-13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days.

Edmonds artist Lita Kenyon is participating in the Columbia City Gallery Artists Step Out exhibit, through July 2. More info at http://www.seattle.gov/arts/publicart/city_hall.asp.

A reception for artist d’Elaine Johnson will be held May 17, 7 p.m., in Room 206 of the Frances Anderson Center. A long-time resident of Edmonds, d’Elaine played a key role in bringing together artists and arts supporters to develop an arts community. She recently celebrated her 80th birthday and continues to inspire with her two-dimensional, layered works on display at the Frances Anderson Center’s main entrance. More information at www.eaffoundation.org and www.EdmondsArtsCommission.org.

Gallery North will host a reception for featured artist Kathleen Johnson on May 17. According to Kathleen, “Nature is an endless inspiration for me; I get lost in the colors, patterns, and intricate beauty of our natural world. I try to express and share that joy and wonder through my art.”

Victoria Scarlett will lead a retreat featuring gardens and reflection, Saturday, May 12, at the Institute for Spirituality and the Arts located at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with registration online or by calling 425-778-2119.

The Senior Center hosts its Annual Volunteer Dinner, May 17, 5- 7:30 p.m., with entertainment by Gary Lee Hood’s One-Man Band. The Fiesta-style dinner will celebrate the volunteers who keep the center open. For more info contact Michelle at 425-744-5555, Ext. 108. And one other note – the Senior Center is looking for a volunteer for f0ur to five hours/week for publicity and marketing. You’d make Mom proud.

Arts reporter Janette Turner is your guide to local culture.  In addition to covering visual, performing and literary events for MyEdmondsNews, Janette is managing director of EPIC Literary Series and a member of the Swedish Hospital Art Committee.

Here’s a story about our maple tree that got too big, started to rot and had to be chopped down. That part is sad but there are things to look forward to now that it’s gone.

First, a picture of how it looked in its glory years. This is about the only picture we have of the entire tree. It was too big to take a picture of, frankly. Taking a picture of our house and our maple tree at the same time is like taking a picture of your family in front of the Empire State building – you’re only going to get a portion of the building or your family will end up looking like ants. Our maple was at least 100 feet tall. Not uncommon for a big leaf maple. It was definitely a dominating presence in our front yard. What a beautiful shape, don’t you think?

Big leaf maples are fast growers. There’s a seedling from this tree in our front yard that’s about 10 feet tall after 3 years of growth.

However, there’s a price to pay for that fast growth. Trees that grow fast tend to have weak wood. Unlike, for example, a Japanese maple that takes its time growing, this big leaf maple would break branches in every wind storm. Mostly small ones but sometimes big ones too. It was downright scary to be under it when a sudden gust of wind picked up.
If you look with a trained eye, you can see there’s trouble written in the branches for those living under this monstrous beauty.

With all the trees being chopped down in our neighborhood recently, from housing developments to cutting under power lines, we didn’t want to add another one to the list. Being such a fine old specimen made it especially hard.

Dropped branches weighing more than a hundred pounds changed our minds.

We hired an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist to do the job because it was close to the house and a tricky job getting those long slender top branches down safely (some of them rotted on the inside).

We wanted the tree taken down and the stump removed because we wanted to use the area for new plants and an old stump just isn’t good symbolically for the front yard in my opinion. While it’s true many trees were chopped down to clear the land and to build the house in the first place, I still don’t want to have a symbol or that human bent for destruction sitting in the front yard rotting for a couple decades.

Here’s what’s left of the poor tree after being taken down.

It was $1,900 to take the tree down and another $700 to grind the stump. So what are we to do now?

Well, we can make use of the really large pile of wood chips for one. This is really a valuable thing! On our 3/4 acre lot, there are a lot of paths that can use chips and planting beds that can use weed suppressing mulch (more on the paths in another story).

I estimate this pile is over 20 yards of wood chips. If you were to buy that it would cost around $800. Now you can get wood chips free if there are arborists busy in your area but that is not an on-demand service. It’s only if they have some at the time and are in the area. Also, they often have other people on their list too. You usually have to wait for it, sometimes for weeks and months. So I will count that $800 against what I paid for the stump removal.

Then there are the rounds of wood that I’m going to use for firewood. I estimate we got 2 1/2 cords of firewood and I’ll value it at $200 per cord (that I have to split myself). That’s $500 more off of the felling price of the tree.

We wanted to make furniture out of the wood but we found there was so much rot in the tree that much of the wood was spoiled. We can still cut a few rounds out of the bigger stuff to make a cafe table. Let’s call that worth $50. It could be worth more to someone who really wants to wood work.

This tree was close to the house and always clogged the gutters which would have to be cleaned at least once a year (often twice) and made a shady spot for moss to grow on the roof. Roof and gutter cleaning I’d price at $200 a year.

Finally, there’s the benefit of – sunshine! What price can you put on sunshine? You may think it’s priceless and you’d be right. However, if you had solar panels, that might place a monetary figure on the price of sunshine. In our case, we want to plant an orchard. Let’s just conservatively say a bushel of organic apples can now be grown every year worth $75.

Let’s see:
$1900 tree + $700 stump +$247 tax = $2,847 fell tree and grind stump
-$800 chips
-$500 firewood
-$50 wood for table
————————-
$1,497 after one-time benefits
-$275 per year for yearly benefits
————————————–
= in less than six years I will be paid back monetarily.

But I’ve gotten a bit off track. This wasn’t supposed to be a story about how taking down trees can pay for itself. It’s a sad story how the loss of a beautiful tree affects the caretakers of the land. And I have to say, with ecological devastation all around, it’s heart wrenching to have to take another large tree down. It was after all older than I am, that should count for something. And it was definitely much grander than I am.

Just think of all those years for a tree to grow to such a towering height; all those summers it had provided shade, the fall color, the nesting places for birds, the seeds it produced. And then, a few men with chain saws can take it down in one day. That is surely a tragedy that it takes so long to grow something so beautiful and so little time to destroy it.

However, at the end of the day we are looking forward to the sunshine and all the plants we can now grow in the front yard. It’s liberating in a way, to not be under the tree anymore. And we promise to compensate for the loss of the tree by planting many more plants and a great diversity of plants in its place. In some respects, the spirit of the tree lives on.

James Young is the owner of Blue Wheelbarrow Landscaping in Edmonds.