Ron Wambolt's view of the Wednesday sunset over Edmonds.

The free festival will run from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 711 196th St. S.W., Lynnwood.

“This event brings together people who are passionate about delicious, local, wholesome food,” said organizer Chris Hudyma. “Farmers, ranchers, culinary professionals, youth, students, and business owners will offer activities to inspire the enjoyment of real food.”

The Celebration of Food Festival is sponsored by Edmonds Community College, the City of Lynnwood, Verdant Health Commission and Cascade Harvest Coalition.

“Our coalition brings people interested in healthy food and sustainable farms together and that’s what this festival is all about. It will be a fun chance to explore our vibrant, local food system. We’re all coming together to share and celebrate our bounty,” said Sheryl Wiser of Cascade Harvest Coalition.

Participating organizations include: the City of Lynnwood Parks & Recreation, WSU Snohomish County Extension, Snohomish County Agriculture Office, Snohomish County Health District, Snohomish County Senior Services, Edmonds School District, Imagine Children’s Museum and The Pantry at Delancey.

The event will include free samples, demos, displays of foods in eight categories throughout the center: Turf, Sip & Taste, Sweet & Nutty, Kickin’ Flavor, Veggies & Fruit, Great Grains, and Preservation.

There will also be demonstrations by farm and garden professionals and experts available to show how to grow food, purchase locally grown food, cook and preserve it.

For more information, email foodrevsnoco@edcc.edu, go to www.edcc.edu/foodfest or connect with Food Revolution Snohomish County on Facebook.

Appearing at Demetri's Thursday night: Kermit Apio

Local comedian CJ Alexander says the Edmonds nightlife scene is no joke — and to prove it, he has teamed up with Demetri’s Woodstone Taverna on the waterfront to produce a monthly live comedy show, complementing the Downtown Edmonds Art Walk every Third Thursday night.

Tickets are still available for the first show this Thursday, May 17 at 8 p.m., starring Seattle International Comedy Competition winner Kermet Apio. A nationally touring crowd favorite, Kermet is also a local resident and produces an annual comedy fundraiser for the Edmonds School District.

“We believe that Edmonds will support more high-quality live entertainment, and we’ve booked some amazingly high-caliber comic talent for this show,” Alexander said. “This isn’t open mic at a bar, or a showcase of comedy amateurs — these are nationally-touring professionals, like you’ve seen on Comedy Central or the late night talk shows.”

“Edmonds deserves a high-quality show, so we’re guaranteeing 90 minutes of wall-to-wall laughter, headlined by the type of pure comedy pros who could get laughs out of Mt. Rushmore.”

As the former the General Manager of Snap Fitness 24/7 of Edmonds, a local gym, Alexander has seen the city’s demographics gradually change. “Lots of young professionals and first-time homebuyers have been moving to Edmonds,” he said. “It wasn’t very long ago that downtown Edmonds had three bars and ten antique stores; now it’s the other way around. We believe that Edmonds will amply support another high-quality live entertainment option — and that we can finally put a rest to all the jokes about Deadmonds. Although.. I’ll probably still make a couple, at the show.”

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.

At 11:30 p.m., Council President Strom Peterson, who ran the review after Earling removed himself, said the hearing would be continued to 6 p.m. Monday, May 21, in the Council Chambers after councilmembers agreed they still had far too many unanswered questions.

A group of Southwest Edmonds homeowners — led by Councilmember Lora Petso, who has recused herself from voting — have been fighting the development planned on 5.61 acres of the Old Woodway Elementary School playground since 2006, when Burnstead Construction bought the property from the Edmonds School District. Through the Southwest Edmonds Neighborhood Association, neighbors appealed the PRD on grounds that it violated City ordinances and state laws involving stormwater drainage management, a Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation area, traffic congestion, safety, open space and other concerns.

A legal battle has been going on since, with Petso — an attorney– prevailing in Snohomish County Superior Court and, later, in the State Court of Appeals. However, the appeals court sent the case back to the City of Edmonds Hearing Examiner for more information and testimony in the areas of drainage, perimeter set-backs, and open space requirements — and that’s where the latest legal skirmish erupted. On Feb. 9, the Hearing Examiner affirmed the City Planning Division’s recommendation that preliminary approval be granted, with certain conditions. The Southwest Edmonds homeowners appealed that recommendation to the council.

The closed hearing review, which was scheduled for the latter part of Tuesday night’s Council meeting, began with Petso, her husband Colin Southcote-Want and several other neighbors arguing that Earling couldn’t be objective about the issue. Petso noted that Earling was a member of the State’s Growth Management Board when the Burnstead property came before the board, although Earling pointed out that the issue “was about a matter of jurisdiction” between the Edmonds School District, Snohomish County and the City of Edmonds, rather than property development. Second, Petso and others said that Earling’s name was listed in the Council agenda as recommending the Hearing Examiner’s decision be upheld. Earling responded that the form is routinely attached to council agenda items and it was an oversight that the mayor’s name was included as supporting this particular item.

Drainage is the main concern of the Southwest Edmonds neighborhood group, and they are steadfast in their belief that runoff from the development will only make flooding worse. City Planning and Stormwater staff said they were confident that the developer had addressed those concerns, and representatives from Burnstead construction expressed frustration that no matter how many times they worked out a solution — in compliance with city code — the neighbors aren’t satisfied.

Councilmembers began following a line of questioning — mostly directed at Petso — that was clearly aimed at trying to determine why the neighbors were so clearly at odds with city staff on the issue. During one exchange, Councilmember Michael Plunkett asked,”What is the staff seeing differently?” Petso’s reply: “The staff works for the mayor.”

The council will continue to hear additional arguments from both sides on May 21 and then issue a decision.

Earlier at Tuesday night’s meeting, councilmembers voted 6-1 (Michael Plunkett voting no) to override Mayor Earling’s veto of a council-passed ordinance that would increase the charge for new connections to the city’s water, sewer and storm water systems.

Earling, who was on vacation when the vote was taken, said that he didn’t oppose the new charges, which would result in significant increases for any new utility connections — either for new home or commercial construction or remodels. But he did disagree with the way the council decided to phase them in over a three-year period — a 50 percent increase the first year and a 25 percent increase in each of the following two years. (Earling had favored an increase of either one-fourth each year over four years or one-third yearly over three years.)

The council also:

- issued a proclamation thanking Edmonds-Woodway High School senior Alex Springer for his work as the council’s student representative for the past year. Springer, who will study biological engineering at MIT this fall, said he hopes to someday renew  his involvement in city government.

- authorized Public Works Director Phil Williams to advertise for bids for the Main Street improvement project, which is scheduled to be completed between mid-September and mid-November of this year.

The commission addresses specific issues related to economic development and is responsible for helping identify new sources of revenue as a direct result of economic development projects. It also provides new strategies for economic development and provides recommendations regarding strate­gies for economic development and other mat­ters that will improve commercial viability, tourist development and activity for consideration by the Edmonds City Council.

In addition to its other duties, the commission will work in conjunction with the Planning Board to review and consider economic development strategies. Meetings of the commission are held on the 3^rd Wednesday evening of each month.

Commissioner terms are staggered and terms of members on the commission as of Dec. 31, 2011 will expire on Dec.  31, 2012.  Terms of new memebers appointed in 2012 expire on De. 31, 2014 while terms of members appointed in 2013 or later will expire on Dec. 31, 2015.

Interested individuals may apply online at EdmondsWA.gov, pick up an application at the reception desk in the lobby of City Hall located at 121-5th Ave. North, or call 425-771-0247 to receive an application by mail or email.  Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 1.

Gaelic Storm

Members of the Edmonds Cemetery and Columbarium Board are inviting the public to attend the 30th Annual Memorial Day Observance at 11 a.m. Monday, May 28 at the cemetery, located at 100th Avenue West and 15th Street Southwest, one block north of the Westgate QFC. American Sign Language translation will be provided. The event will take place rain or shine and is approximately one hour long.

Street parking is available along 100th Avenue West and 15th Avenue. Parking within the cemetery is limited to those with handicap-parking permits. Limited seating is available, so guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs. Refreshments, provided by the Lynnwood Emblem Club #366, will be served after the program and visitors are invited to stroll the cemetery grounds and take a self-guided tour using one of the cemetery’s walking maps.

The Edmonds Memorial Cemetery was placed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places in 1972 and includes the graves of over 400 veterans. In honor of Memorial Day, graves of all the veterans will be marked with a white cross and a miniature U.S. flag. A special invitation is extended to Pearl Harbor survivors, all veterans and Gold Star families.

Long-time Edmonds resident and Cemetery Board Member Dale Hoggins will be the Master of Ceremonies. This year we are paying tribute to Pearl Harbor survivors. Snohomish County resident and Navy veteran Ervin Schmidt will share his story through an interpretative reading by Edmonds-Woodway High School senior Blaise Lamb.

The Presentation of Colors will be conducted by the following groups: American Legion Post #66, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8870, Explorer Post #734, Girl Scout Troop #42093, Cub Pack #331 and the Washington National Guard. Fred Apgar, member of the VFW Post #8860, will lead a POW/MIA Remembrance Service.

The EWHS Vocal Volunteers will sing several songs throughout the ceremony along with the high school’s Brass Quintet, which will perform several songs, including the “Armed Forces Medley” and “America the Beautiful.” A proclamation will be made acknowledging the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts.

EWHS senior Katarina Nguyen will read her award-winning VFW essay. Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, who has participated in the program for many years playing “Taps,” will give his first mayoral Memorial Day address, “December 7, 1941.” The program will end with a rifle salute by the Washington National Honor Guard – Camp Murray contingent and bagpiper Mike Barber playing “Amazing Grace”.

This project will repair defects in the existing rock seawalls and embankments by filling existing void spaces with grout. All repairs will be made by track-based equipment with a boat acting as a spotter to identify the next repair location.

The schedule for these repair efforts is weather-dependent but expected to continue through the summer. The contractor for BNSF, Advanced American Construction, will provide updates during the project and the City of Edmonds said it will continue to pass that information on via local news sources.

This work will start in Seattle and work northward. It is not expected to be in the Edmonds area for several weeks.

Alyssa Cave and Lara Prado, foreground, apply makeup on guests. (Photo courtesy of FemCity)

Rachael Krebsbach preps for her headshot. (Photo by Janette Turner)

Femfessionals/FemCity Seattle came to town Saturday with a networking brunch and professional photography event. According to Chapter President Amalia Martino, the sold-out event was held in town because she lives and works here. “I love Edmonds,” said Martino, “and am passionate about introducing our little gem of a town to others. “ She also brought on the Northwest Women’s Business Center as promotional partner for the event.  “They’re based in Everett, so Edmonds made geographic sense.”

Saturday’s event met the group’s mission of connecting success-minded women in innovative ways. The 36 women attendees were treated to makeup and styling, and received headshots by Jennifer McKinney. Brunch sponsors included Waterfront Coffee Company, Caffe Ladro, Neuro Drinks, Pop Chips, Coffee-Mate, Chocolat Vitale. Styling was provided by Kelly Statema’s Jamberry nails and Lynn Weber’s Cabi clothing line.

“As a PR professional, networking is essential in my work life and I tend to enjoy it personally as well,” Martino said.  “I want to create opportunities for professional women to connect at events that are welcoming and a good use of time. I want women to walk away knowing that they got something out of it.” The group also gave back to the local community with a raffle that raised money for Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.

The next opportunity to get involved with FemCity is May 16, at a Trends for Treehouse benefit. Entering the code “FEMCITY” here reduces the ticket price by $10.

– By Janette Turner