I’ve missed you!

Sorry for the long silence since the last post. I was contracted to manage this year’s Kenmore Oktoberfest and September was very much focused on that work. Save the dates for the 3rd annual! September 12-20, 2026.

In the midst of a lot of really difficult news on the national front, it has been a rare treat to work right in the neighborhood, with hard-working folks from the city, Chamber, and business community, to bring a whole lineup of joyful community events to life.

Civic Social / Birthday Edition on August 21st was really wonderful, too. We celebrated August birthdays together, complete with Patricia’s incredible homemade cupcakes, gifts of civic-themed books and ‘zines, and great conversation, including a look at the US Chamber of Connection’s “Six Points of Connection.” [How many can you check off?] We heard about Steve’s ongoing work advocating for noise pollution mitigation – an issue I didn’t have much awareness of previously. We all talked about how hard it can be to find the right volunteering “fit” in the community, too. And much more. It was a lively, lovely time together. [Our next Civic Social is TBA because so many other events are coming right up.]

I was also invited to speak to Leadership Snohomish County’s incoming class about civic action this week at their kick-off retreat. I was excited and honored to be in the room with 45 local leaders investing in not just their own leadership development, but also for the common good. I left feeling inspired and encouraged by their energy. I’ll be cheering them on over the coming months.

I hope to see you out in the community soon. Or, would you like to meet up? Drop me an email!

Sending civic love,
Erika

This weekend at Third Place Commons

25th Anniversary Celebration all weekend! FULL SCHEDULE:

Friday, Sept. 26

• Join me at a drop-in reception 4-7:00 pm in the Stadler Room, followed by live music – Dancing with Swing Street

Saturday, Sept. 27

• 8:30 a.m. – Lito Castro on guitar

• 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. – Birthday Bingo: Collect stamps from merchants, win prizes, and enter the drawing for a family pass to Sky Zone (drawing at 3 p.m.)

• 9 a.m.–4 p.m. – Time Capsule: Help fill a time capsule to celebrate the spirit of our community in 2025 – to be opened in 2050!

• 10–11 a.m. – Founders Forum: Stories from the early days

• 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. – Activity Showcase: Meet the activity groups who make the Commons thrive, and find your own group to join!

• 1–1:45 p.m. – Kids’ Sing-Along & Stories with beloved children’s music legend Nancy Stewart

• 2–3 p.m. – Cake, Balloons & Family Fun

• 3–4:30 p.m. – Native Flute Performance & Workshop with Peter Ali – enjoy an inspiring concert and learn to play the flute yourself!

• 7 p.m. – Live music & open dance floor with the Mark Dufresne Band

• All day: Explore Commons history memorabilia in the Stadler Room & shop the mall-wide Sidewalk Sale

Sunday, Sept. 28

• 10 a.m.–2 p.m. – Lake Forest Park Farmers Market with live music, face painting & sidewalk sale

  • 10–11:45 a.m. – Sun Brazilian Jazz with David Nolet & Dan O’Brian

  • 12–1:45 p.m. – Mosquito Fleet – bluegrass!

Events at King County Libraries:

• 6:30 - 7:30 PM Wednesday, October 1:
  Civics and You! at Bothell Library

  Join an interactive learning experience that informs and inspires members of the community to participate in our democracy.

  This is part of a series. Attend one, two or all three sessions!

  Presented by League of Women Voters of Seattle King County (LWVSKC).

  For adults and teens ages 12 and up. Please register.

• 3:00 - 4:30 PM Sunday, October 5 and Sunday, November 2:
  Civic Lift at Kingsgate Library

  Join neighbors, strangers, and friends to dream about the community we want, and do our part to help make it so. This two-part Sunday series uses a structured approach to identify personal strengths and values, leading to an individual action plan. Attend one session or both. Light refreshments provided. 

  Sponsored by Friends of the Kingsgate Library.

  In partnership with local Citizen University Civic Fellows led by Erika Olson. Civic Lift is a secular, nonpartisan gathering. 
  For adults and teens ages 15 and up. Please register.
  Please register. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows.

• 2:00 - 4:00 PM Saturday, October 25:
  Community Action Fair at Bothell Library

  Connect with nonprofits local to Bothell and the surrounding areas. Learn about volunteer opportunities and other ways you can take action in the community.

  For adults and teens. Register to receive an email reminder. Walk-ins welcome.

  Partnering organizations include: 

  • Bothell Community Kitchen, a Project of Bothell United Methodist Church

  • Cedar Park Kenmore Food Bank

  • City of Bothell

  • Civic Lift PNW

  • Friends of North Creek Forest

  • Hopelink

  • League of Women Voters Seattle King County

  • Northshore Rotary

  • Northshore Schools Foundation

  • PNW Community Table

  • Shelton View Forest Stewardship Association

  • Sno-King Watershed Council

  • Whale Scout