The YWCA celebrated the 25th year of their Inspire Luncheons this year with events in Seattle, Bellevue and Everett. These luncheons are an opportunity for guests to connect with others and celebrate the achievements of the YWCA in supporting and empowering women and families.

The first YWCA Inspire Luncheon held in Snohomish County was in 1999 and raised $52,120. This year's Snohomish County Luncheon raised a total of $122,500.

More than 40 members of the Mill Creek Women's Club attended this year's luncheon at Comcast Arena in Everett on May 9th. The Women's Club was given special recognition for supporting the YWCA with generous cash donations and by volunteering many hours of their time each and every week to support Pathways for Women.

In 2012 the women's club raised over $17,000 at their annual auction to support the YWCA Pathways for Women. This program reaches over 1,000 women each year in Snohomish County, helping them to help themselves and their families become independent. It provides emergency shelter as a safe haven for women and their children and helps families that have become homeless to rebuild their lives.

The Mariners and the Seahawks: For some reason, professional football seems to have taken the place of professional baseball in defining part of who a city is. Growing up in New York City, it was the Brooklyn Dodgers (when they were still playing at the old Ebbits Field in Brooklyn, or the New York Yankees who defined the essence of being from New York. Kids lived or died on the daily batting averages of their heroes. Mickey Mantle was one of my childhood heroes.

In the movie “A Bronx Tale” (written by Chazz Palminteri – who also plays Sonny, the lead mobster character) Sonny is talking to the young kid he takes under his wing. The kid, nicknamed “C” by Sonny, is talking about how great Mickey Mantle is.

Sonny told C, “What’s so great about Mickey Mantle. He doesn’t care about you or your family. If your father lost his job, see if Mickey Mantle will write a check to your family.”

Poor C, you could see the idolatry drain out of his face as he realized that sports heroes were just well paid people who wouldn’t or couldn’t really help the ordinary working folk. But let your team get into the Super Bowl or the World Series and suddenly the entire city comes together and becomes one with the team.

We are sorry to announce that, due to unexpected circumstances beyond their control, our friends at Musings Artist Inspired in the Mill Creek Town Center will be closing their doors in early June.

Fellow artists and friends Marcia Beck and Leigh Anne Weller opened Musings in 2007 and provided a location for local and regional artists to showcase and sell their artwork. They  offered a unique shopping experience for their loyal customers.

All local artist work will be available for sale at Musings until the last week of May.

Starting Thursday, May 2nd, select merchandise will be on sale and all sales will be final.

It’s that time of year.  Open the windows, roll up your sleeves and dig in. Many of us take the time each spring to eliminate old paperwork, magazines and clothes that we no longer need or use. My mantra as I begin the task of spring cleaning is a quote I read by William Morris, “Have nothing in your house you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” As part of a good spring cleaning routine don't forget your pantry. Here are three simple steps to a clean pantry and three ingredients to toss, without exception.