No matter how long you’ve been living in Snohomish, you owe it to yourself to visit The Repp to enjoy fine food and handcrafted cocktails. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with a long bar and lots of tables lining the brick walls. It’s worth making The Repp a usual spot to meet friends or for date nights, as there are always delicious special entrees and cocktails.

Slide into the bar and start with a drink. There are lots of choices to tempt your palate. Try one of the delicious Washington wines, from whites to reds to sparkling varieties. If you can’t decide, order a flight of three wines. You can try two ounces of each of your choices for just $9. Go in on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. to get half price off your favorite bottle of wine. Just purchase an entree or two appetizers to enjoy the deal. The martini list is also worth working through, and there are cocktails on the rocks or warm drinks, perfect for a chilly night.

Dinner is served up at The Repp using only the finest locally-sourced ingredients. Start with an appetizer of crab cakes or beer-battered mushrooms served with lemon aioli. The entrees include everything from steak and chicken to seafood to pastas and risotto. There are also sandwiches, flatbreads, and burgers available.

If you come in early, don’t miss the Social Hour specials, served at the bar and lounge from 3 to 6 p.m. Get a double martini or Manhattan, a glass of microbrew on tap, or a glass of wine at special prices. There are several flatbreads, including the margherita with pesto, mozzarella, and tomato or the roasted veggie with vegetables, garlic cream, goat cheese, and pesto.

Follow The Repp’s Facebook page to keep up with special entrees and dinners. Couples living in Snohomish should consider going to the Valentine’s Day dinner, served on February 14th from 3 to 10 p.m. Be sure to make reservations soon! 

People who love good wine should check out Blanc & Rouge Wine. Located in historic downtown Snohomish real estate, in the Eagles’ Building, the shop was founded in 2012. The shop is airy and full of light, with beautiful high ceilings and antique fans. You can find wines from all over the world, and there’s a great selection of wines from the Pacific Northwest. Blanc & Rouge is a great place for a snack after an afternoon of antique shopping. Order a glass of wine and one of the delicious small plates that will complement the layers of flavors. The charcuterie offers a selection of cured meats with mustard and crackers, while the fromagerie offers delicious cheeses with preserves and nuts. Wine Country Antipasti is a selection of meats and cheeses, along with crackers, chutney, and pickles.

Don’t forget dessert! Blanc & Rouge offers a staggering array of sweet treats, and many come from local bakeries. All of the menu offerings can be eaten in the store or taken home to make a gathering a truly special event.

In addition to the goodies available anytime, Blanc & Rouge also offers classes for Snohomish real estate owners. On Wednesday, February 21st, come in for the Wonderful Washington class. Participants will be guided by an official from the Washington Wine Commission through five different wines made right in the state. Tickets are $20 for wine club members or $30 for non-members and include five wine samples as well as appetizers.

Wine lovers who want to broaden their palettes should join the Wine Club. Members receive six bottles of wine each quarter and can choose all reds, all whites, or three of each. Four different price points are available as well. Members also receive 15% off any purchase of a case of wine, as well as early or exclusive access to parties, tastings, and classes.

Visit Blanc & Rouge to find out more about upcoming events and sign up for the Wine Club.

All who reside in a Monroe property are invited to the 2nd Annual ChiliBowl. Enter your famous chili recipe, or be a taster at this fun event that brings the whole community together. Come on out to the Monroe Community Senior Center located at 276 Sky River Parkway on Tuesday, January 30th from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to taste some amazing chili. Admission to the event and tasting is free, but each vote costs $1 or a can of food. In addition to tasters voting for their favorite chili, there will also be judged categories. These include Most Original, Hottest and Best Meatless. The three teams that get the highest number of votes will get a gold, silver, and bronze spoon respectively. The trophies are always a fun sight to see, check out this year’s designs at the ChiliBowl. Also bring along some extra money for the margarita, beer, and wine garden, which will be open during the entire event.

Registration is not required to attend the event, but it is required to enter the contest. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to be seen in the community and for Monroe property owners to make personal and business connections. All competitors need to make a minimum of one large crockpot of chili and should arrive at the senior center between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to get all set up. Teams can bring in the votes by not only making the tastiest chili, but also by coming up with a creative theme and decorations for their table.

So far, contestants include Kathleen’s Day Spa, Kiwanis of Monroe WA, Mr. Dizzy Motorsports, Pharm A Save Monroe, Re/Max Legacy, and Sam’s Cats and Dogs Naturally. Anyone else who is interested in participating can find more information online as well as a link to register. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $50 for non chamber members. Event partners include Monroe Community Senior Center, Monroe Boys and Girls Club, and Sky Valley Food Bank. Come have a great time and support these worthy organizations.

People living in Snohomish who love the arts go to Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater for live music, improv comedy, and community classes. There are several regular events. On Friday nights, there’s a family-friendly open mic. Performers sign up from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., then the show starts at 7:30 p.m. The suggested donation is $5 or $3 for performers. This is a great way to meet local musicians, poets, and storytellers, as each performer gets eight minutes (or two songs) each. On the fourth Sunday of each month, the Seattle Classical Guitar Society hosts an open mic at 4 p.m.

Throughout the year, Thumbnail Theater also hosts classes for kids and adults living in Snohomish. The winter session runs from January 12th through March 16th. Kids ages six to 12 learn basic music theory, voice and ear training, performance techniques, and choreography. The class focuses on communicating through performance, but it’s not an acting class. Kids build their confidence and make new friends. There are still a few spots left in the 2 to 3:30 p.m. session. Call 360.558.9412 to register.

The performance calendar at Thumbnail Theater is packed with talented local performers. The Neil Youngs & the Harvest Moon Band, the top Neil Young tribute band in the Pacific Northwest, will be performing on January 27th. Tickets to the show are only $15. The Crackpot Comedy Cavalcade has performances once a month through April. The hilarious, interactive show is designed to appeal to all ages. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, February 4th, the Debutones will perform at 4 p.m. The band plays a fabulous mix of bluegrass, country, and folk music. Founding members Debby Nagusky and Don Share have been singing together since the 1990s.

Find out more about upcoming events at Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater and get involved in the Snohomish arts community. 

This winter, the Lake Stevens School District’s Community Education classes are offering families who live in Lake Stevens homes a wide variety of swimming lesson options at the Lake Stevens High School Pool. Two more sessions for group lessons will be available with registration for each beginning on February 2nd and March 2nd. Sign up for every session will be completed on a first come,first served basis with payment due at the time. Students who have completed one session and wish to sign up for another may do so on the last day of their current session during a pre-registration period available only to current students and their siblings.

On Mondays and Wednesdays the 25 minute long group lessons will begin at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The upcoming session will last from the 5th of February until the 28th with no class on the 19th, which also allows for seven classes for $35. The last session of the winter will last from the 5th of March until the 28th with eight classes for $40.

The Tuesday and Thursday lessons offer students in each session eight classes for $40, and have three different time options for busy families, at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The next session will run from the 6th of February until the 1st of March. The last session will last from the 5th of March through the 29th. Families who choose these days should remember that the lessons could begin a little late on the days when Lake Stevens High School hosts swim meets.

On Saturdays, families have 4 different time slots available to choose from at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. These sessions will give students four classes for $20.

Group lessons for teens and adults will also be made available on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. as well. Each class will last 45 minutes. The next session will run from the 5th of February through the 28th, with no class on the 19th. It costs $52.50. From March 5th until the 28th, the third session will offer eight classes for $60.

Private lessons are also available and paid by the half hour, with one on one instruction for $20, and semi-private for two students at the same level for $30. These lessons must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance, and may be canceled or rescheduled with at least three hours prior notice. People who live in Lake Stevens homes are encouraged to contact the pool to check on its availability for private lessons. This winter they will also be offering a Lifeguard Training Course, as well as a Lifeguard Instructor Course for those who are interested and qualify.

To learn more about all the Pool offers the community like its Deep Water Aerobics, Moonlight Open Swim, or how to rent the facilities call 425-335-1526. Find out more about Community Education options in Lake Stevens. 

Whether you’re looking for a new place to eat lunch or a nice spot for take out, head to Bella Balducci’s Mediterranean Cuisine, conveniently close to any Monroe property. The restaurant was founded by three brothers, Kevin, Ramin, and Sean. The whole family is involved, from the brother’s father and uncle to their wives. They focus on taking great care of their customers, bringing in great people to work in the restaurant, and finally, using top-quality ingredients in all their dishes. Every dish is made fresh daily--nothing is ever frozen.

Take a culinary tour around the Mediterranean without leaving the Monroe property area. The Bella Balducci’s menu starts you off with calamari, dolmas, tzatziki and pita bread, hummus and pita bread, and babaganoush and pita bread. Try a slice of spanikopita or the falafel balls.

For those who need their lunch in a hurry, the sandwiches served in pita bread are a great choice. Try beef, lamb, or chicken gyro. Vegetarians will enjoy the falafel gyro. Round out the meal with a bowl of soup or a small Greek salad. Those who have heartier appetites can choose a full plate, which comes with rice, tzatziki, hummus, pita bread, and a Greek salad. In addition to the gyros, there’s also souvlaki--grilled chicken, beef, or lamb. The dinner entree menu is more extensive and includes a great selection of pasta dishes. Try the fettucini carbonara with chicken, linguini al pesto with prawns, or four cheese tortellini with Italian sausage.

Bella Balducci’s is a great place to go with kids, as there is a children’s menu with their favorites. Kids can have chicken strips with fries, spaghetti and meatballs, gyro slices and fries, or butter noodles with parmesan.

Save room for dessert, so you can have a serving of baklava, a slice of tiramisu, or a scoop of saffron ice cream.

Visit Bella Balducci’s to see the full menus, learn about making a reservation for a party, or order online. 

If you’re looking for a new spot to stop in for lunch with friends, check out Christa’s Sandwichboard. Located in the historic downtown area, it’s convenient to most Snohomish homes. Be sure to come hungry, because they do not skimp on portions at Christa’s. They also don’t skimp on quality. All baked goods are made in-house, and the meats, cheeses, and veggies are all chose with exquisite care.

Whether you’re in the mood for something cold or hot, for a salad or a bowl of soup, Christa’s has you covered. There are tons of great choices, but one favorite among the cold sandwiches is the Christacado. This house favorite is served on sweet bread, with sliced avocados, turkey, sprouts, onion, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, along with a dash of spice for a delicious contrast. Among the hot sandwiches, the Beast stands out. The menu warns that it’s “not for the timid”, so plan accordingly. It comes on your choice of bread, piled high with turkey, ham, and bacon, along with melted jack cheese, avocado, cheddar cheese, lettuce tomato, mayo, and mustard.

Don’t forget the salads! You can pick one as a side to a sandwich or have a full salad, which is a meal on its own. There’s the sweet kale salad, which comes with kale, Brussels sprouts, radicchio leaves, broccoli, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds tossed with a poppy seed dressing. Or go for something more familiar and have a traditional Caesar salad. Add turkey, chicken, beef or tuna to any salad for a small additional charge.

Christa’s also specializes in charcuterie and cheese plates. Create your own platter, with either three, four, or five selections from the current offerings. Be sure to ask about the weekly premier cheese. Every platter comes with baguettes, fig and black tea jam, honey, and nuts.

Everyone from Snohomish homes will find something to enjoy at Christa’s. You can also relax with a glass of wine or a beer from the excellent selections. Visit Christa’s online to see the full menu. Be sure to check out the Facebook page to keep up with all the news. 

North Cascades Crew is an active community of rowers from all over the area around Lake Stevens real estate. Established in 2008, NCC’s mission is to use the sport of rowing to educate every member of the community about cooperative leadership skills and good health habits, as well as to offer instruction and equipment for engaging in activities on the water. The Crew also provides opportunities throughout Snohomish County for people to participate in community and charity functions, while working towards the construction of the Joe Rantz Boathouse. 

There is something for everyone in the family at North Cascades Crew, and that includes all their Junior Crew activities that will be starting their Spring Session on February 12th. The Session will last until the 10th of May, and offers rowing for all levels from the ages of 11 through 18 for boys and girls alike. Children will learn the sport of rowing in a positive and safe environment while having a lot of fun! Their experienced staff and coaches are able to provide every student with exceptional training for the necessary skills they will need on both the land and water. On Wyatt Park’s beautiful Lake Stevens real estate, students will be taught every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:30 in the afternoon until 6:00 p.m. by people that are dedicated to the well-being of their students and are proud to make every dollar spent on their training count. Plus, from now until the 1st of February, parents who register their children for lessons are able to get a $10 discount off of the $385 fee with the EARLYBIRD coupon code. The Junior Chairperson Bridget McLeod can be reached directly at northcascadescrewrow@gmail.com for more information, or by phone at 888-ROW-NCC1.

North Cascades Crew also offers Adult Learn to Row Lessons all year round, and a Master’s Program with options for beautiful sunrise sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 a.m. until 7:15 a.m. for experienced and recreational rowers. To learn more contact Katie Diamond and info@northcascadescrew.com, or call the main line at 888-ROW-NCC1. There’s no better way to begin a day than spending time on the water!

Come join in the fun with NCC and see the difference they are making in the community!

Since 1996, Hawkeyes Sports Bar and Restaurant has had its Lake Stevens property open to the public, and over the years it has become a favorite with both locals and tourists alike. With affordable prices and its family friendly atmosphere, guests appreciate everything this bar and grill has to offer. Their menu includes a wide variety of appetizers like breaded chicken strips, chili cheese fries, as well as hand breaded mushrooms or onion rings, and all appetizers are $3 off with an alcoholic beverage from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day on Sundays. The restaurant offers soups and salads with their own house made dressings, including a Sirloin Steak Salad that is a favorite, as well as Rosa’s House Made Clam Chowder and other House Made Soups. With many different kinds of sandwiches and wraps, like their Fish Taco Wrap and Grilled Turkey Melt, as well as burgers and specialty burgers like their Jalapeno Pepper Jack Burger and their Chili Burger, there’s sure to be something for every member of the family to enjoy. Then, the dinner entreés at Hawkeyes, including their New York Steak and Fettuccine, all come with sides of salad and garlic toast along with the choice of garlic mashed potatoes, a baked potato, or fries. It’s a smorgasbord of amazing flavors for everyone!

The schedule at Hawkeyes allows its Lake Stevens property to be open for guests every day of the week. From Monday through Thursday it opens at 11 a.m. and doesn’t close until midnight, then it stays open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast is actually only served on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until 1 p.m., then the restaurant returns to its normal closing hours Sunday night at midnight. Everything on the breakfast menu, from their biscuits and gravy to their Hawkeye omelette, is available only during the breakfast hours so there is often a full house on the weekends. From 9 p.m. until closing on any day of the week, the bar goes into full swing as families have their children in bed and adults are enjoying their evenings on the town.

Over the years, Hawkeyes has become a popular place for locals to gather to watch sporting events on their 15 tvs and to enjoy the beer garden as they relax after a hard day. With both street and parking lot parking and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, walk-ins are always welcome, though large crowds often call for reservations beforehand to make sure their group can be accommodated. To find out more about all that Hawkeyes Sports Bar and Restaurant offers, call them at (425)335-4359. Keep up with the latest news on the Hawkeyes Facebook page. 

The Snohomish Library works hard to provide learning opportunities to children living in Snohomish when school is not in session. There are several opportunities for students to keep their minds engaged in the time between Christmas and New Years. The library is also very good at coming up with events and activities that youngsters actually want to attend. Here are a few coming up:

Minecraft Build Challenge: This will take place on Wednesday, December 27th 2017. There are two sessions to choose from, either 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Youngsters will meet in the Snohomish Meeting Room. Elementary Early Learners ages 5 to 9 years old are invited to come and participate. Children will work together, or on their own if prefered, to build a spectacular Minecraft structure. Registration is required for this event. Build with Light: This event will take place on Friday, December 29th, 2017 also in the Snohomish Meeting Room. Teens and tweens ages 10-19 in 4th grade and up are invited to participate in this educational event. Each participant will be able to explore electricity using littleBits kits to create a flashlight or a desk lamp. Children will be proud to bring their new creation home and tell their parents all they learned about electricity. Registration is required for this event as well.

Everyone living in Snohomish is invited to keep an eye on the library calendar and take advantage of all of the wonderful programs. Find storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, classes for adults, and every age in between. Be sure to grab some books, CDs and movies to take home when stopping in for a program and support the local library. Check out a new cook book, a manual for building a piece of furniture, or something to read for sheer enjoyment. Stretch your mind and explore what the library has to offer you. Keep up with library events, and check the calendar often.