Gloria Nagler: Contentious Corvids
Monday, July 27, 2026
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| Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler |
When they bickered, Clara and Claude sometimes just couldn’t look each other in the eye...
--Gloria Z. Nagler
When they bickered, Clara and Claude sometimes just couldn’t look each other in the eye...
Free workshop on heat pumps July 29, 2026
Shoreline Heat Pump Program Presentation
Join Energize Shoreline for a free Energize Shoreline workshop to learn how heat pumps can both cool your home in the summer and keep it warm in the winter—while using less energy.
You’ll also learn how to save money on installation, including a $2,500 discount, and get connected with trusted local installers who can guide you every step of the way.
Hot weather is becoming more common, and the City of Shoreline is here to help you stay comfortable at home. Learn more here
WHEN: July 29, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:00pm
COST: FREE
LOCATION: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE
REGISTRATION: Call or visit the senior center 206-365-1536
COST: FREE
LOCATION: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE
REGISTRATION: Call or visit the senior center 206-365-1536
Market tote bags at Town & Country - while they last
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| Each T&C Market carries its own design |
Market Tote Bags are here!
The Market Mugs were so popular, that Town & Country Markets brought the designs by local artists back, this time as a tote-ally awesome canvas bag (with bottle sleeves on the inside).
Supplies are limited, so grab yours in market while you can. There are six locally owned T&C Markets, each selling its own design.
The bags sell for $17.99.
Local Robotics Team hosting outreach event at Shoreline Library
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| Born to Build team member working on robot |
Local robotics team Born to Build invites middle- and high- schoolers to join them for a demonstration of their robot and introduction to FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).
This event occurs at 1:30pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155.
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| Team working on robot at competition |
Team 31065 Born to Build is an FTC robotics team based in south Edmonds. It is a community team made up of local middle and high school students, including public school, private school, and homeschooled students, with volunteer coaches and mentors.
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| The guts of their robot |
Last season, Born to Build was a rookie team, but they put together a competitive robot with a unique catapult design for which they won an award. This year, they are looking to build on their success by learning new engineering skills and expanding their membership.
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| Robot in competition |
On this team members can learn computer-aided design, construction, programming, troubleshooting, driving, teamwork, and much more!
For more information, see the team’s website
--Photos courtesy Born to Build
Climate Action Book Club August 5, 2026 Fen, Bog, and Swamp by Annie Proulx
You are invited to join even if you haven't read the book.
Next meet up will be Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Location TBD. The group will meet at 5:30pm and chat about the current book Fen, Bog and Swamp by Annie Proulx (nonfiction).
The Club has picked books for September through February...see the list is below for meeting dates and titles. Hopefully something for everyone!
- September 2: The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton
- October 7: What We Can Know by Ian McEwan
- November 4: Kolbert: Life on a Little Known Planet
- December 2: Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
- January 6: Night Owl: Poetry that navigates questions and concerns for the environment that envelopes us.
- February 3: Carbon: The Book of Life by Paul Hawken
For more info, email LFPBookClub@gmail.com
Five Acre Woods Volunteer Work Party August 1, 2026
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| Five Acre Woods. Photo courtesy LFP Stewardship Foundation |
Five Acre Woods Volunteer Work Parties
9am-12noon
Monthly on the first* Saturday
Location:
- City Park Five Acre Woods
- 18678-18998 40th Pl NE, Lake Forest Park WA 98155
Removal of non-natives, replanting and trail building are continuing tasks.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, children will need adult supervision and permission. Please sign in when you arrive. Bring your own gloves & tools if you prefer, we will have some to lend as well.
Dress for the weather.
Come on out and enjoy the forest !
Questions? contact volunteer coordinator Polly Saunders
Vote Center at Kenmore City Hall
Vote centers are available to register new voters, update current voter records, obtain a voter registration card and provide assistance to voters who need help completing their ballot.
Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot.
Kenmore City Hall also has a 24-hour ballot drop box on the west side of the building, along 68th Avenue NE.
Now on View: Monument Dress by Olayinka Ola
On view through October 9, 2026 in the Shoreline City Hall Lobby, Monument Dress is a striking gown crafted in richly patterned red and green textiles.
Honoring the spirit of Juneteenth, the work reflects themes of freedom, resilience, and cultural pride through its bold form and layered silhouette.
--Shoreline Public Art
Outdoor movie night at Horizon View Park August 23, 2026
Family Movie Night Sunday August 23, 2026. Movie starts at 7:45pm
All ages are invited to this outdoor movie night at Horizon View Park 19845-20099 47th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Bring a blanket, low chairs and the whole family for this fun, free event.
Herbal Salves and Balms Workshop at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden August 19, 2026
Led by staff horticulturist Heidi Koonz, this hands-on evening workshop invites participants to explore the healing properties of common herbs while creating their own botanical-infused oils, nourishing salves, and natural balms to take home.
Designed for beginners and experienced herbal enthusiasts alike, the workshop combines practical instruction with the peaceful setting of Kruckeberg's woodland garden.
Participants will learn how herbs have traditionally been used for skincare and wellness while gaining confidence in creating simple, plant-based remedies at home. All materials are provided, making this an accessible and rewarding experience for anyone interested in natural living.
The workshop is open to ages 14 and older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.
Event Details
Herbal Salves and Balms Workshop
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
6:00–8:00pm
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Read more...
The workshop is open to ages 14 and older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.
Event Details
Herbal Salves and Balms Workshop
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
6:00–8:00pm
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177
Members: $45 | Non-members: $60
Registration and additional information here
Members: $45 | Non-members: $60
Registration and additional information here
Popular ideas for National Night Out activities
National Night Out is Tuesday August 4, 2026. The concept of NNO is that the safest community is the one where neighbors know each other and it's celebrated in block parties, where everyone who lives on a particular street gets together for a few hours.
The City of Shoreline offers some ideas for activities.
National Night Out can be as simple as sharing ice cream with neighbors or as involved as a street-wide celebration with games, activities, and community projects.
Some popular ideas include:
Learn more at shorelinewa.gov/NNO
- Scavenger hunts
- Chalk art
- Bike parades
- Karaoke
- Community cleanups
- Food drives
Learn more at shorelinewa.gov/NNO
Echo Lake is toxic again - Do not swim, wade, fish, or enter the water
Sunday, July 26, 2026
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| Photo from previous toxic algae bloom in Echo Lake Photo courtesy City of Shoreline |
Based on results from 7/21/2026, Echo Lake currently has microcystin level above the threshold and has been placed under a Danger Advisory by King County Public Health.
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| Photo by Gidget Terpstra |
Echo Lake is closed.
Do not swim, wade, fish, or enter the water. Toxic algae can cause serious illness and can be fatal to humans and pets.
LFP City Council sets schedule for budget hearings
The City of Lake Forest Park encourages public participation in upcoming meetings.
Upcoming Meetings
- City Council Work Session, August 13, 2026, 6:00 pm - Revenue & Expenditure Fiscal Year End Projections for 2025-2026 Biennium.
- Special Budget & Finance Meeting, September 10, 6:00 pm - Capital Improvement Projects
- City Council Meeting, September 10, 7:00 pm - Mayor's Proposed Budget Presented to City Council
- Budget & Finance Meeting, September 17, 6:00 pm - Mayor's Proposed Revenue Projection Overview
- Committee of the Whole, September 21, 6:00 pm - Detailed Department Presentations of Mayor's Proposed Budget
- City Council Special Work Session, September 24, 6:00 pm - Continued Department Presentations of Mayor's Proposed Budget
- Special Council Meeting, September 28, 6:00 pm - Public Comment After the Mayor's Proposed 2027-2028 Biennial Budget is presented & City Council Budget Deliberations and Recommendations
To learn more about participating in City Council Meetings, visit our website.
Pets on Parade at 4th annual Parkwood Neighborhood Association Best in Shoreline Pet Show
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| Pets large and (very) small participated with their owners. This one got a free ride. |
All photos courtesy Parkwood Neighborhood Association
The Parkwood Neighborhood Association Best in Shoreline Pet Show was a huge success! 🐾
This 4th annual event was held on July 19, 2026 at Twin Ponds Park, N 155th and 1st NE in Shoreline.
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| Organized by board members Marie Ammerman, Kate Ledbetter, and Chris Brummer, not pictured Gavin Gregory |
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it such a fun community event.
It was a hot day. The pets had varying reactions - the hot dog took a nap in the shade when his turn was done. Happy dog had boundless energy. The cat was annoyed and the little boy appreciated the popsicles.
Congratulations to all of our outstanding winners in every category!
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| The Dogs of Parkwood |
You and your amazing pets made the day unforgettable! 🎉🐶🐱🐭🐢
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| Judges consulting |
Thank you to our excellent judges Councilmember Keith Scully, Aishah Hammock (THE HAUS OF DOGS) and Asher (Shoreline Pet Evolution)!
Dressed for success.
The award was for the owner. The pet was happy with romaine.
Kitty was happy to snuggle and ignore both dogs and rodents.
And that's a wrap until this time next year.
Blue Heron work party August 8, 2026
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| Blue Heron Park Photo by Linda Holman |
The next Blue Heron Park work party will be on Saturday August 8, 2026 from 9am to noon.
Please bring hand tools and gloves. Larger tools will be provided. We will continue with our cleanup in preparation for fall planting.
Linda Holman
John Brew
Discover the Art of Leaf Casting at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden August 15, 2026
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| Leafcasting at Kruckeberg |
This hands-on workshop offers participants the opportunity to transform natural leaves into beautiful concrete garden sculptures that will last for years.
During the workshop, participants will learn how to prepare molds, apply concrete, and capture the intricate textures of large leaves to create unique botanical castings.
During the workshop, participants will learn how to prepare molds, apply concrete, and capture the intricate textures of large leaves to create unique botanical castings.
Finished pieces can be used as birdbaths, stepping stones, garden art, or decorative accents for outdoor spaces. All materials are provided, and participants are welcome to bring favorite large leaves from home to personalize their projects.
Whether you're an experienced gardener, an artist looking for a new medium, or simply someone who enjoys creating with nature, this workshop provides a relaxing and rewarding afternoon in one of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful gardens.
Whether you're an experienced gardener, an artist looking for a new medium, or simply someone who enjoys creating with nature, this workshop provides a relaxing and rewarding afternoon in one of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful gardens.
Registration is $55 for members and $75 for non-members, and advance registration is required.
Missing Lake City man found deceased
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| Diangelo McKinney |
The King County Medical Examiner has identified a body found Friday, July 24, as Diangelo McKinney.
A Seattle Police detective in the Missing Persons Unit located him in a wooded area off 35th Ave NE. The cause and manner of death are still pending test results.
Everything to know about Jazz Walk August 11, 2026 - street festival, food, music indoor and out
Saturday, July 25, 2026
North City’s favorite jazz festival is back for its 18th year! This year's event features a vibrant five-block-long street scene buzzing with food trucks, family-friendly fun, and local businesses, two free outdoor stages flanked by beer and wine gardens, and five indoor venues where you can enjoy everything from Django-inspired gypsy jazz, and rootsy Americana, to smoky bluesy jazz, and gospel-infused grooves.
There's something for everyone!
Details:
Tuesday August 11, 2026 - five blocks of 15th NE from 175th NE to 180th NE
6:00 pm - The street festival opens with community organizations and local businesses, face-painting and games for kids, and activities for the whole family;
- Two beer and wine gardens next to the free outdoor stages start pouring beverages donated by Georgetown Brewing, Fremont Brewing, and Vault 177—with all proceeds going to local community projects coordinated by Shoreline Rotary and Lake Forest Park Rotary;
- Five indoor (ticketed) music venues begin serving special "Jazz Bites" food and/or beverages;
- Six food trucks begin offering barbecue, Mexican fare, gourmet hot dogs, Mediterranean cuisine, grilled and smoked chicken, vegan options, and dessert ice cream and cookie dough.
6:30 pm - Bands begin playing at the two free outdoor stages, located at either end of the 'Walk in the parking lots of Frank Lumber "The Door Store", and Frank Lumber Bargain Barn.
7:00 pm - Bands begin playing at the five indoor venues: North City Bistro, North City Water District, North City Lounge, Sodam Chicken, and Bethel Lutheran Church. These venues require a wristband for entry.
Music:
- Each stage / venue features the same jazz musician / band all night long.
- All bands play three sets: the first two are 45 minutes long; the final set is 60 minutes long, with a 15 minute break between sets.
- Outdoor bands include The Foot Stompers, and Shear Jazz with Keith McClelland (one of the Jazz Walk's original founders).
- Indoor bands include Pearl Django, Greta Matassa, Angela Petrucci, Ranger and the Rearrangers, and the Elnah Jordan Experience.
Tickets:
- Online tickets are $30 at EventBrite; these must be exchanged for an entry wristband on the night of the event.
- Entry wristbands will soon be available at six locations so you can avoid having to exchange your ticket on the night of the event.
- Seating is limited, and most attendees purchase tickets in advance, so it's best not to wait until the day of the event (when the ticket price also goes up).
More Info:
Shoreline Schools Foundation and Shoreline PTA - backpack drive on now
It’s never too early to be thinking about school supplies! Support our Shoreline School district students with a great start to the 2026-2027 school year by contributing to this year’s Backpack Drive.
You can help in three ways:
Drop off new backpacks at the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation office at the Shoreline Center - 18560 1st Ave NE - There is a collection box in the main lobby.
Shop online: https://tinyurl.com/47v2mmff (link in bio)
Donate to the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation at www.shorelinefoundation.org
Drop off new backpacks at the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation office at the Shoreline Center - 18560 1st Ave NE - There is a collection box in the main lobby.Shop online: https://tinyurl.com/47v2mmff (link in bio)Donate to the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation at www.shorelinefoundation.orgDance lessons at Spartan Center starting July 28, 22026
Dance Lessons
Experience the Fusion and Music:Learn everything you need for a night out dancing
Registering with a partner is strongly encouraged
Register now at: shorelinewa.gov/registernow
Note that you need to create an account first.
East Coast Swing
Spartan Rec Ctr
Tuesdays July 28, 2026 to August 25, 2026
Read more...
East Coast Swing
Spartan Rec Ctr
Tuesdays July 28, 2026 to August 25, 2026
Tue 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Resident $65
Non Resident $78
Salsa Dance
#9600/18 yrs +/Openings 16
Spartan Rec Ctr
Tuesdays July 28, 2026 to August 25, 2026
Tue 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Resident $65
Non Resident $78
The Spartan Rec Center is located between the Shoreline Center and the Shoreline Stadium 202 NE 185th St, Shoreline WA 98155
Coffee in the Park with Urbanist Shoreline
Coffee in the Park has been so fun this summer, lets keep the momentum going!
In August, Urbanist Shoreline will be hanging out at Echo Lake Park. We’ll have coffee and snacks. RSVPs encouraged for headcount, and so we can be in touch with exact meeting location.
Wild creatures among us: The incomparable Douglas' Squirrel
This article was originally published in March of 2018
By John W. Lewis and Gloria Z. Nagler
Photos by Gloria Z. Nagler
We have somehow managed to reside in Lake Forest Park for over twenty years and not notice a Douglas’ Squirrel (aka “dougies” for the purpose of this article) until two years ago!
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| "I heard an owl" Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler |
Now, of course, we’re besotted with the miniature squirrels. We have included three recent photos Gloria made of the three dougies who hang out in and near our yard. One of our neighbors says she has never seen a dougie near her home, though everyone in our neighborhood sees the ubiquitous Gray Squirrels.
Douglas’ Squirrel is named after Scottish naturalist David Douglas, who travelled to the Pacific Northwest in the early 19th century and named many animals and plants, including the Douglas Fir. And, yes, Douglas’ Squirrels enjoy eating seeds from Douglas Firs.
Dougies are also known as pine squirrels and chickarees. Pine squirrels because they eat and bury pine seeds (and help propagate pine trees thereby!) and chickarees perhaps because of their chittery call, which you’ll hear often if you are visited often by a dougie.
John and I are not alone in adoring dougies. According to Wikipedia, John Muir described dougies as “by far the most interesting and influential of the California Sciuridae”. Can’t argue with Muir.
How are they different from Gray Squirrels?
John and I are not alone in adoring dougies. According to Wikipedia, John Muir described dougies as “by far the most interesting and influential of the California Sciuridae”. Can’t argue with Muir.
How are they different from Gray Squirrels?
First, according to Washington NatureMapping Program, dougies average 10.5 to 14 inches in length, but get this: that’s including their bushy tails that are 5 to 7 inches long! The body size of all other squirrels in Washington average eleven inches (excluding tail) according to UW Resident Squirrels website, or close to twice the size of dougies.
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| Dougie and leaf Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler |
Look at the photo we’ve included, for scale, of the dougie next to a fallen leaf. And while we are on the subject of tails, we have included one photo that displays a dougie’s tail in all its splendor – looks like a bottle-washer brush, doesn’t it? It doesn’t appear soft and furry like their cousins’ tails.
Second, according to eMammal (Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute), grays and dougies differ dramatically in how they hoard. Gray Squirrels engage in scatter hoarding, burying their nuts in several places (and even fake burying nuts if a competitor is watching). They recover about 40 to 80% of their caches, says eMammal.
Dougies, however, do larder hoarding, concentrating their food in one spot. Though we have yet to find research on the issue (still looking!) one could imagine that scatter hoarding may be advantageous. If a competitor finds one of your many spots, little harm; but, if it raids your only cache, you are bankrupt! Foresters sometimes take dougie hoards to get seeds for replanting.
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| Dougies have tails like bottle brushes Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler |
Douglas’ Squirrel along with its similar but more widespread cousin, the American Red Squirrel, is being displaced by the Eastern Gray Squirrel, which was introduced to Washington in 1925 and has spread rapidly.
Professor Stephen Harris from the University of Bristol notes that Grey Squirrels are hardier than their red cousins and can live in a wider range of habitats, which gives them a significant advantage.
Douglas’ Squirrel is not endangered, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. It is however protected by law, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
By the way, do you know what a group of squirrels is called? A scurry, or a dray. Personally, we prefer a scurry – it’s alliterative and also sounds like their locomotive style.
Asian Service Center Presents 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival July 31, 2026 in Edmonds
Friday, July 24, 2026
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| Dragon Boat Festival at Edmonds Waterfront |
Edmonds, WA – The Asian Service Center (ASC), a cornerstone of community support in Snohomish County, presents its 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival in Edmonds, Washington. This event will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Edmonds Waterfront Center (EWC), located at 220 Railroad Avenue, Edmonds, WA 98020.
Celebrating Tradition and Community
Event Highlights
- Dragon Boats: Visitors will have the opportunity to see a true Dragon Boat up close, with at least two boats accommodating 10 people each on display outside the Edmonds Waterfront Center (EWC). Weather and tides permitting, attendees can also enjoy a ride on the water, provided they sign liability waivers, wear life vests, and pay a nominal fee of $15. A link to pre-register tickets in advance: Pre-register tickets in advance A few limited seats may be available the day of and can be purchased with cash or online with a QR Code.
- Dragon Boat Race: This year ASC will present an actual race on Puget Sound outside the EWC. Promptly at 4:30m the South County Fire Department is challenging local Community Leaders from our region. Paddlers include, Mayor Steve Woodard of Mountlake Terrace, Mayor George Hurst of Lynnwood, Councilmembers Bryce Ownings and Isabel Mata of Lynnwood, Councilmembers Chris Eck and Will Chen of Edmonds, and Council President Jason Moon of Mukilteo. Mayor Mike Rosen of Edmonds will open the Dragon Boat Festival.
- Cultural Performances: The festival will feature Master David Leong’s Kung Fu practitioners featuring the ever-popular Lion Dance. Seattle Matsuri Taiko drummers will bring the powerful rhythms of traditional Japanese drumming to the event. Other Asian cultural performances including a special performance by Graceland Manila, a Filipino Elvis impersonator and his band will excite the public with music and the SAK Musical band sings and dances to Bollywood style They will perform and teach.
- Documentary Screening: “Traces of China: Dragon Boats – From Ancient Chinese ritual to global sport will be shown in the EWC Banquet Room.
- Specialty Food and Drink: Attendees will enjoy a variety of free specialty food offerings that celebrate Asian cuisine.
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| Dancers, dragons, and taiko drummers |
More information on Dragon Boat Festival can be found at this link
About the Asian Service Center
Founded by two local Asian immigrants, Edmonds City Councilmember Will Chen, and Robert Ha, ASC CEO. The center addresses the unique challenges faced by immigrants in accessing essential services. Serving the South Snohomish community where 24% of the population is Asian, ASC has seen the Asian population grow by 9% since 2020. ASC offers a range of programs, including ESL, Health Access, Family Support, Senior Care, and Youth Development.
In addition to its current programs, ASC provides translation and interpreter services, and advocates for policies that promote equity and fairness for all community members.
Sponsors of this event include Beresford Booth Lawyers, First Security Bank, Edmonds Waterfront Center, Millennia Ministries, AZAPro Roofing, Coastal Community Bank, Rotary Club of Edmonds, Edmonds College, Edward Jones – Jessica Pichora, and Northwest Neighbors Network.
School district surplus sale July 29, 2026
Find great deals on furniture, musical instruments, tables, shelving, exercise equipment, and more, including cellos, violas, violins, and a wide range of band instruments.
Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted (no checks), and all sales are final.
Read more...
Business Spotlight: A New Destination for Ice Cream in Shoreline: Meet Mammatus Creamery in Ridgecrest
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A New Destination for Ice Cream in Shoreline: Meet Mammatus Creamery in Ridgecrest
The Ice Cream Ridgecrest Was Waiting For: Meet Mammatus Creamery
For years, people in Ridgecrest have been saying the same thing: "We need an ice cream shop." This summer, a few local heroes answered the call with a shiny silver ice cream truck! Now parked next to Drumlin in Downtown Ridgecrest Thursday - Sunday 3 PM - 8 PM, Mammatus Creamery is serving artisan soft serve, creative sundaes, and fresh gluten-free waffle cones, creating another gathering place where neighbors can connect, families can celebrate, and everyone can enjoy a little sweet treat close to home.
Q & A with Mammatus Creamery
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
A: Everyone in our neighborhood kept saying the same thing: "We need an ice cream shop." So we built one on wheels. Shoreline was in desperate need of ice cream and places for families to hang out, we built this business to make Ridgecrest even more amazing. We also both enjoy making things, being creative and projects. Since Brent is a public school teacher, summers are already a great opportunity to build a seasonal business. But the real answer is simple, we just love making really good ice cream.
Q: What service does your business provide for our community?
A: Soft serve ice cream! But really, we wanted to create another reason to walk to Downtown Ridgecrest, run into your neighbors, and hang out for a while. We serve rotating artisan soft serve flavors, sundaes and fresh made gluten-free waffle cones Thursday through Saturday from our shiny silver truck in Ridgecrest.
Q: Why is your business based in Shoreline?
A: We live here. Our kids go to school here. Brent teaches here. We walk these streets, shop at these businesses, and know the people in our neighborhood. Shoreline has all these little pockets with their own personality, and Ridgecrest is ours.
We didn't want to open a business just anywhere...we wanted to open one here because we know how awesome it is to walk down the street to check out the book store, get a drink at the pub, check out the daily food truck or see a movie at the theater. Soft serve ice cream seemed like the one thing this neighborhood was missing.
Q: What’s one thing you wish your customers knew about you but never ask?
A: We're probably thinking about ice cream way more than is reasonable.
Our menu is small on purpose. We keep vanilla, rotate a second soft serve flavor in each week, and build new sundaes constantly. If you haven't been by in a few weeks, there's probably something new. That's what excites us, something different each week, an opportunity to experiment and try new recipes and be creative.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in business so far?
A: When people walk up to the window clapping and jumping up and down in excitement because there is ice cream in their neighborhood. Truly. That actually happens most days.
It's also fun to meet people who found us and drove far to come try it out. We had a couple come by last week who drove over an hour because they heard about our soft serve. That felt pretty amazing.
Often people say to us that ice cream in Shoreline was their dream, that it's all they ever wished for. It's fun to be that for Ridgecrest.
Q: How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?
A: Since everyone in the whole world loves ice cream with their whole heart, so it's pretty simple: we just make amazing ice cream. We've generally found that when you hand someone a big swirl of Pistachio with Vanilla, or a huge sundae with fresh baked brownies, or one of our gluten-free fresh waffle cone... it's a pleasant experience for all. That's what guides our approach to customer service.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting a business in Shoreline?
A: We made the decision early on to do this for fun, to do it because we love it. To make something that brings joy to kids, families, neighbors, and friends. We also saw a huge need for ice cream in this area, and in Shoreline in general.
For anyone thinking about starting a business, here's our advice: Go to your favorite spot, spin yourself in a circle, and ask yourself, "What's missing?" If it's something you think would make the neighborhood better and you would enjoy sharing with others, then make sure you buy a huge, shiny truck to sell it out of. That seems to be working for us.
Q: What future plans or goals do you have for your business?
A: More unique and interesting ice cream.
We want to build this business around the idea that there's always one more idea. Always something new to try with ice cream and something fun for our customers to enjoy. We've found that with quality ingredients and a thoughtful menu, we can build a really fun and successful business.
More importantly, we want to create a place where families can gather after a game, celebrate something big or small, and simply spend time with good friends and great neighbors.
Q: Where can people find us?
A: Look for the big shiny truck in Downtown Ridgecrest, just next to Drumlin. This is our home base and we are here Thursday-Saturday 3pm-8pm.
Connect with Mammatus Creamery
Location: Downtown Ridgecrest, just next to Drumlin, Thursday-Saturday 3 PM - 8 PM.
Instagram: @mammatuscreamery
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