Showing posts with label third place commons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label third place commons. Show all posts

A basket of books - a basket of beer - Breakfast and auction for Third Place Commons Thursday morning

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

President Jimmy Carter with staff of Third Place Books
Bid on an autographed copy of his memoir
at the Third Place Commons Breakfast Thursday

Third Place Commons annual fundraising breakfast is this Thursday at 7 am. In addition to a fabulous Honey Bear breakfast there will be a short but fabulous auction.

Third Place Books has donated a basket of books that holds five signed first editions. This is an incredible opportunity to become a book collector, or to add to your collection. The value of this collection of first editions — signed first editions -- is $700.

Included in the basket are:
  • A Full Life by Jimmy Carter – President Carter visited Third Place Books just a few months ago. 
  • All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. An amazing book that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. 
  • The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. The story of a local hero who, with the UW rowing team, won the 1936 Olympics. 
  • It's Your World by Chelsea Clinton. Stories about people who have made a difference.
  • Born With Teeth: a Memoir by Kate Mulgrew. Ms. Mulgrew is the actress who played Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek and plays Red in Orange is the new Black. 

Just in case you don’t win the books, there are also 12 restaurant certificates, which will be auctioned off separately in a Restaurant Rush.

Bid on a get-away at the Alderbrook Resort and Spa
 
Or, if you have the mid-winter blahs but need more than just a meal out, you could consider bidding on one of two vacations. One is a four-day stay in a beautiful, new, Washington coast vacation cabin and the other is a get-away at the gorgeous Alderbrook Resort and Spa.

To top it off, the board is auctioning a basket of beer so you can have something to drink as you browse through your new books or relax by the water.

You won’t want to miss this fun community event!

Breakfast tickets are still available on-line at buy a ticket, or in person at the bookstore.
Upper level, Town Center, intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Way, Lake Forest Park.



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Third Place Commons Annual Award to go to Church of the Redeemer-Kenmore

Friday, February 19, 2016

The Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore
is a major supporter of Market Bucks.

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is a program of Third Place Commons. Market Bucks is also a program of Third Place Commons.

Market Bucks are two-dollar coupons distributed through local social service agencies for distribution to their clients. The idea developed as a way to help people gain better access to the fresh, local food available at our Farmers Market.

Over the past five years the Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore has donated a total of $22,000 to the Market Bucks program. This contribution has been the backbone of the program. The program is now getting funds from a variety of sources and is on its way towards self-sufficiency.  

The coupons are distributed to individuals who can shop at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market and are used just like cash. The farmers at the market collect the coupons each week and turn them into Third Place Commons.

Commons staff then reimburses the farmers for the coupons. The average redemption rate for coupons distributed last year was 73%. The rate varied by the local service agencies, but this number is a very positive sign that the program is well-received.

The Market Bucks program is good for the farmers because having this additional source of revenue encourages them to remain in our market. The program is also good for the community because it provides a more healthful diet to many residents who would otherwise go without.

If you want to support the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Market Bucks and all of the other great programs of Third Place Commons, please make a contribution and purchase a ticket to the annual breakfast on February 25 at 7 am at the Commons.

You can purchase a ticket on line at Third Place Commons Community Breakfast, or at Third Place Books, upper level Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park.



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Third Place Commons is a little quieter

Thursday, January 21, 2016

LFP Garden Club with new curtains
in Third Place Commons

Last week, all at the same time, Third Place Commons hosted: the Lake Forest Park Garden Club, a book club, a men’s group, an informal group of about 10 mothers with their toddlers, a business training meeting, a birthday group, several children and their caregivers at the “Kids Korral,” couples chatting and studying and individuals working on computers.

In December, Third Place Commons installed new sound reduction curtains. When closed, these new curtains really work. This means that the various groups can meet at the same time without as much distraction from competing noises.

The new deep-purple curtains match colors in the Third Place Commons logo adding some continuity and splash to the space. They were purchased with grant funds from 4Culture and donations from community members to Third Place Commons. The funds for the community portion of the curtains were raised at the annual breakfast.

This year the annual Third Place Commons Breakfast February 25, 2016 at 7am. The funds raised at the breakfast support all of the varied programs at the Commons. Tickets are available at Third Place Books and online at Third Place Commons Breakfast tickets.



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Save the Date for the Third Place Commons Breakfast

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Thursday morning February 25, 2016 is the annual Third Place Commons Breakfast. Please join us from 7:00 - 8:29am for this lively community event. 

Why get up early on a February morning?
  • A Honey Bear breakfast of scrambled eggs and amazing bacon is only one reason. 
  • Third Place Commons is a non-profit organization that hosts hundreds of events in the Commons and on stage.
  • On Friday and Saturday nights the Commons manages the free music and dancing.
  • Play and Learn, a program for toddlers and their caregivers, has provided hundreds of children with a safe place to play, make art, read and play together.

The Breakfast raises the vital funds to keep these programs going. 

Buy a ticket or a table online, or at Third Place Books, upper level Town Center, at the intersection of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way in Lake Forest Park.



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Last Farmers Market of the year in Lake Forest Park

Monday, December 14, 2015

The farmers were inside in The Commons

Photos by Jerry Pickard

On Sunday, December 13, Lake Forest Park Farmers Market held its last market of 2015.

The entire lower hallways were full of craft booths.

Shoppers were able to purchase gifts from the craftspeople on the lower level and buy produce and plants in the commons on the upper level.


Shoppers were entertained by the Northshore Church Choir on the 3rd Place Stage.


Pam Wilmot spins llama wool while selling her products.


Dale Miller of "birds 'n beads" was busy making silver chains at his booth. 

  
The Pink Polka Dots were out in force, raising money for pediatric brain cancer research.

Business was slow while the Seahawks were playing but immediately picked up as the game ended. Parking was at a premium in both upper and lower levels.



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Winter Craft & Farmers Market Nov 22 at Third Place Commons

Friday, November 20, 2015

The seating area at Third Place Commons is transformed
into an indoor marketplace

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is back with two Winter Markets that will knock your socks off! Chock full of holiday goodness and crafts galore, come buy delicious, locally grown food for your Thanksgiving meal.

Shop with your favorite farmers, and find unique hand-made holiday gifts at the crafts fair on the lower level of the Town Center.

Market Days are Sunday, November 22 and Sunday, December 13, 10am-3pm.

Weather permitting, the Farmers Market portion will take place outside in the same location you’ve come to love in the summer. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move inside to The Commons.

Here are the Food Vendors and Farmers who will be there:

Alvarez Organic Farm - Organic veggies
Bear’s Breath - Ketchup for the bold
Be Well Farm - Sustainable veggies
Blue Cottage Jams - Low sugar jams & jellies
Collins Family Orchards - Delicious fruit
Doll House Baked Goods - Home-baked goods
Drummin’ Up Wontons – Made fresh, warm wontons for lunch or snacking
Garden Treasures - Organic food & veggies
Heart of Dreams Alpacas – yes they are bringing the critters
Jon Boy Caramels - Artisan confectioneries
Lopez Island Vineyards - Award winning wines
Luv Macaroons - Gourmet French Macaroons
Middle Fork Roasters - Small batch roaster
Pete’s Perfect Toffee - Family owned Toffee
Raft Island Roses and Wreaths
Shen Zen Tea - Something to warm you up!
The Beekeeper’s Secret – will be inside
Whidbey Island Ice Cream - Perfect.
Whitehorse Meadows LLC - Organic blueberry products

Link to craft vendor list



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A New Director at the Commons

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Lori Hoffman, Executive Director
Third Place Commons
The Friends of Third Place Commons is pleased to announce the hiring of Lorie Hoffman as the new Executive Director.

As the former Marketing Manager for the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council and a gallery manager in Montana, Hoffman brings considerable organizational skills to this position.

She is also a working printmaker with an outstanding command of technology and graphic design. She has been described as energetic, creative, and collaborative, with the ability to inspire others as catalysts for growth and change. 

Third Place Commons at the Lake Forest Park Town Center is a vibrant, safe, welcoming space open to everyone. The Friends of TPC is the non-profit organization that schedules and facilitates all of the community events that happen there. Last year there were more than 900! 

Third Place Commons boardmembers are excited to embark on this next phase in the life of our wonderful community space. Hoffman will begin work on October 5. Please say hello if you see her next time you are in the Commons.



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Dance to the music on Friday at Third Place Commons

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Market Street Dixieland Jass Band
at Third Place Commons Friday

Friday August 21 at 7:30pm at Third Place Commons on the upper level of Town Center, intersection of Balling and Bothell Way in Lake Forest Park, the Market Street Dixieland Jass Band will be playing traditional New Orleans jazz, rags, stomps, blues and 1920's standards.



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Weekend music at the Commons: Jazz and Swing

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Saturday


Jacob Zimmerman Quintet - Danceable "Jazz"

Friday, August 7 at 7:30

Classic bebop jazz from the 40 and 50s



Saturday August 8 at 7:30

Microsoft employees perform original compositions and standards.


Third Place Commons is on the upper level of Town Center in Lake Forest Park, corner of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way.


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Third Place Commons seeking new Executive Director

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Annual fund raising breakfast at Third Place Commons
Photo by Aaron Stadler

It’s a Real Space for Real Community! Third Place Commons needs a new Executive Director who is innovative, organized, energetic, has excellent communication skills, can work independently and embraces the power of creative community connections.

Friends of Third Place Commons, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1999, manages the Commons for the community. Adjacent to Third Place Books on the upper level of the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, the Commons is a large and flexible community space that encourages both spontaneous and organized activities. Features include seating for restaurants, free Wi-Fi, a safe place for children to play in sight of their caregivers, a semi-private meeting room, and a stage.

Every year, Third Place Commons hosts over 900 free public programs for people of all ages, interests, and abilities. With play and learn programs for infants, concerts by Shoreline School District students, educational opportunities for adults, Friday and Saturday night music, book clubs, Mahjongg and arts gatherings, plus the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, the Commons is a lively and welcoming place. 

The vision of the organization is: Third Place Commons is a vibrant, safe, welcoming space open to everyone. Our mission is to:

  • Enrich and foster real community in real space at the Commons.
  • Facilitate free public events in the Commons.
  • Sponsor the local farmers market.
  • Partner with civic, arts and social service entities to help maximize their impact.

The Executive Director we seek is able to work independently and collaboratively, supervise part time staff and manage his/her time. The position requires flexibility and a commitment to building and sustaining community relationships.  




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Weekend at The Commons

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Even though many places are closed for the weekend, Third Place Commons at Lake Forest Park is still going. Gettysburg address and Jazz on Friday, and the Farmer's Market on Sunday.



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Thank you for sharing your art

Thursday, June 4, 2015

I want to pay homage to the sophomore students who shared their art this afternoon in Third Place Commons at the Forest Park Center. I am so grateful they chose to display their gifts at the Commons! I was deeply moved by the caring, thoughtful, and thought provoking World Art they mounted. 

When we formed Friends of Third Place Commons, I imagined it would be a place that welcomed such exchanges. Right in the heart of our community. You're helping that dream BE a reality when you choose to share what you create and what you care about!! 

Thank you, one and all: students and teachers!! I was only able to catch a few of you to thank you in person, so I am paying my respects now, in our wonderful community newspaper that records the goings-on in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. Your compassionate creativity is a testament to the absolutely essential value our public schools offer. 

Anne Stadler
Co-Founder, Friends of Third Place Commons 
Mother and grandmother of Shoreline District students



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Third Place Commons Receives Beloved Community Award

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Ros Bird and Anne Stadler at Third Place Commons
Photo courtesy Third Place Commons


Ros Bird, the chair of Third Place Commons accepted an award from the Beloved Community. Anne Stadler, a founder of the organization that maps places that are important in the lives of people in their own communities.


The Beloved Community honors places in neighborhoods that people depend upon. Places that people feel welcome, safe and accepted. 

Anne Stadler said she thought Third Place captured the idea behind the Beloved Community.

"It's a free and open civic space. Whoever comes is welcome and treated with respect. It’s also a place where people can share their unique gifts. A real community."



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10th Annual Third Place Commons Breakfast -February 26, 2015

Monday, March 9, 2015

225 enthusiastic supporters at the 2015 Breakfast
Photo by Aaron Stadler

By Constance Perenyi

“This event is one of my favorite days of the year and I hate to miss it. You're here because this place, this Commons concept, is a remarkable community asset. Not everybody has this. We do, and we're lucky. 
We're also, as a community, smart enough to recognize the value in this kind of human churn and interweave, the exchange of ideas, the warmth of dance and music and learning and simple daily interaction. This place, this idea, helps all of this happen and helps make this a better place. Thank you so much for coming again this year and for once again supporting Third Place Commons.”
     Allen Schauffler, Master of Ceremonies in absentia

This year, as Friends of Third Place Commons prepared for our annual fundraising Breakfast, we hit a few bumps in the road. One of our honored guests was out of town in mid-February, so we set the date two weeks later. Brilliant idea, something we will do again because it gave us more time to organize and fill those tables.

MC Allen Schauffler was called out of town
Photo Shoreline Area News 2011

Then, just a few days before the event, Allen Schauffler, our intrepid Master of Ceremonies for eight of the last ten years, was sent out of town on assignment. What to do?

Simple! We started the Scher-Sher-Shere show early. Steve Scher, interviewer extraordinaire and a local treasure, was already on board to interview Ron Sher, the visionary behind Third Place Books. Right after musician David Shere completed his first set, Steve took the podium, read Allen’s greeting, and our biggest breakfast ever, with over 270 guests, was off and running.

David Shere, musician, at Third Place Commons Breakfast
Photo by Thomas Ager.

This year, we marked several significant anniversaries.

The Town Center opened 50 years ago, and as we saw in Aaron Stadler’s slide show, the mall has gone through several evolutions. And it has had its share of owners. In October 2014, Merlone Geier purchased the property from Madison Marquette. During the months we awaited word of the final sale, supporters of the Commons held our collective breath. Would the new owners recognize the value of Third Place Commons, and of the little non-profit organization that produces over 900 free, public events every year, and runs the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market? We are delighted to answer that question with a resounding yes. We started the Breakfast festivities by thanking Merlone Geier for continuing support of the Commons and the weekend music program.

Ron Sher and Anne Stadler were interviewed by Steve Scher
Photo by Aaron Stadler

Every year, Third Place Commons honors one community partner for service above and beyond ordinary support. This year, Ros Bird, Chair of Third Place Commons, recognized Third Place Company for 15 years of vision and support. After accepting the award, Ron Sher was joined on stage by Anne Stadler, the founder of Friends of Third Place Commons, and Steve Scher asked both of them about how this space came to life.

Ron began by recounting how he was influenced by Ray Oldenberg’s book The Great, Good Place, in which he describes the power of informal, common places like pubs and taverns where everyone in the community is welcomed. When he looked beyond the empty storefronts of a nearly deserted mall in Lake Forest Park, Ron envisioned a thriving bookstore. He also saw the potential of a third place where readers linger over a cup of coffee, neighbors see each other often, and people drop by to be “at home” in public.  He leased much of the mall’s top floor and sublet space to several local restaurants, including the Honey Bear Bakery, a much loved Seattle institution. Rather than building another standard food court, he created the Commons, and furnished it with comfortable places to sit, a giant chessboard and a stage.

Third Place Books opened in November 1998, and while the community immediately embraced this vibrant new business, the Commons presented a challenge. Book store staff couldn't take on a full schedule of public events, and without leadership from the community, the future of the space was uncertain. That is until one fateful morning when Lake Forest Park resident Anne Stadler bumped into Ron Sher in line for coffee at the Honey Bear. A visionary who shared Ron’s passion for community and an activist with plenty of practical experience, Anne proposed setting up a nonprofit organization to manage the Commons. Ron encouraged her to do it, and the adventure began.

And the adventure continues. At the Breakfast, Anne spoke passionately about the Commons as a place that continues to evolve, welcoming an even broader diversity of people, engaging their imaginations and willingness to participate in this ever-unfolding experiment.
  
Ros Bird and Ron Sher were given awards at the Breakfast
Photo by Aaron Stadler

After the interview, members of the Lake Forest Park Rotary Club presented this year’s Jeff Award. Named after Jeff Weissman, beloved Rotarian and retired owner of Great Harvest Bread Company, this award recognizes a Lake Forest Park business or organization with an exemplary commitment to high ethical standards and public values. Ros Bird was surprised by the invitation to return to the stage and receive the award for current and past board members of Third Place Commons this year.  

When he returned to the podium, Steve Scher was obviously moved by the commitment of our community to Third Place Commons. He reminded us how fortunate we are to have this special place. And after every good word has been spoken, the success of the Breakfast is reflected in the amount of money we raise. 
Apparently, our guests agreed with Steve’s assessment, and stepped up to help fund our programming. Our tenth breakfast drew more people than ever, and when the last donation is counted, we will have made over $38,000 in support, the most so far for this event.

We are grateful to every table sponsor who brought friends and colleagues to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of Third Place Commons.

The auction this year was a great fun(d)raiser, and we thank our friends at the Lake Forest Bar and Grill, The Resort at Port Ludlow, Stephanie Kallos, Third Place Books, Honey Bear Bakery, and Arnies in Edmonds. Third Place Commons Board members put together a bucket of different beers, and although we still have not figured out how to serve mimosas at the Breakfast, at least the winning beer bidder left happy. Once again, Honey Bear Bakery kept everyone happy with an abundance of bacon. The Lake Forest Park Youth Council and students from the Shorecrest Interact Club helped us set up, serve, and put everything back in place.
  
As it is with everything we do in the Commons, the Breakfast is a community event from the ground up, and if you haven't had a chance to experience it yet, be sure to mark your calendars for February 25, 2016. Tickets will be available starting in December of this year. To stay posted on this and all Commons events, visit our webpage, and be sure to "like" the Friends of Third Place Commons Facebook page. Donations are gratefully received throughout the year. For more information about how you can support your Commons with tax-deductible contributions, please email.



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Tickets available for Third Place Commons Breakfast next Thursday

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Friends of Third Place Commons breakfast next Thursday, February 26, 2015. Lake Forest Park resident Allen Schauffler will be the master of ceremonies and a live auction will feature get-away packages, author events, and lunch for 15 and the Lake Forest Bar and Grill.



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Take your Valentine to a rousing gospel concert - and the price is right

Wednesday, February 11, 2015


The Total Experience Gospel Choir will raise the roof at the Third Place Commons on Saturday, February 14, Valentine's Day.

The 2pm concert is free to the public, thanks to the Lake Forest Park Rotary.



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Hello to Cello - electric cello music at 3rd Place Commons mid-day on Friday

Wednesday, January 28, 2015


Hello to Cello! 11am-1pm, Friday, January 30, Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park

Seattle cellist Gretchen Yanover will play her own compositions on the electric cello during the lunch hours  and connect with audience members in this relaxed setting.




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Save this: Holiday Music at Third Place Commons from now through Dec 26

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Here's the complete schedule of musical events in Third Place Commons from now until December 26. All events are free and open to the public. Third Place Commons is in the upper level of Town Center at Lake Forest Park.


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Fallen Heroes Project

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thursday, November 13, 7-8:30pm at Third Place Commons at Town Center in Lake Forest Park, hear from internationally recognized artist Michael Reagan who creates portraits to honor the men and women who have died in service to their country.Come learn more about his mission and see examples of his hauntingly beautiful drawings. 

Intersection of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way.


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SCC free summer lecture series in June at Third Place Commons

Friday, June 6, 2014

Shoreline Community College is presenting a free lecture series at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park Town Center, intersection of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way, 206-366-3333.

Presentations will be at the main stage area in The Commons.

Schedule for Monday, June 16, 9am-12pm, and Tuesday, June 17, 10am-12pm

Monday, June 16

LARRY FUELL
U.S. Response to New Global Challenges
9:00-9:50am

RACHEL DAVID
The Meaning of Marriage
10:00-10:50am

MELANIE HERNANDEZ
Racial Satire in Post-Reconstruction Era Lithographs
11:00-11:50am

Tuesday, June 17

DAVIS OLDHAM
How Poetry Works
10:00-10:50am

SARAH ZALE
Preparing Students to Engage the World as Global Citizens
11:00-11:50am 


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