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

Ian McFeron Band at Third Place Commons Friday evening

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Ian McFeron Band to play at
Third Place Commons Friday
Shorecrest High grad Ian McFeron will play at Third Place Commons on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 7:30pm.

The Ian McFeron Band, which also features McFeron’s wife and fellow Shorecrest alumna Alisa Milner, has recorded eight studio albums and toured extensively around the country and even internationally.

McFeron – who has shared a stage with musical heavy hitters including Patty Griffin, Sister Hazel, Shawn Mullins, and Brandi Carlile among others – brings his soulful warmth to a musical tour through folky-pop Americana.

Music at The Commons is always free to the public. Commons restaurants Honey Bear Bakery, Burney Brother BBQ, and Kitto Japanese Noodle House will be open for business.



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Art, Music, Writing, & Languages – September at Third Place Commons

Wednesday, August 30, 2017


As we all begin to wind down our summer fun and fall into a season of shorter days and cooler temperatures, Third Place Commons will ease your transition this month with a variety of fun and engaging programs.

Alisa Milner and Ian McFeron
The Commons will start the month with an ending of sorts, the finale of the summertime folk, country, and Americana music series, The Sounds of the Season.

On Friday, September 1st, the series will end on a high note with the return of Lake Forest Park’s favorite wandering troubadour, Ian McFeron.

Many folks will remember that Shorecrest High grad McFeron was the keynote speaker at the Commons’ annual community breakfast last winter where he touched everyone with his heartfelt words.

The Ian McFeron Band (which also features McFeron’s wife and fellow Shorecrest alumna Alisa Milner) has recorded eight studio albums and toured extensively around the country and even internationally. McFeron – who has shared a stage with musical heavy hitters including Patty Griffin, Sister Hazel, Shawn Mullins, and Brandi Carlile among others – brings his soulful warmth to a musical tour through folky-pop Americana this Friday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 PM.

Cami Ostman
On Saturday, September 23rd starting at 10am, the Commons will offer up something truly special for writers in the community when writing coach Cami Ostman serves up a free, full day workshop for writers.

The Get Your Book Done: Writers' Retreat will help you find out why your story is important and needs to be written. Learn how to overcome the four stumbling blocks writers face, calm your inner critic, and stay inspired to finish your book. Like every event at the Commons, the workshop is free, but registration is requested for planning purposes.

Looking for another way to be creative? Want to get some firsthand experience with the always beloved, but newly refinished wooden tables? Drop by on Saturday, September 2nd from 10am to 4pm for the monthly Commons Art-In when visual artists of all media and experience levels gather at the wooden tables to create together. Or chill out with new friends by heading to the tables for the stress relief fun of Coloring for Adults on September 26th (and every 4th Tuesday) from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

Or enjoy the freshly renovated Stadler Meeting Room by stopping into one of the weekly foreign language conversation groups. French conversation takes place on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7pm and the Spanish language group meets on Thursdays at the same time. Both groups welcome speakers of all levels and will be delighted if you come by to say “Bonjour!” or “¡Hola!” German and Turkish groups also meet during the month and a new Irish study and discussion group is just around the corner, so check the calendar.

Of course, the month is jam-packed with other great programs as well, like live music every Friday and Saturday night (dancers welcome!), a special day of talented student musician recitals on September 16th, and the welcome return after a summer break of Kaleidoscope Play and Learn sessions for little ones and their caregivers every Thursday morning at 10:30.

Well Fed Farms
Photo by Jerry Pickard
And yes, the fabulous Lake Forest Park Farmers Market continues every Sunday from 10-3 through October 15th, which means you can also enjoy your favorite healthy, farm-fresh food and locally made treats all month long.

Events at Third Place Commons are always free and open to the public. So be sure to check the Commons calendar and join in the fun!

Third Place Commons is a community-supported, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to creating real community in real space.

It is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park Town Center.



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Something Shiny & New at Third Place Commons

Friday, August 25, 2017

As the (saw)dust begins to clear, you may have noticed that Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park's Town Center has been looking a little shinier lately, and that’s thanks to the hard work of a whole lot of great folks who came together to make it happen. 

The work to freshen up the Commons was initiated by the “Renew the Space” subcommittee of the Third Place Commons Board of Directors after the board identified this work as a priority for 2017.

“We felt that it was important to refresh our spaces in the Commons to better serve our community and provide a more welcoming environment,” explains Norman Lieberman, who chairs both the Board and the Renew the Space Committee.

After doing a full inventory of the space, furniture, and community needs, the committee assembled a priority checklist of projects to tackle. First up was the Stadler Room, a meeting room named after founding board member Anne Stadler, who spearheaded the creation of the nonprofit organization nearly 20 years ago to foster community and host events that bring people together.

The room was refreshed with a new, bright coat of paint that will allow more flexible use of the space since the light walls will allow users to use them for projection during meetings. The old floor tiles, which were hard worn after decades of moving tables and chairs back and forth, were replaced with modern carpet tiles for visual interest and sound dampening.



Next up were the much-loved, large, wooden tables that sit at the heart of the Commons. Long a favorite gathering spot of artists, gamers, students, dancers, local community groups, and everyone else, the tables had accumulated a decade-plus of wear and tear on their tops. So earlier this month, they were removed to a nearby space where years of heavy use were sanded down and replaced with a shiny, new finish that’s ready for many more years of love.

Of course, all of this work wouldn’t have happened without the commitment of many wonderful volunteers, as well as a very generous helping of guidance and expertise from the folks at Ace Town Center Hardware. Big thanks go to the board and staff of Third Place Commons who all chipped in time and effort over a long weekend to prep and paint the Stadler Room before the new flooring was installed.

Stadler Room before and after

For the table refinishing job, it was community member Elsa Bouman who partnered with the Commons to spearhead the project. Through Elsa’s dedicated leadership, an amazing volunteer team – including Jason Colberg, Susan Jones, Shasta Miller, Sylvia Portillo, and Lisa Valore – assembled to give of their time and serious sweat equity to make the tables new again!

“It was such a gift to work with Elsa on the tables project,” notes Amy Whittenburg, Executive Director of Third Place Commons. “This project couldn’t have happened without her help in rallying volunteers, identifying project needs, borrowing sanders from generous community lenders, and putting in old fashioned elbow grease.”

Still ahead, Commons staff will be painting the stage floor and getting new carpet as well (hard floors for dancing and carpet for music), then replacing the outdated brown front-of-stage proscenium curtains with new, black ones.

Meanwhile, mall owners Merlone Geier Partners are contributing to the effort as well. 

Not only did they donate the storefront space used to refinish the tables, but they’re also getting some new chairs for the Commons that will help update the space and increase seating capacity for the very busy gathering spot.

Third Place Commons is a community-supported, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to creating real community in real space. It is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park Town Center.



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Family Day at the LFP Farmers Market Sunday

Tuesday, August 15, 2017


Don’t miss the fun at Family Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, presented by Third Place Commons, this Sunday, 10am to 3pm.

Co-presented by the City of Lake Forest Park, Family Day is filled with family-friendly additions for one day only. LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson will be there handing out goodies and sharing community information. And the city will bring in a couple of kid-friendly, “big rig” city vehicles for the little ones to explore.

The day will also be filled with live music beginning with local favorites the Milner Family Fiddles at 11am, followed by steel pan musician Obe Quarless at 1pm.

You’ll also want to be sure to stop by the Bubble Zone where youngsters can experiment with an assortment of bubble wands in different shapes and sizes. And the first hundred kiddos can take away free mini-bubble bottles of their own!

Milner Family Fiddles

In addition, the Lake Forest Park Police Department will join us for their annual Charity Salmon BBQ fundraiser with all proceeds to benefit the Special Olympics. They’ll be serving up baked salmon with sides and also offering up a raffle with great prizes including New Year’s Eve Seahawks tickets.

All this plus a dunking tank! Want to know who will be in the tank? You’ll have to stop by and see!

Of course, the market will also feature all your regular favorites like beautiful flowers, fresh produce, meat, fish, unique local and handmade products, and yummy treats! The LFP Farmers Market is always a great place to spend your Sunday and this week it will be better than ever. So mark your calendars and be sure to join us.

The LFP Farmers Market is presented by Third Place Commons and runs every Sunday from 10am to 3pm at Lake Forest Park Town Center at the intersection of Bothell Way and Ballinger Way. More information here.


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Free & Fun this Weekend: A Beret, a Lei, a Crafts Day, and USA Dance

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Whatever you’re in the mood for this weekend, Third Place Commons is offering up something for you!


Bastille Day at The Commons

Want to celebrate “le 14 juillet” in fine French style? Bastille Day is France’s version of Independence Day and it’s celebrated on July 14th. So this Friday at 7:30pm, the Commons welcomes the fun French cabaret of Delilah Beaucoup and Bissou. Complete with costumes and plenty of joie de vivre, the band will serve up a highly danceable selection of French torch songs, vaudeville tunes, and of course, American standards. Don’t forget your beret!

Saturday at 3pm it’s time to bring the aloha spirit (and your favorite Hawaiian clothing) when Melelani Hula Studio presents the 15th Annual Hō`ike: `O Hawai`i at the Commons. A beautiful celebration of dance and music that will surely leave you saying “mahalo” for a wonderful day! 

Craft Day at the Farmers Market

Sunday it’s a double-whammy of fun, starting with the popular annual Crafts Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. Don’t miss your one-day-only chance to shop a wide array of jewelry, clothes, handmade cards, decorative items, and other unique handicrafts by local creatives from across the region. Unique creations for everyone, plus all your regular market favorites!

The LFP Farmers Market takes place this Sunday (and every Sunday) from 10am to 3pm at the corner of Bothell Way NE and Ballinger Way NE. 


Then after your shopping spree, head inside to Third Place Commons for a 2pm performance by USA Dance Seattle. Calling themselves dance ambassadors, this ballroom dance formation team is determined to spread the joy of ballroom dancing through colorful costumes, feel-good music, and lively performances. You won’t want to miss it!

Check the Third Place Commons online calendar to get the scoop on these and all the other (always) free events at the Commons this month!



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Go Around the World & Back at Third Place Commons

Tuesday, July 4, 2017


Explore the world from the comfort of your favorite neighborhood hangout this month at Third Place Commons. The tour starts off this Friday, July 7th at 7:30pm with a musical road trip across the American landscape with Cosmo’s Dream. This fun and lively folk/country trio will keep you charmed with their upbeat and original “tales of foggy-mountain megamalls, rising rivers, grandmas online, beautiful beer, and more.”

Cosmo’s Dream appears as part of the Sounds of the Season folk, country, and Americana music series, which continues all summer on the first Friday of each month through September. It continues on August 4th with the Joy Mills Band and wraps up on September 1st with local favorites the Ian McFeron Band.



Then on Friday, July 14th, hop over to France for an evening with Delilah Beacoup and Bissou and their French cabaret style performance in honor of Bastille Day. Dancer-friendly and full of surprises, enjoy a fun twist on weekend music complete with costumes and musical variety ranging from French torch songs to American standards.

The very next day, on July 15th, it’s off to Hawaii for Melelani Hula Studio's 15th Annual Hō`ike. Don your favorite lei, Hawaiian shirt, or flip flops and head to the Commons at 3pm for `O Hawai`i: Dances of the Islands, a colorful and beautiful celebration of island life and culture.

Sunday, July 16th tour around the world of creative arts at Crafts Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, from 10am to 3pm at the corner of Bothell Way NE and Ballinger Way NE. Yummy, fresh, local food plus all the jewelry, fabric arts, garden art, and other handicrafts you can shake a stick at will be on offer for this popular annual event.

Finally, at the very end of the month, land right back here in Washington to explore one of the biggest events in the state’s history when LFP READS takes the stage with Steve Olson, author of this year’s READS selection, Eruption: The Untold Story of Mount St. Helens. Co-presented by the City of LFP Library Advisory Committee, Friends of the Shoreline, Richmond Beach, and Lake Forest Park Libraries, and Third Place Books, a great month of reading will culminate on Monday, July 31st at 7pm on the Third Place Commons stage.

Of course, the Commons will also be busy with all your other favorite activities throughout the month including live music every Friday and Saturday night, from swing and jazz to blues and soul. And events at Third Place Commons are always free and open to everyone, so check the online calendar and join the fun!

Third Place Commons is a community-supported, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to creating real community in real space. It is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park Town Center.



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Crafters & Artists Wanted: Apply by Jun 5 for LFP Farmers Market Crafts Day

Friday, May 19, 2017


Applications are now being accepted from Washington artists and crafters to participate in the 2017 Crafts Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, which will be held on Sunday, July 16th.

Crafts Day is a once-per-summer special addition to the regular Farmers Market, which takes place every Sunday from 10am to 3pm in front of Lake Forest Park Town Center and regularly attracts 7,000-9,000 visitors per week.

Artists and crafters of all kinds are encouraged to submit applications for consideration. Applicants are asked to submit a completed and signed application form, three labeled photos to represent current work, and a photocopy of current Washington State Business License. A table/stall fee must also be submitted with the application, but will be returned to applicants not selected to participate in Crafts Day.

Please visit the Third Place Commons website and review the Crafts Day application carefully for full details. All applications must be submitted via postal mail and received no later than Monday, June 5th.

All items presented at the Crafts Day must be handmade in Washington by the individuals selling at the market. The market seeks to reflect a wide variety of media to represent a broad spectrum of creative endeavors, so submit your applications soon!



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Spring has Sprung in May at Third Place Commons & the LFP Farmers Market

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Yes, spring is springing up all over at Third Place Commons this month with new starts and the annual return of seasonal favorites.

The Commons is in full bloom in May with a colorful array of community events starting this Saturday with Bulgarian Voices of Seattle at 1:30pm followed by Folklore Sparks from Bulgaria at 3pm. The Bulgarian Voices are a wonderful choir from the local Bulgarian community that sing traditional songs from their country in colorful folk costumes. And they’ll be followed by Hopa Trop, the Bulgarian Children's Folk Dance Ensemble, who will light up your day with great singing and dancing.

The following week, the colorful cultural tour continues with the Commons’ annual Spring Bellydance Hafla on May 13th from 2-4:30pm. Welcome spring with a fun festival celebrating this ancient art, and see a variety of traditional and modern styles performed by local dancers.

In addition, local student musicians will be taking the stage all month long at the Commons including: the talented sixth graders of Jazz Factory on May 8th, Kirkland Middle School Band and Orchestra on May 19th, Jane Addams Middle School Band Senior Jazz on May 20th, and student singer-songwriter Sarah Holman and the Laura Martin Studio’s string recital both on May 21st.

Wednesday, May 10th is another BIG day at the Commons because it’s GiveBIG, Seattle’s annual day of giving. This year, the Commons aims to raise at least $2500 through GiveBIG for the Market Bucks food assistance program, which provides invaluable access for healthy, fresh, fruits, vegetables, meats and more at the LFP Farmers Market.

To help your neighbors-in-need to overcome food insecurity, you can schedule your GiveBIG gift right now.

Of course, nothing says “SPRING” like the return of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, which will open once again on Mother’s Day, coming up fast on Sunday, May 14th from 10-3 (and every Sunday thereafter until October). The market will once again play host to many of your favorite vendors, plus some new surprises and the triumphant return of the Food Truck Rodeo for opening day!

Obviously, the market will also be jam-packed with glorious spring flowers perfect for Mom, so mark your calendars for the 14th and be sure to stop by for flowers and other treats before your day’s festivities. (More market details coming soon!)

Naturally, Third Place Commons can also be relied on for fantastic live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30pm, with plenty of dancing fun for all ages. And May is no exception. This month’s line-up includes:

  • May 5 - Left Turn on Blue - This 10 piece band plays a mix of blues, soul, and swing! 
  • May 6 - Eugenie Jones - Seattle jazz vocalist with a uniquely sultry voice. 
  • May 12 - Joe T. Cook Band - Old blues with deep roots. 
  • May 13 - Portage Bay Big Band - Seattle's hardest working big band! 
  • May 19 - Uptown Lowdown - Specializing in authentic Dixieland jazz and ragtime. 
  • May 20 - Commander Mojo and the Horns of Discontent – Beloved R&B and soul dance tunes from the 60s and 70s. 
  • May 26 - Moe Ribbs Blues Band - Chicago blues covers and originals so greasy you better bring a bib! 
  • May 27 - Nora Michaels Blues Chanteuse – This 5-piece band invites you to bring your dance shoes and lose the blues with swing and jazz standards.

For more on these and other events happening at Third Place Commons, check out the online calendar.

Michael and Joanna are new employees
at Third Place Commons
And last, but not least, it’s also a time for new beginnings on the Commons staff. Third Place Commons is delighted to welcome two new staffers whom you’re sure to see at events and at the market. Michael Alexander is the new Music and Events Manager and Joanna Aponte is the new Sound Tech / Event Lead on the team. Be sure to say hello when you see them and make them feel welcome to our Commons community!

Third Place Commons is a community-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. Third Place Commons is located in Lake Forest Park Town Center at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.


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For professional musician Ian McFeron, Third Place Commons was his first performance space

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Speech by Ian McFeron at the Third Place Commons Community Breakfast February 16. A Shorecrest High School grad, singer-songwriter Ian has released 8 albums, toured the country (and internationally) repeatedly. Here he shares both his personal, musical journey and his deep ties to Third Place Commons and our Commons Community.



Shorecrest grad Ian McFeron
As a Shorecrest High School graduate and having attended Kellogg Middle School and Briarcrest Elementary School before that, I’ve been a part of this community for a long time, and this community has been a part of me.

For the past 12 years I’ve made my living writing and recording music, traveling and performing in the United States and in Europe.

The Commons invited me to speak today about my experience growing up as an artist in this community and about my relationship with the Commons - an organization that I feel a strong personal, artistic, and philosophical connection with.

I don’t know what it was that first attracted me to music. Actually, I don’t have any memories of my life before music was a part of it. My parents have told me that I was 2 years old when I started crawling up the piano stool to press the different notes, one by one, to hear what they sounded like. I remember that I always had a fascination with sounds. It was like the world was brimming with voices and every object had a different one.

My parents had an old upright piano that was sort of shoved out of the way, under a staircase in the house where I grew up, and whether it was some sort of gravitational desire to press all those different notes in different combinations to hear what voices spilled out of the keys, or whether that perch beneath the staircase was just a quiet place where I could escape the din of commotion that rattled through the 2 bedroom house that I shared with 8 other members of my family, I started playing that piano for hours every day.

Like a lot of kids I started playing music in the school band in the 5th grade. I played alto-saxophone in the concert band and in jazz band up through high school. I took Greg Boehme’s guitar class at Shorecrest, learning classical style-finger picking along with a dense repertoire of 60’s and 70’s folk and rock tunes.

I took Andy Barker’s creative writing class and became fascinated with the way that collections of words and metaphors could paint pictures that you could match with collections of sounds and melodies and I started writing my first lyrical songs in the breezeways of the old Shorecrest High when I was seventeen.

Through High School and college I wrote songs out of a personal need for self-expression, but I didn’t share them with anyone. I filled old shoeboxes with lyric sheets and cassette tapes of my music, and I stashed them under my bed.

I don’t know if I was scared to risk rejection, or if it just never really occurred to me that anyone else would want to hear what I was writing, but for several years I didn’t have much of an interest in playing my songs for other people. But during college I went with some friends to a cabin at a lake in the east cascade foothills and they coaxed me into playing them some of the songs I had been writing. They told me that they thought the songs were good and that if I booked some shows they would come out to hear me play.

I was just barely 21 with no experience in the music business and no connections in the local music scene. But after that weekend I had this itch. I wanted to try my songs out on other people - people that didn’t know me. But where could I go to play my songs in public?

Well, one of the very first places I performed publicly was on this stage - here at Third Place Commons.

And through performances here, and at pubs and coffee houses around the region, I got up enough confidence to record my first album with a full band.

With some luck, that album got added to rotation on a station called 103.7 “The Mountain”. From there we got opportunities to open for national and international touring acts at venues like ZooTunes, The Showbox, and The Crocodile, which lead to our own headlining opportunities throughout the region. We played Bumbershoot several times, sold out venues like the Tractor and the Triple Door, and went on to record 8 studio albums. We had the opportunity to record the most recent 3 in Nashville with a Grammy-nominated producer and guitarist named Doug Lancio.

From that early performance on the Commons stage, my passion for music grew into a full-time career. My wife, Alisa Milner, and I met and fell in love through our mutual love of music and we bought our first home with a guitar and a fiddle. Together we’ve played thousands of shows, and have traveled half-a-million miles in a van together. Which actually turns out to be pretty good pre-marriage counseling.

Sometimes I think about what a strange journey it has been - how a childhood fascination with sound and words - drawing music out of the piano and learning some chords on the guitar grew into a passion for writing songs, and eventually into an occupation. How that early fascination with sound would go on to form and shape my entire life.

To be sure there are some inexplicable forces at work in music and in life that brought all the pieces together. And it is true that creativity is born out of a certain amount of unexplained magic. But that seed of inspiration doesn’t mature- it doesn’t blossom and bear fruit- until it lands on fertile soil; until it is nurtured and watered by the embrace of a supportive community.

This space is that fertile ground that nurtures and waters the creative passions of people in and throughout this region.

It is where songs are performed for the first time, where stories are written on laptop computers, where authors read from their newly published works, where farmers and artisans bring their goods to sell, where old friends reconnect, where people come to talk about how to live more peacefully with one a other, where book clubs and chess clubs and knitting clubs gather.

It is where individuals come together to form something greater than themselves- where individuals form a community.

Like creativity, community is a living thing- it too needs nurturing and support in order to continue to grow and flourish.

It is people like you - gathered here this morning - who nurture and support this space, so that this space might go on to nurture and support thousands of others. So that a kid with a guitar and some songs in his heart has a place to stand up and sing and connect with the world.

In closing I would like to say thank you to all of you who support this space with your time, your energy, your creativity and your financial contributions. And I would like to say thank you to the Commons for giving countless artists like me that place to connect.

~~~~~
If you would like to help nourish this fertile ground where creativity and community thrive, you can make a gift to Third Place Commons by sending a check to the address below or by giving online here.



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Community Breakfast honors Shorecrest teachers and alumnus and raises funds for Third Place Commons

Saturday, February 18, 2017


Photos by Jerry Pickard

Musician Ian McFeron
Third Place Commons held its annual fundraising breakfast for a full house on Thursday, February 16 in Lake Forest Park Town Center.

The keynote speaker was Shorecrest grad, professional musician, Ian McFeron, who gave an inspiring speech on how he started his musical career as a student in the Shoreline School District.


Friends of The Community Awards were presented to Vince Caruso, Chair, Music Department of Shorecrest High and Laura King, Chair, Art Department of Shorecrest High.


Breakfast Committee Chair Norman Lieberman introduced Shorecrest principal Lisa Gonzalez (left) and presented awards to Vince Caruso and Laura King.

            
Members of the Rotary Interact Club were the breakfast servers.

Amy Whittenburg, Director of Third Place Commons, gave the opening remarks. Adina Gilett was the M.C. Board member Chuck Paulsen introduced special guests.


Ross Henderson conducted a lively auction of goods and services donated by community businesses.

The morning concluded with the "Ask" as attendees made their donations to help keep Third Place Commons providing over 900 entertainment and activities for the community every year.



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Last Chance – Third Place Commons Annual Community Breakfast is Thursday

Sunday, February 12, 2017


Third Place Commons will host their Annual Community Breakfast this coming Thursday, February 16th, which makes this your last chance to get tickets to the big event. The breakfast is the Commons’ biggest fundraiser of the year and its proceeds support the year-round events that make the Commons such a vibrant center of the community.

This year’s event will honor two teachers from Shorecrest High School, Vince Caruso and Laura King, with the Friends of Community Award. It will also feature a short, moving keynote from Shorecrest alum turned national touring and recording artist Ian McFeron. Plus you won’t want to miss the live, breakfast speed auction or the delicious breakfast fare courtesy of Honey Bear Bakery.

Tickets are $50 each or $375 for a table of eight. They can be purchased online here or in-person at Third Place Books. The breakfast starts at 7 AM.

But where does your generous support go?

Each year Third Place Commons, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, hosts over 900 free events. These include live music and dancing every Friday and Saturday night, weekly “play and learn” sessions for infants and toddlers, monthly Art-Ins, public service info fairs, foreign language conversation groups, weekly game nights and wordplay, t’ai chi classes, and more.

The Commons is also the go-to destination for local community events featuring school groups, young musicians and dancers from local studios, cultural heritage performances, and issues of public interest. And as a public gathering space, the Commons has become the heart of the community.

Of course, Third Place Commons also presents the beloved Lake Forest Park Farmers Market from Mother’s Day through the third Sunday in October each year. Funds raised at the breakfast will help support the market as well as the Market Bucks food assistance program, which empowers low-income neighbors facing food insecurity to access fresh, healthy, locally grown and produced food at the market.

Learn more at ThirdPlaceCommons.org/breakfast2017 and we’ll see you at the Commons!



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Community Breakfast at Third Place Commons on Feb 16

Tuesday, January 31, 2017


Join Third Place Commons on Thursday, February 16th for the Annual Community Breakfast. This year’s festivities will feature both familiar program favorites and some fun surprises.

The always lively, fast-paced breakfast is Third Place Commons’ biggest fundraiser, and fun-raiser, of the year – the perfect time to come together and show support for our shared Commons Community!

This year’s theme will focus on music and arts programming at the Commons, and especially the youth programming that gives youngsters countless chances to engage, learn, and grow both as audience members and as participants!

Third Place Commons is proud of the many partnerships that make Commons programming such an invaluable community resource, including partnering with Shoreline Schools to welcome regular student arts programming from musical performances to PTA Reflections events.

In addition, Third Place Commons is delighted to recognize two outstanding arts educators from Shorecrest High School with this year’s Friends of the Community Award.

Shorecrest’s Music Chair Vince Caruso and Art Chair Laura King will be honored jointly at the event for their efforts to help local students learn and thrive through the arts. Join the fun on Feb. 16th to show your support for these excellent educators!

And speaking of students learning and thriving through the arts, gifted musician and recording artist Ian McFeron is a Shorecrest grad who has toured across America bringing his unique blend of acoustic pop meets Americana, blues, and swing to audiences everywhere.

Shorecrest grad Ian McFeron is featured
at the Third Place Commons Community Breakfast

Ian will offer a short keynote address at the breakfast to share a little about his journey from local music student to nationally known musician, and how the Commons has fit into that journey.

Don’t miss this chance to join friends, neighbors, and colleagues for great conversation, a lively program, and a fantastic opportunity to support an organization that sits right at the heart of our community. Doors open at 7am and you’ll be on your way to a great day by 8:30pm. Tickets are $50/seat, or bring your friends to a table for eight for just $375. Buy your tickets here!

Every year, Third Place Commons hosts over 900 free events for all ages including live music (and dancing) every Friday and Saturday night and community performances by local schools, private studios, community nonprofits, and amateur musicians.

Kaleidoscope Play and Learn sessions offer children from infants to aged 5 a chance to explore, discover, and have fun with their caregivers on a weekly basis while special family programs like Halloween at the Commons and Family Day at the Farmers Market have become popular annual celebrations for families throughout the community.

And since events at the Commons are always free and open to everyone, Third Place Commons provides a uniquely accessible venue that serves our community like no other.

Of course, Third Place Commons also presents the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market from May to October each year where they make fresh, healthy, and locally grown and produced foods readily available to everyone.

And their Market Bucks food assistance program, funded by local donors just like you, provides vital access for low-income neighbors who otherwise might not be able to benefit from these same nutritious goodies like fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, meats, and fish.

It’s your support that makes all of this programming possible each year and the annual breakfast is the ideal time to show that support! Contact programs@thirdplacecommons.org or call 206-366-3302 with questions, and get your tickets online at ThirdPlaceCommons.org/breakfast2017. Tickets can also be purchased in-person at Third Place Books.

Third Place Commons is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to fostering real community in real space. It is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park.


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Swing into the New Year at Third Place Commons starting Saturday

Saturday, January 7, 2017



It may be cold outside this month, but you can head to Third Place Commons to warm up with Swing into the New Year, a month-long big band and swing music series! Enjoy classic tunes from the swing era, beloved melodies from the great American songbook, and rousing vocals on all your favorite standards every Saturday in January.

The series begins this Saturday, January 7th at 7:30pm with the vintage jazz of Miss Rose and Her Rhythm Percolators. This trio’s playful repertoire harkens back to the gilded age of flappers and speakeasies with a fun-filled set lively enough to send you spinning across the dance floor faster than you can say “Charleston.”

Miss Rose
Then be sure to mark your calendar and join the fun all month long with the Swingnuts on January 14th, Sophisticated Swing Band on January 21st, and the Moonlight Swing Orchestra on January 28th.

Of course, Friday nights are always a good time at the Commons as well, and this month is no exception. Check out these great acts each Friday in January:

· Jan. 6 – Honky Tonk Sweethearts (Country/Rockabilly)

· Jan. 13 - Mark Whitman Band (Blues)

· Jan. 20 - Cara Francis (Vocal Jazz)

· Jan. 27 - Brazz (Brazilian/Jazz)

All Friday and Saturday night musical performances begin at 7:30pm.

Like every event at Third Place Commons, these fantastic, all-ages performances are free and open to everyone. So head to the Commons this month to let the beloved melodies of yesteryear (along with some modern classics) warm your heart on even the coldest nights of the year. And of course, dancing is always welcome at the Commons, so take a swirl across the dance floor to get your blood pumping, too. You won’t want winter to end!

Third Place Commons is a community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. Third Place Commons is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, Washington 98155.



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December at Third Place Commons: Holiday Shows, Swinging Tunes, a Crafts Fair & more

Thursday, December 1, 2016


December is a big and busy month at Third Place Commons! From the ever-popular weekend music series featuring live music (and dancing) every Friday and Saturday night to a whole host of holiday themed holiday performances… from community service events like a healthcare enrollment fair to community partner events like LFP Library’s Caspar Babypants performance… from local school plays and concerts to local studio music and dance recitals… there’s sure to be something for everyone at the Commons this month.

Here’s a quick rundown of some December highlights:

Scratch Daddy (Blues)
Friday, December 2 at 7:30pm
Scratch Daddy plays the blues and beyond with a little blend of R&B, Motown, and rock.

Susanne Hussong Harp Studio Recital
Saturday, December 3 at 12pm
Harp students present their winter recital.

Lisa Toner Violin Studio Recital
Saturday, December 3 at 2pm
Violin students present their winter recital.

Portage Bay Big Band (Swing)
Saturday, December 4 at 7:30pm
Seattle's hardest working big band and a Commons favorite!

Health Insurance Open Enrollment Fair
Sunday, December 4 at 9am - 3pm

If you don't have health insurance, would like to renew your coverage in the Exchange or change your health plan, or just have questions about your current plan, don’t miss this enrollment event. Seattle and King County Office of Public Health will have Navigators available to help you complete applications and enroll into coverage. Attendees can also ask about the Sound Transit Orca LIFT discount program, Basic Food assistance, and Breast and Cervical Colon Health program.

Helen Zhou Piano Studio Recital
Sunday, December 4 at 3pm
Piano students present their winter recital.

Kenmore Junior High School Drama Club
Monday, December 5 at 7:30pm
Join the Kenmore Junior High School Drama Club for their comedic performance of "Friendship in Junior High School."

Casper Babypants: Winter Party
Wednesday, December 7 at 10:30am
Lake Forest Park Library presents Casper Babypants playing songs from his newest album "Winter Party!”

Little Bill and The Bluenotes (R&B)
Friday, December 9 at 7:30pm
A Third Place Commons staple and one of the Pacific Northwest's first Rhythm & Blues groups!

Northwest Center Ballet Holiday Show
Saturday, December 10 at 12pm (Second performance on Dec. 17th at 12pm)
Northwest Center Ballet presents their annual holiday recital.

Washington School of Dance Recital
Saturday, December 10 at 3pm
Washington School of Dance presents their winter recital.

Two Scoops Combo (Boogie Woogie)
Saturday, December 10 at 7:30pm
A unique blend of rollicking boogie-woogie, humor, and heart-felt blues.

Shorecrest High School Chansons Vocal Ensemble
Sunday, December 11 at 1pm
Students from Shorecrest High School sing a completely a cappella program for the holiday season and beyond!

Ananda Choir
Tuesday, December 13 at 7pm
Performing original and traditional music, the Ananda Seattle Choir brings joy and inspiration this holiday season.

Swinging in the Holidays with Purple Passion Big Band (Swing)
Wednesday, December 14 at 7pm
Purple Passion Big Band rings in the holidays with a jazzy holiday concert.

Smilin’ Scandinavians (Polka)
Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm
Well known for their mix of Midwestern polka, Scandinavian folk, traditional country western, Dixieland and swing!

Lake Forest Park Holiday Farmers Market
Sunday, December 18 at 10am - 3pm
Do your holiday dinner shopping here! Get all the essentials for your family feast including fresh, local produce, meats, and more. (Outside in the regular spot if weather is good, but if weather is bad, this market will take place inside the Commons.)

Holiday Crafts Fair
Sunday, December 18, 10am - 3pm
Last chance to stock-up on stocking stuffers, find a dazzling, one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for that special someone, or discover eight nights of handmade Hanukkah delights! Gifts for every holiday and every occasion… and even for yourself! Chock full of jewelry, fabric arts, wearables, fine arts, holiday decor, kids' items, lotions, soaps and more, all handcrafted by local, Washington artisans. In the lower level lobby of Lake Forest Park Town Center (just downstairs from the Commons).

Milner Family Fiddles
Sunday, December 18, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Milner Family Fiddles bring their Texas style bluegrass to the Commons every other month.

LFP Presbyterian Church’s Annual Holiday Play
Sunday, December 18 at 5:30pm
Please bring an unwrapped toy for this year’s Holiday Toy Drive!

Joe Fina Four Saxophone Quartet
Tuesday, December 20 at 6:30pm
Based out of Monroe, this quartet performs jazz and swing versions of your favorite holiday classics!

Rat City Brass (Tijuana Brass)
Friday, December 23 at 7:30pm
Seattle's premier Tijuana Brass tribute band.

Kate Voss and The Big Boss Band (Jazz/Pop)
Friday, December 30 at 7:30pm
Upbeat jazz and pop standards with soulful charm and quirky flair from a new Commons favorite.

Plus don’t forget about the many weekly and monthly events at the Commons where you can always meet, connect, and have fun with your community of friends both old and new. And remember that events at the Commons are always fun and always free! See you at the Commons!

Third Place Commons is a community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. Third Place Commons is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, Washington 98155.




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Free Dance Lessons, Latin Music Fun, & More at the Commons starting Friday night at 6pm with dance lessons

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Free and easy dance lessons at 6pm this Friday
and Saturday, October 29
Third Place Commons

The weather may be cooling down, but things are heating up this month at Third Place Commons!

The fun starts this Friday, October 7 at 6pm when you can learn to Cha Cha with Mark Willson and Margot Richardson of Delicious Dance. During this free, easygoing one-hour lesson, you'll dance with new friends and practice the basics in a supportive, group environment.

Then at 7:30pm, the Commons’ Latin Music Series continues when Alma y Azúcar offer up an exquisite and passionate selection of Latin styles and flavors.

Music lovers will delight in the seductive vocals and intoxicating melodies of this sultry band while new and experienced dancers alike will enjoy an evening of Latin rhythms perfect for practicing your favorite steps.

Choroloco on October 28

On Friday, October 28, Choroloco wraps up our Latin Music Series in high style with the joyous, celebratory music of Brazil with influences from around the world. This irresistible band is sheer fun and is sure to put a smile on your face and set your toes-a-tapping.
  
Then you’ll want to tap your way into the Commons on Saturday, October 29 for another free dance lesson. Celia Boarman will get you ready for the dance floor with an easy, upbeat lesson on East Coast Swing. All ages welcome and no partner is necessary. Just meet in front of the stage at 6pm.

Then put your moves to the test while enjoying our big Halloween Dance with the 85th Street Big Band at 7:30. Music, dancing, costumes, and more! Wear your costume or come as you are to enjoy a lively night of big band favorites with some spooky surprises! 

Needless to say, Halloween night itself will be full of fun as well with trick-or-treating across Town Center plus Zero and Somebuddy’s Happy Halloween Show onstage, so stay tuned for the details as spooky date approaches.

Other musical highlights of the month include:
  • Gin Creek (Blues/Roots) on Oct. 8 at 7:30pm
  • Eugenie Jones (Vocal Jazz) on Oct. 14 at 7:30pm
  • Miss Rose and Her Rhythm Percolators (Vintage Jazz) on Oct. 15 at 7:30pm
  • Milner Family Fiddles (Texas Style Bluegrass) on Oct. 16 at 11am
  • Uptown Lowdown (Danceable Dixeland) on Oct. 21 at 7:30pm
  • Mark Dufresne (Blues) on Oct. 22 at 7:30pm

Events at Third Place Commons are always free and open to everyone, so join in the fun!

Third Place Commons is a community-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. Third Place Commons is located in Lake Forest Park Town Center at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.



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Applications now available for Holiday Crafts Fairs at LFP Farmers Market

Friday, September 16, 2016

Crafts market at Lake Forest Park
Photo courtesy Third Place Commons

Applications are now being accepted for the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market’s 2016 Holiday Crafts Fairs. Local and Washington-based artists and crafters of all kinds are encouraged to apply.

This holiday season, shoppers will be treated to two indoor holiday crafts fairs where they can find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on their holiday lists.

The first will take place on Sunday, November 20, right before Thanksgiving and the crush of Black Friday. The second holiday crafts fair will take place on Sunday, December 18, just in time for that last minute Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year shopping.

Each market will take place from 10am to 3pm and will correspond with a simultaneous farmers market. Crafts markets will take place in the lower level of Lake Forest Park Town Center while the farmers markets will take place outside (weather permitting) in the usual location in front of the Professional Building. (In case of inclement weather, farmers markets will move inside to Third Place Commons on the upper level of Town Center.)

An additional farmers market (with no crafts fair) will also take place on Sunday, November 6.

The application deadline for all interested artists and crafters is Wednesday, October 5. All applications must be complete and received by October 5 to be considered for these juried events.

Artists and crafters of all kinds are encouraged to submit applications for consideration. Applicants are asked to submit a completed and signed application form, three labeled photos to represent current work, and a photocopy of current Washington State Business License.

A table / stall fee must also be submitted with the application, but will be returned to applicants not selected to participate in crafts markets. Visit the Third Place Commons website and review the Holiday Crafts Markets Application carefully for full details.

All items presented at the Holiday Crafts Fairs must be handmade in Washington by the individuals selling at the market. They seek a wide variety of media to represent a broad spectrum of creative endeavors and look forward to seeing your submissions!

Holiday Crafts Fairs and the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market are presented each year by Third Place Commons, a community-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. Third Place Commons is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.



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Local musicians invited to All-Ages Jazz Jam on Thursday

Monday, July 4, 2016


Third Place Commons invites you to join in summertime jazz jams! This summer, Third Place Commons is hosting a monthly series of all-ages musical jam sessions for amateur and professional musicians alike. The next jam is this Thursday, July 7th at 6:30pm.

Shoreline and Lake Forest Park musicians of all ages and experience levels are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. These performances offer a great opportunity for young musicians to share the stage with the pros and to keep up their musical chops during the summer break.

Each performance in the series is led by The Marina Christopher Trio with a featured artist. This Thursday will feature premier jazz trombonist, David Marriott. Renowned guitarist Milo Petersen joins Marina Christopher on bass and Don Dieterich on drums.

Come enjoy a first set of music by the pros, filled with spectacular tromboning, starting at 6:30pm, followed by a lively jam session in the second set. Students and professionals of all ages are encouraged to bring their instruments and voices to join in! Musicians and singers should sign up during the break to join the Marina Christopher Trio on stage to jam!

Not a musician? No worries! All are welcome to these family-friendly events. Friends and family of performers are encouraged to come cheer on their favorite musicians while swing dancers are sure to have plenty to dance to during this lively evening. And music aficionados can take in a show with top notch, local talent!

Performances and events at Third Place Commons – including these jams as well as weekly Friday and Saturday night concerts – are always free and open to everyone. Be sure to mark your calendar as well for the next jazz jam in the series on Thursday, August 4th when the featured artist will be Jory Tindall on saxophone.

Kennelly Keys Music is generously providing drums, keys, and a guitar amp for the jazz jams series. This program is also supported, in part, by an award from 4Culture.

So grab your instruments and start warming up – and we’ll see you at the Commons!

Third Place Commons is located on the upper level to Town Center at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park.



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Make a Really BIG Impact When You GiveBIG to Third Place Commons

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Third Place Commons


Each year, Third Place Commons opens its doors to over 900 FREE events and hosts one of the largest farmers markets in the region. Thousands of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park residents visit the Commons every week to enjoy meeting spaces, music, dance, lessons, games, discussion groups, and of course, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market every Sunday from May to October.

But did you know that Third Place Commons is a 501(c)3 nonprofit? As a result, the work of Third Place Commons to build Real Community in Real Space is only possible with your support.

If you shop at the LFP Farmers Market, then you are part of the Third Place Commons Community. If you dine in the Commons, meet in the Stadler Room, dance at the Friday and Saturday night music, bring your kids for play time or watch your family members on the stage, then you are a part of that community. If you write, work, weave, knit, paint, play, or plan at the Commons, then you are a vital part of the safe, welcoming community of Third Place Commons. And your support matters.

Won’t you GiveBIG to support this vibrant community that we all share?

Tuesday, May 3 is the Seattle Foundation’s 6th Annual GiveBIG day of giving when your gift will be stretched even further thanks to stretch funds from the Seattle Foundation. It’s the perfect chance to show your support for the community we all love. And best of all, this year you can schedule your gift in advance, so why not give right now?

Simply click here to make your GiveBIG gift to Third Place Commons and help our community remain strong and vibrant.

Thank you! And see you at the Commons!

--Amy Whittenburg, Executive Director



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New Executive Director at the Commons

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Amy Whittenburg
Executive Director, Third Place Commons
The Friends of Third Place Commons is pleased to announce the hiring of Amy Whittenburg as the new Executive Director.

Whittenburg comes to the Commons from ArtsEd Washington, a state-wide K-12 arts education nonprofit, where she had been Deputy Director, interim Executive Director and most recently Organizational Transition Consultant.

Prior to that she worked eight years in development at Cascade Community College and the University of Washington.

Her community volunteer work includes five years on the Kirkland Cultural Council / Commission including two years as its Chair. In that capacity she was involved in instigating several collaborative community programs and events.

The skills Whittenburg brings to this Commons position are considerable including technology, collaborative experience with fund development and event planning, a passion and facility for innovation and a strong work ethic.

She has been described as a fabulous communicator who is professional, personable and collegial, adept at outreach, empathetic and passionate about her work. And, someone who can see the big picture as well as the details.

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 board members are excited to welcome and begin working with Whittenburg on this next phase in the life of our wonderful space. And, she is excited to meet our community, so please say hello if you see her next time you’re in the Commons.


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Sell out crowd for Third Place Commons Breakfast

Monday, February 29, 2016

2016 Commons Breakfast
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Last week Third Place Commons held its annual fundraising breakfast with more than 240 people in attendance. Allen Schauffler brought his usual charm to the job of Master of Ceremonies and Mayor Jeff Johnson shared some of his visions for the city.

This year the Commons’ Community Partner Award honored the Church of the Redeemer for its generous contributions to the Market Bucks program over the past five years. (see previous article)

LFP resident Allen Schauffler
was the Master of Ceremonies
Photo by Jerry Pickard

After a wonderful breakfast of Honey Bear bacon, eggs and scones and a tasty chocolate from the Chocolate Man served up by the Interact Club and the Youth Council students, Schauffler led a short but lively auction.

Many thanks to all of you who came to the event, donated to the Commons and to all of the friends and supporters of this amazing community asset. 

Mayor Jeff Johnson shared his vision for the city
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The annual breakfast raises about a third of the annual budget of the Commons. These funds help support the staff who organize events, provide sound and tech support and manage the Commons.

Auctioneer Chuck Paulson presents the annual Community Partner award
to The Rev. Fr. Jed Fox for the Church of the Redeemer's
participation in the Market Buck program
Photo by Jerry Pickard
 
As you can see below the Commons is hopping. Here is a sampling of what is coming up just in the next week.
  • Monday: Mah Jongg 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • Tuesday: French Conversation, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Wednesday: Third Place Commons Game Night 6:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Thursday: Kaleidoscope Play and Learn 10:30am - 12:00pm Join other parents, grandparents, and caregivers with children ages birth to 5 in front of the stage for art, games, and conversation, sponsored and led by the Shoreline Family Support Center.
  • Thursday: Spanish Conversation 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Friday: Kellogg Middle School One Love Festival with special guest, Blues Artist Chic Streetman. 7:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Saturday, March 5, 2016, In the Commons
    • T’ai Chi 8:30-9:30am Stadler Room
    • Clay Day in the Commons 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Commons Art-In 10:00am - 4:00pm
    • LFP for Peace 10:00am - 11:00am
    • Keiki Hula 2:00pm - 3:00pm On the stage, Hula and Polynesian dance featuring the youth of Hula o Lehualani
    • Gin Creek "Blues/Roots" Live Music brought to you by Third Place Commons 7:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Sunday, March 7
    • Sunday Morning Wordplay 11:00am - 1:30pm All kinds of word games, from Prolix and Wordsters to Fictionary and Word on the Street. Come and enjoy wordplay with other logophiles!
    • Turkish Conversation 1:30pm - 3:00pm

For more information on events check out our calendar at Third Place Commons calendar  -- and do come join the fun!



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