The Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International, working in concert with citizens of Snohomish County, is forming a Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek. The first pre-organizational meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 18th, at Mill Creek City Hall.

The popularity of dancing shows on television and in movies is well known, but have you ever considered that gardening and dancing are similar?  Both are a creative form of expression; both involve planned moves with preparation and both gardeners and dancers aspire to a great finish as they rock their individual style.

It’s vivid, it’s abstract and it evokes a sunny day in June!  Those may have been determining factors in the selection of Mill Creek Garden Club member/artist Lyndal Kennedy’s “Sun’s Up” painting as the face of the third annual Mill Creek Garden Tour scheduled for Saturday, June 24th.

That’s right - the Ed Hume will be the guest speaker at the Mill Creek Garden Club luncheon and program on Tuesday, October 11th, at 11:00 am.

The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Ed Hume is especially proud of his induction into the Garden Writers Association "Hall of Fame," their highest honor.

In the spirit of giving back to the community, November 10th was the Mill Creek Garden Club’s, fourth annual Food and Essential’s drive, benefiting the VOA/Mill Creek Food Bank. The Garden Club members outdid themselves this year by filling the back of a ¾ ton pickup truck to the brim.

Fall has arrived! The Mill Creek Garden Club had our first meeting of the season on September 9th and plans are falling into place for our next meeting on October 13th. Although there is still a little time left for us to enjoy the summer flowers in our gardens, you can tell fall is upon us by the chill in the morning air. The first frost will be here before you know it.

The Mill Creek Garden Club thanks local residents for purchasing their flower baskets, and talks about the success of the garage sale, what's coming up this summer, and the installation of new officers.

We sold our Bloomers....every last one! Thanks to all who purchased our flowery baskets. By doing so, you helped schools in our area through our Giving Through Gardening Grants program. Bravo!

Who's our star, star, star of the quarter.....Julie Jacobson! Julie received our "Round of Applause" award for her super work ethic and her dedication to the MC Garden Club. Chairing our recent Garage Sale (made over $1000 for our Giving Through Grants program) Julie also earned the "most organized person ever" title. Way to go, Julie!! Cheers!

Shelly Johnson, Excursions Chair, is enticing us with a tour of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery gardens on July 25th. Ann Hunt, Grounds Coordinator and Master Gardener will be our tour guide. If you wish, wine tasting will follow with a trip through the gift shop. Contact a member for an invitation. Come have fun with us!! And watch out for that peacock!

Cheers and applause galore on May 14th as our new officers were installed. President: Lila Johnson; 1st VP, Michael Crawford; 2nd VP, Lisa Gerould; Secretary, Linda Lunt; Treasurer, Mary Carlson. This bunch of tulips along with our many "chairs and committee heads" is already planning surprises for next fall including a razzle-dazzle, super-duper "30 Year Anniversary Party" celebration.

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

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

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

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