Local Community Posts Edmonds, WA (zoom)

Every community has stories worth preserving. Old photographs. Family stories. Historic buildings. Local traditions. Newspaper clippings. Memories passed down through generations. Help preserve the history of your community by sharing stories about the people, places, and events that made it special. Do you have an old photograph, a family story, or knowledge about your community's past? Share it today, every contribution adds another piece to the story and helps preserve it for future generations.

Around Your Neighborhood with Fresh Eyes | Community Life Series | Kudos365

It's easy to become so familiar with our neighborhoods that we stop noticing what makes them special. The streets we travel every day, the parks we pass, and the buildings we see become part of the background of daily life. Yet taking a fresh look at our surroundings often reveals interesting details, unexpected beauty, and a deeper appreciation for the place we call home.

Exploring your neighborhood doesn't require a destination or even a particular mode of travel. Whether you're walking, riding a bicycle, driving, or simply taking a different route during your day, slowing down and observing with curiosity can transform an ordinary outing into a small adventure.

You may notice architectural details you've never seen before, a public art installation tucked away in a quiet corner, a historic building with an interesting story, or a small local business you've always passed without entering. Community gardens, neighborhood parks, murals, memorials, and scenic viewpoints often become hidden treasures simply because they've blended into our routines.

Looking with fresh eyes also means paying attention to the people and organizations that help shape a community. A neighborhood library, a volunteer group maintaining a park, a family-owned business that has served residents for generations, or a local museum preserving community heritage all contribute to the character of the place.

Every community changes over time. New businesses open, public spaces evolve, trees mature, and neighborhoods develop their own unique identity. Taking time to notice these changes helps us better understand the community's story and our place within it.

Seeing familiar places from a new perspective can also inspire curiosity. Why was a particular building constructed? What stood there years ago? Who created that public artwork? How did the neighborhood receive its name? Simple questions often lead to fascinating discoveries about local history and the people who shaped today's community.

Perhaps the greatest reward is a renewed sense of connection. Appreciating the everyday places around us often leads to greater pride in our communities and a stronger desire to support the people, organizations, and businesses that make them vibrant places to live.

Sometimes the most interesting discoveries aren't found by traveling far away—they're waiting just around the corner.

Community Connection

What place in your community do you think deserves more attention? Share a favorite neighborhood spot, an interesting landmark, a hidden gem, or a photograph that captures something others might overlook?

Publication Notice. - This Community Life article is intended to inform, inspire, and encourage appreciation of the communities where we live by providing general information. It is not intended to provide professional, legal, financial, or other specialized advice.

- Community Life Series © 2026–Present Kudos365. All Rights Reserved. | M1.0.0 | HSR2.3.0

Artist, Stan Kurth, is the 2023 juror for the show.
Venue: Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park , 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island, WA 98282. 360-387-2759.
Awards Reception: Oct. 28, 2023, 2:30-5:00, Potluck party starts at 5:00.       

See More

It's not often that one stops to think about how infrastructure impacts the community. Yet, the outdoor spaces in which we find ourselves can have a significant impact on the way we approach life and can even impact how we interact with each other. Here's how.

Infrastructure can help promote societal interactions

The way a city or town is designed can help to promote societal interactions. Furthermore, the more architectural developments there are, the greater likelihood for people to be outdoors, which enhances the potential of relationships being formed organically, whether it be at the park, the library, community centers, etc.

Speaking of building relationships, one can also use the accessibility of public spaces to network for business purposes. For example, meeting with others at a convention center can help to boost potential prospects if you're looking to network. But suppose you're not that experienced at meet and greets or you feel that it's not your strong suit because you are naturally introverted, then be
sure to practice your pitch on friends and family first. Or, why not get networking tips from your most extroverted friend to help give you that extra confidence boost you need when meeting new people?

Infrastructure can help promote the public's wellbeing When there is the necessary infrastructure in place, people are often more willing to partake in outdoor activities that are good for their health. For example, when parks, subways, and other confined spaces are well lit, people feel safer engaging in healthier outdoor activities such as jogging or cycling to get more fit.

Lighting as a key design feature

As far as design features go, lighting comes out on top as a must-have, especially if it is a place that people use often. For example, parking garages should be one of the safest places there are because there tends to be a lot of traffic in and through here daily. Not only is lighting needed for walkways or stairways leading to parking garages for safety as well as visibility reasons, but these LED lights for parking areas and structures also help to boost visibility for drivers in underground parking spaces too.

Examples of design infrastructures that benefit the public

Housing infrastructure

Housing infrastructure that is accessible and financially affordable to all, no matter your income status, race, or background.

Transportation

There should be sufficient transportation routes in terms of accessible and convenient roads and highways, as well as a variety of public transportation that is available to the masses.

Recreational spaces

There should also be ample recreational spaces for the public to enjoy the outdoors, such as parks and botanical gardens, and access to cultural places such as community and arts and culture centers. For instance, if you’re in the Washington area, then why not make a pit stop at Bellevue Downtown Park to take in its beautiful waterfall, picnic area, and playground for the kids? Or, if you’re a beach fan, what about the Meydenbauer Bay Park to have a glimpse of scenic beach views and hiking trails?

Ways to facilitate communication with one another

In today's digital world, there has to be provision for internet services and a sufficient signal when it comes to mobile, not forgetting utility poles when it comes to landlines and your computer.

Certainly, infrastructure plays an important role in how we go about our daily lives. So if you are choosing to move to a new town, it would be wise to look at the infrastructure in place there to determine if it is going to be easy and enjoyable to live there or not. Furthermore, safety should be a big consideration also; hence, why lighting plays such a critical role in the infrastructure of most major cities.

Comment below If you have something to say that you feel would benefit your community or browse Kudos 365 for other items that may be of interest to you

Image via Pexels

When you start a new business, it’s important to branch out and integrate with your local community. Your friends and neighbors are not only potential customers but also collaborators and brand ambassadors. Here are some tips for forming a successful new business and connections.

Establishment

Before you head out and begin to shake hands, it’s important to get the fundamentals of your business right. If you’ve recently moved to the area, it’s important to ensure that all of your paperwork is in order - this means setting up your business structure, bank account, registering for taxes, securing web domains, applying for licenses & permits, calculating financial projections and, of course,
writing a solid business plan. Some of these are regional-specific (for example, business structure) meaning you’ll need to observe state regulations during proceedings.

A business plan is crucial for attracting investment in your business and for its long-term ambitions. You can use this document to structure, run and grow your business - detailing the company, its mission, competitors, structure, products, and financial requirements. There are plenty of resources online to help you nail down this important step.

Networking

Once you’re legal, the next step is to get the word out. It might fall outside of your comfort zone but going out and networking in person is still an important part of establishing yourself in the local community. A simple introduction goes a long way but it helps to go a step further. By giving a hand at community events, for example, you can contribute to a cause whilst developing a report with
potential business prospects. Or, by sharing your services, you’ll be getting the word out about your business and lending help to those who need it.

Almost as important as your physical presence is your digital one. Take the time to reach out and connect with those in your local community via social media on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin. You may find it helps to join some of the local groups and just engage in conversations/introduce yourself (although it helps not to make discussions so business-centric).

Marketing

Even with the word out, promoting your business takes precedence if you want to establish yourself in the minds of your local community. Marketing can help with this and encompasses everything from designing a standout logo to paying for advertisement. Often, it’s a good idea to start small with placements in local newspapers, free samples in other shops, sponsoring local events, or even hiring out nearby billboards. The key here is to get yourself as thoroughly involved as possible.

If you have the budget, you may also decide it makes sense to pay for online pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns or with Google placements. Digital marketing is one of the most cost-efficient ways to promote your business and it can help you to expand your reach across the whole community and beyond. Especially in sparsely populated areas of the country, it can be difficult to get eyes on your product but with smartphones and social media, you can tactically place your brand in a digital space where it’s bound to be seen.

In business, having the locals on your side is an advantage that is difficult to measure. If anything goes wrong or if you need a helping hand, you can be sure that your neighbors have your back. Just make sure that whatever goodwill you receive is reciprocated.

Author: Linda Chase of AbleHire.org. Able Hire's Mission is "Helping people with disabilities build rewarding, successful careers."

Kudos 365  is the place to post about your local Community events and activities or to share your photography, art, or other expertise.

Image by Pexels

The14 landscape paintings being displayed at the Salt and Iron Restaurant in Edmonds are all about color and texture!

The Salt and Iron Restaurant is located at 321 Main Street, #3135 - Edmonds, WA 98020 (425-361-1112)

Holiday Sale prices are now through the holidays, so this is the time to shop for that special gift! . See more at: www.annewatersart.com

CAT LOVERS! THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!!!

Come enjoy a weekend celebration of everything cats! With 80+ vendors from all over the world, you'll find high quality and one of a kind meowchandise for cats and humans!

There, you will find all the cat-related products imaginable: art, apparel, cat toys, accessories, paper goods, food brands, and MUCH MORE! Attend some of the art workshops, cat workshops or presentations from educational and entertaining speakers and advocates. There will also be cat yoga, cat cafe, and an adoption lounge, face painting, art making and much more!

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 26th and 27th, 2019 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Address: 301 Mercer Street, Seattle, Washington 98109

Phone: 206-684-7200 

Bring the family out for the Where's Waldo 5k! Come dressed as your favorite Waldo! Join other Where's Waldo fans and have a blast at Green Lake Park!

This event will be "officially timed". The trail is fairly flat, rain or shine! Cost is $30 for adults which includes race, bib, photos, medal. costs for kids under 10 is $20 which includes race, bib, photos, and medal. 

Come have fun with the entire family on a beautiful fall morning!

REGISTER HERE

When: Saturday, October 26th, 2019 at 10:00 am

Address: Latona Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98115

Phone: 206-684-4075

The Seattle Public Works Expo provides a first-class multimodal learning experience designed for professionals at all levels and across the entire spectrum of public works!

Come prepared to see, hear, touch, and discuss in a variety of traditional and interactive sessions, seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities.
 
Grab your business partners, co-workers and friends and head to Seattle for a weekend of learning and fun!

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 8th, 9th and 10th, 2019 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Address: 705 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101

Phone: 206-694-5000 

Are you ready, Seattle? Join in for the St. Jude Walk/Run during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, to raise money for the kids of St. Jude, where families never receive a bill for anything. Let's end childhood cancer. Together.

When: Saturday, September 14th, 2019 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm.  

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, Washington 98109

Phone: 206-684-7200
Email: seattle.gov" style="color: rgb(56, 88, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; font-family: inherit;">sc.customerservice@seattle.gov