The kick-off meeting introducing the new, 2004 members of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce was held January, 2004, at Szmania's, with the chamber award for 2003 Business Person of the Year being presented to Bonnie McGoldrick of Secretarial Assistants.
February's Open House, held at the Seattle Yacht Club in Elliott Bay Marina, provided a networking opportunity for current, new and potential chamber members. Officials from the Port of Seattle gave a presentation on their development plans for port property.
Also, the Magnolia community, co-sponsored by the chamber, held a Magnolia Bridge and Village Cleanup on the last day of February. The day's clean-up started at the Magnolia Community Center, moving through Magnolia Village. Led by Eagle Scout Bart Bangert, scouts started at the top of the bridge and fanned toward the Village, and city officials were present with helping hands and primroses to plant.
March brought members of the Monorail Project out to speak to the chamber on plans for the monorail down 15th Avenue West.
The April meeting was held at Magnolia Community Center, with Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske speaking to the chamber about security in the Magnolia area, as well as national issues of homeland security.
May saw the chamber host a program, "What's Happening in Magnolia," with members speaking on projects being enacted throughout the business community.
In July, Magnolia Garden Center hosted a garden party for the chamber, featuring announcements of the 2004 Ambassadors (Katherine Sancken and David Mondello) as well as awards for the outgoing, 2003 Ambassadors (Jake Miller and Caroline Sancken).
August brought the 53rd annual Magnolia Chamber of Commerce Summer Festival & Art Show with a Summer Sizzle theme, with festival chair Bill Whitham, leading the way to the best ever performance.
On Friday, the heavens opened with thundering rain, challenging attendees, bands, vendors and volunteers with a day of sporadic downpours that nonetheless did not dampen spirits for the event.
On Saturday the sun came out and the parade began with the streets packed by Magnolians. The day was a success beyond belief by one and all.
September brought the annual Magnolia Village Auto Show, organized by Brent Jordan, where weather conditions again tried to dampen the spirits of Magnolians - without success. A display of drizzle and a smattering of sunny skies lasted through the day.
In late September, a gala event was held at the Seattle Yacht Club. The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night dinner was a means of honoring summer festival volunteers as well as sponsors who spent countless hours putting together the successful event.
The Magnolia Gateway had its official opening in October. The chamber's monthly meeting featured guest appearances by the Gateway projects "Steel Magnolias" as well as a presentation from Dr. Florence Sheehan on "How to Retire Healthy, Wealthy and Wise." Sheehan delighted the audience with a great talk on exercise and walking.
The annual Chili Feed was prepared by Paula Ross, and October celebrations ended with the Halloween event in Magnolia Village.
November brought the 2005 Chamber Election Night, with a grand spaghetti dinner prepared by board members Myra Williams, Robin Aschenbrenner, Susan Voorhees and Dan Bartlett.
The night's presentation was a follow-up by the Port of Seattle on their North Bay Development Plan.
The Holiday Open House was held the week before Thanksgiving, giving Magnolians an evening of shopping and socializing.
Bonnie McGoldrick recently retired from her long-time position as administrator for the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce (see story on Page 3), though she said she will stay actively involved with the chamber.[[In-content Ad]]
