MANAGER’S CORNER
"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." Peter Marshall
Stronger: What Muscles and Life Have in Common
Have you ever looked back at a hard season of your life and realized it made you into someone you couldn't have become any other way? There's actually a science to that feeling. When we lift weights, tiny tears, called microtears, form in our muscle fibers. The body rushes in to repair them, and when the healing is complete, those muscles are stronger than before. It turns out, life works the same way.
Muscles don't grow by staying comfortable. The very thing that causes soreness is what triggers strength. In the same way, life's hard moments - loss, illness, change, and uncertainty are our emotional and spiritual microtears. They're painful in the moment, but the healing that follows builds us back tougher and more resilient than we were before.
And resilient we are. By the time we reach our 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond, we are already walking testimonies to that truth. Many of us have survived things that once seemed unsurvivable, and yet here we are, still standing, still growing.
That growth doesn't happen alone, though. Just as many muscle fibers work together to rebuild what was torn, we too need one another. A support network of friends, family, neighbors, or community is essential to our emotional and spiritual healing.
Rest matters just as much as connection. Muscle growth actually happens during recovery, not during the workout itself. The same is true for us. That could mean a cup of coffee with a neighbor, prayer or meditation, or a peaceful walk in the park. Those quiet moments of restoration are not a luxury, they are part of the process.
Sometimes the most encouraging thing we can hear is simply that someone else made it through. So this month, we'd love for you to share with a neighbor: What's a hard time you survived, and what did it teach you?
Getting stronger together!
Sean and Denise
recreation association NOTES
Please meet your new Board of Directors: Will Booth (Chair), Bill Whitfield (Vice Chair), June Timm (Treasurer), Joyce Guzdar (Secretary), Sharon Nelson, Carol Houlihan, Dave Whithrow, and Marie Duxbury. Along with the Officers being selected, we also set the days and times for the monthly Recreation Association Meetings and Monthly Meals. Meetings will be held on the last Monday of each month (unless otherwise stated), and Meals are on the first Saturday of each month (unless otherwise scheduled).
Saturday, May 2, 2026, will be the Community Meal from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Clubhouse (menu to be determined). As always, residents are free. Guests are also welcome at a cost of $5.00 each (exact change please).
Upcoming Events for the Summer include:
• Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Monthly Meal (11:00AM – 1:00PM)
• Saturday, June 6th – Monthly Meal (11:00AM – 1:00PM)
• Saturday, July 25th – Summer Potluck BBQ at the Lake (11:00AM – 2:00PM) (if weather requires, we will move this to the Clubhouse)
• Friday, August 15th and Saturday, August 16th - Community Carport/Yard Sales (9:00AM – 4:00PM)
• Saturday, August 29th – Music in the Park with live music and food trucks (if weather requires, we will move this to the Clubhouse)
• Saturday, September 5th – Monthly Meal (11:00AM – 1:00PM)
We continue to look into Adaptive Technology to make all Meetings/Activities accessible to all. In addition, we are once again hoping to have a few Neighborhood/Street Potluck BBQs hosted by community members throughout the summer. The Recreation Board will provide burgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments, etc. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish to share. We can also provide tables, chairs, and canopies. To set up a desired date, please reach out to Will directly or attend a monthly Recreation Association meeting.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Recreation Association, its Board, or any Events, attend the monthly meetings to voice your concern, ask questions, and learn more. Speaking to your neighbor about your concerns is not the same. Basically, if you do not attend the meeting and allow your voice to be heard there, then nothing was said, thus nothing was heard.
The next Recreation Association Meeting will be on Monday, May 25th at 6:30 PM. As always, when we have at least 17 Residents in attendance (not counting the Board), there will be a drawing for a $20 Safeway gift card. Attend the monthly Recreation Association Meeting and share your voice, meet some new neighbors, and you might walk away with a $20.00 Safeway Gift Card and maybe even a new friend.
COMMUNITY NOTES AND REMINDERS
• TEMPORARY OCCUPANTS
As a friendly reminder for all residents, we would like to clarify the difference between temporary occupants and guests in our community. According to Section 2.4 of the Bow Lake Rules, guests may stay in the community for up to 15 days within any 60-day period. If a guest plans to stay longer than 15 days during that time, they must complete a criminal background screening and be approved by Management before continuing their stay. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep Bow Lake a safe and enjoyable community for everyone.
• A NOTE ABOUT CATS IN OUR COMMUNITY
We love our furry feline friends, but we want to remind cat owners that our Rules and Regulations do not permit cats to roam freely throughout the community. Unsupervised cats can wander into neighboring yards, which can be a source of frustration for some of your neighbors. We ask that all cat owners please keep their pets contained out of respect for those around them. If a roaming cat has been an issue for you, we encourage you to have a friendly conversation with your neighbor as a little kindness goes a long way!
• DRIVING SAFETY
Because our streets are narrow and many residents regularly walk, often with their dogs, it is especially important that everyone observe the 10-mph speed limit and be vigilant at all intersections and stop signs.
Speeding through the community, rolling through intersections, or turning corners too quickly may save only a few seconds, but it significantly increases the risk of an accident. The safety of our neighbors, guests, and pets depends on each of us driving attentively and responsibly.
Please help us keep our Bow Lake community safe by driving carefully, slowing down, and remaining mindful of those around you.
• SPRING CLEANING
Thank you to everyone who participated in cleaning up their yards and driveways during our Spring Clean-Up Week! Even if you haven’t finished everything, there’s still time to get your lot in tip-top shape. It will also soon be great weather for painting and repairing any areas on your house that need new life, so please take advantage of the weather and let’s continue to keep Bow Lake beautiful!
Our annual “Yard” contests will begin soon. We may change it up some this year but keep your eyes open for more details in next month’s Newsletter!
ONLINE RENT PAYMENTS
Did you know that you can pay your rent online? If this is something that you are interested in, please call the office and we can get you the instructions.
General Announcements
BOW LAKE ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURED
HOMEOWNERS (BLAMHO)
We work with Residents and Property Management to ensure everyone understands the rules and works together respectfully. We are here to be of service to YOU, the Resident. We are here as support for you. Our goal is to build a strong and inclusive community where everyone’s voice is heard. Remember – YOU are a member if you live here! There are no dues or fees. We look forward to meeting you.
Please join us at our next Potluck Meeting on Monday, May 4th at 6:00PM in the Clubhouse. Please bring your favorite dish, side, snack, beverage, dessert, etc. to share.
Remember, you can always go directly to Property Management with issues, concerns, etc., and you can always have a BLAMHO Board Member, or a trusted friend accompany you as a witness, should there be a need.
Should you have questions regarding BLAMHO, please attend the Monthly Meeting.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Thank you to those who have already Volunteered for this important responsibility; however, we still need volunteers. We are working to bring various trainings and information to the Community. Should you have questions regarding Neighborhood/ Block Watch or Disaster Preparedness, please attend the Monthly Meeting.
BLOCK WATCH/NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
REPORT ALL emergencies, CALL 911
To report non-emergencies, call 206-296-3311
All residents of Bow Lake 55+ Manufactured Home Lifestyle Community are invited and welcome to attend the monthly meetings. Please join us and share your thoughts and learn from your neighbors on Thursday, May 14th at 7:00PM in the Clubhouse.
If there is anything specific you would like to see/hear about regarding Safety and Security, please reach out, or come to any of the Monthly Meetings and let us know.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding Neighborhood/Block Watch, BLAMHO, or Disaster Preparedness, please attend the monthly meetings or reach out directly to Will Booth �� 206-310-1307 �� williambooth.wb@hotmail.com
EVENTS and CLUBS
DANCE CLUB
Sallie Palella - 206-960-0303
May more than any other month wants us to feel more alive. And what better way than attend the dance on Saturday, May 16th with the fabulous C.C. Engel? Doors will be unlocked, and check-in will begin at 6:45pm. Please do not arrive early. Guests must be accompanied by their resident host. The event is from 7-9:30 pm and the cost is $6.00. Masks are optional, no reserved tables, no pets. Cups, water & ice will be provided. Bring your own beverages and snacks.
Remember you don’t need to dance to enjoy a fun evening.
Did you know Siddie, Wilma & I have collectively volunteered on The Dance Committee for over 50 years? For our dances to continue we need new members of Bow Lake to attend our next Dance Meetings. The next Dance meeting is Wednesday, May 6th at 5:30pm. This meeting is open to all residents.
DANCE CLUB LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE:
May 16th – CC Engel
June 20th – Phil Slater
LINE DANCE CLUB
July 18th – Mark Stern
August 15th – Randy Litch
Sharon Gosline - 206-588-3459
September 19th – Phil Slater
Line Dance Club meets every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm. If you are interested in kicking up your heels a bit, al fresco style please let me know. Everyone is welcome!!!
BINGO, BINGO, BINGO!
Sharon Gosline - 206-588-3459
BINGO Every Friday: 6:15-9:00pm in the Club House! The cost, as always, is $2.00 to join and then 25 cents a card which is collected before the games begin. We are also in need of volunteer Bingo assistants to set up and tear down. Please call Sharon if you’re interested!
KARAOKE! David Withrow | 443-910-3943
Second Saturday of the month | May 9th, 2026, 7:00 pm
Nibbles and beverages are welcome!
Bring your neighbors, your family and friends. Dancing shoes not required but welcome. Come join the fun and sing your favorite songs with us!
EVENTS and CLUBS
HOBBY SHOP HAPPENINGS
Mark Eidem – 425-306-9878 | konatrader78@gmail.com
If you like woodworking, come check out the Bow Lake Hobby Shop. There are a variety of tools, including Table Saw, Radial Arm Saw, Chop Saw, Band Saw, and Router table just to name a few. Contact Mark Eidem by phone or email if you have questions.
BOW LAKE LIBRARY CORNER
Liz | 206-604-3665
Our community library offers more than just books. Come explore our wide selection of jigsaw puzzles, CDs, DVDs, and games available for all residents to enjoy. When visiting, please be mindful of the jigsaw puzzles in progress. These take hours to complete, and we ask that you do not disturb any partially assembled puzzles out of respect for the time and effort others have put in.
Expanded Digital Library
Thanks to generous donations, our digital library has been updated! DVDs are now organized into categories such as “Kid Zone,” “Sports,” “Westerns,” “Comedy,” and “Crime/Police,” making it easier to find your favorites. We also have a few Blu-Rays (check the cover, as most include a standard DVD) and a selection of CDs and audio books. Audio books are especially helpful for those with reading or vision difficulties, and donations are always welcome.
Borrowing Guidelines:
• Limit of two DVDs and/or two CDs at a time.
• DVDs should be returned within one week if possible; sets and CDs may be kept up to one month.
• Audio books: one at a time, returned within a reasonable timeframe.
• Please do not re-shelve items yourself—place returns or donations on top of the shelf units or near the book return area.
MOVE IT :)
Come move your body with us. We have a walking video, treadmill, bikes, and free weights. Whatever you want to do. Just keep moving with friends. Every Monday and Friday at 9:30am in the club house downstairs. If you have any questions, just call Beverly 206-380-2844
Bow lake resources
BOW LAKE MHP 55+ RESIDENTS BUY/SELL/GIVEAWAY FACEBOOK GROUP
Selling something? Giving something away? Facebook Group page for Bow Lake residents. To buy, sell, giveaway, make announcements, ask for recommendations, etc. Please join! Search Facebook groups for “Bow Lake MHP 55+ Residents Buy/Sell/Giveaway”. Or text 253-218–8700 for the link.
The City of SeaTac has a Minor Home Repair program. Call 206-973-4815 to request an application. King County also has a Housing Repair Program. To apply with King County or to find out if you might qualify, call 206-263-2490 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/housingrepair.
CONTRACTOR/SERVICE PROVIDER REFERRALS
We would love your help in building a list of reliable contractors and service providers for our community. If you have had a good experience with someone who has done work for you, such as a plumber, electrician, landscaper, handyman, painter, roofer, or other service professional, please let the office know. Your recommendations may be very helpful to neighbors who are looking for trusted services. Thank you for helping support one another in our community!
RESIDENT NOTARY PUBLIC
Resident, Lorin Elkin is a WA State Licensed Notary Public offering services to Bow Lake Residents. Call or text to schedule an appointment. (949) 916-8686
NEED A JUMP? | Call Sam 206-229-0439
Retired Auto-mechanic can help you with the following auto emergencies: No start/Jump
Start & Battery/Battery change
NEED HELP MOVING OR DUMP RUNS?
Call Scott Lohkamp 206-383-6390
MANICURES/PEDICURES
Call Selena for manicures or pedicures
425-229-9780
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?
A-1 MELODY AIRPORT SERVICE
Call Mohsen (Mo) 206-999-6567
$50 for airport service
RESIDENT HAIRCUTS
Evelyn, is a licensed hairstylist and is offering haircuts right here in the community for your convenience! For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Evelyn 206-335-8553.
FOR A RELAXING MASSAGE
Call Shirley 626-244-6067
Contact Brandon Judy with CHS 425-589-5365 or email Brandon.Judy@cwres.com
Seller and buyer incentives are available when you list with Commonwealth. Call today to learn about our current specials. Your home will receive maximum exposure through the NWMLS, our YouTube channel, and the Bow Lake website!
General Announcements
Here is a story shared by a resident:
OLD FOLKS ARE WORTH A FORTUNE
Old folks are worth a fortune: With silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs. I have become a lot more social with the passing of the years; some might even call me a frivolous old gal. I’m seeing five gentlemen every day.
As soon as I wake, Will Power helps me get out of bed. Then I go to see John. Then Charley Horse comes along, and when he is here, he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, Arthur Ritis Show up and stays the rest of the day. (He doesn’t like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint.) After such a busy day, I’m really tired and glad to go to bed – with Ben Gay. What a life!
P.S. The preacher came to call the other day. He said that at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him I do, all the time. No matter where I am – in the parlor, upstairs in the kitchen or down in the basement – I ask myself, “Now, what am I here after?”
May Trivia
1) What famous holiday honoring mothers is celebrated in May?
2) Which U.S. holiday honors fallen military members and is observed on the last Monday of May?
3) May is named after Maia, the Roman goddess of what?
4) What popular flower is strongly associated with May and Mother’s Day?
5) Which famous horse race, known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” takes place in early May?
6) In what year did the first Kentucky Derby take place?
7) What is the birthstone for May?
8) Which classic 1960s band had a hit with “Here Comes the Sun,” often associated with spring?
9) What famous TV show finale aired in May 1983 and became one of the most-watched broadcasts ever?
10) Which U.S. President established Memorial Day (originally Decoration Day)?
11) What zodiac signs fall in the month of May?
12) May 1st is celebrated as May Day—traditionally involving dancing around what decorated object?
13) What famous space mission launched in May 1961, making Alan Shepard the first American in space?
14) Which beloved actress known for “I Love Lucy” was born in May?
15) What popular gardening phrase begins with “April showers bring…”?
1 Bed / 1 Bath starting at $79,900 2 Bed / 2 Bath * $154,000 starting at
May 202 6
refer a friend to
Love living at Bow Lake? Share it with friends and family, and get rewarded when they join our vibrant 55+ community.
how YOU can earn:
$2,000 when your referral purchases a brand-new home at Bow Lake.
$1,000 when your referral purchases a pre-owned, community-brokered home
Simply invite someone interested in the 55+ lifestyle to explore Bow Lake’s beautiful homes, welcoming neighbors, and outstanding amenities. Once they move in, the rewards are yours!
Questions? Contact the Bow Lake office at (253) 434-3137 for full details and qualifications. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping Bow Lake grow, one great neighbor at a time.
Don’t forget to fill out and submit the Referral Card below!
1) Mother’s Day; 2) Memorial Day; 3) Growth (or springtime/fertility); 4) Carnation; 5) Kentucky Derby; 6) 1875; 7) Emerald; 8) The Beatles; 9) MAS*H; 10) Ulysses S. Grant (recognized as formalizing it nationally; originally proclaimed by General John A. Logan); 11) Taurus and Gemini; 12) Maypole; 13) Freedom 7; 14) Lucille Ball; 15) May flowers
