MANAGER’S CORNER
Happy Spring!
Spring is my favorite time of year. It feels like a season of new growth; of coming out of dark days into brighter, sunnier ones. There is something hopeful about seeing fresh buds on the trees and bright flowers pushing up from the ground. Everything feels new again. It’s also a wonderful time to renew not only our surroundings, but our minds. The days are getting longer, inviting us out into the daylight to soak up whatever sunshine we can find. Even here in the rainy Pacific Northwest, it helps to remember that the sun is still there even when clouds try to hide it.
Recently, I’ve been reading about how our brains can actually be “rewired” to heal from fear, anxiety, and past experiences. The world around us often feels heavy and full of conflict, uncertainty, and stress. But there is also goodness, light, and hope.
Neuroscience shows that our brains can change based on the thoughts we practice and the responses we choose. Interestingly, the brain doesn’t always distinguish between something that is truly happening and something we are imagining. When we feel anxious, it’s often because something in the present reminds us of something difficult from the past, or something negative that might happen in the future. But we can choose to refocus on what is actually happening right now.
I see this in my own life. If I receive an unexpected phone call from a family member, my first thought might be, “What’s wrong?” That reaction probably comes from one or two times in the past when unexpected calls brought bad news. But when I pause and remind myself that most phone calls from my family have been perfectly normal, even happy, I can shift my thinking. Instead of worrying about what might be happening, I can focus on what is happening. In that moment, I move from reacting to responding.
How does this relate to our Bow Lake community?
In the office, we see a lot of reactions; reactions to rent increases, to something someone heard, to a compliance notice, or to a neighbor’s comment. Often, those reactions aren’t based on the full picture, but on assumptions, past experiences, or fears about what could happen.
It’s completely human to feel fear or frustration. But we always have a choice in how we respond. Life is much more enjoyable, and less scary, when we choose to focus on what is good and true.
Let’s move into this spring season, remembering that brighter days follow darker ones. Let’s choose to renew our minds, responding with patience, kindness, and open communicationwith one another and with ourselves.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” Attributed to Viktor E. Frankl
Warm regards, Sean and Denise
recreation association NOTES
It is that time of year once again, time to elect new members of the Recreation Association Board. We have seven (7) vacancies for the 2026–2027 Board. With the passage of the new Recreation Association bylaws, voting will no longer determine the term lengths of Board members. In addition, residents will no longer choose the Vice Chair.
Voting will take place as usual, and those receiving the most votes will fill the vacancies. Once seated, Board members will select their officers (i.e., Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary) and will also determine the term length for each member. Therefore, you will have a voice in whether you serve one, two, three, or more years.
Elections will be held during the March 14th Brunch (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM). However, for those who are unable to attend, an absentee ballot is provided below. Absentee ballots must be turned in to the Bow Lake Office no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, March 13th in order to be counted. Otherwise, you will need to attend the March 14th Brunch/Election event and cast your vote in person.
As a reminder, the monthly meal service will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. As always, residents attend free of charge, and guests are welcome at $5 per guest (cash only, please). This month’s menu is a Bow Lake Continental Brunch.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Recreation Association, its Board, or any events, please attend the monthly meetings to learn more. Our next Association Meeting will be held at 6:30 PM on Monday, March 30th. When at least 17 residents are in attendance (not including Board members), there will be a drawing for a $20 gift card.
COMMUNITY NOTES AND REMINDERS
• CARPORT CLEANUP
All of us would agree that the appearance of our community is something that we all want to enjoy and take pride in. Keeping our individual spaces clean and uncluttered is an important part of keeping our community an attractive place to call home. One of the areas that can easily become unsightly is the carport. It begins with a few small items, then maybe something larger, then a few more things. Before you know it, there is barely room for the car. It is hard to tell where the carport ends and the home begins.
Beginning in April we will be posting friendly reminders at those lots where items are stored in the carport that need to be removed or stored out of sight. Please begin looking at the stuff in your carport and make plans to get rid of the things that aren’t supposed to be there. If you are unsure about what should and shouldn’t be in your carport, please consult the Bow Lake Rules & Regulations, Sections 7.6 & 7.7. Also, using curtains or tarps to obscure the items is not acceptable. The items need to be removed.
A common response we receive when asking residents to address property maintenance issues is, “Well, someone else’s lot is a mess. Why aren’t you asking them to clean it up?” Deflecting responsibility in this way is unproductive and does not resolve anything. Each resident is accountable for maintaining their own property, and another individual’s non-compliance does not excuse a failure to meet community standards. If everyone adopted this approach, compliance would quickly erode and community standards could not be effectively upheld.
It is also important to recognize that residents are not aware of what communications or notices others may have received. Enforcement actions are handled directly and appropriately with the individuals involved. We remain committed to applying our rules consistently, fairly, and equally to all residents.
As we do each spring, dumpsters will be provided for residents to get rid of items from their lots that they no longer want or need. Details will be coming in the April newsletter. For the lots that remain out of compliance at the beginning of May we will be issuing 30 Day Non-Compliance Notices.
If you have questions about this, please contact the office and we will help you.
COMMUNITY NOTES AND REMINDERS
• GUEST PARKING
Residents and their guests who park in designated guest parking spaces for more than 24 hours are required to display a valid guest parking pass on the vehicle’s dashboard. Guest parking passes are available at the Bow Lake Office. Vehicles parked without the required pass properly displayed are subject to towing at the vehicle owner’s expense.
• STREET PARKING
Per our community rules, street parking is allowed only for short periods during the day and is not permitted overnight. Even during the day, please park on the street only when necessary, and be mindful not to park directly across from other vehicles. This helps keep our streets clear and ensures safe access for all traffic, especially emergency vehicles.
• GATE APP AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CELLPHONE
If you are not already aware, there is a free mobile app you can install on your phone for gate access. This app allows you to open the gate remotely for yourself or your visitors. To get started, please stop by the office with your phone, and we will be happy to help you set it up. You will need access to your email on your phone, and we will also need your correct email address to program the system.
• 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.
General Announcements
BOW LAKE ESTATES ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURED
HOMEOWNERS (BLEAMH)/HOA
BLAMHO is your community outreach group. We work with residents and Property Management to ensure everyone understands the rules and works together respectfully. We are here to serve you, the residents, and to support you. Our goal is to build a strong, inclusive community where everyone’s voice is heard. Motto: Remember – YOU are a member if you live here!
There are no dues or fees. We look forward to meeting you.
To help ensure all residents have an equal voice and equal access to services and support as we address issues and concerns, we have invited SeaTac City Council Members and the City Manager to join us at our March 2nd meeting. We have not received any RSVPs at this time; however, we hope to welcome one or two representatives to our March meeting.
BLAMHO does not make the rules. We work with residents and Property Management to ensure everyone understands them and works together cooperatively. Please join us at our next meeting on Monday, March 2nd at 6:00 PM in the Clubhouse. This is our monthly meeting and potluck, and this month’s theme is “Green” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day later in the month. We are asking residents to bring their favorite dish, side, snack, beverage, dessert, etc., to share.
Remember, you may always go directly to Property Management with issues or concerns. You are also welcome to have a BLAMHO Board Member or a trusted friend accompany you as a witness, if needed.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Thank you to those who have already volunteered for this important responsibility; however, we still need additional volunteers. We are working to bring various trainings and informational resources to the community.
Please attend the monthly BLAMHO or Neighborhood/Block Meetings with any questions or comments, or to sign up.
General Announcements
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. Our next meeting is on Thursday, March 12th at 5:30 PM in the Clubhouse. This month we will have the City of SeaTac Community Safety Officers at this meeting to provide information on keeping our Community Safety, especially since we are a Senior Community. Please plan to attend and learn more about how you can keep yourself and your neighbors safe.
As always, if you see something, say something. Only We Can Make Our Community Safe for Ourselves and Our Neighbors
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
BOW LAKE HISTORY
Have you ever wondered about the history of Bow Lake Estates? Since our community began in the early 1960s, there is so much history to discover. For more than 60 years, Bow Lake has been a fixture in SeaTac.
Quite often, when we’re out and about in SeaTac and mention that we live at Bow Lake, someone shares a story. Maybe they visited their grandmother here and went swimming in the pool during the summer. Perhaps they attended an event at the clubhouse, or they have friends who live here. It’s always special to hear how our community has touched so many lives.
We would love to begin documenting that history. If you have photos of past events, residents, homes, or facilities that you would be willing to share or donate, we would be thrilled. Perhaps you have a special memory of someone or something at Bow Lake - we would love to hear those stories as well.
Inside the east entrance of the clubhouse, there is a photograph of Bow Lake from around 1960. It’s fascinating to see how much our community has changed over the years. We would like to continue telling the story of Bow Lake Estates, and we hope you’ll be part of it. Please contact the office if you have something you would like to contribute.
EVENTS and CLUBS
DANCE CLUB
Sallie Palella - 206-960-0303
Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s Party”! On Saturday March 21st plan to enjoy 13 Coins regular Phil Slater. Phil offers a night of great entertainment – Motown, Classic Rock, Country, and Disco!
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, March 4th at 5:30pm. This meeting is open to all residents.
DANCE CLUB LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE:
April 18th – Randy Litch
May 16th – CC Engel
BINGO, BINGO, BINGO!
June 20th – Phil Slater
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 March 14th, 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 heartfelt 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
GOOD NEWS CORNER
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.
King County Metro offers training for using the King County transit system, including Access Transportation. For more information about the training call 206-749-4242 or 206-263-3113 for the Access service.
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.
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
New resident Selena offers manicures or pedicures. Please call Selena 425-229-9780
FOR A RELAXING MASSAGE
Call Shirley 626-244-6067
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?
A-1 MELODY AIRPORT SERVICE
Call Mohsen (Mo) 206-999-6567
$50 for airport service
RESIDENT HAIRCUTS
One of our long-time residents, 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.
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!
Thursday, March 12th at 5:30PM in the Clubhouse
City of SeaTac Community Safety Presentation
Providing information on keeping our Community Safe
Please plan to attend and learn more about how you can keep yourself and your neighbors safe
The SeaTac Police Department employs two Community Service Officers (CSOs), who arecivilian employees focused on community outreach, crime prevention, and non-emergency services.
They assist with, but do not handle, cases involving abuse, neglect, or runaway situations, providing a vital link between the police and the community.
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!
