Some people volunteer, some people serve, and then there are people like Terry Lippincott— a retired middle school teacher turned civic force of nature. Terry is one of Snohomish’s newest City Council members and a longtime champion of community life, having served 12 years on the Planning Commission. She’s also the president of Friends of the Library, a member of the Lions Club, the Carnegie Foundation, the Giving Circle of Women Taking Over the World—and that’s just what we managed to write down.

But titles only tell part of the story. Terry is a community connector, someone who understands the power of relationships and uses her social capital to bring the right people into the right rooms at the right time. In our conversation, she shares what she’s learned about volunteer stewardship, leadership, and how strong communities are built—not by a single hero, but by people who know how to invite others in.
If you’ve ever wondered how things actually get done in Snohomish, or what it takes to sustain volunteer-driven organizations, this episode is a masterclass.

Basically… if something meaningful is happening in Snohomish, Terry probably had a hand in it. 

 In this episode, we sit down with Melody Clemans, one of the founding members of the Snohomish Carnegie Foundation and a steadfast steward of one of our town’s most beloved landmarks. Melody’s story is one of quiet determination and deep love—proof that some things are worth fighting for, even when the timeline stretches longer than anyone expects.

After more than 20 years of dedication, Melody saw her vision realized as the Carnegie building once again became the heart of Snohomish—a place where core memories are made, the community gathers to celebrate, and legacy continues to live on.

This conversation reminds us why the work we do matters—not just for ourselves, but for generations yet to come. Our actions, care, and persistence ripple outward in ways we may never fully see, shaping lives and stories far beyond our own. 

In this special FAQ episode of Snohomish Storytellers, we’re answering your most common questions about HDSA and downtown Snohomish. From events and advocacy to preservation, partnerships, and placemaking, we’re pulling back the curtain on how downtown works, why it matters, and how this community comes together to keep it thriving. Whether you’re a business owner, resident, volunteer, or just a curious Snohomie, this episode is your guide to the heart of downtown.

This month on Snohomish Storytellers, we sit down with Snohomish Mayor-Elect Aaron Hoffman for an open and candid conversation. As with any passionate community, opinions about leadership vary, many are excited, others are cautious, and at HDSA, our mission remains the same: to support connection and work collaboratively with our city leadership, whoever is in office.

In this episode, we ask Aaron questions about his decision to run, his campaign, and the plan for his first 100 days in office. We cover everything from infrastructure to events, while returning again and again to the heart of the matter: people. The people who live, work, and play in Snohomish and who care deeply about its future.

Snohomish thrives in the vibrant purple space between perspectives, and this conversation aims to bring clarity, curiosity, and connection to the forefront. Join us as we explore what comes next for our city, together.

Candy? Cars? Community? The Snohomish Storytellers chat with Snohomish Police Chief Nathan Alanis to uncover how Snohomish police mix safety with sparkle. From trick-or-treating chaos to the glittering lighted car parade, we dive into the ways law enforcement shows up for the community—not just in emergencies, but for fun too. Tune in for stories, laughs, and a peek behind the badge!

The Snohomish Storytellers welcome Fire Chief Don Waller and Fire Marshal DJ Hill from Fire District 4. Together, they unpack how the district operates, their unique roles, and why fire prevention is especially critical in a historic downtown. From Knox boxes to the delicate balance between fire safety and economic vitality, this episode highlights first responders as true community partners. You’ll also hear stories—some exciting, some shocking—that illustrate just how quickly entire blocks, not just individual buildings, can be at risk when fire strikes.

The Snohomish Storytellers are back for Season 4—and now… with VIDEO! 🎥 Yep, you can watch us in action or keep enjoying us the traditional way in your earbuds. To kick things off, we welcome Washington State Senator John Lovick to the studio. Senator Lovick shares stories from his time as a State Trooper right here in Snohomish County, how those experiences shaped his path to representing the 44th Legislative District, and why local partnerships matter. We also talk about how HDSA works with government at all levels to keep our historic downtown thriving—and how YOU play a vital role in advocacy that brings real support to our community. Whether you’re listening, watching, or both—thanks for joining us on this next chapter of Snohomish Storytellers!

Mac is back! Fan favorite Mac Bates returns to help us close out Season 3 and share his newly published book, First Street Stories. First joining us in January 2023 as our first guest of the new year during Season 1, Mac now returns as the final guest of Season 3. In this episode, he brings more charming tales of growing up in downtown Snohomish in the 1950s and ’60s—this time enriched with historic stories of the town’s earlier days, drawn from his collaboration with local historian Taylor Russell.
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You can find First Street Stories on Amazon—or just track Mac down around town and grab a copy from the man himself.

What is a Main Street, really? And why does it matter?

In this powerful episode of Snohomish Storytellers, we’re joined by Lydia Felty of Washington State Main Street and Norma Ramirez de Miess, a National Main Street consultant (yes, that’s a real and incredible job!), to explore the story behind the Main Street movement.

We unpack what it means for Snohomish to be a designated Main Street community, how this national network is preserving the soul of small-town America, and why this work is about more than charming storefronts — it’s about identity, place, and people.

Celebrate Main Street Week with us and hear how communities across the country are protecting history, fostering connection, and shaping the future — one Main Street at a time.

In this special episode, Maygen and guest host Ken Coman help tell a tale straight from the heart of Snohomish: The First Street Story. Joining them are Nova Heaton, Public Works Director, and Heather Thomas-Murphy, City Administrator. From what lies beneath the sidewalks to the dreams taking shape above, discover where First Street has been, where it’s headed, and how you, the community, are the main character of its next chapter. This is more than a road — it’s a story we all share.

For more information on the First Street Master Plan, visit: https://www.snohomishwa.gov/858/First-Street-Master-Plan