Cristy Lake has dedicated her life to keeping Snoqualmie Valley’s history alive. A longtime team member at the Northwest Railway Museum, Cristy has spent years sharing the stories, artifacts, and legacy that define our region. Her own family history is deeply woven into that narrative — reaching back to one of the Valley’s most infamous chapters: the Weyerhaeuser kidnapping of the 1930s, in which her family played a unique and personal role. Now, as part of the Snoqualmie Valley Museum, Cristy continues her mission to preserve and educate, ensuring future generations understand the people and events that shaped this extraordinary place. Be sure to support and visit the museum — where history comes to life, and the stories of the Snoqualmie Valley continue to inspire. trainmuseum.org https://snoqualmievalleymuseum.org/ https://jessicaself.com/  

When tragedy struck, Summer Stumpf found strength in purpose. Through Live Gray’s Way, she’s turned loss into light— raising awareness for DIPG, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer, while inspiring others to live with compassion and courage. Partnering with Angela Donaldson, the two have poured their hearts into bringing meaningful community events to Fall City, WA, including the Fall City Festival of Lights—a celebration of love, remembrance, and unity. Together, they’ve created a space where neighbors gather not only to celebrate the season, but to carry forward Gray’s light—spreading hope, kindness, and education throughout the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond. https://www.livegraysway.org/ www.jessicaself.com    

From standout collegiate baseball player to performance coach, Derek Decater has taken his love for the game and turned it into something bigger.  With a strong foundation in Anatomy, body mechanics and nutrition, he has built a welcoming training space for all ages - whether you are chasing athletic goals or just looking to be your best.  Along the way, Derek has trained at multiple high schools and now coaches baseball at Mount Si High School, bringing energy, knowledge, and a genuine love for people in everything he does. www.decaterfitness.com www.jessicaself.com

Episode 11 of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self welcomes a truly inspiring guest — Greg Jamiel of SnoValley Pride! Greg’s journey has taken him from the shores of Rhode Island to stages, studios, and screens across the U.S. and beyond. With years of TV and media experience — and travels that span the globe — Greg has now found his forever home in Carnation, Washington. In this episode, we dive into his story: how his adventures shaped who he is today, what called him to the Snoqualmie Valley, and how he’s bringing his expertise, creativity, and heart to our Snoqualmie Valley community through SnoValley Pride. Tune in to get to know Greg’s passion for connection, inclusivity, and storytelling — and why we’re so excited to have him in the Valley!

In this episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we sit down with Travis Wetherbee of Last Lite Photography—born and raised right here in the Snoqualmie Valley. Travis shares the fascinating journey of how he picked up a camera, chased auroras, evolved into shooting musicians and festivals, and he’s most knows for his stunning, soul-stirring sunsets that have become his local trademark. With deep roots in the Valley and a passion for light, color, and community, Travis offers a glimpse into the moments behind the lens that continue to inspire both locals and fans far beyond. Catch Travis in person at Festival at Mount Si in North Bend, Washington this weekend, August 8–10. Learn more at festivalatmountsi.org

This week, I’m chatting with Jeff Warren-your go-to State Farm Insurance Agent and one of the Valley’s most dedicated community supporters.  But there is so much more to Jeff than guitars and coverage!  We dive into his story-where he came from, how life lead him to the Valley, and why giving back means so much to him.  Jeff’s the kind of neighbor we all hope to have.  Tune in for a fun, inspiring conversation with someone who truly puts the good in ”good neighbor.”

The Valley Voice with Jessica Self is back with an awesome new episode featuring Augie Dugar, owner of Reflection of Perfection - and trust me, this one shines!  We talk about Augie’s journey to the Snoqualmie Valley and how he built a business that does way more than just window cleaning, pressure washing, and hanging holiday lights.  Augie’s all heart-always giving back to the community and showing up for local causes.  And if that wasn’t cool enough...he is now diving into an exciting new adventure with the NHRA!  Yep, racing is part of his story now too.  Tune in to hear about hard work, community love, and chasing big dreams-on the streets and on the drag strip. #TheValleyVoice #ReflectionOfPerfection #AugieDugar #SupportLocal #SnoqualmieValley

Rachel Bennett, the proud co-owner of Twede’s Cafe’ since 2019, is as local as they come-born and raised right here in North Bend.  After heading out on a big adventure for college and life beyond the Valley, she found herself drawn back to her hometown roots.  What started as a part-time job at the iconic Twede’s turned into something much bigger: the opportunity to carry on a legendary legacy.  Now, alongside her partner Max, Rachel brings fresh energy to the beloved diner while honoring its Twin Peaks fame and small town charm.  She’s proof that sometimes, the best twists in life are the ones that bring you home. www.twedescafe.com

In this episode, we sit down with Dori Ross and Katie Podschwit, the dynamic duo behind Chickadee Bakeshop in Snoqualmie, Wa.  We dive into their personal journeys-how they each found their way to the Snoqualmie Valley over a decade ago, built community roots, and eventually teamed up to create one of the area’s most beloved bakeries.  We talk about the incredible rise of Chickadee Bakeshop, the devastating fire that forced them to close their doors, and their inspiring story of rebuilding.  With hearts deeply embedded in service-Dori also runs Snoqualmie Valley Pet Services-these two community driven women are set to reopen Chickadee later this summer, stronger and sweeter than ever.  Don’t miss this powerful conversation with two true local legends.

In this episode, we sit down with Dori Ross and Katie Podschwit, the dynamic duo behind Chickadee Bakeshop in Snoqualmie, Wa.  We dive into their personal journeys-how they each found their way to the Snoqualmie Valley over a decade ago, built community roots, and eventually teamed up to create one of the area’s most beloved bakeries.  We talk about the incredible rise of Chickadee Bakeshop, the devastating fire that forced them to close their doors, and their inspiring story of rebuilding.  With hearts deeply embedded in service-Dori also runs Snoqualmie Valley Pet Services-these two community driven women are set to reopen Chickadee later this summer, stronger and sweeter than ever.  Don’t miss this powerful conversation with two true local legends.

In this episode, Jessica sits down leaders of the with Beth and Sam Burrows, the passionate owners of the historic North Bend Theatre and leaders of the nonprofit Friends of the North Bend Theatre.  They share what it’s like to own and operate a beloved landmark that is more than just a movie theater.  The theater serves as a community hub for creativity, a performance space as well as a community venue.  From hosting concerts to embracing the theater’s iconic connection to ”Twin Peaks”, Beth and Sam offer a behind-the-scenes look at preserving history while building for the future.  Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with local pride and cinematic magic. #twinpeaks #movietheatre #movietheater #movienight #movies #theatre #northbendwa #snoqualmievalley #comedyshow #popcorn #historicbuilding #actors #actress #film

www.jessicaself.com www.kingcountysar.org Jessica sits down with Carrie Lee Gagnon, Executive Director, King County Search and Rescue.  Carrie breaks down how King County Search and Rescue operates throughout the county, funding, and ways citizens can plug in and support SAR operations in the County. SARposium Tuesday, May 20th Carnation Farms, Carnation, WA

Jessica is joined by Emily Nelson of Nelson Treehouse to discuss what its like living in the Snoqualmie Valley, having a TV show, and living in tree houses.

May Sip, Suds & Si – May 10 (Downtown North Bend) https://www.northbenddowntown.org Remlinger Farms Concert Series (Carnation) https://remlingerfarms.com/remlinger-summer-concerts/ June Duvall Days – June 6 & 7 https://duvalldays.org/ Fall City Day – June 14 https://www.fallcity.org/ Art Off The Rails – June 21 https://www.northbendartandindustry.org/art-off-the-rails Carnation Summer Solstice Block Party – June 21 https://www.facebook.com/share/166SDmJuwa/ July Fourth of July Celebrations in Carnation and Snoqualmie https://www.redwhiteboomwa.org/ BrodieNation – July 10–13 https://www.brodienation.com/ Snoqualmie Valley Rotary SipFest – July 12 https://snoqualmievalleyrotary.org/2025/02/18/sipfest-2025/ North Bend Block Party – July 19 https://www.northbenddowntown.org Downtown Car Show – July 20 SandBlast Festival of the Arts – July 19–20 Timber! – July 24–26 https://timbermusicfest.com/ August Festival at Mt Si – Aug 8–10 https://www.festivalatmtsi.org/ Snoqualmie Valley Sunflower Festival – Aug 14–Sept 14 https://www.carnationchamber.org/snoqualmie-valley-sunflower-festival/ David Lynch Weekend – Aug 15–17 at North Bend Theatre https://www.northbendtheatre.com/ Snoqualmie Days – Aug 22 & 23 https://snoqualmiedays.org/ Music Crawls – Saturdays in Duvall, Sundays in Carnation (TBD) September International Block Party (Snoqualmie Ridge) – Sept 6 https://www.facebook.com/share/1KmGMWbdSy/ Sunflower Fest Carnation Celebration – Sept 6 Sip, Suds & Si – Sept 13 https://www.northbenddowntown.org