Cranium's Coffee Company to open soon

After several months in the works, Cranium's Coffee Company is finally set to open in February, most likely by Valentine's Day, say owners Leon and Nancy Johnson. An exact opening date has not yet been set.

The coffeehouse/restaurant will serve fresh-brewed coffee, espresso, smoothies, and healthy soups and sandwiches. Cranium's Coffee Company, located at 12301 Lake City Way NE, will also offer live entertainment and family fun activities, that could include "an open mike night, a comedy night and maybe a family game night," says Leon. He adds that they are currently taking job-applications.

"There are not a lot of places in Lake City where you can sit down and have coffee and be entertained that doesn't serve alcohol," says Nancy. "We've had a lot of people drop by and say they're looking forward to it ... and hurry up!"

The Johnsons will continue to operate their other business, Cranium's Cool Collectibles, which is located a block east, at 12331 32nd Ave. NE.

For more information, call 364-1924 or 364-8734.

Local shop owners host radio show

Tina Sutherland and Charlie Bailey, co-owners of Charlie Finds Great Old Stuff in the Roosevelt neighborhood, are now also co-hosts of a weekly radio program on antiques and collectibles.

The one-hour listener call-in talk show, which began in early January, is broadcast on KOMO Radio AM 1000 on Fridays, from 4-5 p.m.

Sutherland said she and Bailey were asked to do the show by a producer for KOMO who was impressed by their shop during a recent visit. After a successful one-shot tryout, KOMO asked them if they would like to do the show on a regular basis.

Sutherland said she and her partner essentially do on-air appraisals and offer advice on antiques to listeners. And they also have fun, just like they do when running their shop. "We're learning to be radio stars!" she says.

Flower Boxes Etc. to mark anniversary of shop

On Feb. 15, the day after Valentine's Day, Elaine Mount and her daughters Corinne Rouse-Kay and Jennifer Mount will celebrate the first anniversary of their business, Flower Boxes - Et Cetera, at its current location, 11201 Greenwood Ave. N. Flower Boxes' roots extend back to Corinne's garage where they started with a business license and a bag of dirt. They supplied hanging baskets and flower boxes to local homes and businesses. They moved into their present space when they acquired the former Blue Ridge Florist.

Fandrichs donates piano to Jazz series

The Seattle Art Museum kicked off its 8th annual Art of Jazz concert series in January. The event, which takes place the second Thursday of every month, through June, is sponsored in part by Lake City's own Fandrich & Sons Pianos, which is donating - what else - pianos.

"They (Fandrich's) have assisted us in bringing a high quality instrument to our program," says Greg Coe, a Wedgwood resident involved in organizing the concert series.

Coe, who works as promotion coordinator for KPLU FM radio, notes that Fandrich's has also knoated a piano for KPLU's annual Jazz Cruise series. "With their help and that of a most amazing piano mover, we have had a REAL piano aboard our cruises for the last two seasons.

NSCC to present play 'We Won't Pay!'

Dario Fo's hilarious political farce - "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!" - will be presented at North Seattle Community College's Stage One Theatre on Feb. 24-26 and March 3-4. The play is set in motion when a housewife comes home with groceries she has swiped as part of a spontaneous community protest and then tires to conceal her actions from her husband. Admission is Pay-As-You-Can for all performances. For details, call 527-3661.

Vigilantes to hold Sweetheart Dinner/Dance, Feb. 20

The Lake City Western Vigilantes will host its 46th annual Sweetheart Dinner and Country Dance on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at the Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. NE. The event includes the popular Chuckwagon Beef Bar-B-Que, "with all the trimmings." Proceeds will benefit the Vigilantes Youth Activity Program. Cost is $7.50 for adults and $5.75 for kids, 10 and under.