Club Information

Welcome to our Club!

Arlington

Service Above Self Since 1970

We meet Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Arlington Free Methodist Church
730 E. Highland Drive
(Mail: PO Box 3592)
Arlington, WA  98223
United States of America
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Club Executives & Directors
President
Paul Ellis
Vice President/President Nominee
Bryce Duskin
President Elect
Simona DeVries
Secretary
Jennifer Holocker
Treasurer
Pamela Beaton
Past President
Jola Barnett
Foundation Director
Kathy McCone
Associate Director Foundation
Ryan Berg
Membership Director
Cindy Huleatt
Associate Director Membership
Mel Simpson
Public Relations Director
Jessica Ronhaar
Associate Director PR
Breanne Martin
Club Administration Director
Carla Gastineau
Associate Director Administration
Jenie Jones
Director Youth Services
Lyanne Rolf
Youth Services Associate Director
Sue Weiss
Youth Exchange Officer
Sue Weiss
Club Runner Administrator
Dave Duskin
Funding Associate Director
Alan Erickson
Funding Committee Director
Jody Nelson
Service Projects Director
Jim Kelly
Service Projects Associate Director
Adrian Abed
 
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The Website for the

Who Are We?

The Rotary Club of Arlington is a

group of business owners, professionals

and community leaders that are

dedicated to making our world and our

community stronger.

We are committed to the ideal of

"Service Above Self"

while enjoying fun, fellowship and friendships

Happy Holidays!

 
 
 
 
 
Home Page Stories
Turkey Trot Fundraiser for Senior center

Turkey Trot Fundraiser for Senior Center

Over 22 of our members and guests helped the Arlington Runners Club put on the Turkey Trot 5K, a Thanksgiving morning tradition in Arlington.  Last year we helped raised funds for the Arlington Community Food Bank.  This year the beneficiary of the event was the Stillaguamish Senior Center.
 
Over 300 people participated in the 5K.  Before the race there was a Zumba warm-up.
As runners line-up for the start, they are shown a turkey, 5 of which were placed along the route for runners to pick-up and carry back to the finish line. 
 
There were Rotarians who participated in the event:  Lee, Sue and Kathy.  Our own Devin is the President of the Runners Club and the organizer of the 5k's.
 
Over $5,000 was raised for the Stillaguamish Senior Center.  Thanks to all who helped!
Fireside

Skin Care Lounge

Open House

Casey Miller hosted an open house for our club members and members from nearby clubs on December 6 at the new location of her Skin Care Lounge.
 
Casey Miller
 
The Skin Care Lounge offers  skin care, massage, hair, waxing, lashes, airbrush tanning & gifts.
For the open house there was wine, soup and hors d'oeurves.  There was also a drawing for various door prizes which were services at the Lounge.
 
Arlington Rotarians
 
Some of Casey's Staff in the Reception Area
 
A Rotarian's Story of "Service Above Self"

P.D.G. Lyle Ryan's Kidney Donation Story

Lyle, past District 5050 Governor spoke to our club at our December 6 meeting about his selfless donation of a kidney to a fellow Rotarian.
 
Kidney Donor - PDG Lyle Ryan
 
Lyle was a member if our club when it was known as the North Snohomish County Rotary Club.  At that time, Arlington, Stanwood, and Marysville residents were members.  As Arlington grew it became its own club.  Lyle became a Rotarian, in other than name only, in this club.  Lyle has a lot of fond memories about our club.  He and P.J. are both members of the Rotary Club of South Everett/Mukilteo.
 
Lyle thanked his wife, P.J.  Lyle and P.J. climbed Mount Baker, learned to scuba dive together, and she followed him around through District 5050 as they visited all 58 clubs.  She approved of him donating a kidney.
 
Rotary can do things internationally that governments can’t do.   Lyle learned a lot about Canadian government while District Governor.   Also, through the process Lyle met a lot of people.
 
Michael Walsh was a District Governor the same year Lyle was the Governor of District 5050.  He is from New Brunswick.  Michael and Lyle became good friends as District Governors.  Lyle observed Michael not looking well over the years.  They found out he had kidney disease that was getting worse.
   
Past District Governor Scott Dudley, before he became governor, visited many clubs.  At one of those clubs he met a woman whose husband needed a kidney.  Scott, who has had family members with failing kidneys, agreed to give him a kidney.   He never met the man before the day of surgery.  The man is doing very well and so is Scott.  That action by Scott stuck with Lyle. 
 
Lyle went to the Rotary International Convention in Sydney, Australia in 2014.  Lyle met Michael again.  Michael had severe kidney failure at this time and had trouble walking.  Lyle told Michael he would give him a kidney. In that year Michael and Lyle started on the journey of donating a kidney. 
 
Lyle knew nothing about the procedure or what it would take.  Lyle is O negative and a universal donor.  Michael and Lyle went through a lot of tests in 2014 and 2015.  The tests showed Lyle was an excellent match for Michael.  Lyle knew at that point this was meant to be. 
 
The tests continued at a St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver to bypass the international issue of getting blood across the border.  Lyle and P.J. made some great friends in the surgeons and doctors. 
 
The transplant was to take place in Nova Scotia.  The doctor in Nova Scotia decided Lyle wasn’t an adequate donor.   The decision was appealed and rejected.  Lyle and Michael were depressed because Michael began getting worse and worse.
 
Lyle and Michael tried to get St. Paul’s to do the transplant.   They received a conditional approval but then they were rejected.  The person told him they were rejected for “ethical reasons”.  It was because of socialized medicine in BC and BC didn’t want to use their dollars to pay from someone from Nova Scotia.
 
The doctor from St. Paul’s then called and told them they were now approved because Michael knew a Rotarian who happened to be the Minister of Health in all of Canada. That Rotarian put in a call to make it happen. The surgeon at St. Paul's called Lyle while on a ski trip at Whistler to give him the good news.   
 
Michael flew in to BC about a month before the surgery. April 30, 2018 was the surgery date.  Lyle was in surgery 3 hours, Michael 6 hours.  The surgery involved some recovery time. It's much less invasive than it was in earlier years, thanks to arthroscopic surgery..  
 
Lyle and Michael went to Michael’s Rotary Club in August 2018 for a party.  Before the surgery Michael was taking 71 pills and spending 10 hours on dialysis.  He is down to 3 pills and no dialysis.  Michael is doing much better now.
 
There is an urgent need for donors.  In Washington there are 1,525 people waiting for a kidney.  
Why Not Share?
 
They cut off for kidney donations is 70 years old.  
 
Visit kidneyregistry.org.
 
Annual Meeting

Election of Officers & Directors 2019-20

As is required by our bylaws, our annual meeting for the election of officers and directors is done in December.  On December 6, we held our required annual meeting.
 
The chair of the nominating committee, Past President Jola, announced the following nominees to join the two officers previously elected, i.e. Simona DeVries-President 2019-20 and Bryce Duskin-President Elect (President 2020-21):
 
  • President Elect Nominee/Vice President:     Devin Brossard (President 2021-22)
  • Secretary:                                                            Jennifer Holocker
  • Treasurer:                                                           Cindy Huleatt
There was a motion to close nominations and to elect the three new officers by voice vote-Motion Passed.

Presidential Succession

Simona DeVries
Our President 2019-20
Bryce Duskin
Our President 2020-21
Devin Brossard
Our President 2021-22
 
President Elect, Simona DeVries nominated the following individuals to serve as Directors:
 
  • Foundation:                 Kathy McCone
  • Membership:               Tony Warner
  • Public Relations:          A. J. Chase
  • Club Administration:  Carla Gastineau
  • Youth Services:            Lyanne Rolf
  • Community Funding:  Al Erickson
  • Projects/Service:          Jim Kelly
There was a motion to close nominations and to elect the seven new Directors by voice vote-Motion Passed.
 
Congratulations to all the new officers and directors joining Simona and Bryce on our Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors at its first meeting of the new Rotary year in January will elect Associate Directors.

Students

Outstanding Students Recognized

image
 
We recognized three outstanding students of the quarter.  Pictured with Chrys on the left and President Paul on the right, are the following students from left to right: Kaden Mortinsen from Post Middle School ; Trinity Bowles from Haller Middle School; Aaron Holocker from Weston High School. To honor the students a $50 donation was made to each of their charity of choice.  Kaden- Rascal Rodeo; Trinity- Seattle Children's Hospital- Aaron- Youth Dynamics. For more about each of the students click HERE.
 
Weekly Program

Cocoon House-Dealing with Homeless Teens

Joe Alonzo-CEO of Cocoon House
 
Joe Alonzo was our speaker.  He has been with Cocoon house for 5 1/2 years and became CEO a year ago.   Cocoon house has been around for 28 years and works with youth ages 12-24. 
 
November is national homeless youth month.  There are so many young people in our communities that are experiencing homelessness. In Snohomish County there are 3700 youth receiving services for homelessness.  Youth that are homeless tend to want to blend in.  They are afraid of being seen as homeless and want to be seen as normal. 
Primary causes of homelessness are lacking of affordable housing.  The cost of affording stable housing is quickly outgrowing people’s loving wages.  Loss of jobs for the primary wage earner in the family.  Illnesses and accidents among family members and then the teenagers are pushed out to fend for themselves.  Natural Disasters and events that displace youth.  Stressors and family conflict are another reason for homelessness among youth. 
 
In family composition divorce seems to be a leading cause in youth leaving home.  Domestic Violence is another reason for family discord.  Youth with undiagnosed physical or mental disabilities become an issue with youth can’t keep up in school and in the home.  Chemical dependency among youth and their families leads to homelessness.  Gender identity and sexual preference pushes youth out of the home.  There is a large percentage of young people that their homelessness is a symptom of a larger problem in our society. 
 
Youth that identify as LBGTQ are a large majority of homeless youth. Youth of color are disproportionately a majority of homeless youth.  Youth transitioning from foster care and coming out of juvenile detention tend to become homeless.  Youth that have mental health challenges and suffer from addiction also become homeless
 
Outreach, Housing and prevention are the three categories that the Cocoon House works in .  It runs a 7 day a week drop in center in Everett, and has a street outreach team that works with schools.  Other services includes housing navigation help and shelter and placement for youth.  Staff work with youth in getting a job, job skills and resume writing.  Music recording studio and residential programs are also available. 
 
Housing- Emergency shelter in Everett, east shelter in Monroe.  8 bed shelter.  Long term housing at the main office in Everett and Cocoon House North here in Arlington for pregnant mothers or mothers with new babies. 
 
Prevention- trying to deal with the things that make youth homeless in the first place.  It has a call in line for parents that are at their wits end with their youth.  In addition it offers workshops for parents to understand what is happening with youth and for youth to understand parents, as well as parenting classes. 
 
March of 2019 Cocoon house will be opening the Colby Ave Youth Center.  They will have medical facilities, housing and other services.
 
There are many ways to help including volunteering, being on the board of directors, adopting youth during the holidays and helping feed youth.  Donating money to help keep programs running and finding ways to help let people speak at events. 
 
 
 
 
Is it Fun?

Seahawks Game and Marysville Auction

Our social event for November was Seahawks vs. Packers on Thursday Night Football at "The Point Bar and Grill".  The next night many of our members attended the Rotary Club of Marysville's "Diamonds are Forever" annual auction.
 
There is an album of photos from both events, in addition to the photos below.

Seahawks vs. Packers

 
 
 
Marysville Rotary Auction
We had about 20 of us representing our club at the annual Marysville Auction.  It was at the Tulalip Resort and the theme was Diamonds are Forever.  Rick McCarthy, a frequent visitor to our club, was the auction chair and MC. There was over 300 guests and lots of money was raised including "raise your paddle for scholarships" that netted $75,000 alone.
 
In the photos above, Mel is seen participating in the heads or tails event sponsored by McCarthy Construction.  She was one of the finalists who had to go to the front before guessing wrong.  Jose' was the runner for table 15 in the Dessert Dash.  There was quite a variety and when table 15 was called, he raced from the front of the room to the back to stake out a great blue berry dish.

 
November 15 Speaker

Get the Sleep You Deserve!

Our own member, Alan Erickson, DDS, was our speaker on November 15.
 
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially life-threatening medical disorder that affects the way one sleeps, causing abnormal breathing, including the stopping of breathing completely.  When you stop breathing, you wake up many times in the night.
 
 
It is estimated that there could be up to 30 million people in the United States with OSA.   Most cases are undiagnosed!  Youngsters often think that there could be a bogeyman under their bed that could threaten their life.  As adults, the OSA is the real bogeyman that could be threatening your life.
 
Signs of or OSA, often referred to as Apnea, include:
  • Loud Snoring
  • Headaches
  • Memory Loss
  • Daytime Sleepiness
  • Reduced Attention 
  • Poor Concentration
  • Driving Drowsy
 
Because symptoms are often vague and they may seem completely unrelated, it is important to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.  It must be diagnosed by a board certified sleep physician either at a sleep lab where one is hooked up to monitoring devices, or a home sleep test.  
 
There are a few good options for treatment of OSA.  Rarely can it be cured, although there is a surgery that has side effects and may not be effective.
 
CPAP is the most effective treatment but unfortunately less than half of the patients who are prescribed a CPAP still use it after one year.  Some disadvantages include difficulty packing for travel, the need for an electrical source, uncomfortable straps, mask and hose, difficulty cleaning.
 
For those that find a CPAP intolerable, oral appliance (OA) therapy can be an effective alternative.  This is where a dentist can step in to provide relief.  Al is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and he has the Sleep Advantage Clinic in the Cumulus Park Medical Center in Smokey Point. 
 
 
Al showed some photos of the type of appliance he prescribes.  Here is an example:
 
 
Sleep apnea has been linked to heart failure.  It is estimated that approximately 38,000 deaths occur each year that relate to cardiovascular problems that may be connected to the effect of oxygen deprivation caused by OSA.
 
For more on OSA, visit Dr. Erickson's website by clicking on the image below:
 
 
Meno's "Not So" Haunted Mansion

Halloween Party at the Menos'

As can be seen in the photos in the album, there was great food and fellowship at the Meno's "not so" haunted mansion!  Here are a few of the photos:
 
 

Mayor's Program

Manufacturing Industrial Center 

Development in Arlington

Mayor Barb Tolbert spoke to our club about business development in Arlington and the Manufacturing Industrial Center.  Jobs, education, housing and infrastructure are high on the list of the City’s priorities.  Goals:  attract investment, create small town charm, recruit businesses, and provide for increased personal growth. 

A partnership was formed between Marysville and Arlington to create a Manufacturing Industrial Center.  Most of the 4,000 acre area of the MIC lies in Arlington. 

The development is focused on jobs and infrastructure.  Multi-modal transportation will be analyzed.  Visual elements will be included in the MIC to blend the edges of the cities.  The plan paid attention to the environment to ensure our built environments blend into the natural environments.   The plan encourages support of the airport’s role in Arlington. 

When businesses and industries cluster the transportation and freight time is decreased.  The MIC will provide these opportunities. 

The MIC will attract food processing, wood processing and timber, and maritime businesses. 

Cost effective utilities, stream restoration, freight management, and transportation will be important components of the MIC. 

Employment in Arlington is booming.  Job growth is at 23.4%.  Population growth in the city is at 4.2% 2011-2017.  Population will go up.  19 new businesses going into Arlington.  400+ new jobs.  New housing developments are going in. 

Statistics are showing crime rate is going down.  Two new police officers have been added to the budget.  Three personnel will be added to EMS staff. 

The railroad will play a large part in the MIC to transport goods. 

 
November 1 Program

Domestic Violence Services

Vicci Hilty Executive Director of Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.
 
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County (DVS) began in 1976 and with safe homes, minimal services and no shelter.  People opened up their homes for people to stay in.  This morphed and in the 1980’s the original shelter for Snohomish county was created. 
 
An old farm house in Snohomish was moved to the property and created a 15 bed shelter.  At the time the goal was to get people safe and the goal was not more than helping immediately. 
 
About 15 years ago legal advocacy was added to the resources that were offered.  Help in finding attorneys and legal services. 
 
5 years ago DVS moved into a new facility that now houses 52 beds. Before the new facility they were turning away about 1500 people with the 15 bed facility. Now with 52 beds they still have turn aways, but not as many.  Now only about 400. 
 
DVS realized that housing is not the answer and that domestic violence is about power and control and that the children in these homes are taught these things and it continues. Now they offer shelter, legal services, housing services, a children’s program, a thrift store as well as prevention education. 
 
Something to always remember about domestic violence is that it is not the persons fault that stays, it is the persons fault that is hitting.  We need to stop blaming the person that stays. 
 
Housing is an issue and to find housing is a factor in people leaving.  The housing frees people to leave.  Domestic Violence Services also has children’s programs that help children that have seen or been a part of domestic violence. 
 
DVS also offers prevention education  services. These services teach people what healthy relationships look like. They go to schools and teach children boundaries and healthy relationships.  They learn how they share commonality and how we take care of each other.
 
For the future, DVS is looking more at how to reach out to children that are being raised in a violent home and how to get to them early.  A few years ago they hired a doctor that is helping run a program for kids and teaches kids about loving and caring for families well.  DVS is also looking at community advocacy where they can go to people that need help instead of them going to them. 
 
The thrift shop is called New and Again and is located in downtown Everett  at 3010 Grand if you would like to donate.  They can also come and do pick-up for large donations if you contact them. 
 
For someone to contact Domestic Violence Services they can call the 24 hour hotline 425-25abuse.
 
Click HERE to learn more.
 
October Service Project

Cabins at Fire Mountain Scout Camp

Rotarians volunteers and guest volunteers met at the Fire Mountain Scout Camp on Saturday (Oct 20, 2018) to set foundations and framework for two cabins that will serve both Scout Counselors and campers.  It was a beautiful Fall day in the Cascade mountains, a lot of work was accomplished and a lot of fun was enjoyed.  
On Oct. 27 a crew returned to continue framing the two cabins.  The rain held off into the late afternoon.  

Some of the photos in the Album

 
Kick Off Foundation Month

November is Rotary Foundation Month

Our Foundation Director, Kathy McCone, and the Associate Director, Ryan Berg, used the last meeting in October to tell us a bit about the foundation and plans for next month.
 
Kathy and Ryan
 
In 1917 the seed was planted for the Rotary Foundation to do good in the world.  You can look at the Rotary Website for more information on the history of the foundation. 
 
The foundations has spend over 3 billion dollars on sustainable projects in the world.
 
All of the money that is taken in is given back to the clubs through district grants.  We have done this twice. The AED’s that we distributed to the community came from a district grant.  If we don’t give,  there is no money to give back. 
 
When you give $1000 annually to the foundation, including the polio fund, you can receive, or give, a Paul Harris.  You can also be a benefactor and add the foundation to your estate plan and when you notify the Rotary Foundation that you will be giving $1000 or more, you receive a certificate. 
 
IF you give $100 per year you become a sustaining member of the foundation.  You can give by giving Kathy a check that she will send in or you can give online. 
 
We are applying for another grant for money for sod around the splash pad.  We received over $100,000 for our Bungoma project that we did 3 years ago.  Joan is now working on another project, this time to Haiti.
 
During the month of November our club offers a match of whatever you give.  The foundation only allows matching in $100 increments. 
 
This year the club will be offering entry into a drawing for prizes for every $25 that is given toward the foundation.  For every $1 that is donated to Polio Plus the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation matches, as well.  We are able to help with water projects, polio, peacekeeping and much more. 
 
Last year we did almost $10,000 and this year we want to do more.  Every time someone donates through the Rotary Club of Arlington the club earns points and that is how we are able to match funds in giving.  You also earn points when you give and those points can be given to other people to honor them.
 
Our foundation is rated every year as one of the top 5 charitable organizations. 
 
For more on the Rotary Foundation including a link to set up electronic giving, click HERE.
 
More Voter Information

Funding for Improved Emergency Communications

Brad Stiener, Executive Director with SERS (Snohomish County Emergancy Radio System) spoke to our club about the measure on the November 6 ballot to update the County's emergency radio system. Brad graduated from University of Washington in 1998. 
 
Brad Steiner
 
SERS provides all wireless communication for emergency responders.  911 works and is reliable.  You need help and you need help quickly. 
 
There is a lot that happens between you and the call.  SERS kicks in as soon as the call is connected.  They determine what you need, who is closest to respond, and they dispatch emergency responders. 
 
19 sites across the county.  Millions of transmissions per year.  19,000 per day.  Even while services are in route to you, SERS is part of the conversation.  SERS is a non-profit organization.  They don’t build towers to make money but to get the services to people. 
 
During the Oso slide efforts, SERS provided communication services.
 
SERS was originally deployed in 2001.  Much of the original equipment is still operating and carrying your emergency calls.
 
When the connections breaks there will be a reliability problem with the service and decreased safety.  The technology the system uses is dated and will eventually wear out.  They are starting to see more failures.  There was a 20 minute outage.  Half the County lost its ability to communicate.  Some failures are random.  We are the last County in the state of our size and complexity to migrate to newer technology. 
 
When 911 doesn’t work we are all at risk.  Most sites have generator power so if the power grid goes down 911 should continue to work.  SnoPac and SnoCom came together last year.  SERS will be part of Snohomish County 911 as of January 1st. 
 
All funding comes from each emergency agency.  It is a voluntary assessment as SERS has no authority to assess fees. 
 
A temporary site could be up within 15 minutes in arriving on scene.
 
Funding request placed on November 6th ballot.  The County Council unanimously approved placing it on the ballot.  The need has been independently verified.  Many other county, city, and state agencies have upgraded. 
 
Here are some common questions:
 
Don’t I already get taxed for 911 services on my cell phone bill?  The E911 tax does not pay for local emergency services. 
 
Why can’t emergency personnel use cell phones?   The radios are built to be rugged.  Cell phones are just now working on ruggedness and don’t have the performance of a radio.  Radios can last at minimum 10 years.   The battery may lose a little less.
 
Why now?  If funding passes SERS is ready to move forward with obtaining bids.  It will take a couple years to upgrade and train emergency personnel.  2021 would be the goal for transitioning.  No more manufacturers support on existing equipment after 2020.
 
What will be the tax?  1/10th of 1% sales tax (10 cents per $100 purchased).
 
As a representative of the agency Brad was limited to giving facts and figures and not advocating a "yes" vote, but he could leave us with the message to "Please Vote!"
 

School Bond Election

Information on the School Bond Measure

 
Bonds are for buildings and Levies are for learning.  If passed, the funds which would be generated by sale of bonds would provide building improvements to support instructional programs; promote safety and security; improve operational efficiency; and prepare for a growing community. 
 
Information was provided by both Chrys Sweeting, Superintendent, and by Brian Lewis, Director of Operations.
 
Chrys Sweeting
 
                                                                   Brian Lewis
                                 
Instructional Spaces to be Improved:  Post Middle School would be rebuilt.  There are deficits in instructional spaces at the school.  There would be no disruption in learning during the build. Here is a link to a video as to why the decision was made to build new:  VIDEO LINK
 
Arlington High would have a workshop added on to allow for learning behind the BPAC stage (creating and preparing the sets and technology). 
 
Safety and Security:  All projects in the bond have to do with safety and security.  Installing secured entryways and locks on classroom doors would be possible if the bond is approved.  Video cameras could be installed to deter criminal activity and catch criminals.  Inside they serve a discipline function. Traffic safety is also address.  Click HERE to See More
 
Improving Operational Efficiency:  22 heating systems at Post Middle School.  The bond would allow for replacement down to one system. 
 
Preparing for a Growing Community:  If we do not grow anymore, in 2020 there will be 200-300 more students at the high school.  The bond would add 8 classrooms to the high school.  More HERE
 
The bond would allow the district to be eligible for $11.4 million in state matching funds to purchase and prepare new elementary school site.
 
The majority of the bond funds would go to rebuilding Post Middle School.  Every school and the transportation facility will benefit from the bond.
 
Projects would begin in the spring of 2019.  Post would be done in May 2022.  Ballots will be postage paid this year so you do not have to use a stamp to mail it back.  The bond is the very last on the ballot. \
 
The district has collected on a bond from 18 years ago to build the high school.  This bond would be paid off and replaced with the new bond. 
 
Starting this January local school property taxes will be going down because the state will be paying more for basic education.  Local levy rates are capped at $1.50 per $1,000 in valuation.
 
Chrys and Brian, because they are employed by the district, could only provide information without urging a "yes" vote.  Jeff Huleatt, during the question and answer session, urged us all to vote "yes". Everyone will benefit if the bond passes.  We will get more for our money if we pass the bond now. 
 
 

Duck Dash

2018 Sponsors Recognized

After sharing our mission statement that appears at the top of our webpage with those gathered for lunch, and after sharing some of our projects benefited by Duck Dash funds, Jola Barnett, our sponsorship chair, recognized all of our sponsors.  Below she, with the help of Jenie Jones, is presenting a certificate to a representative from Dwayne Lanes Chevrolet.
Seven years ago we started actively soliciting sponsors to cover our expenses so that every dollars of money spent on a tickets would be used for community projects.  Sponsorships have grown to over $102,000.  With our expenses more than covered, we are able to use the bulk of the funds generated for our projects as well.
 
This year the number of sponsors grew by 15 over 2017, for a total of 89 sponsors.  22 of those were brand new sponsors.
 
Dwayne Lane's Chevrolet has continued to be our only Platinum Sponsor.  With many previous sponsors moving up a level, we had 22 sponsors at the $2,000 Silver level and 34 at the Bronze level of $1,000. 
 
We had 18 T-Shirt sponsors and 12 Coupon sponsors. 
 
For all the photos of those sponsors who came to lunch to be recognized, go to the album.  Photos are also on the carousel near the top of our website.
 
Service Projects August and September

Park and Portage Creek Clean-ups

On August 25, Rotarians from our club, along with family and friends, did a clean-up of Twin Rivers Park, as part of its goal of having a "hands on" service project each month.  This past Saturday, September 22, our service project was a stream restoration project on Portage Creek.  We cleaned-up 3 homeless campsites and cut and pulled out the roots of invasive plants so as to improve fish habitat.
 
There are photo albums of each of the events. 
 
In October we will be doing some improvement projects at the Scout Camp east of Big Lake known as Fire Mountain.
 

September 27 Program

Snohomish County Update

Snohomish County Councilman Nate Nehring
 
Nate Nehring, Snohomish County Councilman, spoke to our club about what’s new with the Council and Snohomish County. 
 
The Council is in the process of reviewing and approving their budget.  There are tax burdens from McCleary, car tabs, property taxes, etc.  The Council is trying to go through their budget and cut out unnecessary items and produce a balanced budget without raising taxes at the County level.  The budget provides funding for public safety, county roads and parks, assessor’s office.
 
The commercial air service at Paine Field is one project evidencing continued economic development in the area.  The flights will start January 2019 as long as there are no issues.  Paine field is a great opportunity for businesses to fly right in and out and keeps additional congestion out of Seattle.
 
The manufacturing and industrial growth in Arlington and Marysville will bring additional economic growth with additional family wage jobs.  Affordable housing, traffic, and jobs are important.
 
Boeing is looking at where to build their next aircraft.  Snohomish County has put together a task force to prepare an incentive package to keep Boeing here.
 
A pre-apprenticeship program has been created with the community colleges and high schools to allow high school students to get trained and obtain a good job right out of school.  This allows students to fill jobs right out of school without the need for a college degree.
 
There is tremendous growth in the area.  Snohomish County is expected to have an additional 400,000 people by 2050.  Transportation is important due to the expected growth.  The US 2 trestle is the biggest traffic issue in Snohomish County.  The project may cost $1 billon+. 
Many transportation projects are fully funded and are already starting. 
 
The opioid epidemic is challenging for all counties.  Snohomish County is offering resources to individuals who need help including an embedded social worker with law enforcement to connect the people with services.  Snohomish County is taking a hard stance on nuisance properties and property crimes. 
 
Land use bans have been instituted to prevent heroin injection facilities from coming into Snohomish County. 
 
The Council advocates at the state and federal level.  Contact your local, state, and federal representatives to express your concerns over issues.
 
A County diversion center has been opened in Everett to help people detox and connect them with services.  Law enforcement can take them there at any time.  There is also a medical wing in the jail. 
 
September Social 

Dick Post Memorial

Golf Tournament

The annual Dick Post Memorial Golf Tournament was held on September 6 at the GlenEagle Golf Course.  There were enough golfers to allow for a shot gun start.  
 
Golfing was organized by Jim Minifie and the after party by our Club Service Director, Carla Gastineau.  Photos above show the various awards that were given following a buffet dinner in the Club House restaurant. 
 
As you can tell by the awards, it's not serious golfing--just lots of fun! The event is generally the first Thursday in September. There were some Everett Rotarians who joined our members and our guests to golf and enjoy the after golf party and award.
 
September 20 Program

State DECA Officer-Caroline Diemer

Caroline Deimer spoke to our club about Washington DECA. 
 
Caroline is a junior at Arlington High School.  She is on the volleyball team and Honor Society.  DECA prepares students for business careers and provides business and leadership opportunities to high school students.  There are competitions the students participate in.
 
There are 158 school chapters and 11,000 student members in Washington.  It was founded in 1946 and standards for Distributive Education Clubs of America.  215,000 worldwide members. 
 
DECA stimulates personal growth and community service.  Arlington High DECA does “Santa’s Helpers” and collects food and donations.  Last year DECA at Arlington High collected 22,000 food and grocery items and $10,000 in cash.  They purchase gifts and donate to local family and the food bank.
 
Caroline got involved in DECA through her intro to marketing class.  She became Vice-President of Business Management and took on a leadership position.  She did virtual interviews with DECA executives and gave a speech in front of 900 students at area 1 conference.  She became the new Washington DECA president.
 
Rotarians can help! You can be a judge at a DECA competition, speak at high schools, sponsor DECA, and invite students to your business to learn/help/share ideas/mentor.
 
Caroline wants to complete her AA, take a gap year to travel, then go to AZ State Business School.
 

Classification Talk

Eric Scott & Terra Vista NW

Eric Scott gave his classification talk at our September 13th meeting. 
 
Eric is the owner of Terra Vista NW.  Eric was born in Paradise, CA.  When Eric was a year old he got the flu.  Doctor prescribed medicine that almost killed him.  Anesthesiologist saved his life by getting an IV into him.  He was in the hospital for a week.  He was later attacked by family dogs numerous times.  His brother was also bitten by a family dog and needed reconstructive surgery. 
 
His parents were teachers.  The month of July they would spend on a sailboat in the San Juans.  Parents divorced when he was thirteen.  He has two step-brothers and one biological brother.  One brother manages a golf course, one is a firefighter/paramedic, and one is a bartender.
    
Eric went to Cal State – Chico.  Eric found a job after college working for a firm to develop flood maps for FEMA.  Eric worked in surveying for awhile.  He lived in Sacramento and felt California was getting old.  Remembering his time in the San Juans, he moved to Washington and took a job with a large engineering firm.  He worked on the Seattle Central Library, George Lucas’s private driveway, and the Experience Music Project. 
 
In 1998 a former college girlfriend called him, a year later they were married.  They have two daughters.   One loves robotics and will go to Skagit College and one loves art and has won awards for her art.  Eric’s wife teaches for Tulalip Tribes.
 
In 2010 at the peak of the recession the company he worked at downsized and he was laid off.  They moved to Arlington and Eric took the position as City Engineer for Arlington.  A few years back Eric started his own business, Terra Vista NW, Consulting Engineers. 
Clientele includes developers and municipalities.  He provides right of way improvements, drainage designs, parking lot design, etc. services.  Terra Vista NW can provide a more focused design with Eric acting as lead from the beginning to end.  Eric has 25 years of experience in civil engineer.  He works with clients directly to determine what the project needs.  This saves time for the clients. 
 
Eric enjoys working for himself and starting the firm.  The clientele is different than the Seattle clientele and really appreciate Eric’s help solving their project needs.
 
Eric got involved in Rotary because he wants to be involved with the community.  Eric was in Kiwanas for many years but wanted to be around business people.  He heard the Arlington Rotary Club was a fun group and decided to check it out.  He enjoys being part of the community and the people in Rotary. 
 
 

Governor's Visit

District Governor Linda Murray

Our District 5050 Governor-Linda Murray
 
District Governor Linda grew up in L.A. and went to University of Redlands.  She started work in the L.A. Sheriff’s department.  In 1980 she and her husband moved to Washington.  For the last 37 years her husband Bill and Linda have operated Evergreen Security. 
 
Linda has served on numerous boards.  She is a member of the S. Everett/Mukilteo Rotary Club.  She served as President in 2000/2001.  Her husband is also a member and past president.  She has led an exchange group to India.
 
This year our International President is from Nassau, Bahamas.  He has chosen “Be the inspiration” as Rotary’s theme this year.  Linda has attempted to inspire Rotarians this year to make their clubs bigger and more relevant.  Linda congratulated our club for our work on the splash pad, the AED units, support of the senior center, food bank, and Bungoma water project.
 
Linda’s first goal is to evolve and work together for a common outcome.   Clubs needs to create a five year plan.  The District can help with visioning in a two part meeting.  Last year six of these visioning meetings occurred. 
 
The next goal is to enhance membership experience in hopes of increasing retention in hopes of growing the clubs.  Net increase of 64 members is the goal for this year.  Another goal is to increase retention rate by at least 1%.
 
The District can help the club be successful through membership workshops, presentations, Rotary and Learning Institute that comes closer to the clubs and costs less. 
 
It is important to continue polling membership to find out what the members want.   Be open to new ideas from membership.  More members means more project can get accomplished and have a greater impact.  Branding is important.  Tell your Rotary story.  Make it personal.  What is your favorite Rotary moment?  Make that known when you are talking to people. 
 
The District is putting together a technology committee and offering workshops to help clubs with technology issues.
 
The District will work on increasing members’ knowledge of the Foundation and attempt to increase giving to EYER.  The District will stress the convenience of Rotary Direct.  November 3rd there will be a general Foundation seminar.
  
Final goal is to get more young professionals in the club and double the number in Rotaract by end of year.
 
Upcoming District Events:
 
Facilitation workshop – if you are interested in being a facilitator please attend 
World Polio Day – October 13th
District Rotary Work Day – last Saturday of April
District Conference at Tulalip Resort April 12-14.
 
Linda finished her presentation with these simple words:
 
 
 

August Fireside

Mariners vs. L.A. Dodgers

Rotarians, including a couple from the Rotary Club of Stanwood-Camano, and guests took a bus to Safeco field to see the Mariners play the Dodgers.  It was fireworks and sign along night!  
 
Photos are in an album and now up on the photo carousel above.
 

Rotary Youth Exchange

Caleb Returns From Year in Iceland

Jose Arrives from Bolivia

Our August 23rd meeting highlighted our club's participation with Rotary International's Youth Exchange program.  Caleb Abenroth did a program on his year in Iceland and we welcomed Jose' Maria Paz Duran who arrived Wednesday evening from Tarija, Bolivia.
 
Caleb Abenroth
 

Caleb left last August and just returned the end of July.  Caleb got to tour some of the first houses manufactured in Iceland and churches.  Caleb made friends with a Polish young man and many other friends, some were exchange students.  The exchange students had a dinner together.   He photographed the beautiful landscape. 

Caleb stayed with host families and got to travel around Iceland.  His first host family was not as active as his second host family.  He got to see and do more with his second host family.  They went fishing and caught 60 fish.  He was immersed in the culture and language. 

Caleb got to participate in Eurotour where he traveled Europe with 50 other exchange students.  They visited Amsterdam, Berlin, Poland, France, etc.

Everyone in Iceland is known by their first names.  Their last names are their father’s first name + “son”.

Although it wasn't planned, Jose' was visiting our club for the first time following his arrival.  

 Jose Exchanging Club Banners with President Elect Simona
 
Jose will be presenting a program in the near future telling us about his country of Bolivia.  He is from the southern region-the city of Tarija.  He will be attending Arlington High School and he is currently living with Kay and Dave Duskin.
 
Our Claims
Ruth and Rhonda from Stop Claims
Ruth and Rhonda from Stop Claims spoke to us about employee rights and avoiding the pitfalls of Labor and Industries Industrial Insurance. 
In 2015 there were 174,000 employers in the State fund.   Washington is a monopolistic state where every employer in the state fund is required to use L&I for their workers’ comp insurance.  You have to become self-insured to be exempt.  109,000 new claims  were accepted in 2015 and 300 claims were assigned to a case manager.  $1.5 billion was paid in benefits and more pensions paid.  Only 14 fraud claims were referred to the AG’s office for prosecution this was down from 24 the year before.  Many more are likely fraud claims that are being overlooked.  There are a lot of unworthy claims being paid.  Care goes on too long, opiate abuse, depression,  and PTSD are all associated with unworthy and fraud claims. Other things to be aware of are that occupational disease can be transferred to a new employer and sometimes the old employer does not have any liability. Many times, Pre-existing conditions are tacked on to the L&I claim that increases the cost of the claim.
The laws require that whatever the attending physician says the claims manager has to accept it.  If there is a question, benefit of the doubt goes to the injured worker.  Medical evidence is accepted until proven otherwise. 
To ensure that a claim is not a runaway claim one needs to attempt to prevent a claim with an accident prevention plan and needs to manage the medical within the claim (medical care should only be had for 60-90 days unless it is a serious injury). IT is also wise  to keep surveillance of the injured worker if there is a question about injuries. You can also, transition the worker back to work with light duty. To do this, use a vocational counselor to prepare a list of duties worker can take to physician. And remember that any legal decision from L&I can be protested within 60 days and then the decision is appealed.
Your experience rate and L&I premiums will go up if you have more compensable claims.  Factors that will increase experience rate are  time loss, a medical claim over $2,930, if there are any funds on reserve for the injured worker and permanent/partial disabilities. Remember that employers can review any claims online.  It is important to monitor claims to ensure they do not become runaway claims that cost the company a lot. 
The retrospective refund program is an incentive program through L&I that awards employers if they implement strong safety procedures. L&I will look back at claim performance.  If they are good there is a refund, but if they are bad there is an assessment.    Finally remember that, if you hire an injured worker you get a discount and benefits from L&I. 
 
 
Duck Dash Sponsors
 
 
Face Book
 
 
 
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Speakers
Christmas Boxes
Dec 20, 2018
Packing and Deliveries
Oso Mudslide Memorial Committee
Dec 27, 2018
Oso Mudslide Memorial and Monument
Peggy Ray
Jan 03, 2019
Classification Talk: Peggy Ray & Arlington Resource Center
Matt Reed
Jan 17, 2019
Classification Talk
Aleph Fackenthall
Jan 31, 2019 12:00 PM
Panama Update
Kickoff of Sponsorships
Mar 14, 2019
Duck Dash Madness
Tony Warner
Mar 21, 2019
Classification Talk
Hand Out Tickets & Crowning of Duck
May 23, 2019
Duck Dash Madness
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Photo Albums
Is it Fun!
Halloween 2018
Fire Mountain Cabin Construction
Sponsorship Lunch 2018
Portage Creek Cleanup
Twin Rivers Park Cleanup
Mariners Game 8-17-18
Duck Dash Celebration 2018
2018 Fly-in Fireside
Duck Dash Race Day 2018
Splash Pad Groundbreaking
Duck Crawl 2018
Installation Banquet 2018-19
Duck Dash 2018 Kickoff
Area J Tree Planting
Interact Retreat
Duck Dash 2018 Sponsors
Seussical the Musical
2017-18 Paul Harris Awards
2017 in Review
Christmas Baskets 2017
Turkey Trot 2017
Bungoma Water Project
Seahawks Fireside at "The Point"
Cocoon House Fundraiser 2017
Work Party Fire Mountain Scout Camp
Club Historical Photos
Golf Tournament 2017
End of Summer 2017 Picnic
Twin Rivers Park Clean-up
Mayweather/McGregor Fight Fireside
Duck Dash 2017 Victory Celebration
Duck Dash Race Day 2017
Installation Banquet 2017
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District Conference 2017
Fire Mountain Deck Project
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Guys and Dolls
Jackson's Disney Work Project
3D Composites Fireside 2017
Tour of USS Kidd
Interact Club Induction
Stedmans' Seahawk Fireside/Birthday
 
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