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

Three Fingers

Photo by:  SounderBruce
 
 
 
 
 
Home Page Stories

Making it Fun!

Out with 2018 and In with 2019!

It was back to the '70's to welcome in 2019.  Simona and Russ DeVries opened their home for what has become an annual New Year's Eve celebration.
Simona & Russ
 
Part of the group headed to the GlenEagle Club House to usher in the New Year at midnight. To see photos of the event click on the album or go to the home page to see the carousel of photos. 
 
Rotary Youth Exchange

Jose' Maria Paz Duran

About Bolivia, Family and Exchange Experience

Our program at our January 17th meeting was our inbound exchange student, Jose’ Maria Paz Duran. Jose is from Bolivia and he is 17 years old.
Jose' Maria
 
Bolivia has a population of 11.5 million people.  It is divided into nine departments, similar to our states.  At one time the country was much larger, but its neighbors waged war and Bolivia lost territory including its territory on the Pacific Ocean.  It is a land locked country.
 
Location of Bolivia in South America
 
The country has two capital cities.  La Paz is the seat of government, but Sucre is the official capital.  La Paz has a population of 950,000.  Many of the departments share the name of its principal city.  La Paz is in the western part of Bolivia, in La Paz Department.
 
Also, in the west is the city and Department of Oruro.  The city has a population of about 285,000.  The City and Department of Potosi is in the southwest corner of the country.  During the Spanish colonization, Potosi was the largest city in Bolivia, and was larger than New York City.  A mountain near the city was rich with gold, a prize for the Spanish.  Enough gold was removed from the mountain that it would have been enough to bridge from Bolivia to Spain.
 
The city and Department of Cochabamba is near the center of the country. It has a population of about 300,000.  It has a large statue of Jesus Christ similar and a bit smaller than the one in Rio de Janeiro, known as El Cristo de la Concordia.  The most predominant religion in Bolivia is Catholic.
 
Just south of the Cochabamba Department is the Department of Chuquisaca.  It is where the capital of Sucre is located.  It has a population of about 300,000; and is known as the “white city” because of the white building material used for many of the buildings.
 
The northern Departments are in the Amazon region.  Pando Department is the furthest north and has a population of 55,000. Just south of Pando is the Beni Department. Its population is 150,000.
 
Santa Cruz Department is the largest in area and is located along the eastern border of Bolivia. The city of Santa Cruz is the 2nd largest city behind La Paz.  It has a population of about 900,000. The Department extends from the Andes on the West to Brazil on the east.
 
Jose’ is from the City of Tarija which is in the Department of the same name.  It is the southern-most Department, bordering Argentina. It has a population of about 200,000.  Jose showed us photos of some of the local attractions including a structure shaped like a wine glass in which visitors can climb to the top for a view.  The area is known for its fine wines.
 
With the Catholic heritage, Tarija has a couple celebrations such as the carnival, which is much like Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  There is a nearby salt desert known as the Uyuni Salt Flats. When it rains standing water creates what looks like a very large mirror.
 
Jose’s father is also Jose’ Maria and he is a bank manager.  His mother, Claudia, has an accounting degree but has chosen to be a stay at home mom.  He has two brothers, Mariano age 13 and Juan age 6.  His only time in USA before coming on the exchange was a trip to Disney World for his brother’s birthday.
 
His Family
 
His high school in Bolivia is LaSalle.  It is private since the public schools tend to be old and attended by those families who can’t afford the private school.  The school year is February through December, since the seasons are the reverse from the USA.  Jose’ has completed the 11th grade in his home country and will go back for his 12th year.  During the 11th and 12th years the students are expected to learn and demonstrate a traditional dance as a graduation requirement.
 
The country of Bolivia is one Rotary District.  Every Department has at least one Rotary Club.  The Rotary Club of Tarija was established 100 years ago.  It not only sponsored Jose’, but 8 other exchange students.  Four, including Jose’, are in the USA.  There is one in Canada, three in France, and one in Belgium.
 
Jose’s grandfather is a Rotarian and he suggested the program 4 or5 years ago, but Jose’ didn’t really consider the program seriously until one of his friends came back from the USA and shared his great experience.
 
Learning English was a requirement.  Although the school had classes, they are not very good.  Jose’ attended English classes at an institute located at the American Center for 3 years.  He learned in January or February that he was going to a club in District 5050, and he was happy to learn later that he was going to the US to be hosted by the Rotary Club of Arlington.
 
The District currently has 12 inbound exchange students in the US and Canada.
 
This is Jose’s first time away from his family and he was quite worried.  The last day was very hard as he was shown off by family and friends at the airport.  Upon arrival in Seattle he walked right by Dave with a welcome sign, worried about his luggage. He was tapped on the shoulder as he awaited his luggage, and he then met his first host parents Dave and Kay Duskin.  He wondered what he had gotten into when he learned that Dave had trouble locating his car in the Sea-tac parking garage.
 
Jose’ is now living with the Rolfs and in the spring he will move to the DeVries’. He thanked members of the club who have provided him experiences.  He learned it was all about the Cougars at the Duskin home and he had a few trips across the state to Pullman for games.  He’s learned a little about American football.
 
Jose’s has had two uncles serve as President of Bolivia.  One of them served when John F Kennedy was president and met with him.  Jose’ has a photo of the two together.  However, given threats on his Uncle’s life which resulted in him leaving the country, the current family members have no desire to get into politics.  There is a currently a lot of unrest in Bolivia because the current president is trying to ignore the term limits of the Constitution and has passed a law overriding the Constitution.
 
Jose’ will be hosted by our club until early June.  He is hopeful of doing a USA tour with other exchange student before returning home.  He is always eager to see things and go places, so think of him when you are doing something special.  He is going to Hawaii with the Rolfs and others next week.
 

Weekly Program

EmberHope Youthville 

by: Nathan Ray

 
Nathan Ray. MSW
 
Nathan Ray, home licensor with EmberHope Youthville, spoke to our club on January 10.
 
EmberHope is a nonprofit agency providing infrastructure and support to inspire hope and hundreds of Youth and families from hard places.  Serves children who are dependents of the state and families who are attempting to keep the children from becoming dependents of the state.  High needs children are their focus. 
 
EmberHope works with over a dozen homes licensed as foster homes.  They work with a lot of in home issues with non-foster families.  More foster homes are in the process of being licensed. 
 
EmberHope helps to keep families together and help parents become better parents to keep their children.  It hopes to be the spark to a new flame for these families.
 
1700 children are being served in the Arlington, Marysville, Darrington and Stanwood areas.  Youthville foster care includes licensors, case managers, and family support specialists. 
 
Case managers sort out what the child wants and needs to determine what services are needed.  EmberHope provides wrap around services, holistic look to detmine services that work for the best interests of the child.  EmberHope looks to place children permanently. 
 
Family support specialists work as mentors to the children.  Help them with transportation, show them community skills/adulting, etc.
 
The children in our community need our help.  If we help they will become a strong part of our strong community in the years to come. 
 
Community of hope was thought about with churches in mind.  It is a model to attract, engage, support, and retain foster families. A circle of support is coordinated to help those who can parent vulnerable children in our community. This occurs through the mobilization of volunteers. Individuals share their time, talent, or treasures with the identified foster families in their church or other organizations.  They reach out to the Arlington Community Resource Center and other organizations to contribute. 
 
The community of hope is connected to youth mentors, respite care providers, special event support, veteran parent advisors, little wish sponsors, and concrete goods providers.
 
To learn more, click
.
Classification Talk

Peggy Ray and Community Resource Center

Peggy Ray -  Classification Talk. 
 
Peggy was born in Germany and was a military brat.  Her parents separated and she came homeless at 14 years old.  Her mother moved into a 55+ and older community.  She couch surfed and stayed in school because she loved school and cheer leading.  At 14 ½ Peggy tried to take her own life.  Peggy does what she does today to give people hope. 
 
Homeless that you see are not there because they wanted to be homeless.  They each have a story.  Peggy runs three family centers in north Snohomish County to help people that are less fortunate and homeless.  Drug use is not the only reason for homelessness.   A stranger saved Peggy’s life by telling her she matters.  Peggy decided she would stand up and be somebody.
 
Peggy started as a restaurant hostess when she was 16 and worked up to general manager.  Peggy did not go to college but fought every day for what she wanted to be.  She learned she had to believe in herself because no one else would.  After running a restaurant for 10 years, having three children, and as a single mother she worked for Green Cross. She is now remarried with  a blended family of seven kids and three grandchildren. 
 
She and her husband deploy after disasters.  She reported to Oso after the slide.  She is on the committee for the Oso memorial.  They have been to disasters in Haiti and Guatemala.  Peggy and her husband received Paul Harris awards for "service above self".  They do a lot with comfort dogs after disasters. 
 
Peggy runs three Community Resource Service centers and have housed 453 people in Arlington.  They have helped people with food, obtaining jobs, paying PUD bills, writing resumes.  Peggy urged us t0 not give homeless individuals money.  Please send people to the resource center if you know of anyone in need. 
 
They do not just hand things to the person in need, they sit with them and help them write resumes, help locate job openings, find showers/shelters/treatment.  No judgment.  They do not force them into treatment. 
 
“Normal is just a setting on a dryer”  according to Peggy, and this does not apply to people.  There is hope for people and what they are dealing with.  We can help them by giving them resources and showing them they matter. 
 
Peggy enjoys singing, trivia, and spending time with her kids and grandkids.
 
The center needs volunteers that are compassionate, not judgmental.  Call the center to schedule a flexible time to volunteer: 360-399-5452.   Peggy can do presentations for your company/church/group.  The center takes donations, clothing, furniture, food, etc.  Mental health help is also offered at the center.
 
The Point in Time (PIT) Count is coming up January 23.  Instead of going out to camps, the goal is to offer services that day that brings the homeless to a location where information will be gathered.  The locations are where homeless can come get a hot meal, free laundry, showers.  Looking for volunteers.  To sign up go to www.housinghope.org. 
 
Needed items:  laundry soap, underwear/socks, quarters for laundry machines, ready to eat food, cases of water, warm blankets, warm socks, underwear etc.  Bring items to the Arlington Community Resource Center, 18308 Smokey Pt. Blvd (West end of Senior Center Classroom Bldg).
 
Holiday Food Baskets

85 Food Baskets For Food Bank Families

It is an annual tradition.  Rotarians and friends of the Rotary donate funds to purchase boxes of food for families served by the Arlington Community Food Bank.  Our club matches the funds donated by individuals as a contribution to the Food Bank.
 
In addition to the names of families, the Food Bank provides a list of items to include in the boxes.  Each family received a holiday ham in addition to all the fixin's for several meals.  Included is a card wishing the family a Happy Holiday Season.
 
Our service Director, Jim Kelly, and Associate Director, Adrian Adrian Abed, had the event well orchestrated, starting with ordering the food at a discounted rate from a Rotarian owned Arlington Grocery Outlet.  Thank you to Rotarian Mel Simpson and her husband Mike Simpson.  Mike is also on the Board of the Arlington Community Food Bank.
 
The food was loaded into our club's "train trailer" in the morning and was transported to the gymnasium at the Arlington Free Methodist Church.  The loading crew started the unloading process at the church and they were soon joined by Rotarians and their guests to complete the unloading.
85 boxes were placed on the gym floor and the food was organized by item.  One or two persons were assigned an item to make sure was placed into each box.  It worked like a well oiled machine.
 
The deliveries were organized by routes.  Families were called earlier in the week to tell them we were coming with the groceries. Boxes were loaded into vehicles for delivery direct to the families' doors.  Some of the boxes were delivered to the Food Bank where the family was to pick up their box.
 
We've lost track as to how many years we've been doing this project, but it has been at least a couple of decades.  It is only one of our regular holiday service traditions.  The club collects and helps fund and man "A Christmas Wish' gift drive and we buy and serve lunch each Christmas season for seniors at the Stillaguamish Senior Center.
 
Check out the album and our Face Book page for more photos.
 
 
December 27 Program

Oso Slide Memorial

Amy Lucas - Snohomish County Parks
 
Amy Lucas from Snohomish County Parks and Rec shared about the Oso Mudslide Monument Memorial. As many remember we lost 43 community members the day of the Oso slide and the devastation was like any other from a landslide in US history.
 
Many people came from all over to help in the recovery and rescue efforts. The county has memorialized the entrance to
Steelhead Dr. with a sign at the sight and there is a gate that has been created that will be used in the permanent memorial. The trees will also be put into the permanent memorial.
 
Why do we need a permanent memorial? To remember the victims, to answer questions, to provide a place for gathering and healing, to thank the first responders that helped. The design was created through meetings with victims family’s, people that lost homes, EMS workers and First Responders. They also hired an agency to help with the design.
 
What has been determined is that they would like the White Horse trail finished to provide ADA access to families. To provide a barricade , to replace the flagpoles with something that is more permanent, to provide representation of the community that was lost and to provide a gateway to the memorial area from not only the trail, but the highway.
 
The memorial will be broken into different pieces to allow people to experience the memorial in a way that allows them to have an interpretive experience and for it to be a linear experience. There will be two entrances, one on each end of the memorial with gateway arches to help people to know that they are entering into sacred spaces. There will be a bronze art piece, hopefully installed by the 5 year anniversary in March, of the mailboxes. The entrance will allow a quick overview of the area, where people can look and leave if they don’t want to walk the whole memorial.
 
The beginning will have a community gathering and remembrance space with a permanent shelter where families can gather and remember. There will be a beacon representing the people that passed away with a boulder and a quote. From there people will journey through to learn about the slide, what happened, and how the response happened. In the interpretive area they would like to have natural materials with the information carved into them.
 
Phase 2 of the memorial will have a boardwalk around the debris field allowing people to see what happened without actually going into the debris field. This area will explain how the land restores itself after destruction. Next there will be an area that memorializes the people that were lost and allows community to reach out on a personal level to remember those that were
lost. After this, there will be an area of decompression, allowing people to process what they
experienced.
 
In order to make this memorial happen they need to raise the money. They have been at events this summer selling shirts, had an event at Rhodes River Ranch this summer and raised $30,000 and have been reaching out to other people. They are hoping to have a site blessing this year on the 5 year anniversary on March 22 and they are looking for volunteers to help install the barriers in April or May. They will continue to work with the media, local organizations and those in the area to help continue the outreach to help people know what is happening. They need not only monetary donations, but people to help get the word out and help find volunteers and materials to make the memorial happen.
 
On March 2, 2019 will be having a memorial gala at the Seattle Waterfront to raise money. They are looking for table captains, and donations for the dessert dash.
 
​
 
Senior Center Lunch

Seniors Have Lunch on Us!

Each year on the Friday before Christmas, the Stillaguamish Senior Center has its Christmas meal with lunch on us.  Although the lunch is part of the Snohomish County nutritional food program, seniors normally have to pay for their lunch at a reduced rate. For this special lunch, nothing has to be paid by the senior for the meal or for a ticket for a door prize.  In addition, no cafeteria line--the meal is served by Rotarians!
The Center had 200 reservations for lunch, but the actual count was about 170.  Each person attending received a chance for a door prize.  Normally the Center sells tickets to seniors.
 
Many of the door prizes were donated by Rotarians and their friends.  In addition, to make sure every senior could receive something, our club purchased additional prizes.  Our own Santa visited the Center and distributed candy canes.
 
See the complete album of photos in the album section of the home page. Here are a few more photos:
 
Bob's Christmas Message

Our Holiday Christmas Party

Members and their guests gathered at the Angel of the Winds Resort for our annual party.  The resort was very festive for the holidays, and the room where we had our party was no exception.  We had a delightful buffet dinner!
 
President Paul gave us a summary of our activities for the first half of his Rotary year including our many service projects and social events.  There are photos above of the event, including photos of the two Paul Harris Fellowship recognitions:  George McCone was recognized by the club for his many volunteer hours.  Carla recognized Vickie Campbell for her support of the Duck Dash committee following Bob's illness and the support she gave to her after she too was diagnosed with sepsis.
 
A highlight of the evening was an inspiration message by Bob Campbell.  Bob has been recovering from an event that started on Thanksgiving eve of 2017.  He was admitted into the hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis.  His recovery and treatment has included amputating a major portion of both feet. 
 
Although his status is still non-weight bearing, he was given permission to stand for a short period of time to address us at our party.  It is expected that around Christmas he will be given permission to do more standing that will lead to his walking with specially designed prosthesis for the portions of his missing feet.
 
Bob told the group that there were three reasons that he and Vickie came back to Arlington to live following his retirement from a job in Eastern Washington:  Their church, their friends and Rotary.  He thanked all of those members and their families who supported them with prayer and who stepped in to help them in so many ways.
 
Bob surprised us at our party when, with the help of a walking stick, President Paul, and Vickie, he was able to stand to deliver his message that included the history of Rotary's Four-Way Test.
 
Bob Campbell
 
In 1932, Herbert John Taylor, was the owner of a struggling cookware company.  He decided to work on putting into words a list of ethical considerations for his company and his employees to live by to differentiate his company from his competitors.
 
He came up with the four principles after he tested and applied various options to the things he did each day in running his company and dealing with employees and with customers.  His goal was a short code that the 250 workers in his company could easily memorize and apply.  He credited the code with helping him rescue his business by turning his company into one guided by integrity. 
 
Taylor became the 44th president of Rotary International.  In 1943 The Four-way Test of the things we think, say and do was adopted as one of Rotary's guiding principles.  Our club, as does many clubs, starts each meeting with the recitation of these guiding principles.
 
Bob's recovery and his words are an inspiration to us all!
 

 

 

 

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. 
 
 
 
 
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. Here are a few photos, more of which can be found in an attached album.
 
 
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.
Rotarian Devin Brossard-ARC President 
 
Over $7,000 was raised for the Stillaguamish Senior Center.  Thanks to all who helped!
 
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.
 
 
 
Duck Dash Sponsors
 
 
Face Book
 
 
 
Facebook Plugin
 
Speakers
Matt Reed
Jan 24, 2019
Classification Talk
Aleph Fackenthall
Jan 31, 2019 12:00 PM
Panama Update
Adina Palinsky
Feb 07, 2019
Classification Talk
B.A.C.A. North Sound Chapter
Feb 14, 2019
Bikers Against Child Abuse
Rob Prosch
Feb 21, 2019
EvCC Aviation Program
Norma Mouton
Feb 28, 2019
Hope Unlimited
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
No Lunch - Installation Banquet
Jun 20, 2019
Duck Dash Sponsors and Winners Lunch
Jul 11, 2019
View entire list...
 
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