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
Youth Services Associate Director
Sue Weiss
Director Youth Services
Lyanne Rolf
Youth Exchange Officer
Lyanne Rolf
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

2018-19 R.I. Theme

 
 
 
 
 
Home Page Stories

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.
 
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.
 
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. 
 
 
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. 

August 9 Program
 
North Snohomish County Outreach is a program  that allows people to come in, do laundry and have a meal available to the homeless in our community. Their goal is to partner with Laundry mats and service providers. At this time they run laundry time in Smokey Point at Suds and Duds on Tuesday nights at 6:30. 
 
It's Executive Director, Sarah Higginbotham, was our program on August 9.  She also was one of the winners of our Duck Dash and she announced that she used the money to buy shirts for the volunteers.
Sarah Higginbotham in her new shirt!
 
Thanksgiving 2016 was when the project began as a ministry outreach of LifeChurch 360 when people would take the guest laundry and wash their clothes during the service and bring them back.  Then Sarah read when Helping Hurts and changed the focus of their ministry to them doing their laundry, but North  Snohomish County Outreach would help pay for the laundry and provide a meal.  In 2017 they started advertising during the PIIT Count and began to see the many invisible homeless that exist in our area.
 
In Fall of 2017 they started visiting people in jail and seeing their transitions and needs.  Last week they had their highest , guest attendance of 45 and 10 new guests.  They started having people fill out forms with expectations to understand their services are a privilege and these also help them to track people and who they are serving. 
 
In September of this year they will start serving not just Smokey Point, but downtown Arlington.  They have found that people in downtown Arlington have a different drug of choice.  Alcohol is their drug of choice.  They also have a shower trailer and are working with the City to start that with laundry and meal services. They are also in discussion with Granite Falls, Marysville and Stanwood to reach out into those areas. 
 
Also working with other services to have them at their laundry times to help have resources available during laundry times.  They work with the Community resource center, Community Health, Mercy watch, Immaculate Conception, Life Church360 and Stick it or Stuff it. 
 
They are always in need of socks, used clothing, people to help serve meals and share that these resources are available. 
 
Most of the people that they work with are in need of someone to see them as a human being.  Believing that everybody is somebody is key to what North Snohomish County Outreach does.  They allow people to have a place to be known to feel human again and take care of the things that they have. 
 
Funding, right now is from self-funding and individuals that give to help. To see how to volunteer check out its Face Book site: Click Here
 
 

Duck Dash Celebration

Celebrating a Record Breaking Duck Dash!

Our club likes to have fun and what better party to have than to celebrate our successful Duck Dash fundraiser. This year we raised $102,200 in sponsorships and we sold $86,020 in tickets.
 
We worked as teams this year for both sponsorships and ticket sales.  The team that raised the most money in sponsorships and ticket sales was Team Jola (Jola, Lauren, Chrys, Jeff & Mel)! It was first in sponsorships at $18,050 and third in ticket sales at $10,260.
 
Team Jola
 
Team Dave (Dave, Linda, Cindy, Andria, Bob and Peggy) was the second team over all, with $16,200 in sponsorships (the highest number of sponsors), and ticket sales of $6,305.
Team Dave
 
Dale was the overall ticket sales winner at $6,590.  His team (Bucky, John D, Lee, Ron L and Matt) was the high selling team at $11,170.
Carla Congratulated Team Dale
 
The duck Dale is holding was given to him to display as the number 1 seller.  Last year's top seller, Carla, presented him with his ring, the duck and with the medallion.
Passing the Medallion 
 
Every member who sold the goal of $1500 in ticket sales was recognized.  They include Carla, Jennifer, Dale, Lee, Jola, Mel, Jim K, Devin, Brad, Ryan, Bill, Kathy, Jim M, Cory, Jody, John M, Dave, Linda, Bryce, Wayne, Duane, Dana, Paul, & Leroy.
The $1500 + Club
(Notice Dale's Modest Display of Rings!)
 
There is a photo album and the photos are being displayed for a few weeks in the photo carousal.  Jeff's trash steak and Cindy's strawberry shortcakes, were complemented by a number of outstanding dishes brought by party goers.  The kids had a great time with games, and bouncy house, and with the dunk tank.  
 
 
 

August 2 Program

Hiking with Polar Bears

 
Dan Clements spoke to our club about hiking with polar bears. 
 
Bob traveled to Seal River in Canada.  He flew over the tundra to get to Seal River Lodge.  The polar bears were waiting as soon as he landed.
 
Most travelers see the bears from a tundra buggy but it is more difficult to photograph the bears.  The advantages of hiking is you can get closer to the bears and explore more areas.  Males can weigh up to 1800 pounds, they have a keen sense of smell, and they do not hibernate except for females with cubs.   They can swim up to 200 miles and they leave 20-25 years.  There are 22,000-30,000 polar bears in the world.  All bears have scent glands in their paws.  They leave scent trails when they walk.  There are 19 polar bear sub-populations.
 
 
Dan got to see the Aurora Borealis.  They experienced 20-25 below zero temperatures for their morning hikes.  During a safety briefing Dan was told to get together in a group and don’t move.  Look as big as possible and carry two rocks in each pocket to disrupt the way the bears scope things out.
 
Dan saw caribou, snowy owls, and arctic fox as well.  He observed and photographed polar bears sparing, napping, and stretching.
 
The last polar bear census was done in 2011.  One population is declining, most are remaining stable or growing.  Polar bears are not becoming extinct and dying off.  Ice is definitely melting.  Since 1979 sea ice declined by about 39% in the arctic.  Polar bears normally hunt on the ice so the melting they are on land one month longer than before.   They are becoming emaciated.  Polar bears can hunt beluga whales and dolphins.  They are great swimmers and hunters in water.
 
Polar bears are mostly in decent shape.  They will do well in select areas but go extinct in other areas.  During the last ice age the area Dan visited was under 2-3 miles of ice and people were living in the area. Polar bears have demonstrated they can adapt to a changing environment.
 

Classification Talk

Erik Granroth's New Venture

Erik Granroth spoke to our club at our July 26 meeting and gave his “reclassification talk”.  Since he says his first classification talk was given at the spur of the moment when a program didn't show up to a meeting, he shared his life and his spoke about his new business venture.
 
Erik Granroth
 
Erik was born 1976 in Bothell. 
 
His parents split when he was 6 and he went to 11 different schools and changed schools 19 different times.  He feels he can adapt to any situation because he was always the “new” person.  Each of his parents has 7 brothers and sisters, dozens of close cousins.  He has an older brother and younger brother and sister.  
 
Erik was close to his father.  He was self-employed and taught Erik about working hard.  Erik has worked full-time since he was13 years old.  Every hourly job he had after that it never made sense for someone to tell him how much his time was worth.  Erik’s dad passed away five years ago.  He was 60 years old.  He worked until the end. 
 
Erik was 20 when his daughter Lauren was born.  She now works with Erik in the insurance industry.  Lauren is growing into an adult with characteristics Erik’s father instilled in him.  They are very close.
 
Erik started working in the restaurant industry, mowing lawns, paper routes, odd jobs, etc.  He hired his brother and his friends to go do odd jobs and Erik would pay them a cut.  Erik was the lead cook at an Outback Steakhouse 25 years ago.  He worked at Arnie’s in Mukilteo and Kentucky Fried Chicken to get corporate management training, food safety, and human resources skills.  He then went on to be a bar manager making really good money.  He was going to open two Quiznos but he saw a flaw in their business model.  He did not want to sacrifice family for work so he took a job in insurance.
 
To work in the insurance industry Erik needed a bachelor’s degree but got an exception.  He out performed the people that went to college.  Erik has always been business-minded. 
 
Erik enjoys Rotary and knew from the first meeting he was a Rotarian.  Part of growing his insurance business has been helping the community.  The giving has come full circle.  Do the right thing and the results will come.
 
Erik loves to fish and be on the water.  All his negative energy goes away when he is on or at the water.  He is more into salt water fishing now.  Erik’s dad was big into fishing.
 
Erik loves animals.  He had a farm with 30 animals.  He has a dog named Frank the Tank. 
 
After Erik’s dad passed he took a look at how he wants to spend his days.  Erik will be buying a boat with his girlfriend, Rose.  He will take it up the Northwest Passage and fish. His goal is to have a business that will allow him time on the water.
 
Erik this month has opened a Batteries+Bulbs ("B+B") franchise store at the location of the former Radio Shack just north of the Smokey Point Wallmart. He is looking at a couple of other possible locations for additional stores. 
 
He saw it in entrepreneur magazine so many years ago and thought it was a unique business model.  They have 700+ stores, open seven days a week.  The business model has adapted to change which interested Erik.  B+B does local delivery and service, retail and commercial sales.  B+B offers high quality products and warranties, better than competitors.  He doesn’t sell off-brand products.  B+B has contracts with large corporations.  They have specialty products they can special order.  You can order online, in store, or on their app.  B+B repairs cell phones and tablets, does key fob cutting and programming at lower cost than dealers.  B+B does recycling of bulbs and batteries.
 
Last Friday Erik had a special grand opening celebration with invitations to family and friends.  Congratulations Erik and good luck with your plans!
 
 
 

An Example of How Duck Dash Funds Benefit the Community

Darrington Music Program

After we recognized a couple of the winners at our July 19 meeting, and watched a video that Al Erickson took of the Duck Dash with his drone, President Paul introduced Laura Goheen, the music teacher for the Darrington School District to tell us how funding from our club benefited the program.

Laura Goheen

Laura lives in Arlington with her family.  She taught in Darrington as a school teacher for a few years and then the slide happened.  The district brought back the music program after the slide as a therapy for the children.  Because the Arlington Rotary Foundation had funds that were contributed to help slide recovery, it funded some new instruments and helped fund other parts of the program.

Laura began teaching the music program.  The kids hadn’t had a music program since 2014.  The program has grown that now they need another music teacher.  They couldn’t have grown the program without the investment of the community and the grants received.  There is now a drum line, Congo drums, 50 ukuleles, electric keyboards, etc.  The kids are excited to come to music.  

Our board approved additional funding for the music program in Darrington at its last meeting.

 

Summer Picnic

The Pioneer Museum

We changed things up this year for our annual summer picnic.  Our normal meeting place, Arlington Free Methodist Church, was being used by the church for vacation bible school, so the picnic was scheduled for the day the church was unavailable.   The other change was to move the normal picnic location from Haller Park to the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Park and Museum, with an opportunity for members and guests to tour the museum.
 
Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum
 
Dale made the arrangements to use the park and tour the museum.  As he stated, "The museum is one of Arlington's best kept secrets".  It is not normally open on Thursday, but it was opened especially for us, with tour guides. 

Picnic

 

Burger Master Ryan !

 

Robin and Bill Help Out

 

Devin Ready for the Crowd

 

Ryan Burgers and Dogs

 
What would be a Rotary picnic without Ryan Burgers!  Of course, Bill and Robin helped out.  Thanks to Carol Jacques for bringing side dishes!

Meeting

 

President Paul

 

Meeting in the Park

 

New Member Induction: Adina Palinsky was inducted as a new member at our meeting in the park. Mel, on the left, provided her bio while Membership Director Cindy looks on to her left.  Her sponsor, Carla, and her mentor, Dave, are on the far right.

 

Adina is given her Rotary pin by her sponsor, Carla.  Adina has lived in Arlington since age 9.  She is the Asset Protection District Leader for Rite Aid Corporation.  She lives in GlenEagle. 

 
Next week we will be back meeting at the Arlington Free Methodist Church.  Duck Dash winners have been invited to lunch and Al will be showing the video of the race he took with his drone.
 
 

Splash Pad

Ground Breaking--Finally!

The Arlington City Council on July 2 accepted the low bid from Reece Construction to build the splash pads at Haller Park.  It is a project spearheaded by our Rotary Club.
 
For our 25th year of the Great Stilly Duck Dash, we raised funds with various partners to build a playground at Haller Park.  It has been loved by our community with lots of kids using it daily.  It has also helped clean up the park and make it family friendly.
 
Soon after the playground was complete, a decision was made to turn our efforts to adding a splash park to the playground.  Linda Byrnes and Bryce Duskin, who chaired the playground project, took on the task of chairing the splash pad project.  The momentum from the playground project brought much energy to the splash pad project.  What started out as a $375,000 project, with a $50,000 commitment from our club using Duck Dash revenue from the 2015 event, grew to a $1.2 million project.  Leading in gifts to the project, as it did for the playground, was the Stillaguamish Tribe which donated $550,000.  It became the cornerstone for seeking a state grant.
 
The State's outdoor recreation commission recommended inclusion of the splash project as part of the 2017 State's capital budget. However, politics got in the way and adoption of the budget was delayed a year as our lawmakers worked on resolving a water rights issue.  The budget was finally approved by the legislature in 2018.
 
Normally local matching funds can not be used before the state funds are released for the project.  The City applied for and obtained a waiver allowing funds to be used for engineering and to acquire the splash pad fixtures.  With funding secured from the State, it was hoped that we would be in the middle of construction on July 4 of this year.  But, believed to be because of the short time line, only one bid was received for the project--well over the funds available. The City rejected the the bid and sent out a new request for bids this time with a time line more favorable for bidders.  Three bids were received and this time one of them was close to the estimate and was accepted.
 
With the expectation that construction would have begun, this year's Duck Dash theme was a construction theme.  It was a natural then to have a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Haller Park on the 4th of July. 
 
The timing created an interesting twist.  On July 1 Paul Ellis, the Arlington City Administrator, became the president of our Rotary Club.  He organized the groundbreaking ceremony which involved Mayor Barb Tolbert, Stillaguamish Tribal Chair Shawn Yanity, and the children who were at the event.  Other elected officials were present, but it was the kids (with some parental help) who were given the golden shovels to turn the first dirt with the dignitaries and Rotarians standing by.
 
It's All About the Kids!
 
The area where Haller Park is now located has special meaning to the Stillaguamish Tribe.  As Tribal Chair Shawn Yanity explained, it was a meeting place for the tribe, where relatives would come up river for a visit, go to other villages, and to fish and hunt.  Mayor Tolbert was asked to join in a drum beat symbolizing the joining of the two communities.  A chant which normally asks the salmon to come to the river was changed by Yanity to ask the children to come to the river.
 
 
 
 
 

Duck Dash 2018

It's a Wrap! Duck Dash 2018

President Paul's first club meeting for the new Rotary years was an informal one at Playa Bonita.
 
President Paul
 
 
Enjoying Post Duck Dash Fellowship!
 
There was no formal program.  Announcements were made about the Fly-in Fireside and about meeting at the Pioneer Hall and Museum on July 12. 
 
Duck Dash 2018 chair, Simona DeVries did report that we sold about $85,500 in tickets.
 
Chair Simona with the Winning Ducks!
 
The audit committee is meeting to conduct an audit of sold and unsold tickets on Tuesday, July 10.  Since the meeting on the 5th, Dale has reported some unofficial team totals and figures. Here is a link to view those totals:  Team Totals
 
Duck Dash winners are listed on our Web Page and our Facebook page.  Photos of the ground breaking for the splash pad is in an album. There is an album of photos of the Duck Dash.  Click HERE
 
 
 

New Rotary Year

"Be the Inspiration!"

July 1 marks the start of the Rotary Year for Rotary International, District 5050 and for each of the clubs.  We have a new International President, a new District Governor and a new Club President.
 
New District Governor Linda Murray and Spouse Bill Left with New R.I. President Barry Rassin and His Spouse Esther
 
Barry Rassin is the recently retired president of Doctors Hospital Health System.  He is a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, Bahamas. He was elected following the unexpected death of Sam Owori.  He is best known for leading Rotary's response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
 
Our new District Governor, Linda Murray, is a member of the South Everett Mukilteo Rotary Club.  She grew up in Los Angeles and moved to the area in 1980 with her husband Bill.  Linda and Bill just sold their business, Evergreen Security, which provides security systems in homes and commercial establishments.  She is scheduled to visit our club formally on August 30.
 
President Paul Ellis
 
Our new president, Paul Ellis, is the City Administrator for the City of Arlington.  He has held that position since 2002. Before starting up the leadership ladder to president, Paul served as our club secretary.  
 
Other officers and directors who are leading our club in this new year are Simona Devries, President Elect; Bryce Duskin, Vice President; Jennifer Holocker, Secretary; Pam Beaton, Treasurer; Jola Barnett, Past President; Carla Gastineau, Club Administration Director; Cindy Huleatt, Membership Director; Jim Kelly-Projects Director; Lyanne Rolf, Youth Services Director; Jessica Ronhaar, Public Relations Director and Kathy McCone,Foundation Director.
 
The first official meeting of the new Board of Directors will be Wednesday, July 11.  President Paul will be seeking board approval at the meeting for his choices as associate directors: Mel Simpson-Membership, Jenie Jones-Club Administration, Sue Weiss-Youth Services, Breanne Martin-Public Relations, Adrian Abed-Projects, and Ryan Berg-Foundation.
 
President Paul is in the unique position of being the club president and the City Administrator during the construction of the splash pad at Haller Park.  Although the Rotary Club spear headed the drive to raise funds for the project, the City of Arlington is the lead agency.
 
 
 
 
 

Duck Calls

Assembling Duck Calls

Our Duck Calls this year are sponsored by Arlington Grocery Outlook Bargain Market.  Like past years, we had to put lanyards onto the calls.  Until this year the duck calls were sponsored by Angel of the Winds Casino.
On the 4th of July, the calls are passed out at the kiddies parade.  It proceeds the grand parade, and starts at 4:30 PM.  The Grand Parade kicks off at 5 PM.
 
The assembly was done at Hubbs Pasta and Pizza. Here are some photos:
 
 
 
Program June 21 

An Immigrant's Story

 
Guy Moussavou spoke to our club about his life growing up in Gabon, Africa. What lies within you is
tremendous capacity to do whatever our eyes or minds focuses on. We sent a man to the moon. It is
amazing what humans can accomplish.
 
Guy was born in a small village. His dad was a principal of a school. His father left his mother while she
was pregnant. He was born into poverty. He has eight brothers and sisters. His mother went from town
to town to clean and cook for other people. When he was 12 his mother sent him to live with his cousin
who went to college. He lived with thirty people in the house that was using the cousin for support.
Guy would walk 32 miles every weekday to go to school. He never had anything to eat at school Monday
through Friday. He just drank water. He dropped out of high school. He couldn’t find work so he started
cleaning houses and cooking. He would make maybe a $1 per day. He would stay at the places he would
cook at clean. He had to live in a pantry.
 
He was told a story about a man went to America in search of a better life. In America you would work
and go to school at night. Guy was captivated by this story and pledged to do whatever he could to go to
and be successful America like that man.
 
With any project the thing that prevents people from moving ahead in life is that we look at our past and
listen to our friends/family telling us that we can’t. If you feel or believe you can’t, you can’t.
 
Guy wrote a letter to Abbey School in London and he was accepted. He received a scholarship to study
for 3 months to learn English. He had to fly to Paris to apply for his visa. He was denied. Three months
later he was trying to fly back and was arrested because they thought he was going to try to live in Paris
so they threw him in jail. He only wanted one thing and that was a better life. He was deported back to
Gabon. His friends and family shunned him.
 
He kept trying to fulfill his dream. Because he couldn’t get to London he went to the cultural center in
his country and taught himself English out of a French/English dictionary. He found a brochure about a
school in Hawaii about an English program. He was accepted and received a scholarship. He applied for
a visa at the U.S. embassy. It was denied. He went back five days later the representative said he had to
wait three months to apply again. He asked the representative if what he had wasn’t enough to get the
visa. The representative came back and said I’m going to issue the visa. Attitude will determine where
you will go in life.
 
A month later he flew to U.S. He was greeted with, “Welcome to the United States of America”. We he
heard those words he thought, “This is it. I’m going to make it.” In Hawaii he learned English. He
applied to colleges all over the states and he was accepted to Seattle Central Community College but he
couldn’t pay. He met a man who gave him $13,000 as a sponsorship. He finished his AA and transferred
to Washington State University and obtained his bachelor’s in communication. He went to Western
Governors University and received a MBA in Healthcare Management. He is faculty at Western
Governors University.
 
It took determination but also someone standing by his side to help. If a young man in a small village in
Africa was able to make it to this country and do what he has done what can stop you? Nothing.
Attitude is more important than your past, education, money, failure, success, skills, or being gifted. It
can make or break a company, church, or your own home. It is about how you respond to what life gives to you.
Our attitude or response to every life event will determine what you will become in life.

June 14 Program

Club Runner 101

Our Club Runner Administrator Dave Duskin
 
Dave showed the club the ins and outs of using Club Runner.  It is much more than a website.  It includes many club administration features.
 
The bulletin is sent out every week, 52 weeks a year, to members. Dave recognized Breanne Martin for taking notes each week on her laptop, and others who fill in taking notes, photos, and editing the bulletin.
 
We also use Club Runner for billing, calendaring events, communicating, and the bulletin.  It contains a history of our club. 
 
The first newsletter from our club went out in 1970, and a copy can be seen in the history section.

Our website has our Facebook page plugged in so you can see it on the website.  There is no longer a separate Duck Dash website.  The old Duck Dash website address now takes you to a page on our current Club Runner website, including all the sponsors.  The website has links to many of our projects and sponsors. 
 
The website is updated frequently and since it is available to the public and potential members, there is always stories on programs, projects and our social events. It contains lists of our upcoming socials and service projects.  There is also a calendar that notes our upcoming events. For events that are for members only and where a registration is required, it brings up the login page to the member's only area.
 
There are photo albums with pictures from our events. There are links to subpages on the website to learn about different committees and activities our club is involved in. 
 
We were one of the first clubs to adopt Club Runner.  It replaced an electronic members only interactive website known as MyFamily.com when it went out of business.
 
There are private portions of Club Runner that are password protected for members only.  The member’s only section contains your profile, what committees you are on, and the club directory.  Update your profile as your information changes so the club can communicate with you.  Please put in your birthday so we and Rotary International can track the demographics of our club. 
 
Recently the login section was updated making it much easier to access if you forget your user name or password. 
 
You can send emails through Club Runner to different lists of people (active members, all members, selected members/contacts, etc.).   If you send emails under the Committee management system they are only saved for3 months. 
 
Committee management section shows you all the committees and all members’ contact information.  At the top there is a section for subcommittees.
 
Dave recommended that all members add the Club Runner app to their phones.  To learn more, click HERE.
 
We could use help with various aspects of Club Runner.  Contact Dave if you are somewhat tech savvy and can help out.  We need backups for taking notes and photos at meetings.  There are also pages where help is needed to update, e.g. our past exchange students, officers and directors.
 
 

Annual Banquet

Past Honored and New Board Installed

We held our annual changing of the guard or transition banquet at the Angel of the Winds Casino and Resort on June 7.  Officially the change of leadership changes on July 1.  Typically we celebrate early because of our heavy involvement with our July 4 fundraiser.
 
It was a new venue for us to hold such an event and one of the first to be held in the new banquet/conference room at the resort.  All of the arrangements were made by our Club Administration Director, Carla Gastineau, who had the room well decorated, with roses on each of the tables, and with our District Governor, Lindagene Coyle, doing the installation honors.
 
Outgoing President Jola Barnett presided over the evening.  Many of the year's highlights were shown in a wonderful slide presentation.  The new venue is fully equipped with large video screens and a sound system.
 
Jola recognized her outgoing team with words of praise and gifts.  Some of the board members are returning next year, but some, like Secretary Robin Reinig, Past President Erik Granroth, and Membership Director Mike Britt are retiring from the board.
 
                   
Jola with Robin on the Top and with Mike on the Bottom
(Erik Granroth was unable to attend)
 
Others serving this year and who were present to be recognized (see photo album), were officers Simona DeVries -Vice President, and Paul Ellis - President Elect (both whom are moving up).  Not present was Pamela Beaton, our treasurer, who will continue to serve. Directors who were recognized and who are continuing are Kathy McCone -Foundation, Jessica Ronhaar -Public Relations, Carla Gastineau -Club Administration, and Lyanne Rolf -Youth Services.
 
Jola also recognized our program co-chairs, Fitz Couhig and Simona DeVries, as well as Paul Abramowicz, our computer expert, who has kept the power points flowing and who each week sets up the rostrum area for our meetings. 
 
Kathy McCone and Ryan Berg, our Foundation Director and Associate Director, were called upon by President Jola to present Paul Harris Awards.  See separate story and photo album.
 

Installation

Our District Governor, and special guest, Lindagene Coyle installed the officers and directors for the year starting July 1.
 
Rotary District 5050 Governor - Lindagene Coyle
 

After some very complimentary words from the District Governor as to our club's accomplishments, including earning the presidential citation, the first officer to be installed was next year's president Paul Ellis.

      

Top, D.G. Lindagene Installing Paul, and on the Bottom, Paul Inspiring Us

Before installing the rest of the officers and directors, Paul, taking off of R.I. President Elect Barry Rassin's theme for 2018-19, BE THE INSPIRATION, told us how inspired he has become because of the things our club has accomplished.  He outlined the history of our playground project at Haller Park and the funds we raised and the partnerships we formed to have the splash pad phase funded and hopefully finished during his term as president.

With Paul standing by, D.G. Lindagene installed the rest of the officers and directors who were present.

     

Partially hidden on the left by roses, Past President Jola.  Then from left to right, Jim Kelly -Service, Simona DeVries -President Elect, Bryce Duskin - Vice President, Kathy McCone -Foundation, Carla Gastineau -Club Administration, Jessica Ronhaar -Public Relations, and Lyanne Rolf -Youth Services.  Next year's officers not present are Jennifer Holocker -Secretary  and Pamela Beaton -Treasurer.  Next year's Membership Director, Cindy Huleatt.

It wouldn't be a transition without the presentation of the President's and Past President's pins.

     

On the Top Paul is pinned by President Jola, who on the Bottom is pinned by Paul

President Jola's year is not quite over.  She will preside over her last board meeting on June 13, and 3 more meetings in June.  Paul's first club meeting will be an informal one on July 5, probably at Skookum Brewery, to go over the initial results of Duck Dash 2018.

 

 

 
 
 
Duck Dash Sponsors
 
 
Face Book
 
 
 
Facebook Plugin
 
Speakers
Rotary Foundation Committee
Oct 25, 2018
Foundation Month Kickoff
Vicci Hilty
Nov 01, 2018 12:00 PM
Executive Director - Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County
Mayor Barbara Tolbert
Nov 08, 2018 12:00 PM
New Business Development in Arlington
Dr. Alan Erickson
Nov 15, 2018 12:00 PM
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
NO LUNCHEON
Nov 22, 2018
Thanksgiving
Joe Alonzo - CEO of Cocoon House
Nov 29, 2018 12:00 PM
Youth Homelessness in Our Community
Lyle Ryan
Dec 06, 2018
Donating Kidney to Fellow Rotarian
NO LUNCHEON
Dec 13, 2018
Christmas Banquet
Christmas Boxes
Dec 20, 2018
Packing and Deliveries
Oso Mudslide Memorial Committee
Dec 27, 2018
Oso Mudslide Memorial and Monument
View entire list...
 
Upcoming Events
 
October 2018
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Photo Albums
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
Banner
District Conference 2017
Fire Mountain Deck Project
Carousel
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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