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
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Club Executives & Directors
President
Jola Barnett
Vice President
Bob Campbell
President Elect
Paul Ellis
Secretary
Robin Reinig
Treasurer
Pamela Beaton
Past President
Erik Granroth
Foundation Director
Kathy McCone
Associate Director Foundation
Ryan Berg
Membership Director
Mike Britt
Associate Director Membership
Cindy Huleatt
Public Relations Director
Jessica Ronhaar
Associate Director PR
Breanne Martin
Service Projects Director
Devin Brossard
Club Administration Director
Carla Gastineau
Associate Director Administration
Jennifer Holocker
Youth Services Director
Lyanne Rolf
Associate Director Youth Services
Sue Weiss
Youth Exchange Officer
Lyanne Rolf
Club Runner Administrator
Dave Duskin
Associate Director Service Projects
Jim Kelly
 
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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

 
 
 
 
 
Home Page Stories

Area J Tree Planting Project

500 Trees and Shrubs Planted

First Ever Area J Joint Project Successful

To meet R.I. President Riseley's challenge to plant one tree for each member of each Rotary Club by Earth Day on April 22, the five clubs in District Area 5050, did more than their part, with a day to spare. Current total membership of the five clubs is 215.
 
We did have some help from other groups.  Both the Snohomish and County Rotaract Clubs were represented, with 2 from Snohomish County and 3 from Skagit County. 
Libby Baker on Left with Rachel Preston, President of Rotaract Club of Snohomish County
 
Stanwood and Arlington Interact Club members also helped with 4 and 3 members respectively.  Two Cub Packs had members who helped plant as well. 
Lyanne With AHS Interactors
 
As the largest club in Area J, Arlington had 18 Rotarians, 4 adult guests, and 7 minors planting trees.  Included in the total is our great barbeque team of Ryan, Carla and Paul.  
Although it rained Friday night and was threatening Saturday morning, it stayed dry for the event, with even some sun breaks.  Jason Anderson was the only tribal representative present.  He opened with planting instructions and gave demonstrations and helped in the field.  Species planted included fir, hemlock, cedar, cottonwood, alder, vine maple, and other native species.
Jason Giving Instructions
 
With the smell of barbequed hamburgers penetrating the 50 acre site, the crew made quick work of planting the 500 trees and shrubs.  All were planted by about 11:30 AM.  
 
Our club furnished the meat and buns, and the tribe provided drinks, chips and energy bars. 
In addition to all the 500 trees and shrubs, the tribe also provided shovels and gloves for those who did not bring them.  
 
The site of the planting is 50 acres east of Arlington on conservation land owned by the Stillaguamish Tribe.  It was once a farm along the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River.  A mobile home had been removed from the site.
 
Trees had been previously planted and many did not survive.  The trees we planted were to replace those that had died.  Hopefully we will have a better survival rate.
 

Program April 19

Riparian Restoration

In anticipation of the Area J tree planting project on Saturday, our speaker on April 19 was Jason Anderson with the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians.
Riparian Biologist Jason Anderson
 
Jason is with the Natural Resources Department of the Stillaguamish Tribe.  it is the mission of the department to manage, protect and conserve those natural resources that are required to sustain healthy populations of fish, shellfish, and wildlife within the Stillaguamish River watershed.  In particular, the focus is on the area between the river, its tributaries and wetlands, and the upland.  The area is known as the riparian area.
 
Development, including farms along the river, has caused much of the vegetation to keep stream temperature suitable for fish to be diminished.  Restoration of the riparian area involves enhancing the native plant population over time.  This is done with weed control and the planting of native plants.
 
Once an area for restoration is delineated, there is a vegetation assessment including weeds to be targeted, and the native plants which are to be established once the weeds are controlled.  Targeted weeds include blackberry, English ivy, thistles, tansy ragwort, reed canary grass, knotweed and Scotch broom.  Native plants include cedar, spruce, fir, hemlock, maple, alder, cottonwood, willow, birch, filbert, ash and hawthorn, along with shrubs, grasses, rushes, flowers and ferns.
 
The desired outcome is improved habitat for wildlife and fish, while improving ecological conditions such as stabilizing river banks, filtering contaminants, and shading the water to keep it cool and oxygen rich.  The same plants provide habitat for birds, deer, and other animals.  Many also provide healthy, delicious food and medicine for people.
 
On Saturday, we will find a well delineated area with weeds already controlled.  The tribe will be providing the native plants for volunteers to plant.  Tubes are placed around the trunk of the new plants to protect the same from rodents and animals that can do damage to the young plants.  We will be, in some cases, replacing previously planted vegetation that did not survive earlier plantings.  There will also be a large area that has never been planted.  
 
The natural resources department has about 25 permanent workers.  They will have the plants placed where they are to be planted.  There will be an instruction on how to properly do the planting.
 
Jason was quick to point out that if you like doing riparian restoration, the Stillaguamish Tribe is only 1 of several organizations that are always looking for volunteers.  Just click on the organization for its website:
 
Watch for a story on the tree planting project.
 

Weekly Program

Childhood Obesity

Ogie Shaw spoke to the club about child obesity. 

Ogie Shaw is part of a national group that gives talk about health and fitness.   30 years ago 57% of children failed the “functional fitness test” just performing basic movements.   America created the Presidential Council to attempt to get our kids healthy.   Children are now even unhealthier.  Our children will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.  Major cancers are prevalent due to the way we eat.   We are getting more obese every year.  Physical education is the first thing to get cut when budgets are cut.  Children’s behaviors are substantially effected by the parents and adults in their lives. 

Most people are not getting the exercise they need.  Make exercise fun!  You must work every muscle in the body to get real results.  The recommendation is to work out 7 days a week.  You are more likely to stick to the plan if you do it every day.  Work until muscle failure, do as many reps until you can’t anymore.  Injury rate goes down if you work out every day. 

Work against resistance.   Eat for nutrition do not eat for weight loss.  Do not make changes to the way you eat that you won’t make permanently.   We are a confused nation about the proper way to eat. 

One of Mr. Shaw’s colleagues has rated and assigned points to over 3,000 foods.  If you eat over 100 points you will reach the goal and reduce cancer risk.  Cantaloupe is the best breakfast food.  Romaine and spinach is better than iceberg lettuce.

Your body measurements can tell you if you may be at risk for cancers and other diseases.

Fitness majors in college are becoming scarcer.  If exercise can’t be fun it better be fast. 

5 minutes of exercise with controlled resistance is a great way to begin a routine and a great way to get in shape.  Separate fitness from fun.

Stay motivated by accountability and measurement.  Measure your fitness level once a week and exercise seven days a week. 

 

Club History

Stillaguamish Senior Center

The history of our Rotary Club and history of the Stillaguamish Senior Center are linked.  When our club was chartered in 1970 as the Marysville-North County Rotary Club, we had members from both Arlington and Marysville.  Marysville did not have a separate club.  The new club needed a project that would benefit both Arlington and Marysville.
 
Two of our charter members were linked to Cascade Valley Hospital:  Al Remington, the hospital administrator, and Bob Williams, a hospital district commissioners.  The hospital district had initiated the drive to have a senior center to keep seniors more active and thus healthier.  
 
In 1970 the boundaries of the two towns were much different.  The area between the towns was out in the county, including the location of the new senior center in the Smokey Point area.  Neither town had a senior center.  
 
Board members were recruited for the new center from the Rotary Club.  It purchased an old motel site and set about recruiting volunteers to build the main hall.  Local banks agreed to provide some financing with a joint loan guaranteed by the hospital commissioners and by Al Remington.
Roofing Project
One of our club's first hands on projects including roofing the main hall of the Center.  Our club also held fundraisers for the Center, not only when it was just getting started but for years thereafter.  Fundraising included an annual Oktoberfest at the Center.  Our member, Fred Beals, then the owner of Silvana Meats, provided prime rib which was cooked at Weller's Chalet, with other Bavarian foods, and of course lots of beer! Members sold tickets and we always had a packed house which included an evening of dancing with a live band.
 
Before the Indian casinos became legal, non profits were allowed to have fundraisers involving gambling.  Our club put on a couple of Reno nights at the center with our members running the games and dealing black jack.  One of our unique fundraisers included a night at the horse races.  We converted the Center to Stilly Downs.  Videos of actual races from a track in California were used and, with the use of play money, para mutual betting took place on the races.  Prizes could be purchased with the play money at the end of the evening.
Stilly Downs Call to Post-Rotarian Pat Sweezey
 
One of the significant projects we had for Senior Center was the creation of a trust fund that eventually became the Senior Center Endowment Fund.  Our club donated the initial funds and sought contributions from the community.
 
In 1985, our club sponsored a new Rotary Club in Marysville.  We changed our name shortly thereafter to the North Snohomish County Rotary Club.  Marysville still did not have its own senior center so the Center continued to be supported by both communities. Eventually Smokey Point was divided between both communities, with the area that the Center is located being annexed to the City of Arlington. With the City limits of Marysville being just south along Smokey Point Blvd., and across the freeway, the Center still serves seniors from both communities.
 
Rotarians from both communities have served on the Center's board of directors.  Almost every Executive Director of the Center has been a member of our club.  Currently Rotarians on the board include Kathy McCone, Breanne Martin, Dave Duskin, Bob Campbell, Lauren Hunter and Erik Granroth. Former Rotarian board members have included Leroy Jacques, Don Richards, Duane Rhodes, Sue Weiss, Al Hansberry, Joe Hopkins, and Dick Post, to name a few.
 
When the Center was looking for a different fund raiser to replace declining support from United Way of Snohomish County, the idea of a fund raising breakfast honoring someone in our community was proposed.  Rotarians, Dale and Dave Duskin, but their heads together and the Life Time Achievement Award Breakfast was the result.
 
The Duskin twins turned to the Rotary Club for assistance.  Rotarians were recruited for table hosts and to help with the set up for the breakfast.  This year's breakfast on April 25 is the 13th annual event.  Honorees over the 13 years have been Howard Christianson, Don Meier, Ruth and Harry Yost, Dick Post, George Boulton, Yolanda Larson, Duane Weston, Margaret Larson, Harley Robb, Chuck and Bea Randall, Ray McClure, and last year, Darlene Strotz.
 
This year Virginia Hatch will be recognized.  Virginia served for 10 years on the City of Arlington's Park, Arts and Recreation Commission.  Organizations that have been blessed with her involvement have been the Kiwanis Club, Dollars for Scholars, Kids Kloset, Arlington's Arts Council  and Hands Together. In 2003 Virginia Co-chaired Arlington's Centennial Celebration.  Twice the Arlington Chamber of Commerce has recognized her as a Citizen of the Year.
Virginia Hatch
 
The breakfast is on April 25 with check-in at 7:00 AM and breakfast at 7:30 AM.  To attend the breakfast, call the center at (360) 653-4551, or email dklemens@stillycenter.org.  There will be an ask for a contribution to benefit the Center.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A New Approach to Homeless
Posted by Jessica Martin on Apr 05, 2018

New Embedded Social Worker Program

Our program today was brought to us by the Arlington Police Department.
 
Chief Ventura discussed the opioid issue in Arlington. Last year we were over 125% of space in jail and over 400 warrants active.  For the past 20 years we arrest people for petty crimes or quality of life crimes.  By the time they get back on the street to work they would be seeing the same folks committing the same crimes.  So they started to look at how to make it work .  They came up with the idea of treating the root cause of the problem.  Search community is different.  Our homeless numbers are growing. But the biggest problem is males over the age of 30 on opioids. So they started to treat the problem shooting for just 10% first.  Not trying to be soft but practical.  Low level crime rate here still.  Looked at Community Court and one stop shop.  But was concerned about hug a thug problem.  But law enforcement embedded social workers.  So the platform switched and three years later the ideas are coming to fruition.  The chief introduced Ken Thomas and Britany Sutton, to tell us about the new program.
 
Resource Officer Ken Thomas with Social Worker Brittany Sutton
 
 Ken has 20 years in law enforcement.  Now going to homeless camps and being proactive.  2015 the office started and building on the ideas. 
 
Brittany said they go out to camps do dry runs to find new folks who want to change their lives and see if they are engaged to change and let them know it’s their choice and they have the availability to make changes.  They setup detox to inpatient, no contact, once clean they are their 30-60 days and move to housing go shopping to get them housing items and food.  They help them move in and take care of them to get them to stay sober for 3 months and ongoing communication.  People are now starting to come out of the woods and asking for help and turning themselves in.  People are starting to turn after a history of 10-12 years of use.
 
Ken said he has been working with the Marysville office and other local places.  During the cold weather they approach them and tell them the new option they are willing to get help and they find out they have 6 months’ worth of housing and before in jail they would get sent right back out and in the same pattern and taking the drugs again.  When we see them walking at night on cold nights they take meth so they don’t sleep so they stay warm moving.  The folks are now approaching them and recognizing the folks working on this and asking for help. 99% of folks they are talking to need help and they are filled out until the end of April.  Now they are trying to find more housing for all these folks.
 
Questions:
 
What types of things are being done about jobs to help sustain them?  They help folks and they disappear and they think they are successful somewhere and move once they are doing well.  They are looking forward to results this year on what happens next.  Work source is a place that helps as well.
 
What is the growth impact on this because of our growth rate here? Does this population grow with our community?  Not seeing new folks, just seeing the same folks and within county.  They aren’t seeing an influx now but over the summer could see people moving here more because it’s easier to get around.  It is starting to level off here.  We have  a big problem in Smokey point and they push them, but then they go to Marysville, and then they send them back over to us.  So the people are just getting pushed back and forth over I-5 and now they are partnering and really have nowhere else to go.  They are all working on the same plan.  Using county social workers versus others due to funding being federal now and can cover the whole county.  No lines now and private practices are accepting these folks because of the federal funding, which is removing the gaps that stopped these plans before.  Not a lot of stats because the program is new and they will have some data after a year.  In other places the success rate has been 40-60% in other areas.  We are looking just for a 10% improvement.  They have a diversion center with the Sheriff’s office now to get plugged into the system right away.
 
Arlington community resource center has resources as well for housing and assistance.   This has been a great partnership where they meet folks weekly.
 
What about Elma?  And can we call police to help if we find someone and can’t get them into Elma?  They would like that and do take referrals.  Our schedules are dynamic and we want to help them.
 
What about the new meth clinic?  We will be working with stilly director where they will get assessment help right away.
 
How is this funded?  Is this part of the 3 billion funding for opioids?  This is a county effort and a pilot program.  The county picks up half of the social worker and half of the Marysville side and they pay half with the officers too.  All have funded it.  There is a flexible spending account they have where the funds are used to pay for items like housing and supplies for these people.
 
What can the community do to support to volunteer?  They don’t have something like this yet.  They just are trying to spread the word now and get people to advocate and become aware of it.  But can donate to the flex fund.
 
Don’t give change, keep it and donate to help and support the cause.  If you keep giving change they won’t get help and they will just keep coming back to take more.
 
Program sounds good, what will you do with more and more coming in to take this program even from other areas?  Once they get through the 6 months of housing and then having the system become a steady flow.  They don’t plan to be overburdened because they will start to help each other and the community because they have been able to get better and now would want to help others. 
 
Is there anyone we can approach and refer them to the program?  Yes if you are comfortable and can talk to them go for it and give them the card for help.  If they are able they will engage with them and come over. They do have to follow up with folks to make sure they are staying clean and getting going. 
 
There is a lack of resources and this will continue.  We do send folks out of state for treatment because we can’t help them.  Homeless folks are drawn to the west coast.
 
How is the funding going to work out with the current funds needed and what is projected for the future when it’s fully successful?  They will know over the year.  The team are averaging $300 a month on officer for the program.  The folks usually don’t’ have ID or health insurance.  While we wait for an assessment they get them these services and get a DSHS voucher.  They will help them go through the whole process because they aren’t able to do it on their own.  They take them to court or whatever they need to get them.  It’s about 10k for each office is about 1,000 a month.  Once the success rate is proven more folks would be willing to write a check for that.
 
Funding for salaries is jointly but once results are proven the counsel would support and the flex fund has very specific uses and not is allowed for long term things.  It’s emergency funds.
 
 
Club Administration Spotlight/YWCA

Spotlight: Club Administration

 
Club administration gave a five minute spotlight presentation on their role in the club.  They are looking for people to join subcommittees.  If you would like to join please contact Carla.  They help put together meetings, firesides, golf tournaments, ensure new members and guests feel welcome, and A LOT more!  The meetings for club admin are held the fourth Wednesday of every month.
 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 

Alicia Crank with Snohomish County YWCA

 
Alicia Crank, Corporate Relationship Officer with the Snohomish County YWCA, spoke to our club about the YWCA.  The YWCA isn’t the same as the YMCA.  They were started around the same time but they are two distinct organizations.  YMCA is focused on health and fitness, social responsibility, and youth development.  YWCA is focused on empowerment of women and girls, and racial justice.  YWCA is one of the largest providers of housing and services for domestic violence survivors and low income and transitional housing.  They offer child and youth programs, financial literacy, basic education and tutoring.  YWCA offers job training tools.
 
YWCA is about to turn 125 years old.  Their main office is located in downtown Seattle.  There are 20 locations across King and Snohomish County.  They try to make a difference by focusing on economic empowerment, health and safety, and housing and stability.  They partner with other agencies for housing, legal services, eviction prevention.
 
YWCA is supported by 100% fundraising with 220 YWCAs across the country.  The Seattle location is the second largest serving approximately 17,000 people each year. The YWCA provides emergency shelters and temporary housing, permanent housing, housing support, and landlord engagement programs.  The YWCA works with the landlord to mitigate the potential homelessness issues and sometimes financial support to bridge the gap between jobs if job loss is an issue.
 
The YWCA provides 12 job training programs.  One that is coming to Snohomish is called BankWorks.  Professionals will provide bank career training and interviews/job fairs.The YWCA also partners with Bartell Drugs to provide toiletries for a basket on each table at YWCAs fundraising luncheons.  The baskets are then donated to woman YWCA clients.  The next luncheon is on April 18th in Everett.  It is free of charge.  Please attend to learn more about what YWCA is doing in Snohomish County. 
 

March 22 Program

Camp Korey

 
 
We learned all about Camp Korey from it's program director, Josh Simons, at our meeting on March 22.
 
Josh Simons
 

The mission of Camp Korey is to honor the courage strength and determination of children and their families living with life altering medical conditions by providing them with a transformational experience in a fun, safe camp environment with specialized medical support.

All campers, no matter what limitations, can do any of the activities.  The camp has specialized equipment and counselors to assist.  Doctors and nurses on site.  The kids get to focus on being a kid.  Challenge by choice is a theme.  The child gets to choose the adventure, where they start and where they end.  They challenge the child but the child gets to determine what success means to them. 

Rock climbing, horseback riding, painting, archery, zipline, and more are offered activities. 

The children can relate to the other children at camp and be proud of their scars for the first time in their lives. 

Camp Korey was founded in 2005 by Tim Rose and his family to honor the life of their son Korey who lost his battle to bone cancer age 18.  The camp is part of SeriousFun children network with sister camps with the same mission, founded by Paul Newman.  There are 30 camps throughout the world.  The camp is dependent on private funding.  All children can attend for free.               

Camp Korey provides services for over 4,000 individuals with more than 30 different medical conditions each year.  They are 80% volunteer driven and have trained medical professionals on site 24/7 during programming.

The camp offers residential summer camp, family weekends (families connect with other families), Camp to You (outreach program that brings the camp to the hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Puget Sound), and family day adventures. 

Positive outcomes result from the week at camp.  Some children’s providers attend camp to build relationships and increase comfort with the providers.  Easier to form friendships, increased coping skills and resilience, increase in openness and self-esteem. 

It costs about $2,500 per kid to host a child for the week of camp.  Camp is open to children ages 7-17.  There is a lengthy application process.  Doctors review the children’s medical needs to ensure they can serve them.  The camp has to turn away some children due to capacity.

The property for Camp Korey is located near Lake McMurray, just north of Arlington in Mount Vernon. It's the property that was once know as Camp Brotherhood.  There are 23 existing buildings and there is a plan to add more and renovate.  They want to expand their capacity.  There are many volunteer opportunities year round. 

Josh was a social worker and learned about SeriousFun through college.  He started volunteering at sister camps and got hooked.  Once he found out about the job with Camp Korey he knew it was perfect for him.  

Before purchasing the property, the camp was on leased property in Carnation.

There are many volunteer opportunities and the non-profit is always looking for donations.  For more visit Camp Korey's website: Click on Camp Korey 

 

It's Duck Season!

Sponsorship Drive Kicked Off

Sponsorship Drive Chair Jola
 
In kicking off the sponsorship drive, chair Jola reminded us that the Duck Dash is the only fundraiser our club does.
 
The Duck Dash proceeds go to support our various project including the Stillaguamish Senior Center, Boys and Girls Club, Cocoon House, and many other non-profits in the community, such as the playground and splash pads at Haller Park, as well as our international water project. 
 
Funds raised through sponsorships go to pay for all the expenses associated with the Duck Dash so all the proceeds from ticket sales can go to community organizations and projects.
 
The club set a goal in 2015 that we would attempt to increase sponsorships and ticket sales 10% each year.  Last year we fell short by $9k.
 
This year Duck Dash Chair Bob Campbell and his committee has set the goal of $100,000 in sponsorships, $20k more than we have ever collected in sponsorships.  We will be working in teams to collect sponsorships.  Each team should collect $7,500 in sponsorships.
 
Coupon sponsors must offer something of value.  Let Jola know right away if you sell a coupon sponsorship.  She has to keep track of them.  We can only take one platinum sponsor ($10k).
 
Have the sponsor or member fill out the sponsorship form.  Make sure you get the exact spelling of the business if their name will appear on a plaque, t-shirt, or banner.  Team captains have forms and forms will be posted on Club Runner.
 
April 12th is the deadline for submitting sponsorships.
 
The team with the most sponsors, most new sponsors, most upsales will win prizes. 
 
If you are a business that would like to be a sponsor of the Great Stilly Duck Dash, and you have not been contacted by a Rotarian, contact us by clicking HERE.
 
 
 

March Social

Seussical the Musical

It was a pre-function followed by the opening night of the AHS Drama Department's Seusical the Musical  that was our March social event.  Photos of the pre-function hosted by Carla at her home, audience shots, and a special back stage tour following the musical can be seen above in the photo album section.

Classification Talk

Lauren Hunter of Hunter Funding

Lauren Hunter, who became a member of our club in October, and who was sponsored by Erik Granroth, entertained us with her classification talk on March 8. 
 
Lauren Hunter
 
Born Lauren Bishop in 1983 and grew up in Arlington. .  She has a brother and sister.  Her parents have lived in the same house with the same phone number since 1979.  She has seen what true love is by watching her parents. 
 
She has a lot of aunts and uncles.  Over 80 cousins.  She was not a great student and talkative.  Lauren went to Skagit Valley Community College and received her general education associates degree.  Moved to Houston when she was 18 to live with her aunt and uncle.  She was a nanny for her cousin. 
 
She received a degree in mortuary science from University of Saint Thomas in Houston.  Licensed to embalm in three states.  She couldn’t handle the emotional toll of the job.  Lauren received her Masters from Rice University in Houston in molecular biology. 
 
Lauren joined a bowling league to meet friends.  She was put on a team with 3 eighty year old men.  She used her student loan money to buy season tickets to the Houston Astros.  She went to 81 games by herself or with a date for three years.  She started writing grants to fund her education.  She graduated without any debt.  
 
Lauren was married briefly and her husband died in 2009.  Their house burned down.  She then left Houston and moved to New York.  Lauren worked for Planned Parenthood Federation for seven years as the director for scientific philanthropy.  She reviewed all the grants.  She learned what to look for and what to put in grant requests.  Planned Parenthood lost their funding and her job was cut.
 
She moved to Chicago and was the director of corporate and foundation giving at the Museum of Science and Industry.  She then applied for a job in the Virgin Islands.  She moved and lived in a hostel under the job started.  Lauren had to walk and take a safari bus from her home to the job.  She met her boyfriend in the Virgin Islands.  The hurricane demolished their house.
Lauren and her boyfriend moved back to Arlington together.  Laurens’ boyfriend is the assistant superintendent at a golf course.  Lauren started Hunter Funding and does grant writing, but she is trying to find out what she wants to do with her life.
 
Lauren has been a Rotarian in the past.  She got great joy out of seeing kids in the Virgin Island carrying back packs and school supplies supplied by her Rotary Club.  After returning to Arlington she visited our club as a visiting Rotarian before being proposed for membership.  Her community involvement since returning to Arlington, besides Rotary, has included joining the board of the Stillaguamish Senior Center and working on the Citizens Committee for passage of the bond.
 
Based on Lauren's presentation, it is clear you don't need a fancy power point presentation to make a classification talk entertaining and interesting.  Thanks Lauren for sharing your history with out club!
 
 
 

International Student Exchange

Emily Moller Tells us About Denmark

Our program on February 8 was our inbound exchange student, Emily Moller.
Emily
 
Emily spoke to the club about her experiences in the U.S. and her home country.  Emily is from Denmark.  
 
The Danish flag is called Dannebrog.  It is said to be one of the oldest flags in the world.
 
Denmark is small and would fit inside of Washington.  It is flat but with some hills.  The biggest mountain is not more than 600 feet.  There are a lot of islands, 70 are inhabited. 
 
Denmark is a kingdom and is part of Scandinavia.  Emily lives about three hours from Copenhagen.
 
507 million people live in Denmark.  1.3 million people live in or around Copenhagen.
 
The Danish language includes three more letters than English.  Everyone in Denmark learns English and German.  They start in kindergarten.
 
Denmark is the world’s oldest monarchy with 54 monarchs stretching over 1,000 years.  Denmark has a parliament but the queen signs all the laws.  The constitution was signed in 1849.  The parliament has 179 members located in Copenhagen.
 
The most practiced religion is Christianity.  Automatically enrolled in the Danish state church when born.   There is less than 5% attendance at church.  They typically only attend church on special occasions.  Danes are very receptive to other religions. 
 
Danish society values home, happiness, and having a good time with family and friends.  Denmark has been ranked the happiest nation worldwide.  They love to joke and use sarcasm.  Education and work are important.  Being on time and organized is important but being at home and with friends and family when not working is very important. 
 
5 fun facts about Denmark
  1. Danish people like salty licorice
  2. Their Santa lives on Greenland
  3. The Danish language has no word for “please”
  4. If you are 25 and unmarried, you will get cinnamon thrown all over you on your birthday
  5. 50% of Copenhageners commute to work every on bicycle
Emily has dogs, cats, and chickens.  She has a sister and brother.  Emily lives in the countryside and enjoys nature, school, work, and friends.  She hunts with her father and has a passion for bird hunting. 
 
Emily works at an animal shelter in Denmark.  When she is not working Emily likes spending time with her friends.   Emily has wanted to be an exchange student for as long as she can remember.  She thinks everybody should try it.
 
Emily has always thought of America as a big country with a lot of opportunities.  To her, all states are like little countries.  Denmark’s driving age is 18.  She is scared to see 16 year olds driving here! 
 
There is more processed food in America than Denmark.  They pay a lot more taxes but there is free health care and school and one year of paid vacation when you have a baby.
 
Emily has gone to Canada, Leavenworth, skiing on Mt. Baker, and other great experiences since she has been here.  She likes that sports are connected to school.  When she returns home she will start high school since primary school goes until 9th grade.  Most students take a gap year after primary school.  That is what she is doing now.  Emily is thankful for the opportunity and everyone being so kind to her.
 
If you are doing an event please think about including her in your event, vacation, etc.  She is here until mid-July.
 

Students of the Quarter

Four Students Honored

At our meeting on January 25, Arlington School District Superintendent Chrys Sweeting introduced four students of the quarter for us to honor.

 

Peyton Brown
Peyton attends Arlington High School and was nominated by Mr. Roys, the Athletic Director.  Mr. Roys has this to say: Peyton is one of many outstanding students at AHS.  In addition to her leadership abilities, she is an excellent student sporting a 3.864 GPA.  She is simply the best role model a school could hope for to have for its current and future athletes. $50 is being donated by our club to the American Cancer Society, Peyton's chosen charity, in recognition of Peyton.
 
 
Quintin Yon-Wagner
Quintin attends Haller Middle School and was nominated by Mr. Rice, his Science teacher.  Mr. Rice had this to say: Quintin is a leader in my Science class.  He is always a mentor to those around him, helping them understand the concepts we are learning.  He sets a positive tone and is calming and helpful to those that struggle.  He has been one of my favorite students and I feel honored to teach such a wonderful and talented student who is mature beyond his years.  In addition to being a straight A student he is a leader in our schools ASB.  He is also a star athlete for our school in basketball, and finds time to be on three different club football teams.  With all of these extra-curricular activities, he still stays on top of all his assignments and material in class.  He’s a great kid!  To recognize Quintin, our club is donating $50 to the American Indian College Fund.
 
 
Matthew Resnick
Matthew attends Post Middle School and was nominated by Mrs. Gallanger, an educational resource center teacher.  Mrs. Gallanger has this to say:  Matthew displays a positive attitude by graciously accepting feedback and making efforts to improve, which is evident by his academic progress.  He is an excellent role model in class, following procedures, listening and paying attention to others, and trying his best.  He always cooperates well with both peers and adults.  When he notices other students having a hard time, he invariably provides encouragement and support.  Matthew is truly a delightful student to have in class. Matthew’s charity is the Arlington Community Food Bank, to which $50 shall be donated to recognize him.
 
 
Nekco Jones
Nekco Jones attends Weston High School and was nominated by Mr. Nelson, the Principal.  Mr. Nelson had this to say:  Nekco is an outstanding student at Weston High School who embodies the qualities of a true leader.  She is kind to everyone she meets.  Nekco works collaboratively in groups on projects and her critical thinking skills are key to class discussions and problem solving.  Because she is such a reliable person, she is often seen working on bulletin boards and helping staff and students throughout the common area at school.  Nekco is a facilitator for Restorative Justice practices in which she works to help her fellow students resolve conflicts.  Upon graduating at the end of semester (a few days from now), Nekco will be participating in Everett Community College’s Machining program at the Weston High School campus.  She has been a shining star at our school and a joy to be around. At her request her $50 recognition is going to HOAH.
 
All Four Students with Chrys and President Jola
 

More December Service

Annual Food Basket Project

Our members donated enough money for a record 106 Christmas food baskets this year, which caused our Project Director Devin to proclaim "!!!! HOLY COW!!!!! ...As always, you are all awesome!"

 

We have been fortunate the last couple of years to have Grocery Outlet of Arlington as our food purveyor.  We can get much more for our money!  Mel Simpson, who owns the store with her husband Mike, is a member of our club.  Mike is on the board of the Arlington Community Food Bank.

Mike Moves Food for Baskets Out to Load 

 

The Food Bank provides us names of families who have requested food and have been screened for eligibility.  This year it was able to provide names with addresses and phone numbers for delivery of 48 baskets in Arlington and 15 in Darrington.  The balance of our donated food baskets were delivered to the Food Bank for pickup by families.

 

Life Church 360 in Smokey Point has been a supporter of our project.  In addition to donating funds for 10 of the baskets and providing volunteers, it provides a trailer to transport the food from Grocery Outlet to the Arlington Boys and Girls Club where the food is sorted into the boxes

for delivery. 

 

 

This is the second year we have had help from the AHS Interact Club which our club sponsors.  With all of the help, we were able to sort and fill boxes in just 14 minutes!

 

 

This annual project takes the place of our regular noon meeting.  Box lunches were provide to members and the many volunteers.

 

Interactors also helped deliver boxes.  Here are a couple of deliveries:

 

 

 

Some of the basket recipients were ready with thank  you notes for our club.  Here are a couple:

 

For more photos check out the album in the right column. There is also a carousal on our home page and on our Face Book page.

 

 

March 1 Classification Talk

Dana Johnson's

Classification Talk

Dana joined our Rotary club on September 28.  She was sponsored by Dave Duskin.  She, and her family, are owners/members in S & S Roofing, LLC.
Dana Johnson
 
Dana was born in September of 1978.  She has 2 brothers and 2 sisters, each 18 months apart.  One of her earliest memories is on her dad and family building their family home in the Marysville area.  She never knew her maternal grandparents since they died young.  Her paternal grandparents had a family farm and they died when Dana was in high school.
 
Her father, Steve Johnson, worked for the telephone company when Dana was young. He left the company to become a home builder, as did her uncle.  The whole family are hard workers. and they tried their best to get Dana involved in the business.
 
Although hard workers, the extended family took 2 or 3 vacations each year.  Crescent Bar on the Columbia and Whistler ski trips were common.  
 
Through the 6th grade, Dana went to Grace Academy, a private school in Marysville.  Although her high school diploma is from Marysville Pilchuck, Dana attended community college in Running Start.  She reported that she bleeds U of W purple!
 
Dana was married.  She and her husband had a daughter on the way when Dana was in an auto accident and lost the child.  Soon thereafter her marriage was in the process of being dissolved when she learned she was pregnant again.  She has raised her daughter Ashly as a single mom.  Ashly is 16 and to celebrate her 16th birthday they went to Disneyland.
 
McDonald's Restaurant is where Dana initially chose to work rather than the family business.  She lived in Seattle.  Her daughter attended a co-op school.  After McDonald's, Dana worked in the real estate business in Seattle. She worked days and mothered at night.
 
After the real estate market crashed in 2008, the family moved to Arlington to get a fresh start.  Steve Johnson and Shane Dunlap started S & S Roofing.  Still a very close family.  Her parents and sister have houses in the same neighborhood and Dana is building one there as well.  Huge family holiday gatherings and they have Sunday dinner as a family each week.
 
S & S Roofing, its owners and employees are very community oriented.  It donates to many causes both in time and money.  A big benefactor has been the Arlington Boys and Girls Club.  Dana and family members have sponsored teams and have coached.  Dana coached volleyball for 6 years and recently Ashly took over as a coach. Ashly hopes one day to play volleyball for the WSU Cougars.
 
Other examples of the generosity is that food was provided for 45 families at Thanksgiving and 65 at Christmas.  Following the earthquake in Mexico $10,000 was sent to a village where the family of one of its employees live. Dana also goes to Seattle twice a week to help homeless women learn computer skills.
 
S & S Roofing employs about 45 persons working in 9 crews.  Last year 500 homes were roofed and this year it is on pace for 600 homes.  It's philosophy is to make it right, whatever it takes! 
 
Dana does whatever is needed to be done in the office, from receptionist to marketing and estimating repairs.  Since its office opened 3 years ago on West Avenue in Arlington, Ashly worked there while attending Stanwood High School.  More recently Ashly has shifted to on-line schooling, while working at S & S, until she can get into a Running Start program.  Ashly is involved in Spread the Kindness, a movement that has resulted in about 300 lbs. of food being donated to the Arlington Community Food Bank last month.
 
ADR Roofing and A-OK Roofing are companies that were owned by family and which are now affiliated companies.
 
In her spare time, Dana likes to travel, hike, bike and cross fit.  As her daughter is not at home as much, she may be looking for more hobbies.  Her life has pretty much centered around Ashly, her family, and work. 
 
 
Workforce Snohomish County

Workforce Snohomish County

 
Ton Nguyen with Workforce Snohomish spoke to the club.  Ton immigrated from Vietnam as a child.  After he graduated from high school he started working at a youth center in West Seattle.  Ton has been with Workforce for over a year now.  He hopes to use his role to create change.  Workforce is a quasi governmental agency with funding from a federal grant and private funding.  Ton works on the federal side.  He contracts service providers and has access to the “youth dollars”.  Ton works to develop programs to better prepare young adults for their careers. 
 
Workforce serves ages 16-24.  If they are out of school they serve ages 14-24.  The work readiness program assigns case managers to each student.  They can assist in getting students back in high school, getting their GED or finding employment.  They are also able to help them get bus cards, interview clothing, and connected to other services.
 
Every Tuesday, they bring in companies and professionals that speak to the youth about their careers and pathways.  They also host job fairs and the center for Human Services puts on workshops. 
Youthworks is a website program to search internships, jobs, and mentor programs.  It is a supported by the governor’s discretionary funding.  www. snocoyouthworks.com. Last year 53 students got their GED, 105 students were placed into employment, and 39 participated in 90 hour paid internships.
 
Workforce is looking for local businesses that will be on an advisory council and also take on interns, mentees, and young employees.  Workforce has funding to pay employers up to 90 hours of an intern’s time. Workforce provides a one week “soft skills” training to teach the students how to dress, stay sober, show up on time, etc.
 
Workforce is partnering with Weston High School and are in the school weekly.   
 
 
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Speakers
Jessica Martin
Apr 26, 2018
Classification talk
Kathy Bullene
May 03, 2018
Arlington Library
Andria Valliant
May 10, 2018
Classification Talk
Jenie Jones
May 17, 2018
Classification Talk
Ruth Lewis
May 24, 2018
Stop Claims Corp
Dan Clements
May 31, 2018
Hiking with Polar Bears
NO LUNCHEON
Jun 07, 2018
Installation Banquet
Dave Duskin
Jun 14, 2018
Club runner
Golf tournament
Sep 06, 2018
Golf tournament
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