Duck Farts Dominate Stories

At our April 30 meeting, our 2025 Order of the Duck mascots, Dave and Katy, were prepared to crown the 2026 Ducks, but before that happened, members of the Order of the Duck shared their most memorable experiences during their time of service.  Almost every story involved the infamous “PUB Crawl", and a common theme of drinking too many “Duck Farts.”  For those of you who are not familiar with this cocktail, here is its history: 

Children of the Nations Presentation

Andrea Krook from Children of the Nations shared their mission to raise children who transform nations, highlighting their work in Uganda, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. She recounted the stories of Lucky and Masa, children who overcame adversity through the organization's support.

W.S.U. EVERETT

Hayley Larson, Director of Development

Instead of the Chancellor or WSU Everett, we heard from Hayley Larson, the Director of Development.  She is a member of the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club.

Hayley indicated that WSU Everett is part of a larger university system with extension sites in all 39 counties. It serves the community through various programs. WSU Everett offers a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including mechanical, electrical, software, and computer engineering; data analytics; cybersecurity; hospitality; business management; business administration; communications; and organic, sustainable agriculture. It has 250 students and aims to expand to 1,000. 

Rotary Year-to-Date Blood Drive Summary

Below you will see the results of our blood drive on March 24, along with the numbers so far this Rotary year.

Rotarians are “People of Action”

Even outside of Rotary projects!

The club assembly began with a reminder that Rotarians contribute many volunteer hours serving our community, beyond strictly club projects.  We enjoyed a fabulous musical in a fabulous theatre, which would never have been built without the leadership of Rotarians. Rotarians Cindy Huleatt and Bob Campbell co-chaired the committee that promoted passage of the bond issue to build the new high school, and Rotarians led the effort to raise $2.5 million to complete the Byrnes Performing Arts Center. 

History of the Endowed Scholarship Fund

Ruth Williams passed away in a Marysville nursing home on Monday. October 2, 2000.   She was 84 and, until just before her death, lived in her home near Darrington.

Chet Williams was the manager of the Seafirst Bank branch in Darrington prior to his death.   He was a charter member of our Rotary club. At his death, the club established the Chet Williams Scholarship at Darrington High School.

The above photo was taken at one of our club's earliest meetings.  On the far right is Chester (Chet) Williams

Our first president was WSP Trooper Gordon Shea on the far Left-- VP Bob Olson is in the middle

Sponsorship Drive Kicks Off

With the 25th anniversary quilt hanging in the background, the 38th Annual Great Stilly Duck Dash kicked off its sponsorship drive at our evening meeting on February 19th.  This year's event chair, Jennifer (on the far left), introduced Jola, the sponsorship drive chair riding the duck, to tell us that this year's goal is to raise $200,000 in sponsorships. The drive will conclude on March 26 to meet production deadlines for tickets, posters, shirts, and other promotional materials.

Lee and Miss Vicky 2026-Latest from Lee

"Oh my, OH MY! Dr. Gerry Schneider, my best friend, best man at my wedding 51 years ago and fellow intern in 1973 at Naval Hospital San Diego... PUTS MISS VICKY OVER THE TOP at $225, 175.00 USD. Thanks, Ger! This milestone sets our sites on Winston and my  Top Secret Goal of... $250,000.00! Dr. Frank Scotti, a fellow ophthalmologist and 40 year perfect attendance Rotarian, head north to the District 5370 Conference on Mother's Day, May 10th. Let's surprise DG Ramesh with a ceremonial check for $250k. Wish Miss Vicky well on her 1600 mile/five day trek to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Thanks to all for making this happen; Sincerely: Co-Drivers: Lee, Winston, Bill, Steve, Wally and now... Frank!"

 

Our International Projects

At our January 8 meeting, the international project team of Barney and George updated us on the projects in the Dominican Republic.