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This September 10th meeting was kicked off with the annual apple pie served by the Cougs! It is tradition that the losing team from the Apple Cup rivalry serves apple pie to everyone at the meeting following the game!
Dale Duskin and honorary member Carol serve the apple pie with pride and smiles!
Mission Aviation Training Academy Brings Faith and Aviation Together
The Rotary Club of Arlington recently learned about the inspiring work of Tim Finneron and Mission Aviation Training Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located at the Arlington Municipal Airport.
Former exchange student Madyke De'Groot shares her “Bucketlist” with Sophie Lutjen our current exchange student
The Rotary Club of Arlington welcomed Washington State Representative Dave Paul of the 10th Legislative District for an informative discussion about issues affecting our communities.
Jamie and Megan from the Stanwood Camano YMCA with current Club President Dave Kraski
Rotarians and their families came out for a beautiful day at Haller Park! It was a lovely day for fun, fellowship and food! This annual event always brings so much fun as we get to enjoy the park that our hard work and Great Stilly Duck Dash funds helped to build. Enjoying the fruits of our labors, our commitment to the community of Arlington and our wonderful partnerships truly shows what happens when we all work together to make the world a better place. What an amazing way to spend the afternoon!
Thank you to everyone who came out and brought their children and even grandkids to play! Haller Park has truly become a place that welcomes the entire community to have fun and has created a safe place for children and families to gather and play!
Rotarians and their families gather under the picnic shelter to enjoy some fresh BBQ burgers and enjoy some great fellowship on a beautiful day!
Phoebe Fuentes
At our August 7 meeting, Phoebe Fuentes, a 17-year-old student from Arlington High School and Skagit Valley Community College, presented on her experience with the Snohomish County YES Team. She was introduced by Past District Governor Bev Harrington. PDG Bev picked up the idea from one of her Rotary visits and brought it back to her club in Burlington.
The YES is now a Rotary District 5050 program, with teams in Skagit and Snohomish Counties. The program is for high school juniors and requires monthly meetings, 80 hours of community service, and an annual international service trip to Guatemala for the Snohomish County team. The Skagit team goes to Honduras.
Under the leadership of President-Elect Jennifer Holocker, we set a new record for gross revenue from the Great Stilly Duck Dash of $274,400, with $117,900 in ticket sales and $156, 500 in sponsorships.
THERE IS A PHOTO ALBUM COVERING THE EVENT--JUST CLICK HERE
Sponsorship Chair Jola
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Rotary Club of Arlington hosted its annual Sponsorship Recognition Event at the Bonus Room in Smokey Point. This year's celebration marked an exciting first as the event transitioned from its traditional luncheon to an evening happy hour. The new format was a tremendous success, with an outstanding turnout of both sponsors and Rotarians coming together to celebrate another incredible Great Stilly Duck Dash season.
Longtime Sponsorship Chair Jola Barnett led the evening, recognizing the many businesses and organizations whose generosity continues to make the Great Stilly Duck Dash one of Arlington's most impactful community events.
Although her official installation was three days later, our member and District 5050 Governor for 2026-2027, Kathleen Olson, made her official visit and presentation to our club on July 16. She was introduced by Mel, who is serving this year as the Governor's Aide.
With Rotary International's Vision behind her, Mel told us about DG Kathleen. Kathleen joined Tacoma #8 Rotary in 1994; Club President 2004-05. Rotary District 5050 Assistant Governor Area J 2023-25. She transferred to the Marysville, WA Club in 2018 and moved to the Arlington, WA Club in 2021. She has been a facilitator at Pacific Northwest PELS and other Rotary learning events. She is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator and Animal Rescue Volunteer. Currently, Kathleen is the community engagement director at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. Other experiences include fundraising and public relations, as well as a diverse background in advertising, journalism, and airline service.
Maddy Kruger--$5,000 First Prize (Seller Mel Not Present)
Grant Jensen--$4,000 Second Prize--Seller: Dave
Our program on July 9 was by Erik Granroth. Erik joined our club in 2008 and served as club president in 2016-2017. This was the third time he has done a classification talk, the first time being when a program didn't show up and he was asked to tell the club about himself.
Erik shared his personal journey, emphasizing the lessons learned from fishing and his entrepreneurial spirit. He recounted his early life, including moving between 11 schools and starting a business at 11. Erik detailed his career in insurance, restaurant management, and his transition to opening battery stores. He highlighted his involvement in Rotary, his role as club president, and the impact of service on his life. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting his business plans, Erik remains committed to continuous growth and to helping others. He expressed gratitude for his experiences and the importance of relationships and service.
THERE IS A PHOTO ALBUM COVERING ALL THINGS DUCK DASH--JUST CLICK HERE.
With last week's meeting being used for duck call assembly and President Dave being in New York, this was his first meeting to preside. Vice President and Duck Dash Chair Jennifer presided last week.
Rotarian Jeff Huleatt, president of the board of the Arlington Community Food Bank, and two Rotarian directors, Casey Miller and Kim Deisher-Allen, accepted a $25,000 check from our Community Funding Director, Bill Kmet, to help fund the “Meals 'til Monday” program. Click HERE to learn more about the program.
All 5 top finishers in this year's Great Stilly Duck Dash have been invited to a meeting to accept their winnings. Pictured here is the 3rd-place finisher, Seth Morris, who won $3,000. He is from Sedro-Woolley, but, as luck would have it, when the farmers market in his community was unavailable, he came to Arlington's Farmers Market and was convinced by Tom Langenhop to buy a ticket.
In lieu of a program at the July 2 meeting, duck calls were assembled, and plans were announced for the July 4 event. There were lots of other things that needed to get done during the week, including, but not limited to, getting the boom and boat ready, preparing the wagon and the Rotary wheel trailer for the parade, scanning ducks, turning in tickets and accounting, and, of course, selling tickets, including the infamous pub crawl.
Here are some photos:
As our meeting on June 25 was President Bob’s last official meeting as the president of the Rotary Club of Arlington, incoming president Dave Kraski presented Bob with a Paul Harris Recognition, a past president's pin, and a new name badge. At our recent installation event, Bob didn't want it to be about him, so he asked Dave not to present those items to him there.
One of our newest members, Chelsea Saunders, shared her background and family as our program on June 25. Chelsea is the current Unit Director of the Arlington Boys and Girls Club. She lives in Lake Stevens.
At our June 25 meeting, Service Project Director Chad Hilker announced that the club has completed 24 projects with 46 members contributing 456 hours of service this year. He recognized three Rotarians: Harold McClure, Tom Langenhop, and Marianne Pauley, for their exceptional service this year. Only Harold was at the meeting to accept his award. Marianne is in Guatemala with the Snohomish County YES team, and Tom had a conflict. Their awards will be presented at a future meeting. President Bob thanked Chad and Duane for their leadership in leading the Service Committee.
You would have thought it was “Bring Your Daughter to Rotary Day” on July 25. On the left is Jennifer and her daughter Jordan. On the right, Mel with her daughter Willow. Not to be outdone, John had his LSU champion weightlifting daughter, Laura, who is currently home and who is organizing the Kids Kloset 4th of July Auction:
Our program on June 18 was the Sno-Isle Library Foundation. The Foundation, established in 1997, aims to expand library services, promote civic engagement, and foster lifelong learning. It supports programs like the Third Graders Reach Together, which engaged 87 schools and 7,205 students last year. The foundation raised $2.3 million in 2022 and $3.5 million in future pledges. It expanded its board from 5 to 22 members and added two new positions. The foundation also supports digital initiatives, such as providing access to e-books and Wi-Fi. A levy lift is proposed to maintain and expand library services, including renovations and increased digital connectivity.
Presenters included the above individuals (the photos taken at the meeting were not good because of the backlight). The foundation is separate from the library district, governed by a board of directors, and aims to expand library services and promote civic engagement.
Lance shared his life journey, starting from his birth in Arlington, Washington, in 1978, to his current success in real estate. He recounted his various jobs, including landscaping and electrician work, before finding his passion in real estate. Lance highlighted his achievements, such as becoming the number three agent in his office by 2009 and later joining Keller Williams Realty. He discussed his investments in rental properties, which now total 25 units, and his commitment to family, including annual tropical vacations and coaching his sons' baseball team. Lance emphasized the importance of a positive attitude and continuous learning.
Chad and Dave Painting
A Rotary Wheel and Chamber Logo Added!
(feminine hygiene products for the financially challenged)
Paul Ellis, Duane Rhodes, Kurt McVay, Rob Toyer, Dave Duskin, Barney Peterson, and Bob Campbell worked building a new facility for Scouts to change clothes at the boat marina on Lake Challenge (and BBQed Burgers) at the Fire Mountain Scout Camp on Saturday.
In lieu of our regular luncheon meeting at the Boys and Girls Club, our meeting on June 4 was held at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center to recognize recipients of the $5,000 scholarships given to graduating seniors from Arlington and Darrington. Only AHS graduating seniors attended our luncheon. Darrington's graduation was on June 6.
The 8 AHS graduating seniors who attended the lunch were introduced by a member of the scholarship selection committee, Ursula Spidell. Other members of the committee included its chair, Carla Rankin, Rotarian Harold McClure, and community members JoAnn Mulligan, Paige Olson, and Claire Gastineau.
From left to right: Aubrey Robers, Grace Armes, Sophie Jean-Lewis, Kara Glassman, Camden Knudson, Noah Chimacosa, Lukas Nations, and Justin Rhinehardt. For individual photos of those attending the recognition lunch, click HERE
Here is a complete list of scholarship recipients and the school they will be attending:
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Service Above Self Since 1970
(Hadley Community Room)
Arlington, WA 98223
United States of America