Club Awards at Installation Event

Paul Harris Recognitions were given to Diane Kreig and Kay Duskin for their service to the community.

Diane Kreig with Presenters Lance Coupaud and President Bob

Kay Duskin via Zoom, as she is at a skilled nursing facility recovering from side effects of chemotherapy.

Eva Reynolds is Outbound Exchange Student

She's going to Germany--Rotary District 1850

At our evening meeting on May 21, Kevin Raymond introduced Eva Reynolds, a sophomore at Arlington High School, who our club is sponsoring as an International Exchange Student.

Let the Ticket Sales Begin!

At our meeting on May 14, Jennifer kicked off the ticket-selling phase of the Great Stilly Duck Dash 2026.  But before she unveiled this year's shirt and tickets. Dave zeroed in on the “why” by giving the members a PowerPoint presentation on some of the things we have funded in the past and, of course, the future Pump Track.  In the presentation, he pointed out that we are not only “People of Action” but also a “Club of Action.”

Kids have been the primary focus of the Duck Dash, as it was originally created to raise funds to build the Boys and Girls Club. The playground and splash pad, which Dave referred to as the “crown jewels,” were a club project funded by Duck Dash.  The city projects that ground breaking for the pump track will occur next month, with a dedication and ribbon cutting on July 20.  Our club has committed $250,000 to the project, with funds generated by the Great Stilly Duck Dash.  It will be at Jensen Park close to where there is playground equipment that was constructed as a joint project with our club, the Lions, and the Kiwanis Clubs.

Jensen Park Pump Track Coming July 20, 2026

Here is a list of other beneficiaries of the Great Stilly Duck Dash

Epic Day of Service 

Our club spearheaded a second annual “Epic Day of Service” on May 16.  Members of the Rotary and Lions Clubs and other volunteers assembled in the storeroom at Grocery Outlet to divide into teams to provide service at Haller and Terrace Parks and Arlington Cemetery.  To see an album of photos taken at the three locations, click HERE.

Snohomish County Public Utility District

Dealing with Storms

Our program on May 7 was a presentation by Kellie Stickney, Lead Communication Specialist,  and Brett Smith (photo above), the North County Operations Manager from the PUD, who discussed storm preparedness and response strategies. PUD operations have been consolidated at a site just south of the Boys & Girls Club.  The Stanwood and Arlington administration offices have been closed, but the yards may still be used for staging.

The Newest Members of the Order of the Duck!

Our April 30 meeting focused on selecting our duck mascots, Splishy and Splashy, for the 2026 duck season.  As is the tradition, there is much tension in the room as members who have never been ducks are teased by the reigning ducks, in this case, Dave and Katy.

Projects & Other Goals Discussed

Our evening meeting at the Rodeo Lounge was dedicated to hearing reports from committee chairs and directors on our progress toward various goals.  Reporters included Duck Dash-Jennifer Holocker; Membership-Duane Rhodes; Public Relations-Dave Duskin; Service-Chad Hilker; Administration-Kim Deisher-Allen; Youth Services-Mel  Simpson; and International-Barney Peterson.

Most of our strategic plan goals are on target.  Membership Director Duane thanked members for submitting the names of prospective members, but encouraged more suggestions if we are going to hit our goal. Service Project Director Chad reported that we have had many projects and great member participation.  President Bob recapped the funding for the Jensen Park Pump Track and shared plans.Barney discussed the Rotary Foundation's contribution to projects in the Dominican Republic, which were initially lost but later found. The project aims to provide clean water to drought-affected areas, benefiting both drinking water needs and the local economy.  It has helped build a stronger Rotary Club in Dajubon.

Interpersonal Communications

Diane Bradford's presentation focused on interpersonal communication skills, emphasizing the importance of rapport, body language, and emotional intelligence. She shared techniques for building rapport and memorizing names using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods. 

The volunteers who helped with the Service Project at Haller Park last Saturday, installing benches donated by Grocery Outlet and picking up litter!