March 28th Program
From Puppies to Partners: Guide Dogs for the Blind: Snohomish Puppy Raisers
Our guest speaker, Rebecca Minelga, an 18 year Snohomish Puppy Raiser expert, and her current trainee, Coast!
Stories
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March 21st Program |
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March 14th ProgramY.E.S. Program: Morgan Crosby During our recent meeting, we had the pleasure of learning about the impactful Rotary Youth Engaged in Service (YES) Program, presented by an enthusiastic, Morgan Crosby. This inspiring initiative provides leadership development opportunities for high school juniors entering their senior year, emphasizing Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," both locally and internationally. |
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February 29th ProgramStilly Valley Center Family Caregiver Support Program: Angeles Vesely Angeles Vesely, Program Manager |
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February 22nd Program |
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February 15th ProgramClassification Talk: Rob Toyer Our Club was privileged to learn more about the life of our Rotary Club member, Rob Toyer, as he generously shared this background during his classification talk. |
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February 8th ProgramNew Technologies in Law Enforcement: Jonathan Ventura on Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement |
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February 1st Program |
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January 25th Program2024 Outstanding Student Awards  You can find more photos from our presentation Club Runner. |
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January 18th ProgramSnohomish Public Utility District: Looking to the Future Alex Chorey, Principal Engineer with Snohomish Public Utility District, shared information on energy storage and microgrid projects, including the new microgrid facility being constructed in Arlington. |
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January 11th ProgramEmergency Cold Weather Shelters: Nathan Ray Nathan Ray, the manager of Marysville's Emergency Cold Weather Shelter for the past three seasons, provided a deep dive into the critical role the shelter plays in supporting a growing population of unhoused individuals in north Snohomish County. |
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January 4th Program |
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December 28th Club MeetingClassification Talks: Nicole Voshell, Kim Deisher-Allen and Kevin Raymond The 38 members in attendance learned more about three newer members during their classification talks.  Lasagna, Pizza, Garlic Knots and Salad were on the menu as the club met offsite at Hubb’s Pizza & Pasta, hosted by the owner and Arlington Rotarian Jay Dhillon. |
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December 21st Club MeetingRotary Club of Arlington: Supporting Arlington Community Food Bank- Christmas Basket Service Project |
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December 14th Club Meeting |
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December 7th Program |
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November 9th Program |
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November 2nd ProgramJonathan Ventura's Journey at the FBI National Academy:
I am excited to provide you with a recap of our November 2nd program, where we had the honor of hosting Arlington Police Chief, Jonathan Ventura.
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October 26th Program |
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October 19th Program |
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October 12th ProgramDistrict Governor David Lukov's Insights on Rotary and Leadership  Club President, Jim Kelly, presents a gift made from our Club on behalf of District Governor David Lukov to End Polio Now and to help share light on Lee Harmon's trip with Miss Vicky to End Polio. |
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October 5th Program |
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September 28th Program |
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September 21st Program |
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September 14th ProgramInternational Projects: A Collaborative Effort between Everett, Dajabon and Arlington Rotary Clubs  |
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September 7th Program |
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Great Stilly Duck Dash 2023 Winners!Great Stilly Duck Dash Winners!Duck Dash Winners 2023 1st Place $4,000-Khristy Sikorski 2nd Place $2000-Ross Londerville 3rd Place $1,000-Nick McCallan 4th Place to 8th Place $500 each-Mike Mulligan, Carol Somes, Margaret Dunnington. Chris Cammock & Kim Keefe. CONGRATULATION TO THE WINNERS! SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS  July 4, 2023, Haller Park |
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June 15, 2023 North County Regional Fire Authority |
Dave Kraski, Deputy Chief of Operations, North County Regional Fire Authority provided an update on the fire and emergency services and the ballot levy that will help cover the cost of these vital services. |
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Scholarship Luncheon
June 8, 2023 ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION LUNCHEON MEETINGThe Club presented $5000 scholarships to 15 high school seniors from Arlington, Darrington and Lakewood High Schools, thanks to the funds raised by the 2022 Duck Dash through sponsorships and ticket sales. Seven recipients received their certificates in person and one student sent his parents in his place. Those unable to attend were at a mandatory graduation practice. The Scholarship Committee looked for students who demonstrated “service above self” in the community as volunteers in addition to their academic and other school achievements. |
Trevor Glassman, Arlington High School, who had open heart surgery, wanted to play soccer. Due to issues with his heart, his previous soccer coach would not play him. Coach Dave Corbett allowed Trevor to decide how much he wanted to play and his coach noted that he grew as an athlete and never gave in or gave up. He volunteered 150+ hours and lettered in band all four years. He was a member of the National Honor Society and on the Honor Roll. He will attend the University of California, Los Angeles as a Biochemistry Major.  |
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Rotary New Year
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Youth Services
Honoring Outstanding Students |
We were all lucky and honored to celebr |
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Rotary Youth Exchange
WOTJEK GROUS SHARES HIS EXCHANGE STUDENT EXPERIENCES |
Wotjek spent the school year attending Arlington High School, where he especially enjoyed the anatomy class and playing on the school soccer team. He participated in school activities, including attending the prom with friends.  His host families provided a variety of adventures, including water skiing, a trip to Louisiana for a family wedding, Husky football, Kraken Hockey games, a motocross rally and skiing at Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass. The District 5050 Exchange Students gathered in Canada, Seabeck and flew to California to see Disneyland, try surfing and visit the Los Angeles area landmarks. Wotjek joined Arlington Rotary Club Members assembling holiday baskets at the food bank and gathering food during the annual Santa Run.  He celebrated his 17thbirthday with the club and with his host family and friends. He returns to Poland in June, grateful for his time in Arlington and the many experiences he would not have had otherwise. When asked what he wanted as his first meal when he returns to Poland, he said McDonalds. Some things are universal. Wotjek's presentation can be found on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vsBCTsR47k |
Duck Dash 2023 Sponsorship Drive
Thank You to McCarthy Construction!
Another Platinum 2023 Sponsor
Will you also be a sponsor in 2023?
Contact any Rotarian to become a 2023 Great Stilly Duck Dash Sponsor!
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Great Stilly Duck Dash 2023
Duck Dash Sponsorship Kickoff!
We kicked off this month's 2023 sponsorship drive
Duck Dash 2023 Kick-Off was the topic at the club meeting on March 9. Sponsorship Chairperson Jola Barnett announced a goal of $172,000 for sponsorships. In 2022, the club raised $160,000 in community sponsorships and $200K + in total sales including raffle tickets.
Sponsorship Chair Jola Barnett
The Annual Great Stilly Duck Dash on July 4th was started in 1989, and is the Arlington Rotary Club’s only fundraiser. A community parade, beer garden and other festivities highlight the day.
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The Nightmare Before Christmas
Halloween 2022
It is a tradition in Oso for JoAnna and Rotarian Paul Abramowicz to have their barn decorated for Halloween for all their neighbors to enjoy. This year they invited the Rotary club to their barn for its annual Halloween party. With the Nightmare Before Christmas movie playing in the barn, many appropriate decorations, and, of course, Rotarians and guests in costume, it was a fun evening enjoying a potluck, and many laughs! Thank you JoAnna and Paul!
Community Funding
Meals 'til Monday Funded
$25,000 for Meals 'til Monday
In partnership with the Arlington School District, FREE supplemental meals are available for any student in Arlington School District, thanks in part to a $25,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Arlington! Meal Packs may be picked up at any Arlington Public School weekly. Meal packs include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack items to alleviate childhood hunger during non-school days. To register for a supplemental meal pack, visit any Arlington Public School office or speak with any school counselor or teacher. Meal packs are also available at the food bank during regular distribution hours. Meals are FREE and available to any student, including home-school students. No financial documentation or ID is required.
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Welcome Wojtek Grous to Arlington!
Rotary Youth Exchange
Welcome Wojtek Grous!
Wojtek ("Voy-tek") was welcomed by Mary Catherine and John Meno at Sea-tac for his year stay as an inbound student through Rotary's Youth Exchange program. He is 16 years old and he will be staying at the Menos' as his first host family. Wojtek is from Sulejowek, Poland. He speaks English fluently and we look forward to a presentation in
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Social Event
Cinco de Mayo Party
On the 5th of May, of course, our club had a Cinco de Mayo party at the 7 Lakes Club House. Featured at the party was Poncho (Dale) Duskin, and his grandson sidekick, Kyler, who provided Mexican flag shots all the adult guests. President Devin presented a toast in honor of the Mexican holiday. There is an album of photos posted, but here are a few:
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Club Awards
District 5050 Recognitions
All Rotary Clubs in District 5050 were invited to submit nominations for the District Awards for activities during the Rotary year from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. There were two nominations submitted from our club: Local Community Project and Public Image. Even though the awards are to recognize activities for the last Rotary year, the recipients were just announced by the District last week in an email that went out to all members in the District.
Both of our nominations received top honors for large clubs. Leadership for our local projects last year was provided by Director Jim Kelly, and public image by Director A.J. Chase.
A full list of all of the nominated clubs and the clubs that were recognized can be viewed on the District 5050 website by clicking HERE.
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Turkey Trot Fundraiser
Turkey Trot Fundraiser
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World Polio Day October 24
24 October is World Polio Day! |
As World Polio Day approaches, the Rotary community is getting ready to amplify our message about eradicating polio to protect the world’s children from this devastating disease. Together, we’ve made tremendous progress. Now it’s time to intensify our fight to make polio the second human disease ever to be eradicated. Last year, the World Health Organization’s African region was certified free of wild poliovirus, showing that eradication is possible even in very difficult circumstances. The wild poliovirus remains endemic in just two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. We can use World Polio Day to advocate for the support we need to end polio in countries where it still paralyzes children. You can help by donating today. Click on the image below for a link.  |
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Duck Dash 2021 Celebration
Duck Dash 2021 Celebration
On Sunday August 8, we joined together at the home of Cindy and Jeff Huleatt to celebrate our annual fundraiser--The Great Stilly Duck Dash. This was our 32nd Duck Dash since for the first time last year we were not able to have this alternative format raffle. This year we raised more funds than ever, thanks to the generosity of our many sponsors. We had only 3 weeks to sell the raffle tickets.
Duck Dash 2021
DUCK DASH 2021 WINNERS!
WINNERS!
THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, sponsored the Duck Dash, or sold a ticket! We raised over $75,000 in ticket sales - 100% of which is invested back into the community to enhance the lives of kids, seniors and community members in Arlington, Lakewood and Darrington, as well as around the globe.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2021 Great Stilly Duck Dash!
$2021 - S&S Roofing
$2021 - Aubrie Davidson
$2021 - Mr & Mrs Scott
$2020 - Rachel Chambers
$2020 - Kim Keefe
$2020 - Courtney
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Service Project
Splash Pad at Haller Park Opens Early June 24!
We helped to get it ready!
In addition to our club spear heading the fund drive to build the Splash Pad at Haller Park, as well as the playground, we have adopted Haller Park as a regular service project. As such, we have partnered with the City of Arlington to keep the park clean and safe.
Our members and friends responded to the City's request to get the splash pad ready to open on July 1. However, because of the predicted hear wave, the City moved up the opening to June 24. It was not open in 2020 because of the pandemic, so it needed a fresh coat of concrete stain before the toys and apparatus. 17 Rotarians and friends took on the job on June 12. There is a photo album you can view. Here are a few photos:
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Great Stilly Duck Dash 2021
We completed our drive for sponsorships and exceeded our goal -- $156,000 thanks to our business and community partners. Half of all sponsorship funds raised will go to college scholarships for graduating seniors from Arlington, Lakewood, Weston and Darrington High Schools in 2022. Thanks to our sponsors 100% of ticket sale revenue goes to community projects. Ticket sales this year: $75,470.
Great Stilly Duck Dash 2021 Sponsors
Sponsorship levels (No Double Diamond at $20,000):
- Platinum-$10,000
- Gold-$5,000
- Silver-$2500
- Bronze-$1,000
- Community Supporters-$500
The following are the logos of all but the Supporters of the Great Stilly Duck Dash 2021. Click on the logo for a link to the business home page:
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Oso Slide Memorial
Oso Slide Memorial
Dayn Brunner
Our speaker on June 3 was Dayn Brunner, the brother of one of the victims of the slide. On March 22, 2014 at 10:37am, the SR530, or "Oso", slide engulfed the community around Steelhead Haven, just east of Oso. The mud and debris from the adjacent mountainside destroyed 49 homes and ended the lives of 43 people. One of those victims was Dayn Brunner's sister, Summer Raffo, when the slide engulfed a stretch of the highway. Summer was diving from Darrington to a horseshoeing job near Ryan Falls west of Oso.
Dayn Brunner
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Local High School Graduates Awarded $60,000 in Scholarships from the Rotary Club of Arlington
Rotary Club of Arlington announced the recipients of $60,000 in scholarships to graduating students from Arlington, Darrington and Lakewood at its hybrid Zoom meeting this week. Each 2021 graduate will receive $5,000 for continuing education. These students were selected from 48 applicants, all were well-qualified and exceptional students.
The 2021 scholarship recipients are:
Arlington High School: Emma Baker, Amelia Bryant, Cole Cramer, Sierra Foster, Dylan Ling, Paige Richards, Dorian Tollenaar, and Mailinh Vu
Darrington High School: Laura Langer and Morgen Shoneman
Grace Academy: Aeris Fredrickson
Lakewood High School: Colton Dunc
“It was exciting to receive so many applicants this year from students making plans for their future,” said President Bryce Duskin. “With our partners, who enable us to award these scholarships, we’re pleased to be able to support these local graduates’ dreams and goals.”
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Blood Drive - 465 Lives Saved
Thank you to all who donated and volunteered! There is a photo album that has been added.
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Sign Up to Donate Blood on May 3!
Quarterly Blood Drive May 3
Our Club has partnered with the American Red Cross to organize a Blood Drive on Monday, May 3, 2021. Please show your Rotary spirit by donating blood; it helps our community, meets DG Carol's challenge, and saves lives. This year the Rotary District 5050 District Governor Carol Tichelman issued a challenge to all area 5050 Rotarians to support our communities by collecting a life saving precious gift - blood. The blood drive will be held in the Stillaguamish Conference room at the Public Works Admin building in Arlington (154 W. Cox Avenue, Arlington 98223). To schedule a blood donation time, please register online at the Red Cross website (www.redcrossblood.org) and enter the code ArlingtonRotary in the space right next to where it says FIND A BLOOD DRIVE; you will transferred to the Arlington Rotary blood drive registration page. Thank you!
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2021 Rotary Club Scholarships Announced
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 9 at 5 pm!
Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors
The Rotary Club of Arlington, thanks to our generous sponsors, supports local youth in many ways including awarding scholarships to graduating seniors. At least one graduating senior will be selected from each of the following high schools: Arlington, Weston, Lakewood, and Darrington. In addition, a scholarship will be given to a graduating senior to attend a technical or trade school, and five or more scholarships shall be awarded to additional deserving graduating seniors from any of the four schools.
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Service Projects
Club Sponsored Blood Drives
During the pandemic our club looked for a project we could do safely. Driven in part by a challenge from District Governor Carol Tichelman, our club has partnered with the American Red Cross to do quarterly drives in Arlington. Our third such drive was held on February 8. Our club is responsible for finding a location and for assisting at the registration desk the day of the drive. We also promote the drive amongst Rotarians. Although the appointments are made available first to Rotarians from all the clubs in the area, if the 40 some spots don't get filled with Rotarians, then it is open to anyone else who wants to give.
After each drive, the Red Cross provides the club a snap shot of the impact. Here is that snapshot of our three blood drives to date:
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Blood Drive a Success!
Our Blood Drives Continue! Public is invited to donate on Feb.8. To donate go to redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code ArlingtonRotary.
Thank you to all of our Rotarian volunteers who donated blood, including 18 Rotarians from Area J! Also, without the help of Dave Kraski, Jenie Jones, and Jeff Wise manning the registration desk, the event wouldn't have been the same.
All who participated helped to save 108 lives!
Please save the date for the blood donation drive we'll host with the Red Cross on February 8, 2021.
225 total lives saved through the donation of blood in 2020. Nice work!
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Jenie Takes A Donor's Temperature
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The Kmets Await Their Chance to Donate
See other photos in the album!
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$4000 raised for Polio Plus!
Thank you! To learn more about Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio, or donate to PolioPlus, visit www.endpolio.org.
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Blood Donors Needed
Donate blood to save lives! The Rotary Club of Arlington is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive on Tuesday, November 3 (noon - 6:00 p.m.). To sign-up, please go to www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter ArlingtonRotary to find the blood drive and register to donate.
City of Arlington Utilities building - Stillaguamish Conference Room
154 W Cox Ave., Arlington, WA 98223
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District Governor's Visit
Carol Tichelman, District Governor
Every year the District Governor visits our club and speaks about Rotary and the District. This is the first year that the visit was virtual. She was introduced by AG Duane. To see DG Carol's bio, click HERE.
DG Carol Tichelman
Almost all of Rotary went dark in March. Nothing in the playbook was working and nothing we had been trained for worked. We are all going through this Pandemic together. Within 2 weeks of the Pandemic the district offered every club a grant. Our clubs began to adapt and we will be better because of it.
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Classification Talk
Jill Duskin
Real Estate Broker
Jill Duskin
Jill is married to Brent Duskin, he is Dave and Dale's nephew. Brent is a graphic design artist with his own business in graphic advertising. He does all the graphics for the Arlington Education Foundation fundraisers.
Jill was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jill is the youngest of 4 girls and was born in 1962. Her mom didn’t like living in Hawaii because of the way that her family was treated. They moved back to the Seattle area and settled in the Shoreline area. She met Brent there. They both went to Shoreline High School. Jilly graduated in 1981 and started dating Brent at that time. They were married in 1986. Presley is 30 and works at Starbucks corporate, Dennis is 27 and is a graphic designer and Evan is 26 and works for Amazon. They also have a 15 year old dog named Gracie.
Left to Right Dennis, Brent, Evan. Jill & Preslie
Jill and Brent raised their kids in Marysville, in the early 2000’s they moved to Overland Park, Kansas for a business move. They enjoyed Kansas, but their hearts weren’t set there and they decided to move back to Washington in 2004. They decided to move to Arlington because of the family that was living in Arlington. All of their children graduated from Arlington High School and their two girls went to Wazzu.
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September 24 Program
Our program on September 24 was an update on the work being done by the Arlington Community Resource Center. Peggy Ray, the Center's Director, is a member of our club.
Since the Pandemic began in March the Resource Center has not closed and has been working hard to continue to help those in need in our community. They have been helping with rental assistance, mortgage assistance, utilities, food and other needs. They have been working with the courts, fire and police in assisting people in our community.
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September 17 Program
Daring Greatly
Lee's Water Landing on Lake Cavanaugh
Lee Harman has about 3000 hours and has many certifications for flying. He has been flying privately since 1978.
Dr. Lee Harman
Sunday, August 16, 2020 was a beautiful day for flying. Preflight was in order and had a 30 minute preflight with his passenger for the day and fellow pilot, Don Richards at breakfast. Talked about the route. Plans changed when they weren’t able to land at the sea float and decided to have lunch at Lake Cavanaugh instead. Lunch at Lake Cavanaugh was not planned, when they decided to go to Lake Cavanaugh they decided to land at the south end of the lake. When they flew in Lee noticed that there was more boat activity than normal. When they came into land they kissed an unseen wave and bounced into the air. As they came down again the left front float mount broke, this made the propeller hit the front of the float and a blade broke on the float.
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Service Project
Gaga Pit for Boys & Girls Club
With materials donated by Banner Bank, our club had its first in person work project since the pandemic started. Social distancing and face coverings were a must as we cut material for construction and assembled a Gaga Pit at the Arlington Boys & Girls Club on September 12. A Gaga Pit, of course, is for playing Gaga Ball. What is Gaga Ball you ask?
Gaga Ball: A fast paced, high energy sport played inside of an octagonal pit; the game is played with a soft foam ball, and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees all within the pit. Dubbed a kinder gentler version of dodge ball that is fun, easy, and everyone gets a serious workout.
September 3 Program
Snohomish County Transportation Coalition
Our first meeting in September's program was all about the Snohomish County Transportation Coalition, know as SNOTRAC. The presenter was its Executive Director, Brock Howell. Brock has a law degree but has spent most of his career in the transportation field.
Brock Howell
August 13 Program
Skagit Regional Health Covid Response
Brian Ivie, President and CEO
Brian Ivie, the President and CEO of Skagit Regional Health (SRH), was our program on August 13 to give us an update on the regional health system in light of the Covid-19 impacts. SRH operates the Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington, as well as the Skagit Valley Hospital and over 20 clinics.
Before becoming the chief administrator of SRH in 2017, Brian was with Dignity Health in Sacramento, CA. He has been in health care administration for over 30 years. The Covid-19 crisis was something, of course, like he has never seen before.
Since becoming the CEO, about 60 new providers have been added. The financial condition of SRH was very strong before the crisis hit in March. Its mission is now and has always been delivering a high level of care.
Brian reported the Covid-19 numbers as of August 10 in Snohomish County: 5,532 individuals who have been tested have tested positive. There have been 719 hospitalized with 198 deaths and 3,886 recoveries.
The immediate priorities of SRH in responding to the pandemic were as follows:
- Protect patients, employees and providers
- Establish testing sites.
- Have enough PPE for any surge.
Fortunately, our region has not seen the surge that other areas of the state has seen. For protection purposes, acute respiratory clinics were established to screen potential cases outside of the hospital setting. It also responded to the Governor’s mandate to suspend all elective surgeries in order to make sure of capacity and to preserve PPE.
Because of a very low profit margin for hospitalizations, SRH relies heavily on its surgeries to meet its budget goals. Gross billings to meet expenses must be about $29 million each week. Of its gross billings SRH only collects 20 to 23 cents per dollar. When the pandemic hit SRH was on track to have an $8 million profit. Even with the infusion of $20 million of federal CARES support, SRH has about an $11 million loss.
The challenge in getting back to profitability is for people to again feel safe to seek medical care. Brian stressed that although it is safe to stay at home, it is not safe to delay care. Elective surgeries are being performed contrary to the community’s belief that there is no room for them in the hospital. Delayed care is resulting in persons seeking help needing more help when they finally seek medical attention.
One of the positive impacts has been the rise of telehealth. Even though 66% of surveys of patients before the pandemic said they would take advantage of telehealth, only about 8% actually took advantage. Here is a chart showing the increase in video and telephone visits.
One of the keys to recovery is to make it safe for health care consumers. Here are some of the steps taken to regain consumer confidence:
Despite the financial stress, SRH has gone forward with projects and plans. Recently 3D mammography has been added at Cascade Valley Hospital. Cascade Ear, Nose and Throat has become part of SRH and its providers will be doing surgeries in Arlington. Starting November 1, the U of W Neighborhood Clinic will once again become a SRH location. Provider recruitment has also been stepped up.
Brian used his presentation to thank the community for its generosity and support during the pandemic. He noted that it is a contrast from what he would have expected while he was in California. There have been more than 100 individuals, clubs, groups and businesses to thank. One business that he singled out for recognition was Arlington’s Grocery Outlet for mask and food donations. Another was the video featuring CVH “heroes in scrubs” produced by the Kuhns.
Because our president Bryce was tied up with a patient, our Club Administration Director Jola Barnett presided over the meeting. Not only was it her birthday, but she is also one of SRH administrators. She was recognized by Brian for her leadership at SRH, and Jola had a lot of praise for Brian’s leadership.
Jola Barnett
The video of Brian’s presentation is available on our club’s YouTube channel. To see the video of the presentation, click HERE. This was Brian's last message:
August 6 Program
Daria Willis has been Everett CC's president for a year last April. She is the 17th President of the Community College, and its first African American. Before coming to Everett she was the Provost and Senior V.P. of Academic Affairs at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York. She has a Ph.D. from Florida State University with a focus on 19th and 20th Century African Americans, Women and the South
Dr. Daria J Willis
The college started making contingency plans when the Coronavirus arose as an issue in January. In person classes were shut down in March and since then its been primarily remote learning. Because of the need for nurses, there has been limited face to face instruction. The Associated Students stepped up and has used some of the fees generated to purchase lap top computers for students.
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Rotary Club of Arlington Saves 117 Lives!
NEWS RELEASE: The Rotary Club of Arlington partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on July 24. It collected 39 units, which according to the PNW Region Blood Services will save 117 lives!
Local Rotarians volunteered to help administer the event, as well as signed up to give blood. The Rotary Club of Arlington plans to host another blood drive soon given the success of the first.
“Our Club loves to do service projects and it’s been challenging to coordinate in-person work projects with COVID-19 precautions in place,” said Jim Kelly, chair of projects for the Rotary Club of Arlington. “We felt that hosting a blood drive was the perfect opportunity to help replenish local blood banks that are in dire need. Rotarians are about Service Above Self, and what a great way to give of yourself.”
There’s a constant need for blood donations. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood banks must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. The pandemic has had a drastic effect of the number of blood donations nationally and locally. If you’re interested in donating, please visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html for more information.
Weekly Program
North Snohomish County Outreach
Sarah Higginbotham
Sarah Higginbotham, the Executive Director and one of the founders of North Snohomish County Outreach (NSCO), gave us a follow-up program to one she did sometime ago. Back then the group was primarily providing funds for homeless in the north end of the county (Smokey Point & Arlington) to wash their clothes at laundry mats with the benefit of a hot meal while laundry was being done. As Sarah pointed out with her slides, the organization has branched out. All activities are in support of the mission to build relationships with those experiencing poverty, while meeting basic human needs through charitable outreach. It started as a church outreach but soon it was recognized that the needs are greater than a single church could meet.
The pandemic has resulted in some changes, hopefully on a short term. Hot meals have been replaced with bagged meals and are available only at Arlington location. Showers have been curtailed. See if you recognize one of our members serving food!
Rotary's New Year
Each year on July 1, a new Rotary year begins. The change over occurs at all levels of Rotary--the club, the district and at Rotary International. The tone and direction of RI starts at the top with a new presidential theme. This year's theme is Rotary Opens Opportunities:
Our new Rotary International President is Holger Knaack from Germany, the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Launburg-Molln.. The new District Governor is Carol Tichelman from the Rotary Club of Chilliwack.
DG Carol with RIP Holger and Wife Susanne
To prepare for the new year, each club's president elect attends a weekend of training known as the Pacific Northwest President Elect Training Seminar (PETS). It is held each February at the Double Tree at Sea-tac. At this year's PETS, Holger attended and visited with Rotarians from the 9 Districts, including our own PE Bryce.
Holger & Bryce
Bryce presided officially as our president at our July 2 meeting. The club's first board meeting with our new officers and directors will be July 8. An installation had been scheduled to coincide with out 50th anniversary celebration. However, the Covid pandemic has prevented us from meeting in person. There is a tentative celebration scheduled for July 26.
June 25 Program
Congressman Rick Larsen
Congressman Rick Larsen--2nd Congressional District
We were fortunate to have home town boy, Rick Larsen, as our program on June 25. He was raised in Arlington and his mother, Yolanda, still lives here. Currently, he and his wife Tiia, live in Lake Stevens. He has been in congress about 20 years, serving the 2nd Congressional District. The District includes portions of Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties, and all of Island and San Juan counties.
Rick spoke for about 15 minutes primarily addressing the CARES Act, and the Justice in Policing Act. With his busy schedule, he was a bit late for the program and he had another meeting that he had to leave for so questioning was not long. Questions included those relating the the Black Lives Matter movement and the looting that outsiders have injected into the demonstrations.
Areas of expertise for the Congressman are aviation, transportation and infrastructure, China and trade. He is the chair of both the Aviation subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. He spoke of the funding for projects in our state including grants for the ferry system, the largest in the U.S.
With both Everett Station Everett and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in his district, he is also on the Armed Services Committee.
The program was recorded and can be found on the Arlington Rotary's YouTube channel. Click on the image below to watch the program:
50 Years--1970 to 2020
Golden Anniversary June 20, 2020
We were supposed to be celebrating our club's 50th anniversary on June 20, 2020. Our club charter was issued on June 20, 1970. However, the pandemic made it impossible. Perhaps within the new Rotary year starting July 1, we can have a celebration. We were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Everett and our Charter Night was held September 11, 1970, at the Everett Elk's Club, where the Everett Club then met.
In honor of our 50th anniversary, Rotary International recognized us with the following certificate:
Exchange Student Program
Malia Reports on Exchange to Denmark
Malia Wayman
As part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program, our club sponsored Malia Wayman, a junior at Arlington High, to a year in Denmark. At our meeting on June 18, she shared her experiences with us.
The year was cut short because of the Covid-19 pandemic. She returned in May. She reported that while staying at her host's home after the school year was cut short, she shared her cooking skills and learned to cook some Danish recipes.
Language was not an issue. Most of her school mates wanted to talk to her in English. She learned some Danish, of course. She didn't spend much of her program telling us about her schooling, but instead about the friends she developed. She stayed with one family until November, and the balance of her stay was with her second host family. It was obvious that she had a much better experience with her second host family.
To hear about Malia's experiences as an exchange student in Denmark, her program in posted on our club's YouTube channel. Just click on the below image to hear about her experiences.
June 11 Program
Sherwood Community Services
By: Corrie West
When Corrie West joined Sherwood Community Services as its Investment and Partnerships Associate, she didn't realize that services provided to her younger brother Jesse, years ago, were from Sherwood. Corrie joined Sherwood in 2018. Because of the experience with her brother who had disabilities, she is passionate about assisting others with similar backgrounds. She earned a BA in Community Psychology from the U of W, with a MBA in Human Resources from Walden University. Her personal motto is: "Life is too short to be grumpy!"
Corrie West
Sherwood was started in 1958 by Hazel Venables along with seven other families. At the time the Arlington School District operated a school for special needs students in Silvana. The Venables moved to Silvana Terrace because they had a daughter who could get help at that school. However, she wanted more since the public school system didn't meet all of the needs of persons with special needs and it segregated them from other children.
Hazel with Her Daughter
Together, they created Sherwood to prove that their children not only had the right, but the ability to learn. People with disabilities were segregated and isolated due to the societal expectation that they would be cared for out of the public eye; there were in effect considered 2nd class citizens and deemed incompetent without any rights.
Most all of the therapy and assistance is done in the home of the person who needs assistance. However, the organization has facilities in Stanwood and in Lake Stevens. Its CEO, Lance Morehouse, is a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. Service are provided in Snohomish, Skagit and Island Counties.
Corrie told us about her brother Jesse. Below are photo of the two of them. He suffered from encephalitis following the chicken pox. Her parents were told that he probably would never be able to function. It proven wrong.
To hear more about Sherwood and Jesse's story, click on the image below to see the video of Corrie's presentation.
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One More Scholarship Recipient Recognized
One of the scholarship recipients was unable to attend our meeting last week to be recognized. She joined us at our Zoom meeting on June 4. Here is the photo she provided with the application.
Abbey Dammann, Lakewood High School
GPA: 3.821
Honors: honors English; honor roll all four years; distinguished scholastic award; outstanding science grade.
Intended Area of Study: Nursing
College: Washington State University
Rotary's Response
Rotary Club of Arlington to Skip 2020 Duck Dash
Local Businesses Donate 100% of Sponsorships to 2021 Scholarships
The Rotary Club of Arlington’s Board of Directors made the determination to cancel its Great Stilly Dusk Dash event on the Fourth of July for 2020.
“Each Fourth, the Duck Dash brings crowds of people to Haller Park,” said Duck Dash Chairperson Devin Brossard. “Following the cancellation of the Fourth of July Parade and other activities in Arlington, we felt that the best decision for the health and safety of our community this year was to forego this year’s annual fundraiser.”
The Rotary Club of Arlington has many business partners that sponsor the event each summer. Last year, the Club dedicated half of all sponsorship funds raised to go to scholarships to graduating students from Arlington, Darrington and Lakewood - $60,000 was just awarded to graduates. This year, several local business partners that had committed sponsorships to the event have agreed to put all of those funds towards scholarships for 2021 graduates – totaling $46,000 so far. These donors are:
- Dwayne Lanes - $10,000
- Symmetry Chiropractic Wellness Center - $10,000
- B&B Fabricators - $5,000
- Farmers - Klein Insurance Company - $5,000
- Arlington Health and Rehabilitation - $2,500
- Edward Jones/John Meno - $2,500
- Heritage Bank - $2,500
- Arlington Hardware - $1,000
- Asgard Massage - $1,000
- Banner Bank - $1,000
- Columbia Bank - $1,000
- Langabeer McKernan Burnett & Co, PS - $1,000
- LeaderOne Financial/Jenie Jones - $1,000
- R.L. Chippendale Accounting - $1,000
- State Farm - Jim Minifie - $1,000
- Ben Wells and Associates - $500
Several other businesses are considering donations, as well. The Rotary Club of Arlington expects to give out at least ten $5,000 scholarships for 2021 graduates.
The Duck Dash is typically the Rotary Club of Arlington's only fundraiser each year. Since 1987, the Rotary Club of Arlington has raised over $3 million dollars through Duck Dash ticket sales to benefit our communities. The Club is planning additional fundraising efforts in 2020-21 to support organizations that enhance the lives of kids, seniors and community members in Arlington, Lakewood and Darrington. The Rotary Club of Arlington and its members are looking forward to making a big splash at Duck Dash 2021.
Program May 14
Marc Hayes, Community
& Economic Development Director
Marc Hayes
Those of us who live in Arlington certainly know that there are many new buildings being constructed. Marc Hayes, Community and Economic Development Director of the City of Arlington was our program on May 14. Marc is one of the longest tenured employees of the City, having started in the Building Department over 30 years ago.
To aid in his presentation of development in the City, Marc relied upon the current activity map that can be found on the city's website (link below). This is the description of the map that appears on the website:
The Current Activity Map identifies the location of all permitted projects within the City, and provides the public with information as to where the project is in the process. If you see a Notice of Land Use Action (the orange/white sign posted on the property) you can use the map to provide all the information to date regarding the proposed project. As the project progresses you will be able to view the site plan and any architectural renderings showing how the finished project will appear.
Before the Covid-19 epidemic hit, there were many projects in the pipe line. Marc reports that it hasn't really let up. Many of the developments are mixed use. The Cascade Industrial Center, partially in Arlington and partially in Arlington has been designated an opportunity zone with special tax advantages. It is designed to help spread development to more places than the New York City and Los Angeles areas.
In addition to telling us about projects that have been permitted, Marc answered many questions from those in the meeting including questions about infrastructure to serve these new developments. In the pipe line are over 1400 new residential units--mostly apartments with a lot of them designed for seniors. Most all of them are in mixed development.
Below are two links, one to the ZOOM video of Marc's program and the other to to the interactive map. To see the Zoom video on YouTube, click on the YouTube logo; and to access the City's interactive map, click on the map image.
2020 Scholarships
$60,000 Awarded to Local Graduating Seniors
Our club recently announced the recipients of $60,000 in scholarships to graduating students from Arlington, Darrington and Lakewood. Each 2020 graduate will receive $5,000 for continuing education. The 2020 scholarship recipients are:
Arlington High School: Naveed Arang, Megan Barnett, Isabella Leighton, Sienna Leighton, Pearl Leon Guerrero-McInally, Machilia (Chance) Pearston, and Megan Scott
Darrington High School: Hannah Anderson and Jorjah Johnson
Lakewood High School: Abbey Dammann, Phoebe Klingman and Kallie Yargus
These scholarships were funded through corporate sponsorships of the 2019 Great Stilly Dusk Dash on the Fourth of July. Dwayne Lane’s Chevrolet of Arlington was the platinum sponsor at $10,000 for the seventh year in a row. Symmetry Chiropractic Wellness Center, Eagle Family Dental Center, and McCarthy General Contractor donated at the gold level ($5,000). Silver sponsors ($2,500) were Penway Media, Skagit Regional Health, Arlington Health & Rehabilitation; S&S Roofing, AMT Senior Aerospace, Devin Dickinson, DDS, Asgard Massage, Arlington Electric & Solar, Edward Jones - John Meno, Arlington Pharmacy, B&B Fabricators, Arlington Grocery Outlet, Unique Interiors, Cuz Septic Service, Northwest Ambulance, Cascade Kropz, San Juan Salsa Co., and Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. A complete list of sponsors can be found above and at www.greatstillyduckdash.com.
Arlington High School: Naveed Arang, Megan Barnett, Isabella Leighton, Sienna Leighton, Pearl Leon Guerrero-McInally, Machilia (Chance) Pearston, and Megan Scott
Darrington High School: Hannah Anderson and Jorjah Johnson
Lakewood High School: Abbey Dammann, Phoebe Klingman and Kallie Yargus
These scholarships were funded through corporate sponsorships of the 2019 Great Stilly Dusk Dash on the Fourth of July. Dwayne Lane’s Chevrolet of Arlington was the platinum sponsor at $10,000 for the seventh year in a row. Symmetry Chiropractic Wellness Center, Eagle Family Dental Center, and McCarthy General Contractor donated at the gold level ($5,000). Silver sponsors ($2,500) were Penway Media, Skagit Regional Health, Arlington Health & Rehabilitation; S&S Roofing, AMT Senior Aerospace, Devin Dickinson, DDS, Asgard Massage, Arlington Electric & Solar, Edward Jones - John Meno, Arlington Pharmacy, B&B Fabricators, Arlington Grocery Outlet, Unique Interiors, Cuz Septic Service, Northwest Ambulance, Cascade Kropz, San Juan Salsa Co., and Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. A complete list of sponsors can be found above and at www.greatstillyduckdash.com.
Here is more about the recipients:
Hannah Anderson, Darrington High School
GPA: 3.8
Honors: College prep English; coaches award for hard work on sports team; student of the month for academic excellence; academic award-meticulous craftsmanship; Cliff Gillies academic/sportsmanship/citizenship/participation; honor roll all four years
Intended Area of Study: Elementary Education
College: Central Washington University
Naveed Arang, Arlington High School
GPA: 3.965
Honors: AP language, calculus, chemistry, physics, advanced algebra, English; honor toll all four years; heavily into robotics club
Intended Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering
College: University of Washington
Megan Barnett, Arlington High School
GPA: 3.989
Honors: Advanced geometry; College in HS French; Advanced Algebra; AP European History, US History, Language, Chemistry, Literature, Government, Environmental Sciences; JV and varsity golf; YAIL completion certificate; AHS honor roll all 4 years; ASB leadership president, STEM fair winner, Junior Prom Princess.
Intended Area of Study: Biology, Biochemistry
College: University of WA
Abbey Dammann, Lakewood High School
GPA: 3.821
Honors: honors English; honor roll all four years; distinguished scholastic award; outstanding science grade.
Intended Area of Study: Nursing
College: Washington State University
Jorjah Johnson, Darrington High School
GPA: 3.673
Honors: EVCC running start for English 203, History 147, & Physical Education, Health and Wellness 203; Varsity letter award; academic sports award; Most improved player; Science award; Art award/creative and innovativeness; English excellence award; Math academic excellence award; high honor roll all four years; honor society president 10-12th grade.
Intended Area of Study: Environmental science
College: Western Washington University
Phoebe Klingman, Lakewood High School
GPA: 2.565
Honors: College in HS-English, criminal justice, astrobiology, pre-calculus, and sociology; cheer camp leadership; All-American award
Intended Area of Study: Elementary Education
College: Arizona Christian University
Sienna Leighton, Arlington High School
GPA: 4.00
Honors: Advanced Geometry, Biology, English, Algebra, Wind Ensemble; Academic Excellence award for 4.0 all four years; lettered in band.
Intended Area of Study: Health Sciences or Pre-nursing
College: Whitworth University
Isabella Leighton, Arlington High School
GPA: 4.0
Honors: Academic Excellence for 4.0 all four years; Lettered in high school band; AP and Advanced classes in Geometry, Biology, European History. English, Algebra, French, Pre-calculus; US History, Language, Physics, Literature, Government
Intended Area of Study: Health Sciences/ Pre Physical Therapy
College: Whitworth University
Pearl Leon Guerrero-McInally, Arlington High School
GPA: 4.0
Honors: AAUW Certificate of excellence for math and science; AP scholar with honor; Biology student of the year; Advanced Geometry student of the year (2x); Microsoft office certification; honor roll all four years; AP European history, US history, government, geometry, math, chemistry, language and composition, literature, physics.
Intended Area of Study: Biochemistry/Molecular biology
College: University of Washington
Machilia (Chance) Pearston, Arlington High School
GPA: 3.74
Honors: English 10 honors; English 11 honors, College writing, biology honors, physics, AP European history, US history, government, statistics, Pre-calculus; honor roll all four years; CTE award of excellence
Intended Area of Study: Business Administration/ Retail management
College: Edmonds Community College
Megan Scott, Arlington High School
GPA: 3.539
Honors: Rotary’s Outstanding student; Eagle Festival Art contest; Art Around town award; PUD Art contest; Artistic Mind award; Career skills certificate (twice); Advanced English, Chemistry, and AP Government.
Intended Area of Study: School Psychologist, Occupational Psychology.
College: Everett CC and then to Central Washington University
Kallie Yargus, Lakewood High School GPA: 3.942
Honors: honor roll all four years; student of the quarter/citizenship; excellence in math; excellence in career and technical education; NHS membership certificate; Volunteer award; Student of the quarter: perseverance; lettered in varsity tennis
Intended Area of Study: Nursing/biology
College: Easter Washington University
The Duck Dash is the Rotary Club of Arlington's only fundraiser each year. Since 1987, the Rotary Club of Arlington has raised over $3 million dollars through Duck Dash ticket sales to benefit our communities. All funds raised from the sale of Duck Dash tickets are invested in the community to enhance the lives of kids, seniors and community members in Arlington, Lakewood and Darrington, as well as around the globe
Hannah Anderson, Darrington High School
GPA: 3.8
Honors: College prep English; coaches award for hard work on sports team; student of the month for academic excellence; academic award-meticulous craftsmanship; Cliff Gillies academic/sportsmanship/citizenship/participation; honor roll all four years
Intended Area of Study: Elementary Education
College: Central Washington University
Naveed Arang, Arlington High School
GPA: 3.965
Honors: AP language, calculus, chemistry, physics, advanced algebra, English; honor toll all four years; heavily into robotics club
Intended Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering
College: University of Washington
Megan Barnett, Arlington High School
GPA: 3.989
Honors: Advanced geometry; College in HS French; Advanced Algebra; AP European History, US History, Language, Chemistry, Literature, Government, Environmental Sciences; JV and varsity golf; YAIL completion certificate; AHS honor roll all 4 years; ASB leadership president, STEM fair winner, Junior Prom Princess.
Intended Area of Study: Biology, Biochemistry
College: University of WA
Abbey Dammann, Lakewood High School
GPA: 3.821
Honors: honors English; honor roll all four years; distinguished scholastic award; outstanding science grade.
Intended Area of Study: Nursing
College: Washington State University
Jorjah Johnson, Darrington High School
GPA: 3.673
Honors: EVCC running start for English 203, History 147, & Physical Education, Health and Wellness 203; Varsity letter award; academic sports award; Most improved player; Science award; Art award/creative and innovativeness; English excellence award; Math academic excellence award; high honor roll all four years; honor society president 10-12th grade.
Intended Area of Study: Environmental science
College: Western Washington University
Phoebe Klingman, Lakewood High School
GPA: 2.565
Honors: College in HS-English, criminal justice, astrobiology, pre-calculus, and sociology; cheer camp leadership; All-American award
Intended Area of Study: Elementary Education
College: Arizona Christian University
Sienna Leighton, Arlington High School
GPA: 4.00
Honors: Advanced Geometry, Biology, English, Algebra, Wind Ensemble; Academic Excellence award for 4.0 all four years; lettered in band.
Intended Area of Study: Health Sciences or Pre-nursing
College: Whitworth University
Isabella Leighton, Arlington High School
GPA: 4.0
Honors: Academic Excellence for 4.0 all four years; Lettered in high school band; AP and Advanced classes in Geometry, Biology, European History. English, Algebra, French, Pre-calculus; US History, Language, Physics, Literature, Government
Intended Area of Study: Health Sciences/ Pre Physical Therapy
College: Whitworth University
Pearl Leon Guerrero-McInally, Arlington High School
GPA: 4.0
Honors: AAUW Certificate of excellence for math and science; AP scholar with honor; Biology student of the year; Advanced Geometry student of the year (2x); Microsoft office certification; honor roll all four years; AP European history, US history, government, geometry, math, chemistry, language and composition, literature, physics.
Intended Area of Study: Biochemistry/Molecular biology
College: University of Washington
Machilia (Chance) Pearston, Arlington High School
GPA: 3.74
Honors: English 10 honors; English 11 honors, College writing, biology honors, physics, AP European history, US history, government, statistics, Pre-calculus; honor roll all four years; CTE award of excellence
Intended Area of Study: Business Administration/ Retail management
College: Edmonds Community College
Megan Scott, Arlington High School
GPA: 3.539
Honors: Rotary’s Outstanding student; Eagle Festival Art contest; Art Around town award; PUD Art contest; Artistic Mind award; Career skills certificate (twice); Advanced English, Chemistry, and AP Government.
Intended Area of Study: School Psychologist, Occupational Psychology.
College: Everett CC and then to Central Washington University
Kallie Yargus, Lakewood High School GPA: 3.942
Honors: honor roll all four years; student of the quarter/citizenship; excellence in math; excellence in career and technical education; NHS membership certificate; Volunteer award; Student of the quarter: perseverance; lettered in varsity tennis
Intended Area of Study: Nursing/biology
College: Easter Washington University
The Duck Dash is the Rotary Club of Arlington's only fundraiser each year. Since 1987, the Rotary Club of Arlington has raised over $3 million dollars through Duck Dash ticket sales to benefit our communities. All funds raised from the sale of Duck Dash tickets are invested in the community to enhance the lives of kids, seniors and community members in Arlington, Lakewood and Darrington, as well as around the globe
DG's Weekly Coffee Corner
Rotary Club of Arlington Awards $60,000 in Scholarships
Rotary Club of Arlington announced the recipients of $60,000 in scholarships to graduating students from Arlington, Darrington and Lakewood last week. Each 2020 graduate will receive $5,000 for continuing education. The 2020 scholarship recipients are:
Arlington High School: Naveed Arang, Megan Barnett, Isabella Leighton, Sienna Leighton, Pearl Leon Guerrero-McInally, Machilia (Chance) Pearston, and Megan Scott
Darrington High School: Hannah Anderson and Jorjah Johnson
Lakewood High School: Abbey Dammann, Phoebe Klingman and Kallie Yargus
May 7 Program
Snohomish Health District
Katie Curtis
A very timely program presented by Katie Curtis, the Assistant Director of the District's Prevention Services Division. She has been with the District for 7 years and as part of the COVID-19 response, and in her position, she makes sure all the pieces to the response is running smoothly.
One of the advantages of ZOOM meetings is that they can be recorded. Rather repeating all that was said in a narrative, just click below and watch the video that was posted on our Facebook page . After the presentation there were a lot of good questions and answers.
50th Anniversary--Our Presidents
Our Presidents Over 50 Years
One of the events that we canceled because of the Covid-19 epidemic, was a past presidents' luncheon. It was to be on the 50th anniversary of our first meeting on April 6, 1970, in the location of that first meeting--the back room of Denny's (formerly the Turkey House).
Since they couldn't meet, all of the past presidents who are still not members of our club were invited to join our Zoom meeting on April 23.
At our 40th Anniversary Celebration, we had two charter members who were previously club presidents attend: Our 6th president, John Mitchel, and our 7th president, Don Richards. John has died since our 40th, leaving Don Richards, an honorary member, as the only charter member who is a past president still living. They are pictured below with the only other charter member who was at our 40th Anniversary Celebration, Bob Bibb, deceased.
Left to Right: John Mitchel, Don Richards & Bob Bibb
The following is a list of of the Marysville-North County, North Snohomish County and Arlington Rotary Presidents:
1970-1971 Gordon Shea
1971-1972 Bob Olson
1972-1973 Frank Mallory
1973-1974 Al Remington
1974-1975 Dick Post
1975-1976 John Mitchell
1976-1977 Don Richards
1977-1978 Al Aosved & Jim Jones
1978-1979 Dave Duskin
1979-1980 Norm Olsen
1980-1981 Howard Wetzel
1981-1982 Tim Simmons
1982-1983 Gerry Wigren
1983-1984 John Garner
1984-1985 Matt Maynard
1985-1986 Dale Duskin
1986-1987 Lloyd Mortimer & Glenn Mann
1987-1988 Jim Sexton
1988-1989 John Henken
1989-1990 Barry Lamont
1990-1991 Ron Love
1991-1992 John Dykstra
1992-1993 Bob Kraski
1993-1994 Dave Watson
1994-1995 Craig Hedlund
1995-1996 Keith Wilson
1996-1997 Gene Chase
1997-1998 Wayne Smothers
1998-1999 Marcia Smothers
1999-2000 John Dueringer
2000-2001 Rob Dickson
2001-2002 Jim Minifie
2002-2003 Don Hansen
2003-2004 Steve Robinson
2004-2005 R. Lee Harman
2005-2006 Cory Duskin
2006-2007 John Meno
2007-2008 Kerry Munnich
2008-2009 Karri Hansen
2009-2010 Kurt McVay
2010-2011 Duane Rhodes
2011-2012 John Peeters
2012-2013 Linda Byrnes
2011-2012 John Peeters
2012-2013 Linda Byrnes
2013-2014 Bucky Tart
2014-2015 Cindy Huleatt
2015-2016 Jeff Huleatt
2016-2017 Erik Granroth
2017-2018 Jola Barnett
2018-2019 Paul Ellis
2019-2020 Simona DeVies
We are all hopeful that we will be able to have an in person celebration of our 50th anniversary. It might have to be like this year's Olympic games which has become 2020one.
50th Anniversary
50 Years of Service!
Three of Our First Officers; President (Trooper) Gordon Shea on the Left, on the far right is Chet Williams. Unknown in the middle
April 6 is the 50th anniversary of our first meeting. The club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Everett. In the 30's it had sponsored a club in Marysville, but the club failed after a few years. The Everett club decided to try again, but with a north Snohomish County service area. The first meeting was held at the Turkey House at Island crossing. On June 20, 1970, the club was chartered as the Rotary Club of Marysville-North County.
Here are the important dates in our club's history, including two name changes:
First Meeting--April 6, 1970;
Charter Issued (Rotary Club of Marysville-North County)--June 20, 1970;
First Board Meeting--July 13, 1970;
First Newsletter--July 16, 1970;
Move from Turkey House to Bob 'n Ann's ......(Weller's)--August 13, 1970;
Charter Night--September 11, 1970;
Name Change to Rotary Club of North Snohomish County--December 15, 1978;
Founded Marysville Rotary--1984;
First Duck Dash--July 4, 1989;
First Lady Inducted--January 26, 1990;
Founded Stanwood Club--1992;
First Lady President--1998-99 (Marcia Smothers);
First Million $$ Duck--July 4, 1999;
Vote to Change Name to Rotary Club of Arlington--June 22, 2000;
Name Change Official--April 26, 2001;
Weller's Family Restaurant Closes... June 20, 2005;
June 23 meeting at Stillaguamish Sr. Center; Meeting locations until present include Hadley Hall (Boys & Girls Club), GlenEagle, Eagle Crest Restaurant, and starting March 2010 back to GlenEagle under new management. We moved to our current location, Arlington Free Methodist Church, July 1, 2014.
March 12, 2020 was the last luncheon meeting we had before the Covid-19 epidemic closed down meeting in person.
March 19 & 26, 2020: Turned to Facebook Live for our meetings.
April 2, 2020, with all non essential workers ordered to stay home, we held our first meeting on the Zoom application.
April 6, 2020, the 50th Anniversary of our first meeting--logo introduced.
This is the first of historical stories on our 50th anniversary. We have a celebration scheduled for June 20 at the Angel of the Winds Resort. The Covid-19 epidemic may require that the celebration be postponed.
Our Last Social Event!
Once Upon a Mattress
Remember when we could go to regular meetings and attend regular social events? It was only four weeks ago that we attended the AHS musical--Once Upon a Mattress.
We started with a social (without social distancing) at Andria White's new home in GlenEagle. She fixed a feast of appetizers, as you can see from the photos below.
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More Photos in the Album!
Weekly Program
North Cascades Institute
Deven Vilar--Outreach/Event Coordinator
Deven started her presentation with some trivia on the North Casccades Park. It has many more glaciers than Glacier National Park; The lakes get the green color from glacial sediment; and the Wolverine is being reintroduced to the North Cascades.
The North Cascades Institute was a brain child of former park rangers who wanted to start a conservation group that would give persons the ability to learn more about the animals and vegetation within the North Cascades. It started at a desk in 1986 at the Ranger Station. In 2005 there was a real game changer when Seattle City Light, as part of its mitigation for its dams, partnered to build the North Cascades Learning Center.
Learning Center
The Institute offers both adult and youth programs. It is particularly a good program for today's kids who surveys show are spending less than 5 minutes a day outside. This gets them off their devices.
Seattle City Light has turned over the Diablo Lake tour up to Ross Dam over to the Institute to manage.
Devin gave us information about the many programs including adult seminars, 5th grade school classes, Snow School at Mt. Baker, Forest School at Lake Whatcom for 3rd graders, Youth Leadership Adventures for high school age that involve 8 to 12 day outings.There is also a family camp for a family of 4.
To avoid getting facts and figures wrong on these various opportunities, click on the below image and go to the Institute's website.
Weekly Program
Arlington's Embedded Social Worker Program
Brittany Sutton and Ken Thomas with the Embedded Social Worker Program in Arlington.
The program started the Community Outreach team in January of 2018. The program is supported by an effort between the City and Snohomish county. It is a voluntary Program. It is a combined team effort of Law Enforcement Social Services and Community involvement.
The north team consists of the Arlington Police Department, The Sheriff’s Department, The Marysville Police Department, Snohomish County Human Services and The Arlington Community Resource Center. Covers areas from North Everett up to Skagit County.
A Sergeant from the Sheriff's office runs the program with a Police officer from Arlington and Marysville and a social worker from Arlington and Marysville. The Sheriff Dept also will have an officer and a Social Worker, but they are working on these positions at the moment.
The Officers and Social Workers go out into the field to contact clients with direct contacts. There is an enforcement component. Many times, this starts with warnings. Eventually, when still violating laws enforcement has to happen. These individuals are still eligible for help even after arrested.
Many times they are able to go into camps and work with the property owners to help get camps moved out. It is a long process working. Now they are posting Trespassing signs to help in the process of moving people out.
They also are willing to meet people where they are. They will meet people where they can meet to get them the resources that they need. They also go to transit centers to check because many times the people they work with are there. Smokey Point is an area that they work in and is getting better. Contacting people takes time and understanding with people. This program allows Brittany and Ken to spend the time and the officers to go back to what they need to do.
Ken and Brittany meet with Clients to get information and assess the needs. They then set up another appointment to figure out if they are willing and able to meet. After this they set up Chemical Dependency Assessments and Mental Health Assessments. They work with DSHS to get individuals State ID to continue treatment. They help them to obtain Birth Certificates and obtain medical insurance through the state and Medicaid. They help them through this process, get them to appointments and help them move along the process. They try to schedule pick up locations at a food source because that is an enticement to be there. They help to get people to court appointments, purchase clothes and the necessary items for employment.
After receiving assessment information Brittany is able to set up a bed date before a detox place so that they are able to leave detox and go straight to a bed. They go from a 5 day detox to a 30 day treatment. Sometimes it is less because of insurance changes. Last 2 weeks of treatment the client calls Brittany to discuss where they would like to be put in a Clean and Sober house. It is hard to find good Clean and Sober housing. Oxford houses, Travis Skann and Hoff Housing are all good Clean and Sober houses. Most of these are urban because they need to be close to a bus line in order to make appointments, get jobs and get services. There is still help needed for support and finding good housing is key. There is Men’s housing, Women’s housing, Couples housing and housing for parents. All individuals are put through coordinated entry to help with the housing process while they are becoming clean and sober.
Clients are followed for at least 6 months and many times Brittany hears from clients about their successes years later. The success rate is 70% plus. Success is rated differently. For people moving from living in a tent to becoming clean and sober. Successes are small. Making meetings, asking for help and not ending up back on the street. Sometimes there are just homeless people that don’t want to be helped. Ken and Brittany still check on them and help them so that they know that there is someone there for them when they need help.
Homelessness and substance abuse contribute to the arrest cycles. This program helps to hopefully break the cycle. Barriers to success are lack of follow through, housing, withdrawals and organizational skills are all things that hinder movement forward. Brittany and Ken help break down these barriers.
The Diversion Center that is being built is going to be an even bigger piece of the puzzle. Clients will only be able to get into this program and offers a place in-between contact and detox. It is an immediate place to get off the streets instead of waiting and getting caught up in things that may keep them from getting help.
The success rate for other programs that don’t have the wrap around is only about 40%, compared to 70%. Here are more numbers:
Outstanding Students
Honoring 8 Outstanding Students
At our meeting on February 20 we honored 8 outstanding students. The students are nominated by a teacher, administrator or guidance counselor in the middle and high schools of the Arlington, Darrington and Lakewood School Districts. Each of the district superintendents, with their executive team, review and choose those to be recognized.
Each outstanding student selected is invited to the meeting. Reasons given for the nomination are presented by the superintendents who introduce the student to the club. After each student introduces family members and school staff, they tell us a bit about themselves and their future plans. Each outstanding student receives a trophy and a certificate from the club. In addition, each student is asked to select a charity of his/her choice for a $50 donation from our club.
The superintendent from Darrington, Buck Marsh, was unable to attend so Chrys Sweating presented the students from both Arlington and Darrington. Superintendent Scott Peacock presented the Lakewood students.
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 Brevin Ross-Darrington - Senior |  Natasha Lowery-Lakewood High - Senior | |
 Leonardo Sandoval-Lakewood Middle-8th grade |  Patience Hartman-SVLT-7th Grade | |
 Peyton Wold-Haller Middle-8th Grade |  Ava Wolfe-Post Middle-8th Grade |
 Desaray Low-Weston High-Junior |  Megan Scott-Arlington High-Senior |
The schools represented from the Arlington District are Stillaguamish Learning Center, Haller and Post Middle Schools and Arlington and Weston High Schools. No one was nominated from Darrington Middle School. Students also represented Lakewood Middle and High Schools and Darrington High School.
Here are the charities that each student chose:
- Bevin Ross-DHS-Wounded Warrior Project
- Desaray Low-WHS-Seattle Childrens' Hospital
- Patience Harman-SVLC-Special Olympics
- Leonardo Sandoval-LMS-Save the Music Foundation
- Megan Scott-AHS-National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Peyton Wold-HMS-Alzheimer's of Washington
- Ava Wolfe-PMS-Arlington Food Bank
- Natasha Lowery-LHS-CSP Foundation
Our members enjoy hearing about each student's personal story both in the words of those who nominated them and also from each outstanding student. Based on their poise in front of the group, it is easy to see why each were selected to be recognized by our club as an outstanding student. Congratulations to each of them, and to their parents and staff!
Weekly Program
Junior Achievement
Carmen Marttila, Regional Director, Junior Achievement of Washington, was our program on February 12.
Carmen Marttila
junior Achievement (JA) is the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills needed to own their economic success, plan for the future, and make smart academic and economic choices. It has been active in the USA for over 100 years and over 100 million students have been involved in the program. It is designed to show students that what they are learning in school today has relevance in whatever field they pursue.
Often the program is delivered in a school classroom but it has been delivered at Boys & Girls Clubs, Housing Hope, and other organizations that support kids. In 2018-19 there were 5,680 students involved in the program--69,190 state wide. Support at the state level included over 5,000 volunteers.
Carmen was one of the volunteers when she was in banking. She liked the cause so much that she left banking for a position with JA. She is over the Northern Area which includes the Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties. With her was Ellysa Shepard, Snohomish County Program Manager.
In addition to going into schools and other facilities operated by other youth organizations, JA of Washington operates two HA Capstone education facilities in Yakima and in Auburn. Two programs are offered: JA Biz Town and JA Finance Park. Those students who attend Biz Town are put into a simulated community with all the challenges of a real entrepreneur.
The program is audited to gauge the impact of the programs. It shows that 93% of former participants graduate from high school, 67% get advanced degrees with 30% getting at least a bachelors degree. 88% are satisfied with their career choice with 1 out of 3 choosing a career influenced by the experience, and 1 out of 5 choosing the career of the volunteer who facilitated their experience
When JA is done in the classroom, it is either a JA volunteer or the teacher has been trained by JA. Having an adult role model is valuable. An 'I can" attitude is often the result with the student learning their own potential.
JA is always looking for funding and for volunteers. One of the fundraising events is the JA Bowling Classic. The Northern Washington main event will be in Bellingham on April 17.
To learn more about JA, click HERE
Classification Talk
Dr. Pete's Classification Talk
Pete Holmes, DDS
Pete Holmes was born in 1993 and is 26 years old. He has been practicing dentistry for 3 years. He has one older sister and he grew up in a family that loves to travel. His dad is a pilot and they spent a lot of time flying when Pete was growing up. Pete played lacrosse for Stanwood and was a gymnast for about 5 years. He also used to ski a lot and still does some, but not as much after injuries.
Pete graduated from Stanwood in 2011. He ran track in high school, and played tennis. He was in the honors society, the Science team Captain, a Technology state officer and valedictorian of his class. He was also a camp counselor at camp Killoqua.
Pete went to University of Washington. He started as a bioengineering major, but then decided to focus on Dentistry and was accepted into school a year early. He paid his way through school by tutoring chemistry and calculus. He met his wife Tessa while attending UW. He is 15 credits short of a Microbiology degree.
Pete’s wife went to dental school in Wisconsin and they were engaged while both were in Dental School. Pete graduated 6th is his class in dental school out of 75. He spent most of his free time volunteering free dental work and playing intramural sports during school.
Pete’s wife Tessa is the youngest of 4 kids and is a dentist, as well. She attended Marquette Dental School. She graduated about a year ago and is now working on a pediatric residency at UW. While at UW for her undergrad, she was the Relay for Life captain and is excited to be a Rotarian one day. They have been married about 2 years. They are very adventurous and fly and hike. She has a goal of running a marathon on every continent before they have kids.
Pete’s dad is Rich Holmes and was an aeronautical engineer. Pete says that he is the smartest man he knows. He is a pilot.
Pete & Rich at Pete's Induction
Pete’s mom is Anne Holmes and she has a masters in Biomedical engineering. She is also an ultrasound engineer and is a world traveler. She helped her family find a love for traveling. Pete’s sister is Sarah Holmes and she went to USC for a degree in Engineering. She works for JPL and lives in California. She is working on the Mar’s Rover. She is also a film major from UW. She also worked on the INSight which is a Mars Lander. They are a big Star Wars family.
Pete’s grandparents are the inspiration for everything that he does. Pete’s grandfather was a dentist and his grandmother was a psychologist. His grandfather was also a pilot and had 3 dental offices that he would fly to every morning. Pete’s grandmother won the President’s Women’s Medal awarded by Lynden B Johnson. She went to Women’s Medical School and became a psychologist from Johns Hopkins. His grandparents died in a plane crash when Pete was 12. Pete found out about a month ago that his grandparents were Rotarians. Pete’s great grandfather, Byron Darlington Woodside was a member of 4 presidential cabinets. His grandpa Holmes was a mechanic for Boeing.
Pete is an airplane pilot and also races cars. Pete races chump cars, which is an endurance racing series on a closed course and they race for 10 hours with a team. Pete raced with his dad. He also rode motorcycles for a while, but he sold his motorcycle when he got married. Pete learned a lot about life from racing doing the same thing over and over for long periods of time. Pete also sailboat races in the summer on Lake Union.
Pete graduated from dental school and moved to Wisconsin and worked for a corporate dentistry and floated around offices. He worked in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and then went to Sheboygen, Wisconsin and became the managing clinical director. He worked 52 clinical hours a week 6 days per week. Pete now works at Eagle Family Dental. Pete thinks that dentistry is the ultimate hobby. It is a balance of personal interaction and technology and loves the continual learning. Bryce is a great mentor and has taught a lot about dentistry, life, community and family.
Pete’s life goals include flying, his wife, dentistry, travel and fun things with Rotary. Pete has been a member of our club since December.
Recent Social Events
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
On Jan. 17 we tried a new social event--"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Members signed up to either host or attend a dinner in the host's home. Names of attendees were put into a hat and pulled to go to a host home at the last minute, having been told earlier a potluck food item to bring. Hosts provided the main course. On this inaugural night, host homes included the Harmans, Kmets, Huleatts and Duskins (Kay and Dave).
Here are a few of the photos in the album!
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Weekly Program
An Experienced Rotarian's View on Rotary
Dave Duskin--45 Years and Counting!
Dave
(photo by Dale)
Dave Duskin shared today an experienced Rotarian’s view of Rotary. Dave joined our club when it was the Marysville-North County Rotary club 45 years ago.
There was study done a few years ago about why people join Rotary. The largest section is because the club positively impacts the community. The second reason is because of friendship. When Dave joined he had just come back to town after Law School and he still sees that the reason he has stayed is because of the friendships that were created during the many years in Rotary.
Dave was president in 1978-1979 and at time they didn’t have PETS and he went to District training. Through various trainings Dave has learned many things about Rotary. Rotary’s 5 core values are
- Service
- Fellowship
- Diversity
- Integrity
- Leadership
This week marks the 30 year anniversary of inducting the first women into our local club. It has been one of the best decisions the club has ever made.
Dave was an Eagle Scout and remembers the values of Scouts and “Helping all people at all times” these values have moved into his Rotary life.
While in high school Dave and Dale were in the explorer program with the scouts and their post was the search in rescue in Arlington. While in high school with the Sheriff’s they found lost high schooler and were featured in the scouting magazine. Also in high school Dave was student body president. While doing that they raised money to put in bleachers and lights in hearts field.
Dave went to WSU and was also very involved in the band and student government. Dave and Kay met in student government and were married in 1971.
Our club started as the Marysville-North County club and met at Wellers. The good thing about the club was that there were many people from both Arlington and Marysville. Dave’s involvement with the community and the club helped his business and the networking was a great part of that. At the same time he became involved with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. At that time, they met at the Steak House and the Chamber functioned very much like the Rotary. Dave was the president of the Chamber in 1976 and 1977
If you are going to get something out of Rotary you need to put something into Rotary. Rotary has avenues of service.
- Club Service
- Vocational Service
- Community Service
- International Service
- Youth
Dave has done many things to be engage in our Rotary Club.
- Joined in 1974
- Club secretary 76-78
- President 78-79- changed name to North Snohomish County
- Hosted first rotary exchange student 1978
- Rotary project- joined board of Senior Center
- Served on and chaired many committees
We are a part of District 5050. The District and Rotary International exist to support the club. There are many things that you can do to get involved at the district level to help the club, also.
- Trainings
- District training assembly
- RLI
- Grants Seminars
- PETS
- Support
- Assistant Governor
- Online help
- International Youth Exchange
- District Grants
- Global Grants
- Fellowship Opportunities Beyond the Club
- District Conference
- Rotary at Work Day
District 5050 Conference is April 30- May 3 at Harrison Hot springs
Rotary International Conference is June 6-10 in Honolulu
Dave says that his ultimate Rotary moment will be with we can announce that Polio has been eliminated. We still have some work to do, but it will happen.
District Governors
CLICK HERE to read Raj's full biography
Here is the current succession of District 5050 Governors: Brad Whittaker: 2019-20; Carol Tichelman: 2020-2021; Bev Harrington: 2021-22. Each of their bios can be seen HERE
New Social Event
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Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
On Jan. 17 we tried a new social event--"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Members signed up to either host or attend a dinner in the host's home. Names of attendees were put into a hat and pulled to go to a host home at the last minute, having been told earlier a potluck food item to bring. Hosts provided the main course. On this inaugural night, host homes included the Harmans, Kmets, Huleatts and Duskins (Kay and Dave).
Weekly Program
Stilly Valley Health Survey
Heather Logan--Cascade Valley Health Foundation
Last spring we had a visit from Heather Logan, president of the Cascade Valley Health Foundation, and Scott Forslund with the Providence Institute for a Healthier Community, encouraging all of us to complete the Stilly Valley Health & Well Being Survey. At our meeting on January 2, Heather shared the results with the club.
The goals of the survey was to create a well-being baseline in the valley to help shape the regional identity as a community committed to well being. Funding efforts will be prioritized based on the needs of the community.
Only 517 people took the survey but Heather indicated that it is a statistically high number for this type of survey. Arlington and Darrington residents participated. Snohomish County Hospital District 3#, which now does business as Stilly Valley Health Connections (Formerly Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics) was one of the promoters of the survey along with the Foundation.
Overall the Stilly Valley, with a score of 7.33 was slightly below the county level of 7.53. This would be a C-. The difference was caused by a lower overall satisfaction with physical health and a lower self-reported overall well-being.
A factor in the results could have been that the largest two responding groups were clients of the Community Resource Center and from service clubs/organizations in the community. Heather expressed that those persons that were connected to our community generally scored very high in satisfaction, The opposite was the case for those less connected who used the community as primarily their 'bedroom".
Some bullet points:
- 46% do not feel personally connected--especially women, adults under 35 , people of color and single-parent households.
- 35% feel they lack good access--especially men, people of color and people without health coverage.
- 43% are dissatisfied with support for those with an existing medical condition--especially younger adults, people of color, people with basic needs issues, families and single parent households, and people with less tenure in the Valley.
Heather did announce that the Hospital District has recently purchased the Alfy's building at Smokey Point for its offices and as a place to offer classes to help with some of the gaps learned in the survey. Stilly Valley Health Connections is the program name. For more information, click HERE
DeVries' Annual New Year's Eve Party
2020 Ushered in with Tacos and Tequila!
President Simona and husband Russ again hosted their annual New Year Eve's Party at their home in GlenEagle. The event had a Mexican theme this year: Tacos and Tequila.
More Event Photos:
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More Christmas Projects
Lunch for Seniors at the Senior Center
Our annual Christmas lunch at the Stillaguamish Senior Center has become so popular, that it's been limited to the first 195 seniors to make the request to attend. We buy and serve lunch to the seniors. Santa made his annual appearance and with the help of Mary Katherine and Grace Meno, he delivered candy canes to each senior.
Some of the Rotarians Who Served Lunch with Santa
Instead of doing a raffle for door prizes, the Center did its usual raffle fundraiser. Thanks to Carol Jacques who made floral center pieces, we marked our Christmas cards that was at each seat with two stickers. One of the stickers entitled the senior to take the center piece the second sticker was for one of our Rotary Club of Arlington water bottles.
Carol Jacques
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More Photos in Album
Celebrating the Holidays
Celebrating Christmas
& the Holidays
Dinner & Fun at the Centennial
Over 70 Rotarians and guests celebrated the holiday season on Thursday, December 12, in lieu of our normal lunch meeting. The celebration was a dinner at the new Centennial Bar and Grill owned by Adrian Abed, one of our members, and his partner.
Dale (Left) Thanks Adrian (Right)
Rotarians brought socks for the Resource Center and teen gifts for "A Christmas Wish".
The evening started out with a social hour followed by a lovely buffet dinner. After dinner, President Simona honored us with an original poem (watch for it in a future bulletin), we gave out some Paul Harris recognitions and played the hot game of Christmas Trivia.
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Normally all 26 televisions are playing sports. For our night one set over the bar only had Thursday Night Football. 5 sets and rotating slide shows of Christmas parties and project past, and the remainder of the sets had a yule time fire to add to the ambience. Thank you Paul!
For Christmas Trivia each table of 8 or more were asked to identify Christmas movies based on three names of the stars in the movie, identify Christmas songs by name and artist, and list Christmas songs based on clues given by the Trivia Master. A tie was announced at the conclusion between the Rum Balls and the Doctors with No Borders.
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.jpg) Doctors No Borders |  Rum Balls |
One of our charter members, Don Richards, still an honorary member with his wife Shari joined us in for the evening. 2020 marks our club's 50th anniversary. Don poised with our newest member, Pete Holmes:
Pete Holms (left) & Don Richards (right)
The party was a start of our busy two weeks of holiday service projects. On Friday, December 13, Rotarians helped with the set up at the Boys & Girls Club for "A Christmas Wish." In the evening we participated in helping collect food for the food bank as part of the Arlington Fire Departments "Santa Run". On Saturday, Rotarians helped at A Christmas Wish as families shopped. Next Thursday its Christmas food basket deliveries and on Friday we buy and serve lunch for seniors at the Senior Center.
The dinner photos are displayed above and each of the service projects will have photo albums for you to view.
Have a Very Merry Christmas!
Rotary Youth Exchange
Alessia Rama & Italy
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Alessia Rama is our inbound exchange students from Italy.
Alessia is from Cavnoina, Italy. It is close to Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy. The lake is 30 miles long and 10 miles long. Verona is one of the main cities of their area. It is a city rich in history with many monuments and sites of historical interest.
In Verona you can visit the Arena. It is the third largest of Roman theaters. It was used for Gladiator fights and is now used for concerts and plays. Shakespeare used Verona in Romeo and Juliet and the Two Gentlemen. The Balcony from Romeo and Juliet is located in Verona.
Alessia’s mother is from Germany and her father is from Italy. They met in Switzerland. She has one 13 year old sister.
They love being outside, hiking and skiing. They also travel together as a family. They have four tortoises. If Alessia could be an animal she would be a tortoise because they relax and have long lives. Her parents work in tourism so they have time to take their daughters on wonderful trips.
Alessia is very social and loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also loves music, drawing and horseback riding. Alessia’s friends are very important to her.
Alessia has had an unusual experience in the Youth exchange program. A student backed out of going on the exchange and her English teacher encouraged her to apply. She was chosen late to be a part of the youth exchange. She decided in one week to decide to take the opportunity.
She has met friends from all over the world and hopes that she will stay friends with them even after going home. She will be going to Chilliwack this weekend to participate in a Christmas parade with other District 5050 exchange students.
Alessia had a great time at the Homecoming Dance at AHS with new friends from the High School. Thanksgiving was a great experience in participating in a holiday that they don’t have in Italy. She has also been volunteering at NOAH and she has had great adventures with Erik and Rose, including trips to Seattle, Concerts, boat trips and going to the pumpkin patch.
Alessia has enjoyed seeing the scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Mount Baker was a great experience and hiking has been a joy.
Alessia plays the Clarinet and is in her 4th year of 5 years of High School in Italy.
Harvest Fireside
Harvest Fireside
The Chippendales hosted an after hours social event for our club on November 14 in their home. Here are a few photos taken at the event:
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Thank you AJ and Ryan for hosting this event! Our next Fireside is our Christmas party at The Centennial.
Foundation Month Kickoff
November is Rotary Foundation Month
Past District Governor Larry Jubie's Presentation
PDG Larry Jubie
We were fortunate to have Past District Governor (2001-2002) help us kick off Rotary Foundation Month. Not only does Larry know a lot about the Rotary Foundation, but he has made the foundation a major part of his life. He completed his 20th trip to Guatemala with the Rotary Club of Marysville to build schools, install holding tanks and wood burning stoves in remote mountain Mayan villages last March. He has been to Ethiopia to distribute polio vaccine and to Mexicali Mexico to deliver wheel chairs.
Larry is a retired banker. He has shown his passion for the Foundation with his generous gifts, including pledging $250,000 to become a member of the Arch Klumph Society. He is a charter member of the Bequest Society, a recognition of those who have provided for the Foundation in their will. He has served in many positions involving the Foundation at the the club, district and zone levels. He is currently the Assistant Rotary Foundation Coordinator for our Rotary zone.
As part of his presentation, Larry recognized Lee Harman for being one of only about a half dozen members in the district who belong to the Arch Klumph Society and for the publicity he and Miss Vicky has generated for Rotary's polio eradication project. There is only 1 strain of wild polio left to eradicate and the cases are in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Larry explained that Rotary has six (6) areas of focus to guide us. Anything that a club wants to do can almost always follow within these broad categories:
All of the gifts given to the Foundation's annual fund are used for the first 3 years following the gift to generate interest to cover the Foundation's administration expenses. At the end of 3 years one half of the gift goes back to the district for funding District grants and the other half is used to give global grants.
Since our club was chartered in 1970, our members have contributed $400,000 to the annual fund. We have had 49 Paul Harris Fellows. Our club has taken advantage of both District grants and global grants. We have used District grants to help with the splash pad park area, and the purchase of the defibrillators we distributed to the police department and in public buildings around town. Our water project in Kenya involved a global grant.
Here is a list of District grants awarded this year:
Marysville's President Rick McCarthy has indicate he would love our club's help in building additional staff cabins at Fire Mountain with the materials purchased with their grant above.
Last year 31% of all Rotarians world wide, donated $126 million to the annual fund. 1400 global grants were give last year. We are working on a possible water project in Haiti. Here is a list of grants to clubs in District 5050.
There are ways to give to the Rotary Foundation in addition to just giving a check to our club's Foundation Director, Kathy McCone. Click HERE to give on line. It will take you to a place to indicate the fund of your choice, the amount of the gift, lump sum vs. re-occurring. Rotarians are asked to create a MyRotary account, or to sign into an existing account. Gifts to Polio Plus ca also be given through Miss Vicky site: finishpolio.com.
Remember, the club matching points are only available for gifts given during the month of November!
World Polio Day
Lee Harman's 10,000 Mile Road Rally
To raise awareness of our effort to eradicate polio
Lee Harman
In recognition of World Polio Day, our club was treated with Lee Harman's first hand account of his 10,000 mile endurance road trip from Peking to Paris this past summer. Besides the challenge, Lee dedicated the adventure to increasing awareness of Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio world wide, and to raise funds for that effort.
As of Thursday (funds continue to come in) about $50,000 was raised. With the match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, that amount means an additional $150,000 towards the fight.
Lee, his co-driver Bill, and of course Miss Vicky was only one of 21 participants that completed the 34 day journey without being towed or hauled on a truck. 120 cars started the race with 103 making it to Paris. Miss Vicky was 4th in her class of 8 and 18th out of 31 in the vintage class. It being a road rally, placement was based on points rather than in what order you reached the finished. For example, there was a designated time to get to a check stop and if you were late or early, you would lose points.
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Miss Vicky at the Finish!
Lee said the trip reinforced these "Life Lessons":
People are friendly the world over
People want to live happy, carefree lives
The world is a beautiful place, especially that you've never seen
The world needs few politicians
Based on their experience with Miss Vicky, it was indeed an endurance race.They suffered a ten-ply tire blowout, 2 ruptured hydraulic brake lines, the car's body separating from the wooden sub-frame, a tail pipe falling off, lost car keys, a blown head gasket with external water leak, water pump failure causing an ignition failure on the road, and a broken drive axle.
It's also taken Rotary some endurance to get where we are at with regards to eradicating polio. When the effort started in 1985 who would have guessed that we would still be at it in 2019. We have been successful partnering with the Gates Foundation and others, to eliminate 2 of the 3 types of of wild polio virus. We are down to 88 cases world wide so far this year in only 2 countries--Pakistan and Afghanistan. The fighting factions in these two countries have hampered our progress. Nigeria has been polio free for 3 years and in December it will be declared polio free with the entire continent of Africa.
There were two events that could have been game changers for Lee and Bill. When the fuel line ruptured and started spewing gas, all it would have taken was for it to be ignited by one of the hot engine parts to have blown up the car. Another participant gave them the warning that gas was spewing.
Another near miss was when Lee fell to sleep while driving and was headed for a 16 wheeler coming in the opposite direction when Bill woke him. The rally involved driving 10 hours a day, with Lee and Bill trading off. Lee commented that despite close quarters and the stress, he and Bill remain friends.
Lee shared lots of photos and videos of portions of the venture; lots of primitive roads and lots of very friendly people. In addition to the album, here are a few of the photos.
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DG's Visit
District Governor Brad Whittaker
The Annual Visit
DG Brad Whittaker
It’s a busy time for Brad Whittaker, the Governor of Rotary District 5050. As part of his duties, he visits all 57 Rotary Clubs and 8 Rotaract Clubs in our district to promote Rotary. To do so, he recently retired following 16 years as Director of Research Services and Industry Liaison at the University of the Fraser Valley. He visited our club on Thursday, October 16.
DG Brad is the 4th DG from the Rotary Club of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. He has been a member of that club since 2002 and served as its president in 2012-13. District 5050 is an international district that starts in south Everett and goes north, across the border, and then easterly to Hope B.C. Vancouver, B.C. is a part of District 5040.
As he showed in the above slide, the structure of Rotary is an inverted triangle with the members of each of the clubs at the hierarchy and the president of Rotary International at the bottom. Everything below the club level is there to support the clubs.
Rotary International has adopted a new strategic action plan. It starts with this vision:
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves
This vision reflects Rotary’s 5 core values: Fellowship, Integrity, Diversity, Service and Leadership. To achieve the vision, Rotary International has adopted 4 strategic priorities and objectives.
- Increase Our Impact
- Expand Our Reach
- Enhance Participant Engagement
- Increase our ability to adapt
DG Brad pointed out that there is no greater example of our impact than our fight to end polio world-wide. “We don’t want to be the organization that almost eliminated polio”, said DG Brad. So far this year we have had 16 cases of wild polio in Afghanistan and 69 in Pakistan. In December we will probably be able to declare Africa, polio free. If we stopped our efforts today, in 10 years there would be over 200,000 cases of polio in the world.
To expand our reach, DG Brad shared the circle that our current RI President, Mark Maloney uses to demonstrate the relationship between growing members, the Rotary Foundation, and public image.
Half of all the annual fund gifts from our district come back to the district in 3 years to help the local clubs with community and international projects. When these projects are shared with the public, it increases our image which in turn helps us grow Rotary.
Two other strategies include creating new membership models and increasing the number of Rotary and Rotaract Clubs. Other strategies to grow Rotary is to bring families into Rotary and create viable paths to Rotary leadership.
This year will mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. Rotary International, because ifs influence in starting the United Nations, has highest status with that organization.
To get the most out of Rotary membership, DG Brad urged members to put more into Rotary. Tools include learning more about Rotary and becoming involved beyond the club level.
There are many places to learn more about Rotary:
- Rotary Learning Institute-Nov. 2 & Mar. 8-9
- District Training Assembly-Apr. 4
- Rotary International’s Learning Center (open an account-myrotary.org)
- Visioning-(the District has a team)
- The District 5050 Website
The district has many ways to learn and to be involved. Events include the Foundation Dinner on Nov. 15, District Conference (Harrison Hot Springs Apr. 30-May 30), GolFun, training, foundation, youth service, public image, administration (policies and procedures), finances and governance. Assistant Governors are there to help clubs and DG Brad encouraged officers and directors to call him with questions.
Other ways to get involved at the RI level include Rotary Action Groups (MORE) and Rotary Fellowship Groups (MORE).
Previewing P to P
PreViewing P to P
Lee Harmen Shared a 13 minute preview video about the P2P. Miss Vicky was one of 22 vehicles that made it the entire journey without being trailered. It was an amazing journey that Lee is going to share more about at the October 24 meeting, so don’t miss this meeting.
Classification Talk
Dan Wheeler
and Dwayne Lane's Arlington Chevrolet
Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler joined the Rotary Club of Arlington last March and works at Dwayne Lane’s Chevrolet in Arlington as it's service and parts manager.
He was born in Yakima and spent much of his childhood helping in his grandparents orchard. At 11 he moved to Tacoma and moved to Marysville at the age of 12. His interest in the automobile industry began then. His step father was a mechanic and he learned from him.
Dan attended Marysville Pilchuck high school and graduated in 1995. He participated in the mechanic program and Sno-Isle Skill Center. His first full time job was at the wrecking yard, teaching him a lot about the industry.
1998 he marries his high school sweetheart Kari and their daughter was born in 2002. He left the wrecking yard and went to work for Everett Power sports in the service repair department working on motor cycles. It was a good job, but was seasonal.
In 2006 the Wheelers moved to Arlington and bought an acre near the Meno’s. Son Wyatt was born in 2007. At the same time Dan left the motorcycle industry and went to work at Dwyane Lane’s when it was on SR 9 as the service manager. Last December he moved to oversee the service and parts departments.
In developing the new building Tom Lane allowed the managers to have input in how the building would be constructed and laid out.
Kari works 2 jobs as the full time communications coordinator at Generations Church in Marysville and she runs a hair salon in their home. Sophie will be 18 in February and is a full time running start student at Skagit Valley College. She is exploring opportunities with the Fish and Wildlife or Natural Resources Departments. She also works with Dan at Dwayne Lane's.
The Wheelers (including Sophie's Boyfriend)
Wyatt is 12 and is in 6th grade in Arlington. He plays hockey and spends most of his time playing the game. As a family they attend many Silvertips games, go fishing, hiking and hunting.
Dan is thankful the Tom encourage him to join the Rotary Club of Arlington and is excited to serve our community.
Dick Post Memorial Golf Tournament
A Fun Day of Golf at GlenEagle
Annual Dick Post Tournament
Jim Minifie organized the best ball (just for fun) tournament and Jola Barnett organized the awards and post golfing dinner, all at GlenEagle Golf Course.
There is a photo album of various aspects of golf throughout the day, with about 70 golfers.
Fun Trophy Winners
.jpeg) Jim-Playing in the Water! |  Sue-Play on the Beach (Sand) | .jpg) John-Men's Longest Drive |
 Simona-Ladies' Long Drive |  Russ-Men's Closest to Pin |  Sue-Closest to Pin |
 Best Ball Kickin' Team |  Mel & Mike-Best on Planet |  Peggy's Team-Best Score |
 All Time Champ Cup! | We don't have a photo of the best dressed team of Simona, Jola, Jen R, and Jody H. The album that is posted has many more photos! | The All Time Cup Championship usually goes to Dale, Ron, John D, and Rob D. Since they bought the cup they get it every year. Others have started bringing their own trophies. It's all in fun! |
Boys & Girls Club Benefactor
Learning About Affordable Housing
Villas at Arlington
When the director of the Arlington Boys and Girls Club received a call indicating that it would be the beneficiary of a charitable gift of over $100,000, she thought it was a joke. As it turned out, as a condition of receiving tax credits for its affordable housing project known as the Villas of Arlington, AVS Communities donated $134,000 to the club.
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James Kim--V.P. Development, AVS Communities
Our speaker on August 29 was James Kim, Vice President, Development, AVS Communities ("AVS"). AVS is the owner and developer of the Villas at Arlington. He was accompanied by two representatives of the company that will be managing the complex, Indigo Real Estate: Sosena Kifle, Senior Investment Manager, and Stacey Wold, Business Manager.
The development is just north of the Stillaguamish Senior Center off Smokey Point Blvd. It consists of 312 apartment units and a community center. All of the units are classified as affordable as regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State. To qualify an applicant's income level must me at a level of 50 to 60 percent of the median income in Snohomish County. For a 4 person household, the income level would be $55,350 to $66,420.
120 of the units will be 1 bedroom. The 652 square foot units will lease for $1,078. For $1307 per month, those qualifying can lease one of the 144 2 bedroom, 970 square foot units. Rents are set by the State Housing Authority. There will be 48 units with 3 bedrooms, 1,110 square feet, for $1,508 per month. The units are considered Garden Street Walk Ups and when totally built out will be 15-3 story buildings. 3 of the buildings and the community building will be available for occupancy in November.
The units will be dedicated as affordable housing for 37 years. Once qualified, the occupants remain qualified even if their income goes up above the initial qualified amount. Rent is not subsidized. The owner makes money by selling the tax credits and obviously not by charging market rate rent. Future rent increases are regulated by the State.
Even though AVS is based in southern California, it used all locals in designing, engineering, and building the project. It also has units just west of Costco, know as the Villas at Lakewood. When done, there will be 4 to 5 full time staff in the office, and 3 full time maintenance workers on site.
Amenities on the property will include an outdoor pool, splash pads,, parking, garages, playground, BBQ area, playground and community building. In the community building you will find the leasing office, game and activity room, computer/business center, lounge and full kitchen, spa/hot tub.
The charitable gift had to be to a non-profit organization not connected to the developer. James reached out to the Arlington Boys and Girls Club because of his experience with clubs in southern California, where he lives. Click HERE for more.
Weekly Program
Leadership Snohomish County
Heather Logan & Kathy Coffey
Kathy Coffey, Executive Director of Leadership Snohomish County, was our speaker on August 22. She had with her a graduate of the program from Arlington, Heather Logan. Since it began 22 years ago, it has over 800 alumni.
Leadership Snohomish County was started in 1998 as a joint effort of the Everett Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Snohomish County. It is now a stand alone non-profit with a board of directors and 3 employees. Each year about 110 individuals graduate from the program. It belongs to a national association of leadership programs and Kathy is on that board.
Leadership Snohomish County is the only leadership program specific to Snohomish County. Participants expand their leadership skills while gaining a greater commitment to their community. One of the goals is to break the belief that jobs in Snohomish County are stepping stones to go elsewhere.
3 different classes are offered by organization: Signature Class, Young Professional, and Racial Equity. Here is a summary of each from the organizations website:
Signature Program: The Signature Class is for professionals with some leadership experience in community roles, from varied career, educational, political, and cultural backgrounds, who are ready to explore local issues and leadership strategies to prepare for civic involvement.
Enrollment includes participation in a two-day retreat held September 19 and 20, seven all-day Education Days October-April (either the first or second Thursday of each month), participation in a team community impact project, a research interview, an all-day equity and inclusion workshop and a presentation day in May.
Young professionals Program: This program is for young professionals who are able to dedicate time and energy to developing themselves for the betterment of the community and ready for ongoing involvement in civic responsibilities.
Enrollment includes participation in a kickoff luncheon in October, six Education sessions (first Monday of each month, November through March), participation in a team community impact project, an all-day equity and inclusion workshop, and a presentation day in April/May.
Leadership for Racial Equity: Leadership Snohomish County (LSC) is launching its first Leadership for Racial Equity Cohort to build and strengthen the capacity of multi-sector leaders to work towards real, transformational and sustainable systemic change within their respective organizations/institutions.
The signature program graduates about 60 each year. It runs from September to May. Class members are about 30% from non-profits and 70% from other businesses. Heather is a graduate of this program which culminates with 3 to 5 members doing a project to better an area or region. As an example, Heather's project involved getting organizations that provide social services in north Snohomish County together to network so that each knows what services are offered by the others. A directory was put together so that the participants could continue networking in the future.
This is the 9th year of the program for young professionals. Boeing played a hand in getting this program started. It is for professionals ranging in age from 22 to 34. It is designed to expose individuals strengths and weaknesses and to provide assistance in creating positive leadership.
The racial equity program is in it's 3rd year and it involves monthly sessions over 5 months resulting in a certification. In connection with this program a racial equity convention was held at the Lynnwood Convention Center with 630 attending last year. This is the largest such event in 5 states.
Kathy used our 4-way test to explain some of the objects of programming. The goal is really to help participants find the area's civic DNA and to give them leadership skills. Our county is very diverse and programs deal with issues to help shape future growth.
There is a tuition for the programs: $2800 for the signature program and $1,000 for the professional program. Scholarships are available but generally the individuals employer pays the tuition. Last year there were 207 nominations (you can nominate yourself) to fill 20 positions for young professionals and 60 for the signature program. The only prerequisite is a desire to make one's self better.
The organization is supported by grants and donations besides the tuition. It has a fundraising breakfast which is this year on Sept. 23rd at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. There is a keynote speaker and young leaders are recognized.
For more about Leadership Snohomish County, click HERE for its website.
Weekly Program
Snohomish County Update
Council Member Nat Nehring
Nat Nehring--County Council Position 1
Nat Nehring provided us an update on what is going on in County Government. He represents northern Snohomish County including Arlington, Marysville and Stanwood.
Snohomish County is bucking the trend of raising taxes to finance government. In fact, with the current robust economy, the county has been able to increase its rainy day reserve fund. The County Executive proposes an annual budget each September, now over $1 billion, that must be approved by the Council after hearings, usually in November for the next calendar year. Services include sheriff, roads, parks, elections, tax collections and the courts. Only about 13% of taxes collected goes for County services.
With regards to growth, the Puget Sound Regional Council did an estimate regarding growth in the county, vision 2050. The cities and the county then plan as to where the growth can be accommodated. It is estimated that we will need to provide for 250,000 more people in the County within the next two decades. Unfortunately the infra structure lags behind, mainly because of the time it takes to secure funding, and the process of getting the projects funded. Developers do pay mitigation fees to help with roads, parks and schools. Funding usually involves partnerships between the state, county and cities. All the jurisdictions chip in.
$1 billion has been secured fot the US 2 trestle. About $160 million has been secured for county projects including a new interchange at I-5 and SR 529 and widening 172nd (SR 531).
North Snohomish County, with the effort of officials from Arlington and Marysville, has been successful in creating an industrial center of approximately 4,000 acres. it was recently named the Cascade Industrial Center.Through lobbying the State Legislature, businesses that choose to locate within the Center will get tax breaks, making it more attractive. It is one of only 10 such industrial centers in the Puget Sound Region. The tax breaks are for businesses with 25 or more jobs with minimum pay of at least $18 per hour.
The expansion of Paine Field to handle commercial flights has also made the area more attractive for business. Currently there is a limitation of 23 flights a day. The terminal is owned privately on airport property, leased to the owner. Private ownership helped greatly in getting the facilities completed in a timely manner. Currently Alaska Airlines and United has flights. It was just announced that starting in November Alaska will offer flights to Spokane.
The County is also in a partnership to train skilled workers with school districts, EvCC, state and cities. It is a pre-apprentice program with an eye towards post high school training. Unions and businesses also cooperate in the program. Over 30 students enrolled, with Arlington School District leading in number of students. The state allocated $1.5 million for the program and the county $200,000.
With regards to the opioid epidemic and homelessness issues, Snohomish County and cities have teamed law enforcement with embedded social works. The social workers are out in the field with the goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness, mental health and/or drug dependency. If drug abusers are not willing to seek treatment, then they are held accountable. In some cases it takes some time in jail before an abuser is willing to get help. Over 70 persons have completed the program. Work Force helps with jobs and there is a task force working on housing issues. The State has approved an allocation of sales taxes collected to for low income housing, without any increase in taxes.
The county through land planning has rejected the location of injection sites within the unincorporated area of the County. Nat personally took a trip to see how the sites were working in Vancouver, B.C. He was appalled by what he saw on the sidewalks in the way of drug abuse outside of the supervised injection site.
The Record Breaker
A Record Breaking Hobby
John Peeters'-Hydroplane Driver
John Peeters
Soon after John Peeters became a member of our Club, he gave a classification talk about the printing business. He is the owner of Penway Media, a company that he purchased from his parents. But this time, he chose to talk about his hobby as a hydroplane driver, a hobby he shared with his father, Wayne Peeters, since he began driving at age 9.
Hydro racing is a family thing. Both John's father, Wayne, and his uncle were active drivers. John started racing J stock (junior) hydros at age 9. He continued this until he was in high school and started college at Everett Community College through running start. He finished his undergrad degree at Western Washington University.
After John completed college in 2004, he and his father, Wayne, decided to try the sport again. He has participated in the American Power Boat Association US Title Series. There are four classes--A,B,C & D. With a restricter plate removed from his J motor, John had an A Class motor and was ready to start racing again--and winning!
Since john's return to racing he has had national championships in all three classes, including seven straight titles in OSY-400. John holds over 26 world records, including speed records in four classes. John competes in both lap races and straightaways. Some of the races involve having a second person in the boat known as the mechanic. His wife Jodi has filled that role in several races, but he acknowledges he drives more conservative with her in the boat.
When John and Jodi started a family, he races less but faster. His daughter, Lynn, has shown an interest and when she is ready John has a boat for her.
The fastest hydro that John has run is an F2 Tunnel that he drove for a year. It reaches speeds of 130 to 140 mph. He has won over 1000 races during his career. It's not for money prizes but as a hobby. The only prize often is a "Certificate of Speed". For John most of them are for world speed records. Many of the races can be viewed on U-tube.
As for the number of boats he owns, it was as though he has lost track. He and his father have built many of the boats. Many of them can be found hanging from the ceiling in his printing shop. John brought one to display outside of our meeting location.
Potential Water Project
Water Projects Update
Joan Gives Report
Joan Tilton
Joan has taken the leadership role in our international water projects. She and her husband, Russ, traveled to Haiti last fall to see if we could find a project and a partner. She reported that our water project in Bungoma Kenya has had a great impact. To see more about that project, click HERE for a link. There was going to be a 2nd project at Ndengelwa Kenya, but it ran into issues with leadership Since other clubs had pledged support, Joan looked for another project and turned to Haiti, in particular Leogane' which was almost at the epicenter of the earthquake that has left Haiti devastated.
The ideal partner would be the Rotary Club of Leogane', but its been reluctant to make a commitment. Chris, who helped us with the Kenya project, accompanied Joan and Russ. They visited the Port-Au-Prince Rotary Club to explore it as a potential partner, but it is about a 2 hour drive up into the mountains to Leogane', so it was not willing to partner. There is still hope that the Rotary Club of Leogane' will step up.
Joan has connected with Chantal who purchased property and operates a school for about 110 students, known as the Bethel School. The property was donated to the community and is a possible location for the water project that would benefit the school and the community. There is an area on the property at the top of a very steep hill that would need to be cleared. It is in the Aquine Valley, near Leogane'. The small school has very few resources and is constructed of card board and other used material.
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Joan and Russ stayed with a contactor that has done other water projects. Like most of residences, it was walled. Poverty is rampant and theft is a major issue. They visited Haiti Tec with Chris who has helped with a program there. It is very difficult to get accepted and it has a good solar program. They also connected with a Rotarian from Atlanta, Georgia, Larry Newman, who has been helping in Haiti for 22 years. He has offered to help mentor with local Rotary clubs.
Joan & Russ with Club Officers
Joan is still hopeful that the Leogane' Rotary Club will come around. Brad and Chris will be visiting again in August. "We need boots on the ground" she says. Other options to help with international projects include an orphanage renovation in Haiti where we might be able to just use a district grant rather than a global grant. We could also partner with the IPA with its projects in Honduras or Hands for Peace Making in Guatemala. The 3 things needed for a Haitian project, according to Joan, 1) patience, 2) patience, & 3) patience.
Joan brought back some very good wine from Haiti and she auctioned it off to help with projects. It sold for $250!
Thanks Joan for the update!
The Great Bell Caper!
It all started in 1929!
Bells returned!
As a follow-up to the earlier story outlining the history of the 90 year old bell donated originally by the Everett Rotary Club to a club in Marysville (see previous story click HERE), it is back with the Marysville Club and our bell, named "Bella" by the Marysville President, Rick McCarthy, is back to our club sporting a face and hair.
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President Simona and "Bella"
The siege of the bells ended at the Marysville Club's meeting on Wednesday. We were told by its president that there would be a pallet of cereal for the Arlington Foodbank there as the ransom for return of the antique bell. Of course, since Marysville had our bell, we felt it appropriate to provide a pallet of cereal for the Marysville Food Bank for the "Great Bell Exchange".
Cereal on Display at Marysville Meeting
The hostage negotiating team included our President Simona and club members Carla (Arlington Food Bank Director) and Mel (with Arlington Grocery Outlet), and Ron Love. Joining Mel and driving the delivery trailer, her husband Mike. Arlington Rotarian Ron Love claims to have been involved in at least 6 of the previous hostage episodes involving the antique bell.
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Top-Carla with President Rick Top, Simona joins Carla and Rick to get back Bella
Bottom, at the table, Simona with her back toward front, Mel, Mike, Bottom Left to Right: Mike, Mel, Carla, Rick and Simona
& Ron
It was a fun time at the Rotary Club of Marysville's meeting. Area J A.G., Dave Duskin, who joined the Arlington Club in 1974 when it was known as the Marysville-North County Rotary Club, shared the history of the 1929 bell with the Marysville Rotarians. This time the two local foodbanks have over 1,000 boxes of cereal to help out needy families in Arlington and Marysville!
Sponsors & Winners Lunch
Duck Dash Winners & Sponsors Recognized
And Some More Paul Harris Awards
With New President Simona in Colombia, our first meeting of the new Rotary year was chaired by our President Elect and Duck Dash 2019 Chair, Bryce. Probably appropriate since our meeting was dedicated to thanking our Duck Dash sponsors and recognizing a couple of our winners. But before recognizing winners, some Paul Harris Awards were made. The award is a recognition of at least $1,000 being contributed to the Rotary Foundation in the person's name or application of accumulated points from previous gifts.
Three Paul Harris Awards were given, all related to the Great Stilly Duck Dash. Funds we raised have been used to build the playground and splash pad at Haller Park. Rotarians Bryce Duskin and Linda Byrnes were each recognized for their project leadership. In addition, Terry Marsh, a non-Rotarian, was recognized for making our our wood duck plaques--113 to date.
Paul Harris Awards
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Since Linda, upper left, already has her Paul Harris plus 8 (meaning $9,000 has been donated in her name), with this contribution she becomes a major donor and no long receives a new pin. Bryce, on the right, is recognized with his Paul Harris plus 3. Foundation Director, Kathy McCone presented the awards to Linda and Bryce. Cindy Huleatt announced the Paul Harris Award for Terry and Kathy presented the pin in the lower left. In the lower right you can see an example of the wood ducks Terry has made in his shop.
Winners
All of our 2019 winners are from or are connected to Arlington. First prize winner, Michael Leon, is out of town and will be at our July 25 meeting.
 | One of our members, Jennifer Rancourt, is the Judge at Cascade Division of Snohomish County District Court. Because of her position, she is prohibited from selling Duck Dash tickets to the public. She therefore purchased tickets herself in the name of charities. One of the charities, and the winner of the 2nd prize of $5,000 was the Arlington Community Food Bank. Mike Simpson, Board President, and Carla Gastineau, Director of the Food Bank were present to accept the second place check. Thank you Jennifer! |
 | Jodi Erickson, of Arlington, had the 3rd fastest duck. She has been purchasing tickets for many years from Cindy Huleatt. It finally paid off. She is employed at Arlington Hardware and is seen below as accepting the certificate for Arlington Hardware. Jodi's husband Greg just retired as athletic director for the Marysville School District. The timing is right Jodi to use these funds for some traveling! |
 | Group Photo of the 2nd and 3rd place winners. |
Our sponsorship chair, Jola, gave some statistics and facts. We initiated the sponsorship program 15 years ago to help us defray the $30,000 to $40,000 in Duck Dash expenses. Since then we have raised over $600,000 in sponsorships helping us raise funds for the two Haller Park projects. In 2018 we raised over $105,000 from our generous sponsors allowing us to give $55,000 in scholarships this year to graduating seniors. We have made a commitment to dedicate half of funds raised from sponsors for scholarships.
The only continuous sponsor for 15 years is Bailey, Duskin & Peiffle. Eagle Family Dental and Nelson Petroleum have donated for 14 years. There are several 12 and 13 year donors. Dwayne Lane's Chevrolet stepped up 7 years ago to be our platinum sponsor, donating $10,000 for each of those years.
Not all of the Duck Dash sponsors could be present, but here are photos of those that were represented receiving plaques and/or certificates:
Sponsors
.jpg) Dwayne Lane's Chev.-Platinum |  Eagle Family Dental-Gold |  McCarthy Construction-Gold |
 Skagit Regional Health-Silver |  Arlington Electric-Silver |  Arlington Health & Rehab-Silver |
 Arlington Pharmacy-Silver |  Cascade Kropz-Silver |  Edward Jones-Silver |
 Grocery Outlet-Silver |  R.L. Chippendale Accounting-Bronze |  Bailey, Duskin & Peiffle-Bronze |
 Roy Robinson Chev.-Bronze |  Alliance Partition Systems-Bronze |  Arlington Hardware-Bronze |
 Banner Bank-Bronze |  Blue Bird Cafe-Bronze |  Joe Klein Farmers Insurance-Bronze |
One community sponsor was represented at the luncheon-Terra Vista NW Consulting. For a complete list of all sponsors, click HERE.
Although we also paid tribute to the Rotarian who sold the most tickets, we have a celebration to recognize member accomplishments on August 18. Watch for a later story.
Miss Vicky in Paris!
Lee Reports that Miss Vicky Made it to Paris!
Hi All
Arrived Paris under our own power! Pretty fancy Celebration underway. Miss Vicky and the Camano Car Guys that fashioned the preparation get the credit. Only 21 cars of some 120 starters arrived under their own power, never having to be towed or placed on a flatbed truck! Choosing to change the water pump last evening was the correct choice since a gridlocked Paris would have been disastrous to our arrival. Many cars overheated and got pushed to the finish line.
Thanks, again , to all for the support.
Lee and Bill, Paris
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Lee is scheduled to be back on Wednesday, July 10. He should have quite a story.
Duck Dash 2019
AND THE WINNERS ARE!!
Holding the 3 Fastest Ducks for 2019!
First Prize-$10,000: Michael Leon--Sold by Dale Duskin
Second Prize-$5,000: Arlington Community Food Bank
(Donated and Sold by Jennifer Rancourt)
Third Prize-$2,500: Jodi Erickson--Sold by Cindy Huleatt
Rotary Projects are the Real Winners
As our only fundraiser, the Great Stilly Duck Dash allows us to benefit many projects and causes in our community. An earlier story told of some of our projects. To see that article, click HERE.
The gross amount of funds raised this year is $213,520. This includes both a record in sponsorships, $127,500, and in ticket sales, $86,020. For the first time we exceeded 20,000 tickets sold. One of our ducks, Jola Barnett, sold the most tickets at $10,345.
Annual Duck Dash Crawl
Two Crawls for 2019!
What do you do when one of our ducks has a conflict with the date for the annual Duck Dash Crawl? You schedule two! That's right, Rotarians hit the watering holes in downtown Arlington both on June 21 and 28.
- The Start of Many for Our Ducks!
Both Crawls started at Rocket Alley and progressed (or regressed might be the better term) from there. Even if not a lot of tickets were sold, at least the town knows it's Duck Season!
The second night featured the Marysville Bell and it was just ahead (and sometimes behind) Marysville's President, Rick McCarthy, as he joined us both nights on the Crawl. Arlington bell, christened "Bella" by Rick, has also been seen at various locations.
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Bill at Aaron Crawford Concert with Bell and NOAH's Mascot
Crawl Photos
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Classification Talk
Joe Klein-Insurance-Farmers
Joe Klein
Because the A.H.S. Honor Society took on placing lanyards on the our duck calls, we were able to hear a classification talk at this week's meeting from one of our newest members, Joe Klein.
Joe grew up in the area, having attended Lake Stevens High School. He currently lives in Marysville with his girl friend, Heather Coleman, and his teenage son, Jakob. Thanks to Heather and her 4 cats, they have 6 pets. Joe and Jakob's mother divorced 10 years ago. Jakob lives full time with Joe, and he's a drift car racer (Chief Ventura was cautioned to look out for him when he gets his license).
Hobbies are mostly outdoor things-skiing, hiking, boating, fishing and scuba diving. His most recent hobby has been shooting trap-often with Jakob.
Lots of family since his father was one of nine children. His grandmother is currently 94. Joe's father was in the National Guard for 26 years which meant the family could stay in North Snohomish County almost all of his life.
Joe has one sister who is 2 years older. She has been an inspiration since she lost over 100 lbs of weight to find that she had breast cancer. She is a breast cancer survivor.
Joe started out in the insurance business in 1993 and became a partner in an agency. Because of changes in the agency, Joe left the agency in 2011 to try selling real estate. He didn't like it and very soon that same year went to work for an independent insurance agency as a floater and eventually became a district manager.
Last year Joe stumbled upon of an ad that had not been taken down when Erik Granroth took his agency off the market to find someone different to list his Smokey Point Farmers Insurance Agency. Joe connected with Erik before the business was re-listed and they struck a deal.
Once the sale of the agency occurred so Erik could concentrate on his new venture, of course, he brought Joe to Rotary as a guest. Joe joined our club on January 31, 2019.
Joe expressed that he has always wanted to find a way to become more connected with the community. He has found that in Rotary. It's a group of like minded individuals and he has enjoyed the projects and the fellowship.
Thanks, Joe, for joining our club and sharing a bit about yourself!
Peking to Paris
Lee Takes Miss Vicky From Peking to Paris
Lee Harman and Bill Ward are under way !
Facebook Page and Perodic updates Click Here
Peking to Paris Rally Page Click Here
Satellite Tracking Page ( Miss Vicky is Car 5 ) Click Here
One of our members, Lee Harman, is currently in the Peking to Paris Road Rally and here is a bit about the journey, that may have to come to a halt about halfway to Paris because of a breakdown.
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While in Bejing (Peking), Lee Had to Have a Photo with a Peking Duck While our Club is Gearing Up for The Great Stilly Duck Dash
Read more below and scroll on the album posted on this site of Lee's photos:
Rotary Youth Exchange
Jose's Farewell Address
Jose' Maria Paz Duran
Jose' is leaving Arlington on June 14. He has lived with 3 of our Rotarian families for the last 10 months. Although he is leaving our club, he will be spending the next 28 days touring the U.S.A. with a group of Rotary Exchange Students from a district in Nebraska. He will turn 18 while the group is at Disney World on June 30.
In January, Jose' did a program about his home country of Bolivia. To see a story about that program, click HERE.
Jose' refreshed our memory of how scared he was to leave his family and home last August.
His Rotarian grandfather had put the seed in his head to be a Rotarian Exchange Student. Five of his high school friends are also Rotary Exchange Students this year--but the others all headed to large communities. One of them will be in his tour group. He learned that Arlington was not all that big, but he believes it's been a good fit for him.
The 3 host families were Dave and Kay Duskin, Lyanne and Matt Rolf, and Simona and Russ DeVries. Experiences with the Duskins included a family bachelor party at the Duck Shack, crabbing at their beach home, many trips to Cougar football games in Pullman, and Christmas celebration.
Duskin Experiences
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Jose' developed great relationships with the other 11 District 5050 youth exchange students. He expects to continue his friendships with students from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Africa, Germany, South Korea and Japan.
District 5050 RYE StudentsThe students got together several times during the year including a weekends at a Camp Fire Camp in Stanwood, in Bellingham, Chillawack, and this spring in Vancouver visiting sites such as Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge.
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Jim and Sue Weiss took Jose' to a Sounders game and a tour of Seattle including the Space Needle, Pop Culture Museum and other sites on a cold and rainy Seattle day, although the weather doesn't look all that bad in this photo.
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He also spent a day in Seattle with Paul Ellis and Carla Gastineau before Christmas. On Christmas day, after spending time with the Duskins at Bryce's house, Jose' moved to live with Lyanne and Matt. One of the highlights of living with the Rolf's was a trip to Hawaii with the family. They stayed at a hotel right on the beach on the Island of Oahu, and visited Pearl Harbor, a Luau, and other sites.
His last home family has been the DeVries. While staying with the DeVries he attended the Rotary District 5050 Conference at the Tulalip Resort, with all the other exchange students. The conference opening included a parade of flags from the nations where Rotary clubs can be found. He was particularly thankful to have carried the flag of his home country of Bolivia.
Parade of Flags to Open District Conference
At the DeVries', Jose' had the experience of having a couple of host family brothers--Andrew and Noah. With some tickets that were purchased at the Stanwood/Camano Rotary Club Oktoberfest, the 3 "brothers" did the Canopy Tours zip line on Camano Island a couple or weeks ago.
Canopy Tours Zip Line
The USA tour will start in Omaha, Nebraska. Jose' is flying there today via Chicago. He will go by bus on a tour taking him to over 20 states. A partial list of places will include Denver, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Southern California, Texas, New Orleans, Florida, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and back to Omaha. He will be spending the 4th of July in Washington D.C.
At the end of his address to the club, Jose' expressed that this year has been good for him--he is a different person than than the scared young man who arrived here on August 21. He goes back to Bolivia via Miami on July 20. It will be the winter months in Bolivia and he will immediately start school to complete his last year.
As for after high school, he expects to go to college to study engineering and/or business. Maybe it will be to a college in the USA. Bolivia does have a deal with the University of Arkansas that involves reduced tuition, but maybe even one of the Universities in Washington State.
Jose' vows to come back to visit and Arlington Rotarians are always welcome to visit him in Bolivia.
The club gave Jose' some departing gifts including a photo book signed by our members of his stay, a Duck Dash t-shirt, and an Arlington hoodie. Our Rotary Youth Exchange Officer, Sue Weiss, also presented him a certificate and a framed photo of District 5050 exchange students.
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Sue and Jose'
Weekly Program
Carla's New Job!
Carla Gastineau-Director of the Arlington Community Food Bank.
Carla has a new job! She is now the Director of the Arlington Community Food Bank. Since leaving the Stillaguamish Athletic Club, she waited about 10 months before this opportunity came up. You might say that Carla, a member of our club, gave us her updated classification talk.
The Food Bank was started in 1981 and after being at a local church, moved to a house that was located in what is now part of Haller park. A grant helped to build the new building in 2014.
It provided about 15,000 individual servings last year. Open Mondays and Thursdays. Serves about 2000 individual households and serves all of the 98223 zip code. It has about 160 volunteers that help to make the food bank function. They work Monday thru Friday almost full time to make things happen. Food that is donated by the community is about 1/3 of the food that comes in, the other food is from Food Lifeline and Volunteers of America. Grocery Outlet has donated 15,000 lbs to the food bank. The Stilly Snack Shack at Haller Park is managed by Grocery Outlet. 10% of the gross proceeds will go to the food bank.
30,000 lbs of the grocery rescue food is waste and has to be sent to a pig farmer. Some of the food that is delivered is donated to the Boys and Girls Club after clients have taken what they would like.
Volunteers of America is located in Everett and in 1981 the federal government implemented a farm act that qualifies families for emergency food assistance. There are 19 food banks in North Snohomish County. Arlington gets 4% of the food in Snohomish County based on the poverty level. Food comes from the emergency assistance program, Community Support and food lifeline.
The food that is donated is not consistent and is not always healthy. Often its peanut butter and tuna fish from the back of the pantry with other outdated food.
A $25,000 grant was made to the food bank for new cabinets and they will be changing to a client shopping model. This allows clients the dignity of shopping for their own food and allows freedom of choice in the selection of food. Also, have a section in the food bank for self-serve, single serve food choices for the transient population.
Meals to Monday program is the school aged program for students in the Arlington School District for kids that qualify for free or reduced lunch. The Food Bank is given numbers from the school district to how many bags are needed. This helps to supplement food for the weekends.
Food From One of the School Bags
Arlington School District is at a 20% poverty level. This program is more expensive because the school district has rules to follow and all the bags have to have the exact same thing in them. This program is funded by grants and new grants are needed.
Visions for the future are to have another vehicle soon. Also, to have more volunteers would be wonderful. To have a delivery service would be a goal to serve home bound clients. If we were to bring food-shelf stable food would be most needed and especially cereal is needed. Snacks are also needed.
To learn more about how you could help, click HERE
Community Grants
What do we support from the Duck Dash?
"Service Above Self"
Now that the Haller Park Splash Pad is complete, we are being asked questions about what will we do with funds we raise from the Great Stilly Duck Dash? Even while we were raising funds for the park, we continued to help many other organization and causes, mainly benefiting children and senior citizens.
The largest amount of funds raised last year has gone for scholarships. Over $50,000 was added to a small amount of income from an endowment account, to give $55,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from Arlington, Weston and Darrington High Schools. There are more details in another story.
$40,000 was given to complete our $50,000 pledge to the Arlington Boys and Girls Club for its new gymnasium, other additions, and upgrades.
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New Gym
Some of our projects included both a monetary grant and hands on work. One of those was a $12,000 donation for materials to build a couple new staff cabins at the Fire Mountain Scout Camp. We also provided funds for recruitment materials for the Scouts and funds to send Cub Scout to day camp after its unit's funds were stolen.
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Staff Cabins
We granted $15,000 to the City of Arlington for soil preparation and sod to complete portions of the splash pad grounds. Rotarians, family and friends placed the sod at the park.
Kathy and Dave Laying Sod
The Stillaguamish Senior Center was also a beneficiary of our funds and labor. $2,500 was given for a new freezer and on an annual basis we buy and serve lunch for the seniors at Christmas time. This year we also provided voluntary support for the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot to raise funds to benefit the Senior Center.
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Bill and Robin
Turkey Trot
We support the Arlington Community Food Bank with an annual drive to provide food baskets at the holidays that we deliver to needy families.
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Loading Boxes of Food
To make kids' Christmas better for families with financial challenges, $10,000 was also granted to "A Christmas Wish" to buy gifts.
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Families Picking Out Gifts
Some of the other youth groups benefited by grants include the Glacier Peak Institute and the music departments, both in Darrington, the Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, Village Community Services, & Kids Kloset.
In all since July 1, 2018, the beginning of the Rotary year, the Rotary Club of Arlington has given out over $172,800 in grants and countless hours of hands on time doing community projects such as stream, park and trail clean-ups, as well as those hands on projects described above.
With the Rotary Club of Arlington it's all about the Rotary motto: "Service Above Self".
Weekly Program
A Salute to Veterans!
Doug Jones
Doug Jones did a special program for our club on May 30 to salute veterans. May 30th used to be Memorial Day. It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day was fixed as the last Monday of May.
Doug has been in Rotary for over 60 years. He was a member of Lynnwood Rotary Club and attended the Arlington Charter night in 1970. He later purchased Darrington Hardware and transferred to our club. He transferred to the La Conner Club after he sold the hardware store.
Doug, a U.S. Citizen living in Canada, joined the Canadian Air Force at age 17 during World War II, but did not see combat. He fought in the Korean War in the U.S. Army. He is a survivor of an eight day battle at Outpost Harry. There were 1,300 Chinese, 105 American servicemen, and 7 MIAs from that battle, that is credited with the surrender of the Chinese. Doug received a Bronze Star with Valor!
Doug has been active in military groups since his service years. He is currently involved in the honor flight program taking Veterans back to Washington DC. He had the honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery at a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Korean war.
Doug has been in Rotary for 60 rewarding years. 30 years ago women were allowed in Rotary.
Our Veterans go back to 1776. Doug has lost a lot of friends from the Korean War, both during the war and since. Their reunions only have about 8-12 people left. They used to have around 80.
Doug invited all of our club members who are veterans up to the front to be recognized, including Bud Compton who was a prisoner of war during WWII.
Surviving WWII POW Bud Compton
P.O.W.s have given more than any other living service member. They were incarcerated and had to endure things people don’t want to even imagine. Bud Compton said there are about 6 P.O.W.s still in the state of Washington.
Bud was part of a flight crew involved in a mission over Poland. When one of the engines of his aircraft was blown off, the captain panicked and ordered the crew to bail out. Bud parachuted to the ground and avoided being captured for several days. As it turns out, the co-pilot was able to get the aircraft to home base but absent its crew.
After WWII Bud continued his service in the Korean War, and later provided support for the Vietnam troops flying for a private company.
Less than 1% of Americans serve in the armed forces. Over 400,000 service members have fallen.
Doug presented the club members that are Veterans with an enhanced Rotary Veteran's pin.
Club Members at the Meeting Who Have Served
Pictured from left to right: Jonathon Ventura, Duane Rhodes, Tony Warner, Bucky Tart, Paul Abramowicz, and Bud Compton. Doug had two fellow Korean Veterans from the LaConner Rotary Club helping him with the presentation. To the right of Doug is David Rapella. Not pictured is Don McKeehen.
Members were also asked to invite veteran guests to be recognized. John Meno's guests included his father Don and Terry Byce.
Don Meno and Terry Byce
Both Don and Terry are retired Army. Both started together in Germany in 1976.
Thank you for your service to all of the active service members and veterans!
Youth Services
$55,000 in Scholarships Awarded
Our annual fund raiser for the last 31 years has been the Great Stilly Duck Dash held on the 4th of July. Because of the growth in sponsorships, the Rotary Club has committed to giving half of the sponsorship proceeds each year in scholarships for graduating seniors from Arlington, Weston and Darrington High Schools. Based on last year’s Duck Dash this year we gave out $55,000 in scholarships. On May 29th in Darrington, 3 graduates received a total of $25,000 in scholarships and in Arlington we gave out $30,000 total to 4 individuals. The selection committee, composed of a majority of non-Rotarians, judged applicants, looking at the following factors:
- Service to their community
- Dedication to their academics
- Obstacles they have overcome
- What does their personal statement say or tell us about them.
- What goals do they have
- What is their financial need
Here are the recipients:
Weston High School
Macie Bailey - $10,000
Darrington High School
Shelby Allison-Trade School to Cosmetology-$5,000
Mai Bailey -$10,000
Kalcialyn Briscoe -$10,000
Arlington High School
Allyson Roller-$5,000
Aidan Espinosa – $10,000
Brittany Anderson-$5,000
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 | Dave Duskin presented the awards to the Arlington High School recipients on May 29. Pictured here, clockwise, Elizabeth Anderson, Aiden Espinosa, and Allyson Roller. Darrington awards were made by Narda Schulz and photos are not available. |
Each of the recipients have been invited to attend one of our luncheon meetings to be recognized.
Splash Pad Opening
Splash Pad Dedication and Opening!
Harry Engstrom, famous for his murals throughout the downtown area, put the finishing touches on the new Splash Pad Area at Haller Park. He stained the concrete to create a river scene right down the middle of the play area!
Leaders from the City, the Stillaguamish Tribe, the State of Washington, and other funders, joined Rotarians for the opening of the spray park on Thursday, May 23, 4:30 PM. On Friday, May 24, the splash pad opened for the first time to the public. Initial hours are 11 AM to 6 PM.
In addition to the below photos, there is an album and it is being displayed above.
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Final Splash Pad Work Party!
Let There Be Grass!
Over 32 Rotarians and guests worked last Saturday morning to prepare and lay sod that the club purchased to finish up portions of the ground around the new splash pads and playground at Haller Park. The work was done in less than 2 hours! There is a photo album, but here are a few of the photos from the morning:
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May 9 Program
Red Cross-Snohomish County
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Kelli Thode from the Everett Rotary is the Executive Director of the Snohomish County Red Cross.
In Snohomish Country the Red Cross has about 400 local Volunteers and they help all around the country. There are 5 lines of service in the Red Cross, Disaster services, blood services, Preparedness Health and Safety services, International Services, Service to Armed Forces.
IN Washington State there are 7 Chapters. Snohomish County is one chapter and the office is in Everett. Last year our chapter responded to 82 home fires in Snohomish County. A disaster reaction team is a group of 2-4 people that respond to disasters in a home. There are 5 teams that are on call 24/7 to respond if a disaster happens. The captain gets the call, they drive out and meet with the resident to figure out insurance, housing and other needs. They provide monetary assistance for food, emergency clothing and somewhere to stay. They also bring blankets and comfort kits to help for the first 24-48 hours.
Home fires take the lives of more people annually than any natural disaster. Children and elderly are the most affected my the community. Home fire campaign helps to distribute smoke detectors in homes and helps to set up home safety plans. 80% of people believe that they know what to do when there is a fire, but many of them don’t have a plan in place. This is lifesaving for people.
National Home saving Campaign is a recurring program that the Red Cross will continue for years. They are 10 year lithium ion batteries that won’t need to be changed. Also have bed shaker alarms for people that are deaf or hard of hearing. Red Cross works with the fire departments to help implement this program. On April 27 installed 444 alarms in Snohomish county. Local Snohomish county has one Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) that goes throughout the country to respond to disasters. Red Cross does shelter simulations to help in their training of volunteers.
Locally volunteers are always needed. Also, if you know of anywhere where the Red Cross can find volunteers or can do a presentation they would love to hear from you. Honoring Hero’s event every year at Tulalip is their biggest fundraiser of the year. Also, have a board that helps to be a presence for the Red Cross in their community.
May 2 Program
International Project Alliance
Marty Pease, a board member of the International Project Alliance and a member of the Rotary Club of LaConner, told us about the International Project Alliance (IPA).
Marty Pease
Marty was joined by Peter Martin, International Committee Chair, and member of the Fidalgo Island Rotary Club.
Nine 5050 District Rotary clubs are part of the alliance, and they would like more clubs. They are doing humanity efforts in the Copan Ruinas region of western Honduras. They are not focused on one particular type of project. The citizens of the region come with issues and the Alliance attempts to meet the peoples’ needs.
Copan has about 8,000 people and their main source of income is tourism and farming. There is an active Rotary club there that the Alliance is connected with. They are putting in their money and are very active with the efforts.
There are Mayan villages around Copan. Problems include access to clean water, education, lack of opportunity for gainful employment, and healthcare access. Some villages are an hour and a half away from the town. The terrain is very hilly. The roads can be impossible to pass under certain conditions.
IPA’s two major projects include educational and rapid development. They are supporting 59 schools. 7 kids are going to university. IPA is supporting about 420 students directly and over 1,400 in the 59 schools. They are serving about an 1/8 of the students. Children are staying in school longer since they are being funded and not have to work the farms.
IPA started a pilot program about a year and half ago to assist three villages for “rapid development”. They assist with creating and running a savings and loan, business planning and implementation, training on customer service, better agricultural techniques and crop expansion, home garden program, and training villagers on basic healthcare.
A maternity clinic has been equipped by the Sedro Woolley club. Emergency equipment has been provided to the Red Cross in the area. IPA can provide minor surgeries and medications and crop training to improve health.
IPA does water, grain silo, and power projects. The budget is $200,000 to $250,000 yearly. There are multiple sources that support the alliance including District grants and private donations.
IPA is taking on five more villages for the rapid development program.
Our club can become a member of the IPA or donate directly to Friends of the IPA. You can directly witness the positive effect of the projects, have an opportunity to travel, and meet people.
For more on the IPA, click HERE
Rotarians At Work Day
Rotarians at Work Day
Rotarians At Work Day happens on the last Saturday in April each year. Started in 2006 as a joint effort between two Rotary Districts (one in the United States and one in Mexico), Rotarians at Work Day continues to grow. Each year, Clubs around the world identify a hands-on project that all members can participate in to help their local community. The day is a great way for our Club to show Rotary’s commitment to the community with work, fellowship, and fun
Our members participated in Rotarians at Work Day, by removing noxious weeds (mostly Scotch Broom) from a portion of the White Horse Trail which runs through the Oso slide area.
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April 25 Program
Workforce Snohomish
Erin Monroe-the President/CEO of Workforce Snohomish
Our April 25 program was Erin Monroe, CPA, of Workforce Snohomish. Workforce Snohomish is one of twelve Workforce Development Councils in the state. The organization has a board of 25 members. They help people find jobs and help employers find people. There are a lot of unique barriers in the workforce system (skilled help, childcare, older workers retiring, etc.).
Workforce Snohomish oversees the WorkSource Centers a.k.a. American Job Centers. There are connection sites at colleges, libraries, Tribes to help provide some services offsite. They partner with over 75 other organizations. Workforce provides free services for employers and participants. They operate off of federal and private funding. WorkForce Snohomish provides rapid response when an employer shuts their doors to assist the employees learn about options.
Snohomish County has a 4% unemployment rate vs. Washington state’s rate of 5.3%.
WorkForce Snohomish provides wrap around services to help people become employed and off of unemployment benefits. Snohomish County job growth is at 1.1% annually and expected to go up due to Paine Field opening up. Professional services, construction services, and tourism is expected to increase. There are a lot of government employers in Snohomish County.
Only 2% of middle skill jobs lost in recession were recreated in 2012. There is a rise of crowd platforms and artificial intelligence. 3D printing is growing. Education is not enough anymore. Consumers are spending more on health and wellness.
The gig economy is growing (Uber drivers, entrepreneurs, etc.). In 8 months over ½ of the workforce will be millennials. Huge need for cyber security and IT support. Technology is huge. WorkForce must stay on top of trends to work with colleges to utilize funding in the appropriate places. Many professionals are being digitalized.
WorkForce Snohomish’s budget is $8-$10 million annually. Snohomish County has a great partnership and collaboration agenda. WorkForce Snohomish has 12 navigators on staff that work directly with the employer and the worker. They also provide on the job training and on site assistance.
WorkSource Everett has a veterans center and youth center. WorkSource Everett and Lynnwood have classrooms for seminars, a business solutions team, temp agencies, etc.
WorkForce has funding to help youth, adult with barriers, displaced workers, rapid response, and incumbent worker training to assist with increasing skills of current workers and backfilling their previous positions. WorkForce has funding to help families affected by the opioid crisis.
WorkForce Snohomish holds a career fair for the high school students each year. It is held at the Arlington Airport. It is hands on and the students have to keep a time sheet.
Think about offering an internship or mentorship for students. A lot of interns end up staying on with the organization. WorkForce is working with cities, colleges, government agencies, and non-profits on the Future Work Force Alliance to talk about what to focus on and work on in a partnership to help meet job seekers’ needs.
If your company can become involved please attend WorkForce’s events, assist with transitional jobs, work on the advisory committee, and call WorkForce for job fair assistance/more information.
Click HERE for more on Workforce Snohomish.
April 18 Program
Rotaract in District 5050
And Snohomish County
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Rachel Preston District 5050 Rotaract Representative.
Rachel first heard of Rotaract when she went on a international Rotary trip to the Dominican Republic in 2017. She was the Snohomish County Rotaract's founding President.
Rotaract is for young adults 18-30 and focuses on service. 20% are young professionals and 70% are undergrad students. Rotaract is also for professional development and fellowship. There are 10 clubs in District 5050. 4 are American and 6 are Canadian. District 5050 met the challenge issued by RI President Barry to double the number of Rotaract members. The District now has more than 76 Rotaractors. Now they are looking for mentors to work with Rotaractors.
This year Rotaractors from our District are going to Guatemala in August to work with Hands for Peacemaking.
In order to grow Rotaract members are working on growing dual membership, promoting transition from Interact Clubs members to Rotaract, and knowing where Rotaract clubs are located so referrals can be made.
The Snohomish County Rotaract has partnered with the Monroe Rotary for National Night Out and handed out books to the community. They have also helped with projects of other Rotary Clubs in Snohomish County including participating in Area J's tree planting last year.
Rachal will be doing the world race from June to April. She will be traveling to 11 countries and spending one month in each country. She will be doing Christian and humanitarian works and also connecting with Rotary clubs while in each country. She will be blogging on rachelannpreston.theworldrace.org. You can connect with District 5050 Rotaract through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin. For Facebook click HERE.
To join Snohomish County Rotaract, members only have to pay $30 per year. Rotaract clubs can be established through a college or university or community based. Community based seem to be more successful as people in a community stay longer than in a college or university.
Editor's Note: Rotary International's Council on Legislation just made a significant change to the status of Rotaract. Instead of a Rotary Program, Rotaract Clubs will now be treated as full fledged Rotary Clubs with a different dues structure. For more on the Council of Legistation actions, click HERE.
Weekly Program
W.S.U. Everett (North Puget Sound)
Dr. Paul Pitre, the Chancellor for Washington State University's Everett was our program on April 11. In addition to being the Chancellor, he is an associate professor of Educational Leadership and Counseling Psychology at WSU.
Dr. Paul Petrie
Paul grew up in Washington and has focused his career on access to higher education. In the State of Washington, we are ranked 46th in the nation for those who go to 4 year higher education.
W.S.U. wants to ensure that all students have access to high education. It's focus is on STEM and preparing students for careers.
State Board of Education says there is supposed to be 7500 new jobs in 5 years and 70% of those will require post secondary education. Will those be filled by students from the state of Washington.
WSU Everett is pretty small but includes University of Washington nursing program and Eastern and Western Washington Universities in the building. They resemble a branch campus. There are between 500-600 students. They hope to double in size. Here are the bullet points of its Strategic plan:
Snohomish County population is forecasted to grow by 200,000 in 2040. WSU Everett’s average age student is 25.5. W.S.U. is an upper division model only (junior and senior years only). They work closely with the junior college to recruit students.
There is about 3.6% unemployment for Snohomish County. King County’s is 3.4%. 20% of jobs in Snohomish County are manufacturing jobs. W.S.U. Everett’s programs are focused primarily on engineering. W.S.U. Everett wants to improve and grow their business and manufacturing focus. Many students who graduate find jobs in manufacturing in the area.
W.S.U. Everett wants to expand opportunities for access to education. They want to expand to graduate programs and provide practical experiences in the community. WSU Everett partners with other universities and located on Everett Community College campus. They hope to create additional public and private partnerships.
W.S.U. Everett hopes to help improve W.S.U. as a whole. There are six campuses. Everett is the newest and smallest but they hope to contribute to the institution, locally, and globally. W.S.U. Everett wants to be the best at delivering undergraduate education and expand to graduate education later. They want to be a leader in research.
W.S.U. Everett is improving educational access by adding dual enrollment with Everett Community College, adding additional program offerings, and increasing scholarship support. The campus offers active learning and cross disciplinary offerings.
W.S.U. Everett is working to potentially purchase more land to expand the campus and sustain the future growth.
To learn about W.S.U. Everett, click below:
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Classification Talk
Tony Warner-Banner Bank Manager
Tony Warner Giving His Classification Talk.
Tony was born in Spokane then moved to Everett. His father worked at Boeing for the first four years of his life. Tony has a younger sister. In the early 70s his father was laid off and they moved to Riverside, CA. Lived there for 8 years. Tony grew up an Angels fan. His parents divorced. Tony played baseball growing up.
Tony’s mom was a K9 handler police officer. The police force helped raise Tony. His mother was injured and it ended her career. His father went to law school and worked for a law firm. He remarried and opened his own law firm. Then he became a superior court judge in California.
Tony attended Redlands High School and then went into the military. He was stationed at Fort Hood Texas and then Germany. He got out of the military and hurt himself working at a lumber yard. He tried to get on with the police department but couldn’t due to injuries.
He moved back to WA and attended Everett Community College. There he met his first wife. Tony adopted her son, Taylor, and together they had a daughter Jersey. He worked his way up the rental car business. Then he started selling cars. The marriage ended in a divorce and his ex-wife moved with the children to North Carolina. Tony then met his current wife Cristie.
Tony went on a vacation with his father travelling to different baseball games around the east coast and to the baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown.
Tony Graduated with Honors from Western Washington University in 1998. His son, Taylor, came to live with Tony and his wife in 2004 and graduated with honors from Stanwood High School in 2008. Tony’s daughter, Jersey graduated with honors from Stanwood High School in 2011.
Tony began doing mortgages and in 2005 he moved into banking at Washington Mutual. Since he has worked for Coastal Community Bank and Sterling Bank. After Umpqua took over Sterling, he moved to Opus, and then Skagit Bank. Recently Skagit Bank merged with Banner Bank. Tony is the manager at the Arlington Branch.
Tony lives on Camano Island, above Utsalady. He has two grandsons, is a baseball fanatic, and has two dogs. He was at the game Felix Hernandez pitched a perfect game. He has collected a lot of sports memorabilia.
In July of 2017, Tony became a member of our Rotary Club.
Weekly Program
Glacier Peak Institute
Oak Rankin spoke to our club about the Glacier Peak Institute (GPI).
Oak has worked all of the world raft gliding. He grew up in Darrington. He has taught English in Brazil, explored mountains, and traveled the world.
There is a high level of poverty and special education rates in Darrington. School enrollment in Darrington has gone down while the state levels have gone up.
GPI was created after the slide. Oak analyzed rural communities from the Canadian border to the California boarder and found rural communities were having the same issues Darrington was.
Kids at risk benefit from being outdoors. GPI set out to address needs connected with science, technology, recreation resources, engineering, arts, math, and skills.
GPI tries to get children more comfortable outside and away from screen time. They attempt to create passion for the outdoors in the children. The children get hands on experience to learn and build more resiliency. GPI offers work and volunteer programs for the kids to learn new skills.
Outdoor programs increase the health of the community as a whole. Sports only increases the physical fitness of the child.
GPI partnered with Seattle University to create pressure monitoring systems for the syrup in trees.
Raw Maple Syrup
GPI takes children fishing and teaches archery, camouflage, shelter building, journaling, hiking, canoeing, rafting, and much more.
You can help by volunteering, donating time, money, gear, materials, tools, and attending the fundraiser on May 17th in Seattle.
Click HERE for more on the Glacier Peak Institute
Polio Plus
Bon Voyage Miss Vicky!
Next week Lee Harman is shipping Miss Vicky to China where he will join her in Peking (Bejing) China to start the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge on June 2. Lee's goal is to raise awareness and money for Rotary's fight to end polio. To donate and to follow his trip, go to #FinishPolio .
Today our club, joined by District Governor Linda Murray, said Bon Voyage to Miss Vicky, a 1931 Ford Victoria!
Today our club, joined by District Governor Linda Murray, said Bon Voyage to Miss Vicky, a 1931 Ford Victoria!
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Miss Vicky is in this Photo!
(Next to Waldo)
Duck Dash Teams
Duck Dash Teams
Team Red | Team Blue | Team White |
Jola Barnett | Dale Duskin | Carla Gastineau |
Cindy Huleatt | Dave Duskin | Devin Brossard |
Linda Byrnes | Eric Granroth | Eric Alexander |
Ryan Berg | Jim Minifie | Mel Simpson |
Cory Duskin | Casey Miller | John Meno |
Bryce Duskin | Joan Tilton | Simona DeVries |
Narda Schulz | Todd Bergeson | Robin Reinig |
Fitz Couhig | Jim Kelly | Ron Huitger |
Jeff Huleatt | Brad Kihm | Jody Nelson |
Kathy McCone | Duane Rhodes | Steffan Emard |
Dana Johnson | Pam Beaton | Jennifer Holocker |
Devin Dickinson | John Peeters | Leroy Jacques |
Paul Ellis | Lee Harman | Jenie Jones |
Jessica Ronhaar | Bill Kmet | Wayne Smothers |
Breanne Martin | Al Erickson | Tony Warner |
Eric Scott | Bucky Tart | John Dykstra |
Bob Campbell | Mike Zachman | Lyanne Rolf |
Paul Abramowicz | Bill Kinney | Ron Love |
Jonathan Ventura | Matt Reed | Chrys Sweeting |
AJ Chippendale | Wally Thomas | Peggy Ray |
Adrian Abed | Sue Weiss | Mike Britt |
Andrea White | Danette Klemens | Kurt McVay |
Leela Jaswal | Bud Compton | Gene Chase |
Margaret Larson | Kristen Olbrechts | Joe Klein |
Dan Wheeler | Jennifer Rancourt | Adina Palinsky |
Lauren Hunter | Dave Kraski |
Duck Dash 2019
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Sponsorship Drive-See Photos Above!
Bryce Duskin - 2019 Duck Dash Chair
Bryce kicked off our annual fundraising event at our meeting on March 14. Again this year Jola Barnett is chairing our quest for sponsors.
During our visioning in 2011, the club set the goal of raising over $100,000. To take it to that level recruiting business sponsors was seen as the key. In 2015 we decided that sponsorships and ticket sales would bring in 50/50 profit with increase of 10% each year. Last year Bob Campbell decided to try to raise $100,000 from sponsors. This year Bryce has set a goal to raise $152,500.
To accomplish the new goal, this year we have changed the sponsorship levels. We will no longer have the coupon sponsors. Instead of coupons on the tickets there will be a schedule of events for the 4th of July.
We will also no longer have t-shirt sponsors because there are so many sponsors we don't have room on the shirts. We now have a Community Supporter at the $500 level. There is only 1 Platinum Sponsor at $10,000, Dwayne Lane Chevrolet, already pledged. Our goal is to have 4 Gold Sponsors at $5,000, 25 Silver Sponsors at $2500, 50 Bronze sponsors at $1,000, and 20 Community Supporters.
New this year is that 50% of the money raised from sponsors will go toward scholarships. Each scholarship has been increased to $5,000 from our current level of $2500, to go to at least one student each from Arlington, Darrington , and Weston High Schools, with an additional $5,000 for a student going to a trade school, for a total of $20,000. The remaining of the funds allocated to scholarships will go to more students selected by the committee from any of the 3 high schools.
The Duck Dash sponsorship form can be found under club documents on our website, as is an application form for scholarships.
Weekly Program
Village Community Services
Michelle Dietz, Executive Director of Village Community Services.
Village Community Services has been in Arlington. Stanwood, Lake Stevens and Everett since 1961. It has been a community based employer for over 50 years, assisting individuals with diverse abilities.
One program is called employment services and helps people to get and keep jobs. Another is residential program to help people live as independently as possible. Also it has a band that meets on Fridays at Arlington United Church and preforms at different events. The most important thing about Village Community Services is that they help their clients to live the best life they can; So that they love their lives.
Career path employer, when fully staffed they staff about 80 people and help them to have positive jobs. Part of their mission is that they serve people with diverse abilities. They also help people with disabilities to use their strengths to find employment.
Village Community Services offers customized employment. They spend a great deal of time trying to find jobs that fit their customers well. They work with employers to let clients try a job for 30 days to see if they are a good fit. With customized employment they try to find what part of a job they can do well and let them focus on that.
There are many benefits to employers. One of the benefits is well trained and skilled employees. They are also very dedicated and loyal as well. Village Community Services is hiring right now and is always hiring.
How can we help? We can hire someone with a disability. We can rent the community room in Smokey Point and the proceeds go to help Village Community Services. Also, the Village Gala in April is a great opportunity to help support Village Community Services.
For more, click HERE.
Scout Staff Cabins Service Project
Staff Cabins at Camp Fire Mountain
Our club has done many projects at the Camp Fire Mountain, a Scout camp east of Big Lake in Skagit County. Most recently our efforts have been on helping build a new village of cabins for staff. In addition to working on 6 of the cabins, our club granted $12,000 to the Scout Council for the materials for 2 cabins.
On February 23 eight of our members and one guest framed the walls on 2 cabins and the following week four members and 3 other volunteers put up the rafters and placed sheeting on the roofs.
Here are some photos from the two weekends. These and others are in an album and on the above photo carousal.
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Students Honored
Students Honored
Arlington students were recognized Feb. 28 by our club for making a difference in their schools.
(Left to right): Dr. Chrys Sweeting, Arlington Public Schools Superintendent; Breoni Sylvester, Weston High School; Chloe Fochesato, Haller Middle School; Abril Hernandez, Arlington High School; Ava Iverson, Arlington High School; and Paul Ellis, Rotary Club of Arlington President. (Not pictured: Jayden Rivera)
Weekly Program
Hope Unlimited
Anti-trafficking Initiative
Norma Mouton, Director of Hope Unlimited, and Linda Buehring, Training Coordinator, spoke to our club about Hope Unlimited's anti-trafficking initiative.
Norma’s background is in education. Linda spent 32 years in Federal law enforcement and retired air force.
Hope Unlimited focuses on awareness, prevention, and education regarding human trafficking. Trafficking is exploitation, a violation of human rights, and occurs in every part of the world. Victims can be any age. Many cases go unnoticed because it is a hidden crime.
The “Blue Campaign” was started to end human trafficking.
Human trafficking is the dehumanization process of holding another in compelled service using whatever means necessary. Millions of people are victims. Human trafficking is exploiting people for financial gain. It is a form of modern day slavery. It is a lucrative business with low risk to traffickers. The traffickers lure victims with promises to entice the victim (love, adventure, etc.). Traffickers then use violence, fear, and force to intimidate them. Victims are sometimes too young to know what is happening to them. Traffickers groom their victims. Victims don’t identify as victims or they are too ashamed to report.
Victims can be nannies or domestic servants (slavery, child labor, involuntary servitude). Sexual exploitation can be prostitution and pornography. Traffickers are profiting from the expense of the victims. The crimes touch ever part of our society.
Indicators of trafficking are false documentation, individuals exhibiting behaviors indicating depression, tension, submission, fear and anxiety. Individual claims to be “just visiting” an area but is unable to articulate where he/she is staying or cannot remember the address. Inconsistent stories. Bystanders are the eyes of the community. You can prevent this from happening.
Hope Unlimited attempts to teach the indicators of trafficking and teach people to report it.
Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor: Class B felony. Consent of a minor to the sexual conduct does not constitute a defense to any offense listed in this section.
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, after illegal drugs, with children accounting for half of the victims.
Any one from any background, education, socioeconomic class can be victims however, youth of color and those in the lower socioeconomic class are at higher risk. Children as young as 5 and 6 are victims. We do not have any programs in the US to teach children this young how to stay safe. The youngest program starts at 12 years old. Canada has a great program called Teatree Tells from pre-k through grade 10.
"iEmpathize" is a program designed to empower students with knowledge and strategies they need to navigate vulnerabilities. The program helps develop empathy. It is an interactive program.
Hope Unlimited brings awareness to human trafficking by partnering with victim support services and teaching classes on trafficking. They work with Cocoon House too. If someone is being exploited contact law enforcement and ask for an officer that handles human trafficking. Not every officer has been trained to handle trafficking cases. There is a national human trafficking hotline available 24/7. If you see something, say something!
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1 (888) 373-7888
SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO")
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Languages: English, Spanish and 200 more languages
Website: humantraffickinghotline.org
This Week's speaker
EvCC's Aviation Technology Program
Rob Prosch
Rob is the Associate Dean of the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Everett Community College. He is a member of the South Everett/ Mukilteo club and is the District 5050 Membership Chair. The program is FAA regulated and all students need to meet all FAA regulations and state regulations. FAA inspects the program on a regular basis. There is a shortage in the Aviation Technology field. Because of this shortage salaries have gone through the roof. Students leave the program making $80,000 per year plus overtime. Students also have a 99% placement rate from the program.
Program has been at Paine Field over 51 years. They also run the Avionics program. This is all the electronics on the aircraft. This program trains them to deal with all the technology on the plane. They have an A&P Test Prep program. Almost all student go through this program, also. They have an industrial painting 40 hour program. Also have a composites program. Also looking at other programs to add and grow the division.
Mechanics need to have FAA licenses to work on a plane. To do this they need to have Certifications in Airframe Rating and Powerplant Rating. There are 180 aviation technology schools in the US. This is on a rebound as many shut down a few years ago. There are 5 in Washington State. The curriculum is the same, but the order they do things in is different.
There are certificates available in Aviation Maintenance technology, Aircraft Electronics, Aircraft Wiring, Airframe/Avionics, Aviation Maintenance Technology. This can transfer to Clover Park for a BAS. All of these have different timelines and are able to be combined for different needs. 2.4% of the entire aviation industry is female because aviation came out of the military, so it has been highly white male.
Requirements for the program are that they need to be 18 years old. They need to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. They need to have no drug, alcohol, or felony offenses and need to pass a TSA evaluation. They need to be able to read and write English because the language of aviation is English around the world.
Students spend 2-3 hours per day in theory and 3-4 hours in lab and hands on projects. They go to school 5 days per week, 6 hours per day for 4 quarters. They move through the program as cohorts. The program has 160 students at this time. FAA mandates a minimum amount of attendance hours. EVCC requires a minimum of 2,227 hours must be attained. The AMTS program costs $20,000 for the 2 year program.
Bikers Against Child Abuse
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JuJu and Trouble with Bikers Against Child Abuse spoke to our club about their organization. They help children attempt to work through their fears after abuse and empower them. The members give the children someone to talk to and a teddy bear to help with their fears. They are in 49 states and 13 countries around the world and there are over 100 clubs.
The children can be so scared when they first meet them that they are hiding in a box but as they work with the children they can transition into blowing bubbles in a parking lot with BACA.
Each child in the family gets a “cut”/vest with a back patch, backpack, teddy bear, blanket, and get to pick a “road name”. Each member hugs the bear and then the bear is given to the child to help them remember there are a lot of people standing behind them to help.
BACA holds their meetings the first Tuesday of each month at the Viking Hall in Silvana. Their mission statement has never changed. They do not condone physical violence but band together to be a strong physical presence.
The children can take a ride on the back of one of the member’s bikes. The club will hang out around the children’s residence for 48 hours to make their presence known in an effort to help the children feel comfortable and even sleep.
All members are background checked before even hearing about one of the children. The members will not know about the children for the first six months being in the club and another three months of vetting. 90% of the members were victims of abuse in their lives.
The Club will help keep the children occupied if they are waiting to testify in court proceedings and surround them to keep the perpetrator’s family away from them. The club tries to fade away slowing so the children can heal.
Adina Palinsky
Classification Talk: Adina Palinsky
Adina is the Regional Loss Prevention Manager for Sherwin Williams. She was previously with Rite-Aid before taking this new position.
Adina was born in 1991 at JBLM. Both her parents were military. 1993-1996 she lived in Fort Huachuka, AZ. She has been in Washington permanently since 1999.
Adina’s grandparents live in Oregon on a farm. She would spend a lot of time with the animals on the farm. Adina's grandpa was in the Marine Corp and Army.
Adina went to a private Christian academy growing up. Adina’s mother is her role model and inspiration. She served 28 years in the Army and recently retired. She received her bachelor’s degree from OSU. Adina’s father served in the Army for four years. He received two master’s degrees and a bachelor degree.
Adina’s father was deployed to do security surveillance and under cover missions. He obtained bazookas and missiles that were being smuggled illegally. He was in charge of missions to set off IEDs. May 3, 2006 he was killed by a roadside bomb. He saved a convoy of soldiers.
Adina has one brother. He is Adina’s best friend. He goes to school at OSU to learn physical therapy. He cheerleads for the Portland Trail Blazers. Adina’s other best friend is her dog, Tiger. She enjoys hiking with her dog.
Adina was involved in numerous sports growing up. She hurt her ankle in softball and now has a plate and seven screws. Two surgeries and nine months later she could walk without crutches. She tried to get into the military but due to health issues she was not able to get the position she wanted.
Adina went to Pierce College and received two AAs in Criminal Justice and Liberal Arts. She is certified in corrections. She received her bachelor’s in interdisciplinary education at CWU. She wanted to pursue a law degree but she received a district manager position. Adina was with Rite-Aid for three years to investigate loss caused by associates. She learned techniques to determine deceptiveness.
70% of associates will steal if they have the opportunity, 20% won’t steal, 10% will always steal.
She is now the regional manager with Sherwin Williams. She covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. Sherwin Williams is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. She is doing strictly investigations now and can do covert operations/investigations.
She would like to be a divisional director for Sherwin Williams in the next three years.
Panama Update
Aleph Fackenthall-Panama Update
The Healing Fund
Aleph Fakenthall With a Demonstration Water Pump
Volunteers with the Healing Fund drilled 50 wells over the last two years. They plan to build 60 wells this year. They work on small islands off the coast of Panama. The first many years they roughed it then moved up to staying at the Marriott. Now they are going back to basics this year.
They hand dig the wells 30-50 feet deep with a hand pump that is assembled here in the states (see photo above). The organization brings a kit will the whole pump. Aleph does not know of any well that has run dry. If they hit rocks they move over and drill again. But it is mostly clay and mud.
The organization also helps with medical care, provide water tanks, and other assistance. They have helped many families. Kids that visited Panama with the organization have come back to teach in the schools.
Here are some photos:
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Classification Talk - Program
Matt Reed & Coastal Community Bank
One of our newest members, and our program chair, was our speaker at our January 24 meeting. Matt Reed gave his classification talk.
Matt Reed
Matt was born and raised in Arlington. Graduated from Arlington High in 2013. When Matt was introduced to the leadership program in high school he really came out of his shell.
He was part of the National Honor Society, elected a student body officer his senior year, and he did all of the morning announcements.
Matt was a mentor for students with disabilities. It really opened his eyes about how people with disabilities were treated. He wanted to transform that and let everyone in the school know who they were. Matt was ranked #37 in his high school. Captain of the varsity baseball team.
Matt is a huge Gonzaga fan. He watches every game. He loves the Mariners and Seahawks and goes to the games frequently. Matt enjoys golfing. Matt was a lefty but changed to righty for golf. Matt took on skiing. His whole family loves it.
Matt has a brother and a sister. He is the youngest. He is close to his brother in law. Matt’s family is large, 28 first cousins locally. His father is one of eight children. Matt’s father had to step into the role of father figure to his siblings because Matt’s grandfather passed away young. Matt says his father is one of the most selfless and hardworking people. Matt’s father is a CPA. Matt’s mother was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor when he was in 5th grade. She did not want anyone to know or worry. Now she is deaf on her right side. In high school she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Matt left a playoff baseball game to see her in the hospital. She had 87 lymph nodes taken out later.
Matt graduated from Gonzaga with a business degree with an emphasis in marketing and finance. Matt was involved in Gonzaga’s program where students spend time with individuals with special needs. They bowled and play basketball together. Matt met J.T. who was completely non-verbal. They would text, Face time each other, and formed a strong friendship. Matt has stayed in contact with him since leaving Gonzaga. Matt truly cherishes the friendship.
Matt with J.T.
Matt was part of a Gonzaga service/leadership organization where they did service in the community.
A friend reached out to Matt to run his shave ice company in the summer. He did all of the finances, hiring and firing, etc. Matt brought the profits up 150%. He did local street fairs, farmers’ markets, business events, etc. He received college credit for running the business.
Gonzaga made him very driven and tested him. It is a phenomenal school and really made him who he is.
Matt is a commercial lender/relationship manager at the Coastal Community Bank - Smokey Point office.
Matt is one of the youngest commercial lenders in Snohomish County and possibly King County. He has been with Coastal for a year and a half. Coastal is a community bank headquartered locally. There are approximately 187 employees. In July Coastal went public. Matt works on a team with 5 individuals and was one of the top lenders at Coastal. He loves the people he works with and is tested each and every day. Matt does lines of credit, commercial construction loans, and will look at anything and everything. Every customer is different. Everyone has a story and history. Matt looks at the financial statements and is hands on with the clients.
Matt has incorporated the “Golden Circle” in his life and work. Many know what they are doing, few know how they are doing it, but many don’t know why they are doing it. Start with the “why” and go to the “what”. This changes the perspective of why they are doing what they are going. Matt has shared this with his company and students at Arlington High School.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Jose' Maria Paz Duran
About Bolivia, Family and Exchange Experience
Our program at our January 17th meeting was our inbound exchange student, Jose’ Maria Paz Duran. Jose is from Bolivia and he is 17 years old.
Jose' Maria
Bolivia has a population of 11.5 million people. It is divided into nine departments, similar to our states. At one time the country was much larger, but its neighbors waged war and Bolivia lost territory including its territory on the Pacific Ocean. It is a land locked country.
Location of Bolivia in South America
The country has two capital cities. La Paz is the seat of government, but Sucre is the official capital. La Paz has a population of 950,000. Many of the departments share the name of its principal city. La Paz is in the western part of Bolivia, in La Paz Department.
Also, in the west is the city and Department of Oruro. The city has a population of about 285,000. The City and Department of Potosi is in the southwest corner of the country. During the Spanish colonization, Potosi was the largest city in Bolivia, and was larger than New York City. A mountain near the city was rich with gold, a prize for the Spanish. Enough gold was removed from the mountain that it would have been enough to bridge from Bolivia to Spain.
The city and Department of Cochabamba is near the center of the country. It has a population of about 300,000. It has a large statue of Jesus Christ similar and a bit smaller than the one in Rio de Janeiro, known as El Cristo de la Concordia. The most predominant religion in Bolivia is Catholic.
Just south of the Cochabamba Department is the Department of Chuquisaca. It is where the capital of Sucre is located. It has a population of about 300,000; and is known as the “white city” because of the white building material used for many of the buildings.
The northern Departments are in the Amazon region. Pando Department is the furthest north and has a population of 55,000. Just south of Pando is the Beni Department. Its population is 150,000.
Santa Cruz Department is the largest in area and is located along the eastern border of Bolivia. The city of Santa Cruz is the 2nd largest city behind La Paz. It has a population of about 900,000. The Department extends from the Andes on the West to Brazil on the east.
Jose’ is from the City of Tarija which is in the Department of the same name. It is the southern-most Department, bordering Argentina. It has a population of about 200,000. Jose showed us photos of some of the local attractions including a structure shaped like a wine glass in which visitors can climb to the top for a view. The area is known for its fine wines.
With the Catholic heritage, Tarija has a couple celebrations such as the carnival, which is much like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. There is a nearby salt desert known as the Uyuni Salt Flats. When it rains standing water creates what looks like a very large mirror.
Jose’s father is also Jose’ Maria and he is a bank manager. His mother, Claudia, has an accounting degree but has chosen to be a stay at home mom. He has two brothers, Mariano age 13 and Juan age 6. His only time in USA before coming on the exchange was a trip to Disney World for his brother’s birthday.
His Family
His high school in Bolivia is LaSalle. It is private since the public schools tend to be old and attended by those families who can’t afford the private school. The school year is February through December, since the seasons are the reverse from the USA. Jose’ has completed the 11th grade in his home country and will go back for his 12th year. During the 11th and 12th years the students are expected to learn and demonstrate a traditional dance as a graduation requirement.
The country of Bolivia is one Rotary District. Every Department has at least one Rotary Club. The Rotary Club of Tarija was established 100 years ago. It not only sponsored Jose’, but 8 other exchange students. Four, including Jose’, are in the USA. There is one in Canada, three in France, and one in Belgium.
Jose’s grandfather is a Rotarian and he suggested the program 4 or5 years ago, but Jose’ didn’t really consider the program seriously until one of his friends came back from the USA and shared his great experience.
Learning English was a requirement. Although the school had classes, they are not very good. Jose’ attended English classes at an institute located at the American Center for 3 years. He learned in January or February that he was going to a club in District 5050, and he was happy to learn later that he was going to the US to be hosted by the Rotary Club of Arlington.
The District currently has 12 inbound exchange students in the US and Canada.
This is Jose’s first time away from his family and he was quite worried. The last day was very hard as he was shown off by family and friends at the airport. Upon arrival in Seattle he walked right by Dave with a welcome sign, worried about his luggage. He was tapped on the shoulder as he awaited his luggage, and he then met his first host parents Dave and Kay Duskin. He wondered what he had gotten into when he learned that Dave had trouble locating his car in the Sea-tac parking garage.
Jose’ is now living with the Rolfs and in the spring he will move to the DeVries’. He thanked members of the club who have provided him experiences. He learned it was all about the Cougars at the Duskin home and he had a few trips across the state to Pullman for games. He’s learned a little about American football.
Jose’s has had two uncles serve as President of Bolivia. One of them served when John F Kennedy was president and met with him. Jose’ has a photo of the two together. However, given threats on his Uncle’s life which resulted in him leaving the country, the current family members have no desire to get into politics. There is a currently a lot of unrest in Bolivia because the current president is trying to ignore the term limits of the Constitution and has passed a law overriding the Constitution.
Jose’ will be hosted by our club until early June. He is hopeful of doing a USA tour with other exchange student before returning home. He is always eager to see things and go places, so think of him when you are doing something special. He is going to Hawaii with the Rolfs and others next week.
Weekly Program
EmberHope Youthville
by: Nathan Ray
Nathan Ray. MSW
Nathan Ray, home licensor with EmberHope Youthville, spoke to our club on January 10.
EmberHope is a nonprofit agency providing infrastructure and support to inspire hope and hundreds of Youth and families from hard places. Serves children who are dependents of the state and families who are attempting to keep the children from becoming dependents of the state. High needs children are their focus.
EmberHope works with over a dozen homes licensed as foster homes. They work with a lot of in home issues with non-foster families. More foster homes are in the process of being licensed.
EmberHope helps to keep families together and help parents become better parents to keep their children. It hopes to be the spark to a new flame for these families.
1700 children are being served in the Arlington, Marysville, Darrington and Stanwood areas. Youthville foster care includes licensors, case managers, and family support specialists.
Case managers sort out what the child wants and needs to determine what services are needed. EmberHope provides wrap around services, holistic look to detmine services that work for the best interests of the child. EmberHope looks to place children permanently.
Family support specialists work as mentors to the children. Help them with transportation, show them community skills/adulting, etc.
The children in our community need our help. If we help they will become a strong part of our strong community in the years to come.
Community of hope was thought about with churches in mind. It is a model to attract, engage, support, and retain foster families. A circle of support is coordinated to help those who can parent vulnerable children in our community. This occurs through the mobilization of volunteers. Individuals share their time, talent, or treasures with the identified foster families in their church or other organizations. They reach out to the Arlington Community Resource Center and other organizations to contribute.
The community of hope is connected to youth mentors, respite care providers, special event support, veteran parent advisors, little wish sponsors, and concrete goods providers.
To learn more, click 
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Classification Talk
Peggy Ray and Community Resource Center
Peggy Ray - Classification Talk.
Peggy was born in Germany and was a military brat. Her parents separated and she came homeless at 14 years old. Her mother moved into a 55+ and older community. She couch surfed and stayed in school because she loved school and cheer leading. At 14 ½ Peggy tried to take her own life. Peggy does what she does today to give people hope.
Homeless that you see are not there because they wanted to be homeless. They each have a story. Peggy runs three family centers in north Snohomish County to help people that are less fortunate and homeless. Drug use is not the only reason for homelessness. A stranger saved Peggy’s life by telling her she matters. Peggy decided she would stand up and be somebody.
Peggy started as a restaurant hostess when she was 16 and worked up to general manager. Peggy did not go to college but fought every day for what she wanted to be. She learned she had to believe in herself because no one else would. After running a restaurant for 10 years, having three children, and as a single mother she worked for Green Cross. She is now remarried with a blended family of seven kids and three grandchildren.
She and her husband deploy after disasters. She reported to Oso after the slide. She is on the committee for the Oso memorial. They have been to disasters in Haiti and Guatemala. Peggy and her husband received Paul Harris awards for "service above self". They do a lot with comfort dogs after disasters.
Peggy runs three Community Resource Service centers and have housed 453 people in Arlington. They have helped people with food, obtaining jobs, paying PUD bills, writing resumes. Peggy urged us t0 not give homeless individuals money. Please send people to the resource center if you know of anyone in need.
They do not just hand things to the person in need, they sit with them and help them write resumes, help locate job openings, find showers/shelters/treatment. No judgment. They do not force them into treatment.
“Normal is just a setting on a dryer” according to Peggy, and this does not apply to people. There is hope for people and what they are dealing with. We can help them by giving them resources and showing them they matter.
Peggy enjoys singing, trivia, and spending time with her kids and grandkids.
The center needs volunteers that are compassionate, not judgmental. Call the center to schedule a flexible time to volunteer: 360-399-5452. Peggy can do presentations for your company/church/group. The center takes donations, clothing, furniture, food, etc. Mental health help is also offered at the center.
The Point in Time (PIT) Count is coming up January 23. Instead of going out to camps, the goal is to offer services that day that brings the homeless to a location where information will be gathered. The locations are where homeless can come get a hot meal, free laundry, showers. Looking for volunteers. To sign up go to www.housinghope.org.
Needed items: laundry soap, underwear/socks, quarters for laundry machines, ready to eat food, cases of water, warm blankets, warm socks, underwear etc. Bring items to the Arlington Community Resource Center, 18308 Smokey Pt. Blvd (West end of Senior Center Classroom Bldg).
Making it Fun!
Out with 2018 and In with 2019!
It was back to the '70's to welcome in 2019. Simona and Russ DeVries opened their home for what has become an annual New Year's Eve celebration.
Simona & Russ
Part of the group headed to the GlenEagle Club House to usher in the New Year at midnight. To see photos of the event click on the album or go to the home page to see the carousel of photos.
December 27 Program
Oso Slide Memorial
Amy Lucas - Snohomish County Parks
Amy Lucas from Snohomish County Parks and Rec shared about the Oso Mudslide Monument Memorial. As many remember we lost 43 community members the day of the Oso slide and the devastation was like any other from a landslide in US history.
Many people came from all over to help in the recovery and rescue efforts. The county has memorialized the entrance to
Steelhead Dr. with a sign at the sight and there is a gate that has been created that will be used in the permanent memorial. The trees will also be put into the permanent memorial.
Why do we need a permanent memorial? To remember the victims, to answer questions, to provide a place for gathering and healing, to thank the first responders that helped. The design was created through meetings with victims family’s, people that lost homes, EMS workers and First Responders. They also hired an agency to help with the design.
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What has been determined is that they would like the White Horse trail finished to provide ADA access to families. To provide a barricade , to replace the flagpoles with something that is more permanent, to provide representation of the community that was lost and to provide a gateway to the memorial area from not only the trail, but the highway.
The memorial will be broken into different pieces to allow people to experience the memorial in a way that allows them to have an interpretive experience and for it to be a linear experience. There will be two entrances, one on each end of the memorial with gateway arches to help people to know that they are entering into sacred spaces. There will be a bronze art piece, hopefully installed by the 5 year anniversary in March, of the mailboxes. The entrance will allow a quick overview of the area, where people can look and leave if they don’t want to walk the whole memorial.
The beginning will have a community gathering and remembrance space with a permanent shelter where families can gather and remember. There will be a beacon representing the people that passed away with a boulder and a quote. From there people will journey through to learn about the slide, what happened, and how the response happened. In the interpretive area they would like to have natural materials with the information carved into them.
Phase 2 of the memorial will have a boardwalk around the debris field allowing people to see what happened without actually going into the debris field. This area will explain how the land restores itself after destruction. Next there will be an area that memorializes the people that were lost and allows community to reach out on a personal level to remember those that were
lost. After this, there will be an area of decompression, allowing people to process what they
experienced.
In order to make this memorial happen they need to raise the money. They have been at events this summer selling shirts, had an event at Rhodes River Ranch this summer and raised $30,000 and have been reaching out to other people. They are hoping to have a site blessing this year on the 5 year anniversary on March 22 and they are looking for volunteers to help install the barriers in April or May. They will continue to work with the media, local organizations and those in the area to help continue the outreach to help people know what is happening. They need not only monetary donations, but people to help get the word out and help find volunteers and materials to make the memorial happen.
On March 2, 2019 will be having a memorial gala at the Seattle Waterfront to raise money. They are looking for table captains, and donations for the dessert dash.
Holiday Food Baskets
85 Food Baskets For Food Bank Families
It is an annual tradition. Rotarians and friends of the Rotary donate funds to purchase boxes of food for families served by the Arlington Community Food Bank. Our club matches the funds donated by individuals as a contribution to the Food Bank.
In addition to the names of families, the Food Bank provides a list of items to include in the boxes. Each family received a holiday ham in addition to all the fixin's for several meals. Included is a card wishing the family a Happy Holiday Season.
Our service Director, Jim Kelly, and Associate Director, Adrian Adrian Abed, had the event well orchestrated, starting with ordering the food at a discounted rate from a Rotarian owned Arlington Grocery Outlet. Thank you to Rotarian Mel Simpson and her husband Mike Simpson. Mike is also on the Board of the Arlington Community Food Bank.
The food was loaded into our club's "train trailer" in the morning and was transported to the gymnasium at the Arlington Free Methodist Church. The loading crew started the unloading process at the church and they were soon joined by Rotarians and their guests to complete the unloading.
85 boxes were placed on the gym floor and the food was organized by item. One or two persons were assigned an item to make sure was placed into each box. It worked like a well oiled machine.
The deliveries were organized by routes. Families were called earlier in the week to tell them we were coming with the groceries. Boxes were loaded into vehicles for delivery direct to the families' doors. Some of the boxes were delivered to the Food Bank where the family was to pick up their box.
We've lost track as to how many years we've been doing this project, but it has been at least a couple of decades. It is only one of our regular holiday service traditions. The club collects and helps fund and man "A Christmas Wish' gift drive and we buy and serve lunch each Christmas season for seniors at the Stillaguamish Senior Center.
Check out the album and our Face Book page for more photos.
Bob's Christmas Message
Our Holiday Christmas Party
Members and their guests gathered at the Angel of the Winds Resort for our annual party. The resort was very festive for the holidays, and the room where we had our party was no exception. We had a delightful buffet dinner!
President Paul gave us a summary of our activities for the first half of his Rotary year including our many service projects and social events. There are photos above of the event, including photos of the two Paul Harris Fellowship recognitions: George McCone was recognized by the club for his many volunteer hours. Carla recognized Vickie Campbell for her support of the Duck Dash committee following Bob's illness and the support she gave to her after she too was diagnosed with sepsis.
A highlight of the evening was an inspiration message by Bob Campbell. Bob has been recovering from an event that started on Thanksgiving eve of 2017. He was admitted into the hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis. His recovery and treatment has included amputating a major portion of both feet.
Although his status is still non-weight bearing, he was given permission to stand for a short period of time to address us at our party. It is expected that around Christmas he will be given permission to do more standing that will lead to his walking with specially designed prosthesis for the portions of his missing feet.
Bob told the group that there were three reasons that he and Vickie came back to Arlington to live following his retirement from a job in Eastern Washington: Their church, their friends and Rotary. He thanked all of those members and their families who supported them with prayer and who stepped in to help them in so many ways.
Bob surprised us at our party when, with the help of a walking stick, President Paul, and Vickie, he was able to stand to deliver his message that included the history of Rotary's Four-Way Test.
Bob Campbell
In 1932, Herbert John Taylor, was the owner of a struggling cookware company. He decided to work on putting into words a list of ethical considerations for his company and his employees to live by to differentiate his company from his competitors.
He came up with the four principles after he tested and applied various options to the things he did each day in running his company and dealing with employees and with customers. His goal was a short code that the 250 workers in his company could easily memorize and apply. He credited the code with helping him rescue his business by turning his company into one guided by integrity.
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Taylor became the 44th president of Rotary International. In 1943 The Four-way Test of the things we think, say and do was adopted as one of Rotary's guiding principles. Our club, as does many clubs, starts each meeting with the recitation of these guiding principles.
Bob's recovery and his words are an inspiration to us all!
Fireside
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Skin Care Lounge
Open House
Casey Miller hosted an open house for our club members and members from nearby clubs on December 6 at the new location of her Skin Care Lounge.
Casey Miller
The Skin Care Lounge offers skin care, massage, hair, waxing, lashes, airbrush tanning & gifts.
For the open house there was wine, soup and hors d'oeurves. There was also a drawing for various door prizes which were services at the Lounge.
Arlington Rotarians
Some of Casey's Staff in the Reception Area
A Rotarian's Story of "Service Above Self"
P.D.G. Lyle Ryan's Kidney Donation Story
Lyle, past District 5050 Governor spoke to our club at our December 6 meeting about his selfless donation of a kidney to a fellow Rotarian.
Kidney Donor - PDG Lyle Ryan
Lyle was a member if our club when it was known as the North Snohomish County Rotary Club. At that time, Arlington, Stanwood, and Marysville residents were members. As Arlington grew it became its own club. Lyle became a Rotarian, in other than name only, in this club. Lyle has a lot of fond memories about our club. He and P.J. are both members of the Rotary Club of South Everett/Mukilteo.
Lyle thanked his wife, P.J. Lyle and P.J. climbed Mount Baker, learned to scuba dive together, and she followed him around through District 5050 as they visited all 58 clubs. She approved of him donating a kidney.
Rotary can do things internationally that governments can’t do. Lyle learned a lot about Canadian government while District Governor. Also, through the process Lyle met a lot of people.
Michael Walsh was a District Governor the same year Lyle was the Governor of District 5050. He is from New Brunswick. Michael and Lyle became good friends as District Governors. Lyle observed Michael not looking well over the years. They found out he had kidney disease that was getting worse.
Past District Governor Scott Dudley, before he became governor, visited many clubs. At one of those clubs he met a woman whose husband needed a kidney. Scott, who has had family members with failing kidneys, agreed to give him a kidney. He never met the man before the day of surgery. The man is doing very well and so is Scott. That action by Scott stuck with Lyle.
Lyle went to the Rotary International Convention in Sydney, Australia in 2014. Lyle met Michael again. Michael had severe kidney failure at this time and had trouble walking. Lyle told Michael he would give him a kidney. In that year Michael and Lyle started on the journey of donating a kidney.
Lyle knew nothing about the procedure or what it would take. Lyle is O negative and a universal donor. Michael and Lyle went through a lot of tests in 2014 and 2015. The tests showed Lyle was an excellent match for Michael. Lyle knew at that point this was meant to be.
The tests continued at a St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver to bypass the international issue of getting blood across the border. Lyle and P.J. made some great friends in the surgeons and doctors.
The transplant was to take place in Nova Scotia. The doctor in Nova Scotia decided Lyle wasn’t an adequate donor. The decision was appealed and rejected. Lyle and Michael were depressed because Michael began getting worse and worse.
Lyle and Michael tried to get St. Paul’s to do the transplant. They received a conditional approval but then they were rejected. The person told him they were rejected for “ethical reasons”. It was because of socialized medicine in BC and BC didn’t want to use their dollars to pay from someone from Nova Scotia.
The doctor from St. Paul’s then called and told them they were now approved because Michael knew a Rotarian who happened to be the Minister of Health in all of Canada. That Rotarian put in a call to make it happen. The surgeon at St. Paul's called Lyle while on a ski trip at Whistler to give him the good news.
Michael flew in to BC about a month before the surgery. April 30, 2018 was the surgery date. Lyle was in surgery 3 hours, Michael 6 hours. The surgery involved some recovery time. It's much less invasive than it was in earlier years, thanks to arthroscopic surgery..
Lyle and Michael went to Michael’s Rotary Club in August 2018 for a party. Before the surgery Michael was taking 71 pills and spending 10 hours on dialysis. He is down to 3 pills and no dialysis. Michael is doing much better now.
There is an urgent need for donors. In Washington there are 1,525 people waiting for a kidney.
Why Not Share?
They cut off for kidney donations is 70 years old.
Visit kidneyregistry.org.
Annual Meeting
Election of Officers & Directors 2019-20
As is required by our bylaws, our annual meeting for the election of officers and directors is done in December. On December 6, we held our required annual meeting.
The chair of the nominating committee, Past President Jola, announced the following nominees to join the two officers previously elected, i.e. Simona DeVries-President 2019-20 and Bryce Duskin-President Elect (President 2020-21):
- President Elect Nominee/Vice President: Devin Brossard (President 2021-22)
- Secretary: Jennifer Holocker
- Treasurer: Cindy Huleatt
There was a motion to close nominations and to elect the three new officers by voice vote-Motion Passed.
Presidential Succession
.JPG) | Simona DeVries Our President 2019-20 |
.jpg) | Bryce Duskin Our President 2020-21 |
.jpg) | Devin Brossard Our President 2021-22 |
President Elect, Simona DeVries nominated the following individuals to serve as Directors:
- Foundation: Kathy McCone
- Membership: Tony Warner
- Public Relations: A. J. Chase
- Club Administration: Carla Gastineau
- Youth Services: Lyanne Rolf
- Community Funding: Al Erickson
- Projects/Service: Jim Kelly
There was a motion to close nominations and to elect the seven new Directors by voice vote-Motion Passed.
Congratulations to all the new officers and directors joining Simona and Bryce on our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors at its first meeting of the new Rotary year in January will elect Associate Directors.
Annual Meeting
Election of Officers & Directors 2019-20
As is required by our bylaws, our annual meeting for the election of officers and directors is done in December. On December 6, we held our required annual meeting.
The chair of the nominating committee, Past President Jola, announced the following nominees to join the two officers previously elected, i.e. Simona DeVries-President 2019-20 and Bryce Duskin-President Elect (President 2020-21):
- President Elect Nominee/Vice President: Devin Brossard (President 2021-22)
- Secretary: Jennifer Holocker
- Treasurer: Cindy Huleatt
President Elect Nominee (2021-22) - Devin
There was a motion to close nominations and to elect the three new officers by voice vote-Motion Passed.
President Elect, Simona DeVries nominated the following individuals to serve as Directors:
- Foundation: Kathy McCone
- Membership: Tony Warner
- Public Relations: A. J. Chase
- Club Administration: Carla Gastineau
- Youth Services: Lyanne Rolf
- Community Funding: Al Erickson
- Projects/Service: Jim Kelly
There was a motion to close nominations and to elect the seven new Directors by voice vote-Motion Passed.
Congratulations to all the new officers and directors joining Simona and Bryce on our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors at its first meeting of the new Rotary year in January will elect Associate Directors.
Weekly Program
Cocoon House-Dealing with Homeless Teens
Joe Alonzo-CEO of Cocoon House
Joe Alonzo was our speaker. He has been with Cocoon house for 5 1/2 years and became CEO a year ago. Cocoon house has been around for 28 years and works with youth ages 12-24.
November is national homeless youth month. There are so many young people in our communities that are experiencing homelessness. In Snohomish County there are 3700 youth receiving services for homelessness. Youth that are homeless tend to want to blend in. They are afraid of being seen as homeless and want to be seen as normal.
Primary causes of homelessness are lacking of affordable housing. The cost of affording stable housing is quickly outgrowing people’s loving wages. Loss of jobs for the primary wage earner in the family. Illnesses and accidents among family members and then the teenagers are pushed out to fend for themselves. Natural Disasters and events that displace youth. Stressors and family conflict are another reason for homelessness among youth.
In family composition divorce seems to be a leading cause in youth leaving home. Domestic Violence is another reason for family discord. Youth with undiagnosed physical or mental disabilities become an issue with youth can’t keep up in school and in the home. Chemical dependency among youth and their families leads to homelessness. Gender identity and sexual preference pushes youth out of the home. There is a large percentage of young people that their homelessness is a symptom of a larger problem in our society.
Youth that identify as LBGTQ are a large majority of homeless youth. Youth of color are disproportionately a majority of homeless youth. Youth transitioning from foster care and coming out of juvenile detention tend to become homeless. Youth that have mental health challenges and suffer from addiction also become homeless
Outreach, Housing and prevention are the three categories that the Cocoon House works in . It runs a 7 day a week drop in center in Everett, and has a street outreach team that works with schools. Other services includes housing navigation help and shelter and placement for youth. Staff work with youth in getting a job, job skills and resume writing. Music recording studio and residential programs are also available.
Housing- Emergency shelter in Everett, east shelter in Monroe. 8 bed shelter. Long term housing at the main office in Everett and Cocoon House North here in Arlington for pregnant mothers or mothers with new babies.
Prevention- trying to deal with the things that make youth homeless in the first place. It has a call in line for parents that are at their wits end with their youth. In addition it offers workshops for parents to understand what is happening with youth and for youth to understand parents, as well as parenting classes.
March of 2019 Cocoon house will be opening the Colby Ave Youth Center. They will have medical facilities, housing and other services.
There are many ways to help including volunteering, being on the board of directors, adopting youth during the holidays and helping feed youth. Donating money to help keep programs running and finding ways to help let people speak at events.
Service Above Self
Turkey Trot Fundraiser for Senior Center
Over 22 of our members and guests helped the Arlington Runners Club put on the Turkey Trot 5K, a Thanksgiving morning tradition in Arlington. Last year we helped raised funds for the Arlington Community Food Bank. This year the beneficiary of the event was the Stillaguamish Senior Center.
Set Up Started Before Sunrise
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Over 300 people participated in the 5K. Before the race there was a Zumba warm-up.
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As runners line-up for the start, they are shown a turkey, 5 of which were placed along the route for runners to pick-up and carry back to the finish line. Here are some shots of some of the Rotarians and guests who helped:
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Some of the Winners:
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There were Rotarians who participated in the event: Lee, Sue and Kathy. Our own Devin is the President of the Runners Club and the organizer of the 5k's. Below, left, he is talking to a Herald Reporter about the event.
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Over $5,000 was raised for the Stillaguamish Senior Center. Thanks to all who helped!
Mayor's Program
Manufacturing Industrial Center
Development in Arlington
Mayor Barb Tolbert spoke to our club about business development in Arlington and the Manufacturing Industrial Center. Jobs, education, housing and infrastructure are high on the list of the City’s priorities. Goals: attract investment, create small town charm, recruit businesses, and provide for increased personal growth.
A partnership was formed between Marysville and Arlington to create a Manufacturing Industrial Center. Most of the 4,000 acre area of the MIC lies in Arlington.
The development is focused on jobs and infrastructure. Multi-modal transportation will be analyzed. Visual elements will be included in the MIC to blend the edges of the cities. The plan paid attention to the environment to ensure our built environments blend into the natural environments. The plan encourages support of the airport’s role in Arlington.
When businesses and industries cluster the transportation and freight time is decreased. The MIC will provide these opportunities.
The MIC will attract food processing, wood processing and timber, and maritime businesses.
Cost effective utilities, stream restoration, freight management, and transportation will be important components of the MIC.
Employment in Arlington is booming. Job growth is at 23.4%. Population growth in the city is at 4.2% 2011-2017. Population will go up. 19 new businesses going into Arlington. 400+ new jobs. New housing developments are going in.
Statistics are showing crime rate is going down. Two new police officers have been added to the budget. Three personnel will be added to EMS staff.
The railroad will play a large part in the MIC to transport goods.
November 1 Program
Domestic Violence Services
Vicci Hilty Executive Director of Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County (DVS) began in 1976 and with safe homes, minimal services and no shelter. People opened up their homes for people to stay in. This morphed and in the 1980’s the original shelter for Snohomish county was created.
An old farm house in Snohomish was moved to the property and created a 15 bed shelter. At the time the goal was to get people safe and the goal was not more than helping immediately.
About 15 years ago legal advocacy was added to the resources that were offered. Help in finding attorneys and legal services.
5 years ago DVS moved into a new facility that now houses 52 beds. Before the new facility they were turning away about 1500 people with the 15 bed facility. Now with 52 beds they still have turn aways, but not as many. Now only about 400.
DVS realized that housing is not the answer and that domestic violence is about power and control and that the children in these homes are taught these things and it continues. Now they offer shelter, legal services, housing services, a children’s program, a thrift store as well as prevention education.
Something to always remember about domestic violence is that it is not the persons fault that stays, it is the persons fault that is hitting. We need to stop blaming the person that stays.
Housing is an issue and to find housing is a factor in people leaving. The housing frees people to leave. Domestic Violence Services also has children’s programs that help children that have seen or been a part of domestic violence.
DVS also offers prevention education services. These services teach people what healthy relationships look like. They go to schools and teach children boundaries and healthy relationships. They learn how they share commonality and how we take care of each other.
For the future, DVS is looking more at how to reach out to children that are being raised in a violent home and how to get to them early. A few years ago they hired a doctor that is helping run a program for kids and teaches kids about loving and caring for families well. DVS is also looking at community advocacy where they can go to people that need help instead of them going to them.
The thrift shop is called New and Again and is located in downtown Everett at 3010 Grand if you would like to donate. They can also come and do pick-up for large donations if you contact them.
For someone to contact Domestic Violence Services they can call the 24 hour hotline 425-25abuse.
Click HERE to learn more.
Meno's "Not So" Haunted Mansion
Halloween Party at the Menos'
As can be seen in the photos in the album, there was great food and fellowship at the Meno's "not so" haunted mansion! Here are a few of the photos:
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Kick Off Foundation Month
November is Rotary Foundation Month
Our Foundation Director, Kathy McCone, and the Associate Director, Ryan Berg, used the last meeting in October to tell us a bit about the foundation and plans for next month.
Kathy and Ryan
In 1917 the seed was planted for the Rotary Foundation to do good in the world. You can look at the Rotary Website for more information on the history of the foundation.
The foundations has spend over 3 billion dollars on sustainable projects in the world.
All of the money that is taken in is given back to the clubs through district grants. We have done this twice. The AED’s that we distributed to the community came from a district grant. If we don’t give, there is no money to give back.
When you give $1000 annually to the foundation, including the polio fund, you can receive, or give, a Paul Harris. You can also be a benefactor and add the foundation to your estate plan and when you notify the Rotary Foundation that you will be giving $1000 or more, you receive a certificate.
IF you give $100 per year you become a sustaining member of the foundation. You can give by giving Kathy a check that she will send in or you can give online.
We are applying for another grant for money for sod around the splash pad. We received over $100,000 for our Bungoma project that we did 3 years ago. Joan is now working on another project, this time to Haiti.
During the month of November our club offers a match of whatever you give. The foundation only allows matching in $100 increments.
This year the club will be offering entry into a drawing for prizes for every $25 that is given toward the foundation. For every $1 that is donated to Polio Plus the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation matches, as well. We are able to help with water projects, polio, peacekeeping and much more.
Last year we did almost $10,000 and this year we want to do more. Every time someone donates through the Rotary Club of Arlington the club earns points and that is how we are able to match funds in giving. You also earn points when you give and those points can be given to other people to honor them.
Our foundation is rated every year as one of the top 5 charitable organizations.
For more on the Rotary Foundation including a link to set up electronic giving, click HERE.
October Service Project
Cabins at Fire Mountain Scout Camp
Rotarians volunteers and guest volunteers met at the Fire Mountain Scout Camp on Saturday (Oct 20, 2018) to set foundations and framework for two cabins that will serve both Scout Counselors and campers. It was a beautiful Fall day in the Cascade mountains, a lot of work was accomplished and a lot of fun was enjoyed.
On Oct. 27 a crew returned to continue framing the two cabins. The rain held off into the late afternoon.
Some of the photos in the Album
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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.
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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.
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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.
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. Below she, with the help of Jenie Jones, is presenting a certificate to a representative from Dwayne Lanes Chevrolet.
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.
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.
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 20 Program
State DECA Officer-Caroline Diemer
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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.
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.
Governor's Visit
District Governor Linda Murray
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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:
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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.
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.
Our Claims
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Ruth and Rhonda from Stop ClaimsRuth 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.
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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
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:
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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.
Program June 21
An Immigrant's Story
G
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.
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.
Foundation Awards
New Paul Harris Awards
At our annual installation banquet, it is also customary to give out Paul Harris Awards that have not been previous presented at our regular meetings. The award is earned by a contribution in the person's name of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund.
During Foundation Month, which is in November, the club offered to match contributions. Many of our members took advantage. In addition, the club chose to present a Paul Harris Award to an individual with funds contributed and points earned in the past. For each $1000 contributed, an individual receives a new pin with an additional jewel. As an example, a Paul Harris +1, means that $2,000 has been contributed in the person's name.
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Going from left to right, starting at the upper left, Ryan Berg, Associate Director of the Foundation, presents the following Paul Harris Awards ("PH"): Lyanne Rolf, PH +1; Dale Duskin, PH +5; Jola Barnett, PH +1; Carla Gastineau, PH +3; Margaret Larson, her first PH; and Bill Kmet, PH +1.
in recognition of the support given to the club by Robin Kmet, who is not a member of the club but who is married to a member, Bill Kmet, the club surprised her with a Paul Harris Award.
Robin, flanked on her right by Kathy and Ryan, and on her left, husband Bill
Congratulations Robin, and thank you, to all the individual members who contributed to the Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund this year!
Special Award
May 31 Program
The Making of a Rotary Float
Last year the Rotary wheel float we have borrowed for years from the Marysville Club, was unavailable for the Frontier Days Parade and the Duck Dash, since the San Juan Island Club beat us to the ask. Our response--We need a float of our own!
Carla Gastineau, our Club Administration Director and the manager of the Stillaguamish Athletic Club, asked Chris Whiteman, a SAC member and the Career and Technical Educator at Arlington High School, if it is something his students could do as a learning project. Chris jumped at the chance.
Chris brought 2 of the 7 members of his metal fabrication class who worked on the project to update us at our May 31 meeting.
Chris Whiteman, Right, with Students Tucker and Jayden on the Left
The project was to fabricate a trailer with a collapsible 7 foot high Rotary wheel. It took two weeks to fabricate the frame for the trailer. It will have a lower tongue frame, leaf spring mounts, with diamond plate decking. Tucker, a junior, talked about the cutting and welding involved.
To build the collapsible wheel a Plasma C & C cutting machine was used. The wheel is in sections. Jayden, who is a sophomore, indicated it was very time consuming. It is made out of 1/8th inch steel plate. Here is a photo of one of the other students with section in hand:
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Chris pointed out that assembly was not like putting together a piece of furniture at Ikea. There is no "put tab A into slot B". He credited Tanner, not pictured, who he has in 3 classes for spending the time to make sure everything fit together.
The wheel is bolted to the trailer bed and it will fold down flat. When up right, it will be about 9 feet tall, including the trailer. The trailer will have side rails for hanging banners.
Chris with Slide Showing Attaching Wheel to the Trailer
The trailer and float is being transported to be painted by our own Wally Thomas and John Peeters' company, Artisan. Although graduation for seniors is June 8, the last day of school is June 18, giving the underclassmen in the class time to reassemble the painted parts.
Chris took the opportunity, in answer to a question, to tout the trade event recently held in the bus loading area of Arlington High School. 31 different businesses put up displays and brought equipment to highlight the technical trades available to graduating students. 30 different students obtained seasonal jobs and internships as a result of the event.
To learn more about the trade event and see the companies represented, click HERE.
Duck Dash 2018
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Ticket Selling Kicked Off!
We kicked off the ticket selling phase of Duck Dash 2018 at our meeting on May 24. Interim chair, John Peeters, unveiled (hardly a secret) our shirt design. Community under construction is this year's theme, as illustrated by our shirts and hard hats.
The Crowning of the Ducks this year was done, as is the tradition, by Ron Love, who helped hatch the idea of having a rubber duck race 30 years ago.
Ron Love
Ron started with this proclamation: Let’s thank everyone for being a Rotarian and it takes courage to be a Rotarian because we are leaders in the community.
When the duck dash was started, regulations were changed by the gambling commission to allow alternative format raffles including random selection of winners in a duck race. Our race was the first in the State, so we had commission members viewing how it was done.
The first year, there were many funny mishaps with the ducks. The first year our club spent $17,000 to put on the Duck Dash with no sponsorships with a profit of $5000. We almost saw all the profit lost when the rubber ducks, which were rented for 50 cents each from a Canadian charity, went over the boom and down the river. Members and other community members were successful in recovering the ducks! Here is a link to this history: DUCK DASH HISTORY.
As Ron, as we launch our 30th Great Stilly Duck Dash, stated: Thank you for being courageous!
Ron went on, in his typical fashion, to tease a few "wanta be" ducks, before crowning the new members of the Royal Order of the Duck.
And the Ducks Are:
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This Year Our Ducks are Fitz Couhig, Top, and Jennifer Holocker, Bottom.
Tickets were distributed at the meeting and Carla, our high seller last year, and Dale, runner up last year, our ticket selling co-chairs, went over the game plan.
Dale Duskin & Carla Gastineau
Remember that the Duck Dash is a time to have fun. Each team is asked to raise $7500, that is $1500 per person for a 5 member team. Remember that with fun we will sell tickets! We will have prizes each week.
We have to account to the gambling commission for every ticket issued--sold or unsold. Rotarians can sell tickets and anyone under your supervision can sell tickets. Information is in each packet that were distributed.
When the construction theme was adopted, we thought on July 4 that construction would be in full swing with completion to be this summer. Unfortunately, with the tight construction time line ,there was only one bid. It was rejected and new bids, using a different time line, have been sought. New splash pad bids are due by June 14 with construction to be done by March and open by next 4th of July.
Community Service
About a year ago our past president, Erik Granroth, headed up a committee to apply for a District grant to fund A.E.D. units to be placed around the community where large groups of people gather.
The Club received a $10,000 District grant for the units and our club matched the grant funds. About $12,000 of the $20,000 total was gifted to the Arlington Police Department so that 8 squad cars without such units could be equipped. Outfitting the patrol units means whenever someone calls 911 and there is CPR in progress they will dispatch an officer with an A.E.D. unit who often times can beat the medics to the scene. This may save numerous lives.
President Jola with an A.E.D. in Arlington Police Squad Car
At our meeting on May 17, the Club presented A.E.D. units to the Stillaguamish Senior Center, Arlington Youth Football Association, Arlington Runners Club, Smokey Point Sno-Isle Library, and one for placement in the Public Works Building at Haller Park. The total units purchased, including those for the police, was 13. The units are smart enough to know if it is not a heart issue it will not shock the patient.
Past President Erik and President Jola on the right. In the back row from left to right-Jonathon Ventura- Arlington Police Chief, Danette Klemens- Director of the Stillaguamish Senior Center, Colby Knudson- Arlington Youth Football, & Paul Ellis-City Administrator. In the front row on the left is Jocelyn Redel- Sno-Isle Smokey Point Library and Devin Brossard-Arlington Runners Club.
Classification Talk
Jenie Jones--Classification Mortgage Banking
Jenie Jones giving her classification talk
Jenie was born in Seattle in February. She has a brother and sister. Her father managed the Safeway store in Arlington when she was born. He then purchased a corner store in Everett. They lived above the store. She went to Montessori school until second grade. In seventh grade her family was selling the store and going through a divorce. Her mom ran the store and her father moved to Seattle. Her father had lung cancer. They moved to Mukilteo. She transferred schools to go back to Everett School District.
Jenie got into DECA her junior year and then interned at Bank of America/SeaFirst through DECA. She interned for three months and loved it. At the end of the intern she was hired on for the Casino Road location. One of her co-workers was robbed at the location and then they installed a bullet proof cage.
She went to EVCC. Her best-friend’s sister got a job at a mortgage company. Jenie and her best-friend got jobs at the mortgage company. She moved around to a few different mortgage companies. She was selling second mortgages at 125% loan to value.
She had a daughter, Lexie known as Olive, in 1999, then went through a divorce. Jenie began real estate appraising. In 2000 she returned to mortgages. In 2001 her son, Tate, was born. Jenie and her family moved to Texas. Jenie worked for different mortgage companies in Texas including WAMU. WAMU shut down their Houston branch and in 2004 and she moved into sales. She moved back to Washington and went back to mortgages. She went through her second divorce.
In 2007 the subprime industry took a hit. The bubble burst in 2008. In 2009 Jenie became unemployed. Unemployment rejected her claim. Jenie had to appeal and won her appeal. She went back to school to be a CPA.
In 2010 Jenie had another daughter named Sami.
2011 Jenie went back to Bank of America in Kirkland. In 2013 Jenie went to LeaderOne Financial in Everett, where she is today. In 2014 she married her husband, Russell. It is easier for Jenie to get people into a mortgage than into a rental. She enjoys helping people.
Currently, there is not enough inventory for first time home buyers.
Giving back to community is important to Jenie. She feels successful in her life.
Spring Fun
Fun at After Hours, Fundraising &
District Events
This spring our members have had fun at an after hours social event, the Boys and Girls Club Auction, and the District 5050 Conference Cruise.
After Hours at Asgard Massage
Steffen Emard invited our members to an after hours social event at his business, Asgard Massage. In addition to wine and crackers, members and guests were given 10 minutes sample massages. Here are some of the photos from the event:
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Boys and Girls Club Auction
Rotarians and guests had 3 tables at the recent Boys and Girls Club Auction. The club's unit director is one of our members. Lyanne Rolf. This was her first auction as director and a record amount was raised to support the Arlington Boys and Girls Club/ Here are some photos:
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District 5050 Conference Cruise
6 of our members and their guests boarded the Holland America's Eurodam cruise ship on Tuesday May 8 for a 4 day cruise with stops at Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. On Wednesday there were break out sessions for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. The late morning and early afternoon gave members an opportunity to visit Victoria.
Thursday was a day of cruising up the Inland Passage, so there were 2 Plenary Sessions. Speakers included Olympic Bronze Medal winner Paul Kingsman from New Zealand talking about setting goals and avoiding distractions. There were also some awards including one to our member, Dr. Lee Harman, for his effort at helping eradicate polio.
Speakers in the afternoon included R.I. President's representative, John Prendergast, from New Zealand, delivering a message from our R.I. President. Shirley Grace, a past district governor in California, who has also served at the zone level, shared her passion for community and international humanitarian projects.
Here are some photos from the cruise:
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Next year's cruise will be April 11-14 at the Tulalip Resort. It will be a traditional conference and, because it is our backyard, and not on a cruise ship, there will be opportunities to attend all or parts of the conference. Thursday evening, for those arriving early, there will be a tour of Paul Allen's Flying Heritage Museum. Our members will be asked to have visitors into their home for dinner Friday night. "Home Hosting" is a great opportunity to get to know Rotarians from through out our district.
Regional Polio Plus Service Award
Dr. Lee Harman Recognized
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R.I. President's Representative John Prendergast & Lee
During the Thursday morning plenary session during the 2018 District Conference Cruise, Lee Harman, a member and past president of our club, was award the Regional Service Award for a Polio Free World. The award was presented to him by John Prendergast, the R.I. President's Representative from Invercargill, New Zealand.
District Governor Lindagene Coyle nominated Lee for this award and she read the details of she provided this summary of Lee's efforts:
Rotary chose polio as its champion cause in 1985. Since then millions of Rotarians have given their support to this cause which is critical to the health of children all over the world. But some Rotarians have truly taken to heart the goal of a polio-free world and these Rotarians deserve recognition for the outstanding amount of time and effort they have dedicated to Rotary’s PolioPlus program. For such efforts, Rotary established in 1996 the Service Award for a Polio-Free World. These awards are given out by region as defined by the World Health Organization. Those regions are the Americas, Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Today I’m proud to honor such a Rotarian with the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World for the Americas region.
Lee Harman has been actively involved in Polio Plus activities since November 2008 when he was asked to be the Polio Plus Chair for District 5050.Ðe attended an NID in Uttar Pradesh, India in January 2009 to obtain background information for his role. He developed a Polio Plus talk which he delivered to 47 clubs within District 5050 and 6 outside of the District, including a Kiwanis club. He organized a District challenge for the Golfun event for Polio Plus in 2010 and had all but one club contribute to Polio Plus that year. In November 2011, R. Lee Harman developed the first Music in the Mancave event which raised $27,000 and the second Music in the Mancave which raised a further $25,000 in March 2013. In 2012, R. Lee organized the Polio Plus: A Musical Celebration at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon. This event raised over $89,000 for Polio Plus. In June 2011, R. Lee was appointed by RI as an Endowment/Major Gift Officer. He held this position for two years. When he retired from his work life in 2012, he asked for donations to PolioPlus.
R. Lee is currently working on the Miss Vicky project which is a 10,000-mile drive from Peking to Paris over 36 days that will take place in June-July 2019. He travels to clubs and public events to display Miss Vicky and promote making donations to PolioPlus. Miss Vicky is a 1931 Model A Ford Victoria. R. Lee Harman is promoting donations for Polio Plus with a website, Facebook, presentations, and public appearances. "The donations to PolioPlus have started coming in! Miss Vicky is preparing to drive over 10,000 miles from Peking (Beijing) to Paris to raise $1,000,000 to help eradicate polio from the Earth!" Lee Harman has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of PolioPlus in a unique manner. 100% of funds raised go to PolioPlus.
May 10 Program
Andria White Valliant's Classification Talk
Andria White Valliant
Andria was born in Darrington. Her grandpa was the mayor for 12 years. His six siblings came from North Carolina to Darrington. He worked on the railroad, forest service, and then the mayor. Andria grew up in a neighborhood with approximately 25 children. They played outside a lot. She has kept in touch with the children in the neighborhood and recently vacationed with them in Arizona.
Andria’s daughter, Piper, has a plan for a “summertime sleepover” that includes horse rides, food, camping out, a pool, and gambling.
Andria’s husband recently graduated from fire fighting academy.
Andria went to college at Central right out of high school. She did not want to go and quit to come home to her family and boyfriend. She started working for her father at Oso Lumber but then went back to finish college. She got a degree as a paralegal and worked for an attorney then started her family.
Andria’s dad’s nickname is “Lucky” because Darrington won a basketball championship on the day he was born and his oldest sibling is 20 years older than him. Andria learned a lot of life lessons from her father. Andria’s grandfather never took a paycheck as mayor. Andria wants to have a non-profit in her grandfather’s memory to benefit a grant writer for the town of Darrington and school. She wants to start an annual “outhouse race” for the town to raise money.
Andria loves to cook and her husband loves to draw. Andria’s mother worked for the forest service for many years and is about to retire. She was very involved as a public information officer during the Oso slide. She loves to do for other and fundraise. Andria got a lot of her mother’s character traits. Andria’s husband was married prior to her and lost two children. They plan to try for another child but they are nervous given her husband’s losses. The doctor that delivered Andria’s daughter also performed a procedure on her mother to allow her to have Andria’s brother.
Andria became a real estate agent and then began working at Windemere. She sold a whole neighborhood to a developer and made the owners a lot of money. Now she does a lot of development real estate. She currently has 11 deals in escrow with one person.
Youth Service
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Arlington Interact Retreat
Due to minimum age requirements for cabins on the District Conference Cruise, members of our Interact Club are unable to attend. To replace that experience, Youth Services Director Lyanne Rolf organized a retreat. It was held at a Boy Scout Camp east of Mount Vernon known as Camp Fire Mountain on the weekend of April 27-29. There is an album of photos in the album section of this bulletin, and which will be in the home page carousel of photos, and on Facebook.
Rotary Extension
Stanwood-Camano's 25th Anniversary
25 years ago our club, then the Rotary Club of North Snohomish County, sponsored a new club in Stanwood. it was not an easy task. Ron Love, who lived east of Stanwood and whose children attended school in Stanwood, was recruited by our club to lead the effort.
Ron Love Speaking at Celebration
The first meeting to recruit new members was just Ron and one other person. They met at Helen's Kitchen (where Ixtapa is now located) and stood up and recited the flag salute and said a prayer. Slowly the numbers increased until they had the number of persons necessary for a charter.
What a great move we made to extend Rotary through other than just adding members to our club. Stanwood-Camano is so lucky to have this great service club. Just look at the playground that was built on Camano with the leadership of their club. The club always leads District 5050 in giving to the Rotary Foundation. It puts on the Stanwood Fair parade, buys coats for kids, gives scholarships, sponsors the Dolly Parton Library, and much much more! Congratulations Stanwood-Camano Rotary and kudos to those members of our club who led the effort to extend the greatest service club in the world to Stanwood and Camano Island
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.
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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.
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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:
- Sound Salmon Solutions
- Snohomish Conservation District
- Snohomish County Surface Water Management
- Wild Fish Conservancy
- Stillaguamish Tribe Natural Resources Department
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.
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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
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.
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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
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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.
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!
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.
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.
Program February 15
Habitat for Humanity
Store Coming to Smokey Point
Brooke Burdick-Director of Community Outreach
Brooke Burdick from Habitat for Humanity (HFH) spoke to the club about the non-profit organization.
HFH helps low income families with low income housing. They provide for low income families by providing volunteer labor and financing. They believe everyone deserves a decent home to live in. HFH is one of the largest non-profit.
Many families apply for each project. A committee selects the recipient. Those not selected are referred to other agencies for housing assistance.
HFH builds locally and internationally. 20 people are going to Honduras this August. This is a more meaningful travel experience for people. The volunteers build next to local people. It is very enriching for the volunteers.
Volunteer groups from large and small businesses help with the builds.
HFH has stores around Snohomish County. One is opening in Smokey Point in the former Food Pavilion building in June. Furniture, appliances, home supplies are sold in the stores. All products are donated. Please donate! Donating materials and appliances keep it out of the landfills. Donating is a great way to recycle products. They cannot take all furniture or badly scratched materials.
HFH employs volunteers in the stores. A lot of high school students complete their volunteer hours in the stores.
A project in Gold Bar will begin in May. The property was donated. A small home will be built to support a family of four. Projects have been completed throughout Snohomish County.
HFH works with other organizations to educate people on how to get a home. They educate people how to repair credit and obtain a home loan without a down payment.
2 out of 3 children of families in Habitat homes will go to college. Homeowners are required to spend 500 hours building. They invest sweat equity in the property and learn how to take care of a home while building. Home Depot and Lowes provide materials and teach classes.
HFH has built in Houston after the hurricane. They built in Louisiana, Thailand, Honduras.
The new home owner owns the home, not the land. The owner can sell the house but it has to go through HFH and to a new HFH recipient. Any equity goes to the selling home owner.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Brooke.
HFH is a Little of All of the Above!
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
- Danish people like salty licorice
- Their Santa lives on Greenland
- The Danish language has no word for “please”
- If you are 25 and unmarried, you will get cinnamon thrown all over you on your birthday
- 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
Weekly Program
Tripp Gibson-Major League Baseball Umpire
Tripp Gibson-Major League Baseball Umpire.
Our program on January 25 was Tripp Gibson of Marysville who is a MLB Umpire.
Tripp graduated from High school when he was 18 and his dad owned an electronics business. When Tripp graduated he worked for his dad in Mayfield, Kentucky. Tripp grew up playing baseball and was on a traveling team.
After graduation Tripp was tired of working for his dad and playing baseball. Tripp’s grandfather gave him $1000 per year to go to Murray State University in Murray , Kentucky. He had some offers to play baseball, but after deciding to go to Murray State he started umpiring for little league baseball and also joined a fraternity. He also met a Rotary member that invited him to go to a Rotary meeting where the program was an umpire.
As a Junior in College he decided to go to umpire school after he graduated from College. While in College he umpired Jr College games and other College games. Went to umpire school after graduating from College and graduated 2nd in his class.
It is a very hard selection process to be selected to umpire Major League Games. Much of the process is like the Baseball Players, umpires start in the Minor Leagues and move into the Major League. He began in the minor league and the first game was with an umpire named Wasaki from Tokyo.
9 years later, Tripp had worked most of the United States and after 9 seasons he was called to be an Umpire for the Major Leagues. After 7 seasons he was asked to go to work Spring Training. After that he was put on call for when other Umpires couldn’t be at their games. His first real major league game was in Arizona and went on record as the longest major league game umpired by a rookie.
There is a lot of sacrifice for the people that choose Umpiring as a profession. Tripp has to travel a lot and that leaves his family without him many times. He lives in Marysville with his wife and children, but they have to deal with him being gone many times during the season. He does have a lot of support from his family.
2014 he worked 149 games in the Major Leagues. At the end of the season they called Tripp and told he that they were sending him to the Dominican Republic for the season. He lived in the capital and had to drive for hours in a minivan with 8 people to get to games. After being in the Dominican Republic he was invited by Joe Torre to be a full-time umpire with the Major Leagues. This is his 4th full season. He was a replay umpire for the World Series.
Tripp in Action Behind the Plate
Weekly Program
Universal Aerospace Manufacturing
Bob Qualick from Universal Aerospace.
For Vocational Service month it was appropriate for us to have a representative from Universal Aerospace, an Arlington manufacturing firm tell us what it is doing to help our job market.
Universal Aerospace believes in community and building jobs and opportunities for people in our local community. They are committed to the next generation of professionals and helping people to achieve the American Dream. Universal Aerospace was started 27 years. Founded in 1990 by the Petit family.
It is a super tier 2 company that supplies for tier 1 companies that then supply to Boeing. It has been located at the Arlington airport for over 20 years.
Over the course of the last decade there was a low period in sales, but from 2009 on there has been an steady path of increase in revenue. Aerospace is growing.
As a vertically integrated supplier they have aerospace manufacturing and metal finishing. Currently they are building a metal finishing warehouse at the old Bayliner plant and will provide over 40 jobs. Currently operate 4 buildings in the airport area of Arlington. They will be moving from another facility in Marysville into the only Bayliner complex.
They have training programs to take young individuals to work hands on and learn craftsman skills. Not everything that they do is large manufacturing. They so precision machining, turning and sheet metal. Have worked on cockpit doors, seating and wingtips for aircrafts. Moving forward there will be higher paid jobs for people that are doing programing that is set up for the manufacturing. They use many different tools to create products. The monitoring tool is helpful for managers to monitor what is happening on the manufacturing floor.
Have allocated 2500 sq. feet for in house training. They have been taking people that have good basic skills and then providing technical training at their facility. Universal Aerospace has found that they are able to find more employees using this method instead of finding people that already have the technical training. Trained individuals typically go to the higher tiered companies including Boeing.
Universal Aerospace has many different customers. That includes Zodiac, Jamco, B/E Aerospace and many other smaller companies. Diehl Aerospace is a newer customer that they have been working with and have been a part of Universal Aerospace becoming an international company.
For more on Universal Aerospace, Inc., click on its logo below:
Weekly Program
School Bond Information for Feb. 13 Election
Dr. Chrys Sweeting, Superintendant, and Brian Lewis, Executive Director of Operations, spoke to the club about the bond measure on the ballot for Arlington School District, February 13.
Chrys Sweeting, Upper, Introduced Brian Lewis, Lower
There are 5,500+ students in the district. The bond will provide safety and security for our students. The district is asking now because 2000 bonds will be paid off in 2020, interest rates are near historic lows, and building needs exist.
The bond will replace Post Middle School, add 8 classrooms and technology and arts workshop to Arlington High; improve safety, security, educational opportunity, and/or efficiency at every school building in the district; and make district eligible for $8.9 million in state matching funds.
Secure entry ways would be installed in each building. This would keep people out of the building that aren’t supposed to be there during the school day. Surveillance cameras would be installed as well.
Rebuilding Post Middle School would be more cost effective than modernizing the current facility. There are many upgrades needed and expanding the facility is necessary due to the addition of housing going into Arlington.
Taxes will go up slightly and then down in the years to come.
The District plans to complete Post Middle School by 2021 then begin addition to Arlington H.S. in June 2020.
Because as school district employees Chrys and Brian are prohibited from promoting passage while on the clock at the District, the presentation was followed by Dave Duskin with Citizens Committee for Arlington Schools talking about passing the measure. The Committee co-chairs are John and Kimberly Meno, are out of town, so Dave filled in for them.
The committee is meeting every Tuesday between now and the election at Cascade Valley Hospital conference room 4:30 PM. Dave invited Rotarians to attend the meetings and help with promoting the measure.
Social media is being used to promote the measure. Here are some links to check out:
Please like the committee on Face Book, invite your friends to like, share posts on your page, and mark and return your ballot upon receipt. The auditor will be mailing ballots on January 26.
If you would like to help the committee to solicit yes votes contact Kimberly, John or Dave. Contact Cindy Huleatt regarding use of your reader board. There is material that the committee would like on business counters.
Flash Texting: On Thursday, February 8, at The Point Bar and Grill, 5:00 PM, Rotary Flash Texting event will be held. An invite will be sent out to members. This is something new with this campaign and is intended to remind people to turn in their ballots.
Our Weekly Program
10,000 Mile Trek to End Polio
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Lee Harman, Upper, and David Cook, Lower, from Origin Marketing spoke about the Miss Vicky project.
The goal of the project is to raise a million dollars to finish polio using an 86 year old car traveling from Peking to Paris.
Lee is working with David Cook for website development and other advertising/fundraising efforts. Lee wanted to work the car into the campaign. David incorporated the car into the marketing materials and made it part of the brand.
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The car will travel 10,000 in 36 days to show any goal can be achieved. There are 19 cases of Polio remaining. But the goal is to get 0 cases for three years.
There are three steps to success of the project:
1st – Reinforce how difficult the trek will be. 2nd - Reinforce the importance of ending Polio. 3rd – Get a lot of people to donate a little bit of money.
The key elements of the campaign are the website (finishpolio.com), Facebook page (@finishpolio), email marketing, and Rotary International support. Because there are so many Rotary members nationwide the best way to raise awareness is for all Rotary members to share the Facebook page with all of their friends. Let them know how important this is. David hopes to create an email database to send a newsletter with updates.
You can help by sharing the Facebook page/posts, volunteer to help with social media, photography, press releases, and donate $10 to end Polio. Every dime, with the exception of possible credit card processing fees, will go to Polio Plus.
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Miss Vicky with Lee, DG Lindagene, President Jola, and AG Dave
New Year's Eve Party
2018 Ushered In With Glamorous Party!
Simona and Russ DeVries hosted a New Year's Eve party for Rotarians and guests at their home in Glen Eagle. With the theme of "Glamorous Hollywood", guests were, of course, given the red carpet treatment as they arrived.
Carol and Leroy Arrive!
Guests were encouraged to come in Hollywood attire. A photo staging area was a lot of fun and here are a few of the photos. Check out the album for more photos:
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Jim Ohge and Internet Security
Jim Ohge and Internet Security
Jim Ohge visited our club to speak on internet security. There are thousands of attempt to gain access to your personal network and many of those attempts are young kids. Generally their approach is no longer through a virus on your computer, but instead through ransomware. Hackers spend their lives trying to find ways to get into computers. Because of this it is a good idea to have both malware protection and antivirus software. Remember, also, not to respond to scams. As soon as you click on them they are in. Your best defense is to backup your data and have an antivirus. Other ways that you can protect your information are to remember not to leave your passwords on or near your computer and don't use your phone or tablet to do anything of importance. Finally, it is important in your password design to come up with a pattern so that you are able to remember your passwords. It is important to be aware of your computer and your information.
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.
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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.
December Service
A Busy Month of Service!
It's been a busy month of service already for our club with our biggest project, Christmas food baskets, yet to come.
Several members helped collect gifts, money, and distribution for "A Christmas Wish". It is a new name for an effort to provide a great Christmas for kids in families with financial challenges. in previous years volunteers headed by our former member, Tina Davis, partnered with the American Legion and it was known as Operation Christmas Hope. This year the volunteers partnered with the Arlington Boys and Girls Club.
in addition to gifts donated by members in our community, the project is aided by cash gifts, a grant from the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, and money raised in partnership with the Arlington Runners Club and its Hot Cocoa Run.
Hot Cocoa Run December 9:
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On Friday all of the donated and purchased gifts are arranged by age appropriate in the Boys and Girls Club's gym. Parents and guardians come to the gym to pick from the thousands of gifts for their kids.
A Christmas Wish!
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On Friday, December 15, our club bought lunches and gifts for over 200 senior at the Stillaguamish Senior Center. Members helped with dishing up plates and waiting table, and. of course, our own Santa had to make an appearance to distribute candy canes and gifts.
Christmas Luncheon at Senior Center
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Even though it was a lunch for seniors, Santa had to zero in on a grandchild one of the senior brought to lunch:
Next Thursday members of our club and our Interact Club, along with family and friends will pick up food our members and our club has purchased from the Rotarian owned Arlington Bargain Market, pack the food in boxes at the Boys and Girls Club, and deliver the boxes to families in our community.
Yes, It's The Season for Giving and Service Above Self!
December Social
Annual Christmas Party
Rotarians and their guests had an enjoyable Christmas party at the Glen Eagle Restaurant on December 14. This annual event takes the place of our noon meeting and it is always a fun and relaxing evening.
Our Director of Club Administration, Carla Gastineau, was the master of ceremonies. She introduced President Jola to welcome the guests and to give a brief summary of our year to date.
Jola reported that out of the 4 goals necessary to have the club recognized with a presidential citation, we have already achieved 3. The only requirement left is for the club to pay its semi annual dues to RI by the end of January.
President Jola
November was Rotary Foundation month and our Foundation Director and Associate Director, Kathy McCone and Ryan Berg, shared the results of our campaign. $9250 was donated by members with donations of $100 or more being matched by the club. The match was 9095 points. This equates to 7 new Paul Harris Fellows with 11 members earning a multiple Paul Harris recognition. We still have members who have not donated at the minimum $25 amount to qualify our club for "Every Rotarian Every Year" recognition.
Kathy and Ryan
Presentations of the new Paul Harris awards will occur at future meetings and Kathy indicated that families would be invited to come see the presentations. There was not enough time before our party to have all the awards delivered.
Carla recognized members of the Club Administration Committee for helping with the event. Wine was the reward.
In these 2 photos with Carla, from left to right: Jennifer Holocker, Lauren Hunter, Sue Weiss, Lyanne Rolf and Jessica Ronhaar. Others recognized, but not present, Andria White, Jenie Jones, and Simona DeVries.
Carla presented a Kurt McVay plate with the Rotary wheel as a surprise to Dave Duskin for all the things he does for the club and help with making sure we had the gifts for our party.
Dave and Carla
As part of our December month of service, members have been bringing children's gift to our meeting and to the party for "A Christmas Wish" project. Even a child's bike was donated by a member. All the gifts were combined with those being collected all over the community so that on Friday, families with financial challenges could obtain Christmas gifts for their kids.
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Some of the Many Gifts Including New Bike
( Friday at the Boys & Girls Club)
Our Christmas party started with a great meal and ended with lots of dancing.
Thank you Club Administration Committee for putting on a fun event!
New Members
Three New Members Inducted!
This week we inducted 2 new members and welcomed back a previous member as a new member.
 | Andria White, on the left, is a broker with Windermere Real Estate in Arlington. Andria is a graduate of Darrington High School and Central Washington University. She lives in Mount Vernon and is married to Cy Valliant. Her bio has been lost so watch for an update. Our Membership Director, Mike Britt, who sponsored her, is giving Andria her pin in this photo. Cindy Huleatt will be her mentor. |
 | Jessica Martin, on the right, is very energetic, driven and passionate about life. She operates three businesses with the constant support of her amazing husband and three daughters. Motivated by generosity Jessica spends much of her time in the community supporting nonprofits and those in need. When not working, she hangs out with her three girls (2 Westies and a Cocker); which you will find with her most of the time. To the left of Jessica is her sponsor, Breanne Martin (no relation) and her mentor Erik Granroth. |
 | Wally Thomas grew up in Tacoma and attended school at the University of Washington. He worked the first half of his career in the Food Manufacturing Industry making a variety of products ranging from pasta to beef jerky. In 2005 he moved to the north half of the state after purchasing Artisan Finishing Systems in north Marysville. Wally is married to his wife Oanh of 27 years; they have two sons, Grant a senior in high school and Bryce a senior in college. Wally coaches Lacrosse in the springtime and is adventurous and likes to try new things. Wally was a member of our club previously and his mentor, on the left, this time around is Leroy Jacques. |
Weekly Program
Knitted Knockers Support Foundation for Breast Cancer Survivors
Members and our guests were visibly moved by our speaker, Barbara Demorest's, story of her cancer story and how it led her to take on the mission of providing free soft, comfortable, knit prosthetics for breast cancer survivors all over the world.
Knitted Knockers was Seahawks Charity of the Month!
Barb is a breast cancer survivor who had a mastectomy. The doctors told her she couldn’t put anything on the scar. The traditional breast prosthetics were expensive, hot, and heavy. The doctor turned her on to a “knitted knocker”.
Super Knitter Phyllis was in Full Production During Our Meeting
Barb’s friend Phyllis made her a knitted knocker. She tried it on and it was comfortable. Barb immediately knew other women needed this. It was life changing. Barb felt normal.
Barb went to the doctor to ask if she could make these for women and have him hand them out.
Barb and her crew of knitters got started and began giving them to the doctor’s office. They created a website to order free knitted knockers.
50,000 mastectomies done in the U.S. One million women living in the U.S. that have had mastectomies and have not been reconstructed.
Barb and her knitters posted patterns, video tutorials, and approval yarns online so people can create their own. About 25 women meet every week to make the knockers. 1,000 per month are sent out each month.
Dear Abby reached out to the Knitted Knockers volunteers and said she wanted to run a column about the Knitted Knockers but wanted to make sure they could handle the demand. Orders for 250 knitted knockers per hour were placed. The email was shut down by 9am. By the end of the day 10,000 orders were placed. They filled all orders.
Dear Abby ran a follow up this last Sunday to do an update on where Knitted Knockers are today.
Knitted Knockers were invited to have a booth at the Mariners Stitch and Pitch event. An ESPN reporter covered them as a story. He asked if they ever applied for the Seahawks charity of the month. The reporter applied for them and they were chosen in the month of October 2016. They received 100 public service announcements that ran throughout the Puget Sound. Being chosen gave them a really big push.
Barb estimates they have sent out 50,000 knitted knockers. If you can knit or crochet register at knittedknockers.org to help. Spread the word on social media. Please also donate.
There is a bad stigma about breast cancer in Africa. The group was invited to go to Rwanda. They trained 30 women on how to create the Knitted Knockers. The media covered the story nationally. They were invited to meet with the Minister of Health and now there is a second mammogram machine in the country. They were invited to meet with the head of the largest hospital. He agreed the hospital would pay the local women to make the knockers. The hospital gives them away free.
Barb wouldn’t have changed getting breast cancer. She has found passion and purpose in her life and is grateful to help other women. Both sides benefit from making the knockers.
Barb Showing Members Examples
Knitted Knockers Support Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charity that is run entirely by volunteers. For more of the Knitted Knockers story, click HERE to go to its website.
Our Weekly Program
The Point Bar & Grill-Adrian Abed
Adrian Abed, co-owner of The Point Bar and Grill
Adrian gave his classification talk at our November 30 meeting. He was born in 1982 in Monroe. His father is Iranian. Parents separated when he was 2 years old. Mom worked at Denny’s and he spent a lot of time there. Mom remarried when he was 7 years old. He had issues with his step-father making it a difficult childhood.
Adrian left home and went into foster care before moving in with his great aunt and uncle in Mountlake Terrace. Adrian dropped out of high school and started working in restaurants. When he turned 21 he went to work as a bouncer at pub/bars and was given the nickname "A Train". Learned the industry from the managers he worked with.
Adrian is married and has two children (11 and 6). He owes a debt of gratitude to his previous managers, wife, and great-aunt and uncle. He and his partner looked around and purchased a bar in Kirkland that they renamed the Dub Pub. It catered a lot to U of W and Seahawk fans. It had 50 televisions. Because of lease issues, they sold the Dub Pub and looked for a place further north where growth is occurring.
Adrian and his partner purchased Razzals Sports Bar in Smokey Point six months ago. They want to turn the pub into something more than a bar. As part of their plan they changed the brand. The name has been changed to The Point Bar and Grill.
Now there are 40 televisions making it a great location to watch college and professional sports. Plans are to expand the number to 50 televisions and to have a great menu for families during the day with more of a bar atmosphere at night. To see more, including the menu, click HERE.
Giving Tuesday November 28
Apple Cup by Boeing
Apple Cup History
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Apple Cup is an American college football rivalry between the University of Washington Huskies and Washington State University Cougars. Both are members of the North Division of the Pac-12 Conference.
First played 117 years ago in 1900, it is traditionally the final game of the regular season for both teams and originally took place on the Saturday preceding Thanksgiving. Since 1946, it has been held in odd years in Seattle at Husky Stadium (except in 2011 at CenturyLink Field), while Washington State has hosted during even years at Rogers Field (1946, 1948, 1954) and Martin Stadium (since 1982) in Pullman, and Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane. The games in eastern Washington from 1935 to 1948, all in Pullman, were held in mid-October. The exception was in 1945, when two games were played; in Seattle in mid-October and in Pullman in late November.[1][2][3]
With the NCAA's extension of the regular season to twelve games in 2006, the game is often played at a later date. Since 2011, it has been held on the Friday after Thanksgiving, excluding 2014 when it was played a day later on Saturday.[4] First awarded in 1962, the Apple Cup trophy is presented to the winner by the state's governor at the conclusion of the game
From 1934 to 1961, the teams played for the "Governor's Trophy".[5] The game was renamed the "Apple Cup" in 1962 because the state of Washington is a major producer of apples.
With the lengthening of the college football regular season schedule to twelve games in 2006, there was a movement to change the date of the game from the Saturday before Thanksgiving to the weekend following, which would have allowed a bye week during the season. In 2006, both teams played 12 straight weeks without a bye, leaving the two teams noticeably fatigued. For the first time, the 2007 game was played the Saturday after Thanksgiving; it returned to the Saturday before Thanksgiving in 2008 in Pullman.
The media joked that the 2008 game in Pullman was the "Crapple Cup" and "full of worms", because WSU (1–10) hosted winless UW (0–11); the Cougars won, albeit in double overtime.[6] The game returned to the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2009 in Seattle and the 2010 game was played on December 4 in Pullman. The 2011 game in Seattle on Saturday, November 26, was moved to CenturyLink Field to allow an early start on the renovation of Husky Stadium.
From 1950 through 1980 (except for 1954),[7] the WSU home games in the series were played in Spokane at Joe Albi Stadium (Memorial Stadium until 1962). The Cougars won three of these fifteen games (1958, 1968, 1972). In 1910, the Cougar home game in Spokane was played at Recreation Park.
The first game in 1900 resulted in a 5–5 tie; the series has been played continuously since 1945, when there were two games, one in Seattle, and one in Pullman.
... Series: Washington leads 71–32–6
Note: Click HERE to see year by year scores and more.
Rotary Foundation Month
Steve Morach, member of the Stanwood/Camano Island Rotary Club, spoke to our club about the Rotary Foundation. Steve is the Annual Giving Chair of District 5050.
Last year the District gave $416,000. Average giving by a District 5050 member was $161. Last year the Arlington Rotarians gave an average of $236. Rotary recognizes clubs where each member gives $100 or more to the annual fund or foundation with a Sustaining Member recognition. 100% of your donation to the Foundation goes to Rotary programs.
Polio Plus is a separate program fro the Rotary Foundation. 100% of donations goes to the efforts to eradicate Polio. The Gates Foundation is committed to the advancements that Rotary is making with Polio Plus and will match 2 to 1 for every donation. Meaning they will donate $2 for every $1 donated.
Last year the district goal for annual giving was $316,000. You can login to Rotary.org to make a donation. There you can set up monthly, quarterly, or annual donations. If you donate $1,000 or more annually you are part of the Paul Harris Society. Our club has over 20,000 points. 1,000 points equals a Paul Harris. For every dollar you donate you get one point toward a Paul Harris for yourself or other members in the club or community.
Our club goal is $11,000 in giving for this year. Last year we gave over $19,000.
November 18th the Foundation Dinner will be held in Langley. Awards will be presented to various clubs. Good speakers will present. The club will pay for those members who want to go.
Also, If you are interested in working on a global grant contact Joan Tilton.
Our Interact Club
What's New With Our Interact Club?
This week we heard from the current president and vice president, Taryn Minch and Aidan Espinosa respectively, of the Arlington High School Interact Club. The Interact Club, sponsored by our Rotary Club, was started last year and is just starting its first full school year.
Aidan Left and Taryn Right
They meet every Wednesday for breakfast in Chad Duskin's classroom (their advisor). The group is open to all students who want to help in the community and abroad. The members improve their leadership skills and form friendships.
The club assisted with the following during the 2016-2017 year: Hometown Holidays, attended YAIL, Christmas baskets, inductions, sold candle for the annual conference, CHRUSH fundraiser, International night, March Fundraiser for babies, attended the Rotary Annual Conference, and an end of year luau. Already this year the club members assisted with the Farm to Table dinner, and homecoming lip dub.
A Collage of Last Year's Activites
Members are planning the following events for the rest of the year: Boys and Girls Club Holiday Décor & More, inductions, pancake breakfast, Hometown Holidays/gift wrapping, basket making, YAIL, undecided fundraiser in February, March for Babies Fundraiser, International night, and end of year party.
Because of the age requirement for the District Conference Cruise, a weekend retreat at Camp Fire Mountain is being planned for sometime in April.
The club currently has 33 active members and wants to grow to over 100 this year. Started last year at 8-10 members. This year started out with a function at the Duskins' on Lake Goodwin where prospective members were invited to come.
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Activities this School Year
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Two of the members last year attended Youth Adventures In Leadership (YAIL) and more are being encouraged to attend this year. For more on YAIL click on the above link.
Social Event
2017 Dick Post Memorial Golf Tournament
The weather cooperated and over 65 golfers participated in this year's event. As Dale pointed out in his email to the golfers, "THIS IS NOT REALLY ABOUT GOLF!!" It's about fun and fellowship.
Jim and Dale organized the tournament and Carla organized the after golf party at the Menos' residence. There were trophies and prizes for various categories. Not all the winners were present.
Here are some photos! (there are more in the album)
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Clockwise: Dale accepts the overall trophy for the core group which included Dale and Ron; The Axis Roof & Gutter team were low gross; the ladies team of Jola, Samona & Lyanne were the bes dressed; Matt had the longest men's drive; Simona won for something she did (didn't take notes); and Lyanne had the longest drive for the ladies (I think).
Our Outbound Exchange Student
Caleb Arrives in Iceland!
Our outbound exchange student Caleb Abenroth arrived in his host country Iceland on Monday, August 21, to start his year long venture. He will be using Face Book to document his experience and there is a link to that site on this website.
His host dad, James, met him at the airport.
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Host Dad James with Caleb
They then dropped his stuff at the house, picked up his host mother, and went to his new school to get enrolled.
Caleb at His New School
We look forward to hearing from Caleb! The above photos were taken from his Face Book site.
Healthier Washington Through Community Paramedics
Accountable Communities of Health (ACH)
Our program this week was our own member Fire Chief Bruce Stedman telling us about a Community paramedic Primary Care program that is being sought for the northwest Washington Counties as a Medicaid Transformation demonstration project under the federal Accountable Communities of Health grant project. It is anticipated that the state of Washington will receive $1.12 billion in federal funds rewarding this type of care.
Bruce Stedman--City of Arlington Fire Chief
At the core of the initiative is dealing with the small portion of Medicaid eligible persons who use a disproportionate amount of emergency medical services (EMS). Under the current system when called the only option that EMS has is to transport the individual to the closest hospital. Often times it is for something that that the local hospital is not equipped to handle such as a person with mental issues.
Each region, through its Accountable Community of Health (ACH), is able to pursue projects aimed at transforming the Medicaid delivery system. Transformation projects focus on health systems capacity building, care delivery redesign, prevention and health promotion, and increased use of value-based payment (VBP) models that reward providers for quality of care rather than the volume of services and procedures provided. The effort to do this for the North Sound ACH is being led by Bruce and others in the Arlington Fire Department.
The outcome that Bruce is seeking is to find alternative avenues for those individuals who are overburdening the system. Examples: instead of taking an individual with mental issues to the hospital take the person to a mental health facility; provide transportation besides ambulances to take the person to a primary care physician; allow the paramedics to do routine procedures without taking them to the hospital; better integrated health record systems so all health care providers including first responders have a better understanding of the individuals needs.
Because of the growth in calls for Medicare and Medicaid eligible patients, without a change in the system many more paramedics and equipment, including aid cars and ambulances will be required. Bruce and others are working to have Everett Community College or one of the other technical or institutions of higher learning start paramedic training courses in the north sound region. Bruce expressed the hope that the new approach will save Arlington the cost of new equipment including a new ambulance.
Here is what is being sought through the federal grant:
Here are the possible roles of the proposed community paramedic:
Bruce expressed his feeling that in the 30 plus years he has been in the fire service, this is one of the most exciting efforts that he has been involved with, and his enthusiasm and excitement definitely came through during his presentation.
Celebrating Success!
Over $162,000 Raised--Rotarians Celebrate
Our Rotary Club celebrated a great fund raising effort at the home of Cindy and Jeff Huleatt on July23. It was the29th year of the Great Stilly Duck Dash and it was chaired by President Elect Paul Ellis.
A Great Venue for a Fun Event
The celebration brought members and their families and friends together for a great afternoon of fellowship and fun. Jeff grilled his famous "trash steak" on his open fire grill and Cindy provided her great strawberry shortcake. Side dishes were provided by members, so no one left hungry.
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Service Project Update
Fun Doing Projects
Each month our club often has both a service project and a social event. Recently members of our club helped clean up flower beds at the Stillaguamish Senior Center.
Devin and Lyanne at Senior Center Project
One of our most frequent project locations is the Fire Mountain Scout Reservation east of Big Lake. Some of the projects are a start that gets finished by other volunteers. Here are some recent photos of the finished projects:
The Deck on the Dining Hall
We worked on a three of the components of the new Swim Beach:
The Swim Platform and Swing
Completed Change Station
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Finished Shelters on the Beach
Beach Overview of "The Beach at Fire Mountain"
Thanks, in part, to our club, Scouts are having a great experience at Fire Mountain! The camp has become one of the premier camps with 60% of the units using the camp this summer being from outside the Mount Baker Council.
Great Stilly Duck Dash Sponsors
Our 2017 Sponsors Rock!
Please support our sponsors who supported Great Stilly Duck Dash 2017. $81,500 was raised this year from these generous businesses:
.jpg) Jola Recognizing Tom Lane | .jpg) Tom Lane of Dwayne Lane Chevrolet
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 Gold Sponsor Skagit Regional Health Jola with Kari Ranten |
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 | Rotarian Todd Bergeson of B & B Fabricators |
 | Bryce Duskin, DDS Accepting for Eagle Family Dental on behalf of him, Jeff Huleat, DDS, and Cindy Huleat, Office Manager. All 3 are Rotarians  Rotarian Devin Brossard, DCof Symmetry Chirotractic |
Everett's Centennial
Larry O’Donnell, a historian with the Everett Rotary Club, spoke to our club about 100 years of Rotary in Snohomish County.
Larry is a graduate of Everett High and Western Washington University. He worked for Everett School District for 30 years. Larry is the author of several history books, including histories of several organizations in which he has been active including the Boy Scout Council (Scout Master and Eagle Scout), YMCA, Everett High School Athletics. He co-authored "Snohomish County, an Illustrated History".
This is Everett Rotary’s centennial year. it recently met at the site of the first meeting in Everett and Larry narrated a skit with club members taking on the identities of some of the club's founders. The sponsors of the Everett Club, Tacoma and Seattle Clubs, came by steamer 100 years ago to celebrate the new club.
When Everett Rotary was founded Everett was a town full of shingle mills with workers working in unsafe conditions. In 1916 there was a strike between shingle workers and mill owners. On November 5, 1916 there was a very violent conflict know as the Everett Massacre. A month later Everett Rotary was started.
Henry Prince founded the Everett Club. He was a member of the Tacoma Club and moved to Everett to open a cigar shop.
Clayton William, a local attorney, was the very first president of the Everett Club. Edward B. Wight was the first historian. The Everett Club
Great Stilly Duck Dash Kick Off
Duck Dash Kickoff--Shirts, Mascots and Start of Ticket Sales
Our club kicked off phase two of our one fundraiser for the year, the Great Stilly Duck Dash! Phase one was our sponsorship drive that ended a bit short but Ticket Masters Dale and Carla aim to make up the short fall!
Paul modeled the 2017 Duck Dash shirt, or rather, tank top and showed off other apparel items he is sure will catch on.
He then revealed to real 2017 Duck Dash shirt.
The club needs volunteers for assistance on the 4th of July. Paul will send out an email with a request.
Sell, sell, sell! Those are the words of our 2 ticket masters, Carla and Dale, who are looking on as Dave goes over gambling rules.
Duck Dash Ticket Sales Benefits Community
Community Benefits from Duck Dash Sales
The Great Stilly Duck Dash started as a new fundraiser for our club back in 1989 in response to our club's pledge of $10,000 towards the construction costs of building a new Boys and Girls Club. When the call went out for the need to enlarge the club we responded with a pledge of $50,000. We are able to meet that pledge and commit funds to many other projects because of the growth of the fund raiser.
On Saturday, May 20, we were able to celebrate the opening of the enlarged club with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
A Thank You Plaque for the Rotary Club of Arlington!
Kids Cutting the Ribbon With Dignitaries Behind Them
A New Gym and a Half Has Been Added--Volleyball Game the Day of the Ribbon Cutting
New Teen Center with State of the Art Audio, Video and Graffiti Board
A Room for Kids to Study with New Computers
One of the other recent contributions from Duck Dash proceeds was $4000 to Youth Dynamics to help kids go to camp. Many
Our Weekly Program
Burned Children Recovery Foundation
Foundation Founder and Board President Michael Mathis
Michael Mathis with The Burned Children Recovery Foundation out of Everett spoke to our club about the Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to provide counseling and financial aid to the families of burn victims while offering two recovery programs to the children and their family. Since 1989 the Foundation has helped over 125,000.
Michael was burned in 1967. After he first saw himself after the burn he thought he looked like a monster and wondered who would love him. He went back to school and thought he couldn’t deal with it. He still suffers with negative reactions. God gave him a purpose to bring knowledge to children. 99% of the reactions are not meant to be offensive but just the public trying to process. Educating the public will help them better understand their reactions.
The Foundation provides funds for food, lodging, hobbies, etc. for the families of the survivors. The Foundation runs “Camp Phoenix” for children who have experienced burns. Many of the counselors are also survivors themselves. The power of camp is to show the kids they are not alone and are accepted unconditionally.
The Foundation also runs the “Phoenix House” and burn support services. The Foundation wants the children to have something they are passionate about so they get outside and live a full life.
Our club has previously helped the Foundation by helping Jim and Kim Minifie host the camp at their home on Big Lake for a day.
Upper photo, former member Patrick Swesey operated his ski boat for tubers in the middle photo. Bottom photo, Al Erickson had his fishing boat going non stop for campers to experience catching a fish. This was always a rewarding hands on project for our club but it only seemed to occur on the wettest and coldest summer day.
On August 13th at 10am Michael invited us to please come to Camp Phoenix to interact with and support these children. The camp is located in Bellingham at Camp Lutherwood. The cost for one child for a week is $1500.
Weekly Program
AHS Interact Club
AHS Interact Students
The Arlington Rotary Interact Club spoke to our club about their club that was started last year at Arlington High School. They spoke to how being a part of the interact club has affected their lives and prepared them for leadership in the school and in their future, as well. Interact’s main goal is to help their community and the world. They strive to make positive change in the world and promote international understanding.
The interact club is a leadership club and has international and community focuses. They assist with community service projects and fundraising. They also have a lot of fun in Interact and make close relationships with other students in the club.
This year they helped with the Holiday parade and stuffing and delivering food baskets. Delivering the baskets motivated them to make a difference. There 26 students in the club. They meet every Wednesday morning before school.
This year two students went to YALE camp in Canada. The camp taught the students the motive behind being a leader and giving back to others. The students made connections with Canadian exchange students and other teens that were very different from themselves. This experience helped to open their eyes to see the difference in other people and they learned about new ways of leadership.
The club also had the opportunity to attend District Conference. They had a great time connecting with students from other clubs as well as Rotarians that they found to be kind and giving. They made connections and were inspired by the speakers. They sold candles at the conference as a fundraiser for their club.
This year the club helped out at the Point in time count. Because of their experience and the people they met, they decided to collect money for baby supplies for the Arlington Community Resource Center. They ended up raising $1,100. They plan to raise funds for the eradication of Polio as their next fundraising effort.
District Conference
"Make It Happen"
Our club was well represented at the District 5050 Conference in Seattle both by our club members and by our very active Interact Club. It is the first time that District 5050 has ventured outside of the geographic area of our district to host a conference.
The conference kicked off Friday afternoon with a parade of just a portion of the flags from nations where Rotary clubs are located. Flag bearers included members of our Interact Club. Our Interact Club is the first to attend a District 5050 conference.
The morning before the conference officially opened, Rotarians and Interactors took a bus to tour the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Self directed interactive exhibits.
District Governor Scott Dudley and President Erik With Our Interactors at the Foundation
Friday Lunch with Interactors at the Red Robin on the Pier.
A surprise at Friday afternoon session was an invite for our Interact Club members to tell Rotarians about Interact and why they joined.
AHS Interactors with MC Pat Grant
The conference featured many great speakers, including the R.I. President's representative, Greg Yank. Greg will be installed as an R.I. Director with a term starting July 1. Greg reminded us all that being invited to become a Rotarian is a gift. He and other speakers, Tony Sharma from Slough, England, and Apoorva Mallya, Senior program Officer on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Polio Team, updated us on our fight to end polio. Only 5 cases thus far in 2017 only in isolated areas of Afganistan and Pakistan, where fighting and political unrest makes vaccinating all the children very difficult and dangerous.
George Lewis, "The Water Man", with the Florence, Oregon Club, showed us his energy for international water projects with ideas on how to raise funds. He will help any club with a project. Some of the other topics covered by speakers included organ donation (Donor Anil Sivivatsa from India who has a goal of recruiting 1 million donors), educating women in Africa (Maness Samuel from Malawi, Africa), heart surgeries for children from 3rd world countries (Dr., Nischal Pendey of a small village in India who was able to complete his medical training thanks to a Rotary Scholarship), and personal experiences being deployed for Shelter Box (Dave Nichols of West Seattle Rotary).
Host Cindy with Maness Samuel from Malawi Africa--Cindy Picked Her Up at Sea-Tac and Introduced Her
Motivational speakers included HK Derryberry and Jim Bradford. HK was born blind and premature as a result of an accident that that killed his mother. With cerebral palsy and countless other medical problems, he was abandoned by his father at age 5. His life was totally improved when a Rotarian, Jim Bradford, fortuitously stopped at a restaurant where HK's grandmother, who was raising him, worked and took HK there to spend hours while she worked. It was learned that HK is among a handful of persons with the gift of a Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory. He has almost total recall of every minute of his life starting at age 3 1/2. HK has been featured on the NBC Nightly News and other shows. In 2016 Jim Bradford released a book "The Awakening of HK Derryberry; My Unlikely Friendship With the Boy That Remembers Everything", a best seller on Amazon with profits funding a trust fund for HK.
The last morning we heard the inspirational story from Richard Peters, a retired Navy Seal, who was working as a contractor in Libya when he was imprisoned for being a suspected spy by Muammar Gaddafi. He told us of the hardships he faced and how his faith carried him through with miracle after miracle including his escape just 9 days before his scheduled execution. His story is told in his book "Man-of-War."
Here is a photo of our contingent at the conference including the members of our AHS Interact Club (for other photos see the album and our Face Book Page):
Something different for next year's conference. It's going to be a 4 day cruise on the Holland America Eurodam. When District Governor Elect Lindagene Coyle was diagnosed with cancer she vowed to take a cruise each year for the rest of her life. Even though she is in remission she has kept her promise and next year's conference is proof of that. It will be May 8-12, departing Seattle with stops in Victoria and Vancouver B.C. before returning to Seattle.
As an Assistant Governor to Lindagene, Dave and Kay have already reserved their cabin!
Think about booking this trip. It is all inclusive (alcohol not included) price which makes the cruise very comparable to staying at a hotel for the conference. To book, call Valerie Tibbetts at (360) 299-9390.
April Service Project
New Deck for BSA Camp Fire Mountain
Our club normally does two service projects a year at our local Scout Council's Fire Mountain Camp east of Big Lake in Skagit County.
Plans are in the works for a major addition to the camp's dining hall, but it could be 5 years out. In the mean time, the deck was deteriorating and becoming a hazard and needed to be replaced with something to last at least 5 years.
On April 29 Rotarians and some family members started the deck replacement project. Matt Rolf, Lyanne's Rolf's husband, and Lyanne's father in law did the planning and supervised the job.
Scouts Moved the Pile of Lumber for Us from the Front to the Back of the Dining Hall
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Preparing for Posts and Joists
Matt and Erik Setting One of the Beams
On Goes the Decking
Of Course There Was a Lunch Break
Our club is not the only area Rotary Club doing a project at Camp. The Rotary Club of Maryville has taken on the project of financing
Spring Fundraisers
Help Support Organizations We Support
Youth Dynamics Dinner and Auction
Our club supports Youth Dynamics of Arlington. Arlington Y.D, provides care, mentorship and outreach for youth in Arlington and throughout the Stillaguamish Valley.
The event is at Arlington Free Methodist Church, Featuring Weslee W. Jones. Great Dinner, Live and Silent Auction, Dessert Dash and free childcare. $25 per person or $175 for a table of 8.
Here is a link to get tickets: Tickets
Weekly Program
Lyanne Rolf Tells Us About Herself
Lyanne Rolf is a mortgage broker at Key Bank. Most of her classification presentation was about her life.
Lyanne Rolf
Born and raised in Arlington. Grandfather Garka owned a lumber mill in Marysville. Other grandparents are the Kinneys. Lyanne’s parents, who married in 1976, still live in Arlington. Lyanne grew up on Gilman.
Her family goes on a vacation together once every three years. Lyanne was born in 1978 and her brother in 1979. Lyanne’s father worked for the family lumber mill a long time. Mother started working at the post office the first day Lyanne started kindergarten. Mom just retired after thirty years. Grandfather’s lumber mill was sold. Lyanne’s father is now a shipping a receiving supervisor.
Sports were a big part of growing up. Mom was voted most athletic in high school. Dad is more shy and reserved. Mom coached softball. Took the team to districts three or four years in a row. Mom was a campfire leader. Mom had the state record for shot put. Lyanne got close to the record but could not beat her.
Lyanne went to Japan as an exchange student her freshman year in high school. She raised $3,200 to fund the trip. Lyanne did not enjoy Japan - culture shock. Some time later Lyanne was an exchange student to Tokyo.
Lyanne worked at Safeway and the Boys and Girls Club her senior year. Lyanne thought she wanted to be a Japanese interpreter after high school. She was accepted to a school in Ohio for an intensive interpreter program. She took a class and decided she did not want to be an interpreter.
Lyanne signed up to be a nanny in New York City. Moved to NYC and worked for a family who was fostering a child from the projects. While the child was in school she sent resumes out. Went to an interview for an internet company. She did trade shows and explained internet to people.
Lyanne loves football. Went to an Army/Navy game. Went to every West Point game. Lyanne stayed in New York for two years. Came back and worked for Everett Boys and Girls Club for a year and then moved to Bellevue.
Lyanne banking career started with First Mutual Bank. She has worked for PNC Bank, Merrill Lynch, Umpqua Bank, Countrywide Financial, and now Key Bank.
Lyanne met her first husband and moved to Portland while working for PNC. Her grandfather convinced her to go to work for Merrill Lynch at 21. Lyanne got pregnant at 22 and started learning about mortgages. Lyanne then went to Countrywide and then to Key Bank.
Lyanne married Matt in 2008. Matt has his safety degree from Central. Lyanne met Matt line dancing.
Lyanne hosts exchange students. Lyanne’s daughter goes to visits the exchange students.
Lyanne’s nephew Mason was born with half a heart. Lyanne participates in heart walks and fundraising. Lyanne planned the Oso Strong 5k with surviving families. 1300 people showed up. $38,000 donated to the Oso Fire Department.
Lyanne’s daughter is very open minded. Always up for anything. She plays 4-5 instruments, travels, into snowboarding, surfing, wake boarding, skateboarding. She is involved in the Interact Club and helped start the club.
Many members of our club always comment that classification talks are some of our best programs. Lyanne's presentation was no exception. Thank you Lyanne!
Our Weekly Program
Mixed Use Development in Arlington
Marc Hayes-Community Development Director
Marc Hayes with the City of Arlington spoke about “Mixed Use Development in Arlington” at our April 6 meeting.
Marc has called Arlington home for 47 years, he is married with 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren, Marc Hayes has been employed with the City for 34 years, throughout that time he has worked in various positions with several departments Public Works, Airport, Engineering and now as Community and Economic Development Director.
At least 7,000 additional residents are coming. Where will they all live? By 2035 population estimates for Arlington are projected to increase from 18,489 to 24,937. There isn’t enough land area to allow for that growth. High housing costs south of us are driving people north. More jobs being created on the north end.
About 70% of housing in Arlington is single family. Want to maintain the feel of Arlington. Want to get away from being auto dependent. Bring housing to retail (mixed use). Affordable housing and low income housing are necessary.
Mixed use development makes for three dimensional, pedestrian oriented places that layer compatible land uses, public amenities and utilities together at various scales and intensities.
2,890 deficit in housing units in Arlington. Of those, 1,040 should be affordable housing units, 384 should service the elderly, and the remaining low income.
The land use approach allows for the effective use of limited real estate through efficient development of vacant land, redevelopment of existing land and optimizing the use of underutilized properties. This provides for the efficiency of a traditional “town” where residents lived, worked, recreated and supported the essential services available to them, all without the necessity to drive.
To ensure that there is uniformity of both current and future development, the guiding principle for Mixed Use Development will be Form Based Code- a means of regulating land development to achieve a specific urban form. Fosters predictable built results and a high-quality public realm.
Horizontal mixed use builds up rather than out. Allows for services, retail, and housing all in walking distance. Vertical mixed use is like a typical downtown area. Walkable neighborhoods allow people to live within a quarter mile of services.
Mixed use is accomplished by overlay zone - superimposed over one or more existing zones and imposes additional restrictions; or Re-zone - changes the underlying zoning.
Benefits - Spurs revitalization; promotes village style mix of retail, services, housing; enhances community’s unique identity and development potential; reduces dependency on cars; promotes sense of community provides more housing opportunities; increases revenues
Challenges - time, public participation, ensuring the proper mix of uses, parking, implementation of form based code.
City Council will review the plan for mixed use developments in June or July.
Mayor Barbara Tolbert and America's Best Communities
Mayor Barbara Tolbert spoke to our club about Arlington’s participation in the America’s Best Communities’ competition.
After the Oso Mudslide a task force was formed to apply for an economic grant. At the same time the America’s Best Communities competition began. Arlington/Darrington put together an ABC Community revitalization plan and entered into the competition. 386 communities applied, that was narrowed down to 50 quarter-finalists. As a quarter-finalist we received $35,000 to fully develop the plan. It was a requirement to raise an additional $15,000. 7 months later Arlington presented a budget and implementation plan to the committee. We finished the plan in 2015 and were soon notified we were one of 15 semi-finalists in January 2016.
Arlington was then invited to a summit to sell the committee on why Arlington/Darrington should be a finalist. Each community was given 15 minutes to present a 188 page report. After the summit Arlington/Darrington was named a finalist and given $100,000 and 11 months to implement the plan. From the finalists three cities will win either $3mil, $2mil, and $1mil. The winners will have to commit to twelve months of telling their story and how they got there.
The economic redevelopment program that Arlington/Darrington has been working on for ABC has six goals. Infrastructure, industrial and employment, community and workforce development, resiliency and sustainability, placemaking, and rural innovation.
Here are some of the specifics of these goals:
Infrastructure: Public wi-fi hotspots to allow access to all - averages 630 users per month in Arlington and 120 per month in Darrington.
Makerspace: A facility that will have high tech equipment and is a place to test entrepreneurial ideas. It will teach young people to be creative and support businesses in Arlington. It will also serve the needs of rural entrepreneurs.
Merchandising Consultant: A Merchandising Consultant was hired that showed businesses how to merchandise. The Consultant was also made available to downtown businesses to help develop a business plan for the future and assist with any issues. Because of this there has been a net of 27 new businesses in a five block area downtown. Sales tax receipts went up 8% over a year long period. There is hope to expand the assistance outside of just the downtown area.
Tool Library: Downtown Arlington Business Association suggested a tool library. Tools are owned by the City that business owners could use to perform upkeep and beatification. This is able to encourage more property maintenance and curb appeal.
Youth Council: A Youth Council was Formed in order to engage young people and allow their voices to be heard. They were given $3,000 and taken through a strategic planning process. The youth council were technical consultants for the Boys and Girls Club teen center.
Workforce Training: A higher education program at Weston Hgh School was formed through Everett Community College.
Pop-Up and Pocket Parks: These are creative plans for public locations that allow visitors to be more attracted to our city. We have one in Arlington and one in Darrington.
Beautification: Is being worked on primarily in the downtown corridor.
Rural Tourism Workshops: Workshops were put together to learn how to increase tourism without changing the character of our location. From these workshops engagement teams have been formed.
Stilly Valley Outdoor Adventure Recreation Plan: The recreation areas were mapped and printed.
Social Media Blitz: To promote all of the wonderful things we have been doing!
Memorial Bike Ride: This bike ride was put together to commemorate the coming together of the communities of Arlington and Darrington.
Meet our Newest Member Steffen Emard
Steffen started his first business when he was just 8 years old. He would go from door to door in the apartment community and offer to take their garbage out for $0.50 He found that this was profitable and with the encouragement of his mother rolled it into his next business idea, which was to take his profit from the garbage business and buy candy in bulk at Costco and sell it by the piece in the neighborhood. This proved to be even more profitable and Steffen was able to help provide for his family at a young age.
While attending Kamiak High School and Edmonds Woodway High School Steffen played football, wrestled and ran track. However work always came first and by the time Steffen was 16 he had turned landscaping and handyman work into a 40+ hour a week job. It was during Steffen's senior year that he was extremely blessed to meet his future wife, Charlene.
After High School, Steffen went to Arizona to attend an auto tech school. It wasn't too long before he realized that working on cars for a living was not for him. He came back to WA and his future wife Charlene. Steffen started selling cars for Seaview Chevrolet in Lynnwood, WA. It was there at the age of 19 that Steffen learned he had a knack for selling. While working at Seaview Chevorlet, Steffen was recruited by the owner of a mortgage brokerage to work for him and help people refinance there homes. However, the owner of the car lot asked Steffen to stay onboard at least part time so he did all while attending school.
In 2012 Steffen's desire to help people every day drove him to go to school to become a licensed massage practitioner. After graduating Steffen worked for 1 year at Massage Envy in Everett. Steffen's entrepreneurial itch came back and in 2014 he opened Asgard Massage in Smokey Point with the idea that he should not only provide great services for the patients but also, treat the therapists with dignity, respect and pay them above market wages. Soon after opening Asgard Massage, Steffen and the love of his life were married. A few months later, Steffen and his wife Charlene found out that they were expecting their first daughter Evelyn, who is now 20 months old. Evelyn, is now anticipating the arrival of her first sibling sometime in late October or November. Currently Asgard Massage employs 12 licensed massage therapists and Steffen expects to double the size of the company over the next 18 months.
Lance Morehouse with Sherwood Community Services
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Lance Morehouse is the Executive Director of Sherwood Community Services, a non-profit in Lake Stevens that provides services to children and adults with disabilities in Snohomish County. Sherwood Community Services has been around for almost 60 years.
Lance moved to Lake Stevens about 6 years ago following his wife. Lance and his wife both had sons that had disabilities and caring for people with disabilities became a passion for them both. Both of their sons have passed away, but Lance and his wife have love for their work because of the time that they were able to have with their children. This is the reason they do they work they do.
The founder of Sherwood Community Services was Hazel Vernables. She had a daughter with a disability and was a public care nurse that worked with other families with developmental and intellectual disabilities. They were looking for a way for their children to learn because children with disabilities were not required to have education. 8 families started Sherwood so that children could have education.
The history of people with disabilities is sad. In Nazi Germany, people with disabilities were killed because they were believed to be inferior. In Washington State, people with disabilities were not allowed in schools until 1972. Children with disabilities were sent to state institutions as infants to be cared for and to be out of the public eye. Now people do live in their communities, but people with disabilities are still viewed as second class citizens.
Sherwood offers 3 programs:
infants and toddlers:
Early intervention goes to the home or where the child is ages birth to 3 in Snohomish County and on Camano Island. They use a parent coaching model including the family in the therapy and integrating therapy into daily family activities. 30% of kids in the program meet their developmental milestones before the age of 3 allowing them not to be in special education when they enter schools. Sherwood provides services to many Spanish speaking families and families in rural areas. They are looking to double the amount of kids that are served in the next 3 years because of working with foster children and the many people that moving into the rural areas because of cost of living.
Vocational Services:
Sherwood provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to have jobs. They meet with individuals to help develop resumes, walk through interviews and find jobs that fit that person. They can provide on the job training for as long as people need and work in partnerships with employers to help the employer serve the individual to the best of their ability. When businesses talk to businesses and share the benefits of considering employees with disabilities they know they have committed workers. Vocational Services are provided in Snohomish, Skagit and Island Counties. The goal is to have an 80% employment rate for people that walk through the doors of Sherwood in the next 5 years. If this happens they will have the highest employment rate of any of the agencies that provide like services. Sherwood is also looking to double the amount of employers that they are working with.
Assistive Technology:
Sherwood is currently the only agency that is providing these services in Washington State. They provide ways for people with disabilities in communication to be able to have assistive technology. These devices help people to be more independent in their lives. Sherwood's goal is to provide 7000 pieces of assistive technology in the next 5 years. They started with 89 devices statewide.
Sherwood has committed and compassionate employees that love and care for their people. They are committed to having the best and brightest staff in the field. In order to do this, they have to be able to pay the wages needed to support their staff. They are bale to do this through through donations and contracts to provide services. To recruit the best and brightest, partners are needed that believe in the mission of Sherwood Community Services.
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March 16 Program
Life and Laughter in the Cemetery
On the eve of Saint Patrick's Day, our program was provided by the President Elect of the Mount Vernon Rotary Club, David Lukov.
David Lukov, Family Service Director Hawthorne & Glbertson Funeral Homes
David Lukov is the Family Services Director at Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Mt. Vernon, and Gilbertson Funeral Home in Stanwood. He has spent the past twelve years working with helping people with pre-arrangements and grief support in funeral homes and cemeteries throughout the State of Washington. David also brings years of experience as a pastor, hospice bereavement coordinator, and college instructor.
Memories and humor are important in David’s line of work. A cemetery has valuable resources for a community. A memorial park is different than a cemetery. A memorial park has very little upright monuments, a cemetery does. A plot is a burial right. You do not actually purchase real estate, just the right to bury a person there. Most plots have to have a container that contains the urn or casket. A niche is an above ground location for urns.
David shared some funny headstones and grave markers with the club.
Time Expired!
I'm with Who?
Oops!
70% of people choose cremation. David wants to challenge that statistic. Cremating and scattering the ashes make it difficult to keep the memory alive. Burial allows us to keep alive the memories of the people close to us. A cemetery is a historical encyclopedia. Cemeteries provide the value of having a place for healthy grief.
A Night at the Theater
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Rave Reviews for Guys and Dolls & Party
Rotarians, family and friends enjoyed a pre-function at Carla Gastineau's home followed by a visit to the Byrnes Performing Arts Theater to see the Arlington High School Drama Department's production of the musical "Guys and Dolls".
Enjoying Appetizers at Carla's
Our Charter Member and Honorary Member Don Richards (center) Catches Up With Bob and Lee
When Jazzmine, the predecessor to Flight, had an annual dinner show our club made it an annual fireside. Since the dinner shows were discontinued we have not been as a club to any of the high school events. With raving reviews, perhaps attending the spring musical needs to be an annual fireside.
Janice and Duane Rhodes in the Lobby
Prime Seats Were Reserved for Us!
For more photos from the pre-function and from the theater, check out the photo album section.
March Service Project
Work Party at Haller Park for Jackson's Disney Grant
Jackson Martin
It was announced at the meeting on February 9th that Jackson Martin, son or Rotarian Breanne Martin, a five year old from Arlington has been awarded a $500.00 Disney Summer of Service grant through YSA (Youth Service America). The grant was tp support Jackson in leading a community service project that addresses the issue of child safety and recreation.
Jackson chose to partner with the Rotary Club of Arlington for the service project and donate the grant funds to the Club for the splash park. The service project occurred on March 11, 2017.
This phase of the project included spreading new bark under the playground equipment to make it safer. Some flower beds were also cleaned.
There is an album of photos take during the project, but here are a few:
Jackson Digs In!
Duane and Grandkids Help
Supervisors or Shovel Guards?
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What is a Project Without Food & Drink
Most Rotarians Even Worked!
See the photo album section for many more photos. Thank you Jackson (and mother Breanne) for submitting for the grant!
Club Bylaws
Membership Business Meeting April 27
The 2016 Council on Legislation has given our club much more flexibility on how we operate. In January we amended our bylaws to add a youth services director and committee. You were told that there would be more proposed changes coming.
Your board, with input from members at the club assembly and from an ad hoc committee, is proposing changes. The first step in implementing these changes was the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation (including the new prescribed club constitution). The second step is the Amendment of our Bylaws, followed by the adoption of specific policies.
Below is a link to a proposed new set of bylaws. Here is a list of significant changes:
- Dues and admission fees are set by the board and as a general rule will include the cost of meals.
- Allows the board, relating to attendance requirement, to create a member-at-large type of active member.
- Substitutes an easier to understand attendance requirement and gives the board authority to add to activities that constitute a "make-up".
- Extends the make-up rule from 14 to 30 days prior to after a missed meeting.
Club Finances
Financing Rotary--A Proposed Change
Every six months Rotarians in our club receive a bill from our treasurer. Historically we have not been very good at explaining the components of that bill.
The constitution that governs our club provides that Every member shall pay dues as prescribed in the bylaws. Dues, augmented by new member admission fees, happy bucks and split the pot income, pay for club operating expenses. Funds raised for community and international projects cannot be used to pay for club operating expenses.
The bylaws provide that a budget is prepared by the board in advance of the next Rotary year. In addition, this year the budget was presented to the membership for approval. To see the budget CLICK HERE
Our operating expenses include $120 per member in dues paid to RI and to District 5050. By far the greatest expense is the cost of meals at our noon meetings and events. The church now charges us to use its meeting space and there is generally a cost when we move our venue for an event. Our website also costs us about $850 each year.
It is our policy for active members to pay for meals regardless of if the member attends or eats a meal. Exceptions include those excused from attendance under the Rule of 85 or a board approved leave of absence. The cost of meals has not been included in the bylaws as part of a member's dues, even though we depend on members not eating lunch to help with administrative expenses.
In calculating the semiannual bill, the treasurer estimates the number of weekly lunch meetings and special events to determine the portion for meals. Lunches have been calculated at the rate of $12.75 per week even though the actual cost paid to our caterer is $14 per person with a guaranteed minimum number of lunches. This does not include the cost of the venue.
It is the consensus of the board to move away from estimating the cost of meals by establishing set dues that would include, unless excused, all meals. Dues for excused members would also be a set amount with those members paying for a meal only when the member attends the meeting or event.
Below you will find a link to the proposed Dues Policy that the board has been considering. It would take an amendment to our bylaws. The proposal also adds a member-at-large category to the list of those excused from the meal portion.
Club Administration & Membership Changes
Changes to Our Club?
Every three years international Rotarians meet at the Council on Legislation to review proposed changes on how Rotary Clubs are governed. In 2016 the Council on Legislation made significant and bold changes allowing clubs flexibility with meetings, membership and attendance.
With regards to membership, a club may now, in its own discretion, have different types of active members including, but not limited to, business and family memberships. A type of active member may be based on different attendance and dues requirements.
Club Assembly to Discuss Possible Membership Changes
In response to these changes our club held an assembly to discuss options. It was the consensus of those who attended that we did not want to have business or family members. However, the group decided that it was worthwhile to look at a possible member-at-large to address the issue of what happens when a member's circumstances change so that he or she cannot attend lunch meetings regularly, but he or she wants to continue as a member of our club. A related issue is how to charge for meals when it comes to such members. Our board was already looking at a new dues policy to include meals. See separate story.
Volunteers were sought at the meeting to serve on an ad hoc committee to look at options. Some volunteered at the assembly and others volunteered at the next board meeting. President Erik appointed Dave Duskin to chair the committee. Those serving on the committee with Dave included Gary Hoffman, Carla Gastineau, Fitz Couhig, Sue Weiss, Paul Ellis, Casey Miller, Erik Granroth, Devin Brossard, and Robin Reinig.
Initial discussions with the group was on line using the Group Me app. The consensus was that the great culture of our club would be jeopardized if new members are not involved in our regular club meetings for at least a year, but that in the attendance area we needed to do something to change the rules rather than ignoring the rules.
The committee met as a group on March 6 to discuss a draft of a new policy that Dave drafted based on input obtained electronically. The goal was to have something that could be submitted to the board for a look at its meeting on March 8.
March Snow Birds-Former Members Rob Dickson and Glen Mann Join Current Members
The proposed member-at-large category is designed to make it more equitable for members who can't attend meetings because of work, trips, health issues, or snow birds who don't meet the requirements of the rule of 85. We have been liberal with make-up rules. Members in the above photo include honorary member Marcia, and Bucky, Dale, Ron, John, and Wayne. Sue who is in AZ for Mariner spring training is the only active member needing a make-up to meet attendance rules.
Members of the committee settled for the draft of a Member-at-Large policy that can be access by clicking below.
Member-at Large Policy Proposed CLICK HERE
To Review a Proposed Application Form CLICK HERE
Outbound Exchange Student
Caleb Abenroth is Going to Iceland!
Caleb Abenroth
Caleb Abenroth, Arlington High School Student and son of Rotarian, Phil Abenroth will be our outbound exchange student heading to Iceland.
Caleb first asked his mom and Phil about going to Germany. He is a Sophomore and in his second year studying German (his family heritage), and his German teacher mentioned an exchange program that he excitedly told his parents about. At that point Phil communicated to Lyanne, our Youth Services Director, that his son was interested in being a Rotary exchange student.
When Phil informed Caleb about the Rotary program he was instantly interested. Phil felt better about his being with a Rotarian family over a random family and particularly in that it was less expensive than spending close to $10k for him to go through the school’s recommended program.
During the application process he listed Germany as his first choice and Iceland (his mom’s heritage) as his second choice. While he was waiting to get his country assignment he admitted to is dad that he didn’t care at all what country he was given, he would go anywhere and just wanted to see more of the world.
At the orientation a couple of weeks ago he was given his country, Iceland. Phil reports that "he and Caleb's mother were immediately STOKED that Iceland was to be his destination. "
Caleb's great grandma on his mom’s side spoke Icelandic and a group of that family had travelled to and were in Iceland and trying to return home during the 9-11 attack. His great grandma is a first generation Icelandic immigrant of the Gudjonson family. Orv and Chris (Gudjonson) Belter passed away recently but would have tears of joy to know their great grandson is going back to the homeland to study.
Caleb and his parents are all now learning as much about Iceland as they possibly can, although Phil was already an Iceland fan due to what I understand about their political policies. Caleb and Phil both hope to learn a lot of Icelandic language before he leaves near the end of this Summer.
Caleb and Phil Abenroth
Caleb is a natural leader. He has been involved with wrestling, basketball, cross country, Arlington High Sophomore class President (was freshman Pres too), coaching his little brother’s basketball team, track and field, and some new-fangled sport called Extreme Frisbee, all combined with a busy social life as a sophomore with a driver’s license. "The kid barely has time to sleep!!", says Phil. He maintains a 3.0 GPA and is hoping to find a job soon to save up some money for his trip.
Interact Club's Service Project
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Homeless Families to Benefit!
For the month of March the Arlington Interact Club will be raising money (loose change) in baby bottles (team boy or team girl) and collecting baby supplies (diapers, wipes, formula, pacifiers, bottles, etc.) for the Arlington Community Resource Center.
Interactors Working on Fundraiser for Homeless Babies
This is their big community project for the year. They will be collecting money during the school day at Arlington High School and will also be collecting money and supplies at Safeway 2 days this month (dates to be determined) and during intermission at the March 10th Performance of Guys and Dolls at the Byrnes Preforming Arts Center.
Keep an eye out for these baby bottles and if you would like more information or to donate please contact us via instant message.
When our club took on helping with the homeless count in January, the members of our Interact Club also volunteered. This project arose out of the Interactors' experience with a homeless family with a baby and their desire to help.
Please help the Interact Club surpass its goal! Watch for the baby bottles!
It's the Start of Duck Season!
The Sponsorship Phase Gets Started
Jola Urging Members to Solicit Sponsors for the 29th Annual Great Stilly Duck Dash
The 2017 Duck Dash sponsorship phase is officially kicked off!
Sponsorships represents more than half of the money raised by the Duck Dash. Our club's long range plan set a goal to have growth at 10% per year in sales and sponsorships. We have met that the last two years for sponsorships, not for ticket sales (Is this a challenge to Dale and Carla?).
Sponsorships help support the administrative expenses associated with the Duck Dash.
This year’s goal for sponsorships is $90,750. Please contact those businesses you have a contact at and make a request. The person who brings in the most new business sponsors will get a prize. Sponsorships are due in five weeks. Make sure to fill out the sponsorship form completely and return to Jola. If the sponsor can pay at the time of signing up, take it.
Please give the Rotarian contact from last year the chance to first reach out to the business!
If you get a coupon sponsor, note on the sponsorship form how the coupon should read. There must be value associated with the coupon, not just an ad.
"We love our sponsors! They elevate the work we do by giving to us to give back to the community! Have fun and let me know what you might need over the next six weeks!" ~Jola
The Following Forms Have Been Added to the Duck Dash 17 File in Club Documents. To help you access the documents here are links--just click on the document.
Scholarship Applications
Scholarship Applications
The Rotary Club of Arlington supports local youth in many ways including awarding scholarships to graduating seniors. This year one graduating senior will be selected from the Arlington School District, Lakewood School District and Darrington School District each student will be awarded $2,500. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship or know someone that is counselors at each of the High Schools have applications on hand or you can visit https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/…/Rotary-Scholarsh….
All applications are due by April 15, 2017
February 23 Meeting Program
Mark Schrader- Circumnavigating the Americas
Mark Schrader spoke to the club about his participation in “Around the Americas”. Around the Americas was a 25,000 mile sailing circumnavigation of the American continents with the mission of inspiring, educating, and engaging citizens of the Americas to protect our fragile oceans.
Mark was a member of the First Team in 1982. He has two single-handed circumnavigations of the world and was the first American to singled-handedly circumnavigate the world via the five Southern Capes in 1982-3. He has lived in Washington State for over 35 years and is an avid marine conservationist and wildlife advocate.
The race was a selfish time, a race with other people from other countries. After spending that much time in the water they decided they wanted to do something more meaningful. They decided to sail around the Americas and bring attention to issues with the Americas. They were concerned they wouldn’t make it through the Northwest Passage, but they did. Ice and weather were issues, but they were successful in the 27,000 mile trip.
Throughout the course of the trip, the crew was collecting data with 13 computers aboard. The computers stopped working by the end of the trip. The crew also had a photographer, scientists, sailors, and an ice expert. At each stop the crew would invite the town to come hear what the crew had been doing and what they were finding. They also visited schools along the way to educate children. The children were allowed to board the boat to see the instrumentation aboard.
The crew is working on a repeat of the expedition. Want to give a voice to people in other countries by looking into issues they are facing.
The total cost of the first trip was $2 million dollars.
The total cost of the first trip was $2 million dollars.
New Paul Harris Awards
On February 23, Paul Harris awards were given to three of our members. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. All three of the members are multiple recipients.
Left to Right: Leroy Jacques PH+5, John Meno PH+3, Erik Granroth PH+2 & Kathy McCone-Director
February 16 Program
James Anderson and Kelly Snyder from UW Bothell
James Anderson and Kelly Snyder from UW Bothell spoke about the services UW Bothell provides. Founded in 1990, UW Bothell became a four year campus in 2006. 5,735 students attend UW Bothell, 90% of the students are in-state students, 1,500 are from Snohomish County and 21 are from from Arlington. 49% of the freshman at UW Bothell have parents who do not have college degrees and 34% of the undergraduate students are eligible for Federal Pell grants. UW Bothell partners with Everett CC, Edmonds CC, University Center of North Puget Sound, WSU, all of the high schools in Snohomish County, and Economic Alliance of Snohomish County.
STEM studies are a large focus for UW Bothell. Nearly every program that is offered requires a capstone, project, internship, or research. Community engagement connected learning across disciplines is also offered at UW Bothell. Graduates from UW Bothell have the highest post-grad salaries from all public universities in the state of Washington.
The Campus itself is an 132 acre-campus and one of three UW campuses. The campus has an activities and recreation center, as well as, a sports field located on campus. There is on campus student housing and they are currently designing a residence hall to house 600 students. UW Bothell has a Rotaract Club on campus and is continuing to look into the future planning growth in buildings, parking, leadership opportunities and so much more.
Ship Tour at Navy Station Everett
USS Kidd (100)
When Captain Doug Kunzman, Commodore of the Destroyer Squadron based at Naval Station Everett, spoke to us on January 5, he invited us to come to the base to tour a destroyer. On February 5 Rotarians, family members, and members of the Interact Club we sponsor at Arlington High School toured the USS Kidd.
USS Kidd on the Left with USS Shoup in the Background
We thought we were going to tour the Shoup but we toured the USS Kidd instead.
The USS Kidd is new to homeport Everett, having been repositioned from San Diego. USS Kidd (DDG-100) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She is the third Navy ship named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was on board Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and was the first American flag officer to die in World War II. The ship is part of Destroyer Squadron 9 of Carrier Strike Group 3 which is currently headed by the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
Photos from the tour are posted in the album section. Here are a few photos taken on the tour:
After the tour the group enjoyed lunch at Skuttlebutts near the Everett Homeport.
14 Rotarians with family members and members of the Interact Club at Arlington High School did the tour and a portion of them enjoyed fellowship and lunch.
Weekly Program
Chief Jonathan Ventura
Jonathan Ventura
One of our newer members, Jonathan Ventura, the Chief of Police gave us his classification talk at our meeting on February 2.
Jonathan has been with the Arlington Police Department since 2000. He attended the Law Enforcement Academy in Spokane, WA and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Columbia College with emphasis in Criminal Justice and is currently in graduate school.
He is a military veteran and a former reservist stationed out of Naval Station Everett, where he was assigned to Security Police as a Law Enforcement Training Instructor. He also has worked for the US Department of Justice (DEA) where he was assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area /Airport Task Force at SeaTac Airport.
During his career in law enforcement he has had many assignments including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Seattle Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Snohomish Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART) which investigates officer involved shootings.
Chief Ventura’s primary focus is to build upon and expand the community connections and partnerships such as the Arlington Crime Prevention League and the ‘All-In’ campaign. He has been instrumental in establishing tools for the department’s K9 Program and ProAct team to address squatting and illicit drug use. He has also worked closely with the Department’s volunteer coordinator to expand the volunteer program to include community patrols, pooch patrol and graffiti Wipeout.
Jonathan lives in Arlington with his wife Stacie and their children. He has a vested interest in the Arlington community and has an open door to discuss community policing issues with residents and businesses. He is looking forward to increasing the Department’s community connections beyond the Arlington Crime Prevention League and Neighborhood Watch programs.
Jonathan is drawn to service. “Thank yous” are most rewarding. The forecast for policing is good but prospective law enforcement candidates need to come into it for the right reasons. There is no need for a criminal justice degree. Study computers, science, technology, etc.
Facebook and social media have impacted law enforcement profession. Ventura learns of community issues on Facebook.
The four way test has helped Ventura in hiring officers. They have to ensure the people they hire are capable. high standards.
Born in North Carolina. Dad was a Marine, grandpa was a Marine. Ventura went into the Navy. Father developed a drug habit in Vietnam. Parents divorced. Grew up in poverty in West Virginia. Mother remarried, step father was not a great guy. Ventura personally dealt with homelessness.
Ventura’s grandfather was a good role model in his life. Ventura wanted to be a firefighter like his grandfather.
He played football and music (drums). Toured the west coast, Nirvana opened for his band. Met the lead singer of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain.
Jonathan had a child when he was 16. He entered the Navy and hoped to be a firefighter. Worked on the flight deck, went to firefighting and aviation firefighting school.
While in the service he was contacted by the State that they took his child away from the mother. Navy allowed him to leave to take care of the child and he decided to take a discharge. Got custody of his son. Son has Aspergers syndrome but wants to be a firefighter. His son was hired by DNR and fought fires this last summer.
RI President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley’s theme, Rotary: Making a Difference.
In 2017-18, we’ll answer the question “What is Rotary?” with RI President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley’s theme, Rotary: Making a Difference. “Whether we’re building a new playground or a new school, improving medical care or sanitation, training conflict mediators or midwives, we know that the work we do will change people’s lives — in ways large and small — for the better.”
To see the video of his announcement click HERE
Our Weekly Program
Bucky Tart Fills in With Program on SR 530/Oso Event
When our speaker had to cancel for this week's meeting, our member, Bucky Tart, a Geotechnical Engineer, filled in with a bit of a repeat program.
Bucky Tart
When the event happened there was an enormous splash when the hill came down. There is a bench area above the river and Bucky believes that the area above that slide.
Bucky bases his opinions of what happened on the experiences of 4 people that were present at the slide. There had to be a loose airborne flow that fell on top of them called a splash because people were buried and survived. If it was mud they wouldn’t have been able to survive.
There has never been a landslide that has flown as far as the Oso slide, that is why Bucky believes that is was not a landslide, but a splash. This can also be seen with the road that wasn’t hurt, just covered by mud.
43 people were injured in a matter of seconds. There were not any people that were injured after that time, which makes the idea of the splash more believable. In a Landslide people, would have been hurt at different times.
Since happy bucks shortened the time that Bucky had to do his slide presentation, he has offered to do a showing at another time.
Our January 12 Program
Jade Roberts on Connecting Students to the Community
Our Program December 29- LTC(P) Brandon Meno
LTC(P) Brandon Meno and the U.S. Army War College
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Brandon is John Meno's younger brother. Brandon is married to Christie and they have three children. He has been deployed 12 times and is currently attending the US Army War College where an Officers’ education begins immediately.
The US Army War College falls under the National Defense University. Every branch of the military has their own war college. Once selected for the war college you can apply for a fellowship to 50 colleges (Harvard, UT-Austin, etc.). The program is a one year intensive program.
The US Army War College is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It is a small post, but it is oldest in the state. The war college was started in 1901, but after World War I it was moved to Washington DC. Eventually the War College was moved back to Carlisle.
There are 383 students in the class of 2017. Each war college has students from other branches of the military, but the majority of the students will be from that branch of the military. The War College also selects international fellows and civilians to attend the college.
The Mission of the War College is to: educate and develop leaders for service at the strategic level while advancing knowledge in the global application of landpower. The curriculum focuses on Three levels of War: Strategic, Operational and Tactical. The purpose of the War College is to educate the students on how to be strategic leaders. After graduation most of the students will likely go back to tactical work but some will also go to the operational side.
Thank you Brandon for our service and leadership to our Nation.
Happy New Year From the Rotary Club of Arlington
December Service Continued
Christmas Food Baskets
Through the generosity of our members, our club again purchased food, assembled and packed boxes, and delivered food to 87 families. The families are screened by the Arlington Community Food Bank. Based on the number of donations from club members, the food was purchased by the club from Arlington Grocery Outlet.
Boxes were assembled this year at the Boys and Girls Club at its invitation so members could see the remodeling that is in progress. Our club is donating funds to help with the cost of the remodeling.
We had a record number of volunteers. In addition to Rotarians and families, our Interact Club had volunteers as well as volunteers from Life Church 360.
The Food Basket Crew
Our projects director, Devin Brossard, planned and organized the annual food basket project.
Devin Directing the Crew
87 boxes were placed throughout the game room and hall way at the Boys and Girls Club
The names of families that have been screened by the Arlington Community Food Bank are given to the club. We are also given a list of food to provide in each box. The food was purchased in large volume and taken to the club. A team of two were assigned to each food item with the responsibility of seeing that that item gets placed in each of the boxes.
87 Hams Ready to Be Distributed with Each Basket
The key to getting the baskets delivered to the right spot is the computer work done by Karri Hansen. Karri finds each address on Google Maps, prints out the directions, and organizes the distribution routes.
Karri Assigning Routes to Rotarians for Delivery
Part of the Interact Volunteers
Organized Chaos!
The Interior of the New Teen Center Being Added With Our Help
New Gym Space Being Added to the Club With Our Help
Getting Ready to Hit a Delivery Route
With the Construction in Progress-We Even Used the Hallway to Pack Boxes
Thank-you to all the volunteers! We helped make Christmas a bit brighter for some of our many families struggling to make ends meet.
See Many More Photos in the Photo Album Section
December 1 Program
Oak Rankin and the Glacier Peak Institute
Glacier Peak Institute (GPI) empowers and teaches children through action based education to build resilient rural communities and ecosystems encompassing the Glacier Peak region. Amount of time spent outdoors by children has fallen 50% since 2000. Video games and less outdoors spaces has led to less time outdoor.
Population in Darrington is decreasing, Arlington is increasing. Increases in free or reduced meals and special education students. Special needs programs take a lot of resources. Rural communities suffer from lack of funding. Salaries for teachers in Arlington start at $47k and Darrington start at $35k.
With limited resources and funding GPI has turned the forest/outdoor into a classroom. Main focus is on the middle schools with forest STEM and STREAM (Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) programs.
Decrease in salmon growth is affecting communities. The children are engineering and designing solutions to this problem and others.
Hoping to obtain a 3D printer for the students.
Students have toured Google. Attempting to expose the students to more career opportunities.
GPI has partnered with Snohomish County Parks & Recreation and Forest Services. Recreation and tourism is important. A recreation program has been created to get youth outdoors.
Kids Rafting in a Local River
Getting Kids to Experience the Out of Doors
GPI is largely ran by volunteers. GPI offers shelter building classes, chanterelle hunting, mountain biking lessons, fishing. These are offered after school and solely extracurricular activities. Leverage grants for funding possibilities.
GPI is looking for long term change. Partnered with WSU extension. They help write grants and “incubate the program.” All volunteers and students are registered through 4H. Oak is the only paid employee. America’s Best Communities has contributed to the funding.
GPI works to empower youth. Encourage them to create their own videos, raft, walk in rapids, float the rivers safely, connect with the outdoors, geology, rowing, snowshoeing, etc.
Partnered with Seattle University. Received a monitoring station at the slide location.
The future of GPI will work on its outdoor curriculum, urban – rural linkages, University collaboration, replicable for other rural communities.
GPI can take donations, gear, tools, and volunteers. More
How to Help:
November Service Project
Revitalizing History
On Saturday November 12, 2016, Arlington Rotarians partnered with members of Arlington United Church to bring new life to the historical church pews that fill sanctuary of the 103 year old building. Each week people gather in this church for worship, recitals, meetings and many other community events. Over the years, the pews have become worn through use. These well loved pews had reached a time, when they needed to be revitalized. Rotarians and church members gathered together to refurbish the pews and to bring new life and new beauty to this vibrant and giving church. The pews are now ready for many more years of love.
Craig Chase and Roy Harris working hard
Young and old came out to help
Thank you to everyone that came out to help as the Rotary Club of Arlington continues to serve the community that we love.
No Meeting This Week
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Foundation Month
The Foundation of Rotary International
Kathy McCone, Lee Harman, and Carla Gastineau spoke about the Rotary Foundation.
Goal of the Foundation is: Do good in the world.
Foundation was first proposed in 1917 and started with $26. It is the 100th Year!
Separate legal entity. Managed by 15 member board nominated by International President.
Programs funded cannot benefit Rotarians or immediate family. Donations are invested for 3 years and interest covers administration costs. $100 donation per year makes you a sustaining member.
Our club can apply to the foundation and district for matching dollars for certain projects. The District has given us a grant for the Splash Pad, this is through the Foundation. We were awarded the second highest amount out of all the clubs in the district.
1985 Polio Plus was started. Goal was to have Polio eradicated in 2005. Only 3 countries have had Polio incidents this year – 29 cases. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has made large donations to Polio Plus. Total $1.2 billion dollars have been donated. 2.5 billion children have been vaccinated.
Rotary Endowment Fund – “Permanent Fund” – you can put money of any amount into this fund. The money stays there permanently and the interest it earns will be used to fund Rotary International. 100% of donated dollars will go back to the community.
You can become a major donor through your retirement account, life insurance, trust, or will. If you bequeath over $10,000 you can become a member of the bequest society.
Bailey, Duskin & Peiffle will give $150 off the price of the preparation of a will or codicil to a current will if you make a specific bequest of $10,000 to Rotary Foundation/Rotary International.
Go to myrotary.org to give online. You can set up recurring giving.
You can choose where you want to give your money (Annual Fund, Polio Plus, Permanent Fund, etc.). Boeing and Microsoft give 2:1 and 3:1 matches, respectively. On myrotary.org you can print out forms to get the match through your employer.
If you give online, give Kathy your receipt to get your matching points for the month of November.
Veterans Day 2016
Salute to Our Veterans!
As we close the most divisive election season in our nation's history, and look forward to the peaceful transfer of power, we are reminded of our freedoms that our veterans have fought to preserve. Thank you veterans!
District 5050 Governor's Club Visit
Scott Dudley Addresses Our Club
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Governor Scott Dudley
During his visit to our club on November 3, District 5050 Governor Scott Dudley met with our board to answer questions.
Scott Meeting with Our Board
Following our lunch, Governor Scott spoke to our club after being introduced by Marc Baker AG for our area.
Scott and his wife live on Whidbey Island. Rotary member since 2001. Rotary International Service Above Self award recipient. Scott manages an investment firm in Oak Harbor.
Served as the mayor of Oak Harbor 2012-2015. Scott and Christine have five children, big Seahawks fan, and enjoys traveling. Scott is a DJ, grandfather, and a great pitchman for district 5050 and Rotary. Scott has done 21 marathons.
Scott Dudley, District 5050 Governor 2016-17, with Wife Christine
In his address, Scott's theme was that there is a difference to being a member of Rotary and being a Rotarian. It took Scott many years to actually become a "Rotarian". Scott became a "Rotarian" after getting involved with the Rotary wheelchair project.
On trips to other countries to deliver the wheelchairs he got to see poverty and see the wheelchairs were a luxury item for the recipients.
Scott met a polio survivor who received a wheelchair.
He met a mother who had to carry her disabled five year old everywhere. He received a wheelchair and it was as if they won the lottery. When Scott came back he was changed. He no longer had anything to complain about. We are already truly blessed.
Scott was set to visit Haiti, however, due to political uprising he was unable. During that free time he went to visit other clubs. During one of his visits in Canada he met a woman whose husband needed a kidney. Scott's grandmother died of polysystic kidney disease. His aunt and uncle received kidneys because they had the same disease.
Scott volunteered to give a kidney. It would have been an 8 to 10+ years wait to get a kidney.
There is a ripple effect after helping just one person. Families are affected. We are all put here to give back but give back in different ways.
Year to date only 28 cases of polio, down from 350,000 a year. Polio will be eradicated by end of this year or beginning next year.
Rotary Foundation has been around 100 years.
Can we give more? More to the Foundation, more to the service projects locally or abroad. Ask friends and family to become members.
Let people know Rotary exists.
Scott assisted President Erik in recognizing a couple of our members for their work in our club.
Lyanne Rolf was acknowledged for her work with youth and youth services. Through Lyanne's leadership we are not again participating Rotary Youth Exchange. She has also been working to start an Interact Club at Arlington High School.
Governor Scott Presents a Governor's Pin to Lyanne while President Erik Looked on
Carla Rankin Gastineau, who was not present, was also acknowledged for her contributions to club administration and all around support of our projects and firesides. Erik will be presenting her pin at a later meeting.
Please join Scott and Christine May 4-7th at the District Conference in Seattle at the downtown waterfront Marriott hotel. Pre-register for a chance to win a GoPro4.
Register Here
In closing, Scott had this to say: "You have a choice on what you choose to do with your time and you choose to spend it on Rotary. You are part of something special. You chose to belong to this club and it is a special club. Thank you for all that you have done and all you will do in the future. You do create ripple effects."
Meno Halloween Party Fireside 2016
Friday night October 28, 2016 the Meno's hosted their annual Halloween Party and Fireside for the Rotary Club of Arlington and their families. It was a great night of gathering together to share in the fun of Halloween. Rotarians sampled some wonderful chilis, ate great food and enjoyed Kimberly's cobbler. The kids had a great time playing and the costumes were creative and fun. In all, it was a great night for Rotarians and their families to gather together and enjoy the fun of the Holiday.
2016 Meno Halloween Party Group Picture
The Winners of our annual Halloween Costume Contest were:
Matt Rolf with the most creative costume as Buddy the Elf
John Simiyu with the most Authentic Costume as a Wild West Sheriff and
Mark and Jola Barnett with the best couples costume dressed as Pirates
SEE MORE PHOTOS IN THE PHOTO ALBUM SECTION
Thank you to John and Kimberly Meno for hosting such a great night and thank you Carla Gastineau for putting together the prizes. Finally, thank you to everyone that came, dressed up and enjoyed the evening with us. Happy Halloween 2016!
Hazel Boarden and the Alzheimer Association of Western & Central Washington Chapter
Hazel Boarden and the Alzheimer Association of Western & Central Washington Chapter
Hazel Boarden the Community Outreach Coordinator with the Alzheimer Association of Western & Central Washington Chapter shared about Alzheimers and their organization at the October 6th meeting. The vision of the Alzheimers Association is to have a world without Alzheimer's, which is the leading cause of dementia. The Alzheimer's association works with the senior center to offer support groups for caregivers. It also provides education programs to caregivers, professionals, and community groups, while advocating to break the stigma that many people have of Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association offers Care Consultations that provided one-on-one guidance to families and individuals to identify challenges, address immediate needs, and plan for the future. The Association offers early state memory loss programs that provides education, support, and social engagement to people in early stages of Alzheimer's and dementia. Home visits are also offered in King and Snohomish County.
Alzheimer's disease does not discriminate anyone can end up with it. There is a DNA test to see if you have the gene but it does not mean you will get it.
Medic Alert + Safe Return is a 24-hour, nationwide emergency response system for individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia who have become separated from their caregiver. There is also a 24/7 Helpline, 1-800-272-3900, that connects callers to programs, and local resources 365 days a year.
Research has advanced and researchers are hopeful there will be a cure in our lifetime. Washington State is working on a plan to address Alzheimer's in the state and the Alzheimer's Association is continuing to work toward ending Alzheimer's. They are all ways looking for volunteers to help in various ways.
Program on Mentoring Start-up Businesses
Paul Ellis, with the City, and Anthony Gromko, Assistant Professor of Community Economic Development at WSU extension, spoke to our club about enhancing community-based entrepreneurship.
Anthony and PaulPaul met Anthony through the America’s Best Community competition.
Arlington is the second largest industrial base in Snohomish County, second to Boeing. 2.2 jobs per household. Many jobs start up but fail. There is an opportunity to help those businesses start up and be successful. There is a Rotary club in Maine that has adopted a mentor program for businesses.
Anthony came to WSU Extension from Mercy Corp – a non-profit, managing a micro-fund supporting underserved entrepreneurs.
Anthony Gromko Anthony hoping to development excitement about leveraging our knowledge to engage with local entrepreneurs. The club in Maine connects Rotarians with local entrepreneurs in the context of a focus group. Rotarians provide recommendations/strategies to the entrepreneurs.
Microbusinesses are businesses with 20 employees or less. 87% of Washington businesses are microbusinesses. Microbusiness owners are less confident regarding future needs (i.e. managing growth, keeping up with changes in their industry, concerned about saving for retirement).
This mentor program dovetails well with the ABC competition. The program would strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystem, transfer of knowledge in the community, develop new ideas and strategies, building social capital, contribute to the ABC strategy.
The structure would include a committee/advisory formation, application process, pre-focus group vetting with sub-committees, and the 90 minute focus group with a facilitator.
The mentors would follow up within one year and ask the entrepreneur to return to give a presentation with the outcome.
Paul will follow up with the board to see if there is any interest in our club starting the program.
Fire Mountain Service Project - Building structures and friendships
Thirteen Rotarians and friends ventured to Fire Mountain BSA camp to help with construction on The Beach, the camp's swimming area. Joined by carpenters from CIA (Carpenters In Action, a volunteer group), the group ferried out equipment and supplies out to the swim platform to build the second story to the structure. Devin Brossard figured out ways to keep Brad Kihm stable on a raft while using power tools while Duane Rhodes, Craig Chase, Fitz Couhig, Joe (from BSA) and Josh Dowdy (nephew of Linda Byrnes) worked together to install the large beams.
Jim Kelly and his daughter, Jeff Huleatt, Dave Duskin, Victoria Dowdy(Linda Byrnes' niece) and Karri Hansen worked on shore along with the carpenters. Gene Chase came up to view the progress and help with a BBQ lunch. It was a day filled with sunshine, good work, and great conversation with another volunteer organization.
Ferrying out supplies, equipment and bodies to the dive platform
View of the platform from the lifeguard/changing room area.jpg)
CIA - Carpenters In Action
Fitz & Josh and one really big beam
Devin & Craig making sure Brad's safe
Devin making sure Brad doesn't fall in
Craig making sure Brad is safe since Devin would obviously not stop Brad from falling in despite his best intentions
Duane & Joe getting back to land
Lifeguard shack framing by our CIA friends
Lunch break
Chrys Sweeting on Shining a Light on all ASD Students
One week after her induction as a new member to our club, Chrys Sweeting, Arlington's new Superintendent of Schools, was our program.
ASD Superintendent Chrys Sweeting
Chrys has been in public education for thirty years. Went to Central Washington and University of Washington. Chrys and her husband have been married for 40+ years and have one daughter and five sons.
There has been a lot of changes in the top of the district's administration. In the cabinet alone there are three new individuals. What hasn’t changed is the “why” – educating all students, preparing and inspiring them to achieve their full potential.
“What” – Staying the course – we aren’t going to change the strategic plan that was adopted in 2010 before Chrys came on board. In November a community and staff committee will take a look at the strategic plan and make sure it is still relevant.
Motto this year is - Shine the light on student learning, what we do, and how we do it. Every child, every hour, every day.
The district has a guaranteed and viable curriculum – an outline of what each student at each grade level should know and how to assess it.
High Performing Teams and Professional Learning Communities exist in Arlington public schools. There are also Professional Learning Targets for staff.
“How” – aligning our efforts and maximizing our impact. School improvement plans, district improvement plans, strategic plans, and individual plans. Coherence across our system.
District Norms – assume positive intent, be kinder than necessary, be prepared, honor time, be professional in all interactions, be fully present and engaged.
Chrys’s Entry Plan includes six goals:
1. Build relationships with board
2. Nurture vibrant collaborative relationships of high performing teams.
3. Foster/build relationships with community
4. Use existing data in decision-making
5. Ensure financial stability of the district
6. Maintain/enhance student learning opportunities
Providing equity and access – equality and equity. With her years of experience with special education, Chrys has stressed equality to address special needs. She provided the above illustration of dealing with the challenge of height differences.
Welcome Charlotte Goller
Charlotte Goller is 15 and coming to us from Bremen, Germany. Her father is a doctor and her mother is a lawyer. Charlotte has one sister. She plays violin, tennis, and enjoys skiing. 
She will attend AHS this coming school year as a Sophomore. She is currently staying with the Beatons. We would like other Rotarians to involve Charlotte in activities.
Lyanne Rolf is our exchange student committee chair. If you have questions or would like to host an exchange student in the future, please contact her.
She will attend AHS this coming school year as a Sophomore. She is currently staying with the Beatons. We would like other Rotarians to involve Charlotte in activities.
Lyanne Rolf is our exchange student committee chair. If you have questions or would like to host an exchange student in the future, please contact her.
A Little about Jola Barnett
Jola Barnett gave her classification talk this week.
Jola was born and raised in Sedro Woolley.
Her grandparents, both of which were from Pittsburg, were married 63 years before her grandfather passed away. When Jola's grandparents met, each one lived on the “wrong side of the tracks,” but they made it work despite the thoughts that others had. He was in the military and they had three children, one was Jola’s father.
Jola’s parents will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. Jola's mother came from Poland when she was 12 and when her parents met her mother was 17. Her Father was a smoke jumper.
Jola is the oldest of four girls. Jola won a $500 savings bond in a baby contest when she was one and she always wanted to be a cowgirl/country singer and move to Nashville. Her mom and dad were part of a hill climber club and she grew up hunting, fishing, camping, and swimming in the rivers.
Jola went to Catholic school and participated in singing concerts in high school. She was also a cheerleader and in the show choir. She even wrote and performed the song for her high school graduation. While in high school Jola went to Europe as an exchange student. This experience sparked an interest in Jola for travel and history.
Jola graduated from Edmonds Community College in 1988 and was planning a career in the travel industry. During this time, Jola was looking for a job and decided to go to a panel interview with Blue Cross and was hired. This began her career in the Health Care Industry and moved her away from the travel industry.
Jola met her husband, Mark, at Dennys and they were engaged in 1988. They will be married 27 years in October. Jola and Mark had their first child, Johnathan. Jonathan is studying to be a doctor. In November of 1992 their son Adam was born. And in 2002 their daughter Megan was born on May day.
In 1995 the family moved to Arlington after Mark’s job was transferred to Cascade Valley Hospital. Jola would visit Mark at work and was eventually offered a job as the switchboard operator at the hospital. Over time she moved into the operations of the hospital. After 13 promotions in 21 years she is now the VP of Operations. She oversees corporate compliance,is the privacy officer, manages charity, manages departments and many other things.
Jola loves to fish and boat. This love has spilled over to her daughter, Megan. A few years ago Jola took a dream halibut fishing trip in Alaska. She was also, elected commodore of Dagmars Yacht Club and the Hat Island Yacht Club.
Jola started a Medical Explorer Post at the hospital for the Scouts after her long involvement in Scouts with her son Adam, who is an Eagle Scout. Because of Jola's involvement and her work with the Medical Explorer Post she received the District Award of Merit from the Mount Baker Council.
Jola took a glider ride on her 40th birthday crossing a dream off of her bucket list. She enjoys hiking, singing, football, and of course the WSU Cougars. She was also blessed with her first grandbaby this year.
Jola went back to school in 2005. She finished her associates degree and then transferred to WSU. She traveled with the school’s senate club and graduated with a 4.0. Jola is now an adjunct professor for WSU.
Her parents raised her to be thoughtful, engaged and respectful. Jola strives to be that person today and Rotary has helped shape her life.
A Week of Information, Fun and Service
This week was one of information, fun and service.
Information: Larry Jubie
Our speaker, Larry Jubie, Past District Governor of District 5050 and a member of the Marysville Club, shared his knowledge of the Rotary Foundation at our regular meeting on Thursday.
3 ways you can give to the Foundation are:
- Polio Plus fund
- Annual Fund
- Ongoing
3 ways to be recognized for donations:
- Paul Harris Fellowship ($1,000)
- Major donor levels 1-3
- Arch Klumpf Society (Lee Harman)
Donations to Rotary Foundation help support District grants.
District grants 2016-17:
Deadline is September
Chair is Valerie Tibbitts (sp)
Max $10,000 (local or international)
Global grants:
Larger – minimum is $35,000 to $200,000 maximum
Chair is Malcolm Kennedy
Can apply for all year long (first come, first served)
Supported by earnings from endowments and donations.
Applying for grants can leverage club donations:
$10,000 club investment - $10,000 District designated funds - $15,000 World Fund
Minimum $35,000 with only $10,000 investment
Let District know if thinking of grants so can guide and talk first to make sure qualifying before going through all the paperwork.
Grants must cover the Rotary six areas of focus:
- Peace and conflict resolution
- Disease prevention/treatment
- Water sanitation
- Maternal/child care
- Basic education
- Economic community development
Package grants by Rotary Foundation are pre-approved, no paperwork. Not sure if they are continuing though.
New chair for district Rotary Foundation is Jane Helton.
Rotary also funds scholarships in two ways:
- Global Grant – Max $50,000
- Peace Scholars – District 5050 has several
- Study within six areas of focus
- Peace and conflict resolution
Thanked our club for its donations to the Rotary Foundation!
Erik – reminder that November is Foundation month.
Fun!
On Friday, 42 Rotarians and guests had a fireside on the road, taking in the Mariner's game. Linda Byrnes made all the arrangements that included a ride to the game on a chartered bus, great seats along the first base line near right field to watch the Mariners beat the Brewers, topped off with a Star Wars themed fireworks display.
Service:
15 plus Rotarians and friends pitched in for a service project on Saturday. The group helped build a play ground at Reclamation Church west of Lakewood. Photos will be coming next week.
August 4 Meeting
Rotary Anniversaries
8/1/1980 – Dale Duskin
8/7/2002 – Dr. Ron Huitger
Guests/Visiting Rotarians
Peggy Ray with Everett-Port Gardner Club
Patti Ford - Village Community Services - Guest of Kathy
Ranna Courshome – Arlington Resource Center - Guest of Peggy Ray
Kylah Feliciano – outbound exchange student heading to Denmark. She leaves Saturday and will be keeping a blog of her journeys. Inbound student from Germany also arrives on Saturday.
Kylah Feliciano
Pam Fernanda – Jennifer’s sister
Geri Schuh – Dr. Ron’s guest, also very involved in the Bungoma project
Shane Collin with Safe To Go - Guet of Phil
Announcements
August is Rotary membership month. Invite prospective members to lunch. Hand out the Rotary cards to friends/family.
Board meeting at the Chase residence Wednesday, Aug. 10, non board members let President Erik know if you are coming for food planning
Conversation with Cops was held at Granroth Insurance. The next will be held on August 17th at 6:30pm, at a Path to Avolan, 437 N Olympic Ave Suite D . Come chat with law enforcement to get to know them and ask questions.
The first meeting of every month one committee director will give a report and tell us what the committee does. The meeting will start five minutes early.
Carla gave a report on club administration. It ensures everything in the club runs smoothly. In charge of social gatherings. Members are interactive. Coordinate weekly meetings – set up, food, technology, etc. special luncheons, installation banquet. Develop agenda, programs, club assembly, board retreat, and surveys, club communication, anniversaries, birthdays, welcome new members, invite new members, encourage members to invite guests, review and make recommendations regarding funding requests, firesides.
August 16th- Next Meeting of Club Administration Committee-5:30 PM-The Hidden Vine Smokey Pt.
August 19th – Mariner’s game/bus event.
Dick Post Golf Tournament at noon on September 8th and after party at the Chase residence. No regular meeting that day. Sign-up for the golf and the after party separately on Club Runner.
Interact Club is getting started by Lyanne’s daughter. Any high schoolers interested should contact Lyanne.
Looking for next outbound exchange student.
Carla is officially CANCER FREE!!!!
Arlington Resource Center is hosting a school supply drive. Information will be posted on our Face Book Site and a list of needed items will be sent out by email.
Youth Survey Arlington School District
Presented by Weston High Principal Will Nelson--Also a New Paul Harris Awarded
Weston High School Principal--Will Nelson
Will Nelson, principal of Weston High School, spoke about the Healthy Youth Survey. Will is a member of the Arlington Drug Awareness coalition.
The mission is to bring awareness about drug use in our community and educate people about it. Every two years the school district does a healthy youth survey.
The coalition will reach 3200 kids with presentations this year. On September 27th a presentation will be held at BPAC for parents and adults to talk about the events that will be held for the kids. Health District will also present on the 27th.
Student presentations/events will be held after September 27th.
The survey from 2015 shows the kids in our community have slightly lower drug/alcohol use than students statewide but significant substance abuse was noted but declining.
The surveys show the majority of children feel safe at school and have an adult in the community they can talk to about something important but some report carrying weapons/involvement with gangs/depression/contemplation of suicide.
Paul Harris Award Presented to Jennifer Owen
On January 14 we had a most inspiring presentation by Jennifer Owen of Enabling the Future. She and her husband have built a world wide network of volunteers to use 3D printers to make prosthetic devices for children who for whatever reason has lost a hand.
When Lee Harman proposed a bet over the Sun Bowl game between his alma mater Miami and Washington State University with the losers to donate funds to the Rotary Foundation for a Paul Harris Fellowship, the Cougars (and a few other Cougar friendlies) took on the bet. When the Cougars became the Sun Bowl Champions, Lee graciously made the contribution.
Those who won the bet chose to honor Jennifer Owen with the Paul Harris Fellowship Our Foundation Director, Kathy McCone, with the aid of Cougar representative, Bryce Duskin, presented the award to Jennifer.
To learn more about this inspirational project, click on Enable the Future.
Flying Heritage Museum and Collection
P-40 Tomahawk, One of the Restored Military Aircraft at the Flying Heritage Museum
The P-40 Tomahawk debuted at the start of WWII and was a modification of the older P-36 Hawk. Because of this heritage, the plane was relatively easy to produce and could be hurried into service. Its low cost kept the aircraft in production as a ground attack fighter long after other airplanes had technologically surpassed it. The P-40 is particularly notable for being the shark-mouthed choice of the famed Flying Tiger squadron. The P-40 did not have the glamorous reputation of other US fighters, like the P-51 Mustang; but the plane had its proponents, who cited its high-speed agility at lower altitudes and its ability to make tight turns. Overall, the P-40s excellence lay in its great dependability and lack of complexity.
Corey Graff the Curator of the Flying Heritage Collection
At our annual meeting at the Arlington Fly-in, Corey Graff, the Flying Heritage Collection (FHC) curator, spoke about Paul Allen’s private collection of war birds and some history of certain planes in the collection.
FHC finds historic military aircraft, restores to vintage/flyable condition, and shares with the public. Light restoration and maintenance done onsite. They send out heavy maintenance/restoration jobs.
The original facility at Paine Field was built in 1950 by Alaska Airlines to maintain DC-6s. The facility taken over by the US Air Force to maintain interceptor jets.
The collection has some very rare pieces with some original parts. They fly some of the planes to air shows including the Arlington Fly-In. One plane was restored in Arlington.
There is a crew of mechanics to work on the collection. The collection hold fly days and flies the planes for the public. Public gets to sit right on the runway.
For more information about the museum and its collection, go to its web site by clicking here.
Great Stilly Duck Dash 2016 Winners
Great Stilly Duck Dash 2016 Winners
Our Ducks Lee Harman and Joan Tilton Announce the Winners
The Rotary Club of Arlington announced the winners of the 28th Annual Great Stilly Duck Dash, held on July 4, 2016:
1st Prize--$5,000—Terri Kyle—from Indiana—Sold by Bryce Duskin
2nd through 6th Prize-$1,000 each:
- Jean Doherty—Sold by Fitz Couhig
- Larry Bean--Sold by Jim Kelly
- Tracy Hambarger—Sold by Bob Campbell
- Alyson Kleinman—Sold by Jessica Ronhaar
- Sharon Brodie—Sold by Dale Duskin
3rd through 16th Prize--$100 each:
- Rotary Splash Park (donation back)—Sold by Tom Smith
- Austin Suit—Sold by Jody Nelson
- Bill McDonald—Sold by Tom Smith
- Brandi Bergley—Sold by Dale Duskin
- Ed Kerschner—Sold by Dave Duskin
- Bruce Lisser—Sold by Jola Barnett
- Heidi Timmerman—Sold by Mike Zachman
- Jerry Hook—Sold by Bob Campbell
- Carolyn Erickson—Sold by Linda Byrnes
- Alan Hjort—Sold by Jim Minifie
The winner is the mother of a hygienist at Eagle Family Dental and was sold by one of the dentists there, Dr. Bryce Duskin.
Unofficially, there were 16,669 tickets sold for $69,065 in ticket sales. Individual tickets were sold for $5 each and discount tickets for $4 each.
This year's event was chaired by Jola Barnett, our President Elect.
Happy New Rotary Year 2016-17
The Rotary year begins on July1. With the new year comes a new Rotary International President, new District 5050 Governor and, of course, a new President for the Rotary Club of Arlington.
Here is information on our new Rotary International President from the R.I. website:
Meet our Rotary International President
Rotary International President John F. Germ
Half a century after landing his last C-124 as a U.S. Air Force captain ferrying troops and equipment to Vietnam, John F. Germ sees himself as Rotary’s navigator, plotting a course toward a bright future. He aims to run Rotary like a business, drawing on his acumen as chair and CEO of an engineering firm and emphasizing service as Rotary’s most powerful draw for a new generation of civic-minded members. “We need to do a better job of promoting our cause. That’s the challenge ahead, but I don’t see it as a problem. I don’t believe in problems – I believe in opportunities.” Germ, a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, is Rotary president in 2016-17.
Here is our new President's theme:
New District Governor Scott Dudley
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Scott and Christine Dudley
Scott is a Edward Jones Financial Advisor in Oak Harbor. He grew up in Olympia and served in both the Marines and Navy before becoming an investment advisor. He is the former mayor of Oak Harbor. Scott and Christine have 5 children. He joined Rotary in 2000 but he says he became a Rotarian when later he went on a wheel chair distribution trip to Mexico.
He served as his club president twice, and is a past District Membership Chair and past Assistant Governor. Scott has been on the faculty of the District's Rotary Leadership Institute. As with previous District Governors, he will be visiting our club.
Our New President
Erik Granroth
Erik is the President of Granroth Insurance Agency and has been a Farmers Insurance Agent since 2001. He grew up in Oak Harbor and attended Skagit Valley Community College. He has been a member of our club since October 2008 and has worked his way up the leadership ladder. At out installation banquet Erik told us about when he had that "Rotary Moment" when he was no longer a "RINO" (Rotarian in name only). Erik challenged us all not to be RINOS.
Erik is single and has a daughter who attends The Washington State University.
Scott joined Rotary in 2000 but later became a "Rotarian" on a wheelchair distribution trip to Mexico. He has since been on humanitarian trips to Haiti as well as Honduras.
Scott has served as his club’s President twice and has also served the District as Membership Chair, Rotary Leadership Institute Faculty and Assistant Governor. - See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50004/SitePage/district-governor-and-incoming-governors/scott-dudley-district-governor-2016-17#sthash.homYG6E3.dpuf
Scott has served as his club’s President twice and has also served the District as Membership Chair, Rotary Leadership Institute Faculty and Assistant Governor. - See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50004/SitePage/district-governor-and-incoming-governors/scott-dudley-district-governor-2016-17#sthash.homYG6E3.dpuf
Scott joined Rotary in 2000 but later became a "Rotarian" on a wheelchair distribution trip to Mexico. He has since been on humanitarian trips to Haiti as well as Honduras.
Scott has served as his club’s President twice and has also served the District as Membership Chair, Rotary Leadership Institute Faculty and Assistant Governor. - See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50004/SitePage/district-governor-and-incoming-governors/scott-dudley-district-governor-2016-17#sthash.homYG6E3.dpuf
Scott has served as his club’s President twice and has also served the District as Membership Chair, Rotary Leadership Institute Faculty and Assistant Governor. - See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50004/SitePage/district-governor-and-incoming-governors/scott-dudley-district-governor-2016-17#sthash.homYG6E3.dpuf
Lou Loos with P.U.D.'s Advice on Saving Energy
Lou Loos, Account manager with PUD, spoke about how local businesses can save money and energy.
PUD has over 750k customers and serve over 2,200 sq miles. Mostly residential customers but some commercial and industrial customers.
Energy efficiency – the goal is to use less energy to provide the same level of performance.
No better energy efficiency than conservation. Turn off the lights.
Businesses should invest in energy efficiency to reduce operating and maintenance expenses, add money directly to bottom line, reduces environmental impact.
Every year $40 Billion is spent on energy that provides us no benefit (leaving the lights or AC on).
Social pressure, “your neighbors are doing better”, has been shown to be helpful in reducing energy use.
Behavioral science studies have been performed on pilots to “nudge” pilots to reduce fuel consumption.
Ways to save money and energy:
Lighting to Go Program – instant rebates at the point of purchase at 10 participating distributors.
New lighting products.
Seal cracks, turn off AC, turn on fans.
Some programs PUD offers require pre-approval.
Friends of the Park Sponsorship Picnic
See Photo Album
Our meeting on Thursday was held at Haller Bridge Park to recognize our Duck Dash sponsors and Friends of the Park. After a picnic lunch and recognitions, all posed for a photo on the playground.
Linda Byrnes Addressed the Club and Guests
Linda Byrnes and Bryce Duskin, the two leaders of the effort to build the playground, spoke to the group. Linda recognized the contributors of funds and Bryce in kind donations.
The Club raised an extra $50,000 then added $65,000 more from Friends of the Park. Larger contributors included the Stillaguamish Tribe at $20,000 and the Brent and Connie McKinley family at $25,000. With the in kind contributions that Bryce talked about, our club was encouraged to take on the splash pad addition.
Linda and Bryce
When the playground was ready to be built, the Oso slide had just occurred. This resulted in the manufacturer of the equipment, Play-Creation, Inc., to donate a piece and provide a crew to assemble the equipment at no extra expense. The original plan called for Rotarians to assemble the equipment.
The area needed to be raised and Reece Trucking donated trucking to put in fill material. Other donations came from Landscape Structures, Artisan Industries, Penway Media, Springbrook Nursery and Trucking, Inc., Backstrom Curb and Sidewalk, Country Green Turf Farm, and Smokey Point Concrete. Velo Sports is donating a bike rack to go with the yet to be built new bathrooms. The Arlington Kiwanis and Lions also made donations.
The momentum from the playground project has 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 this year's event, has grown to a $1.2 million project. Leading in gifts to the project again is the Stillaguamish Tribe which has pledged $550,000. It is the cornerstone for seeking a state grant.
Donors can get naming rights to various features of the new splash park. Watch for the details.
To see many photos from the picnic, go to the photo albums. Here are a few:
The Catered Picnic Lunch was Great!
Our Ducks Made an Appearance
Carla Welcoming Some Guests
The Chow Line
Paul Ellis Goes High for a Friends of the Park Photo
A Small Portion of the Friends of the Park
The public can continue to support the park and the Splash Pads by buying Duck Dash tickets from their favorite Rotarian. Come down to the park on July 4 and take in the many events ending with the 28th running of the Great Stilly Duck Dash.
New Member Sue Weiss
Our newest member, Sue Weiss, was inducted at our annual installation banquet.
Sue's Mentor, Robin Reinig, Pins on Sue's Pin as Membership Director Duane Rhodes Looks on
Sue was born and raised in Seattle and has lived in Washington all of her life. She has a degree in respiratory therapy, but worked in accounting and office management before she retired in 2008.
Before moving to Arlington 19 years ago, she and her husband, Jim, lived in Bonney Lake. They have two grown daughters who live in the community as well as three grandsons.
Since retiring, Sue has focused on community involvement. She was recently elected to the Arlington City Council. Other involvement includes service on the boards of the Stillaguamish Senior Center and the Arlington Community Resource Center, and on the Arlington Relay for Life Committee. She is a volunteer in her twin grandson's kindergarten class.
Jim works for Boeing and serves on the Arlington School Board. Jim and Sue have been hosting Aqua Sox baseball players, this being their sixth year. They enjoy going to games and watching the young players advance up through the farm system to being major league ball players. Sue also enjoys other sports, traveling and most outdoor activities.
Installation Banquet 2016
The Wild Rose Bistro was the location for our 2016 installation banquet. Installed as our 49th president for the term beginning July 1, 2016, was Erik Granroth.
The evening started with pledge of allegiance and, in addition to the recital of the Four Way Test, Paul Ellis gave us the history of this moral code for personal business. Duane Rhodes offered the invocation.
Following a great dinner, President Jeff called us to order and gave some remarks and recognitions.
Some of the highlights of his year as president included our recognition by District 5050 as having the best membership gain of all clubs in the District. Jeff also said we need to be proud of providing potable water to the people of Bungoma, Kenya as well as our local service projects including having a great start on raising funds for the splash pad at Haller Park. Other positive activities were pointed out by President Jeff as he recognized the individual officers and directors who served this past year.
Our very active membership committee was chaired by Director Duane Rhodes. He will be leaving the board at the end of the year. He is also the president of the Arlington Rotary Foundation.
Jeff Recognizes Duane--also Nancy Holiman (not present) as Associate Director
The other director who is semi retiring is A.J. Chase who is now spending much of her time in England. She will continue on the Public Relations Committee as Associate Director. This year's Associate Director, Jessica Ronhaar, pictured below, will be the new Public Relations Director. The P.R. Committee got out numerous press releases and we finally have a sign up at the entrance of town, to name a couple of things that they did this past year.
Jessica Ronhaar is Recognized by President Jeff
The Rotary Foundation Committee was chaired by Director Kathy McCone, right, with Robin Reinig, left as Associate Director. Joan Tilton headed up the Bungoma water project with Bucky Tart and she will be next year's Associate Director. Kathy is also the treasurer of the Arlington Rotary Foundation. Robin has been elected as our new secretary.
Robin, Jeff and Kathy
Club Administration this year was chaired by Director Carla Rankin Gastineau, right, and assistance of Associate Director Tina Davis, left. We had a number of social events (firesides) over the year that were mentioned by President Jeff. Carla put together the details of the installation banquet. Both ladies will continue in the same capacities next year.
Tina, Jeff and Carla
Our Service Director this year, and next year, is Devin Brossard. Associate Director, Penny Clark, took a leave during the year. Next year's Associate Director will be Brad Kihm. Project highlighted by President Jeff included painting the Mud Hut, the Boy Scout Camp work project, the food drive and several others.
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Jeff Recognizes Devin
Others recognized by President:
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Left to right: Paul Ellis who is retiring as Secretary to become Vice President; Bryce Duskin for great programs and work to buy our new audio and visual equipment and the splash pad project; Jody Nelson, chair of the grants and scholarship committees; Past President Cindy; and Sergeant at Arms Simona Devries.
Our incoming and outgoing presidents recognized each other. Erik Granroth as our President Elect chaired the 2015 Duck Dash and was active on this year's board. Erik presented Jeff with the Past President's pin, a Paul Harris Fellowship Award and an aged bottle of whiskey from a relatively new distillery.
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Jeff thanking Erik
The Past President's Pin
Being President Creates a Big Thirst!
Past District Governor, Lyle Ryan, a former member of our club, did the honors of installing our new president followed by the installation of the 2016-17 Officers and Directors.
Erik Granroth is Sworn-in as our 49th President
Other officers installed included: Jola Barnett-President Elect; Paul Ellis-Vice President; Robin Reinig-Secretary; Pam Beaton-Treasurer.
Directors elected by the members include the following: Kathy McCone-Foundation; Mike Britt-Membership; Public Relations-Jessica Ronhaar; Service Projects-Devin Brossard; and Club Administration-Carla Rankin Gastineau.
Officers and Director Sworn-in by P.D.G. Lyle
Our board of directors will be electing Associate Directors as specified in our by-laws. Associate Directors have the right to vote at board meetings when the director is not present. Those proposed by our new president are as follows: Membership-Lyanne Rolf; Public Relations-A.J. Chase; Club Administration-Tina Davis; Foundation-Joan Tilton; and Service Projects-Brad Kihm.
President Erik has also appointed Jessica Ronhaar as assistant secretary, Narda Tudder as assistant treasurer, Dave Duskin as webmaster and Lyanne Rolf will be chair of Youth Services. Other appointments to be announced later.
After the installation, a new member was inducted into our club and our new President told us about when he had that "Rotary Moment" when he was no longer a "RINO" (Rotarian in name only). Erik challenged us all not to be RINOS.
The 49th President of the Rotary Club of Arlington--Erik Granroth
Guy Mansfield- Everett Mountain Rescue
The Speaker for June 2- Guy Mansfield- Everett Mountain Rescue
Hiking Safety: Secrets of Search and Rescue
Been with SAR for over 8 years
Search and Rescue
- All volunteer based
- Based in Snohomish County
- Respond 24 hour per day 365 days per year
- Train to respond in high mountain and steep terrain
Secrets of Search and Rescue
- Immobilization, with the Northwest weather can lead to hypothermia
- Hypothermia sneaks up on you
- Early Symptoms:
- Impaired decision making
- Feeling tired
- Feeling confused
Being Prepared
- it is important to carry enough gear to stay warm for at least 24 hours
- Carry a map and compass
- Leave a hike plan so that people can know where to find you
- If you leave the trail check your compass and know what direction you need to get back
- Match your capabilities to the hike
- Re-fuel and hydrate
- Plan each downhill step
- Use hiking poles
Hiking alone
- Going out with companions allows a safety backup
- Hiking alone even on a maintained trail leaves a question of response if something happens
- If you do go alone carry a cell phone, leave a plan and consider a beacon i.e. Spot device
- If you separate announce where you are going and for how long
Essentials
- insulation
- extra clothes
- food
- water
- headlamp
- wear shoes with ankle support
- carry a cell phone
- Leave your phone off until you need it
Hug-a- Tree Training for children
Stay in one place if you are lost
May Students of the Month
Kris McDuffy, Arlington School District Superintendent, and the chair of our Student of the Month program, introduced us to our May Students of the Month on June 2. President Jeff, one of the Directors of the Arlington School District, acknowledged that this is probably the last time Kris will do the presentation as she will be starting as the Edmonds School District Superintendent on July 1. She is pictured below with each of the students.
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Matt Taylor – Arlington (Arlington HS) Paying it Forward to The Trevor Project
Matt is a Senior at AHS. He will be attending Willamette University majoring in Political Science and International Relations.
At Scholarship Awards Night he received: Superintendent’s Scholar - Leadership with Heart Award, Vine Street Group Scholarship, and Tim Hart Memorial Scholarship, Booster Club Scholarship.
During his high school career he has been involved in Jazz Band, Concert Band, Link Crew, and National Honor Society. He has also been an outstanding student-athlete. He has been a two time state qualifier in Cross Country, leading his team to a 3rd and 4th Place finish over the past two years. He was also named to the 1st Team All League Team. In Track he was a District finalist in the 800, 1600, and 3200 Meter events over the past two years.
He has taken many AP and College in the High School courses and volunteered at many events through National Honor Society. All of this while maintaining a 3.85 GPA.
Emma VanderWeyst – Arlington (Arlington HS) Paying it Forward to Purrfect Pals
Emma is a Senior at AHS. She will be attending Gonzaga majoring in Political Science and/or Public Relations.
At the recent Scholarship Awards Night she received: Scholarship Trustees Scholarship, Superintendent’s Scholar -Leadership with Heart Award, Rotary Scholarship, and the Cascade Hospital Service Award.
She has been recognized for her talent in Drama with two-time nominations for Outstanding Individual Performance over the past three years, and this year is part of the case of Pippin which has been nominated for Outstanding Performance and will perform on stage at McCaw Hall at the 5th Avenue Awards on Monday.
She volunteers with National Honor Society throughout the year as well as at Purrfect Pals, Pioneer Elementary, and the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. Last summer she volunteered as Director of a student-led production of Medley to raise money for the Arts. Emma is the Queen of the Sons of Norway in Everett and volunteers time there as well.
With all of her many accomplishments and rigorous courses including many AP courses, she has maintained a 3.95 GPA.
Jo-Ann Tapia – Arlington (Weston HS) Paying it Forward to Arlington Relay for Life
Jo-Ann Tapia is the quintessential high-performing Weston High School student and the daughter of Lucero Galeana.
She started at Weston in the fall of last year and was a little behind in credit. She has demonstrated leadership, motivation, and drive to graduate. Jo-Ann consistently works hard and perseveres in everything she does. She has proven herself in upper level classes such as Robotics, Forensics, and Bridges to English.
She has also helped promote a positive learning environment in Leadership. Jo-Ann applies herself completely to everything she does and her hard work has paid off as she will be graduating with one of the highest GPA's at Weston. She will be leading the Turning of the Tassel at our commencement ceremony.
Jo-Ann has applied and plans to go to EvCC in the fall where she would like to study Anthropology and Criminal Justice with the goal of becoming a Forensic Anthropologist in the future.
Jo-Ann is always has a smile on her face, gets along well with all students and staff, and is a positive influence on our culture at Weston High School.
Kayaking the Inside Passage to Alaska
by: Susan Marie Conrad
Susan Marie Conrad spoke at our May 19 meeting about her 2010 sea kayak journey launching from Puget Sound that took her to Juneau , Alaska.
Susan Marie Cnrad
Susan has been involved in paddle sports for 25 years. She wrote a memoir called “Inside – One Woman’s Journey to the Inside Passage.” Released just last week.
Susan’s life partner, Ben Wells, is a local attorney. They live in Oso. Susan procrastinated on writing the book. It took many years to write the book. Hope to inspire and enrich the readers.
Five year old cousin drowned in a nearby river and her parents forbade her from going anywhere near the water. Her first boating experience hooked her. New found perspective she found intoxicating.
A person doesn’t take a trip, a trip takes a person. She paddled from Anacortes to Juneau, Alaska. Many others had gone before her. She simply embarked on a journey of the sea and the soul. 1,148 miles took her 66 days. Six resupply points/seven legs.
It was not always an enjoyable experience. Some misery and mayhem.
The journey took her through three different ecosystems. Hitched a ride on a boat for a short ride. At one point, Susan rented a room in a hostel for three days to resupply, eat, and sleep. Camped at the base on a glacier.
Susan had to keep tabs on her fears to prevent her from being paralyzed and failing. One of those fears was bears.
“I miss most just being on the water and pairing life down to the basics.”
Shari Storm from Category 6 Consulting
Shari Storm
Shari Storm from Category 6 Consulting was our program on May 12. She has presented to 75+ Rotary clubs.
She found having her three children made her better at her job so Shari wrote a book, "Motherhood is the new MBA."
Using family to talk about business is more female centered way than using sports or military metaphors. The book received a lot of press and Shari had many high profile interviews about the book.
What's fun gets done, not necessarily what's measured gets done. People aren't going to do what they don't like doing. People will do what they enjoy, what they like doing.
Articulate, orchestrate, celebrate.
Find out what people like doing - ask them and then observe them because they may not know what they really enjoy or what they are good at.
Orchestrate an environment in which they can do more of what they enjoy doing and less of what they don't. Move people toward the environment they like to work in.
Celebrate - things you do ritualistically make or break the moral of the company. You can't just reward on results. Reward on effort as well.
Ron Love and Molly Loves Candy
On May 5, our program was our member Ron Love, giving an update on his classification He has been a member for 30 years and his initial classification was stockbroker.
In 1995 Ron had a heart attack followed by a stroke that took away cognitive reasoning. Ron could no longer be a stockbroker.
Took 5 years to recover and had to decide what to do with his life and could no longer be a stockbroker.
Became a writer for a few years and then became an escort for authors that were on tour.
Ron has 3 children and is married to Terry. Pictured below are Ron and Terry with their two children-Jon and Molly, in the candy kitchen.
Took over a licorice company and had to learn a new formula because the licorice melted. Changed the packaging and took the melted licorice and sold it as licorice bricks. Ron continued using the licorice brand of the developer of the licorice, Howard Lanz, a former member of our club. Below is one of Ron's first displays of Chateau D'Lanz Licorice at Arlington Pharmacy.
Began making candy in other flavors now. Initially made licorice and packaged it by hand. Bought a machine made specifically for packaging their candy and ovens to make the candy.
Began by doing all the work on their own, or with help of friends, but finally were able to hire staff. Here is a photo taken of family and friends packaging candy.
Molly Loves Candy Brand - Lemon, Root Beer, Cinnamon or Green Apple Flavors.
Found a new Machine called a Fuji that has a printer to print dates on candy. Used the machine to make After Sex Mints.
Moved out of their building at the Country Charm Dairy, where they started producing candy, into a new facility.
Last August were able to do a job for Starbucks
Still makes candy by hand, but packages on machines.
2012 Washington changed Marijuana laws and were asked to start making candy for Marijuana distributers and began packaging product in a separate location. Began to make Marijuana Maltballs.
May 5 Meeting
Guests:
Terri Love- Ron’s wife
Sue Weiss- Arlington City council-Guest of Bruce Stedman
Bruce Thomsen- Visiting from Lynnwood Rotary
Announcements:
Duck Dash
Last chance sign up for t-shirts
Duck Dash sponsorships- as of this morning we hit our goal $82500
Ticket sale kickoff is May 26th
Order of the Ducks will meet next week at 11:45am before the meeting
Other Announcements
Stillaguamish Tribe has transferred their money to our account and has paid its pledge from last year.
Youth Dynamics Down Home Derby: May 20th at the Free Methodist Church Youth Center, 6pm. Free Childcare, BBQ Dinner, auction and concert by the Folsoms. Tickets are $20 and $150 per table. Also looking for event sponsors and auction items
District Conference: Arlington Rotary received the award for the greatest number of net member gain. Pictured below is Leroy, who accepted the award for our club, presenting it to President Jeff while the membership director, Duane, and associate director Nancy being recognized.
Building Pavilion at New Swim Beach Camp Fire Mountain
It always seem to rain when we schedule a work party at Camp Fire Mountain and this year was no exception. The project involved building a pavilion at the new swim beach on Lake Challenge. Scott Suchan, the past president of the Mount Baker Council and the regional president for the Boys Scouts of America, in viewing the work, said that it is great to have our club do building projects at the camp "because you seem to have workers who know what they are doing."
The persons who seemed to know what they were doing an organized the work project included our Director of Projects, Devin Brossard, our vice president elect, Paul Ellis, and Matt Rolf, spouse of Lyanne.
Devin Brossard
Paul Ellis
Matt Rolf
Bill and Robin Kmet cooked lunch for us at the War Eagle camp site which was built by our club during an earlier work project in 2012.
Bill Kmet-left
Following the construction project, and after the rain subsided, workers were treated to experience Fire Mountain's 1080 foot long zip line from the top of the tower to Bjorn's Island out in Lake Challenge.
Bill and Robin Hiking to Top of Tower
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All About Absolute Manufacturing--Derick Baisa
Our program on April 21 was a presentation by Derick Baisa, the CEO, on one of our local aerospace manufacturers, Absolute Manufacturing, a division of Senior Aerospace.
Senior Aerospace Absolute Manufacturing founded in 1996 specializes in complex machining solutions in a production and non-production environment utilizing the latest in machine tool technologies and lean practices. It was purchased in part from one of our previous members--John Middleton.
Senior buys companies and as long as it produces it keeps its autonomy. Its location at the Jensen Business park on 204th (west of the closed Hagens), is next to AMT, another Senior Aerospace business. AMT deals more directly with the airplane manufacturers, e.g. Boeing, while Absolute sells to suppliers of materials for the industry, tiers 2 or 3.
Absolute Manufacturing is a high quality production and proto-type precision manufacturer with offerings that include electrical/mechanical assembly, kitting, VMI, Kan-ban replenishment, point of use delivery, and design for manufacture engineering. It does complex lathing up to 8 axis.
The company operates in three buildings totaling 35,000 sq. ft. with a work force of about 100. 40% of the group's work is aerospace related, including lasers and defense work.
Seeing the need for suitable employees, the company has used it resources to advise the AMTEC and Mechtronics programs at EvCC. Its human resources manager is on the advisor committee. It has also advised AJAC and the Arlington School District with manufacturing training programs. The Boys and Girls Clubs have also started a STEM program and Absolute has helped including career fairs.
Derick estimated that 40% of high school graduates will not look for a advance degree and the machining industry is an area where there are good paying jobs for such individuals. If individuals have math skills and good work ethic, e.g. showing up on time, employers will do the training.
Absolute is proud of its community involvement. Its United Way campaign has grown from 44% participation to 84%. Derek is on the board of United Way which has dedicated itself to ending the cycle of poverty. It will be providing participants in Friday's poverty workshop simulation at a location in Smokey Pt. For United Way's Day of Caring, employees of Absolute had a work party at the Darrington Community Center.
Stillaguamish Tribe Supports the Splash Pads at Haller Park
The Rotary Club of Arlington is excited to announce that the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians are donating $500,000 to help complete the planned splash pad at Haller Park in Arlington.
The City of Arlington is partnering with us to maximize the donations we have received by applying for a Washington State Recreation grant that would match funds raised dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000. We are committed to raising additional funds this year through Duck Dash ticket sales, sponsorships and Friends of the Park campaign to do so.
Rotary loves Haller Park - it has been our home for Duck Dash for almost 30 years. We want to provide a fun and safe experience for kids and community members to stay cool safely on hot summer days. The City of Arlington will receive a response on the Washington State Recreation Grant in October 2016. The goal is to break ground in July 2017, after the Fourth of July.
We are beyond grateful to the Stillaguamish Tribe for their generous donation that will make the splash pad a reality sooner than we hoped and even more amazing than we’d planed. Thank you @stillaguamish.tribe! (https://www.facebook.com/stillaguamish.tribe/)
Jennifer Holocker Joins Us
NEWEST MEMBER INDUCTED
We have welcomed two new members in the last three weeks. On April 14 Jennifer Holocker, pictured below having her new Rotary pin presented by her mentor, Simona was inducted.
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Jennifer was born and raised in Kirkland. Married with two children. Loves riding Yamaha motorcycles and volunteering.
Jennifer has only been with the Arlington-Smokey Pt. Chamber of Commerce for 6 weeks in her new position as Executive Director. Jennifer was on the Board of Directors for 1 year before taking this position.
Prior to the Chamber she worked as the Community Relations Director of American Cancer Society. She organized 6 different Relay for Life in the local area. From Orcas Island, Arlington, Lake Stevens, Mill Creek and Mukilteo. She also helped with already established Relay for Life in multiple communities.
2010 she helped Arlington Relay for Life raise the most money across the nation. Together Arlington Relay for Life was recognized as “Rookie Relay for Life.”
When asked why she took this new position with the Chamber – she responded “ I love working in my town, with the people I know & love.
I love the new challenge – Recognizing the potential in our Amazing Community.
Welcome Jennifer to membership in the Rotary Club of Arlington!
Two weeks ago we welcomed back Bob Campbell to our club.
Diane Kamionka-NW Innovation Resource Center
The speaker on April 14 was Diane Kamionka (pictured below) with the NW Innovation Resource Center ("NWIRC"), a non-profit organization that works with entrepreneurs and inventors to help them move forward with their ideas.
NWIRC is working with Paul and Mayor Barb to identify entrepreneurs in Arlington.
It is committed to creating economic opportunity and jobs in NW WA by supporting entrepreneurial innovation. Works with individuals in any industry and start their business anywhere.
Ideas positively impact the local community. The community befits from invigorated environment of the creation process.
Two programs: Buildit Program and Enterprise Pgm programs. The first – I’ve got an idea for a product but don’t know what to do with it. The second – I am an entrepreneur who has an unusual business model.
NWIRC provides strategy, tools, and access to community resources e.g. building and industry expertise. It offers a market program for investors.
Last year, over 4,500 volunteer hours.
Marketing company will be created to help the entrepreneurs turn their product over to for marketing /selling/ licensing.
NWIRC researches to make sure it is a novel idea and there is a market for the product.
Funding through the “pay it forward” system. NWIRC does not charge the inventors up front but they agree when they start making money to pay it forward to the next inventor.
May 11th, noon to 2pm, NWIRC will be at the city council chambers for inventors/entrepreneurs to learn more about NWIRC. A local entrepreneur and inventor, Lara Merriam-Smith, will share her journey in taking a product to market and how NWIRC helped in the effort. Its free but if you want lunch (its free) register at www.nwirc.com/events.
EvCC is also sponsoring the event and it will give an update on its Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center.
Lee's Adventure Aircam
Lee's Adventure Aircam
**This presentation was originally planned to be done by Lee Harman. Due to a medical concern regarding his father, Lee left for Florida and Bucky Tart made the presentation.
--The slide presentation was breath taking.
AirCam Flies Slow and Low
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Now you can fly places that no other Airplane will let you go! The AirCam is a twin-engine experimental home built aircraft that can fly 10 feet above the tree tops, then climb up and away on one engine if needed.
Such slow and low exploration can't be done in any other twin-engine GA plane, or any other Aircraft, with the same level of assurance.
- Twin Engine Safety
- Great Handling
- Stunning slow-speed abilities
- Take off under 100 feet
- Land under 500 feet
In a typical Lee fashion, (Bucky’s words) Lee saw a National Geographic program featuring incredible pictures and flying experiences in an aircraft named AirCam and manufactured in Florida. Lee had to explore the possibility of flying and possibly owning this aircraft. Lee traveled to Florida and got trained to fly this aircraft. It requires a multi engine & seaplane rating. Lee spent a week or so and got certified to not only fly this aircraft, but to purchase one.
This airplane is extremely safe and has redundancy galore……2 engines, 2 separate fuel tanks, 2 separate fuel pumps, 2 separate electrical systems and more. It can take off from ground the width of a runway on one engine and can even do so from water. It is extremely predictable and safe, particularly in remote areas.
Bucky’s presentation was full of pictures and videos of Lee’s cross country trip bringing the aircraft from Florida to Washington. The spectacular views included Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi River, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Lake Tahoe, Seattle and all points in between. One of Lee’s highlights was landing on one of the highest airstrips in the United States, Leadville, Colorado, at 9927 feet.
Lee started the trip home by flying over the home that he grew up in at Coco Beach, Florida and ending at his home on Lake Cavanaugh.
At 3.5 gallons per hour at 55 mph, the promotion video expressed…..”It’s not about getting anywhere. It’s about enjoying the experience.”
Snohomish County Search and Rescue K-9 Team
Snohomish County Search and Rescue K-9 Team
Our program on March 17 was presented by a group of volunteers with the K-9 rescue team in Snohomish County.
Almost 2 years ago today was the Oso landslide. It changed a lot about how the K-9 team worked.
Growing and trying to increase capabilities when called. Called for lost hikers, hunters, mushroom pickers, greens gathers, and other missing persons,
including children and disabled persons or elderly in suburban and rural locations.
The team helps search for evidence in major crimes,victims in avalanches and other disasters.
Search as far north as Skagit County and as far south as Mt. Rainer.
Airscent K-9's are trained to find any human scent and take handler to that scent.
Can find as far as ¼ to ½ mile away depending on the wind.
Used in wilderness searchs, can also respond in rural and urban areas
Trailing K-9s are trained to find a specific human scent
Given a scent article and they will lead their handler to that scent
Often used in urban and rural settings
Human Remains Detection K-9 are trained to alert their handlers to the presence of human remains
Done both on land and in water.
Avalanche K-9:
Trained to find any human buried in snow, and to dig down to reach the human
Disaster K-9:
Specifically trained to search rough environments.Team trains every weekend
Take 2 years to train and certify a K-9 team. Puppy to search dog includes:
Socialization/obedience; Foundational behaviors; Search small areas
Search large search areas and finally certification.
Why do handlers to this: Not a hobby or a “club”; Not for monetary benefit;Not to be heroes. It is a
service to the community.
It’s fun
How are they funded? Pay for own personal gear and supplies;Handlers pay for all of their k-9 expenses
Donations are accepted on their website http://scvsark9.org/Donations go to help pay for specialized training and specialized GPS collars.
K-9’s are family members who help save lives!
Search and Rescue Safety Priorities:
Self
Team
Subject
Narda Tudder's Classification Talk
Narda Tudder gave her classification talk as our program on March 10.
Life’s motto – Be a duck, be calm and smooth on the surface, let everything roll off your back and paddle like hell underneath.
Narda has two brothers and one sister. Narda is the youngest. Narda was born in Hunstville, Alabama on March 22, 1966. Dad worked for Boeing. Dad was transferred to Huntsville for work. Dad worked on the first stage of the Saturn V rocket. Dad was then transferred back to Pac NW. Lived in Bothell. Dad coached the children’s sports.
Narda graduated high school in 1984. Went to Bellevue Community College. Graduated in 1986. Went to university and got teaching certificate. First in family to graduate from college. Took a job teaching special ed.
Got her first bank teller job in Everett.
Married in 1990. First son, Matthew, born in 1992. Moved to Burlington. Matt was diagnosed as deficient by the school district and eligible for services (high spectrum autistic). He is now 24 years old, drives car, plays guitar, has a full time job. Very proud of him. High school diploma.
Daniel, second son, born in 1996. Had to learn how to parent all over again with Daniel.
Started working full time in 1997 – moved up to branch manager.
2003 divorced amicably. In October 2003 met her now husband on a blind date. Married on 7/7/2007.
Narda’s parents are analytical. Mother, overly analytical and father is a doer. Narda and her father replaced head gasket on her car. Very proud of that accomplishment.
Narda’s sister passed away at 18 months old due to medical issues. Gave Narda a new found respect for her parents.
Narda is with Columbia Bank – 5 years in May. Went through mergers and acquisitions. She has been involved in conversions and has enjoyed them. In 2015 Columbia Bank was ranked #1 in the State of Washington and 17th in the country by Forbes.
Another motto Narda lives by is, “A sale is not something you pursue; it is something that happens to you while you are immersed in serving your customer.”
A.J.A.C. (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee)
A.J.A.C. (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee)
Joseph Hauth, Director of Apprenticeship & Program Development, and Kristi Grassman, Director of Pre-apprenticeship, with AJAC, were our speakers on March 3.
Joe and Kristi
Aerospace Joint Apprentice Committee is a non-profit organization that provides pre-employment training by employers for employers and beginner to Master Tradesperson OJT and classroom training with a mobile training unit.
What is the AJAC apprenticeship? 93% of training is time on the job (OJT). 7% in time in class. Comprehensive AJAC support services. Results: Journey-level certificate, transferable college credit, associate/technical degrees and beyond. Everett Community College is the partner college – only cost half typical college credits.
Apprentice programs: Precision machining, tool and die maker, Industrial maintenance mechanic, precision metal fabrication, aircraft maintenance technician.
On the job training is supervised and structured. Company commits to provide a mentor with practical work experience for the apprentice.
Apprenticeship Return on Investment: Increased production, increased innovation, increased employee retention, reduced waste, reduced recruiting costs.
190+ Washington participating employers.
Manufacturing Academy – Pre-apprenticeship program. Program designed by local employers to prepare workers for manufacturing and aerospace career. Employers hire directly from the talent pool for positions in manufacturing production, machining, and assembly. 9-11 week full time program with collect credit. Approved by local manufacturers, classes taught by industry professionals.
Mobile training unit brings awareness to the program and increases children/teens’ interest in manufacturing.
March 3 Meeting
March 3 Meeting
Guests:
Bob Campbell – Former member and former Cascade Valley Hospital Administrator
Jennifer Holocker – Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce
Derrick Masa - Manufacturing
Bruce Timm - Visiting Rotarian from Rotary Club of Everett
Kennedy Dale – Wayne and Marcia’s granddaughter (Marcia is an honorary member)
Paul Abramowicz – Oso PC and Network Services
Announcements:
See AJ for a Rotary tumbler if you have not got one yet.
Carla G. has recently gone through surgery for thyroid cancer. Post pictures of yourself flexing and #Flexyoursupport and #Stillaguamishathleticclub to show your support for Carla. Carla is doing well and home recovering.
Coastal Community Bank shred event April 23rd from 10am to 2pm. Your donation will benefit the Arlington Education Foundation.
Getting some interested groups in response to publicity regarding the fire fighters discontinuing breakfast on the 4th.
Put April 23 on your calendar for "Rotary at Work" project at Fire Mountain Boy Scout Camp
February 24 Meeting
Guests
Kimberly Meno- spouse and guest of John Meno
Laura Meno- daughter and guest of John Meno
- Selling Girl Scout cookies goal is $500
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Jen Owen-guest of Bryce
Jennifer Holocker- New Arlington Smokey Point Chamber Executive Director
Sharon Smith-spouse and weekly guest of Tom
Announcements
- Audio visual equipment installation complete thanks to Bryce and his brother Brady. Mounting of a projector on ceiling was the last step
- Phil with Cascade Surveying announced that they are trying to begin surveying the Splash Park
Devin had everyone get out their cell phones and go to Facebook, look up “Bungoma Water Project” and like it.
The Community Foundation of Snohomish County
President/CEO Maddy Metzger-Utt spoke about the Community Foundation of Snohomish County at the February 18 meeting.
Maddy Metzger-Utt
The Community Foundation of Snohomish County is a new name for the Greater Everett Community Foundation. It was felt that the new name better reflects the area served by the foundation which began as a community foundation in 2001. Started as the Everett Parks Foundation and became a community foundation in 2001.
Raises, manages, and gives funds to charities for donors in Snohomish County and Camano Island. $800,000+ given in 2015 to non-profits. 109 different charitable funds. $9 million in grants awarded since 2001.
Donor advised funds can be set up by a donor and the donor decides which charities to support. A designated fund can be set up for a specific organization. It also manages agency endowments.
The Arlington Rotary scholarship fund was the first scholarship fund set up. $89,000 has been contributed, plus investment income. At the end of 2015 it had a balance of $64,266, with $12,487 being available to distribute. Historically the club has added funds each year and the fund has grown. See editor's note below for more about the fund.
A donor can set up a legacy trust for after you pass.
Funds are invested, earnings are used for grant making, pooled together to get a better rate of return. 7.32% over the last 13 years.
Since 2002 $116,100 in grants have been given to Arlington area nonprofits.
The foundation hosts networking sessions four times per year. "Board on Fire" pilot program to teach boards to work together more effectively and efficiently.
More than 500 participants have attended community foundation workshops in the past two years.
"Leader Link" helps busy people who want to serve find local nonprofit boards that meet their interests and passion.
This year there will be four fundraising events with one in Arlington in June (details not firmed up). All money goes to support non-profit work. All administrative costs are covered with other funds. Everett area families stepped up early to endow an operating fund.
Editor's Note: Here is some information from the Project and Grant's Page of our website with some background regarding the scholarship fund that our club has at the Community Foundation:
Ruth Williams passed away in a Marysville nursing home Monday. October 2, 2000. She was 84, and until recently 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 member of our Rotary club. At his death we established the Chet Williams scholarship at Darrington High School.
Chet and Ruth had no children. Ruth has provided that her estate is to go our Rotary Club to be used for scholarships. She was very proud of the fact that we had thought enough of Chet to establish the scholarship.
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The Snohomish County Community Foundation (SCCF) [note: merged with Community Foundation] will be asked to establish an endowment with the proceeds of Ruth Williams Estate, and contributions from Windermere, Patti Buchholz, and Bailey Duskin and Peiffle. The fund will begin with $5,584.
All of the funds going to scholarships this year, totaling $13,000, will be channeled through SCCF to make them elgible for matching funds through the Dollars for Scholars program.
With regards to the endowment fund, it is the intention of the Board to establish a fund which will grow through investments and additional contributions. It is expected that 5% of the fund will be made available each year to help with the cost of the scholarships. Any return on the investment in excess of 5% will be left in the fund to grow.
Chet Williams was the manager of the Seafirst Bank branch in Darrington prior to his death. He was a member of our Rotary club. At his death we established the Chet Williams scholarship at Darrington High School.
Chet and Ruth had no children. Ruth has provided that her estate is to go our Rotary Club to be used for scholarships. She was very proud of the fact that we had thought enough of Chet to establish the scholarship.
....
The Snohomish County Community Foundation (SCCF) [note: merged with Community Foundation] will be asked to establish an endowment with the proceeds of Ruth Williams Estate, and contributions from Windermere, Patti Buchholz, and Bailey Duskin and Peiffle. The fund will begin with $5,584.
All of the funds going to scholarships this year, totaling $13,000, will be channeled through SCCF to make them elgible for matching funds through the Dollars for Scholars program.
With regards to the endowment fund, it is the intention of the Board to establish a fund which will grow through investments and additional contributions. It is expected that 5% of the fund will be made available each year to help with the cost of the scholarships. Any return on the investment in excess of 5% will be left in the fund to grow.
[Think about making a tax deductible gift in your will or during your lifetime to the fund to help it grow!]
Lee Harman's Classification Talk
Lee Harman was our program on February 11. Lee has been a member of our club since 1985. He served as president of our club for the 2004-05 year and was active at the district level serving as an Assistant District Governor starting in 2010. He has attended Rotary International Conventions and is a member of the Arch C. Klumph Society for his generous gift to the Rotary Foundation.
Lee has traced his roots back to England. The Harmans came to America in 1635, and he would be eligible for membership in the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. He was born in 1947 and the Harmans lived in Chillicothe, Ohio. Lee showed a photo of the Harman home there that was built in 1837. Lee's grandfather was one of the first physicians specializing in internal medicine.
Lee's father, as a Naval Aviator, became involved in the Apollo program with NASA and in 1963 he moved his family to Cape Canaveral (now Cape Kennedy), Florida. Lee has a letter of appreciation to his father signed by all the original astronauts.
While in Florida, Lee was active in the Boy Scouts and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1965 he became University of Florida Gator and became active in the Navy Reserve. With a four year commitment to the Navy, the Navy sent him to medical school at the University of Miami starting in 1969, graduating in 1973. Somewhere in there he fell in love with a Morgan automobile and when a nurse named Judy admired his Morgan, he admired her the two were married.
The Vietnam War was still in progress when Lee graduated and as a flight surgeon he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Okinawa where he was in charge of 5 physicians and a hospital with 200 beds. He became a private pilot in 1978 and his love for aviation has continued to this day.
Lee decided that ophthalmology rather than Internal Medicine looked like a better course and he entered into a residency in 1979 at the Balboa Military Hospital. Son Ben and daughter Meredith were born during his residency. Two years after his residency he was given the task of starting an ophthalmology department at the Memphis Naval Hospital from scratch. For this Lee was presented with a Navy Commendation Medal.
When his commitment with the navy was complete, Lee searched for a practice location on the west coast. His search brought him to Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington, and its administrator, Joe Hopkins, and Chief of Staff Don Burks, both Rotarians. He was able to strike an arrangement with the hospital where, in exchange for a five year commitment, it loaned him the necessary funds to buy the equipment he needed to start his practice and do surgeries at the hospital. At the end of the five years the practice equipment became Lee’s and the surgical equipment became property of the hospital.
Since it was Lee’s goal to have the best ophthalmology practice north of Seattle, he became certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. To further his goal he became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons which involved the outcome of several years’ of his surgeries being scrutinized by top surgeons. With excellent outcomes determined by the review, he had to go before the College Board of Surgeons for examination. The board found him worthy of the title, FACS, bestowed on only about 10% of ophthalmologists.
In 1991 Lee brought in a new partner, Dennis Breanne, MD. He also built a new office building east of the hospital which he dedicated to Joe Hopkins who died of cancer. Satellite offices were also established in neighboring communities. Following a big reduction in what Medicare paid for cataract surgeries, the other offices were closed and doctors Harman and Breanne ended their partnership in 1995.
Lee was able to work hard and rebuilt his practice to a point where he again took in a new partner in 1999. With the Rotary Four Way Test as a guide, and experiencing the “perils of blue sky” and the litigation following the demise of earlier partnership, he became partners with Bruce Ballon, MD, under an arrangement where profits from the surgery center were used for the buy in. Bruce Wietharn, MD was added as a partner under the same terms.
Following neck surgery in 2005, Lee was unable to continue doing eye surgeries but remained President/CEO until his retirement in 2012. The arrangement that was fashioned allowed for a buyout of Lee’s interest.
Lee also touched on a real estate development that he and an Oak Harbor Rotarian, Karl Krieg, did on Camano Island. The subdivision is known as Brentwood and consists of 85 lots on the highest point on the north end of Camano. Lee and Judy provided the property and Karl did the dirt work. It worked out well with all the lots being sold prior to the recession that plummeted real estate prices for a few years. Lee's comment: "Better to be lucky than good".
There was only time enough for Lee to mention a couple of his world wide ventures. He likes speed!
Lee has had a passion for the Rotary Foundation and the Polio Plus effort which started the year he joined Rotary. Besides his generous contributions to the Foundation, he taken a leadership role at the district level doing programs at several clubs. He also joined a team that went to India to vaccinate children there. He announced that there has not been a single reported case in 2016--"we are so so close to eradicating polio from the world!" It would be the only disease other than smallpox to be totally eradicated.
Smooth Transitions
or How Many Screwdrivers Does a Person Need to Have?
Tara Carey from Smooth Transitions Northwest LLC spoke about helping seniors and their families with downsizing, moving, and estate dispersal. Tara was born and raised in Arlington, now living in Seattle.
Dale and Tara-(Tara while in high school worked for Dale at the Pharmacy
Tara helped her families with moves and realized some families don’t have people to help them move. The families hire Tara and help them downsize and move.
Start now downsizing and get rid items you don’t need (cool whip containers, butter tubs, frozen dinner trays, aluminum pie tins, old toothbrushes, laundry detergent cups, RX bottles, books). Make donations, sell, or give away to friends.
Color code items (Post-its work well) you will give to friends/family and remember to write down the code. Document what has special value so family members will know.
Start small. One cabinet, one drawer at a time. Keep it moving!
Tara created a bit of a stir when she suggested that you should par down tools including screwdrivers!!
The primary theme of Tara's program was to do it when you can and when you are in charge rather than leaving it to family when you can no longer participate.
For more, click here.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Kickoff
In partnership with the Arlington Education Foundation, we kicked off our new literacy project on Thursday, February 4, at Eagle Creek Elementary School. Around 100 families have already registered so that their preschoolers will receive a free book each month to encourage reading to kids so that each can start of love of reading.
Mayor Barbara Tolbert kicked off the event, sharing her life long love of reading.
The children's librarian from the Arlington Public Library shared a book with the many children who attended the event.
Six computers were made available for families to register while at the event. Paper registration forms were available as was information to log onto the website to register. To register click on the below photo:
Julio Cortez--Cocoon House Update!
Julio Cortez, community relations director from Cocoon House gave us an update on a program our club has supported for many years.
Cocoon House started in 1991 with one simple shelter. Founded by a school counselor dealing with homeless students. North Everett Lions club purchased a home and sold it to Cocoon house for $1.
Over 2,500 homeless students in Snohomish County. Many more that are not in school. Avg. age students become homeless is 14 1/2.
Difficult to identify homeless teens. Staff go out into the community to identify these children.
12-24 year olds are served by Cocoon House.
Drop in center in Everett for 13-21 year olds. Showers, warm meals, clothes, drug and alcohol support, mentors, work source, etc.
Two emergency shelters, one in Everett and one in Monroe for children 13-17. Can stay for 14 days or up to 21 in special circumstances. Must have parent approval unless intervention by CPS. Safe Places have been established including the Arlington Library.
Transitional living programs for youth 13-17, 30% of child’s income charged as rent. It is a savings account that the resident gets when finished with the program
Independent living/life skills programs offered at the housing sites. One in Everett and one in Arlington (teen mothers only). Typically 80-85% full.
Prevention programs – Any parent of any teen can engage in phone consultation, support groups, parenting classes, Way Out seminars (communications).
24 hour crisis line – navigators will pick up child, take them to a shelter, and return them home when safe. Mandatory CPS reporters.
February – Mannequins will be placed around the city to bring awareness to homelessness.
Like the Cocoon House Facebook page. Take a look click on Savesnocokids.org.
60% of income comes from community, 40% are state and federal grants. Our club worked on the Arlington shelter and raised funds to help fund the same. We also help sponsor the Silk Dinner Auction each fall at the Tulalip Resort with a large number of Arlington residents helping organize the auction. Marcia Smothers and Kay Duskin have both served on the board and Past District Governor Lyle Ryan has taken a major leadership role in the organization.
The sun for power, a pump and tank equals water for Bungoma!
It all works! A solar powered pump is now pumping water to fill the storage tank in Bungona. Totally amazing to see this project at this stage of completion. In addition to our club, thanks go to Rotary Clubs of Bungoma and Everett Mukilteo! John Simiyu, you have done outstanding work! Brad and Chris, we could not have done this without you! Way To Go, Rotarians!
Here are some photos (there are more in the album and on the Facebook site for (just click on it) Bungoma Water Project:
The above photos show the solar panels in place and the submersible pump being lowered into the well. Brad and Chris will be going to the site in March to make sure everything is working corrrectly.
January Students of the Month
Superintendent of Schools, Kristine McDuffy, introduced our January Students of the Month at our meeting on January 14.
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Left to Right Maggie Delaney, Madison Davis & Melanie Ryan Benson
Maggie DeLaney – student at Haller Middle School. Her pay it forward will go to N.O.A.H.
Madison Davis – 6th grader at Darrington Middle School. Her pay it forward will go to Darrington Junior Athletic Association.
Melanie Ryan Benson – Senior at Darrington High. Her pay it forward will go to Prevention of Animal Cruelty
More Paul Harris Fellows
Kathy McCone, our Rotary Foundation Director, presented Paul Harris awards to those members who were not at our Christmas party. November was Rotary Foundation month and our club matched gifts resulting in many members reaching the $1000 level.
Paul Harris award given to Casey Miller (1st)
Robin Reinig (+1)
Bill Kinney (1st)
Jim Minifie (+4)
Linda Byrnes (+7)
Bruce Stedman (+2)
Pam Beaton (+1).
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Kickoff
Book your child a ticket to the Imagination Library!
Enroll your child in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and we'll send them a FREE book each month until their fifth birthday.
If your child lives in the Arlington School District, register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com beginning Feb. 4th.
Join us for our kick-off event with Little Apple Preschool: Thursday February 4th 6:30-7:30 at Eagle Creek Elementary for Bingo, stories, and treats!
This program is sponsored locally by the Arlington Education Foundation and our club.
A Christmas Gift to Remember!
Because it was Christmas Eve, we had no regular Rotary meeting. Those who wished were invited to have lunch at Hubb's. Jola Barnett joined us for lunch and brought with her a early Christmas present she has received.
Jola's son, Jon, has been away from home for over a year in Poland where he is going to medical school. Jola has family there besides Jon. She was caught by surprise last Saturday at er Grandma Dot's 89th birthday party...Jon was sitting under the Christmas tree! Unbelievable gift from Jola's parents! What a gift!
Those at lunch enjoyed hearing of Jon's experiences in Poland. Bringing him to lunch was a gift to those of us who were there!
Thank you Jola and Merry Christmas to you and to all Rotarians and their families.
Christmas--A Time for Giving
Rotarians generous with their time and money!
Lots of our club members demonstrated the Rotary slogan of "Service Above Self" this holiday season. Last week we reported on the giving to the Rotary Foundation, Operation Christmas Hope and Socks on Saturday drive.
This week we again helped the Arlington Community Food Bank by providing the food and delivery of 78 food baskets. Food was purchased from the Arlington Safeway and hauled in bulk to the gymnasium at the Free Methodist Church. Our members and friends then loaded the specific list of food into each box. 36 boxes were delivered to the food bank to pick up for persons who would not be home for our delivery to the door
Our service project Director, Devin, had things well organized. Thanks to the PR committee for the Christmas cards that accompanied each box. Karri did the Google Map research and had routes all spelled out for delivery. Here are a few photos and more are posted in a photo album:
Devin Organized the Project This Year--Great Job Devin!
Many Hands Made Small Work Loading Boxes
More of the Many Hands
CVH Provided Boxed Lunches for Rotarians
The food basket project took place in lieu of our normal Thursday meeting. Many Rotarians geared up the following day--Friday--to serve our annual Christmas to seniors at the Stillaguamish Senior Center. Here are a few photos of the event with more posted in the album:
Wait Staff Courtesy of Our Club--Duane Even Waited With a Cast on Arm
Service with a Husky Smile!
Even Seniors Like Santa--Thanks to Paul!
Bungoma Water Project Progress
Our water project in Bungoma Kenya, with the Rotary Club of Bungoma, continues to progress.
Water Tower Nearing Completion
Here is the message that our chair of the project received:
"It is yet another great opportunity for me to say hi and hope all is well. We are all doing good and give great thanks to the Almighty for keeping us safe till this time.
I have just come from the site and am glad to report that work is progressing on well.Its expected that work will be completed on Saturday. Attached,please find the structure of the tank in progress.
John"
Thank you to South Everett Mukilteo Rotary for their 10% participation in our project. They are currently participating through their financial support of $3,700 made out to Rotary Foundation of Arlington and the Bungoma Water Project. Bucky will present a certificate of acknowledgement and appreciation for their participation on Friday, 12/11 at their meeting at Emory's Restaurant.
AMT-A MAJOR ARLINGTON MANUFACTURER
AMT-JENSEN BUSINESS PARK - A MAJOR EMPLOYER IN ARLINGTON
Rhidian Grant with Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies was our speaker on Thursday.
AMT is a U.K. company but the Arlington division is the largest in terms of employees and revenue. There are over 7,000 employees worldwide.
AMT uses “5 axis manufacturing” to make parts cheaper and more efficiently and utilizes “Just in Time” manufacturing techniques.
Rhidian Grant
85% of the parts produced goes to Boeing. Boeing no longer manufacturers parts they just put the planes together.
AMT substantially reduces the weight of the parts and adds value by not just machining the parts but also assembling them. They offer kits to end consumer so the product is more user-friendly.
FOr more on AMT, check out its website here.
We are Thankful!
It's Thanksgiving and we have no normal Thursday noon meeting. As a club we are thankful for such a giving and caring community.
Our club has helped those that are less fortunate by our fall food drive, providing a well to a community in Kenya, donating and delivering boxes of food for Christmas, and supporting the new Arlington Community Resource Center, among other projects that help indirectly such as our support of Cocoon House, the Boy Scouts, the senior center, the Mud Hut teen center, the Rotary and Arlington Rotary Foundations, and other organizations benefiting youth and seniors. Next month we kick off our new literacy project--the Dolly Parton Imagination Library--in a partnership with the Arlington Education Foundation. The project will provide a free book each month for any child in the Arlington School District between birth and age 6, regardless of family income.
All of the above is possible because of the support we receive from our members, our Duck Dash sponsors, and the community that buys our raffle tickets. THANK YOU!
Bernice Nava--Value Village Fundraiser
Our speaker on November 19 was Bernice Nava with Value Village.
Bernice Nava with Value Village (VV)
Bernice spoke about donation programs for non profits. The program has raised thousands of dollars for communities during her time with VV.
Donation drives - VV partners with non profits, churches, Rotary clubs. The non-profit organizes a donation drive and VV gives the non-profit cash for every pound donated. VV gives the non-profit a toolkit to get the drive up and going. VV provides flyers for the non-profit to fill in to promote the drive and it promotes the drive in the company newsletter.
Get to give program - VV gives items that are donated to VV to schools and other organizations to help communities (i.e blankets, coats, etc.)
VV recycles many goods that cannot be re-sold. VV sends clothing to other countries so it doesn't end up in the landfill.
Value Village/Unique/Savers have 330 stores across the U.S. and Canada. VV's corporate headquarters are located in Bellevue and is a for profit Washington corporation
Club Matching Contributions to Either RI Foundation or Arlington Rotary Foundation
Our club will be double matching your contributions to the Rotary Foundation during the month of November up to 1000 points. If you donate $500, we will match that with 1000 points. The maximun the club will match for all contributors is 20,000 points.
You may donate to the Bungoma Project instead and the club will still double match your donation. So if you contribute $500 to the Bungoma Project we will match that with 1000 points so you would still receive a Paul Harris.
If you are going to donate to the Rotary Foundation, you may do that online and send me the confirmation or give me a check made out to The Rotary Foundation and I will send it in for you and request the match.
If you are going to donate to the Bungoma Project, make your check out to Arlington Rotary Foundation and give it to Kathy McCone. Kathy will then transfer the funds to our club's charitable account to be used for local projects including the Splash Pad, with a portion to go to RI Foundation to qualify for EYER. Kathy will then request your match from the Rotary Foundation.
To check your status, you may e-mail Kathy or go to https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/rotary-foundation. You will need to log in to your account and then go to Foundation Reports and Donor History Reports. Your personal contributions and levels will be shown there.
Feel free to e-mail Kathy, call her or catch her at Rotary if you are confused or have questions.
Thank you in advance for supporting the Rotary Foundation!
Kathy's Work: 360-653-6744 Cell: 425-879-0936 Email: kathymccone@lmbcpas.com
Dolly Parton Library Project
District Foundation Chair Larry Jubie
November is Foundation Month!
District Foundation Chair and a Past District Governor Larry Juibie spoke about the Rotary Foundation. November is Foundation month.
Larry JubieRotary has an Annual Programs Fund (APF) as well as the Polio Plus Fund. The APF is used for Rotary programs. The money is invested for three years. The interest is used for overhead expenses. The rest goes directly to Rotary programs.
One half of the APF is district designated funds for grants up to a $10,000 match.
Last year $107,000 was handed out in matching grants that were used for international and local projects. August 31 of each year is the deadline to submit grant applications.
Global grants are available for $10,000 to $200,000. The money donated by the club is matched 2.5 times and the project has to be international and used for one of six areas of focus Rotary has identified.
Scholarships are funded through global grants. There are two different types of scholarships. 1. Peach Scholarships - up to 150 given each year and 2. Global Scholarships - only one given each year.
Donations to the Foundation result in points being earned that the donor can apply towards giving a Paul Harris. Club contributions, such as our contribution to the Bungoma water project results in points the club can give. Next week our club Foundation Director, Kathy McCone is going to tell us how your contributions may be matched.
During the meeting, Kathy presented a Paul Harris plus 2 to John Dykstra.
Kathy Presents PHF to John Dykstra
Fall Food Drive
Grand total from our fall food drive:$585 cash and 1,258 lbs of food. This from Jerrie Inman, one of the Food Bank directors:
"Please thank everyone involved…with your help we will be able to feed over 50 families with a great Thanksgiving dinner."
The Healing Fund--Panama Water Project
Assistant District Governor Marc with President Jeff and Aleph Fackenthall
Aleph Fackenthall gave us his annual report on his work with The Healing Fund and its Panama water project. Our club has provided funding in the past and one of our former members, Wally Thomas went with the team a few years ago.
The fund sends individuals to Panama to install water catchment systems and drill wells. They also provide medical and dental care to the communities. Stanwood Rotary has also partnered with The Healing Fund in years past. The past president of the Stanwood club has gone to assist drilling and installation.
This year they rechecked wells dug in previous years and went to a new location to help other communities.
The next trip will be March 30th to do more latrine work and have a youth focus. Approximately twelve youngsters will be going on the trip. Contact Aleph if you would like to go on this or a future trip.
Here is a photo of Aleph provided at one of his earlier annual reports:
The Healing Fund has both a web site and a Face Book site for more information click here.
Polio Plus
Polio Plus
Dr. Lee Harman, on the eve of World Polio Day, was our speaker. He walked us through the history of Rotary International's Polio Plus project.
Lee Harman in the Middle on a Vacination Trip to India
Rotary has been fighting to eradicate Polio for the last 31 years. In 1984 Rotary committed $100 million to eradicate Polio. From 1900-1956 there were 500k cases/year. The wild Polio virus can live in the dirt for 10-14 days. The virus produces in the GI tract and can go into the nerves and cause paralysis. The virus dies if it is unable to find an unvaccinated person.
In 2015 there are three endemic nations. Polio incidence has dropped more than 99 percent since the launch of global polio eradication efforts in 1988. According to global polio surveillance data from October 21, 2015, 51 cases of wild poliovirus have been reported in 2015: 38 from Pakistan and 13 from Afghanistan.
National Immunization Days were started in India. 160 million kids were vaccinated in 1 week.
There were outbreaks in 2008 and 2014
The Gates Foundation donated $355 million and Rotary donated $200 million over three years.
It is preferable to give the injectable over the oral vaccine to eliminate the risk of Polio from the vaccine.
The Gates Foundation will match up to $35 million in donations for Polio Plus each year.
Community Fund Raisers
This fall has been full of fund raisers for organizations our club has historically supported. We sponsored the dessert dash at the Cocoon House Dinner and Auction and we had a table as did many individual Rotarians.
The Murder Mystery Dinner at the senior center was organized and driven in large part by our club members. Paul Ellis and a crew from the city did all the great food. It was a 50's theme and members enjoyed dressing up for the event.
Paul in the Kitchen
Many members also supported the first annual Kids Kloset breakfast.
October 15 Meeting
Guests
Marc Baker – Assistant District Governor - Rotary Club of Everett
Maggie Buckholz, former member and "Order of the Duck" now with Burlington Rotary
Ilsa Chigbrau from Life Church 360-Erik's Guest (where is Erik?)
Doug Clawson--guest of Devin
Announcements
Members will deliver stuffed ducks to members who have missed some meetings. The missing member will have to bring the ducks back to a meeting. WE NEED A NAME FOR OUR DUCKS!
10/30 Halloween fireside at Meno’s. Kid friendly. RSVP Club Runner Email
11/7 Rotary work party. Indoor paint project at Youth Dynamic's Mud Hut. Need paint supplies/ladders. 9:00 AM to noon with pizza to follow.
Nov. 19--Social Event at Hidden Vine Wine Outlet at Smoky Point
12/10 Rotary Christmas party in the evening in lieu of regular meeting. Watch for details and email to RSVP
Dave reported that Tom Orthmeyer, a former member and former manager at JH Baxter Pole Yard died of a heart attack last week--reported by Matt Maynard after talking with Tom's son.
Lyanne is currently working on recruiting a potential exchange student. If you know anyone interested please complete application. There is a link in the story on the website and this bulletin.
Working on getting a new sound system for the church/Rotary meetings.
Rotary District 5050 is looking for applications for a future district governor. Apply online.
10/23 is World Polio Day. We are close to being Polio free. Our program next week will feature our own Dr. Lee Harman regarding Polio Plus. Happy dollars may go to Polio Plus.
Board meeting was held last night. Approved funding for our Cub Scout Pack and partnership with AEF for Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.
November is Rotary Foundation Month and the club will be matching up to $500 with points towards Paul Harris Fellowships.
Lakewood School District & New High School
More on Community Development
Dr. Michael Mack, superintendent of Lakewood School District, and a member of the Marysville Noon Rotary Club was our program on October 8. He talked both about the district in general and about the new high school.
Dr. Michael Mack Lakewood School District
This is Mike's 35th year in public education. Eight years with Lakewood School District which includes areas of Arlington, Marysville and Stanwood.
“Dive into Learning” is the theme for the 2015-2016 school year.
Lakewood has 134 certificated staff and 137 classified staff. 2264 students, 1100 meals served each day, and 1294 miles drive each day by the buses.
76% graduation rate in 2009 now up to 85% in 2014. $25 million operating budget. Focused on teaching and learning. Just celebrated the district’s 100th year.
A new high school will be built and hope to be completed by December 2017. The new high school will be 178,000 square feet.
Left is an artists' rendering of the new school.The original plan was to modernize the existing high school but value engineering studies supported a new school. Voters approved a $66.8 million bond issue in 2014. It was just 3 votes over the required 60%.
It will be built on the existing campus between the current building and the stadium. It should go to bid in January with completion in 2017.
October 1 Meeting at New Arlington Chevrolet
October is Economic & Community Development Month
It was appropriate given the monthly theme of Rotary International, that we start the month off with a meeting and program at the new Dwayne Lane's Arlington Chevrolet. Tom Lane, the CEO of Dwayne Lane's family of auto dealerships and an Everett Rotarian, told us all about the effort to relocate the dealership from SR 9 to Island Crossing.
Dwayne Lane’s has always been a top sponsor of Rotary initiatives. “No better dollar spent in a community than a Rotary dollar.” – Tom Lane.
October 7th at 5 pm grand opening will be held at the dealership. Please attend.
Tom discussed the long process to get approval to build the dealership. At times there were 30+ different contractors on site ensuring they met their deadlines.
In 1954 Dwayne Lane started washing cars at a South Everett dealership. In 1966 he bought into the car business and in 1994 purchased the Arlington dealership.
In 1990 the Growth Management Act designated every parcel in the state. It wanted to classify the area the dealership is now as non-sprawl, non-growth. It was designated agricultural land.
In 2009, City Attorney, Steve Peiffle, argued at the Supreme Court for appropriate designation of the area and won.
Then came the discussions with the Stilly Flood Control District. Settlement was reached.
So far $450,000 has been spent on dirt to ensure the dealership is above the flood zone, with corresponding water retention area so as to not increase down stream flooding.
The rest of Island Crossing will be developed and hopefully bring more jobs and sales tax to the area.
The City of Arlington was extremely helpful in the process.
The building is 35,000 square feet and has to comply with dealer franchise agreement regarding design and color scheme. It has the more capacity than the previous location to service larger vehicles and hold events. Our meeting was in the new community room:
38.5 full time employees and expect to have mid-50s by this time next year.
Here is a photo of the new showroom from the office area and balcony where the community room is located:
Service at BSA Camp Fire Mountain
Our club does a service project at Camp Fire Mountain, a Boy Scout camp just east of Big Lake, each year. In the past we have generally built or repaired things. On September 13 we tore down structures on the swim beach to make room for new. Here are a few of the photos that are in the photo album section of the website and bulletin:
Bungoma Update
Rotary Club of Bungoma signed a contract for the Drilling of the well last week, and have now gotten all the clearances they need to proceed! Progress is being made!
John Simiyu and the Rotary Club of Bungoma heartfully thank all who have helped to make this possible.
They will keep us posted as the drilling continues, and then as the testing is completed to verify that what they find is potable water.
Here is a photo of getting ready to drill:
The following are notes from a few of John's emails to Joan:
"I have just received the CD for the rotary information and thank you so much for the useful information contained in it. .....
The drilling was to start on Sunday but I have not been cleared by NEMA since the officer responsible is away on a workshop in Nairobi. I hope to clear with his office next week. I will update you on the progress as we move on."
As of Wednesday, John reports:
"As hinted to you earlier, we signed the drilling of borehole agreement on Friday and attached are some photos we took during the occasion (see album)"
"Thank you so much for the duck shirts. Wow, they are fantastic. Always in our hearts. God bless you so much and reward you abundantly."
John
Family Picnic at Rotary Playground at Haller Park
Since we built the Rotary Playground at Haller Bridge Park, we have had a family picnic in lieu of our normal lunch meeting. Here is the new sign that was designed by John at Penway and fabricated by Wally at Artisan Finishing Systems:
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Here are some random photos of those who prepared the food and the families enjoying the park and picnic:
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Gregg Winter and Biking Opportunities
Gregg Winter and Biking Opportunities
Gregg Winter, bike trail builder at Gravity Logic, Inc. was our program August 20.
Gregg grew up in NY, moved to Florida after high school. Drawn to Colorado mountains. Worked at Steven’s Pass for three years.
Hooked up with Gravity Logic, Inc.the premier trail building company. Gregg loves what he does. Passionate about riding bikes and giving back to the community.
Met with the City of Arlington and presented information on need for more outdoor activities, bike park, and trails in the community.
Bike parks and destination mountain biking could/should be much bigger than it is today. There is a large market of untapped revenue out there. If we build it they will come. The demographic is huge, everyone has a bike. Significant economic catalyst. Bikers have money and will spend it. It’s not just a bike park that will generate the revenue but the bikers will visit local businesses.
Closest outdoor bike parks are at Whistler and Steven’s Pass. Closest indoor bike park is in Burlington. The kids who use the Whistler bike park volunteer to maintain it.
Action sports is a growing business segment (i.e. moto, BMX, skiing/snowboarding). A bike park would be a different avenue for children to enjoy outdoor sports. Bike park maintenance costs are lower than a golf course.
Much of the infrastructure is in place. Need fantastic riding experiences. It is critical to have instruction (camps, sales and marketing to support and drive the park experience). Need food, beverage, accommodation and other summer activities to entice visitors.
The road to the airport (67th) has a great spot for a bike park (near trails) or the old mill near Nutty’s. We could build an indoor/outdoor bike park near Absolute Air Park. The other option is to build an outdoor bike park privately and incorporate it into the city.
Partnering with Boys and Girls Club and local schools to hold camps at the bike park would be a good connection for the community.
To see more about the company and its bike park and trail designing, click here.
Ryan Walker--Arlington Grad--WSU Pitcher
Ryan Walker--Arlington Grad--WSU Pitcher
Ryan Walker, a 2014 grad from Arlington High School, and a standout pitcher for the Washington State University varsity baseball team in 2015, was our program on August 13.
Ryan completed his freshman year at WSU and was named the Pac 12 conference pitcher of the week. In two starts he pitched 11 2/3rds innings and his opponents hit only .105 against him with only two base hits. Current ERA 1.69.
He traveled with the team to the Dominican Republic. Played against professional prep teams including Mariners prep team.
Ryan started as an average pitcher but he was at the right place at the right time. Pitched at Baseball NW where the WSU coach saw him and told him what he needed to work on. Worked to correct his pitching issues and the following year he pitched at Baseball NW again and he was offered a 50% scholarship to WSU.
Social aspects, community, and athletics connect at WSU. He signed early at WSU because he knew he wanted to go to WSU.
3.6 GPA first semester at WSU, went down a little because he was traveling for baseball. The workouts are tough. Offseason workouts are harder, two workouts per week. He was required to do a 30 minute plank, mentally tough.
When he got scouted he was nervous to talk to the scouts. They really wanted to know who you are more than your talent. Nervous to say the wrong thing.
He wants to be drafted by the major league, but can’t until after his junior year. Studying criminal justice at WSU. He won't leave WSU early unless he can make the money that he desires.
In high school he topped out with an 89 mph fastball, clocked at 92-94 mph recently.
To clear his mind on the mound he focuses on the catcher’s knees as two focal points--moving his eyes from knee to knee.
Ryan seemed excited about the new coaching staff at WSU. Marty Lees became the 15th head coach in program history in 2015 after spending the last three seasons as the assistant coach/recruiting coordinator at Oklahoma State and the previous 11 at Oregon State. In those 14 years he has coached 10 teams that have reached the NCAA Tournament, including two national champions with Oregon State.
August 6 Meeting
August 6 Meeting
It is Membership and Extension Month
Guests
Jenni Tingley Callaghan-Lyanne's guest, a real estate broker
Lori Morgan-guest of visiting Rotarian Peggy Ray (both with Arlington Community Resource Center)
Visiting Rotarians included Dennis and Connie Millikan from LaConner and Peggy Ray who is seeking a transfer from the Everett Port Gardner Club.
Announcements
The Millikans invited our members to LaConner's fund raiser on August 22, Moonlight & Martinis. Click here for more information.
President Jeff thanked Bucky for taking care of our audio and video each week.
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Sept. 26 in Mount Vernon. All of us should have had an email from the District. Great opportunity through 3 levels of courses to learn about Rotary.
Like Basketball? Cory announced that the annual 3 on 3 tournament is taking place at the Arlington Airport on Saturday and Sunday.
August 27 is our annual meeting at the Rotary Playground at Haller Park. Bring kids and grandkids. It's a good place to showcase one of our projects to prospective members. Bill still looking for a barbeque grill.
The Annual Post Memorial Golf Tournament (formerly the pre-memorial) is Sept. 10. Child care provided and there will be a bouncy house etc. at the Chase residence. No regular meeting that day.
Coastal Community Bank has donated $1,000 towards the new splash pads.
We just did a wire transfer of the first funds to Bugoma so the well drilling can begin.
July 30 Meeting
Guests
Lee Harman’s father Grabe and brother Tom
Phil Abenroth from Cascade Surveying
Peggy Ray from Everett/Port Gardner Club and the Arlington Community Resource Center
Seanna Herring-Jensen, the Program Manager for the new Arlington Community Resource Center
Mark Lovejoy from Garden Treasures
Bruce Timm from the Everett Club
Alison – Carla’s guest/Paul’s granddaughter
Silas--Jesicca's son
Tina’s granddaughter
Announcements
Marcia and Wayne Smothers have a new grandson, Hazard Jones.
Marcia extended a thank you to everyone who helped after Craig Hedlund’s service with food and other help at the residence. "It's great to have the support of her 'Rotary Family' ".
August 27th the club meeting will be held at Haller Park. BBQ and family event.
September 12th at 9am, work project at the Boy Scout Camp at Fire Mountain.
The new Arlington Community Resource Center is looking for volunteers.
Celebrating Duck Dash Success
Pam and Monte Beaton hosted the Duck Dash celebration at their home in Arlington Heights on Sunday, July 19. Duck Dash chair, Erik Granroth, fried halibut for the party goers.
Jola was recognized for chairing a very very successful sponsorship recruitment with a crown.
See the photo album for more photos from the Beatons' party.
There were other events and family conflicts so some of the honorees could not be present at Beatons' so they were honored at our Meeting on July 23. Below Carla is recognized by Erik for upsetting Dale. As our number 1 sales person she was the "Fire Ball" of this year's ticket selling.
The defending champion sales person, Duck Dash Dale, presented Carla with the #1 sales medalean necklace.
Dale didn't look too depressed with all his previous rings. After all he has mentored many a salesperson and he likes a student beating the teacher!
Housing Hope Gives Homeless Families Hope
Housing Hope Gives Homeless Families Hope
Alexander Lark, right, Philanthropy Director for Housing Hope, and Spencer Knapp, left, from Everett High School, the Bank of America Student Leaders intern with Housing Hope.
Years ago we helped buy playground equipment for the Housing hope triplex in Arlington. Alex Lark updated us on Housing Hope's projects in Arlington and the county at our meeting on July 23.
Mothers and children make up the vast majority of homeless and the people Housing Hope services.
$27.21 hourly wage is needed to rent a two bedroom home in Snohomish County.
Housing Hope was founded in 1987 in Everett. Provides housing and tailored services to families. 347 units over 19 sites. Provides adult life skills.
The housing units house individuals and families at different levels of becoming self-sufficient.
Team Building program – Built 38 homes with sweat equity – families that built the homes together. No one moves in until all units are built.
Housing Hope has homeless, temporary low income, and permanent low income units.
Most recent development was built in Stanwood.
Monroe Family Village is expected to be completed in September with 47 total units.
Child Hope is Snohomish County’s only licensed childcare facility that is designed to meet the unique needs of children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. It employs child and family specialists and offers teen parenting classes and family life courses.
College of Hope – high quality research based adult like skills education. 97 courses, 425 students per year. Classes relating to finances, housing, and health and wellness.
Every family has a case manager that ensures they stay on target. Collaborative partnership.
Breaking ground on Twin Lakes Landing in May 2016, 50 unit structure, near Costco.
Need $50k in seed money to start. Shows a community interest/investment. Other funds are private grants, public funds, tax credits, and bank financing for a total of $12 million.
Hope Works are business enterprises who take College of Hope individuals and give them internships and teaches skills.
Arlington Recycle Warehouse
Mike Zachman is the founder and director of the Arlington Recycle Warehouse, a non-profit mattress recycling business located in Smokey Point (16910 59th Avenue NE, Suite 95, Arlington, WA).
President Jeff Presents an Arlington Rotary Cup to Mike
Only two mattress and box spring recyclers in Washington. The other is located in Tacoma. February 2014 the business started.
Thousands of pounds of steel, metal, and foam are saved from the landfill each week. They have a 7500 square foot warehouse and employ special needs individuals.
600 pieces are received each week. Some pieces weigh over 200 pounds.
The business gets money for the foam – 30 cents per pound. 3,000-6,000 pounds of steel are shipped each week. We get $60 per ton of steel. All of the wood in the box spring is also recycled. 6,000-12,000 pounds of wood is recycled each week. The cotton is sold for insulation.
95%-98% of what is in a mattress and box spring can be recycled, even the plastic a new mattress comes wrapped in.
Mike volunteers his time and enjoys doing it. Started the business with $16,000. Largest supplier is Sears.
If you have a piece you want to bring by it is $10 per piece. If you want pick it up it is $25 per piece. They take metal bed frames for free.
Many states have outlawed dumping your mattress in the landfill. King County is looking at potentially going this direction.
Applying to be a 501(3)(c).
They are in need of a fork lift and box truck.
Arlington Fly-In and New Members
It has become a yearly event--a meeting at the Arlington Fly-In, Arlington Airport. Barbara Tolbert, the Executive Director of the event again made arrangements for us to meet in a tent as our venue.
Before the program we inducted two new members:
Tom Smith – transferring from the Bellevue Sunrise club, law classification, with his mentor Bruce Stedman. Tom practices out of his home on Lake Ki.
Kim Gustafson - manufacturing classification, with stand-in mentor, Bucky Tart. Kim manufactures 3D printers.
The speaker, arranged by Barbara, was Mike Biehn:
Mike is with the Commemorative Air Force, which restores war airplanes and civil planes connected to war.
There is a Tuskegee exhibit (“Rise Above”) at the Fly In this year that has a fully restored plane and movie about the history of the Tuskegee airmen. Commemorative Air Force wants to highlight the Tuskegee airmen overcoming adversity. The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit highlights the courage and determination of the Tuskegee Airmen, who overcame obstacles to train and fight as U.S. Army Air Corps pilots, and what it means to us 60 years later.
A lot of the airmen were pilots but some were not. No black pilots in the military at the time. They had to overcame prejudice. "Be ready to go" was one of their mottos.
They expected to win because of their mindset. 95% of Tuskegee airmen were college graduates. Tuskegee airmen lost 66 airmen and 20+ bombers.
The exhibit highlights overcoming adversity and rising above what is holding you down.
Mike Biehn
Duck Dash Raises over $212,000 on the Fourth of July
[Photo: Rotarian Duck Casey Miller teases the crowd with the list of Duck Dash winners before they are announced]
Duck Dash Raises over $212,000 on the Fourth of July
Rotary Club of Arlington Sets a New Record of 17,372 tickets sold
[Arlington, Wash.] The Rotary Club of Arlington sold the most Duck Dash tickets ever in its 27 year history at the Annual Great Stilly Duck Dash on the Fourth of July. With ticket sales totaling $71,625, combined with $90,650 in donations from sponsors, and a $50,000 match from Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians - the Rotary Club of Arlington raised $212,275 at its annual fundraiser.
“I’m thrilled with our record-breaking results, but not surprised as our community is such a giving place,” said Duck Dash Chairperson Erik Granroth. “The funds we raised this year will benefit many organizations in our communities. And, the splash pad - once Rotary completes fundraising for it - will be enjoyed by for years to come by families and kids at Haller Park.”
The top ten winners - at $1,000 each - of the annual rubber duck race down the Stilly River were Lyle Ryan, Mabel Nowocin, Annie Grieb, Judy Claxton, Karlyn Ames, Chuck Patten, Randy Demoss, George Reid, and Mark Shapiro (twice). There were ten winners of $100 each, as well:
Elizabeth Biggs, Julie Dickhud, Muriel Place, Pioneer Nuggets, Ryan McDuffy, Nancy Truitt Pearce, Kurt Boxleitner, Mary TImmerman, Tiffany Barton, and Rocky Ogden.
At least $50,000 of ticket sales will go to help build a splash pad at Haller Park, as well as the $50,000 match from the Stillaguamish Tribe. The Rotary Club of Arlington has committed to build a splash pad at Haller Park over two multi-year phases. Rotary will continue to fundraise for the splash page through sponsorships, donations from Friends of the Park, and through partnership with the City of Arlington to obtain grants.
The success of this year’s Duck Dash would not have been possible without the support of the many local businesses. Dwayne Lane’s Chevrolet of Arlington was the platinum sponsor at $10,000 for the third year in row. Sound Tractor donated a tractor to pull the Rotary Train in parades and at Rotary events. Symmetry Chiropractic donated at the gold level ($5,000), as well as partners Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics & Skagit Regional Health. A complete list of sponsors can be found at www.rotaryclubofarlington.com.
Silver sponsors ($2,000) were AMT, Angel of the Winds, B&B Fabricators, Cascade Kropz, LLC, Cuz Concrete, Family Pet Medical & Surgery, K-Fox, Penway Media, and the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. Bronze sponsors ($1,000) were Acute Autoworks, A-Plus Water Service, Arlington Electric, Arlington Hardware, Bailey, Duskin & Peiffle, PS, Bistro San Martin, Blue Bird Café, Coastal Community Bank, Devin Dickinson, DDS, Eagle Family Dental, Edward Jones-John Meno,
Farmers Insurance, Gerber Collision, Global Machine Works, Kulits Orthodontics, Moss Adams, LLP, Nelson Petroleum, Pamela Beaton, CPA, Penny Lee Trucking, Rocket Alley, Skagit Bank, Smokey Point Animal Hospital, State Farm Insurance, Stillaguamish Athletic Club, Unique Interiors, Vitalire, and Williams & Nulle.
Thank you to ALL our Duck Dash 2015 sponsors!
Platinum
Dwayne Lane
Dwayne Lane
Gold
Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics & Skagit Regional Health
Sound Tractor
Symmetry Chiropractic
Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics & Skagit Regional Health
Sound Tractor
Symmetry Chiropractic
Silver
AMT
Angel of the Winds
B&B Fabricators
Cascade Kropz, LLC
Cuz Concrete
Family Pet Medical & Surgery
K-Fox
Penway Media
Stillaguamish Tribe
AMT
Angel of the Winds
B&B Fabricators
Cascade Kropz, LLC
Cuz Concrete
Family Pet Medical & Surgery
K-Fox
Penway Media
Stillaguamish Tribe
Bronze
Acute Autoworks
A-Plus Water Service
Arlington Electric
Arlington Hardware
Bailey, Duskin & Peiffle, PS
Bistro San Martin
Blue Bird Café
Coastal Community Bank
Devin Dickinson, DDS
Eagle Family Dental
Edward Jones-John Meno
Farmers Insurance
Gerber Collision
Global Machine Works
Kulits Orthodontics
Moss Adams, LLP
Nelson Petroleum
Pamela Beaton, CPA
Penny Lee Trucking
Rocket Alley
Skagit Bank
Smokey Point Animal Hospital
State Farm Insurance
Stillaguamish Athlethic Club
Unique Interiors
Vitalire
Williams & Nulle
Acute Autoworks
A-Plus Water Service
Arlington Electric
Arlington Hardware
Bailey, Duskin & Peiffle, PS
Bistro San Martin
Blue Bird Café
Coastal Community Bank
Devin Dickinson, DDS
Eagle Family Dental
Edward Jones-John Meno
Farmers Insurance
Gerber Collision
Global Machine Works
Kulits Orthodontics
Moss Adams, LLP
Nelson Petroleum
Pamela Beaton, CPA
Penny Lee Trucking
Rocket Alley
Skagit Bank
Smokey Point Animal Hospital
State Farm Insurance
Stillaguamish Athlethic Club
Unique Interiors
Vitalire
Williams & Nulle
T-Shirt
All Creatures Veterinary
Arlington Family Chiropractic
Arlington Sons of the American Legion
Audit & Adjustment
Ben Wells and Associates, PS
Bulldog Self Storage
Cascade Surveying and Engineering
Columbia Bank
Corporate Office Supply
Cozy Heating
Heritage Bank
Hubb's Pizza and Pasta
Langabeer, McKernan, Burnett & Co
Les Schwab
Metron and Associates, Inc
Paraiso Mexican Restaurant
Smokey Point Concrete
Smokey Point Productions
Turn-Key Repairs & Maintenance
Windermere
Witsoe, Haug and Associates
All Creatures Veterinary
Arlington Family Chiropractic
Arlington Sons of the American Legion
Audit & Adjustment
Ben Wells and Associates, PS
Bulldog Self Storage
Cascade Surveying and Engineering
Columbia Bank
Corporate Office Supply
Cozy Heating
Heritage Bank
Hubb's Pizza and Pasta
Langabeer, McKernan, Burnett & Co
Les Schwab
Metron and Associates, Inc
Paraiso Mexican Restaurant
Smokey Point Concrete
Smokey Point Productions
Turn-Key Repairs & Maintenance
Windermere
Witsoe, Haug and Associates
Coupon
Automotive Diagnostic Center
Cascade Companion Care
Country Financial
Dave Edmonds, New York Life
Flowers By George
Pioneer Nuggets
Power of Touch Massage
Travel Time
Tuco Industrial Products
Automotive Diagnostic Center
Cascade Companion Care
Country Financial
Dave Edmonds, New York Life
Flowers By George
Pioneer Nuggets
Power of Touch Massage
Travel Time
Tuco Industrial Products
And the winners are...
Duck Dash Winners:
$1,000
1. Lyle Ryan sold by Robin Reinig
2. Mabel Nowocin sold by Penny Clark
3. Annie Grieb sold by Lee Harman
4. Judy Claxton sold by Dale Duskin
5. Karlyn Ames sold by Mike Zachman
6. Chuck Patten sold by Linda Byrnes
7. Randy Demoss sold by Karri Hansen
8. George Reid sold by Bruce Stedman
9. & 10 Mark Shapiro sold by Jim Minifie
2. Mabel Nowocin sold by Penny Clark
3. Annie Grieb sold by Lee Harman
4. Judy Claxton sold by Dale Duskin
5. Karlyn Ames sold by Mike Zachman
6. Chuck Patten sold by Linda Byrnes
7. Randy Demoss sold by Karri Hansen
8. George Reid sold by Bruce Stedman
9. & 10 Mark Shapiro sold by Jim Minifie
$100
Elizabeth Biggs (MIke Z)
Julie Dickhut (Paul E)
Muriel Place (Todd B.)
Pioneer Products & Processing (Brad K)
Ryan McDuffy (Kris M)
Nancy Truitt Pearce (Pam B.)
Kurt Boxleitner (Tony L)
Mary Timmerman (Mike Z)
Tiffany Barton (Devin B)
Rocky Ogden (Duane R)
Have a Safe Independence Day and Enjoy Our Hometown Activities!
July 2 Work Party
As they say, "Many hands make for less work." Instead of our regular meeting on July 2, which would have been the first meeting of the new Rotary year with our new President, Jeff Huleatt, we had a work party instead.
For a number of years the Angel of the Winds Casino has picked up the expense of the duck calls we hand out at the parade. The duck calls come with lanyards that need to be removed and replaced with ones advertising the casino. Hubb's Pizza and Pasta's back room was a good place for getting the calls ready.
Dale took the floor to urge our members to use their cell phone and Face Book contacts to make sales as we near the 4th.
Dale has sold so many tickets he had to get an armored car to pick up his money:
Below are more photos of those who helped get the duck calls ready to hand out at the parade:
Honoring Our 2015 Duck Dash Sponsors
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On July 25 we honored our 2015 Duck Dash sponsors with a special luncheon meeting. Our sponsorship chair, Jola Barnett, announced the results of the sponsorship drive.
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We have surpassed our sponsorship goal. The last three years we have raised over $65k per year. $90,650 this year in sponsorships. 70 total sponsors this year. 19 new sponsors and 5 sponsors increased their donations this year over the previous year.
Estimated cost of the splash park is $360,000 plus, phased over a few years. Ticket sales and sponsor donations support what Rotary does and the donations we can give to the community. 27th year of the Duck Dash.
Rotarians and the community are urged to support the following 2015 sponsors with your business:
Coupon Sponsors ($350): Automotive Diagnostic Center, Travel Time, Cascade Companion Care, Country Insurance & Financial Services, Flowers by George, Power of Touch Massage. & the Blue Bird Café.
T-Shirt Sponsors ($500): All Creatures Veterinary, Arlington Family Chiropractic, Arlington Sons of the American Legion, Audit & Adjustment, Bell Wells-Attorney, Bulldog Self Storage, Cascade Surveying & Engineering, Columbia Bank, Corporate Office Supply, Cozy Heating, Heritage Bank, Hubb’s Pizza & Pasta, Langabeer McKernan Burnett & Co-CPA’s, Les Schwab Tires, Metron & Associates-surveying, Paraiso Mexican Restaurant, Smokey Pt. Concrete, Smokey Pt. Productions, Turn-Key Repairs & Maintenance, Windermere Real Estate, and Witsoe Haug & Associates-CPA.
Bronze ($1,000): Acute Autoworks, A-Plus Water Service, Arlington Electric, Arlington Hardware, Bailey Duskin Peiffle-attorneys, Bistro San Martin’, Coastal Community Bank, Blue Bird Café, Devin Dickinson DDS-dentist, Eagle Family Dental, Edward Jones, Farmers Insurance, Gerber Collision, Global Machine Works, Kultis Orthodontics, Moss Adams LLP-CPA’s, Nelson Petroleum, Pamela Beaton CPA, Penny Lee Trucking, Rocket Alley, Skagit Bank, Smokey Pt. Animal Hospital, State Farm Insurance, Stillaguamish Athletic Club, Unique Interiors, Vitalire Clothing, and Williams & Nulle-CPA’s.
Silver ($2,000): AMT Senior Aerospace, Angel of the Winds Casino, B & B Fabricators, Cascade Kropz LLC, Cuz Concrete Products, Family Pet Medical & Surgery, K-Fox, Penway Media, and Stillaguamish Tribe.
Gold ($5,000): Sound Tractor (engine for train), Symmetry Chiropractic, and a partnership of Cascade Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Health.
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Platinum ($10,000): Dwayne Lane’s Arlington Chevrolet.
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2015 Senior Scholarships
The Rotary Club of Arlington donated $10,000 in college scholarships to three graduating seniors from Arlington, Darrington, and Lakewood high schools. Students selected demonstrate excellence in academics, as well as community service.
Tayler Hoftell is a senior graduating valedictorian from Darrington High School. She'll be studying Biochemistry at the University of Washington. One teacher, Linne Clarke Haywood, wrote about Tayler, "[She] works harder than any student I have ever taught, hands down...when Tayler accepts an obligation, she completes it with distinction." The scholarship selection committee was so impressed with Tayler, her achievements and her commitment to community that they elected to give her a $5,000 scholarship and consideration for ongoing support over the next four years she is at university.
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Jared Huff will graduate from Arlington High School. He’s been a very active volunteer advocating to alleviate hunger and homelessness while working with the Arlington Food Bank and Sound Out Seattle. Huff plans to attend Seattle Pacific University in the fall and study business. He received a $2,500 scholarship from the Rotary Club of Arlington.
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Summer Ahrns, a full-time Running Start student is graduating from Lakewood High School. She plans to attend Western Washington University and study early childhood education. Ahrns has participated in the 3-day Susan G. Komen walk for breast cancer, twice, and raised over $4,600. The Rotary Club of Arlington presented her with a $2,500 scholarship for her higher . 
Mark Everett from Velo Sports
Mark Everett from Arlington Velo Sports was the June 4 program.
He, his wife and three children moved here from Stanwood. Summer of 1996 the first bike shop opened in Stanwood. Mark went in to check it out and met the owners. They took him under their wings and hired him.
Mark graduated from Stanwood High School and Walla Walla University,,College Place, WA., in business. Went into financial consulting, too much pressure, and different environment than helping people with cycling. Went back to Stanwood Velo Sport, they offered to sell the business to him. He turned down the opportunity.
New owner created excitement in the community about cycling. One winter business was very slow and Mark was laid off. The shop stayed open for three more years.
Mark purchased his first shop in 2007 and then opened an Arlington shop. Mark aims to solve problems of cyclists with an assortment of products & bicycles.
He also does rentals and nutritional education at the shop. Nine employees. Women cyclists are a growing market. Average cyclist earns $75,000/year, and is educated.
New Drug K-9 for Arlington Police Department
Bruce Stedman, Public Safety Director, introduced officer Seth Kinney and K-9 Oso, who came to visit the club.
The previous K-9 would hit on marijuana and now that is not necessary. Many drug crimes necessitated the new K9. Came to Rotary and the community to ask for the funds for the dog and program. Rotary donated $2,500 and Brad from Cascade Kropz also donated to acquire Oso.
Seth has been with the department for 8 years, grew up here, was a school resource officer.
City sent Seth to check out the dog and went through training. In April they went through 200 hours of local training to get them both certified. First hit was for 877 grams of meth and $18,000 cash. To date Seth and Oso have recovered 1,100 grams of meth, 767 grams of heroin, firearms, and over $20,000 cash.
Arlington Rotary Scholarships
Our Rotary Club has traditionally given a scholarship to a graduating senior at Arlington, Lakewood and Darrington High Schools of $2,500. This year there was a particularly worthy student in Darrington and $5,000 was awarded to Taylor Hoftell, with an opportunity to apply in future years.
A $2,500 scholarship was given to Jared Huff at the annual senior awards night on May 27 by our president elect Jeff:
Julia Gats and Riverdance 20 Years Tour
John Meno arranged for his cousin and God daughter Julia Gats to tell us about her experience touring with the Riverside 20 dance troop. She has performed in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany and Japan, and she is waiting to hear if she will be in the North American tour. Below John is pictured with Julia.
Here are some highlights of her presentation:
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Went to Blanchet High School where she was the President of her class.
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Was accepted to Gonzaga
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Participated in dance performance workshop in Ireland in 2014 and was accepted and placed into Riverdance, is now on a leave from Gonzaga to be on the Asian tour of Riverdance 20 Years.
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Riverdance began as a 7min interval act in 1994
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Traces Irelands history and immigration to the new world
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Started first tour in the UK and went to 9 cities while there
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Did a tour in Germany 17 cities in one month
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From Germany went to Japan
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Japanese fans are some of the biggest fans in the world
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Left Japan on May 3 and hope until June 9 and will go back to Ireland for the final show
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Riverdance will be in Seattle starting October 31 at the Paramount.
Click Here to visit Riverdance website.
Remembered and Not Forgotten
Krishna Nadella and Why He Chose Arlington
Krishna Nadella--Click on Photo for Arlington Times Article
Our speaker at our May 14 meeting was Krishna Nadella who founded Aiooa, LLC located in Stillaguamish Square. Serves as the company’s CEO.
Founded his first company, MicroGreen, in 2002. In 2000 received his graduate degree in education and in 2009 he received his PhD from UW. He is a published inventor and entrepreneur.
Grew up in India.
MicroGREEN Polymers, Inc. manufactured the InCycle cup. It was founded in 2002 at UW. Located in Arlington since 2006. Easy access to freeways, affordable, reverse commute. High tech talent located in Arlington. Grew to 175 employees at its peak. $80 million investment. Foreclosed by lender in April 2015.
Founded his second company Aiooa, LLC in April 2015 after MicroGREEN’s closure. Key technical team members from MicroGREEN were hired on. Aiooa engineers, procures, and constructs manufacturing systems.
Not trying to raise too much investment, bootstrap approach. Aiooa located in Arlington. Many well-wishers in Arlington community. People in the community have taken an interest in the success of us.
Arlington has many advantages to the business. Police, fire, Arlington High School (robotics program), economic development, banking (Coastal Community Bank).
Arlington’s Challenges: Exit 206 and the growth along 172nd and the additional commute/traffic, parking. Is Exit 208 next? Rent and number of housing units. Continuing investment in manufacturing and new business. Build relationships with Universities commercialization offices.
Rotary District 5050 Conference
Many of our members attended all or part of the District 5050 Conference held at the Tulalip Resort May 1-3. Pictured above are those who attended District Governor Lyle Ryan's dinner and dance Saturday night. Lyle and his wife P.J. are both former members of our club and P.J. is Margaret Hedlund's sister. Several of our members hosted visiting Rotarians in their homes for dinner on Friday night.
April 30 Meeting Notes
Club Anniversaries
Jim Minifie – 5/1/96
Marcia Smothers – 5/1/93
Tina Davis 4/26/12
Guests
Gloria Chase-guest of A.J. (to hear Dale)
Samantha – Our former outbound exchange student to France
Bruce Timm –Regular visitor from the Everett Club
Doug Claussen – Lake Stevens Club
Kim Gustafson--Lee's guest from Frontier Air Park (3D Printing)
Dan Malsch – Rainy Day Basement Systems--guest of visitor Ed Kreiger from Grand Rapids
Ed Kreiger – Visiting Rotarian from Grand Rapids, Michigan
John Turmack – New fire chief for North County Regional Fire Authority (Bruce's only friend?)
Jennifer Hollocker-Relay for Life
Damian King
Daniel Tucker – Narda’s son a 2014 Marysville Getchel Grad to see what Rotary is all about
Announcements
7/3 at 6pm – Duck Dash Pub Crawl starts at Rocket Alley
Stillaguamish Tribe will match up to $50,000 in our Duck Dash ticket sales
If you need a Rotary at Work t-shirt see A.J.
5/16 – Rotary at Work Day
5/21 – Duck Dash kickoff meeting
5/8 from 6-pm – Down Home Derby at Arlington Free Methodist Church. Childcare provided. $20 per ticket or $150 for a table for 8.
6/11 – Installation banquet at Lee’s hanger
Acknowledged Dave's retirement from law practice after almost 41 years (almost that many in our Rotary Club)
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Dave filled the law classification after the founder of the firm and a charter member of our club, Bob Bibb, was appointed by the governor as a Superior Court Judge in 1974. There is a great article in the Herald this week regarding Bob Bibb's second retirement. Here is a link: http://heraldnet.com/article/20150501/NEWS01/150509989/Former-judge-retiring-again-at-92-from-program-he-formed
April 30 Meeting
Club Anniversaries
Jim Minifie – 5/1/96
Marcia Smothers – 5/1/93
Tina Davis 4/26/12
Guests
Gloria Chase-guest of A.J. (to hear Dale)
Samantha – Our former outbound exchange student to France
Bruce Timm –Regular visitor from the Everett Club
Doug Claussen – Lake Stevens Club
Kim Gustafson--Lee's guest from Frontier Air Park (3D Printing)
Dan Malsch – Rainy Day Basement Systems--guest of visitor Ed Kreiger from Grand Rapids
Ed Kreiger – Visiting Rotarian from Grand Rapids, Michigan
John Turmack – New fire chief for North County Regional Fire Authority (Bruce's only friend?)
Jennifer Hollocker-Relay for Life
Damian King
Daniel Tucker – Narda’s son a 2014 Marysville Getchel Grad to see what Rotary is all about
Announcements
7/3 at 6pm – Duck Dash Pub Crawl starts at Rocket Alley
Stillaguamish Tribe will match up to $50,000 in our Duck Dash ticket sales
If you need a Rotary at Work t-shirt see A.J.
5/16 – Rotary at Work Day
5/21 – Duck Dash kickoff meeting
5/8 from 6-pm – Down Home Derby at Arlington Free Methodist Church. Childcare provided. $20 per ticket or $150 for a table for 8.
6/11 – Installation banquet at Lee’s hanger
April 23 Meeting
Guests
Jerry Tucker from Everett Rotary Club, a guest of guest Penny Gutschmidt, Carla's guest, with Penny Lee Trucking and East Valley Sand and Gravel
Bruce Timm – Everett Rotary
Kim Gustafson – Frontier Park, 3D Printing
Rotary Anniversaries
A.J. Chase, 5 years--sponsored by Cindy
Judy Cartwright, 10 years--sponsored by John Meno
Mike Zachman, 11 years--sponsored by Rob Patterman
Announcements
Please complete membership survey above--we are currently at 52% response rate
Rotary District 5050 Conference starts on Friday, May 1, 10 AM--probably still can register for dinner Saturday night
Youth Dynamics Fund Raiser, "Down Home Derby" May 8 at Free Methodist Church--Jesse Taylor--$20 6-9PM, Jessica has tickets; donations sought for auction
"Out of the Shadows", April 28, B-PAC, 6 PM with 7 PM presentation--Drug Awareness and Education
Al reported on his decision to resign as VP and his wife's chemo therapy.
Lee provided a letter from the Rotary Club of Resita, Romania, celebrating its 10 year anniversary. We partnered with Resita to provide assistance to an orphanage there. Lee has visited the club and the orphanage. Details about Resita's club and activities can be viewed at http://www.rotaryresita.ro/ or its Face Book site, www.facebook.com/rotary.resita
Duck Dash – May 21 BIG KICKOFF!
Bucky – Friendship Booth at Conference to get partners for Bungoma $40,000
Club Assembly
President:
Cindy recognized Bryce for the great job he has done with out programs this year.
2015 Visioning - first was 2010, mini visioning in 2012
Calendar of Events on Tables
Treasurers Report for April 1-- Thanks Pam Beaton
Visioning: Duane handed out the recommendations from our committees for our 5 year plan. Members were given an opportunity to comment both orally and by writing down feedback. He and Linda will take those and compile to present to the board for approval. We will publish the proposals for member comments again.
Membership: (Duane)
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Focused mentoring program for 1st year – Leroy Jacques mentoring chair
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Added 10 new members
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Looking younger than other clubs in District
Service Project: (Todd) Working to identify projects to work on during Rotary Day of Service.--May 16--Senior Center and Mud Hut painting.
Putting up Rotary signs at town entrances not Rotary service but it is something that some are working on.
Train by July 4? Todd and Karri working on design/engineering
Foundation: (Kathy)
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A lot of new members, education needed for what Foundation about
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More videos on the way
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It’s your pleasure (obligation) to support Rotary Foundation – it’s how projects get done
Public Relations: (A.J.)
Developing PR plan for Duck Dash including tweeting where ducks are located;
Still has some Rotary Declarations if you want one;
At Work shirts ordered, will be handing out at next meeting;
Signs update by Devin; Our Rotary wheel with a sign telling those coming into town where and when we meet is in progress--signs ordered and shipped. Idea to take over maintenance, upgrade etc of the Home of Champions sign so our Rotary sign can be on that sign;
Administration: Director not present; Installation banquet will be at Lee's hanger June 11.
Duck Dash: (Erik) Over $75,000 in sponsors and still working on friends of the park; Kick off on May 21--crowning ducks and handing out tickets. Sponsorship luncheon on June 25; Bar Crawl will be July 3--Minifies are not having a fireworks fireside this year!
Lyanne Rolf Joins Us
Lyanne Rolf, a senior loan officer with KeyBank, and a former member of the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club was inducted into our club by membership director Duane Rhodes.
Lyanne's sponsor is Casey Miller and her mentor is Carla Gastineau. Even before becoming official, she joined other club members to attend the District 5050 Assembly. Lyanne wants to get our exchange student program going again.
President Cindy pins our newest member! Welcome Lyanne!
April 2 Meeting
Club Anniversary
Jo Olson Joined April 6, 2000
Guests
Bruce Timm--Visting Rotarian Everett--Insurance
Lyanne Rolf--prospective member with Key Bank
Kai Chandler – Sergeant with Arlington PD
Matt Davis – Tina’s son
Myra Davis--Bud’s Daughter, and her guest Diane Scott
Alan Barkley – Tyee District Executive (our area) Boy Scouts
Alexander Park – Housing Hope
Pastor Chuck Shocki--Arlington Free Methodist Church
Announcements
Rotary District Conference April 30th through May 3--Registration open until April 6
Duck Dash - $72,500 in sponsorships so far. Get sponsorships in ASAP. Cascade Valley and Skagit Valley Hospitals have partnered to be a gold sponsor
Received a $12,000 tractor from Sound Tractor to pull the Rotary train.
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We have $7k in potential sponsorships out there still
Three coupon sponsorships available
Please complete the District 5050 survey by clicking on the above
Taylor Hendriks Reports on Experience as Our Outbound Rotary Exchange Student 2013-14
Taylor Hendricks – Rotary Youth Exchange Student 2013-2014
Our outbound exchange student, Taylor Hendricks, lived in Belgium for her junior year. She did an outstanding job of telling us about her experience at our April 2 meeting. Here is a summary:
She has a sister, three dogs, mom, dad, and step dad.
She met an exchange student on the plane.
Went to Scotland, London, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany
Stayed with three host families, most had another exchange student at the same time.
Traveled around the country and participated in different festivals and programs
Went to a chocolate factory to see how chocolate was made.
Misses traveling. “Once an exchange student, always an exchange student. Thank you Rotary.”
In addition to hearing from our youth exchange student, we celebrated our most senior member's 90th birthday.
Bud Compton Celebrated His 90th Birthday--Happy Birthday Bud!
We also tried a new room arrangement with a very full house.
March 26 Meeting
Club Anniversaries
Karri Hanson – 17 years
Bryce Duskin – 6 years
Paul Ellis – 6 years
Ron Love – 29 years
Guests
Bob Campbell-Former Member of Our Club--moved back--visitor from Colville Rotary Club
Jim Huleatt--Jeff's Brother
Lyanne Rolf--Key Bank--Guest of Casey
Dan & Murna Moody – Leavenworth Club – selling raffle tickets for a dream vacation raffle or $5,000 – 2,500 tickets being sold. Goes to fund scholarships and exchange students for the Leavenworth club.
Pastor Chuck Shocki--Arlington Free Methodist Church
Penny Gutschmidt-- Penny Lee trucking & East Valley Sand and Gravel--guest of Carla
Announcements
April 30th through May 3rd – District Conference at Tulalip. Board will pay the registration fee for anyone who wants to attend the conference. You must attend the whole conference. Erik Granroth has offered to be a designated Driver for the Saturday events. Looking for home hosts for dinner hosting.
Rotary is doing a District 5050 survey again this year. Please complete above. Aiming for 100% completion.
Let Jessica know what t-shirt you would like for Duck Dash
District training assembly - April 11th in Surrey, BC. A van is going, please notify Jeff H. if you would like to go. Club will pay for attendance.
April 11th 10am-2pm – shredding event at Coastal Community Bank. Donations go to Arlington Education Foundation.
Duck Dash Sponsorship luncheon – June 25th. $55,950 total sponsorships so far. Goal is $75,000.
August 2nd Oso 5k Run – registration has just opened.
Chief Travis Hots Talks of the 530 Slide
Our March 26 program was Chief Travis Hots – Fire Chief for Districts 21 (Rural Arlington) and 22 (Getchel). Served in fire service for 22 years. Also a Snohomish County rescue helicopter pilot.
“We are people helpers. We help people solve problems.”
Oso disaster was so big we had to tap relationships with other fire districts and law enforcement.
On March 22nd notified of what he thought was a ditch backing up and debris on road. Rushed to Oso and notified of the landslide. No one was passing him going the other way. Knew it was going to be a large event. Chief Harper asked law enforcement to turn off the sirens so he could hear people’s screams and locate them.
Mud was so thick they needed a hoist system to get patients out. Helicopter was immediately involved to hoist and remove patients. The helicopter immediately handed off patients to ambulances to transport.
Stillaguamish swift water rescue training exercise was planned for that day but the river didn’t look good so it was canceled. The individual in charge of planning the training lost his house, wife, and infant grandchild.
15 people rescued from the slide.
Helicopter performed recon to ensure there wouldn’t be another slide and put the rescuers in danger.
River was backing up so command center moved to the top of the hill. River going dry on the down river side of the slide. Concerned the “dam” would break and put everyone in danger. Arlington's Chief Stedman helped put together an evacuation team to evacuate neighborhoods below the slide area. Used EAS message system and reverse 911 to notify people to evacuate.
Information was provided to Travis by multiple agencies. “Inbox was full. More information coming in than I could process out.”
Set up command at Arlington City Council Chambers in early evening. All rescues had been completed by midday. Got notice in early evening there was a report of signs of life on the Darrington side. No one was found. A dog was found the next morning.
Media started showing up. They wanted to see the local fire chief, sheriff, etc. Camera crews from all over the world by mid-week. Reports calling from all over the world to speak with Travis. Handed speaking points while walking to the podium to give reports. Had to explain how you cannot understand how big this is.
“By mid-week I was fatigued just like all the other first responders. I was leaving the command post at 9:30-10pm. Then dispatched to house fire. I felt guilty about going home.”
Had to take a step back for a few days. State team took over. Received many cards from community members – President of UW, fire chiefs and sheriffs from other counties, etc. Daughter sold her Kindle and donated $100 to Cascade Valley Foundation.
The most difficult year of my career and private life. His advice: Spend time with people that matter to you.
Do This Now!
Duck Dash 2015--The Year of the Splash Park !!
Brad Kihm and Cascade Kropz
Last week we learned about growing and processing Cannabis, and this week our own member, Brad Kihm, spoke about the retail end of the new business in Washington State.
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Brad Kihm
Brad Kihm is a co-owner of Cascade Kropz, graduated Snohomish High 2002, own Cascade Kropz with his mother.
Initially he was going to grow and applied for a grow license but many others were applying for the grow licenses so they also applied for a retail license. Arlington was attractive for the business as there were moratoriums in other cities.
They were the only retail applicant that followed the appropriate processes for the retail location.
Fourth store in the state to open. First in Snohomish County.
Eighth most successful store in the state.
Seed to Sale program: Plants are bar coded when cloned and that barcode stays with it until it is sold. The plants are tracked all the way though sale (height, etc.).
Over 100 strains of marijuana are available at Cascade Kropz.
400+ people visit the store on a busy Friday.
High security at the store. Secure hallway where ID is checked prior to entering the store.
Legal to sell to Canadian and other states’ residents. 21+
.Can have up to three stores on one 502 license but there has to be a spot open. No other spots open in Arlington.
Average client age is 45ish. More 21 year olds coming in.
New Member David Ryan
New Member Induction
David Ryan – Paul Ellis proposed David for membership. His classification is Airport Management. He is the manager of the Arlington Airport. He will serve on the service and membership committees.
Make-up Meetings
Members are encouraged to make-up meetings when they travel. It is a great way to meet locals and to see what other clubs around the work are doing. This week Dave Duskin made up at the Rotary Club of Kapaa on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii. It is part of District 5000, which is all the Hawaiian Islands. Pictured here is assistant District Governor Dick Olsen. The club has about 25 members.
When you make-up send Dave a photo to post telling something about the club. Kapaa does a Taste of Kauai fund raising event.
February 12 Meeting Notes
Club Anniversaries
Breanne Martin joined 2/19/2013, Dave Duskin was sponsor
Leroy Jacques joined 2/12/1979 (transferred to our club later than that)
Guests
Narda Tudder, Branch Manager at Columbia Bank, Dale's guest
Pastor Chuck, pastor at Free Methodist Church, our host
Bruce Timm, visiting Rotarian--Everett
Marcia Smothers, Honorary Member
Kirk Boxleitner, Arlington Times Reporter
George McCone--Kathy's guest
Phil Bartlow--former member
Announcements
Stilly Valley Little League sponsorship opportunities are available.
Rotary Club of Arlington wallet cards available. States date/time/location of Rotary meetings, describes what Rotary is and contains an invite to Rotary lunch.
Rotary board meeting 2/11/15. Rotary train will hopefully be done before Duck Dash. Joan went to the global grant seminar. We will apply by March 1st for the wells in Bungoma.
April 11th shred event at Coastal Community Bank, all donations go to Arlington Education Foundation.cation Foundation.
Arlington's Cannabis Manufacturing Business
Pioneer Nuggets is located at the Arlington Airport and on February 5 we heard from it's CEO, Fitz Couhig.
Guest Speaker Fritz Couhig with Pioneer Nuggets
From Baton Rouge Louisiana and attended LSU. Did various things including software business and tour guide. Most recently worked with venture capitalists to restore wetlands in Louisiana. Very experienced with heavily regulated industry.
Got interested in the I-502 opportunities while attending a concert at the Gorge. Sold a successful company and moved here to start a 90 day residency requirement and to look for the right spot for a producer processing manufacturing plant.
Arlington is a friendly location without a moratorium and the old Bayliner plant was being converted to house multiple enterprises.
Hooked up with a grower—Sean. Worked on getting all the permitting done at the State level and with City of Arlington. Over 80 page application with state needing plans for every aspect and complete facility design. Confirmation came in about 2 months on August 12, 2015.
State doesn’t allow producer processors to sell retail. Pioneer Nuggets grows, harvests, packages and labels.
They produce “craft” cannabis—no oils. Started with 3 persons, now 15, hopes to double. Mostly aged 25-35. Learning as they go.
6,000 square space of growing area broken into 8 canopies so that there can be weekly harvesting instead of growing a crop at a time. Set up as manufacturing plant. Everything must be tracked from seed to harvested buds—even if destroyed. There is a quarantine period to assure quality. System allows workers to know their job well rather than working the product from seed to packaging.
Can’t grow medical marijuana in this facility. Some medical providers are trying recreational. High tax on recreational so there is speculation medical is being misused.
Electrical bill runs $6700 per month. Totally different product than outside grown. Last month costs $81,000 and income $45,000. Product grown in special mix—not dirt. Size of operation can’t exceed 15,000 square feet with maximum of 10,000 in growing.
Notes from January 29 Meeting
Club Anniversaries
Bucky – Jan 30, 1996 Bucky joined the Anchorage club
Kathy McCone – January 31, 2002 – John Meno was Kathy’s sponsor
Jody Nelson – January 31, 2002 – Jim Minifie was Jody’s sponsor
Bruce Stedman – February 3, 2011 – Paul Ellis was Bruce’s sponsor
Guests
David Ryan – Arlington Airport Manager--Program
Ed Stensin – Coastal Community Bank--Robin's Guest
Narda Tudder – Columbia Bank--Dale's Guest
Mark Viboch – Penny’s Guest (husband)
Visiting Rotarians
Bruce Timm and Mark Baker both from the Everett Noon Club
Announcements
1/29/15 – State of the District Address by Kris McDuffy at Pioneer Elementary at 6pm
Please update your profile on the club website
May 16th is Rotary’s countywide service day. Please think of a project our club could do.
April 11th shred event at Coastal Community Bank, bring your documents to shred, all donations benefit Arlington Education Foundation
Coaches vs. Cancer on January 30 at Arlington basketball game starts at 7pm
Bucky and Joan will attend the grant process for district grants
District training seminar will be held on April 11th in Surrey, BC
Can register for district conference online (link under our events). Club will pay registration fee. Need volunteers to host Rotarians for dinner.
We are down one member for the year. Bring new members in. Invite them to lunch to check out the club.
Come visit Rotary club of Everett, Tuesday at noon at Legion Golf Club.
Copy of January is Rotary Awareness Month
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Christmas Party,Toys for Tots & Cruise Winners
Brossards Win Cruise
It was Penny Brossard's name that was called when our headliner performer Marcia Kester, pictured above, pulled the lucky ticket from the drum! Happily accepting for her were her parents Devin and Chelsea. Penny, pictured here in her dad's arms, has never been on a cruise. Neither has her mother! Also pictured is Todd who has agreed to take on the project of building our club a parade train with the $10,000 raised by the raffle. Dale Mr. Yellow Alert Duskin sold all 100 tickets! Dale was not available when this photo was taken.
President Cindy presided over our annual Christrmas party held at the Harman's Man Cave. Jola's and Jody's administration committee organized the event. We tried something a bit different--live music provided Marcia Kester:
Guests were asked to bring toys for the Marine Corp's Toys for Tots program. Lee's Morgan Car Club also contributed toys.
Toys for Tots
Here are some random photos taken at this year's Christmas party:
Board Meeting Report
Here are some highlights from the December 10 board meeting:
The Arlington Rotary Foundation has been recognized as a 501 (c)(3) organization by the I.R.S. Contributions may be routed through the foundation. e.g. food basket donations.
Funding requests were approved: Eagle Wings Ministries for $500 and Healing Fund for $2,000 (for their Panama trip in March). Both of these projects we have funded in the past.
The water projects in Kenya are going forward with additional funds approved for recent travel and grant requests in pocess.
Criteria for funding SR 530 slide victims will be reviewed by the board of our foundation.
Paul has put in a request for a grant from the City's hotel tax to help defray 2/3rds of the cost of the fireworks display we are sponsoring for 4th of July.
The club will pay the tuition for members who want to attend the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) in Mount Vernon Jan. 24 at Cottonwood Tree Inn.
We are still waiting for any funds from the Rotary Wine Club--forms completed.
Bryce working on benches for Rotary playground at Haller Park, in memory of Don Hansen, Dick Post, Bob Weller, Keith Wilson. Not as elaborate as the Cabelas' benches.
Prime Rib for Board Meeting Smothers are Great Hosts!
Club Elections
Annual Meeting--Elections: President Elect Jeff assumes the role of president, having been elected last year. Those elected to other positions: Erik as president-elect, Al as V.P., Pam as Treasurer, Paul as Secretary. Robin was recruited as an assistant secretary. Directors will be elected at the meeting on Jan. 29.
Angel of the Winds
New Hotel Opening at Angel of the Winds--Ribbon Cutting December 27
Having had a recent program from the Tulalip Casino, one from the Angel of the Winds, in light of its new hotel opening, was particularly appropriate. Our speaker on December 4 was John Cronin who heads up the Casino's community relations department. Here are the high-lights:
A new 125 room hotel is opening at the Angel of the Winds in a couple of weeks and reservations can be made now. It supports itself with no gambling revenue needed. It helps the casino by making it a destination place for those who will gamble. John explained how the slot machines are really mechanical pull tabs with a built in win ratio that guarantees the casino 5 cents out of every dollar spent. The other 95 cents are the payouts with more than one machine tied together. John provided the two rules applicable to casino gambling: The house always wins and you can’t beat the house. The Angels of the Winds bills itself as the World’s Friendliest casino and it works hard teaching its staff ways to live up to that claim. He acknowledged that our 4-way test is similar to what the staff is taught. He said that staff are taught to look you right in the eyes and call you by your first name and to look for things to make you their friend.