Raising Dollars to Remove Barriers Our guest speaker on Friday, April 19th was Elizabeth Michaud, Director of Membership at the YMCA Marysville. Elizabeth spoke to us last year and the Club donated $2,000 to the Y for their membership drive. This year, the theme is "Raising Dollars to Remove Barriers." This year's goal is to raise $210,000 for the Y in Marysville. Overall the goal in Snohomish County is to raise $1 million dollars.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the City - Mayor Brett Gailey On Friday, April 12th, Mayor Brett Gailey updated the Club on the State of the City, an annual address each year about this time. The Mayor gave a warm shout out to Secretary of State Steve Hobbs about providing funding for the Hwy.9 and Hwy 204/N Davies Rd/Vernon Rd Roundabouts project when he was in the Senate. Many of the benefits in Lake Stevens this past year, included the ribbon cutting ceremony and the opening of the new Lake Stevens Community Food Bank which is home to the Lake Stevens Resource Center as well. The addition of the water tower at North Cove Park by local artist, the remodeling of Sunset Beach and the addition of a new swim dock to mention a few outdoor recreation opportunities.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Assembly Some of the attendees at the District 5050 Assembly on Saturday, April 6th in Surrey, BC at Kwantlen Polytechnic University including four members from our Club. Attending the Assembly were Gary O'Rielly, Randal Southam, Kyle Strand and Chris Vallo. Learning more about ways to improve our Club and while visiting with other members from Clubs around District 5050.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rooted Northwest is Western Washington’s Newest Agrivillage, Combining Village Living and Permaculture Farming  Our speaker on Friday, April 5th was Jacob Laub who discussed Rooted Northwest which is a village hub + small scale agriculture, multi-generation community The idea comes from Denmark (co-housing program) with a small walkable village surrounded by agriculture. Rooted NW sits on 240 acres of open farmland and gentle slopes in the foothills of the Cascades east of Arlington, WA. Rooted Northwest members own homes in the village and equal shares of the common buildings and agricultural land. Members can engage in expertly managed and facilitated decision-making if they feel passionate about an area and want to contribute their expertise. Next Week: Our speaker will be Mayor Brett Gailey with a State of the City update.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Board 2024-2025 On Friday March 29th, the new Board of Directors for 2024-2025 was elected by Club Membership: Officers: Ron Rasmussen - President Don Iverson - Past President Brian Rewis - President-Elect Lance Morehouse-President Nominee Gary O'Rielly - Secretary Laurie Westover - Treasurer Directors: Ilene Levering - Club Services Brian Rewis - Community Services Bob Howe - Foundation Lynda Routh - International Kyle Strand - Membership Kristin Odegaard - Vocational Services Rand Southam - Public Image Kendra Pinkleman - Programs We wish the new Board a hardy congratulations and look forward to a wonderful 2024-2025.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Certificate of Appreciation Don Iverson, Club President, offers a Certificate of Appreciation to Club member Christine Egelstad, Ace Hardware for her business being a partner and sponsor of the Lake Stevens Rotary events for 2023-2024.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish City Lifestyle Our guest speaker on Friday, March 29th was Shannon Coy, Publisher of Snohomish Lifestyle. The magazine is one of 181 such publications in the United States. The magazine focus is on "hyper city" areas. Products and services that benefit the community with the highest degree of service. The magazine was started and launched in December. City Lifestyle exists in other communities in Washington State including Bellevue, Kirkland and Mercer Island. All of the issues are on a digital format. According to a recent audit, there are over 60,000 readers and 78,000 inquiries on their website.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proposed Board Officers and Directors Listed below is the proposed Officers and Directors for 2024-25
At our meeting on Friday, March 29th, we will vote on the new Board Officers President Ron Rasmussen President-Elect Brian Rewis President-Nominee Lance Morehouse Past President Don Iverson Secretary Gary O'Rielly Treasurer Laurie Westover Directors Club Services Ilene Levering Community Services Brian Rewis Foundation Reshal Ploeger International Services Lynda Routh Membership Kyle Strand Vocational Services Kristin Odegaard Public Image Rand Southam Non-Board Member Program Committee Kendra Pinkleman We need as many of you as possible to attend and participate in voting but better than voter turn out in most of our elections. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nutrition for Mental Health Kendra Pinkleman, Chair of our Club's Program Committee spoke to us on Friday, March 15th about "Food for Thought", using food to support mental health. According to Hippocrates, "Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine be thy Food." Kendra stated that diet is as important to psychiatry as it is to cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. She listed neurotransmitters in her discussion starting with Excitatory to Inhibitory to Modulating with a list in each category. Next she talked about anxiety, depression and ADHD and listed all of the most common causes.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL)   Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL) is open to participants ages 15-17 and is held annually at Alexandra, a neighborhood house in Surrey BC Canada. On Friday, March 1st, Past President Chris Vallo drove our two sponsored candidates, Diego and Pablo to Surrey, BC. Diego and Pablo spent the weekend to become well-rounded individuals with increased perspective and enthusiasm for growth, who can make informed decisions through their leadership journey. Just a few years ago, three of our sponsored candidates came home and started the Interact Club at Lake Stevens High School which has flourished ever since with 30-60 members attending meetings each Wednesday during the school year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
H.O.M.E. Helping Our Miniature Equines Our guest speaker on Friday, March 1st was Barbara Gordon one of the founders of Helping Our Miniature Equines (H.O.M.E.) with a focus on rescuing and serving the miniature equine community. The first home rescue arrived on a cold, rainy, early morning of January 28, 2021. Many of these miniature equines are unwanted, neglected, abused and no longer cared for.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sno Swim Lake Stevens Our guest speaker on Friday, February 23rd was Danielle, the Founder of Sno Swim Lake Stevens. Danielle is a former special education teacher who believes that swimming is a basic life skill especially when we live in a place with so many water sports opportunities. Danielle is originally from Colorado where was introduced to the water at only six weeks old. When she turned 5, she joined the local swim club where she swam with until she was 10 years old. Danielle swims in Lake Stevens year around so keep an eye out for her on the Lake.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fireside at Loren's We serve others and we have fun. Thank you Loren Hole for hosting a fabulous Fireside on Friday evening, February 16th and sharing your love of Gin, copied from our Facebook page courtesy of Reshal Ploeger Petersen.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fireside at Loren Hole's Home    On Friday, February 16th, Club members gathered at Loren Hole's home for a fun-filled evening for our annual Fireside get together. Pictured are gin looking cookies honoring Loren's penchant for having a gin and tonic at 5 pm sometimes alone and many times with visitors. Loren is the elder statesman of the Club and Joyce Bell, a founding member of our Club was in attendance as we had so much fun talking about past accomplishments, looking at the future and sharing stories of family and friends.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Camp Korey  Our guest speaker on Friday, February 16th was Nicole Ellis, Community Engagement Manager at Camp Korey. We appreciate the fact that she drove from Bellingham to be with us for our 7:30 am meeting. Camp Korey - Where imagination sparks the spirit, wishes come true & childhood comes first. The camp provides empowering adaptive year-round programs for children and their families living with life-altering medical conditions-free of charge.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boeing Update Our guest speaker on Friday, February 9th was Rich White Senior Manager Government Relations for the Boeing Company. This is Rich's third visit to our Club with past visits on November 2017 and 2020. Rich started his presentation with an apology for the door plug issue which Boeing has conveyed to Alaska Airlines and passengers while giving the crew a sincere congratulations for their professionalism in handling the return to the airport. Boeing started in 1916 by Bill Boeing launched the new airline out of the Red Barn in Seattle. Bill Boeing started in the timber business in Hoquiam, WA with assistance from George Weyerhaeuser. Boeing is a 107 year old company and the day of our meeting was the anniversary of the first flight of the Boeing 747 out of Paine Field.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guide Dogs for the Blind Our guest speaker on Friday, February 2nd was Rebecca Minelga, with the Snohomish County Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Rebecca was accompanied by Santana, a nine month old yellow lab-retriever mix. Mission: the Mission of Guide Dogs for the Blind are to harness the power of partnerships-connecting people, dogs and communities and to transform lives of individuals with visual impairments. Vision: An inclusive world where people with visual impairments have equal opportunities and live full , independent lives. Puppy Raising 101 goes through many stages. From the Raisers and puppies going through extensive training and be apart of the program for 12-14 months. To learn more about their training requirements and procedures visit www.guidedogs.com. Training includes Basic Obedience, Socialization, Out and About and so much more to prepare them for their eventual home. Every aspect of their day is considered "working" whether sleeping, walking, socializing or laying quietly chewing a bone. What a fantastic program.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Black Forest Mushrooms  Our guest speaker on Friday, January 26th was Nathanael Engen, Black Forest Mushrooms pictured above with a display of various mushrooms. In the depths of the Pacific Northwest lies old growth forest hidden in the mist. A soft glow finds its way through the canopy to the forest floor. More mysterious than the dark forest, mushrooms take advantage of this perfect symbiotic environment. According to Nathanael, mushroom growing is under a controlled environment farming.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
96 Years Young On Friday, January 26th, Joyce Bell, a founding member of our Club celebrated her 96 birthday. Our Club would not be in existence without her early involvement and dedication to the Lake Stevens community. We were honored to sing a Happy Birthday wish to Joyce although that may be stretch on her part listening to our singing. Thank you for all that you have done for our community and our Rotary family.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Luck of the Irish Raffle One of special guests at our Club Meeting on Friday, January 26th was Morgan Crosby, Rotaract Club of Snohomish County selling Luck O' The Irish tickets to support the SnoCo YES 2024 students and their international humanitarian service project in rural Guatemala. The drawing is on March 16th at the Luck O' The Irish Game Night Stilly Valley Center in Arlington. Tickets are $10 each.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadside Clean Up On a cold rainy Saturday morning, eight members of our Club and two members of the Rotaract Club of Snohomish County (not pictured) helped clean up North Cove Park, Main Street and 16th St. to N Machias Rd. In spite of the rainy weather conditions all ten of us had a great time cleaning up the streets and the park. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Yes Foundation Our guest speaker on Friday, January 19th was Dee Godere, Founder and Chair of the Yes Together Foundation. The Foundation is a place free of judgement. Dancing to the beat of your own drum, coloring outside the lines, and getting a little dirty are all welcomed and can lead to the path of self-discovery and human connection according to Dee Godere.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk On Friday, January 12th, Christine Egelstad, a quiet icon and leader in the community, a Club member, and a recent Citizen of the Year, gave her classification talk. Christine was raised in Marysville. College was to begin in Texas but after two weeks returned to the area, enrolled at Everett Community College achieving a AA in Criminal Justice, transferring to Central Washington University in accounting. In 1993 took a part time job at a Coast to Coast Hardware store where she met Greg. They were married in 1996. Gillian was born in 1999 and Grace in 2000. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Major Donor Recognition President Don Iverson presents a Rotary International Crystal Recognition Award to Randal Southam for his major donor status. Randal gave a huge plug for members to be active in giving and donating to the Rotary Foundation in order for us to make a positive impact on the lives of others throughout the world. Congratulations Randal!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project LinusOur speaker on Friday, January 5th was Diane from Project Linus.  Project Linus is headquarters are located in Belton, Missouri. Project Linus has chapters located across the United States and in Snohomish County. Diane from Project Linus, Snohomish County. Project Linus continues to grow and blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug. Since 1995, over 356,325+ blankets have been delivered to children in the United States. Diane is now working with King County as well as Snohomish County. Some of the children receiving blankets are from domestic violence, sexual abuse and more. There are at least two chapters per state but Texas where it all began, has many more. Washington has eight chapters. Click this link to find out more about Project Linus. If you want to help out locally, please give Diane a call at 425 252 4524.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Board Meeting with District Governor District Governor David Lukov was a guest at our Board meeting and dinner followed by a tour of the Lake Stevens Community Food Bank and the Rotary Teaching Kitchen on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. What a great send off and kick off to the new year and the last half of the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A New Year We say goodbye to another amazing year and embrace the start of a new year with open arms as the holiday lights sparkle and the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill the air. It's that wonderful time of the year when we look back on the past and look forward to what lies ahead. We are truly thankful to having a wonderful Lake Stevens Rotary Club, an enduring active community with warm wishes for the new year ahead. We conclude with the message of wishing everyone a year filled with laughter, love, adventure, and endless possibilities for 2024. Happy New Year!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merry Christmas and Happy HolidaysFrom the Lake Stevens Rotary and its members to our the Lake Stevens community, our friends, neighbors, and fellow Rotarians, wishing each and everyone a happy holiday season with family and friends.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lights of Lake Stevens Sleigh Stop Our Rotary Club participated in the Lights of Lake Stevens Sleigh Stop on Saturday evening, December 16th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Mill in downtown Lake Stevens. The other two Sleigh Stops were the Lake Stevens Community Food Bank and Lundeen Park. JoinING in the fun was Fred the Dragon and our giant snowman.  Rotarians active for this event were Club President Don Iverson, Past President Chris Vallo, Club Treasurer Jak Thornton, Club Secretary Gary O'Rielly and Laurie Westover. Brian Rewis was in charge of set up for the evening event. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks & Kegs "Fund A Cause" During our Corks & Kegs fundraiser on Saturday, November 11th, our Fund A Cause was Bridge Receiving. Our Fund A Cause effort raised $20,100 for Bridge Receiving. Accepting the check from Club President Don Iverson is Tracy Rubstello, Director of Development-Bridge Receiving. Besides the Fund A Cause, two members through their organizations were able to obtain two 20 ft. shipping containers from the Port of Everett and Rubatino Refuses Removal for storage and exercise gym.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Backstage Foundation Our guest speaker on Friday, December 15th was Kari Hovde from the Backstage Foundation. Kari is a realtor in the Puyallup area who started Backstage Foundation in order to be a role model for kids. The goal in establishing Backstage Foundation was to provide dance education experiences to our youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity due to financial hardships. Backstage Foundation was started in 2021 with the goal of raising $25,000 but ended up raising over $140,000. Her work has expanded to working with high school dance coaches working professionally with these groups to help students learn their talent. She has expanded the Foundations reach to Southern California and Las Vegas, NV.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Community Resource Center Our guest speaker on Friday, December 8th was Tina Mandella, Lake Stevens Community Resource Center providing our Club with her annual update. The LSCRC is a one-stop hub of services for people in need. From help with the basic needs like food, clothing and shelter, to assistance with other kinds of resources and programs, the make sure that our neighbors are supported and cared for in their journeys toward stability.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IPA Copan Our club has been a member of the IPA Rotary Copan group for several years. Lynda Routh represents our club on the IPA Board and is a consistent contributor to the organization. The following is a report from a recent IPA trip to Copan ending with the story of a tragedy a couple of weeks ago. Recently, twelve members of the IPA Rotary organization traveled to Copan, Inspite of some daunting issues with weather there was much to enjoy about this trip. They were plagued by continual rain which made access to 8 villages impossible. Over 15-20 inches of rain was forecasted during their visit. Five of the group were unable to visit their sponsored schools due to bad weather. Tourism has died out again in the area. Many of the tourism come from Guatemala but that has dried up due to political unrest and protesters blocking roads and highways throughout the country. In the early part, weather was mostly cloudy and cool with temperatures in the 70's. The town of Copan Ruinas had no water for the groups last two days there. Again, the group enjoyed the interaction with the locals and social time together. The government is looking into the damage to roads and their is hope of funding a permanent solution for these issues. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Holiday PartyLast Friday evening, our Club enjoyed our Holiday party at Penn Cove Brewery in Lake Stevens. Rotarians work hard and play hard enjoying a fun evening with one another. The White Elephant giveaway was perfect with many surprises.     Included in the evening events was an UGLY SWEATSHIRT contest hence the reason for all of the outrageous costumes. So much fun and entertainment. Food was great, the company outstanding and the comments were various humorous.    |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk Lance Morgan gave his Classification Talk on Friday. He was raised on a cherry farm in The Dallas, Oregon. Attended WSU and was on crew there. Instead of pursuing an interest in the cherry farm, he joined Morgan Stanley for his initial job as a receptionist. After participating in the mortgage lending industry, Lance opened his own Mortgage Lending Company through C2 Financial as a small independent business.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian Guest from India We had a Rotarian visitor from India on Friday. Our guest was Nagar Mittal. Here are his comments below about his Club. I have received many blessings from God. The Rotary family is definitely one of the best ones. I believe the purpose of our lives is - to be happy and make others happy and I have found an opportunity to do both at Rotary. I currently serve as the President of Rotary Club Sri Ganganagar city in the state of Rajasthan, India. Our Club was formed in 2000 with 25 men to study water and sanitation at University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Since last year we have been operating an 24/7 fully equipped ambulance, which has saved at least 200 lives so far. In this year alone (since July), there were 15 new Rotary Clubs formed in our district - which is a new record for Rotary Clubs worldwide. And I have been fortunate enough to be able to personally donate $10,000 this year to the Rotary Foundation. Thank you! Please let me know once the bulletin is published, I would love to share it within my club as well. Thanks again for having me at the meeting. Looking forward to staying in touch. Best, Nagar Mittal President, Rotary Club - Sri Ganganagar City RI District - 3090 Office No. 203, Sky Hi Tower, 36-E Block, Sri Ganganagar - 335001 Rajasthan, India +91- 9414273024 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Corner
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor David Lukov Visit  District Governor-Elect Dave Duskin introduces our guest speaker, District Governor Davidk Lukov at Friday, November 17th meeting. Each year, the District Governors visit each Club in District 5050. After his remarks, he took time to welcome a new member Daniel Volkert with his badge and membership packet and Certificates of Appreciation to Loren Hole and Gary O'Rielly for their dedication to Rotary.   |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy ThanksgivingFrom our Rotary family to yours, may you have a bountiful time with family and friends:  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Corks & Kegs Fundraiser  Our annual Corks & Kegs fundraiser was held on Saturday, November 11th at Carlton Farms in Lake Stevens.   President Don Iverson opened up the Live Auction as he introduced Paul Rogers as our Auctioneer for the second year in a row.   Our Fund-A-Cause was for The Bridge Receiving Center. Providing some background on Bridge Receiving was Tracy Rubstello, Director of Development-Bridging Receiving Center and a regular visitor to our Club. The Club through generous donations of our members and guest raised $20,100 for the Center. Wow, what a fantastic tribute to our members, special guest and Bridge Receiving! We could not have done this without the outside help of five members of the First Financial NW Bank thanks to Club member Steve Carmody from the bank. They staffed the registration desk, rechecking in attendees and closing out the final sales. We couldn't have done this without their very generous donation of time and expertise with the Greater Giving software.   Joining us for the evening was District Governor Elect Dave Duskin, Assistant District Governor and District Governor Nominee Kathleen Olson who were introduced by President Don Iverson. Thanks to everyone who made this such a special event.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allison Jones - Apraxia Awareness Our guest speaker via Zoom on Friday, November 3rd was Allison Jones who wanted to give us information on an Apraxia Awareness campaign that she is involved in because of her daughter Grace's apraxia. Understanding what everyone tells her, knowing what to say and fully aware of people not understanding her, she is constantly two steps ahead of trying to get whomever she is talking to understand what she is saying. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Harvest Fest 2023      Early sunny skies, chilly but a delightful evening downtown at the Mill as trick or treaters surrounded the area with kids of all ages vying for candy, dressed in fantastic costumes. Lake Stevens Rotary shared a tent with the Lake Stevens Arts and Parks Foundation greeted by Fred, the Honory Rotary Dragon, loaned to the club by Mike and Laurie Westover. Fred was a huge fan favorite the whole evening as families took pictures of their costumed kids and Fred. Fun evening.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Social Model of Disabilities Our guest speaker on Friday, October 27th was Lance Morehouse, CEO of Sherwood Community Services and a member of our club talking about a Social Model of Disabilities. Lance showed a number of slides, the first outlining the mission statement of Sherwood Community Services which is "Sherwood provides innovative, inclusive services for children and adults with disabilities in their communities".
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Corner - WHAT IS EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR? WHAT IS EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR? This initiative encourages every Rotary member to:
The Foundation recognizes a club as an Every Rotarian, Every Year Club if its giving reaches US$100 per capita or more and all dues-paying members give $25 in a year. Today, about one-third of Rotarians participate in this initiative. Thanks in part to the generosity of these donors, the Foundation awarded more than 1199 global grants in 2021-22 for large-scale, sustainable projects. Think about how much more Rotary could accomplish if every member gave at least $25 to the Annual Fund. Thank you for supporting the Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Update on City Activities Mayor Brett Gailey spoke to the Club on Friday, October 20th updating members on the latest city activities. The Mayor announced that the City Council made the decision to have a permanent City Hall. The City would buy both buildings by the current Lake Stevens Police Department. Cost of the City Hall project would have been $18 million dollars if they located on Chapel Hill. The new location is expected to cost around $10 million dollars and be funded through a bond issue which would include finishing the Lake Stevens Museum. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assistant District Governor visit A great start to our meeting on Friday, October 20th was a visit by Kathleen Olson, Assistant District Governor, Area J as Don Iverson, Club President looks on. ADG Kathleen commented that besides attending our Corks and Kegs Fundraiser on November 11th, that she was willing to help with the Greater Giving program. She also spoke to our Club about the violence in Gaza, reading a statement from Rotary International as well as discussing Rotary's Core goals and values around shared beliefs.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beyond High School  Lake Stevens Rotary was present at the "Beyond High School" event on Tuesday evening October 17th at Lake Stevens High School. Lance and Kristin represented our Club and responded to questions regarding our high school scholarship program. Beyond High School is a traditional college/career fair open house with breakout sessions so that anyone can stop in at anytime.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Girls on the Run Our guest speaker on Friday, October 13th was Megan Wolfe highlighting "Girls On the Run" Unlocking Power and Potential. Girls on the Run has fun, is an evidence-based programs that inspire all girls to build their confidence, kindness and decision-making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fire Levy Lid Lift - November 7th Ballot Our special guest speaker on Friday, October 6th was our former club President, Rotary member and the Fire Chief of Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue Kevin O'Brien who was here to talk about the Fire Levy Lid Lift on the November 7th General Election ballot. SRFR is asking voters to consider a single-year Fire Levy Lid Lift. An important note about the Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue is that the District is the first fire agency in Snohomish County to achieve international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The District went through a rigorous process to ensure continuous improvements to better serve the residents and businesses in the District. This is the highest level of achievement possible for a fire agency. How does the fire district fund Fire and EMS? They fund daily operations through fire and EMS levies. The fire levy is capped at $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value and the EMS levy is capped at $0.60 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bao Tran - The Paper Tigers and film making Our guest speaker on Friday, September 29th was Bao Tran who wrote and directed "The Paper Tiger" in 2020. The film is an American martial arts action comedy. Accompanying Bao was Vicky Bergund-Davenport of Washington Filmworks and Laura Bettelheim, Lake Stevens Film Festival. Washington Filmworks is a non-profit organization that supports filmmakers and film production in Washington state.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks and Kegs - Save the Date -November 11th |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alzheimer's Association of NW Washington Our guest speaker on Friday, September 22nd was Jerri Wood, NW Washington Community Outreach Manager for the Alzheimer's Association. This was a conversation about Alzheimer's, the ten warning signs of Alzheimer's as well as understanding Alzheimer's and dementia. The average cost of a memory care facility is $12,000-$15,000 per month.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International's "Areas of Focus"
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paul Harris + 8 Randal Southam receives the Paul Harris + 8 pin from President Don Iverson at Friday's meeting. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have made contributions in their name of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. The Paul Harris pin represents a $1,000 contribution to the Foundation. Each additional $1,000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation is recognized on the lapel pin. Rotary established the recognition in 1957 to encourage and show appreciation for substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Congressional Update Our special guest speaker on Friday was Congresswoman Susan DelBene who represents the 1st Congressional District which includes parts of King and Snohomish Counties. She serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and on the Select Revenue Measures and Trade Subcommittees. Congresswoman DelBene was elected to her first term in 2012. After our meeting, she will be touring Lake Stevens with Mayor Brett Gailey and making a presentation of a check for the 20th Street and Main Street projects.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September is Basic Education and Literacy month |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Last Lake Stevens Farmers Market 2023 The Rotary booth was up and running on a mild day in August as the last day of the Lake Stevens Farmers Market 2023 ends. We gave away a lot of bottled water and had many visitors voting on their favorite local non-profit. Don and Ilene are deep in conversation near the end of the first shift. The best part of the summer Lake Stevens Farmers Market is asking the community to determine their favorite local non-profit. Thanks, Rand for the suggestion. Wonderful way to promote our Club and Rotary through conversations about local non-profits, Lake Stevens Rotary and the community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service Above Self The Object of Rotary The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprises and in particular, encourage and foster: First: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; Second: High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society; Third: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business and community life; Fourth: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. Create your Rotary Moment article that appears in the September 2023 magazine as well as the Service Above Self criteria in the article.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summer Martini Party  Sit on the patio of Bob and Ann Howe's property or the deck overlooking Lake Stevens, listen to Live music pictured above, enjoy the entertainment, talk to new friends from the two Rotary Clubs that are beneficiaries of the proceeds of this wonderful summer event. A fun time was enjoyed by all the attendees with new friends being made during this beautiful summer evening. There was another identical red 2003 Ford Thunderbird, but Gary O'Rielly didn't bring his TBird to the event.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Awards Former President Chris Vallo gives current President-Elect Ron Rasmussen his 2022-2023 awards for Service Above Self and a Paul Harris award. Ron was unavailable for the awards at the 32nd Annual Installation Banquet and Awards. Congratulations Ron. Pictured with the former president and Ron is current club president Don Iverson.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Sports Commission Our meeting on Friday, August 11th was at The Creator Zone studios and our special guest speaker was Tammy Dunn, Past President of Everett Rotary and Executive Director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission.   |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our Rotary Exchange Student Our Rotary Exchange Student Josefina Jarillo Odegaard (Josie) attending her first Rotary meeting on Tuesday in Norway.   A quick start to her year long journey in Norway.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Another Week of Community Service Another week of community service starting with the American Red Cross Blood Drive co-op with the Lake Stevens School District. Setting up and getting ready on Friday, August 11th. Update: Rotary and community members donated 25 units of blood.   Lake Stevens Farmers Market on Wednesday, August 16th. Six bowls are set up and Rotary members ask market attendees to help us vote on where to donate our funds in 2023-2024. Plus, a suggestion bucket where they can select other organizations that are not listed on bowls.  Asking the community to select a non-profit listed on the bowls to help us decide where to donate our funds.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate Our guest speaker on Friday, August 11th was Loreilee Gomez, Marketing Specialist with Snohomish County CASA. The initials stand for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Their mission is to recruit, train and support quality volunteer advocates for the best interest of abused, neglected, and abandoned children. A court appointed special advocate (CASA) is a volunteer who is appointed by a judge in Family Court to provide unbiased, independent information and recommendations for the best interest of a child or teen who has experienced abuse or neglect, often in foster care. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Set Free Movement Our guest speaker on Friday, August 4th was Kevin Austin, Founder and Director of the Set Free Movement based in Marysville, an organization dedicated to a vision to see that the vulnerable are protected from human trafficking by setting them free. In 2004, there were twenty-seven million victims of human trafficking and now that number has climbed to around fifty million and a $150 billion business.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Rotary at Work in the Community  Lake Stevens Rotary booth at the Lake Stevens Farmers Market where our members are asking the community for help in deciding where our local funds are spent.   Lake Stevens Rotary was a sponsor of the 2nd Annual Lake Stevens Film Festival and helped during the two-day event at Creator Zone.   Lake Stevens Rotary serves popcorn in the park during Movies in the Park sponsored by the Lake Stevens Arts and Parks Foundation. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aquafest & Rotary 2023  Opening day of Aquafest 2023 selling corn and water   Hawaiian dress and Ron trying to sweet talk one of the parade judges   Our Viking members getting ready for the parade |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Youth Exchange Each year, District 5050 encourages their Clubs in the District to participate in the Rotary International Youth Exchange program. This year, our Club is sponsoring Josie Mai Jarillo Odegaard. The program on Friday, July 21st featured Josie making a presentation in English and Norwegian as she prepares to leave for Norway on August 7th for a year as our Rotary International Youth Exchange representative.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Citizen of the Year AnnouncedEach year for the past several years, the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens has selected a community member to be the Rotary Citizen of the Year. For the year 2022-2023 the Board of Directors and the Membership have selected Sophina Nunez.  Sophina has been heavily involved with the Lake Stevens Food Bank as President and ever vigilant at raising the funds to complete the new Lake Stevens Community Food Bank. Her tireless efforts in leading the organization helped fully fund the new building. Congratulations Sophina!! Presenting a Rotary Citizen of the Year certificate to Sophina is Club President 2023-2024 Don Iverson and Chris Vallo, Club President 2022-2023.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pinnacle of Service Award-Brian Rewis Accepting the Pinnacle of Service Award from Club President 2022-23 was Brian Rewis who was out of state during the Annual Installation and Awards Banquet.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Farmers Market During the summer Lake Stevens Farmers Market, the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens alternates every other Wednesday with the Lake Stevens Arts and Parks Foundation. Past President Chris Vallo visiting with Club member Bob Howe and his wife Ann on July 12th as they begin the second shift as Jak Thornton, Club Treasurer is getting ready to depart after working the 1st shift. Free water is extremely popular during the sweltering summer days and our Club enjoys giving them out to market attendees.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor's Installation Banquet  Attending the District Installation Banquet is Kristin Odegaard with Felicity Dye District 5050 Director of Youth Services along with other attendees on Sunday, July 16th at Tulip Town, Mount Vernon.  Addressing the District Installation banquet is District Governor David Lukov, MT. Vernon. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ShelterBox USA-Bill Tobin Our guest speaker on Friday, July 7th via Zoom was Bill Tobin, who is ShelterBox USA volunteer ambassador. ShelterBox was founded 20 years ago by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in England. ShelterBox USA became a Rotary International project in 2012, a role that it retains today. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A New Leader for the New Rotary Year A new year and a new beginning as Don Iverson is our Club's President for 2023-2024. A new Board Retreat is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11th at Don's house. We have a lot on our plate for the coming year and are excited to begin another incredible Rotary year as our Club prepares for AquaFest and our major fundraiser, Corks and Kegs on September 30th as well as numerous community events and projects.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Arts & Parks Foundation Appeal  Our esteemed Past President Reshal Ploeger and member of the Lake Stevens Arts & Parks spoke about creating a Legacy Fish at North Cove Park which will add personalized fish made of metal along the water feature wall in North Cove Park and is asking residents to donate to the project. The brochure above lists way to donate.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lopez Ride Save the date(s) for fun in the San Juans Saturday, September 9th, 2023 (with the 10th as a backup date) has been selected for the Lake Stevens Rotary “Island Getaway” event. Don Iverson had suggested we get a group together go to Lopez Island where we have the option to travel on-island by bicycle or by vehicle. Lopez is special due to its fine roads, very limited traffic, and incredible sights. We will have at least one vehicle (sag wagon) on the island with tools and the ability to transport bikes or bikers with issues. This vehicle will also transport food, water and equipment for our lunch. Don suggests the following schedule (need to confirm ferry times in September)
For bikers, it is best to park at the Anacortes terminal and walk your bike on the ferry (no reservations required.) The round-trip bike ride on the island will be approximately 30 miles with very limited hills. For drivers, you should get an online ferry reservation to get to the island (not needed for return.) Get the reservation on July 9th as they become available two months before the travel date and can book up quickly. Another batch of reservations will become available two weeks before the travel date. Go to the following site: https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Reservations/Vehicle/default.aspx |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
32nd Annual Installation Banquet  Video graphics and visual banner for the 32nd Annual Installation Banquet courtesy of Rand Southam. For more photos from the evening, click the link to access the Photo Album.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
32nd Annual Installation Banquet Awards  President Chris Vallo presents the Spirit of Service to Amelia Mimura and Amy Lewandowski. Pinnacle of Service Awards were presented to Brian Rewis and Kendra Pinkelman who were unavailable for the awards ceremony.   Receiving the Diamond Jewel Award for service to our Interact Club was Kristin Odegaard and receiving the Rising Star Award was Kyle Strand, chair of the Membership Committee.   Receiving the Four Way Test Award was Jak Thornton and the Service Above Self was awarded to Ron Rasmussen who was unavailable but on Zoom.  Receiving the Viking Leadership Award was Don Iverson who ascended to the Club Presidency the following day.  Outgoing President Chris presents Gary O'Rielly with the 2022-2023 Rotary of the Year Award.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warm Welcome to Our Two Newest Members Receiving their membership badge and kit presented by President Chris Vallo and Membership Chairperson Kyle Strand were Christine Egelstad and Steve Carmody at ceremonies during the 32nd Annual Installation Banquet.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Board 2023-2024  Don Iverson is sworn in as the President of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens for 2023-2024 by Dave Duskin, District Governor-Elect. The passing of the gavel between outgoing president Chris Vallo and the incoming president Don Iverson.  Dave Duskin, District Governor-Elect swears in the new Board for 2023-2024. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy 4th of July - Be Safe Happy 4th of July to the community of Lake Stevens and beyond. Enjoy a safe, comfortable celebration with family and friends.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Charter Day
32 Years Young Dear President Chris Vallo, This is Suren Poruri, Regional Chairman - Grants, RI District 3150, from India. Your Rotary Club of Lake Stevens was chartered on 28/6/1991, which is today. Your Club completed 32 years service today in RI District 5050 in serving communities across the world. I would like to extend my warm wishes to you and to all your Club members on this joyous moment. Rotary is the only organization which has global footprint and is working towards happy communities across the world with it's noble initiatives. Thanks to our Rotary Club founder Rtn Paul Harris, we are able to make a difference in the communities where we live. Thanks, and regards Suren Poruri Regional Chairman - Grants District Best Club President for year 2017-18 RI District 3150 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Supporting Local Non-Profits As the current Rotary year comes to an end on June 30th, the Club distributed funds to local area non-profits and a couple of international projects on Friday, June 23rd at our weekly meeting. Receiving funding this year were the following: Bridge Receiving, Sherwood Community Services and Lake Stevens Senior Center each awarded $2,000. Lake Stevens Farmers Market, the Lake Stevens Education Foundation, the Lake Stevens Film Festival, the Everett Y, the Marysville Y and Creator Zone each receiving $1,000 and Ngendala Water Global grant partnership with the Rotary Club of Arlington receiving $1,000 and ShelterBox USA receiving $500.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Food Bank-Final Payments Today, at the Lake Stevens Food Bank in front of the Rotary Teaching Kitchen, Gary O'Rielly presented two checks to Anthony Hawley, Director of the LS Food Bank with our final commitments. A bit of history. During Scott Smith's term as President, he convinced the Club Board and Membership to save $5,000 over a three-year period ($15,000) as a commitment to the Lake Stevens Food Bank Building fund. Since that time, we have been involved in raising well beyond the sum listed above. Earlier, we presented the LSFB with a check for: $16,104.12 - Matching funds from Rotary District 5050. $13,940.00 - Today, I presented a check from our Corks and Kegs - fund a cause. $18,815.88 - Today, from our Club's original commitment and a bit more. $48,860.00 The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens fully funded commitment. The Food Bank was busy with lots of activities and seniors picking up food today that the effort by so many individuals, local citizens, the City, County and the State, made this all worthwhile and so worthy for our community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome Bob Howe Welcome to our newest member, Bob Howe. Bob has been a Rotarian for approximately 18 years. Bob is also a member of the Rotary Club of Seattle Northeast, so for now he is a duo-club member. Bob is in real estate and lives on the lake. Please give Bob a big welcome when you see him at Rotary Club events.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dave Duskin-Duck Dash tickets District Governor Nominee Dave Duskin, a member of the Rotary Club of Arlington was here with DJ Lockwood selling Duck Dash tickets. The Duck Dash event at the Rotary Club of Arlington is their only fundraiser and a tremendous success for the club and the community. Dave will join us at our Installation Banquet on June 30th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Father’s Day To all of the father’s in our Club and our supporters in Lake Stevens and Snohomish, wishing each of you a Happy Father’s Day wish. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wes Allen, Director of Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center Our guest speaker on Friday, June 9th was Wes Allen, Director of Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center in Everett. The program is a continuation of our annual "State of the School District" series. This year, we expanded our speaker outreach by having the Director of Sno-Isle TECH Skill Center as our program. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Food Bank-Volunteers and More  As the Lake Stevens Food Bank nears completion and the start of operations, four members and a spouse helped prepare the Rotary Club Teach Kitchen pictured above for operation. Volunteering from left to right are Anthony Hawley, Jak Thornton, Laurie Westover with assist from her husband Mike and Gary O'Rielly last Thursday, June 8th. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact 2023 The scene above is the Interact Club's last meeting of the 2022-2023 school year. In celebration, our Rotary Club provided pizzas to go along with the many treats provided by Interact Club Advisor Kristin Odegaard. Another amazing year of service to the community logging a massive number of hours due in large part of the leadership of the Club and its Advisor. Our Club wants to thank the Lake Stevens High School Interact Club for their service and a big shout out to Kristin for her role in creating a successful year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome New Member-Lance Morgan Welcoming our newest member is President Chris Vallo who presented Lance Morgan with his badge, Rotary lapel pin and new member kit. Lance is a self-employed branch manager and loan officer involved in wholesale lending. Lance is passionate about helping others. He grew up in The Dalles, Oregon where his family owned a 120-acre cherry orchard and a honeybee apiary. Lance was a big part of helping with the Skyline Elementary project recently. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Lance.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Pride Festival Our guest speaker on Friday, June 2nd was Angela Riebli, Executive Director, Lake Stevens Pride, and retired counselor at Lake Stevens High School. After receiving support in March for the Lake Stevens Pride Festival, the organization filed for non-profit status. As a counselor, Angela saw many issues involving students questioning their gender or sexuality.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens High School Scholarship Awards     The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is proud to announce that we are awarding $25,000 in scholarships to twelve deserving students in 2023! We love giving back to our community and supporting the future of our young students who will accomplish so much. The awarding of scholarships was emceed by Lance Morehouse, Chair of the Scholarship Committee and WA State Representative & Snohomish County Council and Club Member Sam Low. Because of their generosity to our scholarship program, funds were given to the club in the name of Loren and Lorna Hole and by Debe Franz in honor of her husband, Dean Franz, who successfully chaired the Scholarship Committee for many years. Also participating in the funding was Lance and Carrie Morehouse and Sam and Mariah Low. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Food Bank - Rotary Teaching Kitchen Club President Chris Vallo presents a District Grant check to Anthony Hawley, Director of the Lake Stevens Food Bank in the amount of $16,104.12. The District Grant is for the Rotary Teaching Kitchen which will be a major part of the new Lake Stevens Food Bank building set to open in mid-June. The grant funds were used to purchase equipment and essentials for the Rotary Teaching Kitchen. This is the first installment with another larger check to come prior to the opening of the Lake Stevens Food Bank in mid-June.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skyline Elementary School-Torch Down Project        Just some photographs of Rotarians applying Skyline Elementary selected artwork decals by torch down to the asphalt behind the building where young students walk between their portable classrooms and the main building. Ten members of our Club helped with the project on Saturday, May 20th. There's more photographs at our Facebook site. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IPA in Copan Update - Marty Pease  Marty Pease returned for her annual update on the IPA in Copan, Honduras. IPA-Copan is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Copan Ruinas, Honduras and the International Project Alliance (IPA), IPA is a collaborative group of Rotary Clubs in Skagit and nearby counties in Washington State. Peter Martin, Fidalgo Island is the founder and president of IPA. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Farmers Market Our program last week was all about the Lake Stevens Farmers Market which will open again this summer starting in June and ending in August. The Lake Stevens Farmers Market is located at North Cove Park.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Mother’s Day |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Film Festival-2023  Last year was the introduction of the Lake Stevens Film Festival. Our special guest speakers on Friday, May 5th were Laura and Julian Bettelheim, Festival Organizers. In 2022, the City put out a request for a proposal and Laura submitted a proposal for the first Lake Stevens Film Festival which was held last October. The 2nd Annual Lake Stevens Film Festival will be on August 4th & 5th at Lake Stevens High School.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member-Yohana Tobey Welcome to our newest member, Yohana Kawehilani Tobey. Club President Chris Vallo and President-Nominee Ron Rasmussen presented Yohana with the Rotary Membership Packet, badge and Certificate of Membership on Friday, May 5th. Congratulations Yohana. Her sponsor is Amelia (Auntie) Mimura.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legislative Update Our guest speaker on Friday, April 28th was Representative Sam Low, a member of our Club and a Past President. Sam is the State Representative for District 39 serving his first term in Olympia and a County Council member as well, serving southeast Snohomish County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney Our guest speaker on Friday, April 21st was Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney. The Sheriff addressed issues surrounding public safety. Public safety is important, and the Sheriff has been a resident for the past 27 years. Currently building a house on property in Granite Falls after selling his house in 2022. Grew up in Briar. Fortney commented that he is a grandfather and doesn't consider himself a politician. Decisions are based on how it impacts families such as his own family. When he ran for office, his goal was to be tough on crime. Change in state laws was a big issue even though changes were made the following year after some spikes in crime.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the City Update  Mayor Brett Gailey presented his detailed “State of the City” address during the April 14 meeting. Lake Stevens has now exceeded 40,000 residents yet remains one of the safest towns in Washington from a crime standpoint. The city is working hard to keep up with this growth while maintaining the environment we all enjoy. Available single-family residential lots are fully developed so more carefully planned multifamily projects are coming including one downtown. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Elections
Club elections for the Board and the Foundation were emailed this past week with a deadline of Thursday, April 13th with candidates listed to all club members asking for their vote on the two ballots. The results are in. Voting for year 23/24 Club and Foundation Board members took place during the April 14, 2023, regular meeting, with attendees exceeding the minimum required for quorum. All candidates nominated by the Board were unanimously voted in. Most candidates are continuing present service so our board will “hit the ground running” this summer!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preview Lake Stevens Food Bank Rotary Club members were treated to a preview of the Teaching Kitchen which is being sponsored by our Club and a tour of the rest of the building still under construction but getting closer to being finished. From left to right, Scott Smith, Anthony Hawley, Lance Morehouse, Don Iverson, Chris Vallo, Gary O'Rielly, Chris Jacobson and Sophina Nunez.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Self-Publishing: But Where Would They Live? Our special guest last week was Amanda Zamara, who self-published her first book, But Where Would They Live? Her book has been selling on Amazon for the past two weeks. Expensive proposition but worth the effort. She is working on her sequel and according to Kendra Pinkleman who has read the current book and is looking forward to the next book. Books are selling for $8.99 on Amazon. Several members purchased a copy of the book after her presentation.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome New Member JoElle Munger President-Nominee Ron Rasmussen and President Chris Vallo welcome new member JoElle Munger to our Club as the newest member this past Friday, March 31st. Welcome JoElle to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bridge Receiving Our featured speaker this week was Tracy Rubstello, Development Director of the Bridge Receiving Center. Tracy has visited us numerous times updating our Club members on the latest information regarding Bridge Receiving Center. Her last visit was in June 2021. Bridge Receiving is a "Healing start for children entering foster care." In Washington State, children aged 4-17 are the most vulnerable children and they face incredible obstacles.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Assembly 2023  The first view when we arrived at the District Assembly was Lee Harman standing by 82-year-old Miss Vicky. He plans on driving Miss Vicky from Alaska to Mexico is to raise funds for the fight to end polio. Lee is asking Rotarians to donate $67 USD (or more) toward the campaign to end polio. His last road trip was driving Miss Vicky--a 1931 Ford Model A Victoria--from Beijing to Paris. You can find more information and donate at http://raise.rotary.org/missvicky/challenge.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk Our program this past week was a Classification Talk by new transfer member Randal Southam. We learned that Rand likes donuts and beer so he will fit in well. Born in Denver, and moved a year later to Richland, Washington where he grew up, he worked for the Forest Service following high school and then met his wife, Lin, at the Northgate Red Robin in Seattle. They married in 1986, a son arrived in 1988, and they adopted their second son, James, several years later. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotaract Our guest speakers on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day were Rotaractors Alec Linse and Morgan Crosby. They were here representing their Club, Snohomish County Rotaract which was founded on March 17, 2017.
Their projects are responsible for creating, enacting, and sustaining projects to make the world a better place.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadside Clean Up On Saturday, March 18th our Rotary Club crew was out picking up trash and debris on 16th St NE from the Boys & Girls Club to N Machias Rd and west towards 8th St NE as well as along Main St and 18th St both east and west of Main St. Thank You Rotarians! Pictured are, l to r, James Monroe, Laurie Westover, Eve Stern, Community Services Chair Brian Rewis, Maureen Gano-Smith, PE Don Iverson and Kyle Strand.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome to Our Two Newest Members  Welcome Maureen Gano-Smith (L) and Rand Southam who transferred from the Rotary Club of Alderwood Terrace. Give them a warm welcome to our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Journey for the Y During the St. Patrick's Day celebration Amy Lewandowski received encouraging comments from Club members. shown her with our Past President Kevin for her efforts to raise $205,000 for the YMCA. On Tuesday, March 21st Amy will, beginning at 6 am, commence a 12-hour cycle ride to raise the funds for the YMCA. Amazing journey. May the Luck of the Irish be with you as you begin and end your cycling adventure for a really great cause.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy St. Patrick's Day    The kick-off to our Club's St. Patrick's Day activities included a number of Irish outfits, a wonderful story by Kevin O'Brien about his grandparents coming to the United States in 1915 through Ellis Island and eventfully settling in the Seattle area. Kevin asked everyone to stand and do the Irish Jig with him. Video on our Facebook page. Incredible time. Thanks to my Irish Brother.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Luck of the IRISH!! "May the Blessings of each day be the blessings you need the most"
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ndengelwa Water Global Grant Request  Joan Tilton, Rotary Club of Arlington, was our guest speaker on Friday, March 10th requesting our Club's financial commitment for the Ndengelwa Water project in Kenya. The International Humanitarian Project is all about Clubs, Districts and the Rotary Foundation coming together to promote the common good and applying for a Global Grant. Funding for large projects can range from USD $15K to $200K.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Grant Seminar  The District 5050 Grant Seminar was held on Saturday, March 11th in Bellingham. President Chris Vallo represented our Club, with President-Elect Don Iverson, Treasurer Jak Thornton and Secretary Gary O'Rielly attending as well. The seminar was conducted by District Foundation Chair Jack Rae and Sub-Committee Chair Val Tibbetts with assistance from former chair Malcolm Kennedy.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact -St. Patrick's Celebration   A fun day at Interact a week ago Wednesday, celebrating St. Patrick's Day, hearing from Jennifer Smith, Creator Zone about the upcoming Open House and from Ken Collins, Superintendent and Past President of our Rotary Club. Over 40 Interactors were on hand for this meeting and celebration. Pizza was the main course brought to the Club by Gary O/Rielly, Club Secretary and lots of treats provided by Interact Advisor Kristin Odegaard.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strength in Community-YMCA Annual Campaign Our guest speaker on Friday, March 3rd was Elizabeth Michaud speaking to the Club about the 2023 YMCA of Snohomish County Fundraiser-Strength in Community. Elizabeth shared her background growing up in the YMCA-Everett childcare program. When she turned 18, she was to "cool" for the Y but when she got married and had three young boys, she rejoined the Y. Elizabeth noted that the Y has been around for over 100 years. She grew up in the Y, got financial assistance, joined an exercise group and connected with staff, lost weight, joined the Help Desk. Although she had no tech skills, she is started as an ACT coach and youth development, social development and more. She has worked herself up the organization and is now the Membership Director of the Y in Marysville.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PETS 2023 by Don Iverson Don Iverson presented photos and discussed his attendance at the Rotary 2023 President Elect Training sessions (PETS) February 17th through the 19th. The event took place at the Hilton Doubletree at SeaTac and is the largest Rotary training session in the world. Ten districts with Clubs in five states and British Columbia participated with almost 700 people attending. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians in Action-Market Street Clean Up On a cold, rainy day, two brave souls chose to clean up the streets along Market Street. Brian Rewis, Chair of the Club's Community Service and Kyle Strand, Chair of the Membership Committee were on hand to tackle this project.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Creator Zone Community Connections Creator Zone, a new non-profit getting ready to make a difference in the Lake Stevens area will host a fundraiser event on Friday, March 10th from 6 - 8 pm at their new refurbished facility at 9015 Vernon Rd., in Lake Stevens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Whispr Innovations - Environmental Services Company Our guest speakers on Friday, February 17th were Derek Kaye, Founder and Ethan Hansen of Whispr Innovations. The company's goal is to provide clean, quiet, green lawn care solutions. Whispr is a professional residential and commercial battery-electric lawn service company with electric vehicles. Derek was raised and schooled in Lake Stevens. Derek spent some time in Singapore and was a member of a local Rotary Club while he lived there. Taking care of our green spaces is an integral part of this community. So, they were here today to talk about their innovative approach to lawn care and so much more.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President's Day Enjoy the Celebration honoring our Presidents.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Valentine's Day |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KLA HA YA DAYS festival  Our guest speaker on Friday, February 10th was Bill Webster, President of Kla Ha Ya Days festival who shared information about the non-profit organization which has served the community for 120 years. Currently working on re-branding the organization. Sent out questions with responses nearing 30,000. Re-branding will cover the organization's core values and partnerships with local non-profits such as our Club. Currently developing guides and handbooks for clearly defined expectations and case use. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YAIL 2023 Help your local youth learn to become great members of your community by supporting them to participate in District 5050's Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL). YAIL is a three-day event that helps students develop leadership and team building skills and contributes to positive personal growth. These students are future Rotarians and will become leaders in their communities, schools, and Rotary Interact and Rotaract. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hot Yoga-Lake Stevens Our guest speaker last Friday was Anya Joy, owner of the Hot Yoga studio in Lake Stevens. Anya and her husband, Carl, bought a house and moved to Lake Stevens over a year ago. During the same period, they opened their Hot Yoga studio. Although the current studio is located on 91st Avenue NE, they are looking for a larger space. Requirements are from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skyline Elementary - "WE Need a New Playground for Our Explorers"
We Need a New Playground for Our Explorers was the message given by Kristina Schweizer, Skyline PTA President on Friday, January 28th at our weekly Club meeting. This link will provide you with all of the details of the great need at Skyline Elementary as the current playground is badly in need of being replaced. Kristina emphasized the need "to provide the students with a safe, engaging, and accessible space to play" for all students. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sherwood Community Services-Business of the Year
Congratulations to Sherwood Community Services, Lance Morehouse, CEO and their fantastic staff. The Greater Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce named Sherwood the Business of the Year on Saturday, January 28th at the Membership Appreciation event at the Marysville Opera House.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
95 Years Young Joyce Bell, founding member of our Club celebrated an early morning birthday cake the day following her 95th birthday. Congratulations Joyce and many more to come. So young at heart.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Exchange Student - Norway In honor of Josie, our Rotary Exchange Student who is going to Norway, our two past presidents sang the Norwegian Fight song out of respect for her destination. Your guess is as good as mine whether the fight song was Mitt lille land, listed as the new national anthem in 2011 or was it another song that they developed unexpectedly out of the blue? Will we ever know the "rest of the story?"
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mascot  In my time in Lake Stevens, we had the duck, now the Vikings and the newest is Fred the Dragon. Fred was extremely popular on Halloween night at the Mill in downtown Lake Stevens when the community celebrated.  The most popular character at the Halloween celebration with families taking pictures of their children in the arms around Fred the Dragon. Gary O'Rielly, Club Secretary and Chris Vallo, Club President presented a certificate and badge to Fred the Dragon's co-owner, Laurie Westover.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Down to Earth Community Gardens Our guest speaker for Friday, January 13th was Terry Bockovich who spoke about the Down to Earh program she is involved with at this time. According to Terry there are 1,094 community gardens in the state since the beginning of the Eagle Ridge Community Garden. Working on a transition program at Mt. Pilchuck with new growing space and with the Lake Stevens Community Resource Center. Partnering with Steve Allen, who will be adding murals to each of the projects. Currently trying to raise money for his projects. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our Sergeant at Arms  The role of our Sergeant of Arms? From jumpstarting the meeting with a brief exercise to fleecing our members, all in the name of goodwill, better friendships, and just all-around fun. He even fleeced his mom who was his guest all going to our Foundation and a good cause for the community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our Newest Member President Chris and Kyle Strand, Chair of the Membership Committee, welcome Joel Engstrom of the Banner Financial Group and owner of Nationwide Alternative Lender. Joel was sponsored by Brian Rewis.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy New Year Happy New Year from the Rotary Club of Lake StevensA bit of history of New Year's Eve is outlined below. Enjoy the coming new year. With a tough year coming to an end, we can’t help but hope for a better and brighter future. Of course, the transition to another year wouldn’t be complete without celebrating New Year’s Eve! We deserve to eat good food, reunite with family and relatives, party with friends, and have the best New Year countdown. After all, NYE is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. However, this occasion didn’t become popular overnight. Several historical moments paved the way to making New Year’s Eve the holiday that we know and love today. Read on to know the history of New Year’s Eve and appreciate the holiday more! How New Year Celebrations BeganThe first known record of New Year’s celebrations began about 2000 B.C. in Mesopotamia. This occurred at the time of the vernal equinox, which is toward the end of March. Babylonians would have a religious festival named Akitu taken from the Sumerian term for barley. They’d perform various rituals, which would last for eleven days. Besides celebrating the New Year, Atiku also marked the time that Marduk, Babylonian’s sky god, defeated Tiamat, the evil sea goddess. Meanwhile, the New Year for Persians, Egyptians, and Phoenicians would start in the fall equinox. Greeks used to celebrate the New Year during the winter solstice. March 1 as the New YearIn the early Roman calendar, there were ten months or 304 days only. Then, it was March 1 that marked the New Year. So, the ninth through twelfth months or September through December that we often hear was first called seventh through tenth months. January 1 as the New YearThe origin of January 1 marking the New Year dates back to 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed the solar-based Julian calendar. This was after the old lunar-based Roman calendar became ineffective. Another reason behind making January 1 the start of the New Year was to honor Janus — the Roman god of beginnings who had two faces. This means that he could go back to the past and move forward to the future. To celebrate the occasion, ancient people would offer sacrifices to the god of beginnings, add laurel branches to their homes as decorations, and exchange gifts. However, the New Year celebrations were paganistic. So, January 1 was removed as the start of the year. December 25, the day Jesus was born, was then considered the beginning of the New Year. March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, was also used as a replacement for January 1. Gregorian CalendarNYE in the Gregorian calendar occurs on December 31. In late 1582, Pope Gregory XIII implemented this calendar in Rome. Minimal changes were applied to the Julian calendar introduced by Julius Caesar. As the lunar cycle calendar became a solar year calendar, some days had to be removed as well. So, days after October 4, 1582, were changed to October 15. You can only imagine what people born on October 5 to 14 felt! While the Catholic church first followed the Gregorian calendar, other European countries, like Germany, Denmark, Russia, and Scotland, slowly adopted it. Today, the Gregorian calendar is also the one used in different countries. New Year’s Eve: Different Celebrations and TraditionsYou can’t say goodbye to 2022 and welcome another year without celebrating New Year’s Eve. Various countries have their own traditions and celebrations, but there are also common ways to celebrate this special occasion. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merry Christmas from the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens from our Club to our friends and families throughout Lake Stevens, District 5050 and Snohomish County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lights of Lake Stevens - Rotary Booth  On a cold winter night, our Rotary Club participated in the Lights of Lake Stevens as one of the Sleigh Stops All Around the Lake. Our Sleigh Stop was at the entrance to The Mill. The Saturday evening event was from 5-7 pm.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotaract Polar Plunge |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duke - When a Nonverbal Autistic Teen's Family is Falling Apart, He Must Find His Voice to Keep Them Together   Our special program was a preview of the short film by Thiao Dadalt and Dru Miller (Lake Stevens) about a autistic teenager Duke Peters. Dru was unable to join us for the viewing and asked Lance Morehouse to introduce the program. Duke lives a life of silence. He has no voice to speak from and can only communicate through groans, shouts, and violent outbursts. As his family begins to fall apart under the pressure of caring for him, Duke must find his voice to keep them together. In the end, they discover that Duke can communicate through his iPad with beautifully written sentences as he finds his path forward with his family intact. A beautifully written short film that will enlighten the audience.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sherwood Community Services-SAVE THE DATE An old friend and former member paid a visit to our Club last Friday. Ilene Levering was our speaker for Sherwood Community Service where she was recently promoted to Major Gifts and Donor Partnership Manager. Ilene spoke about the upcoming April 1st Gala at Tulalip.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Congratulations, Viking Football Team-State Champions  Gathering at Lundeen Park for the Viking Football Team parade celebrating their State Championship. The parade kicked-off at 10 am with the Lake Stevens Police and the Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue leading off.   More photos of the parade as it left Lundeen Park with many gathering to cheer the team on.   Congratulations to the players, coaches, families and the School District! This is the first 4A Football State Championship in the modern era.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Resource Center Our guest speaker this past week was Tina Mandella, Site Director for the Lake Stevens Resource Center operated by the Volunteers of America, Western Washington.   Here are some of the images from the Back-to-School Drive and the 2022 Back to School event. The Lake Stevens Resource Community Resource Center opened January 2021 and is located inside the Holy Cross Church on 20th St SE off of Hwy 9. The Center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. The Center offers a safe place to seek help and resources during times of need. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Foundation Moment for the Week of December 4thWHAT KIND OF MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE GIFTS ARE POSSIBLE? You can honor a loved one in a meaningful way with a contribution to the Rotary Foundation that helps sustain our efforts around the world. The easiest way is to start at rotary.org/donate and select the option to make a donation in honor or in memory of someone. You can contribute to the Annual Fund-SHARE, the World Fund, the Endowment, PolioPlus, Disaster Response Fund, a specific area of focus, or a global grant. As a donor, you will receive gift credit and a tax receipt (where applicable). The person you are honoring or their family can be notified of your gift by email, or you can choose to print a notification and deliver it yourself. Consider making a gift to the Foundation today to Honor someone you love. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tulalip Tribe Our special guest on Friday, November 18th, was Verna Hill discussing the history and background of the Tulalip Tribe. Verna asked our Club members present if any of us had lived in the same zip code all our lives. No one raised their hand. Verna has lived in the same zip code all her life. Verna is from Sauk/Suiattle Tribe. Verna was introduced by Jim Steinruck, an old friend who worked with her when he was the Director of Community Public Health for the Tulalip Tribe. Verna said that over 97-98% of the tribal members have lived in the same zip code all their lives. The only time that Verna left the Tulalip Tribe was for six months. Otherwise, she has been there her entire life. She commented that her grandfather was from near Darrington and her other grandparents Elsie Price and William Price were best known as the world-famous strawberry person. Verna is one of eleven children from a blended family. She has four children of her own and four foster-children. The baby of those children is hers. One is the President of Leadership Snohomish County. The Tulalip Tribe are known as the salmon people. Tulalip is composed of 22,000 acres with the hub from I-5 to seven miles, Fire Trail-Marine Drive to I-5. Verna inquired as to how many had been to their museum. Obviously, the number of hands went up was most of us. The museum has a great history dating back to 1792 which shows the timelines up to the Judge Bolt decisions. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Holiday Toy Drive President Chris Vallo and Community Services Chair Brian Rewis helping at the recent Holiday Toy Drive along with many other organizations.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thanksgiving: A time of sharing and being with family Many Thanksgivings bring you closer to family, friends and the less fortunate. Happy Thanksgiving from the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
American Red Cross Blood Drive UPDATE The American Red Cross Blood Drive co-hosted by our Rotary Club and the Lake Stevens School District made an enormous difference. Our blood drive registered 21 donors and collected 21 pints of blood. As a result, our Blood Drive will potentially save 63 lives over the coming week according to the American Red Cross. A big "Thank You" to Amy Lewandowski who is the Club organizer of the drive and to Tracy DeLorm for assisting during the day. Plus, a big shout out to the club members who participated in donating blood.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friends of the Library Our program last week was City Councilwoman Mark Dickinson appearing for the "Friends of the Library." Sno-Isle Library will start clearing the property on Chapel Hill within the next several days. The large boulder (a glacial erratic) will be kept in place and incorporated into the property design. The architect firm Building Work has been hired to design the new library. You can stay updated by visiting Sno-Isle/FutureLakeStevensLibrary.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Veteran's Day HistoryVeteran's Day In the early morning hours of November 11, 1918, representatives of France, Britian and Germany met in a railroad car near Compiegne, France, to sign an armistice ending World War 1, or the Great War as it was known at the time. The cease-fire took effect at 11:00 am that day-the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Up and down the trenches, after four long years of the most horrific fighting the world had yet known, the guns fell silent. "The roar stopped like a motor car hitting a wall" one U.S. soldier wrote to his family. Soldiers on both sides slowly climbed out of the earthworks. Some danced; some cheered; some cried for joy, some stood numbed. The Great War had left some 9 million soldiers dead and another 21 million wounded. No one knows how many millions of civilians died. Much of Europe lay in ruins. But finally, with the armistice, it was "all quiet on the Western Front" For many years, November 11 was known as Armistice Day to honor those who fought in World War 1. In 1954 Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to recognize all American veterans. Every November 11 at 11:00 am, the nation pays tribute to its war dead with the laying of a presidential wreath at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier in Arlington National Cemetary outside of Washington D.C. But Veterans Day honors more than the dead. Memorial Day, observed in May, is for remembering soldiers who lost their lives in the service to their country. Veterans Day is set aside to honor and thank all who have served in the U. S. armed forces-particularly our 23 million living veterans.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk & Launch of New Non-Profit Chris Smith has been a member of our Club since August 2022. This is a two-part presentation from a Classification Talk to the launching of a new non-profit that he has named the Creator-Zone. Fascinating background both personally and professionally and the exciting news about developing a non-profit that will provide the skills that will lead to meaningful vocations. Chris and his wife Zea are creating a Washington State Nonprofit where innovation happens. The non-profit is Creator Zone where we are encouraged to enter their dynamic open space that is surrounded by fully equipped and hi-tech creative studios. Entrepreneurs, beginners, and skilled creators can work alongside or with each other, discovering and building their craft. There is an arena for sharing knowledge and experience, for inventing on insights, for active fabrication and doing of the work, for collectively empowering a positive and engaged society.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Honors for Retiring Rotarian On Friday evening, October 28th, our Club honored Jim Haugen who will be retiring from Rotary on December 31, 2022. Friends came from our Club and a local couple from the Everett Club plus a member of the City Council watching, heaping praise and appreciation for all that Jim has done for our Club and the community. Jim and Kirsten are a special couple.   Jim has been in Rotary for 33 years and 9 months. Kirsten was presented with 34 long stem roses for the number of years that she has shared Jim with Rotary. The Club awarded Jim with an Honorary Rotary Membership effective January 1, 2023. Jim was given a framed copy of the Honorary Member certificate.  The Board honored Jim further with the Rotary Citizen of the Year award for 2022-23. So many reasons for the honor are because of the vast amount of civic work he does each year. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Harvestfest-Halloween  One of the most popular attractions at Harvest Fest-Halloween in downtown Lake Stevens was the giant dragon. So many kids and families were photography standing in front of the giant dragon. Laurie and Mike provided the giant Dragon for Halloween Night at the Mill Spur.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Raj's Visit Our distinguished guest on Friday, October 28th was District 5050 Governor Raj Rajagopal. He discussed three Rotary areas of focus: Environment, Peace and Reconciliation and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. On Environmental focus, Rotary International is encouraging the development of Environmental Clubs. In the area of Peace and Reconciliation, did you know that Rotary International is an official delegate to the United Nations where a special seat is reserved for RI. DEI must be broader than race or color. Do we have members of our Club that might be wheelchair bound, blind or someone with special needs? He encouraged our Club as he has done with every visit to be open to new ideas.   Accompanying District Governor Raj was District Foundation Chair Jack Rae and Assistant District Governor, Area J, Duane Rhodes. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Skate Park Clean Up The Rotary Club and Interact Club spent a recent Thursday evening picking up trash and removing graffiti from the Rotary Skate Park.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact - Adopt A Street Clean Up On a cold rainy day, members of the Lake Stevens High School Interact Club picked up litter around the Lake Stevens High School and on 113th Avenue. Thanks so much for your community service.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transportation Benefit District-General Election Our guest speaker October 21st was Aaron Halverson, Director, Public Works for the City of Lake Stevens. Aaron provided information Proposition 1 on the November 8th General Election ballot measure, the Transportation Benefit District.  As shown above, the Transportation Benefit District is designated to raise revenue, acquire, construct, improve, provide, and fund transportation improvements in the City of Lake Stevens. Projects that are funded include traffic congestion relief, sidewalk connections and repairs, street and road maintenance, and multi-use pathways or trails. Revenue from the TBD can be used as matching funds. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians In Action-Lundeen Park  On a cool crisp Tuesday evening, members of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens (Rotarians in Action Committee) worked on sprucing up a portion of Lundeen Park. Their efforts will continue since they made a huge dent in cleaning up the landscape, but they have a long way to go.   The six Club members and the photographers were mowing, pulling, digging up roots and removing sticky blackberry bushes along with weeds, and growing grass that needed to be cut down and trimmed up a lot.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transitions 2021-22  Tiffany Jumper, Special Education/Transition team at the Lake Stevens School District was our special guest speaker on Friday, October 14th. Tiffany has been doing this job for the past two years. The Transition Team works with students with Special Needs. Tiffany shared various slides on the work of the Transition Team with these students. Today, they are going to the Pumpkin Patch. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Film Festival   The LAKE STEVENS FILM FESTIVAL brings films and filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest together for a one-day screening and networking event. LSFF was established to cultivate an appreciation for the arts within Lake Stevens and showcase diverse viewpoints from both established and emerging creators. You cannot have a Film Festival without popcorn. Serving free Rotary popcorn throughout the film festival was Jim Haugen, Gracie Lewandowski, and Gary O'Rielly. Jim Haugen fixed the popcorn machine and had the supplies available for the Film Festival activities including the sound system playing movie theme songs in the outer lobby. Magnificent event for Lake Stevens and the Miller Family who were involved in the production of Duke.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks, Kegs & Coins-It Takes a Village To quote an old cliche, "It Takes A Village" to have a successful fundraising event. Just a few of the members, spouses and guest who helped with the clean-up at The Mill. A round-robin dance followed, way too funny. Thanks for everyone's help in making our Corks, Kegs and Coins such a huge, huge success.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mari's Place for the Arts  Welcome back Mary Toews, a former member of our Club and the Executive Director/Founder of Mari's Place for the Arts was last week's program along with Joe Marine, Board President, and Mayor of Mukilteo as well as a Rotarian.  Mari's Place for the Arts provides local youth with the opportunity to explore their creative side through art and cultural enrichment classes. Each class is designed to draw out the young artists' natural curiosity and encourage them to explore, share collaborate with others. The courses last 12 weeks and are limited to twenty students from ages 3-17 with all efforts directed at involving them in the arts. The student impact is listed above. Compass Health is a major partner. The goal of Mari's Place is to partner with private schools as well. Currently, the Lake Stevens Senior Center is a partner with classes just beginning two weeks ago. Mary has 44 children on the wait list. Only recently, through aggressive funding and partnerships, has Mary been able to be paid for her work. Mari's Place was founded in 2010-2011. A scholarship program has been established as well as the cost per student. Mary has developed a program worthy of any organization's support. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks, Kegs and Coin Quest-Best Ever  Thank you, Lake Stevens, for generously supporting our Corks, Kegs & Coin Quest at our first in-person event in two years. As it turns out, it was the biggest fundraiser ever for this annual event. Our Silent and Live Auction raised a lot of money for our Club's activities that will go back into the community such as high school scholarships, park and road clean up and so many more projects. We were absolutely blown away by the generosity to our Lake Stevens Food Bank "Fund a Cause" raising over $15,350.   The Silent Auction and our Auctioneer in action, Paul Rogers.   Auctioneer and Emcee working the crowd at the Auction on Saturday, October 1st. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lynda Routh - Classification Talk Lynda Routh joined our Club in February and has been an active member since joining. When Lynda graduated from high school in 1978 she started working for the railroad after her father who was a locomotive engineer said, get down to the railroad and get yourself a job for the summer. First offer was to be a Train Operator but turned it down and two weeks later was called up for a clerical job. When she first began working for the railroad everything was very archaic before computers. She was on the extra board for 13 years, work every job that was considered clerical from janitor, revenue, and billing, operating a forklift and received her weighmaster certificate. She had lots of jobs throughout her career. In 2007 she was transferred from Ft. Worth, Texas to the Everett area. She eventually became the Superintendent of Operations and for ten years was responsible for 300 employees and the safe on-time operation of the trains on the territory which was Seattle to New Westminster, BC and over to Wenatchee. Her operating budget was in the multi-millions.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Membership Packets  New membership packets were presented to Steve Alexander by the Chair of the Membership Committee Kyle Strand and to Chris Smith by President Chris Vallo. The Membership Packets are important tools to learn more about Rotary International and our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canine Foundation - Joshua Holmes  Snohomish County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Holmes was our guest speaker on Friday, September 16th. Deputy Holmes brought his partner, Doc, with him as part of the program. Josh was here to speak about the Snohomish County K9 Foundation. The Foundation raises funds for local law enforcement agencies to help supply equipment and help fund the purchase a K9 officer. The cost of a K9 dog is about $10,000 excluding travel for the officer, and classes with the K9. The cost to train a K9 requires 400 hours of training for the basic handler's school and the permit to meet the state canine handler certificate. K9 dogs are acquired from Indiana which is the preferred provider where the handlers choose from among 10-15 dogs, then trains with the K9 of their choice. There are two master trainers at the Sheriff's Department. FUNDRAISERS: Proceeds of every bag of Fur Missile coffee from Vinaccio Coffee in Monroe go to support the Snohomish County K9 Foundation. The Tickets on Sale Now photo above "Support the Paws that Enforce the Laws" fundraiser on Saturday, November 5th at 6 pm at Hidden Meadows in Snohomish.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Route 66  In 2006, two members of our Club decided to drive Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Driving the TR 4 was John Morrison with Loren Hole as his passenger, they left Lake Stevens enroute to Chicago. On the route, stops in Missoula, Montana to fix an oil leak were required. From there to Deadwood, South Dakota and when they arrived in Chicago, the first stop was at Lew Mitchell's Famous diner which was the starting point of their Route 66 excursion.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seahawk Season is here This past weekend, the NFL and football season was upon us. One member is ready for the Seahawk season to start on Monday Night Football against Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos. Where's your Seahawk MASK?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Membership Receiving their Membership Packets from Ron Rasmussen and Kyle Strand were Rickelle Pegrum, Lynda Routh and Sam Lavis as President Chris Vallo looks on. Welcome to the Club!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk Our newest member, Steve Alexander, gave his Classification Talk during last Friday meeting. Steve works for a company called Smart Cremation and his classification is Funeral Director. Nine years ago, his mother-in-law passed away. His mother-in-law had 4 daughters and had no plans in place when she died. There weren't any discussions about what to do when his mother-in-law died. Misunderstanding about the cost involved and cremation followed. Steve was originally from Washington DC. Steve was a member of Rotary about 30 years ago. Moved to this area in 2004. Rented a house for four months before buying a home. Steve enjoys remodeling houses. He remodeled a house in Granite Falls that was over 6,300 sq. ft. and was a complete shell. As he recounts his story, he bought the view and got the house for free. He remodeled the house and enjoyed every minute of it.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks, Kegs & Coins Don Iverson, President-Elect ran the meeting on a couple Friday's ago and updated the members on the Corks, Kegs & Coins Fundraiser. Don started the discussion by showing the layout of the Mill and a diagram of the event with an outside foyer available for adult guests to sit and enjoy wine or beer. We have retained the services of an Auctioneer Paul Rogers. Challenges with the sound system were debated and questions arose about the State's requirements, but it is under control according to Don. Club members are reminded to push Coin Quest ticket sales, bring a Silent Auction or two items, two bottles of wine and 2 large bottles of beer. Deadline for submitting Silent Auction items is two weeks before Oct. 1st event. Silent Auction will be available at Greater Giving one week prior to the event.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks, Kegs & Coins Registration
Silent Auction is Live Hello Lake Stevens Rotary Community Supporters! We're so excited to announce that our Corks, Kegs & Coins Beer, and Wine Tasting Event will be in-person this year on Saturday, October 1st, at the Mill Pavilion on North Cove Park. Like years past, we will offer an online Silent Auction during the week prior to our in-person event that will end during the in-person event. All bidding for the Silent Auction items will be online so those at home can bid with those attending the in-person event. Bidding on our Live Auction items will only be available to those attending the in-person event due to Washington's Liquor Control Board rules. You have two ways to join in the fun and support our community: Register for the online Silent Auction only here: https://lakestevensrotary2022.ggo.bid Register for the online Silent Auction above and buy your tickets to the in-person Corks, Kegs & Coins Wine and Beer Tasting with Live Auction here: https://lakestevensrotary.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2022CorksKegsCoins/tabid/1321115/Default.aspx Cheers! The Lake Stevens Rotary Club |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 Corks, Kegs and Coin Quest Join us on Saturday, October 1st at our Annual Corks, Kegs and Coin Fundraiser at the Mill in downtown Lake Stevens. This is our major fundraiser to raise funds for scholarships and other local projects. A Fund-A-Cause will be part of the evening festivities to support the Lake Stevens Food Bank Building campaign. Coin Quest tickets are on sale by our Rotary Club members. Fun time with a great venue, an auctioneer, fantastic buffet and so much more.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Farmers Market The Farmers Market in downtown Lake Stevens involved our Club having a booth. Working the second shift was Scott Smith, Brian Rewis and Angie Hein. The first shift was manned by Gary O'Rielly and Lynda Routh. Free water on a sweltering day is extremely popular. Several individuals stopped by asking about membership in our Club during the first shift. This was the last time this year for our Club since Farmers Market ends this coming Wednesday, August 31st. Fun time. Wonderful conversations and great watching Lake Stevens community members enjoying the market and North Cove Park. A big shout out to Jim Haugen for bringing the tent, cooler and Rotary supplies to us for set up. Always on hand ready to help.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GolFun 2022 Our Club fielded two teams at the District 5050 GolFun tournament held at Homestead Farms Golf Course in Lynden on Friday, August 26th. This is the first time that we have had two foursomes competing in the tournament. Chris Vallo, Club President, his son Brad, Ron Rasmussen, President-Nominee and Gary O'Rielly, Club Secretary were one team, and the other team was Chris Jacobson, his nephew Lewis, Connor Davis, and Chad Pinkelman. No prizes for our two teams but a fun time playing golf, enjoying each other's conversations around the golf course and at dinner. Magnificent event for our Club and the District.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scouts BSA Troop 88 Our Scouts BSA Troop 88 has really great leaders. Kristin Wells, Troop Committe Chair and Brie Blaschka-Mueller, Scoutmaster, were our special guest speakers last Friday. Their Troop numbers are climbing with 26 members and their activities are busy on projects, summer camps, and regular meetings. They meet at the School District Admin building where we hold our meetings every other Wednesday evening. Activities in the past several months included, a flag retirement, paint night, rock climbing, a beach clean-up, activities at Fire Mountain Scout Camp were the Troop split into two groups competing against each other, Aviation Day at Sea-Tac Airport with Alaska Airlines, a mulch fundraiser and a textile fundraiser.   |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First Responder Mental Health  An extraordinary couple shared their experience on First Responders Mental Health. Dr. Brooke Lundquist who is in Private Practice working with Redmond Fire Department and the Seattle Police Department and Ryan Lundquist, MBA, Assistant Chief of Operations for the Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue. Married for 18 years. They introduced each other and the work that they do and how that has overlapped into their jobs and marriage. First Responders see more trauma in one year of work than most people do in their lifetimes. Around 69% of First Responders do not have time to work through a trauma because they are on to the next trauma. Depression and PTSD - 30% suicidal which is 10% of the general public. Repeated exposure to trauma is more likely to cause mental health impact for first responders than a single incident.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Food Bank Building Update & More  Our program last Friday was an update on the Lake Stevens Food Bank building progress and so much more. Our guests were Food Bank Board Chair Sophie Nunez and Executive Director Anthony Hawley. The Lake Stevens Community Food Bank's goal is to nourish and empower Lake Stevens today, building a resilient and sustainable community for tomorrow. These challenges are real because one in five children in Washington State live in a home that cannot consistently put food on the table. Couples with the high cost of living in our area create a large gap between those who are eligible for assistance and those who are financially stable. The Food Bank has outgrown their current space. A new building requires funding. The Food Bank received state funding through the Capital Budget in addition to grant funding and community support. The Food Bank needs additional funding. The new building will not only give us the space to keep up with the growing need, but it will also allow: clients to shop for themselves; give space to expand current programs and implement new ones; allow another helping agency to serve our community and be a hot and cold weather site for our community's most vulnerable.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aquafest in Photos    +On an extremely sweltering summer weekend the atmosphere around Lake Stevens was celebrating Aquafest 2022, something the community has been unable to do for the past two years due to Covid. Rotarians were everywhere selling corn on the cob and water in our well-positioned booth and Coin Quest tickets at the booth and the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast and anywhere there was a crowd. The photos are scenes from the weekend and worth viewing. Several members contributed these photos to this page. Our Scout Troop led the Children's Parade on Friday evening.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The weekend starts with Aqua Fest The Rotary Corn Booth occupied one of the best locations at Aqua Fest. Stop by, buy some really fantastic Corn on the Cob, bottled water and Coin Quest tickets. Best corn again this year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aqua Fest 2022 Aqua Fest 2022 begins on Friday. Stop by the Rotary booth, buy our corn on the cob and tickets for our Coin Quest drawing on October 1st during the Corks and Kegs Annual fundraiser.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians In Action-Swim Beach  On Saturday, July 16th and Tuesday, July 19th some of our Rotarians were out working and sprucing up the North Cove Swim Beach fences with a fresh coat of paint. Just another way of giving back to our beloved community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Solstice Healing-Individual, Telehealth and Ecotherapy Our program on July 15th was Kendra Pinkelman, a member of our Club and a mental health specialist who is restarting her Solstice Healing practice again after a brief absence for the past 4-5 years. She has been practicing with another group since the birth of her second daughter. But now is the time to restart her solo practice. What is Ecotherapy? Eco-Therapy is the therapeutic application of Eco-Psychology-which is the study between human beings and our natural environment. In Canada, Eco-Therapy is covered by insurance but in the United States we still have a way to go before that happens. Ecopsychology seeks to develop and understand ways of expanding the emotional connection between individuals and the natural environment, thereby assisting individuals with developing sustainable lifestyles and remedying alienation from nature. We need healthy connections. Kendra explained that we are all part of multiple systems. When we find our healthy balance in this system, a healthy balance is created within ourselves. It can be in many different forms: animal assisted therapy; horticulture therapy, green exercise, wilderness, and green therapy. Kendra offers green therapy currently. The demographic served is anyone experiencing stress related symptoms; individuals feeling disconnected from themselves, those around them and the world as a whole; going through the motions; mild/moderate depression; anxiety, trauma, and grief. The type of therapy that Kendra uses is cognitive behavioral therapy which recognizes negative or unhelpful thoughts which can affect your actions. Kendra reviewed what a group looks like and the major tenets explored in her groups which consist of 6-10 participants and the objective of the group. Goals for the future are developed. Sessions are once a week for 1-2 hours per group. Kendra has been a member since September 2017 and is the Program Chairperson for our Club this year and last year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RI Foundation Grant - Eswatini Carol Hendricks was our guest speaker on Friday, July 8th updating our Club on the RI Foundation grant to Days for Girls which started in 2008 by Founder and CEO Celeste Mergens. Carol was with us in 2019. She has made 14 trips to Eswatini for Days for Girls. The republic of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is a landlocked country in southern Africa bordering South Africa and Mozambique. It has a population of 1.2 million people. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary-Farmers Market-A Family Affair Rotary is a family and sometimes it becomes a Family Affair. At the Farmers Market on Wednesday, July 6th, Kristin Odegaard, her daughter Josie and son Diego manned the Rotary booth during the first shift. Kristin is the Advisor to our Lake Stevens High School Interact Club. During their shift, she signed up six students for next year's Interact Club and spoke to one young woman who showed interest in joining Rotary. Our Club gives out FREE water and on a balmy day, it is a very welcome relief for many of the Farmers Market attendees.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Fourth of July |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The YAIL Experience Friday's featured speaker was Josie J.O. She shared about her time as a participant at the recent District 5050 YAIL Conference. The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is proud to support the youth of our community in helping them develop their character. Josie is a member of our Interact Club, highly active in school athletics and is a Drum Major in the school band. No doubt you have met a mover and shaker who will have a profound impact on her community. Josie's comments are listed below about the YAIL experience: 26 students from around the District attended this year's YAIL conference
The YAIL Conference is sponsored by District 5050 each year. Last year, due to Covid restrictions was held on Zoom. YAIL stands for Youth Adventures in Leadership, is open to participants ages 15-17 and is held annually at Alexandra Neighborhood House in Surrey, BC, Canada. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Meeting Member Awards The incoming board received the oath of office from Dave Duskin, District Governor Nominee Designate followed by the passing of the gavel from outgoing President Reshal Ploeger to incoming President Chris Vallo. Paul Harris awards were given out by Jim Haugen, Foundation Chair and Dave Duskin to several Club Members. Another highlight of the Annual Installation Banquet is the Presidential awards announced by President Reshal Ploeger. The Awards are:
Congratulations to all Members for your support of our Club and the community!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amazing Annual Installation Banquet The Annual Rotary Viking Banquet got under way on Sunday, June 26th at the Lake Stevens Senior Center. President Reshal Ploeger decked out in her Rotary Viking attire. President Reshal outlined the many successful activities during the 2021-22 Rotary Club of Lake Stevens year. From hosting a bowl painting party in support of the Food Bank and cross pollinated with the Greater Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce's Lights of Lake Stevens event. We brought in the Lake Stevens Education Foundation to host a Sleigh Stop. The Rotarians In Action Committee spent endless hours at Haggen's collecting food for the Food Bank. We joined the Rotary Club of Arlington in a tree planting project in celebration of Earth Day. The Vocational Services Committee was layered with various youth committees and renamed the committee, the Youth Services Committee. We added several younger members to the organization during 2021-22. We sent an amazing Interactor to the District's YAIL Conference. Internationally, our funds have been invested in Rotary's IPA project in Honduras. Our Interact Club rocked it with over 1,300 hours of community service led by a great President. We hosted Game Night and an Ugly Sweater Holiday Contest. At Highland Elementary, we installed an interactive walkway or as Reshal dubbed it, a Wiggle Walk. The highlight of any year is spending time with our fellow Rotarians. Roadsides clean ups, Adopt a Park (Rotary Skate Park) for clean up as well as purchasing three bleachers for families to watch their children at play. We initiated contact with the American Red Cross and our first Blood Drive will be in August. Finally, we awarded scholarships to seven college and vocational school bound students to the tune of $26,500. And, in an earlier article donated $16,000 to various local non-profits serving our community. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Award to Rotarian Citizen of the Year After a warm introduction and welcome by James Monroe, we were honored to present Christine Egelstad with her special 2020-2021 Rotarian Citizen of the Year plaque by President Reshal Ploeger. Christine was selected in September 2021 due to her dedication to her business, the community and always being willing to help. Congratulations Christine on a well-deserved award!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Supporting the Community     At the end of each Rotary year, the last meeting is dedicated to donating funds from our Lake Stevens Rotary Charitable Foundation to local non-profits. Pictured above are representatives of the Lake Stevens Education Foundation, the Lake Stevens Senior Center, Interfaith Family Shelter, the Everett Family YMCA and the Lake Stevens Health & Wellness Festival. Unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts was Bridge Receiving and the Run for your Life Foundation. Applications were submitted to the Club and reviewed by several members. Donations can be submitted on a Donation/Support Request Form around April of 2023. The forms can be found on the Club website. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Project Alliance (IPA) Marty Pease  Our special guest speaker on Friday, June 10th was back for another update on the International Project Alliance. IPA was founded in 2014 by Peter Martin. IPA is a humanitarian projects with Mayan villages surrounding Copan, Ruinas, Honduras. Focus most on education and economic development with Adopt a School and Adopt a Dream, Adopt a Village and Rapid Development which is the economic development program which is a major part of the IPA program. Our Club is a member of IPA and supports Rio Amarillo school.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the School District Our guest speaker on Friday, June 17th was our past President and current Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District, Ken Collins providing a "State of the School District." Ken started his presentation by talking about the importance of continuity of education which was interrupted by Covid 19. How do you fill in the gaps for the kids learning so that they meet all the educational standards required by the District and the State? In the 2021-22 period, enrollment is 9.221 and the district employs 1,229 people and there are 8,300 chrome books available students in pre-school to 12th grade. The school district is the fourth largest in Snohomish County. The school district has one high school--Lake Stevens High School, Cavalero Mid High School serving grades 8 and 9, two middle schools, seven elementary schools and an early learning center plus Homelink. There's also a Transitions program supporting special needs students post high school graduation until they turn 21. Lake Stevens is running out of buildable land. The Mid High School alleviates congestion in the high school and middle schools. Only one other school district has a similar set up and it is Puyallup. Lake Stevens is big enough to have two high schools.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In Tribute-Lorna Hole  Our beloved and cherished Honory Member Lorna Hole was remembered in the Celebration of the Resurrection and Gratitude of Life on Saturday, June 18th at First Presbyterian Church in Snohomish followed by a reception. She will be missed by all and remembered fondly for her witty jokes and generous spirit.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adopt a Park-Skate Board      Our Club has Adopted the Skate Park and this past Saturday, members along with their children were actively picking up debris, scraping graffiti from railings which some were deep dive cleaning the drains and another was out enjoying the skatepark. Great fun. Thanks Brian, Jim, John, Lynda, Jak, Gary, Amy and son, Kendra and daughter.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Booth - Farmers Market Farmers Market and opening day for our Rotary booth inside the Mill. We alternate weeks with the Lake Stevens Arts and Parks Foundation. Beautiful day, vibrant activity, and our initial crew for the 1st shift is left to right, Jim Haugen, Reshal Ploeger, Brian Rewis and sitting is Laurie Westover. Picture by Gary O'Rielly. Second shift was Don Iverson and Angie Hein. Set up and tear down Jim Haugen and Brian Rewis.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Highland Elementary Reply  Our Club received this THANK YOU note from the Highland Elementary School staff and others. We passed the note around to the Club at last Friday's meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Getting Ready for New Leadership At this time of the year, President-Elect's are preparing for their term of office which starts on July 1st. This year is no different with the exception, more in-person discussion about the upcoming year. President-Elect Chris Vallo spoke to the Club on Friday about some of his priorities for 2022-2023 term that starts on July 1st. Chris has scheduled a retreat for current and new Board members on Saturday, June 11th. We have had a successful year under the leadership of our President, Reshal Ploeger. The goal of our new leadership will be to keep that momentum climbing to new heights for our Club and engaging each of our members in our various community efforts and projects.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Farmers Market 2022    Farmers Market 2022 opened on Wednesday to throngs of spectators viewing all the booths on the new Festival Street in and around the Mill. Our Club will again share a booth on alternate weeks with the Lake Stevens Parks Foundation. The Market is open from 3-7 pm. Music is scheduled each week from 6-9 pm along with a Beer Garden hosted by Meatheads. Come join the festivities each Wednesday during the summer along with the live music fair each night during the Market.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens High School Scholars Awards They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Pictured above are scholarship recipients with Lance Morehouse, Vocational Committee Chair, Sam Low and Ken Collins, Lake Stevens School District Superintendent, and current Past President of our Club. The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens distributed $26,500 in scholarships to seven awesome high school seniors headed to college and vocational trade school this summer/fall. In memory of Dean Franz, live plants in cedar planters were distributed to each recipient to give to a person who nurtured them during their life.   Special contributors to our scholarship fund were Debe and Derek Franz on behalf of Dean Franz, Dr. Jae Hong, Sam and Mariah Low, Lance and Carrie Morehouse and Loren and Lorna Hole provided major donor contributions to the scholarship fund.     After awarding four scholarships, Lance turned the final three scholarship awards over to Sam Low.   The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is proud to award these seven candidates with scholarships to the college or vocational scholarship to some awesome high school seniors at Lake Stevens High School.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadside Clean Up Another roadside cleanup project on Saturday, May 28 was led by Brian Rewis, Chair of the Community Services Committee. This was the second Saturday in a row that Club members were out cleaning up roadsides in Lake Stevens. Last Saturday, Market Street to Davies Beach and this week 16th Street NE and E. Lakeshore Drive downtown area. Pictured, left to right, Chris Vallo, President-Elect, Jim Haugen, Brian Rewis, Gary O'Rielly and Jak Thornton.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Recognition  At the recent District 5050 Conference our Club was recognized for our Club and membership giving to the End Polio Now Campaign and achieving the Club goal for the GolFun Polio Plus commitment.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bridge Receiving Update Tracy Rubestello visited us again to update us on the current activities going on at Bridge Receiving. Tracy has visited our Club in the past around 2018-19. The last time Tracy visited us, Bridge Receiving was a vision, idea, and a concept but now it is a reality. Her father was a Rotarian in the downtown Seattle Club. Bridge Receiving opened in August 2020. Bridge Receiving is a healing start for children entering Foster Care. Children coming into Foster Care for the first time. Bridge Receiving avoids these new Foster Care children going into a hotel or other facilities before going to Foster Care. This is the only facility in the United States with hopes for more being built in the future.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Naval Station Everett Update Last week's guest speaker was Captain Joshua Menzel, Commander of Naval Station Everett. Captain Menzel arrival at the Station July 2021. This is his first time to Rotary. The Captain said that Naval Station Everett assignment is a sailor's choice. The base is a beautiful location and the newest base in the country which opened in 1996. In Lake Stevens, Constitution Park is naval housing where he lives. Captain Menzel was first deployed here in 2001 aboard the Abraham Lincoln. The Captain appreciates the community. He is also a ship guy so this assignment is confined to the base rather than on a ship.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Power of Rotary Our program on Friday, May 6th was a video of Rotary International-President Elect Jennifer Jones talking about the power of relationships and Rotary as she and her husband moved to RI headquarters for the next two years. Shortly after moving into her office at RI headquarters, she received a message from a Rotarian in Hamburg, Germany who mentioned that they had met during a previous visit. He was asking for help in getting a scholar in Kabul, Afghanistan on an evacuation list as soon as possible. Working through several Rotary contacts, the scholar was added to the evacuation list and headed to a European country in a very brief period. The power of Rotary in action. The President-Elect talked about her experience as a journalist, grabbing history was the Berlin Wall was being torn down and 25 years later, November 09, 2014, meeting a reporter who was reporting on the anniversary of the Wall being torn down and sharing the experience of world peace. Removing barriers, highlighting inclusion, and referencing Paul Harris, comments at the 24th RI convention in 1933:  Although the picture quality lacks, the message is important as referenced by President-Elect Jennifer Jones referencing the comments in 1933 at the 24th Annual Rotary International Convention. The message she delivered was clear: Engage all our members in our daily activities and projects carrying the message of Rotary into our communities around the world. The importance of Rotary is diversity, equity, and inclusion which she referenced often during her video. Here is the link to President-Elect Jennifer Jones video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKGdE6D6oiE. Here is the link to our YouTube meeting recording: https://youtu.be/fTTV3ok3Geg |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Health & Wellness Festival Gloria Martin takes our Club through deep breathing exercise prior to speaking to our Club on Friday, April 29th about the Lake Stevens Health and Wellness Festival. The festival will be on Sunday, June 26th from 9 am to 4 pm at North Cove Park. Events include a Fun Run/Walk; Push Up Contest and Plank Challenge. Health and wellness vendors such as local fitness trainers and healthcare practitioners will be available. Local dance and martial arts schools will perform on the Main Stage. For the kids, there will be face painting available and plenty of guest speakers. Here is our meeting, YouTube link: https://youtu.be/9nRdD9eKdfE
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Domestic Violence of Snohomish County Our guest speakers on Friday, April 22nd were Joy Ingram and Annie Landis. Joy has spoken to our Club in the past and is a member of the Rotary Club of Arlington. Annie is involved in the Prevention Department. Annie describes her position as the easiest job she has ever had. She enjoys playing and working with teenagers every day affected by domestic violence. The biggest part of prevention is understanding domestic violence. A key message is to create a safety plan for the mom and her children. The Domestic Violence Prevention Act allows victims to get legal protection without an attorney.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earth Day 2022  The Rotary Clubs of Arlington and Lake Stevens celebrated Earth Day 2022 by planting trees as part of a Native Growth Protection Area (NGPA) restoration project at Stormwater Wetland Park. Everyone enjoyed the tree planting, camaraderie between the two Rotary Clubs, followed by lunch. Cub Pack 29 participated in the tree planting ceremony as well. Both Clubs had a good turnout of members and guests.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volunteers of America-Western Washington Former State Senator Kirk Pearson who is currently the Vice President of External Affairs for the Volunteers of America - Western Washington, was our guest speaker on Friday, April 15th. Senator Pearson was substituting for Brian Smith, Chief Operating Officer and a resident of Lake Stevens. Now there's a potential member of our Club. VOA will celebrate its 125th Anniversary next year. VOA has several resources starting with Food, Shelter, Behavior Health, Community Resource Centers, Disability Services, Dispute Resolution, Preschool and Senior Centers.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our Scout Troop The program on April 5th was a presentation by our Scout Troop Senior Patrol Leader Grace W.. We have sponsored the Troop now for three years. In that time, we've had a 600% growth in members! The recent textile drive was successful with 1,000 bags being distributed by the Troop. There are 26 girls on the roster with three recently joining the Troop from the our Cub Scout Pack. Future activities include Mt. Pilchuck hike at the end of May, and more monthly camp out. The Troop will be going to Camp Easton in Idaho on the east side of beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene for summer camp. In October, the Troop will participate in Scouting for Food, going door-to-door to collect food and delivering it to the Lake Stevens Food Bank. One of the presenters from the Troop is within six merit badges of being eligible for the coveted Eagle Scout award. She still has to complete a service project and a leadership role for the Troop. Currently their meetings are at LifePoint Church on Wednesday evenings. However, soon they will be meeting in the very room where we hold our Club Meetings. In response to a question, you must be 11 years of age or in the 5th Grade and be a Cub Scout earning the Arrow of Light Award. Great work by our Scout Troop 88!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Highland Elementary School AcknowledgementAn email we received from Principal Ryan today. He also sent one that said, “It looks so good! :)” The Rotary provided sensory walk installed at Highland is featured in school's morning announcements, beginning at 1:55. View the video announcements and a tour of the pathway at Highland Elementary School. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Highland Elementary School Interactive Pathway  It started with the new playground being built at Highland Elementary School about 18 months ago and finished on Wednesday, April 6th with the interactive pathway to the all-inclusive playground equipment completed. Our Club, along with matching funds from District 5050, obtained the Diamond level status helping fund this new all-inclusive playground.   Some of the images of the all-interactive pathway from the school to the old and new playground equipment. The process began on Saturday, morning April 2nd with seven Club members and resumed on Wednesday, April 6th with five Club members.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens App  Most of us live in an App world. So, why not create an App for Lake Stevens? Done. Mike Beazer, a Boeing engineer created the Lake Stevens App while working from home in his spare time. Here is some relevant information if you haven't downloaded the new Lake Stevens App. App website (includes links to download): iOS download link: Android download link: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dan Tedor, Director of Career and Technical Education  Our guest speaker on March 25th was Dan Tedor, Director of Career and Technical Education for the Lake Stevens School District to discuss the CTE Graduation Pathways that involves a set of two or more High School CTE courses that earn a student at least a two high school credits within the same program area, or an OSPI approved pathway, and align with the student's high school and beyond plan.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact Update  Our special program this past week was our Lake Stevens High School "Interact Club" with a presentation by Noah Fontenot, the Interact Club President who was joined by Lauren Ruble, Secretary, Piper Finley and their Advisor Kristin Odegaard. Over 800 total Service Hours as a Club this year!!! Last year, they received the PACER Together Against Bullying Award 2021, Most Participation in School's Club Fair Booth, local recognition, and Club attendance is rising. Club attendance is an average of 30-40 students each week. Visiting Ashley Point is one of their monthly projects. Painting rocks and Street Cleaning are some of the other project the Club does as well as helping clean up the gardens around the school. Interact adopted the road in front of the High School- 113th Av NE from 28th St NE to Hwy 92. Broad experience for each of our members. The residents at Ashley Pointe are happy to see the Interact Club members visiting them. March Madness was a Club affair with 175 high students visiting the booth to ask about the Interact Club. Lauren made cupcakes to be given away at March Madness. Piper talked about the Green Bag Food Project in partnership with Snohomish County Rotaract. Donations go to the Lake Stevens Food Bank. So far in two weeks, the Interact Club has five plus full bags of food. Things that they want to do in the future include an April Run, Walk, and Roll with Pacer and the plans are already in motion. Another is school beautification such as painting rocks and placing them around the school for anyone to pick up, continuing to go to Ashley Pointe, Club T-shirts, and a park bench. Wow, what an amazing group of young men and women dedicated to serving the community through their high school experience. This is "what" Interact is all about. Service to the Community. And I was told Noah, Lauren and Piper's presentation was heard throughout high school. Way COOL! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Rowing Club  Our program guests this past week were President Gary Artim and Michelle Lobitz, External Vice President from the Lake Stevens Rowing Club. LSRC, formerly known as the NW Legends Rowing Club, was established in 1996 by seven individuals led by Bob and Barb Cummins. The original club was established in 1996 and was incorporated in 1997 as a non-profit organization. Initially the club was centered around occasional outings on the lake by residents. In 1999, a formal partnership was formed with the City of Lake Stevens and the club's name was formally changed to the Lake Stevens Rowing Club. In the early beginning, all shells and equipment were second and third hand, either gifted or on loan from private individuals. In the Fall of 2002, a high school program was initiated by volunteers Scott Holmgren and Brian Wagner and has grown to over 40 team members. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Village Community Services Our guest speakers on Friday, March 4th were Sydney Caplinger as the Volunteer Coordinator and Ronda Traut from Village Community Services. Their mission is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. We have been providing quality residential support and vocational services to adults with disabilities. Their service area encompasses Snohomish, Island and Skagit Counties. Their support services and advocacy help individuals with disabilities to achieve integration and full participation in their communities. They offer individualize supports that enable our program participants to achieve their right ot belong, to be valued, to participate, to make informed choices and to make meaningful contributions.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comparing Shirts Comparing shirt designs. Although Gary was wearing a Mardi Gras T-shirt, underneath was a shirt similar in design to Don's. Upon further examination, they were from different designers and we did pay the fine by the fine-master.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ilene's Inspiration for 03.04.22 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
D J Lockwood - Boys and Girls Club DJ Lockwood, Athletic Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Stevens, was our guest speaker on Friday, February 25th. DJ moved to Arlington when he was 6 years old. The family enrolled him in the Boys & Girls Club. After Covid affected his 8-year-old business, he started a new career as the Athletic Director of the Boys & Girls Club. Props included a football and basketball for a drill that was interrupted by Kevin O'Brien Rock Pocket Science game. Showed new basketball uniforms. Lake Stevens residence for the past five years. Married with three children. After working at UPS in Redmond, followed by long drives, and started looking for something else to do. A month later, the position at the Boys & Girls Club was available and he started his career as the Athletic Director. DJ tells his coaches that the kids do not remember wins and losses, but they do remember their great coaches. The current building was donated to the Club in 2004. There are 62 coaches and over 600 kids involved. Biggest sports program in Snohomish County. There are 196 background check volunteers and 22 minor background checked volunteers with lots of community involvement. Kendra is one of his coaches. Reliant on the School District to partner with the use of gym space with practices from 5-8 pm from Monday to Friday. Feedback from parents has been incredibly positive. Largest volleyball and flag football once again in Snohomish County. Working on new uniforms for each team. The Boys & Girls Club is a partnership with the community. No program is successful without the involvement of coaches, parents, and kids. Running the program out of three gyms. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rock Paper Science Contest Who says we cannot have fun at our weekly meetings? Jackie Sheheen was the Club winner of the Rock Paper Science game at our February 25th meeting. Even those online were able to participate. Fun time for all of us.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ilene's-Thought-for-the-Week |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Hawaiian Story-Amelia Mimura A favorite program that started with interviews of Club Veterans Sharing their military Experience on Veterans Day evolved into a special series that was rekindled on Friday, February 18th. Laurie Westover interviewed our own Hawaiian legend, Amelia (Aunty) Mimura who was raised on the Kalaupapa Island of Molokai. In Hawaii, Aunty and Unko (Uncle in Standard English) are used as a sign of respect towards elders. Either reference is to show respect for your Ohana (family). Aunty is incredibly special to this writer. She is a dear friend and is like family to me and my wife. Aunty is one of 21 children and the 7th born to her parents.Six brothers above her and she was the first girl and her mother had two sets of triplets back-to-back, all girls, after Amelia was born. Amelia was on Oahu during the attack on Pearl Harbor when she was eight years old. Her family was visiting one of her grand uncles on Oahu. Fortunately, her uncle had a bomb shelter on site. It was incredibly sad to have something like this happen, she says. Very scary for an eight-year-old girl. But her mom and dad made sure she and her siblings were safe. She met a member of the 442, a Japanese battalion who ended up becoming her husband. His sergeant was Daniel Inouye who later became a United States Senator for Hawaii. Her husband was with the M Company for six years and never shared his war experience with the family. That changed when a doctor friend's son was doing a project on the 442 and asked to interview her husband. The interview included filming of the interview and it was the first time she ever heard her husband's experience in the war including his M Company involvement with Italian Dictator Mussolini. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weekly Inspiration Post by Ilene |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Imagine Children's Museum Rachel Horner, Board Member of the Imagine Children's Museum and Boeing Senior Manager spoke to our Club on Friday, February 11th about the expansion project going on at the Imagine Children's Museum and the Capital Campaign. The Mission of the Museum is to utilize playful learning to enrich children's lives. Currently serving over 260,000 patrons and guests a year is the reason behind the expansion.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact - Roadside Clean-Up On a beautiful Saturday morning, 17 Interact Club members conducted a road clean up project along 113th Av NE from the Lake Stevens High School to the Roundabout at Hwy. 92. Plus, Club members picked up around the school parking lot and grounds. Excellent job. The Interact Advisor is Kristin Odegaard, Spanish Teacher and Rotary Club of Lake Stevens member.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Honoring Terri Spencer A plaque at North Cove Park honoring the memory and accomplishments of Terri Spencer is so deserving. Terri was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens and was President in 1996-97. There is so much more to the impact Terri had on Lake Stevens and other communities around us.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Valentine's Day |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The "Y" Youth & Teen Programs  Our guest speakers this past Friday, Feb. 4th were Sam Toft, Youth & Teen Program Director and Alyne Van Winkle, Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Y (YMCA) Everett who shared the programs being offered at the Y. One of the important aspects of the Y is supporting healthy family growth along the way. There is the Drop-In Center for ages 10-18. A good place to chill with your friends or get help with your homework. Youth Membership can involve playing basketball, swimming, access to the gym to work out. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program that gives high school students a chance to make a difference according to Alyne. The purpose is for high school students to share their experiences with an elementary or middle school student. The goal is to spend one hour a week being a mentor, playing games, going outside, working on teacher assignments, or just hanging out. The goal of joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County is to help defend every child's chance to reach their potential, to do big, incredible things in their lives. Many great programs at the Y for youth and families to participate in several ways or as Sam and Alyne stated, just hang out and chill. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President-Elect Jones Introduces 2022-2023 Theme "Imagine a world that deserves our best, where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference." President-elect Jennifer Jones revealed the 2022-23 presidential theme, Imagine Rotary, today. She's urging #Rotary members to dream big. Imagine…what dreams will you help realize? Learn more: https://on.rotary.org/3rCXK4r |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Black History Month |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thought for the Week 02.04.22 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thought for a Day Ilene's "Thought for a Day" posted on January 28, 2022
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the Chamber   Matt Tabor, CEO of the Greater Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce was our guest speaker at Friday, January 28th meeting. Matt updated the Club starting with an overview of the State of the Chamber beginning with their major sponsors and the resources that have been available to the Chamber during the pandemic. There are 96 active members in the Chamber.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Youth Council-Cedar Road The Lake Stevens Youth Council is asking the City to build a sidewalk on Cedar Road from 20th St. NE to 29th St. NE. The Youth Council requested support from our Club. The Board and Members present at the presentation endorsed the project with the attached letter being signed by Reshal Ploeger, our Club President.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Youth Council   It was such a pleasure to hear from members of the Lake Stevens Youth Council on Friday, January 21st at our Regular scheduled club meeting. Pictured but in no order are Owen Johnson, Jack Johnson, Anisa Yaser, Emma Miner and Lily Scrivens. The Council members were asking for support from our Club to endorse their proposal to Lake Stevens City Council to add a sidewalk to Cedar Street, a street commonly used by students and the track team. Club members and the Board members agreed to support their request to Lake Stevens City Council and was signed by Club President Reshal Ploeger. The proposal ask the City Council to build a sidewalk on Cedar Road from 20th St. NE to 29th St. NE. Citing the road as being well-used thoroughfare for youth traveling to the High School and is devoid of sidewalks.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians In Action Committee Information |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quote of the Week by Ilene Levering |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YMCA of Snohomish County, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend On Friday, January 17th, our Club listened to the YMCA of Snohomish County honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting the 1st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend from January 14-17, 2022. Originally the event was to be a breakfast at the Angel of the Winds Arena but the current situation with Covid turned it into a virtue presentation on YouTube. The hour-long program offered the following: the program started with opening remarks by Matt Reinhard, Chair of the Snohomish County YMCA with an opening comment. We humbly acknowledge, with due respect, the land in which today's event is taking place is the territory of the People of the Salish Sea and concluded the statement by introducing Mr. Mel Sheldon, Member, Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors commenting that Dr. King who led by example for voting and civil rights along with honoring the Tribal Elders who embraced that role. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kyle Strand appointed Chairman of the Rotarians In Action Committee President Reshal Ploeger announced the appointment of Kyle Strand as the Chairman of the Rotarians In Action Committee. The committee will be a sub-committee of the Community Services Committee chaired by Brian Rewis. The Rotarians In Action Committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm usually at the Brian Rewis' Farmers Insurance Office. Congratulations Kyle!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meeting LinkHere is the link for Friday’s January 7th meeting. https://youtu.be/11ddztX6tKU. View the meeting and post a Make Up.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paul Harris Awards Jim Haugen, Chair of the Rotary Foundation presented Paul Harris + 4 pin to Tracy DeLorm and Paul Harris +1 pin to Laurie Westover at our Club meeting on Friday, January 7th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ilene's Inspiration Quote of the Week |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MLK Event Change Due to the on-going battle to control the latest Covid outbreak, the event has changed. Instead of in-person, our Club will view the event from our regular Club meeting site at the Lake Stevens School District Educational Service Center. Everyone should plan on being at the meeting by 7am and stay until 9am if at all possible.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Why I Joined Rotary Since we haven't met for a couple of weeks due to the holidays, I thought we should ask some of our members "WHY THEY JOINED ROTARY.'' For my part and I don't want to overstate an old cliche, but for me it was to be a big part of the community with a strong effort of making a difference for everyone in the community. We have but one community to serve regardless of our age and to make it a better place to live is important to me. Reshal - I joined Rotary because our Club has a reputation for doing amazing local projects in addition to being very generous to the LSHS seniors for college and trade school bound scholarships. Don - I joined Rotary because I like to give my time as well as money locally. I also enjoy spending time with like-minded people in the community. Rotary is the ticket. Loren - I have always considered Rotary to be my guide for community service. To become a Rotarian was an early goal that I had. I admired those I knew who already had the honor and looked forward to someday being asked to join Rotary. For me, that happened in March,1967 and I never looked back. Today, my service is not as physical, but I have the ability to support Rotary projects with funds. Wow, Loren will celebrate 55 years in Rotary in March and still maintains a Perfect Record of Attendance for all of those 54+ years. Jim H. - I joined Rotary because my brother had joined the Everett Club a few years earlier. He talked about serving and all, but said he really enjoyed the programs, learning about what was happening locally, and that appealed to me a lot. That’s still an important part of Rotary for me but I also enjoyed getting to know all of the members and developing lifelong relationships. Service projects were fun and then I went to my first District Conference and learned the real purpose of Rotary and its vast reach in helping all areas of the world. That’s when I became a true Rotarian. Ken - In the 70's I was my school's representative to my hometown (Cashmere) Rotary Club. I really enjoyed that experience so when I was the Principal at LSHS, Randy Celori, who was then Chief of Police came and recruited me for the Club, I was excited to join, and it was past time. Plus, Randy had a gun and a badge, and you never say "no" to a person with a gun and a badge. Jim S. - I joined Rotary in 1982 and my first Club was the Sparks Rotary Club that met at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel/Casino in Sparks/Reno. Reno was my first civilian job out of active military duty and I was a director at St Mary’s Medical Center. The CEO at that time actually had a requirement that every member of his executive team be a member of a local service organization. So I went “shopping” and found Rotary to be an excellent fit with my personal values and goals. I have been a continuous member of RI ever since and Lake Stevens Rotary has been my favorite club (out of 4). I have been a member of Lake Stevens Rotary since 1992 and was president in 2000. Kyle - Why I joined Rotary Club is because I have always enjoyed helping others when they need it most. Rotary Club is the vehicle for which I can continue giving back and helping others. Rotary provided numerous volunteering opportunities to give back to the community I work. Building relationships among current membership and networking is a great way to learn from others. Learning from other members about their careers, interests, and experiences is invaluable that can last a lifetime. Lastly, a quote I read on Rotary's International website stated, "Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves" - Paul Harris was inspiring. Lance - I joined Rotary because I was invited at a time that I was looking for an opportunity to become more involved with my community. As I learned more about Rotary, I realized what a good fit it was with my own personal values. These are just some of the reasons that each of us has chosen to join Rotary. I joined Rotary in Longview, Washington and again when I moved to Baton Rouge, LA. When I returned to the West Coast after retiring, I found the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens to be as much a family organization as a Club with outstanding service. Both are important. e may be a small club, but we do mighty things in the Lake Stevens community, which makes me proud of our service to the community. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy New Year The members of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens want to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year! May you start off the new year with the wish for a wonderful 2022.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Inaugural Holiday Boat Parade   Inspired by Don Iverson, President Nominee, the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens launched its inaugural Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Stevens on December 23rd. Don says that a dozen decorated boats braved the rain, at first but dry and cold the rest of the way and turned out for the event that started at North Cove Park. Both rowing clubs participated as well as some private parties. The boat above was Don and Eve's highly decorated Christmas boat. Next year is in the planning stages for after Thanksgiving according to early reports. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Stay tuned. Your Rotary Club in action.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Holiday Parade is a GO Come join us on the Lake on December 23rd from 5pm-6:30pm |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens School District Replacement Levies Dr. Ken Collins, Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District and Past President of our Club, shared key facts with the Club on Friday, December 17th about the Lake Stevens School District Replacement Levies. Ken commented that we have a great school district. Both of his parents and many of his cousins are in education. If your community is strong so is your school district. Schools cannot survive without a strong school system. We have been fortunate to pass all our past levies. If people don’t vote, things don’t get done.   The Lake Stevens School District will ask voters to consider renewing two replacement levies-an Educational Program and Operations Levy and a Capital Technology Levy. The current levies, which voters approved in 2018, expire in 2022. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merry Christmas From the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens, wishing everyone a safe Holiday Season with family and friends.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Sponsors Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Stevens It's a GO! The first annual ROTARY CLUB HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE will be THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23rd from 5:00PM to 6:30PM starting from North Cove. We have 15 boat owners joining us and hope to have many more! As of now, winds are forecast to be very light with a minimal chance of rain. About the best we can hope for this time of the year. Here are our plans for those who can join us:
If you or a friend have a boat and want to participate, let us know. All aboard for a fun night on the Lake. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Inspirational Breakfast On January 17th, in lieu of our regular meeting, the Club has decided to forgo the meeting and many of us will be attending the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Inspirational Breakfast. If you are interested in attending, please let President Reshal Ploeger know as soon as possible. Tickets to the breakfast are $30.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taking Control of Your Life Our guest speaker on Friday, December 10th was Nick Salmon. His topic was Taking Control of Your Life. The goal he offers is to simplify your life. Nick's three areas of focus were on Success, Focus, Serve and Sustain. Achieving goals beyond our wildest dreams was a message he talked about in his presentation. Prior to joining us, Nick studied Rotary's Four Way Test. Talked about the size and scope of Rotary International. Nick is from the UK and was working for Boeing. A Boeing manager referred to the slow season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He started his presentation with his first theme: Success: What's a good definition of success? No universal rule because it depends on everyone's individual personality. Earl Nightingale offered the progressive realization of a worthy goal which was offered by Nick. It's the realization of a worthy goal. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else. An example of success mentioned by Nick was Michael Phelps and his enormous training sessions that brought him 28 Olympic medals. Focus: Reshal responded by talking about her White Board establishing her daily, weekly, and annual goals. Nick suggested that we get up every morning and establish our goals. What should you be focusing on during the holiday season? Serve: Covid put a damper on businesses, especially restaurants, so goals may have been compromised only to be changed under different rules. Some focused on serving as the best alternative while being open during this critical period. Sustain: Whatever you offer as a level of service you will get back what you reap you sow. If you do not provide the service, you will not sustain your business relationship with your customers. You must sustain what you are doing. Free workbook: www.nick-salmon.com/success. Books offered for sale were Unscramble Your Life - Success Journal and Unscramble Your Life. Amy Lewandowski recommended Nick as a potential speaker. He was delightful and full of energy with strong points for each of us to focus on daily.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Charitable Foundation Update  Jim Haugen, our esteemed Board member, and Chair of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Charitable Foundation gave his annual update on the Club's Foundation and Rotary International Foundation on Friday, December 3rd. Ever since Jim transferred to our Club in 2011, his emphasis has been to grow the RCLS Charitable Foundation, and he has done an amazing job accomplishing that task.  The growth of the Foundation is evidenced in the Loren Hole Endowment fund established n 2007 and it has grown beyond our wildest dreams, allowing our Club Foundation to accomplish our goals of service to the community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Foundation Celebrate Rotary Foundation Month on Giving Tuesday today when Rotary members around the world give small gifts to make a big impact. A $20 gift can help protect 6 children from the paralyzing threat of polio in Pakistan or Afghanistan. A $50 gift could provide chicks to nourish a family or start a small business in Africa. Share this Giving Tuesday.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YACO, YACO, YACO: I am here for you Dean Rocky Franz, 61 of Lake Stevens, Washington passed away on November 14, 2021. He was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. Dean was a member of our club, joining in June 2005. Rotarians from our Club, our District Governor and former District Governor, community leaders, family and friends paid their final respects to a member of our Club and our community on Saturday, November 28th at Elim Lutheran Church. One of the speakers used the word, "Yaco" in his comments about Dean. He explained that the West African word has a twofold meaning: "I am with you" and "I am here for you." There are few words to describe the loss of a friend, husband, father, and a son. We pay our respects to someone who has made a significant difference in each one of our lives. That boyish grin was his biggest asset and his way of greeting someone whether it was a friend or colleague and likewise for those he did not know but was meeting for the first time. Dean will be sadly missed and forever remembered for his actions and virtuous deeds. Please keep Debe, Derek, Christina and his parents, sister, and nephew in your hearts and in your minds as they go through this tremendous loss. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Work and Play-Rotarians in Action  Rotarians work hard and play hard. Work Night: Recently, collecting food for the Lake Stevens Food Bank spearheaded by Amy Lewandowski including a street clean up by Kristin Odeggard and two Interact Club officers. Several baskets of food were raised at Haggen Market. Street cleaning occurred along Market Street. Game Night: President Reshal Ploeger organized a Game Night at Meatheads Smokehouse in Lake Stevens. The Lewandowski family was there and took home the game prizes. Fun times were had by all who were there. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Hobbs Day at the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Senator Steve Hobbs, a club member is being sworn in as the new Secretary of State today. In honor of this awesome day, the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens has pronounced this Steve Hobbs Day.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Members Formally Installed  On Friday, November 19th during District Governor Bev Harrington's visit to our Club, she welcomed our two newest members and game them both their Membership Packets. What a great time to welcome these two new dynamic members to our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Thanksgiving From the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. Wishing everyone safe travels, and being with family.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Bev Harrington's Visit One of the highlights of any Rotary Club is an in-person visit by the District Governor. On Friday, November 19th, we were privileged to have District Governor Bev Harrington at our Club for our Regular. Assistant District Governor Duane Rhodes introduced the Governor. Bev Harrington was born in San Mateo, California living in the same house until she left for college. Bev was an exchange student in Austria and attended the University of California, Berkeley until marrying and starting a family. Bev and her husband Dick live in Burlington. She joined Rotary in 2005 and was attracted to the organization because of our motto, Service above Self. She is a member of the Paul Harris Society and a Major Donor of the Rotary Foundation. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dean Franz Dean Franz, a strong Rotarian and community spirited friend passed away on Sunday, November 14th after heart surgery the previous Tuesday. Shock can best describe the feelings we all are experiencing over the news of his passing. Dean was deeply involved in the past as the Chair of the Vocational Services Committee. His efforts each year to ensure that our Club Foundation had funds for scholarships for graduating Lake Stevens High School Seniors. Although he decided to let someone else lead the Vocational Services Committee, he helped mentor the new chairperson.  2012 Board Installation by PDG Jane Helten with Dean on the far left Dean enjoyed being a photographer and was a seasoned financial whiz for our investment club composed mostly of Rotarians. Dean relished time with his family and friends. We will miss his infectious smile which was the center peace and a big part of his demeanor.  2012 Scholarship Presentations with Club President Debe Franz (l) and Scholarship Program Chair Dean Franz (r)  Dean (r) receiving a PHF pin from PDG Sean Hogan in April 2012 Dean has been a Rotarian since June 2005 and was a Civil Engineer with Parsons. Please keep Debe, Derek and Christina in your prayers as they go through their grieving. Dean was special and should be remembered for all that he meant to all of us in Rotary and Lake Stevens.  May 2015 Clean Up at North Cove Park in downtown Lake Stevens with many Club Members. Dean is second from right. There will be a Funeral Service on Saturday, November 27, 2021, 10:30 am at Elim Lutheran Church in Lake Stevens. A reception and meal will follow.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Veteran's Share Their Military Experiences Three Veterans of our Club shared their military experiences with our members on Friday, November 12th. From left to right: Loren Hole, Jim Steinruck and Senator Steve Hobbs in honor of the Veterans Day observance. Loren Hole, our 96-year-old active Club Member served in the Coast Guard during WWII. One of the few new members in the Coast Guard who knew Morse Code. Loren enjoyed the 12 am to 4 am shift because he got to sleep in in the morning. Served on one ship until the WWII ended in August 1945. Loren served on the USS Amethyst which was built in 1933 as the Samona II yacht by Craig Shipyards in Long Beach, California. The Coast Guard acquired the ship in November 1940. On the table was Loren's military uniform. A photo of the USS Amethyst is below.  Steinruck, was in the ROTC at Eastern Washington State College (now University) graduated and was commissioned a 2nd LT in 1974. Jim served in the military retiring in 1995 after 21 years of service. The funniest story was parachute training in 1974 because he was deadly afraid of heights and the first jump was the worst he had ever seen. The third jump was good. Senator Steve Hobbs will be sworn in on November 22nd as the new Secretary of State. replacing Kim Wyman, who leaves for a position in the Biden Administration. Steve has been the Chair of the powerful Senate Transportation Committee. Steve is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington Army National Guard. Steve wanted to join the army when he was a mere 17. Mother declined but his father who was in a messy divorce with his mother approved, and he was off to the beginning of his military service. Steve proudly served in Kosovo and Iraq. Steve received his Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington Evans School in 1994.  To keep the vote count, correct as the new Secretary of State, our President Reshal presented Steve with an Abacus which is a counting frame and can be used as a calculating tool.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Historical Museum  Our guest speaker on Friday, November 5th was Cyndi Fraser representing the Lake Stevens Historical Museum. The Museum is trying to preserve the history of Lake Stevens. Collecting stories about Lake Stevens is important to the Museum. In 1957, stories from old time residents were collected including the book by Jim Mitchell. Sources from residents such as photo albums, newspaper clipping were just as important. Once the local newspaper closed in Lake Stevens, it has been challenging maintaining a continuing story of Lake Stevens.   Photos from 1923 of a family riding a canoe in North Cove Park and the Sailboat races were important pictures provided by Cyndi during her presentation. A Lake Calendar is published each year as a source of revenue and income for the Museum. The original name of Lake Stevens was Stevens Lake in honor of our first Governor in 1893. Early Lake Stevens listed over 13 different resorts.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aquaponics Project    Our guest speaker on Friday, October 29th was President Nominee Don Iverson talking about his Aquaponics Project which is a circulating water system where inexpensive fish food is all that is needed for growing fish as well as fruits and vegetables. Aquaponics is similar to hydronics but without the need for manufactured plant nutrients and frequent water replacements. Here are a series of slides that describes his amazing project. above. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Burkhead Art Center Melinda Burkhead of the Burkhead Art Center was our guest speaker on Friday, October 22nd. Melinda grew up in the area graduating from high school in Marysville and going to the University of Washington. Drawing on her passion for the arts, Melinda completed her MFA in Sculpture at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2009. She has worked in a variety of mediums including drawing, clay, wire, mixed media, metal and bronze. In 2019, Melinda moved back to the Pacific Northwest to follow a life-long goal of opening an art center and sculpture garden. She found the perfect serene property in Snohomish and the Burkhead Art Center was born. Recently members of our Club were there creating beautiful bowls for the Lake Stevens Food Bank "Empty Bowls" in early November. More in the next story.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1st & 3rd Rotarians in Action update Kyle Strand reports that the 1st & 3rd Rotarians in Action group had a successful first community service event at North Lakeshore Swim Beach Park this past Tuesday, October 19th. The weather was perfect with some clear blue skies. We worked hard from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm with very little daylight remaining. However, we did get to see a little bit of a "Moonrise" as Amy called it. We focused our attention on pulling a lot of weeds throughout the area, to include raking the area of debris. We were not able to get to the one of our action items, laying down and adding sand. This will happen in the spring.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fall Harvest  Another Saturday, sharing a booth at the Harvest Market between our Rotary Club and the Lake Stevens Arts and Parks Foundation. Recognition, hard work, enjoying the wonderful fall day with one another talking about our Rotary projects while handing out Halloween candy to young kids accompanied by their parents.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Empty Bowls Creations    Recently, 13 Lake Stevens Rotarians and friends gathered at Burkhead Art Center to create these beautiful bowls for the Lake Stevens Food Bank "Empty Bowls" event on November 6th from 4-8pm at the Mill in downtown Lake Stevens
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1st & 3rd Rotarians in Action.jpg)
Rotarians in Action met this past Tuesday and put forth a Community Project idea plan that includes the following:
Kyle reported that Amy gave a classification talk this past Friday morning and Chris Martin is scheduled for October 15th. Club business discussed at the meeting included: utilizing ClubRunner to send out meeting invites to our Tuesday evening meetings; Create social media events inviting people to join. The next meeting is on Tuesday, October 19th at 5:30 pm at possibly North Shore Swimming Beach-pulling garden weeds and spreading sand. Kyle says to be sure to dress for the weather conditions and bring gloves. The Tuesday evening meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary "Citizen of the Year" Congratulations to Christine for being named the Rotary Citizen of the Year. Christine has been so deeply involved in the community, as a volunteer, a leader and a go-to-person when you need help or some really good advice.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks and Kegs The Irish Brothers testing the Viking waters as the Silent and Live Auction occurred on Friday evening, September 24th from 6 - 9 pm. The auction was light-hearted, fun, full of surprises and building our funds for community projects. Too early to provide the financial details, but we all had a great time showcasing Rotary and silent and live auction baskets. The Coin Quest drawing was mid-evening and Violet, Queen of AquaFest pictured in another story, did a fantastic job. There are so many people to thank, starting with our sponsors, our Club members and our guest participants. Everyone who made a purchase, please enjoy your basket.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks, Kegs and Coin Quest Violet, Queen of AquaFest 2021 pulled coins from the gigantic treasure chest selecting the winners of the $1,000 Grand Prize and the winners of $500. $250 and three $100 winners under the watchful eye of Vikings Chris and Don. The drawing was part of the Corks, Kegs and Coin multi-fundraiser on Friday, September 24th from 6 - 9 pm at the Lake Stevens Senior Center. Winning tickets holders will be announced soon.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue update Our guest speaker on Friday, September 24th was Kevin O'Brien, Club Member and Chief of the Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue to update our members on his organization. In 2019, voters approved a merger between the Lake Stevens Fire and Snohomish County Fire District 7. Today, SRFR serves 175,000 residents in the cities of Lake Stevens, Mill Creek and Monroe as well as in unincorporated southeast Snohomish County (Clearview, Maltby, Echo Lake). SRFR provides emergency services to the City of Mill Creek through a temporary contract. SRFR responds to over 17,000 calls per year with highly trained personnel and state of the art rescue programs. To maintain this level of service, the Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue is asking voters to a approve a one-year fire levy lid lift of $0.23 per $1,000 assessed property value. The November 2nd General Election Ballot Measure, Prop 1 will return the fire levy from $1.27 to $1.50 per $1,000. This levy lid lift is required by state law and is the way that fire districts revenues are raised in the state. The last time voters approved a fire levy lid left was in 2017. Call volumes have increased by 10.2% compared to the same time last year. Inflation is another factor affecting the operation which is 6.3% making cost higher to respond to emergency calls and maintain operations. Levy revenue is not keeping up with the demand for and the cost to provide emergency services.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County Our guest speaker for Friday, September 17th was Joy Ingram, the Major Donor Collector for Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County. Joy has worked in the non-profit field for the past twenty-five years. Many of those years have been with the DVS organization. She commented that in a conversation with a Chief of Police, that domestic violence in his city was up over 3,000%. Nationally, Covid-19 confinement has caused a terrific rise in domestic violence. Joy is working with the communities to highlight their programs and services as a means of combating and bringing awareness to domestic violence. Four families currently are in residence at the Shelter. They did have to close for a period during the pandemic.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coin Quest Sales  Coin Quest ticket sales at Jay's with Chris and Chris and at Haggen's with Amelia (Auntie), Jak and Chris. Ace, Haggen's and Jay's allowed us to sell tickets in front of their establishments this week as a way of bolstering and increasing our visibility selling tickets and talking about our Rotary Club participating in the community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WSDOT Update  Our guest speakers at our September 10th meeting were from Washington State Department of Transportation giving an update on the SR 9 and SR 204 Interchange Project. Steve Herkowitz, Project Design Communications and Emma Dorazio, PDR with Tes Abraha, Assistant Project Engineer and Kenny Ezeokeke, Project Manager spoke to our Club about the upcoming improvements to SR 9 and SR 204 intersection. Tes Abraha started with a Project recap. The process started in 2016. The Project needs statement included that the intersection of SR 9 and SR 204 is the economic center of Lake Stevens. The improvements will shorten travel times for peak hour commuters and commercial drivers headed north of Lake Stevens using eastbound SR 204 to northbound SR 9. Another feature is to improve access and maintain visibility to local businesses. And decrease the serious crash rates at the intersection. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians in Action  Rotarians in Action, the Tuesday evening gathering, launched their inaugural meeting on Tuesday, September 7th with two potential members attending the Taco Tuesday meeting. The meetings will be on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. Their first project will be on October 9th with more information to follow. The next meeting is on Tuesday, September 21st at 5:30 pm. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mt. Pilchuck Elementary School Our guest this past Friday was Malissa Weatherbie, Principal at Mt. Pilchuck Elementary School in Lake Stevens. Malissa was our guest talking about the playgrounds needs of Mt. Pilchuck Elementary School and the Special Needs program at the school and in the District.. The current playground is 12 years old. Accessibility is important especially for children with disabilities. Currently the school is lacking a successful surface for children with disabilities and a need for a playground that is accessible for all children. She acknowledged the new surface at North Cove park can be used by children with special needs including children in wheelchairs.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Honoring Loren   Loren Hole has been in Rotary for 54 years. During that time, Loren has had perfect attendance. On Friday, September 3rd, the day prior to his 96th birthday, Loren did what he does every year on his birthday. He contributes funds each birthday to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Charitable Foundation. Loren was given a Rotary pin with the #54 on it for his perfect attendance.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians In Action - We are starting a Lake Stevens Rotary group focused on service and making Lake Stevens a better place to be. If you have great service project ideas or just want to make a difference by getting involved, this group is for you! Our first meeting:  TACO TUESDAYSeptember 7th 5:30-6:30 Brian Rewis’ Farmer's Insurance Office 2012 Grade Road, Suite 203 RSVP is helpful so we have enough tacos  but not requiredText  425.308.7297All are welcome • Serve alongside your kids during service projects • Meet your neighbors • Make new friends! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Food Bank Building Campaign   Our Guest speaker on Friday, August 27th, was Doug Warren, President of the Lake Stevens Food Bank talking about the organization's Building Campaign. Many of us in the audience have been involved in the Building Committee and the Food Bank. Doug got involved in the Building Committee around 12-15 years ago. At the time, the Food Bank had just acquired property on the south side of the parking lot at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. A couple of issues surfaced including the lack of parking space and the cost to build on that site. The Food Bank could only serve once a week. After a long time, Doug set down with Mayor John Spencer and Patrick McCourt about four years ago. A theme was developed around collaboration with the community. Family Services had just pulled out of Lake Stevens. The Lake Stevens Food Bank serves the same community. What if we could build a building that would be in collaboration with organizations providing similar services to the Family Services Center? They started looking at parcels of land in Lake Stevens three to four years ago. The land that they looked at was overvalued. Some of those properties are still available for sale. The Food Bank eventually acquired land through generous land donation east of Trestle Station on 20th Street SE. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks, Kegs & Coins Fundraiser Tickets are now available from any Rotary Club of Lake Stevens member. This is our largest fundraiser of the year with funds going to local high school senior scholarships, local parks, street and road clean up and so much more. Join us and buy a ticket now.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In and Around the City Our guest speaker last Friday was Lake Stevens City Councilman Kim Daughtry talking about what's happening in the City and share his views of where we're headed. Kim started off talking about the Youth Advisory Council which is reported below. The downtown core area is undergoing a massive change, Hwy. 9 south of Market Place lane improvements are underway, which is Phase 2 and Soper Hill and Hwy 9 project is underway with many unknowns. Senator Steve Hobbs took a break from his Military Training School to provide input on the Hwy 9 and 204 project. Steve has been a long time member of our Club. The Soper Hill project will include a 55+ age complex but AM/PM is denying they are going to build a Convenience Store and car wash on the south side of Soper Hill. No idea what is going on the southside of the property. Update may come at the Council retreat. Parks are really important to the City and they are looking for more parks, BMX biking and Pump Track, Power Line Trail, Frontier Heights renovation is underway. Youth Advisory Council has been established in Lake Stevens. For the past ten years, Kim has been working on getting a Youth Advisory Council. Councilman Steve Ewing brought the program to the city. The young group is awesome. The Youth Advisory Council wanted to be a council and is off and running. They will be coming to the City Council with some recommendations in the near future. Projects included weeding on 91st Street and helping at the Food Bank. The group isn't shy about asking how individual members voted on topics during the past year. Councilman Shawn Fredericks, a Club member shared his views on the group. The Youth Advisory Council sends a couple of members to each City Council meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retirement Party Chief John Dyer and his wife Peggy were honored at an Open House Reception on Wednesday, August 18 at the Lake Stevens Police Training Center. After 37 years of faithful and dedicated service with the past four in Lake Stevens, our good friend and fellow Rotarian is retiring to their new home north of Mt. Vernon. There were numerous guests from our Club to the Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue to fellow area Chief's honoring a wonderful chief with special tribute to his wife Peggy. Chief, you and Peggy will be missed in our community. Congratulations and Happy Retirement! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians in Action - Alternative Meetings Rotarians in Action is the motto of Club members who will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at Brian Rewis's Farmers Insurance Office at 2012 Grade Road, Suite 203, Lake Stevens. The meetings will start promptly at 5:30 pm. Taco Tuesday is the theme of the first meeting on Tuesday, September 7th and again on September 21st. We have numerous members in education and other professions that are having a difficult time attending our regular Friday morning meetings. We started looking at forming a Satellite Club but our team decided to add two evening meetings instead. The one hour evening meetings will be social in nature, project orientated and a fun meeting, hearing what our Club is doing and most important is being involved in Rotary and the community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish PUD-Community Solar & Arlington Microgrid Our guests on Friday, August 13th were Suzy Oversvee and Laura Zorack from Snohomish PUD discussing the Community Solar and Arlington Microgrid programs. A few facts about the Snohomish County PUD: The public utility provides power to over 350,000 customers in Snohomish County and Camano Island. The utility is the second largest publicly owned utility in the Pacific Northwest and the 12th largest in the United States. It is a national leader in carbon free energy. The Arlington Microgrid is a small generating grid. Its basically a big generator for the community along with energy storage. They have the ability to island the grid in case of any disasters. They can get an operation up and running without going to the BPA for help.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summer Martini PartyPlease Join us for a Summer Martini Party Sit on our patio or on the dock overlooking Lake Stevens, listen to live music, enjoy the entertainment, talk to new friends or simply soak up the warm sun as you sip an exotic martini and feast on delicious food $50 (all proceeds go to the Rotary Club of Seattle Northeast) Saturday August 28 6:00 to 10:00 pm 11509 N Lakeshore Drive Lake Stevens, WA 98258 Rsvp to Bob or Ann Howe at annmhowe@comcast.net Bob-425-614-8309 Ann-425-614-8552 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special PHF Presentation Past President Ken Collins presenting Kristin Odeggard with a Paul Harris Award and Distinguished Service Award for the 2020-2021 period. Kristin was unable to be at our June 26th Installation Banquet. Kristin is a member of our club and does an awesome job as Advisor to our Lake Stevens High School Interact Club. Congratulations Kristin. Well deserved. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bridge Receiving-One Year Ago One Year Ago Today... One year ago today, we opened our doors to the first children to ever come to Bridge Receiving Center... two sisters who needed a safe place to stay. Since then we have opened our door to a total of 59 children in all...with many more still to come. It has been an amazingly beautiful and challenging year as we have cared for children coping with some of the worst that life can offer them. Children whose worlds have been torn apart and need to have a safe place to land, who need a team around them that understands how volatile and upset they can feel, how much they are hurting. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heilon Fushion/Enabling Our guest speaker this past week was Jessie Barton, Communications Lead for Redmond-based Helion Fusion/Enabling. A truly timely discussion since the company just broke ground on a new facility in Everett on 75th Street which is classed as the holy grail of energy. Clean-zero carbon with no long-lived waste to deal with and is a reliable-24/7 power generation. The fuel comes from the deuterium found in water. Helion has been doing fusion since 2020. The company was founded in 2013. Raised more than $75 million in funding. Privately funded by 58 employees. Now double in size employment wise. Helion Fusion/Enabling is expanding from their Redmond base to Everett in the foreseeable future. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Membership Month It's never too late to invite a prospective member to our Rotary Club meetings. There is a lot of exciting activities in Membership according to Ron Rasmussen, Chair of our Membership Committee. A committee is working on forming a Satellite Club that will meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays in the evenings. Our booth at the Farmers Market has produced interest in our Club. We have four candidates that have expressed interesting in our Club besides the prospects from the Farmers Market- Think Big. Bring a friend and share the benefits of belong to our Rotary Club. Rotarians of Action. So, we carry the August theme as we go forward looking to our future members and leaders.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Cascades Institute Our guest speaker Friday, July 30th was Catherine Endicott, Donor Relations Manager at the North Cascade Institute. The Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Catherine has lived all over the United States and Cameroon and decided in 2003 to make Seattle her permanent home. To help us get started with today's program, Catherine asked a trivia questions: true or false, the North Cascades National Parks has more glaciers than Glacier National Park? TRUE. The North Cascades has 519 glaciers covering over 90 square miles between Snoqualmie Pass and the Canadian border. The North Cascades contains the most glaciers in the lower 48 states. The North Cascades Environmental Center is located on the shores of Diablo Lake. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
License to Parent  A very interesting and intriguing program this past Friday as Christina and Ryan Hillsberg talk about their book, License to Parent drawing on their careers in the CIA. How their careers as former CIA intelligence officers, now in the private sector took their CIA training to raise their five children. Both spoke of their careers in the CIA and how they met on a field tour, married and used their CIA training to help raise their children in a way that would make them aware of their surroundings when out in public or even at home. Operations Officers/Intelligence Officer best describes Ryan's job in the CIA. Ryan speaks French, Danish and Portuguese and spent most of his time in Europe. Christina was assigned to Africa based on her studies in Linguistics, Swahili and African Studies. Her initial interview was with the Peace Corps and the CIA. She started as a Intelligence Analysis and when on to the Operations side of the CIA where she met Ryan. They talked about numerous scenarios involving their early careers with the CIA. One example was the term "Get off the X" is something that they teach at the CIA Farm. X = danger. Very interesting book. If you want more information use the link below: https://youtu.be/F3Qzl0THn94 or go to our YouTube page to view the meeting and the speakers.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Light Up Lake Stevens  Just a few scenes from our Viking crew during the Boat Parade on Saturday, July 24th as a way of highlighting Lake Stevens. This event is likely to become an annual event perhaps at AquaFest which was canceled this year due to Covid19.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unleashing the Vikings  President Reshal unveils the Viking attire as we release the sale of tickets for our Coins Quest fundraiser which is part of the Corks, Kegs and Coins fundraiser on Friday, September 24th at the Mill in downtown Lake Stevens. Our Viking Rotary Raiders will be at North Cove Park Farmer's Market selling tickets. The tickets go for $5 for 1 ticket or $20 for 5. There are 7 different cash prizes including the $1,000 Grand Prize. This year the drawing will be held at our Corks, Kegs, and Coins event in September. You don’t need to be present to win, but it’s always a great time. You do have to be 18 or older to participate in the raffle. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Another Medium of Misinformation Video This weeks program was a video of Jevin West, Director, Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington as well as an Associated Professor talking about the medium of misinformation. The video has been edited to conform to our meeting timeframe. The video emphasizes how the media in general distorts the news while still being accurate it is misleading. On June 23, Center for an Informed Public director Jevin West, an associate professor in the University of Washington Information School, participated in the 2021 American Library Association annual meeting for a virtual Meet the Author event where he discussed the work of the CIP and Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World, the August 2020 book he co-authored with UW Department of Biology professor and CIP faculty member Carl Bergstrom. He talked about Hanlon's razor: Never ascribe to malice what can be adequately explained by incompetence. Never ascribe to incompetence what could be an understandable mistake. Data can be manipulated and misinformation can travel through data and be represented. Another example was the Art of Skepticism in a Data-Drive World. What is BS. West describes BS which involves language, statistical figures, data graphics, and other forms of presentation intended to impress, overwhelm or persuade-presented with blatant disregard for truth, logical coherence or what information is actually being conveyed. There was so much information to absorb that you can go to the following meeting link to view the video: https://youtu.be/XAKGEweGycM or go to our club's YouTube page. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LGBTQIA+Community, Etiquette and Respectful Language This past week's presentation was Hannah Meier who gave us an introduction to LGBTQ+ inclusive language. Hannah is a speech language pathologist with Sherwood Community Service. Hannah is a Commissioner on the City of Mountlake Terrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission and brings ten years of experience. Hannah is going to discuss terminology regarding the LBGTQIA+ Community which involves 4 main categories. The 4 Main Categories are Sex assignment at birth (AFAB/AMAB); gender identity; gender expression and sexual orientation. All of these are different categories. One of the examples she discussed was Genderbread Person. Sexual assignment is generally based on your physical characteristics or chromosomes. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy and Safe 4th of July |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Awards for 2020-2021 President Ken Collins announced that this year's Rotarian of the Year is Ilene Levering. As chairperson of the Community Services Committee, her inspirational messages before each meeting and for her outstanding work on projects and other activities for the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens for 2020-2021. Congratulations Ilene! Other awards winners for 2020-2021 announced by President Ken are:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Installation Banquet  First there was the story to recapping the year 2020-2021. Well attended Zoom meetings, a highly successful Corks and Kegs fundraiser, rising membership, great programming, exciting community activities such as funds for the Highland Elementary new all-inclusive playground and so much more. The Club awarded $22,000 in scholarships to nine high school seniors and finally our first in-person meeting on May 21st. Ken put this all in context as he extolled the huge benefits for 2020-2021. Then, came the exchange of the gavel and new leadership as Reshal Ploeger becomes the new Club President on July 1st!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Banquet Entertainment  The three amigos sing the theme to Gillian's Island as part of the hysterical rendition by Kevin O'Brien, Dave Johnson and Ken Collins. Ken's term of office ends on June 30th. It's been a really different Rotary year as most of the meetings were on Zoom until May 21st when we went hybrid. As far as the entertainment goes they needed lots of audience participation. The Annual meeting was both entertaining and welcome as an in-person annual meeting with members and many with their spouses.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A New Adventure Starts July 1st A new year is about to begin. On Saturday, June 26th, we will install new Board Officers and Directors during the Annual Installation Banquet at the Lake Stevens Senior Center. The program starts at 5:30 pm and will end approximately at 8:00 pm. RSVP attendance and food selection by Tuesday, June 22nd. Old Board New Board Officers President Ken Collins Reshal Ploeger Past President Laurie Westover Ken Collins President-Elect Reshal Ploeger Chris Vallo President-Nominee Don Iverson Treasurer Chris Vallo Laurie Westover Secretary Gary O'Rielly Gary O'Rielly Directors Club Service Keith Partington Keith Partington Community Service Ilene Levering Brian Rewis International Service Tracy DeLorm Tracy DeLorm Vocational Service Lance Morehouse Lance Morehouse Membership Ron Rasmussen Ron Rasmussen Vice Chairperson Ilene Levering There will be no Club meeting on Friday, June 25th or Friday, July 2nd because of the 4th of July Holiday. Anyone wanting to show up at the Buzz Inn on July 2nd for our informal get together is welcome. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sherwood Community Services-Donation During his last official regular Club meeting, President Ken Collins gives Ilene Levering and Lance Morehouse, Sherwood CEO a $2,000 check to Sherwood Community Services for the awesome work they do with children and adults with special needs.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact Receives Unity Award PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center recently recognized Lake Stevens High School Interact Club for their contributions to addressing and preventing bullying at the 7th Annual Unity Awards. LSHS Interact Club received the Together Against Bullying Award for the work they have done to prevent bullying in their community. During National Bullying Prevention Month (October), they made orange ribbons for all students and shared weekly newsletters with bullying facts, resources, and challenges. They continued their efforts throughout the school year and participated in PACER’s virtual Run, Walk, Roll in April, completing over 500 miles. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
You Never Know "Who" Might be in the Audience Dave Duskin, past Assistant District Governor and Member of the Rotary Club of Arlington joined us on Friday, June 18th hawking tickets for the Arlington Club's annual Duck Dash fundraiser. The Duck Dash will occur on Sunday, July 4th at Haller Park in Arlington.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retiring Superintendent Dr. Amy Beth Cook Our very Special Guest on Friday, June 18th was Dr. Amy Beth Cook, who will retire at the end of the month after a 39 year career in education including 10 years as Superintendent. All of that time was with the Lake Stevens School District. Dr. Cook updated our members on the fabulous changes occurring during the past ten years. It can be said without reservation that Dr. Cook led with her heart and put our children first in all things. Leadership has been her strength and the relationships she has built over all of these years are memorable. Dr. Cook began her presentation acknowledging that it was all about the team, not her. Dr. Cook started as the Superintendent in 2011. When she became Superintendent the enrollment was 7,923 with 843 employees and 600 desktop computers in labs for student access. There was Lake Stevens High School, Cavelero Mid High School, two Middle Schools, six Elementary Schools, the Early Learning Center, the Transitions Program and the Homelink Program. In 2021 enrollment is 9,185, employing 1,228 and 8,299 Chromebooks checked out to individual students, K-12. In addition to all of the schools already listed there is now another Elementary School and a brand new Early Learning Center replacing the very outdated one at the Hillcrest Elementary campus. This allowed Hillcrest to expand since there are hundreds of new children moving into the southwest area of Lake Stevens |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Father's DayHappy Fathers' Day to all our Dads
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact Awards & Road Clean Up Project  Interact Club members and Rotarians joining together for a Road Clean up in the downtown area. The group gathered at the Boys and Girls Club parking lot. Prior to venturing out to clean up the roads, Jim Haugen and Gary O'Rielly gave Kristin Odegaard, Club Member and Interact Advisor $25 gift cards to be given to the Interact Club members who were so awesome this year under extreme circumstances. Plus, the Interact Club members wore their Unity Awards from Pacer. Great time with these young leaders and congratulations on a highly successful year. Thanks Kristin for providing support and being an outstanding advisor to these young Lake Stevens High School students. You are awesome!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050-Youth Exchange Program Committee Our guest speaker on Friday, June 11th was Felicity Dye, District 5050 Youth Exchange Program Committee Chair. For the past 18 months the program has been on hold. It is about to be re-launched! Felicity joined us by Zoom to give us an update and overview of the program. Felicity is a member of the Rotary Club of Bellingham and has been involved in the Youth Exchange Program since 2014. She commented that Greg Startup from the Monroe Club was in the audience and was the former chair of the program. Youth Exchange is a program that engages students from ages 15-19. There are two levels of exchange. The first one is the long-term exchange which is a one year commitment where you send out one student and receive a foreign student. The second is a short term program of 4-6 weeks over the summer which is a family to family exchange matching students from a Club to someone in a foreign country. The program comes under the umbrella of International and Youth Services. Really want to instill understanding and goodwill internationally. Students return to their countries with a better understanding of our country. Amazing to see the development of these students when they return home. Hosting a student from our area. They should be embraced because when they return, they are energized and potential future Rotarians.   Youth Exchange options are a little difficult to read, but it gives you an idea of the program. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bridge Receiving Our guest speaker on Friday, June 6th was Tracy Rubstello, Development Director, Bridge Receiving Center. Tracy has spoke to our Club in the past and was updating our Club on the latest activities at the Center. Tracy's father was a long time Rotarian in the downtown Seattle Club. Bridge Receiving Center is a healing start for children entering foster care. The problem is when a child is picked up for abuse or other unfortunate reasons they need a safe place to transition to foster care. A child's first encounter with foster care is often traumatic and confusing. Bridge Receiving is a new concept established in Lake Stevens that could be installed around the State of Washington and around the United States. Bridge Receiving is the first of its kind in the United States. Some of the critical information regarding children and foster care are on average 35 children are being removed from their home every month. They are a 30 day receiving center for children ages 4-12 years old (and their siblings, age 13-17) who are entering foster care for the first time and need a safe, healing place to land. Located on the edge of Cedar Springs Camp in Lake Stevens. This trauma informed program has been intentionally designed to meet the therapeutic needs of children in crisis while providing fun, recreational activities that allow them to still be children. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Farmer's Market Sam Samano and Laurie Westover manning the Rotary Booth at the opening of the Lake Stevens Farmer's Market. Water was a popular free hand-out and Laurie reports that their were three membership inquiries. The Club is co-hosting the site alternating every other week with the Lake Stevens Arts and Parks Commission. If you haven't signed up to help, contact Ilene immediately. We will be back at the Farmer's Market on Wednesday, June 16th from 3 pm-7 pm. We need two people for set up each time, two to man the booth from 3-5 pm and two for the 5 pm-7 pm + close shift. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scholarships 2020-2021
Each year, our Scholarship Program is administered through the Vocational Services Committee and is the highlight of our Rotary year and this year was just another example of how important it is to provide these incredible seniors from Lake Stevens High School with scholarships. We presented the scholarships at our hybrid meeting last week. Recipients and their families joined us online while the Vocational Committee was at our meeting location. The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is a little Club that gives big! Our Club is rather small in size with 47 members and we were able to provide $22,000 in scholarships funds to nine amazing students headed off to Universities, Colleges and Trade Schools. Applicants were judged based on leadership within their school, providing service to others in our community, an essay addressing the Rotary Four Way Test, academics and successful participation throughout our interview process. We are proud to have the ability to provide these scholarships in this difficult time thanks to the support of the Lake Stevens community. We know these students will be successful in whatever endeavor they pursue and the Rotary Club is happy to participate in their success. We hope that through this experience, the students learned a little more about Rotary and they consider membership in the future. Congratulations to all of the graduates!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Members Update Three of our newest members were given their Membership Packets and badges by President Ken Collins and Membership Chair Ron Rasmussen at our first in-person meeting in well over a year. From left, Ron Rasmussen, Ken Collins, Connor Davis, Kyle Strand and Brian Rewis. It was so good to be back in-person. Those unable to join us used Zoom link to view the whole meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lorrie Roe - FunkO  Our very special guest speaker on Friday, May 21st was Lorrie Roe with the Funko Marketing department. Funko started in a garage in 1998 in Snohomish by Mike and Claudia Becker. Funko is an American company that manufacturers licensed pop culture collectibles, best known for its licensed vinyl figurines and bobbleheads. Although Mike Becker sold Funko, he is still involved in the business. The international headquarters for Funko is at California Street and Wetmore Avenue in downtown Everett in the old Bon Marche' department store. The campus is composed of the financial operations and a retail operation encompassing 17,000 sq. ft. Once in the retail store, you can be lost in the giant Bat Mobile. A second retail store has opened in Hollywood, California with 40,000 sq. ft. of space. Statues and movie sets are part of the atmosphere in the Hollywood retail store. FunkO has the most licenses in the world at around 1,100 licenses. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 On May 21st, the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens opted to use a hybrid model Rotary meeting where some members were in-person and others joined virtually via a real-time Zoom conference link. President Ken Collins' term as President has been on Zoom for the past year until this past Friday's meeting. Everyone was eager to see one another. Social distancing and masks were part of the in-person meeting. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Conservation District Our featured speaker on Friday, May 14th was Linda Lyshall, PhD, the Executive Director of the Snohomish County Conservation District. Linda is a forward-thinking leader with 15 years experience facilitating the development, assessment and execution of natural resource strategic plans and programs. Were you aware of the 80 year existence of the Snohomish County Conservation District? The District has been working with farmers, city residents, rural and suburban landowners on a voluntary basis since 1941. Currently their offices are located in Lake Stevens with a staff of 30. The District is looking for new property to purchase in Lake Stevens for their office. There are currently 45 conservation districts in Washington State. Conservation Districts are responsible with local implementation of conservation practices, both urban and rural. The District is a political subdivision of state government with no regulatory authority. The District operates with a staff ranging from engineers, resource planners, community conservation staff, restoration specialists, a field crew, outreach specialists and administrative staff. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Providence Hospice Care of Snohomish County Our guest speakers last Friday were Dr. Jim Congdon and Mark Johnson, Executive Director of Providence Hospice Care of Snohomish County. Mark is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Lynnwood. What is Hospice? Hospice Care is defined as supportive care in the final phase of a terminal illness when a cure is not possible. Holistic care addresses, physical, emotional and spiritual concerns, seeing death as a natural process. The philosophy of hospice is to provide support for the patients emotional, social and spiritual needs as well as medical symptoms to treat the whole person. Ninety-nine percent of hospice care is in the patients home. The Hospice Care Center opened in 2016 after a $5 million dollar building campaign. The hospice movement was started by two women: Dr. Cicely Saunders (England) and Florence Wold (US). There are 350 member agencies in over 100 countries. In 2018 there were 4,600 hospice agencies serving 1.5 million patients in the United States. There are only three hospice providers in Snohomish County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescues Launches Community Survey Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue has launched a Community Survey and are inviting residents to make their voices heard. They are a growing fire and emergency service district that now serves over 175,000 residents. The fire district is committed to engaging the community in order to serve them better and incorporate their needs into future planning efforts. They are wanting to gain input on the following:
Residents living within Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue's jurisdiction can complete the survey on-line. The survey should take about 10 minutes and all answers are confidential. Only the 3rd party research provider will see resident's individual responses. The community survey is open from May 4, 2021 to May 16, 2021. Residents can access the survey using the following link: Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue Community Survey. For more information, you can reach Heather Chadwick, Public Information Officer, at Hchadwick@snofire7.org or at 425-245-2662 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Youth Service Month Rotary International May's Theme is Youth Service Month. Our Club sponsors the Interact Club at Lake Stevens High School and support their activities. Four members of the Interact Club leadership are participated in the Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL) virtual program--AIM--for the past few weeks. Other activities involving Interact Club members is the street clean up project. This month our Vocational Services Committee interviewed high school college bound seniors and vocational candidates for scholarships. Although we are a small Club, we are able to provide $22,000 in scholarships this year and in the past.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk by Brian Rewis The program this past week included new member Brian Rewis, Farmers Insurance Agency owner, giving his Classification Talk. Brian is a native Texan and dislikes talking about himself. He moved to the area in 2016 looking for cooler weather. Brian met his wife, Cassie, in a pool hall 24 years ago and hit it off immediately. They have two children. The oldest son is 20 and is just finishing Boot Camp. The second son is 18 years old. Brian has always enjoyed volunteering especially with his church and sports coaching his sons' in baseball and soccer. Brian and Cassie enjoy getting to know their friends. Prior to getting into the insurance field, Brian was shucking oysters. When he met Cassie, her father was an adjustor who always talked about his field of work. So, Brian entered the field as an adjustor. It really started when his father-in-law would share so many stories about his various adjusting activities. Started in the agency as an agency producer. Since moving to the area, Brian became an Agency-Owner in August 2020. When they decided to leave the hot humid climate of Texas, they loaded all three vehicles and headed for Snohomish County. He thought they would start out in Monroe but a friend had a house for sale with owner financing available and they bought the house and found themselves in Lake Stevens. He had previously visited Lake Stevens but only knew where the Target and Safeway stores were. Another draw to Lake Stevens was the Life Point Church. His youngest son is close friends of Seth Low. He joined Rotary because of our involvement with the skate park and all of our community activities. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Everett AquaSox The second part of our program Friday, April 30th, was Danny Tetzlaff, General Manager of the Everett AquaSox. Danny moved to the area 5-6 years ago. This year has seen the advent of a brand new MLB structure. This past year, Major League Baseball took over the minor league baseball organization. The change over brought several major organizational changes. The Everett AquaSox are a member of the High-A West program and continues their affiliation with the Seattle Mariners. The AquaSox play their home games at Funko Field adjacent to Everett Memorial Stadium in central Everett which has a 3,682 seat capacity. Covid 19 has had a huge impact of the Everett AquaSox organization, MLB and the State of Washington. All of the usual requirements are in place. Limited seating, face mask wearing all the time except when eating, social distancing, no cash sales and expanded longer season going from 76 games a year to 132. Since they travel to games in a bus, MLB requires the addition of one more buses so that the players and staff can do social distancing. The added cost goes from $50,000 per year to over $200,000 in additional travel cost. Time to play ball. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gary Carrier - Plataforma, A Social Enterprise    Our speaker for our regular meeting on Friday, April 23rd is a friend of Kyle Strand. The information below was provided by Kyle. This is an absolutely amazing story regarding a social enterprise endeavor that is paying huge rewards in Brazil. The meeting was recorded and can be seen on our Club YouTube channel. Gary Carrier is from Marysville, Washington where he grew up on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. He was a wrestler and a football player. After graduation, Gary attended the University of Washington where he majored in Political Science. During his junior year of college he studied abroad and visited 15 countries in one year. After graduating from the University of Washington, Gary bought a one way ticket to Guadalajara, Mexico. This ended up being a three year journey for Gary. He taught English to make ends meet, worked for Habitat for Humanity to continue to give back which ultimately let Gary to attend UC Berkeley to study Social Impact Investing based on his experiences in Latin America.
Today, Gary Carrier is on a mission to democratize opportunity through technology. Founder of Plataforma, a social enterprise that's closing the digital skills gap with high potential youth from favelas. He has experience in 25+ countries as a student, analyst, professor, manager, founder and speaker. Gary is fascinated by the global, untapped human potential that exists in marginalized communities. He is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt competitor, girl dad, speaker and advisor. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Civic Center Proposals The program this week was provided by Program Chairman Don Iverson. The program was a recording of the public hearing on the proposed Civic Center. The Lake Stevens Civic Center-2 hour meeting was condensed into 25 minutes of the most detailed aspects of the meeting showcasing three design options. The public comment period is April 22nd. You can go to the either of the following two websites to add your comments to the three proposals. They are the City's Civic Center information page or this Online Survey. The latter was provided by Councilwoman Mary Dickinson. Visual concepts of the vision for the civic center at Chapel Hill will be the addition of significant meeting space available in the proposals. The Civic Center will include the City Hall, Sewer District and a much desired new Library. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brian Rewis - Our Newest Member Congratulations to our newest member, Brian Rewis. Brian contacted Rotary International recently who sent the information to our Club. Brian has his own Farmer's Insurance Agency right across from the Lake Stevens School District offices. Gary O'Rielly is Brian's sponsor. The Club welcomes Brian. Due to his location, our President is able to keep tabs on Brian's daily activities. Just kidding. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Brian! This photo is from our April 9th Club Zoom meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Our guest speaker on Friday, April 9, 2021 was Tony Trofimczuk, Recreation Supervisor with the Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. Tony opened his presentation with a photo of the Rotary Skate Park and talked about the county's Adopt a Park program. Tony acknowledged at the start of his presentation thanking our Club for supporting the park and getting the project off the ground and completed. Some cracks have occurred in the bowls of the Skate Park and repairs will be done from April 19th-30th closing a portion of the park while the contractor makes those repairs. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The History Behind c89.5 Our guest speaker on Friday, April 2, 2021 was June Fox, General Manager of Seattle's Home for Dance, KNHC Radio c89.5 FM radio station. The award winning station has been broadcasting for nearly 50 years. c89.5 is owned by Seattle Public Schools and is operated by a team of professional and student staff at Nathan Hale High School as part of the Electronic Media Course. Students are provided with a career-connecting learning opportunity and gain experience in production, programming, on-air presentation and music selection. Some of the radio shows are hosted by alumni and community volunteers. Don Iverson, our Program Chair introduced June Fox. In his earlier years Don was a DJ at the station and later in life, Don served on the c89.5 Advisory Board that was formed in 2010. Around that time, the Seattle School District was entertaining a multi-million dollar offer from a private party to purchase the station's radio frequency. The Board helped determine the value of the station was actually many-times higher than the offer. The School District opted not to sell and instead invested in a new studios and teaching areas shown in a video to our Club. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District YAIL Conference This year four members of our Interact Club are registered for the YAIL conference. Nyomi, Club President; Noah, Vice President; Josie, Treasurer and member Hillary are all registered for virtual conference to be held every Thursday evening starting April 15th through May 13th. Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL) is open to participants ages 15-17. YAIL gives participants insight into some of the basics of what it means and takes to be a leader.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Lake Stevens School District Superintendent From the Everett Herald article on Monday, March 29, 2021. When his term as President of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens ends on June 30, 2021, a new chapter will begin in his long career in education. Congratulations Ken! Incoming superintendent has decades in Lake Stevens schools Once drafted by the New England Patriots, Ken Collins has been a coach, teacher and principal. By Stephanie Davey Monday, March 29, 2021 6:48amLOCAL NEWSLAKE STEVENS LAKE STEVENS — Ken Collins thought he’d be a lifelong football coach, much like his father. It didn’t exactly happen that way. He started in the Lake Stevens School District about 30 years ago. In that time he has been a coach, teacher, principal and administrator. Now he’s next in line to become superintendent, taking over for Superintendent Amy Beth Cook. She is set to retire at the end of the school year after 38 years in the district, with the past 10 at the helm. Collins, 61, grew up in Cashmere, east of the Cascade Range. Both of his parents were teachers, and his father Jack Collins was a longtime football coach for Cashmere High School. He’s in the Washington State Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Janice Greene, Snohomish County NAACP The Club was honored to have as our guest speaker this past Friday, March 26th, Dr. Janice Greene, President, Snohomish County NAACP. Dr. Greene was introduced by Lance Morehouse who gave a brief background of her career currently as the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Economic Development & Business Intelligence Strategic Leader and the President of the Snohomish County Chapter of the NAACP. Dr. Greene has been the President of the organization since 2005. Dr. Greene gave a brief history of the NAACP which started in 1909 talking about the reasons why the civil rights organization evolved when black and white people came together regarding the lynching of some young black men. Unfortunately, there are very good reasons for the continued work of the NAACP when issues arise around the nation, state and county. Dr. Green cited a recent Marysville exchange during an Associated Student Body Junior Leadership breakout period caught on ZOOM which wasn’t addressed properly at the time. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact and Ashley Point   Our Interact Club members has been busy this past week. First, it was the roadside clean up project on 113th Av NW from the High School to Hwy 92. And, recently Interact adopted Ashley Pointe residents as Pen Pals. Letters were delivered by Interact Club members to various residents last month. Since that time, Interact decided to follow up with painted rocks and distributing them around the grounds of Ashley Pointe for residents to find when they are out walking. This past Wednesday, some of the Interact Club members were on hand to distribute the painted rocks. Great enterprise and a way to support the residents of Ashley Pointe. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mariah Low-General Manager-Lake Stevens Sewer District The featured speaker at last week's meeting was the General Manager of the Lake Stevens Sewer District, Mariah Low. Mariah started in her new position four months ago after a distinguished career with the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. Mariah succeeds Tonya Seifert as GM. Mariah served on the Board of Commissioners with the District before taking on her new role. She provided an update on the District and how the rapid development in our community affects what happens to the waste that we create. An avid outdoorswoman, you will often find her exploring the numerous trails in the region. Meeting the challenges of protecting the environment and providing quality sewer service to the community was the opening comment of her presentation. Marian commented about the March issue of the Rotary magazine illustrating wasteland and how inadequately sanitation systems are failing rural America being appropriate for her presentation today. Within the Lake Stevens Sewer District boundaries there are 1,600-1,700 septic systems. The 200 foot rule applies when a septic system fails, the homeowner must hook up to the Lake Stevens Sewer District. A glimpse at the history of the district. The District is a Special purpose District established in 1957. The first Waste Water Treatment Facility began operations in 1965. In 1971 they expanded a 8.5 acre lagoon. The 1983 Comprehensive Plan expected the population to triple by 2000. In 2009, they began building the new Wastewater Treatment Plant which went into operation in 2012. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact-Road Clean Up    The Interact Club applied to the City to Adopt a Street and received approval to maintain a clean street on 113th Avenue NE from the High School to Hwy 92 at least four times a year. Rotary Club members joined Interact Club members on Saturday, March 20th picking up trash as rain continue to plummet the area.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy St. Patrick's Day For the IRISH in our club and the wannabe Irish. Enjoy this day celebrating the Irish tradition that comes around once a year with some of us and longer with the real IRISH in us.,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Support for $2.1 Million Civic Center Phase 3 RequestMarch 12, 2021 The Honorable Steve Tharinger, House Capital Budget Chair The Honorable Lisa Callan, House Capital Budget Vice-Chair The Honorable David Hackney, House Capital Budget Vice-Chair RE: Strong Support for $2.1 Million Civic Center Phase 3 Request by Reps. Berg and Lovick for 2021-23 Capital Budget, “Local and Community Projects” Category Dear Chair Tharinger and Vice-Chairs Callan and Hackney: We are coming together on behalf of Farmers Markets, Chambers, civic clubs, festivals, and area rowing clubs, to let you know of our strong support for the $2.1 million request by Reps. April Berg and John Lovick (D-44th Dist.) that will complete Phase 3 of Lake Stevens’ “Civic Center” project and help the City complete what will be an incredible transformation of the community’s downtown and lakefront area. The Phase 3 work on the Civic Center project features site preparation and construction work that will allow Lake Stevens to develop a “festival street” that will act as a community and pedestrian gathering area, and to finish improvements at the North Cove Park adjacent to the area and fronting the Lake. These projects would allow the City to complete a major revitalization that has turned the Lake Stevens downtown center from a very sleepy area into a thriving, vibrant community core with a “Mill Spur” community center, a bustling Farmers Market, a graded and rebuilt park that allows residents and visitors to rediscover their lakefront, and multimodal connections that bring pedestrians, bicyclists, and tourists to the area. We tremendously appreciate the previous legislative investments in the Civic Center project, allocations that have been matched by more than $2.5 million in City funds. These investments, together with the Phase 3 project to come, will make Lake Stevens an important destination point in Snohomish County for pedestrians and bicyclists, for residents and tourists, and for all those who have seen the City grow from a resort town of 900 to a diverse community of 35,000 that is expected to accommodate more than 50,000 residents within the next decade. We have seen Lake Stevens put previous state funding to work to build improvements in a timely manner and can assure you that will happen again with funding for Civic Center Phase 3. We hope you will provide funding for this transformational project and thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Kim Daughtry Kim Daughtry 2020 Aquafest Sincerely, Gary O’Rielly Lake Stevens Rotary Sincerely, Gary Artim Lake Stevens Row Club Sincerely, Matt Tabor, Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U 40 Club-Rotary Club of Portland, Oregon Our guest speaker this past Friday, March 12th was Curtis Shirey from the Rotary Club of Portland, Oregon who talked about a new initiative program to recruit and retain members under the age of 40. Currently, the Rotary Club of Portland has a dedicated membership actively serving and looking ahead to ensure the torch will be passed onward and upward. The U40 program has been initiated to induce an annual class of new candidates desiring to emerge as leaders in the community as well as becoming active Rotarians. Curtis is the current Chair of the U40 Club as well as serving on the Trust Board. The U40 Club is how Curtis was introduced to Rotary. The purpose of the U40 Club is to reach out to young established professionals in order to make the Club more viable now and in the future. Again, the purpose is to recruit and retain membership in the downtown Rotary Club of Portland. Club survival is the goal of the Portland Club - U40 initiative. Leadership training is another aspect of the program. The U40 program has helped Curtis in his professional development. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IPA Update 2021Our guest again this past Friday, was Marty Peace providing our Club with changes in the International Projects Alliance (IPA) in 2020-21. Marty has been a favorite of our Club as she updates us about the activities of IPA in Copán, Honduras. Pictured with Marty is the Peter Martin, President of IPA. The changes that occurred in 2020-21 was the addition of Adopt-a-Village Program, Global grant, Hurricane relief, Adopt-a-Dream, their trip in February which involved Covid-19, the devastation of the hurricane and school supply delivery. They revised the management structure, showed a list of Clubs involved and the new District grant updates. Adopt-a-Village Program: This came about because of a Club's request for more involvement and connection with the village. Parts of the Adopt-a-Village Program are to Adopt-a-School, a student health fund and a mobile library. Financial commitment is $1,000 a year toward Adopt-a-Dream. Commit to $1,000 a year for construction projects as needed. So far, ten Villages have been adopted. Global Grants: Rapid Development 3: allows IPA to add six villages to the Rapid Development Program. Cinthia and Mauricio are wonderful people and hard workers in Copán coordinating the activities between IPA and the local villages. Although Cinthia has met with local community leaders, Covid 19 restrictions have prevented community training sessions. However school supplies were delivered. District grants are going toward water projects in three of the villages. Hurricane Relief: IPA raised $31,000 towards hurricane relief. Restored water supply to 16 villages. The rebuilding of a heavily used foot bridge, the La Vegona Foot Bridge was important and the rebuilding a kindergarten. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tulalip Tribes History - On Video  Our program on Friday, February 26th was three short videos on the history of the Tulalip Tribe. Each covered a different portion of their history. These well produced videos are historical and tell the history, culture and current day activities of the Tulalip Tribes. The Hibulb Cultural Center & Museum and gift shop is something that everyone should visit and learn more about the history and culture of the Tulalip Tribes and their economic strength in Snohomish County. President Ken spoke about the importance of the Hibulb Cultural Center and which he said is a real treat, especially the room that describes the early Native American education. The first video was a narrated by J.D. Mowrer, Associate producer, Hibulb Cultural Center and National History Preserve. The video begins with a view of the Cultural Center interior and wonderful exhibits and carvings. The video talks about the Salish Sea and surrounding lands. Watching carvers begin their carving and how dedicated these wonderful craftsman were that has been part of their heritage since the beginning and throughout their history. From the early discovery by Captain George Vancouver with additional input by Lt. Peter Puget outlining what they were seeing as the Native Americans were living in huts on Tulalip Bay. These were likely the first vessels seen by the Native American inhabitants. The second video regarded the Summer Camp House was narrated by Mytyl Hernandez, Marketing Public Relations at the Hibulb Cultural Center and National History Preserve. The Summer Camp House was used during the summer where they would gather food. They would fish for salmon and crab as well as digging for clams when the tide was low. These were their sources of food. They would follow the salmon runs but only take what was needed. She talked about how the camps were built. The third video is about the name of Tulalip Bay. Narrator was Teri Gobin, Chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribes. Time in memorial was best described as how long the Tulalip tribes have inherited their lands. Fish and crabs were a source of income as well as being stored for eating in the winter. Point Elliott treaty was signed in 1855 with Governor Edward Stevenson in what is now Mukilteo. In 1934, the US Congress enacted the Indian Reorganization Act. The Chairwoman talked about the start of their economic development that started by selling cigarettes, then going to bingo and on to the development of the casinos and the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall and so much more. All three of these videos were so well done and extremely informative. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Highland Elementary Play Ground   Highland Elementary School Playground Project - Pictured above are Past President Laurie Westover of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens who presented a check for $14,500 for the playground project to Tanya Murray, Playground Committee Chair and Nicole Beck, Treasurer of the Highland Elementary School PTA. A little over a year ago a representative of the school's PTA approached our club requesting help in funding an additional playground at the school. The current playground is over 20 years old. Just a few weeks later the world was in Covid-19 cover. But, that didn't stop the fundraising at the school or at our club once we decided to financially support the project. The cost of the new playground equipment pictured above was just over $72,000. Rotary funding was a combination of Fund a Cause from our annual Corks & Kegs fundraising event, our Club Endowment, and a matching grant from Rotary District 5050 and a few Club members who stepped up with personal contributions. The rendering of the new playground equipment above will be just across from the current playground. The beauty of this project according to Tanya and Nicole is that the new playground will be inclusive for children with mobility issues, a merry-go-round along with music elements. There are still other elements at work with respect to the new playground that our Club will assist the Highland Elementary School and PTA with once the plan is developed and approved. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YouTube and Our Club
Recently, we began recording our regular Friday morning meetings and upload them to our account on YouTube each week following the meeting. This has opened up a number of opportunities for club members and potential members to view a specific meeting date and time. Likewise, within the past two days, Angie Hein, club member and IT expert uploaded the Skatepark story for everyone's viewing pleasure and the history our club played in its development over the course of 15 years. The entire meeting on Friday, February 19th was recorded and uploaded to YouTube. You can go to www.youtube.com. Once you are on site, type in Lake Stevens Rotary and you can visit any of the meetings that we have posted since our January 29th launch. If you missed the meeting, this is a great way to do a make up. We had two really great programs for your viewing pleasure which are part of our weekly bulletin for February 19th and on our website. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talks  Last week we wrote about our two newest members. Both teachers and this week, they were asked to give their Classification Talks to the Club as part of Friday, February 19th program which maybe a new record for such as request. Connor and Kyle were approved for membership at the Board meeting on February 11th. Kyle went first. Family is important to him. He is a triplet. Married with two children. He came into teaching through encouragement from his wife. His sister-in-law is a teacher as well. Kyle started out in law enforcement but it took him over 7 years because he lacked the educational requirements. But that didn't stop him. He graduated from WSU with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and went on to get his Masters Degree in Emergency Management from ASU. Injured on the job. Always wanted to be a School Resource Officer. Started at Mt. Pilchuck Elementary School as a para educator working in the Life Skills class. Moved from there to Glenwood Elementary to North Lake Mid-School. He has does worked with Randy Celori on Emergency Management issues for the District. Kyle likes to golf and going on driving excursions with his family. Kyle also enjoys volunteering. Connor followed with his Classification Talk. Grew up in the sunshine city and state of St. Peterburg, Florida. Started getting involved in community service through Interact in high school. Involved with Habitat building 10-15 houses a year. Continued working with Habitat through college. Got involved in housing policy and onto politics. From there got involved in politics on the legislative side and in 2010 went to work for a member of Congress who served on the Energy and Healthcare Committee. Very challenging and critical time. Returned home and talked to his wife about his future plans because of the time taken away from his family. Connor went back to work for Habitat who at the time was building 30 houses per year. Seconded largest homebuilder in the area. His wife is a teacher. Supportive of his career choices. Returned to his major which is duo-major in Education and Political Science. Worked with foster care kids. Did some substitute teaching. After two hurricanes, decided it was time to move away from Florida. Since they had a lot of family in the Pacific Northwest. After coming out here decided he needed to get his teaching certification. After 1 1/2 years started at North Lake Middle-School. So much of his interest revolved around his time with Interact in high school. Moved here over 2 1/2 years ago. Enjoyed his Rotary service in Tarpon Springs, Florida. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Planning, Zoning and Land Use in Lake Stevens David Levitan, City of Lake Stevens, Senior Planner in the Planning and Development Department, gave our Club an overview of Land Use and Zoning in the city. The city is expanding the permitting process along the lake shoreline. The planning framework starts at the State, Regional, County and City level which provides the context for undertaking the planning process/ A comprehensive plan to manage growth was adopted in 1990. Cities must also designate natural resource lands and critical areas such as streams, wetlands and steep slopes. There are a number of growth management acts that cover a variety of topics. Within the Comprehensive Plan there are several elements that require the city to undergo. The City can amend the plan once per year. The annual docket is opened up each January and was just closed. Local plans must be consistent with: the Puget Sound Regional Council Vision (2050 Plan adopted in October 2020); Countywide Planning Policies (update scheduled for adoption in late 2021); Countywide growth targets as well as other state laws. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Harvest-Gardens in Dominican Republic George Bowden of the Rotary Club of Everett visited our Club on Friday, February 12th to thank us for partnering with their Club and others on the greenhouse garden project in the Dominican Republic. Pictured above is a garden gathering: Manuela Rodriguez, the first garden owner in La Vigia, speaks with (left to right) Ed Petersen of Everett Rotary; Ana Carrasco, Dajabon Rotary Project Leader; Dr. Jose Luis Garcia, agriculture specialist at Washington State University; and Anthony Gromko, WSU microloan specialist. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Write Print and Sell Our guest speaker last Friday, February 5th was Matthew Bennett, Founder and President of WritePrintSell.com (BTDT.com). Matt is an author and innovative marketer who has bowled a perfect 300 game. Matt commented that the latter is a rare occurrence. Matt has sold over 5 million books and been in this business for over 33 years in the publishing and self-publishing business. Getting into the publishing world is extremely difficult. He is disturbingly transparent telling his clients what they need to hear. His goal is to get aspiring authors published and current authors more sales of their books. There is a strong trend towards non-fiction books. Print is not dead by any means. According to Matt physical books still out sell ebooks by a wide margin. Less than 10% of all books purchased are read cover to cover. And over 60% of books printed are never sold. Over 70% of people polled indicated they wanted to write a book. A new book is published every 20 seconds. Usually selling just a few copies. Only 3% of writers sell over 500 copies. Matt commented that it is the easiest time in history to knock out a new book. A writer must focus on marketing, distribution and execution to be a successful. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Surprise Visitor We had a wonderful surprise visitor for last Friday's meeting. District Governor-Elect Bev Harrington visited our Zoom Club Virtual meeting. She commented about the upcoming RI Convention in Taipei Taiwan that will be a virtual convention from June 12-16, 2021. Other topics included the upcoming District Conference and highlights of the Conference, the Capstone project and looking for an Assistant District Governor. Also on the Zoom meetings were our two prospective members, Connor Davis and Kyle Strand both teachers at North Lake Middle School. Both have submitted their membership applications which will be on the February Board meeting agenda.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact Corner Corner Interact Club members had a meeting with Pamela Smith from Ashley Pointe Independent and Assisted Living. Interactors are writing letters to their Pen Pals at Ashley Pointe with plans to have more interaction with them in the future. Also, Interact has Adopted a Street. The Club will be responsible for 113th Avenue NE, right in front of the high school. Very soon a sign designating Interact has the sponsor of maintaining the street will be installed by the City fairly soon. Follow LSHS Interact Club on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
News from Around the Club Happy Birthday to our members born in January: Jim Steinruck - January 17th Hannah Sladek - January 19th Joyce Bell - January 26th Larry Ruble - January 28th Spouse Birthdays Dawn Steinruck - January 14th. Rotary Anniversaries Lance Morehouse - 6 Years - January 01, 2015 Jim Haugen - 32 years - January 15, 1989 Hannah Sladek - 2 years - January 16, 2019 Angie Hein - 4 years - January 17, 2017 Chris Vallo - 4 years - January 24, 2017 Congratulations!!! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volunteers of America-Western Washington Our guest speaker this past Friday, January 22nd was Steve Corsi, President and CEO at Volunteers of America Western Washington. The organization is divided into nine circles with six divisions. The nine circles are composed of Hunger Prevention; Behavioral Health; Disability Services; Dispute Resolution Centers; Homelessness Prevention; Maud's House Shelter; Arlington Community Resource Center; Sky Valley Community Resource Center and ECEAP Preschools. Hunger Prevention: the number of Washington residents who struggle to provide three meals a day for their families. The number of families served has doubled from 850,000 individuals before the pandemic to about 1.6 million as of this past May. 103,000 + individuals were provided food at VOA Food Banks, Pantries and Pop-Up Events representing 33,000 households. Mental Health: Multiple studies show a causal relationship between increasing unemployment and increased incidents of suicide. Because of the isolation and social distancing, many adults and teens do not have regular access to supportive relationships. Steve spoke of the Northsound 211 call volume being at 45,245 which is a 46% increase from 2019. Dispute Resolution Services: Addresses conflict resolution needs by providing mediation focusing on disputes related to housing, family, community and workplace. 1,400 families saved from becoming homeless each year and 780 evictions prevented annually or 65 evictions per month. Child & Youth Services: VOA supports 120 vulnerable, low-income at risk through Early Childhood Education Assistance Program providing them being school ready and better prepared for kindergarten. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Regenerative Skills - Mayan Permaculture Village The program this week was a video produced by Oliver Goshey, the Founder and Director of Abundant Edge. This is the culmination of years of passionate research, travel and experimentation and regenerative design and natural building techniques. Goshey is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles that repair and advance healthy ecosystems through holistic design and development strategies that consider the needs of all forms of life. This is the incredible story of a small, hidden Mayan village in the Guatemalan highlands that transformed a monoculture plantation into a diversified agricultural system that supports the original families that worked the plantation and their descendants. This unique example of regenerative community works with nature to create abundance with the river and natural resources that flow through the land. Quixaya, the Heart of Water which transforms the use of passive irrigation and the use of three micro-climates. The community structure that provides and incentives cooperation. So for a long time their grandparents and their parents lived in this community. The main cash crop watercress which is a very low maintenance crop. They cultivate, cut them and distribute them to the markets themselves to generate their own economy. The second are the human zones growing a variety of crops. The greens, vegetables and fruits are now a stable in the family food chain. The last of the three zones is the dry zone. These dry zones are not under active irrigation from the river system that the way other areas are. These dry zones are underneath forest cultivation with an under story of coffee, avocados and the production of lumber. So much more to share but view it for yourself. The video was a unique perspective on growing cash crops to sustain the small village and how the village was formed. The 15 minute video was both inspiring and unique. If you are interested in viewing the video on YouTube type in the words Abundant Edge and search for the Quixaya Heart of Water. Very impressive.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk and Vocational Interview  A duo-program was the highlight of opening of our new 2021 meeting on January 8th. Cynthia Casey's gave a Classification Talk and Lance Morehouse provided a demonstration of a typical Scholarship Program interview were our guest speakers. Cynthia roots are in the Midwest, having been born in Kansas. Cynthia commented that when they moved to Omaha, Nebraska her dad would have lunch with Warren Buffet occasionally. Her grandfather was a Rotarian in Smith Center, Kansas who never missed a meeting. Her husband is a Rotarian and Edward Jones Financial Services runs in the family. Cynthia in Lake Stevens, her husband in Oak Harbor and her daughter in Stanwood. Another daughter is a pre-med student at UW-Tacoma. Interesting story on how they chose the west coast. Her husband wanted to live and retire near water. So through a lot of research, they chose the Anacortes/Oak Harbor area. When they moved, the drive to the west coast was through wind, snow and hail which damaged their car. They have fallen in love with the west coast. The family enjoys trips to Port Townsend and traveling in general. At some point in time, they would like to buy a boat. Her husband did a lot of sailing on the east coast. Cynthia enjoys riding horses and was actively doing so until Covid-19 stopped all of that. Looking forward to getting back to horseback riding. Cynthia's specialty is senior financial planning. Safety and security is part of her background for her clients. She will be re-locating her office in the near future and still in Lake Stevens. Lance interviewed our esteem President Ken as if he were interviewing for a Rotary Club scholarship. Lance did not share the interview questions with Ken in advance of today's meeting. Lance asked Ken about his Service Related Activities. Ken has been in education for 37 years as a teacher, coach, school principle and now with the School District. The questions were all geared at giving Club Members interested in serving on the Vocational Committee who want to be involved in 2020-2021 High School Senior Scholarship application and interview process. Other questions involved such topics as "Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?" and "What was your worst experience?" Lastly, how will you use your education? Lance closed by showing the scoring process.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recycling Christmas Trees Here's a great opportunity to help support our Scouts BSA Troop 88. If you need to recycle a Christmas tree, a great way to support our Troop 88.  Scouts of our Troop collecting trees for recycling into wood chips.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy New Year From our Club, to our faithful members, to the Lake Stevens Community and to our families, Happy New Year. Be safe. Hoping for a better 2021 free of the Covid-19 virus.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merry Christmas May the Christmas season bring joy, peace, happiness and family as we close out 2020 to you and your family from the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Food Bank Operations and New Building Update Stephanie Sherry, Director and Chris Jacobson, Board Member gave an update on the Food Bank operations and the New Building status. The Food Bank has more than doubled their service from 16,000 to 28,000 people this year. They are serving the needs of the community from four locations and all are Drive Through operations.
A brief video showing Anne Anderson, former Director of the Food Bank, was part of the program. Business is booming at these sites. Flow of traffic is important. Sherwood Community Services assist with deliveries to over 60 families on Wednesday. All of the local schools and school district facilities have conducted Food Drives for the Lake Stevens Food Bank. Jim Scott, designed a menu system to customize a box for each family. The biggest challenge is needing the new building. Chris Jacobson, our own Club member, commented on the amazing work being done by Stephanie and Georgia as well as all of the volunteers. The community has really pulled together. They are reaching people of all financial spheres.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Rotary Foundation UpdateBelow is a recap of the Club's Foundation report at our meeting on December 18th via Zoom.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Police Headquarters Update Our magnificent Chief of Police and Rotary Club member John Dyer updated our Club on Friday, December 11th on the new Police Department Headquarters as they begin the move from the old location. The old building was built in 2004 with 4,000 square feet of space and a City population of 6,000. The process for a new building started in 2016 when John assumed command of the Lake Stevens Police Department. The original idea was to build a new headquarters on Chapel Hill. The Department started with a facilitated process to determine department needs. The process considered industry standards, employee and community input. This resulted in a building of 18,000 square feet that consolidated all operations in one location and would meet department needs for the foreseeable future. The next step was going out to bid. At the time, the bid climate was not favorable with a booming industry. The low bid came in at $21 million dollars. The department attempted to value engineer the plan and they we able to reduce the cost of a new building to $18 million. The city plan was to finance the building with counsel issued bonds and the payments on the amount was not within a realistic range. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scouts - Strictly Business From one uniform with the Fire Service to a Boy Scout uniform as a volunteer, Mike Messer spoke to our Club on Friday, December 4th about the campaign "Strictly Business" launched by the Mount Baker Council, Boy Scouts of America. This is a Matched Gift campaign to support Scouting in the Mount Baker Council. The Nysether Family Foundation and Mark & Brad Nysether are generously providing a $50,000 challenge grant. To earn the Challenge Grant Funds, the Mount Baker Council needs to raise $50,000 in new donations by December 31, 2020. The Council currently has a deficit of $100,000 hence the reason for the Strictly Business campaign. To give today in this Matching Gift Campaign you can go to: http://scoutingevent.com/606-2020FallCSP or text: strictly to 41444 or send a check along with their form to 1715 100th Place SE, #Bm Everett, WA 98208. Mike Messer is the volunteer Finance Chair with the Pilchuck (Scout) District that serves all of northern and eastern Snohomish County as well as Camano Island and Skykomish. When he's not spending time with his family or Scouts, Mike works for Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue as Deputy Chief for Fire & Life Safety. Brad & Kathy Nysether are long time residents of Lake Stevens and strong supporters of the Scouting movement. Brad & Mark own and operate Sea Dog Line, a quality marine, industrial and rigging supply company for the maritime industry. The Nysether Foundation has supported many great causes in Lake Stevens as well as Scouting. Our Club sponsors two of the nine Scouting programs in Lake Stevens: Cub Scout Pack 88 and Scouts BSA Troop 88. We have sponsored the Pack since its inception in 1994. We started the Troop last year when girls were allowed to be part of the Boy Scouts of America middle school and high school age level program that used to be known as Boy Scouts. This program is now called Scouts BSA. Girls were allowed to join Cub Scouts in 2018. However, girls have been part of Venture Scouting for almost 20 years. Venturing is for older teens and young adults ages 14 through 20. At one time, our Club sponsored Venture Crew 88. Perhaps in the not too distant future will will be in a position to start up the Crew again.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
World Polio Day Global Update VideoOne part of our Rotary program last Friday was watching the video listed here https://vimeo.com/rotary about World Polio Day Global Update narrated by Ade Adepitan, a paralympic bronze medalist for Great Britian. Adepitan is a TV presenter, journalist and polio survivor. The twenty five minute video program via Zoom started by acknowledging that Nigeria hasn't had a polio case in three years which has helped keep Africa polio free. Another commentator was Bill Nye,, a science expert talking about the importance of all citizens getting the polio vaccine because it really works well. A spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO) talked about Rotary launching PolioPlus eradicating polio type 3 while there is still work to be done on immunizing type 1 which is still active in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has a 2-1 match for every dollar to end polio world wide. Take some time and watch the video for more information on the Global Polio Plus update. This year marks 30 years since Rotary launched PolioPlus, its campaign to rid the world of polio. Beginning on Rotary's anniversary, 23 February, Rotary members worldwide will be holding events to celebrate three decades of polio eradication progress. Since 1985 Rotary and its partners have helped reduce the number of cases from 350,000 annually to fewer than 400 in 2014, and they remain committed until the disease is eradicated. Rotary has contributed more than $1.3 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 2 billion children worldwide. In addition, Rotary's advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute over $10 billion to the effort. Before the global scope of PolioPlus, individual Clubs with Rotary funding were attacking the disease closer to home. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
  A bright, chilly day in Lake Stevens brought out crowds enjoying the sights, sounds, food, crafts, reindeer at the WinterFest Holiday Market, Saturday, December 5th. Rotary shared a booth with the Lake Stevens Food Bank and the Lake Stevens Arts & Parks Foundation. Thanks to John Spencer, James Monroe, Chris Vallo, Angie Hein, Gary O'Rielly, Kevin and Nancy O'Brien for manning the booth during the 11 am to 3 pm public event.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
News from Around Our Club  Photos taken by Tracy regarding lots of new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and new socks and from Kristin for the Interact Club's Sock Drive that will be delivered to Tracy for inclusion in our Clothing Drive. You can still donate to our drive and drop them off at DeLorm Family Dental on Dec 2nd until 5pm or on Friday, December 4th between the hours of 8-4 pm. Great job everyone! Interact has submitted three drawings done by their members for the "Stand Up Against Bullying" campaign which is part of the Promise campaign. The photos were submitted to 2020 Interact Awards campaign. Voting on the submission by our Interact Club starts on Saturday, December 5th and runs through December 13th. And the submissions receiving the most votes will be awarded the "Fan Favorite." Click here for access to the submission gallery. The Fan Favorite Awards will be announced on December 15th. On December 19th, eight finalists in the running for "Best Video" and "Runner Up" will be announced.  From our Interact Club -This is a way to help promote Bullying Prevention. We will share this with the Lake Stevens Elementary Schools. This is a photo but I was unable to include the video at this time. Winterfest Holiday Market on December 5th from 11 am-3 pm. We will be sharing our tent with the Lake Stevens Food Bank and the Arts and Parks Foundation. We will be handing out water and sharing our Rotary Story with the community while practicing social distancing and the wearing of a face mask. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boeing Company Update Our guest speaker on Friday, November 20th was Richard White, Senior Manager, State and Local Government Operations with The Boeing Company. The photo was taken three years ago when Rich visited our Club and gave an update on the history of the company. This past Friday, Rich gave an overview of the current market and the health crisis around the world which has shown a drop in air traffic worldwide by more than 73% compared to 2019. The domestic markets are leading the recovery with domestic travel at 12%. Rich provided details on the number of airlines worldwide flying with the results of each being at half full. The 737 Max return to the skies will be huge in determining the economic recovery and Boeing is taking action to position it for the future. Navigating through the dynamic economic recovery and constantly requires assessing the business impact. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Thanksgiving Each day we are thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family, dreams that turned into reality and likes that turned into love. Most importantly though, we are thankful for you today and everyday. Anonymous. From the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens, stay safe. This Thanksgiving, we have had to assess what it is for which we are grateful. We hope that , in this time of uncertainty, you have found the same.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Rotary Foundations - Update Our esteemed Director of the Rotary Foundation of Lake Stevens, Jim Haugen, updated our Club talked about One Rotary Club - Two Foundations. They are the Rotary Foundation of Lake Stevens and the Rotary International Foundation. Until Jim joined our Club, our RCLS Foundation wasn't meeting the expectations of the District and Rotary International. Once Jim took over the responsibilities of the Foundations, we have gradually grown to meet and exceed District and RI goals. The RCLS Foundation was established on December 31, 1998. The Rotary International Foundation was first seeded in 1917 when Arch Klumph's idea for a endowment fund was mentioned. In 1928, the Rotary Foundation was formally named. In 1929, the Foundation made its first gift of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. "Daddy" Allen, later grew into Easter Seals. The Lake Stevens Rotary Charitable Foundation Board of Directors consists of Ken Collins, President; Reshal Ploeger, Vice President; Laurie Westover, Past President; Chris Vallo, Treasurer; Gary O'Rielly, Secretary; Ilene Levering, Avenue of Community Service and Lance Morehouse, Avenue of Vocational Service. The RCLS Foundation assets are $134,248. The Loren Hole Endowment Fund is $68,166. This Endowment was started in 2007. The RCLS Foundation has $13,596 to spend this year with the possibility of another $6,000 to spend. The Mission of the Rotary International Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvements of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. The Charity Navigator has given the Rotary Foundation a Four Star rating and we have been told that Linkedin has rated the Foundation as the #2 in the world. In the Rotary Foundation, 92% of funds are spent on program awards and operations. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact Service Project  Our Lake Stevens High School Interact Club performing a Service Project picking up litter around the school grounds on Saturday, November 7th. Thank you so much for your effort.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Education Foundation Leslie Elsemore, Co-Founder of the Lake Stevens Education Foundation, along with the late and very beloved Terri Spencer updated our Club on the Foundation and its activities. Leslie shared the latest news from the LSEF talking about a fundraiser for teachers to come up with innovative ways to teaching. Leslie's mentioned that her father was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. LSEF was organized in 1993 by parents, community members and the school district administrators for the purpose of providing an alternative source of support for district programs and scholarships. LSEF is a separate entity from the Lake Stevens School District. Leslie talked about the importance of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which is a unique early-years book gifting program that partners with local community sponsors to mail a new, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth through age 5, creating a library of up to 60 books and instilling a love of books, reading and learning. Dolly Parton started the program in 1995 in her home county. The program went nationwide in 2000. LSEF is the Lake Stevens Community affiliate. The program is open to children living within the Lake Stevens School District. The goal is simple. Every child to have books, to be read to 20 minutes every day and to be ready to be successful in school. Since 2008, over 2,500 children in Lake Stevens have received books. Leslie acknowledged that our Club has sustained the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. The cost of the Dolly Parton program is $25 per child per month. Each month, LSEF mails books to 750 school age children in Lake Stevens. The Post Office has an agreement with Leslie that if a book is undeliverable they will return the books to Leslie. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tom Clendening-KSER Radio Tom Clendening, General Manager, KSER, joined the station in 2012 with 30 years of professional broadcast experience in management, programming, sales and marketing. James Monroe introduced Tom and told the story of the beginning of communication with Alexander Graham Bell's famous "Mr. Watson, Come here I need you" in 1876. Wireless communications was developed around the turn of the 19th to 20th Centuries by among others, Gugliemo Marconi. In 1916 an electrical engineer employed by Westinghouse began broadcasting from his garage. The station was later moved to a Westinghouse factory and relaunched in November 1920 becoming the first commercial licensed station in America. Since that beginning, radio stations are found just about everywhere. Nearly 20 years ago, a group of local citizens succeeded in bringing non-commercial, public radio to Snohomish County. There were no public radio stations in the North Puget Sound area. Routed in the community, most of the voices on air were all volunteers. KSER has a wide variety of programs such as the Hawaii public radio program and is unique serving Everett and other communities in Snohomish County and north Puget Sound. The station has 13,000 weekly listeners and 1,000 financial providers. KSER has a transmitter in Lake Stevens on Soper Hill. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rapid Develeopment Program - IPA Cinthia Damaris Santos    Another amazing and fantastic presentation for our members and guests. This time by Cinthia Damaris Santos, Manager of the Rapid Development (RD) Program for IPA in Copan Honduras. Pictured above is Cinthia followed by numerous screen shots from her presentation. A bit about Cinthia. She had recently graduated college when a member of the Club in Copan Ruinas told her father that they were looking for a person to work for IPA managing some projects and they would prefer a bilingual person graduated from Mayatan so her father immediately though of Cinthia. And what a gem that IPA has in Copan managing the RD program. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor's Visit A very enthusiastic and energetic District Governor Carol Tinkelman visited our Club via Zoom on Friday, October 16th along with Assistant District Governor Dwayne Rhodes. Carol grew up in Vancouver, BC and spent eight years as Branch Manager with Canada Trust in Price George. She joined the Port George Rotary Club in 1992. In 1995, the she moved to Chilliwack to be closer to family and friends. She opened her own Financial Planning practice and joined the Rotary Club of Chilliwack. She is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a Major Donor and Benefactor of the Rotary Foundation and a recipient of the Avenues of Service Citation from Rotary International in recognition of her very lengthy list of service to Rotary, her church and her community. The Governor talked about Rotary going dark in March. There was never any training for a pandemic. Every Rotary Club in the world was going through this storm together. Within two weeks of the shutdown the District offered Covid-19 funds through Area grants. She envisions Rotary coming out of this more connected and together. Rotary is not just a Club you joined, its a yearning to engage in your community. Since March, RI President Holger Knaack had asked that each Club have at least one meeting per month. With Zoom taking center stage with Rotary International most Clubs returned to virtual meetings.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadside Clean Up Project  Team 1 - Chris, Cherie, Jak & Jim; Team 2 - Josie, Kristin, Nyomi, Tracy, Joyce, John, Diego kneeling and Gary taking the picture. The Club members were joined by three members of our Interact Club of Lake Stevens High School along with Kristin Odeggard, Interact Advisor and Rotary Club member. The Roadside Clean Up project involved two areas in Lake Stevens. Team 1 was responsible for Chapel Hill Rd and Team 2's area was 16th Street NE to N Machias Rd, 127th Av NE to 18th St NE and 18th St to Main Street. Along this route, a few neighbors out walking or in their yards, thanked our team for the taking care of their street.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Around the CommunitySnohomish County Rotaract - We are holding a fundraiser on October 21st from 5pm-9pm at the Chipotle in North Marysville. Join us at Chipotle "Do Good with Burritos" at 17103 28th Dr. NE, in Marysville on Wednesday, October 21st from 5pm-9pm to support the Snohomish County Rotaract with 33% of the proceeds going to the club. Lake Stevens Community Food Bank - Cabernets for Charity. Elevation Cellars will be partnering with our local Granite Falls and Lake Stevens Food Banks between now and October 31st. When you stop in to Elevation Cellars to enjoy our special Vertical Wine Tasting you'll be helping us restock the food bank shelves in preparation for the holiday season. In support of your generosity Elevation Cellars will be matching all donations received between now and October 31st. Special Vertical Tasting Available 2013, 2014, & 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon We look forward to welcoming you into the Tasting Room soon! Visit Elevation Cellars - Fridays - 3pm-7pm / Saturdays - 12pm-5pm / Sundays - 12pm-5pm at 19495 144th Avenue NE, Suite #A-130, Woodinville 98072.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talks  This past week, we enjoyed two classification talks. Brett Gailey and Ryan Mathisen our two newest members who shared their background with our club on Zoom on Friday, October 9th. Brett was originally scheduled to give his classification talk on Friday, September 25th with former Mayor John Spencer, but Weston Pete decided he needed to be the center of attention as the newest Gailey. Brett grew up in southwestern Wyoming. The family moved to Pendleton, Oregon when he was starting his junior year in high school. The lure of the wheat fields where you could hunt on your way to school was amazing. Started out at BYU-Idaho but ended up joining the Army with his specialty being in the field of explosives. Afterwards, went on a mission for his church to the Dominican Republic enjoying the great people of that country. Brett has both Hispanic and Basque heritage in his family background. He went to Boise State University enrolling in the ROTC program. Was a Military Police Officer, eventually joining the Boise Police Department. He and his first wife moved to the area to be closer to family. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and helped rebuild a police department in one of the city's in Iraq. Upon his return he went to work for the Everett Police Department. Returned to Iraq with the rank of Major and as guide for high powered dignitaries visiting the country: USO shows with Robin Williams and Lance Armstrong to name a few. Still in the military, US Army Reserves, assigned to Japan. Switched to a unit in Hawaii and in November will take command of a joint intelligence command in Texas with 45 members responsible for areas from India to the Pacific. Brett is married to Micah and between the two of them have six children. Brett enjoys music, running, hiking with his HAM radio and the Jeep crawl. His newest child, Weston Pete is named after his great grandfather. His politics started with serving on the Planning Commission to the City Council and now as full time Mayor of Lake Stevens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mayor Cassie Franklin Our guest speaker this past Friday on Zoom was Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. She is a member of the South Everett/Mukilteo Rotary Club. The Mayor commented that this was the most challenging time in her lifetime. First there was the impact and dealing with Covid-19. It was an open, off the cuff presentation because on Thursday, her day was interrupted by the Boeing announcement that they were moving the entire Dreamliner production to South Carolina. Due to that announcement, the day was spent responding to the onslaught of calls from the media for comments and her reaction. Unlike most elected officials, the Mayor is taking the high road and isn't going to get into the Boeing bashing like so many others. Boeing still has a substantial investment in Everett and Snohomish County. The decision by Boeing was a business decision. Why? Because the fuselage is made in South Carolina and cannot be made here at the Everett plant. The cost to move the fuselage production to the Everett plant is over $1 billion dollars. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John Spencer - Classification Talk Our program this past Friday, September 25th was a Classification Talk by John Spencer one of our newest members, well known and respected in the community and in our Club. His wife Terri was a Founding Member of our Club. John's early years were spent growing up in the Eastern Washington community of Cheney before his family moved to Olympia where he started high school. John credits his work ethic on his upbringing on a farm, milking cows, planting crops and other daily chores. John went to the University of Washington studying and earning a degree in Urban Planning. John met Terri Haugen there and got married. He earned a Master's Degree in Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Successful Corks and Kegs Fundraiser
MAHALO LAKE STEVENS! If you were able to watch our Live Stream of our Corks and Kegs fundraiser, you saw an amazing display of fun, frolic and utter pleasure by our two auctioneers, Ken Collins, our esteemed Club President and our Past President Kevin O'Brien. We all had a lot of fun figuring out how to make this happen this year and are thankful to many people for their support.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Congratutlations! Congratulations to the Gailey Family for the new addition. Weston Pete was born on 25 September to Brett and Micah. A healthy 9 lbs, 7 oz. His siblings are doting over him as well. Mom, Dad and Weston are all doing well.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fire District 7 Update   Our program last Friday (18th) was all about Fire District 7 and an update on the new District. Chief Kevin O'Brien (l), Deputy Chief of EMS Ron Rasmussen (c) and Public Information & Education Officer Heather Chadwick (r). Chief O'Brien, our esteemed Club Past President, reminded our Club that on January 1, 2020 the Lake Stevens Fire Service merged with Snohomish County Fire District 7. The new organization continues to operate under a balanced budget with over 36 years of audits and no findings by the State of Washington. All meetings are open to the public and are accessible. Currently all meetings are being held online. Access to the meetings and information can be found on their website. The new Fire District provides fire and life safety service to over 162,000 people covering more than 140 square miles. The District responded to 17,000+ emergency calls in 2019. Stations are strategically located throughout the district for increased service. Their services include fire suppression and prevention; Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS); ambulance transport; motor vehicle collision response; technical rescue; water rescue; hazardous materials response; disaster management and preparedness and public education. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Project Alliance (IPA) Marty Pease, is a member of the Rotary Club of La Conner and Secretary of the International Project Alliance. Marty joined Rotary in 2016 and the IPA group at the same time. She has had several trips to Honduras during her time. A trip to Honduras is planned for November because the Country is opened but still uncertain as to whether the trip will have to be rescheduled. Our Club has been really engaged since joining IPA. Adopt a School, Adopt a Dream, Mobile Library, Student Health and Construction are all part of the Foundation of IPA. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Our guest speaker on Friday, September 4th, via ZOOM was John Van Dalen, Ombudsman for the National Guard Employer Support Services or Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Before John began talking about the importance of the ESGR program, Mayor Brett Gailey spoke well of the organization because they assisted him when he was on deployment to Iraq. John was a Senior Master Sergeant before he retired. ESGR is a U. S. Department of Defense program which was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between the Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from a employee's military commitment. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hungry Hearts Update and More Mirza Avdic, the Executive Director of the Hungry Hearts Foundation, was our guest speaker via Zoom on Friday, August 28th. Mirza has given other communities tips on how Hungry Hearts Foundation operates and is open to any community asking for similar information. The organization started in 2010 as a program under the Lake Stevens Family Center with the name of Li'l Hungry Hearts. In 2011 the organization expanded to three elementary schools and in 2012 added another six more schools. By 2013, all ten Lake Stevens schools joined the program. In March 2015, the program separated from the Family Center and became a 501(c)(3) public charity as Hungry Hearts Foundation. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Sound 211 Our guest speaker for Friday, August 21st via ZOOM was Lisa Hull, Program Manager for North Sound 211. What is North Sound 211? It is important to note that 2-1-1 is a free confidential community service and your one stop connection to the local services you need: from utility assistance, food, housing, health care, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much, much more. North Sound 211 covers Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties. Throughout Washington, there are seven unique regions within 2-1-1 statewide information and referral systems. Each region supports local human service programs for residents in their area.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks and Kegs FundraiserGame on!!!! Corks and Kegs is approaching very quickly. Each of us has a part in the success of our largest fundraiser.
We need all HANDS ON DECK. Join the effort and make this one of the most successful Silent and On-Line Auctions for our Club so that we can continue our work in the Lake Stevens community as well as our international projects. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Greetings from your Rotary International president
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Enemy is Here! Coronavirus Traci Hanegan, is a mechanical engineering principal with Coffman Engineers. She is an American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) fellow and a frequent lecturer about the impact of indoor air hydration on occupant health and the spread of infectious diseases. Her program covered information about reducing the airborne transmission of infectious diseases. Traci is located in the firm's Spokane office. Traci started her presentation by referencing a book by David Quammen titled Spill Over. Since there are over 19 million cases of COVID-19, lots of it is about people and their individual behavior. What we are learning is that the size of the droplets are 0.12 um and can be transmitted through air and that toilets can be a risk of generating droplets. Recommendation: before flushing, close the lid. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks and Kegs - Save the Date |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community Foundation of Snohomish County Angelique Leone, Vice President of the Community Foundation of Snohomish County was our guest speaker via ZOOM on Friday, July 31st. She spoke about their Covid-19 Relief Fund. Before that here is a bit of history of the organization. The Community Foundation of Snohomish County started in 1993 as the Everett Parks Foundation. In 2001 the organization changed its name to the Greater Everett Community Foundation and again in 2015 finally to the Community Foundation of Snohomish County. Since 2009, the Foundation's average rate of return of their investments since 2009 is $32 million in assets with a pay out of about 14%. Most Foundation's are at 5%. Since their inception, the Foundation has awarded $20 million in grants. The Foundation direction changed a bit under Covid-19. The Foundation convened a partnership and opened the Coronavirus Rapid Response program in March. Funding was used for short-term, safety net needs for the vulnerable while government and other funding sources emerged. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skin Sun...Friend or Foe Our guest speaker on Friday, July 24th was Eve Stern, BSN, MS, LME Practice Administrator with Dr. Windle/Bellevue Plastic Surgery Group. Eve is no stranger to our Club. She is the wife of Don Iverson and has spoken to our group in the past. Her topic this past week was Skin & Sun: Friend or Foe. A very timely topic as I write this column with the heat index rising into the 90's today. Eve started her presentation with the comment that her hope was that we take away three new sources on sun and screening. Solutions to being in the sun for long periods must consider preventions from harming the skin. The sun has the following Positive Effects: Enhances your mood; treats seasonal affective disorders; relieves stress; improves sleep and has Vitamin D. On the other hand, UVA rays penetrate deep within the skin and contribute heavily to sun damage and melanoma. UVA rays primarily affect skin surface and contribute to basal cell & squamous cell carcinoma. UVA rays are the main source of sunburns. Likewise, we should avoid the use of Indoor Tanning lamps which emit UVA and UVB radiation at levels that can be as much as 10-15 times stronger than the sun at its peak. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
HASCO-Housing Authority of Snohomish County
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Welcome to the Rotary family, Leah Rose Sladek. Congratulations to the proud parents Hannah and Adam. What a wonderful bundle of joy and a big smile for the camera.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Youth Exchange by Sawyer Mauk
Sawyer Mauk-Rotary Youth Exchange Program was our guest speaker at our Zoom meeting on Friday, July 10th. His information below is from the District 5050 website. Also attending our meeting was Felicity Dye, Chair of the District Youth Exchange Program and Andrea Stiller, who is the Youth Exchange Committee Secretary. Sawyer is a ROTEX student from 2018-19, He just graduated from Whidbey Island High School and will be attending Lewis & Clark University in the fall. During his Junior year of school, he went to Bolivia and was hosted by the Rotary Club of Tarija. He has remained actively involved with his sponsor Club (South Whidbey Island) and with our Rotex (Returned Exchange Students) Group. The Rotary Youth Exchange program (RYE) is a fabulous experience where the future of Rotary starts with youth. Sawyer talked about traveling to Trajia, Bolivia where he was able to learn and grow. He mentioned that the impact of one student reaches 255 people. In 2018-19 the 10,000 exchange students around the world touch over 2.5 million people each year and every year. Involvement includes the student's family, extended family, sponsoring Rotary Clubs, host families, host school and host Rotary District and Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sherwood -Purchase with a Purpose at Bruno's This Wednesday, July 8th, stop by Bruno's and Purchase with a Purpose with a portion of all food purchases supporting Sherwood.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stay Safe This Holiday Weekend |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Installation Banquet 2019-2020Rotary year's are always challenging for our Club Presidents. But this year was exceptional with the virtual shutdown of all activities including our Club Meetings, going to on-line/ZOOM and the prolonged issue of Covid-19. Our President, Laurie Westover, rose to the occasion and stirred us into uncharted waters and kept us all afloat still enduring the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. Congratulations are a highly successful and very unusual year. Awards for 2019-2020 Loren Hole - Rotarian of the Year Lance Morehouse - Viking Leadership Award Rising Star Awards - Chris Jacobson and Amelia Mimura Four Way Test Award - Tracy DeLorm And our newest Paul Harris recipient is Ilene Levering. Congrtulations! Welcome to the New Board of Directors for 2020-2021 Officers: Ken Collins - President Past President - Laurie Westover Reshal Ploeger - President-Elect Chris Vallo - Treasurer and President-Nominee Gary O'Rielly-Secretary Directors: Keith Partington - Club Services Ilene Levering - Community Services Tracy DeLorm - International Services Lance Morehouse - Vocational Services Ron Rasmussen - Membership Jim Haugen - Foundation The new Officers and Directors were given the oath of office AG Dave Duskin. Dave's three year service as Area J Assistant District Governor ends on June 30th. Thanks for being so helpful and a wonderful friend to our Club and its members.  This was likely the most unusual Annual Installation Banquet but came off without a hitch, a lot of fun, colorful wear, hats galore and so much more. Congratulations to Laurie for such a fantastic year and a big welcome to Ken Collins as he assumes the Presidency of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens on July 1st.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pilchuck Dam Removal Restoration Project Brett Shattuck, Restoration Ecologist, The Tulalip Tribes viewing and surveying the Pilchuck Dam. The Pilchuck Dam Removal Restoration Project is a partnership between the Tulalip Tribes, NOAA, City of Snohomish, Salmon Recovery Funding Board, PSAR, Puget Sound Partnership, United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Paul G. Allen Foundation. As this article is being published, our current President Laurie Westover and her husband Mike will become our past President. Laurie and Mike live along the Pilchuck River adjacent to the dam and are fully supportive of the removal project. What does this dam removal project involve: This is an outline of the project given by Brett at our Zoom meeting on Friday, June 26th. The outline consist of the Tulalip Tribes, watershed protection and restoration, the Pilchuck Dam Existing Conditions, Removal goals and objectives, the dam removal planning and outreach program. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians of the Months-May & June  The Rotarian of the Month award was created by Past President Kevin O'Brien during his term and carried forward under President Laurie Westover. The last two Rotarians of the Months for 2019-2020 have been announced by President Laurie. Kristin Odeggard is the Rotarian of the Month for May and Shawn Frederick is the Rotarian of the month for June. Both members have been respected members of the community, active and passionate about their roles. Kristin has been the Interact Advisor since the very beginning. The growing number of Interact members is a credit to her role as Advisor and leader in the Lake Stevens High School Community. The goal of the Rotarian of the Month is to recognize those members of our Club who have shown outstanding leadership during the year. The number of Interact Club members has risen to the high 20's this past year. Interactors have over 346 hours of service to the community. Shawn's community involvement spans the boundaries from the County to the City of Lake Stevens. His expanded leadership role at the Snohomish Health District especially during COVID-19 and in his new role as a member of the City Council of Lake Stevens. Shawn's example of being involved certainly meet the criteria of "Service Above Self." Congratulations to Kristin and Shawn. Now, they just have to decide who gets the parking place of honor that comes with the award.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Senior Center Amelia Mimura, President of the Lake Stevens Senior Center and a club member and Jerry Stumbaugh, Vice President of the Lake Stevens Senior Center accept a Lake Stevens Rotary Club Foundation contribution in the amount of $2,100 from Gary O'Rielly. The scene is Amelia's home since the Center is closed during Covid-19. The check presentation was made at Amelia's home on Saturday, June 20th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mental Health Support for Students Our speaker June 19th was Jenn Hudson, Student Mental Health Support Specialist with the Lake Stevens School District. In that role she helps students for any reason when they have to deal with pressures of school, home and life. She is part of a team the District has to ensure that students are successful in school. There are specialists at both middle schools--Lake Stevens and Northlake--as well as at Cavelero Mid-High and the High School, where Jenn is based. The Team also includes an Intervention Specialist who splits his time between Cavelero and the High School. While the Specialists are based at the secondary schools they are certainly available for all seven elementary schools and the Early Learning Center. Another vital member of the Team is Bruce, a golden Labrador retriever who is trained as a service dog to help students for whatever reason. Jenn shared that students that utilize the Support Services can meet individually with the Specialists and/or as part of a group of peers. The group meetings can happen as often as weekly and vary at the time of the school day so as not to impact the learning opportunities for students. When a student comes to seek help, the student is told that the specialist has three "bosses." 1) the student, 2) the student's parents, guardians or caregiver and, 3) the school district. There is some confidentiality about what a student shares, but, if the student expresses self-harm intentions or intentions to hurt others, then the caregivers and school district have to be advised. During the current worldwide pandemic and schools being closed, it's been harder on the Team to support the students. They have found ways including using online meeting platforms to support the students. The Support Team also put together a video primarily aimed at School District Staff--but, certainly applicable to all of us--on ways to take care of our own mental health during the pandemic. Are you taking care of yourself? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Safety and Recent Events  Our guest speakers last Friday, June 12th, were two of our own members. Chief of Police John Dyer and Chief of Snohomish County Fire District #7 Kevin O'Brien spoke to our Club about recent events, public safety and COVID-19. Lake Stevens is the beneficiary of two exception leaders for our Police and Fire Services. Two absolutely awesome individuals who believe in the motto, "Service Above Self". The program started with Chief O'Brien discussing COVID-19 as well as some of the protest going on. In the Chief's thirty years in public service he spoke about the number of policeman that he has observed and worked with who go in and out of danger in troubling times and almost always under unusual circumstances. They are by far, some of the best examples of people that Chief O'Brien has ever worked with allowing the Fire Service to do their jobs. Chief Dyer echo the sentiments about the Fire Service men and women as well. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Upcoming Events
Here is a list of upcoming events hosted by District 5050: Jun 16th Coffee Corner - John Hewko, General Secretary & CEO, Rotary International Jun 17th Rotaract/Rotary Connection Club Training with Phoenix MacLaren (Registration required) 7-8 pm For those that register, the Zoom link will be emailed to the registrants on the afternoon of the event. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The YAIL Experience 2020 Youth Adventure in Leadership (YAIL) is a program offered by District 5050 of Rotary International, the world's oldest service organization. The YAIL mission is to give participants opportunities to utilize their new (undiscovered) leadership skills, create interpersonal bonds, embrace challenges and learn the value of teamwork. This year, our Club sent three Interact members to the YAIL 2020 event on February 7-9 at the Alexander House in Surrey, BC. Registration is open to 65 applicants from District 5050. Candidates are sponsored by a local Rotary Club with a mix of young men and young women, Canadians and Americans. Below is an example of three incredible lades that we sponsored and their experiences at YAIL. Anna, Karley and Mary were our guest speakers this past Friday, June 5th at our ZOOM meeting. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month - March
Our esteemed Presient acknowledged that during the Covid-19 pandemic that she did not acknowledge a Rotarian of the Month since April since the first couple of weeks our Club didn't meet until Zoom became part of our weekly routine. The March Rotarian of the Month is Ilene Levering. Congratulations!!!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Will Do Our Part to Listen |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome the New Officers, Directors and Club Chairs for 2020-2021 Congratulations to our new Officers, Directors and Club Chairs for 2020-2021. Ken Collins will be our distinguished leader as President for the new year starting on July 1, 2020. Joining Ken are: Officers: Past President - Laurie Westover President-Elect- Reshal Ploeger President Nominee- Chris Vallo Treasurer- Chris Vallo Secretary- Gary O'Rielly Directors: Club Service- Keith Partington Community Service-Ilene Levering Intl. Service- Tracy DeLorm Vocational Service- Lance Morehouse Membership- Ron Rasmussen Foundation- Jim Haugen Club Chairs: Public Relations- Reshal Ploeger Programs- Don Iverson Interact- Kristin Odeggard Website- James Monroe
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hanford Site Cleanup: Progress & Challenges Our guest speaker on Friday, May 22nd was Ginger Wireman, a Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist with the Washington State Department of Ecology. After the presentation Ginger asked if the club members could fill out a evaluation form: Here is the link: http://biy.ly/3eebLgX. Ginger's presentation was about the Hanford Site Cleanup: Progress & Challenges. Like so many of the workforce in Washington and the nation, Ginger has been working from home since March 13th. Ginger started the presentation with some background regarding the Hanford site. Area pre-1942 was a small agricultural community comprising Hanford and White Bluffs. Native Americans had been in the area for years. A photo in the presentation shows the Wanapum village looking downstream towards Hanford. Construction at Hanford began in the 1940's. Production was from 1945-1988. Hanford was part of the Manhattan project. The project needed a rural area and required established rail lines. The project took all of the farms and buildings to construct Hanford. No one had a clue that the site/project was part of the building and deployment of the hydrogen bomb dubbed the Manhattan Project.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paine Field Our guest speaker on Friday, May 15th via Zoom was Pete McGuire, Deputy Director for Operations at Paine Field. The photo is the new Paine Field Airport which opened a little over a year ago with over 1 million passengers during the period. However, Paine Field is much bigger than the new passenger terminal. Paine Field is named after Lt. Topliff Paine who grew up in Everett, and flew for the U. S. Army Air during World War 1. Paine also helped pioneer air mail service in the western United States. Construction began in 1936 which was a Great Depression-era project. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dawson Place Our Zoom program last Friday, May 8th was Anne Ewalt, Community Engagement Prevention Education at Dawson Place. Today's topics included How Dawson Place helps child abuse victims using the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) model. Conversations continued about the Covid-19 impact and what we can do to prevent Child Sexual Abuse and help those who are being abused. Important to note that our world deserves and needs the brilliance and talents of all of our children. All people especially children have a right to fully develop, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. All children have a right to grow up in a nurturing environment as well as a carefree and safe childhood. When this doesn't happen and kids experience sexual abuse, physical abuse and other traumas, than there is Dawson's Place. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sno-Isle Libraries-Lake Stevens Lindsay Hanson, Library Manager at Sno-Isle Library, Lake Stevens, was our guest speaker via Zoom on Friday, May 1st. Lindsay provided an overview of what's happening with the Library under the Covid-19 pandemic. All Sno-Isle Libraries are closed until further notice. All staff have been working from home since March 14th. The Library has started several new programs as a result of Covid-19. Staff are making calls to seniors over 60 who have used their services in the past few months to see how they are doing. Library cards used to be limited to in-person applications. That has certainly changed under Covid-19. There is a library card link now available. Lindsay encouraged us to view the library resources tabs for all services.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Planning Framework
 Last Friday, our club had a truly unique individual with 43 years experience in Snohomish County Government. Barbara Mock, Director, Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) spoke to our Club ZOOM meeting. Barbara is an amazing person and the presentation was utterly outstanding. The speaking engagement on the county's Planning Framework started with the presentation agenda which included overview of the Growth Management Act, Regional Planning/Multi-County Planning policies, Countywide Planning policies, Snohomish County Comprehensive Plan, Developmemt Regulations/other Implementing Actions and Thinking About the Future. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skate Park History Skateboard Park Early Supporters Although the Rotary Skate Park isn't officially open right now, the purpose of this article is to outline the community and Rotary's support for a skate park dating back to 2005-2006. An article in the Everett Herald, Sunday, December 9, 2007 references the building of a skate park in Lake Stevens involved three unlikely candidates. Further, it commented that none of these individuals were hardly typical skateboarders. Only one of them had kids. The threesome are very involved in the community: Tonya Christoffersen, manager of the Lake Stevens Sewer District, Tracy DeLorm, a dentist and Julie Ubert a supervisor for the Lake Stevens Police Department. The article confirms that the women were among several others who started working on the campaign to bring the skate park to Lake Stevens more than a year ago (at the time this would have been in 2006). The three women did their research, traveling to skate parks in nearby cities to see how parks have been built and talking to skateboarders. The three women made a presentation to the City Council, the Lake Stevens School Board, the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants Association to round up support. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discussion Topics From Our Meeting Oh, not the image you were looking for. Well it does serve the purpose. The hardest part of our Rotary experience is our inability to have face to face contact with our members who have become part of our family. Zoom has replaced our weekly Friday morning meetings and allowed our Club members to see one another although from a distance and through the eye of our computers/cellphones with some spectacular backgrounds if only as an image of where we might want to be or just enjoying it as a background picture. Discussion centered around one member buying ten pizzas for Ace Hardware employees so busy during this pandemic that have been so helpful to our member, to an Easter boat parade around the lake involving over 40 boats organized by Chris J. What about the progress of the 7 new chicks? Some of our male members growing beards, or getting that much needed haircut and much more. Kristin reported that the Interactors are so overwhelmed with the current status of the "stay at home" requirements and on-line schooling that has become part of our fabric during this pandemic. Scholarships are now coming in after the Vocational Committee extended the deadline. Now we have over 17 applications by my count from Lance's email. Now, the judging begins with our next meeting set for April 27th. Request for anyone interested in being a judge sent out by Lance this past few days. Corks and Kegs was originally set for this past Saturday, April 18th but instead has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 26th. So, on Saturday did you have a glass of wine or beer and think about "what might have been" or just enjoy the time at home? Support for local businesses and restaurants that are open for take out or adhering is extremely helpful in these times of high unemployment caused by the pandemic/virus. Good to see everyone that was on the Zoom meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
City Priorities Mayor Brett Gailey was our virtual guest on Friday, April 10th. Club Meetings are now virtual meetings until further notice using Zoom. A shout out to Don Iverson for working with the Mayor to reschedule his City Priorities presentation. The Mayor has lived in Lake Stevens since 2004. He and his wife have five children with another one on the way. The Mayor, has been a policeman in Everett for the past 21 years and currently works patrol in the city. He is a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserve and had two tours in Iraq. His Reserve time is spent in Pearl Harbor where he participates in the Pacific intelligence area while on Army Reserve time in Hawaii. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Just What the Doctor Ordered!Our meeting this morning was just what the doctor ordered! So great to SEE👀 everyone, do a little Club business and start to plan how we can best support the Lake Stevens community in the coming months.Thanks Reshal.
Nice to see so many connect into Zoom or on the phone to our virtual Rotary Club Meeting this morning. Either by internet or by phone, hearing what's going on with each of us was a great way to connect and as Reshal pointed out, "JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED." Dave Duskin, Assistant Governor, Area J, and Bob Knight, formerly of Snohomish and now living in Florida, joined in. Several projects underway by crafts persons like Nanci Johnson and President Laurie making surgical mask for friends and those in need or dropping them off at the local Food Bank. I know Tracy was doing lots of quilting for family and friends, Dave Duskin announced that are Area in District 5050 can use a USD$5,000 matching grant for COVID-19 pandemic relief projects. Many ideas such as purchasing large quantities of surgical mask and protective wear for First Responders, Police, and the medical profession plus hospitals was at the top of the conversation. Rotary Skate Park: The County and City will be developing plaques to install at the Rotary Skate Park and has asked our Club to develop one as well since we were the catalyst for getting the Skateboard Park project going some 15+ years ago and never, ever giving up on the idea. Corks and Kegs sponsors have all agreed to be supporters of the new date in September. We have almost met our goal of $10,000 even exceeding last years sponsorship contributions. It was so good to hear what's going on in everyone's daily lives along with their stay-at-home projects. Seven new chickens being raised and watched over by Maia Pinkelman caught DJ and Laurie's attention. A new puppy in the life of the O'Brien family certainly added to the excitement. There was a big shout out to Kevin, Ron and John for the work being done by our First Responders, Police as well as the teachers who are learning new ways of teaching from their homes as well as School District staff and so many more. A sad note for Chris V and his family who lost his son this past week at such an early stage in his adult life. This was not related to the pandemic. All of us are keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers. An Irish Blessing to our Rotary family: May your purse always hold a coin or two; may the sun always shine on your window pane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you and May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you on. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary eLearning CenterGood day fellow Rotarians, Attached you will find a suggested list of online courses from the Rotary eLearning Center. Each of these will help broaden your understanding of Rotary and enhance your club experience. While there are recommended courses for specific groups please feel free to log on and experience any of those listed. This is one way Rotary Connects the World through technology during this time of social distancing. Sincerely Rod Thomson District Trainer
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Message from the Mayor
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President's Message
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy St. Patrick's Day Beannachtai Na Feile Padraig or Happy St. Patrick's day to our IRISH members and wannabe irish members. An Irish Blessing for all of our fantastic members: May there always be work for your hands to do: May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your window pane; May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you and May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you on.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Challenging Times These are certainly challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic occurring around the world and in our own community. The recent decision to cancel K-12 schools in the state through April 24th along with many civic institutions has certainly distorted our daily social fabric unlike anything in our lifetimes. With that in mind and the ever widening disruption in our daily routines, the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens has decided out of an abundance of caution to cancel our weekly Friday morning meetings through April 24th. The shutdown of our meetings could be longer if there isn't a significant change in the COVID-19 pandemic here in Washington State. And, just as importantly, our Corks and Kegs Annual fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, April 18th has been postponed until Saturday, September 26th. Those who have already purchased tickets can hold on to them since we are simply postponing our event. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact someone from our Club for more clarification etc. Maintaining our distance from one another and doing the simple thinks to protect one another is essential at this time. No hugs, no handshakes and people maintaining a comfortable distance from one another is the safest practice at this time. In the meantime, Club members can be in contact with one another through our new Facebook social page, calling one another to see how they are doing or a simple text will send the same message.....is certainly an example to one other that you and I care about each and everyone of our members. Stay tuned. More to come as we continue to monitor the progress of defeating this virus.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 Scholarship Applications
Our 2020 Academic and Vocational Scholarship Applications are now available for graduating high seniors who plan to pursue further education at a college, university or vocational school. The application can be completed on your computer. Print it out, sign it, then send it along with the required documents to the email at the bottom of the application page (lmorehouse@sherwoodcs.org). There are specific requirements for each and the deadline for both is April 10, 2020. The Committee is looking into alternative ways to accept applications. Please stay tuned for updated information.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Port of Everett update Our program for Friday, February 28th was Laura Gurley, Planner at the Port of Everett. Laura's presentation was an update on the Port of Everett. The Port of Everett and boundaries were formed in 1918 serving nearly 100,000 people. The Port is governed by three elected commissioners. The Port supports 35,000 jobs in the region and contributes $373 million dollars in taxes. The Port operates three lines of businesses: Seaport, Marina and real estate. Homeport to the United States Navy Naval Station Everett and is the largest public marina on the west coast. The Port ranks as the third largest container port in the state and the Everett customs district ranks second in the state at $21 billion in exports including airplanes.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk - Gary O'Rielly The author (Gary O'Rielly) is all desked out with Mardi Gras beads as the season is upon us. After 16 years in Louisiana, the annual Mardi Gras has become a major celebration of the O'Rielly family. Shortly, as in the past ten years, King Cakes will arrive from two Louisiana friends. Although my talk centered on my background, varied career and the number of moves around the United States as each of my careers expanded from one to another. Louisiana was special. So a bit about the history of Mardi Gras and the King Cake Tradition below. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk - Kristin Odeggard Kristin Odeggard talked about her background, family, education and teaching Spanish at Lake Stevens High School. Besides discussing her background, Kristin gave an overview of the current Interact Club in her role as Advisor to the Club. The Interact team meets each Wednesday in Room 104 at the High School. So far this year, the Interact Club has logged over 428 volunteer hours encompassing helping teachers clean whiteboards, sorting, arranging flowers, filing and packing and unpacking as teachers move into new classrooms as the remodeling of the high school continues. The Interact Club has approximately 22-29 members.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Highland Elementary School Request One of the guest's at last Friday's meeting was Shanna Myers, Highland Elementary School PTA Treasurer, who shared information about the PTA raising funds to expand the playground at the school to be more inclusive for children of all abilities. Current equipment is very inadequate and many of the students cannot use the equipment because of the large number of students at the school. The estimate to upgrade the all inclusive equipment is $57,155.97. Shanna has approached the Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce and is looking for other sources of funding for the project. Recently, Highland Elementary School became the home base for northern Snohomish County's Structured Learning Center for Early Childhood Special Education at the start of the 2018-19 school year. This is the reason for the fundraiser by the PTA.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Road to Recovery Our program this week was the Road to Recovery given by Jerri Wood, the American Cancer Society. Currently the American Cancer Society program operates with 20+ volunteer drivers who provide assistance to people who need transportation. Several of the transportation providers are retirees who transport cancer patients to treatments. Interested providers can to the Cancer.org/volunteer website or call 1-600-227-2345 for more information. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
February Rotarian of the Month In her brief time as a member of our club, Amelia ("Auntie") has made an impact on our members and her "Service Above Self." As a result, President Laurie applied the Rotarian of the Month pin on Auntie this past Friday as the newest member of the Rotarian of the Month club and this one for February.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hand in Hand Our program for Friday, January 31st was Amber Lindamood, Manager for Hand in Hand. Amber was accompanied by Katelyn Hall, Communications Coordinator. In 2010, Hand and Hand was created from a group of foster parents, social workers and child advocates seeking to make positive, systemic changes to how children enter and are cared for in the foster system. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Big Question: Have you had that Conversation? Eve Stern, BSN, MS, LME suggest each of us "Start the Conversation" about End of Life Planning which was a real thought provoking presentation at last Friday's meeting. The presentation starts with the End of Life Facts Today. During the last two months of life, $56 billion is being spent. And 87% care plans are not available at the scene of an emergency. Plus, 25% of Medicare recipients spend more than the total value of their assets on out of pocket health care expenses in the last 5 years of life. A 2000 study found that costs were 35,7% lower for patients who had formal end-of-life discussions involving medical caregivers and family compared with those who had not. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fundraiser Extraordinaire We have two every successful fundraisers each year. But, each week, another fundraiser takes places as our dutiful Sergeant of Arms fleeces each member of their precious dollars. Looks like the cat has his tongue on this one. And, DJ (David Johnson) wants to be fired but you cannot argue with success. He does come up with the most creative forms of fining our members. You just have to be there to enjoy his tirades and fleecing.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paul Harris + 3 Tracy DeLorm receives her Paul Harris + 3 pin from Foundation Chairman, Jim Haugen, at Friday's meeting. Tracy is the current Chair person of the International Services Committee. Congratulations Tracy and thank you for your service to our club and our community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Terri Spencer
On 11 January, a memorial service and celebration of life was held for Terri Loraine Haugen Spencer, one of the Charter Members of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. She passed away in later November just shy of her 73rd birthday. But, she packed so much in those years. She was born in Port Angeles but raised in Everett. She was in the very first graduating class of Cascade High School in 1965. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration. She also met an engineering student by the name of John Spencer.  Pastor Benson giving a Prayer of Commendation for Terri.They married in 1968 and lived in Olympia for a number of years. There hse began he lifelong passion to better the lives of children. She formed the Glenna Overton Children's Orthopedic Guild and worked with the school district to ease the burden of double shifting children. The Spencer's moved to Lake Stevens in the mid 80's. Terri continued her passion for the community, schools and childhood education. She led the formation of the Clean Lake Association to protect the Lake. She was elected to the School Board in 1991 and served through 2002. She was one of the founders of the Lake Stevens Education Foundation and remained its President until 2015. She was an active member of the Snohomish Arts Council and was vital to the development of the Schack Art Center. Along with many others in our community, she helped form the Lake Stevens Family Center, built the Avanti House-a home for unwed teenage mothers, brought the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to Lake Stevens and, as noted, was a charter member of our Rotary Club. She served as President of the Club 1996-1997. She was a fund developer for Deaconess Children's Center. After that, in her "free time," she helped in daughter Lorraine's land use consulting business sighting cellular towers.  She loved a wide variety of activities across a spectrum of subjects. Outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, travel around the world, but, most of all she was proud of her family. Husband John, who recently completed a term as Mayor of Lake Stevens (after four years on the City Council), children Lorraine, Peter and Jeff, their spouses, seven grandchildren, brothers John and Jim, their wives and, sister Pam Hallanger. Many people from Lake Stevens and far beyond attended the service. This included many of her high school class at Cascade, friends from Olympia and people from organizations that she was a beloved member of including the Rotary Club, the School Board and the Lake Stevens Education Foundation (LSEF). Past School District Superintendents Joe Ghaffari and Dave Burgess joined current Superintendent Amy Beth Cook along with School Board Member Mari Taylor as well as past senior leaders of the school district. Leslie Elsemore led the group of dedicated LSEF advocates. Mayor Brent Gailey and City Council Members Kim Daughtry and Marcus Tangent were in attendance along with Rotarians Tracy & Dave DeLorm, Chris Jacobson, James & Angie Monroe, Gary O'Rielly, Reschal Ploeger Jim & Dawn Steinruck, and Chris Vallo. State Representative John Lovick and former Director of the Department of Social and Health Services Kevin Quigley also paid their respects. Several spoke about Terri including our own Jim Steinruck. He said the "reason the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is the Club it is is because of Terri Spencer." Sister-in-Law Kristin Haugen said "The best and brightest light of Terri will shine forever in us." Her daughter said it best when referring to the poem The Weaver "The weaving from above must be brilliant."  Terri's daughter LorraineThe impact that Terri has on the children of the the past 50 years and for many decades to come is immeasurable. And, most of the children will never know.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lt. Harry Parker-Leadership.JPG) Our guest speaker 10 January was Lt. Harry Parker, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Parker grew up in Mississippi and has been a resident of our area for the last 40 years. His topic was leadership. He began his conversation with the question about one word in the English language that has so much power and the answer is choice. Attitude is always a choice. Recognize people. Think before you speak. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legislative Advocacy 101 Lance Morehouse, CEO of Sherwood Community Services, Rotarian of the Month for January and Chair of the Club's Vocational Services Committee talks to the Club about Legislative Advocacy which he has been doing for the special needs community for over 21 years. Lance has been the Legislative Chair for Community Employment Alliance, on the Steering Committee for Weecare and Chair of EFA PAC. "Making Government Work for You" was the topic for this week's program. A quote set the tone of the program. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that every has." by Margaret Mead. Posted in the writer's office is the following: " No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session" which I was given by a noted State Senator in 1971 legislative session. Circa NY 1866. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
January - Rotarian of the Month President Laurie presents Lance Morehouse with the Rotarian of the Month pin for January 2020. Congratulations Lance for your service to the community and to our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Presentation-Long Overdue Past President Kevin presents prior Chair of Vocational Services Dean Franz with his plaque and gift for his valuable service to the Club during the 2018-19 Rotary Year. Dean was unable to attend the annual installation banquet in June. Boy, time flies when you are having fun.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Member Shenanigans As President Laurie looks on, our two Chiefs exchange the key to the new Police Department Headquarters once occupied by the Lake Stevens Fire. In the photo, Lake Stevens Fire Chief Kevin O'Brien bows to Lake Stevens Police Chief John Dyer as the key to the headquarters is officially passed along.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From Our Family to Your Family A new year, new opportunities and best wishes for the New Year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Physical Therapy.JPG) Our topic this week was Physical Therapy. Joining us this week was Shannon O'Kelley (pictured), President of IRG and Alex Zitnik. Integrated Rehabilitation Group has 36 locations and 400 employees throughout the Puget Soound Region. The closest facility to Lake Stevens is in Granite Falls. IRG is a full spectrum, evidence-based outpatient Physical and Hand Therapy Organization. Their niche services include women's/men's health, vestibular rehbilitation, lymphederma management, holistic health, myofascial decompression, custom splinting, aquatic therapy and TPI golf enhancement. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Holidays |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frontier Heights Park donation.JPG)  President Laurie (l) addressing the Lake Stevens City Council on Tuesday, December 17th presenting a check in the amount of $10,000 from the Club's Foundation to the City for the re-development of Frontier Heights Park. Pictured (r) are members of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens there for the check presentation. Congratulations to our Club member, Shawn Frederick who was sworn in as one of the new City Council members.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Terri Spencer Honored and Remembered On Wednesday morning, December 18th, County Councilman Sam Low sponsored a Proclamation honoring the life and community leadership of Terri Spencer for her efforts in Lake Stevens, Everett and Snohomish County on projects involving children and the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. Pictured above is John Spencer with the Haugen family. The siblings included brother Jim and John Spencer & sister Pam. The family was pictured with all of the Snohomish County Council members after passage of the Proclamation. A very nice tribute. Thanks Sam for sponsoring this Proclamation. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mayor Spencer Presents State of the City Mayor John Spencer speaks to our Club about the State of the City. The Mayor's term ends at the end of the year. Thank you John for your many years of service to the City. The Mayor started his speech talking about the beginning of his term as the Mayor of Lake Stevens. The City changed its city staffing including a new Chief of Police, City Administrator and Public Works professional which is starting to show the progress the city has undertaken from policing to permit processing. During his first day as Mayor his first visitors were Council members Marcus Tageant and Sam Low wanting to know what his priorities were for the city. The Mayor responded with the following a need for a new temporary City Hall, than acquiring the property on Chapel Hill for a future permanent City Hall, partnering with Sno-Isle Library. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talks  Classification talks by Jak Thornton and Chief John Dyer were just some of the highlights of the meeting on Friday, December 06, 2019. Jak born on the East Coast, hiked throughout Europe in his early life, enrolled in the University of Washington on a 7 year plan and owns his own tax consulting business. Looking for an organization that he could give back to the community and was asked by President Laurie to join our Club. Chief John, grew up in Boston and in a life changing direction, joined the Marines. Started his police career with the Oak Harbor Police Department, started a DARE program there, served on the School Board for ten years, helped start the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County chapter where he met his wife Peggy. Eventually becoming the Chief of Police in Rifle, Colorado and becoming a member of their Rotary Club before moving to Lake Stevens (to be closer to family) to assume the role of Chief of the Lake Stevens Police Department and joining our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fireside at Dave and Tracy's  Fireside at Tracy and Dave's home. Enjoying the food, conversation and Christmas atmosphere. Plus a birthday celebration for Kirsten. Thanking you Tracy and Dave for sharing your home with fellow Rotarians, neighbors and former members. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December-Rotarian of the Month President Laurie announced that Keith Partington was the Rotarian of the Month for December 2019 for his behind the scenes work as the front desk host on Friday mornings. Congratulations Keith.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ADG Visit Stopping by on one of his regular visits was Assistant District Governor Dave Duskin. Dave's term as the ADG ends in June so he brought Duane Rhodes who will assume the Assistant District Governor role for Area J beginning in July. Dave has been a big supporter of our Club as well as the other Clubs in Area J and has been a good mentor to President Laurie. Duane will be there starting in July to help Ken as he becomes our Club President for 2020-2021.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corks & Kegs Organizational Meeting.png)  Corks and Kegs Organizational meeting tonight (Tuesday, December 3rd) at Haggen's Café. Ken Collins, President-Elect chaired the meeting that include President Laurie who wasn't pictured nor Gary O'Rielly who took the photo. Ideas were exchanged with a fantastic theme decided and various roles defined. More information to follow.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passing of Terri Spencer It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Terri Spencer on Monday after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's. She was the epitome of community service. As a founding member of our Rotary Club, a twelve year member and multiple years as President of the Lake Stevens School District, founder with Joyce Bell of the Lake Stevens Family Center, founding member and multiple year President of the Lake Stevens Education Foundation, a founding member of the Lake Stevens Clean Lake Association and long time member of the Snohomish County Arts Commission are some of her contributions. She was a wonderful sister and neighbor, friend to many and an extraordinary mother. She will be missed and remembered by all and her legacy will continue to impact our community for years to come.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Thanksgiving |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sergeant of Arms for a Day Nothing like having Club member and the Chief of Police John Dyer, serve as the Sergeant of Arms for the day. Pictured are reps of the Guns and Hoses.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Rotary Foundations Jim Haugen, our Rotary Foundation guru and chair of Club Services was our featured speaker at our meeting on Friday, November 22nd. The topic of the program was the Rotary Foundation. There are two Rotary Foundations. They are the Rotary International Foundation and our Club's Foundation. Both Foundations are 501 (c)(3) entities. Pictured above are the two banners our Club received at the recent District 5050 Foundation dinner on November 15th in Abbotsford, BC. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
US Census REQUEST Jeff Donal, a former Rotarian, representing the US Census Bureau, asking our members to consider joining the 2020 Census team by "Be A Census Taker." The very first census was in 1790 and is a constitutional requirement that a census be performed every 10 years.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UW Computational Finance & Risk Management Karen Beaudry, Career Service Manager, University of Washington, Computational Finance and Risk Management, was our guest speaker at our meeting on Friday, November 15th. Karen is a Harvard graduate and was captain of the Harvard Track Team. Now Karen is an avid tennis player.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Foundation Dinner 2019  District 5050 Foundation dinner on Friday, November 15th in Abbotsford, BC at the Quality Hotel & Conference Center. Gary, Laurie, Chris, Reshal and Jim were there representing our Club. Jim accepting two awards for 100% Member Participation in the Foundation and Every Rotarian Every Year banners at the dinner for our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hands - Only CPR   Ron Rasmussen, Lake Stevens Fire Captain/Medical Service Officer and Chair of the Club's Membership Committee provided on-site Hands-Only CPR techniques with Club members practicing on the twelve manikins. Also, use of the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) was taught during the presentation. If you witness a sudden collapse, how many people would know what to do or how to administer CPR. Quick response while waiting for First Responders to arrive could be a major difference in a person's survival.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Arts and Parks Foundation Reshal displayed the poster from the Lake Stevens Arts and Parks Foundation that is being sold with the proceeds going to the Arts Commission with the idea of improving arts and parks in our community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exchange of Banners CA visit from former member and Past President, Bill Demeroutis, prompted an exchange of Club banners at our meeting on Friday, November 8th. Bill is now a member of the Rotary Club of Saddlebrook, AZ in District 5500 which is close to Tucson. Bill, you are welcome any time!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month - November A comical moment as Chief John Dyer receives the November-Rotarian of the Month award from President Laurie. Congratulations John on being named this month's recipient of our monthly award.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Skate Park update      .JPG) A world class skate park is taking shape and form and will be a fantastic park for the Lake Stevens and surrounding communities. Pictures were taken on Sunday, November 3rd. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collection Bucket The Rotary collection bucket originally put into service by former member John Morrison was restored by Ilene and returned to service this past Friday, November 1st. Awesome work Ilene. Thanks.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Orientation Ron Rasmussen, Chair of the Membership Committee and Jim Steinruck along with Gary O'Rielly (not pictured) lead the discussion and presentation of a Club Orientation session at our weekly Friday morning meeting November 1st.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the Transportation Budget Senator Steve Hobbs, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and a member of our Club outlines the State of the Transportation budget at our regular Friday morning meeting on October 25th. The State Transportation budget is at $9.3 billion in appropriation authority and is separate from the Operation budget. Constitution amendment #18 requires that all gas money received by the State goes to transportation separated into two accounts. One is the motor vehicle account and the other is the multimodal transportation account.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk    Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk. Top left. Hannah the organizer: Ilene the event photographer, President Laurie and Angie. The walkers were Angie, Jim and Laurie and along the route joined by Kendra. And our Club members nearing the finish line. Photos by Gary O'Rielly
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Brad Whittaker Visit Brad Whittaker, District Governor visited our Club this past Friday, October 18th. What a treat, to have the District Governor visit our Club. A really great opportunity to get acquainted with one another, share our stories, projects and learn from our District leader. The Governor was introduced by Dave Duskin, Area J Assistant District Governor. Brad is the fourth Rotarian from the Chilliwack Club to be the District Governor. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome Our New Member Welcome our newest member, John "Jak" Thornton who was formerly inducted into our Club by District Governor Brad Whittaker. Joining in the ceremony was President Laurie, who is Jak's sponsor, and Ron Rasmussen, our Membership Committee Chair. Please welcome Jak to our Club when you meet him at our next meeting or project. This brings our total membership to 43 Active members and 2 Honorary members!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Fire - Open House - Open House on Tuesday, October 29th from 6-7 pm at the downtown Fire Station 81 at 12409 21st St. NE. The Open House will recognize their members and our Lake Stevens Community. Ceremony begins at 6:15 pm. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GolFun 2020
GOLFUN 2020 District Governor Nominee Bev Harrington has asked Bill Murray to chair her GolFun 2020 event to be held at the Homestead Farm Golf Course in Lynden, Washington on Friday, 21 August 2020. Bill is organizing a committee to plan and execute this event. If you are interested in serving on the GolFun 2020 Organizing Committee, contact our Club Secretary, Gary O'Rielly for details. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Hannah Sladek, Senior Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society and a member of our Club, spoke at our meeting on October 11th, about the upcoming "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk" on October 26th. Our Club is hosting a team for the walk. Theme is "What Unites Us Ignites Us". |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Skate Park Update .JPG)  Views of the Rotary Skate Park taken on Sunday, October 13th as the new park is taking form and shape. This is going to be one awesome skateboard park for Lake Stevens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cocoon House Yard Clean UpOn Saturday, October 13th, six Rotarians, two additional family members and a gentleman from Molina Health Care joined together to clean up the front yard of the Cocoon House residential facility in Monroe. They quickly trimmed back overgrown vegetation, removed leaves & weeds galore and added bark as a ground cover throughout most of the area. Thanks to all of those that helped!  Section of the front yard with new bark. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
October - Rotarian of the Month President Laurie announced that Dean Franz is the October Rotarian of the Month. Congratulations, Dean.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Microsoft - Senior Military Engagement Program Our program for Friday, October 4th was Joe Wallis, Senior Military Engagement Manager for Military Affairs at Microsoft. Joe manages Microsoft's on-base Military engagement for Microsoft Software and Systems Academy, as well as Microsoft's other military programs. Joe has supported military recruiting and engagement at Microsoft for more than four years. A second-generation service member, Joe is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and has 28 years of combined active and reserve service.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Business Expo Our Arsenal Baseball team helpers at Business Expo at our Club's popcorn booth this past Saturday.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guardians of the Children- Cascade Chapter Guardians of the Children-Cascade Chapter were our guest speakers on Friday, September 27th. Pictured above are Huckleberry, Boogeyman and Smooth, discussing the purpose of their organization and the work that they do on a daily basis. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Fire announcement Kevin O'Brien, Chief of Lake Stevens Fire and Commissioner Jim Steinruck announced that Gary O'Rielly had been selected at a Honorary Member of Lake Stevens Fire. With the merger on the horizon, Gary will be the last named Honorary Member. Gary was blown away by this announcement and so humble in being given this honor. Now, what a match of color combinations between the Chief and the honoree? What happened to the Commissioner and his conservative attire????
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guns and Hoses - Fun time or ?   Club member, John Dyer, Chief of Police presents Kevin O'Brien, Past President and Chief of the Fire Service with a pie. Instead of pie in the sky, it was a pie in the face. Check out the suit that Kevin is wearing? Oh, and now, he's eating the pie for breakfast. Another exciting chapter in the local Guns and Hoses competition. So, who enjoyed this fun fare the most?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exchange of the Gavel There was a question as to whether the gavel had been properly passed from the outgoing President Kevin to incoming President Laurie. So, what to do but stage a re-enactment of the event for prosperity sake. So, now you have the rest of the story.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sherwood - Believing in Abilities Speaking to our Club on Friday, September 20th was Corrie West, Investment and Partnership Associate with Sherwood Community Services. Corrie talked about Sherwood the past, present and the future. Sherwood started in 1957 by eight families of children with disabilities who were excluded from a public education. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Celebrate Everett-Port Gardner Rotary 20th Raffle Thom Martin, of the Rotary Club of Everett-Port Gardner visited our Club selling tickets for their 20th Annual car raffle. This year the prize is a 1969 Camaro Z/28. The drawing is in early October.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shakedown Artist at Work.JPG) Rotary's best Sergeant of Arms and the world's best "Shakedown Artist" at work during last Friday's meeting. DJ, you are awesome!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians at Work On a cold and rainy Saturday morning, Rotarians at Work cleaning the streets along 16th Avenue NE. Great turn-out with members and family members doing awesome work.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restart Africa.JPG) Restart Africa is an amazing story of helping those children and individuals in need at a time of crisis as outlined by Mary Coulson and Marvine Gaye. In 2007, a British teacher and a local resident, Mary Coulson was moved by the growing number of homeless children she saw on the streets of Gilgil, Kenya prompting her to develop a small shelter providing refuge for these desperately in need children. Abandoned, orphaned or driven out of their homes, these children were at acute risk of falling victim to hunger, violence, sexual abuse and drugs. When it first opened in a modest rented property the Restart Center gave shelter and refuge to six boys. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member Jimmy Van Alstine New member Jimmy Van Alstine comments after receiving his Membership Kit and Packet from President Laurie and Membership Chair Ron. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens, Jimmy who was sponsored by Loren Hole.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Snohomish Judicial System Our guest speaker last week was Judge Edirin Okoloko, who was appointed by the Governor to fill a vacant seat on our Snohomish County Superior Court bench in 2018, was here to discuss his interest in the law. Judge Okoloko was born in Benin City, Nigeria, the fourth of six children. Five boys and one girl. His mother raised him and his siblings about love and empathy while his father was a professor of molecular biology. His father encouraged him to travel for work and seek new adventures and opportunities. Judge Okoloko has been a resident of Snohomish County for the past 20 years and is married with two children. He worked in the Snohomish County Prosecutors Office for 13 years.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September - Rotarian of the Month President Laurie presented the September "Rotarian of the Month" to Sam Low, former President of our Club and current Snohomish County Councilman. Sam's contribution regarding the naming of the skate park as the Rotary Skate Park and his work on behalf of our Club and the community were cited as the reasons for this monthly honor.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Skate Park  Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low and a member of our Club along with Tom Teigen, Snohomish County Parks Department Director announced that the Snohomish County Council approved Resolution No. 19-242 naming the New Skateboard Park at Cavalero County Park as the "Rotary Skate Park." Both acknowledged that our Rotary Club has been pursuing the building and construction of a skateboard park for the past couple of decades. Thanks Councilman Sam and Director Tom for this distinguished honor.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talks  Today's program included Classification Talks by Angie Hein and Chris Jacobson. Angie joined Rotary on January 17, 2017 and Chris is a more recent member joining on July 13, 2019.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member Receives Membership Packet New member Chris Jacobson receives his Membership Packet from President Laurie and Membership Chair Ron at today's meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the Lake.JPG) Our guest speaker on Friday, August 23rd was Leah Everett, Stormwater Coordinator for the City of Lake Stevens talking about the State of the Lake. Leah reviewed the background leading up to the current status of the lake. First there was the passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972, followed by the United States EPA delegating the power to the states to regulate waters within their borders. Than, Washington State delegated the responsibilities to the Department of Ecology. The DOE issues permits to cities and counties called a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase 1 (or II) Permit otherwise known as the NPDES permit.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
News about our New Troop 88  Update from our new Troop 88 and the presentation of colors for our meeting on Friday, August 23, 2019.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Around the CommunityAround the Community Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame Banquet 2019 Inductees Wednesday, September 18, 2019 Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at the Angel of the Winds Arena Dinner $65 per person purchase tickets on-line RSVP by September 11, 2019 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talks - Shawn & Amelia  Shawn Frederick and Amelia "Puniwai" Mimura gave their Classification Talks to the Club on Friday, August 16th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Movie in the Park  Rotarians Shawn Frederick, Jim Haugen and Gary O'Rielly serving popcorn at last Friday's Movie in the Park sponsored by the Lake Stevens Arts Commission. Fun time was had by all.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcoming Two New Members  Membership packets including membership certificates, pins and badges were given to two of our newest members on Friday, August 9th by President Laurie. Receiving these packets were Brian Lewandowski with his sponsor Jim Haugen and Amelia "Puniwai" Mimura with her sponsor Gary O'Rielly. The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens welcomes Brian and Puniwai to our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Be Grateful for What You Have - An Inspiring Story Speaking to our Club on Friday, August 9th was Todd Duitsman on the value of "Being Grateful for What you Have." Todd was born and raised in the Lynnwood/Edmonds area to two strong minded parents. Todd grew up with his two brothers and attended Lynnwood High School where he met his beautiful wife Tammi. He started his career in the construction business at an early age working with his father's construction company. That is where his is lifelong love affair began with: land, homes, construction, design and anything related.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coin Quest Winners Picking up their Coin Quest winnings were the Fiske family and Michelle James pictured with her husband. Michelle and her husband relocated to Lake Stevens after the devastating fire destroyed the Paradise, California community even though their home was spared from the destructive fire. Nothing was left of the town after the fire.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitors  .JPG) Bob Knight Edward Chea Russell Joe Bob was visiting us from Florida after a long career in the Rotary Club of Snohomish and Monroe and District 5050. Edward is from the Marysville Sunrise Club and was selling tickets to the Louisiana Shrimp Boil and Russell is from the Issaquah Club and represents Republic Services which is a waste hauler for part of Lake Stevens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional Coin Quest Sponsors
Many thanks to the Dyer and Hole Families for their support of this year's Viking Coin Quest. Without their's and all of our sponsors we wouldn't be able to support our community the way we do.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Movie in the Park Friday Night, Movies in the Park at Lundeen with Reshal and Angie getting the free popcorn and water ready for all of the families attending this evening event. The team was composed of Jim Haugen, Don Iverson and Gary O'Rielly. A really fun evening was had by all. Nothing like the smell of popcorn at the movies.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact 2018-19 Club member and Interact Advisor Kristin Odegaard updated our members last Friday on the activities of our Interact Club during 2018-19. During the year, 438 volunteers hours were logged helping teachers clean beakers, cutting out DNA structures, washing the ceilings, filing and packing.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 Coin Quest Winners The winners of this year's Coin Quest are: $1,000 Susann Fiske $ 500 Kelsi Fiske $ 250 Michelle James $ 100 Stephanie Favorite $ 100 Luke Zigler $ 100 Larry Lian Thanks to everyone that purchased Coin Quest tickets. The proceeds from Coin Quest at AquaFest and the Corn Booth just like our Corks and Kegs event go back into the community for many, many projects. Our next Corks and Kegs fundraiser will be on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Everett Community College. See you there.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sam Samano - Classification Talk One of the programs last week was a Classification Talk by Sam Samano, Employment Security Department-Workforce. Her position allows Sam to work with clients on building resumes so that they can find jobs and build a future. Working on grants and helping employers recruit individuals is another aspect of the program. The Trade Act involves employees affected by job loss due to employers moving their businesses off-shore. For fun she sings and oh, what a fantastic voice she has as well as act in local plays. Welcome to the Club Sam!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian on Big Bike Watch out for this Rotarian on his serious new two wheeler. Don't get behind Jim in traffic because pokey might be the best description of his speed.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome Cynthia Casey One of our Club's newest members Cynthia Casey, receives her Membership Certificate, membership kit, name tag and Rotary pin from President Laurie Westover and Membership Chair Ron Rasmussen during the ceremony at our meeting Friday, August 2nd. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens, Cynthia!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Storming the Beach and more     Drawing the winners from the Viking Treasure Chest with the able assistance of the kidnapped AquaFest princess'.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians at Work     The many faces of Rotarians at Work during AquaFest 2019. Selling Coin Quest tickets and fantastic corn on the cob for three days leading up to the Storming of the Beach and the Coin Quest Treasure.    |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Citizen and Rotarian of the Year Rotary Citizen of the Year, Mayor John Spencer and Rotarian of the Year, Jim Haugen riding in the 2003 Ford Thunderbird at the AquaFest Parade on Saturday.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AquaFest Parade 2nd Place in this year's AquaFest Parade. Fun time for everyone.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Project Alliance Program Marty Pease, a member of the Rotary Club of La Conner, speaking to our Club on Friday, July 19th, about the International Projects Alliance. The IPA is a consortium of several Clubs in District 5050 that work together on projects outside of the United States and Canada. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Viking Prince Viking Prince Marcus waiting for Queen Laurie and her hordes of Viking pirates prepping the Viking ship for its Sunday voyage manned by those scary VIKING pirates with a treasurer trove of coins. The Viking ship took first place honors in last year's parade but wait for more surprises this coming Saturday at the AquaFest Grand Parade.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cub Scouts Enjoy Resident CampA weekend in mid-July saw 24 of our Cub Scouts and 17 Leaders & Parents enjoy Cub Scout Resident Camp at Camp Edward on the Cascade Scout Reservation. The theme was Excalibur and as evidenced in the accompanying photographs, everyone had a great time. Scouts did activities at the Craft Lodge, Climbing Tower, Waterfront, BB Range, Archery Range and more! There was even a camp-wide Campfire as well as one for the Pack. .jpg) See more photos! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Attorney General Bob Ferguson Attorney General Bob Ferguson was our guest speaker at our meeting on Friday, July 12th. Ferguson is the 18th Attorney General of Washington Staate. As the state's chief legal officer, he is committed to protecting the people of Washington. Ferguson is a fourth-generation Washingtonian, a graduate of the University of Washington and New York University law school. He and his wife Colleen are the parents of 11 year old twins.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome Three New MembersOn Saturday, the Board approved the membership applications of three local citizens. The new members are: Amelia Mimura, Retired, Musician and President of the Lake Senior Center, sponsored by Gary O'Rielly; Brian Lewandowski, President of Lake Stevens Roofing, sponsored by Jim Haugen and Chris Jacobson, Account Executive, Convergent Technologies, sponsored by Jim Haugen. Welcome our newest members! We continue to grow our membership.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unfinished Board Business As one of Kevin's last meeting actions was to give Tracy her Board Service gift given to the other Board members during the Annual Meeting and installation banquet.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Coyte Cooper Dr. Coyte Cooper is a bestselling author, international speaker and high performance coach who is one of the premier experts in the area of leadership and maximizing human potential. A former NCAA Division 1 All-American, college professor and the current founder/CEO of Ollin Leadership.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Worthy Contributions    Saving the best for the last meeting of President Kevin O'Brien is giving financial contributions to our local non-profits pictured here beginning with Hungary Hearts; Sherwood Community Services; the Lake Stevens Senior Center and the Lake Stevens Education Foundation. They all do such awesome work in our community and our two major fundraisers are the reason our Club can give back to these community organizations.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What's Going on Here? What's going on with El Presidente Kevin and Sergeant at Arms DJ? Trying to avoid fines when he is Past President? Your guess is as good as mine!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paul Harris Awards Presented at Annual Banquet    First time Paul Harris Awards were presented to Ken Collins, Larry Saint, Chris Vallo and, as a surprise gift by Kevin to his wife Nancy O'Brien.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changing of the Guard  Exchange of the Gavel-President Kevin presents the gavel to incoming President Laurie, who officially takes office on 1 July. The Oath of Office by Laurie's Dad Loren, a Past President and receiving the Club President's pin from her mother Lorna cap a wonderful ceremony for our Club.  The 2019-2020 Officer, Directors and Staff: pictured left to right Don Iverson, Programs; Lance Morehouse, Vocational Services Committee Chair; Ron Rasmussen, Membership Committee Chair; Jim Haugen, Club Services Chair; Ilene Lavering, Community Services Committee Chair; Reshal Ploger, Public Relations Committee Chair; Gary O'Rielly, Secretary; Chris Vallo, Treasurer; Kevin O'Brien, Past president; Ken Collins, President-Elect; Laurie Westover, President. Not pictured Tracy DeLorm, International Services Committee Chair. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distinguished Service Awards   Distinguished Service Awards to Reshal Ploeger, Chris Vallo and Laurie Westover.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Awards  Rotarian of the Year Award to Jim Haugen Viking Leadership Award to Gary O'Rielly
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Meeting Awards.jpg)  Ilene Levering-Rising Star Award Ron Rasmussen-4 Way Test Award
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Singing O'Brien's Wow, Colin and Kevin O'Brien starting the evening festivities with a song "I Like Lake Stevens Rotary" from a John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Enchanting and very entertaining evening.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cavalero Skatepark Groundbreaking      Plenty of activity at yesterday's Cavalero Skateboard Park Groundbreaking Ceremony. So many people to "thank" for bringing this project to the next biggest step. From Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low, Senator Steve Hobbs, Mayor John Spencer, the County and City Councils, the staff, Tom Teigen the Snohomish County Parks Director and so many more. This has been a 15 plus odyssey and journey of our club. Congratulations to all of the participants.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skateboard Park Groundbreaking ceremony, Monday, June 17, 2019 at 2pm.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Rotary Viking Raiders are marching toward AquaFest No, Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low is not being held hostage by the Viking Raider. Just a friendly reminder that AquaFest is approaching and the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is getting ready for our big fundraiser.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the School District-Early Learning Center Matt Wyatt, Principal, Lake Stevens School District Early Learning Center, home of the Dragonflies spoke to our Club on Friday, June 14th. His presentation followed our previous series over the past few years on the State of the School District. Matt's presentation was full of energy and enthusiasm. Matt has been in the Lake Stevens School District since 2002.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jimi and Isaac by Phil Rink Phil Rink addresses our Club on Friday, June 7th, as a writer and publisher of Jimi and Isaac books for kids. What do you do when there are virtually no books being written for kids today? Well, you step away from your normal career and produce a book especially targeted at kids in a storytelling fashion and he talked about the challenges of the publishing industry prompting Phil and Nancy to become self-publishers. It all started with his daughter's interest in books and the inability to have good books for kids. It took them eight years to develop books about Jimi and Isaac. The books are aimed at middle school students. Adult stories written in 3-4th grade levels. For more information go to www.jimiandisaacbooks.com.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skateboard Park-Sam Low Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low and Club Past President informs the Club on Friday, June 7th of the upcoming Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Skateboard Park at Cavalero Park on Monday, June 17th at 2 pm. This has been a 15 + year endeavor of our Club and we want to thank the Snohomish County Executive and Council and the City of Lake Stevens for bringing this project to reality. Join us on Monday, June 17th at 2 pm!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lundeen Park-Benches & Picnic Tables    Assembling and installing five parks benches and two picnic tables at Lundeen Park as part of the District 5050 grant on Thursday, June 6th under the direction of our Foundation Chair Jim Haugen. A great crew, a wonderful meal finishing just as the skies opened up and rain poured down on the City.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians of the Month-June The Rotary Viking Raider president announces the Rotarians of the Month for June. Our Viking Leader, President Kevin O'Brien announced that Jim Haugen and Chris Vallo are the Co-Rotarians of the Month for June.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newest Members One of our newest members, Shawn Frederick, Snohomish Health District, receives his membership packet including name badge and Rotary pin from President-Elect Laurie Westover and Secretary Gary O'Rielly on Friday, May 31st. Shawn's membership application was approved at our Special Rotary Board meeting on Friday, May 10th. Also, the application of Lorriane "Sam" Samano was approved at our Rotary Board meeting on Wednesday, May 29th. Welcome to our Club Shawn and Sam!!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scholarships Awarded-This is "What" it is all about Dean Franz, Chair of our Vocational Services Committee is pictured with our 2019 College and Trade School scholarship recipients. The scholarships were awarded at the Lake Stevens High School Scholarship Awards ceremonies May 29th and again at our Rotary Club meeting on Friday, May 31st. These rising stars are our future and our Club's biggest highlight of the year, awarding scholarships to these amazing College and Trade School bound students. Congratulations to each of them and their families!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ShelterBox-Providing Shelter and Supporting Recovery    Tricia Sharp and her husband Mike Hendon are members of the Fidalgo Island Rotary Club of Anacortes. They were are guest speakers on Friday, May 24th talking about the ShelterBox disaster relief charity and their work with Rotary International as our District 5050 representatives. Pictured above are some of the supplies given to disaster victims.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skateboard Park Update Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low and a member of our Club announced that on Wednesday, May 22nd the County Council approved $2.9 million low bid from McCann Construction of Renton to build out Cavalero Hill Park In Lake Stevens. Park additions include a skate park, shade structures, parking lot, pathways, basketball court, roads and other infrastructure. Construction is expected to start in June and finish in early 2020. Congratulations Sam. Our Club has been working toward this goal for over 15 years and now it is about to become a reality. Thank you for your leadership on the skate park.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member-Mark Stone Our newest member Mark Stone is given his Membership Kit by President Kevin O'Brien and Ron Rasmussen, Chair of the Membership Committee. Mark's application was approved at a special Board meeting on May 10th. After a career at Nordstrom's, Mark changed career directions and is currently a locomotive engineer for BNSF Railroad. Congratulations Mark on becoming a Rotarian.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AquaFest and the Rotary Raiders Are you ready to rumble! The Duck Dash is being replaced by the Rotary Viking Raiders. More to come. In the works is a new theme logo but the fundraiser will offer the same cash prizes and be much more exciting and crowd friendly. Sponsors are needed which helps meet the Club's financial goals for the former Duck Dash. The next meeting is May 29th following the Rotary Board meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Returning Scholarship Recipient Amber Dalgleish, a scholarship recipient in 2015 spoke to our Club on Friday, May 17th thank us for the scholarship and update the Club on her college experience. Accompanying Amber was her father, Lorne Dalgleish. She will start her senior year at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff when the fall semester starts in late August.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotaract and the World Race Rachel Preston, Snohomish County Rotaract founding President 2017 and 11 Country Christian humanitarian backpacking trip partiipant addressed our Club on Friday, May 17th. Rotaract engages young adults 18-30 years old. Rotaract focus is on service through networking and professional development while enjoying fun and fellowship. There are ten Rotaract Clubs in District 5050 with four in Washington and six in British Columbia. The Rotaract Digest includes the Hands for Peacemaking Foundation. Growing Rotaract includes encouraging dual Membership, promoting youth programs, recognizing youth in our community and being Club aware. Rachel's presentation also included information on the World Race that she is participating in from June 2019 to April 2020. 11 countries in 11 months. An awesome goal.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duck Dash - Names Change Coming Ken Collins, President Nominee and Chair of our AquaFest/Fundraising event talks to the members on Friday, May 10th about changing the theme of the event to fit more around the Viking theme. We will eliminate the Duck Dash in favor of a fundraiser more aligned with the Vikings. Perhaps, it will be called the Viking Treasures or something similar. Watch for upcoming announcement. Same fundraiser, just dropping the Duck Dash theme.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merger Lake Stevens Fire with Snohomish County Fire District 7 Lake Stevens Fire Department Chief Kevin O'Brien and Snohomish County Fire Protection District #7 Chief Gary Meek spoke to Club members on Friday, May 10th about the merger of Lake Stevens Fire and Fire District 7. The proposed merger is on the August 6th Primary Election ballot for Lake Stevens. Every where you look in Lake Stevens the landscape is changing from Frontier Village to downtown, new home developments, new businesses and the population in Snohomish County grows. The demand for emergency services increases. The two districts already share fire investigation services, training programs and a community resources paramedic. They are stronger working together both operationally and financially. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I Love the Lake Program Kate Riley with the Snohomish County Conservation District spoke to our Club on Friday, May 3rd, about the "I Love the Lake" program. The I Love the Lake campaign promotes the positive actions homeowners can take to prevent algal blooms. Unfortunately, Lake Stevens has high levels of phosphorus, a natural nutrient that all plants need to grow. However, in excess, it causes problematic algal blooms. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month - April The April Rotarian of the Month is the awesome Tracy DeLorm. If you want something done, Tracy is always available and involved in completing whatever is current. The monthly award was announced by Kevin O'Brien, Club President. Congratulations Tracy.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Serenity Maven Highly regarded intuitive, Honey-Marie Love serves as a certified Master Life Coach and Reiki Master Teacher. She is also a Meditation Practitioner who is an expert in Crystal Healing and several other alternative healing practices was our guest speaker on Friday, April 26th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our District 5050 Work Day-April 27th      Pictured above are Club members planting trees and plants for the buffer zone for the New Lake Stevens Food Bank just east of the Trestle Station property. The event was coordinated by Jim Haugen and the City's Public Works Department led by Leah Everett with our members and volunteers from the North Lake Middle School Builders Club member and her parents.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tulip Sales-La Conner Rotary Club Visit from two La Conner Rotary members selling tulips as part of their Club's fundraiser at our meeting on Friday, April 26th. Pictured from (l) to (r) are Pam Narron and Danielle Mullen from the Rotary Club of La Conner. Our Club always enjoys visitors from La Conner during the tulip festival. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distinguished Service Award Accepting the Distinguished Service Award from Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent, Lake Stevens School District are Lake Stevens Rotarians Gina Anderson, Rick Miller, Chief John Dyer and Ken Collins.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Days for Girls Carol Hendricks, Director of the Snoqualmie Chapter of Days for Girls and Jennifer Barthels address the Club this past Friday, April 19th. Last month, the Club heard from another Days for Girls member. Each share a different perspective on the Global work of Days for Girls. Recently, their trip to Eswatini a local woman named Lindiwe found the organization and has since taken over the local organization to create a more stable and sustainable chapter. Local leadership is always the goal of Days for Girls and the best way to obtain success locally.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary District 5050 Work Day-Saturday, April 27th Join us on Saturday, April 27th for a buffering planting for the new Lake Stevens Food Bank as part of our participation in the Rotary District 5050 Workday. The planting begins at 8am and will end before noon. The location is 8021 20th Street SE just east of Trestle Station. Y'all come down now!!!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Easter Egg Hunt-Lundeen Park Reshal Ploeger and her son Hayden pictured during the clean up phase of the Easter Egg hunt at Lundeen Park on Saturday, April 20th. Over 6,000 eggs were scooped up in under five minutes by the large throng of kids that came to this hunt. Next year, the goal of the sponsors is to raise the number of eggs from 6,000 to 16,000. I guess we will have to wait until next year to see how that works out. Great city-wide event with Rotarians Jim Haugen, Scott Smith, Gary O'Rielly, Reshal, Hayden and Rylie Ploeger helping out. Great fun was had by all including the fish tank exhibit.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens School District "Distinguished Service Award" Lake Stevens School District Superintendent Amy Beth Cook, Ed.D. announces at our meeting on Friday, April 12th, that our Club has been recognized and honored as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for the Lake Stevens School District at a ceremony on Wednesday, April 24th at 5 pm at a special reception prior to the School Board meeting. The letter from the District and Superintendent Cook was presented to Kevin O'Brien, Club President.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens War Memorial and Museum  Speaking at our meeting on Friday, April 12th are Lorrie Larsen (War Memorial) and Cyndi Wentzel Frazer (Museum) about the current status of both community attractions. Also at the meeting was Tom Thorleifson, American Legion. The War Memorial has been temporarily moved while the downtown undergoes major revisions and updating. The next step in the process will be the permanent placing of the War Memorial when the downtown and North Cove at the Lake renovations are completed. The Lake Stevens War Memorial has the following inscriptions: "This memorial is dedicated to the memory of our brave young patriots of the Lake Stevens area who served with honor and gave their lives while in the armed forces of this great nation. May we never forget the sacrifice they made." In 2000, Jack Sahlbom, a decorated U.S. Marine Corpsman rallied our community to participate in a fundraiser and the donation of materials and labor with the War Memorial being dedicated on Memorial Day, 2001 with the support of the Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, the Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses and merchants. The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. The organization will celebrate 100 years of service this year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PolioPlus at AquaSox |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month - AprilPresident Kevin O'Brien announced that Gary O'Rielly, Club Secretary is the April - Rotarian of the Month.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talks  Keith Partington and Don Iverson share their Classification Talk with our Club last Friday.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Opioid Crisis.jpg) At our regular weekly March 29th meeting, Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary shared with us how the County is dealing with the increasing opioid addiction epidemic. Opioid addiction can lead to mental health issues for addicts and/or homelessness. Both of these issues are also a growing epidemic challenge for us. A huge portion of the homeless population are addicted to drugs. Whether it be opioids, heroin or meth. Snohomish County has around 800,000 known residents. Many more people come into the County every day for work (ie: Boeing, Fluke, state and county transportation departments, school districts, etc.) We are the third largest county by population in the State of Washington, the fifth fastest growing in the nation and third in the state for overdose deaths. You would think that King and Pierce Counties would be first and second respectively in that category. They are not. Grays Harbor County and Grant County are one and two respectively for overdose deaths in the state.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Healing Fund
At our March 22nd meeting, the featured speaker was Aleph Fackenthall, President of the Healing Fund, a local non-profit who's goal is to provide help, healing and hope for those in need. Their primary outreach is the sustainable provision of clean drinking water to needy third world countries such as Panama. They hand drill wells, install rain catchment systems and then provide the tools and training required so progress can continue in their absence. When he's not involved with the Healing Fund, Aleph is an Electrical Engineer at NetAlly in Everett where he designs systems to automate product testing in the manufacturing environment.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From Life Change to Changing Lives After a 42 year career in education, retiring in 2015 and a year later a husband deciding he no longer wanted to be married, Anita Ordonez in shock and rootless decided she was open to all possibilities. An invitation to a wedding in Africa arrived in the mail and she began making plans to travel to Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. She didn't realize a thrilling adventure of a lifetime was about to change her life forever. Anita became an Ambassador of Women's Health for Days for Girls.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What do Corks and Kegs & St. Patrick's Day have in Common. A very Fun Time       Images of our Corks and Kegs fundraiser on Saturday, March 16, 2019It takes a team and a lot of fun to put on an event like Corks and Kegs which just finished its 8th year and is the biggest fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. Thank you to all who helped make this another successful year. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Citizen of the Year Mayor John Spencer is the Rotary Citizen of the Year for 2018-19. The award was presented at the 8th Annual Corks and Kegs Fundraiser on Saturday, March 16th by President Kevin O'Brien and joined on the podium by Jim Haugen and Gary O'Rielly.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bloodworks NW Gayle Richards, Donor Representative for Bloodworks NW was our special speaker on Friday, March 8th. Gayle's territory for Bloodworks NW covers NE Snohomish County, South Skagit County and Whidbey Island. She has been at the blood center for 35 years. It all started 35 years ago with Sno-Isle Community Blood Bank in 1984 and in 1991 they merged with Puget Sound Blood Center and in 2015, they changed the name to Bloodworks NW. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Silent Auction Baskets Event  Silent Auction baskets are being put together for our Corks and Kegs fundraiser on Saturday, March 16th. Tickets are still available. A big thank you to Marcus for allowing us to use his place to prepare the 70+ baskets.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the County Preview State of the County Preview address by County Executive Dave Somers. We appreciated the support that he gave our Club and the quick action he took on the committing and support the construction of the Skateboard Park in Lake Stevens and supporting an agreement between the County and City of Lake Stevens. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March Rotarian of the Month Laurie Westover is the March Rotarian of the Month. Pinning the pin on Laurie was her dad Loren with mom Lorna looking on. Dig the President's IRISH outfit???
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prepared for a Disaster? Jason Biermann, Director of the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Planning addresses our Club on Friday, February 22, 2019. Jason's background includes working in disaster risk reduction, public health response planner, wildland and urban firefighter and his service in the military included serving as a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Jason serves as a member of the Governor's Emergency Management Council and the Emergency Management Advisory Group. Jason holds a M.A. in Securities Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School and is an IAEM Certified Emergency Manager.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month President Kevin O'Brien presents the Rotarian of the Month to Dean Franz, Chair of the Vocational Services Committee for the month of February. Congratulations Dean for your service to Rotary and our Club. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Blue & Gold BanquetSaturday, February 23rd, our Cub Scout Pack celebrated the birth month of the Scouting movement with the Annual Blue & Gold Banquet. This year's event was held at Camp Edward on the Cascade Scout Reservation east of Lake Roesinger. Kudos to the Planning Committee and ALL of the Scouts, Leaders, Parents and extended family members who made this year's event a HUGE success!  The keynote speaker was Eagle Scout Lt Commander Jeffrey Whitsett United States Navy. He encouraged the Scouts to do their best and reach their potential. There's nothing that they can't achieve. He shared several memories that he has from his Scouting career. He added that he is still friends with many of the men that he was in Cub Scout and Boy Scouts with.  After dinner, each Den put on a skit that had everyone cheering for the boys and girls.   Cub Scout Pack 88 was chartered by the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens in 1994. We are celebrating our 25th year of providing this awesome program to the youth of our community. There are currently over 60 boys and girls in our Pack. Some of the girls will be joining Troop 88 in the next few weeks.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chile, an Incredible Opportunity.JPG) An incredible opportunity for a Spanish teacher, a Rotarian with our own Club and Advisor to our Interact Club at Lake Stevens High School. All of this was presented by Kristin Odegaard as she went to Chile in December 2018. Kristin arrived in Santiago, Chile after midnight on December 18. Greeted by Elena Torres Sequel, Raul Becerra and his wife, Maria Lucia, the 19 hour trip did not damper her enthusiasm nor Kirstin's excitement for her journey ahead of her.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our Newest Members Our newest members, Hannah Sladek and Don Iverson receive their membership kit, Rotary pin and badge from President-elect Laurie Westover and Membership Chair Ron Rasmussen during last Friday's meeting. Welcome aboard.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bridge Receiving Center Our speaker on Friday, February 1st was Tracy Rubstello, Director of Development for The Bridge Receiving Center. Tracy stated that a problem in the State of Washington there is currently a shortage of 1,655 foster homes. The Bridge Receiving Center will be a 30-day receiving center for children 6-17 years old who are entering foster care for the first time and need a safe, healing place to land.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Individual Donations-Lake Stevens Family Center.JPG) Dean Franz gives a $500 check to Peggy Ray of the Family Center as John Dyer, Chris Vallo, Jo Olson, Jim Haugen, Joyce Bell and Gary O'Rielly look on. The donation happened when Dean won the weekly meeting jackpot of $250. Individual members joined in the effort raising another $250 doubling the gift to the Lake Stevens Family Center. The donation was given on Wednesday, January 30th at the new temporary offices of the Center. Thanks to everyone that participated in this giving.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Arsenal Youth Baseball Club Barry Torgesen makes a presentation to our club asking for financial support of the new Arsenal Youth Baseball Club. The team was established after a successful run in last year's District Little League All-Star tournament. At their first Board meeting, the discussion centered on "why they are doing this?" To teach our boys the game of baseball and important lessons of life through the game of baseball.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family Center Moving Day Monday was moving day for the Lake Stevens Family Center. Helping with the move were Club members (l) to (r) Jim Haugen, Scott Smith, James Monroe,Chris Vallo, John Dyer, Jo Olson and Gary O'Rielly. The Lake Stevens Family Center is moving from their home of 20 years to temporary quarters at the Lundeen Park Visitor Information Center.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish Health District Jeff Ketchel, Administrator, Snohomish Health District addresses our Club on Friday, January 25th. Jeff loves science and environmental health. Public health is a cooperative effort and he mentioned Rotary's role in the plan to eradicate polio. Safe food and water is absolutely crucial. This is the 60th anniversary of the Snohomish Health District. Healthy housing was an early part of his job. Antibiotics important for animals. No new antibiotics are in the research pipeline. The car tab initiative of a number of years ago in eventually harmed the agency and trimmed their staff from 230 to 130 employees.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member Classification Talks  Last week, two of our newest members gave Classification Talks. Luke Emerson and Hannah Sladek. Luke and his family moved here nine months ago. Luke is the pastor of Elim Lutheran Church. Hannah is the Director of Development for the American Cancer Society. Hannah and her husband bought their first house in October in Lake Stevens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tonight's the Night!8th Annual Wine & Beer Tasting with Live and Silent Auction Saturday, March 16th, 2019, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Everett Community College Jackson Conference Center - 2000 Tower Street Tickets $35.00 Must be 21 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cocoon House Chelsea Monroe, Director of Development and Community Relations at the Cocoon House spoke to our Club on Friday, January 11, 2019. The Cocoon House was founded by Carrie Gilman in 1991.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chamber Honors Joyce Bell.JPG)  On Wednesday, January 9, 2019, club founder and member Joyce Bell was inducted into the Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce' Hall of Fame. Congratulations Joyce for being honored with this award. Kim Daughtry, City Councilman and Chamber Membership Secretary presented the award and flowers to Joyce during the monthly luncheon meeting. Joyce was also a founding member of the Lake Stevens Chamber. Joyce has many community projects under her leadership including a desire to fund and build the Kid's Oasis in 1992. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cracker Jack Award Receiving this week's Corks & Kegs "Cracker Jack" award from President Kevin is Tracy DeLorm for bringing in a sponsor and a huge basket for the auction. Congrats Tracy and thanks!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month President Kevin selected Gina Anderson as the Rotarian of the Month for January. Pictured with Kevin and Gina is her daughter Maya who was there helping Gina set up our meeting room and making coffee for our morning meeting. Congratulations Gina on a well deserved award.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Youngest Rotarian in Training  President Kevin and Membership Co-Chair Jim presented little Leo Megrditchian with a name badge and honorary certificate as his mom Jody holds him. Later during the meeting we took this photo of Leo showcasing his name badge. Leo usually comes to all of our regular morning meetings and accompanies mom on many Committee meeting events. Future leader of the world. No pressure.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 Scholarship Winner Update Alexis Hepburn, 2016 Scholarship Award recipient. returned to our Club this past Friday, December 28th, to give an update on her Emery Riddle Aeronautical University endeavors.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Everyone a Very Happy New Year |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Sewer District-Preventive Care.jpg) Tonya Christofferson has worked for the Lake Stevens Sewer District for over eleven years. Recently, Tonya was named the General Manager. Her topic for Friday, December 21st was Preventive Care. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month - October When Joyce Bell was named Rotarian of the Month-October, we were unable to take a picture of her in the hospital receiving her pin from President Kevin O'Brien. Good to have you back Joyce.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elvis is in the House.JPG) As he was leaving Marysville to move to Saddle Brook, AZ our former Club President and Chair of the International Services Committee wondered who should get this good as new Elvis T-shirt. Well, you guessed it. None other than Jim Haugen. Did you know that Jim has a postage stamp with the same image? Imagine that. The T-shirt was discovered among Bill's moms goods after she died. It was in a postage bag with December 1980 listed on the front. Bon Voyage Bill and Diane. We wish you all of the best in the world.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Christmas at our Club .Are you ready for the Holidays? Apparently our two fearless leaders are ready and waiting for Santa to arrive!!!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month-December The Rotarian of the Month for December is Marcus Tageant. Each month, President Kevin O'Brien selects a member to be the Rotarian of the Month based on their leadership and activity within our Club and the community. Marcus' work on behalf of our Club has been exceptional. Congratulations Marcus!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly-Committee Engagement At our December 14th Club Assembly meeting, Jim Haugen talked about the importance of every member serving on at least one committee. Plus, each committee was in need of a Vice-Chairman. This is a departure from our past but important to engage every member on a committee. Committee sign up sheets were distributed and so far 15 members have returned their sheets to Club Secretary, Gary O'Rielly. They are due by the end of the year please. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member-Luke Emerson Club President Kevin O'Brien and Membership Chair Ron Rasmussen welcomed new member, Pastor Luke Emerson to our Club on Friday morning. Pastor Luke was sponsored by Dean Franz. Please welcome Luke to our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Holidays |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member Keith Partington, Our newest member is welcomed by President Kevin O'Brien and sponsor Bill Demeroutis.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Spine and Chiropractic Care Dr. Nicole Morin, DC spoke to our Club on Friday, November 30th about the spine, nerve system and the three basics of chiropractic care. Dr. Morin grew up in New Jersey the youngest of six kids. From the time she was six years old, she knew she wanted to be doctor. But what kind of a doctor? Fortunately, the Chiropractor she began seeing as a teenager became a role model for her and encouraged her to pursue Chiropractic. She graduated from West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and one in Biology. She attended the Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri and graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree in 1998. She met her husband the first day of class in September 1995 and they have been together ever since.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talks |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For our Family, Friends and Community in Lake Stevens & Those Far Away |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Human Trafficking Initiative.JPG)  Lynda Buehring and Dr. Norma Mouton spoke to our club on Friday, November 9th about the Human Traffic Initiative.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member Induction Our newest member Jody Megrditchian, holding her son Leo, is officially inducted into our Club at last Friday's meeting by President Kevin O'Brien, her sponsor, and assisted by Membership Chair Ron Rasmussen. Kendra Pinkelman was was inducted on November 2nd by District Governor Linda Murray and President Kevin.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month - November Carie Rott is the Rotarian of the Month for November. Congratulations Carie for being an outstanding Rotarian for her contribution and dedication to our Club and community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duffel Bags and Supplies for Foster Kids  Duffel bags (42) with hygiene and school supplies were delivered to the Foundation Church in Everett who works with DSHS and the Snohomish County Courts to give a duffel bag to children entering the Foster Care system. Pictured above are Pastor Ryan Williams, Chris Vallo, Kirsten Haugen representing CASA, Laurie Westover and Associate Pastor Trevor Welch.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Foundation Dinner  Chris, Jim and Reshal at the start of the District Foundation dinner, November 3rd. Jim received one of three certificates during the Foundation dinner. Plus, our Club was officially informed that we had received the matching District Grant for Lundeen Park with a $4,500 grant to match the club's $4,500 for a total of $9,000 to purchase five park benches and two seating tables.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Linda Murray Club Visit District Governor Linda Murray addressing our Club during her visit last Friday. She was accompanied by her husband Bill and Assistant District Governor Dave Duskin. We appreciate the District Governor visiting our Club, sharing her thoughts and hearing about what's going on in our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boys will be boys...but for an exceptional cause Kevin, our extreme President and Ron, wearing pink for the Real Men Don't Wear Pink campaign in support of October as Breast Cancer Month. During the month of October, all of us, were encouraged to wear pink in support of the Breast Cancer campaign. Kevin is one of several men who are raising funds through the Harness the Power of Pink...Real Men Wear Pink Campaign and the other is Mayor John Spencer. Kevin's campaign strategy for Real Men Wear Pink of Northwest Washington is WIN my PINK Fire Helmet and be Chief for a Day.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Second Half Map by Gerontologist Jennifer Fry Jennifer Fry, Second Half Map...."What's Next For You" spoke to our Club last Friday. What's Next For You is one of the most common questions asked before retirement. Yet, most of us have not considered or created a plan for what they'll do and how to live with meaning and purpose.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Assessor-Linda Hjelle Linda Hjelle, Snohomish County Assessor, speaking to our Club on Friday, October 19th. The County Assessor has worked in the office for more than 25 years including 11 years as the District County Assessor. Term limits forced her boss to leave office. Former Assessor Cindy Portmann endorsed Linda for her election when she announced in January 2015 that she would seek the job being vacated by her boss.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County-Proposition #1
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northwest Justice Project |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Men Wear Pink |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leadership Coach and Organization Efficiency |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lundeen Park-Ribbon Cutting Ceremony As two of our City Councilmembers look on, Club President Kevin O'Brien announces that our Club will be providing more park benches and tables for the community to enjoy with family and friends throughout the Lundeen Park. The announcement came during the Lundeen Park Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 27th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assistant District Governor visit Assistant District Governor, Area J, Dave Duskin visited our Club this past Friday to discuss several upcoming District 5050 events such as RLI and the theme and location of the District Conference.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everett Port Gardner fundraiser |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County Vicci Hilty, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County was our guest speaker last Friday giving an overview of domestic violence in the county. Vicci is an active member of the community and is currently the Past President of the Everett-Port Gardner Rotary Club. A native Texan transplanted to the Pacific Northwest 30 years ago.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Backpacks for - Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)  Pictured above are Alan and Michael, Assistant Managers at Wal Mart at the 64th Street Store in Marysville with 25 backpacks, lunchboxes & more for our club to give to the Court Appointed Special Advocates. Matt Alexander is the store manager. Last April, Kirsten Haugen talked to our Club about the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children. The role of CASA is to provide a very powerful voice for on behalf of children. One of the needs of the children represented by CASA is Totes for Tots. When children move from foster home to foster home they have little means of carrying their essentials with them. Totes for Tots gives them a backpack or suitcase to carry their personal items with them. Our club decided this was a very worthwhile project. At the time of Kirsten's presentation many members donated cash or provided some backpacks for CASA. But our members always felt that that wasn't enough and decided to continue the effort by launching a campaign to secure at least 25 backpacks with essential supplies to give to these children. Ilene Levering reached out to a number of companies. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Month President Kevin announced that Ilene Levering is the September "Rotarian of the Month" recipient for outstanding leadership in scheduling our weekly programs and being there when you need her. Congratulation, Ilene on a well-deserved award.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family BuildersDo you have room in your heart and a home for a child?  Laurie Hardie-Foster is a Foster Family Recruiter for FamilyBuilders, a program of the Lutheran Community Services and our guest speaker on Friday, September 7th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Annual Birthday Gift Following his recent 93rd birthday, Loren announces his annual birthday gift to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Foundation to go into the Loren Hole Endowment Fund. Loren did this as our Sergeant of Arms looked on while fining club members. Do you think he wanted to grab his check and take credit for the increase in his fines??? I don't think so. Rick Miller looks on. Thanks Loren for being you and always committed to the principles of Rotary and our Club. We should mention that he couldn't do this without the support of our Honorary member, his wife Lorna.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AquaFest Grand Parade Award  Hard work always pays off in the end. President Kevin giving a sincere thanks to Jim Haugen for organizing the decoration of the Viking boat courtesy of Marcus. Teamwork at its best.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distinctive Interior Designs Kelly DuByne, Designer, Speaker and Consultant spoke to our Club on Friday, August 31st.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Growing Veterans Scotty Irwin, Market Manager - Growing Veterans. Cultivating belonging and purpose through farming.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Making Strides..Walk Against Breast Cancer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sushil Gupta Selected as 2020-2021 RI President
Sushil Kumar Gupta, of the Rotary Club of Delhi Midwest, Delhi, India, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2020-21. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested. Gupta wants to increase Rotary’s humanitarian impact as well as the diversity of its membership. “As individuals, we can only do so much,” Gupta said in a statement. “But when 1.2 million Rotarians work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve, and in the process, we can truly change the world. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leveraging Communications |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AquaFest Highlights   The Rotarian of the Year, a little Viking princess and the Citizen of the Year. All part of the Rotary parade representatives plus the Viking boat that took 1st Place honors. Nicely done.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Ducks are Coming; the Ducks are Coming.JPG) The Ducks are Coming, the Ducks are Coming to North Cove park on Sunday, July 29th at 3pm aboard the Duck Dash Viking Ships. You do not want to miss this Super Cool, Super Fun and yes, Elegant event. Much more exciting than Duck Dash events of the past. Where will the ducks be located? Who will find the fair maidens who will draw the winning numbers for $1,000, $500, 250 and (3) $100 cash prizes. Stop by the Rotary Booth and buy some fantastic corn on the cob. Don't miss the Saturday parade with the Viking ship, Rotary Citizen of the Year, the Rotarian of the Year and all the super cool, super fun vikings.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proposition 1 - Lake Stevens Fire Levy Lid Lift-Information Presentation Kevin O'Brien, Club President and Chief of the Lake Stevens Fire gave an informational presentation on Proposition 1, the Lake Stevens Fire Levy Lid Lift on July 13th. Proposition 1 will be on the August 7th Primary election ballot.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Members - Honors and Awards  Reshal Ploeger, Rotarian of the Year for 2017-18 and Laurie Westover, receiving her Paul Harris certificate and pin from Jim Haugen, Chair of the Club Foundation.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Day of Giving Back to the Community-2 Jo Olson accepts the Club's financial contribution to the Lake Stevens Family Center with Club President Kevin, Past President Randy and Foundation Chair Jim looking on.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Viking Duck Dash challenge .JPG)   Any you thought you were having a fun day!!!! Way to cool! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July 4th A safe and happy Fourth of July celebration from the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Day of Giving Back to the Community  Jerry Stumbaugh, Lake Stevens Senior Center (top) Jesi & Sarah, Sherwood Community Services (bottom)  Randy Celori, Loren Hole, Karen Tadio, Anita Caffee, Tammy Enders, Ken Collins and Kevin O'Brien |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Music Programs at the Lake Stevens School District.JPG) Neil Proff, the amazing, Director of Bands at Lake Stevens High School. Completes our State of the School District series for the 2017-18 Rotary Year. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changing of the GuardKevin O'Brien was sworn in as the President of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens on Sunday, June 24th at a ceremony at the Annual Meeting and Installation Banquet by outgoing President Randy Celori. Kevin will serve through the new year from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. Kevin is the Chief of the Lake Stevens Fire Department. New Officers and Directors serving with Kevin are: Officers Past President - Randy Celori President-Elect Laurie Westover Treasurer - Chris Vallo Secretary - Gary O'Rielly Directors Club Services - Gina Anderson Community Services - Jim Haugen International Services - Bill Demeroutis Vocational Services - Dean Franz Public Relations - Reshal Ploeger .jpg) Founding Members of our Club, Joyce Bell, Kathy Huber and Terri Spencer were recognized as well as Loren Hole for 51 years of Rotary membership and perfect attendance! Paul Harris Awards President Randy Celori presented Paul Harris awards to Kevin O'Brien for his outstanding service this past year and to Mayor John Spencer for his outstanding community leadership. .jpg)  Distinguished Service Award Chris Vallo was given the Distinguished Service Award for his dedication and commitment to scheduling outstanding speakers each week as well as his availability for numerous other functions. .jpg) Rotarian of the Year Reshal Ploeger was award the Club's top honor as Rotarian of the Year for being a committed Rotarian, a masterful organizer and marketing expert and key fundraising event organizer and daily publishing the Club's social media updates. Reshal's efforts produced a highly successful AquaFest Duck Dash last year and record setting Corks and Kegs event in April. Thank you, Reshal, for your dedication and fellowship. You are amazing!!!  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact 2017-18 Rebecca (r) and Savannah (l) President and Vice President of Interact our flanked by President Randy. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Gratitude Guy |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scholarship Awards.JPG) Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Scholarship Awards recipients are flanked from left to right by Past President Sam Low and Vocational Services Chairman, Dean Franz. Nine of the Eleven recipients attended the scholarship award presentation at our meeting on June 1st.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Officers and Directors - 2018-19On June 8th, the following Club members were elected as Officers and Directors for 2018-19 Rotary Board of Directors 2018-19 Officers President Kevin O'Brien President-Elect Laurie Westover President-Nominee Open Treasurer Chris Vallo Secretary Gary O'Rielly Directors Club Service Gina Anderson Community Service Jim Haugen International Serv. Bill Demeroutis Vocational Service Dean Franz Public Relations Reshal Ploeger Foundation Board President Kevin O'Brien Vice President Laurie Westover Past President Randy Celori Treasurer Chris Vallo Secretary Gary O'Rielly Community Serv. Jim Haugen Vocational Serv. Dean Franz
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The "Old Norse" Viking The Old Norseman, the seaborne pirate calling his clansman and women for an exciting Viking Duck Dash event you will not want to miss.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Parks and Tourism Tom Teigen, Director of the Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism was our special guest speaker this week marking a return as he is a regular guest speaker when important topics arise.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State Treasurer Duane Davidson  .JPG) The Viking Chieftain, Kevin O'Brien The Assistant District Governor, Dave Duskin Washington State Treasurer Duane Davidson |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Economic Alliance of Snohomish County Our guest speaker last Friday was Gary Hauff, Director of Business Development and Small Business Programs for the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Vikings have landed or have they?.JPG) You just never know what to expect at our Friday morning meetings. Is this the preview of the Viking DUCK DASH to come at AquaFest. Are Kevin and Ilene excited and acting up a bit? More to come each week. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talks.JPG) .JPG) Rick Miller and Ilene Levering gave Classification Talks on May 4th. Rick joined our club in July 2017. Ilene joined in November 2017. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Riparian Restoration in the Stillagmish River Basin.jpg) Jason Anderson speaking to our Club about the Riparian Restoration in the Stillagmish River Basin
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Dedicated Rotarian Couple Kathy and John Huber. One a Founding Member of our club. The other joined our Club shortly after the Club's beginning.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary SocialRotary Social Monday, April 30th 5:30pm Lake Stevens Brewery Bring a potential member tomorrow night so that they can get acquainted with our members and learn why we all joined Rotary. Please join us for an evening of social activity. Another chance to wish John and Kathy Huber well as they move later this week to Plain.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 Corks & Kegs - A Success!!.jpg){kind=logo} Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! To the supporters of this year's Wine Tasting, Beer Tasting & Auction. This was, by all accounts, a Super Fun, Super Cool & Elegant Event. Thank you to the wine and beer vendors. Thank you to the contributors of the almost 100 auction items from vacations to personal care items to autographed books. Thank you to the attendees who joined us in an evening of supporting our local, regional and international communities.  For the first time ever, there were several live auction items as part of our event. Auctioneer Ken Collins did a great job in building up these items and encouraging attendees to show their appreciation. A special part of the live auction was the money raised for Hungry Hearts, a local non-profit that provides meals for school children on the weekends. Almost $10,500 was pledged and will go a long ways towards helping kids in Lake Stevens. With the funds raised through the silent and live auctions our Club will be able to provide scholarships to graduating seniors, support the Lake Stevens Family Center, the Lake Stevens Food Bank, the Lake Stevens Senior Center, Cub Scout Pack 88, our Interact Club at the High School, the Lake Stevens Education, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Lake Stevens Community Supper, the Skate Park at Cavalero County Park and the eradication of polio.  We also awarded the first ever Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Citizen of the Year to Terry Myer. Her tireless work of involving the community in a wide variety of activities has served as a catalyst for good in Lake Stevens. Take a look at the Being Neighborly: Lake Stevens Facebook site (and related ones) to see a prime example of her efforts. Has anyone been NAKed?  Terry Myer, Chair of Selection Committee Sam Low, Club President Randy Celori and Club President-Elect Kevon O'Brien
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Washington Elections Update and More
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Super Cool, Super Fun & Elegant-Corks & Kegs fundraiser |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kirsten Haugen - Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Kirsten Haugen talking about her role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children who need a voice to protect their rights.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
American Cancer Society Katie Tormohlen, Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society Everett Branch was our guest speaker this past Friday, March 23rd. Katie is gearing up for her 3rd "Relay for Life," a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer. She has both a professional and personal passion for the organization and the work that the American Cancer Society does. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Food Bank Update.JPG) Anne Anderson, Lake Stevens Food Bank along with Doug Warren, President and Scott Smith. Nourishing the Lake Stevens Community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Master Builders Association - Snohomish County Angie Sievers, Snohomish County Manager for the Master Builders Association of Washington.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changing the World in Our Own Backyard Jen Owen, making a huge difference in the World, spoke about Enabling the Future. She spoke about the e-Enabling Community as a group of individuals from all over the world who are using 3D printers to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those in need of an upper limb assistive device. She is the owner and founder of enablingthefuture.org. She has been a volunteer and participant in the field of open-source, 3D printed prosthetic hands for the past five years. Along the way, she has sought to highlight and document stories from the e-ENABLE Community of volunteers and to maintain an information resource for people interested in learning more about the history, design & fabrication of these devices through her website.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
An Awe Moment |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Register for Corks & KegsClick >>>>  <<<< ClickYou can purchase your tickets now for our Corks & Kegs fundraising event that will be held on April 14, 2018 at the Jackson Conference Center at Everett Community College. This will help us raise money that we will then in turn support our local, regional and international communities. The Rotary Club supports the Lake Stevens Family Center, the Lake Stevens Food Bank, the Lake Stevens Community Supper, the Lake Stevens Senior Center, Cub Scout Pack 88, the Lake Stevens Education Foundation, Hungry Hearts Foundation, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Skate Park at Cavalero County Park, scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and the eradication of polio. With your help we can continue supporting these organizations. Come join us and have a great time! With your ticket you will get four tastings for wine and/or beer plus raffle tickets for some door prizes. You can purchase additional tastings and raffle tickets. In addition, you will have the opportunity to bid on wonderful items in the silent auction. Trips, vacation get-a-ways, personal care items, baskets with all sorts of theme packages, sports related items, even a book by a local author. If you have something you would like to donate for our auction click this link for the donor form. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PETS 2018.jpg) PETS 2018 weekend. Sharing the moment. From left to right: Jon Nehring, Marysville, Kevin O'Brien, Lake Stevens, Dave Duskin, Assistant District Governor Area J, Mark James, Marysville Sunrise and Paul Ellis, Arlington. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Washington State & Homeland Security Captain E J Swainson, Washington State Patrol. Captain Swainson is in charge of the Washington State Fusion Center and the Homeland Security Section of the WSP. He is related to Loren and Lorna Hole who were present for his wonderful presentation to our Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BSA Charter Presentation
Dan'l Adams, the District Executive of the Klahaya District of the Boy Scouts of America presented our Club the 2018 Charter to run our Scouting program at last week's meeting. The unique arrangement the BSA has with community organizations throughout the nation empowers those organizations with local control on how the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing Scout and Explorer Scout programs are run for the benefit of the youth in their communities. The types of organizations include faith-based houses of worship, civic clubs, veterans groups, fraternal clubs, parent-led groups, fire and police departments. Lake Stevens has 14 Scout groups. Our Club has sponsored Cub Scout Pack 88 since 1994.  James Monroe is our Chartered Organization Representative to the Pack and the local Scouting District and Council. He explained how the sponsoring process works and announced exciting news for the Club. In the fall of 2017 the National BSA Board approved the inclusion of having girls in the various Boy Scout programs beginning with the Cub Scouts in 2018. He went to the Club Board in December to seek approval of us allowing girls in our Scouting program. The Board unanimously approved and the Pack Leadership began recruiting last month. In fact we are the only Cub Scout program in the Mount Baker Council (which serves Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan Counties) that has allowed girls in Cub Scouts--so far.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Polio Global Eradication UpdateDavid Truman and Lee Harman, District Foundation Committee PolioPlus Co-Chairs, presented an update on the PolioPlus program at our meeting on February 2, 2018. The PolioPlus Foundation Fund is one of the three Rotary Foundation funds, along with the Annual Fund and the Endowment Fund. David started with a history of Polio from the 1900’s to 1960’s. At one time, 500,000 new polio cases were being reported worldwide per year. The U.S. epidemic of Polio was from 1948-1956 and began the era of the Iron Lung. Rotary first became involved with Polio in 1979 with a successful pilot program in the Philippines. In 1985 Rotary committed $120,000,000 to the program with collaborating partners; Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and 125 Nations worldwide. In 1984 there were 125 endemic nations with 350,000 cases per year. One of the current concerns is the recent occurrence of 113 cases of Polio through December 31, 2017 with 22 cases of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in Pakistan and Afghanistan and 91 cases of Circulating Vaccine Derived Paralytic Virus (CVDPV), a virus created from the wild virus that has concentrated in the environment where there is a low rate of vaccinations and poor sanitation. The CVDPV has shown up in the countries Congo and Syria where there’s been large civil conflict. Total contributions to date in millions are: $3,105 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, $2,904 USA, $1,625 Rotary, $1,482 United States, $1,321 India, $913 World Bank, $565 Canada, $546 Japan, $545 Germany, $480 Private Philanthropy, $300 Pakistan and $254 UNICEF with a total over $15 billion. The current Global Polio Eradication Initiative five year plan is to commit 5.5 Billion dollars to the cause. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is matching every dollar 2 for 1, up to 35 million per year per for five years. Please consider donating to the PolioPlus Fund. For more information, go to Polio Global Eradication Initiative. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Everett Campus Lawrence Schecter, MD, FACS, Associate Dean of Clinical Education for the new Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Everett Campus assisted by Kari Mikesell, was our speaker on January 26, 2018. Dr. Schecter trained in General Surgery in the Veteran's Administration and the UCLA Health system. His affiliation with UCLA Health System lasted throughout his medical career as both a teacher and administration. Dr. Schecter has practiced General Surgery in Santa Monica for 30 years and later served as the Chief Medical Officer for Providence Regional Medical Center. The combination of teacher, mentor, innovator and humanist made his transition into coaching and consulting a natural evolution.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School District Levies - February 13th  Our guest speaker January 19, 2018 was Dr. Amy Beth Cook Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District who was with us to educate our Club members on the two replacement levies on the February 13th ballot. The photo is a visual of the changes to school funding.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 Corks & Kegs The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens announces the 2018 Corks & Kegs fundraising event will be held on April 14, 2018 at the Jackson Conference Center at Everett Community College. This will be a Super Cool, Super Fun Elegant Event that will help us raise money that we will then in turn support our local, regional and international communities. Our Rotary Club supports the Lake Stevens Family Center, the Lake Stevens Food Bank, the Lake Stevens Community Supper, the Lake Stevens Senior Center, Cub Scout Pack 88, the Lake Stevens Education Foundation, Hungry Hearts Foundation, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Skate Park at Cavalero County Park, scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and the eradication of polio. With your help we can continue supporting these organizations. Come join us and have a great time! With your ticket you will get four tastings for wine and/or beer plus raffle tickets for some door prizes. You can purchase additional tastings and raffle tickets. In addition, you will have the opportunity to bid on wonderful items in the silent auction. Trips, vacation get-a-ways, personal care items, baskets with all sorts of theme packages, sports related items, even a book by a local author. If you would like to support the event by being a sponsor there are many ways to do this. Check out the sponsorship form. If you have something you would like to donate for our auction click this link for the donor form.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Library - Campaign Update Sonia Gustafson, Managing Librarian - Lake Stevens Library speaks to our Club January 12, 2018 about the upcoming ballot measure on the February 13th election to build a new library in Lake Stevens. Congratulations, Sonia on your recent engagement.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In Other News ItemsClub members news: Jo Olson reported that the Lake Stevens Family Center distributed gifts to 305 kids for this past Christmas. All of the 305 kids received more than one gift.  Loren Hole announced to our Club that he and Lorna were donating $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation of Lake Stevens for high school scholarships. Loren made the announcement and presentation to Dean Franz, Chair of the Vocational Services Committee this past Friday.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wine Beer and Silent Auction CommitteeWine, Beer & Silent Auction Committee meeting onThursday, January 11th at Tracy DeLorm's home. Dinner at 5:30pm and the meeting will kick off at 6:00pm. All members are invited. RSVP Tracy. There are new changes coming to the Super Fun, Super Cool and Elegant WINE, BEER AND SILENT AUCTION COMMITTEE. The Committee will be comprised of a Chair and Nine Committee Chairs. All Club members need to be involved in one of the committees. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th. The Chair of the Super Fun, Super Cool and Elegant group is President-Elect Kevin O'Brien. The other chairs are: Facilities - Ron Rassmussen Hospitality - Tracy DeLorm Venue Set Up Licenses Take Down Insurance Clean Up Permits Food Electrical Silverware Tables/Chairs Entertainment MC Recruiter Decorations Fundraising - Chris Vallo Marketing - Reshal Ploeger Ticket sales Ticket design & production Member training Brochures Procurement Advertising Silent Auction Social Media Live Auction Community Outreach Raffle MC Recruiter Finance - Laurie Westover Information Tech -Angie Hein Point of Sales (Auction Items, Products Hardware and Donations Software Card Processing Audio Visual Accounting AP/AR Registration Reporting Sponsorships - Jim Haugen Vendors - Bill Demeroutis Member training Wineries Coordination of Sponsors Breweries Distilleries Other Club Communications - Gary O'Rielly Event Contact list Inter-Club Communications Rotary Citizenof the Year Chair Each one of these team leaders need your help. Please contact the team leader of your choice and ask them to be on their team. If you have any questions, please contact our Super Fun, Super Cool & Elegant chair, the Honorable Kevin O'Brien. This has been our biggest fundraisaer each year for the past 6 years. We are kicking it up a notch to be bigger and better. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Beginning of a New Year |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotaract of Snohomish CountyEven though we had an informal meeting on December 29th at The Buzz Inn, we were able to receive a presentation from the leaders of the Rotaract Club of Snohomish County. The Club is sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Everett, Everett-Port Gardner, South Everett-Mukilteo, Marysville, Monroe and Lynnwood (of District 5030). They had their first meeting on June 8 and Governor Coyle signed the charter paperwork in September.  Morgan Crosby, President-Elect and Rachel Preston, President of the Club were the presenters. They also brought along Elizaveta Belkina who is a member of the White Nights Rotaract Club of St. Petersburg in District 2220. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club Review of Foundations
Club Member Jim Haugen gave an update on the Rotary Foundation at our December 22nd meeting. Jim is the Club Foundation Chair and also serves as the Board Secretary on the Lake Stevens Rotary Charitable Foundation. Yes, our Club is involved in two Foundations. The Lake Stevens Rotary Charitable Foundation is a Foundation of the Club and is administered by the Club. The main asset of this Foundation is the Loren Hole Endowment which was started by Loren Hole with an investment of $10,000. We recently passed over $50,000 in value of this endowment. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Local MLB Umpire.JPG) .JPG) Tripp Gibson, Major League Baseball Umpire who lives in Marysville with his wife and two children. Tripp is from Mayfield, KY and graduated from Murray State University in Kentucky with a degree in Art Education. After deciding that education wasn't for him, Tripp attended the Harry Wendelstedt School for Umpires in 2006. After nine years in the minors, he was hired by the Major League Baseball in 2015.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From the President and Board.jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State Transportation Update.JPG) Our Rotary member, Senator Steve Hobbs updated our Club members on Transportation issues in our State as the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Accompanying the Senator to our meeting was Misha Jackson, Legislative Assistant (LA/Transportation) and Jennifer Smolensk, Executive Legislative Assistant for the 44th Legislative District.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Christmas Season.jpg) President-Elect & Fire Chief Kevin O'Brien dressed for the Firefighters event at Ixtapa's this past week-end. Wonder where he got the suit?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Port of Everett Update Les Reardanz has been the Executive Director of the Port of Everett's since 2014. Previously, Les served as the Port's Deputy Director since 2011. Les is a Navy reservist currently serving with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YMCA - Snohomish County  Jennifer Willows - Chief Financial Development Officer Kristin Kentch - Membership Our guest speakers this past week represented the YMCA of Snohohish County. There are six YMCA branches to serve the needs of the county. The six locations are the Everett Family YMCA, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mukilteo and Stanwood-Camano. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County is an affiliate of the YMCA of Snohomish County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Thanksgiving From our President, Randy Celori and the Board, we wish all of our members, fellow Rotarians all over the world and friends.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact.JPG) Interact in action at the Lake Stevens High School Club Fair. The Interact Club earned $100. for participating in the Club Fair. Congratulations. Future projects include helping out at the Lake Stevens Food Bank.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Boeing StoryRichard White, Senior Manager, State and Local Government Operations, The Boeing Company.  Rich is responsible for representing the company before elected and appointed public officials and their staffs, industry and business association executives and community based organizations in the Central Puget Sound region. Prior to joining the Boeing Company, Rich was the director of government affairs for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and previously worked for U.S. Senator Slade Gorton in both Washington D.C. and in the state of Washington.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Veterans Day - In Honor of Those who have SERVED
GOD BLESS AMERICA THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE WHO KEEP IT THAT WAY! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Halloween in Downtown Lake Stevens  Wow, The Mad Hatter made an appearance and Tracy & Joyce were busy at the fishing pond. Halloween in downtown Lake Stevens was really big with all kinds of activities. Popcorn was extremely popular as was the fishing pond inside the Community Center. Outside, the Lion's Club gave away close to 1,000 hot dogs. Kids with great costumes with parents dressed to the hilt as well. You couldn't ask for a better evening and entertainment event, safe with lots of treats, games, music and just plain ol' Halloween fun!! The Police, Fire, City and Chamber plus the Service Clubs and churches put on a fantastic Halloween outing.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paine Field - Snohomish County Airport.JPG) Kara Underwood, Superintendent of Operations at Paine Field Airport, addressed out Club last Friday providing an overview of the Paine Field Airport and its operations, clients and upcoming commercial air service. Kara has been with Snohomish County since 2005. She received a Bachelors of Science degree in Recreation Management from Central Washington University. While looking for a job in the recreation field, Kara took a temporary job at the aiport and over the years has worked her way up to her current position.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EMS Levy Lift Lid - Proposition 1 Chief Kevin O'Brien making a point during his presentation on the EMS Levy Lid Lift, Proposition 1 on the November 7th General Election Ballot.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
End Polio Update
When Rotary began the fight to end polio in 1985 there were over 350 million children were crippled or killed every year. Yet polio was a disease with a cure and had been completely eradicated from North America, Europe and many other nations. In 2017 we are closer than ever to the end of polio with only two endemic countries remaining - Afghanistan with 7 cases and Pakistan with 5 cases. Recent Milestones In January 2014, we celebrated one of the world's greatest achievements in global health: India being certified as polio-free. India was once considered the hardest place on earth to stop polio. Now, India's success proves polio can be stopped in even the most challenging conditions. The entire continent of Africa has not reported a polio case since 2016. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Lindagene Coyle-New Member InductionThe District Governor inducts eight new members into the Club during her visit .  During the meeting, District Governor Lindagene Coyle and Club President Randy Celori inducted 8 of the 9 new members into our club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Lindagene CoyleDuring her visit to our Club, District Governor Lindagene Coyle oversaw several recognition events. .JPG) Recognized for their contribution to our Club. District Governor Lindagene Coyle handed out special District pins.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tulalip Healthcare System Jim Steinruck, Health Administrator at the Tulalip Health System & long time Club Member.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Boy Scouts of America-Local Dan'l Adams, Boy Scouts of America, is a commissioned professional serving the Klahaya District which serves the cities of Lake Stevens, Monroe and Snohomish and the other communities along US Highway 2 up and through Skykomish.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome--New MembersAt tonight's Board meeting, we had five new applications for membership in our Club. The Board approve all 5 new member applications. Please welcome our new members: CJ Antonyuk, sponsored by Joyce Bell; John Dyer, sponsored by Kevin O'Brien; Kristen Hoffman, sponsored by Reshal Ploeger; Dennis Kaiser, sponsored by John Huber; Kendra Pinkelman, sponsored by Ron Rasmussen. Congratulation to our new members and a tremendous THANK YOU to their sponsors. Please welcome our new members.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Firefighters and Operation Warm Our Own member, Ron Rasmussen representing the Lake Stevens Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3025 on Operation Warm.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One Island--One Ocean Mark Schrader, our speaker last week, was born and raised on a farm in Nebraska. When he was 16, his family moved to Santa Barbara, California. It was his first view of the Pacific Ocean. After graduating from University of California-Berkeley, he and his wife moved to the Stanwood area where they lived on a small farm for over 40 years. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Opioids In Snohomish County.JPG) Our guest speaker last Friday was Heather Thomas, Public & Governmental Affairs Manager for Snohomish Health District. Heather's background includes being a Board member of the Washington State Public Health Association and the Puget Sound Public Health Roundtable. Heather has been actively involved in bringing together agencies and partners to further the fight against the opioid epidemic. Her efforts also include organizing the regional heroin forums around the county last fall. Heather's talk today is to share information about the recent 7 day point-in-point data collection as well as other efforts the Health District is leading on these issues. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Washington State Film IndustryOur second speaker is involved with the Washington State Film Industry.  Dave Drummond is a Location Scout and Location Manager for the Washington State Film Industry based out of Seattle.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact & Dominican RepublicAn exciting Member meeting with two guest speakers.  Our Interact Club President Rebecca (20-17-2018)was our first guest speaker. She talked about her trip sponsored by our Club along with the Rotary Club of Everett to the Dominican Republic to help build a commercial garden. She went with several others to work with locals on the garden. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New MemberCongratulations, Jackie Sheheen, our new member. Jackie was sponsored by Reshal Ploeger. Prior to joining our club, Jackie worked a shift at our Aquafest Food booth. Jackie works for Columbia Funding Mortgage. Her application was approved by the Board, at its meeting August 15th. Please introduce yourself to Jackie at an upcoming .meeting
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Food Bank Anne Anderson, Executive Director of the Lake Stevens Food Bank addressing our Club last Friday, August 11th. The goal and philosophy of the Lake Stevens Food Bank is to try and assure that every family that needs food to survive is getting their food. The Food Bank can feed a family of four for $20. Food stock over the past two years has gone up over $1.2 million dollars. The City has provided essential food storage for a very nominal fee saving the Food Bank a huge some of money each year. The administrative cost of running the Food Bank are extremely low. The real advantage is that the Lake Stevens Food Bank spends less than all other food banks in the area.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duck Dash Winners CircleFour of the six winners came to our Friday meeting to pick up their Duck Dash winnings prizes. ) Pictured with President Randy Celori are Grand Prize winner Todd Jubie, 6th Place winner Tom Hartwell and 2nd Place winner Leslie Elsmore. .JPG) 3rd Place winner Hailey Mallott receives her winnings from President Randy. The 4th & 5th Place winners were unavailable this meeting. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accountable Communities of Health (ACH) a community paramedic programChief Bruce Stedman was our guest speaker on Friday, August 4th talking about a community paramedic program offered by Medicaid under the Accountable Communities Health demonstration, the State of Washington is anticipating receiving $1.2 billion in federal investment in return for rewarding high-quality care. The purpose of the grant is for EMS to change the way they deliver services. Stedman commented that 85% of the time, fire departments are doing EMS services in the communities throughout the State of Washington. Looking for ways to provide services that will lead to a healthier Washington. .JPG) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hungry Hearts Bowl 2017 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aquafest 2017
The winners have been determined and calls to them are in the process. And, the winners are: Grand Prize - $1,000 Todd Jubie 2nd Place - $ 500 Leslie Elsmore 3rd Place - $ 250 Hailey Mallott 4th Place - $ 100 Diane Demeroutis 5th Place - $ 100 Larry Lian 6th Place - $ 100 John Hartwell Congratulations to our winners of the Duck Dash prizes and for buying tickets to this wonderful fundraiser!! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Music in the Park |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Family Center Our guest speaker this past week was Peggy Ray of the Lake Stevens Family Center. She is the Family Support Supervisor at the Lake Stevens Family Center. Peggy talked about the services that the Family Center provides including 24 hour food supplies for families in need. Mental health and veteran services are free. One of the upcoming large events for the Family Center is the Project Homeless event September 16th in Arlington. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Lake Stevens Arts Commission.JPG) The chairman of the Lake Stevens Art Commission Steve Apodaca (pictured above) accompanied by Linda Ehmen and Kathy Kruse spoke to our club last week.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Vikings |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Certificate of Appreciation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New MemberNEW MEMBER Please welcome, Rick Miller, our newest member approved by the Board at its meeting on Tuesday, July 18th. Rick's information will appear in the club directory within the next few days. Rick is an unfranchise owner of Shop.com. He was previously a member of the Rotary Club of Renton and operated his own landscape business. Please give a big welcome to Rick when you see him at our next meeting. Rick's sponsor is Larry Saint.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RI President-Elect Sam Owori Passes AwayRotary International President-elect Sam F. Owori died unexpectedly on 13 July due to complications from surgery. Sam was a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda, for 38 years. “Rotary has become a way of life for me – with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone,” Sam said when he was nominated last year. “I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through Rotary, I’ve helped someone live better.” Sam's term as Rotary’s 108th president would have begun on 1 July 2018.
“Please remember Sam as the outstanding, hardworking Rotarian he was,” said Rotary International President Ian Riseley. “In this difficult time, I ask you to keep his wife, Norah, the Owori family, and Sam’s millions of friends around the world in your thoughts.”
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Parks Update Our own Jim Haugen, the Lake Stevens Parks Coordinator giving club members an update on all of the parks in Lake Stevens this past Friday, July 7th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Music in the Park Our Club partnered with the Lake Stevens Arts Commission and the Lake Stevens Brewing Company on a Wine and Beer Garden during the Music in the Park.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loren's Story |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
End of the Year Each year there is a change in each organization and Rotary is no different. Sam's last meeting of the 2016-17 was this past Friday, June 30th. The meeting was a reflection of our reasons to be Rotarians by giving financially to local organizations and groups. No one was more excited to present checks to two very worthy organizations to cap off his Presidential term for 2016-17 than our President, Sam Low. Congratulations on another great year Sam. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duck Dash Tickets Available.jpg)
The 22nd Annual Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Duck Dash will happen on Sunday, July 30, 2017 in downtown Lake Stevens. Tickets are available from your nearby Rotarian. Tickets are $5 per chance or you can get a sheet of five tickets for $20. Proceeds support scholarships for graduating high school seniors, the Lake Stevens Family Center, the Lake Stevens Senior Center, the Lake Stevens Food Bank, Cub Scout Pack 88, the Interact Club at the high school, the fight to eradicate polio and more! Please support our community and buy Duck Dash tickets today!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony.JPG)     .JPG)         Wow, what an event and an exciting evening for our Club's Annual Installation Banquet and Awards ceremony. We had several guests from the District Leadership both past and present. Joining us for this annual celebration were: Marc Baker – Assistant District Governor, Area J 2014-17 and a member of the Rotary Club of Everett. Dave Duskin – Assistant District Governor, Area J 2017-2020 and member of the Rotary Club of Arlington Lyle Ryan and his wife PJ – District Governor 2014-15—a member of the Rotary Club of Everett and PJ is a member of the Rotary Club of South Everett Mukilteo Harv Jubie and his wife Jan – Past District Governor 2005-06 and a member of the Rotary Club of Marysville. Larry Jubie - Past District Governor 2009-10 and member of the Rotary Club of Marysville. Linda Murray and her husband Bill - District Governor-Elect 2018-19 and a member of the Rotary Club of Everett-Mukilteo The Awards ceremony was an opportunity for many of our members for their achievements this past year. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the City Our guest speaker on Friday is no stranger to our club, the city or the county. Most of us know that John Spencer, the Mayor of Lake Stevens is a tirelessly worker for the city he governs. John has been involved in the water, wastewater and electric utility industry for more than 35 years. John served as the Vice President & Director of Management Services for CH2M Hill in Seattle prior to his retirement. Now, the Mayor devotes all of his time and energy to family and the City of Lake Stevens. Even when he is on vacation, near or far away, he is always working on issues of the moment. In the Mayor's own words, how do you talk about the State of the City when there was a record turn-out at last week-ends Health Fair and the Eagle Ridge city garden sign ups is growing and other events are attracting record turn-outs. People are engaged in the community and the city is growing along with it. Surrounding cities are complaining that their own citizens are uprooting themselves and moving to Lake Stevens because of the strong and effective school district and education system that the Lake Stevens community enjoys.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WSDOT UpdateOur special guest speaker on June 9th was Lorena Eng, NW Regional Administrator for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Ms. Eng has been with WSDOT for 16 years. Her last visit to our club was in 2013. Back in April, Jim Brown and Tes Abraha briefed us on the SR9/SR204 interchange. Ms. Eng will update us on a variety of other projects in our area. Lorena oversees 1,100 employees and a biennial budget of $900 million dollars which is up over $50 million dollars from three years ago. Her staff is responsible for the planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance of over 4,000 lane miles of federal and state highways from the Pierce County line to the Canadian border in the 6 county Northwest Region on the west side of the Cascades. Lorena received her civil engineering degree in 1979 from the University of Washington. (Go Dawgs). .jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LSHS DECA ProgramTwo weeks ago, our guest speakers were from the Lake Stevens High School DECA program. The current President and the incoming President gave our club an overview of their programs activities. In the beginning, DECA was known as Distributing Club's of America. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the world. Mattie and Andrew shared the programs requirements. They include a student store, marketing management and include college credits. The business mindset, advanced management and stock market involve over 400 hours. Competition is the key to DECA at the region, state, national and international level. There are lots of categories to choose from from financial advisement to virtual business and prize money is available. The competition always involves high energy, hard work and a keen and strong competitive nature.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Rotary Awards Scholarships Congratulations to this year's recipients of our Scholarships. $12,000 was awarded to a number of graduating seniors who are either going to college, university or trade school. They are pictured above with Dean Franz, Vocational Services Committee Chair and Sam Low, Club President.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pack 88 Hold Bike Rodeo
Our Cub Scout Pack hosted a bike rodeo this week at their regular weekly meeting. They had a great turnout despite the cold wet weather. Riders learned skills to help them be safe when on their bicycles.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project Dates
Several projects were listed at the meeting and will be put on our website. They are: May 17th - 6:00pm - Painting Lundeen Park concession stand. May 17th - 2:15pm - Interact Club meeting. Room 104 May 18th - 6:00pm - Storage Unit clean up. May 19th - 9:00am - Scholarship interviews - 2 teams June 10th- 9:00am - Park clean up. meet at Lundeen Park in the picnic area. Oct. 19th - 5:00pm - Community Supper Since they are all within the next few weeks, thought it best to put it in the form of an outline. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief of Police, John Dyer
The guest of Kevin O'Brien was asked to give an impromptu talk about the Lake Stevens Police Department. John Dyer, the new Chief of the Lake Stevens Police Department acknowledged that the toughest issues right now are the two officers involved shootings and the death of a young student. Dyer is currently rebuilding the Police Department. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club Cleans Up Callow RoadAnother successful Community Clean Up Day! Thank you to everyone for their generous help, to Bill for the donuts and Dean for the coffee. We found lots of "treasures" along Callow Road - a washing machine, gas barbecue, dresser, bed mattress, fridge, and a jet ski!
For more photos see our Facebook site. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WATCH D.O.G.S.
No, our program April 14th wasn't about the Washington Huskies. Scott Kelly, from Snohomish was our guest speaker on a topic near and dear to his heart. Amazing program which started in Springdale, Arizona in 1998 and has turned into a national phenomenon. Scott started the WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) in Washington in 2007. Interested individuals can find out more about the program at www.fathers.com or www.fathers.com/watchdogs. Who wouldn't want a great student? After all they are the future of our communities. In today's society, nearly 40% of young students go to bed each night without a father figure in their lives. That is a staggering figure for many of us to comprehend. Today, there are over 5,000 schools in the United States with WATCH D.O.G.S. programs. An average school has 85 dads or father-figures involved in the program. At Little Cedars Elementary School in Snohomish, they have over 180 dads or father-figures involved in the program. That's a one day commitment during the school year. When Scott started the program it involved his daughter and son at Little Cedars Elementary School. Scott's father and father-in-law are both involved in the program. Starting a program, usually begins with a pizza party at the initial meeting. In Scott's case, 100 dads or father-figures and 200 kids showed up.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WSDOT Update SR 9 and SR 204
April 7th's program involved two representatives of the Washington State Department of Transportation and a representative for a public relations firm. Joining us for a presentation and update on SR 9 and SR 204 were Jim Brown, Area Project Manager, Tes Abraha, Assistant Project Manager and Coleen Gantz, who handles communications about the project for PRR. In 2015, the legislature provided funding for WSDOT to improve the SR 9 and SR 204 intersection in Lake Stevens. The project team is currently developing design concepts for the SR 9/SR 204 interchange using input from the community stakeholders and area drivers. The purpose of the project is to alleviate congestion that affects Snohomish County commuters, freight haulers and access to local businesses. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Peace Corps
Our special program last week was Gina Anderson's time in the Peace Corps with her husband Jason. Gina was born and raised in Spokane and went to college at the University of Montana. The Peace Corp much like Rotary is about "Service Above Self." When you serve in the Peace Corps, your assignments usually require developing relationships. Some maybe superficial or even deeper depending on the assignment and the situation. Those serving in the Peace Corps want to make the most of their world. Its all about coming together. Gina is passionate about every person serving abroad. There are currently, eight geographic regions served by Peace Corp. There were only six when she and Jason applied to the Peace Corps. One of the important aspects of the Peace Corps is "working yourself out of a job." Gina and Jason served in the Peace Corps from 2000-2002. They were sent to Slovakia. From the United States they flew into Vienna. Gina shared that this was after the Iron Curtain fell. There used to be a big iron fence on the Austria-Czechoslovakian border.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification TalksTwo weeks ago, we had Classification talks by three of our newest members. Classification talks are always away of getting to know our members and more about their background, their families and current jobs. Gina Anderson remembered her and her husband's time in Peace Corp. The start of a cultural exchange begins with your arm and "what you are connected too, your hand reaching out and the other hand coming out. The teacher in her, asked us to partner up with whoever was next to us. She developed two groups. The A's and B's. The A group was asked about the image of "what you are grounded too" and the B group was task with "what you are willing to give Up." I probably have done her presentation an injustice but hope I captured the essence of her time in the Peace Corp. Married to Jason and two children. All three were involved in the last Community Supper. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Vision Training Session
Vision Training: Our District 5050 Vision Training session team on March 23rd consisted of Pat Bond, Bill Gorman, Lynn Spence and Valerie Tibbetts. Twelve of our thirty-five members participated in the Vision Training session at the Lake Stevens Senior Center. Basically we were told that the purpose of "why" a Vision Training session is needed is to look into the future and determine where we are going and "what" we want to accomplish in the next 5, 10, 15 and 50 years. Vision process involves continuity of leadership, consistency in programming, consensus which is part of the Vision process. We were told that the Planning Steps include a Vision Plan, followed by a Long Range Plan and Action steps to be taken. There are nine steps for implementing the Club Leadership Plan. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National CemeteriesOur program on March 10th was all about our National Cemeteries provided by Hospital Corpsman Joe Paterniti. A National Cemetery is generally a military cemetery containing the graves of our United States military personnel, veterans and their spouses but isn't exclusively so. We learned that there are 147 National Cemeteries across the county with most being administered by the Veterans Administration. The goal is to have a National Cemetery with 1-2 hours of our citizens. We know, that the best known National Cemetery is the Arlington National Cemetery located just outside of Washington DC in Virginia.  Ironically, the site of the Arlington National Cemetery was purchased in 1802 by George Washington Parke Curtis the grandson of Martha Washington. The land passed onto to Custis daughter, Mary Anna who had married Unites States Army officer Robert E. Lee. Arlington National Cemetery is composed of 624 acres, and was established on May 13, 1864 and currently contains over 400,000 graves.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Message from RI President John Germ
A message from President John Germ: Rotary will be partnering with other service organizations in an International Week of Service, 25-31 March 2017. All over the world, volunteers like you are working to improve their communities. In the spirit of Rotary Serving Humanity, I ask you to invite another local service group to volunteer with you. Information and resources for this event can be found at weekofservice.org. Visit the International Week of Service 2017 Facebook event page to RSVP and see what other Clubs are planning.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TR - Teddy Roosevelt by David RaderOur program on March 3rd was a return to an era of the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States as presented by David Rader of Oak Harbor. David has given the same presentation on Theodore Roosevelt to 88 other Rotary Clubs as well as many other service clubs and organizations.
Theodore Roosevelt has often been referred to as the "modern president' who more than any other national leader or individual American is responsible for America's rise to a world leadership status. President Theodore Roosevelt was a conservationist, a soldier, statesman, Nobel Prize winner and a Medal of Honor recipient given posthumously by President Bill Clinton after generations of attempts by others. To this day, he remains one of America's "best models" of presidential, visionary, global and executive leader, crisis manager and charismatic communicator. He was by all accounts a strategic thinker, negotiator and decision maker and the most distinguished leader of his age.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All in the Steinruck FamilyRotarians are rewarded when one of their children decides to become a member of a local Rotary Club. This is the case involving Evan Steinruck. Evan decided to join the Seattle 4 Rotary Club. His classification is Real Estate. Evan is the son of our own member Jim Steinruck. When children experience their parents involvement in a organization like Rotary, the real reward is when they choose to become a member.
Evan was officially welcomed to the Rotary Club of Seattle on February 8th. Jim was on hand to watch Evan's introduction. Pictured in the photo are Cathy Gibson, Club President, Kim Moored who introduced him to the Club. His sponsors are Nancy Cahill and Jim McCurdy.
Welcome to Rotary as a new member Evan. He is considered a Young Rotary Leader (35 and under).
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Member activitiesSince we didn't have a program last week, we asked Lance Morehouse, Ron Rassmussen and Jim Steinruck to give us an update on themselves. This wasn't a classification talk but more in the way of personal updates. Lance reported on Sherwood Community Services Wine & Dine Mystery Wine Auction on Friday, March 24th at Swan's Trail Farm. Ron spoke of his activities at Lake Stevens Fire and Jim updated us on his Providence/Tulalip Health Services. Fun time and informal.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monterrico UpdateOur guest speaker February 3, 2017 was Dr. Mike Mallahan accompanied by our former member Barbara Knowles updating us on the Monterrico Education Center and Clinic. Dr. Mallahan commented that because of our Club's good work on the Monterrico project he decided to join the Rotary Club of Mill Creek six years ago and currently the Club President.
The Monterrico Clinic is now staffed by Cuban doctors. Most people in Guatemala lack access to proper health care. Currently, the Monterrico Clinic has a audiologist on staff. Monterrico is now a working clinic. Recently, more than 50 people spent their holiday or vacation time serving the Hospital Quirigua Work on evaluations with surgery follow ups and more working on the community outreach clinic.
.jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Moment - A BIG SURPRISE! A Rotary Moment by Tracy DeLorm last Friday turned into a very Big Surprise for her visiting mother, Judi Richardson. During last Friday's meeting, Tracy talked about her mother and the influence she had on getting her involved and being part of the community activities reflecting as well as reflecting on Paul Harris and Rotary. After a brief commentary, Tracy asked her mother to come forward, in shock and surprise her mother Judi was given a Paul Harris award courtesy of Tracy. Helping in the presentation was our President, Sam Low and our Rotary Foundation chair Jim Haugen. What a wonderful surprise for Judi and the entire club. I'm sure it was the topic of her conversation during their shopping trip to downtown Seattle and a visit with Tracy's sister. Another, ALL IN THE FAMILY moment. Former member and Tracy's husband, Dave, was on hand to capture the moment in pictures.
Congratulation Judi from the members of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sidney Brown-Gates FoundationOur guest last Friday was Sidney Brown, Associate Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Sidney primary focus is on monitoring and evaluating work in Pakistan. Previously she was the Secretariat for Global Polio Eradication Initiative's Polio Oversight Board and is the currently the Secretariat for the Pakistan Task Team. She travels to Pakistan frequently to see the results of the program's efforts there.
Polio Eradication - In 1985, Rotary launched its PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global eradication through massive vaccination of children. Rotary has contributed more than $1.5 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. In 1985 there were 350,000 cases of polio in the world. There were 125 endemic countries. Today there are three
In 1997, Bill and Melinda Gates read an article on rotavirus. In 2000, they officially launched their polio eradication program. An announcement at the Rotary International Convention in Lisbon, Portugal set the stage for a bold new chapter in the partnership between Rotary and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Library
Lake Stevens Library on February 14 ballot
Vote YES x2!
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens urges voters in the Lake Stevens School District to VOTE YES on both ballot measures. Since the vote requires a percentage of the recent General Election, everyone needs to get out an support the Sno-Isle Library measures.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome, New Members!
The Board has approved the member application of our three newest members. Please welcome:
Angie Hein, software analyst for Culbert Healthcare Solutions. Angie is sponsored by Gary O'Rielly.
Hazel Borden, Alzheimer's Association of Snohomish County Community Outreach. Hazel is sponsored by Jim Steinruck.
Chris Vallo, Real Estate Broker, Century 21. Chris is sponsored by Jim Haugen.
Please welcome our new members.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International President John Germ.png)
A rare event in the history of the Rotary Club of Everett occurred when the Club hosted RI President John and Judy Germ at their meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Thirteen area Rotary Clubs were there for this historic event celebrating the Rotary Club of Everett's Century of Service including seven members from our club. The Rotary Club of Everett has several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Clubs including ours!
 RI President John Germ and his wife Judy are from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Germ is Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Campbell and Associates Ins, consulting engineers. Germ joined Rotary in 1976. He has numerous awards and honors such as the Young Man of the Year award in 1970; Engineer of the Year-1986; Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year-1992 and Tennessee Community Volunteer of the Year, 2009. Germ is the recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award and the Arthritis Foundation Circle of Hope Award. In 2013, the White House recognized him as a Champion of Change. His activities and offices in Rotary are long and numerous, serving with distinction.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly
Last week's meeting was a Club Assembly with most of the discussion on the April 21st Wine, Beer and Silent Auction.
Each member is responsible for securing an advertiser, sponsoring two gift baskets for the auction, 2 bottles of wine and 2 large bottles of beer. Sponsors vs. Advertisers. We prefer to use the event as an opportunity to advertise a merchants business. We need to secure all advertisers by March 1st. Tickets will be available shortly thereafter. The main goal is to have all advertisers listed on all of our materials.
All Club Members are asked to be available on April 21st to work this very important fundraiser. Set up will begin at 2 pm on April 21st at the Everett Community College. Each member will be given a specific task for that evening. Our goal is to raise $25,000-$30,000 so that we can increase our scholarship awards dollars and the amount we contribute to local non-profits and community activities.
Community Services News: Cocoon House - In other news, we continue to be host at the Cocoon House on a monthly basis. Contact Tracy if you are interested in participating and being one of the host.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Representative Lovick Visits Lake Stevens.jpg) At our December 30th Meeting, 44th State Legislative District Representative John Lovick, told the members that the upcoming State Legislative session will be one of the hardest ever due to the mandate to fully fund education. The questions are "Where is the money coming from?" "What will we have to give up in order to achieve this goal?" "Will this be accomplished in this session?"
Other issues before the Washington State House and Senate include transportation and social services. Lovick thanked Club President Sam Low and Club Member State Senator Steve Hobbs for their service to the public. He also thanked the members for being invested in the community. Lovick serves on the House Education Committee and House Appropriations Committee. Lovick has a long public service career starting with the US Coast Guard. He then served as a Washington State Patrol Trooper and Sergeant. He also served on the Mill Creek City Council, nine years as our State Representative before serving as Snohomish County Sheriff and then Snohomish County Executive. Thank you Representative Lovick for your visit!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
American Red Cross-Snohomish County
The American Red Cross-Snohomish County chapter is celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Chuck Morrison joined us on December 16th to give us an update on the American Red Cross-Snohomish County chapter. This year's Hero's Breakfast raised $327,000. Chuck discussed going forward over the next 100 years instead of reflecting on the last 100 years. OSO created such a huge impact on our area on communities like Darrington, OSO and Arlington which continues today. Recently, the Darrington community North Counties Family Services through a American Red Cross grant was able to buy the distinctive wood building that was vacant for the past 13 years is across from the Darrington IGA store.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Five Initiatives Launched by Rotary Club of EverettOur guest speaker on December 23rd, was Judge George Bowden, a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Everett. Judge Bowden announced that John Germ, President, Rotary International would be the guest speaker at their meeting on January 10th. This is really great opportunity to hear from the leader of Rotary International. Space is limited to 450 and reservation deadline listed earlier in our bulletin is January 6th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club of Everett - Invitation.png) Come Hear Rotary International President John Germ!
As we celebrate our Century of Service, the Rotary Club of Everett is privileged to host RI President John F. Germ and his wife, Judy, at our January 10 club meeting in Everett. Please join us to hear Mr. Germ’s insights on the victories and challenges that lie ahead for Rotarians as we live in Service above Self.
The meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, January 10 at the Holiday Inn Downtown Everett, 3105 Pine St, Everett.
Cost is $30 per guest; reservation deadline: Jan. 6, 2017.
For reservations, send your check to:
Everett Rotary Club, P.O. Box 1225, Everett, WA 98206
Or Go to the Rotary Club of Everett website (the payment link is on the left of the Home Page).
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Holidays |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everett Rotary Club-Founders Day On Tuesday, December 13th, the Rotary Club of Everett celebrated its Founders Day at the Walt Price Student Fitness Center at Everett Community College. Five of our members witnessed the celebration with other Clubs from around the area. Guests included the Scott Dudley, District Governor and his wife Christine, Everett Mayor and Club Member Ray Stephanson and Congressman Rick Larson plus a number of former District Governors. Ed Petersen, Club President, opened the ceremony and introduced the guests with a brief commentary on some of the huge contributions the Club has made to the community and will continue to do so. Over the years, the Rotary Club of Everett has donated more than $3.1 million in scholarships. Ed Petersen announced that a total of $200,000 was set aside to help those who do not have a home.The Club's Centennial will be held March 1, 2017. On January 10th RI President John Germ will speak at the Club's regular meeting which will be held at the Holiday Inn.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
History and a Respectful Language.png)
Our own member, Lance Morehouse, talked about the history and respectful language as it relates to individuals with special needs. As a grandparent of a special needs child, I have learned to listen, talk and enjoy a conversation with individuals with special needs whereas before I wasn't sure how to approach them as a person and as an individual.
In Nazi Germany in the early 40's, over 200,000 people with disabilities were put to death. About the same time, the Rainier School, a State of Washington facility located in Buckley, was used to house "defective youth." People with disabilities were not allowed in public schools until 1972. Governor Dan Evans signed the bill into law changing that forever. Outlandish terms for people with disabilities were used such as sterilized or retarded.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boys and Girls Club and the New Teen Center
Two weeks ago, our program was an update on the new Teen Club that will be constructed at the Boys and Girls Club. The update on the Club was given by Mike Wetmore, Center Director and Alicia Landre, Program Director. Membership in the Boys and Girls Club in 2016 is at 2,300 members. Membership fees are $30. Numerous programs are available for the kids. The K-5 Child Care program has really evolved. The Sports Program has 800 kids involved with 10 kids per team. There is volleyball for boys and girls. Flag football is growing with 500 kids enrolled and there is a indoor soccer league and a 19 year old + softball league.
Alicia is involved in the planning of all of the fun programs. She got involved in Boys and Girls Club when she enrolled her then 6 year old son Chandler, got involved and became an employee. There is the game room with a computer center and arts & crafts. There are 165 children who get snacks after school and help with their homework. The art club meets on Wednesday and there will be an art exhibit at the Everett Mall in January. Tower gardens is another kids project. Plus, Friday is talent show day. And, once a month, there is kids night out and summer camp from 6 am to 6 pm.
.jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our New County Councilman
Congratulations to Sam Low, our Club President on his being elected to the Snohomish County Council representing the citizens of County District 5. Councilman Low was sworn in on November 29th is the County Council Chambers. Low has resigned from his position on the Lake Stevens City Council where he was the current Council President. Lake Stevens Mayor John Spencer say that the process to fill the vacancy on the City Council will be announced soon. Again, congratulations from all of our Club members.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paul Harris Awards Another exciting moment during the District Governor's visit to our Club two weeks ago included the presentation of Paul Harris awards to Jim Haugen and Gary O'Rielly. Jim Haugen's was a Paul Harris award plus 7 and Gary O'Rielly was given a Paul Harris award plus 3. Each received a Paul Harris pin presented by District Governor Scott Dudley. Pictured: Scott Dudley, District 5050 Governor; Gary O'Rielly; Marc Baker, Assistant District Governor: and, Jim Haugen.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member Induction of Gina Anderson During our District Governor's visit, Scott Dudley had the opportunity to Welcome Gina Anderson to Rotary. During the induction period, Scott talked about the rewards of being a member of Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. Gina was given her certificate, Rotary pin and a big welcome from Club members as our newest member.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor VisitScott Dudley, our District Governor and his wife Christine trekked from Oak Harbor last Friday to visit our Club. Our District Governor was introduced by Assistant District Governor Marc Baker, member of the Rotary Club of Everett. DG Scott joined Rotary in 2001 and manages an investment office in Oak Harbor. He and Christine have five children and are new grandparents. Besides managing his investment office, Scott is a proud grandfather, deejay, and promoter of the Seattle Seahawks and Rotary.
 Rotary has changed Scott's life dramatically. When he joined, he became a member of the Oak Harbor morning Club, meeting on Wednesday mornings. He always ate their breakfast, always willing to lend a helping hand and posed the question of whether he was a Rotary Club member or a Rotarian. His first venture into becoming a Rotarian was a trip to Mexico to distribute wheel chairs. They delivered these wheel chairs to outlying areas and he commented that when these people received their wheel chair, it was like winning the lottery. The delivery of the wheel chairs changed his life forever.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Make It Happen.jpg) .jpg) One of the benefits of having our District Governor visit our club was to acknowledge Club members recognized by Sam Low, our President. Carie Rott and Gary O'Rielly were recognized for their contribution to our Club and Rotary. Sam commented that it is always difficult to pick one or two members out of a group of members of our club. Make It Happen pins were given to Carie and Gary.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RP Bootcamp 2 - ClubRunnerAwesome PR Bootcamp 2 sponsored by District 5050 We learned about the inter-workings of ClubRunner. The days session was taught by Sean Hogan.
.jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Around the Club
AquaFest 2017: Our program last week was a thorough discussion of AquaFest/Duck Dash 2016 followed by a discussion and suggestions for 2017. Tracy sent out a AquaFest Wish List 2017, so please review the list and enter any of your thoughts. It is apparent that we have to change our Duck Dash race. 1) The last two years, Catherine Creek water flow has been too low. A number of suggestions were made and a number of alternatives are being discussed. 2) The booth needs more signage announcing the Duck Dash ticket sales and the Diaper Dash. 3) Our participation in the parade. Another part of the discussion involved more members being in charge of the different areas of AquaFest/Diaper Dash/Duck Dash and the race; booth sign ups which Tracy has already volunteered to do; AquaFest signage; Duck Dash tickets sales, sponsors and signage; parade entry and signage and set up & tear down; Diaper Dash marketing and signage just to name a few of the examples discussed at our meeting.
Board Meeting: The Board meeting included an outline of the 2016-17 budget; input from Sam regarding AquaFest and changes that are needed to help us achieve a better and more profitable outcome while putting more people in charge of the various activities. Gary announced that several members need to pay their semi-annual dues.
Around the Club, Community and District:
Sept. 10th District PR Boot Camp #1 - Marketing and Strategic Planning at the Silver Reef Casino Hotel in Ferndale. This is the first of three PR Boot Camps designed to assist club Rotarians in marketing our events, working with other area clubs and promoting our club and Rotary as we get ready to celebrate the final case of polio and the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Foundation.
Sept 12th - Skate Park - Open house by the Lake Stevens Parks Commission, the City and County and a presentation by Grindline showing three skate park designs. Skate boarders were encouraged to complete the questionnaire distributed by Grindline at their initial meeting. To access the Grindline questionnaire, you can to skate park Facebook page at https://surveymonkey.com/r/QXVKJMY. Please share this information with skateboarders and young people interested in the skate park. Input is needed within the next few days.
Sept 17 or 24th - Park and Roadside Cleanup. More information to follow.
Sept 24th - RLI in Mount Vernon at the Best Western Skagit Valley Inn and Convention Center.
Oct. 15th - District Pr Boot Camp #2 on Club Runner.
Nov. 05th - District PR Boot Camp #3 on Facebook and social media.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Fire
Our program August 6th was our own member, Kevin O'Brien, Chief of the Lake Stevens Fire accompanied by Dave Peterson, Assistant Fire Marshal. Lake Stevens Fire serves the City of Lake Stevens, Hartford, Frontier Village, Cavelero, Glennwood, Georgetown, Machias and Forest Glade as well as Soper Hill, Sunnyside and Ebey Island north of the Trestle.
Kevin talked about their planning process, "Planning for Tomorrow-Serving People, Saving Life and Protecting Property." New recruits go through twelve weeks of Academy training in North Bend. Lake Stevens Fire is involved in technical rescue training at Station #83 - Machias and they partner with communities in the surrounding areas; participate in National Night Out with a library booth presenting books to young children for someone to read to them which is courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Theme, secret agents of safety. The department serves 42,350 with paramedic service to Granite Falls and Lake Rossinger. The department has 88 employees from firefighters, paramedics to administration support and volunteer chaplains.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cavelero Park Community Outreach
The City hosted an open house with Snohomish County Parks, Lake Stevens Park Board and Grindline Inc. at an open house on Monday, August 8th to discuss the new Skatepark at Cavelero Park and provide input on the elements to be included in the 15,000 sq. ft. design.
Mical Shapiro, Marketing & sales/Lead Deisgner from Grindline was on hand to give the community information on the skatepark and some of their history. Shapiro has been a skateboarder since 1986 and has skated all over the world and in competition. The company has built skateparks all over the United States and in our own region. From Iron Horse Park in Baker, MT to North Houston Skate Park to Roxhill Park in Seattle to Texas and Hawaii, they have been deeply involved in the design and development of Skate Parks.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday MeetingBoard Meeting Notice:
This week's meeting will be a combination Club Assembly and a Board meeting. The Club Assembly is a good opportunity tol talk about AquaFest and look for suggestions or recommendations for next year. This is a good time to consider all of our ideas while everything is fresh in our minds. The Board meeting will be the official August Board meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 Duck Dash WinnersThe winners of the 2016-17 Rotary Duck Dash contest at Aquafest are:
Grand Prize: $2,000 Cash won by Harv Jubie
2nd Place: $ 500 Cash won by Craig Burlingame
3rd Place: $ 250 Cash won by Diane Demeroutis
4th Place: $ 100 Cash won by Corri O'Neal
Congratulations to the winners and thank you for participating in our 21st Annual Duck Dash fundraiser.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pack 88 Leads Off Children's Parade.jpg) Our own Cub Scout Pack 88 led off the Aquafest Children's Parade as they do every year. With boys in each Cub Scout rank proudly displaying the Pack banner and with help from older brothers who are involved in Boy Scouts carrying the flags, they marched down Main Street to the cheers of onlookers. Our Club thanks the parents and adult leaders of our Pack including Cubmaster David LeDuc and Webelos Den Leader Richelle Cantu, both pictured here.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 Duck Dash Sponsors - Thank you!Thank you to our 2016 Duck Dash Sponsors
.jpg)  .jpg)     .jpg){kind=logo}    .png) .jpg) .png) .gif) Nysether Family  .png)  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legislative Update
Our program on July 15th was Representative Mark Harmsworth (R-44) talking about the outcome of the 2016 Washington State Legislative session. During the course of the nickname. His goal was to reduce the cost of traveling the express toll lanes during the non-busy periods in the evening and on weekends. Jesse Jones, Channel 7, likes Representative Harmsworth because of his work on the I-405 express toll lane controversy.
He spoke about the McCleary Decision and the fact that there is no silver bullet. The next session will likely include more work on the McCleary Decision and a Transportation package. The US Hwy 2 Trestle is going to be a major project according to Harmsworth. Questions and answers followed his presentation.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sherwood Community Services
Our program this past week was Lance Morehouse, Executive Director of Sherwood Community Services accompanied by Anna Gibson, Nick Holz and Andrew Urie. Lance came to Sherwood Community Services in 2013 with 15 years of non-profit experience specifically with people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Sherwood Community Services is over 60 years old and provides innovative, inclusive services to children and adults with disabilities in their communities across the lifespan from birth to retirement.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Presidential CitationDuring District Governor Scott Dudley's Installation Banquet at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club on July 16th, outgoing District Governor Bill Robson presented a Gold Presidential Citations award to Bill Demeroutis. The Presidential Citation was earned during Bill's term 2015-16. The Presidential Citation award is based on a club achieving goals that strengthen Rotary and our Club. Activities include growing membership, developing sustainable service projects, giving to the Rotary Foundation and building awareness of Rotary in our community. There are three categories, Gold, Silver and Bronze. We achieve an incredible Gold status, thanks to Bill and his leadership.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ploeger Honored with Paul Harris Fellowship At our Meeting July 22nd we honored Hayden Ploeger with a Paul Harris Award for his efforts in starting our successful Interact Club at LSHS. A big thank you also goes out to our Interact advisory committee - Jim Haugen, Gary O'Rielly, Reshal Ploeger, Kristin Odegaard (Staff Advisor) and James Monroe (not pictured).
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President's Message
At our meeting July 1st, I spoke about my plans for our Club for the upcoming Rotary Year. Mentoring and looking for ways to include our new members into leadership is the drive for this Year! Our first focus of course must be on the eradication of Polio. Secondly, we must continue to focus on serving and helping our community. We need each member of our Club to find an area of service to get involved in. Also, we need a new PR person for our Club. I appreciate all that Reshal has done to further our cause in our community. She will be missed in that position and she will help our next volunteer for that position get started! Lastly, we have a board meeting next week on Thursday, July 14th at 6pm. It would be great not only for all our Board Members to attend but, also all other members who want to get more involved. I look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you for the opportunity to lead the Club this year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passing the Gavel
Each year, July 1 signifies a changing of the guard or the PASSING OF THE GAVEL. Bill Demeroutis closes out a year of excitement, rewards and generous activities of our members under his leadership. From starting a NEW Interact Club at Lake Stevens High School under the successful leadership of Hayden Ploeger to a highly successful Wine, Beer & Silent Auction. A new Skateboard Park is within reach, a project the club has supported for over 10-12 years, increasing the Scholarship allocation from $5,000 to $10,750 to giving back to the community especially those organizations that are in need of constant financial help to being the sponsors of Lundeen Park. All exceptional activities. Plus we added +2 members this year. Our Facebook and social media pages have increased our visibility through the hard work of Reshal Ploeger.
 Members leaving the Board this year, having served for a number of years are Loren Hole, our Treasurer and all around behind the scenes helper with 49 years of PERFECT ATTENDANCE, Terri Spencer, outgoing chair of our Vocational Services Committee and Jim Haugen who is leaving the Secretary's position but still in charge of our Foundation. So many members involved in our various activities, all deserving of high praise and a hearty Thank You for the work done this year and in the past years as well. Then, there's Joyce Bell, always willing to lend Bell Properties for committee and board meeting activities. Joyce, thank you so much.
Bill passes the GAVEL to Sam Low. Sam's term begins on Friday, July 1st. Here is your new Board team:
Sam Low, President
Randy Celori, President Elect
Open, President Nominee
Bill Demeroutis, Past President
Laurie Westover, Treasurer
Gary O'Rielly, Secretary
Carie Rott, Club Services
Tracy DeLorm, Community Services
Scott Smith, International Services
Dean Franz, Vocational Services
Reshal Ploeger, Public Relations
.jpg) The Oath of Office for President, New Club Officers and Directors was administered by Gary O'Rielly to Sam Low, Randy Celori, Bill Demeroutis, Laurie Westover, Gary O'Rielly and Dean Franz.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of our School District
Our Special Guest speaker last week was Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District. Amy Beth has been the Superintendent for the past five years. She shared a unique overview of the successes of our students, faculty, staff of the District as well as future insights.
Our Lake Stevens community is growing. In the 2011-12 school year there were 8,134 students and this year, 2015-16 there were 8,400 students. The School District has developed the 4 C's of Education: Communications; Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. Graduation rates are among the highest in Snohomish County schools. In the creativity arena, what about the 5th grade student who developed a Mars rover. In the technology area, the second technology levy provided wireless every where in the school district. Chrome books will be given to all students from grades 6th through 12th. Employers need kids with good technology skills and this will give students the ability to use these technology devices to succeed in the future. Pocket devices are part of student learning abilities from as early as 2 years old. The District has a award winning VWX Robotics program. It started just 3-4 years ago and the 1st year the students went to the world competition in VWX Robotics.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community Outreach
At the June 10th meeting, our Club proudly donated fundraising proceeds to several outstanding community organizations. Fundraisers are the key to being able to distribute financial contributions to local community organizations. Funds were distributed to: Emily Stainbrook and Terri Spencer of the Lake Stevens Education Foundation; to Mirza Avdic CEO and Anita Caffee of the Hungary Hearts Foundation; to Joyce Matthews and Donna Foster from the Lake Stevens Senior Center and to Crisann Brooks from the Lake Stevens Family Center.
.jpg)  .jpg) .jpg) Duck Dash is just around the corner. Remember, when you buy Duck Dash tickets you are an instant winner – you just did something great for our own community. Tickets will be on sale soon.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Economic Alliance Snohomish County
Our other featured program last week was Patick Pierce, President/CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County. Five years ago, Economic Alliance Snohomish County was created with the merger of Everett Chamber of Commerce and the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce. Their strategic goals are simple: market the region, attract new investments, improve the quality of the county, respond to employee needs, connect regional leaders and engage the broader community.
The Alliance is governed by a Board of Trustees working together to accomplish the strategic goals. Some of the major projects includes the S.T.E.M. network and transportation projects on Hwy 9 and Hwy 204. The Alliance has a strong military affairs affiliation and recently appeared at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. where they made a big impact supporting Naval Station Everett. Military brass assured the Alliance group that the base isn't going anywhere but forward with the destroyer USS Gridley coming to Everett in late June and more to follow. Snohomish County and the greater Everett area have been deemed the top region for military personnel and the area has the second largest number of technology jobs.
 The goal is to speak with one voice. Patrick Pierce is an accomplished economic development professional with over a decade of experience leading successful teams. Prior to joining the Alliance, Pierce was the Economic Development Program Manager for the Puget Sound Regional Council and serve as public policy director for the Alliance and Government Affairs Manager for the Everett Chamber of Commerce. Pierce lives in North Creek with his wife and two young daughters.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AuctionAt this Friday's meeting, we will AUCTION off the remaining auction item from the Wine, Beer and Silent Auction event. To be auction: Spa Basket. Enjoy a Living Fresh Collection spa robe, New Haven bath sheet and spa set (linen room spray, hand lotion and foot cream), Partylite..brighter world mini jar candle set, Young Living Essential Oils Peace & Calming oil, a bottle of Clumbia Winery Element 2012.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 Lake Stevens High School Senior Class Graduates
Congratulations to the 2016 Lake Stevens High School Graduating Class. Over 540 students held their commencement at Xfinity Arena on June 7th.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Perspective on Lake StevensOne of the major benefits of AquaFest each year is it is the melting pot of Lake Stevens where the community comes together in celebration which was the subject of last week's program by Janice Huxford. In 2010 and 2015, Janice served as the President of AquaFest. The first term was devoted to emphasizing Lake Stevens. She found that the hardest sell job outside of Lake Stevens was telling people that we are actually are on a lake. One of the important elements during 2010 and again in 2015 was working with community leaders and businesses and the importance of their being a major part of AquaFest.
Changes in leadership each year are important to bring new thoughts and ideas to AquaFest she stated. New ideas added to AquaFest. Now there is a contractor on site to oversee the saftey of the public and the vendors. And a new professional sound engineer on sight to make sure all announcements can be heard throughout the AquaFest venue. Stepping up in the leadership roles are Cory and Pam Stevens who are moving up the leadership ladder. Someone new is running the car show and is promoting the AquaFest Car Show at all major car shows around Washington State this spring and summer. New is the Lake Stevens pageant and a queen who will represent Lake Stevens and AquaFest throughout the year under an agreement and contract. Also added is a Stand Up paddle board competition to the agenda for lake activities during AquaFest.
.jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Health & Safety Fair |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 Scholarships!On May 20th we awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to six graduating Lake Stevens High School seniors. The student's collective contributions to our community and future goals are truly inspiring. Scholarship criteria included grades, school and community activities, leadership positions, special recognitions, awards and honors. Students also wrote an essay and participated in an interview with Rotarians.
Bailey Hall—New York University, psychology and international relations Parker Reid—Whitworth University, math education Karen Hoffman—Carroll College, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery Katie Ellis—Washington State University, fashion and marketing Alexis Hepburn—Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Honors Program, aerospace engineering Kailee Hunsberger—Everett Community College, international business and design (Kailee also received the Sam Low Scholarship) Parents, Sisters, Friends, Teachers, the High School Principal and School District Administrators joined Rotarians for the presentations to this year's scholarship recipients. The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens thanks the community for its support of our Scholarship program. We congratulate this year's recipients and wish them the best as they continue their studies.
.jpg) Pictured left to right James Monroe, Scholarship Committee Chair, Bailey Hall, Alexis Hepburn, Katie Ellis, Rotary Club President Bill Demeroutis, Kailee Hunsberger, Karen Hoffman and Parker Reid.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reinventing Public EducationOur guest speaker last week was Jordan Posamentier, Deputy Policy Director with the Center for Reinventing Public Education, a research and policy analysis center at the University of Washington Bothell developing systemwide solutions for K-12 public education.
It starts with High Schools with Character, school redesign and system redesign. The system level challenges look at chronically under performing schools, persistent learning gaps, declining enrollment/increased competition along with shifting demographics, talent loss/turnover and a history of failed "silver bullets."
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the Station 2016
Our guest speaker on May 6th was Captain Mark Lakamp of Naval Station Everett. The community has been very helpful over the past 22 years. The base opened in 1994. Team Everett includes Commander Destroyer, Squadron 9, 6 guided missiles, one in Everett, San Diego and Hawaii with medical and dental personnel.
The USS Shoup is currently assigned to Everett. Currently undergoing exercise to obtain their certification. The USS Shoup has encountered some maintenance issues which allows the personnel to hone their skills, education and advancements. The USS Momsen supplies fuel without landing. Deployment certification attained. While under deployment Naval Base Everett takes care of their families. In Lake Stevens there are 141 houses and similar housing in Marysville, Mt. Vernon including the Smokey Point Commissary. Key to Everett's success in securing Naval Base Everett is its deep port.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fifth Annual Wine & Beer Tasting FundraiserOur Fifth Annual Wine & Beer Tasting Plus Silent Auction Fundraiser is now history. Over 200 people attended and we thank you for your support! Around $20,000 (net) was raised to help support our programs which include scholarships for high school seniors, sponsoring Cub Scout Pack 88, financial support to the Lake Stevens Senior Center, Lake Stevens Family Center, Lake Stevens Education Foundation, ongoing support for the Lake Stevens Food Bank, safe Halloween, Adopt-a-Street, National Night Out, Lake Stevens School District Homeless Students initiatives, and many more. Our international projects have included the Montericco Clinic, Shelter Box, Wheelchair Foundation, Group Study Exchange and the ongoing effort to eradicate polio worldwide!
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thank You Wine & Beer Tasting Plus Auction Sponsors!
Thank you to our sponsors!
.jpg)  .jpg)     .jpg){kind=logo} .jpg)       .jpg)  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"Not Without My Father"
Our speaker last Friday was Andra Watkins, a New York Times Best Selling Author, motivational speaker and a fellow Rotarian from Charleston, South Carolina. She is a member of District 7770 and their District has 79 clubs with another one in the process. Andra was visiting the Pacific Northwest with several engagements in our area, a weekend stay in the Gorge and more appointments with Rotary Clubs in Oregon and Colorado.
After reading Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose, she became interested in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Reading Undaunted Courage changed her life forever she said. Her first novel was To Live Forever. The book is the after life journey of Meriwether Lewis. He died at age 35 of unknown origin. Although murder is still expected and being investigated.
 The next book on her list that became a New York Times Best Seller is Not Without My Father. The book is about one woman's 444-mile walk of the Natchez Trace. The Natchez Trace is over 10,000 years old pre-dating the pyramids and is now a highway. She planned to walk 15 miles per day for thirty-four days. To accomplish this goal and fete, she needed a someone to be her wingman. After striking out without just about everyone in her life, she was left with her disinterested eighty-year old father. She describes many reasons why having her father as a wingman was going to be very challenging. Although she trained on dirt she had to walk on a highway most of the time. Her feet bore the brunt of this. Along the trip she met some incredible people. Natchez Trace has very little traffic. Her father missed picking her up one day at mile post 165 where she got stomach cramps but in end, finished the historic walk. Andra is one of a ffew living persons to walk the historic Natchez Trace. The book is about her trials along the way and the fact that nothing was going according to plan, her tenuous connection to her father, arguments and laughter and the rebuilding of a relationship. Memories with her father that she will cherish forever.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
City Council Meeting
Our Club was asked by Council President Sam Low to open the City Council meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Several members were in attendance. During the Council meeting, Mayor John Spencer praised the Club for our road clean-up work, assistance with the new tourist center at Lundeen Park and spearheading and taking the leadership on the construction of a skateboard park at Cavelero Community Park. The Club wants to thank Mayor John Spencer, Council President Sam Low and the Council for their invitation to be part of the meeting Tuesday evening, April 12th and acknowledging our work in the community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impact of Tourism and Sports Tourism
Last Friday's program was Tammy Dunn, the Sports Development Director for the Snohomish County Sports Commission discussing the impact of sports on tourism. Tourism affects everyone and is best described as economic development. In 2014 visitors to Washington State spent $19.5 billion dollars, creating 163,450 jobs and $1.7 billion in local and state tax revenues. In Snohomish County, tourism amounted to $992.9 million dollars, up 5.7% over last year creating over 10,000 jobs. The average stay for visitors is 2.0 nights with average expenditure of $512.00 per day. Tourism works in Snohomish County. The effect of tourism on Snohomish County is the creation of 10,340 jobs with a payroll of $256.4 million and $19.9 million in local taxes and $48.8 million in state taxes. And, all of this is accomplished without a state tourism office. The Washington Tourism Alliance is not a sustainable organization using a membership-funded model. The Legislature failed to pass or create a state tourism funding program. Snohomish County Sports Commission - The organization was established in 2003 as a 501c(4) organization and became a 501c(3) organization in 2014. The organization has grown to a staff of three. The SCSC Board of Directors assists the sports marketing staff with resources, referrals, direction and oversight. Goal: The primary goal is to facilitate the development and presentation of sporting events in Snohomish County that provides positive economic impact. The organization works with and supports local sports, state and regional sports and national & international sports activities. One example in 2016 is the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships this coming week-end. There are two Northwest Athletic Conference Colleges in Snohomish County. They are Everett Community College and Edmonds Community College. Professional Sports Teams include the Everett Silvertips Hockey Team, Everett AquaSox baseball and Everett Merchants Baseball. The economic impact from 2007-2015 has been $142.5 million dollars. Finally, the Snohomish County Sports Commission works with local communities on the development of key sporting events, facility development such as the Monroe High School field, Bottega Fitness Park and the full development of Cavelero Hill County Park's skateboard park and BMX facility at the park. Tammy has worked for the Snohomish County Sports Commission since 2005. Prior to the sports industry, she worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years in the Puget Sound region. She is active within Snohomish County with our local, state and national sports organizations in bringing sporting events to Snohomish County. Originally from Montana, Tammy is passionate about youth sports and sports tourism industry. Tammy serves on many local organization committees including the National Association of Sports Commissions, Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board, Rotary Club of Everett and Seattle Officials Women's Basketball.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School, Safety and Health
Our speaker last week was our own member Randy Celori. During Ken Collins introduction of Randy, he commented that two years ago the Lake Stevens School District administration set down looking at "what" was slipping through the cracks. It became very apparent that since the State was mandating lots of safety and truancy issues that they needed an expert to take charge of the school district's Safety, Security and Health program. That's when the district selected Randy Celori to be the District's Safety, Security and Health administrator.
One of the top priorities became school safety as well as stopping unwarranted truancy in the schools in Lake Stevens. It started with developing a school safety and health plan. Without a plan, how do you deal with earthquakes, fire alarms, intruders, lock downs, evacuations, look for shelter in the schools, bomb threats, hazard material spills, student threat assessment, self-harm and suicide prevention, blood borne pathogen, chemical hygiene and family reunification during a lockdown or similar incident?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cocoon House
The Cocoon House is a symbol of "every child needs a home." Cassie Franklin, CEO of the Cocoon House and a fellow Rotarian from the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club was our guest speaker this past week. Ironically and somewhat disturbing for most of us, is the average age of a homeless youth is 14 1/2 years old.
The majority of the kids coming to the Cocoon House are there because of violence in their homes. One example of a young man who lived in the woods by himself for over 2 years. After months of getting him back into a normal routine living environment, he graduate from high school and now has his own apartment. Another example was a family selling their daughter into sex trafficking. Shame on the parents! She got so scared on the streets of Seattle, she eventually asked for help and is a work in progress.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification TalksTwo weeks ago we enjoyed Classification Talks by two of our newer members Cindy Mahan and Marcus Tageant. Here is an overview of their comments:
Marcus: Home grown in Lake Stevens. After graduating from Lake Stevens High School, Marcus joined the Marines. Part of his Marine experience was in Saudia Arabia. He went to WSU on the GI bill. While attending WSU, Marcus managed an apartment complex. During that experience he changed his degree to real estate management. He was recruited by a real estate firm in Bellevue and after a short tenure opened his own real estate firm in Lake Stevens and manages 400 properties with separate Homeowner Association groups for 50 clients. Marcus is married to Becky and enjoys golfing, travel and visiting their property in Arizona. Serving on the City Council is another way of serving the community.
Cindy: grew up on Maltby before there was a famous cafe there. Graduated from Monroe High School and went to EvCC. She was married for 20 years and has 2 daughters, a step son and one grandchild. Started a cleaning business and when her sister decided to leave being a detective, they started a business together staging homes with another friend. Once the economy dipped she moved on to her current profession with Sherwood Community Services moving up to investor relations. Cindy likes to hike and hang out with her kids.
Classification talks are about getting to know your fellow Rotarians on a more personal basis. We want to thank Marcus and Cindy for their presentations and appreciate their service to our Rotary Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pack 88 Blue & Gold Banquet
 Last Saturday evening, our Cub Scout Pack celebrated the birthday of Scouting in America with their annual Blue & Gold Banquet. It was held at Lake Connor Park and everyone had a great time. The Cub Scouts went on a short hike in the woods of the Park which, by the way, used to be a Boy Scout Camp, before returning for dinner and awards. There was a gathering game and a presentation by Eagle Scout Michael Insko. Most of the Scouts were presented with their Cub Scout rank patch which they will proudly wer on their uniform until they earn the next rank. The pasta dinner was followed by a scrumptious cake.
 Eagle Scout Michael Insko Cubmaster David LeDuc watches his son pin the Mother's pin on his wife Melo as Sam receives his Tiger rank.
 Thank you to all of the parents and leaders that are helping develop the character of these Cub Scouts.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens and the Homeless
Our program last week was Mary Swenson, Interim City Administrator talking about the homeless in Lake Stevens and the impact on city services. Mayor John Spencer and Mary have approached the County seeking assistance. The County acknowledged that this isn't a city problem but a county problem. Every city is affected by large populations of the homeless. Lake Stevens needs to adopt a city plan to work with mental health agencies and the churches to help with the problem. Also, the City is looking at developing an ordinance that would give the police the tools to deal with the homeless issue. Arlington and Marysville have developed ordinances which has moved some of the homeless to Lake Stevens. Interesting that the city has very few panhandlers perhaps that because of the roundabouts in Lake Stevens.
Mary mentioned that there was a homeless camp just off Lundeen. She did mention that everyone does have rights including the homeless so the City contacted the Sheriff's Department to help deal with the homeless camp. They posted a clean up date and began the clean up of that camp on the date listed on the posting. Unfortunately, the police and sheriff's departments cannot use regular citizens to help in the cleaning up of the camp for health reasons.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadside Clean Up Our volunteers are simply amazing. Working on this past Saturday, eight Rotarians, three Interact members, the Mayor and three friends helped us on our Roadside Clean Up project. We tackled 16th Street, Main Street and Vernon Rd. All of the participants spent at least three hours working on Saturday with a couple spending a little more time. That amounts to 46 hours of volunteer time. Its truly amazing the amount of roadside garbage we picked up on these roads. Pictured here is the Rotary truck and the mound of garbage. Thanks to Joyce for providing the coffee to jump started our project and Jim H. for providing the Rotary truck to haul the garbage to the dump site. A really big thank you to all of the participants.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Dan Lorentzen Reception
Several Rotarians were on hand at the reception honoring Police Chief Dan Lorentzen for his 25 years of service to the City of Lake Stevens. The reception was last Friday at the Lake Stevens Fire Conference Center. Gary O'Rielly joined several community leaders, fire and police in praising the Chief for his dedicated service from Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary, to Everett Police Chief Dan Templeton, LSPD Officer Jim Barnes, President of the LSPD Guild, Fire Commissioner Troy Elmore, Ron McEntire and Elliott Cheap of the Lake Stevens Lions Club, Commander Tony Morea American Legion Post 181, Lake Stevens School District Superintedent Amy Beth Cook and the Lake Stevens Kiwanis. The Conference Center was equally filled to almost capacity with local citizens, police and fire personnel from Lake Stevens as well as the surrounding communities including Seattle. Special presentations were given by Rotary members, Fire Chief Kevin O'Brien & Fire Captain Ron Rasmussen and from the Lake Stevens Police Department by Lt. Jeff Lambier and Administrative Supervisor Julie Ubert.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Farewell Reception for Chief Lorentzen |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community Resource ParamedicOur program last week was Scott Koch, Community Resources Paramedic for the Fire Districts representing Lake Stevens, Monroe #3 and Mill Creek/Clearview #7. Scott is a 26 year veteran whose role brings a partnership between the three Fire Districts. The program is about "SERVING ACROSS DISTRICT BORDERS". The one year pilot program is the second of its kind in Snohomish County.
The CRP program is a community-based health-care program in which paramedics function outside of their customary emergency responses roles. The focus of the program is three-fold: Improving the overall patient experience; improving the health of the community as a whole and reducing the cost of health care. Intended to be both flexible and broad, the CRP Program does not cater to any one demographic. Seniors and residents of any age with mobility issues, mental health issues and chronic illness can benefit from the program which operates on a referral basis.
.jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Membership Seminar
On Saturday, February 13th, District 5050 conducted a Membership Seminar for Areas J, K & L at Shawn O'Donnell's Restaurant. Gary O'Rielly and Jim Steinruck attended the seminar for our Club. One of the key ingredients to the future of Rotary International is bringing in new members and retaining the current membership base. Membership in North America has declined by 63,000 members and District 5050 has a net loss of 288 since July 2015. Yet, in India, it has the greatest number of new members doubling and tripling Zone membership vs. the United States and Canada.
Rotary International hired Siegel & Gale from a multi-million dollar grant to determine what was happening with Rotary International's membership base. Two issues that stuck out in their findings: 1) Why did you join Rotary? 2) and What is the main reason you joined Rotary. Some clubs have developed a Family Membership for husband and wives.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Angel Pillow Project
Last Friday, our members were introduced to "The Angel Pillow Project". For every pillow sold, one is donated to charity. The project was inspired by a Grandmother and Granddaughter. Laurie Glass-Goerg is also the CFO Publishing and Subscriptions of The Reel News.
The Angel Pillow Project was started out of a desire to provide a comforting gift to a friend's terminally ill mother. Our guest speaker was Laurie Glass-Goerg. Once Laurie saw how well the gift was received and how much comfort it brought to her friend's mother, she realized there had to be a lot of people from all walks of life who could benefit from an Angel Pillow and so the Angel Pillow Project was birthed with her granddaughter Hannah Goerg.
Each pillow is and made by Laurie and her Hannah with love, positive thoughts and prayers. They attach a card to each pillow which indicates that it has been blessed to bring healing, comfort and blessings to the recipient. Angel Pillows come in two sizes, (22" and 14" tall) and are fashioned out of a theme print front with a cuddly soft fleece material on the back. The stuffing is a hypo-allergenic cotton batting.
For every Angel Pillow sold, one is donated to a charity (hospice, homeless families, children's hospital wards, trauma rescue, etc). Other successful uses are for baby showers, birthdays and special events. There goal is to always bring comfort to those who are ill.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Grant Seminar
While the rest of us enjoyed a day of relaxation, three of our members attended the District's Grant Seminar in Mt. Vernon. Debe, Tracy and Sam sat with our District Governor Bill Robson, enjoyed listening to some of his stories and a surprise visit by one of our RI Zone Director's Julia Phelps who was traveling through the area.
All three commented that there was a lot of useful information presented at the seminar that will help with our upcoming grants. Particular interest in taping into the Canadian government match. In affect, we have a 3.5 multiplier so that $10,000 becomes a $35,000 grant but with the Canadian government match, it only takes $6,000 to become a $35,000 grant. Wow, exciting possibilities for the skateboard park, the food bank or Bali which Debe talked about during the seminar.
Debe met another Rotarian at the seminar who was going to Bali in a few weeks and was able to share helpful information with them. Plus a member of the Sedro Woolley Club suggested that we look at their skateboard park information on their website. The skateboard park was recently completed and sponsored by their club. Tracy liked hearing from other clubs about their projects even identifying mistakes that can and do happen. Sam was impressed with the talk by RI Zone Director Julia Phelps. Should be a great precursor to PETS at the end of the month.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact-Lake Stevens
Our guests for this past week's program was a presentation by the Officers and Directors of our Interact Club. With gusto, energy and great enthusiasm, the Officers and Directors led by Hayden Ploeger, Interact Club President, and Holly Noyes, Club Advisor. They discussed the history and beginning of Interact. Interact started in Florida in 1952. Members of Interact are ages 14-18 years old. Within a year after the Florida inauguration, there was 177 clubs in 24 countries. Our Interact Club started in mid-September 2015.
Club officers and Directors are: President-Hayden Ploeger; Vice President - Alexis Hepburn; Secretary - Rebecca Trimble; Treasurer - Madeline Davis; Director of Internal Affairs - Nadia Roth and Director of External Affairs - Chynah Zamora. All were present and part of the Interact program presentation.
GOAL: Complete at least two community service projects. In the last four months, Interact has participated in the school's Club Fair attracting 21 members to the club who actively participate in each meeting. On Halloween night, the group participated in Family Night in downtown Lake Stevens and followed that with a Food Drive during the holidays filling over ten hours of volunteer time. There drive filled almost one classroom with donations amounting to the largest drive by any of the high school programs. Donated items were given to Little Hungary Hearts.
Recently, the members participated in a laser tag event as a friendly get acquainted bonding exercise led by Holly Noyes. Nadia shared her experience this past weekend at YAIL where she said the experience was terrific. Maple Stars was the name of her YAIL group. On the last day, YAIL participants held a bonding skit on world/peace and adventure followed by a campfire event. Nadia told our club members that the experience taught her a lot about leadership and speaking. She completed her presentation talking about the various activities during YAIL week-end.
They have so much to give and so much energy that this was a very pleasant and rewarding presentation for all of us to hear. Our club members can be very proud of our new Interact Club officers, directors and members. What a fantastic start for our new Interact Club. Great job!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the City
On a cloudy rainy day, the forecast for the City and where we are headed was upbeat and very promising. Only two weeks on the job as the new Mayor of Lake Stevens, John Spencer cited a financially fiscal city with substantial reserves. Very little debt with revenue forecast for 2016 on the conservative side. Real Estate taxes pays for any debt incurred by the city. Mitigation fund was projected at $700,000 with the actual coming in at $900,000 for 2015.
Mayor Spencer reminded us that the downtown core area hasn't changed in the last 31 years. Something that he and the City Council want to change. One approach is moving the city staff to another location somewhere in the city, tearing down the old city hall and start a new downtown area. It might include some public-private partnerships. The city will work with the Sno-Isle Library system to help expand the library and city hall. Complete the annexation of property around the lake is another task to be completed.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bali
Last week, Debe Franz, Club President 2009-2010, spoke to us about the trip she took to Bali in December with five other people. This is the second trip she has taken to make arrangements for Everett Community College's Study Abroad Program, and to explore a partnership with the Rotary Club Bali Lovina. The trip in December was very successful and replicated what will occur on future trips with students and Rotarians.
The travelers visited four incredible locations, learned a lot about the culture, saw beautiful scenery, met many kind people, and discovered many service opportunities. Bali is set in the archipelago that makes up the country of Indonesia, and is a very small island - roughly the same square miles as Snohomish County, but with a population of 4.2 million compared to our 750,000. While Bali is quite densely populated in some areas, it still has many agricultural and undeveloped areas. The people of Bali are primarily Hindu, 83.5%, (followed by 13.4% Muslim, Christianity at 2.5%, and Buddhism 0.5%), and their unique form of Hinduism colors everything in their lives. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pack 88 Sings at Ashley Pointe.jpg) Our own Cub Scouts arrived at Ashley Pointe this week and sang a selection of Christmas Carols for the residents. The Scouts had made ornaments for the residents and gave them out after the singing. Everyone had a great time!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Family Center
Our program last week was about the Lake Stevens Family Center presented by Crisann Brooks and Malysa Johnson. The Center works in association and through Lutheran Community Services Northwest. There theme is "Getting Involved" - "Changing Lives", based on the 9 Principles of Family Support Practices. Family Support is a set of beliefs and an approach to strengthening and empowering families and communities so that they can foster the optimal development of children, youth and adult family members. The staff and families work together in relationships based on equality and respect. The staff supports the growth and development of all family members. Primary responsibility for the development and well being of children lies with the family and all segments of society must support families as they rear their children. Families are empowered when they have access to information and other resources and take action to improve the well-being of children, families and community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interact Activities
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Bonds Update
Last weeks program was a presentation on the proposed Lake Stevens School District School Construction Bond which will be on the February 2016 ballot. Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of the School District was accompanied by Rob Stanton, Executive Director of Operations, Jayme Taylor, Director of Communications, David Iseminger, Vice President, Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors and Abe Martinez, Citizens for Lake Stevens Schools. Dr. Cook has served in this District for over 34 years in a variety of capacities. She has been the Superintendent for four and a half years.
Lake Stevens has benefited from a top rated and superior education program through the leadership of Dr. Amy Beth Cook, her staff and the District Board of Directors. Our schools are serving more students than ever before and to maintain, upgrade and be prepared for the future, construction of a new elementary school and upgrades are always important to keep ahead of further expansion of the school system in Lake Stevens. The Elementary school population serves 3,959 students and the Secondary Schools serve 4,386 students.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 Scholarship Program
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is pleased to announce that the 2016 Scholarship Program application is now available for graduating Lake Stevens High School Seniors.
Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Scholarships and the Sam Low Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Scholarship are given each year to graduating Lake Stevens High School seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen and are entering a college, a university, or a professional or technical school. Rotarians live and work by a guideline known as the Four-Way Test. It is based upon four questions that can be applied to every situation. The Four-Way Test was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as Rotary International President) when he was asked to take over a company that was facing bankruptcy. The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do: The world would truly be a better place if everyone applied the Four-Way Test to their daily actions. We hope you will consider utilizing the Four-Way Test as you apply for this scholarship and as you pursue your future goals. All applications are evaluated using the same weighted criteria and winners are selected based on their total review scores. Lake Stevens Rotary Charitable scholarships are awarded without regard to age, sex, marital status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, or the presence of any mental, sensory or physical handicap. Interviews are part of the evaluation process. See the application packet for complete details. The packet is available at our website-scroll down to the lower right--as well as in the Career Center of the High School. The deadline is Friday, April 15, 2016 to the Career Center. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Soup Ladies
We often are so engaged in watching the First Responders working the various tragedies that we do not see the behind the scenes helpers and special workers. First Responders are our heroes but they have their own set of heroes. Until recent events, no one likely heard of the Soup Ladies. Two weeks ago, we were privileged to have as our speaker Gina "Mama" Passarelli, the founder of the Soup Ladies. There are approximately 45 volunteers who assist her in tragic events like the OSO mudslide and the Marysville Pilchuck High School shootings including many other events such as the major forest fires and the shooting in Roseburg. Last year, the Soup Ladies served over 7,300 meals and this year are at 7,500 meals.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Food Bank - Let's Raise the Roof
The second program last week was presented by Doug Warren, of Larson Financial Services, on behalf of the Lake Stevens Food Bank. The Food Bank has launched a Capitol campaign to expand the food bank facility. Currently, the Food Bank facility has small aisles and very tight quarters to operate with only 1,100 square feet of space. Currently, customers to the Food Bank start lining up at 9am each Thursday. The Food Bank doesn't open until 1pm. They currently serve around 300 families but with a newly expanded facility they could serve more in the community.
Planning for the New Building: The Food Bank has secured land next to Ebenezer Church for the new building. The new facility will solve a difficult problem at the existing location which is inside the church basement. It is over-crowded with food, supplies, staff and customers, making reasonable services to those in need very challenging. The property was donated to Ebenezer Church and in turn was given a 40 year lease. They are various ways to donate to the Capitol campaign. The donor categories will provide an opportunity to recognize All donors in the Bronze, Silver and higher categories in the new Food Bank facility. Cost of the Capitol campaign is $900,000. There will be 3,080 sq. ft of space with an unfinished basement with potential for a thrift store. Ann Anderson is the manager of the Food Bank. Click this link to learn more about the new building project. Lake Stevens Food Bank donation pledge forms are available or you can donate on their website: www.lakestevensfoodbank.org.
History: The Lake Stevens Community Food Bank was established in 1978 and as stated previously, serves over 300 local families each month. One part-time staff person, together with 75 volunteers donate over 600 hours per month to store and deliver food to the many recipients who wait in line for hours at the Ebenezer Church location every Thursday. There are 21 Food Banks in Snohomish County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purple Purse-Allstate Foundation
Last week, our Club was the beneficiary of two wonderful and noteworthy programs. Diane Demeroutis talked about the Allstate Foundation's involvement in Purple Purse, a program to bring public awareness about domestic violence caused by financial issues. Long term safety is a major part of the campaign. Most of these women have children. One in four women experience domestic violence. Join the Purple Purse Challenge which has been on-going this month from October 1-27th.
Although PurplePurse.com resembles a fashion magazine, if a visitor looks more deeply they will find a safe place that offers information for victims and for those trying to help a friend in need. Purple Purse makes it easier to recognize financial abuse, talk about it and stop it. Hundreds of Allstate agency owners, professional financial representatives and employees have joined the growing Allstate Against Abuse Team - men and women volunteers who play a leadership role as advocates for domestic violence survivors. Join the effort by going to PurplePurse.com and contribute to a very worthy cause to stop domestic violence.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadside Clean UpIn 90 minutes ten Club members picked up trash along Market Place and Lundeen Parkway between 91st Av and Highway 9 Saturday morning October 24th. They made quick work of the litter and hauled off quite a bit of stuff. They were even spotted by LSPD.
 .jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Fire Dedication
A couple of weeks ago I, along with other Rotarians, had the privilege of attending a special dedication ceremony at Fire Station 82 on Chapel Hill. The Department has just acquired a brand new fire engine and through a time-honored tradition held a wet down ceremony to dedicate into service. The evening's festivities also included the formal induction of Kevin O'Brien as the new Fire Chief for Lake Stevens Fire and the swearing in of two new firefighters.
Chaplain Mike Baughman opened the evening with an invocation praising the sacrifice of the men and women of the Department, saluting the families of the Department personnel and blessing the new engine. Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Troy Elmore, then swore in Chief O'Brien. Chief O'Brien has been on the job for a few months already getting to know the firefighters, paramedics and administrative staff that make up the department as well as getting to know the community. He came to us after a 20 plus year career with Auburn Fire/Valley Regional Fire Authority and three years as Chief of Orcas Island Fire Department. The Chief is a member of our Rotary Club and we look forward to getting to know him, his wife Nancy and their three sons better.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skateboard Park update
For more than ten plus years our Club has promoted the construction of a skateboard park in Lake Stevens to meet the growing needs of our community youth and young adult skate boarders. Now, our goal is in sight. Dave Somers, County Councilman position #5 representing our area and the current chairman of the Council updated our group on the Skateboard Park. Dave and his wife live on 15 acres outside of Monroe.
A master plan for the Cavalero Hill Park was recently added to the County's Master Plan. The property was purchased in 2000-2001 with the idea that it would be turned into a multi-use park for the citizens of Lake Stevens and Snohomish County. Although the park is county property, an agreement with the City of Lake Stevens has been initiated as a joint venture community project. Design concept "Request for Proposal" (RPF) have been released and skateboard park developers have until October 30th to submit their proposals. Cavalero Hill Park will be developed in three phases. The 1st phase of the park will include the construction of a Skateboard facility, followed by a kids play area. Construction to start in 2016 and open in 2017. The skateboard park financial commitment is $650,000 and $100,000 has been allocated for 2016. The total financial package from the county and city including state funds is $1.6 million dollars. The full cost of the park when completed including a BMX facility, kids play areas, picnic areas etc. will cost around $29 million. Restrooms could be added in the 2nd phase and retail such as coffee and snack shops could be added in the 3rd phase which would generate revenues from these leases. Somers stated that the City of Lake Stevens has been a great partner in this whole process.
.jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Participates at Beyond High School EventOn Wednesday evening October 14th, our Club participated in the Beyond High School event at Lake Stevens High School. This is an annual event for students to learn about educational and employment opportunities after high school. Many colleges, universities, trade and technical schools were present as well as each branch of the military, the Washington State Patrol, and a few employers. We were there to roll out our Scholarship Program for 2016 and promote our Interact Club. We had many visitors to our table including prospective members.
.jpg) This is Hayden P., Youth Member of Interact and Holly Noyes, one the Interact Club Advisory Committee Members.
Also helping out this evening were Reshal Ploeger, Tracy DeLorm, Jim Steinruck and James Monroe. Thank you to one and all who helped make this evening a success for our Rotary Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
History of the UW Crew and Boys in the Boat
Last week's program featured Al Erickson on the history of the rowing at the University of Washington. Al is the son of legendary Husky Crew Coach Dick Erickson and a member of the Rotary Club of Arlington. Wow, what a presentation. From a brief history of the UW Crew to a video of the Boys in the Boat victory at the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany.
Rowing in the United States is relatively new in comparison to the origins dating back to Ancient Egyptian times. In 1843, the first American college rowing club was formed at Yale University.
.jpg) Al Erickson with his father, Dick Erickson, in San Diego
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United Way of Snohomish County
Our guest speakers this past week were Josh O'Connor, Publisher of the Everett Herald and Kay Fantin, Director of Workforce Engagement, United Way of Snohomish County talking about the 75th Anniversary of the organization. When it started on November 8, 1940 the name of the organization was the Everett Community and War Chest. The first campaign raised $41,191.77 in just nine days under the leadership of Roy Sievers. The goal of United Way of America and Snohomish County is still focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities and making a difference.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor's Visit
Each year, a visit from the District Governor is a real treat. Last Friday's visit by District Governor Bill Robson and his wife Lona was another exceptional visit. The District Governor's visit according to Bill Robson entails three objectives and goals: discuss 1) Membership and our club is the most improved in the District; 2) Rotary Foundation which allows international projects all over the world to be accomplished and completed, and, 3) the District Conference which starts on April 28, 2016 in Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, WA.
 Bill emphasized that the role of the District Governor is to represent all of the clubs in the district. The District Governor is not a club member but here for all of the clubs in the district. Polio Plus success is growing with no cases of wild polio being reported anywhere in the world in the last six weeks. Both Pakistan and Afganistan are close to eradication. It will take at least one year to know whether we have totally eradicated polio. The results would be a terrific gift "TO THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD."
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dawson Place by Mark Roe
Our guest speaker this past week was Mark Roe, Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney and his favourite topic was Dawson Place which he helped create. Mark Roe is passionate about taking care of victims of crime. Something he learned early from his older sister. He was in junior high & high school when his sister was a prosecutor in King County. When she talked about her job as prosecutor, she was so proud of the work that she did that the impact on young Mark was immediate. Mark is probably the only law student in his class that went to law school to become a prosecutor. He started in district court, followed by handling misdemeanors and on up to Felony Crime Division.
Mark talked a lot about bullying and the vulnerability of being bullied. It is shocking what he can do to you. Ironically, most of it comes from family members or boyfriends of the victim's mothers. Reporting these crimes comes from many avenues. Many times, no one rallies around the bullied. Smaller children are unable of talking about their bullying experience out of fear. Seth Dawson, his former boss, was responsible for starting the first Child Advocacy Center in the state. Dawson did this after attending a conference on the program and process. Kids need consulting by child interview experts. The program wasn't started until 2006. They used the "Field of Dreams" comment, "IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME". It took a big leap in faith to begin the program. Dawson Place emerged with all of the necessary disciplines involved, again the first program in the state.
.png) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Resturant Opens
On Saturday, September 5th, as part of a week long soft opening Rotarians and family members enjoyed dinner at Lake Stevens' newest restaurant, Qdoba Mexican Grill. Qdoba had invited various groups from the region to sample the menu and get to know what the restaurant is all about. The groups included Lake Stevens City Employees, First Responders, Lake Stevens School District, various sport organizations, Chamber members, other businesses and civic organizations. Qdoba has hired a broad range of people--many from Lake Stevens including a handful of high school students. A good time was enjoyed by all!
.jpg) Terri Spencer, James Monroe, Rhonda Campbell-Qdoba Manager, John Spencer, Kirsten Haugen, Jim Haugen.
Not pictured Bill Demeroutis and Scott Smith.
The formal Grand Opening is Tuesday, September 8th, 5-8 pm. Come and enjoy some great food. Welcome Qdoba!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Networking Plus Comes to Lake StevensRotary District 5050's Networking Plus was rolled out to the Lake Stevens community this week. Networking Plus is an innovative networking tool designed by Mount Baker Rotarian Greg Penner. If you are looking for a Rotarian owned business or a business that has Rotarian employees you can use this tool to find it. If you are a Rotarian you can use this tool to promote your company. Use the links here or on our home page to find a company or register your company. Networking Plus uses the robust Google Maps location software to visually display to potential customers where the business is located. Start exploring Networking Plus and support Rotary owned and operated companies.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Healthy Heart Screening
Today was an exciting day in Lake Stevens. The Nick of Time Foundation conducted a Healthy Heart Screening at Cavelero Mid-High. Over 260 students from several different school sports teams from Lake Stevens High School and Cavelero were evaluated for potentially life threatening heart conditions. Most student-athlete sports physicals conducted at doctors offices do not include an EKG. Listening to a person's heart using a stethoscope does not help the doctor determine what the heart is doing. The Nick of Time Foundation conducts nine to ten of these screenings each school year throughout the Puget Sound Region.
Special thanks to Cavelero Principal Mike Snow for getting the initial request into the Foundation three plus years ago. Thanks also to the Lake Stevens Fire Department for providing EMT's to conduct blood pressure checks. They were joined by firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District #1 and Valley Regional Fire Authority (Tukwila, Kent and Auburn). Employees from Physio Control came out to provide students with a refresher on CPR using manicans and AEDs. Cardiologists rounded up by UW Medicine were on hand to evaluate the EKGs. There were numerous other volunteers on hand to take care of various other tasks. Of the students that had screenings done today a handful have been directed to have follow up appointments due to the findings of the screening. Perhaps we have helped save someone's life and the anguish of parents who could have lost their son or daughter because of sudden cardiac arrest. Visit the Nick of Time Foundation for more information.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loren's Classification Talk
How do you compress almost 90 years into a 30 minute classification talk? Well, if you are Loren Hole, you don't. At our meeting at the end of July, Loren shared a little bit about himself. Loren has enjoyed 48 years in Rotary and 48 years of perfect attendance. That alone, would take a life time to explain. Secret to a long life: A good and loving wife; stay physically active and stay mentally active. Being a part of this Rotary Club is central to his days. Joined Everett Rotary Club in March 1967. Moved to Lake Stevens in 1989. Transferred to the Lake Stevens Rotary Club in 1992. A HAM Radio operator since 1964.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community Member Passes - Update
It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Gordon Bjorg, Sr., owner of Roy Robinson Chevrolet, Subaru and RV's of Marysville, WA. Gordy was a resident of Lake Stevens and enthusiastically supported our Duck Dash program for years. We appreciate the support he and his company have shown the Lake Stevens Community. He will be missed. Rest In Peace.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 16th at Bethany Christian Assembly in Everett at 3:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Gordy's life at the Xfinity Event Center, 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Click here to read more about Gordy.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Healthy Heart Screening Coming!
The Nick of Time Foundation Healthy Heart Screening is coming to Lake Stevens! Wednesday, August 26th at Cavelero Mid High School. Young people are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. When a young person goes in to see their medical profession for a "traditional" physical the provider usually listens to the heart through a stethoscope. However, they don't take a "picture" of the heart. The "picture" can tell the professional if there is a possible anomaly that might lead to dire consequences.
One high school aged athlete suffers a Sudden Cardiac Arrest every three days in the U.S! The leading cause of death in young athletes on the playing field is an undetected heart condition. The best way to detect these heart conditions is through a heart screening using a ECG (Electrocardiogram), and in some cases an Echocardiogram (ultrasound) of the heart. Nick of Time Foundation in partnership with the University of Washington Medical Center conduct ON-SITE heart screenings for adolescents and young adults ages 14-24. Screenings consists of a Heart Health Survey asking about possible signs & symptoms or family history of a heart condition. An ECG is performed that analyzes the electrical signals of the heart. In some cases a limited physical exam or Echocardiogram of the heart is conducted. The results are reviewed on site by cardiologists and sports physicians experienced in heart screens. Students at Cavelero and Lake Stevens High Schools have been sent information about the Screening. However, all young people in Lake Stevens ae encourage to participate. If you know of a 14 to 24 year old in our area who may not be a Lake student please encourage them to have this non-invasive screening done. They will need to contact the Foundation to get more information. Rotarians! You are being asked to help out on the day of the event! You can help out in the morning or afternoon or all day. Lunch is provided. Please register your participation by clicking on the event in the Events section to the left. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Health-Snohomish County
This week's topic was public health in Snohomish County given by Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Director and Health Officer of the Snohomish County Health District. The Health District serves more than 730,000 residents of Snohomish County. The community is our client according to Dr. Goldbaum. The goal of the department is to have a healthy place to live, work and play. This requires their continued dedication to promoting healthy habits, preventing illness due to communicable disease, protecting our food, water and environment from health threats.
Public Health is our advocate affecting change across local, state and federal levels. Their best defense is monitoring and preventing diseases. As first responders they are prepared for emergencies of any kind. Like a coach, they assess local issues and develop strategic actions. For Snohomish County to have Peace of Mind, the health agency ensures that the food, water, land, air and environment are safe. To have a health start, the health agency provides the best possible start possible for our youth and community.
Public health is our advocate. Working together, we can do great things for our communities. The agency needs our help in supporting and sustaining our work for healthy people and healthy environments in Snohomish County. They are a strategic ally in policy planning and grant opportunities. They are resources for public health updates at City council meetings and a partner interested in our ideas and funding options.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ChildStrive
Our guest speaker last Friday was Terry Clark, CEO and Executive Director of ChildStrive a community based service provider for families with children, ages birth to three with developmental disabilities, developmental delays or are at risk of falling behind. ChildStrive was formerly known as the Little Red School House. ChildStrive has been in business for the past 52 years. The writer is very familiar with ChildStrive because our grandson was a client until he turned 3 on January 6th.
ChildStrive's motto is very appropriate and on target. "Little Steps to Big Possibilities". Research indicates that young people learn best in their natural environments, within their daily routines, involving a parent or primary care giver, utilizing personal motivations to practice things that are difficult. Transitions played a major role in the organization's development. In 2008 transitioned to home based programs; 2011 added nurse family partnership; 2013 added parents as teachers and changed the name at the 50th celebration.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member InductionMarcus Tangent, one of our three new members was officially inducted by Membership Chairman Jim Steinruck. Jim is shown here as Sam Low is putting a Rotary pin on Marcus. Sam is Marcus' sponsor. Marcus owns Task Properties--a real estate brokerage--here in Lake Stevens and he serves on the City Council. Welcome to the Club Marcus!
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Celebration Banquet
Everyone who attended this year's Installation Banquet had a great time. After the welcome and introductions President Gary gave out several Perfect Attendance Awards including a special award to Loren Hole recognizing him for his 48 years of perfect attendance.
 David Johnson then presented some "Fun Awards." President Gary then thanked his 2014-2015 Board and Team presenting each member a special gift from he and his wife, Bev.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Year 2014-2015
At this year's Annual Celebration Banquet June 28th, President Gary O'Rielly presented Jim Haugen as Rotarian of the Year. Jim’s leadership position as Secretary of the Club and our Foundation has brought immense rewards and growth to our club since his transfer from the Rotary Club of Everett on October 01, 2011. Besides his other positions, Jim has been co-chairman of the Club’s Wine, Beer and Silent Auction fundraiser that has showed increased monetary rewards to our Club each year which in turn benefits our High School scholarships, contributions to Lil Hungary Hearts, the Lake Stevens Senior Center, Lake Stevens Food Bank and many other community activities. Each year Rotary Clubs worldwide recognize a member of their club for outstanding contribution to the Club and the community as a Rotarian of the Year. Congratulations Jim!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Members InductedTwo of our new members were formally inducted into Rotary at this morning's meeting. Club Membership Chair, Jim Steinruck, welcomed Scott Carson and Ron Rasmussen to the Club presenting them with packets of materials including the handbook on all things Rotary. Scott's sponsor, Jim Haugen and Ron's sponsor, James Monroe, then presented each with their new Rotary pins. We look forward to getting to know each of you. Welcome to Rotary Ron and Scott!
 Jim Steinruck, Jim Haugen, Scott Carson, Gary O'Rielly, Ron Rasmussen, and James Monroe
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 Lake Stevens High School Graduation
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens congratulates this year's Senior Class on their graduation tonight. 517 students participated in the ceremony held at Xfinity Arena in Everett. This was the largest class ever in the history of the school district. The ceremony began with the procession of students as they entered the arena. Pomp & Circumstance was played by the Lake Stevens High School Viking Band led by Neil Proff.
 Amber Dalgleish, 2014-2015 Associated Student Body President and recipient of a 2015 Rotary Scholarship, welcomed the students, faculty, staff and families to the graduating ceremonies.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Career Center at the High School
At our June 5th meeting, Kim LaFortune and Cathy Lian of the High School Career center told us about the Center and how they help students with options for continuing their education, joining a military service and/or looking at various career and employment opportunities. These are the main services of the Center:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We Remember Sean O'Connell
Rotarians want the O'Connell Family to know that we think about them often. The Family still resides in Lake Stevens. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers during this week.
 "Trooper Sean" was born Sept. 10, 1974, in West Islip, NY. He attended Pawling High School in Pawling, NY, before moving to Washington. He attended both Olympic College and the University of Phoenix, where he earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Sean served in the United States Navy for over four years. During that time he earned numerous awards and commendations, and participated in the liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. Sean began his career with the Washington State Patrol as a trooper cadet on July 15, 1998. He graduated with the 82nd Trooper Basic Training Class on March 1, 1999, and was assigned to Marysville. On May 1, 2012, he was assigned as a motorcycle officer, remaining in Marysville. Sean was best known for his sense of humor, employing it with good judgment and knowing when to be serious. Sean also developed a reputation for being able to work effectively with even the most difficult persons that police can encounter. He understood that officers frequently deal with “good people on their bad days,” and was a role model for his colleagues in de-escalating those situations. On behalf of the O’Connell family, Sean’s brother Fran stated, “We plan to honor Sean’s memory by trying to be more like him. We will answer a calling, love our friends and family, and find humor in the everyday events of life.” Sean is survived by his wife Alissa, their two children, his parents, siblings, and many extended family members. Source: Washington State Patrol Fallen Officers website |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 Scholarships
 At today's meeting five Lake Stevens High School Seniors received scholarships. Pictured left to right, Sam Low, James Monroe, Scholarship Committee Chairman, Ellie Salvisberg, Amber Dalgleish, Kadah Martin, Jamie Santos and Ambur Staab. Rotary Club President Gary O'Rielly is standing behind the students. Miss Martin is this year's recipient of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Sam Low Scholarship.
Parents, Grandparents, Sisters, Teachers, the High School Principal and School District Administrators joined Rotarians for the presentations to this year's scholarship recipients. The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens thanks the community for its support of our Scholarship program. We congratulate this year's recipients and wish them the best as they continue their studies.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Update on Monterrico and Hands for Peace Foundation
Barbara Knowles and Tonya Christofferson, former members of our Club, were the special program this past week, updating members and guests on the current status of the LaCurvina Clinic and Educational Center in Monterrico, Guatemala and efforts in Nepal to provide relief to that country devastated by two major earthquakes.The addition of the Clinic in Monterrico is entering a new phase with extra needs to take care of the Monterrico region and the caring for its people. Barbara commented that the LaCurvina Community Clinic and Education Center is in need of the following 13 items:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Rotary International Recognition Last week was the first time we were able to honor Barbara Knowles with a certificate from Rotary International given in recognition of her parents Robert & Virginia Rudge. Larry Jubie, Past District Governor of District 5050 was on hand to make the presentation along with Gary O'Rielly, Club President. Robert Rudge, a past member of the Rotary Club of Marysville and her mother Virginia, established a Charitable Unitrust in 1989 that included a Rotary Endowment Foundation for World Peace which was the beneficiary. Robert passed away in 1995 and Virginia passed away on November 28, 2013. A copy of the Fourth Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Virginia listed the distribution of assets of the Charitable Unitrust Awarded to Rotary International in the amount of $11,428.30. Thank you Barbara and your parents for such a wondeful gift to Rotary International.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clean Up Work Party 17 Rotarians and 2 Friends joined together this past Saturday to spruce up Upper North Cove Park and clean up 16th Street NE between Main Street and Machias Road. Thank you to everyone who participated. The Park looks great and 16th St is ready for our summer visitors!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home Hosting
Last Friday evening, our Club participated in Home Hosting from Rotarians and two Rotary Youth Exchange students (outbound) from attendees at the District Conference at the Tulalip Resort. We are indebted to Scott and Lisa for hosting this BBQ dinner at the Loop on Stitch Road. All totaled, we had twenty-two attendees including our guests. Our guests were: Pyaro (Pierre) Panjwani and Linda Whitehead from White Rock Clubs in Surrey, BC; Mike and Jean Griffin from the San Juan Island Club, plus Lenni Zonta outbound Youth Exchange student to Germany sponsored by Chilliwack and Ana Clark outbound to Peru sponsored by South Whidbey. Both Youth Exchange students will leave for their respective countries in August for a one year learning experience.
Besides Scott and Lisa, many of our club members brought food and dessert to compliment our salmon, hamburgers and chicken dinner. So thank you to all of you who brought food and participated in this Home Hosting event.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Public Face of the Oso Mudslide Disaster
Our guest speaker this past week, was the voice and the face of the Oso Mudslide Disaster. Travis Hots, Fire Chief of Snohomish County Districts 21 and 22. His districts are commonly known as the Arlington Rural Fire Department and Getchell Fire Department. He was teaching a class when the call came in. As he drove to Oso along the way it became apparent that normal communications on Channel 5 & 6 weren't happening. Another First Responder asked what channel they were broadcasting on. When the response was Channel 7, Chief Travis Hots turned on his siren and raced to Oso. Channel 7 is designated as a Federal major disaster channel.
Since he was outside of his jurisdiction and the Chief of the Fire Department was on the east side of the mudslide, Travis asked the other Chief if he needed help. Chief Hots was asked to take charge as the Incident Commander West. It became apparent that media coverage on site was growing as the day progressed and someone needed to update the media and the public on what was going on. What started out as the first interview became a regular communicator with the media. Due to the various questions being raised it was decided that more accurate talking points were needed because the questions were all over the board. Chief Hots took control of not only the Commander Center West but became the lead public information officer as well.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Youth Activities
Patty Klassen was our guest speaker last Friday talking about the various Youth Programs sponsored by District 5050 and Rotary International. Patty currently is serving as the District Interact Chair and a member of the YAIL Committee. At her home club of Rotary Club of Port Moody, she is the chair of the Youth Services Committee and President Nominee for 2016-17.
Patty's main purpose in visiting our club was to talk about starting an Interact Club which our club has some really deep interest in after two of our members' children and a niece attended the Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL) conference earlier this year. On hand to hear the presentation was Hayden Ploeger and his grandmother, Penny Ploeger. Hayden was one of the young people attending the YAIL Conference. The future of Rotary is in our youth of today. That is why, each Rotary Club needs to be involved in youth programs. Sending young people to YAIL, RYLA and starting Interact and Roteract teams in each club will allow Rotary to grow beyond its current levels.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Meeting April 10thAt the Club's regular meeting on April 10, 2015, we talked tulips, sentencing and Cub Scouts.
Louise Edens and Susan Macek of the Rotary Club of La Connor visited with a box full of tulips. That Club sells them as a fundraiser for their projects. Thank you for visiting Louise and Susan!
 Tom Thorleifson, a resident of Lake Stevens, gave us an update on the sentencing phase of Erick Walker who was convicted of killing 15 year old Molly Conley as she was walking on South Lake Stevens Road with her friends on June 1, 2013. He was asking us to consider sending the presiding judge, Thomas Wynne, a letter or an email briefly describing how this event has impacted us. He stressed that the message should include wording to the affect of "imposing the maximum possible sentence with no possibility for a sentence reduction." The American Legion Post 181 of Lake Stevens, of which Mr. Thorleifson is a member, helped set up a reward fund towards finding the perpetrator.
 Thank you Tom for your service to the youth of community!
Arv Aurdal is the District Commissioner of the Klahaya District, Boy Scouts of America. He is one of the three people who manage the day-to-day business of the Scout District that serves Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Monroe and the Skykomish Valley all of the way up to and including Skykomish. He was at this meeting to present our Club with the BSA Charter that allows us to sponsor and run Cub Scout Pack 88. The Charter was presented to Club President Gary O'Rielly (not pictured). James Monroe is our Chartered Organization Representative which means he represents our Club to the Scout District and works with the volunteer Leaders of our Pack in providing the Scout program to the boys. Pictured here with Arv Aurdal, he receives the 100% Boys' Life banner for the Pack flag. 100% Boys' Life means that every family in the Pack receives Boys' Life magazine. Studies have shown that Scouts who receive this every month tend to stay in Scouting longer and get more out of the program. Thank you Arv and James for your service to Scouting.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EvCC/WSU Everett University Center
Over the past few years, Bob Drewel has been a guest speaker at our Club a few times. Each time, he was in a different occupation. This time, Bob is the Chancellor of the WSU Everett University Center. Bob did successfully retire for a whole 57 days before being called from Elson Floyd, President of WSU asking him to take on the task of promoting the WSU Everett University Center at Everett Community College.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Julie Vess - Safe Harbor Free Clinic
Over the past few years our club has had a variety of programs about health care. Last Friday's program was about a concept founded in 2008 on providing health care to the underinsured or uninsurable. One of the leaders of the Safe Harbor Free Clinic is Julie Vess who has been the Clinic's Executive Director the past four and a half years. Julie is a member of the Rotary Club of Stanwood as well.
The reasons uninsured adults ages 18-64 are varied with the largest issue being the financial burden. Others just plain do not want health care insurance and would rather pay the fine imposed by the Affordable Healthcare Act. Because of this, 1 in 3 Americans has put off seeking medical treatment in 2014 which according to a Gallop poll in November 2014 is higher than the previous year. One of the issues is that 13% of Americans with health insurance spend 10% of their annual income on out-of-pocket health care costs.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Li'l Hungry HeartsWhat do you do when one in four kids in the State of Washington lives in a household that struggles to put food on the table? Well if you are Tammie Enders and Anita Caffee you spring into action. After the winter break in 2009, Tammie spoke to Anita, a parent about a student from her class who was in need of assistance during the break. From this conversation, Li'l Hungry Hearts was born. The organization is designed to help feed hungry school-aged children who are currently on the National School Lunch Program by providing them with a supplemental food for the week-ends and school holidays.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lance Morehouse - Classification TalkLance grew up in a small town in North Idaho then moved to Spokane and lived there for 17 years before moving to Lake Stevens in 2010. Lance married his lovely wife Carrie and that is what brought him to Lake Stevens, two step kids.
Lance was a single parent of his two sons for 11 years starting in the 1980’s when few fathers had custody of their children. It was the hardest and most meaningful thing he has done in his life. Lance has two grandchildren.
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Congratulations Loren Hole
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens congratulates Loren Hole today as he celebrates his 48th year as a Rotarian. All consecutively!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Memorial Service for Robert MarshallLake Stevens Fire is deeply saddened to announce the passing of their Fire Marshal Robert Marshall on Monday morning, March 2. Robert Marshall was 62 years old and his death was very unexpected. He passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes.
.jpg) Robert was born on June 17, 1952 in Vancouver BC, Canada. His family moved to North Seattle when he was eight years old. He graduated from Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, WA in 1970 and then attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle, WA for two years. He participated in choral groups during both high school and college, and played the trumpet and guitar. He was passionate about learning and also attended Shoreline Community College for a couple years. Robert met his wife Mary in 1972 and they married on November 15, 1975. They moved to Lake Stevens in 1982, and it was a road side sign asking for volunteer firefighters that caught his eye. He applied to be a volunteer firefighter and as they say, after lots of hard work the rest is history! Robert’s fire service career includes the following positions over the last 23+ years: Volunteer Firefighter, Firefighter/EMT, Fire Prevention Specialist, and Fire Marshal. Robert had a passion for people and his job. He was constantly taking on more training to better himself, the fire department and the community. It was his resolve that brought Risk Watch to our schools and a Fire Safety House to our Lake Stevens community. Robert touched thousands of students’ lives through the Risk Watch Program, and they will remember him and his message for many years to come. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Fire Marshal Robert Marshall PassesThe Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is sad to report that a beloved member of our community has passed away suddenly. Robert Marshall was a long time member of the Lake Stevens Fire Department. He served for many years as the Fire Marshal. Because of this he was affectionately known as "Marshal Marshall." He embraced this moniker and enjoyed serving the community in a variety of ways. More information will be provided here as we learn it.
 Lake Stevens Rotarians extends our deepest condolences to the family and coworkers of Robert Marshall.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ClubRunner Review
At our Club Meeting on Friday, February 27th, James Monroe, the Club's Website Administrator, gave an overview of the current version of the Club's website. How to login, reset passwords and how to utilize the various features of the My ClubRunner section of the Administration page. As a reminder, some members need to update their birth dates. This information is not seen by anyone, but, is helpful in tracking various demographic information about our Club. Members can update their own profile if there are changes to addresses, phone numbers, significant others, etc. Some of the other features include checking attendance, sending emails and adding people to their Friends list.
James also showed the members how to access Club documents which are only accessible to the members as well as photo albums and downloadable files, which are available to the public. These include our membership form, the current scholarship application and donation request form.
If anyone has questions about the website don't hesitate to get a hold of James.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the City 2015
The Honorable Vern Little, Mayor, City of Lake Stevens was our guest speaker, February 20th, outlining the State of the City 2015. This will be the last State of the City address by the Mayor who is not seeking re-election. The State of the City address outlined several key points.
2014 Accomplishments: Improved Infrastucture; Prioritize and Increase Levels of Service; Strengthen Financial Stability and Continued Fiscal Responsibility.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YAIL Presentation
At our regular meeting February 13, 2015, the students that our Club sponsored at the recent District 5050 YAIL conference gave us a report on their experiences. Hayden Ploeger--son of member Reshal Ploeger, Sunilove MacBride and Gavin Hobbs--son of member Steve Hobbs, all shared about their time at the Conference. YAIL- Youth Adventures In Leadership gives insights into some of the basics of what it means, and takes, to be a leader: to create a well rounded individual with increased perspective and enthusiasm for growth, who is able to make informed decisions. Our Club is proud of supporting our local youth. Just imagine what these three will accomplish.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet
Our Cub Scout Pack will be holding its annual Scouting Celebration--the Blue & Gold Banquet--on Saturday, February 21st at the Lake Stevens Fire Department Conference Center. The Banquet not only celebrates the individual achievements of the Cub Scouts--many of whom have earned their Cub Scout rank for this program year--but, also celebrates Scouting in America. The Boys Scouts of America celebrates its 105 Anniversary on February 8th. This year's anniversary happens to fall on Scout Sunday. Scouts that have earned their Religious Emblems awards often have them presented on Scout Sunday at their own places of worship.
The Banquet is a great opportunity for Rotarians to meet the Scouts and thank the volunteer Leaders for their service to the youth of our Cub Scout Pack. We are looking for some members to join James Monroe, our Chartered Organization Representative, at the Banquet. Please let James know if you are able to join him that evening.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Athletics and Education (Conclusion)
This week, we concluded our series on Athletics and Education with the final presentation being made by Mike Colbrese, Executive Director of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). The mission of WIAA is to Strengthen all students for life through participation in excellent, fair, safe and accessible activities. The organization was formed in 1905 to create equitable playing conditions between high school sport teams in Washington. We will find out what has been happening in the 110 year old history of WIAA.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Athletes and Education
Two weeks ago, we began a series of presentations about athletics and education. In the series, we first heard from Jason Pearson, Associate Principal and Athletic Director at Lake Stevens High School. Second, we heard from Lance Lopes, Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Washington Huskies.
Jason Pearson is a Viking Alum. Class of 1990. He graduated from Washington State University. Previously, he was Athletic Director at Cavelero Mid High until 2012. Upon the retirement of Gil McKinney at Lake Stevens High School, he was transferred to the Vikings. Jason oversees Athletics and all activities at Lake Stevens High School as well as working with all Lake Stevens Middle School level athletics. Whether you are a teacher or a coach, its all about building RELATIONSHIPS. As an Administrator, it is much more difficult to build relationships with ALL students because you don't have the daily interaction that you do with athletics. Jason's main focus is the CULTURE within the entire building.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Skate Park is One Step Closer to Becoming Real
Please join Jim Kelley and Sam Low as they present the final plan for the Cavalero Park, including the skate park we have been pursuing, to the Lake Stevens City Council and Park Board. The meeting will take place at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 12, 2015 at the LSSD Admin Building.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merry ChristmasOn behalf of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens, wishing you all the timeless treasures of Christmas… The warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends. To our club members, our supporters and our friends who are so committed to our community, Wishing you and yours a happy Holiday Season & a successful, prosperous New Year. We hope your Christmas is as wonderful as you are! Thank you so much for your dedication and support in 2014 and beyond. We look forward to the New Year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fireside Gathering
A great time was had by all in attendance at our recent Fireside. Thank you to hosts Dave and Tracy DeLorm for opening up your beautifully decorated home. There was a variety of appetizers provided by the guests--everything from soup to shrimp and even creme cheese filled bacon wrapped dates! Scrumptious! Folks brought a variety of beverages to share as well. A desert miraculously was on the table from the Demeroutis' who are vacationing in Arizona. Thank you Bill and Diane. It was delicious! Merry Christmas!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fireside
Members are invited to attend our next Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Fireside. This is an opportunity to get to know other members and guests in a relaxed atmosphere. There often isn't time to do this at our regular weekly meetings. Now you have a chance to do that! The DeLorm's have graciously opened up their home and welcome all members, prospective members, guests and their significant others. So that they can be prepared, I ask that you register online at the Fireside event listed under the Events section to the left of this article. Please do that now, so you don't forget. Bring an appetizer and a beverage of your choice. Friday evening, December 19th. See you there!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trip to Bali
At our meeting December 5th, our own Debe Franz shared her experiences of her trip to Bali earlier this year. She helped out with My Father's Home, an orphanage in Bali. Thank you Debe.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Board Actions
Board of Directors: The Board has approved the appointment of Sam and Reshal to the 2014-15 Board to fill long vacant positions. Sam has agreed to accept the position of President-Nominee.
Hole Endowment Fund: The Board has approved that funds raised from our happy bucks and fines will go to the Loren Hole Endowment to further enhance the value of the Hole Endowment Fund. Besides Loren's own commitment each year, this action will help the Hole Endowment fund growth each year.
Board Meeting: There will be no Board meeting in December. The next Board meeting will be on Thursday, January 15, 2015. Location to be determined as we get closer to the meeting date.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Rotary Foundation
This past week we concluded our series on The Rotary Foundation. November is Foundation month and PDG Larry Jubie, Rotary District 5050's Foundation Chair was our guest speaker. The purpose of the Rotary Foundation is to encourage Every Rotarian, Every Year to engage every Rotarian in the life changing programs of the Rotary Foundation. The real goal is to encourage every Rotarian to personally contribute to The Rotary Foundation annual fund each year.
When you speak of making a difference, think of the people in Monterrico, Guatemala, the High School Homeless Students and the new Skateboard Park and the impact our club has had in these two the communities, local and international. Making a difference includes other projects such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, our Cub Scout Pack, the Lake Stevens Senior Center, the Lake Stevens Boys and Girls Club just to name a few. What a wonderful way to reach people and their daily lives.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Rotary Charitible Foundation
Jim Haugen, Lake Stevens Rotary Charitable Foundation Board Member, gave an update on the Club finances and current status of our Club Foundation. The account balance for our Club has made steady improvements over the last three years and we are in a great position to keep supporting our many community projects. The Charitable Foundation has also grown over the same period and we are making plans on looking at ways our Club can increase contributions to the Loren Hole Endowment. The Club has also met our Rotary Foundation goals for the last three years and are on track to so again this year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skate Park Update
At our meeting November 7th, Becky Abelman of the City of Lake Stevens, gave an update on the planning of the Skate Park proposed for Cavelero Park.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Railroading in Washington - Is Lake Stevens a Railroad Town?
At our October 31st meeting, Ron Pate, Director of the Rail Division for the Department of Transportation of the State of Washington, gave a presentation on railroading in the State. He reviewed passenger and freight service and how the state is involved. The State nor local governments do not regulate or control the frequency or type of rail traffic, nor does the DOT regulate the types of commodities that a railroad may carry. He added that a recent University of Oregon study shows that rail freight contributes $28.5 billion to the Washington economy and supports about 342,000 jobs. In addition to the Class I freight railroads--BNSF and UP--there are about 25 short-line and switching or terminal railroads in the State. Short line and switching railroads handle freight very short distances--often within an urban area or between two nearby towns. The State is responsible, however, for a safe and efficient transportation system. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thoughts & Prayers
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens extends our thoughts and prayers to the Rotary Club of Marysville, the Rotary Club of Marysville Sunrise, the City of Marysville, the Tulalip Nations, the Marysville School District and the Students and Staff of Marysville Pilchuck High School. We can't begin to understand the pain and sorrow you are experiencing as a result of last Friday's tragic event. We offer our support. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BNSF - Is Lake Stevens a Railroad Town?
At our October 17th meeting, Terry Hill, recently retired BNSF Railway's Executive Director of Government Affairs for the Northwest, gave us a lively presentation about the current state of freight railroads in the United States. The BNSF is one of four Class I type railroads in the country. A Class I railroad has an annual carrier operating revenue of $250 million or more. The other Class I's are CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS) and Union Pacific (UP). The BNSF is over 160 years old and is the conglomeration of over 200 mergers and acquisitions representing 390 different lines during that time. The last one was in September 1995 when the Burlington Northern Railroad and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged to become BNSF. The BNSF is now owned by Berkeshire Hathaway. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northern Pacific Railroad - Is Lake Stevens a Railroad Town?
At our October 10th meeting, Scott Wyatt, local author, gave us a brief overview of the regional history of the Northern Pacific Railroad. He told us about the conditions in which the workers who built the railroad lived in especially in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. The Northern Pacific eventually arrived in Puget Sound for its western terminus. We thank Scott for providing a different perspective on railroad history. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Governor's Visit
by Angela Craig October 3rd we greatly enjoyed meeting and hearing from our District 5050 Governor, Lyle Ryan, who visited with his lovely wife PJ. Lyle is a 28-year member of the Rotary Club of Everett, and has worked with Rotary since high school, serving on numerous boards and several organizations. Currently, he is the Executive Vice President, Chief Production Officer and Branch Administrator at Coastal Community Bank, where he has worked for over four years, and has been in banking for 43 years. Originally from Oregon, he and his wife are partners in a ski school, and he has participated in numerous triathlons.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Congratulations to the LeDuc's
Congratulations to David and Melo LeDuc on the addition of a girl to their family. She was born in late September. David is the Cubmaster of our Cub Scout Pack 88. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway - Is Lake Stevens a Railroad Town?
At last week's meeting, a new series of programs was kicked off with a presentation by David Dilgard about the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway. The Railway was important in the development and economy of the region beginning in the mid 1800's. The tracks started in the downtown waterfront area of Seattle, went north through Ballard, Woodinville and on towards Snohomish. From there they continued north and were laid east of present day Lake Stevens. The rails were removed 100 years later and right-of-of-way is now known as the Centennial Trail. Dilgard and shared many stories about the history of the area including about when the City of Snohomish was the first county seat. And, then how the seat got moved, first to Mukilteo and then Everett (July 1861). The first viable railway was a logging one built by the Blackman Brothers. As settlers and investors arrived in the greater Puget Sound Region, many had their eye on the abundant lumber that covered the hills and mountains. Pope & Talbot were two such men. They came from Maine in 1853--the year that Washington became a Territory unto itself--to make their fortunes here. You can visit the old Pope & Talbot Mill site in Port Gamble on Hwy 104 just east of the Hood Canal. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Past Club President Passes Away
Past Club President and current Honorary Member Karen Alessi passed away last week. Karen served as President 2004-2005. Karen L Alessi, nee Johnson, was born in Seattle on February 20, 1939 and died in Everett, WA from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on September 24, 2014. She is survived by Art, her husband of 50 years, Allison, their daughter, her brother, Barry Johnson and his wife Mary, brother-in-law, Rob Alessi and wife Joan and sister-in-law, Joyce Maloney and husband Jim, three cousins and many, many friends. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Buy Popcorn! Support Our Cub Scouts!
Our Cub Scout Pack 88 is selling popcorn as a fundraiser. Grant P., a Webelos Scout with the Pack, explained why the Scouts are selling popcorn. They use the funds to pay for outings, purchase program materials and attend Day Camp. You will find our guys at various locations throughout Lake Stevens over the next few weekends. Other Scouts from Lake Stevens will also be selling popcorn, but, if you want to specifically support our Scouts, contact our Chartered Organization Representative James Monroe to get an order form for one of our Scouts.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visiting Rotarian
Don Moody visited us at our meeting September 19, 2014. Don is from the Rotary Club of Leavenworth (Washington). He is seen here with our President Gary exchanging banners. Don's banner will join the many others we have on our display banners.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emergency Preparedness - FEMA
by Angela Craig, guest columnist At last week's meeting, Anthony Morea joined us to wrap up our theme of Emergency Preparedness. Tony is a Regional Facilities Management Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA, as it’s more commonly known, is well known throughout the United States as the federal Department of Emergency Management. On April 1, 1979, then President Jimmy Carter created FEMA by Executive Order. It’s mission was and is to support the citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards. Several existing federal programs and agencies were absorbed into this new agency. However, the roots for federal disaster assistance go back long before 1979. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emergency Preparedness - Lake Stevens Fire
At our last meeting, Jennye Cooper, Public Educator with the Lake Stevens Fire Department, was our featured speaker as we continue with our series of presentations during National Emergency Preparedness Month. Cooper emphasized important things we have heard before: have an 72 hour emergency kit for your home and your business, create and practice an escape plan for your home and business, know the risks and hazards that could affect your home and business, and, have a communications plan for members of your family. She added that we should consider our pets in our emergency plans and have kits for your vehicles, because you never know where you'll be when disaster strikes. She emphasized that we need to maintain the kits. Periodically go through them and make sure that the items in the kits are relevant. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remembrance
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens remembers those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001 in the deadliest attack on US soil. Join us in taking some time this Thursday to remember and honor those that continue to serve in the war on terror. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emergency Preparedness - Snohomish PUD
At our meeting September 5th, the featured speaker, Chris Heimgartner, gave a presentation about how the Snohomish County PUD prepares for disasters and how we can prepare as individuals. Heimgartner is the Assistant General Manager of the Snohomish County Public Utility District. The District is the second largest public utility in Washington State and the 12th largest in the United States. The utility serves 2,200 square miles--all of Snohomish County and Camano Island--and includes over 327,000 electrical customers and 19,000 water service customers. There are over 6,300 electric line miles encompassing 306 circuits and 90 substations. 65% of the wiring is overhead which in the long run is 3 to 20 times cheaper to maintain then buried wire. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Safe Driving - School Busses
Last week's program was another in the series on Safe Driving. Sheila Winters, Director of Transportation for the Lake Stevens School District, gave us an overview of student transportation. Sheila started her career as a bus driver in 1979 when busses had manual transmissions and manual door openers. In those days, the training of drivers amounted to about 18 hours with four of those in a bus. Actual time behind the wheel was an hour. Then one was a bus driver! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Back to School Support
Justin Reid from the Lake Stevens Family Center was one of our guest at the August 15th meeting. The Lake Stevens Family Center is in the midst of collecting supplies and donations for their Back to School promotion. A number of items are needed including Backpacks, Notebook paper "college rule", pencil pouches, scissors, colored markers and pencil sharpeners. The Family Center is accepting monetary donations to be used to purchase any additional items needed for the event. You can visit www.lakestevensfamilycenter.org or mail/drop checks off directly to the Center. At the conclusion of Justin's request, our club presented a check in the amount of $250 in support of the Back to School event. Several members gave their own cash/check contribution. This is a great program that everyone should financially support. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Year - Update
President Jim Kelley announced his selection at the Installation Banquet June 29th. Because of all of the energy and drive she shares with the Club, he selected Tracy DeLorm as the 2013-2014 Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Rotarian of the Year. Each year, Rotary Clubs recognize members for their outstanding contribution to the club and the community. The Rotarian of the Year Award goes to members who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. Tracy was selected due to her major contributions to the club as chairperson of the Community Services Committee, chairperson of the AquaFest/Duck Dash Committee and her role as a leading member of the Wine, Beer and Silent Auction Committee as well as a Board member of the club. Tracy has worked in every area of the club activities from selling Poinsettias and Wreaths during the Christmas holiday season to National Night Out and spending countless hours on club activities. Tracy is an extraordinary person with deep roots in the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens commented President Jim Kelley as he made the award announcement and presentation. She has been a member of the club since 2002.
Congratulations Tracy! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visiting Rotarian
At our meeting on last Friday, Don Williams from the Rotary Club of Cottage Grove, Oregon was a guest visitor. Don is originally from Everett and was visiting family in the area. During the meeting Don commented that Cottage Grove is the "Covered Bridge" capital of Oregon. Six Covered Bridges in Lane County are located in and around Cottage Grove. At the end of the meeting, Club Banners were exchanged between the two clubs. Larry and Linda Saint provided the breakfast for the club members. Linda was raised in Cottage Grove. During a conversation between Linda and our guest, they discovered many mutual friends. We always comment, that "its a small world" and that fact was proven on Friday. Our regularly scheduled meeting speaker was unable to come to our meeting this week, so we had time to learn about Cottage Grove from a visiting Rotarian. The program for Friday will be rescheduled.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duck Dash Winners
Another AquaFest and Duck Dash race is over. Grand prizes this year were: 1st Place: $2,000; 2nd Place: $500; 3rd Place: $250: and 4th Place: $100. This years winners were: 1st Place - Carla Wells of Granite Falls; 2nd Place: Dean Franz; 3rd Place: Dean Franz and 4th Place: Patty Hanson.
At Friday's meeting, checks were given to Carla Wells and her husband and Dean Franz by AquaFest chairperson Tracy DeLorm and Gary O'Rielly, club president.. Patty Hanson was unavailable to pick up the check this week. The Well's commented that they have been supporters/purchasers of the Duck Dash tickets for a very long time but this is the first time they ever won anything. Congratulations to our winners. And thank you to all of the club members who have worked so hard this past AquaFest, the Diaper Dash and Duck Dash to make it another successful year. Great work everyone. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AquaFest 2014
A special thank you to Tracy for all of the dedicated work on our booth and Duck Dash tickets sales. Likewise, special thanks to Terri, Steve and Kirstie for running the Diaper Dash. All of the workers during the week-end festival did a fantastic job selling, cooking and serving those delicious corn on the cob. And again thanks to Tracy, Bill and John for securing some fabulous sponsors (see article below) who make the Duck Dash a successful event each year. We want to recognize Loren and Lorna for keeping track of the Duck Dash sales Ticket sales are another part of the life blood of our annual Duck Dash celebration and thanks to DJ, John, Bill and James for their contribution. Getting ready for the Duck Dash race involved Jim Steinruck, John and Darek as well as setting up the finish line and picking up all of the ducks after the race. Great Job everyone. Whenever you single out specific people, you always miss someone and for that I apologize. This year's winner of the Duck Dash race are: 1st Place: Carla Wells; 2nd Place: Dean Franz; 3rd Place: Dean Franz and 4th Place: Patty Hanson. All of the winners have been contacted by your President. Voice mail message has been left on Patty Hanson's cellphone. Carla Wells cannot make it to this weeks meeting but will be there next week. Dean Franz will be at the meeting and still waiting word from Patty Hanson. Congratulations to all of the winners. Now is the time to think about continued improvements to our AquaFest booth, Diaper Dash and Duck Dash. Diaper Dash certainly needs their own banner. Pickles may be a thing of the past. Little ideas like that help us set up for next year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 Aquafest Grand Parade
2013-2014 Rotarian of the Year Dr. Tracy DeLorm in the 2014 Aquafest Grand Parade being driven by Loren Hole, who has been a Rotarian for 47 years. Thank you, Dr. DeLorm for your support of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens and the community of Lake Stevens! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19th Annual Duck Dash
Thank you to our Duck Dash Sponsors! Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Coupon Sponsors
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Installation Banquet
We had a great time at last Sunday's Installation Banquet as Jim Kelley thanked his Board and a few others and recognized Tracy DeLorm as Rotarian of the Year (see adjacent article). He turned the "gavel"--in the shape of a crown--over to new President Gary O'Rielly. Gary in turn presented Jim with a thank you gift for his year as President. Our new Assistant District Governor Marc Baker was on hand to help Jim Haugen award several Paul Harris Fellowship Recognitions. Click here to see photos from the event. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duck Tagging
On July 8th, the Duck Dash Ducks will be tagged in a glorious celebratory fashion and your help is needed. The more hands that can help wade in, round up and tag the ducks the better. You will be fetted--provided you bring something to share--during and after the tagging. Click on the Duck Re-Numbering link in the Events column to the left (almost at the top) to let the hosts know that you are coming and what you will be bringing. (An email was sent out earlier this week requesting a RSVP regarding the food fare.) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology Education in Lake Stevens
The third in the series about the Lake Stevens School District was given by Ron Moag who spoke to us about the Career and Technical education programs in the district. What is career and technical education? The Career and Technical Education program has a 10 year strategic plan. Ron Moag referenced the success of kids who learn to read at an early age. If kids cannot read at the 12th grade level when they graduate from high school, they will have a path to proverty according to Moag. The school district has a "course reapproval process" in place which the district went through this past year, which includes 21st century skills. Some of the programs include Project Lead the Way which is run by a private company from Indiana as well as Gateway to Technology which requires a teacher to go through 80 hours of teacher training to be certified. These programs are taught in Seattle and San Diego. Two teachers from the 7th grade were involved in the program this past year. STEM is another program for students which is a rigorous results driven education program. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retreat
New Board members and Committee Chairs will meet this Friday morning at 7:00 am at the New Country Grill. The purpose of the meeting is to use a "retreat" concept in drafting the budget for 2014-15, reviewing the results of the District 5050 survey for our club, review the 2014-15 Program of Work and discussing potential programs and projects. Budget wise, we are in really great shape and that will be the deciding factor in any new proposals.The last two-three administrations have prepared us to always be prepared to have a budget in place that will ensure sufficient funds for the following year. Light Up Rotary is the theme for 2014-15. So, we need to plan wisely as we approach the coming year. The retreat is scheduled to end at 8:30 am. A lot to cram in the time I have allotted. Any member of the club is welcome to attend our retreat. Plus, it can serve as a make up for anyone who attends. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cub Scouts Visit
This past Friday also saw several of our Cub Scouts visit. They began the Rotary Meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. James Monroe, Chartered Organization Representative, introduced David LeDuc as the new Cubmaster. Steve Becker has had to step down after a few years as Cubmaster. The Pack will be going on a Campout this weekend to Fire Mountain Scout Camp near Big Lake in Skagit County. While there, the Scouts will move up to the next Cub Scout program level in a special ceremony. This is an exciting time for the boys as they advance through the Scouting program with the goal of becoming a Boy Scout. the Pack is hosting a pot luck lunch at Noon at Fire Mountain. If you would like to join the Pack (and could potentially bring something to share) let James know. All are welcome to the moving up ceremony which begins at 1 pm. The Camp is about 45 minutes north of Lake Stevens off of Highway 9 at milepost 47 and 2 1/2 miles east on Walker Valley Road. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club Donates to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program
On hand this past week to accept our Club's contribution to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library was Lynn Lewis, Senior Manager of Education for the United Way of Snohomish County and Leslie Elsemore, Program chair for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for the Lake Stevens Education Foundation. President Jim Kelley presented a check in the amount of $2,000 for the program. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a program that sends new age-appropriate book every month to children from birth to five years of age that live within the Lake Stevens School District. When a child turns 5 they graduate out of the program. Currently 876 children are receiving a book each month. To date over 1,300 children have graduated from the program. Educational studies show that regular reading to children is the biggest boost toward a successful education that they will ever get. The Lake Stevens Education Foundation promotes reading 20 minutes every day to a child. There is no cost to the family. United Way of Snohomish County, the Lake Stevens Education Foundation and the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens as well as other service organizations and individuals help raise funds for the sponsorship. It cost $27 per year to send a book a month to a child. The funds from our Club will purchase books for children in the Lake Stevens School District for 75 children. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Government-The County Executive
When you think about "Integrity" "Transparency" and "Accountability" the name John Lovick comes to the forefront. Last Friday, we concluded our series on Snohomish County Government with our special guest, John Lovick, the County Executive. Raised in Louisiana by his grandmother, he came out of high school into the Coast Guard where he served for 13 years. After the Coast Guard, a friend in Washington State said that the Washington State Patrol was looking for people for the State Patrol. He applied in 1975 and started a 31 year career with the State Patrol. He retired as a Sergeant. Most of his duties and activities involved Snohomish County. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Be the Best that You Can
When a giant of a man, tells you to "BE THE BEST THAT YOU CAN" you tend to listen. Last week's special program featured James Donaldson. At 7ft. 2inches in height, James towers over everyone that he meets on this day at our regularly scheduled Friday morning meeting. And, a Rotarian from the Bejing, China Noon Club. James spends about 9 months a year in China coordinating youth interest in basketball especially for the disadvantaged. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Assessor
Continuing our programs on Snohomish County government is Cindy Portmann, the County Assessor. Why do we need a County Assessor? The mission of the County Assessor's Office is to administer a property assessment system that meets constitutional and statutory requirements in an efficient and professional manner while striving to provide excellence in service to their customers. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Officers and Directors 2014-15
The new Officers and Directors were elected at our weekly meeting on Friday, May 30th for 2014-15. The new team for 2014-15 is: President - Gary O'Rielly President-Elect - Bill Demeroutis Treasurer Loren Hole Secretary - Jim Haugen Club Services Carie Rott Community Services - Tracy DeLorm International Services Scott Smith Vocational Services - Terri Spencer Past President Jim Kelley Officers and Directors for the Lake Stevens Rotary Charitable Foundation are: President Gary O'Rielly Vice President - Bill Demeroutis Past President Jim Kelley Treasurer - Loren Hole Secretary Jim Haugen Directors - Tracy DeLorm & Terri Spencer Go and Light Up Rotary for 2014-15 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Street Renaming Ceremony to Honor Trooper Sean O'Connell
On Friday morning, May 30, 2014 at 10:00 am, a ceremony honoring fallen Washington State Patrol Trooper Sean M. O'Connell, Jr. will be held to honorarily rename 83rd Avenue SE. Trooper O'Connell lost his life May 31, 2013 while on-duty helping direct traffic through the detour around the collapse of the Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River. Trooper O'Connell lived in Lake Stevens with his wife and two young children. 83rd Avenue north of 20th Street will be closed during the ceremony. You are asked to be at the location by 9:45 am. Click here to view the naming dedication of the new bridge over the Skagit River for Troop O'Connell. Click here to view the City of Lake Stevens Resolution renaming 83rd Avenue SE. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 Scholarships
May 23, 2014 we gave scholarships to Seniors of Lake Stevens High School. Pictured here are Scholarship Committee Chair James Monroe, Aidan Quigey, Ria Montenegro, Yvette Herrera, Stacey Van Dyke and Jim Kelley Rotary Club of Lake Stevens President. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Luca's Has Re-Opened!
Five months ago we shared the sad news that Luca's Restaurante had closed its doors. Today we are happy to annouce that with new owners Luca's Wood Fired Pizza and Alehouse is open once again! Local residents Chris and Michelle Brown purchased the restaurant and name rights. They had their soft opening this past weekend and several of our members enjoyed an evening of fun and fellowship there earlier this week. The accompanying photo was quickly taken between bites as the pizzas were scarfed up. There will be a Grand Opening coming up. Stay tuned for that. And, we wish the Brown's much success in their new adventure. See you beside the stove. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newspapers in the Digital Age
If you were unable to attend last Friday's meeting you missed a wonderful discussion on Newspapers in th Digital Age by Josh O'Connor. A bit of Everett Herald history. As of the day of his presentation, the Everett Herald has been published/printed every day for 41,368 days. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Civility in the Workplace
This week we are taking an extended break from our current series on Snohomish County government. The series will resume in three weeks. May 9th, our guest speaker was Linda Savage, CPC, who is an Associate and certified instructor with Final Touch Finishing School, Inc. which is one of the premier finishing schools in the United States. Linda has been associated with Final Touch Finishing School since 2003. As an associate of Final Touch Finishing School, Linda shares the passion and vision of the school's purpose to equip children, teens and adults with the tools to feel confident and competent in whatever circumstances they may find themselves by developing comtemporary social skills and image management. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Congratulations!
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens extends its congratulations to Derek Franz on earning his Masters in Architecture from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Derek is the son of Lake Stevens Rotarians Dean and Debe Franz. He plans to return to Washington--after three years away--to begin his career in architecture. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fundraising for Oso
At this week's meeting, we will be raising money for relief efforts in Oso. The Club has committed $500 in this cause. We are asking that this be generated by the members. So, please come prepared at Friday's meeting. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sheriff Trenary
Our Rotary was proud to have Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary speak to us April 25th. We are also proud of the fact that Ty is a fellow Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Everett. He started as a member of the Rotary Club of Stanwood-Camano where he was honored to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Ty is the chief law enforcement officer for the County and was able to share with us insights to the county’s growing heroin problem (see related article by Gary O'Rielly, March 31st, on Commander Pat Slack's visit to our Club) and his tireless efforts at reforming our county jail. He also gave us an update to the tragic disaster in Oso. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wine, Beer and Silent Auction
Well the old saying, if you put in hard work, the results will follow. And follow they did at our Wine, Beer and Silent Auction. Attendance was at or near 250. The venue was perfect. The Committee wants to sincerely "THANK" everyone for their efforts this past couple of months. It was a highly successful event. Receipts and sale of wine is on-going. Final financial numbers will be discussed at the Board meeting this Thursday and be given to the membership on Friday. Again, thanks for all of your work selling tickets, securing 83 auction baskets and helping set up and tear down after the event. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Clerk
We continued our presentations by our elected County Officials this past week. Two weeks ago we heard from County Auditor Carolyn Weikel. In the coming weeks, we will be hearing from the County Assessor, County Treasurer, County Sheriff and County Executive. Our speaker April 18th was Sonya Kraski, the Snohomish County Clerk. Sonya has been serving the citizens of Snohomish County for almost 30 years. Sonya is serving her second term as the elected Snohomish County Clerk. Sonya has been married to Steve for 24 years and lives in Arlington. When she isn't working or volunteering, the couple enjoy waterskiing, snowmobiling and riding their Harley's. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Membership Survey - Final Week
Although time has elapsed since I attended the District Membership Seminar in Burlington in February. Mike Reddington of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club in South Surrey/White Rock, BC and Linda Murray have been asked by District 5050 to be the administrator and trainer/support person for a Membership survey in all of the Clubs in the District. The Survey is to conduct the survey this Spring, between April 15 and May 15th. Hopefully before I leave for California on Thursday, I will be able to send the Membership and Retention Resources to all of our club members requesting an immediate action to complete the survey. More information will follow when I send out the survey. District 5050 is the only Rotary district conducting a survey at this time as far as I know. It is important to the Club and the District to complete this survey. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Breakfast
The Mount Baker Council, BSA is hosting their annual Good Scout Breakfast honoring the Eagle Scout Class of 2013 on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at the Comcast Everett Arena Ballroom. Registration begins at 7:00am and the breakfast and program are from 7:30am to 8:45am. For more information you can call 425-338-0380 or email to fos@mountbakerbsa.org or you can go to the website at www.mountbakerbsa.org.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carolyn Weikel - County Auditor
The Snohomish County Auditor is responsible for much more than voter registration and elections. Carolyn Weikel was the guest speaker this past Friday. The primary responsibility includes a broad range of duties involving specific statutory functions and county financial administration. The three primary services provided by the County Auditor are: Elections and Voter Registration includes: Voter registration; Election Information about Candidates and Districts. The county auditor is responsible for certifying each election. The county maintains a file of all signatures which are cross-checked each time we vote. County Auditor employees are trained on signature verification by the Washington State Patrol. Election turn out is between 28% and 41%. There are four elections per year. Licensing and Animal Control Services includes: Motor Vehicle & Vessel licensing; Animal control services, pet licensing and Business licensing.The County Auditor acts as an agent for the State Department of Licensing. The state provides all of the work product and supplies while the County provides the staffing. Plus, the County Auditor monitors and regulates the supervision of all licensing sub-agencies throughout the County which amounts to 18 locations with a 185 employees. Convenience fees at those help support the cost of the staff for these local agencies. Recording: Recording documents; recorded document search and marriage licensing. According to Carolyn, recording keeping is a fascinating part of her business which is the official bureau for all land transactions. Standards have to be met for the transaction to be recorded. Her office maintains a record of all liens on property transactions. There were 234,792 documents recorded last year with a fee of $63.00 for the first page of the recording. Over 4,500 marriage licenses were filed for last year. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Regional Drug and Gang Task Force
Interim Lake Stevens Police Chief Dan Lorentzen introduced Commander Pat Slack with the Snohomish County Regional Drug and Gang Task Force who was our guest speaker on last week. Commander Slack has been in law enforcement for over 44 years. Chief Lorentzen laughed and said that's longer than he has been alive. Slack was born in Tacoma but raised largely in Snohomish County. After high school he spent two years in the U.S. Army serving one year in Viet Nam. During his tour he received the Bronze Star with a "V" Device for Valor. He has two children by a previous marriage and two from his current wife of almost thirty years, Carmen.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Landslide
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens extends its thoughts and prayers to the people affected by March 22nd landslide in Oso. We also extend our support and thanks to the hundreds of people that have responded to search for victims and set up shelters and fundraisers. Many organizations including the Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation are having fundraisers and accepting donations for wide variety of items. Many business have rallied around the communities directly affected by this--Arlington, Darrington and Oso. Our hats off to the governmental agencies and their staffs that have responded as well and are working toward workable solutions in returning to some sort of normalcy. This group includes the Snohomish County Department of Public Works in opening the Mountain Loop Highway, FEMA and our own County Department of Emergency Management. You seen the photos and videos. They are incredible. You hear of disasters in other parts of the country and they may receive a federal disaster declaration, but, you just never think it could be in our own community. This has made worldwide news. The rest of us can do our part by directly donating and/or participating in the various fundraisers and activities raising money and supplies. If we were in a similar situation it's good to know that we would receive the same support. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Congressional Visit
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene was our guest speaker March 21, 2014. The Congresswoman represents Washington's 1st Congressional District. The 1st Congressional District encompasses the majority of Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties as well as nearly one-third of King County. The eastern edge of the district follows county lines along the Cascade Crest from the Canadian border down to the I-90 corridor. Then it follows I-90 west to West Lake Sammamish, cuts over to the northern half of Lake Washington on the eastside and from there north to I-5. The western border follows roughly the I-5 corridor north to Bellingham, then along the coast to Canada. Congresswoman DelBene maybe the only member of Congress who has to enter Canada to visit part of the District.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everett Community Foundation
Our guest speaker on March 14th was Maddy Metzger-Utt, President and CEO of the Greater Everett Community Foundation and the current President of the Rotary Club of Everett. The goal of the organization is Looking Forward, Giving Back. The poet Anatole France, commented that "To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream: not only plan, but also believe". The Greater Everett Community Foundation serves all of Snohomish County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mt. Pilchuck Elementary Leader In Me Program Update
Students at Mt. Pilchuck Elementary are participating in a variety of ways to enrich their learning. Every Friday for the last hour of the school day, the students get involved in a variety of workshops so they can try new experiences. This is part of the Leader In Me program that our Club supports. Click here to read the full article in the Lake Stevens Journal.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Students Qualify for the World Robotics Championships - Again!
Three teams will be participating in the VEX Robotics World Championships in Anaheim, California after the VRC Western Washington Regional Championships hosted by Cavelero Mid High School earlier this month. We are excited for our students and wish them well. Click here to read the full article in the Lake Stevens Journal.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heart Screening Day
I had the opportunity to participate last week with members of the Rotary Club of Monroe at The Nick of Time Foundation's Heart Screening Day at Monroe High School. Also helping out were the Monroe Fire Department, the Sports Medicine Class, and Bearcat Pride Parents. 440 students were screened. Of those 19 were sent for follow up evaluations and of those two were immediate follow ups.
Here are Monroe Rotary members Ken Hoover and Collette Reams. Last month the Foundation did a screening at Meadowdale High School in the Edmonds School District. Here is a post from the Foundation's Facebook page- Part of a letter, from a parent of a student we screened last week- This is why NoTF does what we do! Does this give you chills? This is exactly why the Foundation does what it does. We are looking forward to the day the Foundation comes to Lake Stevens! Keep up the great work Darla, Sue, Steve, et. al. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Membership
The last few weeks I have given brief overviews of the District Membership Seminar and the three sessions at PETS (President-Elect Training Seminar). This past week, we asked Linda Murray, District 5050 Membership Committee Chair to visit us and discuss the importance of membership and retention. Both go hand in hand. Linda is no stranger to our Club. She has done numerous visits over the years.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weekly Programs
Over the past two plus years, our Club has enjoyed some of the most fantastic programs that any Rotary Club can offer its membership and guests. The longest running series has introduced our Club to local and regional organizations and issues that can impact us individually, as a group and perhaps as a community. We started 27 months ago hearing about Community Transit. This was followed by periodic presentations on Providence Hospital, the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership, the Lake Stevens Sewer District, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, Snohomish County Search and Rescue, Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce, Cocoon House, Lake Stevens Family Center, the local minor league or semi-pro sports teams, the Puget Sound Regional Council, Everett Philharmonic Orchestra, the Port of Everett, Naval Station Everett, Senior Services of Snohomish County, the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management and, recently, Sherwood Community Services, just to name a few. Recaps of these programs are on our website along with other current and future events or activities. All of this was arranged by James Monroe. These were some of the best programs any club in Rotary could offer. Thanks James, for your dedication in getting top quality programs for our Club members and guests.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly
The February 28th program was the Club Assembly with Loren Hole, Past President, running the last meeting of February which was designated as Past President's month. Loren commented that the idea to have Past President's run the meetings in February to give the current President of the Club a break was an idea he put into practice during his term of office.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet
We want to recognize the six Webelos Scouts in Pack 88 who were recognized last month with Cub Scouting's highest award--the Arrow of Light. This is quite an accomplishment. The recognition took place at the Pack's annual Blue & Gold Banquet--a celebration of the birthday of Scouting in America. These boys, pictured here with Cubmaster Steve Becker, will be joining a Boy Scout Troop in March.
Thank you to James Monroe who represented the Club at the Banquet. Hopefully, we'll have more of our members come to the Cub Scout Meetings in the future. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sherwood Community Services
The new Executive Director of Sherwood Community Services in Lake Stevens is Lance Morehouse who has been on the job for over seven months. Lance comes to Sherwood Community Services with 15 years experience in non-profit management and has been advocating for the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Lance comes to Sherwood Community Services as a father of sons with significant disabilities so his experiences are both personal and professional. Lance has been in Lake Stevens for the past 3 1/2 years when he married a woman from here.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adolescent Cardiac Care - Part 2
We started this two part series with a presentation on the founders of The Nick in Time Foundation created by Darla Varrenti and Sue Apodaca after Darla's 16 year old son suddenly collapsed and died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The family thought her son was a healthy high school athlete. Unfortunately, he had an undiagnosed heart condition. You can read about their presentation on our website.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LSHS Wrestlers Repeat as State Champions!
We want to congratulate the Boys Wrestling Team from the High School who have won their second consecutive 4A Team State Championship, their sixth in the last eight years, tenth overall. The Team has two individual Champions as well. We salute the boys and Coach Brent Barnes on another successful year. Read the complete article at the Lake Stevens Journal. The Boys Swim & Dive Team also had success at their meet as well. Click here for more on that. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Nick of Time Foundation
Today's meeting began a short series about adolescent heart care. Darla Varrenti, Executive Director of The Nick of Time Foundation gave a presentation about the Foundation and the work it does providing heart screenings and CPR & AED training at high schools throughout Washington. Darla's son, Nick, died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest at the age of 16 almost ten years ago. By all accounts and appearances he was a healthy, active teenager. He was a member of his school's football team. The accompanying photograph was taken eight days before be passed away.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly
Last week the meeting was devoted to a Club Assembly. Most of the discussion centered on the Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser which is on April 11th. Other topics was the PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) which is just around the corner for Gary O'Rielly and he talked about the need to complete a Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs prior to the start of PETS on February 14th. And, the Club discussed the District Grant Seminar scheduled for Saturday, February 1st in Mt. Vernon and the District Membership Seminar in Burlington, on Saturday, February 8th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Achievement - UPDATEDThis article has been updated with corrected information about the volunteer hours that were mentioned during the presentations. Please review the article again and consider helping out the future business leaders. Our guest January 24th was Gary Hauff, Regional Director serving Snohomish County for Junior Achievement. One of the most important goals of Junior Achievement is the Economic Benefits of Increasing the High School Graduation Rate for Public School Students. Results in the public school system indicate that 47% of high school drop-outs state that school isn't interesting for them.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skate Park Planning
At the Club's regular weekly meeting, January 16th, Tom Teigen, Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Director, facilitated a conversation about what the community wants for a Skate Park in Lake Stevens. Almost 60 people attended the meeting including over 20 youth. Many of the attendees were given a Lake2Skate T-shirt. Look for the bright yellow shirts around town.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SCORE-Jerry Freeman
Our theme this month is about business. The January 10th program was all about SCORE (Senior COre of Retired business Execuitives) a program for small businesses administered through the Small Business Administration. Whether starting a new business, putting together a business plan or financing your business, SCORE workshops are organized and presented by experienced business owners and executives who have deep expertise in various fields. All SCORE volunteer workshop leaders are committed to helping you make your venture successful.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Association of Washington Business (AWB)/Kris_Johnson.jpg)
The leadership of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) changed two weeks ago with the retirement of long time President Don Brunell who retired on December 31, 2013. Kris Johnson has replaced Brunell as CEO and President of AWB which serves as the State's Chamber of Commerce. Johnson just started his tenure as the new leader of AWB on Wednesday and was our guest speaker January 3rd outlining the business climate in Washington. The topic of the vote by the Boeing machinists on the latest contract offer was a part of the presentation.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What's That You Say?
Homographs are words of like spelling but with more than one meaning.
A homograph that is also pronounced differently is a heteronym.
You think English is easy??
I think a retired English teacher was bored...THIS IS GREAT! Read all the way to the end... This took a lot of work to put together! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Steven Stake Park Update
We are looking for feedback on a T-shirt design that is being developed to promote the Park. Visit our Skate Park Facebook page to provide feedback.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens School District Levy
The Thursday evening social program December 19th was an update on the Foundation for Excellence and the Lake Stevens School District Levies which will be voted on Tuesday, February 11th. Our guest speakers were Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District, Robb Stanton, Executive Director of Operations and Technology Services for the school district, Jayme Taylor the Director of Communications for the school district and Leslie Elsemore, Citizens for Lake Stevens Schools. Foundation for Excellence 2013-2016: The Mission of the School District is for the students to be a contributing member of society and lifelong learners, pursuing their passions and interests in an ever-changing world. To achieve this mission statement, the School District Board held 19 focus groups to develop the plan involving over 250 parents, students, community members and staff. After the focus groups' work, advisory committees were formed and strategies and measures of success were created to meet each of the respective goals. There are many characteristics involved in the District Goals and Strategies that involve Excellence in Teaching & Learning; Technology Empowerment; Thoughtful Transitions and an Engaged Community. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Luca's Closed
It is with great sadness that this reporter announces the closing of a Lake Stevens institution. Luca's Pizzeria & Ristorante closed it's doors on December 16th after ten years here in Lake Stevens. Owner Luca Nasti has been through a rough couple of years dealing with his divorce and trying to provide the best for his children. He posted a letter on the front door of the shop and on the company's website: "For the past 10 years, Luca's Pizzeria & Ristorante has proudly served the Lake Stevens community in a family-friendly atmosphere, the last two years have been challenging. Now, due to those challenging Family Matters, it is with a very heavy heart that I announce the closure of Luca's Pizzeria & Ristorante effective December 16th, 2013. The people of Lake Stevens welcomed me with open arms, and for that I will be forever grateful. We have developed many friendships and loyal customers over the years, and I shall miss them, many thanks to my staff, customers and the great city of Lake Stevens! Thank you for being a part of Luca's Pizzeria & Ristorante over the last decade, I wish you all the best life has to offer. With many thanks, Luca Nasti Owner" We too, offer you, Luca, the best life has to offer. We look forward with great anticipation for your return. Don't be a stranger. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WSDOT Priority Needs and Project Highlights
Lorena Eng, Northwest Region Administrator for the Washington State Department of Transportation was our guest speaker on Friday, December 13th. Using the basic criteria to: Fix it first; Keep it safe and Finish what we started, the club was updated on the area's priority needs and project highlights. Ms. Eng started off by giving our members and guests an overview of the infrastructure in the Northwest Region.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome Guests
It was fun to see a number of visitors to our club. The Honorable Mayor, Vern Little; Dennis Kaiser, former Club member and President; Mick Monkin, City of Lake Stevens Director of Public Works, Becky Adleman from the City and of course Linda Saint who provided the bacon for all of us. What a wonderful breakfast. Thanks Linda!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
H2H = Jobs
H2H.jobs is the Pentagon's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program aimed at hiring unemployed veterans upon return to the communities they live in. The program addresses Why hiring a person with military experience is so important. John Patterson wrapped up our series on America's Military at the December 6th meeting. John began his service to our country by earning his Eagle Scout in Michigan where he also did three years as a Counselor at Scout Camp. He earned a BA from the University of Michigan followed by many years as an officer in the United States Navy. He recruited for the U.S. Naval Academy for 15 years, served on the Congressional Service Academy Selection Committee and did tours at the National War College and at the Armed Forces Staff College. He has worked for 36 years in the international telecommunications industry and for the past 10 years has been involved with the Department of Defense through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve programs as an Ombudsman. And, for the past fourteen months, has been an Employment Transition Coordinator in Washington with A-Team Solutions. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family Center
An impromptu guest at the December 6th meeting was Beth Copoun from the Lake Stevens Family Center. She gave us an update on their 2012-2013 Annual Report. We always welcome impromptu guests who help keep our members informed of activities in the community. The goal of the Family Center is to keep families safe, healthy and stable. They are embedded in the community and fill the gaps in services in Lake Stevens and surrounding communities. Did you know that they helped 4,981 individuals, 10,553 duplicated visits with 498 volunteers representing 4,494 volunteer hours with 184 community partners? Beth distributed a list of kids' Christmas wishes to our members. If you have some extra cash around, think about filling one of these children's Christmas wishes by contacting the Lake Stevens Family Center at www.lakestevensfamilycenter.org.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Poinsettias and Wreaths
It's crunch time. We still have over 60 red poinsettias and approximately 30 wreaths that need to find a home this coming week. Although this is a small fundraiser by comparison, it is important to meet our sales goal and budget project of $1,500. In order to accomplish this task, we need everyone selling poinsettias and wreaths. Poinsettias can be picked up at Loren and Lorna's or call me for delivery to your home or office this coming week.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Let's Help Everyone Be Thankful for Fresh Water
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How Do You Answer That Question?
At the Club's regular meeting, November 22nd, President Jim emceed a spirited game of Rotary Jeopardy. The lead off "answer" was Who is Loren Hole? The group had a great time answering the remaining 15 questions followed by the Final Jeopardy question. We learned more about our own Club, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Thanks President Jim for helping us with the "Fifth" point on the Four Way Test.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Daughters of the American Revolution
Continuing our series about America's military continued Nov. 15th with a presentation about the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The organization is 123 years young and is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America's future through better education for children.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Sale is On
At a recent meeting, sales tickets were distributed to the members in attendance for our annual Poinsettias and Wreath sales. Posters are available for offices or retail establishments. Lorna has the tickets and Gary has the posters. If someone needs tickets delivered to them, call Gary. The 20" wreaths sell for $17.50 and the red, white and pink poinsettias sell for $12.00. We have 85 wreaths, 170 red poinsettias and 25 pink and white poinsettias. The wreaths and poinsettias will be delivered to the Community Center on Tuesday, December 3rd. You can pick up your order as soon as delivery is done and our set up is complete. A committee form will be distributed shortly for help on December 3rd setting up and distributing all of the wreaths and poinsettias. And, an email ticket is in the works similar to last year. SELL, Sell, and sell. We are in the FINAL days of the sale. Make sure to get your order forms in. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Veteran's Day/The Need for Defense Spending
A day set aside to honor the men and women who have so faithfully served and protected this country by keeping us Out Of Harms Way. On November 8th, we continued our series about the American military. Our guest speaker was Vice Admiral Staser Holcomb Retired. The Admiral grew up in Seattle graduating from Roosevelt High School. He attended the United States Naval Academy and served in the Navy for 36 years. A carrier pilot flying from 18 different aircraft carriers. He Commanded a carrier squadron, was the Executive Officer of the USS Saratoga and Commanded the Guam, an amphibious assault ship which was part of a Carrier Group One and the US Seventh Fleet. He served at various times in the Pentagon, working with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, staff of the Secretary of the Navy and the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. As a expert in Defense planning, programming and budgeting. He served as Senior Military Assistant to two Secretaries of Defense. After retiring he became the senior executive at USAA in San Antonio, Texas. The Admiral and his wife Joanne moved to Edmonds in 1997 and has been active in Rotary, church and many other volunteer activities.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The USO - Up Close and Personal
Our guest speaker Nov. 1st was the Executive Director of the USO Northwest. Commander Don Leingang gave us a wonderful overview of the USO Northwest. Prior to his current assignment, Col. Leingang had a distinguished 24 year career in the Unites States Navy. He is a native of the northwest and graduated from Oregon State University in 1984 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in 2006 with a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. In the Navy, he was a helicopter pilot, was Commander of the Navy Recruiting Center for Seattle, served a tour at the Naval Academy and was the Operations Officer for the Naval Air Force for the US Pacific Fleet. He retired from the Navy in 2008 and began his duties at the USO Northwest.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
November is Foundation Month
November has been designated as Foundation Month by Rotary International. This is when RI highlights many of the programs and successes provided locally, regionally and internationally by The Rotary Foundation. Our Club's TRF Representative will be giving us an update on this throughout the month. Jim Haugen also encourages members and guests to participate in District 505's Foundation Dinner on November 9th. Click to learn more about the dinner. The Club appreciates everyone's support of TRF throughout the years.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Duck Float
As many of you know, the Club has decided to do away with the Duck Float that has been used for many years as a way to promote the Duck Dash fundraiser. The float, seen here in the Aquafest Parade, was recently dismantled. The golf cart was returned to Larry Jubie who had donated it originally as the base of the float. Thank you Larry for allowing us to use the cart for these many years. However...
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strengthening the Not-For-Profit Community
Our guest speaker last week was Tom Mesaros, CEO of the Alford Group. The Alford Group works with the Not-For-Profit Communities on how to capitalize on fundraising activities. The most effective questions for these groups is "Are we reaching all of the potential people and from there developing new fundraisers?" According to Mesaros fundraising is an interest thing. The state of philanthropy and fundraising principals. The secret to fundraising is to ask people to give away their money. If you can get in front of people and ask for money, you can do well on fundraising events.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Montericco Clinic Report
Hello Rotary Club of Lake Stevens International Service Committee, 2012 and earlier, President and Past Presidents, and Friends, Just two years ago this month, on a very hot Guatemalan Saturday morning, the villagers in a special Pacific coast community were aglow with gratitude and hope as the Monterrico Community Clinic and Education Center was dedicated. The journey to this day was not without its challenges. In true Rotary spirit, and with the leadership and courage of the Little Engine That Could aka Rotary Club of Lake Stevens, dreams became real. What a Rotary collaboration of three countries, four Districts, nine Clubs, and twelve other major supporters from Guatemala, Canada, the USA and Ireland! Many thanks to the Lake Stevens international service committee members who stayed the course through both rough and smooth waters, to the Club Board of Directors and Presidents who steadfastly passed the dream from one term to the next, to the members who so generously supported the commitment and the fund-raising, to Rotary Club of Vista Hermosa and especially Julio Grazioso, to David Alvarez and CCCG, and to Ann Anderst and Healing the Children. David Alvarez has passed this message and updated photos in celebration of the second Anniversary of the Monterrico Community Clinic and Education Center. With appreciation for all you achieved, Barb Knowles |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Skate Park
Over the past few weeks, our Club has made great strides in working towards the planning of a Skateboard Park for the citizens of Lake Stevens. We have had conversations with the City of Lake Stevens and the Snohomish County Parks Department. We are looking towards other organizations in Lake Stevens to help us. If you know someone in the one of the other organizations here in town, let us know who we should talk to. We would like to invite them to participate in the development of this Park. In the meantime, make sure you visit this website frequently for updates and visit our Facebook page. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Candidate Forum
The Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce held a Candidate Forum today to give Chamber members and guests an opportunity to hear from candidates for Lake Stevens Board of Commissioners, Lake Stevens City Council, Lake Stevens School District and Snohomish County Council District 5. Six of the eight candidates for Fire Commissioner were present: Arlene Hulten, Brett Blankenship, Bob McMahan, Paul Gagnon, Steve Dazey and Jim Steinruck. They each had two minutes to present themselves about who they are and why they feel they would best serve the residents of Fire District 8. There wasn't enough time to field questions. Corey Stevens couldn't be there but had a prepared statement read to the group. John Boerger is running for School Board position #5. His opponent was not present. Marcus Tangent and Mike Boe are running for City Council position #7. Tangent is the incumbent. Dave Somers and Chris Vallo are running for County Council position #5. District 5 covers all of southeast Snohomish County. Vallo is the challenger. These five candidates, after opening statements, fielded a number of questions about their views on transportation, education, urban growth, new business opportunities and other issues. Those in attendence were appreciative of the opportunity to hear from these candidates and talk to them afterwards. Thank you to the Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce for hosting this forum. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Initiative 522
Our guest speaker October 4th was Carin Chase, Director of Constituencies for the Yes on I-522. The initiative would require genetically engineered food to be labeled on packages. Last year more than 350,000 signatures were gathered to put the initiative on the November 5, 2013 General Election ballot. When the DNA of a product is altered artificially in the lab with genes from other plants, animals, viruses or bacteria to produce a foreign substances, labeling would be required under I-522.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Visit
Our Club was honored to have District Governor Denis Boyd and his wife Maureen as our guests September 27th. The Boyd's are a remarkable Rotary family. Besides Denis role as the District Governor, Maureen has been the President of their local Club as well. True Rotarians through and through. Denis' interest in Rotary started many, many years ago when he came upon a Rotary Wheel and the insignia with the word International at a local park which struck him and impressed upon him that there was a club was in town with International interest and connections. Following that initial view he discovered a senior center all built by Rotarians in their community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community Service
We had a huge turn out of Rotarians to help with our semi-annual Community Supper service at Ebenezer Lutheran Church last week. Kathy Little and Carie Rott were well organized in the kitchen preparing about 160 meals of ham and scalloped potatoes. Thanks to all that helped. We will be doing this again in March. Stay tuned for the date.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thought of the Week - Who Said It?
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mental Health Overview
As a prelude to Mental Health Awareness week in October, last week's program featured Vicki Hoffman, Director of Employment Services for Bridgeways - a non-profit agency serving Snohomish County residents who have mental health challenges. Vicki is a seasoned professional where she works to help people living with mental illness, find, secure and keep a job. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in nursing and has volunteered with the local Red Cross during both local and national disasters.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
American Red Cross
The last presentation in our series on Disaster Prepardedness (September 6, 2013) was Chuck Morrison, Executive Director of the Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross. How prepared are we in our home or business for a major disaster? Think of the situation where a disaster occurs and three hours later would you know where your family members are and whether they are safe? Chuck distributed EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION CARDS that can be used by every family member. Care and protection of our family members during a disaster is the most important issue for all family members. Calling 911 will likely not work due to the volume of calls because everyone will be trying to use the system.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday Notes
At today's meeting, we had two visiting Rotarians- Chuck Morrison--who was the featured speaker--is a member of the Rotary Club of Everett-Port Gardner and Dave Surface who is a member of the Rotary Club of Everett. It was great to have them visit. Marie Abbott is the Associate Manager of the Lake Stevens Senior Center. She was the guest of Loren Hole. Marie briefly talked about her plan to get more seniors involved in the community. Gary O'Reilly asked for prayers for his grandson's pending heart surgery. Alexander will undergo the procedure in eleven day. Jim Steinruck announced that he and Dawn are grandparents once again. Their grandson Beau Russell Nygard was born August 4th, 9#1oz and 21 inches tall. Parents and son are all doing well. Congratulations to the Steinrucks. Loren and Lorna Hole presented the Club with their annual endowment contribution. They have been doing this around their wedding anniversary as a way to thank Rotary. This year the Hole's celebrate 64 years of marriage. Thank you to Loren and Lorna for your generous contributions. James Monroe announced that our Cub Scout Pack is ramping up for the fall. They will have their first Pack Meeting on September 23rd. He asked that Rotarians attend as we will be recognizing the volunteers who have been serving the Pack. That meeting starts at 5:45 pm at the South Lake Stevens Grange. On behalf of Tracy and Kathy, Jim Kelley reminded folks to register to help at the Community Supper on September 19th. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Visits Department of Emergency Management - Disaster Preparedness Series
On Tuesday, August 27th, the Club visited the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management facility located in Everett east of the Boeing plant. They moved from an old World War II era building of roughly 8,000 sf to this new building of over 15,000 sf a year ago February. Our host, Mark Murphy (see related article about DEM program), was the agency's lead on this project. The building was retrofitted to withstand "The Big One" and be self-contained for a couple of hundred staff and volunteers.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Second in a Series-Disaster Preparedness
Are you prepared for a disaster? What would you do? Do you have a plan? What are the essentials? Mark Murphy and Scott Honaker from the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management talked to the Club on August 23rd. Basic preparedness was the start of the program followed by a detail view of Basic Preparedness for you and your family and workplace preparedness. An essential ingredient is Communications Preparedness starting with a Contact list for the wallet, backpack for you, your spouse and kids. Develop a communications plan for "when all else fails". Included in the Communications Plan is your emergency contact list, a meeting place, who picks up whom and call procedures.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Road Construction
State Route 92 is closed around the clock from 99th Avenue NE through 113th Av NE through 8 am Saturday, August 24th. This is so that Roundabouts can be installed at 99th Av and 113th Av. This is a full time closure. Detour routes will be on 84th St NE (Getchell Rd) and State Route 9. Click here for more information about this project.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday Evening Meeting
The Club held it's monthly Thursday evening Meeting this past week at Papa's Mexican Grill at Lake Stevens Center. President Jim led a small group including two spouses and two children of a Rotarian in a discussion on the direction the Club should be going with fundraisers, projects and activities. He had those in attendance complete a short survey. If you missed the meeting and want a survey contact Jim for a copy. Many had dinner and all enjoyed the fellowship. Make sure you come to the next Thursday evening meeting September 19th. The location will be announced soon.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Your Calendars!
Board Meeting
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First in a Series-Disaster Preparedness
Our guest last week was Bill Steele from the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network and the FIRST IN A SERIES ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. Are we prepared for a disaster? Steele is part of a network working on an Earthquake Early Warning System- an early ground motion warning system which will allow people to get ready for an earthquake minutes before it hits and not just seconds.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School Liaison Naval Station Everett
Our guest speaker August 2nd was Jason Gooding, the Liaison Officer for Naval Station Everett. In the local area there are 1,500 military-connected students attending schools in the area. In Lake Stevens, there are 390 alone. Since military families move roughly every three years and their children attend up to nine schools over their Kindergarten through Senior year of school it is imperative that there is coordination between the Navy, local School Districts and the communities. As a School Liaison for Naval Station Everett, Jason assists military families transition into the local area schools, provide Special Education Systems navigation, facilitate Deployment Support and connect schools, military and community organizations to leverage resources.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 Duck Dash Grand Prize Presentation
At our regular meeting, August 2nd, we presented the 2013 Duck Dash Grand Prize to the Piggott Family. They are shown here with Club President Jim Kelley receiving $2,000. This family also won the Grand Prize twelve years ago and were present at the Dash this year as their duck floated Catherine Creek from Lake Stevens to the finish line at 20th St NE and Main Street. Thank you to all of our sponsors of this year's Duck Dash: Roy Robinson Chevrolet, Rainey Day Café, Demeroutis Allstate Insurance Agency, DeLorm |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 Duck Dash Final Results
After a brief delay, the Ducks were released into Catherine Creek this afternoon near the outflow of Lake Stevens for their annual float towards the finish line in this year's Duck Dash. Each Duck represents a raffle ticket purchased by a supporter of the Club's projects locally, regionally and internationally. Thank you to everyone who purchased a duck this year. Also, a BIG thank you to our sponsors: Roy Robinson Chevrolet, Rainey Day Café, Demeroutis Allstate Insurance Agency, DeLorm Family Dentistry, Granite Construction, Penway Media, Lake Stevens Implants & Periodontics, Ixtapa Restaurant and Tom Thumb Grocery. The top finishing ducks this year are 1486, 1093, 855 and 1697. Congratulations! The Grand Prize winner was present at the finish line to see his duck arrive first. The other winners are being contacted and all are invited to an upcoming Rotary Club meeting to receive their prizes. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AQUAFEST
This is THE weekend when we all need to pitch in to help out with our biggest fundraiser of the year. All hands are needed on deck to support our corn-on-the-cob sales at our Food Booth AND by selling tickets for the Duck Dash. Please get back to Tracy with the number of tickets you have left as we may be able to place another order for additional tickets. Also, see the recent messages from David Johnson and Gary O'Reilly about reaching out to your spheres of influence for getting the word out about the great things the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens does with the proceeds generated from these fundraisers. We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend at Aquafest! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fresh Food in Schools Program
There has been a number of pages in the newspaper and over the television networks about the importance of food in schools. Most of the articles and news reports have concentrated on obesity in young school age children. Washington State has been an active participant of the Fresh Foods in Schools program and the Lake Stevens School District is a major player in the national and statewide effort. Our most recent program, July 12th, featured Mollie Langum, Food & Nutrition Services Supervisor at the Lake Stevens School District and Acacia Larson, currently the coordinator for the Fresh Foods in Schools program in Western Washington. Acacia helps school districts find ways to buy and serve foods from Washington farms.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bring a Guest and sell, sell and sell Duck Dash ticketsIt is important to bring a guest to the Thursday evening social. So, find a friend you have been thinking of bringing into the club....invite them to be your guest. Let's keep the membership rolls going up, up and away. DUCK DASH - tickets are here. Time to sell, sell sell. Use the David Johnson email idea that we sent you within the past couple of days. It works. I sold $100. within an hour of sending out the emails. Great tool. Make sure you are signed up for the booth during AquaFest. We need all members on hand to help at the booth, with ticket sales during AquaFest and to sing the praises of our club to prospective members. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nutrition & Education
At our regular meeting Friday July 12th, we had Mollie Langum and Acacia Larson give us a presentation on bringing fresh food from local farms directly to our schools to help students meet their nutritional needs. When students are healthy this leads to a better educational experience for them. We will provide more details about the presentation. If you are reading this in your weekly eBulletin, please return to our website in a day or so to read more.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Memorial Service
The Lake Stevens Assembly of God Church hosted a beautiful memorial service on Saturday, July 13 2013 for our dear friend, Vern Foster. As Pastor Russ Larson said, it is a Celebration of Life! Over 500 people attended the memorial service representing all of the areas of Lake Stevens that Vern touched in his short time with us. There were parents of children he mentored as a Youth Pastor, customers, Lake Stevens Police Department members, Lake Stevens Fire Department members, Getchell Fire Department members, additional Fire Departments far and wide, Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce, Lake Stevens Lions Club members and of course several of our Rotarians. Several former members of our Club were there as well. He had over the last few years developed a friendship with a Bryon Duncan, a Christian musician. Unfortunately, Bryon couldn't be at the celebration, but he had recorded a song and a separate message. Many attending spoke about Vern during a time of Open Sharing. Loren talked about going into do some business with Vern and ended up sponsoring him for membership in our club. Very inspiring to hear about the many facets of Vern Foster's life, deeds and accomplishments. During a slide show we got to see numerous photographs of Vern over his life. In each one of them he had a huge smile on his face. Especially so when he was in a photo with his wife Donna and/or their children. We will miss him. Don't forget to stop by Foster Press and talk to the family. As the enormity of this loss starts to sink in, they will need our support more than ever. Also, if you can help in any way financially don't hesitate to make an offering. Donations to cover the medical expenses are being collected at any branch of Opus Bank under the Foster Family name or at the Foster Strong website. Vern touched so many of us while in his presence that he will be sorely missed and he already is being missed by many of us. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vern Foster
Vern Foster was a stalwart in the Lake Stevens Community. His passing is leaving a huge void for the many that know him. His parents, Jim and Betty, started Foster Press in 1977. Vern and Donna took over after a few years. The business will be passed on to their oldest daughter, Maria, when the time comes. Vern and Donna's other three children, Brianne, BJ and Dani help out as well. Many know Jim Foster as the Director of the Lake Stevens Food Bank. Vern was a Lake Stevens Rotarian for many years including a year as President (2005-2006). He helped on many service projects locally, regionally and internationally. And while a Rotarian he organized cruises as a way to build fellowship amongst members and their families. Vern also served the Community as a Commissioner for Lake Stevens Fire (aka Snohomish County Fire Protection District #8) from January 1, 2008 through his passing last Friday. He was the current Chair of the Commission. He saw this role as the eyes, ears and voice overseeing the services provided to the residents, guests and visitors to the Fire District by the dedicated personnel and staff of Lake Stevens Fire. Services for Vern will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013, 1:00 pm at the Lake Stevens Assembly of God Church, 9805 31st Pl NE in Lake Stevens. That evening at the Evergreen Speedway following the opening ceremonies at 6 pm, there will be a memorial lap with his ashes. As his close friend and former Lake Stevens Rotarian, Don Spiers, said, "Vern loved the races." Foster Press has been a sponsor at the Speedway for years. Click here to read more about Vern. We will miss you Vern. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories. Donna, Jim, Betty, Maria, Brianne, BJ and Dani: know that the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens extends our collective condolences, thoughts and prayers to all of you and the extended Foster Family. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you at any time. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sad Announcement
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Rotarian and Rotary Club of Lake Stevens President (2005-2006) Vern Foster. Vern was also a very active member of the Lake Stevens Community for many, many years. He was a current member of the Snohomish County Fire Protection District #8 (known as Lake Stevens Fire) Board of Commissioners. He and his wife Donna own and operate Foster Press located in town. The Members, Friends and Supporters of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Foster Family during this time. We want you to know Donna that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aviation-Private License
Last week's program was the conclusion of our series on aviation. And, it was the last meeting of the Scott Smith era. A new administration starts on July 1st. Our featured speaker was Lance Ryner, a Certified Professional Pilot instructor. His topic was the Business of Flight Training and Small Planes. The Aviation Series included presentations on the Future of Flight Foundations and the Boeing Tour Center, the Flying Heritage Collection, updates on the Boeing KC-46 air-to-air refueling tanker program and a very spirited debate on the pros and cons of commercial air service at Paine Field.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quote for the Week - Who Said It?
"The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives."
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member
On Friday, June 21st, the Board approved the application of our newest member. Please welcome Reshal Ploeger to our Cub. Reshal was sponsored by Joyce Bell although James Monroe was working with her as well. Reshal works at Bell Properties and is married to Ken Ploeger. Reshal welcome to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. We look forward to working with you. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coming Together
Once again, our Thursday evening social was full of conversation, relaxation and just a fun-filled evening. Several spouses joined their mates at the social. Other guests included my sister-in-law and her husband who just moved into The Pointe at Crosswater after 35+ years in Anchorage, Alaska. This is a reminder to bring a guest who maybe a potential member. Our work is never done and we are enjoying the benefits of five new members the last half of the 2012-2013 year. Let's start of the new year in style by bringing potential members to either the regular Friday morning meetings or the third Thursday evening social.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Meeting Awards
Two Rotarians who have served with distinction were awarded the top awards at the Club's annual meeting on Wednesday, June 12th. ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR: In 2011, Jim Haugen (pictured) transferred his membership from the Rotary Club of Everett to our Club. Jim has been a sparkplug ever since raising the Club's Foundation activities the past two years and was actively involved in the Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser. Jim was awarded the Rotarian of the Year by outgoing President Scott Smith. Scott mentioned Jim's dedicatation and hard working efforts on behalf of our Club. We have been blessed with his leadership, loyalty, dedication and distinguished service with the Everett Club and now with our Club. PRESIDENTIAL CITATION DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD: The Club honored Loren Hole for his long-time dedication to our Club. Loren has served in many different capacities from opening each meeting with a prayer to organizing the Ducks for the annual Duck Dash to opting in as Co-TREASURER this past year. Plus, his Perfect Attendance record is unmatched in our Club's brief 22 plus years. A friendly smile, a warm greeting and mostly accompanied by Lorna, he embodies the ideals of a Rotarian and out-going President Scott Smith awarded Loren with a Presidential Citation Distinguished Service Award to a distinguished gentleman. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passing the Gavel
This year's annual meeting was full of fellowship, warmth and above all fun. David Johnson, Sergeant of Arms extraordinaire highlighted the fun portion of the meeting and had everyone in stitches as he doled out funny awards after funning awards. Many attempts were made to disrobe him of his position but to no avail. Very few members were left out of the fray. The annual meeting was President Scott Smith's ceremony to honor the members who served on his Board as officers and directors, present the Rotarian of the Year and Presidential Citation Distinguished Awards and recap an awesome year for the Club. In the end it was time to pass the gavel to Jim Kelley (pictured), the incoming President for 2013-2014. Kelley's board will include the following Officers beginning July 1st: Gary O'Rielly, President-Elect; Bill Demeroutis, President-Nominee; Jim Haugen, Secretary; Loren Hole, Treasurer and Past President Scott Smith. Directors will be Tracy DeLorm and Kathy Little for Community Services; Bill Demeroutis, Club Service; John Huber, Membership; Scott Smith, International Service, David Johnson, Sergeant of Arms; James Monroe, Website Administrator and Programs and Gary O'Rielly, Public Relations. Congratulations to Scott for leading our Club this past year. In the end, we will have four new members and an application to approve at its Board meeting on Friday, June 21st. A good start at rebuilding our membership, the Club's two year budget, a successful Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser, AquaFest, poinsettia and wreath sales all wrapped into another successful year for our small Club to grow on in the future. Plus, 13 members were honored for Perfect Attendance this past year. Welcome Jim Kelley as our new leader and the new Board. We look forward to building on one successful year after another. The possibilities are endless and the goals are in sight. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the City - Honorable Vern Little
Mayor Vern Little was our guest presenter this past week. He gave a overview of the State of the City focusing on Financial Sustainability; Economic Development, Transportation and Lake quality. The City started a five year budget process when he became Mayor which has allowed the city to maintain and improve its financial objectives without going into debt.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Air Service-Paine Field
This was an extraordinary topic for our meeting again this past week. Our members listened to the pros and cons of COMMERICIAL AIR TRAFFICE SERVICE AT PAINE FIELD from a proponent and an opponent. The proponent was Paul Roberts, a land use specialist and aviation expert and the opponent was Joe Marine, Mayor of Mukilteo and a member of the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
R E S P E C T - WeAreThisCloseThe highlight of this year's District 5050 Conference was the Flash Mob that occurred in downtown Vancouver, BC on Saturday, June 1st! Everyone had a great time and congratulations to the creative team behind this. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 Scholarships Awarded
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens gave $5,000 in scholarships to six seniors from Lake Stevens High School and Granite Falls High School at a ceremony during the Club's weekly meeting May 24th. Each of the recipients were interviewed by the Club's Vocational Committee prior to their selection.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Social and Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser
The Club Social last Thursday evening was abuzz with conversation, humor, visiting and talking about Friday evening's Wine & Beer Tasting fundraiser. Several spouses (Little, Diane Demeroutis, Kathy Huber (Founding Club Member), Kirstie Kelley and Mariah Low) were in attendance as well as our newest member Stasha Howarth and her husband Dr. Jeff Clark. Stasha was voted in at last week's Board Meeting. Sandy Stering from the South Everett-Mukilteo Club also stopped by for much of the meeting. Funds are down due to the lack of a Sergeant of Arms at these socials so watch out a the sheriff is coming and he will be dealing heavy fines.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Orientation at Club Assembly
This month's Club assembly held Friday, May 10th was a Rotary Orientation Session presented by Jim Steinruck and Gary O'Rielly. Using the ABC's of Rotary, members both new and old listened to an overview of the such key topics as the Definition of Rotary; the Object of Rotary; emphasis and importance of the Four Way Test from its beginning and it continues to be a hallmark of Rotary; to the Avenue of Services. All areas of Rotary life were explained, including the inclusion of women in 1989. The Classification Principle was another key element of the discussion as was Unusual Make-Up Meetings. No area was left out of the discussion. The Rotary Foundation and how each member can assist through our Club Foundation was outlined. The session concluded with an overview of the history, accomplishments and on-going projects, fundraisers and membership that have made this such a strong club coupled with some of the finest programs presented by any Rotary Club in District 5050 or in the State of Washington. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitor
Our lone visitor again this past week was Stasha Howarth of the Market Place Chiropractic Wellness Center. We have her application for membership which is on the agenda for this Friday's Board meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Concussions Article - It Is About Crackin' Your Noggin
Click here to read a very informative article about concussions in the current issue of The Rotarian. Sponsors of sports teams take note!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aviation Series: KC-46 Boeing Built Air Refueling Tanker
We continued the series on Aviation this past week with a presentation about the Boeing built KC-46 US Air Force air refueling tanker. Glenn Hanbey who is overseeing the project for Boeing gave us quite a bit of information about the project. Mr. Hanbey has over 3,000 hours as a pilot of the ageing KC-135 tanker that is currently in service. He retired as a Colonel after a 27 year career with the USAF. He has masters degrees in International Relations and Strategic & Military Studies.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aviation Series-The Flying Heritage Collection
In 1998, Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, began acquiring and preserving some of the most famous iconic warrior planes from WWII. Allen's passion for aviation and history, and his awareness of the increasing rarity of original WWII aircraft, motivated him to find and restore these artifacts to the highest standard of authenticity and share them with the public.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitor
Our visitors to our club again this week was Stasha Howarth from the Market Place Chiropractic Wellness Center. Stasha turned in her application for membership just prior to the start of the meeting. Her application will be decided at the May 17th Board meeting. Welcome Stasha. The other guest was our speaker Cory Graff who gave us a unique look at vintage WWII planes and artifacts.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitors
Visitors to our first official CLUB SOCIAL under our new meeting format were Josh Woods guest of Tamara Kelley; Joycee Bechtel guest of Kathy Little, Theaa Goodwin guest of Carie Rott and Missie Hess-Allstate and Cheri Dunn-Excel Escrow, Diane Demeroutis-Allstate all guest of Bill Demeroutis. Hilary Black, guest of James Monroe, attended and her application for membership was approved at the Board meeting on Friday, April 19th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Member Social
Under our new format, the third Thursday of each month will be devoted to a Club Member-guest Social. The inaugural social was held on Thursday, April 18th at Papa's Mexican Grill. Everyone was having so much fun visiting with members and our six guests that the 6-7 pm social did not end until after 8 pm. The move to the new meeting format is our Club's effort to attract new members and share the Rotary story with one another. Good food, fun drinks, a fantastic social and fellowship was the balance throughout the evening. The format for the social will vary but its intent to find new members, embrace one another in a social setting, sharing Rotary information on current activities like the Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser and the upcoming AquaFest-Duck Dash ticket sales. Sponsors are needed for these events and the social provides an outlet for talking about our Club's various community and international activities. The next meeting will be at Papa's Mexican Grill on Thursday, May 16th. Come join us.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Future of Flight Foundation
This past week's program begins our series on aviation in the Pacific Northwest, Everett and the surrounding area. The Future of Flight Museum opened in 2005 and is located near the Boeing Assembly Plant and Paine Field Airport. It is close to Puget Sound and across from the Hilton Garden Hotel. Ironically, Barry Smith, Executive Director of the Future of Flight Foundation/Museum grew up in Mukilteo just down the street from where the Museum is located at 84th St SW and Paine Field Blvd. During a visit to Munich, Germany he was at their museum of flight and three of the museum's mechanics were very familiar about Everett and the Boeing Company.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification Talk & Visitors
Charter Club Member Joyce Bell gave her Classification Talk at last week's meeting. Usually, members give their Talk soon after joining. In Joyce's case she's been really busy since helping start the Club in 1991. She shared some of her experiences growing up during the depression in Texas attending a one room school house and living on 600 acres. At the age of 16 she had moved to Houston and worked at a grocery store. Within four years she was the manager of the produce section. A few years after that she met a cadet, married, had a daughter, spent time in Europe and returned to the States. The marriage lasted a dozen or so years but it brought her briefly to the Pacific Northwest and specifically the Lake Stevens area. She was married a second time for a while. It was her drive and determination to take care of herself and her daughter that led to her career as a real estate agent and broker. Joyce returned to Lake Steven about 40 years ago, bought a "cabin" on the Lake and has been here ever since. That "cabin" was upgraded to a home. After a short time owning a business jointly with a friend, Joyce bought the friend out and has operated Bell Properties--a property management, homeowners association management and real estate company. Joyce was instrumental in the founding of the Lake Stevens Senior Center and the Lake Stevens Education Foundation. She was Grand Marshall of the Aquafest Grand Parade in 2010. She has been an active Rotarian since the Club's founding including a year as President 2002-2003. Earlier this year she was given a surprise birthday party by her staff and grandson. Thank you Joyce for making our Club a better place. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday Evening Social
This Thursday, April 18th begins a new chapter with our Club. From now on, the 3rd Thursday will be a social member-guest meeting. The 3rd Friday will be devoted to a morning Board meeting at 7:30 am at the Lake Stevens School District office. The first social will be at Papa's Mexican Grill from 6:00-7:00pm in the back area of the restaurant. Bring a friend, enjoy a social evening with your fellow members and their guest. At the District Assembly this week-end many of the President-Nominees talked about alternatives to membership growth and retention including changing the meeting formats. Sean Hogan, District Governor told the Assembly that we have to think outside the box including changing the way we do our weekly meetings. See you Thursday evening. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of Snohomish County Government by County Councilman Dave Somers
Dave Somers, County Councilman for District 5 which includes Lake Stevens was our guest speaker this past week and updated our members on the State of the County. After the meeting, Somers headed to Olympia with other elected officials and the Alliance for Economic Development members to discuss transportation projects for Snohomish County. Somers admitted that there was a great deal of competition for jobs within Washington as well as other states who have transportation infrastructures in place.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitors
This past weeks visitors included the Honorable Dave Somers, our speaker, the Honorable Vern Little, Mayor of Lake Stevens for a second week, Becky Ableman, a planner with the City of Lake Stevens, Dan Roupe and Hilary Black who were guests of James Monroe. Hilary Black submitted who application for membership which will be considered at the April 19th meeting. Hilary has been a long time member of the Marysville noon Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Services of Snohomish County
Last weeks program was another in a series of focusing on our Community with Jim Steinruck, Club Member and CEO of Senior Services of Snohomish County (SSSC) and Janet Duncan, SSSC Development Director. Jim joined SSSC in January 2012 after 37 years in the health care industry with leadership positions as Assistant Hospital Administrator, Administrator, COO and CEO. Before joining SSSC, Jim was the COO for the Western Washington Medical Group in Everett Washington. Janet Duncan has more that 30 years of administrative experience in the non-profit sector. She has a master's degree in Public Administration from Seattle University and has worked for SSSC for the past 20 years in housing development and fundraising. Welcome Jim and Janet.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitors
Last weeks visitors to our Club included the Honorable Vern Little, Mayor of Lake Stevens (pictured), Donna Foster, Executive Director of the Lake Stevens Senior Center, and Bill Walles, Pastor of Hope Convent Church. We look forward to seeing you again and sharing the Rotary story with you.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"Is Lake Stevens Part of Puget Sound?" Series - Sound Salmon Solutions
Rounding out our wonderful series, "IS LAKE STEVENS PART OF PUGET SOUND?" was Robert Sendrey and Mark Indrebo of Sound Salmon Solutions headquartered Lake Stevens. Sound Salmon Solutions is tasked with ensuring the future of salmon in the Stillaguamish, Snohomish and Island County watersheds. The program is under the administration of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are 14 independent 501 (c)(3) organizations involved in the future of salmon in Washington state.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitors
Visiting our Club March 22nd as guest of Tracy DeLorm for a second week was Stasha Howarth-Clark of the Marketplace Chiropractic and Wellness Center who helped us at the Community Supper serving the guest attending the dinner. And, our old friend from the Rotary Club of Marysville, Harv Jubie, past District 5050 District Governor from 2005-2006.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Meeting Format
At the Club Assembly March 15th, President-Elect Jim Kelley presented the membership with a new meeting schedule that the BOARD discussed and agreed to move ahead with at last Wednesday's Board meeting. The Club will begin meeting on the 3rd Thursday instead of the 3rd Friday. The 3rd Friday meeting will be used by the Board for its monthly meeting. Everyone is welcomed to attend the Board meeting which can be used as a make up as well but is not mandatory. Finally, in months where there are five Fridays (4 times per year and starting in August), the Club will forego meeting on the 5th Friday in lieu of an organized fellowship activity hopefully within the two weeks surrounding that 5th Friday. This could be a Fireside, a picnic in the park, a sporting event or anything elese the club decides. The intent is for the activity is to be family-friendly event.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member
The Board approved Sam Low's application for membership this past week and our distinguished President Scott welcomed him as our newest member at our meeting this last week. Sam is the owner of Already Painting and an active member in the community as well as sponsoring several youth sports teams. Welcome, SAM. Unfortunately, the Board also accepted Randy Celori's resignation from the Club. Thank you Randy, for all that you have for our Club and the Community of Lake Stevens. You will be missed.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cav Mid-High Robotics Team
Ron Moag, Associate Principal, Lake Stevens High School and Lake Stevens School District CTE Director, talked to our club about the Cavelero Mid High School Ropbotics Team followed by a request for a contribution to help off-set the team's cost which are not covered by the School District. The Cavelero Robotics Team this year has had quite a successful season to date. One of the teams, "Wookies" (pictured) has competed in three different competitions since late November. The first competition they made it all the way to the quarter-finals, then in February they competed in another competition and came away winning. The most recent competition was at the Western Washington State Competition down in Bellevue--where they placed 2nd overall out of 60 teams.This qualified them for the World's VEX Robotics Competition in Anaheim California the last week in April. This will be against over 400 teams throughout the world. They are amazing in what they have accomplished in such a short time frame.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitors
Our visitors on March 15th were Lorraine McDuff, owner of Rainey Day Cafe who was at the meeting promoting Relay for Life. Also attending were Hillary Black and her daughter Kim Black-Ward, our RYLA candidate. And, Ron Moag (pictured), Associate Principal, Lake Stevens High School and Lake Stevens School District CTE Director who spoke to the Club about the Cavelero Mid High Robotics team competition.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RYLA Candidate
The Vocational Committee recommended sponsoring Kim Black-Ward recommended by James Monroe as our Club's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) training program participant this coming May. Kim spoke to the Club and provided background on herself and her interests. Kim is a Senior at Lake Stevens High School and has been involved in drama club, the literary club, plays the saxophone in the concert and pep band and wind ensemble. Kim is in the Running Start program at Everett Community College. Though her studies and nusic consume much of her life, she is very passionate about the Venturing program of the Boy Scouts of America and was a recipient of the BSA Venturing Leadership Award and a Council Award of Merit. RYLA allows Kim to challenge and strengthen her communications, leadership and inter-personal skills while focused on accomplishing her future goals. Kim is the daughter of a Rotarian and recently helped the Marysville Rotary Club with a Community Service Day in painting the I-5 overpass to remove graffiti. Congratulations Kim and we look forward to hearing from you after the RYLA Conference in May. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Is Lake Stevens Part of Puget Sound with John Mohr, Executive Director of the Port of Everett
Another fine speaker March 8th continuing the series "Is Lake Stevens Part of Puget Sound?" This past week's guest speaker was John Mohr, Executive Director, Port of Everett. Ports are a critical national assets and in Washington state, 40% of the jobs are tied to trade. The Port District and its boundries were formed in 1918 and is governed by a three member commission. The Port of Everett is the state's second largest port by economic output and third largest container port in the state. The Port has a $56 million operating and capital budget.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visitors
The following visited our Club meeting March 8th. They were Doug Newman, Assistant Governor; Linda Byrnes, President of the Arlington Club; Nancy Voelckers, Stanwood/Camano Island Club, Robert Sendry, Executive Director, Sound Salmon Solutions, and Sam Low, prospective member for the fourth time who turned in his applicaiton for membership. And Tracy's guest this week was Stacia Howarth-Clark of Marketplace Chiropratic and Wellness Center. So great to see so many visitors.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary and Foundation Boards Elected
The following members were elected to the Rotary and Foundation Boards for the 2013-2014 Rotary Year at our regular meeting on March 1, 2013 Rotary Board Foundation Board President Jim Kelley President Jim Kelley President-Elect Gary O'Rielly Vice President Gary O'Rielly Treasurer Loren Hole Treasurer Loren Hole Secretary Jim Haugen Secretary Jim Haugen President Nominee Bill Demeroutis Past President Scott Smith All of the committee chairs have been announced with the exception of Vocational Committee. More on the committee chairs later. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Are We Part of Puget Sound Series - Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
The vast and expansive maritime presence has been one of the major focal points of the "Are We Part of Puget Sound" series again this week with Captain Mike Moore, Vice President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association--an independent, not-for-profit association focused on global trade. The speakers over the past few weeks including Captain Moore outlined impressive details of the importance of the Washington State maritime Shipping Industry to Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Washington State Ferries
This past week's guest speaker was Captain George Capacci, Deputy Chief Operations and Construction of the Washington State Ferries system. Capacci graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with a BS in Engineering and a Masters in Public Administration from the George Washington University. Before joining the Washington State Ferries system in 2010, he was the Vice President, Fleet Operaitons of the BC Ferries in Victoria, BC for five years and prior to that was Port Captain and then General Manager of the Alaska Marine Highway System in Juneau, Alaska.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aquafest Planning Committee
Planning for this year's Aquafest is beginning. The next meeting is on Tuesday, February 26th, 6:30 pm at the Haggen Food Court. Come One, Come All as we need to put together all aspects for a successful event. This is, by far, the biggest fundraiser we do and ALL HANDS must be on deck for this. There are several important aspects to this: Duck Dash ticket sales and Race, Food Booth planning, Parade(s), etc.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly - Feb 2013
The Club Meeting February 15th had to move to The Buzz Inn due to the lack of food at the LSSD Administration Building. The Food Service Division of the school district doesn't prepare food on non-student days. Everyone was flexible and the meeting started on time.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
The past three weeks have been about the military presence in King and Snohomish County. We have a large contigent of men and women serving in the Navy and Coast Guard whose daily duties are protecting the United States and its citizens. First, we heard from Base Commander Captain Mike Coury, Naval Station Everett, then John Dwyer, Chief of the Inspection Divsion, United States Coast Guard Sector Seattle and this past week (Feb 8), Dave Safford, Vice Flotilla Commander for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 18 which serves Everett and South Whidbey Island. Stafford has been with the Auxiliary for the past four years. He has been actively involved in Fire and Emergency Medical Services in Snohomish County for thirty-six years. In 2011, he retired from his career as a Paramedic Fightfighter with the Lake Stevens Fire Department. During his career with the Lake Stevens Fire Department, he was a field trainer for the Marine Fire/Rescue Program on Lake Stevens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United States Coast Guard
Our February 1st program was John Dwyer, Chief of the Inspection Division, Sector Seattle, United States Coast Guard. The geographical area of responsibility for the Coast Guard in this area is Washington, northern Idaho and Montana. The United States Coast Guard Puget Sound Sector was created in 2005. They moved into their new offices in August 2006 (Pier 36) with further consolidation coming in 2010. Ice breaking isn't part of their responsibility but there is an icebreaker cutter located here.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Naval Station Everett
If you ever wanted to know the impact of Naval Station Everett and their presence in Snohomish County, you missed a real opportunity February 1st. Our guest speaker was Base Commander Captain Mike Coury who assumed command in June 2010. Captain Coury is a native of Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Coury graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in May 1985 and received his naval flight officer wings in 1986, reporting to the Tactical Electronic Attack Squadron 129 for training on the EA-6B Prowler.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Surprise Birthday Celebration
Joyce Bell was given a surprise party Jan 25th in recognition of her birthday. At the end of the weekly Friday luncheon at the Lake Stevens Senior Center, family members, members of her staff, a few Rotarians and those seniors who stayed after lunch sang Happy Birthday, presented cards and flowers and enjoyed cake. A good time was had by all. Congratulations Joyce!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member, Club Assembly & Friendly Visitor
New Member A Friendly Visitor Robert Morgan a visiting Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Goulburn Mulwaree Australia near Melbourne talked about his club. Robert was in town with a group of high school band students. His Club has 33-35 members. There was a long time before they admitted women and now have two. Their club was formed in 1976. Their main source of revenue outside of membership is a huge Swap Meet. Their Swap Meet is the BEST Swap Meet in New South Wales and the #3 Swap Meet in Australia. Another fundraiser is their annual book fair. They raise over $10,000-12,000. They have been doing it for nearly 12 years. They have distributed over $45,000 in club funds to local charities. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The American Waterways Operators
The guest speaker on January 11th was Charlie Constanzo, Vice President-Pacific Region of American Waterways Operators--the national trade association for the tugboat and barge industry. Constanzo's work consist of advocacy on behalf of the 350 AWO member companies throughout the country. He works to promote his members in their local communities and co-chairs the AWO/Coast Guard Regional Safety Partnership. He frequently advises the Governor on matters of coastal issues and marine spatial planning.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Benefits for Local Businesses
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is pleased to offer advertising space to businesses. For a small fee your business can have an ad on the Club's website. We also have a mobile device presence so your ad can reach many more customers. The ad can include a link directly to your website. The Rotary Club will also keep track of the number of visits to your site via our site. For more information please contact James Monroe, Website Administrator. Contact him via the Club website--bottom of the list of Club Directors.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RI President-Elect Announces 2013-2014 Theme
Ron Burton, RI President-Elect announced today the theme for the next Rotary year at a regional conference in San Diego, CA. Click this link for the complete report and a short video of the announcement- http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/130114_IA13_theme.aspx |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quigley Named to Head DSHS
Former Rotary Club of Lake Stevens Member Kevin Quigley has been named by Governor-Elect Jay Inslee to head the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services as reported in today's issue of The Everett Herald. Quigley served as Senator in the State Legislature from 1992 to 1996. He also ran for Congress in the 1990's. Up until last April he was President of Everett Shipyard. Click here to read the full article- http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20130110/BLOG13/130119990/0/SEARCH Congratulations to Kevin! Do us proud. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Apparel
Recently, order forms for grey or blue sweatshirts or blue vest with the Lake Stevens Rotary Club logo were distributed at the last couple of meetings. All orders should be in by January 18, 2013. Jim Haugen will order the new apparel immediately following the meeting on January 18th. If you have any questions, please contact Jim prior to the deadline.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bikes for Tykes
The joy of receiving was evidence on the faces of the children coming with their parents to pick up a new bike and a helmet on Saturday at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Fifty-eight plus boys and girls left the Church with a new bike and helmet fitting. Another very successful Bikes for Tykes giveaway. This was a partnership between the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens and the Family Center, the Lake Stevens Fire Department and Ebenezer. Fightfighters were on hand to provide the helmet fitting and to talk to the families and children. The Family Center was there with two volunteers to assist with the spanish speaking families and Ebenezer provided the distribution point for these families to pick up the bikes and helmets.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly - December 2012
At the Club Assembly this month, officers and directors updated members on the various events and activities that the Club is doing. Tomorrow is distribution day for Bikes for Tykes. Over 50 bicycles are ready for kids in families who might not otherwise receive a gift of this magnitude. Jim Kelley announced that the committee for planning the winetasting fundraiser will be meeting soon. They are looking a couple of different venues--a new banquet-type place in Snohomish and Jackson Hall at the Everett Community College. Doug Newman, Assistant District Governor, gave a presentation about Rotary. This month's Rotary theme is Family. A video was shown about a mobile food bank project in southeastern Missouri. Several Clubs in that area had combined to make this project happen. With the truck now many more families in the 29 county area are able to provide meals for the children. They are planning a second truck within a year. He shared a second video about families in need after a devestating wildfire in the San Diego area. The Rotary Club of Poway gave out several hundred dollars each to many of the families that lost everything. Powerful videos. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everett Philharmonic Orchestra-Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs
The meeting on Dec 14th with the Music Director and Conductor Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs was about class, quality and the reputation of the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra. The Orchestra is filled with decades of experienced musicians and a Music Director with vision, experience and enthusiam about the future direction of the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra. You don't have to venture to far or go to Seattle for the quality of music, when it is right here in Snohomish County and the City of Everett.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Generous Donation
Longtime member, Loren Hole, donated several hundred dollars to the Lake Stevens Rotary today. He particiapted in a raffle of the Rotary Club of Aberdeen and was this year's winner. Thank you Loren for your decades of Rotary dedication!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The American Legion
Our guest speaker December 7th was Loren (Bud) Sperry who is the Washington State Commander of the American Legion. Bud was born in Bellingham, graduated from Bellingham High School and attended Everett Community College. In 1969, Bud was drafted into the U.S. Army and later joined the U.S. Army and completing his basic training at Fort Lewis, AIT in Fort Belvoir in Virginia with training in Heavy Equipment Repair. He served in Vietnam 1969-70 and served out his enlistment at Ft. Hood in Texas. Married to Janet Ross in 1968. They have three boys--one of whom seerves in the Coast Guard and is currently stationed in Everett, three wonderful daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wreaths
Last Friday, there were 17 wreaths unsold. President Scott sent each of us an email about selling the remaining wreaths. This is another friendly reminder that we need to see the final stock of wreaths. Anything that you can do to help sell these would be appreciated by the committee.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Puget Sound Regional Council
The November 30, 2013 program consisted of Bob Drewel, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council. Drewel had many friends and colleagues in the audience for last weeks meeting .The PSRC was formed in 1991 by the local governments in the central Puget Sound region as a forum for making key decisions on regional growth and transportation issues. The agency serves as a Metropolitan Planning Organization and Regional Transportation Planning Organization for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties and cities.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LSHS Valhalla School Newspaper
Last month, the Club was contacted by a reporter for the Lake Stevens High School Valhalla student newspaper about our participation in the Homeless Student campaign. The reporter was doing an overall story on the struggles of life that homeless students face. The article focused on the struggles, community members creating clothing drive to benefit homesless students and Lil' Hungry Hearts helping with food to be sent home in backpacks each Friday plus ways that students can help serve the community. Our Club was part of the article titled Local group puts "Service Above Self" and that we lived up to our motto through humanitarian efforts. The focus of the entire artiles was put together extremely well and covered a number of important areas on the struggles homesless students face as well as other groups involved in helping. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Conference Registration Now Open
The iRotary District Conference will be Bigger, Better and Bolder: doing things that have never done before and going back to a place we have never been as a District. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Rotary District 5050 - originally formed from a much larger area that included Vancouver and all of BC. As the Rotary Club of Vancouver celebrates its 100th Anniversary, we are returning for the first time to hold our own Silver Anniversary in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. SPECIAL DRAWS FOR EARLY REGISTRATIONS Register on or before December 15, 2012 and leave a minimum deposit of $200 to be eligible in the draw for a new iPad Mini. Register for an add-on Thursday event (Golf, Trolley Tour, Irish Night) on or before December 15 and be eligible for a draw for two free Irish Night Tickets. Register for your hotel room on or before January 15 to be eligible in the draw for a free room upgrade. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly
The Nov 16, 2012 meeting was a mixture of the Senior Center requesting cash donations for the Christmas Dinner and Snohomish Rotary Club pushing their Entertainment Book fundraiser coupled with our Club Assembly. Deadlines are nearing for the Poinsettias and Wreath sales. Pick up will be held on Tuesday, November 27th at the Community Center downtown. Also, the push is on to raise another $900 for the Bikes for Tykes program. The Bikes for Tykes will be distributed on December 22nd at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Finally, Jim Kelley talked about his team for 2013-2014 and the need to fill chairs for Membership, International Services and Vocational. More on this later. Next week, their will be an optional gathering at The Buzz Inn. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If You Build it They Will Come-The Story Behind Rotary Field in Monroe
Every child regardless of their abilities or disabilities should be able to play baseball. That was the thinking behind the Monroe Rotary Club's interest in building the Miracle Field. Ric Carlson from the Monroe Rotary Club was our guest speaker November 9th. Carlson's background includes building NFL and professional sports fields and complexes. The Miracle Field is for the physically challenged kids with various disabilities called Special Needs. In the beginning, the Club talked to the Boys and Girls Club about forming a league for Special Needs kids. During the first year, seven kids showed up. The second year over 40 kids showed up and the third year saw it grow to 80 kids. But how do you put together a league with the condition of the city's current fields?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FUNDRAISERS
Right now, our Club is in the midst of two important fundraisers. Currently we are working on the Outdoor Wreath and Poinsettia sales as well as raising money for the Bikes for Tykes program. Both are equally important to our Club. They both represent what this Club is all about and therefore needs all of the efforts of our members to be successful. The wreath and poinsettias sales will end on November 27th when they are distributed to all of the buyers. Bikes for Tykes will end on December 22nd when all of the 16" & 20" bikes are distributed to children looking for something special on Christmas Day. The two co-chairs of the Bikes for Tykes have asked each member to donate at least $50 toward the mass-purchase of new bikes for these children. Plus, everyone needs to contact their sources in the community looking for donations to Bikes for Tykes. We may be small, but we are a mighty force to deal with having just completed raising $10,000+ for the Homeless Students in our community. Now is a time for giving and another chance for two very successful fundraising campaigns. More on this at our Friday meeting. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
You and the Rotary Foundation by Jim Haugen
The past two weeks have been all about the Rotary Foundation. The first from the International perspective and this past week from our Club's standpoint. Jim Haugen's presentation was another program worthy of our weekly meetings and something everyone should listen to as Rotarians. As a Rotarian we stand for many things, and supporting our community and the world are two important components. The Rotary Foundation does just that. The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. These are issues every Rotarian can support. But, it needs the help of all to continue the good work the Foundation provides. Every Rotarian needs to step up and contribute to the Foundation annually. Every Rotarian Every Year makes it happen. The Rotary goal for every Rotarian is to contribute $100 annually. That’s just a little over $8 a month. We have many ways to contribute, monthly, semi-annually, or annually. Please help us continue the great efforts of the Rotary Foundation supporting our community and the world. Your assistance is much appreciated and needed. Please give me a call if you have any questions or need assistance with your contribution. Jim Haugen Rotary Foundation Chair |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Four Way Test Contest
In celebration of both DG Sean Hogan’s year and the 80th anniversary of the creation of the Four-Way Test, the iRotary District Conference is hosting a District-wide Four-Way Test Speech Competition. DG Sean is very committed to youth and Rotary youth programs so the success of this initiative holds a special place for the organizing committee. The competition is open to all high school students in District 5050 (public, private and home-schooled). The purpose of the Four-Way Test Speech Competition is to foster the use of ethical thought and practices among youth. Click here to learn more about the Contest and how you can help local students participate. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Foundation
District 5050 Co-Chair for Annual Giving & Major Gifts, United States, Steve Morach gave a presentation on October 26th about The Rotary Foundation (TRF). He detailed the history of getting his own Club--Stanwood/Camano Island--to a 100% Paul Harris Fellowship Club. This happened in 2007 and for the past four Rotary Years, his Club has been in the top three in District 5050 of 100% Clubs.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
October Club Assembly
At the Club Assembly October 19, 2013, Members were updated on the current status of the Club including a report on the budget for the current year. The goal with the budget is to ensure that all of the funding for future budgets is in place before the start of each Rotary Year. The fundraisers are being set up to support not only this current year but also for next year. Poinsettia order forms are out. All members are encouraged to get as many sales as possible and visit other Clubs. There was also a report from the Bikes for Tykes Committee. There will only be two sizes of bicycles--16" and 20" wheels. Requests for bikes will be handled through the Lake Stevens Family Center. The big event of the meeting though was the presentation of funds to the School District specifically designated to support the services and needs of the homeless students in the District. First, Larry Jubie, representing District 5050, presented the Club with a check in the amount of $10,000 matching the Club's fundraising of $10,000. Then President Scott Smith presented a $20,000 check to Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of the School District. Dr. Cook thanked the Club for the support. Then Arlene Hulten, Director of Communications for the School District gave an update on the support that the students will receive. Currently, there are just over 70 students that are classified as homeless. This could be that they are living in a shelter with or without the family, in a a vehicle with or without the family or couch surfing. The federal McKinney-Vento Act requires that supprt be provided for homeless students. this support includes but, is not limited to tranpsortation to and from school, meals, clothing, supplies, fees, trips, etc. Our school district spends $80,000 a year alone on transportation costs. Thank you to the members and our frineds who supported this cause. We may never know what impact your genrousity will have on the life of a student. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians Gearing Up for World Polio Day
Wednesday, October 24th is World Polio Day. Here is a complete article on this. Find out what you can do for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Fire Department - Our Community Series
Our guest October 12, 2013 continued the close look at our community. Chief Dave Lingenfelter talked about the goals and themes of our Fire Department: "Touching lives today....planning for tomorrow". He touched on the values of the Department and showed a five year history of the call volume with over 15,800 responses. Close to 90% of those were medical related. There are three stations in Lake Stevens: Station 81 is located downtown on 22nd St NE between Grade Rd and Hartford Dr, Station 82 is on 99th Av SE at Market Place and Station 83 is located on Division St in the Machias area. This Station is the least busiest station representing about 12% of all District calls.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SNOPAC 9-1-1
Our guests on October 5, 2013 were Kurt Mills, Executive Director of SNOPAC 9-1-1 and Crystal Ayco, Operations Coordinator at SNOPAC 9-1-1. SNOPAC 9-1-1 serves 39 Police and Fire jurisdictions within Snohomish County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everett Stealth - Our Community Series
The past several weeks, our programs have focused on the pro-sports teams in Everett and Friday, September 28, 2013 was no exception. David Takata, President along with Regan Olson and Chris Kelley gave an in debth view of the Everett Sealth Lacross team from inside and out of the organization. The presentations followed a similar pattern to the other pro sports teams in Everett. Each was involved deeply in the community and each had committed owners. Takata commented that they were fortunate to have an owner who was very interested in working with local non-profit organizations including local youth programs to assist them in their fundraising efforts.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeless Students Goal Reached!
You did it again. You never gave up the goal of raising $10,000. The Homeless Student fundraiser reached our goal last Friday. The Club raised $10,000 which will be matched dollar for dollar by District 5050. Congratulations to BARBARA KNOWLES, Terri Spencer and Jim Haugen and the rest of the Club who worked so diligently to raised the funds. The $20,000 will be awarded to the Lake Stevens School District in the real near future. Larry Jubie, representing District 5050 will be present for the distribution of the $20,000 to the School District. Barbara Knowles updated the application last Friday and submitted it to District 5050 with assistance from the Lake Stevens School District. Congratulations to all of our members especially Barbara Knowles again for her persistance along with the rest of the team. Thanks to all of our Club members for their support and efforts in raising the funds.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly
The September 21st Club Meeting was the monthly Club Assembly. Club Directors reviewed their areas of responsibility after another wonderful fines and Happy Bucks session led by Sargent At Arms Dave Johnson. Thank you, Dave, for spreading the wealth.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Visit
Last Friday, Sean Hogan and his wife Carol made an official visit to our Club as the District Governor for 2012-2013. Did you know that Sean was born in 1960 in Westminster BC? And in 1974 Sean visited Ireland and kissed the Blarney Stone? You would think he was Irish....Oh, no he's a LAWYER. Plus, he is a computer GEEK.
In 1986 Sean visited his first Rotary Club and became a member in 1987. For the next 13 years, Sean spent his Rotary time in a leadership capacity. Sean has been to our club many times before and commented that he likes coming to our Club because we have fun. I didn't see our Seargeant of Arms fining the District Governor. What's with that David? He commented that "I'm from Rotary government and I'm here to help you". Oh, does he know the US elections are just around the corner? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Membership---Everyone's Responsibility
There is nothing like preaching to the choir. We are a club of 23 members having lost two members this past year and another on a six month leave of absence. It is everyone's responsibility to reach out to the community for potential club members and future leaders. On October 13th, District 5050 is sponsoring a District Membership Seminar with Rotary membership guru, Kristi Govertsen, about "Membership is Relationship" - a great opportunity to share what is working, gain new ideas and meet other Rotarians who are focusing on Club Membership.
We need to grow our membership ranks. To do this, a major effort must include membership recruitment by every member of our Club. The upcoming Chamber Mixer that we are co-hosting with the Lake Stevens Education Foundation is a great opportunity but we need the help and support of everyone in the club. Join me as we begin a renewed emphasis on membership. And, look at your calendar and be a part of the District Membership Seminar on Saturday, October 13th. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadcast Radio in Snohomish County - Our Community Series
Radio matters to Andy Skotdal the Owner and President of KRKO, a 50,000 watt radio station with more audience than The Everett Herald has subscriptions. Skotdal is a native of Everett and graduated from Everett High School and the University of Virginia. He is the President of S-R Broadcasting Company which owns and operates KRKO 1380 and KKXA 1520 both on the AM band. He has been a Director of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters since 2000 and a past Director of the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors. In the community, Skotdal is a Director of Coastal Community Bank since 1997 as well as a member of Skotdal Bros. LLC, a Commercial Real Estate Development firm.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everett Silvertips - Our Community Series
Our guest speaker August 31, 2012 was Zoran Rajcic, a central member of the Silvertips organization since the club's inception in 2002. Zoran has long been the driving force behind the team's front office success, a fact that brought him recognization when his outstanding performance resulted in the 2010 WHL Marketing Award. In 2011, Zoran was promoted to Assistant General Manager and in July 2012 was given the title of Executive Vice President.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School Starts This Week - SLOW DOWN!
As a public service we are reminding all of our readers and visitors that schools are starting this week. Children, parents and guardians of all ages will be out and about walking to and from bus stops and schools. Please pay attention as you drive through the neighborhoods and communities of your area. We want to make sure that all of the kids get to and from their schools safely so that they will grow up to be Rotarians!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeless Student Grant Project
UPDATE: Last week, we raised $850. From Bickford Ford, Ixtapa and the Wexler Family leave us $2,414 short of reaching our $10,000 goal. Please keep contacting individuals and businesses as we countdown to the September 30th DEADLINE.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chamber Mixer co-hosted with Lake Stevens Education Foundation
The Chamber Mixer is set for Wednesday, September 19th at the UCT Cabana at 1301 Stitch Road. We need all hands on deck to be the face of Rotary along with our co-host the Lake Stevens Education Foundation. This is our opportunity to shine and be a sales person for our organization. Terri, Jim and Gary are working on the final plans for the evening and ask for your help and support. We are down to 23 members and need to concentrate on bringing in new members. This will be our opporunity to jump start our membership dirve for 2012-2013. We need to add at least ten new members. Come on down and join the effort.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everett AquaSox - Our Community Series
Another really outstanding program August 24, 2012. Tom Backemeyer, Executive Vice President, in his 12th season in Minor League Baseball and 4th season with the AquaSox organization discussed the team, its organization, relationship with the Seattle Mariners and goals of the team. Prior to Everett Tom served as the Vice President of Tickets Sales for the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA-SF Giants) and as the Associate GM for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakers (A-LA Angels) who got his start in minor league baseball with the Nashville Sounds. As the Executive VP, he is in charge of all areas of the Everett operation and reports to the company President in Stockton, California.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Remembers George Hickman
The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens extends its condolences to the family of George Hickman, Jr., one of the members of the infamous Tuskegee Airmen--a group of black fighter pilots and grounds crew that served in World War II. Mr. Hickman passed away on August 19th. Mr. Hickman was the featured presentor at our Club Meeting on July 31, 2009. Click here to learn more about Mr. Hickman and his life in Seattle.
Read this article that appears in The Seattle Times. To learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 Duck Dash Prizes Awarded
At the Club Assembly August 17th the 2012 Duck Dash prizes were given out. Grand Prize Winner Cheri Dunn and 2nd Place ticket holder Dean Kristine were present to collect their winnings. Cheri said that she would donate 10% of her winnings back to the Club. Congratulations to Bill Demeroutis for selling the winning ticket this year. Thank you to all of our supporters this year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legislative Session & Primary Elections Update
The focus of the August 10, 2012 meeting was the 2012 Legislative Session and the just concluded Primary Election from our own club member, Senator Steve Hobbs. Its tough to run against two well financed campaigns but Senator Steve Hobbs made a valient attempt in his quest to be the next Congressman from the newly drawn Congressional District. Money aside, he tried by leaving a shoe print all over the District. Hobbs and his campaign volunteers doorbelled over 33,000 homes.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Lake Stevens Family Center
Our program August 3rd was a former member Kathleen Friend who is current Executive Director of the Lake Stevens Family Center. Kathleen has served as the Executive Director for the past ten years and has brought organization and structure to this key community organization. Kathleen spoke about the Healthy Families Project as a means of helping families, by stabilizing and sustaining their lives. The Lake Stevens Family Center is an accredited organization that oversees the community demographics.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 DUCK DASH RESULTS!
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for this year's Duck Dash. The proceeds support many of the programs we provide locally, regionally and internationally including scholarships, Born to Learn Trails, Adopt-A-Street, Cub Scouts & Venturing Scouts, Community Suppers, National Night Out, Shelter Box, clean water and the eradication of polio worldwide. Thank you also to our sponsors for this year's Duck Dash. Without you, this wouldn't have been possible: Roy Robinson Chevrolet, Rainey Days Caffe, Extreme Pita, Craven Insurance, Lake Stevens Athletic Club, Judd & Black, DeLorm Family Dental, Granite Construction, Allstate Insurance, Union Bank, Penway Media, and Crystal Garnes, DDS.
Congratulations to this year's winners. The top five Ducks are #'s 40, 1463, 2890, 594, & 1597. The winners are being notified and will be invited to an upcoming Rotary Club Meeting to receive their prizes. Thank you to everyone who also purchased corn on the cob at our booth at Aquafest. Congratulations to the 2012 Aquafest Committee for another spectacular event. We are pleased to be part of the ongoing celebration that is Lake Stevens. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Advertising Venue
Business Owner Members and Friends of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens now have an opportunity to advertise their business or service on our web site! For as little as 34 cents a day, you can reach thousands of visitors to our web site. Your advertisement will appear on our home page as well as all other pages within our web site. We will even track the number of click throughs to your business site on the internet. For more information and a copy of our Website Sponsorship Guide contact James Monroe.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club of Sunriver - Monterrico Project
When the Rotary Club of Sunriver agreed to help fund the Monterrico project as a sponsor, they asked Barbara to have someone make a presentation to their Club when the event was finished. Barbara agreed and this past week, we were able to accomplish that commitment. Since I was going to Sunriver, Oregon from July 7-14th, I asked her if she would like me to go to the meeting. Barbara contacted the Sunriver Club and agreed to have me on the program. On Wednesday morning, July 11th, I attended the meeting, and was on the program. They only had 15 minutes since they already had a speaker.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Police Update
This speaker on July 13, 2012 was Randy Celori, Chief of Police and Club Member who updated members on the Lake Stevens Police Department. The Chief started his presentation by talking about the Mission of the Department- "The Lake Stevens Police Department is committed to a professional partnership with our community by providing excellence in safety, service and education."
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic
Although the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic is not a club event, four of our members participated in this past week-end event. The event is produced by Cascade Bicycle Club and sponsored by Group Health. The Classic was held on Saturday-Sunday, July 14-15, 2012. Club members Dave and Tracy DeLorm, John Huber and our honorable Sergeant at Arms, David Johnson all rode in the ride this year.
Over 10,000 riders from 40 states participate in annual bicycle ride which is now in its 33rd year. There were 7,740 Washingtonians with 2,049 from Seattle and ,1195 Oregon riders. Wow...26,000 sandwiches, 35,000 cookies, 43,000 snack bars and treats, 11,000 fig bars, the riders consumed 16,000 bananas, 10,000 oranges, 9500 grapes and which of our riders comsumed the most. Only the riders know. Did Johnson ride to the finish? Did he hold up his team? Members want to know. You should know that Club Member James Monroe was actively involved with this event for 15 years and helped it grow to the 10,000 rider limit. He served in a variety of capacities in Operations and Logistics and even served as Event Director in 1994. Has he riden in the ride? Members want to know this also. Anyway, Congratulations. This is a great feat. By the way, the oldest rider was 85. One rider has participated in all 33 rides and is now 71. I guess some of us elders have no excuses left. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cocoon House
Cassie Franklin, Executive Director of the Cocoon House was the guest speaker on July 6, 2012. Another super speaker program for our club members. Cassie completed her Masters Degree in Family Psychology at the University of Munich in Germany after receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and German from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Cassie is active member of the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club, a member of the Coordinating Committee for the Homeless Policy Task Force and serves on the Families Matter Vision Council for United Way of Snohomish County and is very active in the community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens School District Update by Amy Beth Cook
According to a comment attributed to Paul Meyer who once said, "Student achievement is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning and focused effort." The comment was James Monroe's way of introducing Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of Lake Stevens School District and as one member commented, probably the best Superintendent that the District has ever seen. Loyalty and longevity follow the history of the Superintendent who has served the District for 30 years in various capacities. Superintendent Cook is the fifth superintendent to lead the District in the past 67 years when the district was incorporated.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Installation of New Officers for 2012-2013
The new officers and committee chairpersons were installed at the Installation Banquet on Sunday evening, June 24, 2012. Officiating at the Installation Banquet was Jane Helten, District Governor, District 5050 who administered the oath of office to the new Officers.
The new Officers and Committee Chairs for 2012-2013 are: President - Scott Smith Past President Loren Hole President-Elect - Jim Kelley President nominee Open Treasurer - Debe Franz Secretary - Gary O'Rielly Club Service - Open Community Service Tracy DeLorm & Kathy Little Membership Gary O'Rielly Jim Haugen Rotary Foundation Vocational Service Dean Franz International Service Barbara Knowles Sergeant at Arms David Johnson Webmaster James Monroe  Jane Helten, District Governor participated in distributing awards to the following: Jim Haugen PHF + 6 Loren Hole PHF + 4 Tracy DeLorm PHF + 1 Gary O'Rielly PHF + 1  James Monroe was given a special Paul Harris award for his dedication, terrific weekly programs and service to the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens and given to him by Jane Helten.  Topping off the awards ceremony and installation banquet was honoring Carie Rott as the Rotarian of the Year for 2011-2012. The Rotarian of the Year pin was given to Carie by Jane Helten.  Congratulations to all of the award winners especially to James and Carie and a tremendous thank you for their dedication to our club and community this past year. A special thanks to the Past Presidents who stepped up and lead our Club during the 2011-2012 year. To see all of the photos from the evening click the 2012 Installation Banquet link in the Photo Albums section on our Club website home page. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monterrico Project-Thank You
Dear Rotarians Grazioso and Knowles,
Thank you for submitting the final report regarding Matching Grant #72944, to help provide furnishings, and medical and dental equipment to the Centro Cristiano Cultural of Guatemala in Monterrico, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. Your cooperation in fulfilling this requirement is greatly appreciated. As all required information has been included, the Foundation will mark the file as closed. Sincerely, Mireya Morales Grant Coordinator Humanitarian Grants Staff Phone: (847) 866-3338 Fax: (847) 556-2151 E-mail: mireya.morales@rotary.org |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly
At our regular meeting, June 15th, Club members present reviewed the planning for Aquafest. James Monroe gave an update on the status of the Duck Float. It will need a repair for a portion of the cover and new fringe around the base. James also asked about our participation in the Kla-Ha-Ya days Parade in Snohomish the Saturday before Aquafest. There was unanimous consent not to participate this year. James also mentioned the Strawberry Festival Parade tomorrow evening (Sat, June 16th). He would like to see our float in that parade next year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce Update
Kim Daughtry, President of the Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce was our guest speaker June 8 talking about the Chamber, its future goals, objectives and the changing role of the organization. Daughtry talked about living in the greatest community and the goal of raising the Chamber in the eyes of the community. The Chamber is a community organization and its primary purpose is service for the members. Provide more programs for employers such as the recent Homeland Security Seminar is defining each companies hiring practices of new employees.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jubie Brothers Make a Difference
We wanted to bring to your attention--since the Jubie Brothers are regular attenders of our weekly meetings--their recent service project in Guatemala. Click here to find out what they helped do!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rep. Mike Hope and the Recent Legislative Session
The Club's guest speaker June 1, 2012 was Representative Mike Hope. His perspective on the past session included a view that the Tier One budget that was introduced by the Governor had massive tax increases that would be unacceptable to his district and the impact on Lake Stevens would be small. School Districts didn't want any of their payments delayed as in the past. They were able to maintain critical care cost. The $1.5 billion dollar shortfall caused problems for this year's budget. But the economy improved and the shortfall became $365 million instead of $1.5 billion. Legislators delayed passing the budget, waiting until the economic forecast was released which prompted the Special Session. The legislature passed the BLUE ALERT system that will become law in six months.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeless Students in our Community
Homeless School matching grant deadline extended to June 15th. Arlene Hulten, Lake Stevens School District Director of Communications spoke to the Club April 27, 2012 at the request of Terri Spencer to talk briefly about "Homeless Kids in Lake Stevens". This year, there are 93 homeless kids in the Lake Stevens School District compared to 112 last year. Homelessness is often annonymous--when school districts become aware of the crisis, interventions and supporrts are put into place to assist the student to have all the benefits that other students enjoy at school. The School District provides food at school, books, transportation and coats, shirts/ties for special events as well as providing a nursing assistant for the students and their families. Federal $$$$ do not go far enough, so the district relies on private scholarships to help. Arlene and club member Ken Collins gave some examples of students living in a homeless environment. Our Rotary Club is in the process of submitting a District 5050 grant request for $5,000 with 50% of the funds coming from members, private donations from other service clubs and the community such as the Chamber of Commerce. See related article on fundraiser efforts to support these programs
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scholarship Presentations
At the Club's regular weekly meeting, Friday, May 18th, the Club presented eleven seniors from Lake Stevens and Grantie Falls High Schools with scholarships to help them with education costs for their first year of university, college or vocational training. Pictured here are Lake Stevens Seniors Nicolle Carroll, Ryan Olliges, Andrei Aravelo, Mattie Quigley, Corrine Allen-Watts, Shilo Thomas, Kari Green and Granite Falls High School Seniors Sara Rood, Bailey Ainley, Kylee Gray and Becky Gilbertson. Pictured with the students are Club President Debe Franz and Vocational Committee Chair Dean Franz.
 Congratulations to all of the Seniors and thank you to all of the Club Members who worked on this year's selection process. Lastly, thank you to all of the community members who support the scholarship program through the fundraisers that we do each year--Duck Dash, Wine Tasting, Poinsettia plants. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens School District Homeless Matching Grant through District 5050
Time is of the essence to make a huge impact on our community. By now, you all have received the appeal letter asking each one of us to send to friends, families and business associates to help the Lake Stevens School District address and provide further resources for the Homeless students in our community. Wow, we just learned that Sarah Duncan and Tom Adams of the Adams & Duncan Law Firm will give a $1,000. contribution to our club for the homeless effort. This is a fantastic early response. But, we need to do more. Donations can be sent to the Lake Stevens Rotary Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 908, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 or by dropping them off at the Lake Stevens branch Key Bank. Go out and spread the word. This is a community effort led by our own Rotary Club.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Fallen Heroes Project by Michael Reagan
There is a hero among the Fallen Heroes Project custom portraits of Fallen Servicemen and women drawn free of charge and he is the creator of the project, Michael Reagan. What an inspiring talk (May 11, 2012), bringing tears to our members as Reagan recounted stories from wives, mothers and loved ones of the many, many portraits that he has done. For the family members, it is away of bring closure to the loss of a loved one who sacrificed his or her life in duty to our country and to protect each and everyone of us.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Driving in Circles
Mick Monken, Director of Public Works for the City of Lake Stevens updated the Club on traffic revisions for the north section of Frontier Village. The number one complaint that the city receives involves exiting Frontier Village. In attempt to quell some of the traffic flow problems on the north side, there will be a single lane mini-roundabout at the Safeway Gas Station/Les Schwab exit on N Davies Rd. They will also add a mini-roundabout at the intersection of N Davies and Vernon Rd. This project should ease the traffic flow problems on North Davies and the cost will be much less if the City had excepted funding from the WSDOT. Construction should begin within a few weeks and targeted to be completed by July 4th. Stops signs will be set up until the island is completed.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fishing the High Seas of Rotary
Lee Harmon spoke to our club members about Fishing the High Seas of Rotary. Part of the discussion centered on the Permanent Fund, PolioPlus and the Rotary Foundation. Since its inception over $2.6 billion has been raised by the Rotary Foundation. According to Lee, there are two parts to Rotary. There is Rotary International and the Foundation. Dues from individuals go to District 5050 and Rotary International.
Arch Klumph started the Rotary Foundation as a means to help local communities deal with human issues affecting the masses. Overhead expenses for the Rotary Foundation is around 2.3%, one of the lowest percentages of any non-profit organization in the United States and the world. Lee gave us a number of other examples and asked us to be more involved in the Permanent Fund. His presentation was very informative and well received by the members in attendance. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Future of District 5050
Sean Hogan, District Governor-Elect was our guest speaker last Friday. The theme for the year 2012-13 will be 'PEACE THROUGH SERVICE'. At the beginning of his talk to our Club, Sean recognized Harv and Larry Jubie, Lee Harman and Doug Newman who were in attendance for our club meeting. Harman was cited for picking up the challenge of raising $330,000 for PolioPlus for District 5050. Through his leadership, District 5050 and its 2,800+ members instead raised $880,000. Nice work Lee and congratulations.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skykomish-Recreation in Our Backyard Series
Fred Black, President of BLAX Professional Project Management and Mayor of Skykomish was the guest speaker April 6, 2012, continuing the series of RECREATION IN OUR BACKYARD. Black, with a background in project development projects, aerospace amd a certified Project Management Professional is a member of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Project Management Institute where he served two terms as the Chapter President where he Increased membership by 100%. He developed training courses, authored and co-authored books on the subject, he has taught at the University of Washington and Everett Community College and been a guest speaker or instructor at conferences and programs in Paris, Brussels and Sydney as well as around the United States.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snohomish County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit
Deputy Sheriff Glen Bergstrom and Matt Hoffman, a volunteer with the Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue Everett Mountain Rescue Unit (is also a member of the Rotary Club of Lynnwood) spoke about the Sheriff's Search and Rescue Division. Shadow was another important guest who helps on recovery of human remains and was very attentative to his master, Glen Bergstrom.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recreation in OUR BACK Yard
Rod Mace, interim Forest Service Supervisor of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest started our series Recreation in Our Back Yard talking about the numerous general purpose uses of the national forest. Mace used a quote by John Muir, the creator of the national forest system, saying "Wilderness is a necessity". (Find the full quote in our website's News Section.) The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest stretches from the Canadian border to Mt. Rainier. Annually, there are over 5 million visitors to this forest region which tops all other national forests in the United States. About 52% of the visitors to MBSNF are 31 to 50 years old and 72% come to the forest to hike and walk.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Providence Health and Services Northwest
Dave Brooks, CEO of Providence Health and Services Northwest, wrapped up our five programs on Health Care in the United States and the impact on our area with his presentation on March 16th. Dave started his presentation by acknowledging that errors and mistakes have been made in healthcare over the past twenty years by letting health care get away from all of us. He felt that the more the community is involved in healthcare discussion and delivery the better the services.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Health Care-Long Term Care
This week (March 10) afforded our members another opportunity to learn about Health Care especially as it relates to Long-Term Care. Dave Johnson, respected Sergeant at Arms and Vice President and principal of Lehmann Wood Johnson discussed Long-Term Care. Long-Term care can vary in cost from $8,000 to $20,000 per month and can vary from assisted living to nursing home care. Adult day care is available as well as home care services which could be up to two years before going to a nursing home. There are many more options available like assisted care facilities.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal Health Care Plan
Our guest speaker March 5, 2012 was Dr. Roger Stark of the Washington Policy Center. Dr. Stark is a member of the Rotary Club of Woodinville. Dr. Stark who has written a book about the Federal Health Care Plan was here representing the Washington Policy Center to discuss the impact of the plan on Washington State. His book cost around $9.50.
The Washington Policy Center addresses key issues facing our state. The Center is a non-partisan, free-market, state-based think tank in Seattle with offices in Olympia and Eastern Washington. The Center publishes studies, sponsors events and conferences, and educates citizens on public policy issues facing Washington State. The Center is committed to delivering the highest quality and most reliable research on Washington state issues. They guarantee that all original factual data are true and correct and that the information attributed to other sources is accurately represented. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elections
The following slate of officers and directors were elected at the regular weekly meeting, March 5, 2012
2012-2013 Officers President-elect Jim Kelley Treasurer Debe Franz Secretary Gary O'Rielly President-Nominee One write in nomination 2012-2013 Directors Club Services Jim Kooy Community Services Tracy DeLorm/Kathy Little International Services Barbara Knowles Vocation Services Dean Franz The following officers and directors were elected to the Lake Stevens Rotary Club Foundation for 2012-2013 President Scott Smith Vice President Dave DeLorm Past President Jim Steinruck Treasurer Debe Franz Secretary Gary O'Rielly Dean Franz Jim Kooy Congratulations to our new officers and directors for both groups. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Make A Dream Real - NEW UPDATE
David Alverez sent us a message recently about the LaCurvina Clinic- Everything here is great with a lot of enthusiasm and energy for keep working. Thanks for be part of all of this goals and sure we will keep working hard and with all the projects with Rotary who has been our right hand in all of this work, God bless you. David
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Economic Alliance of Snohomish County
How to be competitive in recuiting new business and industry to Snohomish County was the topic of our speaker this past Friday. Troy McClelland gave us a terrific overview of the nature of recruitment and what it takes to be successful. McClelland, is the new President and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County. He is a native of Yakima and former executive with Fluke Industries, a graduate of the US Naval Academy with a Bachelor and Masters degree in Ocean Engineering. The Masters Degree was earned at the University of Washington. He has been a resident of Snohomish County for the past 20 years.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Success Forum-Zone 24 Regional Seminar
On Saturday, March 17th as the world celebrates St. Patrick's Day, District 5050 will conduct a Rotary Success Forum at the Cotton Tree Inn ballroom in Mt. Vernon starting at 9am. The success of "strong clubs" will be discussed as well as "Help the districts help the clubs" which should benefit clubs like Lake Stevens.There are several break-out sessions dealing with club innovations, leadership and membership impact to role of the district in Foundation programs to idenfify, unify and enhance brand awareness. Information available upon request.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly
Last week's meeting focused on the Club Assembly and finding ways to increase our revenue stream during this difficult period. Texas Hold'em scheduled for late March could be differed until October unless the Purple and Gold community is eager to participate in an earlier tournament schedule. Scott and Dave are working with Purple and Gold on the date of the tournament.
AquaFest Committee activities and early fundraising are ramping up with the first committee meeting scheduled for March 7th at Scott Smith's residence. Call Scott if you are interested in being on the committee.Scott's goal is to sell 4,000 tickets this year. We need all hands on deck to make this happen as well as having enough members working during the AquaFest week-end. Other possible fundraisers are a wine/cheese tasting fundraiser with Sojen, a Lake Stevens couple interested in working with our Rotary Club. If club members have any ideas, now is a good time to share them with us. The challenge is on. We can do this as a club. So, let's make it all happen. Doug Newman, Assistant District Governor shared his thoughts on fundraisers by area clubs. One example was last year's Marysville Sunrise Club and the Louisiana Shrimp Boil that was put together in three weeks and earned the club around $8,500. Wow, we can do this as well. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cub Scout Pack Update
Richelle Cantu, Chair of the Pack 88 Pack Committee made a presentation to the Club at the Club Assembly, February 17, 2012 of a framed photo of the Cub Scout Pack. This was part of the Pack's theme a couple of months ago of Respect. The mat around the photo was signed by each Scout. It will be on display at each Club Meeting.
Richelle also handed out handmade invitations to the Pack's Blue & Gold Banquet, February 26th at the South Lake Stevens Grange. The Banquet celebrates the Boy Scouts of America birthday in the month of February. The BSA is 102 years young this month. Join the parents and leaders of the Cub Scout Pack in celebrating the achievements of the Cub Scouts. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome to the New Additions
Congratulations to the Saint Family. Bella Mae Dehart was born February 16, 2012. Parents and grandparents are doing fine!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Sewer District
On February 10, 2012 the guest speaker was George Wood, Commissioner, Lake Stevens Sewer District. Accompanying him was Darwin Smith and Pat Bara. Wood updated club members on the Sunnyside Wastewater Treatment Facility. The motto for the new facility is "Meeting the challenge of protecting the environment and providing quality sewer service to the community. The site was purchased in 1996. Plant design began the following year. Plant permitting started in 2004 and construction started in 2009.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nominating Committee Report
On March 2nd, the election will take place at the regular scheduled meeting for Club Officers and directors for the July 2012 through June 2013 Rotary Year including the Board members for our Club Foundation. If you are unable to attend the March 2nd meeting, you have the right to request and submit a sealed proxy vote that shall be received by the President prior to the regular meeting. Please contact Gary O'Rielly at 425-308-9139 or Gary O'Rielly to obtain an absentee ballot.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Providence Regional Cancer Partnership
Another magnificant program February 3, 2012 featuring three representatives of the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership. Margret Salmassy is the Executive Director at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership. Margret has been with the Cancer Partnership going into her fourth year. She provides the strategies to grow the Cancer Program programs and services as well as develops strong relationships with the physicians and the community they serve. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 2010 Census
Mike Burns, Deputy Regional Director, US Census Bureau spoke to our club on January 24, 2012 about the 2010 Census results along with a brief history of the Census. The Census has been around since 1790. The French wanted the new world country to have a monarchy which was rejected by the Indians. The Census is based on our political system. The two components are 1) Apportionment and 2) Redistricting. The first census for the Washington territory was conducted in 1853. The population of the territory which included Idaho was 3,965. However, Native Americans were not counted. At the time there was a 75.85% maie population and a 26.15% female population. Washington has a very mixed cultural population. It wasn't until 1890 that the Native Americans were counted in the Census.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Board Meeting Canceled
The Board Meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 19th at John Huber's residence has been canceled due to the current weather conditions. The Board Meeting will be rescheduled for as early as next week. Also, monitor the Lake Stevens schools closure for Friday. In the event that the Lake Stevens School District office is closed we may move the meeting to The Buzz Inn. No action has been taken at this time. Stay tuned.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snow Plan for Friday
The School District has canceled food service for tomorrow because of the continuing snow conditions and the inability to receive produce and other food products. Therefore, tomorrow's meeting is effectively canceled. Optional get together at the Buzz Inn is up to the individual members. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Sponsors Venturing Scout Program
We are pleased to announce that the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens has sponsored another Scout program here in town. Venturing is a coed program of the Boy Scouts of America. Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth, adult leaders, and organizations in their communities. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, develop leadership skills, and become good citizens. Venturing is a youth development program for young men and women 14 years of age and older OR 13 and graduated eighth grade but not yet 21. Venturing's purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and porepare them to become responsible and caring adults. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dictionaries for 3rd Graders
Lisa Gallucci from the Lynnwood Rotary Club spoke to our us about "Dictionaries for 3rd Graders" . The program is sponsored by District 5030 for all of its Clubs. Lisa talked about raising her two children to use the dictionary throughout their school life. She said she has twelve dictionaries in her home and thinks that when her children have their own children that they will encourage them to use the dictionary.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Travels in Italy
At our regular meeting on Friday, January 6, 2012, member Terri Spencer and her husband, John, gave a very engaging presentation about a trip that they took in Italy last fall. They shared their experiences of traveling by motor coach and bicycle in the southern part of the country and on the island of Sicily. The presentation was very entertaining and accompanied by wonderful photographs. Thank you to both John and Terri for sharing this and for preparing on extremely short notice.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merry Christmas
As Christmas approaches and club members spread out throughout the United States for the holidays with family, its time to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and wish for Peace on Earth. We wish you and your family a time of joy, reflection and the outlook for a prosperous 2012.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bikes for Tykes Distribution
This year's Bikes for Tykes promotion, set-up and distribution was well planned, organized and executed. On Thursday evening, the 81 new Bikes were assembled in John Huber's garage. I wasn't permitted to inflate any of the tires.....I wonder why? On Saturday morning, a crew of our club members, spouses and children helped in the distribution of approximately 106 bikes. We had collected several bikes from the Police Department and individuals which gave us 106 bikes to distribute this year. We were within budget based on the base budget and cash donations. Congratulations, Jim Kelley on a job well done along with support from many of our club members.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Honoring Patty Pederson-Buzz Inn
Friday, December 16, 2012 was the last meeting that we would use The Buzz Inn on a regular basis. The Club made it clear to Patty--who serviced us with such grace, distinction, sense of humor and honor--that this wasn't a reflection on her. Jim Kooy presented Patty with a Christmas surpise envelope from the Club members. We will miss Patty's fantastic sense of humor. She just seemed to fit in with the club that she became part of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens family. She is pictured here with Club President Jim Steinruck who presented Patty with a Rotary Four-Way Test Coin. Thank you, Patty! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Meeting Survey Results
After carefully weighting the results of Survey1 and Survey2, the Board has decided to keep the current date and time for the weekly meetings. It was a very close result with the most significant answer being that if the Club were to switch to a Thursday evening format, that we would likely loose 5-7 current members of the Club. Twenty-three of our twenty-six members voted on Survey2 with the Friday format winning by a very slim margin. Also, due to the heavy losses (about $3,600 annually) incurred on the breakfast the Board has decided to return to the School District for food service. The Buzz Inn could not afford to reduce the current 18 member guarantee which was the reason for the decision to make the change effective with the next meeting on January 6th. Food cost will be $7.00 which will cover the cost of the Continental Breakfast, coffee/tea and the room use charge. If a member does not eat or drink any coffee or tea, there will still be a $2.00 charge per meeting to cover the cost of the meeting room. If you drink coffee or tea, the charge will be $3.00. The continental breakfast will be evaluated during January before a final decision is made for the foreseeable future. Pictured is Membership Committee Chair Gary O'Rielly reviewing the results of the survey. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community Transit
Every level of government, local, state and federal is experiencing financial problems and Community Transit, Snohomish Country's public transit provider is no different. Joyce Eleanor, Executive Director of Community Transit was our guest speaker last Friday. Eleanor talked about Community Transit during the good years when the outlook was good and there was strong ridership demand. Eleanor stated that when the soft economic outlook took hold in 2008, the sales tax revenues fell over 19% and ridership dropped as unemployment rose. When expenses continued to climb, cost cutting efforts were put in place that resulted service cuts and job losses followed by two fare increases, wage and hiring freezes. Now, Community Transit is in the Recovery Years. Their goal is to establish affordable cost structure, focus on cost management, with no service growth. When Community Transit reduces its service in February 2012, the agency will have cut 37% of its bus service and 29% of its workforce in the span of three years. The cuts will affect riders in Lake Stevens. For more information about the cuts in service click here. Armed with a new six year plan, Community Transit is working on building a sustainable future in a new Economic Reality. Click here for more information about Community Transit. Or visit their website. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bikes for Tykes Assistance NeededThe Club is gearing up for the tenth annual Bikes for Tykes program this year. On Saturday, December 3rd, help is needed to collect donated bicycles at the Haggen's parking lot. In a week or so, help will be needed to purchase more bicycles and then assembling them all. Finally, distribution is set for Saturday, December 17th at Ebeneezer Lutheran Church. A message has been sent asking members and Rotary friends to sign up to help. Please see that message for the specific details. Let's help make the holidays a little brighter for families in Lake Stevens. Thank you! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bronn Journey
What an experience last Friday. A wonderful break from the traditional program. Bronn Journey played some really wonderful classic songs on his Harp. Besides thrilling us with his music, he gave us a great look at how the Harp is structured which is much like a piano keyboard. What a relaxing 30 minutes. Bronn and his wife will present "Music in the ManCave - PolioPlus Benefit Concert at the Arlington Municipal Airport on November 27th at 3:00pm with the proceeds going to PolioPlus. Plus he and his wife on putting on a Harps & Hops concert at the Everett Performing Arts Theatre. Might be a great group event for us to attend. For every ticket purchased by a Club member or because of a Club member, Bronn will donate half of the ticket price to the Club. If you are attending or have recommended others to attend and they have purchased tickets, let James Monroe know.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Membership Survey
UPDATE: Due to the results of the survey the Membership Committee decided to distribute another survey limiting the questions to either changing to Thursday evenings or maintaining the current Friday morning breakfast. There were three additional questions related to the meeting times. Twenty one members returned the results at the conclusion of the meeting. Four members were not at the meeting today and will be contacted asking them to complete the survey so that we have the input from all of the active club members. Recently each member received a survey from the Membership Committee. The purpose of the survey is to access the meeting venue. Should the club switch from our current Friday morning format to a Thursday evening venue. It is important to hear from everyone of our members. In order to bring this to a decision, we need to have all completed surveys returned by Friday, November 18th by 12 noon. After the surveys are tabulated, the Membership Committee will review the results and make a recommendation to the Board for consideration at the next meeting on December 13th. There are good reasons for each of the venues listed above. The future of the clubs depends on keeping our current members while expanding the size of our club with new faces eager to build our club and community. Regardless of the outcome, it is imperative that each member search for new members and bring them to the attention of the club. Remember, send in your surveys by Friday at 12 noon. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cub Scout Pack Visits Club
At our November 11th Meeting, Scouts and Leaders from Cub Scout Pack 88 visited us. Our Rotary Club has sponsored this Pack since the inception of the Pack in 1994. They primarily serve Glenwood Elementary School and the South Lake Stevens area. The Scouts opened the meeting by presenting the colors and leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. After regular business, the 50/50 drawing (no winner) and Happy Bucks, James Monroe made a formal presentation of the annual Charter to the Club. The presentation involved the adult leaders, the Cub Scouts, our Club's representative to Scouting, Scott Smith, and current President Jim Steinruck who accepted the Charter. James then introduced Richelle Cantu who is the Pack Committee Chair. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Rotary Foundation
At our meeting November 4th, South Everett-Mukilteo Rotarian Mark Kendziorek gave a presentation about The Rotary Foundation. He reviewed the history of the Foundation, its purpose and the impact that the Foundation has had world-wide. He highlighted a project in the Phillippines that provided a solar energy system that powers a small school. An unintended result is that the students bring rechargable lanterns to the school so that they can continue their studies at night. Scores have skyrocketed for those students. Kids also bring their cell phones to charge. Mark reinforced the Every Rotarian Every Year program. This is where every Rotarian contributes something to the Foundation every year. There are different ways to do this and members can be specific about what projects the donations are given for. His presentation was a great way to kick off Foundation month in Rotary. Thank you, Mark. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This Week's Meeting
Mark Kendziorek will be speaking to the Club about The Rotary Foundation. November is Foundation month in Rotary and this will be a great way to kickoff the month. Find out what the Foundation is and what it does. Click to learn more about The Rotary Foundation.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Membership SocialThe Membership Social on Thursday evening, October 27th, varied from the first one by including two break-out sessions for Membership and Bikes for Tykes. Joining us again was Deri Ford of MossAdams who is considering joining our Club. Ron Love from the Arlington Club was there promoting Music in the Mancave, a fundraiser for PolioPLUS. The Membership Committee met to review a survey of our members to determine if the Club should change its meeting venue. Several options were discussed but the most likely would be continue our regular Friday morning meetings or switch permanently to a Thursday evening meeting at the Fire Center. Bikes for Tykes break-out was used to set the goals, agenda and timeline for the upcoming distribution in mid-December. Lots of thoughtful discussion both at the informal social, the break-out sessions and the chance to visit with one another. Make up's: When you miss a meeting take the opportunity to do a make up either on Rotary E-Club (link available on our web site) or through your work on a committee such as International Services Committee, Membership etc. in addition to visiting another Club. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reach Within to Embrace Humanity
Jane Helten, District Governor was our guest last Friday, October 21st. If you missed this meeting, you really missed an awe-inspiting discussion about Rotarians "Reaching to Embrace Humanity", how it impacted her personally and what it means to the world we live in. Before her discussion started, Jane presented special pure gold Rotary pins to Dave DeLorm, Scott Smith and Gary O'Rielly. Look within to see that our basic needs are met for us and for others and reach out to humanity in general like we have done with Monterrico, high school schlorships and Bikes for Tykes. Vocational service adds to the whole ethics endeavors. Really, really look at what we have created in the world because vocational service is the avenue to excell. "Think about the first time you came to a Rotary meeting," Jane asked. Did we join because of programs like Monterrico or Bikes for Tykes? Jane told us about Easter Seals being started by Paul Harris with the help of another Rotarian. Involvement in fundraisers as a way to see Rotary in action. Personally, she talked about adopting a child with many health issues, several surgeries over the years, walking with braces and the need for special schools. The doctor put the parents in touch with Easter Seals who took care of all of the medical expenses. All of this because two Rotarians found a way through the Rotary Foundation to give to Easter Seals. Wow, you could have heard a pin drop it was so emotional and energy charged about a loving experience. Lastly, Jane wanted us to Set Sail to Semiahmoo to learn more about Rotary and all of its benefits. Register early, take advantage of "pay as you go" incentives to attend the conference. Thanks Jane for being such a caring Rotarian and affecting all of our lives. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gates Challenge for PolioPLUS
Gates Challenge! Oct 24th -28th Rotarian Doug Newman has come up with a great idea for Polio week. Every Rotarian stepping forward to meet the Gates Challenge. We are currently $6 million short of the $200 million goal in the Gates PolioPlus Challenge and if every one of the 1.2 million Rotarians contributes $5, we can make our goal. The Challenge is to every Rotarian in District 5050 to contribute $5 toward Polio Plus during the week of Oct 24th to 28th so we can cross the finish line together. As members of District 5050, the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens is reaching out to all members to assist in this effort by bringing an extra $5 to the next meeting Thursday evening at Luca’s. If you will not be able to attend the meeting on the 27th, please contact Jim Haugen at 425-239-2823 or jim.haugen@spidernet1.com to let him know you’re in. Thank you in advance for your contribution and let’s all help in reaching this important milestone. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fundraiser for PolioPLUS
On Sunday, November 27, 2011 there will be a benefit concert for PolioPLUS. Hosted by Arlington Rotarians Lee Harmon and Ron Love, this Music in the Man Cave concert features local artists Bronn and Katherine Journey. Rotary is close to raising the funds needed when the Gates Foundation issued a challenge grant three years ago. With just a few months to go, Rotary needs an additional $5.2 million. You can help by attending the concert or donating to PolioPLUS. Club member Debe Franz will make sure that your donations count toward your Paul Harris Fellowship account. This will be a great way to kick off the holiday season by enjoying the wonderful music of Bronn Journey, then fellowship of friends and family dedidcated to eradicating this horrible disease in our lifetime and fine food and beverage. For more information about the concert visit Music in the Man Cave. Bronn Journey will be visiting our Club next month as well. You won't want to miss his visit or the November 27th Concert. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Poinsettia Sales Continue
Our poinsettia sales campaign has begun. Order forms have been distributed. If you need forms please contact Scott Smith. You can also get them on our web site. Click here. Proceeds are used to support scholarships for high school seniors, Scouts, Born to Learn trails, the eradication of polio and other projects. Please do your best and sell as many plants and wreaths as possible. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bulletin Readers
Welcome to the new edition of our weekly bulletin. We changed our website a few weeks ago and this is the next step in the transition. We hope you find this exciting and useful. Please give us feedback on the changes. We also welcome your input for information of interest to the members, guests and visitors of the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens. Make sure you click on the links in the News Section below. You'll be surprised at what you'll read. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monterrico Clinic & Educational Center Update - Dedication
Saturday, October 8, 2011 La Curvina Community Clinic & Education Center was dedicated to the community of Monterrico! The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens...Healing the Children, Oregon and Western Washington Chapter....Rotary Club of Vista Hermosa....Centro Cristiano Cultural de Guatemala and Guatemala Village Health announce the dedication of The Monterrico Community Clinic and Education Center in Monterrico, Guatemala will be dedicated on Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 10:30am to 2pm. What a wonderful, wonderful conclusion to a major campaign by our club and our many partners. It takes a village has been used for sometime now, but it does apply to the new Community and Education Center in Monterrico, Guatemala.
We need your financial help now. Every donation, whether $10 or $100 will help us achieve our goal and make a difference in the lives of many people in Monterrico. Please consider making a contribution of your own.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sultan Loses Valuble Community AdvocateOur condolences to fellow Rotarians in Monroe who lost member Dave Wood September 22nd to cancer. He was the Director of the Volunteers of America program in Sultan. But, he was a tireless advocate for all residents of the Sultan area. A Monroe Rotarian at the regular weekly meeting this week commented that "Even though Dave was recently ordained as a minister, he has been ministering all of his life."
Very true. For a complete story about Dave click this link to the Monroe Monitor article published in last week's edition. Dave left his impact on Sultan through his work at the VOA, the Boys and Girls Club, Sultan Senior Center, Sultan Food Bank, Teen Court, ECEAP programs, Christmas Giving Tree, the list goes on. Another Rotarian commented that "If everyone were like Dave Wood the world would be a better place." Dave had recently accepted a new role with the VOA on a regional basis. A send off celebration that was already planned for was held for him the day before he passed away. He was not able to attend, but, thanks to the efforts of Rotarians, they videotaped the celebration and showed it to Dave. They said he was very happy to see the outpouring of love for the community. Sultan, Monroe and the Skykomish Valley are better off because of you Dave. You will be missed. For a moving tribute to Dave click the More... link below and then click the play button. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Leadership Institute and New Generations by Sean Hogan, District Governor-Elect
If you wanted to learn more about Rotary Leadership Institute and the New Generations, then you missed an exciting presentation last week by Sean Hogan, District Governor-Elect. Originally, Rotary Leadership Institute was a grassroots beginning and a non-official Rotary program. Sean has been in Rotary for 24 years. He thoroughly loves his Club. His first visit to RYLA was in 2000 and he knew he was hooked. And, he believes in the "Power of One". Sean spoke about Polio Plus and the fact that last year in India there was only one case of polio where as the previous year there were 26 cases. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weekly Meetings
During October, your Rotary Club will be experimenting with a new meeting format. On the 1st and 3rd Friday's of the month, the meetings will be at the Lake Stevens School Administration building. On the 2nd and 4th Thursday we will be meeting at Luca's at 7pm. The new format is intended to offer prospective members an opportunity to join our club and expand our membership. We look forward to seeing all of our members at the meetings and ask that you bring a new prospective member to each meeting in order to meet our growing needs.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Why Am I a Rotarian Anyway?
Assistant Governor Doug Newman visited our club September 16, 2011 and was the guest speaker. What a presentation! Wow! Why Am I a Rotarian Anyway? For Doug, Rotary started when the landlord of the building he was renting for his business asked Doug to come to a Rotary meeting and potentially join this group of business people who as his landlord stated provided service to others around the world. After several invitations and excuses running out, Doug conceded and went to a meeting. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag and the meaningful prayer and the Service Above Self motto--he was hooked.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community Service Shines Bright for Rotary
Thursday, September 15th, Rotarians prepared and served meals at the weekly Community Supper at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Lake Stevens. Thank you to the Rotarians, family members and friends who helped out. Over 60 meals were served.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guest
Guest at last week's meeting were Danielle Donatelli who was accompanied to the meeting by her husband Daryl. Danielle has submitted her application for membership. Also, Deb Smith from the Lake Stevens Police Department was our guest. The Police Department has six bikes for our Bikes for Tykes program. As always, we enjoy the regular visit of our friend and fellow Marysville Rotarian, Harv Jubie.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar
Alex Moore, who was the recipient of a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and is a new member of the Rotary Club of Lake Union talked on September 9, 2011 about his scholarship to South Africa in January 2003 and the differences between the International Rotary Clubs. Alex has his MBA from a small libral arts college in Colorado and is a Financial Advisor for Wells Fargo in Seattle. Alex also spoke about Adversity to Risk and Behavorial Economics. What a pleasure to listen to a young Rotarian speak of his early involvement with Rotary through his Ambassadorial Scholarship and his current club's activities.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MembershipOnce again, each member has an OPEN Invitation to invite a guest. Over the past two weeks, James Monroe has had a guest who brought her husband as a guest last week. Great job James. Come Join Us! BRING A NEW MEMBER PROSPECT TO THE NEXT MEETING: HELP US bring NEW MEMBERS into our club by actively RECRUITING within the Lake Stevens community. All Rotary members are encouraged to bring a prospective new member to our weekly meeting. Talk about the importance of Rotary and Service Above Self, the Four Way Test and how they can help impact their community both at home as well as internationally. Remember, Rotary is the largest private provider of international scholarships. And PolioPlus is Rotary's flagship program. By the time Rotary club members will have contributed US $850 million and countless volunteer hours. Keep Rotary membership on your mind as a daily reminder how important it is to recruit new members. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
USPS Update
Ernie Swanson, spokesman for the United States Postal Service was our guest speaker on September 2nd. Following is a summary of his presentation to our club. If the USPS was a Fortune 500 company, it would rank 29th in the Top 500. Currently the Postal Service is self-sufficient and is not funded by Congress. Four years ago the USPS delivered 213 billion pieces of mail. In 2010, the number of pieces going through the system was 171 billion pieces down 25% in just four years. Mr. Swanson stated that the impact from the electronic media, is the main reason for the decrease in postal mail. The Postal Service relies on First Class mail which is their bread and butter but it is down 25%. Reasons contributing to their huge financial losses can be attributed to the Posal Enhancement Act of 2006 requiring that the Service pre-pay their retiree health care benefits. Other areas open for discussion is reform to their labor agreements, reduction in hours of service, including cutting Saturday delivery, cutting out 20,000 carrier routes nationwide, reducing the number of mail processing centers. Currently there are 3,700 offices that could close in the near future but would have a huge affect on small communities. The Postal Service is considering adopting the Village Post Office concept as a means of reducing their cost. There used to be 365,000 blue boxes. Currently their are 160,000 and more blue boxes could disappear in a cost cutting mode. Cutting out Saturday delivery would save the Postal Service around $3.5 billion annually. And the retirement fund is over-funded by $60 billion dollars but to recoup any of the funds for the general budget would require Congressional action. The Postal Service surpasses both Fedex and UPS in volume. Obviously, there will be more attention to their financial situation in the coming days, months and years.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aquafest Report
Thank you to all of the members and friends who helped with this year's Aquafest. From the parades, to the food booth, and the Duck Dash. Thanks to a wonderful weekend of weather, thousands of people came to downtown Lake Stevens to see what our community can do. The funds raised go towards our scholarships for high school seniors, Bikes for Tykes, Scouts, Born to Learn Trails, Adopt-A-Street and much, much more. Congratulations to our Duck Dash winners. The prizes will be presented at an upcoming Rotary Meeting. We will have a complete report soon. Thank you again to everyone who helped and supported our activities at Aquafest! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Club Banquet
Friday, June 17th was the date of the annual installation banquet. This year's event was held at the Fire Department's Conference Center and enjoyed by all in attendance. President Dave thanked the Board and all members for their contributions to the successes of the Club. Before the new officers and directors were installed, he announced that Gary O'Rielly as Rotarian of the Year. Congratulations, Gary! The next Board will take office officially on July 1st - JD Hemmert, President; Jim Kelly, President-Elect; Gary O'Rielly, Secretary; Carie Rott, Treasuer; Jim Kooy, Club Service Chair (Director); Scott Smith, President-Nominee and Community Service Chair (Director); Barbara Knowles, International Service Chair (Director); Dean Franz, Vocational Service Chair (Director); Dave DeLorm, Past President. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Students Receive Scholarships
At the Club Meeting, Friday, May 20, 2011, seven students were awarded with $1,000 scholarships towards their collage tuition costs. Three students are from Lake Stevens High School and four from Granite Falls High School. Congratulations to all of the students and their families. Pictured here are Dean Franz, Chairman of the Club's Vocational Committee (left), the students and Dave DeLorm, Club President.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
November is Rotary Foundation Month
November is Rotary Foundation Month. Find out how you can support The Rotary Foundation. Learn how we are helping people around the world fight hunger, promoting literacy and eradicating polio. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GSE Team Reports From Ireland - Returns
The District 5050 Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team is back home after their month long visit to Ireland. They have had an exciting time and we are looking forward to hearing all about their experiences. Read about the team's adventures on their blog at www.ireland5050.blogspot.com.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Visits Lake Stevens
Fellow Rotarians - I'd like to thank you all for attending our club meeting September 3, 2010, District Governor Wayne Wiebe delivered a great program. Club attendance was outstanding and many of you worked hard to help put this together. Thank you! District Governor Wayne discussed district goals and I'd like to share them again. 1. Net +1 member(s) per club in the district 2. Increase participation in district committees 3. Restore annual fund giving 4. Ensure club Presidents have a good year 5. Recognize achievements 6. Have fun! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duck Dash Prizes Awarded
At the Club's regular meeting, August 20, 2010, the winners of this year's Duck Dash were presented with their prizes. The Club also recognized the top sellers of Duck Dash tickets. The Club thanks everyone who supported the Club and its programs through this important fundraiser. The funds raised will support the scholarships provided to Lake Stevens students, the Born Learning Trail projects, Cub Scout Pack 88, the Kids Oasis playground, clean water projects internationally, the eradication of polio worldwide, the medical clinic and education center in Monterrico, Guatemala (see story below) and other important projects. Without the support of the local and regional community members we wouldn't be able to be successful. A big thank you to all of you! A thank you to all of the sponsors of our Duck Dash: Roy Robinson Chevrolet, Judd & Black, Evergreen Security, Team Fitness & Extreme Pita. Duck Dash Winners
Top ticket sellers: Club Member John Huber-488, Club Member James Monroe-220, Marysville Rotarian Gordie Bjorg (tie)-220, Club Member Kathy Little-150, Club Member David Johnson-140, Club Member Terri Spencer-135, Community Member and All-Around Great Guy John Commons-110, and Club Members Debe Franz, Tracy DeLorm and President Dave DeLorm each sold 100 tickets. Thank you to all of the ticket sellers. John better watch out. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AQUAFEST a Success! - Photo Album Added
Thank you to all of the members who helped make the 2010 Aquafest a success. From organization through setup and sales to the cleanup afterwards, without your dedication to the ideals of Rotary we wouldn't be succcessful. Also, thank you to other bretheren in the Rotary Club of Marysville for helping us in our food booth as well as with Duck Dash ticket sales. The top sellers will no doubt include a Marysville Rotarian or two. we are still sorting through all of the funds and will have a full report soon. Thank you to all of the supporters of our Duck Dash. The funds raised are used to provide collage scholarships to local high school graduates, installation of features at various local parks, clean water to those in need around the world and the eradication of polio world wide. Here is a list of the 2010 winners and prizes.
Speaking of ducks, pictured here is our Big Duck in the Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon (thank you SC). We have also added an album of photos from that weekend. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian of the Year Announced at Banquet
At the annual Changing of the Guard Banquet, July 1, 2010, President Debe Franz announced her choice for Rotarian of the Year. In making the presentation she said that this one person helped her through the challenges that she faced this past year. She added that she enjoyed her time as President and learned a lot. She is pleased to announce Dean Franz as Rotarian of the Year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ABC World News - Polio Eradication and the Power of VaccinesThis program was scheduled to originally air on January 28th, however, it was postponed due to the events occuring in Egypt. A message to all District 5050 Rotarians from District Governor, Wayne Wiebe. RE: ABC World News Tonight this Friday, 28 January (check local listings) Please tune in for a special webcast featuring Bill Gates, ABC World News anchor Diane Sawyer, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David Oshinsky, and a panel of experts on: Polio Eradication and the Power of Vaccines
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Foundation Grants
Rotary's new grant model, often called the Future Vision Plan, is both simplified and streamlined, reducing the number of Foundation grant types from 12 to three. The new model goes into effect on 1 July 2013. To learn more about the new Foundation Grants Model, click here. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Assembly
This Friday will be devoted to Club Business. We will review the results of Survey2 and the decision of the Board based on input from about 90% of the members. This is a good time to learn the results and discuss our meeting format. Other club business such as update on Poinsettas/wreath sales, the final numbers for Bikes for Tykes and other questions important to our members. Attendance has been in the 81% area the past 4 meetings. We can improve on the percentage but it is up to each and every member. Some have started their Christmas holidays already so if you are in town, this is a meeting you won't want to miss.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New MemberCongratulations to Danielle Donatelli, our new member. Danielle's application was approved at our Board meeting on Tuesday, September 13th. Danielle was sponsored by James Monroe. Thanks James for bringing in a wonderful new member. Let's keep this going. How about a new member a month to start off with in the coming months. Welcome Danielle. And, Jim Haugen who will be transferring from the Rotary Club of Everett effective October 1, 2011. We look forward to to having you as a member of our club after a long and distinguished period with the Everett club. This is a great start to the winter season and a great opportunity to expand our membership. Welcome Jim. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duck Dash Ticket CampaignAlong with the 4 Way Test, we need to adopt the 4 key points for a highly successful Duck Dash fundraiser and sales campaign. Sell, Sell, Sell and SELL is our motto for this years ticket sales! We all need to step up and sell all of our tickets for another great AquaFest and Duck Dash season. JD has given us plenty of sales incentives. Duck Dash has been successful for our club because oft the dedicaton of all of its members. This year is no exception. Proceeds from the sales of the Duck Dash tickets and the AquaFest booth help with a number of key local and international projects. That is why it is so important to sell all of the tickets again this year. Geaux Duck Dash! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Wine Glasses Available
The wine glasses etched with the Rotary emblem used at the Intstallation Banquet are available for purchase for $5 each. Proceeds benefit a school in Afghanistan. The wine glasses can be purchased at the next club meeting and payments made to Treasurer Carie.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Approves Bylaws
At the regular Club Meeting June 25, 2010, members overwhelmingly approved the revised Bylaws. The changes are designed to bring our Club Bylaws more in sync with the RI recommended Bylaws. There is more work to do as the Club moves towards the RI recommended Leadership Structure. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hello from Doug & Lisa Clawson
On my recent visit to Sacramento I visited Doug and Lisa Clawson. They said to tell everyone hello and they will be at our meeting on June 18th and look forward to visiting with us. They are doing well and like the Del Webb retirement community they live in and all the sunshine they get. Come on the 18th to say "hi" to Doug & Lisa.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President's Message
Please join us this week as we have our weekly meeting at the Boys & Girls Club. We will have a classification talk from a member, vote on our ongoing location choice, and visit with Doug and Lisa Clawson.
Unfortunately, over the weekend Lisa's mother passed away and the memorial service is this afternoon in Redmond. And, over the weekend Karen Alessi fell and broke her shoulder. She was in the hospital a few days, but is convalescing at home now. Please keep these members in your thoughts this week. Regards, Debe |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scholarship Awards
Last week we awarded $8000 in scholarships to seniors in Lake Stevens and Granite Falls high schools. We have amazing, incredible students in our community.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to get a Paul Harris for $500
The following message is from Governor Larry Jubie. He has made an offer to match your funds for a Paul Harris Award. If you combine his offer with our club offer of matching up to $250, you could get a Paul Harris Award for $500. This can be awarded to you or an individual you deem worthy of the Paul Harris Award. See below for details on Governor Larry's offer.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GOLFUN 2010
District 5050 Golfun to benefit The Rotary Foundation and the Polio Plus Program is this Saturday at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club on Whidbey Island. Please contact Dean Franz for details; he is forming a team. 425-330-0423 or deanf@perteet.com
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District 5050 Outgoing GSE Team to India
We had the pleasure of hearing from the GSE Team from our district that went to India in January of 2010. Team Leader, Linda Murray (who is also our District Administrator), and team members Erin Sebby and Allen Heinrichs, gave a fascinating presentation on their experience. The pictures and descriptions of their trip to this culturally rich country were incredible. This is one of the programs that our contributions to The Rotary Foundation support. Debe trained for her GSE trip to Ireland under Linda and had the pleasure of getting to know all the team members. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Generations Added as 5th Avenue of Rotary Service
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens High School Boys Basketball
Our program April 30, 2010 was Coach Mark Hein, LSHS Boys Varsity Basketball Coach and Mike Schneider, Senior Co-Captain of the LSHS Boys Basketball team. Mark and Mike shared with us the highly successful season that the boys had this year and the fact that boys have made the state tournament two years in a row. Mark also talked to the group about the principles and values that he and his staff instill in the boys to assist them in preparation for the rest of their life. We are truly fortunate to have teachers and coaches like Mr. Hein in our school district
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Conference Home Hosted Dinners:Thank you to all who agreed to Home Host dinners on May 14 for district conference attendees, and to Dean for organizing it. We had a great response to this request and I am proud of how you agreed to help out. I also think it is great how some of you are doing it as a group. What fun! If you haven't signed up yet, you still can, simply contact Dean at deanf@perteet.com. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gentle Courtesy Reminder
Please remember that Rotary policy asks that if you need to leave the meeting early, you express your regrets to the speaker before they speak and explain the situation. We all understand there are times that business pulls us away early, and if you know in advance, this is the courteous way to handle this situation. Of course, the unexpected can not be planned for in this way. Thank you.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shelter Box
As mentioned at a recent meeting, our Club is donating a Shelter Box to the residents of Haiti. The Box provides materials for up to ten people to have a shelter, bedding and other items necessary to a family to help in their recovery from the devestating earthquake of January 12, 2010. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Red Cross Response in Haiti
Our featured speaker February 28, 2010 was Chuck Morrison, Executive Director of the Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He talked about how the Red Cross started, how it is organized, what the prime missions of the organization are and how the American Red Cross is helping the residents of earthquake revaged Haiti. It is interesting to note that in this month of the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America that the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts are the only two organzations given a Charter by the United States Congress. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aquafest Grand Marshall Named
Lake Stevens Rotarian Joyce Bell has been named Grand Marshall of the 2010 Aqaufest Main Parade. Congratualtions, Joyce! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Breakfast Change
This is a reminder that breakfast charges will increase to $11.00 a meal due to increased cost from the school district. Jim Kelley is looking at options to bring the costs down. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please contact him.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BSA Prepared for Second Century of Service
IRVING , TX - February 4, 2010 - When the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was officially incorporated on February 8, 1910, Americans were driving Stanley steam automobiles, earning an average of $750 a year, and paying little more than 30 cents for a gallon of milk. The national debt was a mere billion dollars. While all of these things seem out of place today, the BSA remains a vital organization with a mission and purpose that is more relevant today than ever before. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volunteer Needed
Planning for the District Conference being held at the Tulalip Resort May 14th - 16th is underway. A volunteer is requested from our club to help AG Lyle Ryan, from the Everett Club, develop a team to coordinate Home Hosting dinners. Each club in our two areas (J and K) will be a part of this team. Can you act as the liaison to AG Lyle? He'll be developing a list of Home Hosts from each club to entertain fellow Rotarians to a dinner in their home, the night of Friday, May 14th. Please let Debe know ASAP since they want to have the team formed by the end of this week. Thanks!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ken Collins Awarded Principal of the Year
Our very own Rotarian, Ken Collins, has been awarded Principal of the Year. "The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) has named Principal Ken Collings League Principal of the year for 2009," wrote Jory Weissert in Valhalla, the Lake Stevens High School paper. Ken says,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Event a Rousing Success
Thanks to the efforts of so many club members, our special event last Friday turned out wonderfully! Thank you to all who helped coordinate this event and worked so hard to make it successful. Assistant District Governor Lee Harmon was so impressed that he
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Space Exploration
The featured speaker at the February 5, 2010 meeting was Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, CEO of The Museum of Flight, Seattle and retired US Astronaut. Dr. Dunbar was raised in Sunnyside, WA, earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Washington. She earned her doctorate in mechanical/biomedical engineering from the University of Houston. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inspiring Ethiopia Trip
Neal Watkins, of the Monroe Rotary Club, provided a most inspiring story of the District 5050 trip to Ethiopia. The work included the polio eradication program, and assisting in local clinics. Presentation was given at the Rotary breakfast on Jan. 22nd.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Community Park
Our featured speaker January 15, 2010 was Tom Tiegen, Director of the Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Department. He provided an update to the new park, located on N. Machias Rd at 16th St NE, which will open this spring with the Little League baseball season.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Perfect Close for 2009
Friends, This month really was a perfect close for this wonderful 2009, the only problem is, with all of this blessings is hard to go true all of them one by one and don't take a lot of time, and we really want you read this news letter and don't get tired and we want to share some of our desires for 2010 in this way you can help us to pray for those can happen, or who knows, maybe you can be part of them. For this reason I will just talk of some of this blessing on December and make a list of the rest with some pictures, here we go. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literacy SeminarDear Rotarians and Friends: Literacy is one of five service project priority areas emphasized by RI President John Kenny. Please share this letter with your club members and plan to have representatives from your club attend the second annual District 5050 Literacy Seminar on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Hampton Inn in Bellingham. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monroe Miracle Field
One of the sparkplugs behind the Monroe Miracle League is Ric Carlson, Past President and member of the Rotary Club of Monroe who will be the featured speaker at the January 8th meeting of our Club. Many consider the Miracle League to be |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8th Annual Bikes for Tykes
On Saturday, December 19th members of the Club distributed bicycles and tricycles to 175 children in the Lake Stevens and Granite Falls communities. The distribution was held at Ebenezer Lutheran Church from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Governor's Message
Greeting to all Rotarians… We have had a great year....You should all be proud of all of the work you have done in your communities and around the world. My wife Linda and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands"
Lawrence "Larry" Jubie |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Member Attendance
Members have a way to track their own attendance. Click the My Attendance link in the My ClubRunner box after you've logged in at this web site.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 11, 2009 Program
Our featured speaker this week is David Alvarez, Director of the Centro Cristiano Cultural de Gautemala (CCCG). He will be speaking to us about the changes in the indigenous peoples of Guatemala through the process of better education, better health care, better agriculture, and a better lifestyle. However, there is much more to do and he will also be talking about the impact our Community Education Center and Medical Clinic based in Moterrico will have. Please be on time as this will be a full meeting. David will be available afterwards to talk to members and visitors. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monterrico Clinic & Educational Center - Update!Click here for more information about the Monterrico Clinic & Educational Center including the Volunteer Service application for the trips planned for February 2010 and September 2010. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Missing In Action - A Son's Story
Our featured speaker November 13, 2009 was Lt. Cdr. Brian Danielson. His father was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War when Brian was 1 year old. His dad was listed as "Missing in Action." |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LSSD Levies - Maintenance & Technology
Our speakers at the regular meeting, October 30, 2009 were Dr. Dave Burgess, Lake Stevens School District Superintendent, Arlene Hulten, Director of Communications and Keith Neilson, Chairman of the Citizens Levy Committee. They presented information about the proposed Replacement Maintenance & Operations Levy and the Technology Levy that will be sent to the voters in the school district next February.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club Hosts Community Supper
Volunteers from the Lake Stevens/Granite Falls Rotary Club provided a well organized community supper at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Lake Stevens. The event was held on Oct. 15 with several from the community in attendance.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vern Heller's Annual Visit
At the regular Club Meetings, October 9th and 16th, Rotarian Vern Heller, made his annual visit. He visits his daughter who lives in Granite Falls every year about this time. Vern is a member of the Rotary Club of San Carlos (CA) and has had perfect attendance for 42 years! Vern has served his Club in numerous capacities including a year as President. Loren says that Vern has been visiting us for about ten years. We're always glad to see him and look forward to seeing him again next week. Click here to learn more about the Rotary Club of San Carlos.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Families & Friends of Violent Crime Victims
Our September 18, 2009 program about Families & Friends of Violent Crime Victims was started with a compelling story by Bob Lenz (pictured), a retired Washington State Patrol Captain, who shared while as a fairly young trooper, he had arrived at and investigated a head on collision involving an off-duty Sheriff's Deputy friend of his in Skamania County.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cub Scouts Collect Hundreds of Pounds of Food!
Our Cub Scouts collected 255 pounds of food for the Lake Stevens Food Bank as part of the Mount Baker Boy Scout Council's Scouting for Food Campaign. The Pack was in front of the Safeway store at Frontier Village for several hours Saturday, September 12, 2009.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Govenor Visits: Talks About the Future
At the regular Club Meeting, September 4, District Govenor Larry Jubie, gave an engaging presentation about Rotary and District 5050. He shared that he and his wife, Linda, have visited 35 Clubs in the District so far. They just got back from a week in British Columbia, where almost half of the District's Clubs are located.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Miracle Field A Reality!
Sometimes dreams take a while to come to fruition. Such is the case with Miracle Field in Monroe. This Saturday the Rotary Club of Monroe will christen the new "Field of Dreams" for players from all over Snohomish County. This is the first of its kind in the state of Washington. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical Schools
Ross Short, a Rotary Scholarship recipient 13 years ago was the featured speaker at the August 21st meeting. His discussed technology programs at area high schools.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Member Induction
On August 14, 2009, the Club formally inducted Steve Jespersen, who is transfering his Rotary membership from his previous Club in suburban Chicago. We welcome Steve and look forward to his involvement in the community. He jumped right in two weeks ago helping out in the food booth for Aquafest. Welcome Steve!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 14 Program
Join Rotarians and Community Members as they gather to enjoy fun, food and fellowship at the regular weekly breakfast this Friday morning. This is the meeting to learn about the Aquafest results and sign up for future activities.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens SW AnnexationOn August 7, 2009 the Club heard from the Mayor of Lake Stevens, Vern Little, about the current plans to annex around the lake. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tuskegee Airmen
The July 31st meeting of the Lake Stevens/Granite Falls Rotary Club will hear George Hickman Jr. give a presentation on his experience as a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, up to and including his trip to the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club Meeting 7/17 - Apollo 11 Moon Walk and Landing
Imagine our surprise to discover that our club's own member, Sam Bryce, was a photographer aboard the U.S.S. Hornet who personally took many photos of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AQUAFEST
Join the community for the annual Aquafest celebration. Our Club will be visible in several places throughout the weekend. Our Cub Scout Pack will be leading the Children's Parade Friday evening; our Club will be in the Grand Parade Saturday afternoon; and we help wrap things up with the World Famous Lake Stevens Duck Dash. All the while, we will be selling corn at our booth in the Food Fair.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hands For Peace Making
Pete Kinch, Snohomish Rotarian & Director of the Foundation, gave a presentation at our regular meeting, June 19, 2009, about the Hands For Peace Making Foundation founded by Dr. Leonn & Virginia Aller. Dr. Aller started the Snohomish Physicians medical clinic and was the founding Scoutmaster of Troop 50 in Snohomish.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Savery Renovation - Univeristy of Washington
"The Restore the Core Program at the University of Washington - Savery Renovation 2007-2009 - A Project Managers View." Brian Berard is an architect at the University of Washington and will share this restoration project with us. Come learn the difference between gargoyles and grotesques at our regular meeting June 12, 2009. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Margaritaville Report
Saturday, May 16, 2009 was the first ever Rotary Club Family Concert & Margaritaville. A beautiful, sunny day made this a fabulous event for over 200 people. About $3,000 (gross) was made from Duck Dash Ticket and beverage sales.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scouts Clean Up Centennial Trail
Our own Cub Scout Pack 88 participated in the third annual Centennial Trail Cleanup Service Project last Saturday. Ten of the Scouts from the Pack along with parents and siblings cleaned the signs and safety gates on the trail at Three Lakes Road crossing. They even cleaned the large rocks nearby!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commitment to Guatemala
Our club recently decided to adopt Guatemala as our sister country. Plans are underway to begin several projects. These embrace our motto of Service Above Self and respond to President D. K. Lee's theme "Make Dreams Real" by reducing child mortality. Areas where Rotary service excels are all represented in our plans - water and sanitation, health and hunger, literacy; parntership and collaboration; sustainable change; travel to build goodwill and better friendships. There is much to do as we begin our journey to Guatemala. Please participate in the International Service Committee meeting Thursday, May 7, at Noon at Barbara's home. RSVP via Clubrunner or email or call me directly. Gracias! Barbara
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everett Community College
At our regular meeting, Friday, April 24, 2009, David Beyer, Ph.D., President of Everett Community College and Christine Kerline, Ph.D., Executive Director of the University Center of the North Puget Sound, gave a presentation on the current state of Everett Community College.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Founding President Report
Dear Rotarians of Lake Stevens & Granite Falls:
After talking to Vern Foster last week, I realize that I owe you a letter (they say "You all" down here) and let you know what is happening with us. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lake Stevens Margaritaville
We are in the final stages of planning this event which will kick-off our Duck Dash ticket sales. JD Hemmert has done a wonderful job of planning and organizing this event and your assistance is urgently requested to make this event a success.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Born Learning
Katrina Ondracek, Director of the Public Policy & Community Initiatives for the United Way Chapter of Snohomish County, gave a presentation at our regular meeting, April 3, 2009. The Born Learning Trail is an interactive, playful and visable community engagement tool.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Overcoming Hearing LossSuzanne Quigley, Ph.D., CCC-A, wife of member Kevin Quigley, gave a presentation, March 27, 2009, on the technology of helping children overcome profound hearing loss. She is the Executive Director of Listen and Talk, the only exclusively auditory-oral early learning program in Western Washington. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State of the City Report
Our featured speaker March 20, 2009, Vern Little, Mayor of Lake Stevens, gave us an update on the future of the City.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lead International Focus Story
Mike Blondino, founder of LEAD International, has spoken to our club on several occasions about the work of LEAD in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Global Washington's March newsletter features a story about LEAD and their model approach to economic development in one of the poorest countries of the world. Congratulations to Mike and LEAD International.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Business Owners of Tomorrow
At our regular meeting, February 20, we saw a presentation about a program at Lake Stevens High School called Business Owners of Tomorrow. Cofounded by Harold Britton, the School Resource Officer at the High School and Schyler Edwards, Senior at the High School, they described the program as a way to help students learn what it takes to own and operate a business.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President-Elect Report
At the regular weekly meeting, February 6, 2009, President-Elect Debe Franz gave a report about the upcoming Rotary year. The 2009-2010 Rotary International theme is "The Future is in Your Hands." She recently attended the local Pre-Pets conference. This is for Presidents Elect of Rotary Clubs. She will attend the Zone PETS Conference next month.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Save the Date - Aquafest
Aquafest 2009 is scheduled July 24 - 26. Please factor this into your summer plans and keep this weekend available for volunteering for our most important fundraiser.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Members Inducted
At the January 16, 2009 meeting Gary O'Rielly and Ken Collins were inducted as the newest members of the Club. Gary relocated from Baton Rouge, Louisiana this past fall and is sponsored by John Morrison. Ken Collins is the Principal of Lake Stevens High School and is sponsored by Randy Celori.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Feb 7 2009 Auction to Benefit Healing the Children
"Lending a Hand, Opening Hearts" is the theme of Healing the Children's sixth annual recognition dinner and fund raising auction. Please join our Rotary table at this exciting event to be held at the Everett Events Center February 7, 2009. Silent auction begins at 5:00 p.m., dinner and live auction begin at 7:00 p.m. Please contact me for more information, or call 866 538 8004 for tickets and reservations.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President Huber New Grandpa!
At the January 16, 2009 meeting announced that he is a new grandfather. Kadin Michael Huber, 5 lbs. 2 oz., 18 1/2", was born January 11, 2009.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School District Update
At the regular Club Meeting, January 9, 2009, we had a visit and presentation by Dr. David Burgess, Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District. He was accompanied by Arlene Hulten, Director of Communications & Community Services with the LSSD. Dr. Burgess gave us an update on the construction levy approved by voters a few years ago.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accessing WebsiteRotary Members- welcome to your new Club web site. You will have a part in creating the site and how well it works. The first thing you will want to do is gain access. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
History of the Four Way TestThe Four-Way Test was conceived by Herbert J. Taylor, a Chicago Rotarian and president of Rotary International in 1954-55. He applied The Four-Way Test to the operation of his company with remarkable results and subsequently shared it with others. The story is told best by Herbert J. Taylor in this description of how the Test came into existence and what effect it had. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RI Inducted into Polio Hall of Fame
To commemorate its 50th Anniversary, the Polio Hall of Fame inducted as members the four spearheading partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Read on...
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How secure is all this data?)
No need to worry. ClubRunner secures all your private information using the latest security technologies.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Don't forget the eBulletin!)
ClubRunner makes it easy to publish your eBulletin, and send to all your members and friends.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome to our new website!
We are all excited to see how ClubRunner will revolutionize the way we manage our day to day club activities, as well as communicate more effectively.
|
Duane Leonard, Executive Director-HASCO
Service Above Self. That is the Rotary motto. What does it mean today as we face this pandemic?
This week's meeting will be online. The meeting will start at 7:30. You will be able to join the meeting starting at 7:15. Here are the links and instructions-
.JPG)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
