Thank you to everyone who came out to recognize and honour Jim Haugen last week. Jim and Kirsten are special to us and the Lake Stevens community. Congratulations to both of you and enjoy your "retirement."
This week's program includes a Classification talk by new member Chris Smith. He will also talk about a new non-profit called Creator Zone.
The link to our YouTube Channel is now available on our website and our weekly bulletins. You can view recent online meetings. If you watch any of them, you can count it as a makeup. Just let our Secretary, Gary O'Rielly know.
Thank you to all of our sponsors this year. They are listed below. When you patronize them make sure to mention that you are a Lake Stevens Rotarian!
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.
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Special recognition by DG Raj was given to Jim Haugen, Don Iverson and Gary O'Rielly. Chris Vallo, Club President presents a Club banner to District Governor Raj.
Both District Governor Raj and Foundation Chair Jack Rae participated in awarding our Lake Stevens High School Interact Club with a Presidential Citation for 2021-22.
The last part of District Governor Raj's visit was to the site of the Lake Stevens Food Bank and the Rotary Skate Park. Awesome visit. Thanks so much for visiting our Club.
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.
Jim was given a special truck cookie compliments of Rickelle and both he and Kirsten were given fresh Hawaiian leis courtesy of Amelia when a friend brought them here from Hawaii.
Everyone attending Jim's special appreciation dinner enjoyed Hawaiian music provided by Amelia and accompanying by Jack Baker. Special thanks to Amy, Amelia, Jack, Laurie and Rickelle for helping make Jim's recognition a success. Special thanks to everyone that was able to be there and share in the honors with Jim.
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.
State law allows voters to approve a sales tax increase up to 0.3% to fund a TBD. The Lake Stevens City Council is asking voters to consider 0.2% or 2 cents on a $10 purchase. Other ways to fund a TBD is by the City to authorize a non-voted $20 vehicle licensing fee on local residents. Currently, there is no support by the City Council for funding in this method.
Currently, Public Works has a $4 million dollar budget. Funding TBD would bring in another $1.5 million annually for transportation projects in our area. Public Works has 94 projects in their inventory covering $174,000,000. The city surveyed residents earlier this year. A full list of projects based on community priorities can be found on the City's website.
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.
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.
Interact is a service club for youth ages 14-18. The name is a combination of the words international and action. We join Clubs in over 120 countries around the world. The global youth network is dedicated to community and international service. Every Interact Club project, great or small, has a lasting impact on society worldwide.
Now that school is back in session, Club Meetings will resume shortly. Contact Mrs. Odegaard for more information!
Our regular Rotary Club Meetings are at the Lake Stevens School District Educational Service Center lower level Community Room located at 12309 22nd St NE. We start at 7:30 am. Click here for the online link. There will not be any breakfast served. However, coffee will be available. Visitors are always welcome.
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