Lake Report (Jun. 17, 2025)

Posted by James Monroe on Jun. 16, 2025

Everyone had a great time at this year's Installation Banquet! With an 80's theme, many members and significant others came in a variety of outfits and adornments. Thank you Rickelle and team for the decorations. Congratulations to President Brian and thank you Past President Ron for your year.

This week's meeting will include a presentation by Shannon Farrant of the City of Lake Stevens Surface Water Management Coordinator. She has been in this role since November 2020 and is responsible for developing plans for stormwater management, obtaining grants and obtaining the necessary permits.

Next week is the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta. A couple of Club Members will be there along with many others from District 5050. If you haven't heard yet, on 9 June Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo stepped down as RI President Elect for 2025-2026. He did so for health, business and family reasons. Over this past weekend Rotary announced that Francesco Arezzo, of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy has been selected as the RI President 2025-2026. He will be introduced at the Convention.

The updated 2025-2026 LSR Sponsorship form is now available to you at our website. Click this link to download and start collecting sponsorships! Get them in!!

Last week, Members were sent the Aquafest sign up link. This is an All Hands On Deck event and we need everyone to pitch in. There are a various tasks, days and times available. You can sign up others as well.

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.

A New Era Rotary President and Board

Posted by Gary O'Rielly on Jun. 16, 2025

In 2025-26, we are about to enter a new era with Texas style leadership as Brian Rewis steps into his role as President of the Lake Stevens Rotary. Brian has been deeply involved in our Club and in the community.

The new Lake Stevens Rotary board for 2025-26 was sworn in by District Governor-Elect Kathleen Olson on Friday evening, June 13th.

State of the Lake Stevens School District

Posted by Gary O'Rielly on Jun. 16, 2025

Our guest speaker on Friday, June 13th was Dr. Mary Templeton, Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District, a Club member, on the State of the Lake Stevens School District. Dr. T started the conversation by praising Jayme Taylor, Executive Director of Communications and Community Services for all of her work and efforts on behalf of the District.

District statistics: District enrollment is 10,215 students, there are 1,745 employees in the District and this year there were 634 graduates from Lake Stevens High School. The District is composed of Lake Stevens High School, Cavelero Mid-High School, two Middle Schools, seven Elementary schools, the Early Learning Center, the Transitions Center and Homelink. Dr. T shared her impression of the graduating students. Each looked her with direct eye contact and with a strong hand shake.

Our District has a strong record of fiscal responsibility. Excellent credit rating. More than $105 million dollars in state construction grants since 2005. On-time and under budget bond projects. Clean audits and balanced budgets. Top credit rating in Washington State. However, schools in Washington are underfunded.

Dt. T talked about the passage earlier this year of the Construction Bond which was validated and certified. She commented that when the first Bond issue failed, the second effort provided more collectivity with one-another. Dr. T said that Lisa Sanchez next job will be the Associate Principal at Glenwood. Lisa attended the meeting along with her son Sean who gave a brief report of his career since receiving a scholarship three years ago. Dr t went on to congratulate the LSHS Girls Soccer team--4A state champions, the Art programs, High School Jazz Band--under the direction of Neil Proff--winning state awards and so much more that occurred in the District this past year.

Sean Sanchez-Previous Scholarship Recipient

Sean Sanchez, a former Lake Stevens High School scholarship recipient accompanied by his mother Lisa came back to tell our Club members that he has started his own SS Upholstery Company in Utah.

Sean previously worked at Duncan Aviation. Sean spoke highly of the diversity in Lake Stevens which was very helpful in allowing him to communicate with people of all backgrounds. Besides starting his own company Sean is coaching young kids in the art of a jiu-jitsu, a Japanese form of martial arts. He added that one of his long-range goals is to return to Washington State.

80's Movie Theme-Annual Installation banquet

Posted by Gary O'Rielly on Jun. 16, 2025

The theme of this year's Annual Installation Banquet was the 80's Movie Theme. Posters provided by President Ron Rasmussen and decorations by Rickelle Pegrum.

President Ron Rasmussen aka the Karate Kid addresses the audience and gives an overview of his 2024-25 year in review. Awards were given out as follows:

Rotarian of the Year - Rand Southam

Rising Star Award - Rickelle Pegrum

Service Above Self- Ilene Levering

Joyce Bell Community Award - Bob Howe

Honorary Member Award - Loren Hole

Kevin O'Brien received two distinguished awards. From the Club, Kevin was given a First Responders plaque for his dedication to the community. The 2nd award given to Kevin was the Rotary Citizen of the Year for his dedication to the principles of Rotary and his commitment to the community. Both awards were well deserved as he gets ready for retirement on July 15th.

Mark Your Calendars!

Posted on Jul 11, 2025

2025 Aquafest

Downtown Lake Stevens

11 - 13 July 2025