Posted by Cathy Bisaillon and Chuck Kraining on May 23, 2022
Ever wish you could help a person on a street corner without giving them money? Now Silverdale Rotarians can! On May 19, at our special hands-on Rotary meeting at the Seabeck Conference Center, attendees filled 200 1-gallon Ziplock care bags with food and personal items (plus pet food) for Rotarians to take in their cars to hand out to people in need. The $1,476 project was funded by both Duck Race and Turkey Trot proceeds.
Thanks to attendees pictured left to right: Chuck Kraining, Nancy Whitaker, Frank Guthrie, Ed and Corey Hamilton, Steve Slaton, Danny Guthrie, Erin Shannon, Matthew Barrett. And Buster! Not pictured: Cathy Bisaillon and Rick Soper.
We produced two hundred bags, each with the following items pictured above: 2 cans of canned pasta with meat-pop top, 1 Tuna Salad with crackers kit, 2 fruit cups (1 applesauce and 1 mixed fruit), 2 packages of peanut butter crackers, 1 package fruit snack, 1 pair of socks, 1 toothbrush, 1 utensil pack with napkin, 1 bag of pet food. First aid kit in snack size Ziplock: 4 wet naps, 7 band aids, 2 antibiotic ointments, 2 non-aspirin 2 packs, 1 tube of toothpaste, 3 dental flossers. And a Rotary card with the 211 info on the back.
The night before we set up the room and made the first aid kits. Thanks to Elayne Burton, Cathy Bisaillon, Steve and Debbie Slaton, Michael Collins, Kim Peterson, and three volunteers from Kitsap Bank who were there. Chuck made dinner for the volunteers! Michael had "help" from Buster, Chuck's Guamanian rescue dog (pictured on left).
On the 19th the assembly line went fast, and we were done well before 1:00 p.m.
Members took as many bags as they wanted. Someone told Chuck they gave two out in Lynnwood over the weekend, and they were well received.
Some bags went to the Westside Improvement Club's Little Blue Pantry (on right) and some to Coffee Oasis. Chuck will bring them to every club meeting until the supply is gone. There are over 100 left to give out - come to Rotary and get yours!
Huge thanks to Chuck for purchasing the items and hosting the venue on May 18 (including dinner!) and May 19.
From Rich Arper - Walk MS for Carol and Diana Arper. On April 30 I wasn’t available to help out at the Seabeck planting because I was at the Silverdale MS Walk. I walked with my wife Carol and my daughter Diana who both have MS.
On May 14 at the District 5020 Conference in Victoria, the Silverdale Rotary Club was awarded 2nd Place in the annualOlson Foundation International Club of the Year competition! The following are excerpts from our application, which may be downloaded in it's entirety here. Our Club was awarded 1,000 Paul Harris points for future awards. Thanks to International Service Chair Nancy Whitaker and her hard working committee, countless people's lives have been changed all over the world!
Pictured above - a Maternal and Child Health Clinic in the Philippines
In 2021-2022, the Rotary Club of Silverdale significantly expanded its international service to make lasting impact through all 7 Rotary Areas of Focus. Our accomplishments were diverse, far-reaching, and sustainable, and…it all started when we turned Wine to Water!
Having a history of developing water projects in the Dominican Republic, the Silverdale Rotary Club has always looked for creative ways to grow our International Services budget in order to broaden our reach. In the fall of 2021, we “Turned Wine to Water” by hosting a wine tasting event that included our club members and fellow Rotarians from District 5020 Area 9 clubs, raising $2,000, and we had compelled 30 people to renew their partnerships and commitments to service beyond North America.
Our advocacy led to another donation of $1,000 by the estate of a deceased friend of Rotary. Combining all revenue sources, our club raised $20,500 to invest in international efforts in 2021-2022.
Ukraine Relief Effort – Slovakian District 2240. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we made contact with District 2240 in Slovakia via our former Rotary Exchange Student, Matej Kunák. We launched a professionally developed Facebook fundraising campaign fueled by donor-matching pledges through our club and our amazing individual Rotarians. The funds were sent in increments, and the very first $2,500 was used for antibiotics in March. Our club’s total financial support for District 2240’s Refugee Relief Effort was $12,500.
Pictured above - Slovakian Rotarians shipping relief supplies for Ukrainian refugees.
Philippines. Our sister club, the Orion Rotary Club in the Philippines, identified four new needs:
a hand washing station at an elementary school; a Maternal and Child Health Program; a mangrove tree planting program; and school supplies for 50 students at the School of Fisheries. Through these projects, our $1,000 investment is hard at work, and we already have proof of impact!
Pictured above - hand washing station
Burkina Faso, West Africa. Our club has a long standing relationship with Lisa Stirrett https://lisastirrett.com/womens-empowerment/ , supporting her work with Walk In The Light, International Walk In the Light International (witli.com), Burkina Faso, West Africa. This year, our committee continued funding the Period Pad Project with a $1,500 grant to provide women and girls reproductive and health education and materials for the sewing school to make hundreds of washable pads. Thanks to these system-changing efforts, women and girls in the surrounding villages will experience heightened confidence and independence to overcome years of oppression and shame.
Dominican Republic – Children of the Nations (COTN).Children of the Nations (cotni.org) . This year, $1,200 is sponsoring Irianny (pictured), a young woman in the Dominican Republic, to attend university in an engineering program. Our club has also invested $1,529 in continued support of the COTN Enhanced STEM Program in COTN schools.
May 19 - our meeting will be held at noon at the Seabeck Conference Center, Rhododendron Building (head to the right at the main building), where we will stuff 200 bags of food and personal items for handing out to the homeless. Come see what Rotary service and People of Action are all about!
Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining on May 05, 2022
On May 3, we completed delivery of 157 dictionaries to 3rd and 4th graders at Emerald Heights Elementary, and we are done! That brings the grand total to 835 books to six schools in CK School District! Next year it will be back to just 3rd graders, and half the books. But this year, the 4th graders, who missed 2021 due to the pandemic, really appreciated our catching them up with their very own beautiful hard cover dictionaries!
Thanks especially to Rich Arper, Bob Cassis, and Mary Hoover who each helped with multiple schools. Thanks also to Scott Slocum, Scott Shoemaker, Cathy Bisaillon, Erin Prince, Monty and Gloria (Seabeck Conference Ctr staff), guest Clyde Savage, Jennifer and Tye Strong, Brianna Angelo, Christie Scheffer, Matej Kunak and Niki, Elayne and Steve Burton, Steve Slaton, Steve Boe, Nancy Whitaker, and Rick Soper.
Thanks to our partner East Bremerton Rotary Club who orders the books and takes care of the other six elementary schools in CKSD.
Wow - Cougar Valley dictionary delivery on April 22 was a 100 yard dash! We had under thirty minutes to do six classrooms and only had four people, so we had to split up. They were doing a school wide fire alarm at 1:15 pm. We started just after 12:45 pm and reached the front door as the alarm went off. Rotarians attending were: Rich Arper, Steve Boe, Scott Shoemaker and Chuck Kraining. 138 books were delivered.
Pictured: Rich Arper at Cougar Valley Elementary
And if Cougar Valley was a sprint, then Clear Creek Elementary on April 25 was a marathon! Chuck was alone half the time, and then Bob Cassis came to the rescue (pictured below). Yay Bob! We delivered 148 books to seven classrooms!
April 13 and 15 were busy, fun days for Silverdale Rotarians and friends of Rotary labeling and delivering dictionaries to 3rd and 4th graders at Silver Ridge and Green Mountain Elementary Schools!
On April 13 Christie Scheffer, Clive Savage (Christie's son-in-law), Brianna Angelo, Mary Hoover, Chuck Kraining, and Erin Prince delivered 128 books to 6 classes of 3rd and 4th graders at Silver Ridge Elementary School. See Christie pictured above talking about Rotary and the Four Way Test.
And then on April 15, Christie, Brianna, Elayne, Bob Cassis, Matej Kunak and Niki (Matej's girlfriend), Gloria Tesch from the Seabeck Staff and Chuck delivered 136 books to 7 classes of eager 3rd and 4th graders at Green Mountain Elementary. Welcome back to Silverdale - Matej and Nicki!
Afterwards, Christie, Brianna Angelo, Elayne Burton, Bob Cassis, Matej and Nicki, Gloria, Rick Soper and Chuck headed to Seabeck Conference Center to label 500 books (83 boxes - they are heavy!)
Pictured left to right: Niki, Elayne, Brianna, Christie, Matej, Bob, and Rick
Thanks to Cathy Bisaillon, Nancy Whitaker, and Steve Slaton who came to help, but we got the labeling done before they arrived. Thanks to everyone - it went very quickly!
Bremerton Backpack Brigade https://www.bremertonbackpackbrigade.org/posted the following on Facebook on April 29, 2022: We are so grateful to the Silverdale Rotary Club for their 2022 Duck Buck Grant to help us purchase a commercial size refrigerator for our food pantry.
Thanks to the amazing support that we have received from the community, the Brigade has been able to expand our fresh fruit and veggie distribution this year. We are now able to send individual bags of fresh veggies for each child in a household. Homes with one child receive 1 bag of veggies while the homes with six children will be taking home 6 individual bags for healthy snacks.
Currently we are packing for over 350 children each week - that is a tremendous amount of veggies that require a refrigerator with a lot of space. We are thankful for the generosity of the Silverdale Rotary Club and how its members all work hard to help build a stronger, healthier community for everyone!
Thank you Silverdale Rotary Club for helping us fight food insecurity in the lives of the children we serve!
Duck Bucks for Commercial Refrigerator - Bremerton Backpack Brigade
Annually the Silverdale Rotary Club awards $10,000 or more in scholarships for graduating high school Seniors from CKHS, Klahowya, and Crosspoint Academy. The scholarship applications have been turned in, and it's time to review them! If you like to be a part of this process please let Ed Hamilton know at edhamilton23@gmail.com or by texting him at 360-649-3004.
What does this process entail? We have received about a dozen applications. Each Rotarian is permitted their own process for reviewing and rating the applicants, but a spreadsheet we've used over the years will be provided for those who wish. You should expect to spend about one to two hours reviewing the applications and another hour or two in a couple of weeks discussing the results with other reviewers. The end goal is to identify applicants and assign a dollar amount by late May; ultimately, this is a group decision. The applications will be made available to interested Rotarians this week. Please reach out to Ed with any questions.
Reviewing Scholarship Applications - Would You Like to Assist?
On April 21, the stairway of the Kitsap Golf and Country Club became a time machine that took us back to the era of flower children, peace signs, and disco music. The 2022 Silverdale Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards Gala was a 70’s style party complete with silent and live auctions, a sit-down dinner, and a cutthroat dessert dash. It was tough to quiet the hundred plus attendees, as everyone was overjoyed to be in the same room enjoying each other for the first time in two years.
Pictured: Silverdale Chamber President/CEO with Silverdale Rotary Co-Presidents Jennifer Strong and Erin Shannon
David Emmons kicked off the ceremony by recognizing the Chamber’s Board of Directors and inviting VIPs, including Congressman Derek Kilmer, to give speeches regarding our area’s rebounding businesses. Finally, the highly anticipated awards for the top business, non-profit organization, and individual citizen were unveiled.
The Paul Linder Service Award went to our Co-President, Jennifer Strong (pictured on right), for her tireless volunteer work on multiple non-profit boards.
Chung’s Teriyaki, whose owner funds college scholarships through our club every year, won Hospitality Business of the Year.
And, drum roll please – Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper was chosen as Citizen of the Year! Pictured left to right: Chad Melton, President, St. Michael's Medical Center; Rich Arper
Pictured left to right: Silverdale Rotarians Rick Soper, Cathy Bisaillon, Nancy Whitaker, Chuck Kraining, Christie Scheffer, Rich Arper, Amanda Smith, Jennifer Strong, Ed Hamilton, Erin Shannon, Scott Shoemaker
The many Silverdale Rotarians who donned their 70’s garb for some food, fun, and fellowship were loud and proud when our club members won top honors. Who knows? Next year, that could be our club at the podium receiving best non-profit organization of the year. That would be…like, far out!
Rotarian Rich Arper - Silverdale Chamber Citizen of the Year!
It’s amazing how big an impact small amounts of money (by U.S. standards) can make in third world countries! Our International Service Committee, chaired this year by Nancy Whitaker, works tirelessly maintaining personal contacts to ensure that the Committee only funds projects that are reliable and sustainable.
On April 7, Nancy gave us an update on where the committee has spent some of their allocation from the 2021 Duck Race for Rotary year 2021-22. Note: $12,500 for the Ukrainian relief effort is covered in a separate article.
Philippines. The Committee has an ongoing relationship with the very active Orion Rotary Club in the Philippines, and sent $500 which was used for a hand washing station at an elementary school and a Maternal and Child Health Program.
Pictured - hand washing station
Pictured above: Maternal and Child Health Program
Also, combining another $500 from Silverdale Rotary plus other Clubs’ donations, the Orion Club is also doing an environmental mangrove tree planting program and providing school supplies for 50 students at the School of Fisheries.
Burkina Faso. Our club has a long standing relationship with Lisa Stirrett, supporting her work with Walk In The Light, Burkina Faso, West Africa. This year our committee continued funding the Period Pad Project ($1,500) which provides women and girls reproductive and health education and provides materials for the sewing school to make hundreds of washable pads for women and girls in the surrounding villages.
Dominican Republic – Children of the Nations (COTN). A two year scholarship ($1,200) is sending Irianny F. (pictured) to University to study engineering in the Dominican Republic. She is one of the success stories from the COTN schools. And, $1,529 is continuing to fund the COTN Enhanced STEM Program in COTN schools.
Thanks to the tremendous support of our Duck Race Sponsors and the general public purchasing duck tickets in 2021, so many lives have been changed in a positive way!
Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Proceeds at Work in Third World Countries
Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining on Apr 18, 2022
April 13 and 15 were busy, fun days for Silverdale Rotarians and friends of Rotary labeling and delivering dictionaries to 3rd and 4th graders at Silver Ridge and Green Mountain Elementary Schools!
On April 13 Christie Scheffer, Clive Savage (Christie's son-in-law), Brianna Angelo, Mary Hoover, Chuck Kraining, and Erin Prince delivered 128 books to 6 classes of 3rd and 4th graders at Silver Ridge Elementary School. See Christie pictured above talking about Rotary and the Four Way Test.
And then on April 15, Christie, Brianna, Elayne, Bob Cassis, Matej Kunak and Nicki (Matej's girlfriend), Gloria Tesch from the Seabeck Staff and Chuck delivered 136 books to 7 classes of eager 3rd and 4th graders at Green Mountain Elementary. Welcome back to Silverdale - Matej and Nicki!
Afterwards, Christie, Brianna Angelo, Elayne Burton, Bob Cassis, Matej and Nicki, Gloria, Rick Soper and Chuck headed to Seabeck Conference Center to label 500 books (83 boxes - they are heavy!)
Pictured left to right: Nicki, Elayne, Brianna, Christie, Matej, Bob, and Rick
Thanks to Cathy Bisaillon, Nancy Whitaker, and Steve Slaton who came to help, but we got the labeling done before they arrived. Thanks to everyone - it went very quickly!
We have three schools left - come experience the joy of giving in Rotary!
Friday, April 22 - Cougar Valley Elementary - 12:45 - 2:00 pm 145 books to 7 classes
Monday, April 25 - Clear Creek Elementary - 1:00 - 2:30 pm 145 books to 7 classes of 3rd and 4th graders
Green Mountain - schedule to be determined
3rd and 4th Grade Dictionaries - Three Down and Three to Go!
Meeting ID: 861 3602 3215 Passcode: 091645 One tap mobile +12532158782,,86136023215#,,,,*091645# US (Tacoma) +16699006833,,86136023215#,,,,*091645# US (San Jose)
On April 7, Co-President Erin Shannon inducted Emily Morisawa (pictured) into the Rotary Club of Silverdale. Emily is the new Executive Director of the Haselwood Family YMCA (replacing Harold Shea who moved to another local YMCA position). Harold is Emily's sponsor.
Congratulations, and WELCOME, Emily, to the Silverdale Rotary Family!
Congratulations to our own Rich Arper, who is a finalist for the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year! Rich has been a member of the Silverdale Rotary Club since 2004.
Winners will be announced at the Chamber Gala on April 21. We are also proud to report that the Rotary Club of Silverdale was nominated for Non Profit of the year!
Rich Arper – Finalist for Silverdale Chamber Citizen of the Year
Pictured: Mark and Karen Timken with Co-President Erin Shannon
This has to be some kind of record! Mark and Karen Timken were inducted into our Club on February 12, hosted a sumptuous social gathering on March 5, and less than two months after they joined the club, President Elect Cathy Bisaillon (via Zoom) named them March Rotarians of the Month on April 7!
As transferring Rotarians, Karen and Mark are no strangers to Rotary service and creating opportunities for fellowship. Cathy thanked them for scheduling the social well in advance of induction and providing attendees with a relaxed atmosphere in their beautiful home. Karen and Mark responded with, “this is what we do!” and announced their intention to host again next year. Thank you, and congratulations, Mark and Karen!
Mark and Karen Timken - March Rotarians of the Month
WE DID IT!!! We will be sending another wire soon to the Slovakian Rotary District 2240 for the Ukrainian relief effort. Between our Club's International Service Committee funds, individual Rotarians, and our $5,000 fundraiser on Facebook, the total amount that was or will be sent to Rotary District 2240 in Slovakia is $12,500! Our matching fund raiser topped $5,051 thanks to 34 donors who contributed. Thank you to Mark and Karen Timken who put us over the top with an $805 donation!
Below are some images of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Pardubice in Slovakia, taken the first week of April. They are sending durable food, medicines, clothing and electronics (mostly power banks) via truck then train to Záporozí/Mariupol in Ukraine.
$12,500 to Slovakian Rotary District 2240 for Ukrainian Relief Efforts
Every year since 2009 Silverdale Rotary has been partnering with East Bremerton Rotary to give American Heritage hard cover dictionaries to every 3rd grader in the 12 elementary schools in the Central Kitsap School District. Each club takes six schools.
This year's 3rd (and 4th) grade dictionary delivery program is twice as big as in the past because we are making sure the 4th graders get a book as well. They missed out last year because of the pandemic. I hope you can join me at the schools – we have five more to go. I guarantee you will leave with a smile!
First of all, a big thank you goes to Jennifer and Tye Strong and Bob Cassis for helping label 360 books on March 28. Here's the label that goes inside each book - each student writes their own name...in their very own book!
Pictured: Jennifer Strong, Tye Strong, Chuck Kraining, and Bob Cassis
Thank you to Rich and Carol Arper for their help at Silverdale Elementary on March 29. We found that the 4th graders were as excited as the 3rd graders.
They seemed glad we didn't forget them.
Pictured: Rich Arper explaining about Rotary and the Four Way Test to 4th graders, with Carol Arper and Chuck Kraining at Silverdale Elementary
Share the joy of Rotary and bring a guest to give dictionaries away! Below is the rest of the schedule so far – you can sign up (Register) on the events in this Breeze or our website on Clubrunner, OR you can use the DACdb mobile app and RSVP under Silverdale Events - try it!
Here is just an example of the work the Slovakian Rotarians are doing for Ukrainians (from the Facebook page of Rotary District 2240 - Czech & Slovak Republics): 12 trainloads - 220t of humanitarian aid - durable food, hygiene supplies, medical material, warm clothing to Cop; 11 loading wagons with disinfectants, drug goods, medical materials, diapers, sleeping bags, blankets, warm clothing and durable food were sent to Kharkiv.
If you are on Facebook, please share the Silverdale Rotary post asking for matching money. If you aren’t on Facebook, please share this link that goes directly to the donation site: Click here or text RotaryCares to 44-321.
Original Story on March 14:
The Silverdale Rotary Club recently donated $2,500 to the Slovakian Rotary District 2240 for humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian refugees flooding across the border into Slovakia. These funds will pay for water, food, shelter, and a show of support that THE WORLD CARES for those fleeing for safety during Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
WILL YOU JOIN THE CHALLENGE?The Silverdale Rotary Club will match community donations up to another $5,000. Donate $1 and we'll match that dollar! Donate $500 and we'll match that too!
Click here or text RotaryCares to 44-321. THANK YOU!
Monika Kočiová – Rotary Club of Košice; (District 2240 coordinator for Czech Republic and Slovak Republic) joined us via Zoom from Slovakia on March 10 to describe the gargantuan efforts underway to support the humanitarian refugee crisis in Ukraine. They are well organized but need funds ASAP. Here are a couple of her slides:
Our own Slovakian Rotarian Matej Kunák connected us to Slovakian Rotarians spearheading the efforts to provide aid to the Ukrainian refugees. Please watch his video appeal below.
Update: Please Support Slovakian Rotary Efforts to Assist Ukrainian Refugees
Thank you to the sponsors and participants of the 2021 Silverdale Rotary Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot – because the proceeds funded the purchase of all this food!
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March 24th was a great day! “Why?” you ask. Because Silverdale Rotary was able to purchase, pack, and deliver 299 bags of food to the Central Kitsap School District Operations Service Center to be distributed to kids in need, to help stretch meals during Spring Break across 19 elementary, middle and high schools!
And it was definitely a partnership approach to service, which is what we Rotarians love! Many partners supported this effort: The Gochmanskys at Grocery Outlet helped locate healthy food choices and offered us a 10% discount! Lori Boe with Rancho Storage loaned us their moving truck on multiple occasions to transport and deliver the food.
Erin Leedham and her Security Team at the Kitsap Mall came through in big ways as they always do, helping us cart the food in and out, storing the food and setting up tables, providing recycle bins for cardboard and helping out with positive, willing hearts! And waves of Rotarians helped before, during and after! Ed and Corey Hamilton, Michael Collins, Ben Scheffer and the wonderful security team at the Kitsap Mall helped unload and store the food.
The morning of the 24th, Corey Hamilton, Mary Hoover, Matthew Barrett, Jennifer Strong, Chuck Kraining, Cathy Bisaillon, Nancy Whitaker, Kid of Action Reyce Scheffer, Rick Soper, and Frank and Danny Guthrie came early to help set out and organize the food for ease of bagging.
And Steven and Debbie Slaton, Jim Barker, Amanda Smith, Emily Morisawa (who will be inducted Thursday), Kaylee Woods (a prospective member), Laci Everson, Steven Boe and Kids of Action Amelie and Cavanaugh Boe, Bob Cassis, Jim Dudley, Scott Shoemaker, and Christie Scheffer helped bag.
And once the bags were packed and loaded we were off to deliver them to the Ops Center with our final group of Rotarians to unload the bags: Frank and Danny Guthrie, Nancy Whitaker, Matthew Barrett, Corey Hamilton and, Christie Scheffer. See what I mean about waves of Rotarians! And the CKSD Ops Center folks are wonderful! They coordinate with the Homeless Liaisons at each school and make sure the bags are delivered.
Many hands made light work that day and we hope the bags of food help lighten the load and hearts of the families receiving the gift!
And on a final note: Kid of Action Reyce Scheffer would like Corey Hamilton (pictured) to know that he saved a life when he went and brought back chicken nuggets to a starving kid! Service Above Self!!
299 Bags of Food - Turkey Trot Proceeds at Work Feeding the Hungry!
Meeting ID: 861 3602 3215 Passcode: 091645 One tap mobile +12532158782,,86136023215#,,,,*091645# US (Tacoma) +16699006833,,86136023215#,,,,*091645# US (San Jose)
It was a chilly March morning, but that didn’t stop about 20 Rotarians and family members from the Silverdale and Crossroads Rotary Clubs from enthusiastically tackling trails in the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.
The projects included clearing slippery old leaves from the trails, cutting back foliage, digging dirt and filling around tree roots, and installing three benches.
Crossroads Rotarians install a bench - look at that view!
Everyone had a great time, and the Kitsap County Parks and Recreation staff brought lunch for all!
Silverdale Rotarians and family members pictured left to right: Frank Guthrie, Ed Hamilton, Cathy Bisaillon, Corey Hamilton, Jennifer and Sophia Strong, Danny Guthrie. Not pictured: Mariam James and Tye Strong
Rotarians – People of Action!
Two Rotary Clubs Spruce Up the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Trails
The Silverdale Rotary Club recently donated $2,500 to the Slovakian Rotary District 2240 for humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian refugees flooding across the border into Slovakia. These funds will pay for water, food, shelter, and a show of support that THE WORLD CARES for those fleeing for safety during Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
WILL YOU JOIN THE CHALLENGE?The Silverdale Rotary Club will match community donations up to another $5,000. Donate $1 and we'll match that dollar! Donate $500 and we'll match that too!
Click here or text RotaryCares to 44-321. THANK YOU!
Monika Kočiová – Rotary Club of Košice; (District 2240 coordinator for Czech Republic and Slovak Republic) joined us via Zoom from Slovakia on March 10 to describe the gargantuan efforts underway to support the humanitarian refugee crisis in Ukraine. They are well organized but need funds ASAP. Here are a couple of her slides:
Our own Slovakian Rotarian Matej Kunák connected us to Slovakian Rotarians spearheading the efforts to provide aid to the Ukrainian refugees. Please watch his video appeal below.
Update to Fundraiser in Slovakia for Ukrainian Refugees
Silverdale Rotary has a long history of honoring active duty service members in the local area, and one way is through the Blue Star Banner Program nonprofit organization. On March 17, Lynette George, founder of the Blue Star Banner Program in Kitsap, Mason, and Jefferson Counties, thanked us for the $1,050 Duck Buck Grant to place three Blue Star Banners in Kitsap County. These banners represent the gratitude and high esteem that Silverdale Rotarians (many of whom are veterans) hold for our Armed Forces men and women.
Pictured left to right: Lynette George, Co-President Jennifer Strong, and Matthew Barrett)
Thanks to the generous sponsors of the 2021 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the community who purchased Duck Tickets, three banners will hang proudly in Silverdale honoring active duty military members from our local area.
Duck Bucks Fund Three Blue Star Banners in Silverdale
Phase 2. On March 11, Rotarians completed the second phase of our Presidents' Project, planting 64 native plants at Newberry Hill Heritage Park.
Pictured: Nancy Whitaker and Rich Arper planting a native rhododendron.
Sixty four native plants! Thanks Rotarians for all the hard work!
Pictured left to right: Matthew Barrett, Jennifer Strong, Nancy Whitaker, Cathy Bisaillon, Rich Arper
Our next step will be to get the bench made or purchased with a Rotary dedication plaque for Jack Jensen to be put on the bench. After the bench is placed we plan on holding a dedication memorial and invite all Rotarians, Jack’s family, and friends within the Community. Cathy Bisaillon suggested the name “Memorial Meadow” for this area, and I love it!
See Phase 1 below.
Pictured left to right: Mary Hoover, Rich Arper, Cathy Bisaillon, David Emmons, Erin Shannon, Nancy Whitaker, Ed Hamilton. Front row standing guard on four feet: Jack. Not pictured: Jennifer and son Tye, and Erin's son Jake
Ten hard working Rotarians and family members chopped and lopped and pulled scotch broom on March 6 for the first step of Jennifer Strong and Erin Shannon’s Presidents’ Project in Newberry Hill Heritage Park.
Rotarians - People of Action (and backaches, too!) Pictured: Cathy, Jennifer, and Rich
We will be planting native plants in that area to make it look like a garden in the forest. We will install a bench as well with a Rotary dedication to honor Jack Jensen. When complete, our Turkey Trotters will be running by each year and see this beautiful project.
When they were finished, all that scotch broom was gone - Whew!
The scotch broom was no match for Jennifer, Nancy, and Jake!
President Elect Cathy Bisaillon named Nancy Whitaker February Rotarian of the Month and dubbed her “the Great Connector,” and here are some examples:
Nancy connected our Club to Newberry Hill Heritage Park (NHHP), and as a Park Steward has paved the way for approval of many Rotary projects over the years: the most amazing of late was getting the County and NHHP to approve the 2021 Turkey Trot to be held in the Park. And thanks to our Rotarians and volunteers leaving the park in better shape than they found it, NHHP has invited us back!
Nancy connected our Club via Matej Kunak to the Slovakian District 2240 organizers of humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees flooding across the border into Slovakia (see separate article about this fund raiser).
As a member of the Silverdale Waterfront Park Rotary Centennial ad hoc committee to revitalize our 2005 project, Nancy connected our Club to the County and got them on board.
Nancy has connected us with Rotary Clubs in the Philippines, resulting in many International Service projects with them.
Congratulations and thank you, Nancy, for making all those connections!
Rotarian of the Month - Nancy Whitaker – The Great Connector
Pictured left to right: Mary Hoover, Rich Arper, Cathy Bisaillon, David Emmons, Erin Shannon, Nancy Whitaker, Ed Hamilton. Front row standing guard on four feet: Jack. Not pictured: Jennifer and son Tye, and Erin's son Jake
Ten hard working Rotarians and family members chopped and lopped and pulled scotch broom on March 6 for the first step of Jennifer Strong and Erin Shannon’s Presidents’ Project in Newberry Hill Heritage Park.
Rotarians - People of Action (and backaches, too!) Pictured: Cathy, Jennifer, and Rich
We will be planting native plants in that area to make it look like a garden in the forest. We will install a bench as well with a Rotary dedication to honor Jack Jensen. When complete, our Turkey Trotters will be running by each year and see this beautiful project.
When they were finished, all that scotch broom was gone - Whew!
The scotch broom was no match for Jennifer, Nancy, and Jake!
Work Party on March 6 - Newberry Hill Heritage Park
Below is our own Steven Boe's latest video in honor of Rotary International President-Elect Jennifer Jones who takes office on July 1, 2022. The Rotary International theme for 2022-23 is Imagine Rotary.
The 28th Annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race is set for Sunday, July 31, 2022. All proceeds go to support Rotary projects! It is the final event at Silverdale Whaling Days, which is a 3-day community festival. We have exciting new perks for all Duck Race Sponsors! See graphics package sample below, and click on the 2022 Sponsorship Package for all the details, other perks, Duck Race Proceeds Recipients, and Sponsor Pledge Sheet. DEADLINE FOR SPONSORSHIPS IS MARCH 31.
NEW IN 2022 - GRAPHICS PACKAGES for all Sponsors! See sample below! $100 minimum.
Will You be a 2022 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Sponsor?
“Our Mission is that everyone in this world has a decent place to live.” That’s how Lauren Pitt, Resource Development Director of Habitat for Humanity in Kitsap County opened her remarks on February 10. She gave us a fantastic overview of the amazing things Habitat is doing in Kitsap County and beyond, and gave us a call to action. http://www.kitsaphabitat.org/
On February 10 Membership Chair Christie Scheffer officially inducted Mark and Karen Timken into our Club via Zoom. “They have already become part of our Rotary family, and are hosting a social/open house on March 5!” See separate article, please RSVP by February 26!
Mark and Karen are both former Poulsbo Rotary Club members (8 and 10 years respectively), were married in 1988, and they gave us thumbnail descriptions of their work lives.
Mark has lived in Butte, MT; Coeur d’Alene, ID; south central Alaska (survived the 9.2 magnitude Great Alaska Earthquake in 1964); Bremerton, WA; Washington, DC; and now Silverdale. He spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy, sold real estate, and then started and retired from a career with the Federal Government (General Services Administration and Federal Aviation Administration). His favorite job is the one he has now: retirement!
Karen’s work included real estate, was a display artist (helped open the Bon Marche in Silverdale), retired from teaching high school marketing and retail management, joined Mark in Washington, DC, was executive director of Fishline, and most recently spent 7 years caring for her now deceased mother.
Mark and Karen love to cruise (they just returned from the western Caribbean), and had many cruises canceled by Royal Caribbean during the pandemic. The good news is that they received 125% in credits and now have five (yes five!) cruises booked that have to be completed by the end of September 2022!
Welcome to Silverdale Rotary Club, Mark and Karen!
Longtime Rotarian Michael (Mike) Gass (pictured on right in 2013) passed away on January 13 after an "unexpected but valiant battle with cancer." Click Here to see a Powerpoint of Rotary remembrances of Dr. Mike Gass. You can watch the discussion of the Powerpoint starting at minute 41:30 at
From Don's son Patrick: "Donald Taylor died on November 23, 2021. He went without pain or struggle. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, February 26th at 2:00 pm at St. Antony's Episcopal Church in Silverdale. He loved Rotary and could never say enough good things."
Barbara Beagle put together a Powerpoint of archive information and photos about this amazing Rotary power couple. Click Here to view the Powerpoint. You can also see it and hear Rotarians share about their experiences with Don and Mary Gerry starting at minute 22 of Rotary Club of Silverdale - Zoom passcode 4cLy+L21.
Meeting ID: 861 3602 3215 Passcode: 091645 One tap mobile +12532158782,,86136023215#,,,,*091645# US (Tacoma) +16699006833,,86136023215#,,,,*091645# US (San Jose)
“Our mission is to bring Hope to every young person in our community.” These were the opening remarks from Phil Daubenspeck, Executive Director of West Sound Youth For Christ. https://www.westsoundyfc.org/
Phil joined our club via Zoom on December 3 to thank us for our $3,000 Duck Buck grant which will be used to enhance and revitalize the Kitchen/Serving area of their teen center “The Underground” located at Crossroads Neighborhood Church in Central Kitsap, 7555 Old Military Rd NE, Bremerton.
Pictured below is the "before" in the Underground.
This teen center offers youth a place to hang out and do things they like to do, while being supported by staff, volunteers and programming that will help them build healthy relationships and life skills. It serves young people at both Fairview Middle and Olympic High Schools with a combined student population of about 2,000. The kitchen upgrade will include a new stove, counter/prep area, dishwasher, sink, and some cabinetry. “This will dramatically change the way we are able to serve food to kids in our community.”
Phil also invited our club to participate in work parties at The Underground. "We would love to have your help as we revitalize this space for young people." If you would like to see The Underground in person, there is an open house on February 14, See details at
“Nobody has supported the Newberry Hill Heritage Park (NHHP) like Silverdale Rotary!” said Tom Coleman, President of NHHP via Zoom at our December 30 Rotary meeting. He joined our meeting to thank us for our latest Duck Buck Grant to line an artificial pond (also funded with Duck Bucks) that is used by Klahowya Secondary School (KSS) students to study wetlands. Silverdale Rotary also helped fund an outdoor “classroom” in the park for KSS students.
Pictured above - artificial wetland project for student learning - materials funded by Silverdale Rotary
“Thank you for your tremendous support on behalf of all the NHHP Stewards, students, and the thousands who annually use the 15 miles of trails in the 1,200 acre park" situated next to KSS.
Also, Tom announced that the NHHP Board voted to allow the Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot to be held at the park “in perpetuity!” Why? Because our event was the “neatest, best organized” large group event ever – leaving the park in pristine condition after 500 people ran/walked in the 5/10K event on Thanksgiving morning. Ed Hamilton, 2021 Turkey Trot Chair, thanked Tom and the other NHHP stewards’ help – it’s a great partnership! Turkey Trot proceeds help students in CKSD (including Klahowya) who are food insecure.
In addition to participating in hands on work parties, Silverdale Rotary has supported NHHP since 2013 with with almost $9,000 in Duck Race proceeds:
2013 - $2,100 for Viewing Platform/Boardwalk (pictured on right)
2013 - $1,000 for Outdoor Classroom
2014 - $1,000 President’s Project – trail signage
2014 - $1,700 for Wetlands Preservation Area
2019 - $1,500 for Completion of N250 Boardwalk
2021 - $1,650 for Pond Liner Installation to Extend Water Hydroperiod for Student Learning
NHHP only gets $2,000 per year from Kitsap County, and given the rising cost of lumber used for wetland boardwalks, bridges, etc., it doesn’t go very far. Silverdale Rotarians are very gratified that our Duck Race supports the preservation of the flora and fauna in the park, and especially the fact that we have played a role in helping NHHP provide an outdoor environmental learning opportunity for Klahowya students.
To watch the Zoom recording of Tom’s remarks that includes a lot of details about the park, click here and start at minute 8:30. His remarks also include a description of some really exciting future plans, including beaver relocation and the proposed “Blue Hills Trail” from NHHP to the top of Green Mountain. See Blue Hills Trail - Google Slides.
Newberry Hill Heritage Park Thanks Silverdale Rotary for Our Support
Posted by District 5020 Governor Lorna Curtis on Dec 18, 2021
From Rotary District 5020 Governor Lorna Curtis via Kentucky District 6710 District Governor Gail Story:
Pictured: Mayfield, KY
Many of you have asked how you and your Districts/Clubs can assist with the disaster relief efforts in Kentucky. The tornados devastated communities in 18 counties in Rotary District 6710. Donations are now being accepted by District 6710 to help the tornado victims.
Please click HERE for a letter from RI Director Elizabeth Usovicz containing additional details and donation information, as well as a video message from District 6710 Governor Gail Story. Please feel free to share these documents with your clubs/members.
Silverdale Rotarians at Work filling 300 food bags for CKSD at risk students over Christmas break! Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot proceeds go to help those in need in Kitsap. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year such a success!
Huge thanks to our Community Partners:Kitsap Mall for providing storage, a space to bag, and great assistance from their employees; Grocery Outlet for ordering the best food choices and providing a discount; Rancho Storage for the loan of the truck. And the many who came to help!
Pictured below is the team who delivered the 300 bags to Central Kitsap Food Services. Thank you, everyone!
Pictured left to right. Back row: Corey and Ed Hamilton, Reyce and Christie Scheffer, Melissa Hill with CK Food Services. Front row: Ron Templeton and Rich Arper
This is why our Club hosts the Turkey Trot! Carol Ungren and Denise Payne from Central Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids attended our Rotary meeting on December 2nd to accept $3,000 in Duck Bucks to help stuff weekend backpacks for students. The backpacks provide supplemental meals each weekend during the school year to students and families of the Central Kitsap School District who are at risk of weekend hunger.
The numbers of kids in need continue to rise - Backpacks 4 Kids helps in 11 elementary schools and 3 middle schools by sending home bags to 300 families. During the holiday season every family gets an extra bag. This impressive accomplishment is achieved through food drives, donations, and the diligent work of dedicated volunteers.
Silverdale Rotarians, their family members, and community volunteers were out in force at Silverdale Safeway on December 4, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army at both doors. Our kettle stands sported beautiful new signs designed by Rotarian Steven Boe.
Pictured left to right: Sophia, Co-President Jennifer, and Tye Strong
This is an annual tradition for our Rotary Club, and we were gratified at the generosity of Safeway customers who stuffed the kettles.
We had help from the Miss Poulsbo™ Miss Kitsap™ Miss Silverdale™ Scholarship Organization. Thanks, ladies!
Pictured left to right: Nevaeh Wingate, Gillian Morrison and Miranda Rodriques
Pictured left to right: Miss Silverdale, Molly Kuligowski and her Little Sister Olivia Leonard
Service Above Self story from Christie Scheffer whose granddaughter Reyce (pictured on right with Christie) was ringing with her: “When I arrived to bell ring with my granddaughter, she didn’t feel comfortable ringing alone. So Corey Hamilton (son of Rotarian Ed Hamilton) offered to stay another hour so she could ring with me. Isn’t that awesome?”
Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army - an Annual Tradition
What? Rotarian of the Month for Two Months? Yes, and well deserved! At Rotary on December 2, President Elect Cathy Bisaillon announced Ed Hamilton as Rotarian of the Month for both October and November for chairing a very successful Turkey Trot. The event attracted over 500 participants, and we are expecting net proceeds to exceed $12,000 for food programs! Cathy noted the numerous organizations and businesses that Ed coordinated with for the very complex event.
Ed Zoomed in for the presentation and thanked the multitude of volunteers that helped make it happen. Cathy then remarked: “It shows that we (the Club) can do anything given the right leadership!” Cathy then presented Ed (virtually) a Beer Advent Calendar (24 beers) in a box!
Congratulations, and thank you, Ed!
Rotarian of the Month for Two Months – Ed Hamilton
Posted by Ed Hamilton and Steven Boe on Nov 27, 2021
The results are in! Check out how everyone did at this year's Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot! Of course, this means you've got times to beat next year. Click here to see race results for 10K, 5K, and 1 mile!
Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot Results - and Thank You!
“The tree lighting was a success, and the tree looks better than it has in years!” exclaimed tree maintenance coordinator Rotarian Rich Arper, capping off weeks of intense community efforts to lower, maintain, re-bulb, and raise the 12 light strings back up into the 128 ft Douglas fir. “The new strings of LED bulbs really make the front of the tree look good, and with everything working on all light strings and all new bulbs, the whole tree looks great!”
While Saturday afternoon, November 27 started out rainy for the Silverdale Christmas Tree lighting event in Old Town Silverdale, the tractor rides pictured below were a hit, and the crowd picked up around 4:00 p.m. when Santa arrived on a firetruck.
By 5:00 when we lit the tree we had a good crowd, and Santa stayed until everyone had a chance to see him. Thank you, Santa (with Miss SilverdaleMolly Kuligowski)! There were 12 vendors this year, a bonfire in Old Town, and a band playing on the stage. Thanks to the Silverdale Visitor Center for arranging the day’s festivities!
Please read the stories below (parts 1-3) for details (and thank-you’s) about the epic effort by countless generous people and businesses that made this tree lighting happen.
Silverdale Christmas Tree Lights – It’s a Dazzling Display!
Preparations for this year’s Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot started in the dark on race day with Rotarians and family members, Newberry Hill Heritage Park Stewards, Military from Naval Base Kitsap, community volunteers, and sponsors arriving at the Park at 6:30 AM to prepare for the runners.
The first unregistered runner arrived at 7:00 AM, patiently filling out his form by the light of his cell phone. As nearly 500 runners filtered in over the next hour, it was fantastic to see the energy of the community show up for the reimagined fund raising event.
Runners from area cross-country clubs, nationally ranked collegiate programs, family guests from as far away as Tennessee, elves, and even princesses showed up to participate in the run or enjoy the event.
Runners also brought some cute four-legged friends along, and families came out with jogging strollers and managed to avoid a few rain showers for a fun run.
“My goal was to move the race from a parking lot to a more desirable, natural setting and to not lose money.” This was the mantra of Turkey Trot Chair Ed Hamilton shown on right with daughter Shyla and son Cody (who were also a huge help at every step).
With an enthusiastic support by the Newberry Hill Heritage Park Stewards and the cooperation of the Central Kitsap School District, the event was moved to the Heritage Park, with the Klahowya Secondary School campus used for parking.
Raising money for fighting hunger in our community was handily achieved when online and in person registrations reached 500, and 12 very generous sponsors supported the event.
While total numbers and expenses are still being tabulated, this event should net about $12,500 for our Rotary Club’s food and kids programs!
The family event, with the tagline “Take a Trot on the Wild Side” offered four options: a Kids Dash for the toddlers, 1-Mile and 5K routes revived from previous Turkey Trots, and a new event, the 10K run! The longer events were run on the Old Loop Road and offered runners a beautiful path through the trees away from cars, sidewalks, and paved roads.
Success can be measured in many ways, but perhaps the greatest success of this year’s Trot was the tremendous outpouring of support from the community and the revival of a tradition after a challenging year - a reminder to ourselves and our community that we are People of Action!
All twelve light strings are up and working, ready for the Tree Lighting on November 27!
Scott Parr from Scott’s Tree Service came on Sunday, November 21 and rescued the three ropes stuck at the top of the tree, and also brought down string #4 that was hung up in the tree after it disconnected from the top. We had a small mishap in the beginning when the machine shut down with Scott stranded 80 ft. up in the air! Pape Rentals came to the rescue, giving us instruction over the phone on how to get Scott back down to the ground. Then they dispatched a technician to make sure that everything was OK with the machine.
Then the Pape Rentals tech and Scott hung around to make sure that everything was OK while Carla Larson from Silverdale Dandy Lions, Bill Carter, and Rich re-hung the 2 orphan light strings, #4 & #5, and turned everything on once more to make sure that everything is OK.
Success!!
Huge thanks to Chico/Kitsap Towing for delivering the 135 ft. man lift for free, to Pape Rentals for donating the aerial lift again after expediting significant repairs to make it available, plus the rescue on a Sunday! Thanks to Scott from Scott’s Tree Service for coming to our aid again, on a Sunday, even though they have been absolutely swamped due to the windstorm. Please see the story below, Part 2, for more "thank you's."
Never has it been more apparent that it takes a village and a LOT of generosity to light up Silverdale's iconic 128 ft tree! Be sure to attend the lighting ceremony in Old Town Silverdale on Saturday, November 27.
Silverdale Christmas Tree Lights - Part 3 - Success!
Registration online closes Tuesday, November 23rd at 8:00 am. NOTE: T-shirts are sold out.
In-person registration will be available on Tuesday, November 23rd and Wednesday, November 24th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the inside entrance of Dick’s Sporting Goods inside of Kitsap Mall.
Registration will also be available on race day. If you plan to register on race day please allow plenty of time in your morning. It will be busy. Events start at 8:00 am.
Registered Runner Packet-Pickup: Pickup of race packets before race day can be done on Tuesday, November 23rd and Wednesday, November 24th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the inside entrance of Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Kitsap Mall. During business hours the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, inside the Kitsap Mall, will have packets on Wednesday, November 24th until 5:00 pm.
While the events will take place entirely within the Newberry Hill Heritage Park, we have arranged with Klahowya Secondary School to use their parking lot. The school can be accessed from Newberry Hill Road. Signs will direct you to parking and the Events.
NOTE: The Fellowship Church also located on Newberry Hill is also having a Thanksgiving Day event. Please make sure you proceed onto the Klahowya School property to arrive at the correct event.
Once again a small but mighty group (the “Tree People!”) met at the Silverdale Christmas Tree, this time to hoist the light strings on the new ropes and pullies installed the weekend before. See the story below this one.
Thanks to Rotarians Rich Arper, Mary Hoover, and Scott Slocum; Silverdale Dandy Lions Roland Arper and Carla Larson, and longtime volunteer Bill Carter who, on November 10, carefully kept the strings untangled and the bulbs safe as the lights made their journey up the 128 foot tree.
There was one sad glitch: While they were hoisting string #6, the clamp on the end of the light string came off, two light strings came crashing down, and one rope end went up into the tree. How do we know it’s 104 feet up? A friend of Roland’s used his drone to find it and measure the height. That is another story (see Part 3).
And while you are admiring the lights from near or far, remember the dedicated group of Community Partners who made it possible this year, against all odds!
Silverdale Christmas Tree - Part 2 – The Light Strings Are Up (Almost)!
Posted by Rich Arper and Erin Shannon on Nov 08, 2021
Editor’s note: This a long story about our beloved (and sometimes beleaguered) Silverdale Christmas Tree and 12 light strings, so we will list our thanks, first! HUGE thanks go to:
Rotarian Rich Arper, Silverdale Dandy Lion Roland Arper, and community volunteer Bill Carter who built three new strings for this year. These three have coordinated maintenance of the tree, 12 light strings, and star for decades.
Pape Rentals for a discounted rental price on the 135 ft manlift.
Scott Parr of Scott’s Tree Service, his climber Mike who volunteered to operate the manlift from up in the basket for two days, trimming tree branches, attaching the pulley and rope systems, and lowering the 12 strings.
David Emmons, Executive Director of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center for donating $2,500 for the maintenance effort and tree lighting on November 27.
Rick Soper who took drone shots of the treetop to help develop the pulley system in advance.
Also thanks to Rotarians Mary Hoover, Erin Shannon and son Jacob, Ed Hamilton, Mary Hoover, Cathy Bisaillon, Matthew Barrett; and Silverdale Dandy Lion Carla Larson, who braved the weather on Saturday.
“It’s a game changer!” exclaimed Rich Arper, when describing the momentous change in the method of maintaining the 12 light strings on the iconic 128 ft Silverdale Christmas Tree. For decades volunteer arborists have climbed the tree to lower the light strings for wire maintenance and bulb replacement. It was a job fraught with difficulties.
This year, no volunteer climbers could be located, so Rich obtained a 135 man lift from Pape Rentals, and recruited Scott from Scott’s Tree Service to operate it. Together they devised a pulley system to be attached at the top of the tree so each of the 120 ft light strings could be lowered and raised, from the ground, with 300 foot ropes. Twelve times 300 feet is 3,600 feet of rope!
What does a man lift do when it’s too windy? It automatically shuts down! Fortunately a spot was found where the tree sheltered the manlift enough to keep operating, and the articulating boom allowed access to all 12 strings from one spot.
On Saturday, November 6, rain, wind, and miserable temperatures were no match for the volunteers who came out to brave the elements. With the assistance of the manlift, the light strings were removed, 12 pulley systems and ropes were installed to allow for quicker access and maintenance in the future, and one string with new LED bulbs was hoisted up. Success!
On November 8, Rich, Roland Arper, and Bill and Judy Carter (see photo) repaired the wiring on the remaining light strings and replaced bulbs at Bill Carter’s place, under cover, and dry! “So huge to be able to do this away from the tree and have enough time to get it done!” reported Rich. There is a work party set for Wednesday, November 10, at 9 am to hoist 11 strings.
128-foot tree has been a labor of love for the Rotary Club of Silverdale, a tradition that started in 1954 with charter Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper (Rich and Roland's Dad). Over the years, in partnership with the Silverdale Dandy Lions and other community organizations and businesses, the big tree has been maintained; including the removal of blackberry brambles and tending to the twelve light strings, as well as making sure the tree stays healthy for years to come.
And don’t miss out on the fun on November 27th from Noon-5:30 PM at Silverdale Antiques for tractor rides, pictures with Santa, the tree lighting at 5 pm, and more!
Silverdale Christmas Tree Part 1 - It's a Game Changer!
“Don’t call me Bill anymore,my name is William – I have a job now!” Our own Rotarian Cathy Bisaillon, President and CEO of Easterseals Washington, shared the story of “Bill,” a person with a developmental disability who was hired through the efforts of Partners for Work. After securing his first job, William felt empowered, valued, and had status for the first time ever!
On October 28, Jenifer Andersen (Trillium Employment Services – Promoting inclusive community and employment opportunities.) and Ronnie Oswald (Adult Employment Services - Holly Ridge) spoke to our Club about how Silverdale Rotarians and businesses can work on meeting their DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion) goals by hiring persons with developmental disabilities. They described the considerable assistance and employer support provided by four organizations in Kitsap County dedicated to increasing employment opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities:
Employer support includes: coming to the business, free job analysis and Position Description development, and sourcing candidates. They also help with mock interviews. Our own Rotarian Harold Shea shared that the YMCA hired a job seeker from Silverdale Rotary’s last mock interview in 2019, and he thanked the job coaches from Partners for Work who facilitated integrating the new hire into the workplace; he has become a valuable and appreciated employee ever since!
What can you do?Click here for a detailed list of possibilities that create results! This document is also posted under Homepage Download files on the left of the Breeze and our website www.silverdalerotaryclub.org. Click on Partners For Work | Wise (gowise.org) for details on how Rotarians in District 5030 (King County) have organized Partners for Work. The Kitsap County program is patterned after that model.
At the end of the presentation, Cathy Bisaillon stated that 25% of the population has a disability of some kind, and that our Club is underrepresented. Cathy made an astonishing offer to our Club: she will personally sponsor the Rotary dues for one whole year for a new Rotary member with a disability (including physical disability)!
Partners for Work – Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities
UPDATE: The Turkey Trot Committee is tentatively meeting at 5 pm on Wednesday, October 13. Contact Ed Hamilton for details: edhamilton23@gmail.com or 360-640-3004. Also, you can sign up to help at Rotary meetings.
This year the event will move to shared space between Klahowya Secondary School and the Newbury Hill Heritage Park. While the course design is still being defined, the goal will be to run the 5K (and maybe a 10k!) along the Old Loop Road inside the Heritage Park. This is a packed dirt and gravel road which will take the race off of a hard concrete surface and into the woods! Klahowya will be used for parking, race check-in, staging, and possibly some of the shorter events.
Many Rotarians have volunteered to assist, and Ed Hamilton, the Turkey Trot coordinator, will be reaching out to them to help put this together. Anyone else interested in helping should reach out to Ed (edhamilton23@gmail.com or 360-640-3004). Help will be needed in course creation, marketing, t-shirts, website monitoring, putting together race packets, and multiple day-of-race chores.
Pictured: clearing brush inside and outside the fence around the 128 ft white fir tree. Rotarians - People of Action!
On October 9, Silverdale Rotarians, family members, and two community volunteers tackled the blackberries and brush under the Silverdale Christmas tree and outside the fence to clear the space to bring down and maintain the light strings.
Pictured: Jacob Lyons providing youthful muscle power
It looked pretty daunting at first, but we got through it with the help of power weed wackers and a powerful lawnmower to speed things up. And having a couple young men to haul the cut brush away was a real help.
Pictured: Tess and Christie Scheffer, Heather Campana; 2nd photo Cathy Bisaillon. Notice all the smiles - Rotarians know how to have fun and do good at the same time!
So by noon we were done! The whole area inside the fence is cleaned up, and a 4-5 ft. path around the perimeter of the fence is opened up for light maintenance. And we didn’t lose anyone down the hillside (ha, ha - although I was little worried when Christie was back there outside the fence cutting brush!).
Pictured on right - Bill Carter, former owner of Olympic Wiring, re-wired the entire tree in 1997 and has helped maintain lights and wiring for decades.
Thanks to Rotarian Rich Arper for coordinating the project, Heather Campana, Matthew Barrett, Erin Shannon and son Jacob Lyons, Christie and daughter Tess Scheffer. Cathy Bisaillon, Amanda Smith, and longtime Christmas tree volunteer Bill Carter and grandson. Thanks to Christie for bringing coffee and fixin’s!
Pictured: Tree on left; all cleared areas looked like the blackberries on the right before the work party!
To read about the history of the Silverdale Christmas Tree since 1954, click here.
President Elect Cathy Bisaillon announced on October 7 that Chuck Kraining is our September Rotarian of the Month! When the International Service Committee and Board members were searching for a venue for the Wine to Water event, Chuck stepped up at the relative last minute to host the event at the Seabeck Conference Center Gazebo on September 30. The very successful event raised $2,000 for International Service Projects!
But wait, that’s not all! Chuck Being Chuck – that’s what the organizers were so grateful for, as Chuck “was the calm in the eye of the storm” while hosting the event. Several requests from Erin and Cathy (e.g., oh, one more thing!) were met with unflappable aplomb and “No Problem!” Cathy also presented Chuck with a $25 gift card to Silver City. Congratulations, Chuck – thank you for all you do for Rotary!
Do you take clean water for granted? They don’t! That's why Silverdale Rotary raises funds to help children like these pictured below collecting drinking water from a drain pipe in the Dominican Republic.
Wine to Water Fund Raiser on September 30 - "This is what we needed after COVID – it felt like Rotary again!” exclaimed President Elect Cathy Bisaillon. Initially September 30 started out rainy and cold – not a good sign for an outside event. But around 4 pm the clouds parted and blissful sunshine and blue skies ushered in a Silverdale Rotary wine tasting event at Seabeck Conference Center, and this was one that will be remembered a long time, because along with the fun, fellowship, and seven great wines, $2,000 was raised to fund Silverdale Rotary’s international projects.
In between wine descriptions and tastings provided by Phil Bisaillon (pictured on right - a very knowledgeable Wine Associate at Total Wine & More), several recipients of our International Service Committee’s project funds described how Rotary has made a huge difference in people’s lives overseas.
Pictured: Lisa Stirrett (Walking in the Light) and Jim Barker (Children of the Nations)
Rotarians Jim Barker and Rich Arper described the work by Children of the Nations in the Dominican Republic, where Silverdale Rotary has funded clean water projects, and supported schools with dictionaries and breakast programs.
Pictured: Water tank and filtration system in the Dominican Republic
Lisa Stirrett thanked us for our support of Walk in the Light’s projects in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Pictured below is one of many – a chicken farm - funded by a microloan (fully paid back) that provides much needed protein for two villages!
Rotarian International Service Chair Nancy Whitaker talked about the school furniture and office supplies (pictured below) we provided to an impoverished school in the Philippines that was ravaged by fire - twice.
New Rotarians Alex Bonesteel and Michael Collins (pictured below) experienced what Rotary can be all about – fun and fellowship – with a purpose!
Huge thanks go to Co-Presidents Jennifer Strong and Erin Shannon for helping to organize the event, Rotarian Chuck Kraining for providing the lovely venue, Amanda Smith for the elegant charcuterie that accompanied the wine (especially the decadent chocolate that paired fantastically with the 2017 Mascota Vineyards Unanime!).
Huge thanks to Rotarians Rich Arper and Nancy Whitaker for bringing all the photos of our projects, and President Elect Cathy and Phil Bisaillon for donating the carefully chosen but still affordable wines.
All agreed that it was a fantastic event. Rotarians - People of Action - we can hardly wait until next year’s event!
Wine Tasting Event Raises $2,000 for International Projects!
Do you have a stash of hotel soaps, shampoo, body washes? The Community Service Committee (CSC) is looking for donations in the month of September to restock the CKSD Comfort Closet to provide personal hygiene and other items for homeless students Services for Homeless Students - Central Kitsap Schools (ckschools.org), which are defined as:
Youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason
Youth living in motels, hotels or campgrounds
Youth living in emergency or transitional shelters
Youth abandoned in hospitals
Youth whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a sleeping place (e.g. park benches, etc.)
Youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, buses or train stations
Migratory youth living in any of the above situations
If you can imagine being a student in the situations listed above, then the importance of the Comfort Closet is apparent. Can you help the CSC collect the items listed below? A trip to the Dollar Store could work wonders in a homeless student's life. You may drop items, or CASH, at Columbia Bank during business hours through the month of September.
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Wash
Bar Soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental Floss
Feminine Napkins
Tampons
Laundry Detergent
Dryer Sheets
Hairbrush
Hair Comb
Hair Ties
Bobby pins
Band-Aids
Deodorant
Basic Calculator
Toilet Paper
LAST WEEK - Restocking the CKSD Comfort Closet for Homeless Students
Posted by Christie Scheffer and Erin Shannon on Sep 20, 2021
Pictured left to right front row: Ed Hamilton, Tye and Jennifer Strong, Nancy Whitaker, Cathy Bisaillon, Matthew Barrett, Erin Shannon and Jacob Lyons. Back row: Sarah Hamilton, Tess and Christie Scheffer
From Christie Scheffer:
Thirteen of our Rotary and family members arrived on the sunny Saturday morning, September 18 to a jewel of an experience!! We were guided by Tom Coleman, a Steward of Kitsap Parks and Rec, Frank and Pat Strickland from Friends of Newberry Hill Heritage Park, and park crews on a two-hour adventure!
We were taken to the bridge we helped fund by the beaver pond (photo taken while bridge was under construction) and were told how this bridge now protects the beaver pond and stream, creating a safe space for all types of wild life, the salmon (who mature their first year in the beaver ponds) and birds. Made me proud that we were a part of this project!
Then we broke into two teams and started clearing trails of brush with loppers to create space for two people to walk side by side and high enough for folks on horseback. It sounds like work but was not hard work, and there was nowhere else we would rather have been on that glorious, sunny, crisp morning. The breeze in the trees, shafts of sunlight filtering down through the leaves, an eagle cry overhead, and the the smell of cedar and pine in the air! Glorious!
My daughter Tess and I were with the steward Pat Strickland, clearing brush and weed eating behind the team cutting fallen trees out of the pathway. Throughout our time together Pat shared wildlife and plant lore, introduced us to plants we’d never met before, and helped us understand the wise ways of protecting our forests and parks.
We came away from our two hours of service enriched and having received far more than we gave. Thank you Nancy Whitaker for connecting us to this project!
From Co-President Erin Shannon: We had such a great time - we got to see the beautiful Bridge that the Rotary Club helped fund that serves to protect the beavers' environment. Then the group of us divided up and brushed back the trails. We are excited to have the Parks come and speak at the club. Looking forward to going back!
Rotarians - People of Action at Newberry Hill Heritage Park
Pictured: Mary Hoover's President's Project - installing trail signs
Come join us!
Date: Saturday, September 18
Time: 10 am – Noon
Place: Blue Gate on south side of Newberry Hill Road between Klahowya School Road and gas station (see top of map here)
Bring: Work gloves, loppers
Wear: Sturdy shoes, Rotarian at Work yellow neon vest or t-shirt or Rotary gear
Silverdale Rotary has supported five projects plus installing trail signs with $7,300 and countless volunteer hours in the Newberry Hill Heritage Park in past years. See map of the park here with projects annotated. Come join other community volunteers to help do trail maintenance.
Viewing platform funded by Silverdale Rotary Club
Other projects included a low foot bridge (boardwalk) through wetlands, an artificial wetland classroom under construction, and a larger bridge for salmon migration.
Hands On Project This Saturday, September 18 – Newberry Hill Heritage Park
We welcome the District Governor to the Rotary Club of Silverdale! ZOOM ONLY on September 16 at 12:00 pm.
District Governor Lorna Curtis has been a Rotarian since 1997. She has been a club president, secretary, membership chair and the event chair for many fundraisers. She has been district secretary, youth policy coordinator, and a Rotary Foundation Fundraiser.
She brought ten Rotary Clubs together in Victoria to raise a half a million dollars to support the Food Rescue Project. This consisted of getting perishable food items from grocery stores, then distributed to vulnerable populations in the community.
Ms. Curtis’ education background is in Public Administration. She spent thirty-seven years working in municipal government, thirty-one of these years was in Parks and Recreation finishing her career as the Director of Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Department in Victoria, British Columbia.
Ms. Curtis was a single mom, solely raising her sons from the age of seven and ten. She is most proud of the men her sons have become, one is a Professor at Stanford University and the other is an Electrician. Lorna loves to spend time with her two granddaughters, six and nine years of age, who live in San Francisco. Since retirement she has travelled extensively around the world embracing many adventures throughout her travels. She enjoys old movies, loves to cook, garden and entertain.
Join Us via ZOOM on September 16 - DG Lorna Curtis
Meeting ID: 861 3602 3215 Passcode: 091645 One tap mobile +12532158782,,86136023215#,,,,*091645# US (Tacoma) +16699006833,,86136023215#,,,,*091645# US (San Jose)
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SEPTEMBER 16 - ZOOM ONLY - Zoom Link for Rotary Meetings
On September 9 we welcomed our newest member – Alex Bonesteel – to our Club. Alex even did his classification talk on the same day!
Pictured left to right: Co-President Erin Shannon, Alex and Anna Bonesteel
Alex first joined Rotary in 2013 and has been active during his 8 years of membership, most recently the Rotary Club of Whidbey Westside. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, a grant writer, has chaired local and international grants, and served as Director of Club Fundraising, Club Administration, Club Services, and Public Image. He is passionate about projects that improve access to education, clean water, and economic development.
Alex recently moved to Silverdale, WA with his wife Anna and three children, Delling, Freya, and Svea; and is a Digital Marketing Executive. He described himself as an artist, musician, and builder.
Posted by Jennifer Strong and Cathy Bisaillon on Sep 06, 2021
Co-President Jennifer Strong announced the Rotarians of the Month for April and May:
April - Ashley Oaksmith. Ashley is a quiet example of an amazing Rotarian. She was nominated as a 20 under 40 recipient in recognition of her hard work in the community and her success as our Silverdale Librarian. Ashley always shares her great ideas and willingly took on the role of Club Admin Chair for the Rotary year 2021-22. Thank you for all you do Ashley!
May - Bob Cassis. Bob Cassis’s organization of the Veteran’s Memorial Park clean up in May is so appreciated!
Bob has been heading up the maintenance efforts and flag replacements as well as the ceremonies for many years. The Park is a shining example (pun intended) of one of the many ways we give back to the community. Thank you for all you do Bob!
President Elect Cathy Bisaillon announced Rotarians of the Month for July and August:
July - Frank Guthrie. Frank is Rotarian of the Month for July for being The DuckFather. From the moment the giant inflatable ducks left the nest, until their safe return, Frank knew where they were and what they needed to stay clean and in good repair.
The ducks help us recruit and steward sponsors and sell Duck Race tickets. Thank you, Frank, for tending to the flock!
August - Rich Arper. Rich Arper came through in multiple ways in August. He brought his beautiful vintage automobile to the Duck Race Gala on August 6th to add to the themed fun, and he spent the last Saturday of the month clearing trails at the Port Gamble multi-club work party. Rich is definitely Rotarian of the Month for August!
Frank received a gift card to Sierra Trading Post, as he loves to hike. Rich received a gift card to Westbay Auto Parts, for obvious reasons. Both received a Rotarian of the Month lapel pin.
Editor's Note: In 2021, the Silverdale Rotary Club's International Service Committee sent $1,000 to ShelterBox, continuing an annual tradition of donations to ShelterBox.
Congratulations on receiving the ShelterBox HERO recognition for Rotary Year 2020-2021. Your support is very much appreciated. Your club will be listed on our HERO page www.shelterboxusa.org/hero.
ShelterBox has provided aid to over 2 million people since 2000, we could not have reached them without clubs like yours. COVID-19 has not stopped our efforts; ShelterBox provided aid to over 33,000 families in 2020, and over 13,000 households in the first half of 2021.
It was really a special night...hearts were overflowing! And, it was unprecedented! For the first time in 27 years of holding Duck Race fund raisers, the grand prize winner donated the entire prize to directly to charities!
John Johnson of Silverdale (a former Silverdale Rotarian, pictured above) chose two local charities – Children of the Nations and Coffee Oasis, to receive $8,000 each. At our Duck Race Gala Event on August 6, John told an amazed crowd that since it was such an honor to receive this blessing, as an act of good stewardship he wanted to see the money go to two ministries: one serving and meeting critical needs internationally (Children of the Nations) and one serving and meeting critical needs locally (Coffee Oasis).
Thanks to our major Duck Race Sponsor Advantage Nissan, who annually gives the grand prize winner a choice between a brand new Nissan pickup or $16,000, the impact of the 2021 grand prize itself will be felt far and near. Chuck Capps (pictured on right), the owner with his family of Advantage Nissan, is a Bremerton Rotarian, and he spoke about his family's commitment to serve. As a local business they look around and see great need in the community and work as a family and business to support agencies who make a difference in people's lives. That's why they have provided the Duck Race grand prize all these years. And this year, for the first time, the winner donated the funds to nonprofits serving others!
Upon being presented with an $8,000 check, Bryce Clark (pictured on left with Rotarian Chuck Kraining) spoke to us about the Coffee Oasis program and told a heart wrenching story about a 14-year old girl dropped off with all her belongings in a plastic bag. She had been told all the ways she was worthless and then abandoned. Coffee Oasis staff were immediately there to put a comforting arm about her, to bring her inside, feed her, give her a duffle for her belongings, and a warm, safe place to sleep!See Restoring Community - The Coffee Oasis
Chris Clark (pictured on right with Chuck Kraining), co-founder of Children of the Nations https://www.cotni.org/, gratefully accepted the $8,000 check and shared with us that 5,600 children have been served and aided through COTNs ministry in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. And many are in college continuing their training as future leaders for their nations!
Both of these ministries were started by individuals seeing a need and personally responding to make a difference! Silverdale Rotary has supported both COTN and Coffee Oasis with Duck Buck grants and other resources for many years. This is why we sell ducks!
At the end of the evening where we celebrated the hard work of our Rotarians, the generosity of our sponsors, and the service of our military volunteers, 2021 Duck Race Chair Christie Scheffer spoke of the joy and honor of working together as community, all with like-hearts committed to the mission of changing lives!
Duck Race Grand Prize Winner Donates $16,000 to Charity!
The grand prize winner of the 2021 Advantage Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck (or $16,000 cash) is John Johnson from Silverdale!Note: John was a Silverdale Rotarian in 2015-2017 and is pictured at the 2015 Pancake Breakfast. See separate article about what John did with his prize - you will be amazed!
A million thanks to everyone who adopted ducks; and thanks to our generous sponsors, EVERY DOLLAR of ticket sales will go to worthy projects - and lives will be changed!
The Silverdale Rotary Duck Race is scheduled for 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 25 at Silverdale Waterfront Park. It takes a while to capture the winning ducks and cross reference them to the winning ticket holders. Watch this space!
Duck Tagging on July 22 at Seabeck Conference Center at 11:30 am. Come join Silverdale Rotarians, family members, and community volunteers to tag 18,000 ducks for the big Silverdale Rotary Duck Race! Pizza and soda will be provided.
Pictured below - community volunteers who have a heart for giving back to the community!
Bring pocket knives, the kids and grandkids, family members, coworkers, friends - the more the merrier!
Join Us for Duck Tagging, July 22 at Seabeck Conference Center!
There will be NO NOON MEETING on July 8 - instead join us for in person fellowship at Kettlefish Restaurant in Old Town Silverdale. Time: 5:30 pm. See you there!
July 8 Fellowship Meeting at 5:30 pm at Kettlefish Restaurant Restaurant
THE DUCKS ARE COMING!!! Tickets are now on sale for the 2021 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race to be held on July 25 at Whaling Days.Your chance to win a brand new 2021 truck from Advantage Nissan or $16,000 in cash, or one of 63 other prizes. 100% of all ticket sales go directly back to the community. More info at http://silverdalerotaryduckrace.com/
Pictured: 2021-22 Co-President Erin Shannon, Rotarian of the Year Christie Scheffer, Co-President Jennifer Strong, Past President Steven Boe. Congratulations!
Installation Dinner on June 26 - what a fantastic celebration in so many ways! It was the first big in person social event since COVID-19 shutdown, and thanks to Chuck Kraining and the Seabeck Conference Center staff, an air conditioned space was arranged at the last minute. Everyone seemed so delighted to see the members of our Rotary family – in person! Some highlights:
President Steve (now Past President Steve) reminisced about the Rotary year and thanked his Board and club members for all their hard work under extraordinary circumstances. Steve then inducted Erin and Jennifer as Co-Presidents for 2021-22.
From Co-Presidents Elect Erin Shannon and Jennifer Strong to Steve Boe: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing President for the year 2020-21. We were so fortunate to have a tech guru as our leader during a year when we relied on Zoom for nearly all of our meetings. Steven, we truly appreciate your efforts to make our Zoom meetings as lively and entertaining as possible, incorporating activities, and finding creative ways to maintain our Happy Bucks tradition!" Then they installed the incoming Board of Directors.
Christie Scheffer was awarded Rotarian of the Year. From Erin and Jennifer: "From the moment Erin and I joined the Rotary Club of Silverdale, Christie’s welcoming kind spirit has been a guiding light. Each of our hands-on events this year was organized by Christie, continuing her passion and commitment for helping underserved youth in Kitsap County-and the Duck Race organization. Is there anything this woman can’t do!? Christie, it is our honor to name you Rotarian of the Year."
Rotary Kids of Action were recognized with certificates, and Reyce Scheffer (Christie’s granddaughter) was named Kid of the Year, a new category of recognition! Reyce has been everywhere helping with Rotary projects like Food Bags for School breaks, school supplies for Burkina Faso, and 3rd Grade Dictionaries. She was also recognized as a Klahowya Super Citizen. Way to go, Reyce!
Matej Kunak and a friend attended via Zoom from Texas, and we learned that they will be traveling to Washington in mid-July to help out with the Duck Race.
Steve and TRF chair Peggy Templeton announced a flurry of Paul Harris Fellow awards to round out the year: Jennifer Strong – her first one! Chuck Kraining PHF+1, Scott Slocum PHF+4, Frank Guthrie PHF+5, Christie Scheffer PHF+6, Dale Robinson PHF+3, Bob Cassis PHF+4, and Cathy Bisaillon PHF+1. Thanks to all who are supporting The Rotary Foundation!
International Service Chair Nancy Whitaker announced the first ever International Service Award and surprised Ron and Peggy Templeton as the first awardees for their years of work in Mexico over Christmas holidays, plus Peggy’s trip to Jamaica to teach the teachers, all at their own expense. Thank you for your service to the less fortunate outside the U.S., Ron and Peggy!
Updated - Rotary Installation on June 26 - A Fantastic Celebration!
Here is the 2021 Duck Truck. It's white this year! You could be driving it home (or counting $16,000 in cash) after the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race on July 25th at Whaling Days.
Devastating fire, COVID-19 – how can an impoverished school in the Philippines keep educating children? With the help of the Rotary Club of Orion in the Philippines, and the Rotary Club of Silverdale! After a devastating fire a few years ago, the Puting Buhangin Elementary School in Orion, Bataan was rebuilt, but there was no money for furniture. So Silverdale Rotary Club sent funds for tables and chairs. Pictured below are members of the Rotary Club of Orion at the school.
They were just getting back in operation when COVID-19 hit, shutting down the school. As there is no infrastructure to hold online classes, the school needed printers, paper, and ink to print and distribute hard copy lessons. Once again, Silverdale Rotarians sent funds to the Orion Rotary Club,
and look what they purchased for $1,000: two printers, two sets of ink for the printers, 100 reams of printer paper, four gallons of alcohol (for spray disinfectant), 47 boxes (50 per box) of disposable face masks, and six multi-purpose boxes!
Thanks to the generosity of our Duck Race Sponsors in 2020 (even though the race was later canceled), school children in the Puting Buhangin Elementary School can get back to the business of learning!
Children in the Philippines Learning Again - Silverdale Rotary Partners with the Rotary Club of Orion
Silverdale Rotarians gave the Veteran's Memorial Park in Silverdale a much-needed cleaning and sprucing up, and replaced all the flags, in preparation for Memorial Day. Then a wreath was placed at the Memorial on Monday morning, May 31.
It took three pressure washers to get the “green stuff” off the cement sidewalks, features, and the flag poles. You can actually see the beautiful color of the walkways now!
Weeds were pulled, and a yard of bark was spread.
Before and After
A special thank you to Rotarian Bob Cassis (pictured above) who organized the work party, and to Mary and Buddy Hoover, Erin Shannon, Cathy Bisaillon, Nancy Whitaker, Rich Arper, and volunteer Dru who helped. Thanks also to Josh Plummer and his maintenance crew from Kitsap Parks and Recreation for pruning the trees and cutting back the blackberries gone wild.
Rotarians work hard, but we have fun, too!
Rotarians Bob Cassis and Chuck Kraining have been working behind the scenes for over 10 years replacing the flags and maintaining flagpole hardware. Twice per year Silverdale Rotary, out of Duck Race proceeds, funds the replacement of the U.S. and MIA flags, plus the flags of the six services (Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines) to honor our veterans.
The Silverdale Rotary Club is proud to honor our fallen heroes. Be sure to visit the Memorial - a beautiful and peaceful place to pay your respects any time of year.
Silverdale Veteran’s Memorial Park – Spruced Up for Memorial Day
Congratulations to our own Silverdale Rotarian Ashley Oaksmith, Silverdale Branch Manager, Kitsap County Library, for being chosen by Leadership Kitsap as one of 20 Rising Stars for 2021!
Leadership Kitsap’s 20 Under 40 Awards Program seeks to identify and celebrate exceptional business leaders under the age of 40 who are dynamic trailblazers in the Kitsap community. They share their stories and celebrate their successes, bringing these individuals together to grow into a powerful network of young leaders who can then leverage that network to make even more great contributions to our region’s economy and civic dialog.
Do you think that your home is safe from wildfire because you don’t live in dense woods? Think again, according Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR) Chief John Oliver on May 13.
In an eye opening (and downright scary) presentation, Chief Oliver described how wind can carry fire embers for miles, igniting everything in their path, wiping out whole suburban neighborhoods. Here? Even on the “green” side of the Cascades? Yes! “With the ongoing drought, we have a tinderbox out there,” the Chief stated, and he asked Rotarians to help raise awareness in our community. Awareness that leads to action!
Indeed, there are lots of things you can do to prepare to mitigate the risk. First, watch Chief Oliver’s presentation starting at minute 21 of this Zoom link:
Posted by Jennifer Strong and Erin Shannon on Apr 22, 2021
Co-Presidents Elect Jennifer Strong and Erin Shannon presented Rotarians of the Month recognition for the months of January, February, and March of 2021. Congratulations to these well deserving Rotarians!
January - the Beagles– Barbara and Brian are fantastic examples of dedicated Rotarians. Although they have relocated and are no longer in the area, they attend every Zoom meeting, go above and beyond with the weekly Breeze, sewed masks for duck sales, and are always actively participating in meetings and sharing their incredible Rotary knowledge.
February - Cathy Bisaillon – has done an amazing job with coordinating Operation Duck Drop – a total of eight Duck Drops ($11,000) in all - to engage our Duck Race cash sponsors and get the funds back out to our community. She is always willing to step up and take on tasks to assist our Club. We are thankful for her!
March – Elayne Burton – has been hard at work behind the scenes with the upcoming Duck Race sponsorships and keeping the Club on track as Treasurer. The service she performs is invaluable! We couldn’t do it without you, Elayne.
Rotarians of the Month for January, February, and March 2021
Since 1954, the 128 foot Douglas fir known as the Silverdale Christmas Tree has been lit up every year, but old age, wooly adelgid insect infestation, and drought have all conspired to weaken the massive 140-150 year old tree such that 4 years ago there was only an estimated 50/50 chance that it would survive. Now, thanks to the community efforts of Silverdale Rotarians, Silverdale Dandy Lions, and other volunteer individuals and businesses, things are now more optimistic. After years of annual blackberry chopping and bark mulching, plus arborist treatments, and four years of watering in the summer, the tree is now producing new growth!
Most recently in April 2021, the Silverdale Rotary Club funded the evaluation and treatment by arborist Dan Maple of ABC Consulting Arborists (photo on left). He treated the tree with growth hormone and insect treatment injected into the ground around the tree. He also sprayed an insect treatment onto the trunk to combat the wooly adelgid infestation.
His evaluation of the tree was that the top of the tree looked really good with new growth, that we have definitely turned the corner with the tree, and it is getting better. Due to the size (approximately 128 ft tall) and age of the tree, it will take a long time to see the total results. The upper middle third is still looking pretty bare, but he thinks that it just needs more time to recover. The top and bottom are looking good.
During the summer dry period the tree will be watered, and later this year the area around the tree will be “weed wacked” and mulched with yards and yards of bark. Maintenance of the light strings and replacements of bulbs will happen this fall, getting ready for the annual Thanksgiving weekend tree lighting.
This all takes a “village” of volunteers, but the results can be seen from just about anywhere in Silverdale when the tree is lit!
It is with great sadness that we report that Honorary Rotarian Roger Aydt passed away peacefully at his home on April 11, three days after his 87th birthday.
An active Rotarian from 1994-2018 and 1999-2000 Club President, Roger will be remembered as a quiet but tireless supporter of The Rotary Foundation (multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Club Foundation Chair) and proponent of the Silverdale Rotary Foundation for student scholarships.
A retired Navy Commander holding a PhD, Roger was most recently a faculty member at Olympic College before retiring completely. Every year he was part of the Silverdale Rotary cadre who rang the bell for the Salvation Army.
Throughout his active years, Roger was a tireless Duck Central worker before and during Race Weekend, handing out duck tickets and patiently checking in ticket stubs and reconciling cash with harried Rotarians (see photos below).
Roger maintained a special ongoing relationship with his Duck Race sponsors and was responsible for landing thousands of dollars in cash sponsorships and prizes, as well as getting permission to set up a duck selling booth at Wendy’s (see photo on right).
Roger spent hours every year in Kitsap Mall successfully selling Duck Race Tickets in his signature low key way. One of his “secret” selling strategies was to approach ladies of a certain age and ask them with a smile, “are you over 18?” (which is the legal age for purchasing raffle tickets). With a twinkle in his eye, he said that he sold a lot of tickets that way!
Cards may be sent to his wife Barbara (pictured on left with Roger) and family at 4892 NW Bryce Ct, Silverdale, WA 98383.
We can't even count the ways that the Seabeck Conference Center and Executive Director, Chuck Kraining, have supported the Silverdale Rotary Club. Thank you!
Silverdale Rotarians, community volunteers, and Rotary Kids of Action masked up on March 25, 2021 at the Seabeck Conference Grounds to bag over 300 bags of food to deliver to CK School District for families in need over Spring Break.
We then delivered the bags to CKSD Central Services. The Schools had been organized to distribute to elementary, middle and high schools throughout the district. Thank you to everyone who turned out for this great project to feed hungry families! (Note that we had also provided 300+ bags earlier in the school year for Winter Break.)
Helpers included: Steven Boe, Christie Scheffer and Kids of Action Reyce Scheffer Losey, Rick Soper, Amanda Smith, and Kids of Action Sophia, Aiden, Vivian, and Jacob; Jennifer Strong and Kids of Action Sophia and Tye, Corie Hamilton, Bob Cassis, Rich Arper, Michael Collins, Nancy and Nicholas Whitaker, Erin Shannon, Chuck Kraining, David Emmons, Cathy Bisaillon, Mary Hoover and Kids of Action Taylor Sagester, Jim Dudley
Pictured: Rotarian Rich Arper and Rotary Kids of Action - we know how to have fun and feed families!
Thank you to our wonderful partners!
Grocery Outlet - James Gochmansky helped find and order nutritious food;
Seabeck Conference Center and Chuck Kraining donated storage and space to bag food (above), Rancho Storage - Lori Boe donated the use of the truck; and Silverdale Safeway - donated bags
Feeding Hungry Families - Silverdale Rotarians and Kids of Action Bag and Donate 300+ Bags of Food
In the 7th Duck Drop of 2021 (see Duck Drop #6 article below for background), Central Kitsap Food Bank was the surprised and grateful recipient of a $3,000 unrestricted grant, because three Duck Race cash sponsors named CK Food Bank as the local non-profit that they were most passionate about supporting.
Those sponsors, Rotarian Steve Slaton (on right), former Silverdale Rotarian Jim Adkins, and Rotarian Ron Templeton (and his law firm Templeton Horton Weibel & Broughton, PLLC) shared that they are longtime personal supporters of the CK Food Bank.
Steve Slaton (pictured on left) and Jim Adkins (pictured on right) were on hand at the Zoom meeting on April 1, 2021 and spoke about why they are passionate about supporting the CK Food Bank: Jim Adkins stated that “there shouldn’t be anybody who doesn’t have food,” and Steve Slaton stated that food is the most essential of human needs, and “charity should start at home.” To hear their remarks firsthand, watch the Zoom video at https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Xl-jRZT3L-mqm4jxRZReXjYnHh3_5akfy5Go6fi1zU3wf162Fjrk1wjl1ozipcl0.uwGjgqQkKJH1jJsU Passcode: pJQQ*L29 .
On hand to accept the $3,000 via Zoom was CK Food Bank Executive Director Chris Benson who gave us a detailed update on how the Food Bank has stayed open to serve clients during the pandemic in spite of a 50% reduction in available volunteers, less donations, and challenges with PPE and social distancing. Chris, a retired U.S. Navy logistics specialist using his military skills to help hungry families, described how the CK Food Bank is the only one of eight in Kitsap County that has provided clients a “grocery store shopping experience” during the pandemic instead of handing out prepacked boxes of food.
There will be NO ROTARY ZOOM MEETING on Thursday, March 25. Rotarians and volunteers will be at Seabeck Conference Center in the A-Frame behind the main building filling food bags for CKSD. Setup is at 11:00 am, and bagging will start at noon. After all bagging and cleanup is done, the bags will be delivered by volunteers to CKSD Central Services on Dickey Rd. See you there!
In 2021 Silverdale Rotary is hosting Operation Duck Drop, where Duck Race Sponsors are invited to choose a nonprofit to be a recipient of Duck Race proceeds “out of the blue.” No applications were necessary, and there are no restrictions on the grants.
Silverdale Rotarians are very appreciative of our generous 2020 Duck Race Sponsors, who in spite of the Duck Race being canceled in 2020, allowed us to keep their cash donations to continue our work in the community during COVID-19, and to award Duck Drop grants that change lives!
On March 18, we heard from Rotarian Mary Hoover, a Duck Race sponsor who has donated to the Duck Race on behalf of, and in memory of, Rotarian Natalie Bryson, a legendary community leader and organizer. Natalie worked relentlessly on causes related to children, education, and helping families in need. Mary shared that Natalie had very high regard for Easterseals Washington and the work they do locally, and therefore chose Easterseals Washington https://www.easterseals.com/washington as the recipient of a $1,000 unrestricted grant.
On hand to accept the grant was a grateful Angela Cox, Senior Program Director in Kitsap and nearby, who told us about some of the work that Easterseals Washington has continued during COVID-19 supporting children, adults, veterans, and families:
Olympic Peninsula Autism Center in Silverdale – providing behavior reduction
Workforce Development Program – designed to help those with disabilities, many of whom lost their during COVID-19, stay employed
Preparations for the 2021 season of Camp Stand By Me – which gives families much needed respite. Over 400 clients with disabilities are expected to attend the weekly camps in Vaughn which offer an inclusive, barrier-free environment for children and adults with disabilities to experience all the joys of camp without limitations.
Cathy Bisaillon, CEO of Easterseals Washington stated that “Keeping our current programs safe, and gearing up to reopen our camp and daily adult services, means un-budgeted expenses for PPE, hand sanitizing stations and extra nursing supplies. This unanticipated $1,000 saves the day!”
“For over a year now, the Silverdale Rotary Club has been hosting the Rotary VR Universe, a weekly meetup in virtual reality. Originally designed as a place for Rotarians to gather, the event has since grown into more of a place for people to discover Rotary, discuss their ideas, and connect with people who share their passion for service; sometimes awaking a passion they never knew they had.” On March 18 at 7:00 pm PDT, join us for our special guest speaker, John Bucher. See video below for more details.
In the 5th in a series of Duck Race proceeds grants in 2021, Rotarian Heather Campana (Branch Manager of Duck Race Sponsor Columbia Bank) presented a $1,000 unrestricted grant to Tracy Freckleton, Coordinator and Program Developer of Foster Parent Alliance of Washington State (FPAWS)http://www.fpaws.org/.
The Duck Drop presentation starts at minute 27 of this link in the recorded Zoom meeting
“Foster parents come at this work with hope and desire to make the life of a child better.FPAWS wants to meet caregivers and families where they are and help in any way we can.” Tracy talked about the many services FPAWS provides to foster families, and highlighted that Silverdale Rotary’s $1,000 grant will fund 400 hours of online education for foster families, a much needed support service.
Operation Duck Drop #5, Foster Parents Alliance of Washington State (FPAWS)
There will be NO regular Silverdale Rotary Club Thursday meeting on March 11. Instead we will meet on Monday, March 8 with the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club on Zoom with SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER Rotary International President-Nominee Jennifer Jones. You must register for this event - see below.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, International President-Nominee Jennifer Jones will share thoughts on diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club Zoom meeting on March 8. There will also be a speaker from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Here is the link to register for her event: http://d5020.com/JJ2021 The Zoom room opens at 11:30 a.m. and she will begin the program at noon. Please do not wait until the last minute to enter.
Jennifer Jones - March 8 at Noon PST - Celebrating Achievements in Diversity
On Friday, February 26, 2021, Silverdale Rotarians picked up food ordered through Grocery Outlet and brought it to the Seabeck Conference Center for storage, in anticipation of our Food Bagging on March 25th. Many Rotarians and friends came to help unload the food. We appreciate everyone's help!
$1,000 to the Rotary Club of Orion in the Philippines for the impoverished Capunitan Elementary School that we (along with Bainbridge Island Rotary Club) have supported for 3 years. Recently they experienced a fire, typhoon, and then COVID-19. The funds will pay for printer paper and ink to print lesson modules for students who don’t have internet connections for online learning.
$2,500 to Lisa Stirrett for her work in Africa. Project details forthcoming.
$1,250 to Children of the Nations for work in the Dominican Republic where Silverdale Rotarians have traveled and supported projects. Project details forthcoming.
$250 for a humanitarian award to fund a microloan via http://www.kiva.org. Kiva is a clearing house for microloan projects where the person/organization donating can chose the specific project that will receive the microloan.
International Service Committee Announces Grants for This Rotary Year
Watch this video to see why the Silverdale Rotary Club holds an annual Duck Race, and some of the multitude of recipients of over $1.6M in proceeds over 27 years! The 2021 Race will be held on July 25, the final event of the 3-day Whaling Days Festival.
"Stand Up For Kids (SUFK) Kitsap opened our eyes to the plight of homeless and at-risk youth in Kitsap County,” stated Rotarian Barbara Beagle on February 18 when she and her Rotarian husband PDG Brian (both long time Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Sponsors) awarded $1,000 in an unrestricted grant to Margaret Rodriguez, Executive Director of SUFK Kitsap. “Silverdale Rotary and Stand Up For Kids have been true partners in community service,” added Brian. “We support them, and they support us.”
Margaret went on to describe what SUFK Kitsap accomplished in 2020 under COVID-19:
500 weekend food bags per week for homeless and at-risk students in the Bremerton School District, plus snacks for the schools to hand out
480 extra large holiday food bags
390 hygiene bags
Supported 11 new teen parents
And more, all with volunteers and all without the benefit of their normal in person fund raiser.
Margaret remarked that under normal non-COVID circumstances, SUFK would be supporting 18 schools and thanked Silverdale Rotarians via Zoom for multiple donations of food and grant funds over the years. SUFK operates solely with donations and volunteer help from the community.
Below is a photo of Margaret Rodriguez loading up hundreds of food bags that Silverdale Rotarians purchased and packed:
Pictured: Margaret Rodriguez and Rotarian Ed Hamilton after a Silverdale Rotary food bagging work party.
Below is a whole table of SUFK volunteers “giving back” to Rotary by supporting our annual Duck Race fund raiser and helping tag 18,000 ducks.
and below Margaret Rodriguez is sorting clothing donations at the Kitsap fairgrounds, site of the annual Rotary Area Garage Sale (RAGS)
Barbara and Brian thanked the SUFK volunteers for working so hard to support Rotary, all the while tirelessly supporting homeless and at-risk youth. “It’s truly a win-win partnership,” stated Brian.
Operation Duck Drop #4 – Stand Up For Kids is Awarded $1,000
If you want to be inspired in large and small ways and feel good about Rotary leadership at the highest levels, be sure to watch the recorded Zoom meeting on February 13 with Rotary International (RI) President Nominee Jennifer Jones – the first woman to be selected as President, for the year 2022-23. Click on the link below.
Down to earth and articulate, Jennifer gives us hope for the future of Rotary as the organization adapts to change in the area of technology, communication, tackling the Environment as an additional Area of Focus on July 1, 2021, the inclusion of Rotaract (young people forming clubs) as a form of Rotary membership instead of a separate organization, and infusing joy into our lives in the face of COVID-19,
Note: the four Rotary International Strategic Goals and Priorities that Jennifer refers to frequently are: increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt.
The intro to Jennifer starts at minute 8:10. Q&A starts at 33:00 (don’t miss it!), and her “Loose Change” program in her club (anonymous Random Acts of Kindness and the impacts on individual Rotarians) at minute 54:00. Some sound bites:
Find JOY in your Rotary JOurneY
Random Acts of Rotary
Find JOY in your Rotary JOurneY – RI President Nominee Jennifer Jones
We value our community partners so very much! Partners like Quality Heating Electrical & Air Conditioning. A quality THANK YOU for supporting the Rotary Club of Silverdale and our shared community!
Silverdale Rotary Club has invited cash sponsors of the 2020 Duck Race (which was subsequently canceled due to COVID-19) to select their favorite nonprofits as direct recipients of unrestricted grants, and to award those grants at Zoom meetings where we all could virtually meet our Sponsors and their chosen community service nonprofits.
Our Duck Drop #3 involved two Duck Race Sponsors: Pacific Northwest Title (represented by Andy Buskirk pictured on right) and Chinook Contractors (who couldn’t attend), who both chose Coffee Oasis as the recipient, hence $2,000!
Andy shared that Pacific Northwest Title is heavily into community service, and they recognized Coffee Oasis for their work helping homeless and at risk youth.
Coffee Oasis (see Restoring Community - The Coffee Oasis) was represented by Executive Director Daniel Frederickson and Community Development rep Daniel Kluth (pictured left to right), who reported that in 2020 the heavily used Crisis Text Line which operates 24/7, fielded over 9,000 texts! That’s just one of the many services, plus job training and jobs at the Cafes. Both Daniels expressed gratitude and amazement for the grant which "dropped out of the sky," and they promised to come back later to report how they were able to put the $2,000 grant to work.
A tennis court sized thank you to our #PartneroftheWeek Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Center! Thanks for the great work you do in our community and for your support of the Rotary Club of Silverdale. We are People of Action!
Partner of the Week - Kitsap Tennis and Athletic Center
Our Speaker on February 4 will be Sarah Chamberlin, Executive Director of the St. Michael Medical Center Foundation. She has been with the medical center since November of 2010 in various leadership roles during that time. Committed to her work at the Foundation, Sarah enjoys partnering with community organizations, philanthropists, and grateful patients and their families, connecting them with causes that are important to their hearts. Silverdale Rotary has supported the Foundation in the past with Duck Bucks.
Operation Duck Drop #3 - We will also be awarding $2,000 to Coffee Oasis, as two Duck Race Sponsors, Pacific Northwest Title and Chinook Contractors have chosen Coffee Oasis as their recipient.
See you on Thursday, February 4!
February 4 Meeting: St. Michael Medical Ctr Foundation; plus Operation Duck Drop #3 - Coffee Oasis
Join us in making every week of the year a week of gratitude. This week we would like to recognize the Kitsap Credit Union for their support of the Rotary Club of Silverdale and our shared community.
Operation Duck Drop - On January 21, Rotarians Erin Shannon and I, on behalf of our Duck Race Sponsor employer 1st Security Bank, had the privilege of honoring the first grantee, Myra Battin from the Bremerton Backpack Brigade with the a $1,000 Duck Drop grant. https://www.backpackbrigade.org/. I’ve had the privilege to volunteer regularly with this great group of volunteers and the Brigade Team.
It gives me such great pride to pack these weekend backpacks for the kids in need in the Bremerton School District. Even during COVID, Myra (pictured) has managed to keep the weekly food bags coming to these kids while keeping a safe environment for the volunteers. Last week176 families were served with nutritious food for the weekend, that equates to one ton every week costing $2,200! The Backpack Brigade is always looking for volunteers and donations to feed hungry kids.
Operation Duck Drop is new this year because we had to cancel the 2020 Duck Race due to COVID-19. Some of our generous cash sponsors allowed us to keep their donations after the race was canceled, so we asked those sponsors to choose the recipients of $1,000 grants – no Duck Buck applications necessary for the recipients!
Operation Duck Drop #1 - Bremerton Backpack Brigade
We discovered that someone had cut a hole in the fence around the iconic Silverdale Christmas tree, and we were concerned about them stealing the wiring.
So we contacted Viking Fence, and they came out and donated the repairs. Thank you, Viking Fence! This is another example of how the beloved tree has been a community effort since 1955, spearheaded by Silverdale Rotarians and Silverdale Dandy Lions.
Silverdale Christmas Tree - Viking Fence to the Rescue
At the December 10 Zoom meeting, the Chair of the 2021-22 Nominating Committee Christie Scheffer announced the Committee’s recommendations for the 2021-22 Board slate of officers. She also called for nominations from the floor (there were none).
Nominations “from the floor” closed on December 30 .
The Annual Meeting and election will be held at the January 14 Zoom meeting.
Because of special circumstances due to our meeting situation, we are using a modified voting process. Members that are not able to attend the Zoom Annual Meeting can submit their ballot by email to the Club Secretary Don Lachata no later than January 13. He will compile and add to the online Zoom voting on January 14. The email should state that you agree, don’t agree, or agree with exceptions to the announced slate of officers.
Rotary Board Slate of Officers – July 2021-June 2022
Co-Presidents – Erin Shannon and Jennifer Strong
President Elect – Cathy Bisaillon
Secretary – Don Lachata
Secretary Elect – Peggy Templeton
Treasurer – Elayne Burton
Immediate Past President – Steve Boe
Duck Race Chair – Steve Boe
Foundation Chair – Ron Templeton
Club Service Chair – Ashley Oaksmith
Club Service Assistant Chair – Matthew Barrett
Community Service Chair – Cathy Bisaillon
Community Service Assistant Chair – Steve Slaton
International Service Chair – Nancy Whitaker
International Service Assistant Chair – Jim Barker
Silverdale Rotary Club volunteers rang the Salvation Army bell at Silverdale Safeway on December 12 to raise money for those in need. Special thanks to new Rotarian Matthew Barrett for corralling all the bell ringers.
They shared the area in front of Safeway with the local Kiwanians who were conducting a food drive, and it turned out to be a good thing! Here are some stories from that amazing day:
From Rich Arper: some of the Kiwanians that were there for the food drive were people that had helped with the Silverdale Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the past. So although we didn’t get to have that event this year, we were able to work together fundraising at the same time at the same location!
From Steve Boe: Son and daughter Cavanaugh and Amélie were very excited to ring the bell. Although, it took awhile before Cavanaugh realized he didn’t get to keep the money. They met a young girl from Kiwanis who brought over a blanket to wrap around our dog Capt. Jack. But the best part was the next morning when the kids asked when can they go ring the bell again. “We need to help people.” Looks like Rotary is rubbing off on them!
From Cathy Bisaillon: A lady put a generous donation in the pot, and then she told me that she had rung the bell for many years as a Rotarian in another state. She is new to Washington, and she is committed to continue to make a difference through Rotary. We will likely see her at our next club meeting!
From Peggy Templeton: Shoppers were very generous this time. I had to shake down the kettle often to settle the bills. Lots of big bills!
Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army - Helping Those in Need
In a huge community effort, Silverdale Rotary purchased a truckload of food which was loaded and unloaded, transported, and staged for Rotary and community volunteers and their families to prepare 300 bags of food for those in need during the holidays. Thanks to Rotarian Christie Scheffer who masterminded and coordinated the cadre of businesses and organizations for this effort.
Silverdale Rotary: People of Action!
Pictured: Silverdale Rotarians, family members, and volunteers filled 300 food bags at Seabeck Conference Center
Special thanks go to:
Grocery Outlet - Manager James Gochmansky - who worked hard to find good deals on healthy food, and Lisa and Lynn who helped load the truck
Rancho Storage Center - Silverdale - Ms. Boe who loaned us the truck to transport food
Paratransit Services who donated $981 towards food to supplement Silverdale Rotary Club funds
Seabeck Conference Center who provided the space to safely (masked and socially distanced) stage and load food bags
It's not November anymore, but let the thanks-giving continue! We're thankful for our partner of the week, Kitsap Bank, for their continued support for Rotary and the Kitsap community!
Our speaker on December 3 was Jacques White, Executive Director of Long Live the Kings (LLTK https://lltk.org/), founded in 1986 by a group of enthusiasts concerned about the declining populations of Pacific salmon and steelhead.
Compared to the abundance of salmon before the 1980s, the picture has seemed bleak for wild Pacific salmon in Hood Canal, Puget Sound, and the Salish sea extending into Canada. But Jacques told us about some pretty spectacular successes, including the return of the almost extinct summer chum salmon in Hood Canal. LLTK’s goal, in laymen’s terms, are that there be enough salmon again for killer whales, tribes, commercial and sports fishing industries, and other animals in the food chain to survive and thrive. https://lltk.org/.
Long Live the Kings (Salmon) – Program on December 3
The iconic Silverdale Christmas tree is lit up in all its glory once again, towering over our community and visible for miles. Did you know that the star is 8 feet across? Silverdale Rotarians have worked with Silverdale Dandy Lions and dedicated community volunteers every year to maintain the 128 foot tree, which has been lit every holiday season since 1955.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and we are so very thankful for our Partner of the Week, Templeton Horton Weibel & Broughton PLLC, and their support of the Silverdale Rotary. Thanks for all you do for the Kitsap community! https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/
Silverdale Rotarians have partnered with Silverdale humanitarian Lisa Stirrett since 2017 to bring hope to desperately poor villages in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Many individual Rotarians funded microloans that allowed women to earn an income, support their families, and pay the loan back (e.g., a wheat grinder, sewing and pattern drafting lessons). We have sent French books for the schools and elementary school supplies in schools where it is a luxury to not have to share pencils. The latest projects that our Club funded with Duck Race proceeds are described below.
Thank You Silverdale Rotary - Changing Lives in Burkina Faso!
In this season of thanksgiving, Rotary is thankful for Pacific Northwest Title and their continued support of Rotary and our community! https://www.pnwtkitsap.com/
We want to recognize Columbia Bank this week! Thank you for your continued support of the Silverdale Rotary and our community! #ColumbiaBank#RotaryPartnerOfTheWeek
Partner of the Week. A big thank you to Easterseals Washington for their continued support of Rotary and the Kitsap community. Find out more about the incredible programs this organization provides to Kitsap residents here: https://www.easterseals.com/washington/.
Rotarians understand the key role that employment plays in the lives of individuals and in the connectivity of communities. Hearing that theCOVID situation has pushed the unemployment rate for people who have disabilities up to 80%, we knew that it was time to re-engage with the job seekers in Kitsap County through the Partners for Work program https://www.gowise.org/what-we-do/partners-for-work/.
On October 22, the Silverdale Rotary Club broke the mold by conducting four simultaneous mock interview sessions entirely through the Zoom online platform. With just a couple of lessons learned, the project was a resounding success. “Today would have been my fourth anniversary at a job that I loved, but the pandemic caused me to be laid off,” shared job seeker, Eldon. “I like to work as a team – I just need another chance.”
This third mock interview project got our Silverdale Rotarians smiling ear-to-ear. “Engaging with eager job seekers, and possibly providing their foot in the door with area employers, is the highlight of my year,” shared several attendees. New this time, Rotarians from area clubs dropped into the meeting as session participants, as they are excited to launch their own clubs’ initiatives to help people with disabilities get jobs.
The Silverdale Rotary Club is honored to partner with Easterseals Washington and other social service agencies to promote inclusion in our community, and to motivate clubs around the world to do the same. For more information, or better yet, to provide leads for job seekers, contact Cathy Bisaillon at cathyb@wa.easterseals.com.
Silverdale Rotary donated food, diapers, toiletries and kitchen and office supplies on September 13, 2020 to Georgia’s House, a shelter for women and children. Pictured below is Rotary Service Member Brianna Angelo assisting with loading up the supplies).
Despite our contribution, there continue to be many unmet needs. Click on https://portal.clubrunner.ca/730/Documents/en-us/5715c99e-e214-4e2b-ab63-0f514633d5bb/1/ for a list of their most needed items. If you would like to drop off a donation you can either drop it with Christie at Paratransit Services 4810 Auto Center Way, Bremerton or at Georgia's House - 4846 Auto Center Way, Bremerton. (360) 479-9020. Just give them a call you are coming and meet them at the back door with the ramp. All donations are appreciated!
For more information about the important services that Georgia's House provides to desparate families, go to http://www.gmweaverfoundation.org/
Silverdale Rotarians Support Georgia's House Shelter
Go to https://www.ckfr.org/ and click on the banner at the top that looks like this to watch a Virtual Town Hall meeting with safety tips for local residents:
On September 10 we heard from our own Rotarians Kathleen Gordon and Rick Soper about the work that the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce is doing behind the scenes to help Kitsap businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Kathleen, the Chamber Executive Director spoke enthusiastically about the comprehensive online resources at https://silverdalechamber.com/.
Our own President Steven Boe was part of a virtual breakout panel session regarding parents and families and Rotary in the June 2020 virtual Rotary International Convention. His 7-minute talk about Kids of Action starts at 25 minutes at the following link https://www.facebook.com/RotaryMembershipVoice/videos/296278014798629. See more details below.
Bring the Baby: Recruiting and Retaining Parents in Rotary
This is first release of the 2020 breakout presentation made for clubs that want to engage with more parents of young children and want family-friendliness to be an important element in their club culture. Discover ideas for events, meeting formats, and rebranding projects to be more youth inclusive and parent-friendly.
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jones has been a member since 1997 and has served Rotary as vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. Read more on the nomination: https://on.rotary.org/2DDj58H
Jennifer Jones Tapped to be First Woman President of Rotary International
Margorie Rowland of the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation thanked Silverdale Rotarians on July 30, 2020 for our help in refurbishing and restoring the schooner Fiddler’s Dream at its Brownsville Marina home, in preparation for its life as a sailing educational classroom. In 2018 our club granted $3,000 in Duck Bucks to fund a new steering system, which has now been installed. See photo below.
Margorie then gave us an update on the restoration and the funds needed ($52,000) to finish the job. One can purchase a “plank” for a reduced donation of $75 (was $100) http://kitsapmaritime.org/Getplank/. More informaation can also be found at http://kitsapmaritime.org/.
Eventually the schooner will be renamed the Kitsap at the celebration of completion. Rotarian Rich Arper mentioned that he attended the “Whiskey Plank” celebration when they set the final deck plank some time ago. The setting of the last deck plank (called the Whiskey Plank) is a major milestone for any boat, and time for celebration, and Whiskey!
Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation (Fiddler’s Dream) Thanks Rotary
On August 6, our guest speaker Pastor Ken Riley from Newlife Church gave an informative and inspiring talk about How Business Leaders Can Talk About Racism. See video below about how to get the conversation started about race. Here are some points he made:
How do we “build the capacity to have the conversation that could lead to reconciliation?” Here are a couple prerequisites:
We have to agree that “racism is wrong.”
We each must understand own personal narratives, and then try to understand others’ histories and narrative regarding racism.
And then:
Acknowledge your track record (or lack of it) regarding race.
Engage younger voices to see racism in a different light.
Build a team that creates a culture of inclusion.
Create a safe space and a safe place to share honest and open feedback.|
Pastor Riley ended by saying that even in the middle of a global pandemic and civil unrest, he believes the best days are ahead of us.
We also want to thank all of the people from our fellow Rotary Clubs from the US and Canada for joining us, including District 5020 Governor Greg Horn.
The Silverdale Rotary Club and the Silverdale Dandy Lions have been interested in using LED bulbs on the Christmas Tree for several years, hoping that they will last longer and require less maintenance. We tried some LED bulbs several years ago, and they lasted a long time, but were not very bright. Two years ago we purchased red LED bulbs, and they seem to be holding up well, but their light appears to be directional; i.e., they look good from some angles and not good from others.
To do some research, I bought some Phillips colored LED bulbs at Lowe’s to test at home on my dark basement workbench. The bulbs seemed plenty bright, and the light was not directional. So I took the information from the bulb box and contacted Phillips customer service in New Jersey. We exchanged several emails back and forth, and then when the COVID-19 hit, everything seemed to stop. Finally in April I received an email with a link to their charitable donor person with a form to fill out plus a request for a financial statement. Which with Club Treasurer Elayne's help I did.
When I contacted them again to check our status, they asked again for our specific request, (which I had sent before). I asked for as many bulbs as they were willing to send us to try as a test on the tree, giving them the quantity and color of bulbs on each light string. Each light string uses 34 bulbs: 20 red and 14 of other colors. With 12 strings on the tree, that's 408 bulbs! Each string has a specific bulb order. See photo below.
Pictured left to right: Community Volunteer Bill Carter, Silverdale Dandy Lions Carla Larson and Roland Arper, and Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper
Phillips sent 162 bulbs!! We have enough new LED red bulbs to do 2 strings (they sent 42), and enough other colored bulbs to do several other strings. So hopefully we can schedule a work party to get the new bulbs on the tree sometime this fall.
The Saga of LED Bulbs for the Silverdale Christmas Tree
Northwest Bloodworks is short of blood and plasma! Our President Steven Boe has spearheaded this area blood drive, coordinating with other county Rotary Clubs and other organizations. If you give blood, please post a photo on the Silverdale Rotary Facebook page - you may win a prize donated by local businesses! Pictured below: our co-President Elect Erin Shannon donated blood - thanks, Erin!
Northwest Bloodworks is short of blood and plasma! President Steven Boe has spearheaded this area blood drive, coordinating with other county Rotary Clubs and other organizations. Make an appointment online at https://schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/Default.aspx
Last year’s International Service Chair Rich Arper gave the club an update on where the Committee’s budgeted 2019-20 funds were spent. Lives will be changed as a result:
We gave $2,000 to Community Service Committee - which became part of a $5,500 donation to the CK Food Bank to address COVID-19 hunger.
We gave $1,500 to Shelter Box to fund 1.5 shelter boxes for International relief.https://www.shelterboxusa.org/Here is an example of the Mustafa family in Malaysia who received a Shelterbox after monsoon flooding swept their neighborhood away.
During monsoon flooding, a neighboring house was swept away from its foundations and had landed right on top of the Mustafa family home. See below.
We gave $1,000 to Lisa Stirrett and Walk in the Light International (WITLI) https://www.witli.com/ for materials for “Pads for Girls” in Burkina Faso, where the local sewing women will make the pads. In the village of Rialo, WITLI started a 3-year tailor sewing program with 30 women enrolled. These women have never been to school, most are orphaned, and none had a trade. Burkina is a migratory country so most will not stay in one place for long. This program provides a trade for women who otherwise would not have one, and it is a government accredited program so they can work for the government or in any country in Africa as a tailor. The program is free, but they must give back to their community in some way.
The current culture of Burkina surrounding women’s monthly cycles is similar to that of the dark ages. It is considered shameful for a girl to be in public during this time. This is an area where our sewers can give back. They are in their second year so using the material they will sew period pads and underwear for our women in the village. We will sell finished items for a small fee to help us pay for the material needs at the sewing school.
We gave $2,500 to Children of the Nations to fund 25 “Right Start” programs for Malawi nursery school children. https://cotni.org/
We gave $3,000 to Lisa Stirrett and Walk in the Light International (WITLI) to fund three chicken farms in Burkina Faso, where food is currently in dire need right now. A teaching farm chicken farm was established in the village of Rialo for the school children. They are now able to either sell or use the chickens for protein. More farms are needed, and to create an atmosphere that chickens will lay eggs in Burkina requires a specific type of housing which is expensive to build, at $1,000 for each chicken farm.
International Service – Changing People's Lives Overseas
At our Rotary Zoom meeting on July 9, Chris Benson, Executive Director of Central Kitsap Food Bank in Silverdale since 2014, gave us a virtual update. “We never shut down during COVID-19,” stated Benson, a retired Navy Chief. Following very strict protocols, food bank recipients can still shop in person. Owing to the fact that Costco, Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Sprouts all donate fresh produce, the Food Bank needs a steady stream of volunteers to repackage the items in a timely manner so they don’t go to waste. There are also provisions for high risk clients who can’t come in to shop to receive food.
Questions were posed to Benson, “What do you need, and what can Silverdale Rotarians do to help?”
“We are shoring up non-perishables for fall…and the holiday season,” he responded, because they are predicting that when the extra COVID-19 benefits run out (e.g., stimulus checks, double food stamps, and unemployment benefits), there will be increased demand. So $$$ contributions can always be used. The Food Bank can also leverage gift cards (like Safeway where they will give discounts).
“We need volunteers!” stated Benson. Available volunteers are significantly reduced because many previous volunteers are high risk for the virus and have stayed away. Hours are 9am-1:30pm M-F for volunteers. It’s relatively easy to social distance when working in the warehouse. Go to https://ckfoodbank.org/ to learn how to volunteer.
Other questions:
What about food with past due expiration dates? Go ahead and donate, because the Food Bank has specific guidelines, especially for canned food.
Do you need pet food? In a word, yes!
Do you need hygiene items? Yes, including diapers and hotel-sized items for the homeless. The Food Bank also makes their dumpsters available for the homeless to drop off trash.
Does anything go to waste? They are a "zero waste facility," and the Food Bank partners with local pig and sheep farmers for that purpose.
What else? They use empty clean water bottles for repackaging bulk Costco-sized items.
Chris Benson ended by thanking Silverdale Rotarians for our continued support over the years, most recently a $5,500 grant in April to address COVID-19 hunger. This donation consisted of the last of the proceeds from the 2019 Turkey Trot and 2019 Duck Race.
Please welcome our 2020-2021 board! They all take office on July 1, 2020:
Steven Boe, Christie Scheffer, David Jordan, Chuck Kraining, Don Lachata, Ashley Oaksmith, John Oliver, Elayne Burton, Scott Shoemaker, Erin Shannon, Amanda Smith, Rick Soper, Jennifer Strong, Ron Templeton, Cathy Bisaillon, Peggy Templeton, Ed Hamilton, Nancy Whitaker. They are all truly people of action!
Incoming President Steven Boe presented Chuck Kraining with the Rotarian of the Year award on June 27 with the following citation (excerpts): Chuck joined the Silverdale Rotary Club in 2011,was Club President 2015-16 and was the 2017 Duck Race chair, leading a very successful Duck Race!
Chuck found his home is in Youth Service. He has taken on a role at the Club and District level: Chair of the Youth Services Committee, Club Youth Protection Officer, District level Country Officer, Youth Exchange coordinator, starting Interact Clubs, involvement in Rotary Youth Leadership programs, being a ‘Rotary Exchange Student Host and Father’ and more!
We are honoring Chuck with Rotarian of the Year for his outstanding service this year to our Youth Exchange program and to both this year’s Exchange Student Aron Skultety and former Exchange Student Matej Kunak.
This was a year of the unexpected. Aron had a need to return home for important dental work, and if it hadn’t been handled properly would have meant he would be unable to return to the U.S. Chuck coordinated the arrangements and navigated much international red-tape to make sure Aron received the care he needed but was also able to return back to the U.S. to continue his stay. Then COVID-19 occurred, requiring much additional planning and coordination regarding Aron’s schooling, length of stay and return home. Chuck coordinated altered travel plans and made sure Aron made it home safe and sound!
Chuck is generous and caring and a joy to have in the Club! He is always supportive of new ideas and ways of moving Rotary’s mission forward! Thank you, Chuck for your fun spirit, warm heart and generosity! You are well deserving of the honor of Rotarian of the Year!
Following a fun Full Zoom social on June 4th, we're looking to do it again. Come join your fellow Rotarians and guests this Thursday, June 18th, from 5:00 - 6:00 pm for a virtual social. These events will be bi-weekly until we can meet in person. Please use the Club meeting login below to access the meeting:
It’s so gratifying for Silverdale Rotary Club to be able to award scholarships to graduating high school seniors, and this year was no exception, although we had to meet via Zoom to do it. That didn’t dampen the spirits of our very deserving awardees on June 11, when we awarded a total of $13,000 to ten very talented and hard working young men and women from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS) and Klahowya Secondary School (KSS). The awardees are:
Cleveland, Aliyah Nicole, CKHS
Collins, Caitlin Anne, KSS
Giesbrecht, Lilianna, CKHS
Homewood, Delaney, CKHS
Huang, Alexander, CKHS
La Belle, Skylar Ayumi, CKHS
Lander, Benjamin, CKHS
Martin, Hope Marie, KSS
Roy, Megan Alice, CKHS
Scott, Emilie, KSS
There were several sources of the $13,000:
$2,000 – donation from Chung’s Teriyaki
$1,000 – donation from Hometown Band – investing in student musicians
$1,000 – donation from Rich and Carol Arper in memory of legendary Rotarian Bob Arper – focusing on STEM
$350 – donations in memory of longtime Rotarian and former CKHS Principal Jack Jensen
$3,500 – matching grant from Rotary District 5020
$5,150 – from Silverdale Rotary Club funds
Thank you to all our generous donors, and congratulations and best wishes to our awardees as they head to college.
Rotary Virtual Reality (VR) Universe: Besides our weekly VR meetups on Thursday Nights at 7 pm (Pacific) We also have our monthly Speaker Series. Join us June 11th for guest speaker: Research Scientist David Boe and Eric Rombokas from RomboLabs in Seattle - "All Reality is Virtual." Your jaw will literally drop to the ground when you hear what he has to say. We're not kidding, you'll need duct tape to put your jaw back on. It's going to be that awesomely cool. The Rombolabs team is doing some amazing work to help people with traumatic injuries. https://account.altvr.com/events/1469615805430759718
Thursday, June 11 Virtual Reality - Monthly Speaker Series
Veteran's Memorial Park in Silverdale - a place to honor our military, past and present.
Using funds raised from the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, Silverdale Rotary has maintained and replaced the flags (when worn out) at the Veterans Memorial at the Silverdale Waterfront Park since it was dedicated in 2004. In addition to the U.S. and MIA flags, there are emblems and flags from all the services: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine.
While COVID-19 required us to cancel our 2020 annual observance at the Memorial, a special wreath adorned the flag area to remember those who have fallen. Special thanks to the Silverdale Safeway floral shop for providing the beautiful wreath at a substantial discount.
We are grateful to Silverdale Rotarian Bob Cassis, who since the beginning has ensured that the Memorial is well maintained and befits those who have served or are serving in our country's military branches.
Veterans Memorial - Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
Katy Cornell (pictured), cofounder with her husband Tom of Walk in the Light International (WITLI) in Burkina Faso West Africa, returned to our Club via Zoom and spoke with passion about the accomplishments in the country since she last spoke to us. Founded in 2009 and partnering with village elders, they built and opened a school that this year is celebrating a huge milestone: their first group of graduating 10th graders who started their education with WITLI.
They also built a health clinic which Silverdale Rotary helped outfit that has “created a new standard” in the country for other clinics to emulate. WITLI has dug 16 water wells, providing clean water to 32,000 people.
Katy thanked Silverdale Rotarians for our club and individual support for the microloan program.
For example, Bernadette Diasso (pictured on left) used a microloan to purchase a sewing machine and take design and sewing lessons. She now runs a thriving tailoring business.
WITLI, looking to the future, is working on foster care and orphanages to fill the need created by surrounding civil wars and a large influx of refugees. For more information, go to https://www.witli.com/.
Walk in the Light International – Update on Work in Burkina Faso
On May 21, Silverdale Rotarians held our first ever Students of the Month recognition via Zoom. Students and faculty from CK High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy joined us in a Zoom meeting to congratulate the six students listed below who were chosen by faculty as May Students of the Month. And what an impressive group they were! Examples of their activities and accomplishments include: ASB student government, National Honor Society, music and band, soccer, mentor program, college scholarships, and a variety of volunteer programs.
Rotarian Ron Templeton presented each of the students with a Rotary Four Way Test plaque,
a letter from Rep. Derek Kilmer, a letter from Silverdale Rotary, and a gift card. Congratulations to our future leaders!
Central Kitsap High School
Benjamin Lander (who thanked our Club for his 3rd Grade Dictionary)
Darcy Ribada (who gave a shout out to her Mom’s Pepa's Lumpia Filipino Cuisine)
Crosspoint Academy Kaylee Couder (soccer scholarship and volunteer at Silverdale Rotary’s Turkey Trot!)
Easterseals Washington - Celebrating her 25th year with Easterseals Washington, Cathy Bisaillon, the agency’s President & CEO, shared the impact of its mission. “We’re adapting, and we’re still here for the one-in-four people affected by disability - children with autism, job seekers with developmental disabilities, adults trying to age in place, and caregivers who are running out of steam,” Cathy opened.
Offering nine services statewide and concentrating efforts in Kitsap County, Cathy implored local residents to support Easterseals Washington through the Kitsap Great Give campaign https://kitsapgreatgive.org/, and now that it is over, at
https://www.easterseals.com/washington/ . She shared that it is not widely understood that nonprofit organizations rely on fees-for-service for 80% of their revenue. With the COVID-19 situation, program participation fell off rapidly, and without an upswing in donations, Cathy’s struggle to meet payroll and keep the lights on will become dire.
Having been a Silverdale Rotarian for over ten years, Cathy emotionally thanked her colleagues for their support. She is grateful for the hundred-year Easterseals/Rotary partnership nationwide and the local investment in services for people in need. She wrapped up her brief presentation with, “Easterseals Washington will not rest until all families faced with the challenges of disability feel 100% included and 100% empowered to reach their full potential. With your help, we will persevere through this difficult time to thrive once again.”
We had a great Zoom meeting on April 16, featuring Congressman Derek Kilmer (pictured lower right) as our guest speaker!
Rep. Kilmer summarized what he and congressional colleagues have been teleconferencing about regarding COVID-19: extension of the CARES Act, (Pay Protection Act, expanded SBA), test kits and supplies, hospitals, nonprofits, PPE, Defense Production Act, and more.
Rep. Kilmer sincerely thanked our Rotary Club: "I am grateful for your Club and what Rotarians do. The Rotary Four Way Test is hanging in my office in D.C., and it is now more important than ever."
We ran out of time for questions, so staff person Katy Crabtree provided the Congressman's contact information for follow-up questions and coronavirus resources: "Folks can find resources and helpful information at Rep. Kilmer’s website which is https://kilmer.house.gov/coronavirus. Also feel free to pass along my email address of katy.crabtree@mail.house.gov to your members if they have any questions or concerns.
Central Kitsap Food Bank is committed to our community, and that's truer now more than ever. That's why Silverdale Rotary Club is proud to award them $5,500.
This grant is made possible by our partnership with Safeway, as well as the sponsors and contributors of fundraising events like the Duck Race and Turkey Trot, and the Rotarians and volunteers who help put those events on. We are all in this together!
The Central Kitsap School District is in need of the following materials for their grab and go meals offered to students Monday through Friday.
- Paper grocery sacks with handles - Portion cups & lids - To-go/takeout containers (boxes, clamshells) - 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz containers with lids for hot foods
Kitsap Emergency Operations Center is looking for volunteers at their Quarantine Centers
The Centers are located at Pilgrim Firs Conference Center in South Kitsap, and at the Seabeck Conference Center. These are available for first responders and medical personnel who may have been exposed as a location to self isolate or quarantine if they are unable to safely do so at home. There will also potentially be community members referred by the hospitals, again if they are unable to safely isolate at home. Persons located there are there voluntarily and must be able to take care of themselves (i.e., they aren’t critical or on ventilators). There will be medical personnel and safety personnel onsite 24/7 as well.
There is an orientation every Monday – includes PPE training (full face mask from forehead to under chin, gloves, robe, etc.), and procedure for meal drop off (no entering the cabin, stopping at the door, etc.). Both sites have cabins and office space set aside for volunteers, with wi-fi. Volunteers will have a lot of down time and are free to work, relax, utilize the recreational opportunities (Pilgrim Firs has boats and fishing equipment for the stocked lake!), etc.
Description
The County is working hard to stand up non-medical, voluntary quarantine and isolation centers across Kitsap. These sites are used for those individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, have mild to no symptoms or have had close contact with someone who tested positive and needs to quarantine themselves and can’t do so in their own home.
As a direct result of the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak event, and acting on the direction and guidance of local/state/federal health authorities, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) hopes to have the assistance from volunteers, through its EOC-UC extended operations, to address the immediate threat to public health and safety by serving as site managers at the County’s Isolation and Quarantine Centers.
We are looking for Site Volunteers. If you are not at elevated risk for COVID-19 (refer to the CDC guidelines here) and feel comfortable performing the work described below, please complete the attached volunteer application.
The DEM Isolation and Quarantine (I&Q) Site Manager (SM) is a critical piece of the operation as being the primary point of contact for each site. The roles and responsibilities of the volunteers consists of:
• Answer general questions from guests
• Delivery of meals and wellness checks for all guests on the site
Perform temperature checks; report onset of cough and other medical needs
• Submit daily reports accounting for site occupancy, safety concerns and supply levels
• Coordinate with on-site medical staff so they can provide their service as needed
• Express security concerns to on site security officers
• Other ancillary duties as needed
Guests referred to this site must have the ability to care for themselves. There is no need for physical or labor-intensive tasks during your time.
There is a Security Officer present 24/7 and a site Safety Officer on-site or available for call. The site will also have medical providers to work with patients that may need more than the wellness checks. Medical staff will be reachable via tel-a-med on the weekends.
Staff Shifts:
Morning Shift: 07:30-3:45 Day Shift: 3:20-11:45 Night Shift: 11:30-07:45
The Department of Emergency Management is asking to fill these shifts for the next month with the possibility of extending further as may been needed.
Thanks for considering volunteering for this very important function.
CONTACT:
Keri Sieckowski, Human Resources Supervisor, Kitsap County, (360) 307-4345
In Silverdale Rotary’s first ever virtual new member induction, Membership Chair Jason Wright inducted Dr. Erin Prince as our newest member. Dr. Prince is Superintendent of Central Kitsap School District, continuing a longtime tradition of CKSD Superintendents being members of our Club. Erin’s Sponsor is President Christie. All together we virtually clapped and declared, “Welcome to our Rotary Family, Erin!”
Rotary Scholarship deadline extended to Friday, May 8th.
In light of the school closures those students from Klahowya, Central Kitsap High School, and Crosspoint Academy who wish to submit an application for our Education Assistance Grant or Scholarships may send the submission to the following address. Additionally, requirements for transcripts and letters of recommendations will be waived with an explanation enclosed in your submission.
The Silverdale Rotary Club made an investment in the impact that Easterseals Washington is making right here in Kitsap County by funding the replacement of worn out furniture used in its Workforce Development office https://www.easterseals.com/washington/our-programs/employment-training/.
“This program has helped thousands of people with disabilities become employed over its 27 year history, and supporting our amazing staff with new office furniture is a huge shot in the arm,” commented Cathy Bisaillon, Easterseals Washington’s President & CEO. The grant of $2,740 will purchase desks and ergonomic chairs used by employment consultants and the Kitsap County Parent Coalition coordinator."
"As you know from past experience, Workforce Development plays an essential role in our community by preparing jobseekers with disabilities with the tools they need to become valued members of the workforce in Kitsap County. In the past, Silverdale Rotary has participated in mock interview and networking events, and we are so pleased to strengthen that bond with this grant. Housed in the same office with our employment consultants, is our Kitsap County Parent Coalition Coordinator who keeps families who are dealing with disability issues informed and connected.
A repeat sponsor of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, Easterseals stakeholders are excited to acknowledge the club’s incredible support of vital community services."
We will use this meeting to see how everyone is doing, provide Community and Rotary announcements, update the Club on Duck Buck awards, discuss our plans for the Duck race and more! We will not have a guest speaker but instead use this opportunity for us to get familiar with the software and with meeting in this manner.
Note: Our Board made the decision to follow CK Schools lead on whether or not we will continue to meet as a Club on a weekly basis. All in person Rotary meetings through at least April 24, 2020 have been canceled.
Youth Services is a huge part of Silverdale Rotary’s outreach, including literacy and education. For the second year in a row, we are proud to partner again with Silverdale Lutheran Church’s Bridging the Gap summer reading program to provide 120 backpacks, each with ten new books, to low income students in CK School District. A Duck Bucks grant of $1,500 was awarded in March 2020.
Silverdale Lutheran Church is now a “Scholastic Literacy Partner” with Scholastic Books www.scholastic.com . As a Literacy Partner, they are able to purchase books at often deeply discounted prices. SLC’s partnership with Scholastic Books enables them to use the grant money wisely and influence the educational path of more children. “The partnership grant with the Rotary Club of Silverdale enables us to reach out further into the Central Kitsap School District and impact a greater number of elementary students.”
Duck Bucks for Bridging the Gap - Summer Reading Program
Over 350 bags of food, designed to help stretch breakfasts, lunches and dinners a little further for at-risk kids during school closure, were filled by a dedicated group of Rotarians and volunteers on March 18-19. Rotarians and family members of all ages (including a Kid of Action) met to pick up the food and deliver it to the Kitsap Mall space set aside for our activities, where we put together the bags of food. See video below!
Thanks to the following Rotarians and volunteers: Pick-up: Corey Hamilton, Steven Boe, Bob Cassis; Ben, Tessa, Christie and Reyce Scheffer. Packers: Ed, Sarah, and Corey Hamilton; Jennifer Strong, Victoria Nickerson, Ashley Oaksmith, Scott and Jill Slocum, Bob Cassis, Steven Boe, Jim Barker, Mary Hoover, Erin Leedham.
We utilized the funds raised from the 2019 Duck Race and Turkey Trot and the generous donation from Safeway to pack bags of food for at-risk kids in Elementary through High School in the CK School District. We had packed bags of food last year for Thanksgiving and Christmas break and had planned to do so prior to Spring break, but with the closure of schools, we needed to find a different way to get the food to those in need.
CKSD has started a meal distribution program for students, providing breakfast and lunch on a drive-through basis. We are in discussion with the Director of Food Services and also Student Services to best determine how we can provide the bags of food to those in greatest need. Stay tuned!
Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue will expand their “Stop the Bleed” program thanks to a $3,500 Duck Bucks grant to the CK Medic One Foundation. Viewed as an extension of a first aid kit, the “Stop the Bleed” kits are like other lifesaving tools, such as the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), that have been placed throughout public spaces in Kitsap County.
Eleven Bleeding Control Stations will be installed throughout the district in high traffic areas, including a polycarbonate clear wall case and individual bleeding control kits. The “Stop the Bleed” kits are useful for any trauma. For example, in 2018 a grade-school girl in Georgia who severed an artery in a playground accident, was saved by the school nurse who had just trained and was provided the kit just 24 hours prior to the accident.
In addition, the grant will fund two fully stocked “Stop the Bleed” training kits in order to train our citizens. One kit will allow CKF&R EMTs and Paramedics to teach up to 20 people at a time. A “Stop the Bleed” program station will be set up at CKF&R Mass CPR training Events.
Thanks to the generous sponsors of the 2019 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, and the community who purchased Duck Tickets, more life-saving equipment and training will be available in Central Kitsap.
Duck Bucks Fund “Stop the Bleed” Program to Save Lives in Kitsap
Rotarian Steven Boe is breaking new ground in Rotary District 5020 – using Virtual Reality (VR) to communicate with people online from all over the world. Starting in January, he has held monthly sessions, and the next one is March 26. Pictured below are the Avatars from the February 27 VR session. Recognize Steve?
Steve and Rick took the VR setup to Silverdale Greendrinks on March 4 (see below).
“A faithful friend is a strong defense and he who has found such a one has found a treasure.” We all hope as we pass through this life that we will be a faithful friend and have faithful friends to walk beside us on this journey.
Rotary’s highest ideal is Service Above Self. We as a Club have been honored to have among us two men that have demonstrated these values in caring and faithful ways that have impacted all of our lives. Scott Slocum and Jim Dudley proved themselves to be faithful friends to Jack Jensen in the latter years of his life. Jack, a Silverdale Rotarian for 51 years, passed away on January 18, 2020 at the age of 90.
Pictured: Jim Dudley and Jack Jensen tagging ducks in July 2019
Pictured: President Elect Steven Boe and Scott Slocum
Their commitment to Jack and to bringing him to our Club meetings and gatherings helped ensure that Jack could stay connected to his Rotary family and friends. Jack expressed many times how much he valued the fellowship and life that Rotary gave him. We know Jack blessed us with his humor, friendship, feistiness and fun! We miss him!
Thank you Scott and Jim for making sure that our great friend could stay connected to us each week! Your actions made a difference to Jack and to all of us! We honor you for your faithfulness and kindness! Thank you!
January Rotarians of the Month - Scott Slocum and Jim Dudley
On March 5, President Elect Steven Boe presented Rick Soper with a very well deserved February Rotarian of the Month award.
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It would be hard to list all of Rick's accomplishments and contributions: Immediate Past President, 2020 Duck Race Chair, videographer and voice of the Duck Race, exchange student Host Dad, new member recruiter and sponsor, Monday Night Football host and chef, and all around cheerleader for Rotary in the community.
For example: at the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Day event at the Kitsap Pavilion on March 7, Rick and Steve gave away Duck Race coloring books and played Virtual Reality Angry Birds with active and retired veterans and their families.
Since 2010, Silverdale Rotary has partnered with the East Bremerton Rotary Club to put a hard cover dictionary in the hands of every 3rd grader in the Central Kitsap School District (approximately 850 students). Each club delivered to six elementary schools. Thank you to East Bremerton Rotary for ordering the books and spearheading the project. Chuck Kraining coordinated with our six schools to set up the 2020 schedule.
Handing out dictionaries is an incredible experience! Thanks to our generous sponsors and people who purchased 2019 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race tickets, 420 students have a dictionary all their own this year!
Green Mountain Elementary (Feb 21). Rotarians Chuck Kraining, Scott Slocum, Rich Arper, and Bob Cassis handed out the books and were greeted with this sign from Zoie!
Clear Creek Elementary (Mar 4). Pictured below, Rotarian Rich Arper goes over the Four Way Test that is printed on the Rotary label inside each dictionary
Cougar Valley Elementary (Feb 25) - Rotarians Chuck Kraining, Scott Slocum, Jim Barker; and Rotary Exchange Student Áron Skultéty delivered the books to eager 3rd graders. Pictured below, one class was in the middle of a lesson on Europe, so they listened in rapt attention while Hungarian Exchange Student Áron taught them about his homeland.
Emerald Heights (Feb 26). Rotarians Mary Hoover, Rich Arper, Scott Slocum, Victoria Nickerson, and David Jordan put dictionaries in the hands of eager students. Mary Hoover remembers that she handed her 3rd grade grandson his dictionary at this school in 2011!
Silverdale Elementary(Feb 11) - Rotarians Scott Slocum, Rich Arper, Christie Scheffer, daughter Tess Scheffer, and Kids of Action Reyce Scheffer delivered dictionaries to four 3rd grade classes. The word of the day was "Wow!" Kids were delighted to learn as they wrote their names in their dictionary that these were theirs to keep! Every class had the same reaction! “Wow!” “This is mine?” “Look at this picture....I’ve been there before!!”
Pictured in back row: Rotarians Scott Slocum, Rich Arper, Christie Scheffer, Kids of Action Reyce Scheffer (ball cap) and teacher Mrs. Lee.
As we handed out the dictionaries we talked about the Four Way Test and the work that Rotary does locally and in the world. In one class, after hearing about the needs Rotary was working to meet, a little boy earnestly raised his hand and asked if he gathered up his toys in a big bag and gave them to us would we give them to the homeless kids? It was really a sweet moment! We were then able to talk about how kids can make a difference and be leaders in service!
Silver Ridge Elementary. Rotarians Chuck Kraining, Mary Hoover, and Victoria Nickerson handed out books to enthusiastic students.
3rd Grade Dictionaries Distributed to Six Elementary Schools!
Posted by Ashley Oaksmith and David Jordan on Feb 27, 2020
Silverdale Rotarians welcomed two new members when President Christie inducted Stacy Saunders (February 27) and Victoria Nickerson (February 20)!
Pictured: Stacy Saunders with her sponsor Scott Shoemaker. Stacey was previously a member of the East Bremerton Rotary Club and is an attorney with Ryan, Montgomery & Armstrong Inc., P.S.
Pictured: Erin Leedham and Victoria Nickerson. Victoria is the manager at Ben Bridge in the Kitsap Mall. Her Sponsor is Erin Leedham.
Welcome to Silverdale Rotary Club, Stacy and Victoria!
New Member Inductions - Stacy Saunders and Victoria Nickerson
Once again Silverdale Rotary is partnering with the East Bremerton Rotary Club to put a hard cover dictionary in the hands of every 3rd grader in the Central Kitsap School District. Each club delivers to six elementary schools. Thank you to East Bremerton Rotary for ordering the books and spearheading the project. Chuck Kraining coordinated with our six schools to set up the schedule.
Green Mountain Elementary (Feb 21). Rotarians Chuck Kraining, Scott Slocum, Rich Arper, and Bob Cassis handed out the books and were greeted with this sign from Zoie!
Silver Ridge Elementary(Feb 11) - Rotarians Scott Slocum, Rich Arper, Christie Scheffer, daughter Tess Scheffer, and Kids of Action Reyce Scheffer delivered dictionaries to four 3rd grade classes. The word of the day was "Wow!" Kids were delighted to learn as they wrote their names in their dictionary that these were theirs to keep! Every class had the same reaction! “Wow!” “This is mine?” “Look at this picture....I’ve been there before!!”
Pictured in back row: Rotarians Scott Slocum, Rich Arper, Christie Scheffer, Kids of Action Reyce Scheffer (ball cap) and teacher Mrs. Lee.
As we handed out the dictionaries we talked about the Four Way Test and the work that Rotary does locally and in the world. In one class, after hearing about the needs Rotary was working to meet, a little boy earnestly raised his hand and asked if he gathered up his toys in a big bag and gave them to us would we give them to the homeless kids? It was really a sweet moment! We were then able to talk about how kids can make a difference and be leaders in service!
Silver Ridge Elementary. Chuck Kraining, Mary Hoover, and prospective member Victoria Nickerson handed out books to enthusiastic students.
Handing out dictionaries is an incredible experience! Thanks to our generous sponsors and people who purchased 2019 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race tickets, hundreds of students have a dictionary all their own!
Dictionaries Delivered to Amazed and Grateful 3rd Graders
On February 20, Silverdale Rotarians had the honor of recognizing Students of the Month for the 2019-20 school year from Klahowya Secondary School, Crosspoint Academy, and Central Kitsap High School. Rotarian Ron Templeton set the stage by educating students and guests on the history of Rotary, as well as the history of the Silverdale Rotary Club. We heard accolades from teachers and faculty about these remarkable students, and we were encouraged that our hope in future generations will be one of prosperity.
Pictured: Shinglong (Bruce) Ai (Crosspoint Academy); Onjalina Robinson and Emilie Scott (Klahowya)
Pictured left to right: Madeline Shetler, Aliyah Cleveland, Hayden Wallis, Brett Johnson (CKHS)
Students who receive this award are also heavily involved in their communities, schools, and enriching the lives of those around them. Thank you to the parents, faculty, and community for encouraging these students to reach their utmost potential. The students were each presented with a plaque, gift card, a letter to their parents, and a letter from Washington’s 6th District Congressman Derek Kilmer. Congratulations to our future leaders!
Silverdale Rotary awarded $1,000 in Duck Bucks to the local Silverdale newlife event “Night to Shine” on February 7, 2020. There were more than 500 attendees and 700 volunteers. This was the 5th year for the special needs prom. Photo below is from 2019.
Night to Shine is a prom for people ages 14 and older who have special needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by newlife. Every guest of Night to Shine enters their prom on a red carpet complete with welcoming friendly paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive VIP treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room and dancing! The highlight of the night comes when every Night to Shine guest is crowned as a king or queen of the prom.
Inset photo: Melissa from newlife (on left) with Rotary President Christie Scheffer.
Celebration for Jack Jensen at February 2 Rotary Club Meeting
Members of Jack Jensen's family were in attendance, and David Jensen (Jack's youngest son) gave a nice talk about his father. Quote from David: "The love you [Rotary] showed him by being available and bringing him to meetings...he always remembered how much Rotary meant to him."
David Jensen - youngest son
Katie McCalden - granddaughter
Adam McCalden - grandson
Dawn McCalden - Adam's wife
President Christie honored Jack's family with two Rotary pins, Youth Services and Rotary Connects the World.
Jensen Family Joins Rotarians Remembering Jack Jensen
On January 20, Rotary International President-Elect (RIPE) Holger Knaack from Germany announced the 2020-21 Presidential Theme to the all incoming District Governors who will take the helm worldwide on July 1, 2020. RIPE Knaack sees opportunities for Rotary to change and thrive, and he is encouraging Rotarians to seize the many opportunities Rotary offers to enrich their lives and the communities they serve.
“We will capture this moment to grow Rotary, making it stronger, more adaptable, and even more aligned with our core values.”
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Rotary Club of Silverdale, Central Kitsap High School Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 151, Silverdale, WA 98383 in the name of Jack and Katherine Jensen."
Cards and condolences may be mailed to the Jensen family at:
9867 Tracyton Blvd NW
Bremerton WA 98311
rom the opening announcements from President Christie Scheffer, to the end-of-meeting ticket drawing, the Silverdale Rotarians present at the Rotary meeting shared their fond memories of Jack Jensen. Jack was a Silverdale Rotarian for over 51 years and a Paul Harris Fellow. Steven Boe produced a wonderful video that captured Jack’s sense of humor, warm personality and giving spirit.
David Jordan donated a bottle of Gentleman Jack for the drawing (won by Steve Slaton), as our Jack was always a gentleman who will be sorely missed.
Community Service Chair Mary Hoover, awarded $779.01 in Duck Bucks to support a literacy project at Pinecrest Elementary in East Bremerton. Our Duck Bucks will buy every child in the school a book to read over spring break, and will add 20 Wonder Books to the reading groups’ library for 4th and 5th graders. Amy Horan (pictured), Pinecrest’s Reading Specialist, shared that kids still love to read, even in this tech age, and she thanked our club members for keeping literacy in the forefront for our local students.
Thanks to our generous sponsors of the 2019 Duck Race, and the whole community who purchased Duck Tickets, 430 students will be reading at home over spring break!
President Christie and Scott Shoemaker warmly welcomed our military guests, thanking them for their service and sharing that it is our club’s honor to celebrate their accomplishments. Each honoree received a plaque and gift cards to Silver City and Applebee’s.
Pictured left to right: GySgt Gullickson, Chief Navarro, MAC Shannon Schwartz, Cpl Griffin Grieder, Sgt Michael Soto, MA2 Justin Mahanic, GM3 Nate Gonzalez, CS3 Alexis Cornelison, Master Chief Chris Fly, CSS Eileen Davis
Presenters & Honorees:
Marine Security Force Battalion Bangor
Master at Arms Chief (MAC) Shannon Schwartz introduced his sailors.
Sailor of the Quarter was awarded to Master-at-Arms (MA2) Justin Mahanic who was described by Schwartz as a model sailor. Mahanic shared that he enlisted in Indiana and served a tour in Afghanistan.
Blue Jacket of the Quarter went to MASN Emma Vancleef who is currently on leave. Schwartz informed us that Vancleef completed her qualifications for the security force in half the standard time.
Gunnery Sergeant Gullickson introduced his Marines.
Marine of the Quarter is Corporal Griffin Grieder, a nuclear security team leader with commendations for service in the community. Grieder was born in Michigan, and he shared that he serves proudly and loves all of his fellow Marines.
Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter was awarded to Sergeant Michael Soto, who runs the defense travel and credit card systems. Soto is working on a degree in business from the American Military University.
Naval Base Kitsap
Chief Navarro introduced his sailors.
4th Quarter 2019 Sailor of the Quarter was awarded to Culinary Specialist Submarine (CSS) Eileen Davis. Davis is the Galley Watch Captain responsible for teaching food service financial management to others. She is a blood donor, and she volunteers in the community at every opportunity.
Senior Sailor of the Quarter is Culinary Specialist (CS1) Michael Macomber who runs funeral services for fallen veterans and has logged 7,500 hours of service to the community. Macomber has been married for 18 years and has two sons.
Sailor of the Quarter was awarded to Master-at-Arms (MA2) Jesse Anders who was unable to attend.
Junior Sailor of the Quarter went to Culinary Specialist (CS3) Alexis Cornelison. Cornelison boarded her first ship in Norfolk, VA, and she loves working in the galley feeding her teammates.
Bluejacket of the Quarter was awarded to MASN Angela Vale who was unable to attend.
USCG Maritime Force Protection Unit, Bangor
Master Chief Chris Fly introduced his Coastguardsman
Coastguardsman of the Quarter went to Gunner’s Mate GM3 Nate Gonzalez who services weapons and stocks ammunition. Gonzalez started his military career in the Navy, took a break to attend school and work as an EMT, and joined the Coast Guard in 2015. He is married and has an 8 year old son.
It is with sadness that I share with you the news of our beloved friend, mentor and brother Jack Jensen...
At 4:30am on January 18, Jack was resting quietly and passed away.
Cards and condolences can be sent to:
9867 Tracyton Blvd NW
Bremerton, WA 98311
Jack Jensen's funeral will be held on Friday, January 31, 2020, at Holy Trinity Church. 4215 Pine Rd NE, Bremerton WA, 98310.
Time: 11:00 am
The family will provide information regarding a reception time and location soon.
I want to thank all who worked so faithfully to support our friend in his final years and especially Scott Slocum and Jim Dudley...who always made sure Jack could continue to come to our weekly meetings after he stopped driving. Jack expressed often that our Rotary family was a lifeline and blessing to him. I know we were the ones blessed!
Jack believed he would one day he would be reunited with his beloved wife Kay. We rejoice that he is now!
Posted by Steven Boe and Christie Scheffer on Dec 19, 2019
At the Holiday Party on December 19, 65 Rotarians and guests helped congratulate David Jordan (on left) and Rich Arper (on right) as President Elect Steven Boe and President Christie Scheffer, respectively, named them November and December Rotarians of the Month.
David Jordan
David joined Silverdale Rotary in July 2017, and he has been such a great asset to the club. He’s always willing to help and jumps in with a positive fun attitude!
He told us he would grow the Turkey Trot - and he has! And next year is adding a10k race. I think we will double money raised!
From the first food bagging he always took on hardest job of ferrying bags. He comes early to meetings to help set things up and checks people in, and he also writes for the Breeze.
David embodies what it means to be a Rotarian. From all the work he does for our club, to his work with orphans in Uganda, we are proud to honor David Jordan as our November Rotarian of the Month.
Rich Arper
Rich joined the Silverdale Rotary Club in 2004 and went on to become President in 2010-11. But his experience with Rotary began as a young lad, getting up early, helping his legendary father Bob Arper with the Duck Race barge, year after year. He learned the importance of supporting the community in his youth and his commitment to service continues to shine to this day!
And speaking of shining, year after year, Rich has recognized the importance of ‘community celebrations’ and has faithfully maintained and cared for the Silverdale Holiday Tree. He has planned work parties, changed light bulbs, consulted with arborists, and babied and brought back to life our beautiful tree. Rich cares about community and helps to make sure that each year our neighbors can come together in joy and celebration of the season.
Rich does many things for our Club throughout the year, but today we are thanking and honoring him for his wonderful work each year at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Thank you Rich for bringing so much to our Club! You are well deserving of Rotarian of the Month for December!
David Jordan and Rich Arper - Rotarians of the Month!
Posted by Christie Scheffer and Steve Boe on Dec 19, 2019
On December 19 Rotarians and family members and guests gathered at Kitsap Golf and Country Club to celebrate the season. It was great fun with a purpose: to induct Amanda Smith as the newest member of the Silverdale Rotary Club. Her classification is Real Estate. Welcome to the Silverdale Rotary Family, Amanda!
Pictured left to right: President Christie Scheffer, Membership Chair Jason Wright, Amanda Smith, Sponsor Rick Soper
It was a family affair! A large group of our Kids of Action attended, and Steve and Whitney Boe presented them all with a Kids of Action certificate and pin. Kids present included: Amelie and Cavanaugh Boe, Jacob Lyons, Reece Shannon, Reyce Scheffer, Sophia and Tye Strong. Marshall and Ellie Shoemaker; Aiden, Sophia, and Vivian Smith.
The Certificate reads: "In recognition of making positive choices that benefit others, of exemplifying the spirit of service above self, and being a Kids of Action role model to your Community, this certificate of excellence is awarded by the Silverdale Rotary Club."
Note from President Christie: "We had a White Elephant Exchange for adults and kids! I ran the kids one and am happy to report no tears - LOL!"
Thank you Club Service Chairs Erin Shannon and Jennifer Strong for organizing this grand affair!
Induction of New Member Amanda Smith, and Rotary Kids of Action!
Silverdale Rotarians and their family members and friends manned the buckets at both doors and rang the bells all day Saturday at Safeway, collecting much needed funds for the Salvation Army. This is a decades long tradition for our Club, and the generous public responded!
Thanks to all the Silverdale Safeway shoppers who filled the buckets!
Pictured: Rotarian Scott Slocum with grandson Kaleb, with help from their four footed furry friend who greeted everyone with a warm wag!
Pictured: our Rotary Exchange Student from Hungary, Aron Skultety, who learned about another Christmas tradition in the United States.
Pictured: Rotarian Jennifer Strong and her daughters Ty and Sophia
Silverdale Rotary Club President Christie Scheffer had help from 3-year-old grandson Ronan!
Rotarians Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army at Silverdale Safeway
On December 12, Rotarian Mary Hoover (above left) presented Marilyn Hawks of CK Food Backpacks for Kids with a check for $1,995. These funds are enough to stuff backpacks with food for 250 at-risk families to eat for a weekend. Ms. Hawks related that while the families remain anonymous, one time a teenager connected with one of their volunteers and shared his story of gratitude for the backpacks of food that went back to when he was in grade school! For more information about CK Food Backpacks for Kids, go to https://www.ckfoodbackpacks4kids.com/
Our Club is able to make this Duck Bucks grant thanks to the generosity of Sponsors of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the community who purchases duck tickets. Rotarians - People of Action!
Front row: Kasandra Velasquez, Rain Griswold (CKHS)
Back row: Grace Briner (Crosspoint), Mason Haws and Katie Ragsdale (Klahowya), Jessejames Aguigui (CKHS), Braden Robinson (Crosspoint), Cody Hall (CKHS)
Rotarian Ron Templeton presented Rotary’s Students of the Month awards for three CK schools. Today’s honorees are all outstanding students with excellent grades who are involved in their school and community. The Silverdale Rotary is proud to recognize them!
Central Kitsap High School
Jessejames Aguigui - is a not only a member of the many social clubs at the CKHS, he represents them as a member of the Associated Student Body Board. He also hopes to work in the gaming industry.
Rain Griswold is Editor-in-Chief of the Cougar Chronicle. After high school, she plans to attend OC and WWU with the goal of becoming a children and family services manager.
Cody Hall and is the current Senior Class Associated Student Body President and is on the track team.
Kasandra Velasquez hopes to attend the University of Washington next year.
Crosspoint Academy
Braden Robinson is a member of the track and field team and choir among many other activities and hopes to attend the University of Washington.
Grace Briner is the team captain of the Crosspoint Academy’s basketball team and plans to study at the University of Washington next year.
Klahowya Secondary School
Katie Ragsdale plans to attend trade school to be an electrician.
Mason Haws is a member of track and field team and choir among many other activities. Mason hopes to attend university in Utah next near.
Congratulations and Well Done to all our Students of the Month!
Posted by Scott Shoemaker and Christie Scheffer on Dec 12, 2019
On December 12 Rotarians filled over 240 bags of food to help ensure at-risk students in 17 Central Kitsap School District schools won’t go hungry over the winter break. The food was purchased using Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot proceeds.
The bagging was organized in an assembly line to fill and load the food bags, with others to haul the bags to delivery vehicles, and plenty of folks to deliver the bags to the respective schools. Many hands made for light work, but with a big impact on our local community!
Our Rotary Club places a high priority on helping to feed these hungry kids! And it’s truly a community effort. Some shout outs go to:
- CKFR Chief John Oliver (pictured below 5th from left) coordinated a host of CKFR volunteers to assist with the food pick-up the day before and preparations for putting out on bagging day!
- Kitsap Mall Manager Erin Leedham (pictured above center) and Angie Pomeroy provided meeting, storage and packing space as well as assistance from the professional and kind Security Team at the Mall in support of this great project!
- Kitsap Regional Library Branch Manager Ashley Oaksmith provided a copy of the KRL Inspire Magazine to go in every bag - connecting kids to literacy, classes and culture!
- Safeway for donating the bags!
- All our Rotarians and wonderful volunteers that have stepped up to prep, pack and deliver the food to the schools!
Thank you to all - this is a great example of Service Above Self!
Food Bags for Holiday Break - Rotarians and Volunteers at Work!
We will be meeting and eating lunch on December 12 in the Live 360 Community room just north of the inside Mall entrance to Dick's Sporting Goods. See map below.
After the formal meeting we will move over to the Food Bagging area. Rotarians once again will come together to bag 250 bags of food (a total of 171 cases!) to deliver to 17 different elementary, middle and high schools. These will be sent home with children over the Holiday break. Over and over, families have expressed gratitude for the food, and some mothers have wept with school staff over concern for keeping their children fed.
Our Club is proud to place feeding kids as a priority alongside of the other agencies that attempt to meet a need that continues to grow. Rotarians - People of Action!
Meeting and Food Bagging at Kitsap Mall on December 12, 2019
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2019 Turkey Trot! It was a fun event for a great cause, and we netted $10,000 this year! All funds raised will go to support food programs in our community.
There are already plans to add a 10K race to the 2020 Turkey Trot, in addition to the 5K, 1 Mile, and Kid's Dash.
Thanks also to all our Sponsors and community volunteers - this was a record breaking year! Click on the links to the left, in the Download Documents section, for the 5K and 1 Mile results.
Online registration at http://silverdaleturkeytrot.com and early entry prices closed Sunday night the 24th at midnight.People can sign-up Monday-Wednesday at Kitsap Bank in Silverdale, Dick's Sporting Goods on Wednesday, November 27th, 4-7 pm; and on Race Day at Kitsap Mall 7:30-9:00 am.
Volunteer arrival: 07:00 am (Location, Kitsap Mall entrance next to Pot Belly and Buffalo Wild WIngs) (Address: 10315 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA 98383)
Registration, packet pick-up, and near 5K/1 mile/Kids Dash start: 07:30 am at the same location as volunteers (Please see above)
1 mile start: 08:30 am
Pumpkin/Kids Dash start: 08:50 am
5k start: 09:00 am
1 mile Drawing and Awards*: 09:00 am
*Individual division awards will be given upon crossing the finish line
5k Finish-line closes: 10:15 am
5k Drawing and Awards*: 10:20 am
*Individual division awards will be given upon crossing the finish line
Online registration at http://silverdaleturkeytrot.com and early entry prices closed Sunday night the 24th at midnight. People can sign-up at Monday-Wednesday at Kitsap Bank in Silverdale, Dick's Sporting Goods on Wednesday, November 27th, 4-7 pm; and on Race Day at Kitsap Mall 7:30-9:00 am.
Event #1: Race Packet Filling
What: Put race related items in large envelopes for each race participant
When: Monday, November 25 and Tuesday, November 26
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm each night
Where: David Jordan’s offices, Thrivent Financial, Silverdale
Event #2: Pre-Race Setup and Administration
What: Race Registration
When: Wednesday, November 27
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Kitsap Mall near Dick’s Sporting Goods
Event #3: Race Day Set Up & Tear Down + General Support
What: Set up and put away chairs/tables/equipment + on call support
When: Race Day, Thursday, November 28
7:30 am – 10:30 am
Where: Race Central inside Kitsap Mall near Buffalo Wild Wings
Event #4: Runners Check-In/Cashier/Tee-Shirts
What: Check in runners, issue runner packages
When: Race Day, Thursday, November 28
7:30 am – 10:30 am
Where: Race Central inside Kitsap Mall near Buffalo Wild Wings
Last year's Silverdale Rotary Thanksgiving Turkey Trot proceeds are feeding vulnerable families this Thanksgiving! On November 21 Rotarians and community volunteers packed 246 bags and delivered them to Central Kitsap schools, who specifically screen for the most needy families.
Rotarians and volunteers came together like a well oiled machine! Thanks to the entire Scheffer family who transported 117 cases of food to the Mall (led by President Christie who organized the event, contacted schools, and ordered the food). Thanks to Kitsap Mall and manager Erin Leedham for providing the terrific venue, to Scott Shoemaker (pictured above), Matej Kunak, and Kevin Moran who pushed very heavy carts outside for loading; to Erin Shannon who directed how many bags went to which school and in whose car. There are many, many others who were so important to the success of this event.
Pictured: Loading bags into Rotarians' cars for delivery to schools, with Mary Hoover and Kim Peterson ensuring correct quantities
When Brian and Barbara Beagle delivered 20 bags to the Barker Creek Community School (pictured above), the staff POC described chatting with tearful and grateful mothers who constantly worry about feeding their children. Kudos to the Barker Creek staff who also took up a collection and bought 20 turkeys to go with the bags!
Pictured: Rotarians Brian Beagle, Scott Slocum, and the indefatigable Jack Jensen!
The annual Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot is an event with a purpose - to feed the hungry in Kitsap. Last year the participants ran, and today we delivered!
Last year's Silverdale Rotary Thanksgiving Turkey Trot proceeds are feeding vulnerable families this Thanksgiving! On November 21 Rotarians and community volunteers packed 246 bags and delivered them to Central Kitsap schools, who specifically screen for the most needy families.
Pictured: Loading bags into Rotarians' cars for delivery to schools
When Rotarians delivered 20 bags to the Barker Creek Community School (pictured above), the staff POC described chatting with tearful and grateful mothers who constantly worry about feeding their children. Kudos to the Barker Creek staff who also took up a collection and bought 20 turkeys to go with the bags!
The annual Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot is an event with a purpose - to feed the hungry in Kitsap. Last year the participants ran, and today we delivered!
Last year's Silverdale Rotary Thanksgiving Turkey Trot proceeds are feeding vulnerable families this Thanksgiving! On November 21 Rotarians and community volunteers packed 246 bags and delivered them to Central Kitsap schools, who specifically screen for the most needy families.
Rotarians and volunteers came together like a well oiled machine! Thanks to the entire Scheffer family who transported 117 cases to the Mall (led by President Christie who organized the event, contacted schools, and ordered the food). Thanks to Kitsap Mall and manager Erin Leedham for providing the terrific venue, to Scott Shoemaker (pictured above), Matej Kunak, and Kevin Moran who pushed very heavy carts outside for loading, to Erin Shannon who directed how many bags went to which school and in whose car. There are many others who were so important to the success of this event.
Pictured: Loading bags into Rotarians' cars for delivery to schools, with Mary Hoover and Kim Peterson ensuring correct quantities
When the Beagles delivered 20 bags to the Barker Creek Community School (pictured above), the staff POC described chatting with tearful and grateful mothers who constantly worry about feeding their children. Kudos to the Barker Creek staff who also took up a collection and bought 20 turkeys to go with the bags!
Pictured: Rotarians Brian Beagle, Scott Slocum, and the indefatigable Jack Jensen!
The annual Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot is an event with a purpose - to feed the hungry in Kitsap. Last year the participants ran, and today we delivered!
Food Bagging - Turkey Trot Proceeds Feeding the Hungry
Did you know our Rotary Club receives dozens of emails through our website every year? As the "gate-keeper" of incoming emails, I received one that asked "Can I borrow one of your inflatable ducks?" So, I asked "Why?" Here’s the back story:
The email was from Jessica Martin, the wife of Master Chief Petty Officer Rex Martin on the Gold Crew of the USS Nebraska (a Trident missile nuclear submarine). She inquired if we would be willing to let her use an inflatable duck to celebrate her husband’s homecoming from his last submarine deployment in the Navy. Our answer was a resounding “yes!”
Master Chief Rex Martin has 18 year’s service in the Navy. He was just relieved as Strategic Weapons Systems Master Chief. Of his 18 years of service, he served over 5 years underwater on submarine deployments. This last deployment is his last for his career, and he will be retiring after his shore duty.
So, why a Duck? Jessica explained: “A sailor made fun of Rex on the boat on field day. Rex was walking through the boat telling everyone, “wrap it up, wrap it up.” The sailor went a little later after him saying, "rubber duck, rubber duck," thinking Rex didn't hear. The next field day Rex called on everyone to complete their work by saying, "rubber duck, rubber duck," shocking the guys with his eagle ears.
So on the Nebraska, the term "rubber ducking" came to mean: finishing up something. For his last deployment I sent all his chiefs, and stuffed in 29 single sailor boxes, about 50 rubber ducks. They made them appear for Rex throughout the deployment. Once even on his chest while he was sleeping! Haha! Just to remind him that this was his last deployment and he needed to “rubber duck it” and come home for the final time."
Master Chief Rex Martin and Jessica are pictured to the left of Waddles and Lucky
So on Thursday, November 7th, four Rotarians (Matej Kunak disguised as Lucky Duck, President Christie Scheffer, Steven Boe as media, and I) inflated Waddles outside Buffalo Wild Wings in Kitsap Mall for a short, but fun, recognition of Rex’s service to our Country. Our small group was met by about 40 sailors from the USS Nebraska Gold along with their families to recognize the service of Master Chief Petty Officer Rex Martin. Congratulations to Rex from the Silverdale Rotary Club, and thank you for your dedicated service!
Underwater Ducks and the Navy - a Celebration of Service!
We will be meeting and eating lunch in the Live 360 Community room just north of the inside Mall entrance to Dick's Sporting Goods. See map below.
After the formal meeting we will move over to the Food Bagging area. We will be bagging 117 cases of food into 240 bags for kids to take home over the long Thanksgiving weekend. AND we are using Turkey Trot proceeds to purchase the food – how appropriate!
Meeting and Food Bagging at Kitsap Mall on November 21
The Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot is almost here! Fun for the entire family, no matter your running/walking/rolling level.
Cash prizes - costumes and pets encouraged - pets in costumes encouraged!
Online registration at http://silverdaleturkeytrot.com and early entry prices closes Sunday night the 24th at midnight. Thereafter people can sign-up at Kitsap Bank in Silverdale, Dick's Sporting Goods on Wednesday, November 27th, 4-7 pm; and on Race Day at Kitsap Mall 7:30-9:00 am.
Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot - Message from the Kids
Silverdale Rotary Club - People, and Kids, of Action!
Rotary Club of Silverdale delivered 110 books donated by Rotarians as part of its Literacy Drive, to Woodlands Elementary School. The books were delivered by Rotary Kids of Action!
Ms. Roberts, the school librarian, was excited to receive so many popular, quality books! She exclaimed: "I know you said you were bringing in books, but I never expected this! Thank you so much!"
Shown in the picture is Lucky Duck (worn by Kids of Action Reyce Scheffer), Kids of Action Lydia Barros, Librarian Liz Roberts and a group of very excited Woodland Wildcats eager to immediately start checking out books! The requests started flying!
Liz Roberts and Woodland staff send a warm thank you to the Rotary Club of Silverdale!
November 14 was a very special day at Rotary where we celebrated Veterans Day and the Veterans in our Rotary Club! Our speaker was Commander (Ret) Jack James, a former SEAL and Explosive Ordnance expert. He reminded us that Veterans Day is a celebration of triumph over adversity, of men and women who at one time “signed a blank check, up to and including the ultimate sacrifice” when they entered service to their country.
Pictured left to right: Steve Slaton, Bob Cassis, Brian Beagle, David Jordan, Scott Slocum, Jim Dudley; seated: Jack Jensen
There are 14 Veterans in the Silverdale Rotary Club who proudly represent over 180 years of service!
Army: Jack Jensen, Dale Robinson
Coast Guard: Bob Cassis
Navy: Roger Aydt, Brian Beagle, Jim Dudley, Frank Guthrie, David Jordan, Don Lachata, Scott Park, Steve Slaton, Scott Slocum, Don Taylor, Jason Wright
Silverdale Rotarians were honored to host District 5020 Governor (DG) Mo Fritz-Roberts and her husband Dale Roberts on November 7. DG Mo’s dynamic presentation was an inspiration, and a call to action, for all of us. Her topic was “Joy:” the joy of a single mother and other women in Ethiopia who can now support their children, the joy of collaboration to make things happen, the joy of celebrating with Rotarians from the world over at Conferences and International Conventions, and the joy of enabling The Rotary Foundation to do good in the world.
“It makes me happy to talk about Rotary!” exclaimed Mo in her introduction, “because everywhere you go in the world with Rotary, you can get things done!” She went on to describe several collaborations she has experienced through Rotary in Ethiopia and Uganda, highlighting the meaning of this year’s Rotary International theme, Rotary Connects the World:
Giving life saving polio vaccine drops on three National Immunization Days to help rid the world of polio
Seeing the results of Rotary water well projects that free up children so they can go to school and their mothers so they can earn a living.
Her Comox Rotary Club raising $90,000 to start a microcredit bank in collaboration with World Vision that changed countless lives.
Rescuing 14-16 year old former sex slave mothers with a Rotary Foundation grant that provided training and a sewing machine – total cost: $120 per girl!
Mo emphasized how easy it is to donate to The Rotary Foundation and become a sustaining member (only $10 per month buys one sewing machine (see above)!
Important dates:
District Training and Conference on May 15-16, 2020 in Victoria. (It’s also the Queen’s Birthday Weekend!) Time will fly with keynote speakers and special presentations interspersed throughout the weekend. Get ready to be inspired!
Rotary International Convention in Honolulu, June 6-10, 2020https://rotaryhonolulu2020.org/. Combine a totally awesome convention experience with a tropical vacation - several Silverdale Rotarians are already planning to attend.
Lastly, Mo reminded us that “the more that we put into Rotary, the more we get back,” and she concluded with this challenge: “Think about that one thing you would like to do in Rotary this year, and make it happen!”
Posted by Bob Cassis and Ashley Oaksmith on Nov 07, 2019
Pictured: Silverdale Veterans Memorial Park. Silverdale Rotary Club maintains the flags in this park, ensuring that our veterans are properly honored.
We have a great Rotary meeting planned for November 14th; you will want be there as we observe Veterans Day. Our speaker will be Commander Jack James who is a retired Navy Seal and an Underwater Explosive expert. He has been and continues to be extremely active in Veterans Affairs in Kitsap County and the State of Washington.
We have 14 veterans in our club!Please plan to attend to honor these veterans and fellow Rotarians.
Click on https://www.facebook.com/SilverdaleRotaryClub/videos/543633886181084 This was a very special meeting because we hosted our Rotary District 5020 Governor Mo Fritz-Roberts and her husband Dale Roberts from Comox, BC, Canada. Mo’s inspirational presentation starts at 8:02.
Pictured left to right: Ashley Oaksmith, DG Mo Fritz-Roberts, Scott Shoemaker, Peggy Templeton
In a special presentation by District 5020 Governor Mo Fritz-Roberts, three very deserving Rotarians were named Rotarians of the Month on November 7: Peggy Templeton (August), Ashley Oaksmith (September), and Scott Shoemaker (October). All three are relatively new Rotarians, and their contributions to our Club and beyond are extensive.
Thanks to our Warrior Queen Christie Scheffer and a lot of enthusiastic Rotarians who came in costume, our Rotary meeting on October 31 was full of energy with lots of laughing. There was a costume contest – and by applause Harold Shea took 1st place and a $50 gift card as marshmallow boy!
Peggy Templeton and Barbara Beagle shared 2nd place as a witch and gypsy, respectively.
Why does the gypsy have wings and a wand? Because the Warrior Queen annointed and flummoxed the gypsy (Barbara) as the “Breeze Fairy” for her work as editor of the Breeze (while thanking everyone else who contributes)!
Trick or Treaters at the annual Halloween at Seabeck had the surprise of the year when they were greeted at the Rotary (wait for it!)....Christmas House!!!
Kim Peterson, Rick Soper, Aron Skultety, Peggy Templeton, and Tammy (Kim's sister) "had a blast handing out candy and wishing everyone a Merry Halloween! We figured if the stores were decked out for Christmas, we should, too!"
Silverdale Rotarians - People of Action Who Also Know How to Have Fun!
Pictured: Annelisa Ayars and Jeven Keel (CKHS), Audrey Slane and Hope Martin (Klahowya)
On October 31, Silverdale Rotarians had the honor of recognizing the first Students of the Month for the 2019-20 school year from Klahowya Secondary School and CK High School. Rotarian Ron Templeton set the stage by educating students and guests on the history of Rotary, as well as the history of the Silverdale Rotary Club. We heard accolades from teachers and faculty about these remarkable students, and we were encouraged that our hope in future generations will be one of prosperity. These students’ goals in life covered the spectrum from PE teacher, youth minister, physics, and mechanical engineering.
Students who receive this award are also heavily involved in their communities, schools, and enriching the lives of those around them. Thank you to the parents, faculty, and community for encouraging these students to reach their utmost potential. The students were each presented with a plaque, gift card, a letter to their parents, and a letter from Washington’s 6th District Congressman Derek Kilmer. Congratulations to our future leaders!
October 24 is World Polio Day, and Rotary clubs worldwide have been raising funds for the final stretch to End Polio worldwide. On October 24 President Christie led a very exciting Raise the Paddle for Polio Eradication, and in 10 short minutes Rotarians pledged $645! (Note: a different figure stated at the meeting was in error). Add $70 from the week before brings the total to $715!
Erin Shannon won the BBQ-themed gift basket,
and Ron Templeton (with the help of Kids of Action Amélie Boe, pictured above with Peggy Templeton) won a nifty tabletop grill, perfect for tailgating!
There are three countries where polio is still endemic: Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. For more about the polio campaign, go to https://www.endpolio.org/. You can go online and donate at https://www.endpolio.org/donate. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is matching all donations two to one!
Jamaica: one pictures idyllic tropical beaches and relaxation. But for Rotarian Peggy Templeton, Jamaica meant a week in August 2019 spent working in a tiny unairconditioned classroom with a leaky roof in 93% humidity. Why? To set up a computer lab (pictured) and Teach the Teachers computer skills on one of the most impoverished islands in the Caribbean whose schools have yet to recover from a devastating hurricane in 1988.
Working with a nonprofit called Great Shape!, Inc. (“Humanitarians in Action since 1988,” https://greatshapeinc.org/), Peggy gathered school supplies and paid for transportation and shipping plus $800. Once there, she set up 30 donated computers and commenced teaching 38 teachers, some who ranged in ages well into their 80s!
Many had never worked on a computer before.
Thanks to the Sandals Foundation and Sandals Resorts International, rooms, meals, and on-island transportation were provided to the volunteers at no charge.
Peggy also sampled local Jamaican street and restaurant food proudly cooked by the locals. How was it? “HOT! Because of the ubiquitous Scotch Bonnet chilis, one of the hottest culinary chilis around!”
Peggy thanked Silverdale Rotary and individual Rotarians who contributed supplies and funds for supplies for the school. And she thanked Kim Peterson and Kitsap Bank for contributing the American footballs and wildly popular flashy yo-yos !
When asked the question, “what was your most memorable part of the trip?,” Peggy responded “the gratitude of the teachers (pictured above), who by the end of the week were using terms of endearment like “Auntie” and “St. Peggy”! Well done, Peggy – another great example of “Rotarians – People of Action!”
Pictured - all the Great Shape! Inc. volunteers that week.
Peggy Templeton - Teaching the Teachers in Jamaica
What do homeless teens need? The answer can be very complex, but sometimes very simple: a shower, a snack, some portable food.
To that end, Silverdale Rotarians, guests, and Rotary Kids of Action filled 100 bags full of toiletries and snacks to give to Coffee Oasis representative Cody Clark who spoke to our Club on October 24. Using Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds, we purchased the supplies and filled boxes and boxes of bulging baggies with items specified by Coffee Oasis.
Pictured left to right: Silverdale Rotary Kids of Action Amelie and Cavanaugh Boe, Reese Scheffer, and Lydia
Earlier Cody Clark (pictured) had described what Coffee Oasis is in a nutshell: “We provide Hope.” Their stated mission at https://thecoffeeoasis.com/ is “Changing the world for homeless youth in one community after another through a strategic continuum of services supported by sustainable coffee businesses.” But what does that really mean?
It means gathering places that offer friendship, belonging, and resources; an overnight shelter - the only one in Kitsap County for ages 16-20; jobs in the five Coffee Shops in Bremerton, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, and the new location in Kingston; help finding permanent housing; a 6-week program that teaches skills on how to land a job; a 24/7 Text Crisis Line; working with businesses who offer 100-hour internships; resource workers in schools and on the street to ID candidates for Coffee Oasis services…the list goes on and on.
Cody thanked Silverdale Rotarians for filling up two tables at the Coffee Oasis fund raising gala on October 26. He exclaimed that the net proceeds amounted to an astonishing $95,000! That’s well on the way to covering the $120,000 needed to fund their homeless shelter for an entire year. In closing he stated, “you are helping to change the world for homeless youth!”
Rotarians at Work – Filling Bags for Homeless Teens at Coffee Oasis
It’s bad enough to be a child in a hospital, but a lot worse to be a child in a hospital at Christmas. Enter then 7-year-old (in 2016) Zachary Darner, whose baby brother spent Christmas in the hospital. He said, “I really want to give kids something that will make them feel good at the hospital.” What is that? Toys, of course!
Since 2016, thanks to Zachary’s tireless recruiting and fund raising efforts, thousands of toys have been delivered to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Harrison Hospital. What better to name his nonprofit than Kidzz Helping Kidzz! To see Zachary’s story, click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej2w08UmibQ&feature=player_embedded.
Silverdale Rotary has been helping Zachary bring smiles to hospitalized children at Christmas since 2017, and on October 24, Rotarian Kim Peterson (pictured above with Zachary) presented $500 in Duck Bucks and a bag of toys to Zachary for the 2019 Christmas campaign. Thanks to the generous sponsors of our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, and the people far and wide who purchase Duck Tickets, we are able to support Kidzz Helping Kidzz year after year!
It’s bad enough to be a child in a hospital, but to be a child in a hospital at Christmas? Enter then 7-year-old (in 2016) Zachary Darner, whose baby brother spent Christmas in the hospital. He said, “I really want to give kids something that will make them feel good at the hospital.” What is that? Toys, of course!
Silverdale Rotary has been helping Zachary bring smiles to hospitalized children at Christmas since 2017, and on October 24, Rotarian Kim Peterson (pictured with Zachary) presented $500 in Duck Bucks and a bag of toys to Zachary for the 2019 Christmas campaign. Thanks to the generous sponsors of our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, and the people far and wide who purchase Duck Tickets, we are able to support Kidzz Helping Kidzz year after year! To see a video of the 2018 Christmas deliveries to the hospitals, click on https://www.kidzzhelpingkidzz.org/news and scroll down to Changemaker 2018.
Duck Bucks Mean Christmas Toys and Smiles for Hospitalized Children
“Pride – Duty – Integrity – Honor.” Those are the core covenants you will see emblazoned everywhere in Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR). But, to Rotarian and CKFR Fire Chief John Oliver, these core values were instilled in him since childhood by his father (WWII veteran and career longshoreman) and his mother and her logger family. During his 35 years of fire service, they have served him well.
Here are some facts from Chief Oliver’s Classification Talk on October 17:
He was a student athlete recruited by the Seattle Mariners. He played for the Yakima Bears farm team until an injury ended his baseball career.
He followed his mentor, now retired CKFR Chief Scott Weninger, here from the Portland area.
CKFR has 10 stations and 130 full time employees who respond to 6,600 calls/year.
Chief Oliver spoke passionately about the challenges of leading a very large (geographically) fire district with a growing population, all the while keeping the tenets of trust and integrity while determining “what is of benefit for all.” He declared that the dedication, commitment, and performance that he sees every day in CKFR are second to none.
Rotary Classification Talk – CKFR Chief John Oliver
Silverdale Rotarians were happy to welcome back one of the members of the Washington Explorer Search and Rescue (WESAR) - Kitsap Unit to accept a check for $3,318 for the purchase of technical rescue equipment to aid in moving injured rescuees up and down steep slopes. Pictured is Sean Carhart accepting the check from Rotarian Mary Hoover. Sean reminded us that WESAR is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that depends entirely on donations.
Read on for a synopsis of a dynamite presentation to our Club by two other WESAR Kitsap Unit members in September.
Every once in a while, presenters come into our club and offer information that makes us check our assumptions. We walk out with our mouths wide open muttering to each other, “…did you realize that…?”
On September 19, we learned that the courageous people that automatically spring into action to find our lost hikers, disoriented seniors and other vulnerable community members are all volunteers. Kate Cummings and Justin Laurie are leaders with the Kitsap Unit of Washington Explorer Search & Rescue (WESAR), and they are true local heroes. “This work has shaped me since I was a teenager,” shared Cummings. “The challenges that I face during the searches build my confidence, and my partners have become like family.”
After six months of intense training that covers everything from reading a map to helicopter safety, crews of volunteers ages 14 and up are dispatched to urban or wilderness locations throughout Washington at any time of day or night. Sometimes the assignment is to uncover evidence, such as a hidden weapon or human remains, but often it is to beat the clock to reach children and adults in life or death situations.
If it wasn’t for WESAR, Dorothy Jean Kroum who is 83 and has Alzheimer’s, would have perished in Mason County in August 2019. Jane Gear and her dog “Yoda” would not have made it home after scattering her husband’s ashes on Hurricane Ridge; and, the family of lost hiker Jeremiah from the USS Nimitz would still be longing for closure. “I grew up exploring the wilderness with my grandpa,” offered Justin. “I am committed to this mission because if it was me or my family out there, I would want someone to help.”
The WESAR website is loaded with information, photos, happy outcome stories, and ways to get involved. Take a moment to learn more at https://kitsapesar.com/.
Back by popular demand, our club welcomed six local job seekers to our meeting on October 3. Partners for Work is a program that unites Rotary clubs with social service agencies to increase employment outcomes for adults with developmental disabilities. The program supplied the materials for the Mock Interview session, social service agencies brought the job seekers, and our business-savvy Rotarians did the rest.
Pictured: job seeker on right in black answering interview questions
“The job seekers picked up some important interview techniques,” commented Heidi Johnson, Employment Specialist with Easterseals Washington. “And more than that, they left with boosted confidence and some job leads,” Johnson concluded.
With most businesses struggling with recruiting and retaining employees, preparing people who want to work, but have some challenges, makes great sense. The Silverdale Rotary Club is honored to promote inclusion in our community, and to motivate clubs around the world to do the same.
Program on October 3: Mock Interview Project – Round 2
Posted by David Jordan and Barbara Beagle on Sep 26, 2019
Every quarter Silverdale Rotarians take the opportunity to host and recognize and thank outstanding military service members from various installations and commands in Kitsap County. It is truly an eye opening experience to hear first hand about how they perform critical missions "right next door." These individuals are accompanied by their Command representatives who introduce them and provide insight into the amazing jobs they do every day, as well as the volunteer community service they perform.
Pictured left to right: RPC Juan Bejarano, MAC Andrew Feliciano, MAC Mark Bailey, MA2 Amber Bull Bear, MA2(SW/AW) Christina Kaderly, MK3 William Dirren, MCPOC Chris Fly, Rotarian Bob Cassis
President Christie addressed the military group and spouses about to be introduced and said, “we see you, we appreciate you, and we respect the service that you give every single day.” Then Rotarian Bob Cassis (retired Captain, U.S. Coast Guard) who coordinates this quarterly recognition, remarked that military service members are “as professional and self sacrificing a group of men and women as I’ve ever seen.” Honorees are each presented with a plaque, gift cards, and movie tickets. The military representatives thanked the Silverdale Rotary Club for making them a part of the community. The following individuals were recognized for 3rd quarter FY 2019:
From the Naval Base Kitsap Security Department (responsible for Security for Naval Bases Bremerton, Keyport, Bangor, Jackson Park, and Manchester):
- Sailor of the Quarter: MA2(SW/AW) Christina P. Kaderly, introduced by MAC Mark Bailey
- Junior Sailor of the Quarter: MA2 Amber Bull Bear, introduced by MASC Andrew Feliciano
- Not present: Blue Jacket of the Quarter MASN Haley Weaver, introduced by RPC Juan Bajarano
From the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit Bangor (responsible for protecting Trident submarines transiting to/from the Pacific Ocean):
- MK3 William Dirren attached to CGC Sea Devil, introduced by MCPOC Christopher Fly
Silverdale Rotarians Recognize Navy and Coast Guard Service Members
Click on the link below to see recognition of some of our very talented and dedicated Navy and Coast Guard members, learn about the importance of supporting The Rotary Foundation, hear from our Hungarian Exchange Student, and more!
“The Community Service Committee is proud to provide a $500 grant to support live symphonic music in Kitsap County,” Cathy Bisaillon announced as she invited Alan Futterman (pictured), Music Director of the Bremerton Westsound Symphony, to the microphone. Alan enlightened our members to the many opportunities that the symphony provides for young musicians, and he thanked us for funding venue rental that will feature a youth performance in early 2020.
Tracyton Community Library.Volunteer Librarian Bonnie Chrey was presented with $500 to purchase new books and DVDs for the Tracyton Community Library which is completely independent of the Kitsap Regional Library.
“We have had a rich volunteer-powered tradition since 1945, and we are staying relevant and needed in our community today,” informed Bonnie. Past President, Kim Peterson, was honored to award the check to Bonnie and to encourage our members to visit the library and support its many community events. Learn the latest library news at https://www.facebook.com/pg/Tracyton-Community-Library-130993673596924/about/?ref=page_internal.
Duck Bucks: Bremerton Westsound Symphony & Tracyton Community Library
There’s a New Club in Town: President Amy Schmidt and Tanya Thomas brought their banner to our club meeting on September 19 and announced the newly-chartered Kitsap Crossroads Rotary Club in Poulsbo. Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at Western Red Brewing, 19168 Jensen Way N.E., the club is designed to accommodate working parents’ busy schedules. “We have the support of the Rotary Club of Poulsbo and 30 members so far!” exclaimed Amy.
Pictured left to right: Silverdale Rotary Club President Christie Scheffer, Kitsap Crossroads President Amy Schmidt, and Tanya Thomas
Visit Crossroads Rotary Club on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CrossroadsRotaryClub/, or better yet, bring your own dinner, and drop into a family-friendly meeting in the back room of Western Red Brewing to learn more about the people behind this innovative new club.
Kitsap Crossroads Rotary Club - There's a New Club in Town!
Click on the link below to see a jam-packed Silverdale Rotary Club meeting that has a little of everything that we are all about: giving away Duck Bucks, giving a voice to other community non-profits who are doing great things, welcoming thenew Kitsap Crossroads Rotary Club, and learning about a tremendous volunteer SAR group (Washington Explorer Search and Rescue).
Note: Click on the following link to watch Rep. Kilmer’s speech in its entirety. The Rotary meeting starts at 5 minutes, Chuck Kraining’s introduction of and story about Rep. Derek Kilmer starts at 19 minutes, and Rep. Kilmer’s speech starts after 26 minutes.
Derek Kilmer (D-WA), our U.S. Representative from the 6th District, gave a fantastic speech and Q&A session at Rotary on September 3. Some highlights:
From Rep. Kilmer's Facebook page on Sep 5: “Enjoyed spending lunch today with the fantastic folks of the Silverdale Rotary Club!Thank you for the tremendous work you do to better the lives of all in Kitsap County.”
Rep. Kilmer is a Rotarian from the Gig Harbor Club, and the Rotary Four Way Test hangs in his Washington, D.C. office and shapes how he approaches his job. He started out with a discussion of three things that keep him up at night:
- Economic disruption. "We need to empower people to navigate economic change rather than be victimized by it." - Investing in the future, including education, to prevent young people from ending up in jail later in life. He noted that Rotary helps by providing educational resources in the community.
- Broken politics. He chairs the bipartisan Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. How can we work together again to really get things done?
- Regarding doing an onsite geographical exchange with a representative from Arkansas from the other side of the aisle, "It is important that to understand where people are coming from, we need to know about where they are coming from."
Rep. Kilmer wants to hear from the people of the 6th District. “Contact my office,” was his repeated message, if you have an issue with a Federal agency. "We can't solve problems we don't know about." See the graphic below for some interesting statistics.
Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining on Aug 30, 2019
"Rotary Youth Exchange changed my life!" That's the headline in the article about Silverdale Rotarian (and 2017-18 Exchange Student) Matej Kunak in a Slovakian Rotary magazine.
Translation of the first paragraph in bold: "My name is Matej Kunak, I am 20 years old and I'm an international student. I went on exchange in 2016/17 and it literally changed my life."
Thanks to Public Image Chair Steve Boe, in August 2019 two articles about Silverdale Rotary were published in Rotary International publications that are distributed world wide! Thanks to Steve for all your hard work!
Steve submitted a couple story ideas to the Rotarian Magazine, and they liked Kids of Action! They interviewed Steve, and published an article about Family Friendly Projects in the September 2019 Rotarian Magazine. Good job, Steve! Click on the following link to read the article:
On August 8, Rotary International’s online blog “Rotary Voices” published the Mock Interview article written by Cathy Bisaillon. To read the article, go to https://blog.rotary.org/2019/08/08/mock-interview-project-benefits-more-than-just-job-seekers/ “Since the blog post,” Cathy says, “several Rotarians from around the country have contacted me to obtain info so that they can host mock interview events in their own clubs. We are scheduled to have another event on October 3.“
On August 23 at Silverdale Safeway, Silverdale Rotary was presented with a $5,000 check to alleviate hunger in children! This was part of their Grand Opening ceremony. Simone Appleton, the Store Director, has been very impressed with our food bagging projects for homeless youth in CK Schools. She knows of our work through Rotarian David Jordan. It is due to his efforts this has come about!
Safeway Donates $5,000 to Help Feed Hungry Children!
Rotarian David Jordan (pictured) shared briefly about his and his wife’s upcoming trip to Uganda in partnership with Children of the Nations (COTN https://cotni.org/). Thank you to the Rotarians who donated soccer and rugby balls for them to take over with them as they will work with an orphanage with 700+ kids.
Additionally, our Rotary Kids of Action came in before the meeting and stuffed 120 pencil bags with school supplies such as pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens, compasses and protractors for David and Rachel to take as well.
Back row: Eli Jones, Reyce Scheffer, Hunter Hoerer, Reece and Jacob Shannon
Thank you Kids of Action!
Rotarian Jim Barker with Children of the Nations (COTN) introduced James Okalo (pictured), the COTN Country Director for Uganda, who spoke about the impact that Rotary has had there. James has served with COTN for 13 years. He shared that they are so grateful for the lifeline that our own Silverdale Rotary Club threw to Northern Uganda several years ago. This has provided them hope. They are able to offer the people in their area access to their campus programs. This intervention promotes change, creates jobs rather than job seekers, and ultimately democracy.
It’s a blessing to see how Rotary has touched so many!
Rotarian David Jordan (pictured) shared briefly about his and his wife’s upcoming trip to Uganda in partnership with Children of the Nations (COTN https://cotni.org/). Thank you to the Rotarians who donated soccer and rugby balls for them to take over with them as they will work with an orphanage with 700+ kids.
Additionally, our Rotary Kids of Action came in before the meeting and stuffed 120 pencil bags with school supplies such as pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens, compasses and protractors for David and Rachel to take as well.
Pictured - Rotary Kids of Action
Front row: Cavanaugh and Amelie Boe
Back row: Eli Jones, Reyce Scheffer, Hunter Hoerer, Reece and Jacob Shannon
Thank you Kids of Action!
Rotarian Jim Barker with Children of the Nations (COTN) introduced James Okalo (pictured), the COTN Country Director for Uganda, who spoke about the impact that Rotary has had there. James has served with COTN for 13 years. He shared that they are so grateful for the lifeline that our own Silverdale Rotary Club threw to Northern Uganda several years ago. This has provided them hope. They are able to offer the people in their area access to their campus programs. This intervention promotes change, creates jobs rather than job seekers, and ultimately democracy.
It’s a blessing to see how Rotary has touched so many.
Rotarians Partner with Children of the Nations in Uganda
Pictured left to right: Tacy Boswell - Grand Prize Winner, Chuck Capps - Advantage Nissan Grand Prize Sponsor; Sponsors Jennifer Stone and Erin Shannon of 1st Security Bank; Tina Sherman .
of Haselwood Family YMCA and prize winner Beverly Voss; Lori Ann Hartnett, winner of VCA Olympic Animal Hospital prize; Katrina Fulkerson and guest, winner of Holland America cruise, President Christie Scheffer
Chuck Capps from Advantage Nissan handed over a check to our grand prize winner, Tacy Boswell. Winners of the Holland America Cruise for Two, Katrina Fulkerson, and VCA Care Club Winner, Lori Ann Hartnett received their prize certificates. Tina (standing in for Harold Shea with the YMCA) handed winner Beverly Voss her certificate for an Annual Family Membership. Jennifer Strong and Erin Shannon from First Security Bank were in attendance, but winner Autumn Mullen of their $1,000 prize was unable to attend.
Port Orchard Rotarian Bob Cairns introduced Naomi Miundi, from Kenya who is with Hifadhi Africa (https://hifadhiafrica.org/). The Hifadhi Africa is a Kenyan based non-profit organization established as a development, advocacy and youth empowerment organization working to transform lives -providing innovative education support and mentorship and equip communities with the knowledge and skills required to address multiple complex challenges they face.
Naomi is visiting the United States because she was named a Mandela Washington Fellow for 2019. The prestigious Fellowship involves academic and leadership training for young men and women who possess leadership potentials in their field and within their community. Naomi’s field is civic leadership, and what a perfect fit for this bright young woman. The three components of the Mandela Washington Fellowship are University placement, summit, and life-long membership of YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) Naomi’s University placement was Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
Naomi spoke primarily of a region called East Pokot, which has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world, at 96%; where more than 60% of children never attend school in their lifetime. Without access to education, they cannot build their futures and transform their communities. They are forced to adopt negative coping mechanisms and practices like cattle rustling, theft, drug abuse, prostitution, and forced recruitment into inter-community conflicts. Factors that hinder East Pokot children from going to school include: poverty and drought, non-existent parental education background, migration and pastoral lifestyle, and a lack of family income. She spoke about each of these challenges in depth, and how HAO has developed solutions. Their programs include:
Education - Scholarships, e-learning systems, institutional capacity building, construction of a library, and distribution of sanitary napkins for young ladies.
Water & Sanitation - Construction of sand dams, rainwater harvesting systems, storage water tanks and water purification system.
Livelihood - introducing integrated irrigation farming project, adopt-an-animal project, distribution of relief food
Port Orchard Rotary has funded projects for each of these programs - including a one-time donation to East Pokot of $5,000! Rotary is making a difference near and far!
Rotary KIDS of ACTION! Join us this Thursday, Aug. 8th at 11:30am when we spring into action to pack 120 bags with school supplies for an orphanage in Uganda.
Kids helping kids is what it's all about. Kids, you can bring your adults as well! New Life Training & Event Center, Silverdale, next to the YMCA. http://www.KidsofAction.com
Our Duck Race was held on July 28, 2019 at Whaling Days!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRAND PRIZE WINNER TACY BOSWELL OF POULSBO, WA
who won her choice of a 2019 Nissan Frontier Pickup from Advantage Nissan or $16,000 cash!
To see the list of ALL the lucky winnersCLICK HERE.
THANK YOU to everyone who purchased Duck Tickets!
Even if you didn't win a prize, we are all winners - helping the Community!
Prizes may be picked up at Kitsap Bank in Silverdale during regular bank hours: Monday through Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-6. BRING ID. CUT OFF DATE to claim your prize or forfeit the prize - SEPTEMBER 1, 2019
Pictured: front - Cavanaugh and Amelie Boe, back - Rotarian Scott Shoemaker, Rotary President Christie Scheffer, and volunteer Kim Rauch
The Silverdale Rotary Pancake Breakfast is a longtime tradition on Whaling Days weekend, feeding the hungry hoards before the Silverdale Dandy Lions/Kiwanis/1st Federal Grand Parade. Crowds of hungry parade goers and runners feast on pancakes, sausages, fruit, coffee/tea/milk.
Activities leading up the the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race on July 28 at Whaling Days continued at a fever pitch all weekend, starting Thursday, July 25. Duck Tagging, Duck selling, Dandy Lions/Kiwanis/First Federal Grand Parade. Rotarians were busy non-stop, working with the help of community volunteers.
Pictured: Advantage Nissan Duck Truck - Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Grand Prize - with Rotarian Chuck Kraining, Lucky the Duck, and Bucky the Turkey in the truck bed.
Come to the Jenne-Wright Building, 9210 Silverdale Way NW, on Thursday, July 25th to tag 18,000 ducks for the Race on Sunday! Lunch will begin at 11:30 am, and and duck tagging at 12:00 pm. Please bring a knife or another slim-edged instrument to remove the old stickers from before re-tagging the ducks. Guests are welcome!
Waddles has been returned and is back to work! One hole was discovered and the exterior of the duck was a little dirty, but otherwise Waddles is in good condition and was delivered to his new (temporary) home at the Casino.
We want everything on this matter to be positive, and emphasize raising funds to make a difference in this world!
A 17-year old young man self-reported the theft and has apologized. We are not pressing charges. We have stated in our press releases that if the duck is voluntarily returned we will not press charges, and we Rotarians will keep our word.
The community has been very positively engaged in this story. Its really been an amazing response! We will now get follow-up questions when they hear of Waddles return. Let’s use the positive conclusion of this episode to convey a super positive message to the community:
"Yes! Waddles is returned! We are very grateful to have him back. No we are not pressing charges. (if you are asked) It was a youthful prank. We are focused on the upcoming Duck Race and what it means for the community and appreciate everyone's support!"
Thank you, Steven Boe for your good work in elevating this in the community and helping raise awareness of our work as Rotary. And Erin Leedham, thank you for all your efforts with coordinating the return of Waddles to the Mall for inspection, cleaning and repair.
The ballad of Waddles the Duck comes to an end as Bremerton Police apprehend a suspect resulting in the return of the beloved mascot. Working on a tip, officers from the Bremerton Police Department followed the lead to a remote location in Allyn, WA. Officers Brandon Greenhill and Derek Eide from the Directed Enforcement Team (DET) deflated the situation quickly and identified two suspects who confessed to the theft.
Silverdale Rotary Club president Christie Scheffer stated, “We are so grateful to have Waddles back home and unharmed. He is a huge part of raising funds that go directly to many service organizations in our community. We can’t thank the Bremerton Police Department enough for everything they’ve done. Also, a big thank you to the media and everyone in the community who helped spread the word.”
One of the suspects is a minor whom authorities believe stole the duck in a misguided attempt to impress his girlfriend. No word on whether or not his girlfriend was impressed by the fowl romantic gesture.
Rotarian Erin Leedham from the Kitsap Mall added “The Silverdale Rotary Club has decided not to press charges. We’re just grateful Waddles is safe. After a little TLC, Waddles will be back to work later today.”
Where's Waddles? A special thank you to our wonderful Bremerton Police Department for helping with this PSA, and for everything they do for our community.
This video highlights the work funded by Duck Buck Grants awarded to Coffee Oasis, CK Food Backpacks 4 Kids, and CKHS Youth Suicide and Bullying Prevention. Buying Duck Tickets Changes Lives!
Spread the word to family and friends to come have breakfast before theFirst Federal Lions/Kiwanis Grand Parade which starts at 10 am. The location is right on the parade route!
Breakfast includes pancakes (regular and blueberry), sausages, fruit, orange juice, coffee/tea, and milk!
Buy your Duck Tickets at the Pancake Breakfast!
A big thank you Grocery Outlet and First Security Bank. Because of their contributions, we likely will not need to use any Rotary funds to purchase supplies for the Pancake Breakfast.
Silverdale Rotary Pancake Breakfast - Whaling Days Weekend
CONTACT INFORMATION:SILVERDALE ROTARY CLUB, Steven Boe
RELEASE DATE:07/07/19
WHERE’S WADDLES?
Stolen: Iconic Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Symbol
Silverdale, WA July 3, 2019 — Waddles, one of the large 15-foot inflatable ducks used to publicize the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, was stolen from the parking lot of Advantage Nissan in Bremerton.A police report #T19000215 was filed with the Bremerton PD.
The replacement cost of the duck is valued at $2000. More significant is the loss of marketing that it provides, which will greatly affect ticket sales. The annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race has raised over 1.6 million dollars for our community. Lost ticket sales will directly impact service organizations throughout Kitsap County that help feed homeless teens, provide shelter for victims of domestic violence, promote literacy, education, and many other services.
Silverdale Rotary Club president Christie Scheffer says, “While we understand the humor behind a missing 15-foot duck named Waddles, it doesn’t diminish the monetary affect its theft has on the community.” Rotarians Brian & Barbara Beagle will donate five Duck Quack Packs (25 tickets) to anyone providing information leading to the return of Waddles the Duck.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the duck, is asked to please contact the Bremerton Police department or email the Silverdale Rotary Club at SilverdaleRotaryClub@gmail.com
###
Following is a link to the Kitsap Daily News article on July 8.
June 28, 2019 - Outgoing President Rick Soper handed over the reigns to incoming President Christie Scheffer as Silverdale Rotarians acknowledged the successful 2018-19 Rotary year.
Amelie Boe was the official greeter. Future Rotarian?
Our very special guest 2019-20 District 5020 Governor Maureen (Mo) Fritz-Roberts addressed incoming President Christie Scheffer with all Past Presidents in attendance looking on.
Pictured left to right: Christie Scheffer 2019-20, DG Mo Fritz-Roberts 2019-20, Rick Soper 2018-19, Kim Peterson 2017-18, Cindy Holmes 2016-17, Chuck Kraining 2015-16, Jason Mayer 2013, Ed Hamilton 2013-15, Rich Arper 2010-11, Elayne Burton 2011-12, Mary Hoover 2012-13, Steve Slaton 2007-08, Ron Templeton 1990-91, Jack Jensen 1974-75
Congratulations to Jason Wright who was named Rotarian of the Year for 2018-19. Well Done!
Congratulations to President Elect Steve Boe, as Rick awarded him a President's Citation! Thank you, Steve, for all that you do.
Rick was presented with a President's clock
And Rick was presented with a set of custom Rotary coats embroidered by Peggy Templeton for his four dogs Jack, Mack, Zack, and Zoe.
Steve Boe then showed a video collage commemorating Rick's year.
Click on this link and be sure to watch all the way to the surprise ending!
June 28, 2019 - Outgoing President Rick Soper handed over the reigns to incoming President Christie Scheffer as Silverdale Rotarians acknowledged the successful 2018-19 Rotary year.
Amelie Boe was the official greeter. Future Rotarian?
Our very special guest 2019-20 District 5020 Governor Maureen (Mo) Fritz-Roberts addressed incoming President Christie Scheffer with all Past Presidents in attendance looking on.
Pictured left to right: Christie Scheffer 2019-20, DG Mo Fritz-Roberts 2019-20, Rick Soper 2018-19, Kim Peterson 2017-18, Cindy Holmes 2016-17, Chuck Kraining 2015-16, Jason Mayer 2013, Ed Hamilton 2013-15, Rich Arper 2010-11, Elayne Burton 2011-12, Mary Hoover 2012-13, Steve Slaton 2007-08, Ron Templeton 1990-91, Jack Jensen 1974-75
Congratulations to Jason Wright who was named Rotarian of the Year for 2018-19. Well Done!
Congratulations to President Elect Steve Boe, as Rick awarded him a President's Citation! Thank you, Steve, for all that you do.
Rick was presented with a President's clock
And Rick was presented with a set of custom Rotary coats embroidered by Peggy Templeton for his four dogs Jack, Mack, Zack, and Zoe.
Steve Boe then showed a video collage commemorating Rick's year. Be sure to watch for the surprise ending!
Ever wish you could help a person on a street corner without giving them money? Now Silverdale Rotarians can! On May 19, at our special hands-on Rotary meeting at the Seabeck Conference Center, attendees filled 200 1-gallon Ziplock care bags with food and personal items (plus pet food) for Rotarians to take in their cars to hand out to people in need. The $1,476 project was funded by both Duck Race and Turkey Trot proceeds.
The night before we set up the room and made the first aid kits. Thanks to Elayne Burton, Cathy Bisaillon, Steve and Debbie Slaton, Michael Collins, Kim Peterson, and three volunteers from Kitsap Bank who were there. Chuck made dinner for the volunteers! Michael had "help" from Buster, Chuck's Guamanian rescue dog (pictured on left).
From Rich Arper - Walk MS for Carol and Diana Arper. On April 30 I wasn’t available to help out at the Seabeck planting because I was at the Silverdale MS Walk. I walked with my wife Carol and my daughter Diana who both have MS.
Dominican Republic – Children of the Nations (COTN). 
And then on April 15, Christie, Brianna, Elayne, Bob Cassis, Matej Kunak and Niki (Matej's girlfriend), Gloria Tesch from the Seabeck Staff and Chuck delivered 136 books to 7 classes of eager 3rd and 4th graders at Green Mountain Elementary. Welcome back to Silverdale - Matej and Nicki!
Thanks to the amazing support that we have received from the community, the Brigade has been able to expand our fresh fruit and veggie distribution this year. We are now able to send individual bags of fresh veggies for each child in a household. Homes with one child receive 1 bag of veggies while the homes with six children will be taking home 6 individual bags for healthy snacks.
On April 21, the stairway of the Kitsap Golf and Country Club became a time machine that took us back to the era of flower children, peace signs, and disco music. The 2022 Silverdale Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards Gala was a 70’s style party complete with silent and live auctions, a sit-down dinner, and a cutthroat dessert dash. It was tough to quiet the hundred plus attendees, as everyone was overjoyed to be in the same room enjoying each other for the first time in two years.
The Paul Linder Service Award went to our Co-President, Jennifer Strong (pictured on right), for her tireless volunteer work on multiple non-profit boards. 
Dominican Republic – Children of the Nations (COTN). A two year scholarship ($1,200) is sending Irianny F. (pictured) to University to study engineering in the Dominican Republic. She is one of the success stories from the COTN schools. And, $1,529 is continuing to fund the COTN Enhanced STEM Program in COTN schools.
On April 7, Co-President Erin Shannon inducted Emily Morisawa (pictured) into the Rotary Club of Silverdale. Emily is the new Executive Director of the Haselwood Family YMCA (replacing Harold Shea who moved to another local YMCA position). Harold is Emily's sponsor.
Monika Kočiová – Rotary Club of Košice; (District 2240 coordinator for Czech Republic and Slovak Republic) joined us via Zoom from Slovakia on March 10 to describe the gargantuan efforts underway to support the humanitarian refugee crisis in Ukraine. They are well organized but need funds ASAP. Here are a couple of her slides:
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And it was definitely a partnership approach to service, which is what we Rotarians love! Many partners supported this effort: The Gochmanskys at Grocery Outlet helped locate healthy food choices and offered us a 10% discount! Lori Boe with Rancho Storage loaned us their moving truck on multiple occasions to transport and deliver the food.
And on a final note: Kid of Action Reyce Scheffer would like Corey Hamilton (pictured) to know that he saved a life when he went and brought back chicken nuggets to a starving kid! Service Above Self!!
President Elect Cathy Bisaillon named Nancy Whitaker February Rotarian of the Month and dubbed her “the Great Connector,” and here are some examples:
“Our Mission is that everyone in this world has a decent place to live.” That’s how Lauren Pitt, Resource Development Director of Habitat for Humanity in Kitsap County opened her remarks on February 10. She gave us a fantastic overview of the amazing things Habitat is doing in Kitsap County and beyond, and gave us a call to action. 
On February 3, President Elect Cathy Bisaillon named Matthew Barrett January Rotarian of the Month, who she introduced as Mr. “I Can Do That.” 
Longtime Rotarian Michael (Mike) Gass (pictured on right in 2013) passed away on January 13 after an "unexpected but valiant battle with cancer." 
“Our mission is to bring Hope to every young person in our community.” These were the opening remarks from Phil Daubenspeck, Executive Director of West Sound Youth For Christ. 
“Nobody has supported the Newberry Hill Heritage Park (NHHP) like Silverdale Rotary!” said Tom Coleman, President of NHHP via Zoom at our December 30 Rotary meeting. He joined our meeting to thank us for our latest Duck Buck Grant to line an artificial pond (also funded with Duck Bucks) that is used by Klahowya Secondary School (KSS) students to study wetlands. Silverdale Rotary also helped fund an outdoor “classroom” in the park for KSS students. 
2013 - $2,100 for Viewing Platform/Boardwalk (pictured on right)
This is why our Club hosts the Turkey Trot! Carol Ungren and Denise Payne from Central Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids attended our Rotary meeting on December 2nd to accept $3,000 in Duck Bucks to help stuff weekend backpacks for students. The backpacks provide supplemental meals each weekend during the school year to students and families of the Central Kitsap School District who are at risk of weekend hunger.
The Silverdale Rotary Club has funds available for Duck Bucks grants to local non-profit organizations. Click here to apply! 
Silverdale Rotarians, their family members, and community volunteers were out in force at Silverdale Safeway on December 4, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army at both doors. Our kettle stands sported beautiful new signs designed by Rotarian Steven Boe.
Service Above Self story from Christie Scheffer whose granddaughter Reyce (pictured on right with Christie) was ringing with her: “When I arrived to bell ring with my granddaughter, she didn’t feel comfortable ringing alone. So Corey Hamilton (son of Rotarian Ed Hamilton) offered to stay another hour so she could ring with me. Isn’t that awesome?”
What? Rotarian of the Month for Two Months? Yes, and well deserved! At Rotary on December 2, President Elect Cathy Bisaillon announced Ed Hamilton as Rotarian of the Month for both October and November for chairing a very successful Turkey Trot. The event attracted over 500 participants, and we are expecting net proceeds to exceed $12,000 for food programs! Cathy noted the numerous organizations and businesses that Ed coordinated with for the very complex event. 
While Saturday afternoon, November 27 started out rainy for the Silverdale Christmas Tree lighting event in Old Town Silverdale, the tractor rides pictured below were a hit, and the crowd picked up around 4:00 p.m. when Santa arrived on a firetruck. 
Preparations for this year’s Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot started in the dark on race day with Rotarians and family members, Newberry Hill Heritage Park Stewards, Military from Naval Base Kitsap, community volunteers, and sponsors arriving at the Park at 6:30 AM to prepare for the runners. 
“My goal was to move the race from a parking lot to a more desirable, natural setting and to not lose money.” This was the mantra of Turkey Trot Chair Ed Hamilton shown on right with daughter Shyla and son Cody (who were also a huge help at every step).
The family event, with the tagline “Take a Trot on the Wild Side” offered four options: a Kids Dash for the toddlers, 1-Mile and 5K routes revived from previous Turkey Trots, and a new event, the 10K run! The longer events were run on the Old Loop Road and offered runners a beautiful path through the trees away from cars, sidewalks, and paved roads. 
All twelve light strings are up and working, ready for the Tree Lighting on November 27!
Editor’s note: This a long story about our beloved (and sometimes beleaguered) Silverdale Christmas Tree and 12 light strings, so we will list our thanks, first! HUGE thanks go to:
This year, no volunteer climbers could be located, so Rich obtained a 135 man lift from Pape Rentals, and recruited Scott from Scott’s Tree Service to operate it. Together they devised a pulley system to be attached at the top of the tree so each of the 120 ft light strings could be lowered and raised, from the ground, with 300 foot ropes. Twelve times 300 feet is 3,600 feet of rope! 
On November 8, Rich, Roland Arper, and Bill and Judy Carter (see photo) repaired the wiring on the remaining light strings and replaced bulbs at Bill Carter’s place, under cover, and dry! “So huge to be able to do this away from the tree and have enough time to get it done!” reported Rich. There is a work party set for Wednesday, November 10, at 9 am to hoist 11 strings. 
This year the event will move to shared space between Klahowya Secondary School and the Newbury Hill Heritage Park. While the course design is still being defined, the goal will be to run the 5K (and maybe a 10k!) along the Old Loop Road inside the Heritage Park. This is a packed dirt and gravel road which will take the race off of a hard concrete surface and into the woods! Klahowya will be used for parking, race check-in, staging, and possibly some of the shorter events.
Pictured on right - Bill Carter, former owner of Olympic Wiring, re-wired the entire tree in 1997 and has helped maintain lights and wiring for decades.
President Elect Cathy Bisaillon announced on October 7 that Chuck Kraining is our September Rotarian of the Month! When the International Service Committee and Board members were searching for a venue for the Wine to Water event, Chuck stepped up at the relative last minute to host the event at the Seabeck Conference Center Gazebo on September 30. The very successful event raised $2,000 for International Service Projects!
In between wine descriptions and tastings provided by Phil Bisaillon (pictured on right - a very knowledgeable Wine Associate at Total Wine & More), several recipients of our International Service Committee’s project funds described how Rotary has made a huge difference in people’s lives overseas. 
Shampoo/Conditioner
From Christie Scheffer:
We welcome the District Governor to the Rotary Club of Silverdale! ZOOM ONLY on September 16 at 12:00 pm.
Alex first joined Rotary in 2013 and has been active during his 8 years of membership, most recently the Rotary Club of Whidbey Westside. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, a grant writer, has chaired local and international grants, and served as Director of Club Fundraising, Club Administration, Club Services, and Public Image. He is passionate about projects that improve access to education, clean water, and economic development.
April - Ashley Oaksmith. Ashley is a quiet example of an amazing Rotarian. She was nominated as a 20 under 40 recipient in recognition of her hard work in the community and her success as our Silverdale Librarian. Ashley always shares her great ideas and willingly took on the role of Club Admin Chair for the Rotary year 2021-22. Thank you for all you do Ashley!
Thanks to our major Duck Race Sponsor Advantage Nissan, who annually gives the grand prize winner a choice between a brand new Nissan pickup or $16,000, the impact of the 2021 grand prize itself will be felt far and near. Chuck Capps (pictured on right), the owner with his family of Advantage Nissan, is a Bremerton Rotarian, and he spoke about his family's commitment to serve. As a local business they look around and see great need in the community and work as a family and business to support agencies who make a difference in people's lives. That's why they have provided the Duck Race grand prize all these years. And this year, for the first time, the winner donated the funds to nonprofits serving others!
Upon being presented with an $8,000 check, Bryce Clark (pictured on left with Rotarian Chuck Kraining) spoke to us about the Coffee Oasis program and told a heart wrenching story about a 14-year old girl dropped off with all her belongings in a plastic bag. She had been told all the ways she was worthless and then abandoned. Coffee Oasis staff were immediately there to put a comforting arm about her, to bring her inside, feed her, give her a duffle for her belongings, and a warm, safe place to sleep!See 
Chris Clark (pictured on right with Chuck Kraining), co-founder of Children of the Nations 
The grand prize winner of the 2021 Advantage Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck (or $16,000 cash) is 
Silverdale Rotarians gave the Veteran's Memorial Park in Silverdale a much-needed cleaning and sprucing up, and replaced all the flags, in preparation for Memorial Day. Then a wreath was placed at the Memorial on Monday morning, May 31.
Rotarians Bob Cassis and Chuck Kraining have been working behind the scenes for over 10 years replacing the flags and maintaining flagpole hardware. Twice per year Silverdale Rotary, out of Duck Race proceeds, funds the replacement of the U.S. and MIA flags, plus the flags of the six services (Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines) to honor our veterans.
Congratulations to our own Silverdale Rotarian Ashley Oaksmith, Silverdale Branch Manager, Kitsap County Library, for being chosen by Leadership Kitsap as one of 20 Rising Stars for 2021! 
January - the Beagles – Barbara and Brian are fantastic examples of dedicated Rotarians. Although they have relocated and are no longer in the area, they attend every Zoom meeting, go above and beyond with the weekly Breeze, sewed masks for duck sales, and are always actively participating in meetings and sharing their incredible Rotary knowledge.
February - Cathy Bisaillon – has done an amazing job with coordinating Operation Duck Drop – a total of eight Duck Drops ($11,000) in all - to engage our Duck Race cash sponsors and get the funds back out to our community. She is always willing to step up and take on tasks to assist our Club. We are thankful for her! 
March – Elayne Burton – has been hard at work behind the scenes with the upcoming Duck Race sponsorships and keeping the Club on track as Treasurer. The service she performs is invaluable! We couldn’t do it without you, Elayne.
Since 1954, the 128 foot Douglas fir known as the Silverdale Christmas Tree has been lit up every year, but old age, wooly adelgid insect infestation, and drought have all conspired to weaken the massive 140-150 year old tree such that 4 years ago there was only an estimated 50/50 chance that it would survive. Now, thanks to the community efforts of Silverdale Rotarians, Silverdale Dandy Lions, and other volunteer individuals and businesses, things are now more optimistic. After years of annual blackberry chopping and bark mulching, plus arborist treatments, and four years of watering in the summer, the tree is now producing new growth! 
Most recently in April 2021, the Silverdale Rotary Club funded the evaluation and treatment by arborist Dan Maple of ABC Consulting Arborists (photo on left). He treated the tree with growth hormone and insect treatment injected into the ground around the tree. He also sprayed an insect treatment onto the trunk to combat the wooly adelgid infestation..jpg)
During the summer dry period the tree will be watered, and later this year the area around the tree will be “weed wacked” and mulched with yards and yards of bark. Maintenance of the light strings and replacements of bulbs will happen this fall, getting ready for the annual Thanksgiving weekend tree lighting. 
It is with great sadness that we report that Honorary Rotarian Roger Aydt passed away peacefully at his home on April 11, three days after his 87th birthday. 
Roger maintained a special ongoing relationship with his Duck Race sponsors and was responsible for landing thousands of dollars in cash sponsorships and prizes, as well as getting permission to set up a duck selling booth at Wendy’s (see photo on right).
Steve Slaton (pictured on left) and Jim Adkins (pictured on right) were on hand at the Zoom meeting on April 1, 2021 and spoke about why they are passionate about supporting the CK Food Bank: Jim Adkins stated that “there shouldn’t be anybody who doesn’t have food,” and Steve Slaton stated that food is the most essential of human needs, and “charity should start at home.” To hear their remarks firsthand, watch the Zoom video at 
On hand to accept the $3,000 via Zoom was CK Food Bank Executive Director Chris Benson who gave us a detailed update on how the Food Bank has stayed open to serve clients during the pandemic in spite of a 50% reduction in available volunteers, less donations, and challenges with PPE and social distancing. Chris, a retired U.S. Navy logistics specialist using his military skills to help hungry families, described how the CK Food Bank is the only one of eight in Kitsap County that has provided clients a “grocery store shopping experience” during the pandemic instead of handing out prepacked boxes of food. 
"Stand Up For Kids (SUFK) Kitsap opened our eyes to the plight of homeless and at-risk youth in Kitsap County,” stated Rotarian Barbara Beagle on February 18 when she and her Rotarian husband PDG Brian (both long time Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Sponsors) awarded $1,000 in an unrestricted grant to Margaret Rodriguez, Executive Director of SUFK Kitsap. “Silverdale Rotary and Stand Up For Kids have been true partners in community service,” added Brian. “We support them, and they support us.” 
Our Duck Drop #3 involved two Duck Race Sponsors: Pacific Northwest Title (represented by Andy Buskirk pictured on right) and Chinook Contractors (who couldn’t attend), who both chose Coffee Oasis as the recipient, hence $2,000!
Coffee Oasis (see 
Our Speaker on February 4 will be Sarah Chamberlin, Executive Director of the St. Michael Medical Center Foundation. She has been with the medical center since November of 2010 in various leadership roles during that time. Committed to her work at the Foundation, Sarah enjoys partnering with community organizations, philanthropists, and grateful patients and their families, connecting them with causes that are important to their hearts. Silverdale Rotary has supported the Foundation in the past with Duck Bucks.
Operation Duck Drop - On January 21, Rotarians Erin Shannon and I, on behalf of our Duck Race Sponsor employer 1st Security Bank, had the privilege of honoring the first grantee, Myra Battin from the Bremerton Backpack Brigade with the a $1,000 Duck Drop grant. 
It gives me such great pride to pack these weekend backpacks for the kids in need in the Bremerton School District. Even during COVID, Myra (pictured) has managed to keep the weekly food bags coming to these kids while keeping a safe environment for the volunteers. Last week176 families were served with nutritious food for the weekend, that equates to one ton every week costing $2,200! The Backpack Brigade is always looking for volunteers and donations to feed hungry kids.
We discovered that someone had cut a hole in the fence around the iconic Silverdale Christmas tree, and we were concerned about them stealing the wiring. 
The iconic Silverdale Christmas tree is lit up in all its glory once again, towering over our community and visible for miles. Did you know that the star is 8 feet across? Silverdale Rotarians have worked with Silverdale Dandy Lions and dedicated community volunteers every year to maintain the 128 foot tree, which has been lit every holiday season since 1955. 
Silverdale Rotary will not be meeting on Thursday, November 26. 
Our own President Steven Boe was part of a virtual breakout panel session regarding parents and families and Rotary in the June 2020 virtual Rotary International Convention. His 7-minute talk about Kids of Action starts at 25 minutes at the following link 
Margorie Rowland of the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation thanked Silverdale Rotarians on July 30, 2020 for our help in refurbishing and restoring the schooner Fiddler’s Dream at its Brownsville Marina home, in preparation for its life as a sailing educational classroom. In 2018 our club granted $3,000 in Duck Bucks to fund a new steering system, which has now been installed. See photo below.
Editor's Note: It's not as simple as it looks! To read the history of the Silverdale Christmas tree and our Club's involvement starting even before we were chartered in 1955, go to 
Phillips sent 162 bulbs!! We have enough new LED red bulbs to do 2 strings (they sent 42), and enough other colored bulbs to do several other strings. So hopefully we can schedule a work party to get the new bulbs on the tree sometime this fall. 
At our Rotary Zoom meeting on July 9, Chris Benson, Executive Director of Central Kitsap Food Bank in Silverdale since 2014, gave us a virtual update. “We never shut down during COVID-19,” stated Benson, a retired Navy Chief. Following very strict protocols, food bank recipients can still shop in person. Owing to the fact that Costco, Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Sprouts all donate fresh produce, the Food Bank needs a steady stream of volunteers to repackage the items in a timely manner so they don’t go to waste. There are also provisions for high risk clients who can’t come in to shop to receive food.
Incoming President Steven Boe presented Chuck Kraining with the Rotarian of the Year award on June 27 with the following citation (excerpts): Chuck joined the Silverdale Rotary Club in 2011,was Club President 2015-16 and was the 2017 Duck Race chair, leading a very successful Duck Race!
We are honoring Chuck with Rotarian of the Year for his outstanding service this year to our Youth Exchange program and to both this year’s Exchange Student Aron Skultety and former Exchange Student Matej Kunak.
It’s so gratifying for Silverdale Rotary Club to be able to award scholarships to graduating high school seniors, and this year was no exception, although we had to meet via Zoom to do it. That didn’t dampen the spirits of our very deserving awardees on June 11, when we awarded a total of $13,000 to ten very talented and hard working young men and women from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS) and Klahowya Secondary School (KSS). The awardees are:
While COVID-19 required us to cancel our 2020 annual observance at the Memorial, a special wreath adorned the flag area to remember those who have fallen. Special thanks to the Silverdale Safeway floral shop for providing the beautiful wreath at a substantial discount. 
Katy Cornell (pictured), cofounder with her husband Tom of Walk in the Light International (WITLI) in Burkina Faso West Africa, returned to our Club via Zoom and spoke with passion about the accomplishments in the country since she last spoke to us. Founded in 2009 and partnering with village elders, they built and opened a school that this year is celebrating a huge milestone: their first group of graduating 10th graders who started their education with WITLI. 
For example, Bernadette Diasso (pictured on left) used a microloan to purchase a sewing machine and take design and sewing lessons. She now runs a thriving tailoring business. 
Rep. Kilmer summarized what he and congressional colleagues have been teleconferencing about regarding COVID-19: extension of the CARES Act, (Pay Protection Act, expanded SBA), test kits and supplies, hospitals, nonprofits, PPE, Defense Production Act, and more.
In Silverdale Rotary’s first ever virtual new member induction, Membership Chair Jason Wright inducted Dr. Erin Prince as our newest member. Dr. Prince is Superintendent of Central Kitsap School District, continuing a longtime tradition of CKSD Superintendents being members of our Club. Erin’s Sponsor is President Christie. All together we virtually clapped and declared, “Welcome to our Rotary Family, Erin!”
Silverdale Lutheran Church is now a “Scholastic Literacy Partner” with Scholastic Books 
Eleven Bleeding Control Stations will be installed throughout the district in high traffic areas, including a polycarbonate clear wall case and individual bleeding control kits. The “Stop the Bleed” kits are useful for any trauma. For example, in 2018 a grade-school girl in Georgia who severed an artery in a playground accident, was saved by the school nurse who had just trained and was provided the kit just 24 hours prior to the accident.
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Night to Shine is a prom for people ages 14 and older who have special needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by newlife. Every guest of Night to Shine enters their prom on a red carpet complete with welcoming friendly paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive VIP treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room and dancing! The highlight of the night comes when every Night to Shine guest is crowned as a king or queen of the prom. 
Celebration for Jack Jensen at February 2 Rotary Club Meeting
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Community Service Chair Mary Hoover, awarded $779.01 in Duck Bucks to support a literacy project at Pinecrest Elementary in East Bremerton. Our Duck Bucks will buy every child in the school a book to read over spring break, and will add 20 Wonder Books to the reading groups’ library for 4th and 5th graders. Amy Horan (pictured), Pinecrest’s Reading Specialist, shared that kids still love to read, even in this tech age, and she thanked our club members for keeping literacy in the forefront for our local students.
It is with sadness that I share with you the news of our beloved friend, mentor and brother Jack Jensen....jpg)
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Thursday November 28, 2019, from the Turkey Trot website 
Did you know our Rotary Club receives dozens of emails through our website every year? As the "gate-keeper" of incoming emails, I received one that asked "Can I borrow one of your inflatable ducks?" So, I asked "Why?" Here’s the back story:
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November 14 was a very special day at Rotary where we celebrated Veterans Day and the Veterans in our Rotary Club! Our speaker was Commander (Ret) Jack James, a former SEAL and Explosive Ordnance expert. He reminded us that Veterans Day is a celebration of triumph over adversity, of men and women who at one time “signed a blank check, up to and including the ultimate sacrifice” when they entered service to their country.
Silverdale Rotarians were honored to host District 5020 Governor (DG) Mo Fritz-Roberts and her husband Dale Roberts on November 7. DG Mo’s dynamic presentation was an inspiration, and a call to action, for all of us. Her topic was “Joy:” the joy of a single mother and other women in Ethiopia who can now support their children, the joy of collaboration to make things happen, the joy of celebrating with Rotarians from the world over at Conferences and International Conventions, and the joy of enabling The Rotary Foundation to do good in the world..jpg)
Giving life saving polio vaccine drops on three National Immunization Days to help rid the world of polio
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There are three countries where polio is still endemic: Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. For more about the polio campaign, go to 
Note: to see Peggy Templeton’s entire dynamite presentation, go to 
Working with a nonprofit called Great Shape!, Inc. (“Humanitarians in Action since 1988,” 
Peggy also sampled local Jamaican street and restaurant food proudly cooked by the locals. How was it? “HOT! Because of the ubiquitous Scotch Bonnet chilis, one of the hottest culinary chilis around!”
Earlier Cody Clark (pictured) had described what Coffee Oasis is in a nutshell: “We provide Hope.” Their stated mission at .jpeg)
It’s bad enough to be a child in a hospital, but a lot worse to be a child in a hospital at Christmas. Enter then 7-year-old (in 2016) Zachary Darner, whose baby brother spent Christmas in the hospital. He said, “I really want to give kids something that will make them feel good at the hospital.” What is that? Toys, of course! .jpg)
It’s bad enough to be a child in a hospital, but to be a child in a hospital at Christmas? Enter then 7-year-old (in 2016) Zachary Darner, whose baby brother spent Christmas in the hospital. He said, “I really want to give kids something that will make them feel good at the hospital.” What is that? Toys, of course! 
Silverdale Rotary has been helping Zachary bring smiles to hospitalized children at Christmas since 2017, and on October 24, Rotarian Kim Peterson (pictured with Zachary) presented $500 in Duck Bucks and a bag of toys to Zachary for the 2019 Christmas campaign. Thanks to the generous sponsors of our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, and the people far and wide who purchase Duck Tickets, we are able to support Kidzz Helping Kidzz year after year! To see a video of the 2018 Christmas deliveries to the hospitals, click on 
“Pride – Duty – Integrity – Honor.” Those are the core covenants you will see emblazoned everywhere in Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR). But, to Rotarian and CKFR Fire Chief John Oliver, these core values were instilled in him since childhood by his father (WWII veteran and career longshoreman) and his mother and her logger family. During his 35 years of fire service, they have served him well. 
Silverdale Rotarians were happy to welcome back one of the members of the Washington Explorer Search and Rescue (WESAR) - Kitsap Unit to accept a check for $3,318 for the purchase of technical rescue equipment to aid in moving injured rescuees up and down steep slopes. Pictured is Sean Carhart accepting the check from Rotarian Mary Hoover. Sean reminded us that WESAR is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that depends entirely on donations.
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“We have had a rich volunteer-powered tradition since 1945, and we are staying relevant and needed in our community today,” informed Bonnie. Past President, Kim Peterson, was honored to award the check to Bonnie and to encourage our members to visit the library and support its many community events. Learn the latest library news at 
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Rotarian David Jordan (pictured) shared briefly about his and his wife’s upcoming trip to Uganda in partnership with Children of the Nations (COTN .jpg)
Rotarian Jim Barker with Children of the Nations (COTN) introduced James Okalo (pictured), the COTN Country Director for Uganda, who spoke about the impact that Rotary has had there. James has served with COTN for 13 years. He shared that they are so grateful for the lifeline that our own Silverdale Rotary Club threw to Northern Uganda several years ago. This has provided them hope. They are able to offer the people in their area access to their campus programs. This intervention promotes change, creates jobs rather than job seekers, and ultimately democracy.
Rotary KIDS of ACTION! Join us this Thursday, Aug. 8th at 11:30am when we spring into action to pack 120 bags with school supplies for an orphanage in Uganda. 
Our Duck Race was held on July 28, 2019 at Whaling Days!
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Waddles has been returned and is back to work! One hole was discovered and the exterior of the duck was a little dirty, but otherwise Waddles is in good condition and was delivered to his new (temporary) home at the Casino.
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Congratulations to President Elect Steve Boe, as Rick awarded him a President's Citation! Thank you, Steve, for all that you do.
There will be no regular Rotary Meeting on Thursday, July 4.