Silverdale Rotary has been supporting Days for Girls for several years with funds and volunteer hours, helping countless girls in Africa to remain in school all month long.
On May 16, President Kim Peterson held a President’s Project work party to cut PolyUrethane Laminate (PUL) yardage into the components that are sewn into liners for Days for Girls hygiene kits (see April 29 article a few paragraphs below).
Pictured below are the pieces that are carefully sewn together into a liner. The waterproof PUL layer is white, and is hidden in the finished liner.
The following photo is of two sewn liners. The addition of snaps on the "wings" jfor folding completes them.
Rick Soper, Nancy Whitaker, Chuck Kraining, Exchange Student Ata, and Ed Ahrens were amazing at the PolyUrethane Laminate (PUL) work party. Using a manual die cut machine, they cut out approximately 200 regular and 120 heavy flow liners. They also cut 200 yards (two football fields!) of 55” wide PUL to the proper length to minimize scraps and maximize the yield of liners.
Pictured above: Chuck Kraining and Ed Ahrens, the die cut machine, and bins of cut PUL to be sewn into liners
Pictured above: Ata holding a part of the die cut machine
The PUL also comes in bright colors (turquoise in photo above). The die cut can do two layers (sometimes three) at a time. The regular die cut allows two smaller liner patterns (times two layers = four) at a time, or only one pattern on the die cut, yielding two larger heavy flow liners per cut.
Editor's Note: At the weekly Rotary meeting on May 17, Kim distributed “O-FISH-ally awesome” awards to Nancy, Rick, Ed, Chuck and Ata for assisting with her President’s project.
Below is the story published on April 29, 2018.
We received a thank you note we from the Poulsbo Chapter of Days for Girls - here is the full text: "Thank you for your continued support with time and funds which help us reach our goals of education, health, and dignity for girls around the world. Your generous donation of PUL will allow us to make 4,000 shields, which is enough for 2,000 kits! Imagine the smiles on faces as those kits get handed out! So much appreciated, (signed) Shirley Wilder, Poulsbo Chapter Director"
From President Kim: For my recent President’s project, I chose to purchase 250 yards (5 rolls) of 55" wide PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) waterproof fabric that is needed to make hygiene kits for girls.
I am planning a “working” evening meeting where club members will be able to cut the PUL (both measured pieces and on the die cut machine). We are hoping to cut 1,000 shields. Imagine the difference we will be able to make!
Silverdale is home to one of a dozen donor centers for Bloodworks Northwest (formerly Puget Sound Blood Center). Meg Hall (pictured), new Silverdale Rotarian and Donor Resources Representative for the organization, began her compelling presentation on May 17 with “Someone you know will need blood in his or her lifetime.”
Obviously proud of the life-saving work accomplished by the non-profit, Meg shared stunning statistics with us, including that while 38% of the population is eligible to donate, less than 10% actually does.
More than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska rely on Bloodworks Northwest for blood supply, lab services and transfusion expertise every day. Regulated by the FDA and largely volunteer staffed, Bloodworks needs the community to understand and support its mission that is coined as “Bettering our community, drop by drop.” Meg quantified those drops, explaining that the average transfusion takes ten units of blood, and that 800 units will be needed for a four-day emergency.
Blood and platelets go to new mothers with traumatic bleeding, cancer patients, accident victims, surgery patients, and many other children and adults experiencing bleeding emergencies. It seems impossible to overestimate the need for blood when put in these terms.
The call to action is clear. Community members need to counteract the nationwide decline in blood donation by routinely giving just 45 minutes for a blood draw or two hours for platelets. “Donate regularly if you can, encourage others to donate, and use your connections to schedule blood drives,” Meg urged.
To learn who is qualified to donate blood and platelets, how to organize a blood drive, and other important information, click on https://bloodworksnw.org/ today.
Duck Bucks at Work! We received the following thank you letter from The Coffee Oasis with a touching story about one of their success stories. Details about the Duck Buck award follow the letter.
Dave Frederick (pictured on right with President Kim Peterson), Executive Director of The Coffee Oasis, gratefully accepted a Ducks Bucks grant for $2,000 to fund the purchase of an industrial coffee grinder for the organization’s new mobile unit.
The logo-wrapped van is fully equipped to teach job skills to at-risk youth while vending gourmet coffee to happy customers all over Kitsap County. For more information about their mission "Changing the World for Homeless Youth," see their website at https://thecoffeeoasis.com/ .
2017 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds at work in the community!
"Through holistic care Scarlet Road offers the hope of freedom to those who have been sexually exploited." http://scarletroad.org/
Every year the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, with the huge help of sponsors and and the ticket buying public, raises funds; and then we award Duck Buck grants to worthy nonprofit organizations that help people in our community.
Scarlet Road is one such nonprofit. On May 10, Rosie Ludlow, Executive Director of Scarlet Road, accepted a Duck Buck award of $1,000 to help pay for emergency hotel expenses for victims escaping from sexual exploitation. Duck Race proceeds are making a difference in people's lives!
“Animals are sometimes the most important companion in someone’s life,” opened Eric Stevens, Executive Director of the Kitsap Humane Society (KHS). Formed in 1908, the organization has transformed from primarily a euthanasia facility to a community partner that strives to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more than 7,000 animals annually.
The services offered are comprehensive, from spay & neuter procedures and pet licensing, to the highly acclaimed “Cats in Prison” program.
KHS is in the middle of a 6.5 million dollar capital campaign that will result in a much bigger footprint and a state-of-the-art facility complete with a sophisticated HVAC system, a lower stress dog area with large kennels, new cat condos and more.
Silverdale Rotarian and Haselwood Family YMCA Executive Director, Harold Shea, was honored to receive a check for $1,490 to underwrite YMCA memberships for local foster children.
Pictured left to right: Harold Shea, President Kim Peterson, Steve Burton
The program enriches the lives of more than 198 foster kids annually by giving them access to swim lessons, dance classes, tumbling and mentorship until age 18. Harold told the touching story of a guardian dis-enrolling a little boy from the subsidized YMCA program, as she was in the process of adopting the child and wanted to include him in her paid family membership. Now, that’s paying it forward!
Thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors of the 2017 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race along with the overwhelming support of community members Adopting Ducks, Duck Buck grants like this one are possible.
Duck Bucks Provide YMCA Memberships for Foster Kids
We received a thank you note we from the Poulsbo Chapter of Days for Girls - here is the full text: "Thank you for your continued support with time and funds which help us reach our goals of education, health, and dignity for girls around the world. Your generous donation of PUL will allow us to make 4,000 shields, which is enough for 2,000 kits! Imagine the smiles on faces as those kits get handed out! So much appreciated, (signed) Shirley Wilder, Poulsbo Chapter Director"
From President Kim: For my recent President’s project, I chose to purchase 250 yards (5 rolls) of 55" wide PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) waterproof fabric that is needed to make hygiene kits for girls.
I am planning a “working” evening meeting where club members will be able to cut the PUL (both measured pieces and on the die cut machine). We are hoping to cut 1,000 shields. Imagine the difference we will be able to make!
This video briefly explains the items in a Hygiene Kit.
Below is a photo of a hygiene kit. The two shields filled with liners are in the lower left corner.
Pictured left to right. Front row: LCpl Silvestri, 1st Sgt LaTour, MT1(SS) Varner, MT2(SS) Figeac, BU1Maranho, LS1(SW) Ududua. Back row: MTCS Hassett, CMDCM Morrow, HMC Muckle
Silverdale Rotarians listened with pride during the recognition of five exemplary members of local Navy and Marine Corps commands at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor. We heard a little about them, and each individual was presented with a plaque and a gift card. Congratulations to our outstanding Sailors and Marine!
Naval Operations Support Center (NOSC) Kitsap Sailor of the Quarter/Year BU1 Jeffery Naranjo (pictured on right) was introduced by Command Master Chief Morrow (on left). He was raised in Edmonds and is a Seahawks fan; he joined the Marines in 1987 and served in Desert Storm . After 9/11, he joined the Navy Reserves and is a Seabee. He holds a civilian job as a project manager for PSE.
NOSC Kitsap Sailor of the Quarter LS1(SW) Topaz Ududua (pictured on right) was introduced by Chief Muckle (on left). He emigrated from Nigeria and has fast tracked his way to First Class in 7 years. He works in the supply department and is also the fitness coordinator for his command. He says he goes for "the best looking jersey" when it comes to sports.
Marine of the Quarter Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Lance Corporal Nicholas Silvestri (pictured on right) was introduced by First Sergeant LaTour (on left). He comes from California and is a Dodger fan.
Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC) Sailor of the Quarter MT1(SS) David Varner (pictured on left) was introduced by Senior Chief Sean Hassett (center). David is responsible for maintaining TRIDENT II missiles and provides oversite for his production building. He's been in the Navy 13.5 years.
SWFPAC Junior Sailor of the Quarter MT2(SS) Kyle R Figeac (pictured on right above) was also introduced by Senior Chief Sean Hassett. He comes from Sacramento, CA and is an Oakland Raiders fan. He is a crane and rigging expert, the command fitness coordinator and is working on finishing his BA in mechanical engineering and technology.
Rotarians Recognize Sailors and Marine of the Quarter/Year
Rotarian Ron Templeton introduced Students of the Month from for the period January-June. Each student in attendance told a little about themselves. Congratulations to our future leaders!
Central Kitsap High School
Brandon Rodriguez (not present)
Raichel Portis (not present)
Collin Smith (not present)
Molly Fischer – Molly enjoys running and is the ASB Treasurer. She plans to go on a mission with her church and to attend Utah State for an International Business Management degree.
Teagan Taafe - Teagan is the lead in school plays, has a leadership in his role with the year book, and he wants to teach 1st to 3rd graders.
Grace Chung - Grace contributes to the CK community, one example is the fund raiser that she coordinated as ASB President. They collected over $400 to help Hurricane victims. She helps Stand Up for Kids and will be attending UW in the fall.
Klahowya Secondary School
Robert Clifton (not present)
Sarah Slane - In 7th grade her teacher put her as the sound engineer for their plays, and now she has overcome her fear of public speaking. She has been the secretary of ASB for 2 years, volunteers at the Humane Society and wants to join the Air Force for 4 years.
Desiree Watts - Desiree learns from mistakes, pays it forward, and enjoys helping others. She works with the Central Kitsap Foodbank and is going to OC this fall. She wants to transfer to Oklahoma Christian University and go on to work with terminally ill.
Karli Eberhard – Karli is committed to our community. She is going to start at OC then transfer to UW to be a mechanical engineer. She wants to work in the engineering department at PSNS. She plays basketball and fast pitch softball. Karli has worked with SWAT (Students with a Testimony) at her church for the last 3 years.
What’s been going on at the Kitsap Mall lately? Plenty!
Silverdale Rotarian and General Manager of the Mall, Erin Leedham (pictured on left), proudly showcased the mall’s recent transformation. “I work in an amazing place, with the best team and caring customers,” Erin shared.
Owned by Starwood Retail Partners, the Kitsap Mall is being reinvented to meet the changing needs of shoppers and the community.
Since 2013, the shopping complex has grown to include seven new restaurants including Buffalo Wild Wings, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Moctezuma’s and (this writer’s favorite) World of Beer. The food-court style eateries such as Orange Julius, Subway and Baskin Robbins have been remodeled or relocated.
Big-name retailers are now in Silverdale instead of a drive over the bridge. From Dick’s Sporting Goods to fashion bargains at H&M, there is something to catch everyone’s eye. Erin summarized the expansion with, “At one point, we had 14 general contractors working on 15 different projects at the same time. People pardoned our dust and noise, and it was well worth it.”
Walk, wheel or push children through the mall, and it is clear that adding new stores was only part of the project. The mall is now more accessible to all with a family/single-use restroom, upgraded interior seating, and a beautifully landscaped pocket park on the west side of Dick’s that hosts art walks, Chamber of Commerce events, performances and more.
Love the new salmon sculptures and Northwest décor in the core of the mall? Thank our own resident glass artist, Lisa Stirrett!
Anyone who has met Erin knows that she is all about embracing and building community. Adopting Starwood Retail’s award-winning Live 360° retail experience, Erin is harnessing the minds of hundreds of local community leaders to create a comprehensive schedule of events that meet organizations’ needs and develop relationships.
The April 18 round table will take the idea to the next level; but, the Mall is already hosting flu shot clinics, yoga classes, STEM events, art exhibitions, a lending library and Silverdale Rotary hands-on projects.
Face-to-face shopping still accounts for approximately 91% of total sales. Savvy retailers know that bridging their businesses with e-commerce and finding creative ways to maximize space utilization make sense.The Kitsap Mall, with Erin Leedham’s forward-thinking leadership, is remaining relevant and vital to Silverdale and the surrounding area.
Thanks to Rotarians and videographers Rick Soper and Steven Boe who produced this video.
On March 22, an army of Silverdale Rotarians and volunteers tackled one of societies great needs: hunger. The energized group put together 311 bags of food and toiletries for children in the local area who may not have a meal over the upcoming spring break. With Rotarian Christie Scheffer at the helm, everyone quickly and decisively filled the bags, loaded 18 vehicles, and drivers delivered the bags to 19 CKSD schools.
Thanks to our partners Fred Meyer, Clear Creek Dentistry, and Best Western Plus for donating bags, toothbrushes, and toiletries, respectively. Special thanks goes to the Kitsap Mall, for providing the staging space, and the Mall’s security team members who spent several hours helping put food out, breaking down boxes, and offering any kind of help needed with positive attitudes and smiles!
And thanks to sponsors, runners, and walkers at the the 2017 Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot, as the proceeds funded this project.
Editor's note: Thank you to Past President Cindy Holmes (who began our Club's involvement with Walk in the Light International - WITLI), Cathy Bisaillon, Past President Ed Hamilton, and Barbara Beagle for contributing to this story.
Silverdale Rotary has been supporting Walk in the Light International (WITLI http://www.witli.com/) for over two years with grants from the Club and individual Rotarians sponsoring children and micro-loans.
On Thursday, March 15, we were treated to a visit from our partners from Walk in the Light International (WITLI). Katy (pictured above on left) is WITLI co-founder with her husband Thomas. Pictured above right is Adama Ouedraogo, the Burkina Faso In-Country WITLI Director, who shared one of the most touching, powerful, and personal stories that we have heard in recent memory.
They shared about the changes in the lives of children and adults in Burkina Faso since we have become involved, and it took our collective breath away. We learned astounding facts, like that children can now attend school past the elementary level, and that they no longer have to skip an entire day of eating for the opportunity to learn with their peers.
People of all ages with infections and diseases are now treated without delay in the new Rotary health center, substantially lowering the infant mortality rate and eliminating the need to split up families to seek medical care hundreds of miles away.
The most touching moment of the day was learning first-hand from Adama Ouedraogo that Rotarian-sponsored micro-loans have empowered women to start their own businesses and finally halt the cycle of poverty and oppression.
Adama stopped in mid-sentence and asked if Rotarian Barbara Beagle was in the room, as he wanted to personally thank her for funding a microloan for his wife Bernadette Diasso's business. “My clothes,” he whispered as he stopped to model his exquisite shirt and trousers, “were made by Bernadette using skills and equipment that she would not have without Barbara’s love and support.”
Background: All the clothes in the photos in this story were designed and tailored by Bernadette, pictured on left with Adama. She started with the 2-year microloan in 2016, and the first thing she learned was drafting a pattern, then tailoring to fit a specific person. Bernadette acquired a sewing machine and practiced her newly learned skills with beautiful African fabrics. And you can see the results in these photos.
In the summer of 2017 she took a break to have their precious daughter and make baby clothes. Then she started with the second year of classes.
Barbara (a lifelong seamstress who was drawn to Bernadette by her passion to learn to tailor) connects and gets updates from Bernadette via Facebook Messenger, in French!
We believe that that Adama could have larger financial opportunities elsewhere, but his heart is with the schools in the villages in Burkina Faso, and changing students' lives by education. We are so grateful that the tailoring skills that Bernadette has acquired will help their family be able to continue the amazing work of Walk in the Light International.
Changing People's Lives in Burkina Faso West Africa
Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining on Mar 15, 2018
When we deliver dictionaries to the third graders, I always make a joke about them working when the power goes out, and the Internet is down. Apparently Kaylee was listening to me. Good question Kaylee!
President Nominee (and Emergency Preparedness Trainer) Christie Scheffer was back by popular demand to give a follow on presentation to her original 2017 eye opening, thought provoking presentation.
The focus was that there are many things we can/should do to be prepared for an emergency. Red Cross/PSE/Safe in the Sound Disaster Preparedness Calendar fliers were distributed. The 3-month check list which can be located at https://pse.com/safety/GetPrepared/Documents/DisasterPreparednessCalendar.pdf is designed to build a fourteen day supply kit for one person. Adjust quantities based on the number of people in your household.
Thanks, Christie for increasing our awareness!
Disaster Preparedness - BUILD A KIT • MAKE A PLAN • BE INFORMED
This is the 10th year of distributing 3rd Grade Dictionaries!
On March 2, Silverdale Rotarians finished delivering 450 3rd Grade Dictionaries to the last two of our assigned six elementary schools in the CKSD: Cougar Valley and Silver Ridge. Pictured below on left is our Rotary Youth Exchange Student Ata Celik from Turkey and Rotarian Ed Ahrens in the background distributing the books at Cougar Valley Elementary.
Each book has a label on the inside cover where they write their names (because it's their very own book!), and it states that the dictionaries are from East Bremerton and Silverdale Rotary Clubs.
Pictured below center is Rotarian Chuck Kraining explaining about Rotary (with Rotarian Frank Guthrie looking on), and how we raise the funds for Dictionaries - the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
Students are also introduced to the Rotary Four Way Test on the label - see below. "Does anyone know what 'Beneficial' means? Let's look it up!"
Thanks to East Bremerton Rotary for coordinating the overall project to deliver dictionaries to all 12 elementary schools in Central Kitsap School District. That's a total of around 900 hard cover books! Thanks to United Moving and Storage in East Bremerton for providing the staging area for all the books. And thanks to our own Rotarian Chuck Kraining who coordinated with all the schools and organized the Rotarians doing the deliveries. This is one of our most fun projects!
Community Service Chair, Steve Burton (on right), was proud to introduce us to Jonathon Thomas (on left), better known as "Capt. JT," at our March 1 meeting.As Board Chair of the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation, the captain is passionate about the organization’s mission – to help people of all ages and abilities have a hands-on nautical experience.
“Fiddlers Dream is an education boat, a floating classroom,” he shared. Rebuilding the steering mechanism of the schooner is one of the most expensive components of the current renovation project. The Silverdale Rotary Club awarded $3,000 to the foundation which will be matched with other donor funds to get Fiddlers Dream’s steering system back on track.
On February 23, Silverdale Rotarians delivered hard cover American Heritage Dictionaries to Green Mountain Elementary School 3rd graders, the fourth of our six Elementary Schools in Central Kitsap School District (CKSD). We are working in partnership with East Bremerton Rotary who is delivering to the other six elementary schools in CKSD.
This is one of the most fun uses of the proceeds from the 2017 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race. The enthusiasm and gratitude of the students, teachers, and staff are so infectious! We have two schools left: Cougar Valley and Silver Ridge Elementary Schools on March 2.
Pictured above and below are one 3rd Grade classroom at Green Mountain. The photographer asked them to smile on DUCK DUCK and make a face on GOOSE!
Duck Duck GOOSE! Rotarians love to have fun while "Doing Good in the World!"
3rd Grade Dictionaries Delivered to Green Mountain Elementary School
Our program today was Debora Lascelles (pictured on right) and husband Jake Ortega (pictured below), independent filmmakers doing a film highlighting Kitsap’s very own Coffee Oasis. The film is titled Coffee for Hope. They started video development in January of 2017, and are currently in the middle of production. The film will focus on the homeless youth and all that The Coffee Oasis offers them in our communities.
They plan to have the film completed by January 2019, and to market and distribute it in June 2019! Their distribution plan includes, but is not limited to: worldwide film festivals, online streaming like Hulu, Netflix, etc, televised (PBS, local stations), and digital downloads. This is a great way to bring to light the issue of homelessness within our youth, as well as highlight the Coffee Oasis!
Debora and Jake are currently fundraising as they film, with a budget of $150,000. Their fundraising includes grants, business sponsorship, and grassroots fundraising to name a few. If you’d like to learn more about the film, or how you can help in their fundraising efforts, visit their website at www.coffeeforhopefilm.com.
Editor's note: Silverdale Rotary has supported The Coffee Oasis with several grants, all made possible by generous support of sponsors and the community who have purchased tickets for the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
The Rotary Moment was brought to us by Christie Scheffer; she spoke on The Rotary Foundation (TRF), focusing on ‘Promoting Peace.’ Christie shared that over $142 Million has been raised by Rotary to support peace! Wow! Below is the flyer available at the meeting.
Rotary Moment - TRF Quest for World Understanding and Peace
We received a Thank You note from Duck Bucks recipient Kitsap Project Connect. We granted them $1,000 in Duck Bucks to help provide resource fairs on Jan 23-25 at three different locations. These events brought together community agencies to provide information and services for those who are at risk of homelessness or are homeless. It also provided an opportunity to start the mandated Point In Time Count of homeless.
Kitsap Project Connect is part of the Kitsap Continuum of Care Coalition, a coalition of non-profit organizations, which serve homeless/vulnerable persons.
Rotarians welcomed Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School and Crosspoint Academy at our regular luncheon meeting to recognize them for their academic achievements, as well as their leadership capabilities and community service.
Pictured below are left to right - CKHS: Brandon Ellis, Lauren, and Rachel Portis (not pictured Brandon Rodriguez); and Crosspoint Academy: Tes Baldwin and McKenzie Brada.
The students received a plaque and letter from our Club. Congratulations to our future leaders!
On February 3, a contingent of Silverdale Rotarians attended a very successful Poulsbo Rotary Club Fund Raiser at My Girl in Kingston. The beneficiaries are three non-profits serving South Africa: Side by Side, Days for Girls South Africa, and Game-Changer for Girls. (See related article below this one. )
Our contingent carried donations from our Club and individual Rotarians. We are delighted to report that the total funds raised exceeded $50,000!
This is not the first time that Silverdale Rotary has supported Days for Girls, as we have awarded several sizable Duck Buck Grants to the Poulsbo Chapter of Days for Girls, who has been partnering with Side by Side South Africa to distribute hygiene kits and provide hygiene training in South Africa.
Rotarians know how to have fun while doing serious fund raising business! The event was a lot of fun, with a 50's theme. Pictured here are Silverdale Rotarians Elayne and Steve Burton in their best 50s costumes!
Silverdale Rotary Supports Poulsbo Rotary Fund Raiser
We were fortunate to have Poulsbo Rotary Club’s Past President and International Service Chair, Brenda Wall, on hand on February 1 to enlighten us about the meaningful work that is being done by Side by Side South Africa. As a current Board Member of the organization, Brenda is passionate about the nonprofit’s mission, which is to come alongside South African community champions in partnership to provide critical services such as food, early childhood education and humanitarian aid for people in need. While outcomes include meal distribution, clean water provision, establishment of vegetable gardens and job training programs, Brenda focused on the work that is being done in partnership with Days for Girls. https://www.daysforgirls.org/
“Imagine the impact of missing sixty days of education and social interaction each year,” Brenda opened. This is the reality for many young women in South Africa, as they lack the health education and supplies needed to manage their menstrual cycles outside the home. The result is a cycle of poverty, ill-health and vulnerability that keep the local communities from thriving.
Game-Changer for Girls, the project that unites Side by Side volunteers and resources with Days for Girls efforts, empowered 1,677 young ladies in South Africa in 2017, and will reach more than 3,500 in 2018. By teaching the girls about human development and how to protect themselves, and then providing them with reusable feminine hygiene kits, they go from the shadows to the classroom and beyond. “I have seen these young ladies beam with pride and a sense of new hope,” Brenda shared. The project is now taking the next steps to empowering the South African residents by developing two micro enterprises that teach the ladies to sew the kits themselves and sell them to support their own growing businesses.
Transforming young ladies into strong, independent women who can affect change in their countries is an infectious mission. Volunteers and funds are needed, and it is easy to get involved since both the Silverdale and Poulsbo Rotary clubs have embraced the mission. More information can be found at http://www.sidebysidesouthafrica.org/.
Speaker - South Africa - Side by Side, Days for Girls and Game-Changer for Girls
Thanks go out to Debi Brooks-Givens for sharing a Rotary Moment on her birthday and on her first meeting following a long vacation. Debi first met Rotarians in 2003, but it took several years before she understood the comaraderie, shared purpose and meaningful service that is associated with the Club. Her recent cruise to the Grand Cayman Islands brought an opportunity for her to educate others on the great work that Rotary does locally and around the world.
She became known as the “Lady with the Duck Hat,” and she frequently shared about polio eradication and clean water projects. While on a bus tour in one of the ports, Debi’s teachings were validated as the vehicle rounded a corner and the group saw community garbage cans with large Rotary wheel logos. “See,” she told her bus mates, “Rotary is Everywhere!”
Philosopher George Santayana is famous for stating, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”
While this is only an opinion, this thought was forefront in my mind as Pete Metzelaar, a Holocaust survivor (pictured below), brought his harrowing memories to life.
Growing up in Amsterdam, Holland, during World War 2, Pete was only six years old when Nazi soldiers invaded his community and began harassing Jewish citizens. The efforts intensified, and in 1942 his father and other family members were seized, never to be seen again. Elli, Pete’s mother, protected him, and through the Dutch Underground, they were connected with a couple who sheltered them in a farmhouse which had no inside plumbing or electricity. “Klaas and Roelfina Post risked their lives to save us, nurturing us and taking extraordinary measures to keep us hidden,” Pete shared emotionally. He described the floorboards that Klaas cut through to devise a hiding place in the crawl space, and later the primitive 3x3x6 cellar that Klaas and Pete dug in the woods.
Taking on a hostile demeanor and speaking German, Pete loudly quoted the Nazi soldiers that barged through the Post’s home with their bayonets as Elli and Pete huddled in the dark, dank enclosures. “I was a little boy,” Pete kept reminding us. “I knew that 24/7 someone wanted to kill me, and my mind played tricks to try to make sense of the senseless.”
Although stuck inside at all times except to use the outhouse, Pete and his mother felt that they were on the battlefield. Allies ran B17 Bombers from England numbering up to 800 at a time. The planes buzzed over the farmhouse, shaking the structure with deafening reverberations.
In 1945, The Metzalaar’s knew that they could not continue to put Klaas and Roelfina at risk, and they were connected to two women in The Hague who housed them in an apartment. While it was shelter, it was vastly different from living with the Post family. The women ignored Pete and forced Elli to do all of the labor-intensive chores. Food was not readily shared, and hunger became a daily reality.
After hearing that the women were preparing to expose her and her son, Elli fashioned a nurse’s uniform and took Pete through the snow to the edge of the highway. “I kept saying, ‘Mom, we will be killed, this is crazy!’ and she kept saying, ‘Don’t talk, Peter'.” Elli miraculously convinced Nazi soldiers that she was returning the boy to an orphanage, and the soldiers trucked them to Amsterdam. Free at last!
Pete went on to talk about finding shrapnel and live munitions; his eventual visit to the farmhouse six years after Klaas and Roelfina’s death; and the viral propaganda that perpetuated the inhumane acts. He was drained after reliving his tale, and we were all shell-shocked from hearing it. As he turned off the projector and tried to smile, he left us with, “We do not have to love our neighbors, just tolerate them. Value independent thought, and know that change begins with you.”
Christie Scheffer shared that RI President-Elect (RIPE) Barry Rassin laid out his vision for the future of the organization on January 15, calling on leaders to work for a sustainable future and to inspire Rotarians and the community at large.
Rassin unveiled the 2018-19 presidential theme, Be the Inspiration. Rassin stressed the power of Rotary’s new vision statement, “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” This describes the Rotary that leaders must help build, he said.
To achieve this vision, the president-elect said, Rotarians must take care of the organization: “We are a membership organization first. And if we want to be able to serve, if we want to succeed in our goals — we have to take care of our members first.
He emphasized that we are all leaders, and therefore, have the responsibility and privilege of inspiring those around us to make positive changes in our communities. Leadership is displayed in many ways, and quick reminders include: focusing on relationships and building those relationships into networks of support; leaving our ego behind for the sake of achieving group goals; speaking up when we feel that a point needs to be made yet always looking for where we stand together; and always taking something away from each situation that makes us a better person.
Rotary Moment - RIPE Barry Rassin Shares Vision for 2018-2019
Silverdale Rotarian/Fire Chief Scott Weninger emceed as Rotarians proudly hosted three outstanding Sailors of the Quarter and one Marine of the Quarter at the January 18 Rotary luncheon meeting. The honored four were accompanied by their immediate superiors, who described their many amazing accomplishments, as well as other Senior enlisted personnel. All are assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion or Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. The Honorees were each presented a plaque and a gift card.
Pictured above left to right: SSgt Aaron Cornish (Platoon Sergeant), Rotarian Scott Weninger, MCSFBN Marine of the Quarter Cpl Daniel Molina, Silverdale Rotary President Kim Peterson
Pictured above left to right: Scott Weninger, Marine Corp Junior Sailor of the Quarter MA2 Neno Coelho, President Kim Peterson, Senior Chief Scott
Pictured above left to right: Chief Sullivan, Scott Weninger, SWFPAC Sailor of the Quarter MT1(SS) Anthony D. Hibbard, President Kim Peterson
Pictured above left to right: Chief Sullivan, Scott Weninger, SWFPAC Junior Sailor of the Quarter
MT2(SS) Michael R. Burke, President Kim Peterson
Group Shot below: also attending were SWFPAC Command Master Chief Jared Hofer and Senior Chief Sean Hassett
Thank you all for your service!
Sailors and Marine Recognized for Outstanding Performance
Learning to get along and accept all people that cross their path?
Trying out for a sports team?
What I found is you never stop watching them struggle, but as they become adults and they learn the skill of communication, you understand better why they struggle.
My oldest son (already 29 years old) has been struggling. From the sidelines my family is always watching (Paul, Serah and Silas). He set a goal...not a family goal, not a financial goal, not a professional goal (he’s a dean of students at a “tough” middle school in the Kent School district). The goal he set was to be one of the strongest men in the world. Seriously, look at me! Do these genetics reflect strong anything? (This is where you should be nice to me!).
He has worked (and I mean worked) very hard to attain this goal. 3 to 4 hours in the gym 5 to 6 Days a week. Food is monitored and calculated based on the workout program. Always, always reaching for the goal. If you have not attended a strong man competition it is definitely something you should put on your bucket list. It is not just about physical strength but endurance, mental, grit and determination. This kid has it and wants that goal.
A few months ago while working out at “Dungeon Fitness” in Bremerton, Saul experienced an injury. While lifting some ridiculous amount of weight he described the incident as: "I saw a person in my peripheral vision, and I thought they kicked my knee out while I had the weights extended above my head. My knee gave out and there was a serious pain." The diagnosis: lots of damage to his knee. Brace it, don’t walk on it, don’t go to the gym, rest it, schedule surgery.
Surgery happened and instructions were similar. Taking the gym out of his life was not an option. Saul continued to go to the gym to work on his upper body while allowing the knee to heal. This is tough for someone that has a goal to be the strongest man.
In comes Mom….because I see him struggling. Just step away from the gym and give your knee time to heal. Solid Mom advice, right? The response I received was from a grown man, not my child. “I have a hole right here (pointing to his heart). To fill that hole I work out. It’s what I do.” This really made me step back and think about the hole.
I think we all have that hole. I think we all try to fill it. Some of us do it by:
Success in your work
Success in your bank account
Success in your children
Success in your relationships
Success in home ownership
This made me look at my hole. Do I have a hole? How do I fill my hole? What did I discover? I fill my hole by volunteering. It’s like a drug and it is what makes me feel WHOLE. If someone asked me to stop volunteering how would I fill my hole?
Editor's Note: Pictured below is Kim at an all day work party on a Saturday, putting together hygiene kits for Days for Girls and Side by Side South Africa.
I would just ask that you take a moment to think about your “Hole” and how you are filling it. As a parent you watch your kid struggle but sometimes you have to accept the struggle so they can fill the hole.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to many sources, including several Silverdale Rotarians and several Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR) personnel, we can tell this amazing story of Preparedness, Serendipity, Professionalism, and Holiday Miracles!
On Monday, January 8th, CKFR presented two Turkey Trot participants with Citizen Life-Saving Awards to thank them for initiating life saving CPR, seconds after a cardiac event.
Background - On the morning of November 23, 2017, Tom Wilkinson and his family took part in Silverdale Rotary’s Annual Turkey Trot at The Kitsap Mall. As the participants started the run, Tom ran by Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue (CKFR) crews who were cheering on participants in the parking lot near Macy’s. Tom called out to the crews with a smile, “If I go down, will you do CPR on me?” Battalion Chief Platz responded, “We’ve got you covered!”
Little did crews know that just 5 minutes later they would be alerted by Turkey Trot ham radio volunteers that someone needed help over by Dick’s Sporting Goods. As firefighters started toward their rig, they were dispatched for CPR in progress. Arriving on scene moments later they found citizens Gretchen Ta and Nathan Sharp performing CPR on Tom; the crews quickly loaded Tom into Medic 51 and continued resuscitation efforts. Within 8 minutes, Tom had a pulse and was off to Harrison Hospital.
After several weeks in the hospital, Tom was released. On December 27, the CKFR crew was invited to an open house at the family’s home to celebrate Tom’s miraculous recovery. See photos below.
Pictured left to right: Michael Smith, Firefighter-EMT; Billy George, Apparatus Operator-Firefighter-EMT; Tom Wilkinson; Jeffrey Wallis, Paramedic; Greg Platz, Battalion Chief
Pictured left to right: Tom and Lil's daughter and family, Tom and Lil Wilkinson
Later the Wilkinson family hosted a 2nd reception for Gretchen Ta and Nathan Sharp. Now Tom and his wife Lil, are back in their Arizona home.
CKFR presented the Citizen’s Life Saving Award to Gretchen Ta and Nathan Sharp at the Board of Commissioner’s meeting on January 8, with five of Tom Wilkinson’s family members attending, as Tom and Lil had already left for Arizona. See photo below.
Pictured left to right: Paramedic Jeff Wallis, BC Greg Platz, Gretchen Ta, Lieutenant Kevin Bernt, Paramedic Lead; 3 Wilkinson family members, Nathan Sharp, 2 Wilkinson family members
Pictured: Lt Kevin Bernt and Fire Chief Scott Weninger presenting Citizen Life-Saving awards to Gretchen Ta and Nathan Sharp
Battalion Chief Platz was emphatic that this was one of those situations where every second matters during a cardiac event, and Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue greatly appreciates the immediate actions of the fellow race participants who began CPR.
Silverdale Rotary is also very grateful for the CKFR professionals and volunteers that all came together in seconds to create this Holiday Miracle!
Miracle Life Saving at Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot!
We love to hear from our Duck Bucks recipients, telling us about the impact of our Duck Buck grants. Thanks to the generosity of our 2017 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race sponsors and the public who adopt Ducks, the grants and Thank You notes below were all made possible!
"Beneficial to All Concerned - Stories of Gratefulness and Blessing Others" - that was the topic at Silverdale Rotary Club's last meeting of 2017 on December 28. Past President Ed Hamilton (on left below of the partial group) led the group who shared heartfelt stories.
But not everything was that serious, then Ed passed out a document for everyone to fill out and share - see below.
Silverdale Rotary Meeting in December 28, 2017
HELLO! My name is:
Part 1: Five Predictions for 2018:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Part 2 - Over / Under:
Known cases of Polio OVER or UNDER 96 (YTD of 2017 is 106)
Seahawk Wins OVER or UNDER 8.5 (this year: 9 with one game before pre-season)
Marines wins OVER or UNDER 88 (2017 record: 78-84)
Number of days over 90 degrees in Seattle OVER or UNDER 3.5 (this year 2)
Number of Rotary community activities you will do next year: OVER or UNDER 2.9 (you have selected OVER; now, think about how you’ll do that!)
********
Thanks, Ed for a great meeting!
Last Meeting of 2017 - Gratefulness and 2018 Predictions
Having granted $1,000 in 2017 Duck Bucks to the Kitsap Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund (see http://www.kffbf.org/) earlier this year, Silverdale Rotarians helped deliver 120 American-made winter jackets to students at Woodlands Elementary School on December 5.
And what a day it was, as the firefighters opened boxes and boxes of coats (pictured above) and organized them by size. The coats were purchased via Operation Warm, a national nonprofit organization – see https://www.operationwarm.org/ .
Then came the distribution as each child tried on a coat for size (pictured below)
Four Silverdale Rotarians brought along bins of little ducks to hand out, emphasizing the connection between our 2017 Duck Race fund raiser and giveaway of much needed coats. Silverdale Rotary President Kim Peterson remarked, “the kids loved them…almost more than the coats!”
Pictured below: Rotarians President Kim and Steve Slaton getting ready for the kids to come by and choose a duck.
Pictured below: Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Scott Weninger (also a Silverdale Rotarian) helps a boy in his new coat choose his duck.
This is one of our favorite Duck Buck grant partnerships – seeing the faces of children in new coats! Thanks to the Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund, generous Sponsors of our Duck Race, and the community that adopts Ducks, a lot of kids will be warm this winter!
Coats for Kids - Rotary Assists Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund
Rotarians Planting Trees A request by RI President Ian Riseley for 2017-18 is to have each Rotarian plant one tree. Rotarian Mary Hoover ordered a tree for each Silverdale Rotarian to plant from the Audubon Society, and they were distributed at the December 14 meeting. All trees were distributed to members in attendance (some received more than one tree), but they will all be planted!
Pictured - a newly planted NW hardy native White Dogwood tree on Rick Soper's property. No leaves at this time of year - it's about 3 ft tall.
Rotary International President's Tree Challenge - Rotarians Respond
Rotary Club of Silverdale recognized Students of the Month (SOM) at the 14 December 2017 award luncheon. Standing left to right in the photo above are Benjamin Streck, December SOM from Klahowya Secondary School (KSS); Celina Delong, November SOM from KSS; Marissa Hanson, November/December SOM from Crosspoint Academy; Connor Lowe, October SOM from Central Kitsap School High School (CKHS); Christian Hernandez, November SOM from CKHS; Addie Albro, October SOM from CKHS; and Serenity Steward, November SOM from CKHS. Congratulations to all these impressive young men and women!
Students of the Month - Our Future Leaders Recognized
Eight year old, Zachary Darner (pictured below) gives the acceptance speech for Kidzz Helping Kidzz after the Rotary Club of Silverdale presented him and his mother, Beth Friedman-Darner, a Duck Bucks donation of $800 for a storage unit for two months.
NOTE from Chair Christie Scheffer: Only one day left for Bell Ringing left: this Saturday on December 16. Click on Sign Up to see available slots
Bell ringing was fun and successful on December 9. The weather was extremely cold with pea soup fog for shift one; but, we had blue skies, sunshine and mild temps for shifts two and three. The Safeway shoppers were extremely generous, and we had to keep shaking the buckets to make room for all of the money!
Pictured below: Steve Slation
The four princesses saved the day. They were kind, engaging and conscientious. They brought their own bells and props, and they stayed late when asked. They actually thanked me for the opportunity, and they want to do it again next year!
Pictured below: Miss Poulsbo 2017, Caroline Atkins; and Miss Silverdale 2017, Colby Conde
The shoppers reminded me of what a great community we have in Silverdale. They dug deep, including coming back to the kettle a second time after getting change from their cars. I heard a dad say to his little girl, “This is the best part of Christmas time.” A lady struck up a conversation with me, stating that she had attended one of our Club meetings in the past, and she promised to attend again soon and pursue membership!
Another great quote was from a man looking at our sign and opening his wallet, “Rotary and Salvation Army - can’t go wrong with that partnership."
Pictured below: Bob Cassis
In addition to their donations to the kettle, the public asked about mine and the other bell ringers’ warmth. They came out of the store with gifts of hot chocolate and hand warmers. They were truly grateful for our volunteer efforts!
Ringing the Bell at Safeway - Rotarians and Princesses at Work!
NOTE from Chair Christy Scheffer - We will not be ringing on Dec 23rd.
From Coordinator on December 9, Cathy Bisaillon: Bell ringing was fun and successful on December 9. The weather was extremely cold with pea soup fog for shift one; but, we had blue skies, sunshine and mild temps for shifts two and three. The Safeway shoppers were extremely generous, and we had to keep shaking the buckets to make room for all of the money!
Pictured below: Steve Slation
The four Kitsap Princesses saved the day. They were kind, engaging and conscientious. They brought their own bells and props, and they stayed late when asked. They actually thanked me for the opportunity, and they want to do it again next year! See two photos below.
Pictured below: Kitsap Princess candidates Kaytlynn Aida and Kristi Kerby
Pictured below: Miss Poulsbo 2017, Caroline Atkins; and Miss Silverdale 2017 Colby Conde
The shoppers reminded me of what a great community we have in Silverdale. They dug deep, including coming back to the kettle a second time after getting change from their cars. I heard a dad say to his little girl, “This is the best part of Christmas time.” A lady struck up a conversation with me, stating that she had attended one of our Club meetings in the past, and she promised to attend again soon and pursue membership!
Another great quote was from a man looking at our sign and opening his wallet, “Rotary and Salvation Army - can’t go wrong with that partnership."
Pictured below: Bob Cassis
In addition to their donations to the kettle, the public asked about my and the other bell ringers’ warmth. They came out of the store with gifts of hot chocolate and hand warmers. They were truly grateful for our volunteer efforts!
Rotarians and Kitsap Princesses at Work on December 9
We have just one Saturday left for bell ringing at Safeway with five slots open. Don't miss out on this wonderful way to engage family and friends in making a difference in our community!!
Just go to the Silverdale Rotary website and log into the membership area. Select events and scroll down.
We will not be ringing on Dec 23rd.
Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the community we are dedicated to serve!
From Coordinator on December 9 Cathy Bisaillon. Bell ringing was fun and successful on December 9. The weather was extremely cold with pea soup fog for shift one; but, we had blue skies, sunshine and mild temps for shifts two and three. The Safeway shoppers were extremely generous, and we had to keep shaking the buckets to make room for all of the money!
Pictured below: Steve Slation
The four princesses saved the day. They were kind, engaging and conscientious. They brought their own bells and props, and they stayed late when asked. They actually thanked me for the opportunity, and they want to do it again next year!
Pictured below: Kitsap Princesses
Pictured below: More Kitsap Princesses.
The shoppers reminded me of what a great community we have in Silverdale. They dug deep, including coming back to the kettle a second time after getting change from their cars. I heard a dad say to his little girl, “This is the best part of Christmas time.” A lady struck up a conversation with me, stating that she had attended one of our Club meetings in the past, and she promised to attend again soon and pursue membership!
Another great quote was from a man looking at our sign and opening his wallet, “Rotary and Salvation Army - can’t go wrong with that partnership."
Pictured below: Bob Cassis
In addition to their donations to the kettle, the public asked about my and the other bell ringers’ warmth. They came out of the store with gifts of hot chocolate and hand warmers. They were truly grateful for our volunteer efforts!
Winter is coming! Now's the time to order your holiday wreaths, tabletop trees, and decorations. Your purchase will help provide services for homeless and disadvantaged kids in Kitsap County. Just click below, order some beautiful decorations for your home, and sit back and enjoy the fact that you helped a child in your community have a better holiday.
Silverdale Rotarians & Guests enjoyed a festive annual Holiday Party on 7 December at Kitsap Golf and Country Club. Thanks to our beautiful and gracious organizers and co-hosts Mary Hoover and Peggy Templeton (pictured above).
Social hour started at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30. After feasting on Prime Rib or Chicken Cordon Bleu, the entire group joined in singing happy birthday to Ata Celik (on right), our Rotary Exchange Student from Turkey,before he devoured his delicious birthday cupcake.
Next, we all learned a little about new member David Jordan (above with President Kim Peterson) as he impressed us all with his classification talk and new mustache, and earned his Rotary "blue badge".
The evening ended with a hilarious wrapped "white elephant" gift exchange. Ata emceed the exchange at his first Christmas Party ever! On right above is Erin Leedham opening her mystery gift.
Above Erin proudly displays her gift.....a wine glass big enough to hold an entire bottle of wine. How thoughtful! Below Natalie Bryson carefully surveys available prospects before selecting her "white elephant" gift.
Below Rick Soper looks excited about his white elephant gift...a white cow. He will never have to sleep alone again!
Below, Nancy Whitaker, Ed Hamilton, Sarah Dawson (Pete's Daughter), Elayne Burton, and Heather Campana enjoy the gift trading and stealing. Nice Pink Purse!
Although most children rejoice at the idea of holiday time and being out of school, to many children this represents a time of hunger. During school, kids have access to free or reduced breakfast and lunch.
When school is out, kids go hungry,
The Rotary Club of Silverdale decided to do something about this.
On Nov. 30th, members met to pack 200 bags containing food: breakfast, lunch and dinner. These bags were transported to nine different schools: 3 High Schools, 3 Middle Schools, 1 Community School and 2 Elementary Schools.
A LOT of behind the scenes work went on to prepare for the Big Packing Day.
Pictured above: Serah and Paul Peterson in the front; family friend Ted, President Kim and Silas Peterson in the back. They purchased many supplies and inventoried them before the event. Kim's Mom was involved, too - definitely a Family Affair!
My daughter Tess and I purchased many supplies and inventoried them. Elayne Burton also bought many supplies, and Rotarians donated food or money. Nancy Whitaker put together an extra bag at the last minute when we realized we were one short.
Drivers who delivered food bags: Scott and Dina Weninger, Peggy Templeton, Steve Slaton, Cathy Bisaillon, Mary Hoover, Pete Dawson, Jim Adkins, Rick Soper, Nancy Whitaker, Frank Guthrie and son, and Mechelle Hoerer,.
Pete Dawson made many flat cart runs to load cars before he loaded his own. David Jordan and Erin Leedham pitched in on many a flat cart run!
The schools welcomed them with warmth and appreciation! Counselors and teachers emailed their appreciation the day of delivery and in the days following, sharing how much it would mean for the children they serve. They are involved in these children’s lives and care about what happens to them when they are not in school. They shared that this food would make a difference.
And that is what Rotary stands for! To stand in the gap for the vulnerable in our community and in the community abroad. We will continue the food bags project as the year progresses!
Thank you for all who donated and participated in the packing and delivering of the bags of food. Our purchasers of food, inventory specialists, packers and delivery folks!
Rotarians have FUN when we are helping others!
1
A very special thank you to Erin Leedham (Pictured below with her Director of Security Robert Webb at Kitsap Mall)
She made space available in the Mall to store, inventory, and pack the food. Her team of security guards were so friendly and helpful in so many ways! On the day of packing Erin provided carts and graciously offered to clean up!
Erin's Kitsap Mall Santa (above) even made an appearance to entertain the hard working crowd.
Thank you to all! Rotary shined a light into our community! Let’s keep it shining!
While it might have been chilly with rain and cold, hearts were warm as Rotarians rang the bell for the Salvation Army on Dec, 2nd in front of Safeway in Silverdale! Rotarians rang from 10 am through 4 pm.
Folks coming in and out were generous, little children were lifted up to put money in the kettles, candy canes were handed out and hearts were warm with the knowledge that every dollar given means people were fed, clothed and housed.
Rotarians family members joined in the fun. Pictured on right is Reyce Scheffer, my granddaughter, who rang the whole 2 hour shift!
Rotarians will be ringing the Bell at Safeway on Saturdays from 10 am - 4 pm on December 9, 16, and 23. Come see us!
Our Guest Speaker at the Silverdale Rotary Luncheon on 16 Nov 2017 was Amy Steinhilber (photo above), the Deputy Director of the Washington Youth Academy. The vision of the Washington Youth Academy is to provide at-risk youth a quality education, positive values, and life and job skills training that will change their lives and give them hope and opportunity for a new future. Working with high school counselors across the state to identify and recruit youth who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out, the Washington Youth Academy provides a 17 ½ month residential and post-residential intervention program to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens.
It starts with a half year quasi-military resident program of skill building, physical fitness, leadership, citizenship, and academics in Bremerton, WA and then follows up with a yearlong post-residential phase where the youth receives intense mentoring and placement follow-up. Program graduates can recover up to 8.0 credits (approximately 1.3 years of high school credits). Credits are approved by OSPI and taught by certificated teachers. The goal is to return graduates to their home high school to graduate on time with their peers. Attendance is free of charge but youth must agree to a regimen of discipline and structure free of distractions like cell phones.
The Washington Youth Academy opened in 2009 as a division of the Washington State National Guard established under authority of both federal and state law. A state-run institution, the Washington Youth Academy runs two cycles a year of about 150 youth, each divided into two male and one female platoon. They are currently accepting applications for the Jan. 13, 2018 Cycle 18-1, as space allows. For more information go to https://mil.wa.gov/youth-academy .
Editor’s Note: Young people from Washington Youth Academy have helped for many years to clear blackberries and brush from under the Silverdale Christmas Tree in the fall to make way for light maintenance that our Club helps with. They have also helped clean up after RAGS for years and years.
Thanks to the overwhelming generous support from Sponsors and the Community adopting Duck Tickets for the 2017 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, we can give special needs teens a real Prom, and we can feed young people and their families who would not otherwise not have a Holiday Dinner this year. This is why we sell Ducks!
Duck Bucks for Night to Shine.
Elayne Burton, Silverdale Rotary Club Treasurer (at left), presents a Duck Buck check of $1,500 to recipient Kali Jensen of Night to Shine. Night to Shine is a prom for people ages 16 and older that have special needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by newlife. This year’s prom will be February 9, 2018 at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion. For more about the Tim Tebow Night to Shine program, go to https://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/night-to-shine.
Duck Bucks for All Teens Matter. Silverdale Rotary Club Member Erin Leedham (at right above) presents a $1,500 Duck Buck check to recipient Lanette Duchesneau of All Teens Matter. The purpose of All Teens Matter is to help provide a Christmas to low income, homeless high school students in Kitsap County ages 14 to 18. They receive a stocking, tree, 4 to 6 gifts, and even a complete dinner for their whole family. For more info, go to http://www.allteensmatter.com/charity.html
Our hearts swelled with pride and patriotism as the Independents, directed by Pam Wenter (inset on right), performed a moving program of inspiring patriotic songs. Their performance for our Club around Veterans day has become a tradition that we all look forward to.
In their "American Heroes" segment, they sang the anthems of all the armed services, while our veterans of those services stood up in tribute to their Branch.
U.S. Navy Veterans in the Silverdale Rotary Club, standing to the anthem
U.S. Coast Guard veteran standing
The Independents were sporting their new logo shirts, funded by a 2017 Duck Bucks grant. See below.
Ata had a jam packed, snowy weekend November 3-5, heading with Chuck Kraining to Washington State University.
But the trip home from Spokane in Chuck's motor home turned into a winter nightmare. Knowing that Snoqualmie Pass was closed (see below)
they came home via the TriCities, along the Gorge to Portland and home, a 12 hour trip into the wee hours. Whew!
This week Ata heads to California, a longtime dream, with 30 other District 5020 Exhange Students! Rick Soper, his Host Dad, asks you to contact him at rssop84@yahoo.com to schedule an outing. "Ata is an amazing young man, with an enthusiastic ambition to experience everything from music to physics to TED Talks."
Rotarian Chuck Kraining (pictured on right) and President Kim Peterson presented a Duck Bucks Check for $2,000 to Monika Scotti (center) representing CK Food Backpacks for Kids to help put turkeys for 243 families in their special holiday food bags.
Central Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids (CKFB4K) provides supplemental meals each weekend during the school year to students and families of the CK School District who are at risk of weekend hunger. Last year, CKFB4K was able to send home, via its unique backpack delivery system, over 6,000 supplemental meals to these families. This impressive accomplishment was accomplished through food drives, donations, and the diligent work of only 28 hardworking volunteers. For more information, go to https://www.ckfoodbackpacks4kids.com/ .
Thanks to the overwhelming support of 2017 Duck Race Sponsors and the community purchasing Duck Tickets that we could help ensure that 243 at risk families will have a special holiday meal, with turkey and all the trimmings!
Duck Bucks Help Provide Special Holiday Turkeys for At Risk Families
Whoa - why are there three hearses in the parking lot where Rotary met on October 26!
Who says Rotarians don’t have fun!
Masked Rotarians greeted visitors. The ghoulishly costumed Anubis Hearse Club members created an atmosphere of dark intrigue!
Why are Anubis Hearse Club members obsessed with hearses? There’s Miss Raven, a 1980 Cadillac Hearse. And a 1994 Lincoln Hearse, 21 feet long! They do Zombie walks for non-profit fund raisers, Over the Hill birthday parties, even weddings (!). Go to https://www.facebook.com/AnubisHearseClub/ if you dare!
These very long vehicles also help out with occasional house moves, carry 16’ pieces of lumber, and transport multiple bales of hay. With 15 members and 10 Hearses, these unusual collectors are very busy!
Thanks to Rotarian Peggy Templeton who organized this spooky meeting, along with elaborate decorations and candy!
Rotary World Polio Day is Tuesday, October 24, and at 2:30 pm PDT, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will host the World Polio Day broadcast online at https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day .
PDG Brian Beagle was our Club’s first champion of Polio Plus in the late 1980’s when Don Taylor was President, and Brian has been an advocate ever since. In 1988 there were 350,000 cases of polio per year worldwide when Rotary commenced the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with WHO, UNICEF, and CDC. It’s been a gargantuan effort, but “We Are This Close!”
On October 18 Brian gave the Club an update on the current status of the Polio Initiative:
Total cases in 2017 to date: 12 in Pakistan and Afghanistan. None in Nigeria, the third country still not declared polio free.
Cost of GPEI 2013-2020: $7 Billion, $6.7B already confirmed or pledged
Shortfall: $300 Million. That’s why Rotary is still raising funds for Polio Plus
Donations to Polio will go towards your Paul Harris account
Matching Funds for Rotary donations from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: 2:1
On October 19, Silverdale Rotary awarded a record breaking Duck Buck grant of $3,000 to Holly Ridge Center to support infants and toddlers who are diagnosed with a disability or who have a developmental concern at birth or in very early childhood. The Duck Bucks will purchase equipment to support early intervention. For more information on the Holly Ridge Infant Toddler Program go to http://www.hollyridge.org/Infant-Toddler-Program/about.htm .
Below, Roxanne Bryson (on left) and Erica Delma (on right) accept the check from Rotarian Steve Burton. Roxanne went on to describe some heartwarming stories of how Holly Ridge supports parents and families of children with challenging differing abilities.
Thanks to the huge support of our 2017 Duck Race sponsors and the community who purchased Duck Tickets, children and families are receiving life changing help from Holly Ridge Center.
A Place of Hope - Duck Bucks for Holly Ridge Center
Pictured left to right: Joshua Geiser and Susannah Terry (CKHS); Hallie Turk and T.S. Wolff (Klahowya Secondary School)
With the 2017-2018 school year in full swing, it is time to start recognizing our local high schools’ Students of the Month. Ron Templeton, the program’s coordinator, set the stage for our first group of awardees on October 12 by recapping the history of Rotary and its impact on society. We are always impressed with the students that are selected by their schools, and this group was no exception. While humble in demeanor, our students wowed us with their current leadership roles and incredible aspirations.
“It is wonderful to bring an hour of joy to people,” commented Hallie Turk, Klahowya Secondary School’s September honoree, as she spoke of performing flute recitals at area retirement homes. Her peer, T.S. Wolff, was awarded as the school’s October Student of the Month, and he is applying to Yale University to pursue degrees in teaching and politics.
Joshua Geiser was introduced as Central Kitsap High School’s “strong, silent leader” as he accepted his award for September and relayed his goal of obtaining a degree in bio-medical engineering to “improve the lives of patients everywhere.” Susannah Terry, CKHS’s October winner, earned recent media attention for spearheading a movement to make Homecoming events more inclusive. Her career goals are out of this world, as Susannah will one day be an astrophysicist or aeronautic engineer!
Silverdale Rotary has been supporting Stand Up For Kids in Kitsap County for years with weekend food bags and Duck Buck grants. This video was produced by two Rotarians, Rick Soper and Steven Boe, who donated their time and talent to spread the word about homeless teenagers in Kitsap County, and the amazing work that Stand Up For Kids does to keep them in school and give them hope.
Silverdale Rotary once again is helping the Kitsap Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund (KFFBF) provide warm coats for kids. Every year KFFBF raises funds and teams up with Operation Warm https://www.operationwarm.org/ and conducts a Coats for Kids event that outfits entire classes of local grade school children with brand new, made in USA winter coats.
KFFBF President Chris Bigelow (center) and Dan Baker (on left) accepted $1,000 in Duck Bucks from President Elect Rick Soper. Chris invited our Club members to participate in the giveaway, which will be held sometime in November. Below is a photo of the 2015 event, where Silverdale Rotarians helped give away coats. It was an amazing experience!
Sponsors and awardees, pictured left to right: Staff Sergeant Jacob McConnell and LCpl Thomas Floyd III (MCSFBN Bangor); Chief Hospitalman Jeffery Muckle and HM3 Najii Thomas (NOSC Kitsap); MASN Carson Roache (MCSFBN Bangor); Rotary President Kim Peterson; Major Frank Walker (MCSFBN Bangor), MK3 John Barber and Command Master Chief Brent Zado (MFPU Bangor); front row: PS3 Barbara Wierzbicki (NOSC Kitsap)
Our collective hearts swelled with pride, amazement, and patriotism as Silverdale Rotarians and guests met, heard about, and recognized members of the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy at our quarterly Military Appreciation luncheon. These men and women are the local “boots on the ground and boats in the water” to maintain security of our strategic submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor.
The program started with a briefing by CDR Thomas Evans (pictured), Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit (MFPU) Bangor. He described the Unit's four missions: Search and Rescue, Port Waterways Security, Law Enforcement, and Defense Readiness for the eight strategic submarines (SSBN’s) at Bangor, which involves complex security escorts of Coast Guard vessels, each manned with highly trained men and women.
Then we moved on to the awards to our capable and dedicated men and women in uniform:
LCpl Thomas E. Floyd III, Marine Corps Security Force Battalion (MCSFBN) Bangor Marine of the Quarter
MASN Karson Roache, MCSFBN Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter
MK3 John Barber, MFPU Kitsap Enlisted Person of the Quarter
PS3 Barbara Wierzbicki, Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Kitsap Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter
HM3 Najii Thomas, NOSC Kitsap Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter
Their sponsors (supervisors) described each one’s skills, dedication, and hard work that earned them these prestigious awards. These young men and women represent the best of our armed forces, and we were honored to meet and recognize them. Each one received a plaque and a $100 gift card.
Also in attendance (not pictured) were CAPT Douglas Munz (Commanding Officer, NOSC Kitsap); Battalion Sergeant Major Joe Caputo (MCSFBN); Command Master Chief Charles Morrow (NOSC); Senior Chief Ryan Martin, BM1 Orlando Rivera (Sea Scout, MFPU), and family members.
Congratulations and a heartfelt THANK YOU to these members of our Armed Forces and their families who support them!
On September 8, a fire heavily damaged a 16’x16’ observation deck and destroyed a picnic table on the Silverdale Clear Creek Trail (CCT) behind All Star Lanes. Mary Earle (pictured on right), Director of Operations of the Clear Creek Task Force, thanked our Club for our Duck Bucks grant of $1,594 to purchase lumber for the repairs. If you would like to help with the repair (date TBD), contact Nancy Whitaker.
This is a great example of Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds at work in the Community, thanks to our generous sponsors and everyone who bought Duck Tickets for the 2017 Duck Race!
Duck Bucks Will Help Repair Clear Creek Trail Fire Damage
On September 28, Silverdale Rotary awarded a $1,000 Duck Bucks grant to EBC West Sound to purchase supplies for vulnerable newborns in at risk families. Below is an image representative of the kinds of items provided by Eastside Baby Corner and its chapters: diapers, formula, cribs, car seats, and more.
Bob Maynard, co-founder of the West Sound Chapter of Eastside Baby Corner, and Ashley Hutchison were on hand to describe their operation.
Pictured left to right: President Kim Peterson, Bob Maynard, Ashley Hutchison
Taking orders from local social service agencies who identify the babies in need, EBC West Sound fills those orders from their warehouse in East Bremerton. Items like cribs and car seats are often donated, but are certified to meet strict current safety standards before redistribution. For more information, go to http://babycorner.org/ebc-west-sound/ .
This is the second year that Silverdale Rotary has supported EBC West Sound. This year’s Duck Bucks grant is from the proceeds of our 2017 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, made possible by our generous sponsors and the Community members who purchased Duck Tickets.
On September 21, Rotarian Steve Burton (pictured on left) introduced our Speaker Tim Johnsrude (on right), the Information Systems Security Manager for Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound. His job concerns the Navy’s cyber policy implementation and incident handling and response. Tim spoke based on his own training and experience, although he was not representing the Navy. His only desire is to help people understand the cyber threat so they can help themselves stay safe. Thank you, Tim!
Fun, fellowship, and great food were in abundance on September 16 when Rotarians and guests welcomed our Rotary Exchange Student Ata Celik, newly arrived fromTurkey) at the beautiful waterfront home of Ron and Peggy Templeton. Chef Ron cooked his legendary BBQ salmon over a wood fire, and chef Peggy provided her much anticipated Seabeck Salad, rice pilaf, and homemade rolls. Delicious potluck appetizers, salads, and desserts rounded out the menu. Thank you, Ron and Peggy!
A little nervous, but still in full command of the microphone, Ata encouraged his new Rotary colleagues to pronounce his last name. “It is Ch-ay-leech, and merhaba means hello in Turkish,” he beamed.
With the help of Alux.com, Ata educated us on 15 fun facts about his home country, Turkey. Who knew that 50% of Turkish residents are under age 30; or, that soup is served before most meals, including breakfast? Adding his own touches to our quick introduction to Turkey, Ata displayed a picture of Mustafa Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey and the leader who brought women’s rights and public education reform to the republic’s provinces.
When asked about modern day Turkey, Ata was adamant, “We don’t ride camels!” Instead, he said that his culture is known for deliciously prepared foods and fancy mustaches. While his school day is over nine hours long plus half days on Saturdays, Ata confessed that his English language skills do not come from school, but instead from playing many hours of video games, because he is “secretly a nerd.” When his family’s photo appeared on the screen, Ata became emotional and boasted about his body-builder brother who is the funniest person he knows. His mother and father have created a wonderful life for him, and Ata’s wish is to make them proud of his accomplishments while he is on youth exchange.
He is off to a great start, having already experienced a Seahawks game, a Mariners game, a gaming convention, sushi, Costco samples and Bumbershoot. His favorite things so far? Garlic fries and free lemonade refills. Ata’s goals for the year include participating in sports and building his core strength; learning everything he can about our culture; making the best of each opportunity; and showing his thanks to Rotary and our Silverdale Club.
While he will be busy with AP classes, sports and school friends, Ata welcomes and appreciates outings with Rotarians and their families. Everyone is encouraged to not miss the opportunity to share an adventure with this bright, engaging young man.To schedule an outing, contact Host Mom Ellen Newberg.
Getting to Know Ata Celik, Our Rotary Exchange Student from Turkey
On August 31 our speaker was Greg Sandstrom, Kitsap County (KC) Coroner, and we learned some hard cold facts about deaths in KC. But, while Coroner’s Office provides professional investigations into the deaths of all individuals that die within the County, they also provide compassionate assistance to the families and loved ones in dealing with death.
And most surprising to this writer, the Coroner’s Office is actively involved with prevention of deaths by collaborating with groups such as Survivors of Suicide, Mothers against Drunk Drivers, Kitsap County Traffic Safety Task Force, Reduce Under Age Drinking, and Cribs for Kids, a non-profit dedicated to preventing infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping.
The Coroner’s Office, through promoting fund raisers for Cribs for Kids, has raised over $19,000 and worked with local community resource agencies to provide over 400 cribs to parents unable to afford them, to ensure that every newborn in KC has a safe crib to sleep in. Mr. Sandstrom reported a decrease in infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping from 8-12/year to 2/year since the program has been active in KC. For more information on Cribs for Kids, see http://www.cribsforkids.org and www.facebook.com/cribsforkidsheadquarters
Kitsap County Coroner's Office Works to Prevent Deaths
It was a powerful combination of inspiration, fellowship, and contributing to a great cause as Rotarians from the four Clubs in Area 9 gathered at the Kingston Village Green Rotary Pavilion on September 27. As emcee, Assistant Governor (and Poulsbo Rotarian) Meredith Green first introduced the four Club Presidents, pictured below.
From left to right: Doug Hallock – Kingston-North Kitsap; AG Meredith Green, Kim Peterson – Silverdale; John Stephens – Bainbridge Island; Michele Doyle – Poulsbo-North Kitsap
Then Meredith introduced our Exchange Student Ata Celik, pictured on left with District 5020 Governor Tom Carroll (center) and an Exchange Student from Italy. Ata just arrived from Turkey on August 24!
An unexpected WOW factor happened when 7-year-old Zak Darner took to the mic and articulately described his non-profit Kidzz Helping Kidzz, which is collecting toys for sick young people at Mary Bridge and Seattle Children’s Hospital at Christmas. See http://www.caringclownsinternational.org/zacharys-presentation-at-east-bremerton-rotary-club/. As you can see in the photo below with DG Tom, Zac, the four Presidents, and AG Meredith, this event added a considerable addition to the collection. Thanks to everyone who contributed!
DG Tom then addressed the group. The 2017-18 Rotary Theme is Making a Difference, ‘’which reflects why many join and stay in Rotary: we want to make a difference in our community, and in our world. We make lasting friendships with those who want to give something back, and this friendship strengthens our service because together we can accomplish so much more.” DG Carroll talked about the reasons why Rotary International is unique worldwide as a humanitarian organization and the compelling reasons to support The Rotary Foundation.
Then his wife Laurie described her District literacy project, which is to encourage every Rotarian (some 5,000) in District 5020 to donate two books to the literacy cause of their choice. Imagine the good that 10,000 books can do!
DG Tom also related that the combined 5020 District Training and Conference in May 2017 was such a success (it sold out twice!), that the combined format is being repeated in 2018 at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma on May 4-5, 2018.
Then the group feasted on a taco bar catered by Coffee Oasis; plus, there was a scrumptious dessert competition – and in order to vote your favorite, you just HAD to sample several!
Thank you, DG Tom and Laurie for your visit, and thank you to the organizers of the Area 9 event. It was a fun and meaningful event.
Area Rotary Clubs Meet District 5020 Governor, Have Fun, and Collect Toys for Sick Children
DEADLINE to pick up Prizes is September 1. Winners may pick up their prizes at Kitsap Bank in Silverdale, 10488 Silverdale Way NW. Hours are: Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please bring photo ID.
CONGRATULATIONS to 2017 Duck Race Winners, and THANK YOU for Everyone's Support!
Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining on Aug 10, 2017
Silverdale Rotarians had the joyful opportunity to meet in person the top prize winners of the 2017 Duck Race held on July 30, 2017. They came to our Rotary meeting on August 10 to accept their prizes.
The Grand Prize winner of the Advantage Nissan Frontier Pickup, Terri Callentine (pictured below), is a secretary at Olympic High School. She bought one duck from me at Whaling Days on Friday night.
She spent the weekend debating with her family about whether they should take the cash or the truck. They decided it didn't matter because she wouldn't win! But win, she did! She chose the truck and then upgraded it at Advantage Nissan. She is the first winner to show up at Duck Central on Race Day after being notified. She continues to be excited and said she will buy ducks in the future. Congratulations, Terri!
The Holland America Cruise was won by Mike Blakely, and his friend Suzette Wright (pictured below) attended in Mike's place. Suzette said she had always wanted to go on a cruise, and this would make her dreams come true!
Lee Ann Hicks, pictured below on left with Rotarian Erin Leedham, picked up the gorgeous diamond pendant donated by Ben Bridge.
Karla Polillo, won the $1,000 cash prize from Kitsap Credit Union. Karla and her husband are building a house, so the timing of the prize could not be better!
The Quality Heating Electrical and AC winner Wendy Leng (pictured below with Rotarian Scott Park, co-owner of the company) chose the $650 cash because she had a new heating system installed recently.
On August 3, President Kim read an amazing letter from Molly Mansker, the founder and Director of the Poulsbo Chapter of Days for Girls, thanking Silverdale Rotary for the recent Duck Bucks grant of $1,500, which will help keep girls in school in Africa. See the text of the letter at the end of this article.
Molly is shown above in June 2017 near Johannesburg, South Africa with some of the 50 girls who received training and feminine hygiene kits provided by the Poulsbo Chapter of Days for Girls. Here is Molly's description of the photo of this life changing event:
"After 18 months of working on kits, here is the big payoff! We distributed over 50 kits at two sites around Munsieville, approximately 40 minutes outside Johannesburg. These young ladies were smart, eager recipients of the health training. They beamed when they got their kits. They cheered long and hard for all the unseen seamstresses and other volunteers. Thank you for the love and care you put into these kits. They are beautiful and the girls were proud to own them."
In 2016, Silverdale Rotary funded a new serger for the Poulsbo Chapter with Duck Bucks, also with proceeds from the 2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race. Silverdale Rotarians are also involved in Chapter efforts. For more information about Poulsbo Days for Girls activities and the recipients of kits in Africa, Click Here.
It was a great weekend at Whaling Days, July 28-30. On Saturday morning, hundreds of hungry folks feasted on pancakes, sausages, fruit, coffee, and milk at the annual Silverdale Rotary Pancake Breakfast on the parade route.
Then came the First Federal Lions/Kiwanis Grand Parade!
We would like to congratulate Terri Callantine, the 2017 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Grand Prize winner of the Advantage Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck (or $16,000 cash)!!!
Pancakes! Come get your pancakes (regular and blueberry), sausages, OJ, milk, and coffee at the Silverdale Rotary Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 29 at 7-11 am at the Silverdale United Methodist Church on the corner of Silverdale Way and Ridgetop Blvd.
It's right on the parade route for the Whaling Days First Federal Kiwanis/Lions Grand Parade which starts at 10 am.
Eat breakfast before the parade, and stake your place on the route.
Get your Duck Tickets, too!
Watch the parade, and see the Advantage Nissan Duck Truck, Grand Prize in the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race held at 1:30 pm, Sunday July 30! Thanks to the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort for sponsoring the Chance to Win $1M Dollars
Silverdale Rotary Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, July 29 7-11 am
The Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Grand Prize Duck Truck is in the Kitsap Mall! Thank you Advantage Nissan!
Look for it in the central corridor of the Mall between the entrances by Sears and the indoor entrance to Dick's Sporting Goods. You could win this truck! Get your tickets in the Mall at Ben Bridge Jeweler and the Mall Office. Every dollar of ticket sales goes to support our community and beyond.
Thanks to the Kitsap Mall for sponsoring the Mall Cart Duck Display.
The 2017 Grand Prize Duck Truck Is in the Kitsap Mall!
Poulsbo Rotarians Rand Hillier and Ardis Morrow (pictured below along with a written thank you note) thanked Silverdale Rotarians on July 13 for our recent grant of $2,000 in Duck Bucks for the Morrow Manor project. Silverdale Rotary had previously granted $10,000 to this project a couple years ago. This is another great example of Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds at work in our Community!
Championed by the Poulsbo Rotary Club, Morrow Manor is a planned eight-unit community that will provide much needed longer-term supportive housing essential to survivors’ success. With the support services of the YWCA of Kitsap County, residents can find renewal and empowerment, a safe place to achieve goals, and a home in which they can make a healthy transition into better lives for themselves and their children. For more information, go to http://supportmorrowmanor.org/
What a wonderful Thank You we received from Klahowya Secondary School for the $500 Duck Buck grant for their 2017 Grad Night. This is a great reminder of why we sell ducks!
Grad Night Thank You Note from Klahowya Secondary School
Outgoing 2016-17 President Cindy Holmes past year was brought to life as she showed a video recap of 2016-2017 which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tdfoRgQiIk&sns=fb . The presentation, “Oh What a Year!” captured poignant moments, including candid shots of our Youth Exchange Student and warm memories of Penny Loveless who passed away during the year. Cindy thanked incoming Public Image Chair, Steven Boe, for producing the video and setting it to music.
Area 9 Assistant Governor Meredith Green (pictured left), opened our 2017-2018 Installation Ceremony on the patio of the Kitsap Golf & Country Club with an inspiring quote by John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
2016-17 President Cindy Holmes’ president’s remarks were brought to life as she showed a video recap of 2016-2017 which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tdfoRgQiIk&sns=fb . The presentation, “Oh What a Year!” captured poignant moments, including candid shots of our Youth Exchange Student and warm memories of Penny Loveless (pictured on left with Cindy) who passed away during the year. Cindy thanked incoming Public Image Chair, Steven Boe, for producing the video and setting it to music.
The 2016-2017 Board of Directors was recognized with gifts, anecdotes and sincere thanks. Cindy then honored Bob Cassis as Rotarian of the Year (see separate story abovè).
The term “Rotary Geek” was introduced at the recent Rotary International Convention. While too cool to be called a geek, Elayne Burton embodies all things Rotary. Cindy took a minute to recognize Elayne for serving as Treasurer year after year; coordinating meeting venues and food; working on the Community Service Committee; and serving as an exemplary Assistant Governor. Elayne was treated to a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a warm round of applause from her peers.
The ceremony switched gears from reflecting on the past year to looking forward to the next one. Elayne assembled the Past Presidents (pictured below) in chronological order (it was akin to herding cats), and had them pass the gavel until it arrived at the podium.
Left to right: Jack Jensen, Ron Templeton, Don Taylor (behind Ron), Rob MacDermid, Scott Slocum, Rich Arper, Mary Hoover, Ed Hamilton, Chuck Kraining, Cindy Holmes, Kim Peterson, and AG Elayne Burton
Our 2017-2018 President, Kim Peterson, was inducted and pinned (pictured above), and Cindy Holmes received her Past President’s pin.
The new Officers and Directors were called to the front where Kim thanked them for their commitment and provided them with a “survival kit” of fun items to motivate them as they conduct important club business throughout the year. Kim and Cindy traded speeches of heartfelt thanks and respect for each other, and Kim took the mic to make her official President’s Remarks (see separate article above).
Beginning with her first feelings of uncertainty when she was new to the club, and then walking us through her wonderful past year of service and learning, Kim locked eyes with the crowd and concluded with “I don’t see a single stranger here, only friends and family that want to make a difference.” (Rotary - Making a Difference" is 2017-18 Rotary International President Ian Riseley's theme - see graphic on right)
Everyone enjoyed the event and left energized to uphold Rotary’s new tagline “Rotary - People of Action.”
Silverdale Rotarians Celebrate Another Great Year 2016-17 and Install 2017-18 Officers
On June 29, outgoing 2016-17 President Cindy Holmes presented Bob Cassis (pictured below) with a well deserved Rotarian of the Year award.
“Bob embodies what a Rotarian should be and how a Rotarian should act,” Cindy proclaimed. Bob created new policies and procedures for administration of the Scholarship Fund; and, he was a calm, rational voice during Board discussions.
Above, Past District Governor Don Lachata presents Bob with a Paul Harris Fellow from the Club, which is a donation of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation in his name.
Bob’s contributions to The Rotary Foundation combined with the Rotarian of the Year award presented by the Club mean that he has now achieved the Paul Harris +3 award. Congratulations, Bob, and thank you for your service!
Bob Cassis - Silverdale 2016-17 Rotarian of the Year
Pictured: Cindy Holmes (left) passing the Club Charter to Kim Peterson (right)
Editor's Note: Following are incoming 2017-18 President Kim Peterson's remarks when she took the helm from 2016-17 President Cindy Holmes.
"Have you ever watched someone work who knows “how to get it done?” Have you ever listened to someone who says “what they mean…no beating around the bush?” Have you ever been in the presence of someone who is “making a difference?”
My first introduction to Cindy was attending the District Training Conference in Centralia. The ride allowed time for discussions about life, family, community, world and Rotary. One thing about Cindy; she is passionate about all five.
This past year brought many opportunities for the Rotary Club of Silverdale. With Cindy at the helm we accomplished:
· Drafting a Vision Statement
· Setting Goals
· Backpacks for Walk in the Light
· Received an award from District 5020 for membership growth
· Proposed stepping away from RAGS
· Launched and had a very successful Turkey Trot
· Set up a Burger Stand at the Water Trails Festival
· Hosted numerous events at her home (meetings and fellowship)
· Implemented policies for our charitable trust account
· Knew the importance of advertising and provided jackets for each Rotarian
· Passionately felt the need to relocate the club to the heart of Silverdale
Being able to travel the world and make a difference both by getting her hands dirty and providing financial support prove how important helping our world is to her. The gift we are presenting represents her desire for world travel and the international aspect of Rotary.
Thank you Cindy for your leadership, passion, enthusiasm and courage. The Silverdale Rotary Club has been blessed to have you at the helm this past year."
Note - for more details about the Installation event, see article below.
Gavel Is Passed from 2016-17 President Cindy Holmes to 2017-18 President Kim Peterson
At the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta (June 10-14, 2017) 40,000 Rotarians from all over the world gathered to hear some some blockbuster speakers and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation. On June 12 we heard from Bill Gates, RI President John Germ, WHO and CDC leaders, and other world leaders address the need for another $1.5 Billion (with a B!) to finish the fight to eradicate Polio. See YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD457g9W06k. Help Us Drop to Zero.
Pledges announced on June 12 included $150 Million from Rotary (which the Rotarians now need to raise, see https://my.rotary.org/en/take-action/end-polio), another $300 Million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and hundreds of millions from other sources. Total pledged: $1.2 Billion. There were 40 cases of polio worldwide in 2016, and the 2017 total to date is 5.
We are “This Close,” but we can’t let up on our efforts until we “Drop to Zero” through vaccination and surveillance monitoring for three years after the last case has been identified. End Polio Now!
Silverdale Rotarians hosted 2017 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Sponsors at a Thank You lunch on June 8. Chuck Kraining, the 2017 Duck Race Chair, opened with the following remarks: “Thanks to our generous sponsors who have covered ALL of our Duck Race expenses, every dollar raised through ticket sales will go to charitable causes!” Building on our success each year, the 24th Annual Duck Race is poised to set records with 93 sponsors, 65 prizes totaling $51,533, cash sponsorships totaling $35,575, with total sponsorship support of $120,575!
While all of our sponsors are important, special recognition goes to Advantage Nissan for donating the Duck Truck (or $16,000 Cash) - see below.
“Without this headline prize, there would be no Duck Race.
And…,” Chuck stated, “No one can pass up the chance to win a million dollars.” (see above)
Inviting Marilynn Sharpnack and Cheryl Davis from Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort to come up, Chuck explained that the Casino is a loyal sponsor of the Million Dollar Duck. The ladies (on left and right) proudly presented Chuck and President Cindy Holmes (center) with a gigantic check for $7,500!
It was a big night for our 2016-17 Slovakian Exchange Student Matej Kunak, as he graduated with the Central Kitsap High School Class of 2017! Sporting two leis made of dollar bills and candy/flowers presented to him by Rotarians Mechelle Hoerer and Kim Peterson (pictured above), and Elayne and Steve Burton (pictured below) Matej proudly displayed his diploma.
Pictured above: Rotarians Elayne and Steve Burton with Matej
Below, Rotarian host parents Ellen and Alan Newberg (left) and Rotarian Chuck Kraining (right) proudly look on.
Pictured left to right: Alexander Johnson, Heather Schronce and Benjamin Huang (CKHS); Madeline Ferrell and Clara Smith-Perez (Klahowya); Caleb Giesbrecht, Luke Arnold, Justin Anderson, Emily Carlson, and Karlee Weninger (CKHS)
Not pictured: Cole Pobanz (CKHS) and Thu Aung (Klahowya)
Hats are off to our hard-working Scholarship Committee whose members spent many hours reviewing and discussing dozens of applications. After the winners were decided, there were announcements to be made and ceremonies to attend. The end result is twelve worthy grads with much-needed funds to support their first steps toward a college education. The 2017 committee was staffed by Ed Hamilton, Nancy Whitaker, Kim Peterson, Frank Guthrie, Chuck Kraining and President Cindy Holmes.
Our scholarship fund was boosted this year by a $2,000 donation from Chung Nguyen, owner of Chung’s Teriyaki. Chung and his family are dedicated servants to our community, and the donation to fund a $1,000 scholarship for both Central Kitsap High School and Klahowya Secondary School is proof of their commitment.
Central Kitsap High School
Alexander Johnson $1,000 (above) - Winner of the Bob Arper Scholarship, Alex is a longtime community volunteer who earned his Eagle Scout award by organizing over 200 labor hours to build park benches. He will attend Olympic College and then University of Washington to study computer science.
Benjamin Huang $2,000 (above) – Class co-valedictorian - Ben takes innovative thinking to a whole new level as he heads to the University of Washington to pursue degrees in both electrical engineering and medicine. The result, he is sure, will be the ability to design medical devices that will transform healthcare.
Caleb Giesbrecht (above): recipient of the Chung’s Teriyaki $1,000 scholarship. Caleb credits his unique family experience (having two brothers who were adopted from Ethiopia) with his growth as a teacher, leader and mentor. He is excited to attend George Fox University in Oregon and major in either math or English.
Emily Carlson $1,500 (above) – A young lady with eclectic interests, Emily is just as at home on the school’s track as she is baking in the kitchen. An avid sports fan, Emily will attend Western Washington University to study kinesiology.
Heather Schronce $1,000 (above) – Heather will build on her already impressive command of languages, including American Sign Language and Spanish, as she pursues degrees in linguistics and speech pathology at the University of Washington.
Justin Anderson $1,000 (above) – Inspired by his own injuries and lifelong repercussions, Justin is headed to the University of Washington to obtain a degree in neuroscience.
Karlee Weninger $500 (above with Scholarship Committee Chair Ed Hamilton) – You would never know that this well-spoken, studious young lady is an award-winning air rifle shooter! Her commitment to 4H and other volunteer activities has strengthened her ambition to help people in her community by becoming an EMT and eventually a paramedic.
Luke Arnold $1,000 (above) – Class co-valedictorian. As charming as he is accomplished, Luke entertained us with, “My favorite animal is a sea slug, just because it looks cool.” He has been accepted into George Fox University, and he aspires to be a cultural and social psychologist.
Klahowya Secondary School
Ciara Smith-Perez $2,000 (above) - Overcoming challenges is a way of life for Ciara. Born deaf and growing up without a father, Ciara learned to adapt to changing environments and to persevere no matter what. She is off to Olympic College with a plan to transfer to the University of Washington to major in business or science.
Madeline Farrell $2,000 (above) – Lighting up the room as she took the microphone, Maddie relayed that she is at her best on the stage and enjoys when people break into song. Her scholarship application details dealing with her father’s unexpected death and finding solace through volunteer work. She will hone her performing arts skills at Central Washington University and has ambitions to make it big in New York or Hollywood.
Not pictured:
Thu Aung $1,000. Recipient of the Chung’s Teriyaki $1,000 scholarship. Thu is an immigrant and former CKHS student of the year. Born in Myanmar, Thu has overcome much hardship and is determined to earn a degree in social sciences from the University of Washington so that she can be “a catalyst for positive and innovative change.”
Cole Pobanz $1,000. Volunteering at his local church’s soup kitchen and at the Kitsap Humane Society has shaped Cole’s aspirations for college education (electrical engineering) and career. Combining his interest in physics and electricity with his new found passion for helping people, Cole would like to work on creating clean renewable energy, both at home and in developing countries.
Rotarian Ed Hamilton proudly presented Debbee Straub, a Fairview Middle School instructor of cience and Aviation Classroom Experience (ACE), with the 2017 Teacher of the Year Award. What sets her apart is her ability to design lessons that ensure collaboration, engagement, physical movement and reflection. Debbee was humbled by the recognition and glowed when she shared, “I love seeing my students experience something new, and I know that they will go far.”
Pictured left to right: Jacob Sargent and Alicia Flint (Klahowya Secondary School), Katelyn Downey and Kaleb Foss (CKHS), Xin He (Crosspoint Academy)
On May 18, Silverdale Rotarians enthusiastically honored the five Students of the Month pictured above from three local high schools.
The students were first introduced by staff members of their respective schools. Katie Staker (above on right) who is the Activities Coordinator for CKHS, is telling us about Kaleb Foss' and Katelyn Downey's achievements that led these awards. Below on right we heard from Ken Ebersole, Principal of the Crosspoint Secondary School, talking about Xin He. This isn't the first time we have seen Xin at a Club meeting - last year Xin won the 2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck T-Shirt Design Contest!
Then the came the best part - we heard from the students themselves - their academic and outside activities, their families, and their future aspirations. On right below, Alicia Flint from Klahowya is addressing the crowd of Rotarians and guests while student Jacob Sargent and Shannon Steedman, who teaches Family and Consumer Science, look on.
All the students thanked Rotarians for honoring them, but it is actually we who thank them for being our future leaders!
Pictured left to right: LN1 Cynthia Hunter, FT2(SS) Kelby Sample, LCpl Dillon Purvis, NC1(IW) Erik Mendoza, HM3 Angella Tran, PS2 (EXW) Mike Maoudj, AO3 Neil Usefara, BM2 Scott Horrigan
Military Awards – Vocational Service Chair, Jorge Nolasco, proudly presented awards to our fine military recipients:
Marine of the Quarter – Lance Corporal Dillon Purvis, a Warehouse Chief from Kentucky
Enlisted Person of the Quarter – Boatswain Mate Scott Horrigan, a Petty Officer from Boston
SWFPAC Senior Sailor of the Quarter – Yeoman Bryce Jameson
SWFPAC Junior Sailor of the Quarter – Fire Control Technician Kelby Sample
NOSC Kitsap Sailor of the Quarter – Navy Counselor Erik Mendoza from Los Angeles
NOSC Kitsap Junior Sailor of the Quarter – Personnel Specialist Mike Maoudi
NOSC Kitsap Blue Jacket of the Quarter – Hospitalman Angella Tran from Florida
NOSC Kitsap SELRES Sailor of the Quarter – Legalman Cynthia Hunter
NOSC Kitsap SELRES Junior Sailor of the Quarter – Information Specialist Cathy Urquidez
NOSC Kitsap SELRES Blue Jacket of the Quarter – Aviation Ordanceman Neil Usefara
Rotary Recognizes Sailors and Marine of the Quarter
Check out the mission of The Coffee Oasis in this introduction video. The Coffee Oasis is a faith-based, non-profit organization that consists of two things: real coffee and real hope.
Dave Frederick, Executive Director of The Coffee Oasis
Molly Mansker, founder of the Poulsbo Days for Girls (DFG) chapter, was our speaker on April 20. She described the DFG program, a worldwide organization https://www.daysforgirls.org/ that so far has provided over 640,000 women and girls with access to feminine hygiene. Molly thanked Silverdale Rotary for the high-production-level serger that was purchased in 2016 using $1,000 in Duck Bucks (and a $600 discount from Quality Sewing and Vacuum). Nine items in the kits require a serger.
Pictured: Diane Heesacker using the new serger to make liners
Pictured left to right: Rotarian Mike Hancock, Silverdale Rotary President Cindy Holmes, Honduran Sonia Ramirez
On April 13, Sonia Ramirez, President of the Rotary Club Villa Real de Tegucigalpa in Honduras, visited our Club to thank us for our support in building the medical clinic to help impoverished Hondurans. In our largest hands-on international project ever, using $7,640 from Duck Race proceeds and a $3,500 District 5020 Rotary Foundation grant, Silverdale Rotarians and family members spent a week in Honduras in early 2017 helping build the clinic.
Here are President Sonia's remarks: "It was a great visit to Silverdale Rotary Club - thank you for always welcoming me to your Club. On behalf of Club Rotario Villa Real de Tegucigalpa we presented a Certificate of Recognition for all your contributions, timeless service and dedication to the project at Nerza Paz Clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
THANK YOU also to Mike and Janele Hancock for having me over - it was such a pleasure to stay in their beautiful home. Thanks you were great. The magic of Rotary brings you home whenever you go to any Rotary Club or Rotarian family."
Pictured left to right: Katelyn Herrera and Kevin Lunden (Klahowya Secondary School); Courtney Salisbury, Emily Carlson, Luke Arnold, and DeAndre Sincere (Central Kitsap High School). Not pictured: Peter Park (Crosspoint Academy)
On April 13, Silverdale Rotarians recognized seven amazing young men and women from three local high schools as Students of the Month. Chosen by the faculty and staff of each school, students are recognized not only for academic achievements, but also for leadership and service.
Students received a plaque and a letter from Silverdale Rotary to their parents. Congratulations to our future leaders!
Students of the Month Recognized by Silverdale Rotary
For their February 2017 Cause of the Month, Silverdale Rotarians reached into their own pockets to purchase new socks for Benedict House and Georgia's House in Bremerton. These two shelters provide temporary housing and services to homeless men, women, and children.
Pictured above: Rotarians Kim Peterson (canter) Debi Brooks-Givens (right) giving Kris (on left) at Benedict House bags of socks for men
Pictured below: Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens dropping off socks for women at Georgia's House
The March 22 TRF 100th Anniversary event was a huge success! We had 216 people there with all nine Kitsap County clubs participating. We made it very much a birthday party atmosphere and a very soft sell. Preliminary figures are that we raised between $12K and $13K for the Rotary Foundation - thanks to all!
On March 2, 2017 Rosie Ludlow, Executive Director of Scarlet Road in Bremerton (pictured on left with Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens ), accepted a Duck Buck grant for $1,000 to purchase two computers for the Scarlet Road drop in center.
“Founded in 2008, born out of the desire to see a way out for women and children in the sex industry, Scarlet Road set out to change social perspectives, help the community understand and serve victims of sexual exploitation, and provide long term support for a population of women and children that was receiving none.” For more information about Scarlet Road, go to http://scarletroad.org/ .
Editor’s note: Silverdale Rotary Club President Cindy Holmes (holding the baby in the video linked below) and her husband Buzz recently visited Burkina Faso with Walk in the Light International http://www.witli.com/ founder Katy Cornell and Mikayla Day (pictured right and left respectively at a Club meeting on February 23) to see the impact of Silverdale Rotarians’ personal donations and Duck Race proceeds over the past few months. Below is Cindy’s description and a video collage by Rotarian Steven Boe of their trip. Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
"I wanted to thank Silverdale Rotarians and everyone who purchased duck tickets for the many lives that they have helped in Burkina Faso…from contributing to micro loans for women, the health center, the back packs with school supplies and the French books for a library in the schools. Katy shared how one book in particular that we sent over will drastically change how the teachers are able to teach. It was a French and English dictionary with pictures of each item. It has been very difficult for the teachers to teach English words such as airplane or boat when the children have never seen one. Thank you so much to Rotarians who brought in the books and school supplies. Pictured below is the Rotary work party loading the school supplies.
In the video below you will see the health center that the Silverdale Rotary helped fund with Duck Race proceeds. We visited the center at night when it was empty, and we could see how beautiful and clean it was. The next day it was full and over flowing with children waiting their turn for their exams and lots of children waiting outside for their turn inside. (Fortunately there are no pictures of some of us entertaining the kids waiting!)
You will also see the huts that make up their homes and the demonstration of manually grinding the wheat, their daily shore for meals…but then a Silverdale Rotary micro loan funded a wheat grinder. The woman were so proud to show me how they had learned to start the wheat grinder and process the wheat…with sales to others at $12.00 per day…a significant amount in their village!
The women were trained for a month on how to use the machine; it was so inspiring to see how they were willing to try something so new and foreign to them. They gathered from all over to show me how it worked and then thanked me by giving me a live chicken! (The men had thought they should do the grinding with the machine but Katy insisted it was for the women and they could learn to do it, and they did!)
The school shown in the video is the secondary school. The kids were on break but gathered when they knew we were coming. Silverdale Rotarians had donated the French books that were at their levels. Can you imaging reading about places and things that you have never seen or experienced?
I really can’t thank you enough for all you did to help with my President’s project, but more importantly how you have helped to make significant educational improvements for the children there.
Duck Race proceeds also funded micro loans that helped with the health center. I know lives will be changed by these contributions!"
On February 23, our Rotary Club awarded Kitsap County Parks Department with a grant of $3,000 in Duck Bucks for AED's (Automated External Defibrillators) that will be placed around the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.
This is unusually large grant of Duck Bucks, which recognizes Silverdale Rotary’s commitment to the community, and in this case Public Safety. Thanks to the huge support of sponsors and the community purchasing tickets for the 2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, this grant was possible.
Our Duck Race Motto is “Adopting Ducks Changes Lives,” but in this case it might very well mean “Adopting Ducks Saves Lives!”
Pictured below is Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens (left) and Billie Schmidt, Superintendent of Operations,
Kitsap County Parks Department who thanked the Club for the grant
Thank you notes from third graders have been rolling in!
In January Silverdale Rotarians distributed 400+ dictionaries to students in the CK School District. This is part of an annual partnership with East Bremerton Rotary to provide hard cover dictionaries to all 800+ third graders in the Central Kitsap School District (including private schools).
Silverdale Rotarian Leslie Walters did an outstanding job of organizing the distribution of our share of dictionaries to third graders this year, and on February 23 Rotarians and guests were treated to her collages of photos of the distribution along with the countless thank you letters we have received from students.
Some of the notes are funny, some of them are touching, and all of them are a great reminder of why we continue to do this year in and year out.
2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds at work helping students learn!
On January 29-February 4, 2017 Silverdale Rotarians Mike Hancock, Mariam James, Rich Arper, Scott Weninger and family members Janele Hancock and Deena Weninger spent a week getting their hands dirty helping build a health clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Our Rotary Club donated $7,640 in Duck Race proceeds and secured a $3,500 District 5020 Rotary Foundation grant. Mike had visited the building site in January 2016 during the Uniendo America Project Fair. At that time all that existed were bare cement walls – no roof, floor, or anything else (see photo below).
Our project partners were Villa Real Tegucigalpa Rotary Club and Nueva Tegucigalpa Rotary Club. Members of both Clubs worked alongside us during the week.
Below is the first day on the job. Deena is helping the roofers who were just starting to make the roof trusses, and Mike and Rich are working on some drainage. (Mariam is supervising?)
Below, Scott is helping the carpenters with the concrete forms for the window openings, which were too big. Once done, there will be six windows on this side of the building.
Day three below: the roof is finished. Since the Silverdale Rotary team left, they have finished the concrete floor, completed the exterior walls and roof for the bathrooms, and installed the front door. Also the windows (including exterior window guards), rough plumbing and electrical wiring. The only things still to complete our part of the project is the finish plumbing, painting and hanging the sign, which should be done by February 25.
The next step for our Honduran partners to undertake will be to obtain tables and chairs and computers, so Dr. Nerza Paz can fulfill his dream of having a fully functioning Community Health Education Center in his clinic.
Below is our team receiving appreciation plaques from our host club, the Villa Real Tegucigalpa Rotary Club. On the far left is Dr. Carla Carmaco, who was the President of their club last year and also the guide of rural clinics when Mike found this project. On the far right is Sonia Ramirez, this year's Club President (Sonia visited our club in April 2016 and will be here again this year). Next to Sonia is Wendy Ayestas, the project Treasurer and a huge part of making our visit a success. Wendy and her husband Armando provided daily transportation to and from the site, and Wendy spent almost every day at the site with us.
Not pictured is Nueva Tugucigalpa's Club President Saul Zelaya, who provided design and construction management.
Above, holding the plaques from left to right are the Silverdale team members: Mike Hancock, Scott Weninger, Deena Weninger, Janele Hancock, Mariam James, and Rich Arper.
This project is the largest hands-on International Project that the Silverdale Rotary Club has ever undertaken – a great example of Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds and Rotary Foundation funds changing lives!
Silverdale Rotary Helps Impoverished Honduras Community
It's that time of year again! Over the next few months we will select students for our scholarship recipients. Assistance is needed for the scholarship application review process. This effort takes between 10 and 15 hours and can be spread out over two to three weeks. If you are interested in helping with this process please let Ed Hamilton know at (edhamilton23@gmail.com).
Rotary District 5020 Training Assembly (DTA)/District Conference - Hands Across the Borders
Rotary is a worldwide network of friends and family aimed at global peace and goodwill. Through our Rotary District 5020 membership, we meet people from Port Hardy to Woodland WA, Club to Club, family to family, person to person, business to business, across borders.
Our District 5020 is one of the largest Rotary Districts in the world and offers us abundant opportunities to connect, partner and make a difference.
You may be asking yourself, combined District Training Assembly/District Conference on May 4,5,6, 2017, why should I register? We believe that the number one reason is friendships.
Rotary folks from the top of Vancouver Island down to Woodland WA will be attending and participating. Our District 5020 community members will be sitting next to you as you attend inspiring keynote addresses, valuable educational sessions, and delicious dinners at DTA/Conference 2017.
Reach out, connect; this is your opportunity to deepen your Pacific Northwest ties with people who want to work with you to make a difference in community, on this continent, and across oceans.
Working together in Rotary, we are a powerful force for good.
We encourage you to register NOW for DTA/Conference 2017. Rooms at the luxurious waterfront Suquamish Clearwater Resort & Casino are booking more quickly than usual. We've packed the schedule for you, with fun and learning. DTA/Conference 2017 is for you. It's your special time to connect in The Spirit of Rotary. Register now:
On February 9, eight students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy were honored at Silverdale Rotary's weekly luncheon for their academic, personal and extracurricular efforts.
Pictured left to right: Bethany Lunden and William Matney (Klahowya); Sarah Devine and Chris Van Ye (Crosspoint Academy); Kendall Massey, Samantha Miller, Rhys Miller, and Roque Blas (CKHS)
After a brief introduction from school staff, we heard from these outstanding students as they told us about current activities and future plans. Some highlights:
Bethany Lunden – Active in student government
William Matney – Active in choir and drama, volunteers at Humane Society
Sarah Devine – Appalachian Mountains service trip, will go again this year
Chris Van Ye – Appalachian Mountains service trip
Kendall Massey – Rotary sent her to France, serves on ASB
Samantha Miller – UW or MIT to either be a software developer or teacher
Rhys Miller – Interested in engineering, on the Robotics team, headed to UW
On my recent trip to Colombia, I spent time with the Rotary Club of Tulua el Lago, whose flagship program is called "A Smile for Life." We were introduced to this program by our 2015-16 Colombian Rotary Youth Exchange student Dani Sanabria, and our Club donated $2,000 in Duck Race proceeds to this worthy organization.
Pictured front row left to right: Dora Zapata de Molina (mentors the children), Silverdale Rotarian Mike Hancock, Jeyson Barrantes a recipient of the surgeries, prosthodontist Dr. Jairo Sanabria (Dani's father). Back row: Exchange Student, interpreter Morgan Welch from Minnesota, two Exchange Students, speech therapist Adriana Ocampo
The volunteers perform Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip surgeries on underprivileged children from rural Colombia, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to live normal lives. The amazing thing about their program is that they don't just do a surgery and send the child home. They also provide Hearing surgeries (if needed), mental health services, speech therapy and anything else that is needed to treat the "whole person," not just the mouth.
All of the Doctors that participate in this program donate their services, which could include up to 20 surgeries (or more) per child. This is because as the child's head grows, there are different things that need to be done to make sure that when they reach adulthood, everything fits and is working properly.
The only things that are paid for are the operating room and anesthesia, which are supported by the Tulua el Lago Club's local fundraising, as well as donations from around the world. They have about 40-45 kids in the program at any given time, with 4-5 graduating out each year and 4-5 new cases coming in.
Many of the children shown in these photos have had most of their surgeries. I didn't post the "before" pictures, as they may be too much for many people to see, but you can definitely see the results of the program in their faces, eyes and smiles.
What an amazing opportunity it has been for me to witness, first-hand, the great work of A Smile for Life. I will be working with my Rotary Club of Silverdale to establish an account within our Foundation to support this effort further. So, if any of you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to this very worthwhile cause, let me know. I hope to have this set up very soon.
A Smile for Life - Changing Children's Lives in Colombia
The 2017 DTA Conference is coming to Suquamish, WA (May 4-6, 2017) and we are offering Home Hospitality options for attendees.
Home Hospitality is a warm Rotary tradition that offers you a way to get to know fellow Rotarians in our district. We are looking for District 5020 Rotarians, located near Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston and Silverdale to open your homes to host dinner on Friday evening, and in some cases, even provide overnight accommodations for Thursday and Friday.
Two Options for Home Hospitality:
Friday Night Dinner
Available to Rotarians (and guests) attending the conference. Dinners will follow the District Training Sessions and social. Carpooling arrangements will be made for each host location to get you to and from dinner. Assignments will be sent to all who register prior to the conference.
Overnight Conference Accommodations and Friday Night Dinner
In addition to the above dinner, the Host will provide in-home accommodations for one or more conference attendees for Thursday and Friday nights. The conference attendees will be responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the host’s home, unless prior arrangements are made. There will be a limited number of Home Hospitality accommodations available and they will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis. Assignments and information will be sent prior to the conference.
If you would like to volunteer to host Home Hospitality (for either option described above), please contact:
Dr. Tom Hawks was at Rotary on February 2 to receive $1,500 in Duck Bucks for Central Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids. Our Duck Bucks grant will help include larger portions of protein in the backpacks that are sent home with children in need in their weekend backpacks. The CK Food Backpacks 4 Kids puts together complete meals for a family of four to take home on weekends so that the kids who are sometimes only eating through assistance programs at schools will be able to have the nourishment it takes to get through a weekend for themselves and their family members. For more information go to http://www.ckfoodbackpacks4kids.com/
Pictured: Dr. Tom Hawks and Rotarian Chuck Kraining
This award to help hungry kids and families is made possible because of the huge sponsor and community support of our 2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser.
Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining on Jan 30, 2017
Long time Silverdale Rotarian member Penny Loveless passed away on Friday, January 27. She was the first person most of us met at every meeting. Her easy smile and friendly welcome was a fixture at the Greeter Table for many years. Penny joined Silverdale Rotary in June 2006.
Penny was recognized as Rotarian of the Month, year after year (pictured above with President Cindy Holmes)
Penny also worked tirelessly on the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, organizing the Sponsor Appreciation Party, and working all of Race Weekend at Duck Central (see photo below).
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday February 12th at 3:00 pm in the Seabeck Conference Center Dining Room. Rotarian Bob Cassis will officiate.
Rest in Peace Penny Loveless - June 28, 1939 to Jan. 27, 2017
On January 26 April Ihde and Mindy Wbitney from CKHS PTSA were on hand to accept another $500 Duck Buck grant for CKHS 2017 Grad Night from Rotary President Elect Kim Peterson. The event, which is held at Naval Base Kitsap, is an all night event that features dinner, dancing, bowling, swimming, entertainment, and prizes to keep kids sober and safe, while letting them have a whole bunch of fun. Our grant will go towards helping disadvantaged kids be able to afford the registration costs.
Above left to right: Kim Peterson, April Ihde, and Mindy Whitney
The CKHS PTSA provides volunteers every year to help tag ducks and then wash ducks on Race Day. Silverdale Rotary, in turn, donates a total of $1,000 to Grad Night. It’s win-win!
Above: CKHS parents and students tagging ducks, July 2016
Above: Duck Washing, July 2016
Above: Duck Washers - CKHS students and family members, July 2016
Duck Bucks Will Help Keep Students Safe on Grad Night
Pictured: David McVicker, President Cindy Holmes, Rich Arper
Congratulations to our two most recent Paul Harris Fellows (PHF) who were presented with their awards on January 26. David McVicker received his first PHF signifying a donation to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) of $1,000, and Rich Arper received his PHF+8 pin, signifying a total of $9,000 donated to TRF! ( Only one more to reach the Major Donor milestone.)
Thank you David and Rich for supporting TRF - it's donations like yours that make Silverdale Rotary's Honduras project, which is currently underway, possible. Rotarians Mike Hancock, Mariam James, Rich Arper, Scott Weninger and family members are working hard this week building a health clinic in Tegucigalpa, partially funded by a Foundation grant.
Putting up a cement block wall
Our team with the Honduran Rotary project members
Donations to The Rotary Foundation Help to Do Good in the World!
During the week of January 9, Silverdale Rotarians delivered 3rd grade dictionaries to Silverdale Elementary, Clear Creek Elementary, and Peace Lutheran School. 2016 Race proceeds at work helping students in our Community!
Pictured below: One of the three classrooms at Silverdale Elementary that got their brand new dictionaries from Silverdale Rotarians Rick Soper, Frank Guthrie, and Peter Matty. They were all smiling from ear to ear and cheering with excitement, which makes it all so very much fun to do!
Pictured below: 3rd Graders at Peace Lutheran School putting their names on the label in their dictionaries.
Pictured below at Peace Lutheran: Rotarian Leslie Walters describing our Rotary mission, explaining the value of the Rotary Four Way Test (see graphic below), which is on the label inside the dictionaries under where the students wrote their names . Also pictured, Rotarian Bob Cassis
Pictured below at Clear Creek Elementary: Rotary President Elect Kim Peterson explaining how Rotary, via our Duck Race fund raiser, can give dictionaries to the students, and do so much more in our Community.
Pictured left to right Rotarians Don Lachata, Scott Slocum, Christie Scheffer, President Elect Kim Peterson
On January 8 more than a dozen enthusiastic Silverdale Rotarians and family volunteers met at United Moving and Storage to label third grade dictionaries. Thanks to PE Kim's great suggestion of an assembly line, we got 400+ dictionaries labeled in under an hour!!!!
Pictured Rotarians Ellen Newberg, Bob Cassis, and volunteer Kathy Cassis
Pictured below Rotarian Scott Weninger
A big thank you to East Bremerton Rotarians for spearheading this annual partnership effort to provide dictionaries to all third graders in the Central Kitsap School District, plus providing the staging facility at United Moving and Storage.
We wrapped up Bell Ringing on Christmas Eve! We rang for a total of $3,328 ($69.34 per hour) for four Saturdays, which Salvation Army said was fantastic! They were deeply grateful for our commitment to ringing for four weeks. With the rising minimum wage, they cannot afford as many bell ringers, so volunteers are very valuable. Most service clubs ring for a day, so Rotary Club of Silverdale's commitment to four Saturdays is outstanding! Thank you to Rotarian Cathy Bisaillon who co-led this event and to everyone who participated with glad hearts and warm smiles!
Pictured above - new Silverdale Rotarian Ed Beckley; below - Rotarian Mariam James
We want to share quick story: a Rotary bell ringer was ringing by the north door of Safeway that has an outside bench. A homeless woman was sitting on the bench eating. It was cold, and a brisk wind was blowing. The bell ringer noticed the woman and walked over to offer her candy canes. The ringer then offered her their own gloves and scarf to help keep out the cold. I don't know what else transpired but know that it exemplified 'Service above Self'. Thank you to all for helping Silverdale Rotary continue to make a difference in the community we love and serve.
Congratulations to Silverdale Rotarians Seraine and Tyler Berube who welcomed Bradley Raymond Berube into this world at 12:02 am on Christmas Eve! 5 pounds, 12 oz. and 19 inches. What a Christmas present!
On Dec. 8, several Central Kitsap-area students were honored at Silverdale Rotary's weekly luncheon for their academic, personal and extracurricular efforts.
Central Kitsap High School: Cody Davis, Brianna Salisbury, Brotton Laing and Kennedy Jackson
Crosspoint Academy: Christopher VanYe
Klahowya Secondary School: Thu Aung, Elizabeth Simmons
Pictured left to right: Elizabeth Simmons, Kennedy Jackson, Rotarian Ron Templeton,
Rotarians rang the bell for Salvation Army from 10 am to 6 pm in front of both doors of Silverdale Safeway on December 3, the first of four scheduled Saturdays in December.
Pictured: Rotarian Emily Guadamuz, husband Johnnie, and Wilson
Donations poured in! We had to keep shaking down the buckets in order to accept more money! They were packed full!
Pictured: Rotarian Ed Ahrens
Many people stopped to thank the Silverdale Rotary for ringing the bell! Comments: "Wow how many of you are out here? I've seen three different folks at this station today!" "Thank you so much for being out here, doing this!" "Rotary is a great organization!"
Pictured: Rotarian Christie Scheffer and granddaughter Reyce
Pictured: Rotarian Rob MacDermid
Silverdale Rotarians Ring the Bell in a New Location
Each quarter, Silverdale Rotary recognizes local sailors and Coast Guard members for their service and dedication to their work. Six service members were recognized, although not all were present, during the Nov. 17 meeting.
Our Rotary Club meeting on December 1 was extra special. Not only did District 5020 Governor (DG) Joanne Croghan visit and speak to us, but three new members were inducted into our Club:
Emily Guadamuz - First Federal Bank - Classification: Banking - Lending Officer
Ed Beckley – Trinchero Family Estates Winery - Classfication: Wine Industry Management
Harold Shea - Executive Director, Haselwood Family YMCA - transfer from Chandler AZ Horizon Rotary Club – Classification: YMCA Management
After President Cindy Holmes performed the induction ceremony, DG Joanne presented a Rotary International 2016-17 theme pin (Rotary Serving Humanity) to each new member.
Pictured left to right: Harold Shea, Johnnie Guadamuz (Emily’s husband), Emily Guadamuz, Membership Chair Christie Scheffer, PI Chair Rick Soper (Ed Beckley’s Sponsor), Ed Beckley, DG Joanne Croghan, President Cindy Holmes
WELCOME Harold, Emily, and Ed to our Silverdale Rotary Family!
Here are some photos from the conference center's Halloween party on Oct. 31. Silverdale Rotarians were on site to hand out candy and pass out information about the upcoming Turkey Trot we will be hosting on Nov. 24!
Thank you to all the Rotarians who helped out and who donated candy. Leftover candy will be used for prizes at the Turkey Trot.
For over 60 years Silverdale Rotarians have been teaming with the Silverdale Dandy Lions, arborists, many generous companies, community volunteers and donors, and young people doing community service from the County Sheriff Juvenile Division, to light up Silverdale’s 128 ft Christmas Tree. But it’s not just a matter of turning on the main switch on Thanksgiving weekend and watching the lights alternate between all red and multicolor. Considerable annual maintenance is required on the twelve 140-ft strings of light (a total of 408 light bulbs!), the star, and the grounds surrounding the tree.
Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper and Silverdale Dandy Lion Roland Arper, continuing the tradition of their Dad, the legendary Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper, have coordinated that maintenance in recent decades. On the morning of October 29, 20 people gathered in the rain to tackle fixing a string of lights that wasn’t functioning properly, plus to turn the star back in the right direction to face Silverdale.
Tree experts Dan Fields and Ben Paulson (pictured above) from Fields’s Tree Care LLC, with communication assist by arborist Ken Little, climbed to the top of the tree, branch by branch, and set up the pulley system to carefully lower the string to the ground for troubleshooting (pictured below)
This string was particularly pesky, and finally half the string’s insulation was removed by the 18 people on the ground to find not one, but two, hidden electrical shorts causing the problem (all the while the two climbers were waiting patiently at the top of the tree in the breezy rain!).
The string was then re-wrapped with rolls and rolls of electrical tape (above),
burned out bulbs were replaced with specific colors according to the color diagram for that string (above), and the string was reeled back up the tree. The climbers also turned the star to face Silverdale. Then…test, test, test – SUCCESS!
In October 2016, Silverdale Rotary sent the final installment check of a $200,000 Long Term Project commitment to support the Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center. The commitment was announced in 2011. Silverdale Rotary has always had a major focus of supporting youth, and the Teen Center (named after Silverdale Rotary) which has been in operation for over 5 years, was a perfect fit.
While some of the funds came from direct personal donations from Rotarians to the YMCA, the majority of the funds came from proceeds from the last six annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race raffles.
Huge thanks go to our amazing Duck Race sponsors and the legions of people adopting Ducks - they all made this enormous commitment to the teens in our community possible!
Silverdale Rotary Completes $200,000 Commitment to Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center
On October 27, Rotary President Elect Kim Peterson presented a $550 Duck Bucks grant to the Peninsula Dance Theatre (PDT). Accepting the check were Mallory Morrison (Assistant Director) and Lawan Morrison (Artistic Director).
Pictured left to right: Kim Peterson, Mallory Morrison, Lawan Morrison
Each fall, PDT's Apprentices and Junior Company members (ages 11-13) take a ballet on tour to Kitsap County's elementary school assemblies to entertain and educate young students in the art of dance. The company members learn many skills in addition to performance: public speaking, organization and production, and hair and makeup to name a few. Also, often this is the first (and only) time students in the schools can experience dance and theatre arts.
Silverdale Rotary has a proud history of supporting youth in our community, and Duck Race proceeds make this possible. For more information about Peninsula Dance Theatre (and specifically The Rainbow Fish tour), go to http://www.peninsuladancetheatre.org/the-rainbow-fish.html .
Some maintenance of the grounds of the Silverdale Christmas Tree has been done, and on October 16 Rotarians Rich Arper and Scott Slocum (pictured below, left and right) turned the 128 ft tree on and did an initial assessment of the lights. Biggest surprise: the wind has turned the star 180 degrees! There are a couple other issues with light strings, but we should be able to sort them out with a work party. Now we are coordinating schedule with the volunteer tree climber/arborist. Stay tuned for the date for the work party to maintain the lights.
On October 13, Silverdale Rotarians kicked off the 2016-17 school year by recognizing five amazing young men and women from three local high schools as Students of the Month. Chosen by the faculty and staff of each school, students are recognized not only for academic achievements, but also for leadership and service. Some examples: Suicide and Bullying Prevention, Associated Student Body officers, Seahawks Student Athlete of the Month, humanitarian trips, and various sports team captains.
Students received a plaque and a letter from Silverdale Rotary to their parents. Sadly, no limousine rides to lunch this year, as the limo company went out of business. Congratulations to the students pictured below, left to right:
Margaret (Maggie) Wright (Crosspoint Academy); Kellen Leavell and Anna Ward (Central Kitsap High School); Natalie Haws and Dylan Zuber (Klahowya Secondary School)
For the second year in a row, Silverdale Rotary has contributed to the Kitsap Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund’s (KFFBF) fund raiser to provide new American made coats for children in a local school. On September 29, Tom Stanley from the Bremerton Fire Department, chair of the upcoming Operation Warm event and member of the KFFBF Board of Directors, accepted a $1,000 Duck Buck grant.
Tom said that the KFFBF has raised enough to order about 280 coats which will be presented to children at the Naval Avenue Elementary School, where over 50% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunches.
Tom invited Silverdale Rotarians to participate in the event. Watch this space for the date and time of the coat giveaway.
We are preparing for our first-ever "Turkey Trot" race and walk on Thanksgiving Day this year!
Please help us get the word out about the race — there will be a kids' dash, a one-mile walk and a 5K for the overachievers out there. All ages are welcome to enter this family-friendly race to burn off that turkey dinner before indulging! Prizes will be available as well, and all proceeds go back to the community for scholarships, food bank needs, 3rd grade dictionaries, etc.
Who: All ages
Where: Kitsap Mall
When: November 24, 2016 (Thankgiving Day!)
Time: First race starts at 8:30 a.m.
Online Registration cost and other details - COMING SOON!
Flyers are available at Kitsap Bank - spread the word! Tell your friends, co-workers, book club members, gym buddies and everyone you meet - it promises to be great fun!
Kitsap County Auditor Dolores Gilmore made a special presentation to Silverdale Rotarians during the September 9 regular meeting.
Gilmore said she’s worked in all divisions at the auditor’s office since starting there back in 1984.
One of the most challenging parts of the election process, she said, is that the deadline for election day can never be moved. Even if numerous staff members are out with the flu, or if a major storm hits, polls close at 8 p.m. election night and the counting process must still go on.
Gilmore also noted that every step of the elections process is open to the public, and she encouraged Rotarians to stop in to see how it all works.
“I think that’s a good thing,” she said of the open process. “That’s an extra set of eyes.”
In Kitsap County, there are 178,000 registered active and inactive voters, and more than 80 jurisdictions across the county. For the upcoming general election in November, Gilmore expects the number of registered voters to increase as it does every time there is a presidential election. To make sure the voting process is accessible to all, there are numerous ways to vote. Paper, audio, online and accessible voting units are available for registered voters to use. Audio is for those who may be deaf or hard-of-hearing, and the online process is for service members serving overseas who wish to vote.
Over the years, she’s seen election laws change rapidly, but she said it has always been a very interesting and fun place to work. One aspect of the process she doesn’t think will change anytime soon is the ability for voters to cast ballots via their phones or home computers due to concerns with hacking the process.
As of today, there are 28 software programs used to keep the system secure, and all the voting software for tabulation is kept in a special room with no internet access. Only eight people in total have access to it, and there is a log sign-in requirement each time someone is in the room.
She expects this election in particular to be a busy one. For November, the auditor’s office plans to receive around 100,000 ballots. There is usually an 87% turnout for general elections. As for recounts? She’s been a part of 20-something manual recounts. Some elections have been as close as five votes apart to declare the winner, which is why so many steps are painstakingly taken at each election cycle and why security is so tight.
“There’s many levels of safeguards,” she said. “It’s a fun place to work. I never really get bored because it changes all the time.”
Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining on Aug 26, 2016
Exchange Student Matej Kunák from Slovakia has had a busy start to the year!
Since his arrival on August 19th, the Silverdale Rotary Club has done a great job keeping Matej busy as he awaits the return of his first host family and the start of school. Thanks to everyone that has taken Matej to do something:
Rich Arper and Bob Cassis for joining me to welcome him.
Nancy Whitaker for sharing her birthday and going kayaking
Roger and Barbara Aydt for taking him to church and lunch
Ellen and Alan Newberg for touring Kitsap and dinner
Ron and Peggy for hosting an incredible welcome party and taking him to church and lunch
Everyone who attended the salmon bake
Kim Peterson for taking him to the fair
Cathy Bisaillon for taking him to Fiddler on the Roof
Mary Hoover for hosting a dinner for him
Cindy Holmes for inviting us over for dinner and to meet some wonderful people from Burkina Faso
Whew! I apologize if I missed an activity. In between the external activities, he is registered for school (with a pretty heavy load), activated his cell phone, opened his bank account, joined the CK Tennis team, gone boating and swimming on Hood Canal, and attended a few musical events here on the Seabeck campus. He has eaten crab, oysters and shrimp for the first time and is willing to try most anything. He will move to his first host family on Wednesday when they return. He has tennis practice every weekday from 5-7 PM.
Here are some things he has mentioned that he would like to do:
He wants to visit many different kinds of churches, especially ones with lots of music
Visit Seattle
Visit Portland
Hockey games
Attend Sounders, Seahawk and/or Mariners game
Musical performances: classical, jazz, piano, rock
Musical plays
Hiking, boating, kayaking
Olympic National Park
Mt Rainier
Mt St. Helens
Museum of Flight
I hope you will get a chance to get to know this incredible young man. We are very lucky to have him!
2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race top prize winners who could attend, and Silverdale Rotarians celebrated another successful Duck Race at our August 11 Rotary meeting. 2016 Duck Race Chair Ed Hamilton provided guests with a short presentation showing examples of some of the charitable works Silverdale Rotary has recently done with Duck Race proceeds. All this is possible due to our generous sponsors and everyone who adopts ducks. Congratulations to all the winners who attended to accept their prizes, and thanks to our Mascot Lucky (Kirk Rienks, who was also Lucky in the July 30 parade) for joining in the festivities!
Grand Prize Winner Janet Gupton from Seabeck (on right) chose the $16,000 cash in lieu of an Advantage Nissan Frontier pickup truck. Below Chuck Capps (on left) from Advantage Nissan presented Janet, who was accompanied by Charly Gupton (center) with the check. THANK YOU Chuck and Advantage Nissan for your tremendous generosity! Not pictured: ticket seller Mary Hoover.
Holland America Line donated a 7 Day Cruise for Two, and winner Shirley Hoover, accompanied by Charlie Hoover, accepted the certificate. Shirley purchased the Quack Pack from her son-in-law, Rotarian Michael Allen. Pictured below left to right, Michael Allen, Ed Hamilton, Charlie Hoover, and Shirley Hoover
Thank You to Quality Heating Electrical and AC, represented by Rotarian Scott Park and Nazare Alves, who donated a $1,750 credit for a Qualifying High Frequency Heating System, or a $650 cash prize. Winner Norm Sanders from Port Gamble chose the $650. Pictured below left to right are Rotarian Roger Aydt (ticket seller), Scott Park, Ed Hamilton, Norm Sanders, and Nazare Alves.
The Kitsap Credit Union donated a $1,000 Cash Prize, and Carol Arper (with Rotarian Rich Arper) accepted the check on behalf of their daughter Alicia Pisegna from Edmonds, WA who could not attend. Carol tells us that she actually purchased the Quack Pack for her daughter! Thank you to the Kitsap Credit Union for their generosity year after year! Pictured below left to right: Ed Hamilton, Rich Arper, Carol Arper
We had a rare double prize winner, Georgia Ovestrud from Port Orchard, whose ducks came in at #11 (Kitsap Garage Door Company $500 certificate or $100 cash; Georgia happily chose the certificate) and #55 (Argosy Cruise Tickets). Pictured left to right are Ed Hamilton and Georgia. Not pictured: Rotarian ticket seller Steve Burton.
After the prize presentations, Rotarians had time to share their "best" duck ticket selling stories, much to the delight of the audience. 2016 was a great year!
2016 Duck Race Top Prize Winners Presentation Lunch on August 11
Thanks to all – Sponsors, volunteers, Rotarians and family members, and everyone who purchased Duck Tickets – it was another fantastic Duck Race weekend at Whaling Days!
This year’s Grand Prize winner of a 2016 Advantage Nissan Frontier pickup truck (or $16,000 cash) is Janet Gupton of Seabeck.
For the total list of 76 prize winners, CLICK HERE. Total value of prizes exceeds $50,000!
Winners will be notified about prize pickup details by telephone the week of August 1.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Photo courtesy of Gary Bowlby Photography
The Duck Race is the Rotary Club of Silverdale’s major fund raiser. This was the 23rd year for the Race. The net proceeds from the Race are distributed to many local community and international organizations through Silverdale Rotary’s “Duck Bucks” grant process. This year, there were 18,000 Ducks in the Race. Preliminary figures show that net proceeds total approximately $70,000 .
Silverdale Rotary thanks all the sponsors and volunteers who made this Race such a success. Special thanks go to everyone everywhere who supported this enormous effort with their purchase of Duck adoptions, making the theme of the Race, “Adopting Ducks Changes Lives” a reality.
A large group of Rotarians and guests gathered for a very fun night at the beautiful Port Gamble Pavilion on June 27 to thank our outgoing 2015-16 Board of Directors and congratulate our incoming 2016-17 Board of Directors who took office on July 1, 2016. The tasty dinner was catered by Essence of the Thymes of Port Orchard. Gorgeous flowers and decorations adorned every table, thanks to Cindy Holmes and her family. Dancing followed the formal part of the program. Thanks, Mary Hoover and Cindy for making all the arrangements and to everyone who helped set up and take down. Also thanks to Phil Bisaillon for being our bartender.
Outgoing President Chuck thanked everyone and presented the Rotarian of the Year award to Rick Soper, our Public Image Chair, who has brought the Club into the digital age in a big way with his videos and Facebook ads, as well as a host of other efforts, including Duck Race Media chair and, most recently, the burger booth at the Water Trails festival. Congratulations, Rick! The award comes with a $1,000 Paul Harris Fellow.
Below is the outgoing 2015-16 Board. Pictured left to right: Ed Hamilton, Don Lachata, Rick Soper, Cindy Holmes, Chuck Kraining, Mike Hancock, Elayne Burton, Debi Brooks-Givens, Ron Templeton, Kim Peterson, Mariam James, Bob Cassis. Not pictured: Jorge Nolasco
Chuck also presented Christie Scheffer with a well deserved Presidential Citation for all her behind the scenes work on many fronts.
After installation of now President Cindy Holmes and her 2016-17 Board, Chuck transferred the framed 1955 Club Charter to Cindy.
Congratulations and thank you in advance to our new Board of Directors, pictured below left to right: Cindy Holmes, Scott Park, Don Lachata, Elayne Burton, Rick Soper, Kim Peterson, Christie Scheffer, Chuck Kraining, Mechelle Hoerer, Steve Burton, Mike Hancock, Mariam James, Ron Templeton, Bob Cassis. Not pictured: Jorge Nolasco
The Silverdale Rotary Duck Race GRAND PRIZE 2016 Advantage Nissan Frontier Duck Truck is now on display in the Kitsap Mall by Sears between Buffalo Wild Wings and Zales. Thank you Advantage Nissan!
Next to it is a display cart with information about the Race and what we do with the proceeds.
Duck tickets can be purchased by the truck if Rotarians are there, or farther up the Mall at Ben Bridge or the Kitsap Mall offices.
On June 23 President Chuck presented $1,000 in Duck Bucks to Jonathan (Captain JT) Thomas (on right in inset) of the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation. The funds will be used to further their restoration work on Kitsap’s very own tall ship, the 66' schooner Fiddler’s Dream (pictured above) which is moored at Brownsville Marina. The money will be matched by an anonymous angel donor, yielding $2,000 total.
Jonathan described the Foundation’s vision of providing programs for Kitsap County 3rd-5th graders that involves learning the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) as applied to hands on operation of a tall ship. Examples are block and tackle and charting. The programs will also include underwater cameras to learn about marine life in Puget Sound.
Skilled craftsperson volunteers are now refurbishing The Fiddler’s Dream at the Brownsville Marina, in preparation for its life as a sailing educational classroom. Our Duck Bucks will be used for the work in the Main Hold; e.g., seating, bunking, tables, and flat screen TV.
To learn more about the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation, Fiddler’s Dream, and volunteer opportunities, go to their comprehensive website at http://www.kitsapmaritime.com/.
Duck Bucks for Fiddler’s Dream: Maritime Education for Students
On June 23 we met our 2016-17 outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Ulysses Galvez (pictured on left with Youth Exchange Officer Patti Lee), who is heading to Bauru, Brazil in July. Bauru is in the southern part of the country, northwest of São Paulo (see map below).
Ulysses is no stranger to living abroad and already speaks Spanish, so that gives him a leg up on mastering Brazilian Portuguese. Ulysses’ enthusiasm is infectious, and we look forward to hearing good things from him in the upcoming year.
June 13 was a special night for Silverdale Rotarians at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club. We hosted our 2016 Duck Race Sponsors to thank them for making our Duck Race possible. Great food and the venue was the Country Club's 2016 sponsorship donation.
The CK Interact Club helped throughout, setting up, and cleaning up. Above, Lucky (Kyle) and his handler Sam helped with the program. Thanks, Interactors!
It was a fun night to chat with our sponsors - above is Scott Slocum with the Reliable Storage contingent.
The Advantage Nissan owner Chuck Capps (above) brought the 2016 Duck Race Grand Prize Duck Truck (above) for its 2016 debut. Thank you Advantage Nissan and Chuck!
During the program, President Chuck Kraining described how we spent the $80,000 we raised in the 2015 race, and he also kept the audience in stitches with the help of Lucky, who acted out various scenarios for the audience to guess. Above the prize winning answer was "Duck Soup." At the end over 30 door prizes were awarded, and everyone left with smiles on their faces and a better understanding of their role in supporting the Duck Race and making a difference in the Community and beyond.
Thanks to everyone who helped with setting up and hosting and cleaning up. And THANK YOU to all our 2016 Duck Race Sponsors! For the entire list, see the link on the left of our website under Homepage Download Files.
Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to honor outstanding Sailors, Marines, and Coastguardsman of the Quarter who provide security for TRIDENT submarines and other Navy assets at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor. Honorees were treated to lunch, and we heard about the accomplishments of these dedicated individuals from their supervisors. Each was given a plaque and gift card. Congratulations to these very deserving military personnel, and thank you for your service!
Front Row Honorees - left to right:
ME3 Bryan Leaf, MA3 Jacob Roe, MA2 Cari Guida, MA1 Nicole McDonald, and Cpl Michael San Nicolas
Not pictured: Cpl Christopher Moss
Back Row Supervisors left to right:
MLES3 Mark Lewis, MAC Shawn Stewart, MA1 Alexia Altuna, Capt Scott Suess, MACS Charles Kittle, and 1st Sgt Kevin Fontenot
On June 9 we bade a bittersweet farewell to our Rotary Youth Exchange student Dani Forero from Colombia. Dani played a lively video of highlights of her year that she narrated. She also shared the fabulous news that her mom would be attending her CKHS graduation on June 11! Following were anecdotes and presentations from her host families. We are really sad to see Dani go!
Michele Ludwig (below, first host family) presented a portrait of the Ludwig family with Dani
Deena and Scott Weninger (below) and their family were the second host family
Alan and Ellen Newberg (below) were Dani’s third host family, shared that Dani is an excellent cook, and encouraged everyone to consider hosting an exchange student, even if there aren’t teenagers in the house.
President Chuck and Youth Exchange Officer Patti Lee (not pictured) wrapped up our farewell with more memories and gifts, and a Quack Pack (!).
And then Dani asked us all to join together in a group photo!
Each July, the Silverdale Rotary puts on the annual Duck Race, which raises funds for programs, individuals, and organizations in the community. This year, Silverdale Rotary members reached out to local high schools to get help with designing the ever-popular Duck Race t-shirt. The assignment parallels real world commercial graphic arts production, with specifications and a deadline.
Ninth-grader Grant Baker at Crosspoint Academy (pictured on right) took on the challenge of designing the 2016 Duck Race design for the t-shirts that Rotarians and sponsors wear to raise awareness about the event throughout the community. Of all 14 entries, his was favored among Rotarians, and the design was selected for printing on this year’s t-shirts.
On June 2, Rotarian Barbara Beagle (on left) presented Grant with the very first 2016 Duck Race t-shirt featuring his design. He also received a $100 check for his hard work and creativity. Crosspoint Academy High School technology teacher Molly Mason (pictured center) was presented with a framed design and brass plate commemorating the competition winner, along with thanks for her support of this project.
Congratulations to Grant Baker and Crosspoint Academy!
Crosspoint Academy Student Creates Winning Duck Race Design
Each year, graduating students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School and Crosspoint Academy are encouraged to apply for the Rotary Club of Silverdale scholarship to assist with costs of attending a college, technical school, or university. All students were required to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply for the scholarship.
A committee evaluates each and every application, including reading of the required essays, prior to making a decision. As a result, 11 deserving students were awarded scholarships and were honored during the June 2 luncheon. Students introduced themselves to the Silverdale Rotary Club before answering a few prompt questions created for them by Rotarians. Some announced they will go into nursing, others have an interest in sociology, computer engineering, law school, economics, and other fields.
Pictured above left to right are nine of the students standing with Silverdale Rotary President Chuck Kraining.
Brianna Rohwein and Kassidy Wandke (Klahowya); Samantha Evans, Joy Clark, Amanda Ford, Hannah Fergus, Kyle Gordon (CKHS); Alex Becker (Klahowya); and Chellie Labonete (CKHS). Not pictured: Gabriella Morris and Seth Huschka (Crosspoint Academy).
Local Seniors Recognized at Silverdale Rotary Scholarship Luncheon
On June 2, the Silverdale Rotary honored Central Kitsap School District's Teacher of the Year, Amee Coulter (pictured on right, inset). She is a first-grade teacher at Esquire Hills Elementary who was first recognized by the District for her work in the classroom. Principal of Esquire Hills, Susan Zetty, attended the special luncheon Silverdale Rotary hosted and offered glowing reviews of Amee and her work with students.
"She makes it a great place," said Zetty. "She is a delight to have as an Esquire Hills staff member."
After lunch, Rotarian Past President Ed Hamilton (on left) presented Amee with a beautiful globe and $250 check.
Then Past Rotary District 5020 Governor Brian Beagle presented Amee with a Paul Harris Fellowship, which is a special Rotary recognition named after the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris. This award is only presented to those individuals whose actions demonstrate their commitment to achieving the goal of Rotary, which is to make the world a better place for our future.
In his remarks, Brian said to Amee, “the words we heard today from the School District and from your Principal at Esquire Hills clearly show us that you share this commitment. On behalf of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation and the members of the Silverdale Rotary Club, it is my pleasure to present you with these symbols of a Paul Harris Fellowship: a certificate signed by both the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation and the President of Rotary International, and this pin.”
Silverdale Rotary presented Student of the Month awards to some very deserving students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy on May 19. These students are nominated by school staff not only for academic achievement, but also for exhibiting leadership skills and service to others at their school, church, in sports activities, or in the community.
Pictured left to right: Gabriella Morris, Crosspoint Academy; Ethan Albro, Cameron Carroll, Amanda Soria (CKHS); Kyland Prior, Ian White (Klahowya); Rotarian Ron Templeton
Not pictured: Ella Hermann
The students were provided a ride to a Rotary luncheon in a limousine and presented with a plaque. The best part of the award ceremony is hearing from the students themselves, their activities, future aspirations, and passion for service. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
Rotary Recognizes Students of the Month from Local Schools
Can you put a dollar value on saving a life? No, but Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds will help save lives by providing $1,500 in Duck Bucks to the Harrison Foundation for their ongoing Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) Program.
The funds will go to purchase a realistic eSimulation mannequin and mobile Simulation Station to help healthcare providers retain life-saving CPR skills. Pictured below is Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presenting the $1,500 check to Kari Driskell, Donor Relations Manager of the Harrison Foundation. For more information about RQI, go to http://www.laerdal.com/us/RQI.
Silverdale Rotary presented Student of the Month awards to some very deserving students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy on May 19. These students are nominated by school staff not only for academic achievement, but also for exhibiting leadership skills and service to others at their school, church, in sports activities, or in the community.
Pictured left to right: Gabriella Morris, Crosspoint Academy; Ethan Albro, Cameron Carroll, Amanda Soria (CKHS); Kyland Prior, Ian White (Klahowya); Rotarian Ron Templeton
Not pictured: Ella Hermann
The students were provided a ride to a Rotary luncheon in a limousine and presented with a plaque. The best part of the award ceremony is hearing from the students themselves, their activities, future aspirations, and passion for service. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
Rotary Recognizes Students of the Month from Local Schools
Central Kitsap High School has a very active Suicide and Bullying Prevention Program, and students play a key role. On May 19, Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presented $500 in Duck Bucks to Teacher/Advisor Susan Leavell and Madison Largey, one of the many students who participate in the program. This is one more example of Duck Race proceeds going to support youth in our Community.
Pictured left to right: Debi Brooks-Givens, Susan Leavell, and Madison Largey
Duck Bucks Support High School Suicide and Bullying Prevention Program
Remember the thrill when you caught your first fish? That’s the experience that $220 in Duck Bucks will help provide to 300 children at the Fishing Kids event at Island Lake Park on June 18, 2016.
The kids will fish in groups on-shore for up to 45 minutes receiving instruction by experienced anglers on angling techniques and environmental stewardship. They can catch and keep two fish, plus they can take home the rod & reel and a Fishing Kids t-shirt! Volunteers are needed to assist the kids with fishing, hand out gear, and clean fish. For more information, go to http://castforkids.org/event/islandlakefk/
Pictured left to right are Silverdale Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presenting the $220 check to Fishing Kids organizer Lori Raymaker.
Providing the absolute essentials for the most vulnerable children in our community – that is the mission of Eastside Baby Corner – West Sound (EBC West Sound). It isn't easy for a family to rebuild a life in crisis, but it is impossible without adequate formula, food, diapers, warm clothes, and other basic fundamentals such as cribs and car seats.
To help stock the shelves, Silverdale Rotary presented $500 in Duck Bucks on May 12 to EBC West Co-Founders Beverly Kinaid and Bob Maynard, pictured on left and right below with Rotarian Kim Peterson (center).
EBC West opened its doors in November 2015 and is hosting a Grand Opening open house on June 4 at 1:30-3:30 pm at 1463 Dawn Rd NE, Bremerton. A VIP reception will at Silverdale Antiques on June 4 after the open house.
In March 2016 Silverdale Rotarians recognized the Military of the Quarter (see article following below), but one honoree, FN Karl Jennings (U.S. Coast Guard) could not be present. So President Chuck Kraining presented FN Jennings his award at his work place at Bangor. Awarding Coast Guardsmen of the Quarter is new for Silverdale Rotary starting in 2015, and we are very pleased to recognize the important job that the Coast Guard does at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor.
Pictured below: FN Jennings and President Chuck Kraining
Military of the Quarter Honorees
Pictured left to right: MACS Kittle, MA3 Harris, MA2 Vigo and MA1 Sullivan. Not pictured: FN Karl Jennings
Each quarter, our club is proud to host military members who exhibit professionalism and integrity and stand out among their fellow service members. We thank you for your service, dedication and hard work!
The Military of the Quarter honorees are: MA1 Ryan Sullivan, MA2 Lindsay Vigo, MA3 Devron Harris and FN Karl Jennings. They were accompanied MACS Kittle who spoke about the quarterly selection process and the accomplishments of the honorees. Our club then heard from the awardees themselves, who then answered questions from the audience.
It’s all about creating brighter futures: basic education for adults, English as a second language, and GED preparation. That is the mission of the Kitsap Adult Center for Education’s (KACE) 25th annual Corporate Spelling Bee fund raiser on May 6. Spelling Bee entry fees and a silent auction raised money to continue their very important work.
It was a family affair as enthusiastic supporters cheered on Silverdale Rotary’s team We Bee Ducks as they spelled incredibly difficult words – some we have never heard of!
Our Team, headed up by crack speller Dr. Mike Gass (center below next to Queen Bee) successfully defended last year’s Championship (and the year before, and many other years!). Other members were Ed Ahrens (on left) and Ed Hamilton (on right).
Great fun for a Great Cause! For more information about KACE programs, go to http://kacewa.org/.
Rotarians Support Kitsap Adult Education and Win the Spelling Bee Championship!
"The volunteers at the Hallowed Ground Café are angels to those who don’t know when they will get their next meal," said Richard LeMieux, formerly homeless and now famous author of “Breakfast at Sally’s.”
The Café serves dinner every week on Tuesday at the Silverdale United Methodist Church to an average of 120 people. To that end, on May 5, Silverdale Rotary presented $1,000 in Duck Bucks to the Café, which will fund the weekly dinners for an entire month!
Hallowed Ground Café is noteworthy in that food is served restaurant style by volunteer wait staff (see photo above) - no cafeteria lines or paper plates. At the same time, approximately 30 people per week are provided with clothing, shoes, and boots after the meal.
Pictured below left to right: Rotarian Kim Peterson, Jeanette Broadwell (lead wait person), Dennis Gregory (chairman of the project), Annette Kensmoe (expediter), Richard LeMieux (author)
Chairman Dennis Gregory spoke passionately about need to feed the hungry in the community, and the dedication of church volunteers who work week after week to give them a hot meal in a pleasant setting. For more information, go to
Duck Buck grants are made possible by the tremendous support from Duck Race sponsors and community members who adopt ducks in the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser.
On April 15 a contingent of Silverdale Rotarians surprised the Poulsbo Rotary Club at their regular meeting by presenting a check for $10,000 for their Morrow Manor project campaign. The project is entitled the Campaign to Build Brighter Tomorrows: Hope and Housing Solutions for Survivors of Domestic Violence. The goal is to offer safe, supportive, longer-term affordable housing for survivors of domestic violence in Kitsap County. Pictured on left are Silverdale Rotarian Elayne Burton and Poulsbo Rotary President Naveen Chaudhary.
Poulsbo Rotarians were great hosts and really appreciated our donation to their awesome project. This surprise presentation created an impromptu celebration of smiles and hugs and tears among the Rotarians of both Clubs.
Pictured below left to right: Bob Cassis (Silverdale), Ardis Morrow, for whom the project is named (facing away, Poulsbo), Mike Hancock (Silverdale) hugging Amy Sanford (Poulsbo), Kim Peterson (behind, Silverdale), President Chuck Kraining (Silverdale), Rand Hillier (Poulsbo) and Elayne Burton (Silverdale).
We encourage you to read more information about this project at: Morrow Manor.
Silverdale Rotary Donates $10,000 to Help Survivors of Domestic Violence
The Silverdale Rotary Club would like to congratulate the April Students of the Month!
Pictured from left below are Aaron Mahiou from Crosspoint Academy; Amber Leon-Guerrero from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS); Derek Dowell and Morgan Walters from Klahowya Secondary School; Bailee Barrick, Torsten Robinson, and Ryan Zetty from CKHS; and Silverdale Rotarian Ron Templeton
All the students arrived at the April 14 Rotary meeting in a limo, were treated to lunch, were recognized by representatives from their schools, gave wonderful speeches, and received a plaque for their scholastic and community service efforts. We would like to wish them well as they move forward into a bright future.
During our March 31 meeting, Silverdale Rotary Club members had the pleasure of hearing from four Central Kitsap High School Interact members. Interact students updated the club on current projects, including a special one that will be their club's first large project that requires community assistance.
Island Lake Park has a 9/11 memorial that most locals don't even know about, the members reported. There is a unique rock garden where visitors can reflect and place a rock in a stone cylinder. Instead, it is often filled with trash, and the surrounding areas are often trashed with litter. Interact members hope to clean up the area in four different stages, to include cutting back brush, cleaning the benches, scrubbing the headstone and rock garden, and more. The students plan to speak with the county parks department officials to see what can be done on the Interact Club's behalf, and they asked for Rotarians' help and suggestions once all is approved.
Interact Club members hope to make it an annual project where they will clean the area, plant flowers, etc.
Chris Brunell (pictured on right), Facility Supervisor of Benedict House in Bremerton, gratefully accepted a Duck Bucks grant from Silverdale Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens for $1,980 to replace aging wooden beds with 4 new metal bunks. A program of Catholic Community Services, Benedict House provides emergency shelter and transitional living support to single men who are in crisis. The new beds are part of a campaign to combat a recurring bed bug problem and to make the facility cleaner and more sustainable. Learn more about the impact that Benedict House makes on our local community at http://www.ccsww.org/site/PageServer?pagename=housing_benedicthouse
Duck Bucks – Benedict House - Catholic Community Services
On March 17, President Chuck Kraining (pictured on left) proudly presented a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) award to Tex Lewis. Our Club members selected two recipients following our 2015-16 Fantasy Football fundraiser, which raised $2,000 for The Rotary Foundation and enabled PHF awards for two community members.
A longtime Silverdale resident, Tex’s name is synonymous with the Clear Creek Trail and the Clear Creek Task Force, and has been instrumental in the planning, fund raising, and recruiting volunteers for the now extensive network of trails. Tex also coordinated the beautiful mural painting and clear coat of the Anderson Hill Overpass in 2009, a project in which Silverdale Rotary was proud to heavily participate. Tex’s tireless volunteer efforts in the community totally embody the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”
Rotary Recognizes Community Member Tex Lewis with Paul Harris Fellow Award
“The need is huge,” Dave Frederick, Executive Director of Coffee Oasis, commented as he opened his address to our club. Coffee Oasis makes an impact for the 466 Kitsap youth who are homeless by providing shelter, case management, job training, and street and school outreach. Just as Dave learned that the organization was losing its lease on its Bremerton drive-thru, the phone rang, and the owner of the defunct KFC restaurant on Naval Avenue offered to donate the space to Coffee Oasis.
The work is in progress to prepare the 40-person café & job training center for a June opening, and Silverdale Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presented Dave with a $1,961 Duck Bucks grant to purchase an industrial hot water tank to get the operation off to a great start. It is rewarding to know that our hard work supports the mission of “Changing the world for homeless youth.” For more about Coffee Oasis, visit https://thecoffeeoasis.com/who-are-we/our-history/https://thecoffeeoasis.com/who-are-we/our-history/.
Silverdale Rotarians really appreciate it when we hear from our Duck Buck and Cause of the Month recipients! It really brings home why we sell Ducks! Kitsap Rescue Mission posted the following on their Facebook page on March 11. Thanks for your kind words, Kitsap Rescue Mission!
For more information, see related article following this one.
Kitsap Rescue Mission Thanks Rotary for Duck Bucks
In 2015, Silverdale Rotary donated a portion of Duck Race proceeds to Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR) to help launch the life-saving PulsePoint smartphone app. We are proud to share an excerpt from a February 19, 2016 press release from CKFR:
Kitsap County First in Western Washington to Implement PulsePoint.
A new smart phone app is now available to give Kitsap County residents the ability to save a life. The PulsePoint app notifies CPR trained citizens of nearby cardiac arrests and is accessible now in Kitsap County.
PulsePoint is integrated into the county’s 911 system and alerts CPR-trained bystanders in the immediate vicinity of a public cardiac emergency, so they can get to the scene and start CPR in the critical minutes before emergency medical teams arrive.”
In conjunction, CKFR is also gearing up for the FREE mass CPR event to be held at the Silverdale YMCA on February 28th. For more information or to register, please click here: http://www.kitsapcountycpr.org/
Duck Bucks at Work - Helping Save Lives in Kitsap County
Pictured left to right: Rotarians Mariam Camery, Scott Weninger, a nameless Old Guy, and Scott Slocum
Anticipation ran high at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino on February 9, Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, as the Casino held their annual non-profit Mardi Gras float contest. New this year, the parading of the 18 floats and judging were held in the Event Center as about 250 enthusiastic supporters cheered on their floats. When the announcement was made, Silverdale Rotary had won first place, and a cash prize of $3,000 to spend on the good works of Rotary!
But it was the people who voted for our float at the Casino who made the difference for us between first and second place ($3,000 vs $2,000), because our float garnered the most votes (253, only 15 votes more than the 2nd place vote getter), adding extra points to the judges' scores.
The Casino ceremoniously awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals, as our float participants stood proudly on the podium. Pictured left to right: Scott Weninger, Mariam Camery, Savannah Young (Scott Slocum's granddaughter), and Scott Slocu,
Thanks to the Suquamish Clearwater Casino for their enormous support of Kitsap non-profits, as all entries were awarded $500 for their efforts, even if they didn't win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prizes of $3,000, $2,000, or $1,000. The Casino is also a huge supporter of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, sponsoring the $1M Duck!
Again, special thanks to everyone who voted for our float - your votes won us an extra $1,000!
At the end of the exciting evening upon reaching home, Scott Slocum received a well deserved "high five" from Ticker, his Golden Retriever. Congratulations to all!
Silverdale Rotary Mardi Gras Float Wins First Place - $3,000!
Silverdale Rotary President Chuck Kraining wrapped up his President’s Project by having Wilma Tambong Lewis (pictured) show us photos of smiling children from Linayasan Elementary School in the Philippines. “We will never forget this for our entire lives,” Wilma quoted the children who received six huge boxes of school supplies from our Rotary Club that were shipped in September 2015. See http://portal.clubrunner.ca/730/Stories/silverdale-rotarians-extend-a-helping-hand-across-the-world for the background story.
As part of a ceremony on December 11, 2015, the children were lined up to fill their blue Rotary branded backpacks with paper, rulers, markers and more. For many of these kids, it was the first time that they had a pencil that they did not have to share with a sibling or classmate.
A clean shirt, a meal, and basic learning supplies mean the difference between children who learn and achieve and those that drop out of school before sixth grade.
Wilma presented a beautiful banner thanking our club members for the donated supplies; but, we are the grateful ones. It is truly rewarding to make such a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged children. President Chuck added, “I am incredibly grateful for the support that our club showed for this project. It’s something I will never forget as well!”
Donated School Supplies Delivered to Filipino Children
Pictured left to right: MA1 Walter, MAC Ferrer, Cpl Potter, 1st Sgt Fontenot, MA3 Wiles, MAC Hughes, MA2 Encinas, and ISC O’Neill. Not pictured: OS2 McGinnis and Cpl Davis
On January 7, Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to honor outstanding enlisted representatives of the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard who are attached to the Marine Corps Security Force Company, Bangor. We have added the Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit to our quarterly award program, and this is the first time that the Coast Guard attended. Their mission is to provide Transit Protection Service to TRIDENT submarines.
The Military of the Quarter honorees are: MA1 Walter, Cpl Potter, MA3 Wiles, MA2 Encinas, OS2 McGinnis, and Cpl Davis.
They were accompanied by their supervisors who spoke about the quarterly selection process and the accomplishments of the honorees. Then we heard from the awardees themselves and had the opportunity to ask questions. Congratulations to these hard working Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsman!
Rotary Honors Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsman of the Quarter
Erin Stamerra and MaryBeth Fergus (pictured left and center), Co-Chairs of the Central Kitsap High School’s PTSA Grad Night Committee, accepted a check from Rotarian Kim Peterson for $500 in addition to the $500 already awarded to the organization following their support of our club’s 2015 Duck Race.
Grad Night is a safe, substance-free party for CK graduates following their commencement. The $20,000 event has been held at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor for the past nine years, and it allows the grads to cut loose and enjoy bowling, swimming, dancing, inflatable obstacles, movies and more. The students are provided with a buffet dinner, professional entertainment from a local hypnotist, and prizes ranging from gift cards to dorm-size refrigerators. The volunteer committee works hard to secure grants to ensure that the event is top-notch and is affordable for all.
While PTSA has been supporting the Duck Race with duck labeling and duck washing on race day, in July 2015 their support was particularly crucial following the race that was delayed 1.5 hours by an epic thunderstorm. Even though many other community volunteers had left the race, the PTSA group came back to finish the job in the rain (see photo below).
Susan Eagan (pictured on left), board member for the Kitsap Adult Center for Education (KACE), accepted a $1,500 Duck Bucks grant from Rotarian Kim Peterson (on right) to purchase three new computers for the enter. She explained that KACE exists to combat the staggering statistic that 1 out of 12 adults in Kitsap County cannot read at a 5th grade level. The new computers are vital to help students who are not successful in traditional college classes improve their literacy and earn their GEDs.
Susan shared two success stories and the impact the organization makes to improve lives. Susan shared two success stories and the impact the organization makes to improve lives. For more information, go to http://kacewa.org/.
Grants like these are made possible by the tremendous support of sponsors of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser and the ticket buying public.
Duck Bucks Awarded to Kitsap Adult Center for Literacy
This past month I have been very busy. My school put on a musical called Testament, and it is about an old rich women who has her family plan her funeral, and they do it because they think they will inherit all her money, but in the end they spent it all on the funeral, but they are happy because it made them all close again. I wanted to participate in the musical, so I joined the choir. Joining the choir was a great way for me to socialize with different people I don’t see everyday, and also it kept me very busy. I had practices on Wednesdays after school, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. I’m so thankful for all the fun times, and people I met throughout the production. We had our premiere on the 22nd, and it went very well! We did three shows, and on the last night my host dad and brother came to watch. After the final show, and clean up the school gave us an after party. It was fun to celebrate all our hard work, and success.
Something else I did this past month was I switched host families. I am very happy with my new family! I have twin thirteen-year-old host siblings, a boy and a girl, and their older sister is on her exchange in South Africa. My new family has so much energy! My parents both run, the kids do handball, and fodbold (soccer), and my host parents got me to go to cross fit with them (I died a little). With my new host family there is a lot more time together as a family, and we are always talking and doing some kind of activity. I think I’m a lot more tired now since I’m socializing every second.
Another fun thing I got to do this last month was on Thanksgiving I went to a boarding school with other exchange students (some from AFS), and gave presentations all about my life, and the society in the US. It was great to meet lots of new people, and to take a tour of the school, and the housing of the students.
Some other things I did to finish out the month, was on Friday we had our big school Christmas party, and it was a lot of fun. We had a live performance, and danced a lot. On Saturday, I finally had time to have a girl’s day with my new host sister. We toured around town looking at different shops, ate different food throughout the day, and we also visited Starbucks. My little host sister loves Starbucks! I had fun telling her how I’ve been to the original Starbucks, and that it originated in my state. I even saw some décor in the store that said Seattle on it.
This past month has been filled with lots of great memories, and I’m so thankful to all who have been apart of it, and made these memories possible! I’m very excited to experience a Danish Christmas! We will celebrate on the 24th, and some of the traditions are different. I’ve been told to wear sweat pants, because we will be eating lots of delicious food.
Jeg håber alt er godt og I må få en god jul! (I hope all is well, and that you have a good Christmas!)
Kærlig Hilsen (Best of wishes)
Amelia Hisaw
Report from Amelia Hisaw – Exchange Student to Denmark
Silverdale Rotarians wrapped up the Club’s Salvation Army Bell Ringing season on Christmas Eve with lots of smiles and good wishes. Thanks to everyone who rang on Thursday, December 24: Coordinator and Bell Ringer Rob MacDermid, Christie Scheffer, Christie’s son-in-law and daughter Tim and Brianna Miller, David McVicker, Scott Park, Mark Heinemann and his son Tyler, and Chuck Huddleston.
Pictured above: Tyler and Mark Heinemann, Chuck Huddleston
It was so nice to see long time Rotarians Mark Heinemann and Chuck Huddleston again!
It’s been a great season with dozens of Bell Ringers manning the kettles. Thanks to overall Coordinator Rob MacDermid and to Barbara Beagle for setting up the ClubRunner schedules. And special thanks to Rotarians, family members, and other ringers (many who rang on several days) who supported the Salvation Army’s good works by volunteering!
Pictured above left to right: Family members Tim and Brianna Miller; Ruby and Ben Scheffer
Silverdale Club Rotarians and families rang Salvation Army bells at three doors at Macy’s in Silverdale, on December 19th! Despite wind and rain, warm hearts prevailed as we rang bells, gave away candy canes and opened doors for shivering, hurrying shoppers. Passers-by were quick to offer donations and encourage their younger children to place the money in the red kettles.
Rotarians Nancy Whitaker and Peter Matty
Ringers included: Peter Matty, David McVicker, Rob MacDermid, Nancy Whitaker, Frank Guthrie, Saturday's Coordinator Christie Scheffer and Christie’s kids – Ben and Ruby Scheffer and Tim and Brianna Miller. Peter stepped up and rang for four hours!
Rotarians Rob MacDermid and David McVicker
Some may not know that unless the Salvation Army has a volunteer bell ringer, they must pay folks to ring the bells. So Rotarian volunteers help the Salvation Army raise important funds in several ways, each time they volunteer. There are two shifts left this coming Christmas Eve! Bring a friend or family member and share in the warmth this season!
Silverdale Rotarians and guests were in for a musical treat on December 17 when a contingent of the Klahowya Secondary School Jazz Choir performed a medley of contemporary and holiday selections. Led by Director Jackie Levenseller and accompanied by math teacher Mandy Watland, their voices filled the room with joyous music. We really appreciated these talented young people coming to our meeting to entertain us!
Editor's Note: the following was written by Paul Murphey (pictured), who was a member of our Club from May 1995 to November 2013.
The one project in Rotary I am most proud of was my involvement in bell ringing for the Salvation Army during the Christmas Season. In 2000, Major Jim Baker came to the Club and spoke of the need for volunteer bell ringers. No one offered to help. After the meeting, I talked with him and told him my father rang the bell in Augusta, GA when his Lions Club contributed many hours. I told him I wanted to honor my Father’s memory by ringing the bell. He put me down for ten hours – four hours on two days and two hours on one.
I was standing under the overhang to the entrance to one of the Kitsap Mall stores. It was rainy and cold and the wind was blowing. A lovely lady and her young daughter, about 10-11 I guess, came over to where I was. The mother reached into her purse and gave her daughter a $10 bill. The child looked like something out of a story book with her green velvet coat, white fur collar and white hand muff. As the mother gave her the money she said to her daughter, “now put this in the kettle where the nice man is ringing the bell. He doesn’t have to be out here in the rain, but he wants children like you to have a better Christmas – we do, too.”
It was so good to see Miharu Umehara at our Christmas Party on December 9! She is our Rotary Youth Exchange student from Japan that Silverdale Rotary Club hosted in 2010-2011. She is all grown up, but she still lights up the room with her enthusiasm for life!
She posted the following on her Facebook page yesterday after playing with the Hometown Band (trumpet section pictured below) for the first time in 5 years, and her remarks about the power of Rotary Youth Exchange:
"No way it's been 5 years!? You're 22?? Nahh you're still a little goofy trumpeter"
So this is how it happened: I attended the Silverdale Rotary Club Christmas party few days ago. Rotarian Cathy and Phil Bisaillon (both members of the Hometown Band) didn't know that I was going to be there, but right after we reunited they asked me: "Would you come play with us if I got you a trumpet!? We have a gig on Friday"
I wasn't sure if I could play anything since it had been a while since I played my trumpet last time. Though the people in the band welcomed me so nicely and the director handed me this 100 year old cornet. (Omg it was such a beautiful vintage cornet!!). I mostly pretended that I was playing, but it was simply amazing to be in the band and feel the warmth of the people again.
Now after 5 years I'm experiencing what "life-long friendship" is really like, and truly appreciating what Rotary International Youth Exchange is doing. I still believe that studying abroad in the midst of high school was the best decision I've ever made."
On December 10, our Club was pleased to honor Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. This is one of our favorite programs, because we hear from and about these outstanding students who are our future leaders. Students are chosen by school staff, and then we bring them to lunch in a limousine, and present them with a plaque and congratulatory letter.
Besides excelling in academics and participating in sports and other activities, all these students volunteer their time in endeavors such as teen mentoring, Special Olympics, tutoring, and Food Bank. Congratulations to all these well deserving students!
Pictured left to right: McKenna Welch (Klahowya); Kalie Nation (Crosspoint Academy); Anthony Tobias, Klahowya; Andrew Campbell, Chelle Labonete, Taija Rice, and Brennan Dour (CKHS)
Our Club proudly presented Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids (KFB4K) with a Duck Bucks grant for $1,000 to further its mission to provide nutritious food to children and their families who are homeless or who are struggling to make ends meet.
Dr. Tom Hawks (pictured on left), KFB4K Board Member, accepted the check from President Chuck Kraining and thanked our club for helping elementary school children (who typically receive free or reduced lunch at school) to have food on the weekends. We learned that the need has grown to more than 180 backpacks to fill each week, and that KFB4K operates with an all-volunteer staff. Learn more about this local organization at http://www.kitsapfoodbackpacks4kids.com/.
Duck Bucks Fill Backpacks of Food for Children in Need
The weather may have been cold and wet but hearts were brimming with warmth as the donations poured into the Salvation Army buckets on Saturday, December 5! Rotarians and family members and friends rang bells at all four doors at Macy’s and collected smiles, funny jests and urgently needed cash that will make such a difference in people’s lives who are struggling to meet basic needs. Rotarians rang bells, opened doors, handed out candy canes, and helped folks in and out of cars with an umbrella. Pictured left and below are Rotarian Christie Scheffer's granddaughter Reyce and daughter Tessa, and Rotarian Scott Slocum.
We will be ringing again from 10 am to 4 pm on December 12th and 19th, and on Christmas Eve from 10 am to 2 pm. Come say hello!
On December 3, Silverdale Rotarian Debbie Brooks-Givens presented $1,500 in Duck Bucks to Tim Samuels (inset), a representative of the local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots organization. These funds will purchase toys for the giveaway to needy children ages 0-13 on December 19 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Tim described the huge need in Kitsap County and related that to qualify, recipients must show proof of need as described on the Toys for Tots website
Duck Bucks awards are possible thanks to the huge community support for the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race raffle fund raiser. This is why we sell Ducks!
Duck Bucks Will Provide Toys for Needy Children This Christmas
Silverdale Rotarians, family members, and friends were out in force (in the cold!) on Black Friday and Saturday, November 28, too, to ring the bells for the Salvation Army at all four doors at Macy’s at the Kitsap Mall. It’s an annual tradition, going back as far as we can remember, and everyone entering and leaving Macy’s from 10 am to 4 pm was warmly greeted. Some dressed to reflect the Holiday Season, like Rotarian Erin Leedham (pictured left). It’s great to say hello and see the smiles of the shoppers and to say Thank You to everyone stuffing money into the buckets!
Families got involved, like Rotarian Jim Adkins, who was joined by his daughter-in-law Mary Adkins and grandson James while they visited from out of town (all pictured right).
2015 Silverdale Rotary Scholarship winner Rebecca Leedham (pictured on right) “gave back” by taking a shift along with her friend Shannon Meester (pictured on left).
Rotarians will be ringing the bells on Saturdays, December 5, 12, 19 from 10 am to 4pm; and on Christmas Eve from 10 am to 2 pm. Come by and say hello!
Silverdale Rotarians Ring the Bells for the Salvation Army at Macy's
Imagine spending the last week without a proper coat, hat, gloves, and socks. The deadline for donations is now this Thursday, December 3.
Pleas bring gently used or new warm winter clothing for those in need: coats, hats, scarves, gloves and socks on Thursday. Cash or check donations are also welcome!Rotary contact: Christie Scheffer 360-981-7300
The 61st annual Silverdale Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was held Saturday, November 28 at 6:00 pm. Steeped in tradition, Silverdale Rotarians/future Rotarians, in partnership with Dandy Lions, Kiwanis and other dedication community volunteers, have supported maintenance of this tree with funds and labor every year since 1954, a year before our Club's Charter in 1955. Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper and Silverdale Dandy Lion Roland Arper have continued the legacy of their father, legendary Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper, in organizing the small army of volunteers it takes every year to keep the tree lit.
There’s nothing better than the hug of a warm coat on a cold winter’s day. On November 18, Kitsap County residents woke up to front yards landscaped with frost and thick ice covering car windows. The temperature registered at 35 degrees. Yet, some local children went off to school without jackets. A few even wore shorts, despite the frigid air surrounding them.
Three years ago, local firefighters decided to step up and help clothe kids in coats through the funding of Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund. The group fund raises and helps with local causes, including making donations to the food banks and more. This year, the Silverdale Rotary and Bremerton Rotary Clubs both donated to help fund this year’s coat drive.
“We’re gonna do some good things for our kids,” said Chris Bigelow, president of the Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund, right before the group passed out the coats. Three second-grade classes received the coats based on needs within the school district where free-and reduced-lunch rates are the highest. This year, and as in years past, the Bremerton School District had the highest need.
Silverdale Rotarians (Mariam Camery center) were on site to watch the coat giveaway and to hand out little rubber ducklings, the known symbol of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, which raises money for community projects like this one. The popular race event brings in thousands of dollars that are then given away as "duck bucks" to community organizations in need.
Because of the Rotarians’ and firefighters’ generous donations, 108 children now have warm winter coats at View Ridge Elementary School in Bremerton. The coat drive is part of a larger project nationwide known as Operation Warm, which was founded in 2002. For more information on Operation Warm, visit www.operationwarm.org/.
Pictured left to right: Benevolent Fund President Chris Bigelow, Mary Hoover and Barbara Beagle (Silverdale Rotary), Bremerton Rotary President, Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent, CKFR Chief Scott Weninger (also Silverdale Rotarian)
Coats for Kids Giveaway Marks Third Successful Year
Silverdale Rotary lost 1955 Charter Member Bruce O. Armstrong on November 9, 2015. Serving as Club President in 1973-74, he was the last known Charter Member to have stayed in the local area.
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 October 29, Lynette George (pictured in inset), founder of the Blue Star Banner Program, accepted $1,100 in Duck Bucks to replace 11 torn and worn banners in Kitsap County. These banners represent the gratitude and high esteem that Silverdale Rotarians (many of whom are veterans and active duty themselves) hold for Armed Forces men and women.
On October 29, Silverdale Rotarian Elayne Burton (pictured on left) presented a check for $1,500 to Lanette Duchesneau (pictured on right) of All Teens Matter. These funds will provide complete Christmas dinners for 60 teenagers and their families who would otherwise not have Christmas.
The purpose of All Teens Matter is to help provide a Christmas to low income, homeless high school students in our county ages 14 to 18. The need becomes greater and greater as the economic crisis continues. They receive a stocking, tree, 4 to 6 gifts, and a complete dinner for their whole family. For more information visit http://www.allteensmatter.com/
Duck Bucks Will Feed 60 Needy Families This Christmas
Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining on Nov 12, 2015
Ed H. reported he is back and the Duck race is on track
Ed A. shared details about the Christmas Party and has programs set through the end of the year.
Debi said Community Service as new applications for Duck Bucks. A list of applicant will be posted for the club members to see.
Mike reported the details of the committee’s latest funding. He is working on other projects.
Bob reported all is well in Vocational Services. Chuck thanked him for his work on the Vocational Moment.
Rick reported about his very productive PI meeting. Many things in the works. They were very excited to welcome Seraine Berube to the committee.
It was decided to hold a special social on January 28th at the Clearwater Casino Many ideas were discussed on how to increase participation. This is an effort to gather votes for our float that is entered in the contest.
A motion was passed to offer a honorary membership to the Bangor SWFPAC leader in an effort to the get the base more involved in the community.
Chuck asked for help in the Nominating process.
Jorge shared more details on his business incubator/mentorship/micro loan idea. Many questions ensued. He will continue to work on it and report back.
A motion was passed to fund the initial Interact account at CKHS with $250. We board felt this was to support our Interact Club, not a payment for work done.
Whaling Days want to discuss the agreement we have between the two organizations. A task force of Chuck Kraining, Ron Templeton and Kim Peterson was assigned to meet with the Whaling Days Presidents to discuss our future relationship. The hope is for that meeting to take place in the next two to three weeks.
Highlights from the November 12th Silverdale Rotary Board Meeting
We all know that wrestling as a youth sport builds speed, agility and stamina. On November 5, Doug Dowell (pictured left with Rotarian Kim Peterson) from the local non-profit Wrestling Supporting Wrestling also taught us that wrestling builds character. As an individual sport for both boys and girls, wrestling demands hard work and the inner strength to know that if you lose a match there is no one to blame but yourself.
Doug and his fellow Board Member, Steve Polillo, have spent the past five years growing their organization to one that now hosts two weekend-long tournaments at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion each December. These events bring thousands of teen wrestlers and their families together for the love of competition. Our club proudly awarded Wrestling Supporting Wrestling a $500 Duck Bucks grant to help purchase the wrestlers’ t-shirts for the Olympic Duals Tournament. “These shirts are a badge of honor for our wrestlers, many of whom could never afford to purchase one,” Doug commented, adding his sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Silverdale for its support.
Duck Bucks Support Olympic Duals Wrestling Tournaments
When Silverdale Rotarians heard an update on youth programs from Haselwood Family YMCA’s staff who work with the kids, we were reminded once again, “This Is Why We Sell Ducks!” On November 5, Sarah Grai (Senior Youth Director), Zak Padayao and Edna Cox (Youth and Teen Directors) provided enthusiastic snapshots of the activities that our $200,000 6-Year Long Term Project commitment supports. Some examples:
Youth Sports - basketball, flag football, volleyball, indoor and outdoor soccer, t-ball
Dance Programs – pre-ballet, tap, break dancing – including a spring recital
Art Classes - summer camps and classes
Youth Performance Cheer classes – collaborating with local high school cheer squads
Home school physical education
Mock trials
Teen Late Night (grades 9-12) and Grades 6-7-8 Night (both open to the public on Saturday and Friday nights respectively)
Life skills, anti bullying, and leadership classes
And it’s not just classes – it’s the close personal interaction with the adult staff being role models that makes a real difference in the lives of the kids at the YMCA. At the end of their presentations, President Chuck Kraining presented Sarah, Zak, and Edna with a check for $24,000; the fifth of six installments towards the $200,000 project to support the Teen Center. All three emphasized the importance of outside financial support, for without donations like ours, many programs would suffer.
Pictured left to right: Edna Cox, President Chuck Kraining, Sarah Grai, Zak Padayao
Quick, clear communication can mean the difference between life and death during an emergency. The truth is, our daily means of communication may not be accessible when we really need them. “When all else fails,” comments Doug Smith, President of Kitsap County Amateur Radio Club, “Ham Radio is there.” He explained that amateur radio operators were key to the relay of information during the 2014 Oso landslide and the 2015 Central Washington area wildfires. For decades they have been tapped during earthquakes and other emergencies, and can be used to facilitate safety measures at community events such as walkathons and bikeathons.
Doug, pictured right with Rotarian Christie Scheffer, gratefully accepted a Duck Bucks grant for $1,800 to replace outdated antennae with two 40’ state-of-the-art push up masts. The new masts will dramatically improve communications in both voice and digital format. The radio club is an active group of enthusiasts that provides training and support for operators of all levels. More info can be found at www.kcarc.org.
Duck Buck awards are made possible by the tremendous support for the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser from sponsors and the ticket buying public.
Duck Bucks Enhance Emergency Communication in Kitsap County
Silverdale Rotarians Kim Peterson, Mechelle Hoerer, and Elayne Burton (pictured above and left), represented the Silverdale Rotary Club at the annual Seabeck Conference Center Halloween Trick or Treat festivities, which provides a safe place for children to Trick or Treat in various houses all over Conference grounds.
Dressed as the Three Musketeers (who also decorated the house), candy treats which were provided from the generosity of the Silverdale Rotarians were handed out to princesses, zombies, owls, football players, Super Heroes, witches, firemen, policemen, airplane pilots, crazy cat ladies, lions etc.
The Musketeers stayed true to the saying "All for One and One for All!" during the two hour stream of costumed children.
The threat of rain (which did not happen) did not lessen the attendance at the event. Estimation is that over 400 guests received a treat (or two) from the Musketeers.
It was a successful event creating great memories. Thank you to Seabeck Conference Center and to Silverdale Rotarians!
On October 29, 2015, Rotarian Elayne Burton presented Leanna Weaver, Executive Director of Georgia Mattson Memorial Shelter, with a Duck Bucks check for over $2,000. Leanna is pictured on right with Silverdale Rotarians Scott Park and Jim Atkins. The Duck Bucks were used toreplace the shelter’s gas furnace which was beyond repair and a safety hazard to operate. With winter temperatures arriving soon, time was of the essence in returning the central heating system to operation. Rotarian Scott Park volunteered his company, Quality Heating, Electrical and Air Conditioning, Inc, to quickly complete the work funded by the Duck Bucks.
Weaver Foundation - Georgia Mattson Memorial Shelter (Georgia’s House) is a local 501(c) 3 non-profit providing women and children a safe place for a second chance. Its mission is to insure that low income homeless women and children up to the age of 18, as well as those experiencing domestic violence, have the opportunity to seek out ways to better themselves without concern for shelter, food and safety. Georgia’s House has twenty-two beds for women and children and has operated solely with volunteers for over three years. It is the only shelter taking children up to 18 in the area and the only one which intakes on a 24/7 schedule. Prospective residents are referred to Georgia’s House by the Kitsap County Housing Solutions Center in Bremerton. The Shelter is usually filled to capacity with residents being able to reside in Georgia’s House for up to 90 days. For more information, go to http://www.gmweaverfoundation.org/
Duck Bucks Replace Furnace in Homeless Shelter Georgia's House
Walk in the Light International(WITLI) was founded in 2009, by Tom and Katy Cornell, in Port Orchard, WA. They have been serving the Rialo, in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Since their inception they have drilled clean water wells, built schools, made micro loans to local women so they could start businesses and most recently are building and furnishing a Clinic to provide health care for Rialo and the surrounding communities.
On October 29, Katy (pictured right with Rotarian Mike Hancock) accepted a grant for $5,783 to furnish three rooms in the clinic as follows:
The clinic is due to open on January 4, 2016, and our own Rotary President Elect Cindy Holmes will be there to participate in the celebration and bring back stories and pictures to share of the clinic and the impact of our contribution.
Rotary Grant Helps Outfit Health Clinic in Burkina Faso, West Africa
Instrumental music is alive and well, and can be heard year-round throughout Kitsap County. Our Rotary Club experienced this firsthand at our meeting on October 22 when The Hometown Band entertained us during our Oktoberfest themed luncheon. This was the third time that the group has performed for the Silverdale Rotary Club, and this concert was a special way for the band to thank the Club for the Duck Bucks that contributed toward the purchase of a much needed equipment trailer and performance chairs (pictured below) .
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the concert band fills a unique niche in our community, combining an open-door environment for musicians of all ages and ability levels with a mission to help charitable organizations and local festivals enrich their events. Jas Linford has been the group’s conductor for the past 25 years, in addition to playing tuba in area ensembles and operating his own musical instrument repair business. Jas keeps the Hometown Band’s musicians challenged by booking about 25 concerts per year with frequent repertoire changes.
The Hometown Band is gearing up for its holiday concert season with performances throughout the county starting in early December. The concerts are free (donations accepted) and fun for all ages. More info is available at www.hometownband.org or by contacting Cathy Bisaillon at cathyb@wa.easterseals.com.
The Hometown Band – Community Musicians and Duck Bucks at Work!
Three Silverdale Rotarians (Rich Arper, Scott Slocum, and Frank Guthrie) joined Lions, Kiwanis, and enlisted military volunteers at the Silverdale Christmas Tree work party on October 24 to continue a 61 year tradition of grounds and light maintenance.
The day started out cool and cloudy, and while the tree climbers were going up the tree, everyone worked on spreading mulch around the base of the tree to help keep it healthy. Then it started to rain, and there was concern that the tree climbers would need to call it off as being too dangerous to stay in the tree. But the two tree climbers (pictured on right) were troopers and hung in there – arborist Ken Little has been climbing the tree for 18 years and Steve Delazerda has been helping for years, too!.
We worked our way around the tree, lowering and raising 9 of the 12 strings (pictured left), re-lamping and taping up the frayed wiring (the most time consuming process). We replaced about $400 in lights this year, funded by Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds. Some of those light strings had not been taken down for several years, and were missing several lights, so it was definitely time.
The tree climbers say that the top of the tree needs maintenance, and the mounting for the star is failing. If someone has a drone with a camera, we need some good photos of the top of the tree to devise a game plan for repairing/fabricating the top of the tree mounting.
Thanks to the volunteers, and Duck Race proceeds, the 61st Annual Silverdale Christmas Tree Lighting will occur on November 28.
Silverdale Christmas Tree – It’s a Community Effort!
Silverdale Rotarians kicked off Students of the Month awards for the 2015-16 school year on October 15 by presenting awards to some very deserving students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. These students are nominated by school staff not only for academic achievement, but also for exhibiting leadership skills and service to others at their school, church, in sports activities, or in the community. Examples are mentoring younger students and organizing recycling programs and charitable fund raisers.
Students are provided a ride to a Rotary luncheon in a limousine and presented with a plaque. The best part of the award ceremony is hearing from the students themselves, their activities, future aspirations, and passion for service. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
Pictured left to right:
Rotarian Ron Templeton, Wyatt Coffin (Crosspoint), Colin Gillespie and Elena Stamerra (CKHS), Jenna Christman and Nathaniel Hough (Klahowya)
Silverdale Rotary received this very nice Thank You note from a happy 2015 Duck Race prize winner, who received services from Quality Heating Electrical and Air Conditioning (Rotarian Scott Park, co-owner) as a result of adopting ducks. Thank you, Judy Conlow!
On October 1, Silverdale Rotarians were very pleased to host, honor, and thank for their service some very hard working young military men and women as Sailors and Marines of the Quarter from the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor. As their supervisors described, not only are they outstanding leaders in their jobs, but they also volunteer on their own time. Example: Rotarian Josh Hinman, whose son is a Pee Wee, thanked MASN Patrick Wiles and his friends who coach the Silverdale Spartans C-String (ages 8-9) at Silverdale Pee Wees. Each Honoree receives a plaque and a $100 gift card, and sincere thanks for a job WELL DONE!
Pictured left to right: GySgt Jeff (“Snake Eater”) Toms, Cpl Derrick Brown, MA2 Monique Encinas, MASN Patrick Wiles, and MACS Charles Kittle
Not pictured: Cpl Daniel Peczuh (left for next duty station) and MA1 Jonathon Walter (on travel competing for the Strategic Systems Programs Sailor of the Year)
On October 1, Silverdale Rotarian Kim Peterson was pleased to presented Chris Bigelow (pictured left), President of the Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund, a check for $1,000 in Duck Bucks. These funds will be used for Coats for Kids (a purchase of brand new American-made coats) and handed out at a “High Need” Elementary school in Kitsap County. Brand new Operation Warm coats give needy children newfound freedom and confidence to play more, learn more, and do more.
In response to Silverdale Rotary’s challenge for a match, the Rotary Club of Bremerton stepped up with $1,000, too, for Operation Warm! Silverdale Rotary has been invited to help with the distribution of the coats in October and to bring along our Duck Race mascot to the event. Why? Because without the support of generous sponsors of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the public adopting Ducks, this donation would not have been possible!
Silverdale Rotarians were honored to host Alan Monroe (pictured in photos below), Interim Executive Director of ShelterBox USA at a Club meeting and hear an inspirational update about ShelterBox’s disaster relief work worldwide. At the end of the presentation, Silverdale Rotary International Services Chair Mike Hancock (pictured on right below) presented a check for $3,000 to purchase three ShelterBoxes, and Brian Beagle (on left below) also presented a check for $1,000 from the Beagles (both Silverdale Rotarians) for an additional box.
In return, Alan presented to Rotary President Chuck Kraining (pictured left in photo on right) a Supporting Club Banner to recognize the years and years of support our Club has provided to ShelterBox. Annual donations have been made possible by the enormous support from sponsors of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the public who adopt ducks.
Every year, millions of families around the world are made homeless because of disasters and humanitarian crises. ShelterBox responds immediately, by providing materials that bring hope, independence, and a sense of normalcy to families recovering in the aftermath of disaster. Since ShelterBox was founded, they have responded to over 250 disasters and humanitarian crises in more than 90 different countries and provided emergency aid for well over one million people.
Alan Monroe, himself a Disaster Response Team (DRT) member who has responded 11 times since 2009, described going into the disasters, contacting local Rotary Clubs that provide invaluable in-country information and logistics support, and receiving the grateful thanks from families who have lost everything. For more details about ShelterBox, go to http://shelterboxusa.org/about.php?page=120.
Rotary Donates to ShelterBox, Providing Shelter, Warmth, and Dignity
Imagine your children being unable to do homework because you couldn’t buy them a pencil and paper. Such is the case in the Linayanas Elementary School in Altava, central Philippines. Students have to share precious pencils in the classroom, and none can go home.
Wilma Lewis (pictured on right), now an employee at Seabeck Conference Center, attended that school as a child, and that’s how Chuck Kraining (pictured left), President of the Silverdale Rotary Club and Director of the Seabeck Conference Center, heard about the situation at the school. Wilma has been personally donating to the school of 470 students for years. Chuck introduced Wilma at an August 17 Rotary Club meeting, announced his intention to make the school his President’s Project, and invited Wilma to speak about the desperate need in the Linayanas School.
Rotarians in the Club stepped up in an immense response, filling a room at the Conference Center with thousands of items: 1040 pencils, 751 erasers, 483 pens, 506 pencil sharpeners, 470 rulers, 5860 sheets of paper, 597 notebooks, 520 folders, 2768 crayon and much more! pencils, pens, notebooks, pencil sharpeners, compasses, and more.
Each student will receive a drawstring backpack stuffed with supplies (see below) with enough leftover to supply all the classrooms. The items filled six huge boxes that were shipped out on September 25.
While Silverdale Rotary Club is well known for the annual Duck Race, which raises funds for local students, military, and dozens of non-profit organizations, this is a great example of Rotarians’ personal generosity, giving school children in the Philippines the opportunity for a better education.
Silverdale Rotarians Extend a Helping Hand Across the World
We heard from Daniela (Dani) Sanabria Forero (Forero is her "middle" name) on September 3, as she showed beautiful photos of her country, Colombia. Dani hails from Tuluá (pronounced tool-WA, near Cali), and her father is an dentist specializing in prosthodontics, and her mother is a dentist, too, a profession Dani plans to pursue. Dani has a brother and a beloved cat named Bonito, and she plays soccer and was captain of her volleyball team at home. Dani’s sponsor Club is Club Rotario Tuluá el Lago, and Dani was active in her Interact Club.
Dani related that one of the best things about Colombia is the friendliness and hospitality of the people, and of course the COFFEE!
Dani presented President Chuck with a Colombian hat, her sponsor Rotary Club’s banner, and a bag of that famous Colombian coffee. She presented both Elayne Burton (Youth Protection Officer) and Patti Van Patten (Youth Exchange Officer, pictured wearing the ball cap) with containers of a Colombian delicacy and a baseball cap from her sponsor Club. Thank you Dani for telling us about yourself and your country!
Daniela Sanabria Forero ("Dani Sanabria"), from Tuluá, Columbia is our new Rotary Exchange Student! She arrived in the wee hours of August 23, and was greeted at SEATAC by her first host family the Ludwigs and Youth Exchange Officer Patti Van Patten. Pictured left to right: Wesley and Roger Ludwig, Dani, Michele and Marissa Ludwig.
We first met Dani at Rotary on August 27 and then at the Burger Bash on August 30.
Welcome, Dani!
Welcome to Rotary Exchange Student Dani Sanabria from Colombia!
Dani Forero, from Tuluá, Columbia is our new Exchange Student! She arrived in the wee hours of August 23, and was greeted at SEATAC by her first host family the Ludwigs and Youth Exchange Officer Patti Van Patten. Pictured left to right: Wesley and Roger Ludwig, Dani, Michele and Marissa Ludwig.
We first met Dani at Rotary on August 27 and then at the Burger Bash on August 30.
Dani is very interested in seeing and experiencing as much as she can while in the U.S., so be sure to invite her along on outings. Contact Michele Ludwig at michele.n.ludwig@gmail.com or 360-265-5729 to schedule.
Friend her on Facebook: Daniela Sanabria Forero.
Welcome to Exchange Student Dani Forero from Colombia!
The results are in! We can now announce that our 2015 Duck Race net proceeds are over $81,000 - all designated for charitable Rotary projects! Thanks to our Sponsors, Rotarians, volunteers, and everyone who adopted ducks, we will indeed change lives in the 2015-16 Rotary year!
We have a winner!Barbara Baglio of Tracyton, WA won the 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Grand Prize of a 2015 Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck or $16,000 cash donated by Advantage Nissan! For the entire list of 2015 Winners, click here.
The 22nd Annual Silverdale Rotary Race was historic! Under threatening clouds and a brisk onshore breeze, the Duck Dump proceeded with no stuck ducks, and 15 minutes later Duck #1 crossed the finish line – a winner! Then #2. And then the lightning flashed, the thunder crashed, and torrential rain blew sideways, forcing everyone off the pier and out of the water. Below are Deena and Rotarian Scott Weninger racing off the pier from their chase boat.
Then...Rain Delay! The first ever in 22 years of Duck Races. For almost 90 minutes everyone huddled under what cover was available, but getting wet anyway while the ducks waited unphased on an abandoned race course.
Finally the storm passed and the Race resumed in light rain. By the end everyone was even wetter.
Fortunately, CKHS PSTA Grad Night and other volunteers came back to wash and crate ducks, and the 13 intrepid Navy and Marine Corps volunteers (soaked to the skin) from Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor, who had arrived at 8 am stayed through duck recovery, cleanup and breakdown until well after 6 pm.
Except for the weather, Race Weekend ran like the well oiled machine that Silverdale Rotarians are known for. Ticket sellers, venues, Duck Central, Race Operations, volunteers – all meticulously planned and executed. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who adopted ducks, all our Sponsors, and legions of volunteers! We estimate Race proceeds to exceed $75,000 - and that will translate into countless Rotary projects and Duck Buck Grants. Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
Rain Delay - a Historic Silverdale Rotary Duck Race
It was a rainy Saturday at the Lions Kiwanis Whaling Days Parade on July 25, but Rotarians were out in force selling Duck Tickets. The crowd was sparse compared to past years, but that didn't dampen the enthusiam of Rotarian Scott Park (on left), who proclaimed that his ducks were more fit and faster than the others! Really?!? It's all in fun and for a good cause.
Rotarians Jack Jensen and Michele Ludwig (on right), braved the rain while canvassing the crowd.
Of course for our Club the highlight of the Parade was our Advantage Nissan Duck Truck driven by President Chuck with Lucky in the back. Rotarian Roger Ludwig rode shotgun, and in front were the the CK Interact students carrying our Thank You to Our Wonderful Sponsors banner. New this year with us in the parade was the Suquamish Clearwater Casino, our $1M Duck Sponsor, with Lisa Rodriguez and Christina.
In the video below, as the parade contingent passed the Grandstand, we can hear the emcee (past Rotarian Bud Grahn) provide color commentary.
Silverdale Rotarians continued a long time Whaling Days tradition by hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 25. It was held at a new location this year at Silverdale United Methodist Church, which was right on the Parade Route! Parade goers who lined up for blueberry pancakes, sausages, fruit, and coffee/milk were greeted by smiling Rotarians. On left are Patti VanPatten and John Johnson and on right are Roger Ludwig and Kevin Moran.
Thanks to Rotarian Peter Matty who organized this event (pictured on left with wife Karlynn Haberly). Thanks to Rotarians and volunteers who manned shifts, and special thanks goes to Silverdale Haggen who donated and/or provided a huge discount for all the food.
Watch this page! The Top Ten (of 73) winners of the 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck to be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 26 at Whaling Days will be posted here Sunday evening. The other 63 winners will be posted here by Tuesday, July 28. Thanks to all our Sponsors and everyone who adopted Ducks for your support of our fund raiser!
Our club was honored to host Bremerton Rotarian and Kitsap County Commissioner, Ed Wolfe, to share his State of the County presentation. Ed is assigned to the Central Kitsap area, and his impressive bio includes his 17 year career as founder of Wolfe Law Offices, service in the U.S. Army, and work with the U.S. State Department during the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations.
Developing a budget that allows our county to live within its means is Commissioner Wolfe’s top priority. With the county only seeing 17.9% of property tax revenue, much work needs to be done to ensure that the twelve county departments operate efficiently. Our commissioners are also hard at work drafting the Comprehensive Plan that maps out the growth that our area must sustain to accommodate the projected 80,000 person jump in population by 2036. At the core of the plan is the Silverdale Regional Growth Center. A stakeholders group is weighing important decisions, including the use of the space now occupied by the Silverdale Community Center; how to promote and protect our national water trails; and what to do about the 17% of area veterans who are homeless. Ed is committed to balancing economic growth with preserving our beautiful environment. “It is truly an exciting time to be in Silverdale,” Ed stated. He promises to come back to our club soon with an update on The Trails shopping complex and Harrison Hospital’s expansion.
The flock of Big Ducks has landed in Silverdale and can be seen all over town between now and the Duck Race on July 26 at Whaling Days. Kitsap Bank is another huge cash sponsor of the Silverdale Rotary Club Duck Race.
You can adopt ducks at the Silverdale Branch of Kitsap Bank during normal business hours, as well as at the Silverdale Branches of Columbia Bank and Chase Bank. Other ticket sales venues include Silverdale Haggen, Hallmark, and inside Silverdale Safeway from 10 am - 6 pm Monday-Saturday, July 20-25.
Also Silverdale Wendy's Monday-Friday, July 20-24, 6-8 pm and noon-2 pm Thursday-Saturday, July 23-25. Free Frosty Junior coupons with duck ticket purchase!
Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens (pictured on right) introduced us to Bridget Burke (on left), Coordinator of Clam Island Rowing, a 30 member club that offers recreational and competitive rowing for all ages. This club is a part of the Kitsap Sailing and Rowing Foundation.
Bridget received a Duck Bucks grant for $980 that will enable her organization to purchase eight oars, which will allow two boats to be in the water at the same time. The club is growing in popularity, as the benefits of team rowing include full-body fitness, camaraderie and an appreciation of our salt water surroundings. Bridget brought along a sign recognizing Rotary's support that will be posted at their meetings and events. For more information, go to http://www.clamislandrowing.com/.
Silverdale Rotarians will NOT be meeting at KG&CC on July 23. We will be tagging 20,000 ducks at the Jenne Wright CKSD Admin Bldg for the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race on July 26. Pizza and drinks will be available at 11:00 am. Duck Tagging will start around 11:30 am.
No Regular Meeting on July 23 - Duck Tagging at Jenne Wright
2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Tickets are on sale now for the July 26, 2015 Race at Whaling Days. Go to http://silverdalerotaryduckrace.comfor more information and locations to Adopt your Ducks. Win a great prize and support your community at the same time!
Thanks to our generous Sponsors, every dollar of ticket sales will be spent on Rotary projects! For examples, just scroll down this website.
Special Kitsap Card Promotion: If you purchase three Quack Packs at once, you are eligible for a Free 2015 Kitsap Card worth $25 - Thanks Kitsap Card! Don't wait - supplies are limited!
It was with great pride and gratitude for their service to our country that Silverdale Rotarians recognized Sailors and Marines of the Quarter from the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor (MCSFB Bangor) on June 25. These dedicated Sailors and Marines perform a range of duties, but they all have one thing in common: outstanding initiative and leadership qualities. Congratulations and thank you to all our honorees, who received a plaque and a gift card. Pictured below, left to right:
SSgt Eric Dale
Cpl Joel Devine – Marine of the Quarter
MAC Christopher A. Voge
MA3 Jaycob Thresher – Blue Jacket of the Quarter
MA2 Christian Scott – Junior Sailor of the Quarter
MAC Shawn Stewart
Rotarian Jorge Nolasco
Not pictured: MA1 Honaberger – Sailor of the Quarter, and Cpl Soto - Marine of the Quarter
It was a fabulous evening of fun, fellowship, and recognition at Silverdale Rotary Club's 60th Installation Dinner on June 23 at the Seabeck Conference Center. We enjoyed cocktails on the patio and a delicious German dinner in the dining room.
One of the many highlights was a lineup of Past Presidents in attendance. Pictured from left to right are Silverdale Rotary Past Presidents: Ed Hamilton Jan 2014 - Jun 2015; Jason Mayer Jul - Dec 2013; AG Elayne Burton 2011-12; Rich Arper 2010-11; Roger Aydt 2000-01; Rob MacDermid 1998-99; Don Taylor 1986-87; PDG Brian Beagle 1985-86; Mike Koch 1983-84; and Jack Jensen 1974-75.
Outgoing President Ed Hamilton kept the evening light by thanking his Board members with a combination of bubbles, canned string, and numerous other Dollar Store treasures. He presented a very surprised Barbara Beagle with the 2014-15 Rotarian of the Year award, which comes with a very meaningful $1,000 donated to The Rotary Foundation in her name.
Incoming 2015-16 President Chuck Kraining and Board Members were installed by the District 5020 Area 9 Assistant Governor, our own Elayne Burton (who also installed herself!). Left to right are AG Elayne (Treasurer), Rick Soper (Public Relations), Cindy Holmes (President Elect), Ed Hamilton (Immediate Past President and 2016 Duck Race Chair), Don Lachata (Secretary), Debi Brooks-Givens (Community Service Chair), Kim Peterson (Communtiy Service Second Seat), Bob Cassis (Vocational Service Chair), Mariam Camery (International Service Second Seat), Mike Hancock (International Service Chair), and Jorge Nolasco (Vocational Service Second Seat). Not pictured is Ed Ahrens (Club Administration). Thank you to our incoming Board for agreeing to serve in these key positions!
Pictured below on left is incoming President Chuck Kraining accepting our 1955 Rotary Charter from outgoing President Ed Hamilton (on right) and AG Elayne Burton installing Chuck Kraining as incoming President.
What a night, and we all look forward to another exciting year of Silverdale Rotary!
A huge THANK YOU goes to Mattress Ranch, one of our 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Sponsors, who produced this video and donated the air time on cable TV for the period June 15-July 26, 2015 to promote our fund raiser. Thanks to all our Sponsors, every dollar from ticket sales will go to Rotary projects.
On June 18, Silverdale Rotary was very honored to meet and recognize the Central Kitsap School District Teacher of the Year. Rotary President Ed Hamilton (pictured on right) presented Gail with an engraved crystal and a check for $250 (which Gail immediately responded with “This will go to Camp Colman!”). Rotary Past District Governor Brian Beagle (pictured on left) then presented Gail with a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship, a prestigious award further recognizing Gail’s passion and commitment to the youth in our community.
Gail, a veteran educator of 37 years, and most recently in Physical Education at Cottonwood Elementary, retired at the end of the 2014-15 school year. Congratulations, Gail, and thank you for making a difference in so many of our students’ lives!
From the CKSD website: “Gail Smith has an always-sunny outlook and works miracles with some of our most challenging students. She never complains and is always looking at ways to make things better. Gail is a master at breaking skills down into smaller pieces so all students can be successful. She looks for ways to build her students' confidence and to fully engage them in their learning. It's no surprise that Gail is also a valued school leader who supports other teachers through collaboration. This leadership initiative even extends to our community. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Gail has made a meaningful--often lifelong--impact in many ways.” For more details, go to http://www.cksd.wednet.edu/Celebrations/2014-15/015SY14-15.aspx.
Silverdale Rotary continues to award Duck Bucks proceeds from the 2014 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, even while in the midst of selling Duck Tickets for the 2015 race on July 26, 2015. On June 18 a check for $1,759 was presented to Roxanne Bryson, Executive Director of Holly Ridge Center (pictured left accepting the check from Rotarian Kim Peterson). The funds will purchase a Triple Sand and Water Table for their Infant Toddler Program's main playground. On June 25, Roxanne returned to Rotary to accept another check for $1,250 for the playground, and added that they are now breaking ground.
Holly Ridge Center is a private non-profit agency whose mission is to offer a caring and supportive environment for people with disabilities while providing non-discriminatory service so that they may reach their greatest potential. For more information about the Holly Ridge Center, go to http://hollyridge.org/Infant-Toddler-Program/infant-toddler.htm .
Duck Bucks (2 Awards) to Help Infants and Toddlers at Holly Ridge Center
On June 15, 2015, almost 100 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Sponsors, Rotarians, and guests gathered at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club (KG&CC) for the 2015 Duck Race Sponsor Appreciation Party. Thanks to our 101 Sponsors, we have 73 Duck Race Prizes, and enough cash and in-kind services to cover all expenses. Total value of Sponsorships exceeds $126,000. What does that mean? Every dollar from 2015 Duck Ticket sales will go to Rotary projects!
Sponsors and guests were treated to delicious hors d'oeuvres (Thank you Sponsor KG&CC!) and a short presentation by Rotarian Steve Slaton describing, with examples, how we spent 2014 Duck Race proceeds totaling $85,000.
But that wasn't all - there were 28 door prizes, too! Pictured is Marilynn from the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort with her prize. The Resort is a long time Sponsor of the $1 Million Duck in our Annual Duck Race.
Guests also had their photos taken with our mascot Lucky (aka our Swedish Exchange Student Kim Zagerholm). Below is Anna Neal from Good Property Management, one of our Sponsors.
Pictured: Sponsor Jim Helfrick of Reliable Storage with a door prize from Sponsor Hood Canal Oyster.
What a fun evening it was - we all had smiles on our faces. Again, THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL 2015 DUCK RACE SPONSORS!
Silverdale Rotary attracts some first rate speakers! The presentation at our luncheon meeting on June 11 by Dr. Bob Abel (pictured below), renowned astronomer and physics professor, was amazing and definitely beneficial to all concerned. I, for one, know little about astronomy and never took a physics course, but I could have listened to Bob for days.
Bob is involved with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), a project of enormous magnitude that will forever change the way that data is gathered from tens of millions of solar systems. Ground has already been broken on the facility on Mt. Cerro Pachon in Chile, and the telescope is scheduled to be operable in the year 2020. What is different about this telescope? Think wider, faster, deeper. The 27 foot primary mirror will move every 30 seconds to continuously survey the sky for ten years, using a 3.2 gigapixel camera with six filters to capture 30 terabytes of data per night. Bob helped us non-geeks by explaining that the daily data downloaded from LSST will surpass the volume of the Library of Congress!
So what? So… scientists will learn more about the structure of the Milky Way; will uncover the nature of Dark Energy and Dark Matter, and will identify asteroids that will eventually impact Earth - and will potentially plan interventions to change the course of these asteroids. Wow.
Bob, whose colleagues include the guys who created Google Sky, is bringing the August 2015 all-hands meeting of the LSST team to Bremerton, WA. Kitsap County will definitely be in the news as public talks are scheduled at seeFilm, telescopes will be on the sidewalks, special art will be displayed at Collective Visions Gallery, and the Astronomy Slam will pair beer drinking with 15 minute seminars that are geared toward the general public.
Bob whetted our appetites for more info on this very cool topic, and a great Q&A can be found at http://www.lsst.org/lsst/faq/public-faq#q1. I will see you in August as I drink beer in Bremerton and learn about what lies beyond the Man in the Moon.
Program Recap - Extraordinary Speaker and Topic - LSST
On June 4th the Rotary Club continued a long tradition of supporting the youth in our community. A shortened luncheon last Thursday provided time and space for a work party. The goal to pack 355 meal bags for homeless or at-risk youth was reached quickly. The bags, packed with an array of easy-to-prepare or ready-made food and snacks, are provided to youth who have unreliable food sources during the weekend. Monthly, Stand Up for Kids supplies 600 meal bags to our community.
(above: Rotarians (l to r) Nancy Whitaker, Mariam Camery, Mechelle Hoerer and John Johnson work the food line)
Food items and cash donations were provided by the Silverdale Rotary Club members and others in our community. When the project was complete there were well over 300 meal bags packed and Stand Up for Kids was presented a check -- made possible by excess donations -- of $360. Together the bags and cash will provide much needed food for youth supported by Stand Up for Kids.
President's Project #2: Stand Up for Kids event a HUGE success
The Luncheon this Thursday, June 4th, will start at 12:00 noon. The Stand Up for Kids food packing event will start about 12:15 downstairs from where we will have lunch.
2015 Duck Race Chair, Barbara Beagle, awarded Xin He the $100 High School T-shirt Design Contest prize for creating the winning design for our official 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race T-Shirt. Xin and his teacher, Molly Mason, accepted the award and will take the plaque back to Crosspoint Academy and display it for all to see.
Pictured left to right: Barbara Beagle, Xin He, Molly Mason
Silverdale Rotary's Duck Race is July 26 at Whaling Days - thanks to our Sponsors and the Community of friends who buy Duck Tickets, which will be available starting June 4! Below is the Advantage Nissan 2015 Frontier Duck Truck - grand prize (or $16,000 cash) for the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race . Thank you, Advantage Nissan!
Below, Shyla Hamilton with help from her Mom Sarah, is suiting up below as Lucky for the Mattress Ranch Commercial photo shoot.
Mattress Ranch, a very generous sponsor, donates the production of a 30 second spot and 6 weeks of air time on Comcast and Wave Broadband cable TV. Here the film crew, Lucky (aka Shyla Hamilton), Silverdale Rotary President Ed Hamilton, Ted Sadtler (iconic face of Mattress Ranch) and Chuck Capps of Advantage Nissan are filming the commercial. Thank you Mattress Ranch!
President Ed Hamilton proudly hosted Silverdale Rotary’s annual High School Scholarship Awards, welcoming 11 high school seniors to the podium to share their stories. Our Scholarship Committee chose 15 winners from 40 applications, which the Committee says was no easy feat. Hats are off to Rotarians Scott Park, Scott Weninger, Cindy Holmes, Chuck Kraining, Nancy Whitaker, and Ed Hamilton for their time and dedication to selecting these worthy students. Note that awards with an * denote an Education Assistance Grant which recognizes promising students who had to work very hard to overcome some difficult life circumstances in order to achieve high school graduation. Altogether, $11,000 was awarded to these deserving students. Congratulations!
Pictured left to right: Meg Sweeney, Mikayla Tougas, and Cailyn Cattell (Crosspoint Academy); Kemeka Corry, Donavan Erickson, Rebecca Young, Becky Leedham, Ashley Beeman, Savannah Young (CKHS); Brielle Stevens and Jacob Wilson (Klahowha)
Central Kitsap High School Students:
Ashley Beeman loves studying the French language and playing the flute, and she is headed to the University of Washington where she will use her passions to decide her major. $1,000
Kemeka Corry is headed to UCLA to become a medical doctor, which is a far cry from her childhood ambition of “growing up to be the ice cream lady!” $750
Donavan Erickson stated that everything was going way too fast, but he is ready to enter the University of Washington, College of Engineering. $500
Becky Leedham credits her mom as her inspiration and her brother for his words of wisdom to “follow her heart.” She is off to Washington State University to earn a degree in business. $500
Savannah Young finished the quote “I have to keep reminding myself…” with “to always try my best.” She is excited to tackle the business curriculum at Olympic College. $500*
Rebecca Young has already earned her AA degree from Olympic College and is a Certified Nurse Assistant. She will attend Washington State University to study nursing with an emphasis in oncology. $500
Not in attendance: Kelsey Cain $1,000; Matthew Kim $750, Thomas Brehmer $750
Crosspoint Academy Students
Cailyn Cattell looks forward to attending Linfield College in Oregon and becoming a physical therapist to help athletes stay in the game. She appreciates her friends for keeping her positive. $1,000
Mikayla Tougas will attend Olympic College and transfer to Seattle Pacific University to study music and theater. She shared that her best friend is her horse, and that she is grateful for the scholarship to relieve some of her anxiety about paying for school. $750*
Meg Sweeney’s goal is to inspire, and she plans to do that by potentially teaching English in Japan. Her degree will come from Trinity Western College in British Columbia. $750
Not in attendance: Kelly McCartney $750*
Klahowya Secondary School Students
Jacob Wilson already knows success as captain of his sports teams and recently earning his Eagle Scout award. He will attend Gonzaga University with a double major of business and English. Jacob quoted his coach as encouraging him with, “Come on Wilson, just get in there and do it!” $500
Brielle Stevens describes herself as a Science Club nerd and rodeo queen. She will attend Brigham Young University, and she is honored to follow in her mom’s footsteps to become a nurse or physician’s assistant. $1,000
On May 21, Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to meet and honor seven outstanding Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS), Crosspoint Academy, and Klahowya Secondary School. In addition to excellent academic records and one Distinguished Scholar, these students participate in a long list activities; e.g, sports, martial arts instructor, music, events production. One student overcame tremendous physical challenges to graduate with honors.
When we heard from the students themselves, describing their plans and aspirations such as Army ROTC, college athletics, music education, Navy dog handler, and sports physiology,we take great pride in our next generation of young adults. The students received a plaque, letters from Congressman Derek Kilmer and Silverdale Rotary, a gift card, and a limo ride to and from lunch. Congratulations to all these fine students!
Pictured left to right: Liam Bertolacci, Alexandra Moore, and Pauline Betz (CKHS); Tanner Zuber and Brenna McGehee (Klahowya); Cailyn Cattell and Mikayla Tougas (Klahowya)
Silverdale Rotarian Kim Peterson (pictured on right) presented Doug Bekenyi (pictured left), a Central Kitsap Fire Fighter and Paramedic, with a check for $1,000 to help fund the PulsePoint Program through the Medic One Foundation.
Doug explained that PulsePoint is a smartphone app that will save lives by linking people who are trained in CPR with individuals who need the service. The alert goes out simultaneously as medical services are dispatched, and it displays the location of the nearest AED. Thanks to programs like PulsePoint, our state leads the nation in lives saved by first responders. For an article about Pulse Point, go to http://www.wfaa.com/story/tech/2015/04/20/pulse-point-app-brings-help-to-heart-attack-victims/26081435/ .
Duck Buck grants such as these are possible because of the enormous community and sponsor support of the 2014 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
Duck Bucks Awarded to Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Help Save Lives
Rotary President Ed Hamilton presented Andrea Hansen, Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, with a check for $1,725 for the purchase of a heavy duty T swing for the Harris Court Play Structure in the new Port Orchard housing development. Harris Court will consist of 32 single-family homes for residents with low income.
As Ed stated, the Silverdale Rotary Club/Habitat for Humanity partnership is strong, as we were able to participate in the home build on May 9 (see photo on left of Rotarian Bob Cassis), and now we help the children by ensuring a fun and safe play area.
Duck Bucks Support Habitat for Humanity in Kitsap County
The Rotary Club of Silverdale held a special evening meeting on Thursday, May 7 at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club to highlight the roles of leadership and service in our community. The invited attendees included Rotary members from area clubs and prospective club members, Leadership Kitsap participants, board members from the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, and Congressman Derek Kilmer.
“As a service club we wanted to raise awareness of the importance of proactive leadership in effecting positive change through service,” said Ed Hamilton, the President of Silverdale Rotary. Continuing on, Ed said, “We do have a wealth of prospective leaders in our community. Joining a service organization such as Rotary is an excellent way for these leaders, and prospective leaders, to make a difference in people’s lives.”
While sharing some food and beverages and mingling with old friends and new acquaintances, the attendees listened attentively to short presentations from Kathy Nelson, Executive Director of Leadership Kitsap and John Powers, Executive Director of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA). Ms. Nelson and Mr. Powers spoke to the need for strong leadership as an essential component in effective community service.
The highlight of the event were comments from Congressman Derek Kilmer who emphasized the importance of bringing leaders together to energize and inspire service at all levels – local, national and international. Congressman Kilmer went on to say that, “The Rotary Four-Way Test encompasses the essence of leadership and service, and I use it to guide my professional actions.”
Rotary Four-Way Test
In all the things we think, say and do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The event concluded with a robust question and answer period with Congressman Kilmer.
“We are very grateful to have such interest in this event, and especially grateful to have local leaders who take time to talk about the importance of the contribution each person might have in service to our community,” said Ed Hamilton. “Based on the interest shown by those attending and the inspiring comments from our presenters I see a possible opportunity to collaborate in making the Leadership and Service meeting an annual community event,” he concluded.
Left to right: Congressman Derek Kilmer, John Powers, Kathy Nelson, and Ed Hamilton
President Elect Chuck Kraining announced on April 30 that Silverdale Rotary's share of RAGS proceeds equal $5,500 from the sale plus $1,000 from raffle tickets. That $6,500 will go into our Scholarship Fund investment pool. Annual investment returns are used for scholarships for graduating CKSD students. Chuck recognized Christie Scheffer for spearheading Silverdale Rotary's effort as well as everyone who worked all week at RAGS. Way to go Christie!
On April 16, Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to meet and honor seven outstanding Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS), Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. The students were treated to a limo ride to/from their schools and presented with a plaque, a letter from Silverdale Rotary Club, and (new this quarter) a letter from our 6th District Representative to U.S. Congress Derek Kilmer (see following story).
Pictured left to right: Austin Sargent and Allison Burchett (Klahowya); Alex Klussmann, Kelsy Cain, Savannah Lane, and Eli Janusch (CKHS); and Ellie Loney (Crosspoint Academy)
Following are highlights of what the students told us about themselves.
Crosspoint Academy:
Elizabeth (Ellie) Loney – After spending her spring break helping people in the Appalachians, Ellie is preparing to attend Olympic College and then transfer to a university to earn her elementary education teaching credential.
Central Kitsap High School:
Eli Janusch – Eli is a well-rounded senior who will attend Olympic College, and then will pack up his drum set to complete a business degree as a transfer student at a university yet to be determined.
Savannah Lane – A host of family members were present to watch Savannah speak of her fulfilling work in the CK office, her love of math, and her excitement to attend Western Washington University to become a math teacher.
Kelsy Cain – Kelsy is a swimmer and science enthusiast who has already been accepted to the University of Washington to pursue a degree with a likely emphasis in oceanography.
Alex Klussmann – Leadership comes naturally to multi-linguistic Alex, as he heads up the CK soccer team and is active with the school’s environment club. Alex is college-bound with a possible ambition of becoming a medical doctor.
Klahowya Secondary School:
Allison Burchett – You can find Allison anywhere but home. She is active with DECA, ASB, sports and mentoring. She also holds two after school jobs and is preparing to attend a university in Arizona.
Austin Sargent – Austin’s passions include soccer, football and finding ways to make people laugh. He plans to attend Biola University in Southern California to continue his studies and soccer career.
Silverdale Rotarian and Central Kitsap School District Superintendent, David McVicker, informed our club about the school district’s focus on “Engaging our Community.” The campaign is generating a two-way dialog that ensures that our community members not only know what is going on in the schools, but can also voice opinions and get involved.
There are already many programs that foster engagement including mentoring, facility improvement projects, PTAs and Booster Clubs, and stepped up use of social media. Even Mr. McVicker is tasked with tweeting on a regular basis!
Thought Exchange Programs use surveys to learn about the community’s perception of our schools. Recent results indicate that the faculty cares about the kids; the teachers are amazing; and the staff has a positive attitude. When asked about improvements needed, survey takers responded that the staff seems overwhelmed; the math is too complicate; security can be enhanced; and class sizes should be smaller. All of this will be considered as the new Strategic Plan is drafted in June.
David finished his presentation with a few words about the Smarter Balanced Assessments - a new system of standardized testing that uses computer adaptive technologies and goes beyond multiple choice answers. We Rotarians sampled a few questions, and most of us wouldn’t graduate high school if we had it to do all over again.
Following is the text of the letter presented to the Silverdale Rotary Students of the Month on April 16 from Congressman Derek Kilmer, 6th District, U.S. House of Representatives.
April 16, 2015
Dear Rotary Student of the Month,
While my duties in the House of Representatives prevent me from attending today’s celebration, it is my pleasure to congratulate you on receiving the distinction of Rotary Student of the Month. This recognition is an impressive testament of the hard work and dedication you have put forth throughout the school year.
I am pleased to learn that our region is home to students like you. I commend your strong work ethic and am impressed by your positive engagement in your studies and in our community. The attributes you are developing now and the commitment you have shown to leadership will prepare you for future success as one of our nation’s young leaders. As your U.S. Representative, I am proud that students like you are representing the 6th Congressional District.
Again, I am honored to offer my sincere congratulations on your achievement of Rotary Student of the Month. I urge you to continue your involvement and wish you the best in your future endeavors. Our world will be a better place because you are actively involved.
Sincerely,
Derek Kilmer
Member of Congress
Congressman Kilmer Congratulates Rotary Students of the Month
The Rotary Annual Garage Sale was a success! A sunny day with hundreds of attendees and Rotary volunteers in high spirits! Thank you to all who invested time and hard work to this event. Some of our members worked long hours throughout the week and all day Saturday April 6-11, along with Rotarians and volunteers from East Bremerton, Bremerton, and South Kitsap Rotary Clubs.
Pictured below are Silverdale Rotarians Nancy Whitaker and Cindy Holmes pricing in Collectibles.
Pictured below are Rotarians Ellen Newberg and Jim Dudley sorting incoming donations
It was great to see the CK Interact Club help with this event! Pictured below are Interact Club President Wesley Ludwig and VP Sam Erichsen at the big sale.
I am very proud of our Club Members and their work ethic! We should have an event sales total by weeks end. Thank you!
Editor's Note: on April 30 our Club learned that our share of the proceeds is $6,500, which will go into the Scholarship Foundation.
Silverdale Rotary Club welcomed the family of our Rotary Exchange Student Kim Zagerholm from Sweden this week. We enjoyed an evening social with them at the Seabeck Conference Center on April 7, and then hosted them again at our Rotary meeting on April 9. What fun - and everyone speaks wonderful English!
Left to right: Kim, his older brother Simon, his Dad Mikael, his younger brother Noah, and his Mom Asa
Silverdale Rotarians Host the Zagerholm Family from Sweden
Rotarian Cathy Bisaillon (pictured on right, inset) presented Kitsap Foster Care Associationwith a $1,000 Duck Bucks grant to support its 2015 Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner. This dinner is the culmination of a tremendous partnership with Leadership Kitsap that helped the Association to drastically increase its reach in the community. The dinner not only allows foster parents to relax and network with each other while the children enjoy their own dinner and activities; but, it opens the door for new families to get involved in the foster care system.
Marvin Young (pictured on left) was on hand from Leadership Kitsap, and Jen Miller (center) acceptedthe check for Kitsap Foster Care Association. Jen brought her “Rotarians in Training,” three exceptionally well-mannered children. One of them spoke to our Club about the great opportunities that he has through the Association, and he honored his mother with a Happy Buck for all that she does for him and children in need.
Rotary Awards Duck Bucks to Kitsap Foster Care Assn
From Rotarian Erin Leedham, General Manager of Kitsap Mall (pictured below, center front): "I would like to give a shout out to the CK Interact Club. I asked for help this week and nine of them showed up to pack first aid kits for donation to the Red Cross. They were wonderful!" Pictured below - Interact students and Central Kitsap Fire Dept reps.
CK Interact Club Volunteers for CK Fire Dept and Red Cross
On March 12, our own Rotarian Scott Weninger, Chief of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR), provided the Club with a CKFR update. Some of the astonishing statistics: CKFR serves almost 69,000 residents in a 115 square mile area, has 98 employees with a payroll of $16.4 million (75 are fire fighters), 70 volunteers, 11 stations, and 71 vehicles and boats. In 2014 CKFR responded to over 7,000 calls (only 2% were for "hostile" fires, and a huge percentage were for medical emergencies). Chief Weninger went on to say that budget challenges are ever present with increased expenses outpacing reduced revenues (he used the term “unsustainable”). In addition, aging buildings are requiring significant repair and maintenance, taking a major bite out of the budget. A Citizens Advisory Committee is working on these budget issues. At the end, Chief Weninger emphasized that the upcoming levy vote in April is NOT a new tax, but a continuation of the current levy.
Chief Weninger was one of eleven members of Team Central Kitsap who were among the nearly 2,000 firefighters taking part in the 24th annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb at Seattle's Columbia Center on March 8, 2015. The 11 raised $18,869 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Wearing 50 pounds worth of "turnout gear," firefighters walked up 1,311 steps to ascend 69 floors in the state's tallest skyscraper. The vertical height totaled 788 feet, and Chief Weninger completed the climb in only 24 minutes! Whew!
On November 19, Silverdale Rotarian Anita Blau (pictured on left) awarded $500 in Duck Bucks to the Central Kitsap High School PTSA Grad Night Committee, represented by Lynn Harvey (on right). This is in addition to the $500 awarded in September 2014. We received the following note from Lynn:
"CKHS PTSA is very grateful for the opportunities to earn funds and apply for a grant from the SIlverdale Rotary. These funds are used by the Grad Night committee to provide a safe, drug and alcohol free, all night event for graduates after graduation. For the past 7 years the committee has hosted Grad Night at NBK Bangor to minimize time in transit, reduce costs, make it easier for parent volunteers (chaperones can split shifts) and to support local businesses. Instead of taking graduates to Seattle or further, vendors bring the fun to them. Graduates will enjoy dinner, swimming, bowling, a hypnotist, games, entertainment, music, snacks, prizes and more.
In order to make the event open to all students, prices are kept as low as possible and the committee does some fundraising, applies for grants and seeks corporate sponsors. In addition, students may speak to their counselors about fee waivers. Last year nearly 140 attended, and this year we have 79 students registered already. The support of Silverdale Rotary in this endeavor is greatly appreciated."
Silverdale Rotary has enjoyed a partnership with CKHS PTSA for many years: CKHS students, parents, and family members help tag ducks before the race and wash ducks after for our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser (see photo below) , and we award some of the proceeds to keep teens safe on Grad Night. It's WIN-WIN!
Duck Bucks for CKHS Grad Night Help Keep Graduates Safe
Christmas doesn't stop just because you are between the age of 14 to 18. In fact, not having the funds to have Christmas in this age group can be even more devastating if you factor in teenagers’ feelings of needing to fit in. Since charities in Kitsap County like the Salvation Army do not provide any gifts to teens 14 and over, the purpose of All Teens Matter is to help provide a Christmas to low income and homeless high school students ages 14 to 18.
In November 2014, Silverdale Rotary awarded $1,000 in Duck Bucks to All Teens Matter. On March 19, President and co-Founder Lanette Duchesneau spoke to our Club and thanked us for our support. She related that in 2014, All Teens Matter provided a Christmas for 604 teens in Kitsap County! They received a stocking, Christmas tree, four to six gifts, and even a complete dinner for their whole family. Silverdale Rotary’s $1,000 in Duck Bucks were certqainly put to good use! For more information, visit www.allteensmatter.com.
Duck Buck awards are possible thanks to the support of generous sponsors and community members who support our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser.
President Elect Chuck Kraining (on left in photo below) recognized three very hard working and deserving Rotarians as Rotarians of the Month: Christie Scheffer, Michele Ludwig, and Bob Cassis. Well done Rotarians!
Christie Scheffer (2nd from left) - February 2015 - for doing a fantastic job organizing Salvation Army Bell Ringing in 2014 and currently is charging ahead as the Club RAGS representative. And Christie has only been a Rotarian since mid July 2014!
Michele Ludwig (2nd from right) - January 2015 - for expertly organizing and scheduling the labeling and distribution of 450 Third Grade Dictionaries to seven elementary schools in Dec 2014-Jan 2015.
Bob Cassis (on right) - November 2014 - for quietly and consistently maintaining the flags at Veterans Memorial Park and volunteering to do just about anything he is asked to do.
Congratulations to all!
PE Chuck Kraining Announces Three Rotarians of the Month
PLEASE NOTE: In lieu of the regular Thursday Rotary luncheon meeting, on March 5, there will be an Evening Social from 5:30-7 pm at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club. Guests are welcome!
Evening Social on March 5 - No Regular Rotary Meeting
Recently Silverdale and East Bremerton Rotary Clubs completed distribution of 900 hard cover dictionaries to 3rd grade students in Central Kitsap School District (CKSD), home schooled, and Crosspoint Academy (see details in article following this one). On February 27 we were delighted to hear directly from staff and students from Silver Ridge Elementary School about the impact that these dictionaries make on the students and their families. Truly our Duck Race proceeds at work!
Pictured from Silver Ridge Elementary School: Back row: Principal Julie McKein, 3rd Grade Teacher Danielle Meier. Front row: Emma Boyce, Noah Seacrist, Jordan Clark. Upper right: Silverdale Rotary President Ed Hamilton.
CKSD Superintendent and Silverdale Rotarian David McVicker introduced our guests, who provided heartfelt, personal stories. It was so gratifying to hear from the staff and students. Principal Julie McKein described how one 3rd grade student (not pictured) was using his dictionary to teach his Mom English. Teacher Danielle Meier stated that not only was Dictionary Day one of the most exciting of the year for the class, and how the students love the pictures, maps, and tables in the dictionary, but for some of the students this is the first book ever they could truly call their very own.
We heard from student Emma Boyce, who said she uses the dictionary as a teaching tool while reading books at home to her sister. Noah Seacrist talked about using the illustrations and pictures, and how he learned about longitude and latitude. Jordan Clark read a terrificThank You Note she had written to Rotarians.
Then, CKSD Superintendent McVicker presented a Certificate to President Ed Hamilton from the CKSD School Board, recognizing Rotary's contribution to the District. He also thanked East Bremerton Rotarian Dick Sims, who has spearheaded this joint project for over 7 years. President Ed went on to thank Silverdale Rotarian Michele Ludwig for coordinating the logistics of Silverdale Rotary's delivery of 450 dictionaries to seven schools.
This marvelous story would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the thousands who purchased Duck Tickets. Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
CKSD Schools and BOD Thank Rotarians for Third Grade Dictionaries
On February 12, Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to meet and honor six outstanding Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS) and Klahowya Secondary School. In addition to excellent academic records, these students participate in a long list activities; e.g, orchestra, sports, student body government, and numerous volunteer organizations. When we heard from the students themselves, describing their plans and aspirations such as health care, environmental architecture, and mission work, we have high hopes for the next generation of young adults!
Pictured left to right: Alessandra Fleck, Mark Bayuga, Chris Baldoria, and Chloe Orr (CKHS); Chaisten Weigel and Andres Vallejo (Klahowya)
Once again Silverdale Rotary is happy to be a participating Rotary Club in the Rotary Annual Garage Sale. This year's event is on Saturday, April 11th, 2015 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Please come back to this page for more information.
We are currently accepting donation items for RAGS at the following locations
United Moving and Storage (1770 NE Fuson Road in Bremerton)
The Seabeck Conference Center (look for the mini with a banner on it)
Thank you for your support of a community fundraiser. Proceeds from the RAGS benefits Rotary Clubs programs which directly support our community.
Silverdale Rotary Partiicpates in RAGS -- April 11, 2015
Please note that there will NOT be a regular Rotary meeting on February 5. February 5 will be the regular 1st Thursday Evening Social from 5:30 - 7:00 pm - guests are welcome!
The Silverdale Rotary Club once again teamed with East Bremerton Rotary to deliver approximately 900 hard cover dictionaries to every third grader in the Central Kitsap School District. Silverdale Rotarians and supporters, including all but one of our new Rotarians who joined in the last year, distributed about 450 books to excited students in seven elementary schools. In the center of the photo on left are Rotarians Mariam Camery and President Ed Hamilton at Emerald Heights Elementary School.
Thanks to community and business support of our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, we are able to purchase and distribute all those dictionaries. Above, Rotarians Michele Ludwig (who coordinated and scheduled the all the deliveries) and Natalie Bryson, explained a little bit about Rotary to 3rd graders at Cougar Valley Elementary. It is so heartwarming to experience the appreciation and enthusiasm of the 3rd graders and school staff.
Anyone who distributes dictionaries comes away with the feeling, “I totally get it – this is why we sell ducks!” And we have fun, too! Pictured on a "Blue Friday" at Silverdale Elementary (with everyone shouting Go Seahawks!) are Rotarians Peter Matty (back row) and Kim Peterson and Anita Blau (center).
Rotarians Rick Soper and Frank Guthrie are having some fun below at Emerald Heights.
Rotary International President-elect K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran announced his presidential theme for 2015-16, Be a Gift to the World, at the opening session of the International Assembly in San Diego, CA, on January 18. "All of you have been given so many gifts. And you have now been given this great gift: one year to take all your talents, all your gifts, everything that you are and can become -- and Be a Gift to the World," said Ravindran, revealing his presidential theme at the annual five-day training meeting in San Diego, California, USA. "You have one year to take that potential and turn it into reality. One year to lead the clubs in your district and transform the lives of others. The time is so short, yet there is so much to be done."
Highlighting Rotary's biggest challenge, the eradication of polio, Ravindran said, "A future without polio is a gift that we have promised to the children of the world. And indeed it is a gift that we will give. Ravindran, a member of the Rotary Club of Colombo, Sri Lanka, used Rotary's successes in the fight to eradicate the disease as an illustration of the impact Rotary members can have in the world. When Rotary set a goal of eradicating polio 25 years ago, it was endemic in 125 countries, and more than 1,000 children were becoming paralyzed each day. Today, polio remains endemic in just three countries, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. And in all of 2014, only 333 cases were reported. "We will battle on. We will prevail," he said.
RI President-Elect Ravindran's 2015-16 Theme: "Be a Gift to the World"
Working with area Rotary Clubs the Silverdale Rotary Club is in the midst of their annual distribution of hardback, color dictionaries to every 3rd Grader in the Central Kitsap School District. Using the proceeds from another successful Silverdale Rotary Duck Race the Club helped purchase hundreds of books for distribution. The actual distribution process is a fun one for Rotarians and 3rd Graders alike. A gift from Rotary the books become the property of the students and many enjoy getting to write their names into their very own dictionary. Pictured, Silverdale Rotarian Bob Cassis and his wife Kathy and a class of happy 3rd graders.
3rd Graders at Central Kitsap Schools Receive Dictionaries
Third Grade Dictionary distribution at CKSD elementary schools is under way! - don’t miss your chance to participate in one of the most FUN and satisfying projects we Silverdale Rotarians do! Guaranteed, you will come away with a smile on your face and a spring in your step, and it only takes an hour. This is why we sell Ducks!
For the 7th school year in a row, Silverdale Rotary has teamed with East Bremerton Rotary to deliver an American Heritage hard cover dictionary to every third grader in Central Kitsap School District – about 800 students - in 12 elementary schools. Below is the schedule for our last two schools:
January 23 (Fri)– 10:30 am - Green Mountain
January 23 (Fri)– 1:20 pm – Clear Creek
To participate (family and friends welcome!), please contact Michele Ludwig at michele.n.ludwig@gmail.com or (360) 698-7225.
NOTE: Barbara Beagle is requesting photos – please send to twobees2@earthlink.net . Also, if you experience a memorable moment with the students, please send a short description to Barbara, so we can share the love!
Thanks to everyone who rang the bells on December 13; it was quite a day! Thanks to Christie Scheffer for being coordinator - not only did she wash the aprons (they haven’t looked that good in ages!), but she provided bags of with water bottles and goodies for all the bell ringers and candy canes to pass out to the kids. What a hit that was!
Here is Christie’s report: “Saturday was awesome! A Rotarian couldn't come at the last minute, so Cathy Bisaillon and I split that shift. Then Bob Cassis asked if we still had an open spot and came in to ring 3-5, and so we had all the doors covered all day! My grandaughter Reyce rang with me from 3-5, and what a secret weapon she turned out to be. No one could resist that sweet face! Pictured below: Christie and Reyce.
Six princesses (pictured below) from Miss Poulsbo/Miss Kitsap/Miss Silverdale covered 2 doors, and they sang and had a grand old time! Such fun spirits! They LOVE ringing! It was a great day!”
Saturday, December 20 is the last day for Silverdale Rotary Bell Ringing, and there are two slots left for the 1-3 pm shift, and all four doors are available for the 3-5 pm shift. Click on the event to the left to log in and sign up. Merry Christmas!
12,000 nutritious meals were packaged for shipment! That’s what about 40 members of the Silverdale Rotary Club, family members and friends, the new Central Kitsap Interact Club, and Children of the Nations (COTN) accomplished in a few hours at the Silverdale Rotary International Service Committee work party at the December 4 Evening Social at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club.
At 6 meals per package, consisting of measured quantities lentils, rice, dehydrated vegetables, vegetarian flavoring, and vitamins and minerals, that’s 2,000 sealed baggies packed into 56 boxes that will go to hungry people in countries where COTN serves (Sierra Leone, Uganda, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Malawi, Liberia).
The assembly lines were organized by COTN reps, who brought the aprons, hairnets, scales, boxes, baggies, sealers, and huge bags of ingredients to be measured into the baggies and then sealed and packed.
The Silverdale Rotary Club provided the funding for everything, equating to $0.25/meal plus admin costs.
For more information about Children of the Nations, go to https://cotni.org/ .
During the December 4th Silverdale Rotary Social, President Ed Hamilton had the pleasure of presenting the Central Kitsap Interact Club with their official Rotary International Charter. Immediately after the presentation, a dozen Interact members participated in their first International Community project (see related story about food packaging).
Pictured above are (left to right): Hailey Junt, Sam Erichson, Kyle Gordon, Wesley Ludwig, Jason Gordon, Cheryl Junt (Central Kitsap High School Faculty Adviser), Curtis Dodds, Taylor Junt, Silverdale Rotary Club President Ed Hamilton and Chellie Labonete. Not pictured is Silverdale Rotary Adviser Roger Ludwig.
“Readership is higher than ever,” announced Lori Maxim, Vice President of West Sound Operations for Sound Publishing, Inc. Her enlightening presentation shed light on the newspaper group’s growth and its niche as the provider of local, relevant and unique stories that our community members depend on.
Sound Publishing started as a small independent company on Bainbridge Island in 1987. Through acquisitions, it has grown to produce 47 monthly publications and receives hundreds of awards from the Washington Newspapers Publishing Association. The publications, including the Central Kitsap Reporter, Bremerton Patriot, Bainbridge Island Review, and Port Orchard Independent are produced in print form, and online readership is growing and now includes an optional email alert system for breaking news. La Raza is the corporation’s Spanish Language edition, which is also growing in readership.
Donna Etchey, Director of Advertising and member of the Rotary Club of Poulsbo, informed the audience of the significant discounts available for twice monthly advertisements for community organizations. Several Rotary clubs take advantage of this service now with great results. Laurie wrapped up her presentation with her appreciation of our club and its longstanding Duck Race partnership with Sound Publishing. She invited people to visit soundpublishing.com or to contact her directly at lmaxim@soundpublishing.com.
On October 16, Rotarian Erin Leedham (pictured on right) presented $1,000 in Duck Bucks to Jane Erlandson, Executive Director of the Bremerton YMCA. Jane related that Silverdale Rotary has supported this YMCA for 23 years! Jane described some of the programs that donations like ours underwrite: free swimming lessons for all 3rd graders in the Bremerton School District (approx 430); Teen Late Night on Friday nights where all teens, members or not, are welcome in a safe environment; and financial assistance for memberships (24% of members receive some kind of assistance). Silverdale Rotary’s donation to this very worthy cause is made possible by the huge community and sponsor support of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
Silverdale Rotary Continues Long Time Support of Bremerton YMCA
Fall is in full swing, and area kids are looking forward to Halloween and Fall Harvest events. Translation: Candy! Every year our Rotary club participates in the Seabeck Conference Center's Community Halloween Party. Our own Chuck Kraining assigns us one of the houses on the conference grounds, where we decorate, don our costumes and spend 2 hours passing out candy to area kids. This is a safe, family oriented environment where parents bring children from all over Kitsap to participate. There's fun and games, food and lots of fun for all ages.
You can still bring candy this Thursday to our breakfast meeting!
We need a lot of candy for this event. Last year we ran out. Contact Kim Peterson, Elayne Burton or Mechelle Hoerer if you have candy but are unable to get it to the October 30 club meeting. If you bring it to the meeting, we'll see that it gets to the conference center. Thank you!
LAST CALL!!! Cause of the Month - Candy for Halloween at Seabeck Conference Center
Since 1954, a very tall Christmas Tree has lit up the skies for the Holidays in Silverdale, WA, thanks to a coordinated effort of dedicated community volunteers, Silverdale Rotary, Silverdale Dandy Lions, and Kiwanis. Brothers Rich Arper (Silverdale Rotarian) and Roland Arper (Silverdale Dandy Lion) have continued the tradition of their father and legendary Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper and are major driving forces behind coordinating the project. The tree is now 128 feet tall. On October 12, a work party cleaned up the blackberries around the tree, spread mulch, and lowered half of the 12 light strings for maintenance, changing out bulbs and fixing the wiring. Several Silverdale Rotarians participated. Silverdale Rotary Club has provided the funds for light bulb replacements since 1955.
Pictured above, volunteer Stephen Delazerda and Bloedel Reserve Arborist Ken Little prepare to climb all the way to the top of the 128 ft tree. They lower and raise the light strings by pulley for bulb and electrical maintenance. Later when the wind came up, it got even more exciting at the top of the tree!
Once all the burned out light bulbs are changed and the wiring is checked over, the string is ready to be raised back into position. There are 12 strings of lights, and every year about half are lowered for maintenance.
Thanks to all the volunteers who have kept up this 60 year tradition!
To read an informal history of the Silverdale Christmas Tree, click on "Silverdale Christmas Tree History" under Download Files to the left of this page.
President Ed Hamilton proudly presented a check for $30,000 to Haselwood Family YMCA representatives at the club meeting on October 9. The funds represent the fourth installment of our 5 year commitment to support the Y’s Teen Center through the proceeds of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
Present to receive the check and to inform our club of the impact of the Y’s presence in Silverdale, were Derek Foster, Youth & Teen Outreach Director, and Jamie Nocula , Associate Executive Director. “We have 85,000 square feet of pure awesome,” exclaimed Jamie as she opened the presentation. More than just “swim and a gym,” the YMCA strives to serve and strengthen the local community through a variety of programs that touch residents throughout their lifespan. The strategic plan focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility; and, the vision for 2020 includes free swim lessons for third graders, free membership for 6th graders, and expansion of services for people dealing with cancer and diabetes.
Derek lit up as he described the Y’s programs that are reaching the teens in our area. Teen Late Nite is open to all high school students on Fridays and junior high students on Saturdays. Free access to the gym and Teen Center provides a weekend hangout that encourages fun and safe activities including ping pong, Wii games, a homework station and a library area. Teen Late Nite has racked up more than 7,400 youth visits resulting in over 22,000 hours of wholesome weekend activities. “Service to our area’s teenagers does not stop at the Y’s door,” explained Derek. The Juvenile Department Partnership is impacting youth who need help getting back on track. Through detention center visits, mentoring programs and supervised YMCA group usage, teens are given help and hope as they prepare for reintegration into society.
Jamie and Derek closed their program with a huge thank you to the Silverdale Rotary Club and with an open invitation for our club’s members to volunteer in the Teen Center and beyond.
Rotary Continues Support to Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center
Every other month during the school year Silverdale Rotary honors Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. Students are chosen by school staff based on Leadership, Citizenship, Academic Excellence, and Service to School and Community. We bring them to a Rotary lunch meeting in a limousine where we hear a little background about them from school staff. But the best part is hearing from the students themselves! They tell us about their many and varied interests, accomplishments, and aspirations. The five honorees have interests ranging from music, sports, and volunteering; all are college bound, and all have a sincere goal to be the best they can be. Congratulations to these five outstanding students!
Pictured left to right are Isabella Jaravata (CKHS), Anna Flood (Crosspoint Academy), Evan Lund (CKHS), and Lacey Crawford and Alanna Spicer (Klahowya)
In addition to a letter and gift card, the students are presented with a plaque (new this year) that looks like the one in the photo on the left.
Silverdale Rotary Honors October Students of the Month
October 30 is our first "fifth Thursday," so in lieu of our normal lunch meeting time, the Silverdale Rotary Club will start at 7:30 a.m. at the Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel. Arrive between 6:45-7:00 am to get through the breakfast line, as President Ed will ring the bell at 7:30 a.m.
.JPG)
.JPG){kind=small}
.JPG)
Dave Frederick (pictured on right with President Kim Peterson), Executive Director of The Coffee Oasis, gratefully accepted a Ducks Bucks grant for $2,000 to fund the purchase of an industrial coffee grinder for the organization’s new mobile unit.
.jpg)
“Animals are sometimes the most important companion in someone’s life,” opened Eric Stevens, Executive Director of the Kitsap Humane Society (KHS). Formed in 1908, the organization has transformed from primarily a euthanasia facility to a community partner that strives to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more than 7,000 animals annually..jpg)
The services offered are comprehensive, from spay & neuter procedures and pet licensing, to the highly acclaimed “Cats in Prison” program.
Animal-loving Rotarians can support KHS by making a donation, contributing an item from the Wish List 
Note: All animals shown in this article were available for adoption on the website as of May 7.
Naval Operations Support Center (NOSC) Kitsap Sailor of the Quarter/Year BU1 Jeffery Naranjo (pictured on right) was introduced by Command Master Chief Morrow (on left). He was raised in Edmonds and is a Seahawks fan; he joined the Marines in 1987 and served in Desert Storm . After 9/11, he joined the Navy Reserves and is a Seabee. He holds a civilian job as a project manager for PSE.
NOSC Kitsap Sailor of the Quarter LS1(SW) Topaz Ududua (pictured on right) was introduced by Chief Muckle (on left). He emigrated from Nigeria and has fast tracked his way to First Class in 7 years. He works in the supply department and is also the fitness coordinator for his command. He says he goes for "the best looking jersey" when it comes to sports.
Marine of the Quarter Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Lance Corporal Nicholas Silvestri (pictured on right) was introduced by First Sergeant LaTour (on left). He comes from California and is a Dodger fan.
Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC) Sailor of the Quarter MT1(SS) David Varner (pictured on left) was introduced by Senior Chief Sean Hassett (center). David is responsible for maintaining TRIDENT II missiles and provides oversite for his production building. He's been in the Navy 13.5 years.
.JPG)
.PNG)
Silverdale Rotary received a thank you note for the $3,000 in Duck Bucks we granted Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation. 
.JPG)
What’s been going on at the Kitsap Mall lately? Plenty!.JPG)
Walk, wheel or push children through the mall, and it is clear that adding new stores was only part of the project. The mall is now more accessible to all with a family/single-use restroom, upgraded interior seating, and a beautifully landscaped pocket park on the west side of Dick’s that hosts art walks, Chamber of Commerce events, performances and more..JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Anyone who has met Erin knows that she is all about embracing and building community. Adopting Starwood Retail’s award-winning Live 360° retail experience, Erin is harnessing the minds of hundreds of local community leaders to create a comprehensive schedule of events that meet organizations’ needs and develop relationships..JPG)
The most touching moment of the day was learning first-hand from Adama Ouedraogo that Rotarian-sponsored micro-loans have empowered women to start their own businesses and finally halt the cycle of poverty and oppression.
President Nominee (and Emergency Preparedness Trainer) Christie Scheffer was back by popular demand to give a follow on presentation to her original 2017 eye opening, thought provoking presentation. 
.jpg)
Community Service Chair, Steve Burton (on right), was proud to introduce us to Jonathon Thomas (on left), better known as "Capt. JT," at our March 1 meeting. As Board Chair of the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation, the captain is passionate about the organization’s mission – to help people of all ages and abilities have a hands-on nautical experience.
“Fiddlers Dream is an education boat, a floating classroom,” he shared. Rebuilding the steering mechanism of the schooner is one of the most expensive components of the current renovation project. The Silverdale Rotary Club awarded $3,000 to the foundation which will be matched with other donor funds to get Fiddlers Dream’s steering system back on track.
Our program today was Debora Lascelles (pictured on right) and husband Jake Ortega (pictured below), independent filmmakers doing a film highlighting Kitsap’s very own Coffee Oasis. The film is titled Coffee for Hope. They started video development in January of 2017, and are currently in the middle of production. The film will focus on the homeless youth and all that The Coffee Oasis offers them in our communities..png)
Debora and Jake are currently fundraising as they film, with a budget of $150,000. Their fundraising includes grants, business sponsorship, and grassroots fundraising to name a few. If you’d like to learn more about the film, or how you can help in their fundraising efforts, visit their website at 
We received a Thank You note from Duck Bucks recipient Kitsap Project Connect. We granted them $1,000 in Duck Bucks to help provide resource fairs on Jan 23-25 at three different locations. These events brought together community agencies to provide information and services for those who are at risk of homelessness or are homeless. It also provided an opportunity to start the mandated Point In Time Count of homeless.
.jpg)
Rotarians know how to have fun while doing serious fund raising business! The event was a lot of fun, with a 50's theme. Pictured here are Silverdale Rotarians Elayne and Steve Burton in their best 50s costumes!
She became known as the “Lady with the Duck Hat,” and she frequently shared about polio eradication and clean water projects. While on a bus tour in one of the ports, Debi’s teachings were validated as the vehicle rounded a corner and the group saw community garbage cans with large Rotary wheel logos. “See,” she told her bus mates, “Rotary is Everywhere!”
.PNG)
.jpg)
Editor's note: Klahowya was one of many recipients of the 200 Food Bags for Kids that Rotarians stuffed for at risk families during the holiday break when no school food is available. For more information see the story at 
.PNG)
Rotarians Planting Trees A request by RI President Ian Riseley for 2017-18 is to have each Rotarian plant one tree. Rotarian Mary Hoover ordered a tree for each Silverdale Rotarian to plant from the Audubon Society, and they were distributed at the December 14 meeting. All trees were distributed to members in attendance (some received more than one tree), but they will all be planted! 
.PNG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Social hour started at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30. After feasting on Prime Rib or Chicken Cordon Bleu, the entire group joined in singing happy birthday to Ata Celik (on right), our Rotary Exchange Student from Turkey, before he devoured his delicious birthday cupcake.
.jpg)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Drivers who delivered food bags: Scott and Dina Weninger, Peggy Templeton, Steve Slaton, Cathy Bisaillon, Mary Hoover, Pete Dawson, Jim Adkins, Rick Soper, Nancy Whitaker, Frank Guthrie and son, and Mechelle Hoerer,. 
Rotarians rang the bell for the Salvation Army on Dec, 2nd in front of Safeway in Silverdale! Rotarians rang from 10 am through 4 pm.
Rotarians family members joined in the fun. Pictured on right is Reyce Scheffer, my granddaughter, who rang the whole 2 hour shift!
Our hearts swelled with pride and patriotism as the Independents, directed by Pam Wenter (inset on right), performed a moving program of inspiring patriotic songs. Their performance for our Club around Veterans day has become a tradition that we all look forward to. 
.PNG)
Rotarian Chuck Kraining (pictured on right) and President Kim Peterson presented a Duck Bucks Check for $2,000 to Monika Scotti (center) representing CK Food Backpacks for Kids to help put turkeys for 243 families in their special holiday food bags. 
.png)
Rotary World Polio Day is Tuesday, October 24, and at 2:30 pm PDT, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will host the World Polio Day broadcast online at 
The program started with a briefing by CDR Thomas Evans (pictured), Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit (MFPU) Bangor. He described the Unit's four missions: Search and Rescue, Port Waterways Security, Law Enforcement, and Defense Readiness for the eight strategic submarines (SSBN’s) at Bangor, which involves complex security escorts of Coast Guard vessels, each manned with highly trained men and women.
On September 8, a fire heavily damaged a 16’x16’ observation deck and destroyed a picnic table on the Silverdale Clear Creek Trail (CCT) behind All Star Lanes. Mary Earle (pictured on right), Director of Operations of the Clear Creek Task Force, thanked our Club for our Duck Bucks grant of $1,594 to purchase lumber for the repairs. If you would like to help with the repair (date TBD), contact Nancy Whitaker.
.jpg)
On September 21, Rotarian Steve Burton (pictured on left) introduced our Speaker Tim Johnsrude (on right), the Information Systems Security Manager for Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound. His job concerns the Navy’s cyber policy implementation and incident handling and response. Tim spoke based on his own training and experience, although he was not representing the Navy. His only desire is to help people understand the cyber threat so they can help themselves stay safe. Thank you, Tim!
.JPG)
On August 31 our speaker was Greg Sandstrom, Kitsap County (KC) Coroner, and we learned some hard cold facts about deaths in KC. But, while Coroner’s Office provides professional investigations into the deaths of all individuals that die within the County, they also provide compassionate assistance to the families and loved ones in dealing with death.
The Coroner’s Office, through promoting fund raisers for Cribs for Kids, has raised over $19,000 and worked with local community resource agencies to provide over 400 cribs to parents unable to afford them, to ensure that every newborn in KC has a safe crib to sleep in. Mr. Sandstrom reported a decrease in infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping from 8-12/year to 2/year since the program has been active in KC. For more information on Cribs for Kids, see 
Then his wife Laurie described her District literacy project, which is to encourage every Rotarian (some 5,000) in District 5020 to donate two books to the literacy cause of their choice. Imagine the good that 10,000 books can do!
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
Area 9 Assistant Governor Meredith Green (pictured left), opened our 2017-2018 Installation Ceremony on the patio of the Kitsap Golf & Country Club with an inspiring quote by John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”.JPG)
who passed away during the year. Cindy thanked incoming Public Image Chair, Steven Boe, for producing the video and setting it to music.
The term “Rotary Geek” was introduced at the recent Rotary International Convention. While too cool to be called a geek, Elayne Burton embodies all things Rotary. Cindy took a minute to recognize Elayne for serving as Treasurer year after year; coordinating meeting venues and food; working on the Community Service Committee; and serving as an exemplary Assistant Governor. Elayne was treated to a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a warm round of applause from her peers.
The new Officers and Directors were called to the front where Kim thanked them for their commitment and provided them with a “survival kit” of fun items to motivate them as they conduct important club business throughout the year. Kim and Cindy traded speeches of heartfelt thanks and respect for each other, and Kim took the mic to make her official President’s Remarks (see separate article above).
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Rotarian Ed Hamilton proudly presented Debbee Straub, a Fairview Middle School instructor of cience and Aviation Classroom Experience (ACE), with the 2017 Teacher of the Year Award. What sets her apart is her ability to design lessons that ensure collaboration, engagement, physical movement and reflection. Debbee was humbled by the recognition and glowed when she shared, “I love seeing my students experience something new, and I know that they will go far.”
.png)
.jpg)
Molly Mansker, founder of the Poulsbo Days for Girls (DFG) chapter, was our speaker on April 20. She described the DFG program, a worldwide organization 
.jpg)
.jpg)
On March 2, 2017 Rosie Ludlow, Executive Director of Scarlet Road in Bremerton (pictured on left with Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens ), accepted a Duck Buck grant for $1,000 to purchase two computers for the Scarlet Road drop in center..JPG)
Editor’s note: Silverdale Rotary Club President Cindy Holmes (holding the baby in the video linked below) and her husband Buzz recently visited Burkina Faso with Walk in the Light International .jpg)
On February 23, our Rotary Club awarded Kitsap County Parks Department with a grant of $3,000 in Duck Bucks for AED's (Automated External Defibrillators) that will be placed around the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
For over 60 years Silverdale Rotarians have been teaming with the Silverdale Dandy Lions, arborists, many generous companies, community volunteers and donors, and young people doing community service from the County Sheriff Juvenile Division, to light up Silverdale’s 128 ft Christmas Tree. But it’s not just a matter of turning on the main switch on Thanksgiving weekend and watching the lights alternate between all red and multicolor. Considerable annual maintenance is required on the twelve 140-ft strings of light (a total of 408 light bulbs!), the star, and the grounds surrounding the tree. 
.jpg)
The 62nd annual Tree Lighting event is scheduled for Saturday, November 26. Family festivities start at 1:00 pm by Silverdale Antiques, and tree lighting is set for 6:00 pm. For a history of this iconic tree and the community partnership forged to light it up every year, go to .jpg)
In October 2016, Silverdale Rotary sent the final installment check of a $200,000 Long Term Project commitment to support the Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center. The commitment was announced in 2011. Silverdale Rotary has always had a major focus of supporting youth, and the Teen Center (named after Silverdale Rotary) which has been in operation for over 5 years, was a perfect fit.
The 62nd annual Tree Lighting event is scheduled for Saturday, November 26. Family festivities start at 1:00 pm by Silverdale Antiques, and tree lighting is set for 6:00 pm. For a history of this iconic tree and the community partnership forged to light it up every year, go to 
.JPG)
.jpg)
Rich Arper and Bob Cassis for joining me to welcome him.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Outgoing President Chuck thanked everyone and presented the Rotarian of the Year award to Rick Soper, our Public Image Chair, who has brought the Club into the digital age in a big way with his videos and Facebook ads, as well as a host of other efforts, including Duck Race Media chair and, most recently, the burger booth at the Water Trails festival. Congratulations, Rick! The award comes with a $1,000 Paul Harris Fellow.
Chuck also presented Christie Scheffer with a well deserved Presidential Citation for all her behind the scenes work on many fronts.
.jpg)
.jpg)
On June 23 President Chuck presented $1,000 in Duck Bucks to Jonathan (Captain JT) Thomas (on right in inset) of the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation. The funds will be used to further their restoration work on Kitsap’s very own tall ship, the 66' schooner Fiddler’s Dream (pictured above) which is moored at Brownsville Marina. The money will be matched by an anonymous angel donor, yielding $2,000 total. 
On June 23 we met our 2016-17 outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Ulysses Galvez (pictured on left with Youth Exchange Officer Patti Lee), who is heading to Bauru, Brazil in July. Bauru is in the southern part of the country, northwest of São Paulo (see map below).
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
June 2, the Silverdale Rotary honored Central Kitsap School District's Teacher of the Year, Amee Coulter (pictured on right, inset). She is a first-grade teacher at Esquire Hills Elementary who was first recognized by the District for her work in the classroom. Principal of Esquire Hills, Susan Zetty, attended the special luncheon Silverdale Rotary hosted and offered glowing reviews of Amee and her work with students. .jpg)
The funds will go to purchase a realistic eSimulation mannequin and mobile Simulation Station to help healthcare providers retain life-saving CPR skills. Pictured below is Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presenting the $1,500 check to Kari Driskell, Donor Relations Manager of the Harrison Foundation. For more information about RQI, go to 
Remember the thrill when you caught your first fish? That’s the experience that $220 in Duck Bucks will help provide to 300 children at the Fishing Kids event at Island Lake Park on June 18, 2016.
Pictured left to right are Silverdale Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presenting the $220 check to Fishing Kids organizer Lori Raymaker. .JPG)
To help stock the shelves, Silverdale Rotary presented $500 in Duck Bucks on May 12 to EBC West Co-Founders Beverly Kinaid and Bob Maynard, pictured on left and right below with Rotarian Kim Peterson (center).
It was a family affair as enthusiastic supporters cheered on Silverdale Rotary’s team We Bee Ducks as they spelled incredibly difficult words – some we have never heard of! 
On April 15 a contingent of Silverdale Rotarians surprised the Poulsbo Rotary Club at their regular meeting by presenting a check for $10,000 for their Morrow Manor project campaign. The project is entitled the Campaign to Build Brighter Tomorrows: Hope and Housing Solutions for Survivors of Domestic Violence. The goal is to offer safe, supportive, longer-term affordable housing for survivors of domestic violence in Kitsap County. Pictured on left are Silverdale Rotarian Elayne Burton and Poulsbo Rotary President Naveen Chaudhary.
All the students arrived at the April 14 Rotary meeting in a limo, were treated to lunch, were recognized by representatives from their schools, gave wonderful speeches, and received a plaque for their scholastic and community service efforts. We would like to wish them well as they move forward into a bright future.
During our March 31 meeting, Silverdale Rotary Club members had the pleasure of hearing from four Central Kitsap High School Interact members. Interact students updated the club on current projects, including a special one that will be their club's first large project that requires community assistance. 
Chris Brunell (pictured on right), Facility Supervisor of Benedict House in Bremerton, gratefully accepted a Duck Bucks grant from Silverdale Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens for $1,980 to replace aging wooden beds with 4 new metal bunks. A program of Catholic Community Services, Benedict House provides emergency shelter and transitional living support to single men who are in crisis. The new beds are part of a campaign to combat a recurring bed bug problem and to make the facility cleaner and more sustainable. Learn more about the impact that Benedict House makes on our local community at .jpg)
On March 17, President Chuck Kraining (pictured on left) proudly presented a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) award to Tex Lewis. Our Club members selected two recipients following our 2015-16 Fantasy Football fundraiser, which raised $2,000 for The Rotary Foundation and enabled PHF awards for two community members.
“The need is huge,” Dave Frederick, Executive Director of Coffee Oasis, commented as he opened his address to our club. Coffee Oasis makes an impact for the 466 Kitsap youth who are homeless by providing shelter, case management, job training, and street and school outreach. Just as Dave learned that the organization was losing its lease on its Bremerton drive-thru, the phone rang, and the owner of the defunct KFC restaurant on Naval Avenue offered to donate the space to Coffee Oasis.
Anticipation ran high at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino on February 9, Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, as the Casino held their annual non-profit Mardi Gras float contest. New this year, the parading of the 18 floats and judging were held in the Event Center as about 250 enthusiastic supporters cheered on their floats. When the announcement was made, Silverdale Rotary had won first place, and a cash prize of $3,000 to spend on the good works of Rotary!
The Casino ceremoniously awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals, as our float participants stood proudly on the podium. Pictured left to right: Scott Weninger, Mariam Camery, Savannah Young (Scott Slocum's granddaughter), and Scott Slocu,
At the end of the exciting evening upon reaching home, Scott Slocum received a well deserved "high five" from Ticker, his Golden Retriever. Congratulations to all!
Silverdale Rotary President Chuck Kraining wrapped up his President’s Project by having Wilma Tambong Lewis (pictured) show us photos of smiling children from Linayasan Elementary School in the Philippines. “We will never forget this for our entire lives,” Wilma quoted the children who received six huge boxes of school supplies from our Rotary Club that were shipped in September 2015. See 
.JPG)
.jpg)
Dear Silverdale Rotary Club.
.png)
The one project in Rotary I am most proud of was my involvement in bell ringing for the Salvation Army during the Christmas Season. In 2000, Major Jim Baker came to the Club and spoke of the need for volunteer bell ringers. No one offered to help. After the meeting, I talked with him and told him my father rang the bell in Augusta, GA when his Lions Club contributed many hours. I told him I wanted to honor my Father’s memory by ringing the bell. He put me down for ten hours – four hours on two days and two hours on one. .jpg)
.JPG)
Our Club proudly presented Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids (KFB4K) with a Duck Bucks grant for $1,000 to further its mission to provide nutritious food to children and their families who are homeless or who are struggling to make ends meet.
The weather may have been cold and wet but hearts were brimming with warmth as the donations poured into the Salvation Army buckets on Saturday, December 5! Rotarians and family members and friends rang bells at all four doors at Macy’s and collected smiles, funny jests and urgently needed cash that will make such a difference in people’s lives who are struggling to meet basic needs. Rotarians rang bells, opened doors, handed out candy canes, and helped folks in and out of cars with an umbrella. Pictured left and below are Rotarian Christie Scheffer's granddaughter Reyce and daughter Tessa, and Rotarian Scott Slocum.
There will be no Silverdale Rotary Club Meeting on Christmas Eve, December 24, and New Year's Eve, December 31.
On December 3, Silverdale Rotarian Debbie Brooks-Givens presented $1,500 in Duck Bucks to Tim Samuels (inset), a representative of the local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots organization. These funds will purchase toys for the giveaway to needy children ages 0-13 on December 19 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Tim described the huge need in Kitsap County and related that to qualify, recipients must show proof of need as described on the Toys for Tots website.jpg)
Silverdale Rotarians, family members, and friends were out in force (in the cold!) on Black Friday and Saturday, November 28, too, to ring the bells for the Salvation Army at all four doors at Macy’s at the Kitsap Mall. It’s an annual tradition, going back as far as we can remember, and everyone entering and leaving Macy’s from 10 am to 4 pm was warmly greeted. Some dressed to reflect the Holiday Season, like Rotarian Erin Leedham (pictured left). It’s great to say hello and see the smiles of the shoppers and to say Thank You to everyone stuffing money into the buckets! 
Families got involved, like Rotarian Jim Adkins, who was joined by his daughter-in-law Mary Adkins and grandson James while they visited from out of town (all pictured right). .jpg)
2015 Silverdale Rotary Scholarship winner Rebecca Leedham (pictured on right) “gave back” by taking a shift along with her friend Shannon Meester (pictured on left).
The 61st annual Silverdale Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was held Saturday, November 28 at 6:00 pm. Steeped in tradition, Silverdale Rotarians/future Rotarians, in partnership with Dandy Lions, Kiwanis and other dedication community volunteers, have supported maintenance of this tree with funds and labor every year since 1954, a year before our Club's Charter in 1955. Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper and Silverdale Dandy Lion Roland Arper have continued the legacy of their father, legendary Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper, in organizing the small army of volunteers it takes every year to keep the tree lit.
For a fascinating history of the tree written by our own Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper, click on .JPG)
There’s nothing better than the hug of a warm coat on a cold winter’s day. On November 18, Kitsap County residents woke up to front yards landscaped with frost and thick ice covering car windows. The temperature registered at 35 degrees. Yet, some local children went off to school without jackets. A few even wore shorts, despite the frigid air surrounding them..jpg)
.JPG)
We all know that wrestling as a youth sport builds speed, agility and stamina. On November 5, Doug Dowell (pictured left with Rotarian Kim Peterson) from the local non-profit Wrestling Supporting Wrestling also taught us that wrestling builds character. As an individual sport for both boys and girls, wrestling demands hard work and the inner strength to know that if you lose a match there is no one to blame but yourself.
Doug and his fellow Board Member, Steve Polillo, have spent the past five years growing their organization to one 
When Silverdale Rotarians heard an update on youth programs from Haselwood Family YMCA’s staff who work with the kids, we were reminded once again, “This Is Why We Sell Ducks!” On November 5, Sarah Grai (Senior Youth Director), Zak Padayao and Edna Cox (Youth and Teen Directors) provided enthusiastic snapshots of the activities that our $200,000 6-Year Long Term Project commitment supports. Some examples:
Quick, clear communication can mean the difference between life and death during an emergency. The truth is, our daily means of communication may not be accessible when we really need them. “When all else fails,” comments Doug Smith, President of Kitsap County Amateur Radio Club, “Ham Radio is there.” He explained that amateur radio operators were key to the relay of information during the 2014 Oso landslide and the 2015 Central Washington area wildfires. For decades they have been tapped during earthquakes and other emergencies, and can be used to facilitate safety measures at community events such as walkathons and bikeathons.
Doug, pictured right with Rotarian Christie Scheffer, gratefully accepted a Duck Bucks grant for $1,800 to replace outdated antennae with two 40’ state-of-the-art push up masts. The new masts will dramatically improve communications in both voice and digital format. The radio club is an active group of enthusiasts that provides training and support for operators of all levels. More info can be found at 
.JPG)
On October 29, 2015, Rotarian Elayne Burton presented Leanna Weaver, Executive Director of Georgia Mattson Memorial Shelter, with a Duck Bucks check for over $2,000. Leanna is pictured on right with Silverdale Rotarians Scott Park and Jim Atkins. The Duck Bucks were used to replace the shelter’s gas furnace which was beyond repair and a safety hazard to operate. With winter temperatures arriving soon, time was of the essence in returning the central heating system to operation. Rotarian Scott Park volunteered his company, Quality Heating, Electrical and Air Conditioning, Inc, to quickly complete the work funded by the Duck Bucks.
On October 29,
Three Silverdale Rotarians (Rich Arper, Scott Slocum, and Frank Guthrie) joined Lions, Kiwanis, and enlisted military volunteers at the Silverdale Christmas Tree work party on October 24 to continue a 61 year tradition of grounds and light maintenance.
The day started out cool and cloudy, and while the tree climbers were going up the tree, everyone worked on spreading mulch around the base of the tree to help keep it healthy. Then it started to rain, and there was concern that the tree climbers would need to call it off as being too dangerous to stay in the tree. But the two tree climbers (pictured on right) were troopers and hung in there – arborist Ken Little has been climbing the tree for 18 years and Steve Delazerda has been helping for years, too!. .jpg)
On October 1, Silverdale Rotarian Kim Peterson was pleased to presented Chris Bigelow (pictured left), President of the Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund, a check for $1,000 in Duck Bucks. These funds will be used for Coats for Kids (a purchase of brand new American-made coats) and handed out at a “High Need” Elementary school in Kitsap County. Brand new Operation Warm coats give needy children newfound freedom and confidence to play more, learn more, and do more.
.JPG)
Wilma Lewis (pictured on right), now an employee at Seabeck Conference Center, attended that school as a child, and that’s how Chuck Kraining (pictured left), President of the Silverdale Rotary Club and Director of the Seabeck Conference Center, heard about the situation at the school. Wilma has been personally donating to the school of 470 students for years. Chuck introduced Wilma at an August 17 Rotary Club meeting, announced his intention to make the school his President’s Project, and invited Wilma to speak about the desperate need in the Linayanas School. 
Dani presented President Chuck with a Colombian hat, her sponsor Rotary Club’s banner, and a bag of that famous Colombian coffee. She presented both Elayne Burton (Youth Protection Officer) and Patti Van Patten (Youth Exchange Officer, pictured wearing the ball cap) with containers of a Colombian delicacy and a baseball cap from her sponsor Club. Thank you Dani for telling us about yourself and your country!.JPG)
Daniela Sanabria Forero ("Dani Sanabria"), from Tuluá, Columbia is our new Rotary Exchange Student! She arrived in the wee hours of August 23, and was greeted at SEATAC by her first host family the Ludwigs and Youth Exchange Officer Patti Van Patten. Pictured left to right: Wesley and Roger Ludwig, Dani, Michele and Marissa Ludwig..jpg)
.jpg){kind=logo}
It was a rainy Saturday at the Lions Kiwanis Whaling Days Parade on July 25, but Rotarians were out in force selling Duck Tickets. The crowd was sparse compared to past years, but that didn't dampen the enthusiam of Rotarian Scott Park (on left), who proclaimed that his ducks were more fit and faster than the others! Really?!? It's all in fun and for a good cause.
Of course for our Club the highlight of the Parade was our Advantage Nissan Duck Truck driven by President Chuck with Lucky in the back. Rotarian Roger Ludwig rode shotgun, and in front were the the CK Interact students carrying our Thank You to Our Wonderful Sponsors banner. New this year with us in the parade was the Suquamish Clearwater Casino, our $1M Duck Sponsor, with Lisa Rodriguez and Christina.
Silverdale Rotarians continued a long time Whaling Days tradition by hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 25. It was held at a new location this year at Silverdale United Methodist Church, which was right on the Parade Route! Parade goers who lined up for blueberry pancakes, sausages, fruit, and coffee/milk were greeted by smiling Rotarians. On left are Patti VanPatten and John Johnson and on right are Roger Ludwig and Kevin Moran..JPG)
Thanks to Rotarian Peter Matty who organized this event (pictured on left with wife Karlynn Haberly). Thanks to Rotarians and volunteers who manned shifts, and special thanks goes to Silverdale Haggen who donated and/or provided a huge discount for all the food. 
Watch this page! The Top Ten (of 73) winners of the 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck to be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 26 at Whaling Days will be posted here Sunday evening. The other 63 winners will be posted here by Tuesday, July 28. Thanks to all our Sponsors and everyone who adopted Ducks for your support of our fund raiser!
Our club was honored to host Bremerton Rotarian and Kitsap County Commissioner, Ed Wolfe, to share his State of the County presentation. Ed is assigned to the Central Kitsap area, and his impressive bio includes his 17 year career as founder of Wolfe Law Offices, service in the U.S. Army, and work with the U.S. State Department during the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations.
The flock of Big Ducks has landed in Silverdale and can be seen all over town between now and the Duck Race on July 26 at Whaling Days. Kitsap Bank is another huge cash sponsor of the Silverdale Rotary Club Duck Race.
Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens (pictured on right) introduced us to Bridget Burke (on left), Coordinator of Clam Island Rowing, a 30 member club that offers recreational and competitive rowing for all ages. This club is a part of the Kitsap Sailing and Rowing Foundation. 
2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Tickets are on sale now for the July 26, 2015 Race at Whaling Days. Go to 
On June 18, Silverdale Rotary was very honored to meet and recognize the Central Kitsap School District Teacher of the Year. Rotary President Ed Hamilton (pictured on right) presented Gail with an engraved crystal and a check for $250 (which Gail immediately responded with “This will go to Camp Colman!”). Rotary Past District Governor Brian Beagle (pictured on left) then presented Gail with a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship, a prestigious award further recognizing Gail’s passion and commitment to the youth in our community.
Silverdale Rotary continues to award Duck Bucks proceeds from the 2014 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, even while in the midst of selling Duck Tickets for the 2015 race on July 26, 2015. On June 18 a check for $1,759 was presented to Roxanne Bryson, Executive Director of Holly Ridge Center (pictured left accepting the check from Rotarian Kim Peterson). The funds will purchase a 
.jpg){kind=logo}
But that wasn't all - there were 28 door prizes, too! Pictured is Marilynn from the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort with her prize. The Resort is a long time Sponsor of the $1 Million Duck in our Annual Duck Race.
.jpeg)
Bob is involved with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), a project of enormous magnitude that will forever change the way that data is gathered from tens of millions of solar systems. Ground has already been broken on the facility on Mt. Cerro Pachon in Chile, and the telescope is scheduled to be operable in the year 2020. What is different about this telescope? Think wider, faster, deeper. The 27 foot primary mirror will move every 30 seconds to continuously survey the sky for ten years, using a 3.2 gigapixel camera with six filters to capture 30 terabytes of data per night. Bob helped us non-geeks by explaining that the daily data downloaded from LSST will surpass the volume of the Library of Congress!
So what? So… scientists will learn more about the structure of the Milky Way; will uncover the nature of Dark Energy and Dark Matter, and will identify asteroids that will eventually impact Earth - and will potentially plan interventions to change the course of these asteroids. Wow.
2015 Duck Race Chair, Barbara Beagle, awarded Xin He the $100 High School T-shirt Design Contest prize for creating the winning design for our official 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race T-Shirt. Xin and his teacher, Molly Mason, accepted the award and will take the plaque back to Crosspoint Academy and display it for all to see.
Silverdale Rotarian Kim Peterson (pictured on right) presented Doug Bekenyi (pictured left), a Central Kitsap Fire Fighter and Paramedic, with a check for $1,000 to help fund the PulsePoint Program through the Medic One Foundation.
Rotary President Ed Hamilton presented Andrea Hansen, Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, with a check for $1,725 for the purchase of a heavy duty T swing for the Harris Court Play Structure in the new Port Orchard housing development. Harris Court will consist of 32 single-family homes for residents with low income..jpg)
The highlight of the event were comments from Congressman Derek Kilmer who emphasized the importance of bringing leaders together to energize and inspire service at all levels – local, national and international. Congressman Kilmer went on to say that, “The Rotary Four-Way Test encompasses the essence of leadership and service, and I use it to guide my professional actions.”
.JPG)
Silverdale Rotarian and Central Kitsap School District Superintendent, David McVicker, informed our club about the school district’s focus on “Engaging our Community.” The campaign is generating a two-way dialog that ensures that our community members not only know what is going on in the schools, but can also voice opinions and get involved.
Following is the text of the letter presented to the Silverdale Rotary Students of the Month on April 16 from Congressman Derek Kilmer, 6th District, U.S. House of Representatives..JPG)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Rotarian Cathy Bisaillon (pictured on right, inset) presented 
.jpg)
.JPG)
Silverdale Rotarian Anita Blau (pictured on left) awarded $500 in Duck Bucks to the Central Kitsap High School PTSA Grad Night Committee, represented by Lynn Harvey (on right). This is in addition to the $500 awarded in September 2014. We received the following note from Lynn: 
.JPG)
.jpg)
At 6 meals per package, consisting of measured quantities lentils, rice, dehydrated vegetables, vegetarian flavoring, and vitamins and minerals, that’s 2,000 sealed baggies packed into 56 boxes that will go to hungry people in countries where COTN serves (Sierra Leone, Uganda, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Malawi, Liberia). 
On October 16, Rotarian Erin Leedham (pictured on right) presented $1,000 in Duck Bucks to Jane Erlandson, Executive Director of the Bremerton YMCA. Jane related that Silverdale Rotary has supported this YMCA for 23 years! Jane described some of the programs that donations like ours underwrite: free swimming lessons for all 3rd graders in the Bremerton School District (approx 430); Teen Late Night on Friday nights where all teens, members or not, are welcome in a safe environment; and financial assistance for memberships (24% of members receive some kind of assistance). Silverdale Rotary’s donation to this very worthy cause is made possible by the huge community and sponsor support of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
.jpg)
.JPG)
Present to receive the check and to inform our club of the impact of the Y’s presence in Silverdale, were Derek Foster, Youth & Teen Outreach Director, and Jamie Nocula , Associate Executive Director. .JPG)
In addition to a letter and gift card, the students are presented with a plaque (new this year) that looks like the one in the photo on the left.