Wreaths Across America 2023

Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Gardens

 
 
The Rotary Club of Mill Creek will be laying wreaths at Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Gardens on December 16, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. to coincide with the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery which begins at 12 noon. On that date, all across our nation, wreaths are placed on the graves of our fallen veterans. There are 5,000 Veteran’s Graves at Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Gardens and the goal is to place as many wreaths as possible. The cost per wreath is $17. Please contribute below to remember our Fallen Veterans and honor those who have served. The Rotary Club of Mill Creek thanks you for your participation.
 
Click here to donate:  Wreaths Across America
 
 
Wreaths Across America 2023 Jeffrey Brennan 2023-12-16 08:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of Mill Creek Auction Jeffrey Brennan 2023-01-12 08:00:00Z 0

Holiday Shopping Event

Annual Woodside Elementary School Shopping Spree
 
Click here to read about our annual Woodside Shopping Spree in the Lynnwood Times. 
 
Holiday Shopping Event Jeffrey Brennan 2022-12-13 08:00:00Z 0

EPSF Annual Report

Rotary Club of Mill Creek- "Head of Class"

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is proud to be a "Head of Class" supporter of the Everett Public Schools Foundation (EPSF).  Click here to download their latest Annual Report to view all of the great support EPSF provide to our students, teachers, and schools!
 
EPSF Annual Report Jeffrey Brennan 2022-01-24 08:00:00Z 0

2022 Auction

2022 Auction

Date & Time - April 16, 2022, 05:30 PM
 
Location - McMenamins Anderson School
                 18607 Bothell Way NE
                 Bothell, WA, 98011
 
Click here for ticket and sponsorship information!
 
 
2022 Auction Jeffrey Brennan 2022-01-12 08:00:00Z 0

Wreaths Across America

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Evergreen Washelli - Veterans Memorial Cemetery

 
 
 
On Saturday, December 18, 2021, members of our club and many others will join in to lay wreaths at grave sites at Evergreen Washelli Veterans Memorial Cemetery to recognize our veterans and their loved ones buried there.  Over 5,000 veterans lay at rest at Evergreen Washelli.  Please support the Rotary Club of Mill Creek Foundation by sponsoring a remembrance wreath through Wreaths Across America
 
 
Wreaths Across America Jeffrey Brennan 2021-10-12 07:00:00Z 0

Mike Mallahan

A Passion for Service
 
The Fall edition of Mill Creek Living features a great article beginning on page 7 on club member Dr. Michael Mallahan.  Click here to download it and read all about his Passion for Service!!!
 
Mike Mallahan Jeffrey Brennan 2021-09-09 07:00:00Z 0
Mill Creek Rotary Recycle Program Geoffrey Flores 2021-06-06 07:00:00Z 0

The Mill Creek Rotary Virtual Auction

 
Please Join the Rotary Club of Mill Creek
For our Virtual Auction.
 
SILENT AUCTION BEGINS:
SUNDAY, MAY 9th at 8 a.m.
 
LIVE AUCTION:
FRIDAY, MAY 14th, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
 
REGISTER NOW!
Text RCMC to 71760
 
For more information, go to www.mcrauction.com
 
The Mill Creek Rotary Virtual Auction Bill McElroy 2021-05-06 07:00:00Z 0
Mill Creek Rotary Sets New Food Donation Record Tom Betts 2021-02-22 08:00:00Z 0

Final Results of the 2020 Food Drives

The results are finally in, and they are amazing!!
 
Mary Kay and her team put together 19 pick-ups, averaging 3556 pounds per pick-up.
The totals for 2020 (in Dollars) added up to:
 
Food Value -        $121618
Funds Donated - $22,425
For a Total of-      $144,043
 
Way to Go Team!!!
Final Results of the 2020 Food Drives Tom Betts 2021-02-14 08:00:00Z 0

Thanking Our Club's Veterans

At our meeting last week we celebrated the members of our Club who have served in the armed Forces.
Jeff Brennan
    Frank Simons                    Jeff Brennan 
         
The Late Bill Hathaway      Jerry Yorioka             
 
       Tom Fraioli                  Dave Stambaugh
 
Thank You For Your Service!!
Thanking Our Club's Veterans Tom Betts 2020-11-15 08:00:00Z 0

Gift Boxes Packing For Our Troops
 

Join The Fun November 11, 2020  6:PM!!
 
Due to the Covid pandemic, this year's Gift Box Packaging Party for Our Military in Iraq will be a bit different, with masks and social distancing, but the impact will still be the same.
 
What: Packing gift boxes for our peacekeeping troops in Iraq in collaboration with the RC of Duvall.
Where: Mike and Patricia Chapman's barn in Duvall. 14244 Main St. NE, Duvall. (SR203 or Carnation-Duvall Rd.) This is a large heated space with enough room to support social distancing while packing up the boxes.
When: November 11 (Veteran's Day) at 6:00 PM
Why: So many reasons - support the RI mission to promote peacekeeping, support the men and women of our Armed Forces, commemorate General Hathaway's career of service in the military and Rotary, strengthen our bond with fellow Rotarians and the Duvall club.
Details: We will be packing 65+ gift boxes to be shipped to a unit in Iraq to arrive before the holidays. The event will be compliant with the COVID restrictions - distancing and masks worn. After the event hot dogs, apple pie and adult beverages will be served.
RSVPSidsiegel@gmail.com . We will need a head count 1 week prior so be prepared to commit
Gift Boxes Packing For Our Troops  Tom Betts 2020-11-11 08:00:00Z 0
Holiday Shopping Spree 2020-11-08 08:00:00Z 0
Mill Creek Halloween Grab and Go Tom Betts 2020-10-31 07:00:00Z 0
Grab & Go Halloween Candy Distribution  Tom Betts 2020-10-29 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary World Polio Day Tom Betts 2020-10-23 07:00:00Z 0

Wreaths Across America

     To Donate to Wreaths Across America,
         Please Click The Link Below:
            http://veteranwreaths.com
 
                
Since 2005, millions of volunteers have laid wreaths at over 2150 locations of Veterans graves around the world. In 2019, 2.2 million wreaths were presented all across America and around the world.
This year, the Rotary Club of Mill Creek is supporting the efforts to fund 5000 wreaths for Evergreen Washelli—Veterans Memorial Park.
Please join us in this effort to Remember the Fallen,
Honor those who serve
Teach the value of freedom
Wreaths are just $15 each.
Join us on
December 19, 2020 at 9:00 am for the wreath laying ceremony.
If you are a veteran, count veterans among your family members or friends, or want to show respect for our millions of veterans and would like to learn more, order wreaths, or volunteer for
December 19, please visit
Veteranwreaths.com
Wreaths Across America Tom Betts 2020-09-19 07:00:00Z 0

Airokhsh Faiz Qaisary

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 22, 2020

The Evolving Role of Women in Afghanistan

Airokhsh Faiz Qaisary joined us today and talked about her journey from Afghanistan to the United States and the role that Rotary has played in helping her along the way.  Airokhsh talked passionately about the history of Afghanistan and the role of  women and how it has changed, especially in the past twenty years. Airokhsh has committed her life to education of other girls in Afghanistan and as an advocate for women’s rights and women’s education, and peace around the world. Note: In 2018, supported by a Rotary Global Grant scholarship, Airokhsh graduated with a master’s degree in Gender Analysis in International Studies and Conflict Resolution from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
 
Airokhsh Faiz Qaisary Jeffrey Brennan 2020-07-22 07:00:00Z 0

Presidential Insults 

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 15, 2020

Mike Purdy

Our speaker at this Wednesday's meeting was Mike Purdy, a presidential historian and author of 101 Presidential Insults: What They Really Thought About Each Other – and What It Means to Us. Mike is an expert in presidential history and runs PresidentialHistory.com as a public resource. Mike shared with us many interesting public and private examples of presidential insulting comments to each other throughout our history. 
 
Presidential Insults Jeffrey Brennan 2020-07-15 07:00:00Z 0

Robin Twyman

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 09, 2020

UK-US Relations

Robin Twyman, Consul (Business and Government Affairs) in Seattle for the United Kingdom joined us and provided an update on UK - US relations. Robin discussed the strong ties between the countries from an economic, education and military support perspective.  He also shared the importance of the State of Washington's businesses to the UK which led the UK to have a permanent presence here to support economic growth by bringing  Robin to Seattle in 2013. Robin shared many key statistics on the importance of each country to the other including the fact the US is the largest investor in the UK and the UK is the largest investor in US business.  
 
Robin Twyman Jeffrey Brennan 2020-07-09 07:00:00Z 0

Ty Reed

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 03, 2020
Hope
 
At our first meeting of the 2020-21 Rotary year, Ty Reed joined us to share some of his journey through addiction, homelessness and recovery.  Ty, who grew up in Mill Creek, now helps others through the recovery process.  Thanks for joining us Ty - your smile, optimism and messages will stay with us through this Rotary year!  
 
Ty Reed Jeffrey Brennan 2020-07-03 07:00:00Z 0
Upcoming Mill Creek Food Bank Drives Tom Betts 2020-06-29 07:00:00Z 0

Passing the Ball and Chain

Changing of the Guard
 
At our last meeting of the 2019-20 Rotary year, now past-president Frank Simons hands off the duties of leading our club to our new president, Dave Mincks in the symbolic passing of the ball and chain ceremony.  Thanks Frank for your great leadership.  Welcome president Dave - we look forward to a great Rotary year!
 
Passing the Ball and Chain Jeffrey Brennan 2020-06-24 07:00:00Z 0

Academic Leadership - JHS

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 27, 2020

Student of the Month

At this Wednesday's meeting, we recognized Chanwook Park as our Rotary Student of the Month in "Academic Excellence" for Henry M. Jackson High School!   
 
 
 
Chanwook has maintained a perfect GPA of 4.0 that includes 12 Advanced Placement/UW courses as well as advanced computer science courses and Korean language courses.  He will be receiving the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy and has submitted a research paper that was reviewed by all the major Ivy League schools. He was elected Secretary of the ASB executive board, and in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) he was a state finalist in the "Community Service Project," and a national finalist for "Organizational Leadership." He also served as the president of Key Club, the school's largest club and volunteer organization, where he lead projects that raised funds to support causes such as the Kiwanis Children's Cancer Program (KCCP) and the Thirst Project. 
 
Chanwook will be joining the Yale University class of 2024 and is currently planning on majoring in economics and political science. Chanwook's goal is to become a U.S. Foreign Service Officer.
Congratulations Chanwook! 
 
Academic Leadership - JHS Jeffrey Brennan 2020-05-27 07:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month - Sno_Isle Tech

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 21, 2020

Academic Excellence

On yesterday's weekly Zoom meeting, we recognized Lovepreet Kaur for the Mill Creek Rotary Student of the month for May  for Academic Excellence.   Lovepreet attends Kamiak High School and is a student in the Aerospace Manufacturing and Maintenance Technology program at Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center .
 
Lovepreet moved to the United States from India a couple years ago.  Despite having a heavy class load, and dealing with English as a second language, Lovepreet has carried a high GPA all year, averaging 3.7…and she is graduating high school next month at the young age of 16!  Lovepreet is a class leader and a program ambassador at Sno-Isle. In addition to school she owns her own small business as a Henna Tattoo Artist, and volunteers weekly at her Indian Sikh Temple, teaching the Punjabi language to children. 
 
Lovepreet will be going on to Everett Community College to study aerospace engineering and the to a four your school where she plans to major in electrical engineering. Congrats Lovepreet!

 

Student of the Month - Sno_Isle Tech Jeffrey Brennan 2020-05-21 07:00:00Z 0
2020 Dinner and Auction 2020-05-16 07:00:00Z 0

AHMS Academic Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 13, 2020
 

Academic Excellence

At this Wednesday's virtual meeting, we recognized  Sydney Pattison as our May Student of the Month for Academic Excellence from  Archbishop Murphy High School (AMHS).
 
 
 
Sydney has earned an impressive 4.0 Grade Point Average through her senior year. She has enrolled in demanding classes all throughout her high school career, completing three AP courses and 3 honors courses. She continues to push herself academically her senior year by enrolling in AP Calculus AB, Physics, English 12 Honors and Social Science 12 Honors. Sydney is a member of the National Honor Society and is a “Teacher Assistant” in Spanish I.
 
Sydney has been a member of the AMHS Volleyball program and was selected as a varsity team captain for her senior season. Sydney is also an AMHS Ambassador, a program dedicated to welcoming current 8th grade students to the campus, and a LINK leader, assisting 9th graders with their orientation and transition to high school.
 
Outside of the AMHS community, she has dedicated time to volunteering as a School Student Aide, assisting in classrooms with some of the most challenging students. In addition to the above commitments, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sydney has served as a virtual math tutor for a local K-8 school.

Sydney will be a valedictorian for the Class of 2020 and plans to attend Santa Clara University this fall. Congratulations Sydney!
 
AHMS Academic Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2020-05-13 07:00:00Z 0

Student Scholar

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 13, 2020

Justin Limberg 

 
On our Wednesday Zoom call, we recognized Justin Limberg as our Rotary Club Student of the Month "Student Scholar" from Henry M. Jackson High School!    Justin is a senior at Jackson High School.   He is a captain of the Varsity Boys Swim Team, and he qualified to swim at the State Championship meet all four years of his high school career! This year, he won the state title in the 200y individual medley and finished 3rd in the 100y breaststroke! During his junior year, he earned 2nd and 3rd place state medals, and he also helped numerous relay teams place at state as well over his career. In his limited spare time, he has also participated as a member of National Honor Society and Link Crew. Justin has maintained a near-perfect GPA of 3.994, that includes 14 Advanced Placement/UW courses. For his college/future plans, Justin is planning to attend Johns Hopkins University this fall as a swimmer and to major in computer science or engineering.  Congratulations Justin! 
 
 
 
Student Scholar Jeffrey Brennan 2020-05-13 07:00:00Z 0

AHMS Rotary Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 29, 2020
 

Scholar Athlete

At this Wednesday's virtual meeting, we recognized an outstanding Scholar Athlete.
Eli Hellman is our April Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School.
 
Eli has a great passion for rowing. He has spent countless hours training and has done a great job balancing rowing with his other commitments. Eli has received many awards with rowing, 1st at Northwest Regionals 2019, 1st place Husky open 2019 and 1st place Rose City Invitational, just to name a few. Eli  has enrolled in multiple AP courses, the Archbishop Murphy Matteo Ricci program, and became a student intern at the  admissions office. In addition to his dedication to all his classes and rowing, Eli has been a member of the Chinese club, has participated in student council, DECA and national honor society tutoring. During his time at Archbishop Murphy  he has volunteered over 120 hours at local organizations such as Special Olympics, retirement homes, and Camp Prov.

Eli has accepted an offer at Santa Clara University next fall and plans to study accounting/finance and to row!
 
Congratulations Eli!
 
 
AHMS Rotary Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2020-04-29 07:00:00Z 0

Homage Senior Services

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 26, 2020

"Virtual Check Presentation"

Steve McGraw, CEO of Homage, joined us on our Wednesday Zoom call to provide an update on Homage and "receive' a check for $2,000 ($1,000 from our community service committee and $1,000 from our District COVID-19 Relief Fund). Homage is the largest provider of services for older adults and people with disabilities in Snohomish County.
 
 
Homage Senior Services Jeffrey Brennan 2020-04-26 07:00:00Z 0

Food Bank Drive

Mill Creek Community Food Bank

Thank you to everyone who helped make our club's April 17th food drive for the Mill Creek Community Food Bank a huge success on Friday...over 4,000 pounds of food and close to $2,500 in donations! Watch for details - we'll do it again soon - there's a huge need!
 
Photo - From left: Jeff Beyer, Dave & Sherri Mincks, Didrik Voss, Dave & Paula Bondo, Vicki Wellman (Co-Chair of Event), Amanda and Geoff Flores, Frank Simons, Mike & Laura Mallahan, Pam Olson and Jim Gural. Front is Ashley
Wigren and Mary Kay Voss (Co-Chair of Event).
 
Food Bank Drive Jeffrey Brennan 2020-04-21 07:00:00Z 0

Leadership Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 01, 2020

Student of the Month - Gianna Rule

 
Archbishop Murphy High School selected Gianna Rule as its Rotary Student of the Month in Leadership Excellence. Gianna has had many leadership roles at Archbishop Murphy, she is currently a part of ASB (Associated Student Body), Cheer captain, National Honor Society Student, and a founding member of the Leaders of Change club. Gianna has a personality that is welcoming, consistently steps up when anything needs to get done, and out of her way to reach out to others in need.
 
Following her senior year, Gianna will be going to Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Arizona to major in Behavioral Health Science with a focus on adolescent and child disorders. Congratulations Gianna!
 
Leadership Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2020-04-01 07:00:00Z 0

Leadership Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 12, 2020

Student of the Month

At this Wednesday's meeting, we recognized two incredible students of the month for leadership excellence.  
Kyla Burch (left) with Jackson High School principal Dave Peters and Justin Huttinger (right).
 
 
The theme for our Student of the Month for March is "Excellence in Leadership."  Both of our students this month were from Henry M. Jackson High School! 
 
Kyla Burch is a junior who attends Jackson High School half day and Sno-Isle Tech Skill Center the other half of the day studying in the medical assisting program.  Kyla was nominated by Sno-Isle Tech.  Kyla 
has been very involved in learning what it takes to be a great health care provider, but also takes the time to learn how to articulate for others to understand content, be approachable to her peers, and excel in the coursework.  She is the Winter Student of the Quarter for the Medical Assisting Program because of her ability to lead by example, be present, and go above and beyond what is asked of her in class. One of the “industry standards for professional level of expectation” for Sno-Isle TECH students is “I do more than is asked. The minimum is not enough.” Kyla has taken this to heart and is an exemplary leader for the school. She has a bright future.  Congratulations Kyla!
 
Nominated by Jackson High School, is Justin Huttinger.  Justin is a senior at Jackson High School.  He is current ASB president (with no previous experience in ASB) and has been significantly influential in the increase of our positive school climate.  He has led efforts to increase inclusivity at Jackson by consulting with students from a variety of demographic backgrounds and by keeping costs low for ASB events.  As a first-year goal-keeper on the JHS varsity boys soccer team, he was named captain and led the team to a school-record best 3rd in State season last year.  His welcoming, upbeat attitude is infectious, and our school is better for having him as a key leader. Justin is considering several soccer scholarships for college. Congratulations Justin! 
 
 
Leadership Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2020-03-12 07:00:00Z 0

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 26, 2020

It Starts With A Little

Pamela Shields, Executive Director Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County and Board Vice Chair, Clint Diehm joined us today to talk about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County. This chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters is affiliated with the YMCA and is located in the Y's new facility in Everett. Pam talked about the three programs to link up adults with children and the need, especially for male, "biggies" as big brothers, big sisters are called.  Clint talked about his experience as a big brother that led him to want to participate in a bigger way, leading him to join the board of the organization.  Thank you Pam and Clint for helping the youth in our community!
 
 
Big Brothers Big Sisters Jeffrey Brennan 2020-02-26 08:00:00Z 0

Everett Public School District

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 19, 2020

It's All About Our Children!

Joining us this week, was Dr. Ian Saltzman, Superintendent of the Everett Public School District (shown above with club president Frank Simons).  Less than a year in the position, Dr. Saltzman first talked a little about himself and his passion for students.  The remainder of his presentation was focused on the need for support for the upcoming bond election in April.  For more information on the bond, go to everettsd.org/bond2020 and get out and vote YES! 
 
Everett Public School District Jeffrey Brennan 2020-02-19 08:00:00Z 0

St. Jude

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 05, 2020

Jill Witsoe

Jill Witsoe, Volunteer Coordinator Field Development - Northwest, joined us today to talk about St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.   Jill talked about how she became involved with St. Jude, its founding by Danny Thomas, and the remarkable achievements in survival rates it has helped through its research - summed up best by its logo, "Finding cures. Saving children."  Although its main hospital and research facility is in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude's impact is world wide.  Thanks for sharing Jill!
 
 
 
St. Jude Jeffrey Brennan 2020-02-05 08:00:00Z 0

Sound Transit

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 29, 2020
Patrice Hardy
Our speaker this week was Patrice Hardy, Government & Community Relations Manager for Sound Transit.  Patrice talked about the many different transportation options that Sound Transit offers and about the Link Rail and plans for expansion to Everett. And, Patrice noted the fact that because of the significant growth in the Seattle area and especially Snohomish County,  traffic congestion would not improve despite the Link Rail expansion.  Hmmm, just imagine what it would be like without it! 
 
 
Sound Transit Jeffrey Brennan 2020-01-29 08:00:00Z 0

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County

 
Our speaker at Wednesday's meeting was Vicci Hilty, Executive Director of Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County. Vicci talked about the organization which is focused on providing a wide range of services to victims of domestic violence and on facilitating social change.  She discussed the wide range of support groups and classes available to adults and children, the thrift store, and the new site in Lynnwood to serve South Snohomish County.  And, Vicci talked about the need for emergency shelter and the new 52-bed emergency shelter and the time and amazing effort it took to build. 
 
 
Domestic Violence Jeffrey Brennan 2020-01-22 08:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 08, 2020

Vocational Services

At our first meeting of 2020, we recognized three students of the month for outstanding achievement in Vocational Services.

Stephanie Herrera

Stephanie Herrera is our January Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School.
 
Stephanie is very interested in studying business in college and has jumped right in her senior year taking Marketing and Management along with being selected as the school's marketing intern where she assists with Archbishop Murphy's social media outlets.  Stephanie is a member of the Young Women of Change club, Leaders of Change, Into the Jungle (school online paper), and DECA. Stephanie strives to improve her community. During her time at Archbishop Murphy, she has volunteered over 90 hours at local organizations such as Sunrise View Retirement Home and various activities at St. Brendan’s. Congratulations Stephanie!
 
 

Jared Ter-Veen

!
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Jared Ter-Veen, shown with Jackson's principal and fellow Rotarian, Dave Peters. 
 
 
Jared Ter-Veen is a senior at Henry M. Jackson High School, and he is in his second year in the Auto Body/Collision Repair program at the Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center.  After further developing both his leadership and auto body skills, he has advanced in areas of responsibility.  He is currently the lead painter in the program and he is also the manager of a restoration project within the program.  Jared takes pride in excellent work and is a tremendous reflection of the attributes of the Jackson Way.   Upon graduation from high school, Jared plans to go into the United States Marine Corps and then wants to follow in the steps of his father and pursue a career in law enforcement. Congratulations Jared!
 
 

Tayler Hatch

!
Our Student of the Month from Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center is Tayler Hatch. 
 
Tayler Hatch is in his senior year at Marysville-Pilchuck High School and is in his second year in automotive program at Sno-Isle Tech. Tayler is a self-motivated student with lots of initiative and enthusiasm. Tayler has worked on many challenging vehicles and exhibits great work skills.  Tayler plans to enroll in a post-secondary automotive program and aspires to be a full-fledged technician in the near future. Longer term, Tayler would like to run his own automotive shop on the Tulalip Reservation.  Congratulations Tayler!
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2020-01-08 08:00:00Z 0

Wheelchairs for Nigeria

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 20, 2019

Dr. Ron Rice

 
At our last club meeting of 2019 on December 18, Dr. Ron Rice, a former Presbyterian preacher joined us to talk about Wheelchairs for Nigeria.  Wheelchairs for Nigeria has built over 20,000 wheelchairs for disabled children and adults, mostly polio survivors.  The wheelchairs are built for a cost of $150 each in a Wheelchairs for Nigeria factory.  Nigeria has had more polio than anywhere in the world and the need to provide mobility for survivors who now crawl on their hands and knees is huge.  Thank you Dr. Rice for all you do in Nigeria.  Shown above with our club member Dr. Ron Ohlson, also a a former Presbyterian  preacher and a former seminary classmate of Dr. Rice's!
 
Wheelchairs for Nigeria Jeffrey Brennan 2019-12-20 08:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month_Musical Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 11, 2019

Student of the Month

At our December 11th meeting, we recognized two incredible students.  

Aiden Rufer

 
The theme for our Student of the Month for December is "Musical Excellence."  Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Aiden Rufer.  Aidan is a senior at H.M. Jackson High School.  His is a tremendously well-rounded student with a 3.7 GPA that includes five Advanced Placement courses. He has also been actively involved in many aspects in our performing arts department, most notably in Honors Wind Ensemble, jazz bands, percussion ensemble, drum line, and most recently the school musical (The Addams Family). He is a fabulous role model for his peers and remains humble and compassionate in spite of his talent and success. Aidan truly embodies the characteristics of the Jackson Way: Pride, Excellence,
 
Aidan aspires to attend Cornish right here in Seattle to further his studies in music.  We look forward to hearing him perform in the future.  Congratulations Aiden!

Rachel Williams

 
Rachel Williams is a senior who has participated in a multitude of musical platforms both at AMHS and beyond. She has participated in zero period Chamber Choir all four years, String-Orchestra for three years, Honor Choir (Choral-Aires) three years, Concert Band as a senior, played key roles in the spring musical, served as a singer and musician at school masses, plays violin in the Cascade Youth Symphony, and will be performing a soprano solo piece this summer on their European Concert Tour.
 
Rachel aspires to attend Gonzaga or Portland University and study to become a nurse.  We look forward to hearing her perform in the future.  Congratulations Rachel!
 
 
 
 
Student of the Month_Musical Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2019-12-11 08:00:00Z 0

Wild Leaders

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Dr. Rob McKenna

 
Dr. Rob McKenna joined us to talk about Wild Leaders, a nonprofit focused on preparing a courageous and sacrificial leaders who bring conviction, hope and deeply rooted care to the organizations it serves.  Dr. McKenna is the founder of Wild Leaders.  He has written numerous articles and books on leadership character, calling, effectiveness, and leadership under pressure. 
 
 
 
Wild Leaders Jeffrey Brennan 2019-12-06 08:00:00Z 0

Jackson High School

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 05, 2019

DECA and HOSA

 
Two Jackson High School seniors joined us at our meeting yesterday.  Sai Raksha Rayala talked about DECA and the impact it has had on her life.  Sai is the current President and Vice-president for Finance for Washington State's DECA organization.  DECA's mission is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, and management. Ethan Thong talked about HOSA, an organization for students interested in health care occupations.  Ethan is a member of Jackson's HOSA and is also on HOSA Student Leadership Executive Council.  And, if Ethan looks familiar, he is! Ethan was our October Rotary Student of the Month!  We thank Sai and Ethan for joining us and sharing their remarkable stories about DECA and HOSA!
 
Jackson High School Jeffrey Brennan 2019-12-05 08:00:00Z 0

2018-19 Club Recognition

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan
 
Past District Governor Alan Merry joined us at our club meeting to present our Past President, Danielle Pratt, with 5 club recognitions for the 2018-19 Rotary year!
 
 
Our 2018-19 club recognitions were for: 1) our club's support of End Polio Now; 2) the Rotary Citation with Silver Distinction; 3) Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) recognition for 100% member contributions to The Rotary Foundation; 4) 100% Foundation Giving; and 5) Distinction for being the third highest in District 5030 in Annual Fund giving.  Congratulations and thanks to all Rotary Club of Mill Creek members and supporters!
 
 
2018-19 Club Recognition Jeffrey Brennan 2019-11-17 08:00:00Z 0

November Rotary Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Nov 17, 2019

Overcoming Adversity

Each month during the school year, the Rotary Club of Mill Creek recognizes high school students.  The month of November is Rotary Foundation Month and is fitting that our club chooses the theme "Overcoming Adversity" for our student recognition.  On Wednesday, November 13, these students joined us at our club meeting and talked about the challenges each faced, how they overcame them, and where they are going.  Congratulations to each student!  
 
 
Our Jackson High School Rotary Student of the Month is Ahmed Ghaddah.  Ahmed has 4.0 GPA and has been in nine advanced placement classes.  Ahmed plans to go on to form a business to develop fashion brands to connect with non-profits.  Congratulations Ahmed!
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
Our  Archbishop Murphy High School Rotary Student of the Month is Madison "Madi" Prappas-Mbye.  Madi's enthusiasm is infectious.  Madi plans to go into the  US Air Force and would one day like to fly. Congratulations Madi!
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center Rotary Student of the Month is Stephen Brewer.  Stephen is a member of the video game design course at Sno-Isle and, in his senior year, has stepped up to be a leader and mentor in the program. Congratulations Stephen!
 
 
 
 
 
 
November Rotary Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2019-11-17 08:00:00Z 0

WSU College of Medicine

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Nov 10, 2019

Dr. John Tomkowiak

 
Founding Dean Dr. John Tomkowiak of WSU's new Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine joined us at our October 30th meeting to talk about the college, its programs, and its focus of developing healthier communities across Washington.  Dr. Tomkowiak also engaged us in an inspiring conversation about the future of medicine. 
 
 
WSU College of Medicine Jeffrey Brennan 2019-11-10 08:00:00Z 0

World Polio Day

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 26, 2019

"We're This Close"

 
 
 
Thursday, October 24, at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation remembrance of World Polio Day. The Rotary Club of Mill Creek donated $2,500 to the continuing effort to eradicate polio from the earth.  Shown above (left to right) are District Governor Bill McElroy, Dave Gunter, Ezra Teshome (past District Governor and current district PolioPlus chair), and Club President Frank Simons presenting the check.
 
 
 
World Polio Day Jeffrey Brennan 2019-10-26 07:00:00Z 0

Stolen Youth

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 23, 2019

Ashley Christ

 
Our speaker today was Ashley Christ, Program and Operations Manager for Stolen Youth.  Stolen Youth's mission is to end child sex trafficking in Washington. Ashley talked about the role that Stolen Youth plays in leading a coalition of local organizations that deliver programs and services to prevent child sex trafficking.  Ashley - thanks for sharing your passion with our club today!
 
 
Stolen Youth Jeffrey Brennan 2019-10-23 07:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 16, 2019
 

Community Outreach

 
Today, we recognized our first Students of the Month for the 2019-20 school year.  From Jackson High School, Ethan Thong was recognized for excellence in Community Outreach.   Ethan is a senior and has had a deep-rooted belief from a young age that he should give back to his community through service.  During his time in high school, Ethan has served the community by  volunteering 195 hours at Providence Regional Medical Center, 80 hours through Honor Society, 75 hours in the JHS Sports Medicine Training Room, 40 hours assisting with the Mill Creek City Youth Advisory Board, and 70 hours as a member of the Mill Creek Library Teen Advisory Board. As a child, Ethan spent a significant amount of time with his brother in the hospital (his brother was born with a heart defect and needed open-heart surgery).  Through the process, Ethan watched many physicians work together to determine a solution for his brother and so many other patients.  Ethan's dream is to pursue a career in medicine, specifically in cardiology or biomedical research. Congratulations Ethan!

 
Our Student of the Month for excellence in Community Outreach for Archbishop Murphy High School (AMHS), was Grace Lefcourt. Grace embodies the true meaning of “service.” Over the last 4 years, Grace has volunteered more than 600 hours serving those in her community. Each summer during high school, Grace has volunteered her time at Camp Prov, a summer camp dedicated to children with special needs and their siblings. Grace spent time leading children through various activities, such as arts and crafts, nature walks and swimming. Grace also dedicates two Wednesdays a month to volunteering her time at The Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle. While there, Grace collaborates with other youth in discussions rooted in Social Justice. In addition, Grace is an alter server and youth group leader at her local parish. Grace is passionate in her support for the March of Dimes. Over the last 10 years, she and her team have raised over $100,000! Grace is currently applying to colleges and universities. She plans to major in History and Communications and possibly minor in Theatre.  Congratulations Grace!
 
 
 
 
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2019-10-16 07:00:00Z 0

Sherwood Community Services

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 09, 2019

Corrie West

 
Corrie West, Investment and Partnership Associate, joined  us to talk about Sherwood Community Services which provides innovative, inclusive services for children and adults with disabilities in our communities.  Corrie joined Sherwood in December 2018 and has a BA in Community Psychology from the University of Washington and an MBA with a minor in HR from Walden University. She also has the personal experience of being a sibling to a brother with disabilities and is passionate about assisting others with similar backgrounds. 
 
 
Sherwood Community Services Jeffrey Brennan 2019-10-09 07:00:00Z 0

Shadow Casters

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 02, 2019

Art Unruh

 
Our speaker today was Art Unruh, show above with member Victoria Wellman.  Art Unruh, is a World War II veteran who served as a waist and tail gunner for 50 missions on B17' Bombers flying out of Foggia Italy.  Art shared some of his experiences from the war which he kept in a journal and later published as  "Shadow Casters."  Art shared his quips on his philosophy on  life and regaled us with his positive outlook.  Thanks for joining us Art and for your service!  
 
Shadow Casters Jeffrey Brennan 2019-10-02 07:00:00Z 0

Tom Hoban

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 25, 2019

Pivot Point Project

 
Tom Hoban, Chairman of the Hoban Family Office & Coast Group of Companies, joined us today and talked about the  "Pivot Point Project" which aims to serve high school students at key pivot points in their lives with their primary focus being to provide assistance during the college application process.
 
 
Tom Hoban Jeffrey Brennan 2019-09-25 07:00:00Z 0

District Governor Visit

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 18, 2019

A Full Schedule

We had a packed agenda at today's meeting with presentations by District Governor Bill McElroy, an Everett Public Schools update on the construction at Woodside Elementary School, and a presentation by TINFA on school computer projects in Guatemala.  
 
 
Our very own District Governor, Bill McElroy, paid his official visit to our club today and provided an update on the district and its goals.  
 
 
 
Betty Cobbs, principal at Woodside Elementary School, joined us with Darcy Walker, Director Facilities Planning, and Steven Krause, Construction Manager at Everett Public Schools.  They talked about the construction going on at Woodside to modernize the facilities.  
Photo above: 
Dr. Betty Cobbs and her husband Zebedee. Photo courtesy of Everett Public Schools.
 
 
 
Joining us today from Tinfa were Emma Le Du, Executive Director, Mike Madden, Board Member, and Cesar Puac from Guatemala.  They provided an update on computer projects in elementary schools in Guatemala. Our club has provided funding for two Rotary grants in support of these projects.  
 
 
 
 
District Governor Visit Jeffrey Brennan 2019-09-18 07:00:00Z 0

ALS Walk

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 14, 2019

ALS Evergreen Chapter Check Presentation

 
Each year, our club chooses an organization to support at its annual auction and dinner, "Raise the Paddle."   At Saturday's ALS Walk in Seward Park, members of our club presented a check from the auction for $40,925 to the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter.  Thank you so much to our generous members and supporters for making this happen.  To find out more about ALS (also called "Lou Gehrig's disease) visit the ALS home page.   
 
 
ALS Walk Jeffrey Brennan 2019-09-14 07:00:00Z 0

Climate Change

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 11, 2019
 
Richard Konieczka spent the last twenty one years  in the Energy field, involving Power Quality, Fuel Cells, Solar, Wind, Power Factor Correction, LED lighting retrofits, and Automated Controls for Large Air Compressors.  At our Wednesday, September 11 meeting, Richard discussed climate change.  His presentation was focused on what has happened over the past several hundred thousand years and he focused on just presenting facts to allow us to come to our conclusions.  Great topic and great Q&A followed! 
 
 
Climate Change Jeffrey Brennan 2019-09-11 07:00:00Z 0

Hand in hand

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 30, 2019
 

Jay Priebe

 
Joining us this Wednesday were Todd McNeal and Jay Priebe, Hand in Hand's new Chief Executive Officer (shown above).  Jay provided us with an overview of Hand in Hand, whose objective is to provide a safe haven for the hundreds of children in our community who are faced with the trauma of being forcibly removed from their homes and have nowhere else to turn. Jay then talked about the future of Hand in Hand and its continuing role in providing direct support to children in Snohomish County and the advocacy it its providing at the State level.
 
 
Hand in hand Jeffrey Brennan 2019-08-30 07:00:00Z 0

Peoria Home Project Recognition

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 14, 2019

Spearheaded by Mike Mallahan, the Peoria Home district grant project began over a year ago. Peoria Home is a non-profit organization providing sanctuary and support for women survivors of sex trafficking and prostitution. The goal of the project was to renovate a garage at Peoria Home's new house in Everett to provide it with a space for meetings or just relaxing.  Rotarians, family members and guests rolled up their sleeves and worked over several months on this project.  This project would not have been possible without the leadership and support of Tenhulzen Painting and Construction and contributions from Dunn Lumber and the community.  Recognition for some of the contributors was given at this weeks meeting.

 

Peoria Home recognition picture. 
Front: Terry Inglis and Laura Ballard with Peoria Home.  Back (left to right): Michele Tenhulzen, Jim Coshow, Jr., Dan Luxmore, Rodney Sheirk, Ken Dubell, Scott Tenhulzen, Mike Mallahan, and Frank Simons
 
 
 
Jim Coshaw, VP of Sales, and Dan Luxmore, Lynnwood store manager, receive a Paul Harris recognition for Dunn Lumber from club president, Frank Simons. 
Mike Mallahan presents gift certificates to Rodney Sheirk and Ken Dubell of Tenhulzen Painting and Construction for their volunteer contributions of time and services to the project. 

 

 

Peoria Home Project Recognition Jeffrey Brennan 2019-08-14 07:00:00Z 0

Update on Paine Field

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Snohomish County Council Chair

Photo Source: Mill Creek City Connection/Fall 2019
 
Our August 7 speaker was Terry Ryan, Snohomish County Councilmember District 4.  Terry talked about how the approval was secured to bring commercial flights into Paine Field and gave an update on its current status. Terry joins us annually to provide updates on topics of interest to our club and this was certainly of interest and well-received!
 
 
Update on Paine Field Jeffrey Brennan 2019-08-07 07:00:00Z 0

The Yes Works

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 12, 2019

Creativity is a Habit and Skill 

 
Our speakers at this Wednesday's meeting were  Adam Utley (on left) and Aaron Schmookler (on right) of The Yes Works.  Aaron and Adam presented a high level overview of what makes for an innovation culture and spoke about one important key -- recognizing opportunities.  Aaron and Adam are co-founders of The Yes Works which works with organizations through trainings that build better workplace cultures where all employees  
 collaborate and communicate more effectively.
 
 
The Yes Works Jeffrey Brennan 2019-07-12 07:00:00Z 0

2019-20 Club President Frank Simons

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 27, 2019

Our New Club President

 
Shown holding our traditional "ball and chains" for incoming club presidents, is Frank Simons.  Frank officially assumed the reigns from now past-president Danielle Pratt at yesterday's final meeting of the 2018-2019 Rotary year.  Congratulations President Frank and we look forward to a great Rotary year under your leadership!
 
 
2019-20 Club President Frank Simons Jeffrey Brennan 2019-06-27 07:00:00Z 0

99 Years Young!

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 05, 2019

General Bill Hathaway

 
Our club held its meeting at Fairwinds Brighton Court today so we could honor General Bill Hathaway on his 99th birthday.  The ever-smiling Bill is shown proudly wearing his Rotary Major Donor pin!  Congratulations General!!!

 
 
99 Years Young! Jeffrey Brennan 2019-06-05 07:00:00Z 0

Honor Guard

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 05, 2019
Scot LaRose, a Police Officer with the Mill Creek Police Department and a member of the South Snohomish County Honor Guard, joined us today to talk about the important work of the Guard in representing us in local ceremonies and events.  
 
 
Honor Guard Jeffrey Brennan 2019-06-05 07:00:00Z 0

Greater Trinity Academy

Posted on May 29, 2019

 

 
Our club was honored today to have Paul A Stoot Sr. and Terry Metcalf of Greater Trinity Academy bring a group of their young students to tell us about their learning programs. School Motto: "I Can Learn Anything!" Mission: To eliminate the achievement gap. Presentation today - Awesome!
 
 Dr. Paul A. Stoot, Sr. - Executive Director
  
Terry Metcalf - Curriculum Specialist/Kindergarten Teacher and former NFL All Pro
 
 
 
 
Greater Trinity Academy Jeffrey Brennan 2019-05-29 07:00:00Z 0

Doing Business in Japan

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 23, 2019
 
Our speaker this week was Jun Akutsu of 2nd-Tier Consulting.  June talked about the nuances between our cultures and how this can impact doing business with Japanese colleagues.
 
 
Doing Business in Japan Jeffrey Brennan 2019-05-23 07:00:00Z 0

Devanne Clark

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 15, 2019

Student of the Month

At his Wednesday's meeting, we recognized Devanne Clark for Academic Excellence.
 
 
From  Sno-Isle Tech SkillsCenter, Devanne Clark, is our May Student of the Month for "Academic Excellence." Devanne Clark attends Mt. Lake Terrace High School and is in her second year of the Diesel Power Technology class at Sno-Isle Tech. Devanne shows a positive attitude, an eagerness to learn new skills, and has achieved “A’s” in each of her Sno-Isle classes.  She currently works at Truck Trails Northwest as an entry-level technician.  Her goal is to go on to become a diesel technician - one day she would like to be a shop supervisor. 
 
Devanne is planning to attend Universal Technical Institute, in Avondale AZ, after graduation and continue her studies in diesel technology. She is working very hard to earn scholarships so she can afford to pay for this schooling and has already earned $12,500 worth of scholarships through auto and diesel competitions!   Congratulations Devanne!
 
 
Devanne Clark Jeffrey Brennan 2019-05-15 07:00:00Z 0

Academic Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 08, 2019

Student of the Month

At our May 8th meeting today, we recognized two students of the month for outstanding achievement in "Academic Excellence."

Cathleen Barron

Cathleen Barron is our May Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School, shown with Rotarian and Archbishop Murphy's principal, Alex Crane.  
 
Cathleen is inquisitive, compassionate and authentic. Cathleen has earned an impressive 4.0 Grade Point Average through 1st semester of her senior year. She has enrolled in demanding classes throughout her high school career, including five AP courses and eight honors courses. Due to her academic achievement, Cathleen has earned a position in the National Honor Society.

Cathleen is dedicated to her studies but is passionate about her community. She has been elected to AMHS ASB her senior year. Cathleen lead a group of her peers on Archbishop Murphy's Kairos retreat and was the rector for the fall Kairos retreat. She led her peers through small groups, relationship building and personal reflection.  

Cathleen plans to attend the University of Portland next fall and pursue studies in education with a specific focus on elementary schooling. Congratulations Cathleen!
 
 

Megan Black

 
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Megan Black, shown with Rotarian and Jackson's principal, Dave Peters.  

 

Megan Black is a senior at Jackson High School, and she is the top student of over 500 in the class of 2019.  Megan has challenged herself academically through her entire school experience.  As a freshman, she took both Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus to pave the way for higher level math.  Among the 13 Advanced Placement classes on her high school transcript, she is also taking Multivariable Calculus through the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.  Megan is a Presidential Scholar Semifinalist and has been a contributing member of Jackson's competitive varsity swim program and the theatre program.  Her busy, well-rounded schedule has only increased the impressiveness of her 4.0 GPA and perfect score on the ACT!

Megan was accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she will be majoring in Economical Mathematics toward a career in policy development in education and international relations with East Asian Countries. Congratulations Megan!

 

Academic Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2019-05-08 07:00:00Z 0

Music4Life

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 01, 2019

Mark Wilder

 
Our Wednesday speaker was Mark Wilder, Everett Public Schools Music4Life Program Coordinator.  Mark Wilder is a professional musician and composer who also happens to be a marketing agency owner. He first became involved with Music4Life as a volunteer for the "May is Music4Life Month" effort in Everett. He is thrilled to now be working as a program coordinator so that all children in our communities have the opportunity to create and perform instrumental music.
 
 
Music4Life Jeffrey Brennan 2019-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

April Rotary Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 10, 2019

Scholar Athletes

At today's meeting, we recognized three students of the month as outstanding Scholar Athletes.

Luke Riojas

Luke Riojas is our April Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School.
 
Luke’s involvement in the athletic program includes his participation in the AMHS football and track team. Over the past four years, his accolades in football include: Varsity football letter 2015, 2016, 2017 seasons, Cascade conference first team linebacker 2016, 2017 seasons, coaches award 2016 season and lastly was elected to be team captain for his senior year 2018 season. A quote from Coach Jensen, “Luke always has a positive attitude and pushes others to improve by modeling great work ethic and selflessness.” Luke also decided to try out track his junior year, earning himself a varsity letter for his first season. Luke has great dedication in whatever he does and always puts his best foot forward when doing so. 
 
Luke has spent a great deal of his time serving our community. He has volunteered with the worship team at his church, soup kitchens, Wildcat Buddies, Run to Win, Faith in Action, Special Olympics and I Heart Stanwood. 
Luke has been accepted to Redlands University and plans to pursue his desire to become a doctor.  Congratulations Luke!
 

Iyanla De Jesus

!
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Iyanla De Jesus, shown with Jackson High School principal and Rotarian, Dave Peters. 
 

Iyanla "Ice" De Jesus (formerly Pennington) is a senior at Henry M. Jackson High School.  She is a 4-year starter and 2-year captain of the softball team, and she was instrumental in helping win the school's first state softball championship last spring.  She was named both the Everett Herald and Seattle Times softball player of the year in 2018.  She led the Jackson High School Timberwolves in pitching with a 0.35 ERA and 282 strikeouts finishing with a 17-1 record.  Ice also led the team in hitting with a .507 batting average that included 9 doubles, 8 home runs, and 28 RBI's.  This year she has her focus set on leading her team to another state title.  Ice threw a perfect game to open the season and threw a 1-hitter with 18 strikeouts vs. another early opponent.  She’s a relentless competitor, a grounded leader, and a genuinely enjoyable person!

Iyanla will be attending Coastal Carolina College located minutes from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  She has received a full-ride softball scholarship, and she plans to study either Sports Exercise Science to become an athletic trainer or Chemistry as a preparation for medical school. 

Congratulations Iyanla!
 

Aviry Stratton

!
Our Student of the Month from Sno-Isle TECH is Aviry Stratton, a junior at Glacier Peak High School.
 

Aviry Stratton is a strong, competitive student who has Varsity Lettered in both Cross Country and Track and Field events at Glacier Peak High School.  She enjoys the sports aspect of her life because it balances out her scholastic achievements, National Honor Society and Outstanding Scholastic Award WIAA 2017 and 2018. Aviry was accepted into the Dental Assisting program last spring at Sno-Isle TECH.  Currently she is working on her internship portion of the program, gaining new knowledge at Penny Creek Family Dentistry in Mill Creek. Her future goals are to continue her education, enter dental school, and then become an orthodontist after the additional two years of education. Aviry knows that it will be close to 10 years before becoming an Orthodontist and she works hard every day towards her dream. Her positive personality and can do attitude will help in achieving her dream. 

Congratulations Aviry!
 
 
 
April Rotary Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2019-04-10 07:00:00Z 0

Bridgeways

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 20, 2019

Jeff Patterson

 
Our speaker today was Jeff Patterson, Director of Development and Marketing at Bridgeways and a member of the Rotary Club of Lynnwood.  Jeff talked about Bridgeways, a not-for-profit organization that provides a wide range of services that promote quality-of-life for individuals who live with mental illness.  Some of the services include working in Bridgeways manufacturing plant to assistance finding the right kind of work.  Bridgeways is located in Everett and serves all of Snohomish County.  
 
Bridgeways Jeffrey Brennan 2019-03-20 07:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 13, 2019

Student of the Month

At this Wednesday's meeting, we recognized three incredible students for "Leadership Excellence"!

Mikayla Hubbard

 
 

Mikayla Hubbard is a senior at Henry M. Jackson High School.  She is both the National Honor Society Co-President and the Associated Student Body President.  She manages to be actively involved in both roles with seemingly endless energy and commitment to both groups.  The number of extra hours she has put in for events and activities is immense.  Mikayla attends many of our school events and participates in quite a few as well.  She is kind, thoughtful, helpful, and truly betters the lives of the people she is with.  Mikayla is, without a doubt, an excellent leader.

Mikayla has applied to ten different colleges and is currently waiting for admission announcements.  Mikayla is interested in pursuing studies in political science and is currently awaiting admission announcements.  Congratulations Mikayla!

 

 

Holly Sudol

 
From  Archbishop Murphy High School, Holly Sudol -  Holly is at the heart of student leadership, and the school. Holly has taken on the role of Communications Liaison for Student Government. As ASB President, she helps arrange assemblies, coordinates participation with both students and faculty/staff, as well as takes charge speaking in front of over 500 people during school gatherings. As a cheer captain for the last two years Holly organizes game plans for every home and away game, as well as scheduling performances for timeouts and quarter changes. Additionally, Holly is a great communicator and works with the band to make sure the show runs smoothly. She is a true leader on the team. She leads through her actions with the team's best interest at heart.
 

Holly plans to pursue business and communications in college. Congratulations Holly!

 

Elizabeth Hawks

 
From  Sno-Isle Tech Skills CenterElizabeth Hawks -  Liz is from Mountlake Terrace High School and participates in the Sno Isle TECH Dental Assisting program.  She is not only an excellent student within her vocational program, she often goes above and beyond. She is the ASB class vice president, president of the Safety Committee for the class.  Liz is the first student ever in the school to set up and carry out a successful blood drive. She planned, got permission from administration, provided permission slips for students, marketed the day and oversaw the successful event with thirty-eight students donating blood that day! Liz surpassed the goal set by Bloodworks who collected the donations and received a scholarship for her work. 
 
Congratulations Elizabeth!
 
 
 
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2019-03-13 07:00:00Z 0

Safe Harbor Free Clinic

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 07, 2019

Healing and Hope for the Hurting

 
Dr. Jimmy Grierson, a family physician, and Sandy Solis, Executive Director, with Safe Harbor Free Clinic discussed the services provided by the clinic in Stanwood.  The mission of the clinic is to that "All have access to free, professional health care regardless of circumstances.  The clinic provides a variety of services including chronic car, podiatry, respiratory, laboratory, and dental services. The clinic provides its services free and helps patients get free or very low cost medicines. 
 
Safe Harbor Free Clinic Jeffrey Brennan 2019-03-07 08:00:00Z 0

February Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 01, 2019

Student of the Month

At this Wednesday's meeting, we recognized two incredible students.  

Laura Mustach

 
The theme for our Student of the Month for February is "Excellence in Fine Arts."  Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Laura Mustach.  Laura is a senior and was selected to receive the Mill Creek Rotary Student of the Month award for "Excellence in Fine Arts" because of her depth, breadth, and impact.  Laura has been involved in the theatre program since her freshman year.  For the past two years she is the lead for the Saint Crew and is the production manager for Jackson's spring play, "A Comedy of Errors."  Her passion and talents in fine arts extend to ceramics as well. Laura Is known for her detailed and complex pieces.  She serves as an integral resource for other students in the upper-level ceramics class and has served as an instructor in the community teaching pottery day-camps to 5-14 year old students. 
 
Laura plans to take a gap year to save money for college with a goal of attending Evergreen College to study ceramics, science and veterinary medicine. Congratulations Laura!
 

Cami Taliaferro-Barber

 
From  Archbishop Murphy High School, Cami Taliaferro-Barber, is the February Student of the Month for excellence in "Fine Arts."  Cami makes artistic contributions to virtually every performing arts endeavor at Archbishop Murphy and her contagious enthusiasm for performing is inspirational. Cami brings her strong mezzo-soprano voice to the choir program, including the Liturgy choir, and the Choral-Aires, our honor choir. Her poise and versatility are evident in her multiple support roles in our Spring Musicals and dramatic productions-- acting, dancing, singing, painting sets, and offering her powerful creative and organizational skills. Cami naturally embraces leadership roles, serving as assistant director and costume designer for the fall play and as the technical director for this year's spring musical. 
 
To quote Ms. Wright, her choir teacher: 'To have a student like Cami is every director’s dream.'  In addition to her dedication in the classroom and our Fine Arts program, Cami has been a member of the nerd and books for breakfast club, link crew and has participated in girl’s tennis for three years.  During her time at Archbishop Murphy, Cami has volunteered over 90 hours at local organizations such as Harbor light church fundraiser and adopt-a-highway trash clean up.
 
Cami has applied to multiple universities and plans to study theatre production and minor in business.  Congratulations Cami!
 
 
February Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2019-03-01 08:00:00Z 0

Your Amazing Mind

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 25, 2019

Hypnosis and Coaching

 
  
 
At this Wednesday's meeting, David Greenwood, of Greenwood Hynotherapy, talked about hypnosis and coaching for adults, couples and adolescents. His talked focused on our vast subconscious and using hypnotherapy to improve self confidence, lose weight, relieve stress, achieve business success, minimize past issues and much more (like quitting smoking!).
 
Your Amazing Mind Jeffrey Brennan 2019-01-25 08:00:00Z 0

Imagination Inspired

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 16, 2019

Bruce Heinemann

Our speaker today was Bruce Heinemann.  Bruce is a photographer, writer, publisher and speaker from Anacortes.  His talk, titled, "Imagination Inspired," was a combination of wonderful landscape photography and his own words and quotes from well-known people to make one reflect on the importance of imagination...of what we can be if we are not afraid to be.  Bruce's work includes "The Art of Nature: Reflections on the Grand Design," "Washington: The Art of Landscape," and soon to be produced is a multi-media concert of images, music and narrative entitled, "The Nature of Life: The Power Within and The Fine Art of Healing." Bruce is a prostrate cancer survivor and much of his work is focused on the journey of healing through photography and writing.  See Bruce's work at theartofnaturegallery.com

 
Imagination Inspired Jeffrey Brennan 2019-01-16 08:00:00Z 0

2019 Benefit Auction/Dinner

Tickets and Sponsorships Available!

 
Tickets and sponsorships to our 2019 Dinner and Auction are available now - Click here!  Proceeds from the auction go to the Mill Creek Rotary Foundation which supports our club's service projects in our local and international communities.  Join us for a great evening!!!
 
 
2019 Benefit Auction/Dinner 2019-01-15 08:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 09, 2019

Vocational Services

At our January 9th meeting, we recognized two students of the month for outstanding achievement in Vocational Services.

Devin Moore

Devin Moore is our January Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School.
 
 Devin Moore is a dedicated member of the Archbishop Murphy DECA Program and has even competed at the international level. He is the Vice President of the school’s DECA chapter and a manager of the student store. In this role, Devin is responsible for inventory, employee schedules and tracking supply/demand. 

Devin’s true vocation, or calling, is to serve others. Devin serves the Archbishop Murphy school community through ASB, through his roles as captain on two athletic teams, through his involvement with the Student Ambassador Program and through his positions in the DECA Program. Internationally, Devin and his family have traveled to Mexico to volunteer in some of the most impoverished areas.  Devin is currently applying to military academies and universities.  Congratulations Devin!
 

Katie Martin

!
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Katie Martin. 
 
With a 4.0 GPA, Katie is a top student, both in and out of the classroom.  She is a member of the Jackson High School Bowling team, and she serves as part of the Link Crew ensuring that incoming freshman have a positive transition to high school.  It only takes moments in a conversation with her to recognize her sense of caring.  Katie currently spends half of her school day in the Veterinary Assisting program at the Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center.
 
Katie aspires to become a veterinary doctor and is applying to the veterinary medicine programs at Washington State and Montana State universities. 
 
Congratulations Katie!
 
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2019-01-09 08:00:00Z 0

Foster-Adopt Program

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 21, 2018

Family Builders

Our speaker at our last Wednesday meeting of 2018, was Matthew Brouwer, Develpment Manager for Family Builders.  There are over 10,000 children in the foster-care system in Washington.    Matthew talked about  the critical need for foster parents and families in Washington and the FamilyBuilders Foster-Adoption program.  FamilyBuilders is a Lutheran Commuity Services Northwest program which creates safe and loving families for children who've experienced abuse and neglect. Thanks Matthew for sharing the message.
 
Foster-Adopt Program Jeffrey Brennan 2018-12-21 08:00:00Z 0

Musical Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 12, 2018

Student of the Month

At this Wednesday's meeting, we recognized two incredible students.  

Aemish Brock

 
The theme for our Student of the Month for December is "Musical Excellence."  Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Aemish Brock.  Aemish is shown with Jackson High principal and Rotary member, Dave Peters.  Aemish Brock is a senior at Jackson High School who has participated in the band and jazz programs all four years.  He was noticed by a Jackson High  jazz instructor during his freshman year, and after reinforcing his belief in him over time, Amish excelled to earn a lead trombone position in the school's highest-level jazz program.  He was a featured soloist at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival last year and he participated in key jazz groups.  This year he intends to audition for Essentially Ellington, a national jazz festival in New York.  Aemish Is known for his servant leadership, his humble attitude, and his relentless drive to continually improve his musical excellence.
 
Aemish aspires to attend the New School College of Performing Arts School of Jazz in Manhattan and become a professional jazz musician.  We look forward to hearing him perform in the future.  Congratulations Aemish!

Gannon Lewallen

 
From  Archbishop Murphy High School, Gannon Lewallen, is our December Student of the Month for "Musical Excellence."  Gannon is shown with Archbishop Murphy's principal and Rotary member, Alex Crane.  Gannon is equally at home with music and giving back to his community through service.  He is a leading performer with the Band, the Choir, the Fall Play, Spring Musical, voice lessons, music contests, and other performance opportunities. In four years of band, choir, dramatic and musical productions, he has performed over a hundred times for Archbishop Murphy  and in community events.  Always wearing a genuine smile and bearing a positive attitude, Gannon is beloved by his classmates, a humble leader when called for, a hard-working loyal teammate and friend to all. Gannon has been a member of the ultimate Frisbee, sign language and nerd club, and during his time at Archbishop Murphy, he has volunteered for over 90 hours at local organizations such as Special Olympics and highway clean-up.  Gannon has applied to several universities and plans to go into the music therapy field!
 
Footnote: After speaking, Gannon was asked to sing and belted out some beautiful verses for us!   Thanks and congratulations Gannon for being our Archbishop Murphy December Student of the Month! 
 
 
Musical Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2018-12-12 08:00:00Z 0

Solange Aguilar

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 06, 2018

Solange = Service

 
Our speaker this Wednesday was Solange Aguilar.  Solange talked about the many service projects she was involved in while a member of an Interact Club in El Salvador where she grew up.  And, it was while she was in Interact that she met several members of our club in 2012 and assisted us with delivering wheelchairs in in El Salvador as part of a Rotary global grant. Little did we know that our paths would cross again very soon.  Solange moved to Washington to go to Cascadia College; a move that was greatly helped by our club member Geoff Owen and his family who invited Solange to live with them while attending school. Fast forward - Solange has now graduated from both Cascadia College and the University of Washington.  While at both schools, she was very active in Rotaract clubs and in many service projects.  Today she works for the Benefits Hub  at Shoreline Community College providing assistance to help support students be successful, ranging from financial coaching and tax preparation to food and emergency housing.  Solange's goal is to gain a master's degree and to continue helping others - "Solange = Service" is an appropriate title.  Solange, we're very proud of you!  
 
 
 
Solange Aguilar Jeffrey Brennan 2018-12-06 08:00:00Z 0

CPOD

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 06, 2018

Community Points of Distribution (CPOD)

 
 
The Winter 2018-2019 edition of Mill Creek Living Magazine carried an article on our club's partnering with the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management to support the establishment of CPODs within the county to provide emergency commodities following a disaster.  Members of our club completed training to learn how to operated the distribution points.  To learn more, download the magazine by clicking here and read the article on pages 22 - 23.
 
 
CPOD Jeffrey Brennan 2018-12-06 08:00:00Z 0

Fire District 7

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Nov 30, 2018

Fire District 7 Update

 
Joining us for the last meeting in November were Chief Gary Meek, Public Information and Education Officer Heather Chadwick, and Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Silva.  Chief Meek provided an update on the district, talked about the upcoming opening of new fire station #33, and talked about programs they have available for the community to help improve safety.  It's great knowing we have such a dedicated fire and emergency team here for us...Thanks Fire District 7! 
 
Fire District 7 Jeffrey Brennan 2018-11-30 08:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Nov 21, 2018

Student of the Month

At Wednesday's meeting, we recognized three incredible students.  Read on and I am sure you will agree!
 

Keke McMillan

 
The theme for our Student of the Month for November is "Overcoming Adversity."  Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Kieziha "Keke" McMillan. Keke is a senior whose history builds a strong account of her impressive character. Despite being left at a hotel by her mother and having to navigate the foster care system, Keke has learned how to work through life's challenges and give her best to keep reaching her life goals.  Keke has given time to volunteer through the Mill Creek Youth Advisory Board and to speak on behalf of foster youth to senators and legislators in Olympia.  Keke plans to attend Seattle Pacific University and follow her dream of becoming an OBGYN Nurse Practitioner and to earn her bachelors and masters in Nursing.  Congratulations Keke!
 
 

Colin Guy

 
 From  Archbishop Murphy High School, Colin Guy is our November Student of the Month for "Overcoming Adversity."  When Colin was in sixth grade, he lost his father.  Despite this tragic experience, Colin has has strived to embody all of his father's finest qualities and mold this tragic experience into motivation.  Colin has served his community by providing meals and warm interactions to the homeless, has been a youth group leader at his church, and has traveled to Jamaica on a service trip where he spent most of his time teaching teenage boys to read! Colin is currently applying to colleges and plans to study mechanical engineering like both his mother and father.    Congratulations Colin!
 
 

Noah Chaney

 
From  Sno-Isle Tech SkillsCenter, Noah Chaney, is our November Student of the Month for "Overcoming Adversity."  Noah suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was in 8th grade.  He was unconscious for two weeks and in the hospital for two months.  Noah has worked incredibly hard to gain back memory and physical abilities and has to work very hard to remember things.  Noah is considering several schools for college but is uncertain of whether it might be too much of a stretch due to his learning abilities.  Noah's backup plan is to go to technical school, become a professional welder, and work hard to be successful.  Congratulations Noah...we wish you the best success!
 
 
 
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2018-11-21 08:00:00Z 0

WiseTransition

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Nov 02, 2018

Karen Herold

 
Our speaker at this Wednesday's meeting was Karen Herold. Karen is a Life Vision Artist & Transition Coach.  
She has developed a unique program using creative exploration and wisdom to help women in transition to envision and manifest the next stage of their lives.  Through her company, WiseTranstion, Karen helps each of her clients affirm that they are the designer and creator of their life.  
 
 
WiseTransition Jeffrey Brennan 2018-11-02 07:00:00Z 0

Business  Internet Threats

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 24, 2018

Effortless Office

 
Michelle Heryford, Regional Channel Manager Pacific Northwest, and Brandon Chong, Director of Solutions Engineering, of Effortless Office spoke at today's meeting. Their topic was threats that business face on the internet and how their company combats the threats.  Brandon and Michelle also provided suggested tips on how to avoid becoming a statistic, including never, never, opening emails from someone you.  
 
 
Business Internet Threats Jeffrey Brennan 2018-10-24 07:00:00Z 0

AMHS Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 22, 2018

Community Outreach

 
At last Wednesday's meeting, we recognized our Student of the Month for "Community Outreach" for Archbishop Murphy High School (AMHS), Erika Ellison. 
Some of Erika's outreach to community include: volunteering for Swim Across American, a program dedicated to connecting swimmers to raise money for cancer research; spending every Saturday at Sunrise View Retirement Center playing Bingo and offering warm interactions to the residents; participating each October in “Trick or Trek,” a trick-or-treating experience for children who live on Casino Road in Everett; and  participating in “Operation Backpack Deploy,” which is an annual basic supplies drive. In addition, Erika and her family have traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for each of the last four years to serve those in need. through building showers and collecting and distributed shoes. 
 
Erika plans to attend Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. Erika has been recruited by the Saint Francis University Lacrosse Team and plans to study biology with the intent to serve people and animals.  Congratulations Erika!
 
 
 
AMHS Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2018-10-22 07:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 11, 2018

Community Outreach

 
Today, we recognized our first Students of the Month for the 2018-19 school year.  From Jackson High School, Ashley Lambert was recognized for Community Service.   Ashley is a founding member and current president of the school's Social Activism club.  She helped coordinate a partnership with the League of Women voters to register seniors at Jackson High School and over one hundred students are now eligible to vote.  Ashley is a member of the Junior Caching Hockey Association, Honor Society and has served as a camp counselor for elementary students.  She is applying to for early admission to Columbia University in New York where she plans to major in biomedical engineering with a focus on animal preservation and environmental conservation. Congratulations Ashley!

 

 
 From Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center, Ezra Nichol was recognized for Community Service.   Ezra is a senior at Arlington High School and attends Sno-Isle in the mornings where he participates in their construction trades program.  Ezra has used his construction skills to help build "tiny houses" for the homeless and to construct and run a small lending library on a major bike/walking trail in Arlington.  Following high school graduation, Ezra will be entering the U.S. Navy, where he will continue to use his construction skills as a Seabee, and hopes to be able to work on relief projects. Congratulations Ezra!
 
 
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2018-10-11 07:00:00Z 0

Chief for a Day

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 11, 2018

 

Also, at this Wednesday's meeting, we were joined by Officer Chris White and Sgt. S. White of the Mill Creek Police Department, and Sally Dagna, a volunteer with the Mill Creek Police Department and founder of the Mill Creek Police Foundation. With the help of a $1,000 contribution from our community service committee, the Mill Creek Police Department was able to participate in the Chief for a Day program - a statewide program the celebrates the lives of children diagnosed with a chronic medical condition.  Selected to be chief, is Julia McCauley, a second grader at Mill Creek Elementary School, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Both police officers shared their experiences with McCauley, Sally Dagna talked about the police foundation, and all three thanked our club for its contribution.    
 
Photo of Jessica McCauley in Chief for a Day parade.
 
Chief for a Day Jeffrey Brennan 2018-10-11 07:00:00Z 0

LAF Tech

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 26, 2018

LAF Tech

 
Our speakers today were Marcelle Allen and Brian Trendler from LAF Tech.  LAF Tech's focus is to help people become better presenters and speakers by learning tools to help them become more memorable, funny, and effective.  Marcelle and Brian welcomed several of our members to the stage for a rapid-fire demonstration of one technique to help learn to think fast and respond quickly.  Thanks Marcelle and Brian for joining us today.
  
 
LAF Tech Jeffrey Brennan 2018-09-26 07:00:00Z 0

CPOD

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 22, 2018

CPOD Training

 
Club members participated in a Community Points of Distribution (CPOD) training held by Snohomish County Emergency Management.  CPODs are locations established throughout the county to provide life-sustaining commodities in the aftermath of a disaster.  CPODs would be activated following a severe disaster where grocery stores might not have their shelves replenished.  Each CPOD would provide emergency commodities such as non-perishable food, water, blankets, and other emergency supplies. In the event a CPOD were activated, many club members are now trained to manage and operate the CPOD.
 
CPOD Jeffrey Brennan 2018-09-22 07:00:00Z 0

Declutter & Thrive

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 20, 2018

Denise Allen

 
Our speaker yesterday was Denise Allen, founder of Simplify Experts and author of "Declutter and Thrive."  Denise talked about her company and the process of helping people become more organized through a four step process of assessment, strategizing, implementing and delivering.  
 
Declutter & Thrive Jeffrey Brennan 2018-09-20 07:00:00Z 0

District Governor Official Visit

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 05, 2018

Alan Merry

 
Our speaker this was week was our District 5030 Governor (DG), Alan Merry, shown above with our club president Danielle Pratt.  DG Alan hails from the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park.  Alan is a health care data analyst at Kaiser Permanente, at least for a few more months until he officially retires!  He is a UW graduate and an avid Mariners fan and, naturally, Husky fan too!  Alan talked about the 2019 District Conference in Spokane and thanked our club for all we do in the community.  Thanks for joining us Alan and thanks for all you do for Rotary too!  To find out more or sign up for the 2019 Rotary District Conference, go to https://www.cometogether2019.com/.
 
 
District Governor Official Visit Jeffrey Brennan 2018-09-05 07:00:00Z 0

New Members

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 29, 2018

New Member Induction

Joining our club today is Jeff Beyer.  Jeff is with ZDI Gaming and has an extensive background in mobile devices.  Please join us in welcoming Jeff!
Also joining our club today is Ronda Lone. Ronda is the owner of AR Workshop in Mill Creek and is a paraeducator at Mill Creek Elementary School.  Please join us in welcoming Ronda!
 
 
New Members Jeffrey Brennan 2018-08-29 07:00:00Z 0

Bringing Safe Water to Schools

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 23, 2018

Addis Abba Global Grant Projects

 
Lake Union Rotarians Ruth Ann Halford and Larry Logue (current club president) joined us yesterday to talk about water and sanitation projects in schools in Addis Abba, Ethiopia. Working with Seattle's Spash organization, the Rotary Club of Lake Union has completed a number of global grant projects providing safe water to schools and thousands of students. Our club helped sponsor the last global grant and has committed to support the next project which is still in the development stage.  
 
 
Bringing Safe Water to Schools Jeffrey Brennan 2018-08-23 07:00:00Z 0

Adam Cornell

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 08, 2018

Snohomish County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Our speaker today was Adam Cornell, the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Snohomish County.  On his linkedin page, Adam has the following after his title, "Advocate for Children, Youth, and Families."  That message came across clear in Adam's talk as he described his upbringing as a foster child and his great appreciation for the people who helped him along the way.  His talk was really focused on sharing information, in a balanced way, with our members on two topics: 1) the trends in how courts and legislatures are treating youthful offenders when it comes to sentencing; and 2) the upcoming gun initiative (1639).  At the conclusion of his presentation, several members stated they would like to hear more from him...expect to see him back next year as a speaker!
 
 
Adam Cornell Jeffrey Brennan 2018-08-08 07:00:00Z 0

Catherine White

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 26, 2018

Accelerated Results 365

Our speaker at yesterday's meeting was Catherine White.   Catherine is founder of Accelerated Results 365, is a multi-business owner, author, speaker and innovator, and the creator of P.O.W.E.R.R.™.   Catherine talked about her business experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors and the work she does creating innovative tools to help these businesses and non-profits break through barriers to create growth opportunities.
 
 
Catherine White Jeffrey Brennan 2018-07-26 07:00:00Z 0

Kind Fest

Angie Louthan

 
Joining us at this Wednesday's meeting was the founder and creator of the Kind Fest, Angie Louthan.  Angie described how her desire to build community and share the power of kindness, compassion, and connection led to the first Kind Fest last year.  It is a family-fun event focused with lots of speakers, food, music, organizations and kindness champions.  The second Kind Fest will be held at Willis Tucker Park in Snohomish on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Rotary Club of Mill Creek will have a booth - hope you can join us!
 
 
Kind Fest Jeffrey Brennan 2018-07-19 07:00:00Z 0

Ringing in the New Rotary Year

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 13, 2018

Club President Danielle Pratt

 
This Wednesday, Danielle Pratt, rung in the new Rotary year at her first official meeting as our club's president.  
 
For the year, Danielle's goals for our club are:
  • Increase Retention: Work with Membership to pair new members with an additional mentor to partner with through their first year as a Rotarian 
  • Increase Member Involvement: Provide at least 6 hands-on service projects throughout the year, Committee rosters/assignments, Co-Chairs for all committees (one experienced and one newer member), Joint service projects with other community organizations
  • Increase District Involvement: Support more members in district conference and other district training throughout the year.
We look forward to a great Rotary year under Danielle's leadership!
 
Ringing in the New Rotary Year Jeffrey Brennan 2018-07-13 07:00:00Z 0

Student of the Year

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Student of the Year

At this week's meeting, we recognized two students of the year as our scholarship recipients. 

Anjelica de Leon

Anjelica de Leon is our Student of the year from  Archbishop Murphy High School and Diane Schimpf Memorial Scholarship recipient.  Anjelica is no stranger to our club.  She was our March Student of the Month in recognition of her leadership skills.  Anjelica will be going to school at California State University at East Bay, where she will study business administration with a focus on non-profit organizations.   
 
Anjelica is shown with Alex Crane, Rotarian and Archbishop Murphy Principal.  Congratulations Anjelica!
 

Hannah Neal

 
Our Student of the Year from Henry M. Jackson High School and our Maria and Steve Matthews Scholarship recipient is Hannah Neal. 
Hannah is no stranger to our club either.  She was our December Student of the Month in recognition of her arts skills.  Hannah will be going on to Gonzaga University in Spokane to study biology.  Following that, she plans to go to medical school with an aspiration to work in the pediatrics area.
 
Hannah is shown with Dave Peters, Rotarian and Jackson High Principal. Congratulations Hannah!

 

Student of the Year Jeffrey Brennan 2018-06-21 07:00:00Z 0

Business Ethics

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 21, 2018

Jeffrey Smith, PhD

 
Jeffrey Smith, PhD
Business Ethics

Jeffrey Smith, Professor of Management at the Seattle University Albers School of Business & Economics  was our speaker at this Wednesday's meeting.  Smith discussed the mission and vision of the business school and stressed that being "values-driven" is a critical part of the schools teachings.  Smith went on to talk about the importance of ethics overall and the critical role that senior leadership plays in shaping the ethics environment within the corporation.  Jeffrey's presentation was a good reminder of the importance of Rotary's 4-Way test on setting an ethical rules-based system to maintaining a high ethical standard.

 

 

Business Ethics Jeff Brennan 2018-06-21 07:00:00Z 0

Sno-Isle Tech 

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 13, 2018

Rotary Student of the Year - Bryttanie Allen

 
At our club meeting today, we recognized Bryttanie Allen as our Rotary Student of the Year and scholarship recipient for Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center.  Bryttanie is shown above with one of her teachers from Sno-Isle Tech, Jenny Kuehn, who teaches the Sno-Isle veterinary assisting program.  Bryttanie will be going to Yakima Valley Community College to study in the veterinary tech program and then plans to pursue her dream of working with horses and other large animals.  Congratulations Bryttanie!
 
Sno-Isle Tech Jeff Brennan 2018-06-13 07:00:00Z 0

Nicaragua Pediatric Trip

Posted by Jeff Brennan

Pediatric Podiatry Trip

 
Club member, Dr. Joe Hall of Mill Creek Foot and Ankle Clinic, was our speaker on June 6.  Joe talked about his trip last Fall to Nicaragua with Child's Passport to Health to provide pediatric podiatry services to all those in need, especially children.  Dr. Hall and his team also provided training to local doctors.  Equipment for the trip was partially funded by our club.  Dr. Hall plans to return to Nicaragua in the coming year to continue the humanitarian efforts.
 
 
Nicaragua Pediatric Trip Jeff Brennan 2018-06-12 07:00:00Z 0

Community Outreach Event

Posted by JEFF BRENNAN

Promoting Service Clubs

Our first Community Engagement Event was held April 18th at Arena Sports.  This event was open to all and was an opportunity for the community to come and socialize and then hear from each of the clubs in attendance: Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Mill Creek Business Association, and the City of Mill Creek.  Thanks to Erica Erdozain for her hard work in organizing this event and to Jeff Pratt who spoke on behalf of our club.
  
Community Outreach Event JEFF BRENNAN 2018-05-26 07:00:00Z 0

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 25, 2018

Nick of Time Foundation

 
 

Nick of Time Foundation's Sue Apodaca, Director of Operations, shown with Darla Varrenti, its Executive Director. Both are holding a backpack which contains a first aid kit and automatic external defibrillator (AED) for use in situations where a portable unit is required.

Our speaker at this Wednesday's meeting was Darla Varrenti of the Nick of Time Foundation.  Darla spoke about the leading cause of death in young athletes on the playing field, sudden cardiac arrest, and the two most important things that can be done to help: 1) heart screening using an ECG (Electrocardiogram) and in some cases an Echocardiogram (ultrasound) of the heart; and 2) the availability of AEDs and people trained to use them.  See the Nick of Time Foundation's website for more information on how you can help them spread the word.

 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Jeffrey Brennan 2018-05-25 07:00:00Z 0

Academic Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Student of the Month

At our May 9th meeting, we recognized two students of the month for outstanding achievement in "Academic Excellence."

Drew Carlton

Drew Carlton is our May Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School. Drew has earned a perfect 4.00 grade point average so far!  And, he has done so while taking many rigorous advanced courses!  
 
Drew is very active on campus.  He is a member of the tennis team and the mock trial team, is on the student council, and competes in DECA, Knowledge Bowl and History Bowl. In addition, Drew volunteers to help prepare and serve meals to the homeless and serves physically-disabled persons through Special Olympics. 
 
Drew will be going to Texas A&M in the Fall and plans to study engineering. Congratulations Drew!
 
 

Harshu Musunuri

 
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is

Harshu Musunuri. Harshu has has taken 14 AP classes and has an overall 4.0 grade point average!  In 2016, Harshu was named a Davidson Fellow laureate in Science.  She is vice-president of the Math Honor Society, vice-president of the Technology Student Association, and president of the Science Research and Engineering Club. She is also the curriculum director of Girls Rock in Science and Math (GRISM), a non-profit whose goal is to spark interest in girls to pursue the STEM field.  

Recognizing that sepsis infections are the leading killer of people following surgical procedures, Harshu is working on a simple, cost-effective method, to sample the blood and provide a rapid indicator to doctors to take action!  

Harshu has been accepted into Stanford University.   We'll be hearing more from her in the future!  Congratulations Harshu!

 

Academic Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2018-05-21 07:00:00Z 0

Scholar-Athlete Recognition

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 11, 2018

Student of the Month

At today's meeting, we recognized two students of the month for outstanding achievement as "Scholar Athletes."

Matt Keck

Matt Keck is our April Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School. Matt has been an integral part of Archbishop Murphy's football and wrestling teams.  Matt was an outstanding football player on both the defensive and offensive lines. Matt is also an outstanding wrestler and led the team this year as its captain.  
 
In addition to being a stellar athlete, Matt is an extremely hardworking student.  His course load has included six advanced placement (AP) classes and five honors classes.  Even with  these challenging classes, he maintains a 3.99 overall grade point average!   
 
Matt will be going to Carroll College.  He plans to focus on studying  and major in either biochemistry or biology, with plans to go on to medical school. Congratulations Matt!
 
 

Jon Cook

 
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is

Jon Cook. Jon has taken 13 AP classes - including a full load of six in his senior year - while maintaining a overall grade point average of 3.98!  On the athletic side, Jon is a varsity swimmer who holds six state titles!  He was named the "swimmer of the meet" for the past three years at the state championship event. Additionally, Jon holds the school record in every swimming event, taking down some long-standing records. Outside of swimming and school, Jon enjoys hiking and reading the news.

Jon has been accepted into Stanford University as a scholar athlete.  He plans to study chemistry or mechanical engineering focused on renewable energy fields.  He will continues his endeavors in swimming, with aspirations of competing in the Olympics. Congratulations Jon!

 

 

Scholar-Athlete Recognition Jeffrey Brennan 2018-04-11 07:00:00Z 0

It's All About Attitude

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Saleem Juma

Saleem Juma wearing his Mr. Washington State scarf, shown with member and future District 5030 governor, Bill McElroy.

 

Our April 4th speaker was the 2017 Mr. Washington State, Saleem Juma.  Saleem spoke about his journey. Saleem is a 23-year-old model and college student from Seattle, Washington. He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 16 and had a full prolectomy at 19; he was also diagnosed with anxiety disorder and depression that same year. However, Saleem never lost his vision of helping people and being an inspiration to everyone that was suffering from the same things he was. Despite another recent life threatening surgery where he lost 9 centimeters of his small intestine, he has continued to model and is focused on fitness modeling now, as well as running his website/blog Ostomybagswag.com.

 

It's All About Attitude Jeffrey Brennan 2018-04-09 07:00:00Z 0

Deep Green Wilderness

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 30, 2018

The "Orion"

 

At this Wednesday's meeting,  Kevin Campion, Captain, and Lindsay Walker, Education Director and Chief Mate, of the sailing vessel Orion, talked about the boat, the Deep Green Wilderness organization, and the many youth and adult education programs available aboard the Orion (a 64 foot wooden yawl built in 1934).  Deep Green Wilderness offers a variety of education programs throughout the year, mostly targeted at junior and high school aged youth.  Each program is designed to highlight different aspects of the Salish Sea and includes learning opportunities in marine science, environmental issues and policies, and providing a hands-on sailing experience.
 
Deep Green Wilderness Jeffrey Brennan 2018-03-30 07:00:00Z 0

Peoria Home

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 22, 2018

A Turning Point

Paula Newman-Skomski with Noreen Laggert, Peoria Home's Executive Director.
 

Our speaker at yesterday's meeting was Paula Newman-Skomski, the founder of Peoria Home. Paula talked about prostitution and trafficking in Snohomish County and the lack of assistance available to help women over 18.  Peoria Home addresses this by providing long-term shelter and an array of support services. 

Peoria Home just acquired its first home which opened last month in Everett. I'm sure we'll hear more great news in the future. Interested in helping out? Peoria Home needs volunteers - see www.peoriahome.org/ for more information. 

 

 

 

Peoria Home Jeffrey Brennan 2018-03-22 07:00:00Z 0

Leadership Ability

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 17, 2018

Student of the Month

At our March 15th meeting, we recognized two students of the month for outstanding achievement in "Leadership Ability."

Grace Siemering

 
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Grace Siemering.  Grace is a senior who is recognized for her service and her leadership.  Recently recognized as a Super Kid by the Everett Herald, Grace has left her fingerprints on the student culture.  She has served in leadership roles in Girl Scouts, as a camp counselor, and YoungLife.  She is also a Link Crew Commissioner, organizing other juniors and seniors to create events that help new freshman get connected with the school.  She has helped plan assemblies and homecoming, and she organized a "week of giving." Grace leads by example through serving others, and she continually seeks out new challenges that inspire her to become even better.

 

Grace looks forward to attending Gonzaga University next fall with aspirations of enrolling In the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. Congratulations Grace!

 

Anjelica de Leon

 
Anjelica de Leon ("AJ") is our January Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School. AJ is a leader through and through. AJ has been an active member of the AMHS community. She has been on the student council her sophomore and junior years and was an elected ASB member her senior year. She has also been a member of the varsity soccer team all four years and became captain her senior year.
 
AJ is an All-Star Ambassador for Healthier Generation, an organization dedicated to educating students on healthy nutritional habits and living out healthy lives. AJ is also a Youth Advisory Board member for Buddy Project, an organization that aims to prevent suicide and self-harm by pairing teens with buddies and raising awareness for mental health. Finally, AJ dedicates time to volunteer at Camp Patterson, a summer camp for children who are disabled or have special needs. 
 
AJ is currently applying to schools and is interested in the areas of Social Work and Marketing/Communications with a strong emphasis on non-profit organizations. Congratulations AJ!
 
 
 
 
Leadership Ability Jeffrey Brennan 2018-03-17 07:00:00Z 0

SR3 Sealife Response, Rehab and Research

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 02, 2018

Casey Mclean

 
Our speaker this Wednesday was Casey Mclean with SR3. Casey is a licensed veterinary technician who has a degree in marine biology and a long-standing passion and experience in marine animal medical care, rehabilitation, and conservation.  Casey talked about SR3, a nonprofit organization which focuses on providing response and rehabilitation for injured marine animals throughout the Salish Sea. SR3 is working on the
creation of a world-class hospital, rehabilitation center, research and teaching facility, and oil spill response facility for marine mammals, sea turtles, and sea birds.  The first phase of this facility will open in West Seattle in June of this year.  It will grow to be the first permitted facility in the Pacific Northwest (south of the Canadian border) capable of caring for, conducting health assessments on, evaluating, or rehabilitating endangered marine mammals, including  adult seals, sea lions, sea otters, or harbor porpoises. 
 
 
SR3 Sealife Response, Rehab and Research Jeffrey Brennan 2018-03-02 08:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month - Musical Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 28, 2018

Sean Dennelly

At this Wednesday's meeting, we recognized the February Rotary Student of the Month for Jackson High School. 
 
 
The theme for our Student of the Month for February is "Musical Excellence."  At yesterday's meeting, we recognized Sean Dennelly as our Student of the Month from Jackson High School.  Sean leads the cello section of Jackson's 16-member symphony ensemble.  Sean has had a huge impact on the ensemble, which is now in its second year, and has been described as the glue that brings the ensemble sections together. Talk about making a difference in a short period of time - this is Sean's first year at Jackson High School!  He is a senior who moved here from the Chicago area.    Sean plans to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering and to work for Boeing in the future..  Congratulations Sean!
 
 
 
 
Student of the Month - Musical Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2018-02-28 08:00:00Z 0

Community Points of Distribution

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 21, 2018

Department of Emergency Management

 
Joining us as our presenter at today's meetings was Dan Good, Program Manager with the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management.  Dan talked about the Community Points of Distribution (CPOD) program he is currently working on as part of the County's efforts to help prepare for an emergency (think big earthquake).  CPODs would be set up following emergencies at designated locations to supply food, water and other essentials if commercial sources become unavailable.  Training for volunteers is planned for this summer.
 
 
 
Community Points of Distribution Jeffrey Brennan 2018-02-21 08:00:00Z 0

 Student of the Month - Musical Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 15, 2018

Student of the Month

At this Wednesday's meeting, we recognized the February Rotary Student of the Month.  

Henry Wright

 
The theme for our Student of the Month for February is "Musical Excellence."  At yesterday's meeting, we recognized Henry Wright as our Student of the Month from Archbishop Murphy High School. Henry's love of music definitely came across in the meeting. In addition to playing several instruments, Henry has been involved in Archbishop Murphy's choirs, symphonic and jazz bands, and musicals (including the lead role in last year's musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers").  Henry is interested in becoming a Washington State Patrol Officer and continuing to be involve in music.  Congratulations Henry!
 
 
 
Student of the Month - Musical Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2018-02-15 08:00:00Z 0

YWCA

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 08, 2018

Alicia Crank

 
This Wednesday speaker was Alicia Crank, Corporate Relations Officers for the YWCA which covers Seattle, King and Snohomish counties.  Alicia talked about the mission of the YWCA and its many programs focused on economic advancement, health & safety, housing, and race & social justice. Pathways for Women, an emergency shelter program for women and children, is just one of many YWCA programs - and one that our club has supported for many years!  
 
 
YWCA Jeffrey Brennan 2018-02-08 08:00:00Z 0

Andrew Ballard

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 26, 2018

The Four Secrets to Grow your Business

 
Our speaker at this Wednesday's meeting was Andrew Ballard, Chief Growth Strategist with Marketing Solutions.  Andrew, a Mill Creek resident, is an author (Your Opinion Doesn’t Matter), educator and keynote and TEDx speaker. Andrew is also a part-time faculty member at the University of Washington School of Business.  Andrew's presentation was on the  "The Four Secrets to Growing Your Business." After listening to it, we think there is a fifth secret - hire Andrew to help your business! 
 
 
 
Andrew Ballard Jeffrey Brennan 2018-01-26 08:00:00Z 0

January Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 10, 2018

Student of the Month

At our January 10th meeting, we recognized two students of the month for outstanding achievement in Vocational Services.

Ruby Rosario-Mendez

Ruby Rosario-Mendez is our January Student of the Month from  Archbishop Murphy High School, shown above with Archbishop Murphy Principal, Alex Crane, and our Youth Service Chair, Becky Porter.
 
   Ruby loves performing arts and has been an active member of the Archbishop Murphy High School choir & band.  She performs as a mariachi singer as well as plays the violin.  Ruby is part of the DECA program at school and, along with her siblings, performs in her church's choir.  Ruby plans to go to college in California and pursue a major in business and focus on performing arts. Her long-term aspiration is to manage talent in the music industry. Congratulations Ruby!
 

Sarah Porter

!
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Sarah Porter, shown above with Jackson High School Principal and Rotarian, Dave Peters.
 
Sarah has known since a young age that she wanted to enter the culinary arts field. Sarah goes to Jackson High School and attends Sno-Isle Skills Center in the Culinary Arts program.  This coming weekend, Sarah will be competing in a regional cooking competition and hopes to go on to compete nationally.  She is engaged with clubs at school, holds a part-time job, and volunteers with the Step-By-Step organization providing assistance to low-income families.  Sarah has received a scholarship to attend Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colorado, in the Bakery and Pastry Management program.  Sarah aspires to own a bakery of her in the future. Congratulations Sarah!
 
 
 
January Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2018-01-10 08:00:00Z 0

First Meeting of the Year Welcomes 2 New Members!

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 10, 2018

2018 New Member Inductions - Welcome to Rotary!

 

Alex Crane, Principal of Archbishop Murphy High School.   

 

Sid Siegel, recently retired but ready to be a Rotarian!

 
 
 
First Meeting of the Year Welcomes 2 New Members! Jeffrey Brennan 2018-01-10 08:00:00Z 0

December Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Student of the Month

At our December 13th meeting, we recognized two students of the month for outstanding achievement in Fine Arts.

Isabella Lucas

Isabella Lucas is our December Student of the Month from   Archbishop Murphy High School, shown above with Archbishop Murphy Administrative Principal, Alex Crane, and our Youth Service Chair, Becky Porter.
 
   In the words of her ceramics teacher, Christina McVicker, "... Isabella is an extraordinary young artist, and is praiseworthy of her unwavering work ethic, enthusiastic attitude and willingness to go above and beyond all expectations..” Isabella has enrolled in ceramics the past three years and has excelled. She is exceptional in “hand building.” In addition to her dedication in the classroom, Isabella has been a member of the varsity basketball team since her freshman year. She was nominated captain her junior season. During her time at AMHS she has volunteered over 90 hours at local organizations such as, the Special Olympics and Catholic Relief Services. Isabella is currently applying to colleges and hopes to go into the education field.  Congratulations Isabella!
 
 

Hanna Neal

!
Our Student of the Month from Henry M. Jackson High School is Hanna Neal, shown above with Jackson High School Principal and Rotarian, Dave Peters.
 
Hanna has a passion for art and science.  Currently in AP Studio art, she has taken her interest In both to develop a portfolio that has focused on the relationship between the two, particularly that which occurs in nature.  Hanna is a well-rounded student with volunteer service that includes National Honor Society, LInk Crew, and Health Occupations Students Association (HOSA).  She is a volunteer through the Mill Creek YMCA and is a 7th-grade volleyball assistant coach at Gateway Middle School. Hanna plans to study Biology with with a goal of going to medical school. She has been accepted into the University of Montana and Colorado Mesa University, and she has also applied to Gonzaga and Harvard. Congratulations Hanna!
 
 
 
December Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2017-12-23 08:00:00Z 0

2018 Business Partner

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 23, 2017

 

 
The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is again proud to be a Business Partner sponsor of the Everett Public Schools Foundation.  The sponsorship helps the Foundation deliver programs that positively impact the nearly 20,000 students in the Everett Public Schools, which includes Mill Creek.  To find out more about the Foundation's work, download its 2016-17 Annual Report.
 
 
 
2018 Business Partner Jeffrey Brennan 2017-12-23 08:00:00Z 0

New Members

 

Nov 29 New Member Inductions - Welcome to Rotary!

 

Selena Fitch with Soleil by Design, interior decorations.

 

Conor O'Regan with 1st Security Bank.

 
 
 
New Members 2017-12-12 08:00:00Z 0

Our December 6th Meeting

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 07, 2017

The Arc of Snohomish County

 
 
Jamie Coonts, Program Director for The Arc Snohomish County was our Wednesday speaker.  The Arc of Snohomish County is an information and resource hub for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  Jamie talked about the mission of The Arc and the peer support and social networks it has available for families, parents, caregivers and children.  
 

2016-17 Club Recognition

 
 
Also at Wednesday's meeting, District Governor Alex Hopkins joined us to present the club with four awards for our 2016-17 participation and level of giving to The Rotary Foundation and to PolioPlus!  Accepting the awards was our 2016-17 president, Mike Mallahan, and current president Kyla McNulty.  Congratulations to everyone in our club for the great support to The Rotary Foundation!
 
 
 
Our December 6th Meeting Jeffrey Brennan 2017-12-07 08:00:00Z 0
Reserve the Date - 2018 Dinner & Auction 2017-11-30 08:00:00Z 0

Music4Life

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Nov 03, 2017

Check Presentation

 
At Wednesday's meeting, Nicole Otness, chair of our New Generations committee, presenting a check for $1,000 for the Music4LIfe program to Pam LeSesne and Dr.Gary Cohn. Pam is a board member of the Everett School District and Gary is Everett School District's Superintendent.  Both Pam and Gary are passionate about the Music4Life program which provides new and refurbished musical instruments to students in need in our schools. Dr. Cohn was also are speaker at the meeting and provided an update on the school district. 
 
 
Music4Life Jeffrey Brennan 2017-11-03 07:00:00Z 0

Health Studies Program

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 19, 2017

Health Studies

 
Joining us this Wednesday was Dr. Gail Wellenstein, who works in the Archbishop Murphy High School Science Department.  Gail talked about the new Health Studies Program at Archbishop Murphy.  This program fosters interest in health and health services.  It is a program designed to provide students who are interested in health services with a curriculum that gives the student an opportunity to explore the careers and leadership positions in the healthcare field.  
 
 
Health Studies Program Jeffrey Brennan 2017-10-19 07:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 12, 2017

Community Outreach

 
This Wednesday, we recognized our first Student of the Month for the 2017-18 school year, Karis Ho of Jackson High School. During her sophomore year, Karis organized a fundraising event that raised $3,200 to help support childcare for homeless children.  She also is a founder of the Health Occupations Student Association at Jackson.  Her achievements during high school include a "Best in State"  in the Verizon App Challenge, 1st place in Biotechnology and 3rd place in Fashion design at the the Washington Technology Student Association competition.  Karis is a senior with a 3.99 GPA that includes ten Advanced Placement and university courses!  She is applying to several colleges and hopes to get into the University of Washington. Congratulations Karis!
 
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2017-10-12 07:00:00Z 0

Arena Sports

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 06, 2017

New Sports Arena

 
Lee Perry, Arena Sports Sales Manager, joined us on Wednesday to talk about the new Mill Creek Sports Arena.  The arena will be opening soon and will sure to be an attraction, not only during the cold wet rainy days ahead, but all year long!
 
 
Arena Sports Jeffrey Brennan 2017-10-06 07:00:00Z 0

Marcus Barton

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 27, 2017

The Golden Rule

 
Marcus Barton joined us today and talked about his military experience and the impact 9-11 had on his life, including multiple tours of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army.  He retired from the Army and currently works as a logistics manager for a recycling company, Global Fiberglass Solutions.  Marcus is currently running for Snohomish County Council. This story is titled "The Golden Rule" because one took away from his discussion today his deep belief in living by it.
 
 
Marcus Barton Jeffrey Brennan 2017-09-27 07:00:00Z 0

Everett Clubhouse Initiative

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 26, 2017

Harold McClure

 
 
Speaking to us at last Wednesday's meeting was Harold McClure.  Harold is part of a team working on establishing a clubhouse in Everett for mental health rehabilitation.  The clubhouse would serve rehabilitative needs of persons with serious mental illness and offer a place and programs where  they can rebuild their lives.  See the Everett Clubhouse Initiative website for more information.
 
 
Everett Clubhouse Initiative Jeffrey Brennan 2017-09-26 07:00:00Z 0

District Governor Visit

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Sep 06, 2017

Alex & Julie Hopkins

 
We were honored today to have Rotary District 5030's Governor, Alex Hopkins, and his spouse, Julie, join us for the first meeting of September.  Alex has been a Rotarian for over 20 years and is our district's youngest governor ever!  Alex is a member of the Woodinville Club and he and his wife have one son.  Alex works in real estate and Julie is a technical consultant. Thanks again for joining us and sharing what is happening throughout our district! 
 
 
 
District Governor Visit Jeff Brennan 2017-09-06 07:00:00Z 0

Leadership Development Coach

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 31, 2017

Randy Barber

 
Our speaker at this Wednesday’s meeting was Randy Barber, a certified Facilitator for Extreme Leader Workshops. Randy helps professionals be more influential, effective, and productive in working with their teams and staff through professional coaching. Randy gave a very positive talk focused on managing one’s feelings and perceptions to help view events differently and bring better outcomes. For more information, visit Proficio Partners.
 
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Leadership Development Coach Jeffrey Brennan 2017-08-31 07:00:00Z 0

Days for Girls International

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Leah Spelman

 
Our speaker this week was Leah Spelman, chief operating officer, of Days for Girls International out of Bellingham.  Days for Girls is dedicated to creating a  more free, dignified, and educated world, through providing lasting access to feminine hygiene solutions and health education.  Days for Girls produces kits that include cleanable, feminine hygiene that can be reused and last years.  Its model includes developing local enterprises that manufacture and sell the products locally.  Days for girls has provided kits to over 600,000 women in 100 countries.  
 
 
Days for Girls International Jeffrey Brennan 2017-08-24 07:00:00Z 0

Prevent, Restore, Bring Justice

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 16, 2017

Rita Drum

Today's speaker was Rita Drum, a volunteer with Shared Hope.  Rita talked about the organization's roots and its three prong effort to fight sex trafficking: prevent, restore, and bring justice. 
 
 
Prevent, Restore, Bring Justice Jeffrey Brennan 2017-08-16 07:00:00Z 0

Burned Children Recovery Foundation

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 16, 2017

Check Presentation

On Sunday, fifteen of our club's members went to Camp Lutherwood near Bellingham for the first day celebration of the 2017 Camp Phoenix, a week long summer camp for children recovering from burns. Led by past-president Mike Mallahan, our club presented a check for $45,00 to the Burned Children Recovery Foundation. Over $43,000 of the total were from raise-the-paddle contributors at our annual auction. Special thanks to South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary for its $1,000 contribution! Below are some of the photos from the event.  
 
 
 
 
A large group of motorcycle clubs, police and fire organizations, and other groups from all over Western Washington showed up for opening day of Camp Phoenix.  Even members of the Sea Gals and Blue Thunder entertained the children and entire gathering.
 
 
Burned Children Recovery Foundation Jeffrey Brennan 2017-08-16 07:00:00Z 0

New Member

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 02, 2017

Ron Ohlson

 
Our newest member, Ron Ohlson, was inducted into the club at today's meeting. Ron may be new to our club, but not to Rotary.  He has 38 years with Rotary and comes to us from the Rotary club of Anchorage, Alaska. Ron s a retired psychologist and an ordained Presbyterian minister   Welcome aboard, Ron!
 
 
 
New Member Jeffrey Brennan 2017-08-02 07:00:00Z 0

Before the End of Summer

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 02, 2017

Peyton McDonald

 
 
 
 
 
Our speaker today was 14 year old Peyton McDonald. Peyton, who attends Snohomish High School talked about her first published book, "Before the End of Summer," available on Amazon.com. Peyton has loved writing since she was in the first grade and shared with us what it took for her to write and get her first book published. Peyton already has college aspirations; she intends to go to USC and continue studies in writing.  I think we will be hearing more great things about her in the future!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Before the End of Summer Jeffrey Brennan 2017-08-02 07:00:00Z 0

Guatemala & Haiti Service Projects

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 02, 2017

Lisa Gyuro & Sarah Murphy

Joining us today also were Lisa Gyuro (left) and Sarah Murphy. Both are recent graduates of Archbishop Murphy High School and they shared with us their experiences on recent service trips to Haiti and Guatemala and the impact the trips had on them.  Sarah is going on to Gonzaga University where she plans to study special education.  Lisa is going on to the University of Washington to study business and French. 
 
 
Guatemala & Haiti Service Projects Jeffrey Brennan 2017-08-02 07:00:00Z 0

Look Good Feel Better

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 26, 2017

Helping Cancer Patients

 
Our program today was about hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, and makeup.  Presented by our own member Becky Porter and Laura Welton, the program was about "Look Good Feel Better."  It is a program that helps the millions of women going through cancer treatment cope with the side effects that chemo and radiation treatments cause, such as loss of hair and skin dryness.  The program helps these women by providing lessons on skin and nail care, cosmetics, wigs and turbans, and styling; all designed to help these women feel better about themselves while going through cancer treatment. Laura is a trainer with the program and both Laura and Becky are volunteers.  Click here for a short video overview of the program. 
 
 
Look Good Feel Better Jeffrey Brennan 2017-07-26 07:00:00Z 0

AG Bob Ferguson

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 21, 2017

Attorney General Bob Ferguson

Attorney General Bob Ferguson with our club president, Kyla Smith.

Our speaker at this Wednesday's meeting was Bob Ferguson, Washington State's Attorney General.  Bob talked about the role of the Attorney General's office and its main focus of  providing legal support to the State of Washington and protecting our citizens.  A great question and answer period followed.  Bob is an enthusiastic hiker, mountain climber and birder.  But did you know that he is also an internationally-rated chess player!   It was a pleasure having the Attorney General join us. 
 
 
 
AG Bob Ferguson Jeffrey Brennan 2017-07-21 07:00:00Z 0

Shawna Talley

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jul 21, 2017

New Member Induction

 
Inducted at our July 19th meeting, Shawna Talley is our club's newest member and our first new member of the 2017-18 Rotary Year.  Sponsored by Barbara Athanas, Shawna is a loan officer with Network Home Loans in Lynnwood.  Welcome aboard Shawna!
 
 
 
Shawna Talley Jeff Brennan 2017-07-21 07:00:00Z 0
Your Smile.Amazon Purchases can help our Foundation Jeff Brennan 2017-07-06 07:00:00Z 0

Changing of the Guard

Posted by Jeff Brennan

A New Rotary Year


 
July 1 marks the official start of our new Rotary year.  Pictured above is our new club president, Kyla Smith, thanking outgoing president Mike Mallahan.  Also, pictured is Kyla taking the podium for her first time as club president.  Thanks Mike for your service and for a great year for our club.  President Kyla, we look forward to working with you to make this Rotary year great too!!!
 
 
 
Changing of the Guard Jeff Brennan 2017-07-06 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Mill Creek's Jackson High School Student of the Year

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 30, 2017

Our Jackson High School Student of the Year and Maria and Steve Matthews Scholarship Award Recipient 

 
Our Youth Services Chair, Becky Daily, presenting the award to Kenneth Clarke
 

Kenneth Clarke was recognized at this Wednesday's meeting as our club's Jackson High School Student of the Year and receives the Maria and Steve Matthews Scholarship Award.  Kenneth was chosen for his tremendous reflection of the Jackson Way: Pride, Excellence, and Character.  He has maintained a GPA of 3.945 over his four years at Jackson High School, and he has done so while challenging himself with 7 Advanced Placement and University of Washington courses.  He is a well-rounded individual, serving as an officer in the school's National Honor Society and the Model U.N. Club.  He participated in Mock Trial for several years as well as Knowledge Bowl and recreational soccer. In addition to volunteering with his church on a regular basis, Kenneth has tutored students at Heatherwood Middle School during each of his four years in high school. 

 Kenneth will be attending American University in Washington D.C. this fall where he plans to major in International Studies with a focus in Environmental Sustainability and Global Health.  Congratulations Kenneth!

 

 

 
 
Rotary Club of Mill Creek's Jackson High School Student of the Year Jeff Brennan 2017-06-30 07:00:00Z 0

Shari Storm

Posted by Jeff Brennan

Motherhood is the New MBA

 
Shari Storm (author, speaker, consultant & mom) joined us at our Wednesday meeting on June 21st to discuss how anyone can be a better boss by using the skills we learn while raising a family.  Shari is a member of the Rotary Club of Emerald City in Seattle.
 
 
 
Shari Storm Jeff Brennan 2017-06-30 07:00:00Z 0

Amanda Effertz

Posted by Jeff Brennan

New Member Induction

 
Inducted at our June 21st meeting, Amanda Effertz is our club's newest member.  Amanda has a BA in Political Science in Women's Studies and a law degree, both from Seattle University.  Amanda is an attorney with Newton Kight in Everett.  Welcome aboard Amanda!
 
 
 
 
 
Amanda Effertz Jeff Brennan 2017-06-28 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Student of the Year

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 14, 2017
At our June 14th meeting, we honored three of our four Rotary Students of the Year.  Each student was selected by a group of our club members based on their accomplishments and a one page essay on how each will live up to the Rotary 4-Way Test.   Each student is recognized with a $3,000 scholarship.  Read on and find out about our Rotary Students of the year. 

Archbishop Murphy High School Rotary Student of the Year - Josh Masters

 
 
 
Our 2016-17 Rotary Student of the Year for Archbishop Murphy High School is Josh Masters.    Josh has a 3.89 cumulative GPA.  He is involved in the National Honor Society, School Ambassador and Varsity Basketball.  Josh was enrolled in several Advanced Placement courses and has worked part-time for Eagle Construction and Albertsons Grocery Store.  His hobbies include WWII History, Ultimate Frisbee and Drama. Jackson will be going to Gonzaga University and plans to major in engineering. Congratulations Josh!
 
 
 

 

 

Glacier Peak High School Rotary Student of the Year - Cristina Cameron

 
 
Our 2016-17 Rotary Student of the Year for Glacier Peak High School is Cristina Cameron.  Cristina has a 4.00 cumulative GPA, achieved while having attended 11 Advanced Placement courses! She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, high school and extracurricular volleyball, high school tennis, church music worship team and is involved with the Seattle Children's Chorus.  She has also been a coach for youth volleyball and track and field. Cristina will be attending the University of Washington to study environmental science and terrestrial resource management  Congratulations Cristina!

 

Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center Rotary Student of the Year - Massangeh Kamara

 
 
 
Our 2016-17 Rotary Student of the Year for Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center is Massangeh Kamara.  Massangeh is Vice President of both Sno-Isle Tech's and Lakewood High School's student body association.  She has maintained an A throughout the year.  She mentors fellow classmates in skills and curriculum areas.   Massangeh recognizes the importance of every member of the team in fostering the ability to get patient care completed safely and efficiently.  Massangeh will be pursuing a degree in nursing and has been accepted into Central Washington University, Seattle Pacific University and the University of Washington.   Congratulations Massangeh!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Student of the Year Jeffrey Brennan 2017-06-14 07:00:00Z 0
A District Governor in the Making Jeffrey Brennan 2017-06-03 07:00:00Z 0

Snohomish Shock

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 03, 2017

Emma Nagy

Our speaker this Wednesday was Emma Nagy, a pitcher for the Snohomish Shock Fast Pitch Softball, a "select softball program for youth ages 8-18. The goals of the program are to develop individual  skills of young female athletes while stressing the values of hard work, team play and sportsmanship."  Emma is a remarkable young woman...she is a 4.0 student, a band member as well as a student athlete, has won Presidential Citations for academic excellence and is the Master of the "Pitching" Mound - and all of this, and she is still in middle school!  Emma talked about the Shock and her extremely busy game schedule. The Shock is looking for team sponsors...be sure and visit its website if you are interested in supporting the team and its remarkable players!

 

Snohomish Shock Jeffrey Brennan 2017-06-03 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarians for Hearing

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 17, 2017

Ellen Haggerty

Above, our club president Michael Mallahan exchanges club banners with Ellen Haggerty.
 
Our speaker today was Ellen Haggerty, Chair and Treasurer of the Rotarians for Hearing Rotary Action Group and a member of the Pleasant Valley Rotary Club in New York.
 

Ellen has had severe hearing loss since she was 4. But, given hearing aids, she was able to graduate from regular public schools and went on to earn a BA at MacMurray College in Mathematics and Economics and Business and a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling.  Ellen talked about her passion of bringing hearing testing to children at an early age in foreign countries.  Ellen lives that passion daily.  She is currently in the final stages of a Rotary global grant to bring early childhood testing to three hospitals in Guatemala.  Proudly, our club is a participant in this grant!

 

 

 

Rotarians for Hearing Jeffrey Brennan 2017-05-17 07:00:00Z 0

Academic Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 17, 2017
 

Archbishop Murphy High School - Trevor Johnston

 
 
Our May, "Academic Excellence" Student of the Month for Archbishop Murphy High School is Trevor Johnston, shown above with our New Generations Chair Becky Daily.  Trevor has achieved a 4.0 grade point average, even while taking 10 Advanced Placement and 6 honors classes.  In addition to his excellent academic performance, Trevor is involved in numerous clubs at school, volunteer work in the community, and is the goalie for Archbishop Murphy's soccer team!
 
Trevor will be attending the University of Washington and study bio-medical engineering.   Congratulations Trevor!
 
 

 

 
Academic Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2017-05-17 07:00:00Z 0

Academic Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on May 10, 2017
 

Jackson High School - Andrea Koozer

 
 
Our May, "Academic Excellence" Student of the Month for Jackson High School is Andrea Koozer.  Andrea has achieved a 3.996 grade point average, even while taking 9 Advanced Placement and college-level courses during her high school career.  In addition to her excellent academic performance, Andrea has been a member of the swim team and is a four-time varsity letter winner.
 
Andrea will be attending the University of Washington and plans to major in Computer Science.  And to help her prepare for her major, Andrea will be interning this summer with Google in Kirkland.  Congratulations Andrea!
 
 

 

 
Academic Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2017-05-10 07:00:00Z 0

Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 27, 2017

Tom Tochterman and Craig Spencer

 
Our speakers at this Wednesday's meeting were our own club member and Founder and President of Rhino Mercy, Tom Tochterman, and Craig Spencer, Director of Transfrontier Africa and Head Warden of the Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Tom and Craig spoke about the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit and the technology, information gathering, analysis and modeling that are all part of anti-poaching efforts. 
 
 
 
Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit Jeffrey Brennan 2017-04-27 07:00:00Z 0

Personal Branding

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 20, 2017

Mel Carson

 
Our speaker today was Mel Carson, founder and principal strategist of Delightful Communications, a Seattle-based Modern Marketing, Digital PR and Branding agency.  Mel's topic was "Personal Branding."  In the short time he had to present, Mel took us from examining who we are, what is our personal branding goal and professional purpose, to exploring who is our target audience.  Mel concluded with a discussion of the DNA of a successful in-person or online personal brand, who's four primary elements are to be: authentic, useful, relevant, and actionable.
 
 
 
 
 
Personal Branding Jeffrey Brennan 2017-04-20 07:00:00Z 0

April Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 15, 2017

Archbishop Murphy - Teresa Barron

Our April, "Scholar/Athlete" Student of the Month for Archbishop Murphy High School is Teresa Barron.    Teresa has earned a 3.99 grade point average while enrolling in many advanced placement and honors classes.  She has participated in volleyball, track and cross country.  Teresa has volunteered at the Marysville Food Bank, Operation Backpack Deploy and in her parish.  Teresa plans to go attend Gonzaga University in Spokane to study nursing and plans to continue running. Congratulations Teresa!
 
 

 

Jackson High School - Nicole Limberg

 
 
Our April, "Scholar/Athlete" Student of the Month for Jackson High School is Nicole Limberg.  Nicole has a 3.98 grade point average, achieved even with her taking eleven advanced placement courses in high school. A member of the swim team, she holds two school swim records and seven state championship titles. And, Nicole makes time to volunteer with the Red Cross and the National Honor Society for community events.   Nicole will be attending Rice University in Houston, Texas, on a swimming scholarship and has plans to go on to medical school.  Congratulations Nicole!

 

 
 
 
 
April Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2017-04-15 07:00:00Z 0

Concure Oncology

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 31, 2017

Microseed Radiation Therapy

 
Our speaker at this Wednesday's meeting was Sharon Purcell of Concure Oncology.  Sharon discussed the background and benefits of Microseed Radiation Therapy which is now available through Swedish Hospital to treat early stage breast cancer following a lumpectomy. Sharon's other message was the importance of regular self and doctor checkups for women to detect cancer early. Thanks for the important message Sharon.
 
 
 
Concure Oncology Jeffrey Brennan 2017-03-31 07:00:00Z 0

Habitat for Humanity

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 22, 2017

Mark Johnson

 
Mark Johnson, Executive Director, talked to us today about Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County. Mark shared with us Habitat's model to get families into homes and the many volunteer opportunities that exist.  He also discussed Habitat Stores and how the public can both donate and shop for building materials ranging from furniture and appliances to cabinets, flooring, lighting, roofing materials, windows, and tools.  Habitat sees a world, "in which every person has a decent place to live," through its model of working in partnership with the community to build simple, decent, affordable homes.
 
 
 
Habitat for Humanity Jeffrey Brennan 2017-03-22 07:00:00Z 0

Michael T. Mathis

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 22, 2017

Burned Children Recovery Foundation

On Wednesday, March 15, Michael T. Mathis, Founder and President of the Burned Children Recovery Foundation shared his personal story and told us about the many programs the Burned Children Recovery Foundation offers to benefit those who have been burned and their families. The Burned Children Recovery Foundation offers counseling and financial aid to families and recovery programs to children and families.  It offers Phoenix House, a 10 bed recover center for children struggling in their recover and Camp Phoenix, a recovery camp for burned children.   
 
 
 
Michael T. Mathis Jeffrey Brennan 2017-03-22 07:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month - Leadership Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 09, 2017

Archbishop Murphy - Jackson Yost

Our March, "Leadership Excellence" Student of the Month for Archbishop Murphy High School is Jackson Yost.    Jackson currently serves as president of ASB, the school's student body organization.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, a student ambassador, and has played varsity football all 4 years!  Jackson's community service work has included Special Olympics and working feeding the homeless at Blessed Sacrament Church in Seattle. Jackson will be going to Dartmouth College where he will play football and study economics. Congratulations Jackson!
 
 
 

Student of the Month - Elizabeth Arias

 
 
Our March, "Leadership Excellence" Student of the Month for Jackson High School is Elizabeth Arias.  Elizabeth has been involved in the student body organization, ASB, since she was a Freshman.  She served three years as ASB secretary and is currently the Senior Class vice president.  She has been involved in food drives for the Mill Creek Food Bank, facilitated several school fundraisers, and started a daily breakfast program for discreetly providing food to students in need.  Elizabeth is an inspiration to many fellow student with her leadership skills and positive attitude.  Elizabeth's plans for the future involve studying for a degree in Biochemical Engineering at either the University of Washington or Western Washington.   Congratulations Elizabeth!

 

 

 
 
 
 
Student of the Month - Leadership Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2017-03-09 08:00:00Z 0

D.O.G.S.

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Mar 01, 2017

Scott Kelly

Scott Kelly joined us today to talk about D.O.G.S., that is, Dads of Great Students!  Scott has helped to drive the program to grow to multiple elementary schools in the South Snohomish area.  D.O.G.S. is a program that recruits fathers, grandfathers and other father figures to become engaged with their sons or daughter's school by volunteering to spend time at the school.  The program aims to provide positive male role models for students to demonstrate the importance of education and to provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance security and reduce bullying.  To find out more, click here
 
 
 
D.O.G.S. Jeffrey Brennan 2017-03-01 08:00:00Z 0

New Member

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 24, 2017

David Bondo

 
Our February 22nd meeting welcomed our newest member, David Bondo, shown with his sponsor on the left, Dave Mincks.  David is a life-long entrepreneur.  He has spent the past 15 years in technology and is currently the Managing Partner of Liftoffit LLC, helping "passionate entrepreneurs turn great ideas into great companies."  Welcome aboard David!
 
 
New Member Jeffrey Brennan 2017-02-24 08:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 09, 2017

At Wednesday's meeting, we recognized three wonderful students as Student of the Month.  Read about each and you will agree! 

Student of the Month - Vocational Skills

Our January Vocational Excellence Student of the Month for Archbishop Murphy High School is Noah Tran.  Noah is an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.  Noah had to complete a service project to become an Eagle Scout and chose to work with the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park to distribute pedestrian safety information and safety reflectors at three elementary schools and to the rest of the community to improve pedestrian safety and awareness.  Noah has a significant list of accomplishments in high school, including many awards in the technology area and is a member of the National Honor Society.  Noah intends to go to school to study computer science and become a programmer in the video gaming area.  Congratulations Noah!
 
 

Student of the Month - Musical Excellence

Left to right - Alex Crane, Administrative Principal at Archbishop Murphy, Lola Forde, and Nicole Otness, our club's New Generation's Committee Chair.
 
Our February Musical Excellence Student of the Month for Archbishop Murphy High School is Lola Forde.  Lola has been involved in many activities in high school in sports, art, theatre, mock trial, and music.  Lola plays the trumpet and is currently first trumpet in the school band.  Lola is a member of the National Honors Society.  For service work, Lola enjoys working in her community thrift stores. Lola aspires to continue studies in theatre and go to Broadway.  Her next big decision will be choosing one of the many colleges that she has already been accepted into!   Congratulations Lola!
 
 

Student of the Month - Musical Excellence

Our February Musical Excellence Student of the Month for Jackson High School is Jonah Pawley.  Jonah Pawley has immersed himself in the music department. Jonah has performed at prestigious venues such the state music competition, Jazz Alley, and Carnegie Hall. He volunteers in the band room daily during his lunch period to mentor and encourage students as they tackle difficult music hurdles.  Jonah's plans for the future involve attending Western Washington University, studying for a degree in Chemistry. He hopes to continue in some sort of music outside of school, either in a drum corps or even a professional drumline - possibly even the Seattle Seahawks’ Blue Thunder drumline!  Congratulations Jonah!

 
 
 
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2017-02-09 08:00:00Z 0

Vicki Wellman

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 02, 2017

New Member Induction

 
Inducted at this Wednesday's meeting, Vickie Wellman  is our club's newest member.  Vicki may be new to Rotary but she is no stranger to us.  Vicki's late husband, Howard Wellman, was a huge part of our club and Vicki has always supported our club. Vicki is a graduate of Northwestern and worked in the travel industry.  Vicki's travel resume is extensive, including two trips to Antarctica! And, last but not least, Vicki is an avid community supporter and has had leadership roles or been involved in many local organizations such as the Foundation for the Arts, Women's Club, Seattle Art Museum, and Woodland Park Zoo, to name a few. Welcome aboard Vicki!
 
 
 
 
 
Vicki Wellman Jeffrey Brennan 2017-02-02 08:00:00Z 0

Marty Turpin

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 02, 2017

New Member Induction

 
Inducted at our first meeting in February, Marty Turpin is our club's newest member.  Marty is originally from Canada and holds a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto.  Marty is already well involved in service projects including work at Tent City, Vision House, organizing food drives, and raising monies for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  Welcome aboard Marty!
 
 
 
 
 
Marty Turpin Jeffrey Brennan 2017-02-02 08:00:00Z 0

Millennials Northwest

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Feb 02, 2017

Peer Support

Tamara Johnson, Founder of Millennials Northwest (MNW), and Brittany Davis (stage name, Alexandria Coppola) spoke about their backgrounds and MNW's mission to use peer support and leadership to address generational cycles of mental illness, trauma and addiction.  Tamara talked about turning around her life when she was 20 and working for the past 10 years as a Certified Peer Counselor.  Alexandria, who was born blind, talked about her struggles and the role music played in her life. 
 
 
Millennials Northwest Jeffrey Brennan 2017-02-02 08:00:00Z 0

Sailing

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 25, 2017
 
Mary Anne Ward joined us today to talk about Sail Sand Point.  “Sail Sand Point’s mission is to bring the joy and life-enhancing benefits of sailing and small boats to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”  Mary Anne talked about the history of the sailing center and its many programs, including: STEM education classes, accessibility programs to enable those with disabilities to sail, and the "Shipmates" program whose goal is to bring sailing to those who might be financially or otherwise not able to participate.  Mary Anne is the executive director of Sail Sand Point; prior to that, she had a successful career as a professional racer, as the skipper and owner of the M&M Racing Team, and being the first female skipper to win a Bacardi Race Week.
 
 
 
 
Sailing Jeffrey Brennan 2017-01-25 08:00:00Z 0

Sailing

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 25, 2017
 

Sail Sand Point

 
 
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“Sail Sand Point’s mission is to bring the joy and life-enhancing benefits of sailing and small boats to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”

Mary Anne comes to Seattle from Chicago, where she was the Event Director at Chicago Match Race Center, an organization that hosts and supports world-class race events. Previously, she was the Regatta Chairman at the Lake Eustis Sailing Club, a nonprofit community sailing center in Florida. An experienced entrepreneur, Mary Anne also successfully founded two education companies prior to working in the sailing world.

Mary Anne comes to Sail Sand Point after a successful career as a professional racer, as the skipper and owner of the M&M Racing Team, and after being the only female skipper to win a Bacardi Race Week.

Sailing Jeffrey Brennan 2017-01-25 08:00:00Z 0

January - Rotary Vocational Service Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

District 5030 Vocational Services Chair

In recognition of Vocational Service Month, speaking to us at our January 18th meeting was our District 5030 Chairperson for Vocational Services, Chris Boland.  Chris shared with us the history of vocational service and the important role it played in Rotary's founding.  Chris emphasized the fact that focusing on the importance of supporting other member's vocations is critical to attracting and retaining members.  Vocational Service is one of the Five Avenues of Rotary.  And each avenue has one important thing in common...."service"! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January - Rotary Vocational Service Month Jeffrey Brennan 2017-01-25 08:00:00Z 0

2017 Dinner & Auction

Mark your calendars for May 6, 2017!!!

Visit our online reservation and sponsorship page today!

 
 
Each year the members of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek hold one large fundraising event, the auction, to benefit the Mill Creek Rotary Foundation. The proceeds enable the club to fund all of its projects.
 
Here are some of the many past and ongoing projects and organizations supported by auction proceeds:
 
  • Mill Creek Food Bank
  • YMCA Easy Access Steps for Pool
  • Medical supplies for Coaniquem Burn Children’s Hospital in Santiago, Chile
  • Jackson High School Challenge Day Program
  • Concussion Detection Machine/Jackson High School
  • Thousands of wheelchairs throughout Latin America, South America, and Eurasia
  • Computers and a van for Mill Creek Senior Center
  • Annual Scholarships to Graduating Seniors from Jackson, Archbishop Murphy, and Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center
  • Soldiers Angels – Holiday Packages
  • Scoreboard at Mill Creek’s Freedom Field
  • Micro-nutrient program for women of child-bearing age in Guatemala
Please join us for the evening.  Visit our online registration and sponsorship page...reserve your seats today!
 
 
 
2017 Dinner & Auction 2017-01-18 08:00:00Z 0

Vocational Excellence

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jan 13, 2017

Jackson High School's Rotary Student of the Month

 

Rotary International's theme for the month of January is Vocational Service.  With this in mind, our student of the month is for "Vocational Excellence."  Selected from Jackson High School and joining us at this Wednesday's meeting was Taylor Spring.  Taylor spends half of his school day at Sno-Isle Technical Skills Center where he is in the Electronic Engineering Technology Program and is the current student body president. At Jackson, Taylor is varsity captain of the tennis and swim teams.  Taylor enjoys learning new things and has many personal hobbies. 

Upon graduation, Taylor aspires to be an engineering project manager and eventually to wants to teach engineering at a vocational school.

 
 
 
Vocational Excellence Jeffrey Brennan 2017-01-13 08:00:00Z 0

December Student of the Month - Fine Arts

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 14, 2016

Archbishop Murphy High School

 
Our student theme for December is "Fine Arts."  Teresa Keck is our December Rotary Student of the month from Archbishop Murphy High School.  Teresa is an outstanding student, with the following list of awards and activities while a student at Archbishop Murphy High School: Swim Team 4 years, National Honor Society, School Spring Musicals and Fall Plays, Kayak Club, School Ambassador, ARK Club (Acts of Random Kindness).
 
Teresa plans to attend either Central Washington University, Gonzaga University, or Eastern Washington University, and her intent is to major in performing arts or music education, with a minor in conducting.
 
 
 

Jackson High School

 

Rebecca Strom is our Jackson High School Rotary Student of the Month.  Rebecca is an outstanding artist at Jackson High School and has demonstrated her talents and skills in a variety of ways. Her contributions to Jackson's theatre program have been significant. She is currently the president of the JHS Theatre Society and has played main roles in several school productions (i.e. "Into the Woods," "Macbeth," "Hot Mikado").  Rebecca is also an accomplished visual artist.  She Is currently taking AP Studio Art with a 2-dimensional emphasis. She has created award-winning artwork including 1st place for a painting and pastel piece in the Everett Public Schools Foundation Art Contest.  She also won a Scholastic Silver Key Art Award for a piece entitled, “Welcome to the New Age.”

Upon graduation this June, Rebecca has aspirations to attend Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

 
 
 
December Student of the Month - Fine Arts Jeffrey Brennan 2016-12-15 00:00:00Z 0

Nkoilale Primary School

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 09, 2016
 
Our speaker this week was Lester Cooper, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Chelan.  Lester joined us to talk about the Nkoilale Primary School in Kenya and the work that his club has been involved with, including upgrading toilet facilities, water, and solar lighting.  The Chelan club is embarking on a large global grant project for the school next year and has invited us to participate.  Click here to find out more about the future project.
 
 
 
Nkoilale Primary School Jeffrey Brennan 2016-12-10 00:00:00Z 0

We Are This Close

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Dec 07, 2016

Christmas/Holiday Celebration

Friday, December 2nd, Amanda and Brian Winn graciously opened their house and hosted our annual Christmas/Holiday party.  Shown here are all attending club members and our two Rotary Exchange students flashing the "We Are This Close."  This sign symbolizes that the campaign to end polio is very close to eradicating the disease world-wide and needs continuing commitment to achieve the target. 
 
 
We Are This Close Jeffrey Brennan 2016-12-08 00:00:00Z 0

Everett Music4Life Booster Club

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Nov 19, 2016

Music Booster Club Begins

 

The Everett Music4Life Booster Club had its organizational meeting on Nov. 17th.  Attending (left to right) were Dr. Mark Valentine of Everett Rotary; Jane Webber, parent of an Everett student; Dr. Joyce Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; and Georgia Lindquist of Everett Public Schools.  The goal of the club is to help fundraise to acquire instruments so that more students can participate in band or orchestra at all schools in the Everett School District.  The program’s first three musical instruments were delivered, along with a commitment for at least 40 more within a month from Music4Life

 

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek was one of many organizations and individuals who contributed to help start this effort.  If you have an instrument at home that you no longer need or want to help out directly, go to Music4Life to find out more.

 

 
 
Everett Music4Life Booster Club Jeffrey Brennan 2016-11-20 00:00:00Z 0

Hazel Borden

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Nov 17, 2016

A World Without Alzheimer's Disease

 
"A world without Alzheimer's disease" is the vision of the National Alzheimer's Association.  Joining us at this Wednesday's meeting was Hazel Borden, Outreach Coordinator for Snohomish County for the Washington State Chapter of the National Alzheimer's Association.  Hazel talked about Alzheimer's disease and the many programs and research that the  Alzheimer's Association is funding.  And, don't forget...if you have questions or need advice, the Alzheimer's Association has a 24/7 professionally staffed hotline available at 1.800.272.3900 to assist.  
 
 
Hazel Borden Jeffrey Brennan 2016-11-18 00:00:00Z 0

Let's do more amazing stuff together!"

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 31, 2016
 

I'm Possible

 
 
Shinji Maeda joined us on Wednesday to share his life-long love of aviation and his story of overcoming the loss of vision in one eye to becoming a licensed commercial pilot.  Shinji shares the challenges that he has had to overcome to realize his dream of becoming a pilot in many forums, especially to students, with a message of  striving to "achieve the unachievable."
 
 
 
Let's do more amazing stuff together!" Jeffrey Brennan 2016-11-01 00:00:00Z 0

Analyzing Higher Education  Enrollment Trends

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 23, 2016

Major Aaron Tyler

 
Marine Corps Major Aaron Tyler was our speaker at this week's meeting.  Aaron enlisted in the Marines and later became an officer after obtaining his degree.  Aaron discussed some of his leadership "learnings" and how he applied them with his troops when he was in Afghanistan.  Aaron is now off active duty and with the Marine Corps Reserve, and is presently pursuing a graduate degree at the UW Foster School of Business.  Aaron shared some of his work on a data analysis project, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, studying gender and ethnic enrollment trends in higher education institutions across the U.S. 
 
 
 
 
Analyzing Higher Education Enrollment Trends Jeffrey Brennan 2016-10-24 00:00:00Z 0

Guatemala Audiology Project

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 13, 2016

District 5030 Grant Money at Work

 
   
 
 
 
 
A cadre of University of Washington doctoral audiology students spent 10 days this August in Guatemala working with audio techs from Quetazltenango, San Marcos, Huehuetenango, Retalhuleu, Morales and San Benito.  The group provided education workshops and hands on testing to children who would otherwise not be able to afford or have access to these services.  In all 450 children received hearing screening, 150 were identified as needing surgery, 75 children with hearing aids were checked out, and 55 children were fit with new hearing aids.   Thanks to a Rotary District 5030 matching grant, our Rotary Club was able to fund medical equipment that made this trip possible.  
 
Photos courtesy of Sheridan Frank.
 
 
Guatemala Audiology Project Jeffrey Brennan 2016-10-14 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 13, 2016
 

October - Community Service Students of the Month

 
 
Jackson High School Principal and Rotarian, Dave Peters, and New Generations Committee Chair, Nicole Otness, flank Jackson High School's Student of the Month, Molly Olson. 
 
For October, our Student of the Month theme is Community Service.  At this Wednesday's meeting, Molly Olson was recognized for her outstanding community work.  Molly's passion has been volunteering at the animal shelter.  She has been recognized by the United Way organization with a varsity letter for community service hours worked in her freshman, sophomore and junior years of high school; and, she intends to do so again this year.  Molly plans to pursue a degree in communications and a minor in business but has not yet chosen her school.  Molly's aspiration is to launch a career as an event planner.  Congratulations Molly on being name the Jackson High School's Student of the Month for October.
 
 
 
 
(From left to right) Archbishop Murphy High School Counselor, Tim Blair,  Archbishop Murphy High School's Student of the Month, Alaina Hines, and New Generations Committee Chair, Nicole Otness. 
 
At this Wednesday's meeting, Alaina Hines was recognized for her outstanding community work.  Alaina has volunteered at an Alzheimer's unit, worked with disabled children at Camp Providence, worked with Backpacks for Homeless, and volunteered at Unified Summit.  Alaina loves working with children and adults!    Alaina  plans to pursue a degree in Psychology. She has applied to multiple schools and is leaning towards the University of Portland.  Congratulations Alaina on being name the Archbishop Murphy High School's Student of the Month for October.
 
 
 
Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2016-10-14 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary First Harvest

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 05, 2016

David Bobanick

 

 
Joining us at today's club meeting was David Bobanick, Executive Director of Rotary First Harvest.  David talked about how the concept of taking surplus crops from farmers started - rather than letting it go to waste, one Rotarian had the idea of getting those crops and putting it into the food bank system.  Rotary First Harvest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and a Rotary District 5030 program.   It has many programs reaching out to large and small farmers throughout Washington.  And, shortly, it will reach the 200 million pound mark - 200 million pounds of food that could have gone to waste but instead, was used in our region's food banks.  It all started with one Rotarian with an idea. 
 
 
Rotary First Harvest Jeffrey Brennan 2016-10-06 00:00:00Z 0

Bon Voyage! 

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 22, 2016

A Farewell Celebration

 
Group photo with our own Bridget Barrington in the center!  Wednesday's meeting was to celebrate and wish Bridget the best as she and her family move to Spokane.  Our club's loss will be a great gain by a Spokane Rotary Club!  Best wishes on your new endeavor!
 
 
 
 
 
Bon Voyage!  Jeffrey Brennan 2016-09-23 00:00:00Z 0

Clothes for Kids

Joy Ingram, Executive Director, of Clothes for Kids joined us on Wednesday. 
Clothes For Kids provides school clothing--including socks, underwear and shoes--to students in our community whose families
qualify for free or reduced meals at school.  Clothes for Kids serves Snohomish County and the Northshore School District.
 
Clothes for Kids Jeffrey Brennan 2016-09-10 00:00:00Z 0

Travel Smart

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Sep 04, 2016

Dr. Marina Furtado

 
Dr. Marina Furtado, Founder and Medical Director of Travel Smart joined us with a talk on "The Rise of Vector-Borne Diseases."  Dr. Furtado explained what a vector-borne disease is, discussed the magnitude of infections, covered the most common diseases today, factors affecting their spread, and opportunities for the future.
 
 
Travel Smart Jeffrey Brennan 2016-09-05 00:00:00Z 0

District Governor Visit

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Bo & Patti Darling

District Governor (DG) Bo Darling and his wife Patti joined us this past Wednesday.  DG Bo is a member of the Rotary Club of Mercer Island.  Our district, known as District 5030, runs from our club in the North, to Vashon Island in the West, to Auburn/Federal Way in the South, and out to Snoqualmie Valley in the East.  A complete list of clubs, meeting times and locations can be found here.  DG Bo and his wife Patti covered many topics, with a special focus on the importance of teamwork, and ended by inviting everyone to Portland next year for the District Conference.  Thanks for joining us Bo and Patti!
 
 
District Governor Visit Jeffrey Brennan 2016-08-28 00:00:00Z 0

Camp Orkila, Orcas Island

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 17, 2016

Madison Elementary School

 
Madison Elementary School Principal Kimberly Gilmore and student, Ava Moton, joined us yesterday to talk about the fifth grade class trip to YMCA Camp Orkila this past Spring.

Principal Gilmore talked about the positive impact that students receive from going to camp.  Ava, who is going into the sixth grade in just a few weeks, enthusiastically talked about all of the positive memories and experiences from camp.  The range of activities the students were involved with included rope and wall climbing, seawater touch tanks, capturing plankton from the dock and examining them under microscope, beach combing, team-building and campfire activities.
 
 
Camp Orkila, Orcas Island Jeffrey Brennan 2016-08-18 00:00:00Z 0

Anti-Bullying Messenger

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 10, 2016

Dr. Ken Lyon

 
Dr. Ken Lyon and his side-kick, Byron Stander, joined us today to share the serious message of anti-bullying.  Dr. Lyon speaks in many venues against bullying and uses his "dummy" Byron Stander as an effective tool to reach young students. 
 
 
Anti-Bullying Messenger Jeffrey Brennan 2016-08-11 00:00:00Z 0

Boeing KC-46 Tanker

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 09, 2016

The Hathaway's

 

Cameron Hathaway (shown on the right in this photo), Procurement Analyst, with Boeing Commercial Airplanes Program joined us at our August 3rd meeting to talk about  the military's KC-46 tanker (a modified 767 freighter).  Joining us at the meeting were (from left to right) his father, Mike, grandfather and Mill Creek Rotarian, Bill, and mother, Patti Hathaway.   
 
 
 
 
Boeing KC-46 Tanker Jeffrey Brennan 2016-08-10 00:00:00Z 0

New Rotarian

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Aug 08, 2016

Traci Mitchell

 
Our club's newest member, Traci Mitchell, was inducted on Wednesday, August 3. 

Traci works for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Company.  Traci is the proud mother of a Jackson High School freshman, and she serves as a director of the Everett Public Schools Foundation and is on the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors.  Traci holds a BA degree in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University and a Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Health Administration from UW.  Welcome aboard!
 
 
 
 
New Rotarian Jeffrey Brennan 2016-08-09 00:00:00Z 0

Step It Up Camp

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 20, 2016

Community Service Committee

 
Step It Up Camp executive director, Maurice Leary, receiving a club check for two thousand dollars from Kyla Smith of our community service committee. Step It Up Camp is focused on providing fun and interactive activity programs to underserved children that help improve their overall physical fitness and health!
 
 
 
Step It Up Camp Jeffrey Brennan 2016-07-21 00:00:00Z 0

Cocoon House

Raise the Paddle!

 
At our meeting today, Club president Mike Mallahan presents a check of $25,005.00 to Cassie Franklin, CEO of Cocoon House. The funds, raised at our auction this year, will help Cocoon House address at-risk and homeless youth throughout Snohomish County. Congrats!
 
 
 
Cocoon House Jeffrey Brennan 2016-07-14 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Student of the Year

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jul 11, 2016

2016 Scholarship Award Recipients

Nicole Manuel is this year's Rotary Club of Mill Creek Student of the Year from Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School and recipient of the Diane Schimpf Memorial Scholarship.

Nicole graduated with the highest honors and is a member of the National Honor Society.  Nicole played and lettered in three varsity sports, participated in several different club activities, and volunteered with the Boy's and Girl's Club, Seattle Children's Radiothon, Special Olympics and more.  Nicole will be attending Western Oregon University and plans to major in Education and  minor in Special Education.  And, did we mention that she was recruited by Western Oregon's Softball team too!  Congrats Nicole! 
 

 

 
 
Casey Valentine Wilson is this year's Rotary Club of Mill Creek Student of the Year from Henry M. Jackson High School and recipient of the Maria and Steve Matthews Scholarship.
 
Casey graduated with a perfect 4.0 academic score!  Casey played varsity volleyball and track and field. She was a member of the high school's Congress, Link Crew, Research and Engineering Club, and held leadership roles in the school's National Honor Society.  Casey volunteered at Providence Children's Center and the Seattle Children's Research Institute.  She will be attending Gonzaga University.  Congrats Casey!
 
 

 

Aleia Coleman is this year's Rotary Club of Mill Creek Student of the Year from Sno-Isle Technical Skills Center and recipient of our club's annual scholarship.
 
Aleia graduated from the school's Veterinary Assistance program.   Aleia has been a volunteer at the Everett Animal Shelter for over five years and, for the past year, has been a Mukilteo School District employee working in the Night Ward Care.  Aleia will continue as a vocational volunteer at Sno-Isle this summer and will attend Everett Community College to complete her prerequisites for becoming a licensed Veterinary Technician.  Congrats Aleia! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Student of the Year Jeffrey Brennan 2016-07-12 00:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Fellow

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan

Solange Aguilar

 
At our first meeting of the new Rotary year, Solange Aguilar (shown with Geoff Owen and Terry Klett) was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition by our club.   
 
Solange Aguilar was awarded this recogniton for her work in El Salvador with our club, for her efforts to help start a Rotaract Club at Cascadia College, and for her continued demonstration of "Service above Self." Congratulations Solange!!!
 
What a way to start off our 2016-17 Rotary year!
 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Jeffrey Brennan 2016-07-11 00:00:00Z 0

Changing of the Guard

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 29, 2016

2016-17 Rotary Year Begins!

At yesterday's meeting, incoming president Mike Mallahan presents a recognition plaque to Becky Porter for her outstanding service as club president for 2015-16!
 
Mike's presidency officially begins on July 1!  Welcome Mike and thank you Becky! 
 
 
Changing of the Guard Jeffrey Brennan 2016-06-30 00:00:00Z 0

Listen and Talk

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 22, 2016
 
 
 
 
 

Rebecca Schumer

 
Our speaker today was Rebecca Schumer, a teacher with
 "Listen and Talk" - a nonprofit educational program that has been delivering life-changing results for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and their families for 20 years. Listen and Talk's mission is to teach children with hearing loss to communicate and learn through listening and spoken language.
 
 
Listen and Talk Jeff Brennan 2016-06-23 00:00:00Z 0

Fire Chiefs Speak

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 15, 2016

Fire Chiefs Silva and Meek

 
Fire Chief Jamie Silva and Fire Chief Gary Meek joined us today.   Fire Chief Silva heads the Fire District 3 which currently provides fire and emergency medical services around the Monroe area.  Fire Chief Meek heads Fire District 7 which provides service in South Snohomish County and to the City of Mill Creek.  The fire chiefs discussed the level of fire and emergency responses performed each year and talked about the merger of the two districts. And, prior to leaving, both reminded everyone...change the batteries on your home fire detectors!
 
 
Fire Chiefs Speak Jeffrey Brennan 2016-06-16 00:00:00Z 0

Removing Personal Barriers to Resolution

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 01, 2016

Louise Penberthy

 
Louise Penberthy of Human Interop met with us today and talked about "Removing Personal Barriers to Resolution," for non-profits and small businesses.  Louise focused her presentation on the three most common personal barriers to problem resolution and what happens if you don't remove the barriers.  
 
 
 
Removing Personal Barriers to Resolution Jeffrey Brennan 2016-06-02 00:00:00Z 0

Matt McLaughlin

Posted by Jeff Brennan on May 30, 2016
 

Dawson Place Advocacy Center


 
Matt McLaughlin was our Wednesday speaker.  Matt talked about Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center.  Dawson Place is a National Children's Alliance (NCA) accredited Child Advocacy Center of Washington State serving Snohomish County. The Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center is dedicated to helping child victims of sexual and physical assault.  
 
 
Matt McLaughlin Jeff Brennan 2016-05-31 00:00:00Z 0

May Student of the Month

Posted by Jeff Brennan on May 10, 2016

Academic Excellence

Colton Lee flanked by Rotarian and Principal Dave Peters (left) and our Youth Services Chair, Danielle Pratt (right).
 
Colton Lee is our May Student of the Month for Academic Excellence.  Colton is a senior at Jackson High School and is involved in multiple activities including the Model United Nations and Mill Creek Youth Advisory Board.  Colton maintains a perfect 4.0 grade point average, even while attending five Advanced Placement classes! Colton will be attending the University of California (UCLA) with plans to major in psychobiology, with an eventual goal of becoming a surgeon.
 

 

 
Madeline Maher is our May Student of the Month for Academic Excellence for Archbishop Murphy High School.  Madeline maintains a perfect 4.0 grade point average.  She has played varsity basketball for four years, volunteers at Blessed Sacrament Church feeding homeless, and is member of the National Honor Society, Teen Feed, and a Link Leader.   Madeline will be attending the University of Washington and majoring in business.
 
 

Congratulations to both incredible students!

 
 
May Student of the Month Jeff Brennan 2016-05-11 00:00:00Z 0

3 May Club Meeting

Posted by Jeff Brennan on May 04, 2016

Cold Weather Shelter

Yesterday, members of the Leadership Snohomish County Program presented an overview of the cold weather shelter program in Edmonds Washington.
 
 
Group photo at yesterday's club meeting - (from left to right) Sabrina Popa with Everett Transit, Jill Hamilton with Providence Medical Group, Corbitt Loch with the City of Lynnwood, Mark and Sue Waldin with We All Belong and founders of the cold weather shelter in Edmonds, and our club's own Bridget Barrington with First Financial Northwest Bank.
 

 
 
3 May Club Meeting Jeff Brennan 2016-05-05 00:00:00Z 0

Joining Rotary

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Apr 27, 2016

Frank Simons

 
 
 
Frank Simons was inducted yesterday as our club's newest member. Frank and his wife Juli are the owners of Senior Care Consultants.   Frank is a former Navy submariner, has held lay and pastoral roles in churches, and was a corporate trainer for almost 20 years.  Frank is no stranger to "service" and will be a great edition to our club. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joining Rotary Jeff Brennan 2016-04-28 00:00:00Z 0

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Apr 27, 2016

Maddy Metzger-Utt

 
Maddy joined us yesterday to present an overview of the Community Foundation of Snohomish County.  Maddy is the President and CEO of the organization which seeks to be a catalyst of change for Snohomish County by promoting charitable giving, providing impactful grants throughout the county, and offering training and workshops to help nonprofits improve their effectiveness.
 
 
 
Community Foundation of Snohomish County Jeff Brennan 2016-04-28 00:00:00Z 0

April 27th Meeting

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Apr 27, 2016

Auction Wrap-up!

Auction Chair Mike Mallahan - all smiles and thanking everyone for their assistance for a very successful dinner and auction!
 
Club Treasurer Tom Fraioli reporting out on the auction results.
 
 
 
April 27th Meeting Jeff Brennan 2016-04-28 00:00:00Z 0

Hope Creek Charitable Foundation

Cheryl Scheffer

 
 
Our April 6th speaker was Chery Scheffer to talk about Hope Creek Charitable Foundation. Cheryl is the care pastor at Gold Creek Community Church, working as the liaison with Hope Creek Charitable Foundation.  Cheryl was a teacher for 30 years in the Snohomish School District.  She moved into a pastoral role at the church, and now she leads and organizers the volunteers in all areas of compassion.
 

 
Hope Creek Charitable Foundation Jeffrey Brennan 2016-04-18 00:00:00Z 0

April Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Apr 17, 2016

At last Wednesday's meeting, we recognized  two outstanding students.  The theme for April was Student Athlete.

 

 
Brenna O'Kelley
 
Representing Archbishop Murphy High School as its Student of the Month was Brenna O'Kelley.  And yes, Brenna is Shannon and Tyra O'Kelley's daughter!  Brenna is a senior, captain of the Lacrosse team, vice-president of ASB, and is taking numerous AP/honors classes in which she is maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.  Brenna plans to go on to Clemson University in South Carolina and major in biological life sciences with a goal of going into Global Health. 
 

 

 
Casey Wilson
 
Representing Jackson High School as its Student of the Month was Casey Wilson.  Casey is a senior who performed gymnastics most of her life and is now in volleyball and track and field (where she excels at the pole vault).  Casey is co-president of the National Honor Society.  She maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is taking many AP/honors classes.  Casey plans to go to Gonzaga with an ultimate goal of going into pediatric medicine.
 
 
 
April Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2016-04-18 00:00:00Z 0

Our Newest Members!

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Apr 10, 2016

Welcome Aboard!

 
Tom Rogers, Club President Becky Porter and Ashley Wigren.
 
Our club welcomed our newest members at our Wednesday, April 6 meeting.  Tom Rogers is Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Mill Creek.  And, Ashley Wigren is with John L. Scott Real Estate.
 
Welcome to the family of Rotary!
 
 
Our Newest Members! Jeff Brennan 2016-04-11 00:00:00Z 0

March 16 - District Foundation Chair

Posted by Jeff Brennan

Polio Plus

 
Joe Hall with Mike Montgomery.

Our District 5030 Foundation Chair, Mike Montgomery, was our speaker.  Mike gave a presentation on the Rotary International Foundation and the importance of our continuing support.  At last year's auction, Joe Hall ran the game room which raised funds for Rotary International's Polio Plus program.  Because of this, Joe had the honor of presenting a check for $1,280 for Polio Plus to Mike at the meeting.  Way to go Joe!
 
 
 
March 16 - District Foundation Chair Jeff Brennan 2016-03-28 00:00:00Z 0

March Student of the Month

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Mar 08, 2016

Leadership

 
Peter Zupke of Archbishop Murphy High School on the left and Kevin Yoon of Jackson High School.

Our Students of the Month were chosen for their "Leadership Excellence."  Although from different high schools, Peter and Kevin shared one distinguishing thing in common....both are strong participants in their school's Associated Student Body (ASB) organization.  Peter is the president of Archbishop Murphy's ASB and Kevin is now Secretary of Jackson High School's ASB. It was a pleasure listening to both students talk about their personal views of what a leader is, leadership style, and the importance of leading by example. 
 
 
March Student of the Month Jeff Brennan 2016-03-09 00:00:00Z 0

Everett and Mill Creek Public Schools

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Mar 08, 2016

Vote Yes for our students and schools!

 
 
Everett School District Board members Caroline Mason and Ted Wenta discussed the importance of the upcoming replacement capital levy and capital bond with our club members today. 
The levy and bond are designed to focus on four primary areas: 1) increase safety and security in our schools; 2) take care of basic maintenance; 3) relieve overcrowding; and, 4) provide educational technology for all students to prepare them for the modern economy. Be on the lookout for ballots and be sure and return them by April 26th!
 
 
Everett and Mill Creek Public Schools Jeff Brennan 2016-03-09 00:00:00Z 0

The Promise

 

Join Us Thursday, March 24 at the Mill Creek Country Club!

 
 
 
 
The Promise 2016-03-04 00:00:00Z 0

SE Asia Foundation

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Mar 02, 2016

Bill Taylor

 
Our speaker today was Bill Taylor, a Rotarian from the Edmonds Daybreakers Club.  Bill and his wife Pat lead the SE Asia Foundation.  It's focus is on supporting orphanages and child care facilities to help children, especially girls, break the cycle of poverty through education.   Bill shared with us his passion and great photos on work in several schools in Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
 
 
SE Asia Foundation Jeff Brennan 2016-03-03 00:00:00Z 0

30th Anniversary Celebration

Join us Thursday, February 25th, and help the Rotary Club of Mill Creek celebrate its 30th year!!!

 
 
.
 
 
30th Anniversary Celebration 2016-02-19 00:00:00Z 0

AMHS Student of the Month - Musical Excellence

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Feb 17, 2016

Musical Excellence

The Archbishop Murphy High School Rotary Student of the Month for Musical Excellence, Lindsey Collison-Ris. 
 
Lindsey plays several instruments.  And as a special treat for all of our members, Lindsey played a beautiful song of her own.  Lindsey is planning to continue on to college next year and is especially interested in opportunities to use music in therapy.  Congratulations Lindsey on being chosen for this month's recognition for Musical Excellence. 
 
 
AMHS Student of the Month - Musical Excellence Jeff Brennan 2016-02-18 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month - Musical Excellence

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Feb 14, 2016

Jackson High School Student of the Month - Musical Excellence

Jackson High School selected two outstanding students for our February Student of the Month in Musical Excellence.
 
Alex Banning is a band leader of three jazz combos and the leader for two brass ensembles (both of which are heading to state competition).  He is the lead trumpet player in the school’s top jazz band, the principal trumpet player in the Honors Wind Ensemble which will be performing at Carnegie Hall in May, and was selected as one of twenty students in the state to the Washington All-State Jazz Band.  Alex recently auditioned for selection into the Michigan State University Jazz Studies program where he hopes to further develop his music passion, proficiency and talent.
 
Nicole Moffat has demonstrated musical excellence in percussion ensemble and honors wind ensemble for the past four years at Jackson.  She has qualified to compete at state with her percussion ensemble, and she will be performing at Carnegie Hall in May with the school’s Honors Wind Ensemble.  Nicole has been accepted into several colleges and she plans to major in International Studies and continue her love of music participating in various music ensembles.
 
 
Student of the Month - Musical Excellence Jeff Brennan 2016-02-15 00:00:00Z 0

Master Problem Solver

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Feb 04, 2016

Eldon Grant

Our Wednesday speaker was Eldon Grant.  Eldon is a trainer, speaker, and author of "Solve Every Problem in Your Life, Secret Ancient Principles Guaranteed to Grant YOU Wisdom."  Eldon led a discussion on "needs and wants" in our lives and the most critical issues each of us would try to solve.  On a personal note, Eldon spoke of his older brother's struggles with polio and his determination to overcome the physical limitations. As Rotarians, we can take pride in having helped eliminate polio in most of the world, a true example of what can be done when you focus on eliminating a problem!
 
 
Master Problem Solver Jeff Brennan 2016-02-05 00:00:00Z 0

Recycling - Helping the Environment and Your Pocketbooks!

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jan 28, 2016

Will Ibershof

 
Our speaker on Wednesday was Will Ibershof.  Will is the Mayor of Duvall, is Public Sector Manager for Waste Management, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Duvall.  Will’s presentation was a very informational discussion about recycling.  Not only is it good for the environment but more use of recycling by all helps to directly reduce the costs we pay for garbage services!  And, it’s okay to dump shredded paper in your compost bin!
 
 
Recycling - Helping the Environment and Your Pocketbooks! Jeff Brennan 2016-01-29 00:00:00Z 0

Snohomish County Music Project

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jan 22, 2016

Music as a tool to strengthen our communities.

 
 
Vasheti Quiros, Development Director, and Roger Pawley, President and CEO, presented an overview of the Snohomish County Music Project to our club on Wednesday.  They described the groups origins as the Everett Symphony and its transformation into an education, advocacy, and artistic center.  The "Music as Medicine" program was especially interesting.  Vasheti and Roger talked about the use of music as a therapetic tool for those with Alzheimer's, Dementia and other age-related disorders.  The Music Project has many other programs underway throughout Snohomish County.  See scmusicproject.org for information on all their programs.
 
 
Snohomish County Music Project Jeff Brennan 2016-01-23 00:00:00Z 0

January Student of the Month

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jan 13, 2016

Vocational Excellence

 
From left to right - Cole Smith, Jesus Flores, and Brett Bean.
 
In keeping with the ideal of fostering high ethical standards in business and recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, Rotary has designated January as Vocational Service month.   And, our club has designated our Student of the Month theme for January as “Vocational Excellence.”  We recognized three outstanding students chosen by their schools yesterday in recognition of this theme. 
 
From Archbishop Murphy, Brett Bean, is our January Student of the Month.  Brett is heavily involved in the school’s DECA and music programs.  Brett’s desire is to attend school in California and study business with an emphasis on marketing. Brett has applied to several schools and has already received a Presidential scholarship to attend Chapman University.
 
From Jackson High School, Cole Smith, is our January Student of the Month.  Cole discovered early on that sitting behind a desk was not in his desired path in life; instead, he prefers a “hands-on” profession.  Cole attends Sno-Isle Skills Center studying diesel technology and plans to go to Everett Community College with the goal of working as a machinist at Boeing.  Cole plays soccer, is a wrestler, and an avid pianist too!
 
Sno Isle Skills Center nominated Jesus Flores as its January Student of the Month for Vocational Excellence.  Jesus is a student at Kamiak High School and attends Sno Isle’s dental program.  Jesus especially enjoys the opportunity that dental work provides to work with people directly.  Jesus plans to go to Edmonds Community College and then on to Eastern Washington University’s Dental Hygiene program.  Jesus is active in student government (ASB), soccer, and wrestling. 
 
Congratulations to all of these outstanding students!
 
January Student of the Month Jeff Brennan 2016-01-14 00:00:00Z 0

Amazon Smiles on the Rotary Club of Mill Creek!

Posted by Jeff Brennan

Amazon Smile

Shopping over the holidays?  Using Amazon?  Want to help our Rotary club's projects and services at the same time?  You can!
 
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Mill Creek Rotary Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
 
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
  •  
  • Go to  smile.amazon.com, select the Mill Creek Rotary Foundation and start shopping....it's that easy!!!
 
 
 
 
Amazon Smiles on the Rotary Club of Mill Creek! Jeff Brennan 2015-12-13 00:00:00Z 0

Our Newest Member!

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Dec 12, 2015

Pam Olson

Pam Olson with her sponsor, Barb Athanas.
 
Pam Olson was welcomed into our club this Wednesday as our newest member!
But, Pam is no stranger to our Rotary club.  Pam works for the City of Mill Creek in the Parks and Recreations division.  Over the years, we've worked with Pam on many successful projects involving the city.  Pam, welcome aboard!
 

 
Our Newest Member! Jeff Brennan 2015-12-13 00:00:00Z 0

The World Through New Eyes

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Dec 02, 2015

Sightlife

Our speaker yesterday was Sonja Moore with Seattle-based Sightlife.  We thought Sonja had brought along 3D glasses for us to see her presentation.  Instead, these glasses helped us see what it's like to have corneal blindness...like staring into a thick fog.  Corneal blindness affects millions around the world and yet, it is a treatable condition.  In the U.S. corneal blindness is readily addressed thorough a corneal transplant.  Unfortunately, a lack of surgeons and transplant tissue keeps millions from seeing.  Sightlife's mission is to help address this by providing training and helping develop transplant tissue facilities where they are needed.  Sonja shared stories of those afflicted and those who have received a corneal transplant and the incredible life-changing impact it had on them.
 
The World Through New Eyes Jeff Brennan 2015-12-03 00:00:00Z 0

Helping deliver Thanksgiving early!

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Nov 23, 2015

Dinner at the Creek!

 
Mill Creek Rotarians help deliver Thanksgiving early at North Creek Presbyterian Church's Dinner at the Creek!
 
Last Thursday, November 19, club members, along with family and guests worked in the kitchen to prepare and serve meals at Dinner at the Creek.  This monthly dinner is open to anyone from the community. In addition to the wonderful food and camaraderie, club members brought along gloves, jackets and other clothes to hand out to anyone needing warm clothes.  A special thanks to the Mill Creek Country Club who prepared the turkey!
 
 
Helping deliver Thanksgiving early! Jeff Brennan 2015-11-24 00:00:00Z 0

Clean Water for Guatemala

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Nov 04, 2015

Dr. Kathleen Davis

 
Our speaker today was Dr. Kathleen Davis, also a Rotarian.  Kathleen presented an overview of a recently completed project in El Molino, Guatemala.  This project was led by the Rotary Club of Vashon Island and our club helped with funding.  Working with a humanitarian organization, People for Guatemala, this Rotary global grant project has brought water and compost latrines to a remote village of 500 in the mountainous region northwest of Antigua, Guatemala.   Kathleen is currently fundraising for a similar project in Guatemala and our club will be supporting her efforts!
 
Clean Water for Guatemala Jeff Brennan 2015-11-05 00:00:00Z 0

Mike Shanahan Service Award

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Nov 04, 2015

Congratulations!

In a ceremony last Friday, Barb Athanas was recognized by Rotary First Harvest as a Mike Shanahan Service Award recipient. This award recognizes individuals whose volunteer efforts  have made a significant impact on hunger relief in our communities. Barb's work on starting up the Mill Creek Food Bank certainly qualifies her for this outstanding award!
 
Barb, holding her Rotary First Havest "apple" award, is pictured with our Club President Becky Porter, and David Bobanick who is currently a District Assistant Governor and is the Executive Director of Rotary First Harvest.
 
Congratulations Barb!
 
Mike Shanahan Service Award Jeff Brennan 2015-11-05 00:00:00Z 0

Becoming a Rotarian!

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Nov 04, 2015

Nicole Ottness

 
 
The Rotary Club of Mill Creek welcomed its newest member today, Nicole Ottness.  Nicole works for BECU.  In her spare time, Nicole enjoys golf, crafts, volunteering and hiking.     Welcome aboard!
 
 
 
Becoming a Rotarian! Jeff Brennan 2015-11-05 00:00:00Z 0

Snohomish County Council Chair

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Oct 28, 2015

Dave Somers

Our speaker yesterday was Snohomish County Council Chairperson from District 5, Dave Somers. Dave focused his discussion on three current hot topics in the county: the courthouse, growth, and commercial use of Paine Field.  Following his update, Dave entertained many good questions. The Rotary Club of Mill Creek does not endorse any elected official or candidate, but we do invite and welcome them to provide updates on current issues and topics.
 
Snohomish County Council Chair Jeff Brennan 2015-10-29 00:00:00Z 0

Frog Prints e!

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Oct 21, 2015

Building Women Leaders from the Waterline up!

 
 
Our program speaker yesterday was Laura Wilbur, President of Frog Prints e!.  
 
Laura talked about how Frog Prints e! was born from hearing the simple phrase "I don't do math" too many times from young girls.  Frog Prints e! programs are designed to encourage and build within young women both leadership capabilities and a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering, math, and sailing.  Frog Prints e! programs are focused at middle school age girls and use sailing to provide hands-on learning opportunities. For more information, click here to go to Frog Prints e! website.  
 
 
Frog Prints e! Jeff Brennan 2015-10-22 00:00:00Z 0

Jackson High School Rotary Student of the Month

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Oct 21, 2015

Community Outreach

 
 
Club member and Jackson High School Principal, Dave Peters, and Youth Services Committee Chair, Danielle Pratt, flank our Jackson High School Student of the Month, Tyler Bennett.
 
Tyler is a senior at Jackson High School.   Tyler is an avid member of the Paine Field Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and shared his passion with us for the community service work he does with CAP. Tyler's experience with CAP has driven his desire to pursue a career in aviation, either commercial flying or in air traffic control.  Tyler will go on to study at the Central Washington University's aviation program.
 
 
 
 
Jackson High School Rotary Student of the Month Jeffrey Brennan 2015-10-22 00:00:00Z 0

Mike Shanahan Service Award

Posted by Jeff Brennan

Congratulations Barbara Athanas!

 
 
Barb Athanas was named a Mike Shanahan Service Award recipient and will be recognized by Rotary First Harvest in a ceremony on October 30 at noon at the Seattle Yacht Club.  Barb is pictured above with our very own District 5030 Assistant Governor, Bill McElroy.  Bill nominated Barb for this award. This award recognizes individuals whose volunteer efforts  have made a significant impact on hunger relief in our communities.  Well deserved Barb!
 
 
 
 
Mike Shanahan Service Award Jeff Brennan 2015-10-15 00:00:00Z 0

Guatemala Projects

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Oct 06, 2015

A packed meeting today to listen to descriptions of two projects that our International Committee is involved with in Guatemala.

 

Healing the Children

Dr. Mike Mallahan talks about the locations of the audiology projects that Healing the Children is involved with in Guatemala with our club's support. 

 

This August, Mike Mallahan took a group of five audiology students from the University of Washington to Guatemala to participate in audiology clinics.  Here, second year graduate audiology student Annie Duchen describes their trip and the positive impact it had on each of the students.

 
 
 
 
Emma Le Du, Co-founder and Executive Director of TINFA spoke about its
efforts to bring technology to grade school classrooms in Guatemala. 
Joining her was César Puac, who is the in-country project manager in
Guatemala. And, this was César's first time to the United States too!  
The University Sunrise Rotary Club is leading a district grant project to bring
projectors, computers and training to two schools in the Quetzaltenango 
region of Guatemala. Our club is contributing $1,000 to the project and
through the wonder of Rotary District 5030 matching grants, our $1,000
will turn into $2,500 towards the twenty thousand dollar project! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guatemala Projects Jeff Brennan 2015-10-07 00:00:00Z 0

Sno-Isle Tech

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Sep 30, 2015

Theresa Hausmann

Yesterday, our final September speaker was Theresa Hausmann, Career Center Specialist at Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center. Theresa's job is to spread the word about Sno-Isle to junior high and high school students, and to the community.
 
Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center is a public school that offers technical training for high school students throughout Snohomish and Island County.  Currently Sno-Isle Tech offers courses in areas such as trade, information technology, science and health, human services, business and career planning.  Over 900 high school students are enrolled and each spends a half day at Sno-Isle and the other half at their home school.  
 
The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is proud to present one of our three annual high school scholarships to a Sno-Isle student continuing with their studies at a college or technical institution.  
 
 
Sno-Isle Tech Jeff Brennan 2015-10-01 00:00:00Z 0

4 Club Social

Posted by Jeff Brenann

Social with a Purpose!

On Wednesday, September 16, the Rotary Clubs of Duvall, Mill Creek, Redmond and Sammamish got together for our second annual social at Matthews Winery in Woodinville.  And, with the son of Duvall Club Rotarian Patricia and Mike Chapman being deployed with his Chinook helicopter squadron to Afghanistan, the clubs used the evening to pack goodie bags for the troops of B Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Division.  A great evening to show appreciation for our troops and enjoy the great winery and friends.
 
 
4 Club Social Jeff Brenann 2015-09-24 00:00:00Z 0

Adopt A Stream Foundation

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Sep 22, 2015

 

Community Service Committee Chair Kyla Smith talks about the funds being presented to Adopt A Stream Foundation Chair Tom Murdoch.  
 
Rotary Club of Mill Creek held its regular meeting today at the Northwest Stream Center in McCollum Park.  A donation for $5,000 was presented to Adopt A Stream Foundation's Executive Director, Tom Murdoch, to help fund the new elevated nature trail.  Tom discussed the mission of the foundation, what each of us can do to help our stream environments, and then took the club on a guided tour of the new nature trail.
 
 
 
 
Club members listening to Tom Murdoch at the start of the elevated nature trail.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adopt A Stream Foundation Jeff Brennan 2015-09-23 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction_Sep 9, 2015

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Sep 10, 2015

David Stambaugh

 

David Stambaugh (right) with his sponsor Bill Hathaway.
 
David Stambaugh was welcomed into our club this past Wednesday.  David is no stranger to Rotary, including having served as a club president, assistant governor, and district governor.  David is retired and enjoys fly fishing and traveling.  He is a graduate of the Unviersity of Puget Sound, served in the U.S. Navy (including multiple tours in Vietnam), worked as a VP at SAFECO and was a management counsultant.  Introduce yourself to David to find out more!
 

Rance Barclay

 
Rance Barclay was also welcomed into our club this past Wednesday.

Rance is a graduate of Cascade High School and has lived in our area for over 40 years.  Rance is a private trust deed investor - be sure and ask Rance exactly what that means!  Rance has a long list of outside hobbies, including motorcycling, boating, jet skiing, and flying small airplanes. Rance is always looking for ways to give back to the community and will be a great addition to our club!
 
 
New Member Induction_Sep 9, 2015 Jeff Brennan 2015-09-11 00:00:00Z 0

District Governor Terry Pickering

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Aug 26, 2015

District Governor Visit

Our District 5030 Governor, Terry Pickering joined us today.  Terry talked about membership and being able to explain to others what Rotary is in a way that creates a positive image and potentially an interest in finding out more about Rotary.  Terry left us with cards that can be shared with others to help explain Rotary and urged us to continue to be an open and welcoming club for all.  
 
 
 

100% Attendance

From left, Jeff Brennan, Geoff Owen, Jerry Yorioka, Barb Athanas, Danielle Pratt, Maria Matthews and President Becky Porter.
 
Also at today's meeting, Club President Becky Porter presents a Rotary mug to our club's members who achieved 100% attendance in 2014-15.
 
 
District Governor Terry Pickering Jeff Brennan 2015-08-27 00:00:00Z 0

Save the Date

 

SAVE THE DATE - mark your calendars for April 23, 2016 for our annual dinner auction at the Mill Creek Country Club!!!

 
Auction invitation, RSVP, donation, and sponsorship forms are available in the Download Files section to the left of this page.
 
 
Save the Date 2015-08-24 00:00:00Z 0

K-9 Dogs

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Aug 23, 2015

Pennies for Puppies

Carole Flynn White, President of Pennies for Puppies, spoke at our Wednesday meeting about the non-profit organization which provides financial support to Snohomish County law enforcement and volunteer SAR K-9 teams for drug detection, patrol and search and rescue dogs.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joining Carole to discuss the importance of the K-9 dogs was Bruce Stedman, City of Arlington Director of Public Safety, and a fellow Rotarian. 
 

K-9 Ronin (appropriately named!) demonstrates on Snohomish County Deputy James Gibson why you don't want to mess with law enforcement dogs.

 

 K-9 Ronin is handled by Deputy Art Wallin shown on the far right.  Click on Snohomish County Sheriff K-9 for more stories and photos.

"K-9 Ronin"  

 

K-9 Dogs Jeff Brennan 2015-08-24 00:00:00Z 0

Summit Assistance Dogs

Posted by Jeff Brennan
 

Check Presentation

 

On August 12th, Barb Athanas presented a $500 check to Michelle Munro, Board President of Summit Assistance Dogs.   Summit Assistance selects and trains dogs specifically for persons with mobility disabilities. The selection and training process can take up to two years for each dog, during which each learns to respond to 44 commands (it was noted by one of our members that his children only understood a few commands and frequently did not respond to them!).  Summit Assistance has purchased property on Whidbey Island and will be building a new facility with the hopes of raising its delivery capacity from its current 10 dogs annually to 50 dogs.  

Michelle Munro talking about the Summit Assistance Dogs program.
 
From left - Club President Becky Porter, Michelle Munro, Summit Assistance Dogs' client Myrna Kane, and Barb Athanas of our Community Service committee.
 
 
Hayden - a mobility service dog.
 
 
 
Summit Assistance Dogs Jeff Brennan 2015-08-17 00:00:00Z 0

Member Update - "Classification Talk"

Posted by Jeff Brennan

Dave Gunter

 
At our August 12 meeting, Dave Gunter gave a 5 minute talk about himself.  Dave grew up on the Gulf Coast and went to Mississippi State where he received a degree in design and advertising.  Today, Dave works for Apex Media.  If you were not at the meeting, you may be wondering how did Dave get from Mississippi to Washington State?  Offer to buy him coffee and find out!
 
 
 
Member Update - "Classification Talk" Jeff Brennan 2015-08-17 00:00:00Z 0

Bob Bennett

Posted by Jeff Brennan

Bob Bennett, Author

Our August 5th speaker was Bob Bennett.  After a career in telecommunications, Bob is devoting his time to writing, lecturing and consulting.  Bob has published six books.  His discussion focused on strategic alignment of your business, from his book, “Achieving a Sustainable Competitive Advantage.”  
 
 
 
Bob Bennett Jeff Brennan 2015-08-05 00:00:00Z 0

School Board Directors Speak

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Aug 03, 2015

Our School Board Directors

On Wednesday, July 29, two of our Everett School District Directors joined us and provided a very positive update on the state of our public school district.  Read more about them below their photos!
 

Director Traci Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell moved from California to Washington state to attend Pacific Lutheran University. She graduated with a BA in Psychology. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and Master of Health Administration from the University of Washington. She has worked in healthcare for for almost 20 years and is currently the Manager, Pharmacy Services & Infection Control at EvergreenHealth Monroe in Monroe, WA.

Dr. Mitchell has been an active PTA volunteer since 2007 when her daughter entered elementary school. She joined the Everett Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors in 2009 and has helped with classroom grants, Stuff the Bus for Kids school supply drive, High School & Beyond and the Superintendent Scholar Award. She has also served on the Citizen's Levy Committee.  She is serving the the remaining two years of a former board member who's term vacated in January, 2014.

 

Director Caroline Mason

Ms. Mason earned a master’s degree in business administration from Seattle University and a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Washington. She owns Motion Marketing in Everett, a marketing communications company she founded in 2001. Her previous experience includes Nextel Communications and AT&T Wireless Services (formerly McCaw Cellular Communication). 

Ms. Mason has been an active volunteer in the community, serving on the City of Everett Salary Commission, Everett Public Schools Fiscal Advisory Council, Citizens Levy and Bond Committee, and Imagine Children’s Museum board of directors. Ms. Mason has two children attending Everett Public Schools. She is serving the remaining two years of a former board member’s term vacated in December 2013.
 

School Board Directors Speak Jeff Brennan 2015-08-04 00:00:00Z 0

Solange Aquilar & Becky Porter

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jul 26, 2015
 

Solange Aquilar & Becky Porter

Our speakers this week were Solange Aquilar and our own Club President Becky Porter.  First, Solange talked about how she came to the Pacific Northwest after meeting our club members who were on a  wheelchair trip in her native country, El Salvador.  Solange moved here and lived with her host family, the Owen's, and began school at Cascadia Community College.  Solange recently graduated from Cascadia (where she found time to start a  Rotaract Club too!) and will be going on to the University of Washington in the Fall.  
 
Solange and Becky then presented a power point on their recent trip to the Rotary International Conference in São Paulo, Brazil.  Highlights of the trip including meeting many of our own district members, joining 500 other Rotarians in packaging over 100,000 meals for the needy, participating in a Rotary Brazilian-style carnival, and meeting many new Rotaractors and Rotarians from around the world.
 
 
Solange Aquilar & Becky Porter Jeff Brennan 2015-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

July 1 - New Rotary Year = New Members

Posted by Jeff Brennan

Welcome Alysha & Rick!

Rick Ferrell transferred from Shoreline Rotary Club where he has been an active member for over 30 years.  Rick grew up in Seattle and Shoreline Washington. He attended Shoreline High School, Shoreline Community College and the University of Washington. Rick was a General Contractor specializing in commercial construction in Western Washington and is now retired and living in Mill Creek.  Rick has three children, six grandkids and four great grandkids.  Rick is shown with his sponsor, Dave Gunter.
 
 
Alysha Mulliner has been a realtor for nine years and is with Keller Williams in Bothell.  Alysha enjoys camping and traveling.  Alysha has a husband, Jason, and a teen age daughter, Ashlyn.  For the past six months, Alysha and Ashlyn have been volunteering at the Everett Animal Shelter.  Alysha is shown here being given her Rotary pin by her sponsor Les Metrovich.
 
July 1 - New Rotary Year = New Members Jeff Brennan 2015-07-20 00:00:00Z 0

New Rotary Year/New Members

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jul 19, 2015

Welcome Alysha & Rick!

 
Rick Ferrell transferred from Shoreline Rotary Club where he has been an active member for over 30 years.  Rick grew up in Seattle and Shoreline Washington. He attended Shoreline High School, Shoreline Community College and the University of Washington. Rick was a General Contractor specializing in commercial construction in Western Washington and is now retired and living in Mill Creek.  Rick has three children, six grandkids and four great grandkids.  Rick is shown with his sponsor, Dave Gunter.
 
Alysha Mulliner has been a realtor for nine years and is with Keller Williams in Bothell.  Alysha enjoys camping and traveling.  Alysha has a husband, Jason, and a teen age daughter, Ashlyn.  For the past six months, Alysha and Ashlyn have been volunteering at the Everett Animal Shelter.  Alysha is shown here being given her Rotary pin by her sponsor Les Metrovich. 
   
New Rotary Year/New Members Jeff Brennan 2015-07-20 00:00:00Z 0

New Rotary Year

Posted by Jeff Brennan
 

Passing the "Ball and Chain"

 
Twenty nine years ago, Jeff Pratt stepped up as the Rotary Club of Mill Creek's first President.  And each year, past club presidents line up to pass down a "ball and chain" to the incoming president.  The ball and chain symbolizes the amount of work and effort the president will be taking on during their Rotary year.  Here Past-President Jeff Pratt begins the ball and chain on its journey down the line of our club's past-presidents.
 
Past-President Jeff Brennan, with Past-President Bridget Barrington cheering her on, hands the symbolic "ball and chain" to President Becky Porter.
 
 

Congrats President Becky Porter

It's official!  Becky Porter takes the podium for the first time as the Rotary Club of Mill Creek's President. Congratulations!
 
 
New Rotary Year Jeff Brennan 2015-07-20 00:00:00Z 0

He started as a Rotary Exchange Student

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jul 15, 2015

Rob Rose

Rob Rose with children with disabilities in Kathmandu,Nepal. 
 
Our speaker yesterday was Rob Rose, owner of Brant Photographers in Bellevue, Washington and Executive Director of The Rose International Fund for Children (TRIFC).
In 1974, at the age of 16, Rob Rose was a Rotary Exchange Student and spent his junior year of high school in Calcutta, India.  It was a year that left a strong imprint on him.  Rob saw many families who had no idea where their next meal was coming from...Rob knew then that he wanted to help others.  Fast forward to today. Rob has been in Rotary over 30 years.  He is a member of the Rotary Club of Bellevue and is a Club Past President and recipient of numerous Rotarian awards including Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and our District’s Rotarian of the Year. 

Rob shared with us the story of how one article in 1997 on impoverished lives of children in Nepal led him to make one phone call to volunteer to assist by using his photography skills.  That one call led him to go on, now 16 trips, to Nepal focused on providing assistance to disabled children, abused women and terminal cancer patients.  And, it led him to form TRIFC which raises funds to support non-profit organizations in Nepal that focus on disabled children, especially in the area of education, nutrition and medical needs. 

Throughout Rob’s talk, he continued to bring up how Rotary has played a significant role in his life and in its impact on the many projects Rob has been involved with in Nepal.  Rob has a wife Gina, who is also TRIFC’s Director and Secretary, and has three sons.  For more information, or to see how you can assist, visit TRIFC.   
 
He started as a Rotary Exchange Student Jeff Brennan 2015-07-16 00:00:00Z 0

Importance of Early Learning

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 29, 2015

Beverly Jacobson

Our June 24th speaker was Beverly Jacobson, a member of the Rotary Club of Duval.  Beverly is a member of the Board of Directors for Thrive Washington, an organization focused on early learning and creating opportunties for every child in Washington to get a great start in life.  Beverly talked about the importance of early learning on making a long-term difference for children.  Major efforts that Thrive is focused on include: child care quality rating and improvement system, home visiting programs, state funded preschool, and full-day kindergarten.  
 
 
Importance of Early Learning Jeff Brennan 2015-06-30 00:00:00Z 0

Food Pantry Donation

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 26, 2015

Community Service

 
Pastor Kurt Helmcke and Max Rigelman with Rotarian Barbara Athanas.

On Wednesday, June 24th, our Community Service Committee presented a check for over a thousand dollars to North Creek Presbyterian Church for its Food Pantry.  The Food Pantry is stocked with food staples and provides food to people and families in need in our area.  The Food Pantry is open seven days a week.  In addition, the Church hosts a monthly "Dinner at the Creek" event where it provides a sit down complete hot meal to the needy in the community and sends them home with a bag of food.
 
 
Food Pantry Donation Jeff Brennan 2015-06-27 00:00:00Z 0

Diane Schimpf Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 21, 2015

Archbishop Murphy High School Student of the Year

Rotarian Geoff Owen presenting the Student of the Year award for Archbishop Murphy to Katie Kelleher
 
The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is proud to announce that our 2015 Archibishop Murphy Student of the Year and recipient of the Diane Schimpf Memorial Scholarship is Kathryn (Katie) Kelleher.  Katie is no stranger to our members.  Most recently, she was our club's March Student of the Month for Leadership.  Katie has an incredible resume of activities and achievements that include: participation in track, cross-country and soccer; member of the National Honor Society; extensive community service volunteer work; and, manages to squeeze in a real job too!  Katie defines the biggest and most important aspects of her life as, "where I get to help other people."  Congratulations Katie!
 
 
 
Diane Schimpf Memorial Scholarship Recipient Jeff Brennan 2015-06-22 00:00:00Z 0

Greatest Goal Ministries

Sierra Leone

 
Lynn Pelton is the founder and president of Greatest Goal Ministries and was our speaker this past Wednesday, June 17. 
 
Just over a year ago, our club was working with Lynn Pelton to pull together a wheelchair project for Sierra Leone.  Then, the Ebola crisis hit and the project was put on hold. But, Lynn wasn't on hold.  Lynn, who is a nurse, went to Sierra Leone and worked for four months in an Ebola Treatment Center.  Lynn shared with us what it was like and the horrors the disease inflicted on families - killing many and leaving many children as orphans.  
 
Greatest Goal Ministries was founded by Lynn and is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable population of Sierra Leone, Africa - the amputees, disabled, and children affected by its decade-long (1991-2002) civil war.  
 
 
Greatest Goal Ministries Jeff Brennan 2015-06-21 00:00:00Z 0

Steve Crane - Polio Advocacy

Posted by Jeff Brennan

"We're This Close"

 
Steve Crane providing polio immunization drops to a young Ethiopian.
 
 
Steve Crane was our speaker on June 10th.  Steve is a member of the Rotary Club of Seattle and is a polio survivor.  Steve is also our District 5030 Polio Advocacy Chairperson.  Steve is responsible for raising the awareness of the need for continued Federal Government funding to help fight polio by advocating for Rotarians everywhere to reach out to their elected Federal officials to support polio funding.  Steve's mission takes him to Rotary Districts across the U.S. and to meetings with Congressmen and Senators where he advocates in person for continued Federal Government polio eradication funding. In September 2014, Steve was recognized as a Global Citizen at the Global Citizen Festival in New York's Central Park.  Steve - we were honored to have you speak to us!
 
 
Steve Crane - Polio Advocacy Jeff Brennan 2015-06-20 00:00:00Z 0

June 3 Meeting Wrap-up

Our newest member!

Jeff Pratt (right) leading the official induction of Dave Peters (left).
 
Dave Peters, Principal at Jackson High School, was inducted as our newest member.  Dave shared with us his background and excitement at becoming a member of our club.  Dave has been a regular visitor to our club, joining us many times in recognition of Jackson High School students.  Welcome aboard!
 
 
 
 

Shelter Box 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dave Nichols, a member of the Rotary Club of West Seattle, was our meeting speaker.  Dave talked about the ShelterBox organization, an international service organization that provides emergency shelter and vital supplies to support communities around the world that are overwhelmed by manmade or natural disasters. Dave is a Shelter Box Response Team Member (volunteer). Dave has been deployed with Shelter Box to Oklahoma following the Tornadoes that tore through there in 2013; to the Philippines in January 2014 in support of Typhoon Yolanda, to Serbia in response to flooding in June 2014; and, to Malaysia this year for three weeks in response to catastrophic flooding. ShelterBox is a Rotary Project Partner organization. 
 
 
 
June 3 Meeting Wrap-up Jeff Brennan 2015-06-10 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Mill Creek Student of the Year for Henry M. Jackson High School

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 02, 2015
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Left to right: Dave Peters (Jackson High School Principal), Rahima J. Ahmed (Student of the Year), and Rotarian Geoff Owen.  
 
Rahima J. Ahmed is our club’s 2015 Student of the Year for Jackson High School.  Rahima plans to study business/communications and will attend Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota.  While at Jackson High School, Rahima has participated in numerous organizations including DECA, AVID, and the NAACP Youth Development Program; and volunteered at WSU County Extension, The Arc of King County, and Seattle Union Gospel Mission Shelter.  Along with recognition as our club’s Student of the Year, Rahima will receive a $3,000 scholarship. 
 
Rahima’s dream is to help shed light onto the underrepresented women in our world today. It is our honor to recognize Rahima J. Ahmed and we wish her the very best in her continuing studies and in pursuing such a worthy dream!
 
 
Rotary Club of Mill Creek Student of the Year for Henry M. Jackson High School Jeff Brennan 2015-06-03 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Mill Creek Student of the Year for Sno-Isle Skills Tech Center

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 01, 2015
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Left to right: Carol Scharnikow (Sno-Isle Tech Dental Assisting Instructor),  Nuhad Al-nassar (Student of the Year), and Rotarian Geoff Owen.  
 
Nuhad Al-nassar is our club’s 2015 Student of the Year for Sno-Isle Skills Tech Center.  Nuhad is currently enrolled at Mariner High School with a 3.69 GPA and participates in the half day training program in Dental Assisting at Sno-Isle Tech where she maintains a 4.0 GPA.  She plans to study dental hygiene and to attend Shoreline Community College and go on from there to Eastern Washington University.  Nuhad is a member of the National Honor Society, Key club, and the YMCA’s Minority Achievers Program.  Along with recognition as our club’s Student of the Year, Nuhad will receive a $3,000 scholarship.  It is our honor to recognize Nuhad Al-nassar and we wish her the very best in her continuing studies!
 
 
Rotary Club of Mill Creek Student of the Year for Sno-Isle Skills Tech Center Jeff Brennan 2015-06-02 00:00:00Z 0

Challenge Day

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jun 01, 2015
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Since 1987, Challenge Day has reached over 1,000,000 youth in the U.S. and Canada. Challenge Day’s mission is to provide youth with workshops and programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and full expression. 
 
Jackson High School hosted two Challenge Days this past school year.  The Rotary Club of Mill Creek helped fund one of the days.  On Wednesday, students from Jackson High School students, along with its Intervention Specialist and a paraeducator spoke to our club about the program.   The students were very forthcoming about what each took away from Challenge Day. Some of the comments included:
  • Listening and standing up for others
  • Being nicer to others
  • Understanding differences but also learning that they were not alone
  • Learning that other students have challenges
  • Helping them grow as a person and feel more comfortable with themselves
  • Learning that others cared
What I took away from everything I heard is that Challenge Day helped each student learn a little more about their fellow students and about themselves, it helped them grow just a little, and it helped them to be more aware that each of them can also make a difference in the lives of their fellow students by just taking some time to listen and care.  Great program, great students, and very caring educators who are trying to help their students mature in a positive way…a great meeting overall!  
 
 
The Jackson High School Challenge Day presenters (from left to right):  Lyn Lauzon – Intervention Specialist; Jean Sarcletti – Paraeducator; Amy Walsh – 11th grader; Marie Tran – 11th grader; Miranda Stowell – 12th grader; and Zach Hubbard – 9th grader.
 
 
Challenge Day Jeff Brennan 2015-06-02 00:00:00Z 0

May Student of the Month

Posted by Jeff Brennan on May 17, 2015

Student of the Month

Student of the Month is always a special meeting where we meet and listen to incredibly talented young people from Jackson High School and Archbishop Murphy High School.  This past Wednesday was no different.  Our theme for May is Academic Excellence.  In addition to our two May students, because Spring Break did not allow Archbishop Murphy to attend last month, we recognized the April Student of the Month for Overcoming Adversity.  Read more about each of them…
 

 

 Our Jackson High School Student of the Month for May for Academic Excellence is Macy Matheson.  Macy is a 4.0 student.  Despite having a very tough academic load, according to Principal Peters, Macy is the only 4.0 student remaining in her graduating class!  Macy has taken 4 years of French and numerous advanced placement courses. Macy is interested in going into the biomedical field and will be going to college in Montreal.
Jackson High School Principal Dave Peters, Student of the Month for May - Macy Matheson, and Rotarian Geoff Owen.
 

 

The April Student of the Month for Archbishop Murphy High School for Overcoming Adversity is Teresa Straughn.  Despite the loss of her father and her own health challenges, Teresa remained committed to graduating and to helping her debating team achieve success nationally.  Teresa also spoke about how her setbacks helped her realize the true meaning and importance of service and being there for others. Teresa is going on to Willamette University in Oregon where she plans on majoring in international studies.  
 
Archbishop Murphy Department Head of Social Science and Teresa's AP Government teacher Roger Brodniak, Student of the Month for April - Teresa Straughn, and Rotarian Geoff Owen.
 

 

 
The May Student of the Month for Archbishop Murphy High School for Academic Achievement is Min Jun Park (known as MJ).  Archbishop Murphy Vice Principal Alex Crane started by sharing with us how gifted MJ is in mathematics, having accelerated through every mathematics class it has to offer and more!
 
The celebration of Student of the Month is a great recognition by the school and our club of the student's achievements.  The student often brings his or her parents and has the opportunity to share with everyone their accomplishments.  MJ brought with him his mother, grandmother and pastor.  But, instead of talking about his accomplishments, MJ chose to use the opportunity to recognize his fellow student Kristi Bartz who was tragically killed the prior Saturday.  MJ shared with us what an incredible person Kristi was and the impact she had on all students including himself.  MJ - we not only recognize you for your academic excellence but for the total unselfishness you demonstrated though your personal recognition of Kristi.  MJ is going on to Rice University in Houston where he will major in mathematics to hopefully focus in the area of statistics.
 
Archbishop Murphy Vice Principal Alex Crane, Student of the Month for May - Min Jun Park, and Rotarian Geoff Owen.
 
 
May Student of the Month Jeff Brennan 2015-05-18 00:00:00Z 0

North Cascades Institute

Posted by Jeff Brennan on May 06, 2015

Codi Hamblin and Calvin Laatsch

Our speakers today were Codi Hamblin and Calvin Laatsch with the North Cascades Institute.  They spoke about the history of the institute, its many learning opportunities for children to its graduate M.Ed. Program, and the many varied programs that are open to the public. And, we thank the North Cascades Institute for contributing a gift certificate for its programs to our recent auction!
 
North Cascades Institute Jeff Brennan 2015-05-07 00:00:00Z 0

Snohomish County Sheriff

Posted by Jeff Brennnan on May 02, 2015

Sheriff Ty Trenary

 
Our April 29th speaker was Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary.  Ty shared with us his background, passion for being in law enforcement, and the latest happenings in the sheriff's department and county jail.  For those interested in learning more, on May 16th, from 10AM to 2PM, their will be an open house at the Snohomish County South Precint's office at 15928 Mill Creek Blvd, right here in Mill Creek.  
 
 
 
Snohomish County Sheriff Jeff Brennnan 2015-05-03 00:00:00Z 0

2015 Rotary Dinner Auction

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Apr 28, 2015

Thank you!

The 2015 Rotary Club of Mill Creek Dinner/Auction was held on Saturday, April 25th at the Mill Creek Country Club.  With its Roaring Twenties' theme as its backdrop, almost 190 people attended to support the club's efforts in the local community and internationally.  Thank you to all of our members for pulling together a truly memorable experience and raising funds to continue to support our service projects!  A special thanks to President-elect Becky Porter, this year's auction chairperson!   
 
2015 Rotary Dinner Auction Jeff Brennan 2015-04-29 00:00:00Z 0

Krikor Geulemerian - A Special Recognition

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Apr 14, 2015
 

Krikor Geulemerian - A Special Recognition

 
 
April 8....a very special recognition by Maria Matthews to Krikor Geulemerian in honor (maybe awe is a better word!) of his 55 years as a Rotarian!!!  Krikor - thank you for your service; thank you for your leadership; thank you for being such a great inspiration!  
 
 
Krikor Geulemerian - A Special Recognition Jeff Brennan 2015-04-15 00:00:00Z 0

April 8th Meeting - Jackson High School Student of the Month

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Apr 14, 2015

April 8th Meeting - Jackson High School Student of the Month

 
At our April 8th meeting, Kiara Marth received recognition as our Rotary Club of Mill Creek April Student of the Month for Jackson High School.  Our theme for April is "overcoming adversity."  Kiara described the adversity she had to overcome in her school career and I took away three points that made a difference in her life:
  • You never know if you are that one teacher!  Kiara described how one teacher's personal interest in her success made a huge impact in her life.
  • Participating in Drama helped Kiara find a positive way to grow...but Drama was just one piece - surrounding herself with good people made a huge difference.
  • The AVID program...Kiara is another student to benefit from this great program in the Everett School District. 
Kiara will be going on to WWU, we wish her all the best!
 
(Photo: Jackson High School Principal Dave Peters on left, Student of the Month  Kiara Marth at center, and Rotarian Jennifer Foulke on the left).
 
 
April 8th Meeting - Jackson High School Student of the Month Jeff Brennan 2015-04-15 00:00:00Z 0

March 4 Speaker - Art Thiel

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Mar 11, 2015

March 4th Speaker

Art Thiel, sports writer, radio commentator and author entertained us with his stories and knowledge of our professional and collegiate sports teams. You can follow Art's great writings at Sportspress Northwest.  
March 4 Speaker - Art Thiel Jeff Brennan 2015-03-12 00:00:00Z 0

Canadian Wheelchair Foundation

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Feb 23, 2015

Linda Whitehead 

Our February 18th speaker was Linda Whitehead with the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation. Linda talked about the recent trip to Guatemala to deliver 280 wheelchairs in Guatemala City and Antigua with members of the Rotary Club of Abottsford-Sumas (British Columbia).  The Rotary Club of Mill Creek helped to fund the purchase and shipping of these wheelchairs with monies raised at past auctions.  Linda presented a club banner from the Guatemala City Rotary Club to our club in recognition of our support.
 
 
Canadian Wheelchair Foundation Jeff Brennan 2015-02-24 00:00:00Z 0

February 11 - Student of the Month - Musical Excellence

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Feb 14, 2015

February Student of the Month,  recognizing Musical Achievement - Henry M Jackson High School

 
Student of the Month Nicholas Magarelli (center) receiving the award from Rotarian Geoff Owen and Jackson High School Principal, Dave Peters.
 

 

February Student of the Month,  recognizing Musical Achievement - Archbishop Murphy High School

 
Student of the Month Hannah Volsky (center) receiving the award from Rotarian Geoff Owen and Archbishop Murphy Performing Arts Teacher Carrie Wright.
 
 
February 11 - Student of the Month - Musical Excellence Jeff Brennan 2015-02-15 00:00:00Z 0

February 4th Speaker

Terry Schuler

Our speaker this past Wednesday was Terry Schuler, the new Program Manager for the Mill Creek Senior Center. Terry talked about the wonderful programs going on for seniors in our community and thanked our club for past support that has included donations of computers and a van. Terry
closed with an invitation for all of us to the Pancake and Waffle Breakfast on Thursday, February 26th at the Brookdale Retirement Center (formerly Merrill Gardens).  For a $10 donation, you can have all the pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, and sausage you can eat!  And, all funds go to the Senior Center!
 
 
February 4th Speaker 2015-02-07 00:00:00Z 0

Special 2013-14 Rotary Foundation Giving Recognition

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Feb 06, 2015

February 4, 2015

 
District Governor John Enger and past District Governor Ezra Teshome paid a surprise visit to our meeting on Wednesday to present Rotary Foundation recognition banners to our Past President Bridget Barrington and our Foundation Chair Terry Klett.  The banners are for our club's generous giving to the Rotary Foundation during the 2013-14 Rotary year, recognizing us as:
  • In the top 3 clubs in District 5030 in per capita annual giving;
  • A 100% Rotary Foundation "Sustaining Member" Club (100% of all members contributed at least $100);
  • An "Every Rotarian, Every Year" Club (every member contributed to the Annual Fund).
Congratulations Bridget and Terry for your great leadership and to all of our members for an incredible display of generosity for a great cause!

 
 
Special 2013-14 Rotary Foundation Giving Recognition Jeff Brennan 2015-02-07 00:00:00Z 0

Guy-Francis Moussavou

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Feb 06, 2015

January 28th Speaker â€‹

 
Guy-Francis Moussavou gave a passionate presentation on overcoming adversity and always believing in yourself. Guy told the story of his life beginning with growing up in poverty in a small village in Gabon, Africa.  At the age of 20, he started dreaming of a new life in America.  And, neither the lack of money or an understanding of the English language would stand in his way.  At age 32, he "landed" in America, still with no money but with a dream to learn and succeed.  Guy went on to graduate from Washington State University where he obtained a Bachelor's of Art in Communication and a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.  Guy is currently pursing his MBA. You can learn more about Guy by visiting his website at www.guy-francis.com.  
Guy-Francis Moussavou Jeff Brennan 2015-02-07 00:00:00Z 0

January 22 Speaker

Posted by Jeff Brennan
 

Susie Jarosch

Our Wednesday speaker was Susie Jarosch, the Regional International Coordinator and OSU Camp Director for the Pacific Northwest Region Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).  Susie talked about the FCA focus in local high schools and its summer camp at Oregon State University. For more information on the FCA, see http://pnwfca.org/. In addition to being a proud WSU alumnus, Susie was a former professional player in the European basketball leagues. In addition to her work with FCA, Susie is a professional sports agent, primarily focused on representing female basketball athletes.
 
January 22 Speaker Jeff Brennan 2015-01-27 00:00:00Z 0

January 14th, 2015 Students of the Month

Posted by Jeff Brennan on Jan 19, 2015
Our January Student of the Month theme was "Scholar Athletes," students who are outstanding athletes and top scholars.  Our two Students of the Month certainly were both!  Representing Archbishop Murphy High School was Brooke Richardson and representing Henry M. Jackson High School was Callie Vanaelst.  Both students have 3.9+++ grade point averages and both are outstanding soccer players among other very positive attributes.  As always, our members were humbled by these two incredible students.
 

Archbishop Murphy High School

From left, Athletic Director Erick Steelman, Student of the Month Brooke Richardson, and New Generations Chair Geoff Owen.
From left, Athletic Director Erick Steelman, Student of the Month Brooke Richardson, and New Generations Chair Geoff Owen.
 
 

Henry M. Jackson High School

From left, New Generations Chair Geoff Owen, Student of the Month Callie Vanaelst, and Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Blythe Young.
 
 
 
January 14th, 2015 Students of the Month Jeff Brennan 2015-01-20 00:00:00Z 0

Mill Creek Rotary New Members

Posted by Geoff Owen on Oct 15, 2014
   The Rotary Club of Mill Creek inducted three new members October 16th. Rotary District 5030 District Governor John Enger joined the ceremony  with club Membership Chair Jeff Pratt presiding. Pictured below from left to right.
 
Jeff Pratt, Dave Mincks, Dave Gunter, Ron Harden and District Governor John Enger
 
Mill Creek Rotary New Members Geoff Owen 2014-10-16 00:00:00Z 0

ECOSS

Ann Boyce, Sustainable Business Coordinator with ECOSS (Environmental Coalition of South Seattle) discussed the importance of keeping pollutants out of our stormwater systems and what our members could do as business owners and individuals to help in the process. 
 
 
 
 
Ann holding spill clean-up kits.
 
ECOSS 2014-09-24 00:00:00Z 0

4 Club Social

Area 5 - Four Club Social
 
The four Rotary Clubs that make up Area 5 within our District (Duvall, Mill Creek, Redmond and Sammamish) decided to get together and have a social.
 
It was a chance to meet each other, network and to celebrate the various projects what they have accomplished. Rotarians, spouses and friends were invited.  In addition potential members were invited, which proved to be very effective.
 
The idea was generated at PETS (Presidents Elect Training Seminar) last year.  The incoming presidents agreed that it would be a great idea to get together.
 
Three clubs showed movies or slide shows highlighting there activities.  Duvall brought their display from last year’s District Conference that was use in the Fellowship Hall.
 
It was a great time for all.
 
 
 
 
4 Club Social 2014-09-18 00:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris recognition for Bill Hathaway and Krikor Geulemerian.

Posted by Geoffrey Owen on Aug 26, 2014

President Jeff Brennan presents Paul Harris Fellow recognition pins to Bill Hathaway a Paul Harris Fellow plus seven and Krikor Geulemerian a Paul Harris plus eight. Paul Harris Fellow recognition is awarded for cumulative donations of $1,000 and awards for each additional $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation.  Donations to the Rotary Foundation fund Rotary International projects and matching grants to the Rotary Districts around the world and the local clubs for their community and international projects.

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Paul Harris recognition for Bill Hathaway and Krikor Geulemerian. Geoffrey Owen 2014-08-27 00:00:00Z 0

Mill Creek Rotary adds three new members

Posted by Geoffrey Owen on Aug 12, 2014

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek welcomed three new members July 30th. Joining the club are Les Metrovich, Mortgage Lender with North Pacific Mortgage, Meridith Lambert, Banquet and Event Manager with the Mill Creek Country Club and Danielle Pratt, attorney with Newton Knight, LLP

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Mill Creek Rotary adds three new members Geoffrey Owen 2014-08-13 00:00:00Z 0
Center for Wooden Boats Geoffrey Owen 2014-07-16 00:00:00Z 0

Music4Life coming to Everett School District

Posted by William McElroy on Jun 12, 2014

The creative concept for Music4Life™ was born in the fall of 2007 and is an ongoing program. The goal is clear: put musical instruments in good playing condition into the hands of children and youth wishing to use them now. Procure the instruction, supplies and support (like instrument maintenance) to strengthen the elementary instrumental music program and ensure strong music programs throughout public schools.

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They are acquiring musical instruments, supplies and other resources from members of Rotary clubs throughout the Seattle area and from other citizens who understand the value of music in a child’s life.

They work with instrument manufacturers, rental agencies, wholesalers, retailers, and others around the world who have access to serviceable musical instruments. Anyone who loves music and believes in music education for all children can join the effort!

For more information visit their website: http://www.seattle.music4life.org

Music4Life coming to Everett School District William McElroy 2014-06-13 00:00:00Z 0
We Will Never Forget William McElroy 2014-05-25 00:00:00Z 0

Students of the Year

Posted by William McElroy on May 20, 2014

Students of the Year

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(Left to Right)

Courtney Jurek - Sno-Isle Tech Scholorship

Blake Podnar - Maria and Steve Matthews (JHS) Scholorship

Samantha Nixon - Diane Schimpf Memorial (AMHS) Scholorship

 

 

Students of the Year William McElroy 2014-05-21 00:00:00Z 0
Archbishop Murphy's Student of the Month - April William McElroy 2014-05-16 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Mill Creek Receives Presidential Citation

Posted by William McElroy on May 15, 2014

Rotary District 5030 Governor Ezra Teshome suprised everyone at this years Annual Mill Creek Rotary Charity Auction held May 2nd when he announced that the Rotary Club of Mill Creek was being presented Rotary's 2013-2014 Presidential Citation.

The 2013-14 Presidential Citation recognizes Rotary clubs for an array of achievements that promote our membership growth, enhance humanitarian service through our Foundation, and strengthen our network through the family of Rotary.

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Rotary of Mill Creek President 23013-2014 Bridget Barrington receiving Rotary's 2013-2014 Presidential Citation.

(Picture left to right: Bridget Barrington - Ezra Teshome)

Rotary Club of Mill Creek Receives Presidential Citation William McElroy 2014-05-16 00:00:00Z 0

Missed some meetings?

Posted by William McElroy on May 15, 2014

If you have missed a couple of meetings lately, you have missed some great speakers.

Project Amigo helps poor children of Colima, Mexico achieve their highest potential by providing programs that motivate them to stay in school; by improving their access to higher education and promoting literacy; and helping with dental care.  http://projectamigo.org/

What is Your Avocado - Every person, every product, every business has something about them that’s special. That unique element? That’s your avocado. We help you find it. And tell the world about it.  http://whatsyouravocado.com/

Providence Hospital - From their award-winning staff, their innovative medical care and their  world-class facility, it’s easy to see Providence Regional Medical Center Everett isn’t like every other hospital. They’re here for you!  http://washington.providence.org/hospitals/regional-medical-center/

Missed some meetings? William McElroy 2014-05-16 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary Polio William McElroy 2014-04-08 00:00:00Z 0
Invitation and RSVP Now Available in the "Download Files" Section William McElroy 2014-02-12 00:00:00Z 0

It's A Wrap!

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 21, 2014

The "wrapping" of the Mill Creek Food van has been completed.  Look for it driving around town.  It took a little while to go through all the hoops but the Rotary Club of Mill Creek finalized the purchased of a van for the Mill Creek Food Bank.  The van was purchased with a $9,000 District 5030 grant with the other $12,000 from last years Rotary's auction.

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It's A Wrap! William McElroy 2014-01-22 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 15, 2014

Jackson High School

January Student of the Month

Duncan Bartok

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Left to Right: Caig Buchanan - New Generations Committee, Duncan Bartok, Dave Peters - Principal

Student of the Month William McElroy 2014-01-16 00:00:00Z 0

Chila Project Calendar

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 15, 2014

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek supported a young medical student's passion in 2009.  His name is Brian Goff Smith.  While studying to become doctor at East Tennessee State University, he formed a non-profit organization to help the indigenous population in Guatemala by building a clinic in the village of Chisec, Alta Verapaz, which is located 286km north of Guatemala City.

From Brian:

Its always a bit tough going through my email contacts to send out an announcement about a fundraiser for CHILA – so many names, so many people I’ve worked with or known along the way…I wish I could go back to when I met a lot of you and catch up!

Things in New Mexico are good. I’ve been working like crazy but I get to meet and treat a lot of Guatemalan families, deliver their babies, reminisce about Guate, all while living in the states. My patients, when I tell them, can’t even believe we work in Chisec. Even for them, Chisec seems like another planet.

Here’s the link (below) to buy a 2014 CHILA calendar, and help us with our goals for this year. You can pay through paypal, and I’ll mail them out in a few weeks. The sale will end in about 10 days. 

http://site.chilainc.org/Contact.html

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Chila Project Calendar William McElroy 2014-01-16 00:00:00Z 0
The Heart of Rotary William McElroy 2014-01-16 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month - Archbishop Murphy High School

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 23, 2013

Archbishop Murphy High School

December Student of the Month

Ryan Dorney

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From Left to Right:  Caig Buchanan - New Generations Committee, Ryan Dorney, Tim Blair - Counselor AMHS 

Student of the Month - Archbishop Murphy High School William McElroy 2013-12-24 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month - Jackson High School

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 23, 2013

Jackson High School

December Student of the Month

Sierra Anderson

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From Left to Right: Devin Rohrich - Assistant Principal, Caig Buchanan - New Generational Committee, and Sierra Anderson

Student of the Month - Jackson High School William McElroy 2013-12-24 00:00:00Z 0

Santa comes to Mill Creek

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 23, 2013

Santa Claus came to Mill Creek last Saturday, December 7th.  This year Santa was greeted by one of the largest crowd ever and of course a parade was held in his honor.

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Santa coming to town was the brain child of Rotarian Barb Athanas, 6 years ago.  The first parade was known as the "best 5 minute parade" in the Northwest. 

Since then the parade has increased 10 fold and was coordinated with the lighting of the City of Mill Creek's Tree in front of City Hall.  After the parade, several merchants in the Town Center held special events that kept children and parents busy for hours.  Santa coming to town is now a several hour event.

With a bigger parade comes complexities and a committee was form early in the year to address the various complications.  The committee consisted of the City of Mill Creek, Town Center Association, and the Rotary Club of Mill Creek.  Mill Creek's police force was hired to help control traffic, streets were blocked off and many volunteers were brought in to help.

Hats off to the City of Mill Creek's Parks and Recreation Department, the Town Center Association, the volunteers and of course to fellow Rotarian Barb Athanas for a job well done.

Santa comes to Mill Creek William McElroy 2013-12-24 00:00:00Z 0

Food Lifeline

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 04, 2013

On October 26th Rotarians and family members sorted and repackage food for our food banks through an organization called Food Lifeline. 

Food Lifeline feeds hungry people. They stock the shelves and fill the tables of 275 food banks, meal programs and shelters throughout Western Washington. The 35 million pounds of nutritious food they secure from restaurants, grocery stores, farmers and manufacturers feeds 745,000 of our hungry neighbors every year. 

Mill Creek Rotarians are proud to help.

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Rotarian Bill Brooking with daughter Dominique

 

 

 

 

Food Lifeline William McElroy 2013-11-05 00:00:00Z 0

Over 15 Tons of Food

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 04, 2013

We just completed our 5th "mini" auction for Rotary First Harvest and we raised enough money to purchased 31,650 pounds of food.

Great job everyone!

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Over 15 Tons of Food William McElroy 2013-11-05 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 15, 2013

Jackson High School

October Student of the Month

Nikole Hovland

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Pictured with Nikole is Principal Dave Peters

Student of the Month William McElroy 2013-10-16 00:00:00Z 0
Harvest Hoedown William McElroy 2013-10-07 00:00:00Z 0

Back to Chisec!!! CHILA is moving along

Posted by William McElroy on Sep 19, 2013

Still trying to blend Q’eqchi traditions with Western Medicine and having fun doing it.

We’ve got a clinic now and are finally getting to use it! On this trip (October 6-11th), an attending physician from the University of New Mexico will be joining us, in addition to the usual CHILA members: Will (basically built the clinic with his bare hands) and Amber (his wife, also built the clinic and is an OB-GYN resident), Scott (founding member of CHILA and returned Peace Corps volunteer – and can eat a spoonful of ground red chile powder as a party-trick). Megan, the country director from IAHA (Inter-American Health Alliance (www.interamericanhealth.org) is also joining this trip to help assess what additional steps are needed to move things towards the Primeros-Pasos model (www.primerospasos.org).

 

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Ricardo, the Q’eqchi Mayan medicine man, will be seeing patients while we’re there, just as he has for the past 7 years.

Since we have an attending physician from UNM who has agreed to come down, this trip will act as an official educational rotation for resident physicians from the US. I’ll be meeting with representatives from the ministry of health, physicians from Coban, and hospital administrators from nearby cities to initiate collaborations to function within the existing healthcare system.

We are looking forward to seeing patients and meeting with the women’s group!! They are always so much fun.

Brian Smith, M.D.

Resident Physician at UNM Hospital

President

Chila Inc.

Back to Chisec!!! CHILA is moving along William McElroy 2013-09-20 00:00:00Z 0

Make-ups

Posted by William McElroy on Sep 10, 2013

Attendance has been light lately and we wanted to remind everyone that there are various ways to "make-up" a meeting that you missed.

  1. Attend a meeting at another Rotary Club.  If you ask any Rotarian that has attended another club's meeting they will tell you they had a very good time and enjoyed it very much. 
  2. Attend a Board Meeting.  The Rotary Club of Mill Creek's Board Meetings are open to everyone.  They meet once a month - you can find the times and dates listed on the web site.
  3. Participate in one of the clubs committee meetings.  Several times during any month committees will have meeting outside of the normal club meeting times.  Could be just for a cup of coffee to discuss a few items.  These committee meetings count as a make-up.
  4. Participate in a District event.  An example of this would be the meeting being held at Seattle University which is sponsored by the District or the End Polio Night at the Seattle Storm.  Look at the calendar on the District web site to find something that might be interesting.
  5. There is always the internet meeting.  It is called "Rotary eClubOne". 

One final note:  Better attendance means better speakers.

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Tom Fraioli exchanging club banners at the Rotary Club of Munich 100

Make-ups William McElroy 2013-09-11 00:00:00Z 0
The International - Up With People - Performance William McElroy 2013-09-11 00:00:00Z 0

Up With People - Community Project

Posted by William McElroy on Sep 10, 2013

The meeting Wednesday night was highlighted by individuals from Up with People. 

Up with People was founded on the principle of using music as a means to communicate with and inspire people. 

They have over 21,000 alumni from 89 countries.  They have visited 3,600 communities, completed over 3 million hours of community service directly impacting over 20 million live worldwide.

 

On Thursday, September 26th, the People's International Cast along with Rotarians will be volunteering all over the Seattle area from 6:00 – 8:30 PM. Projects will focus on hunger and they will work through Rotary First Harvest partners to support local food banks and food pantries in the greater Seattle communities. 

Bring your family and join Up with People’s International Cast and local Rotarians for an evening of service!   To be of the event on Thursday you can sign up at http://www.upwithpeople.org/seattle/

 

 

Up With People - Community Project William McElroy 2013-09-11 00:00:00Z 0

Food Bank Truck

Posted by William McElroy on Aug 20, 2013

President Bridget Barrington announced that the Rotary 5030 District Grant that the Mill Creek Rotary Club applied for has been approved.  The grant along with proceeds from last years auction will purchase a truck for the Mill Creek Food Bank.

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Food Bank Truck William McElroy 2013-08-21 00:00:00Z 0

Meet Our Newest Memembers

Posted by William McElroy on Aug 20, 2013

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is please to announce our newest members - Cheryl Twidwell and Caig Buchanan. 

The induction ceremony was held during the club's August 21st lunch meeting and was conducted by Jeff Pratt - Membership Chair.

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From Left to Right - Cheryl Twidwell, Caig Buchanan, Jeff Pratt

Meet Our Newest Memembers William McElroy 2013-08-21 00:00:00Z 0

It's a New Year

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 15, 2013

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Outgoing President Dr. Jerry Yorioka is please to hand over the Rotary Club of Mill Creek's Presidential "Ball and Chain" to incoming President Bridget Barrington during the induction of new officers during the July 10th meeting.

Rotary's fiscal year is July 1st through June 30th, and its officers change world wide within Rotary's 34,000 clubs.

It's a New Year William McElroy 2013-07-16 00:00:00Z 0

Mutt March 2013

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 15, 2013

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It’s time for the Rotary Club of Mill Creek’s third annual Mutt March at McCollum Park on August 3, 2013 at 8:30 am.

Please join us for this 5K walk that benefits the City of Mill Creek’s Police K9 “Axel” and Chase Away K9 Cancer

Gifts and prizes for individuals and teams that raise the most donations.

The 5K walk begins in McCollum Park and follows the scenic North Creek trail south to the Mill Creek Town Center, looping back to the finish line.

For those that prefer a more leisurely stroll, there is a shorter walk. 

Activities and demonstrations will be held throughout the morning.

Fees:

$25 for early registration

$30 Day of event.

To register please visit our website:  www.k9muttmarch.org

For more information contact:

Bill McElroy
Director Mutt March 2013
425 483-2169
muttmarch@frontier.com
Mill Creek Rotary - Passion for Service

Mutt March 2013 William McElroy 2013-07-16 00:00:00Z 0
Fireworks for Food Bank William McElroy 2013-06-25 00:00:00Z 0

An Evening with Alexander Hamilton

Posted by William McElroy on Jun 24, 2013

On Friday, June 21st, we had the privilege of spending some time with one of nations Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton as interpreted by Dr. William Chrystal.  For over an hour, the audience learned about the man that served as the first Secretary of the Treasury and the establishment of a national bank.  How he served with General George Washington and how he lost his duel and died by the hands of Aaron Burr.

The evening was a fund raising event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mill Creek to support the Mill Creek Food Bank.

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Dr. William G. Chrystal's books regarding Alexander Hamilton along with DVD's of his interpretation can be found on Amazon.com

An Evening with Alexander Hamilton William McElroy 2013-06-25 00:00:00Z 0

2012-2013 Students of the Year

Posted by William McElroy on May 21, 2013

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(Left to Right)

Chase Weholt - Henry M Jackson High School

Maria Conley - Archbishop Murphy High School

Maria Keyes - Sno-Isle Tech Skill Center

2012-2013 Students of the Year William McElroy 2013-05-22 00:00:00Z 0

New Paul Harris Awards

Posted by William McElroy on Apr 29, 2013

Paul Harris Fellows were recently recognized by Mike Mallahan and Becky Porter.

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Contributions to Rotary Foundation funds enable Rotarians to carry out humanitarian and educational projects.  Donors may direct their gifts to three main funds: the Annual Fund, which supports the Foundation’s humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs worldwide; the Endowment Fund; and the PolioPlus Fund.  Donors of $1,000 or more to any of these funds are recognized as Paul Harris Fellows.

 

New Paul Harris Awards William McElroy 2013-04-30 00:00:00Z 0

Community Service Update

Posted by William McElroy on Apr 03, 2013

The Community Service Committee presented $1,000 in support of the Town Center's Summer Concert Series and $500 to the Everett School District PTA's Shoes for Kids program.

Community Service Co- Chairman Barb Athanas presented the checks.  Accepting was Michelle Nims for both organizations.

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Community Service Update William McElroy 2013-04-04 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary's Community Service Committee Presents Checks

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 27, 2013

Barb Athanas, Co-Chair of the Community Service Committee presented checks to the City of Mill Creeks Parks and Recreation Program and the Mill Creek Senior Center.  The $1,000 donation to each organization represents our ongoing support within the community.

City Manager Kenneth W. Armstrong accepting for the City of Mill Creek

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Manger Bill Durham of the Mill Creek Senior Center accepting the Check

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Rotary's Community Service Committee Presents Checks William McElroy 2013-03-28 00:00:00Z 0

A Seed Was Planted in 2009

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 27, 2013
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek supported a young medical student's passion in 2009.  His name is Brian Goff Smith. 

While studying to become doctor at East Tennessee State University, he formed a non-profit organization to help the indigenous population in Guatemala by building a clinic in the village of Chisec, Alta Verapaz, which is located 286km north of Guatemala City. 

The student Brian Smith is now Dr. Brian Smith.  His blog (Chila Project) can be found on Rotary's website at the top of the page or on the left hand side.

 

A Seed Was Planted in 2009 William McElroy 2013-03-28 00:00:00Z 0

Hands-on Community Project

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 24, 2013

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek participated on a project in mid March to help Northwest Harvest pack and distribute food in their distribution center in Shoreline for local food banks around the city and state. Rotary First Harvest has contributed millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to food banks over the past 25 years.

Led by Past President Joe Hall, over 17,000 ponds of apples were repackaged and are now on the shelves of local food banks throughout the state.

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Hands-on Community Project William McElroy 2013-03-25 00:00:00Z 0

March Student of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 19, 2013

Archbishop Murphy High School - March Student of the Month

Ben Seib

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March Student of the Month William McElroy 2013-03-20 00:00:00Z 0

March Student of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 19, 2013

Jackson High School - March Student of the Month

Jacquelyn Becker

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(Presenting the recognition is Geoff Owen - Past President)

 

March Student of the Month William McElroy 2013-03-20 00:00:00Z 0

Check Presented to Rotary First Harvest

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 06, 2013

President Dr. Yorioka presents $1,500 check to David Bobanick, Executive Director of Rotary First Harvest. 

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RFH plays a unique and critical role in the fight against hunger in Washington, being neither a food bank dispensing food to clients at a single location, nor a distribution warehouse serving food banks within a defined network. We are an independent agency which acts as a non-profit broker -- locating surplus food, coordinating harvesting or packaging if required, identifying an existing food bank or distribution warehouse that needs it and arranging transportation. By focusing specifically on providing produce, RFH not only helps fill empty stomachs, but also helps to prevent hunger-related malnutrition.

Last year, RFH gathered 6 million pounds of produce that would have been wasted, and converted it into nutritious sustenance for people visiting food banks.  By using resources that are available in farming, trucking and warehousing industries, RFH accomplished this work with a very low operating and fundraising overhead of less than 1%. General financial support will allow RFH to continue its core work while continuing to develop new and unique programs and partnerships to support local hunger relief organizations.

 

Check Presented to Rotary First Harvest William McElroy 2013-03-07 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Sponsors City Events

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 01, 2013

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is a Platinum Sponsor of the City of Mill Creeks Parks and Recreation events.  The Eggstravaganza being just one of many events that you will see the Rotary logo throughout the year.  Make sure you tell your friends and family about the Eggstravaganza.   We are asking people to donate a canned food item for the Mill Creek Food Bank.

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Rotary Sponsors City Events William McElroy 2013-03-02 00:00:00Z 0

Don't forget about Firesides

Posted by William McElroy on Feb 28, 2013

The home of Marie and Steve Matthews was open up for our spring fireside.  The Service Committee provided libations and some great food from Kafe Neo in Mill Creek.  Firesides is a social event with the Rotary Club of Mill Creek that fosters goodwill and friendship between our members and friends.  Firesides also count as an attendence makeup. 

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Don't forget about Firesides William McElroy 2013-03-01 00:00:00Z 0

Update from Puerto Vallarta

Posted by William McElroy on Feb 26, 2013

Working with the Rotary Club of Woodinville, the Rotary Club of Mill Creek provided funds to Push International in their distribution of wheelchairs in Puerto Vallarta.  Below is the video of the event that was conducted Novemember 2012.

 

 

Update from Puerto Vallarta William McElroy 2013-02-27 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the month

Posted by William McElroy on Feb 26, 2013

Archbishop Murphy High School

February Student of the Month

Casey Dawes

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Student of the month William McElroy 2013-02-27 00:00:00Z 0

Meet our newest member

Posted by William McElroy on Feb 26, 2013

Meet Melissa Farnam, our newest member.  She attended Lake Area Tech in Watertown South Dakota, graduated in 2006 with a degree in Automotive Mechanics.  Melissa works at Cobalt Mortgage as a Mortgage Loan Originator.  She enjoys sport shooting, biking, rock climbing and hiking. 

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Meet our newest member William McElroy 2013-02-27 00:00:00Z 0

Business Person of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Feb 20, 2013

Chris Gooding was the recipient of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek’s Business Person of the Month.

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From left to right: Chris Gooding (Albertsons) and Rotarian Barb Athanas (Community co-chair)

Chris is the manager for Albertsons at Thomas Lake and has supported several efforts within the community including care packages for our troops overseas, Mill Creek Food Bank and the Volunteers of America holiday meal program.

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek chooses to recognize individuals in the Mill Creek community for their significant contributions benefiting individuals and the community through their leadership and action.

__________

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

The Vocational Service Avenue of Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocation and to practice high ethical standards. The Vocational Committee wants to recognize and honor the individuals in our community that live and work the ideals of Rotary.

 

Business Person of the Month William McElroy 2013-02-21 00:00:00Z 0
Jackson High School Student of the Month William McElroy 2013-02-21 00:00:00Z 0
Archbishop Murphy High School Student of the Month William McElroy 2013-02-01 00:00:00Z 0

Mill Creek Peace Forum

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 25, 2013

While Rotary International was holding its second of three Rotary Global Peace Forums in Honolulu, Hawaii - the Rotary Club of Mill Creek hosted its own Peace Forum - Challenges To Peace - Life Changing Events and Experience on Saturday, January 26th.  Guest speakers discussed:

    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Drugs and Mental Illness in Snohomish County
    • The Changing World Around Us - Demographic Changes
    • Cyberbullying - Jackson High School Interact

The admission was free and was held at the Mill Creek Family YMCA.

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Rotary Club of Mill Creek President Dr. Gerald Yorioka was the emcee at the Peace Forum

Mill Creek Peace Forum William McElroy 2013-01-26 00:00:00Z 0

Post-Traumatic Stress - It is just not a Military problem

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 22, 2013

Using facts as a volunteer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) along her personal story, Kristin Rivas (Licensed Hypnotherapist) discussed Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD). 

PTSD is a potentially debilitating anxiety disorder triggered by exposure to a traumatic experience such as an interpersonal event like physical or sexual assault, exposure to disaster or accidents, combat or witnessing a traumatic event. MADD has been actively involved in helping victims.  Did you know that in 2011, MADD provided victim services to over 63,000 victims and survivors nationwide—that means serving one victim and survivor every eight minutes at no charge.

When tragedy strikes, victims need support. MADD prides itself on being one of the largest victim services organizations in the country. Part of those services include ensuring a victim’s rights are maintained. From making a victim impact statement to notification of offender status, victims have rights thanks to the Victim Rights Act of 2004.

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(Kristin Rivas)

The grief of her sister’s death  took such a toll on Kristin, she eventually suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a debilitating case of Conversion Disorder with the primary symptom being pseudo-seizures.  Kristin's has dedicated herself and her profession in helping those that have PTSD. 

Post-Traumatic Stress - It is just not a Military problem William McElroy 2013-01-23 00:00:00Z 0

Jackson High School Students of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 15, 2013

Madeline Miller

Jackson High School - December Student of the Month

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Zachary Feingold

Jackson High School - January Student of the Month

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Jackson High School Students of the Month William McElroy 2013-01-16 00:00:00Z 0

The Interact Club of Jackson High School helps victims of Hurrican Sandy.

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 15, 2013
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The Interact Club of Jackson High School along with the Jackson High School Honor Society made over 180 scarfs for the victums of Hurrican Sandy. 

Two months have passed since Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the northeast coast, and in some neighborhoods, very little has changed. Shockingly, some are still without power and hot water and food and transportation is still hard to come by.

The Interact Club of Jackson High School helps victims of Hurrican Sandy. William McElroy 2013-01-16 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary Wants You William McElroy 2013-01-10 00:00:00Z 0

Kayla Healy is presented check from Rotary

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 01, 2013

When we first met Kayla, she was a 17-year-old in high school senior at Jackson High School who was dealing with Cystic Fibrosis her whole life. Remarkably, she didn’t let her disease interfere with her active life which has included competing in three triathlons. Kayla has been hospitalized many times throughout her life and has rigorous daily routine of treatments and medications to keep her lungs functioning. The hospitalizations have become more and more frequent and her medication and treatment routines have increased. It was in high school that Kayla learned that her degenerative disease had progressed to a stage that she is needed of a double lung transplant to save her life.  

 A donor was found and Kayla was able to have the double lung transplant she needed to survive and is now attending college.  Even though she was fully insured, out of pocket expenses are around $100,000. The Rotary Club of Mill Creek was honored to present a small donation towards her out of pocket expenses. 

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Kayla Healy is presented check from Rotary William McElroy 2013-01-02 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Establishes Sandy Hook School Fund

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 17, 2012

THE NEWTOWN ROTARY FOUNDATION

ANNOUNCES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE

NEWTOWN ROTARY SANDY HOOK SCHOOL FUND

 

The fund is dedicated to the victims of the Sandy Hook School tragedy, their families and those in the Newtown community who have been affected, to help support both their short term and long term needs.

 

Please send your tax deductible contributions to the address below

or through PayPal on our Making a Donation page!

 

Newtown Rotary Sandy Hook School Fund

PO Box 263

Newtown, CT 06470

 

For specific details of the Fund's giving policies, click HERE

 

The Newtown Rotary Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Rotary Establishes Sandy Hook School Fund William McElroy 2012-12-18 00:00:00Z 0

November Student of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 29, 2012

November Student of the Month

Jackson High School  - Christopher Steckler

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Archbishop Murphy High School - Sarah Ungvarsky

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Rotarian Mike McCloskey in both picuters

 

 Facebook 
November Student of the Month William McElroy 2012-11-30 00:00:00Z 0

Trunk or Treat

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 01, 2012

A little rain did not stop several thousand little "trick-or-treaters" from coming to the City of Mill Creeks Trunk or Treat.  The Rotary Club of Mill Creek once again was one of the sponsors for the annual event.  Rotary was represented by Sounder Zombies (some members of the Interact Club of ArchBishop Murphy).

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Trunk or Treat William McElroy 2012-11-02 00:00:00Z 0

Food Bank Receives Donation

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 01, 2012

Volunteers of America received two donations from the Rotary Club of America.  One donation was from the club's annual auction which was last March and the other check was from several sources including the Interact Club of Jackson High School.  The donations were part of Rotary's involvement of the Mill Creek Food Bank.

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L to R: Barb Athanas (Rotarian) - Leann Geiger, Director of Food Bank Services - Robert Reese, Regional V.P. Snohomish County

Food Bank Receives Donation William McElroy 2012-11-02 00:00:00Z 0

Meet the Jackson's Interact Board

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 01, 2012

Board Officers for the

Interact Club of Jackson High School

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L to R: Noah Parker - Ben Lee - Patrick Townsend - Lauren Briggs - Madeline Miller

Meet the Jackson's Interact Board William McElroy 2012-11-02 00:00:00Z 0

Multi-partner collaborations develop Get Movin'

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 24, 2012
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Marielle Harrington from Get Movin' was Rotary's guest speaker on October 24th.

Get Movin’ is a program aimed at motivating families to get movin’ and improve their health by adopting a more active, healthy lifestyle through physical and recreational activities.

Get Movin’ emphasizes daily physical activity in the form of play and recreation. Taking a walk after dinner, dancing around while washing the car, and playing outside are great ways to be physically active and spend time together as a family.

It’s easy to achieve the Get Movin’ goal of being physically active for at least 60 minutes per day, five days per week all summer long with the Get Movin’ Playbook. The Playbook contains tools for good fitness and nutrition, a calendar to track progress, loads of free reward coupons for fun activities such as swimming and ice skating and four free bus passes.

Get Movin’ is a multi-partner coalition of public, private and non-profit agencies in Snohomish County collaborating to develop the annual Get Movin’ program. Funding for Get Movin’ is provided by grants, sponsors and coalition partners with significant in-kind contributions made by local businesses and health advocates. Read more about the Get Movin’s history, results and how you can get involved.

Multi-partner collaborations develop Get Movin' William McElroy 2012-10-25 00:00:00Z 0

October Students of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 24, 2012

October Students of the Month

Colton Popp - Archbishop Murphy High School

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Madeline Haugen - Jackson High School

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October Students of the Month William McElroy 2012-10-25 00:00:00Z 0

Post Office Make Over

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 16, 2012

Next time you drop off your mail, you might notice that some of the Post Office's gardens have been cleaned up and barked.  The Rotary Club of Mill Creek spent a couple of hours on Saturday October 13th and did a little fall cleanup.  The Rotary Club of Mill Creek plans on returning next spring to finish the remaining two garden beds.

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek
What is your passion?
www.millcreekrotary.org

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Post Office Make Over William McElroy 2012-10-17 00:00:00Z 0

Compliation of Chilean English Lab

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 16, 2012
The completion of a project Mill Creek Rotary jointly funded earlier this year was announced by the North Concepcion Rotary Club. It is an English language computer lab with tables, chairs, computers and software for a public girls' high school in the Chilean city of Concepcion. The school was heavily damaged in the February 2010 earthquake in central Chile. The Mill Creek Club contributed $2,086 to this $32,000 project.

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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek
What is Your Passion?
www.millcreekrotary.org
Compliation of Chilean English Lab William McElroy 2012-10-17 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians heading for El Salvador

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 16, 2012

Six Mill Creek Rotarians are heading to El Salvador the week of October 22nd.  They will be part of a team delivering 2 (two) containers of wheelchairs.   The team includes Rotarians from 2  (two) clubs in the San Francisco bay area along with the host Rotary Club in El Salvador.

The wheelchairs have already been processed through customs and are waiting to be delivered the their new owners.

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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek
What is Your Passion"
www.millcreekrotary.org

Rotarians heading for El Salvador William McElroy 2012-10-17 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary turns over Mill Ceek Food Bank keys

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 04, 2012

On October 15th 2012, the Mill Creek Food Bank will officially become part of the Food Bank Services of the Volunteers of America system.  Volunteers of America services span across Snohomish County including the   Everett Food Bank, Greenwood Food Bank, Senior Home Food Delivery, Snohomish Co. Distribution Center, and the Sultan Food Bank.

Over 48,000 individuals will visit a food bank in Snohomish County alone this month, and Mill Creek is no exception.   Food banks across our region are seeing increased demand and private contributions volunteers are the backbone of our service.

Volunteers of America Food Banks in Everett, Sultan, Greenwood/North Seattle, and now Mill Creek distribute emergency food to families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

The Mill Creek Food Bank was formed by a team consisting of a community whose desire is to help those in need.   Rotary’s involvement was extensive. It stretched across four clubs and two districts and in less than four months the Mill Creek Food Bank opened its doors.

To make this happen it took a whole community effort. First of all, the Rotary Club of Mill Creek formed a new Interact Club within Jackson High School students and staff providing a long term structure that the students will follow in collecting and organizing the food.

The Everett School District allowed us space to store food and to distribute the food at Jackson High School.

The City of Mill Creek issued special variances for use of school property. The Rotary Club of Mill Creek, local newspapers and Jackson High School spearheaded recruiting and trained volunteers within the community.

Rotarian Michael Jeffery was able to have Northwestern Mutual donate a computer to connect to the VOA data base, and finally Costco donated shelving (another Rotary Connection).

The Mill Creek Food Bank remains a Rotary Club of Mill Creek community project until the formal agreement with the Volunteers of America is consummated.

The Mill Creek Food Bank was the whole community working together.
(Volunteers help restock the shelves at the Mill Creek Food Bank)

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Rotary turns over Mill Ceek Food Bank keys William McElroy 2012-10-05 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Maria and Steve Matthews Recognized

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 02, 2012

Today, the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation have the honor to express appreciation to a couple who has made a substantial contribution toward the goal of international understanding and peace.   In doing so, Maria and Steve Matthews support and honor the humanitarian and educational programs of The Rotary Foundation that make a difference in the lives of others.   It gives the Rotary Club of Mill Creek great pleasure to announce that Maria and Steve Matthews have made contributions to the programs of The Rotary Foundation that qualify the as Major Donors.  

As Major Donors, Maria and Steve are among a dedicated group of humanitarians who have committed themselves to helping others less fortunate. This special group of people who are changing lives of children, young people, and adults through a legacy of hope.   In appreciation for this investment in the future of humanity, the Trustees and the Rotary Club of Mill Creek wish to express their gratitude and presented a crystal and diamond pin.   The crystal is engraved with their name and depicts doves bearing olive branches—universal symbols of peace.

Contributions like the Matthews enable the Foundation to carry out an array of programs through Rotarians and Rotary clubs around the globe. 

Thank you again, Maria and Steve for your generous support.

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 From left to right - Steve Matthews - Maria Matthews - Terry Klett (Foundation Chair)

 

Rotarians Maria and Steve Matthews Recognized William McElroy 2012-10-03 00:00:00Z 0

WEST Coast Aquatics Family Center

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 02, 2012

Nick Chevalier was the Rotary Club of Mill Creek's November 3rd guest speaker.  He updated us on the facility improvements which is located across the street from the Mill Creek Country Club.  In addition he expounded in some of the lifetime virtues of swimming. 

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WEST Coast Aquatics is a 501-3c non-profit organization committed to promoting swimming for life. As a facility-run swim team, they pride ourselves on fostering excellence both in and out of the pool and instill life lessons such as dedication, sportsmanship and a strong work ethic.

Whether you are just introducing your children to the water, are a highly competitive swimmer or just looking for a place to come get your weekly exercise, WEST Coast Aquatics has a program for all abilities and ages!


Their pool is a 6 lane 25 yard competitively sized. Their fitness room includes weight machines and cardio machines including elliptical, weight machines, stationary bikes, yoga equipment, free weights and more.

You can visit their website at www.westcoastaquatics.us for more information. 
WEST Coast Aquatics Family Center William McElroy 2012-10-03 00:00:00Z 0

Medical Team to Guatemala Receives Grant

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 01, 2012
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Healing the Children received a $5,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Mill Creek for its November 2012 trip to Guatemala.
Our own Dr. Michael Mallahan will be leading the team
.

Healing the Children has been serving children in Guatemala with ear and tonsil surgeries for more that ten years.  Nine years ago they added hearing aid services due to the large number of hearing impaired children identified. 

This November they will provide follow up clinics and fitting of hearing aids on newly identified children

Costs associate with fitting one aid:
Hearing aid -  $170-190 per unit
Earmold to connect to hearing aid $2
One year of supply of batteries, dehumidifier unit and cleaning tools $25/unit
Disposable supplies $2.50/child
Follow up parent training clinic 30 days, 3 months & 6 month following fitting $6/child
Transportation, meals and lodging for Guatemalan audio tech $3/child

Rotary Club of Mill Creek
What is your Passion

Medical Team to Guatemala Receives Grant William McElroy 2012-10-02 00:00:00Z 0

Milestone Celebrated

Posted by William McElroy on Sep 11, 2012

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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek celebrated its accomplishment of donating more than $750,000 to our community and the world during its social August 29th.  The social was held during the last Mill Creek Town Center Summer Concert series that was co-sponsored by Rotary.  President Jerry Yorioka spoke to the audience about Rotary and challenged those that have a passion to consider Rotary.   The band "3 Mile High" (UK/US Rock & Pop 70’s to 90’s) provided the entertainment.

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Milestone Celebrated William McElroy 2012-09-12 00:00:00Z 0

District 5030 - Outlines its Focus for 2012-2013

Posted by William McElroy on Aug 05, 2012

District Governor Steve Lingenbrink will be our guest at Rotary Club of Mill Creek's lunch on August 15th.  He will be sharing the direction and plan the District Leadership Team have put in place for this year - A Life Building Hope. 

Feel free to read Governor Lingenbrink's July newsletter in the "download file" section on the front page of Mill Creek's web site or visit District 5030's new web site at: www.alifebuldinghope.org before the luncheon.

Rotary District 5030 consists of 54 Rotary Clubs in and around the Seattle area which contain over 3,000 Rotarians.

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www.alifebuildinghope.org

District 5030 - Outlines its Focus for 2012-2013 William McElroy 2012-08-06 00:00:00Z 0

Interact

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 30, 2012

Archbishop High School Interact Club Officers
(l-r) Annie Dang, Mariah Conley, Hilary Doherty (Mill Creek Rotarian), Maggie Nolan, Emi Phillips

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Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.

Club membership varies greatly. Clubs can be single gender or mixed, large or small. They can draw from the student body of a single school or from two or more schools in the same community.

Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of

  • Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
  • Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
  • Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
  • Advancing international understanding and goodwill

As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.

Interact William McElroy 2012-07-31 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Scholarships

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 26, 2012

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is pleased to announce scholarships
for the following students in our area for the school year ending 2012.

Nathan Hollcraft (Sno-Isle Tech.)
Whitney Carter (Jackson High School)
Andrea Sadowski (Archbishop Murphey High School)

(left to right)

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Rotary Scholarships William McElroy 2012-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

Tsunami - Personal Observations

Posted by William McElroy on Jun 27, 2012

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Mr. Kokutaka Sampe, Director of Tokyu Homes was our guest speaker on June 27th.  Mr. Sampe brought along some personal pictures of the after effect caused by the tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011 and his personal observations and comments brought us a different aspect of the devastation. 

In many ways, Japan is still reeling from the crisis along with the nuclear crisis and huge leaks of radiation it set off.

In many respects, Japan is on the road to recovery from the earthquake and tsunami. The coastal towns that were flattened by waves have cleaned up millions of tons of debris and are beginning to rebuild.

But it is the nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi that looks likely to have a more lasting impact, even though it has yet to claim a single life. Japan is just beginning what promises to be a decades-long radiation cleanup of the evacuated areas around the plant, where nearly 90,000 residents lost their homes.

Tsunami - Personal Observations William McElroy 2012-06-28 00:00:00Z 0

AHHHHHHHHHH

Posted by William McElroy on Jun 13, 2012
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AHHHHHHHHHH William McElroy 2012-06-14 00:00:00Z 0

Medical Supplies to Guatemala

Posted by Jeffrey Brennan on Jun 13, 2012
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Early this year, our club contributed to help ship medical supplies to Guatemala Village Health's new clinic in Monterico, Guatemala.  This past weekend Mill Creek Rotarians Terry Klett and Jeff Brennan helped to pack the supplies, which had been collected for two years, into half a container truck.  The other half of the container was packed and bound for another clinic supported by the Fidalgo Rotary Club.  There are some great photos on the attached link - Terry is the bottom left picture standing on top of the supplies.  The packing started at 8 AM and completed, almost like clockwork, at 5 PM.  The container is on the way this week and is expected in Guatemala in mid-July.

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Medical Supplies to Guatemala Jeffrey Brennan 2012-06-14 00:00:00Z 0

Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss explores Guatemala.

Posted by William McElroy on Jun 12, 2012
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The Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss helps the world's deaf and hard of hearing children access the technology, education, and resources they need to achieve their full potential.

Paige Stringer, Executive Director for the Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss met Mill Creek Rotarian Mike Mallahan, director of the audiology and ENT program that Healing the Children conducts in Guatemala two years ago. Mike's program has been sending teams of surgeons and audiologists to this country for the past nine years to conduct ear surgeries and provide audiology care to children. Along the way, Mike has helped to establish small centers of care to ensure that children with hearing loss would receive the ongoing audiology support they need.

Mike and his partners in Guatemala recognized a need for teacher training and family counseling to foster auditory and language development in children with hearing loss newly fit with hearing aids that the Global Founded for Children With Hearing Loss has developed in Vietnam.

Discussions will continue with the Guatemalans and the two organizations to identify potential plans for a new multi-year program that would lay the foundation of audiology support, professional development for teachers, and empower families to help children with hearing loss achieve their full potential.

For more information visit the Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss web site:  http://childrenwithhearingloss.org/index.shtml
Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss explores Guatemala. William McElroy 2012-06-13 00:00:00Z 0

Can you spot Bill - Heidi - Sam

Posted by William McElroy on May 30, 2012

(CBS News) The kids and staff at Seattle Children's Hospital's hematology oncology unit are proving that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Using Kelly Clarkson's song "Stronger," the group has created a music video to show that they won't be brought down, despite being diagnosed with cancer. The video showcases many of the patients' lip synching and dancing talents, gleefully displaying "the robot" and other impressive moves.

According to Seattle Children's Hospital "On the Pulse" blog, the music video was the idea of Chris Rumble, a 22-year-old Children's cancer patient who had been diagnosed with leukemia. In April 2012, he went to the hospital because he had swollen glands, thinking it was mono - eight hours later, he had been transferred to Children's with a cancer diagnosis.

Since his old hockey team had sent him a music video for his birthday, he wanted to return the favor.

"I'm everyone's big brother and I have a lot of friends here at Seattle Children's," Rumble told On the Pulse. "I wanted to make a video to send back to my team and I thought what better way to do it then with the kids on my floor."

Rumble said one of the best parts of the video was seeing the kids do something that made them happy, and also seeing their parents happy since their child was enjoying themselves through a difficult time.

As for his hockey team, Rumble said that they enjoyed the video as well. "They all think it is awesome and they can't stop watching it," he said.

See for yourself - watch the video below:


Can you spot Bill - Heidi - Sam William McElroy 2012-05-31 00:00:00Z 0

Tonight is the Night for Sam Mulliken

Posted by William McElroy on May 30, 2012
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Sam Mulliken (Rotarian Bill and Heidi's son) was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) on January 20, 2012.

A Mariner’s night has been planned in honor of Sam: Friday, July 27th @ 7:10 p.m.

Please be a part of “Team Sam”.   Nine hundred tickets have been reserved for “Team Sam!”

To purchase Mariner tickets: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ticketing/special_group.jsp?group=samsfight - use promotional code - sam

We will be wearing orange at the game to raise awareness and show support.  (Orange is the color that represents leukemia).

See you at the game!

Tonight is the Night for Sam Mulliken William McElroy 2012-05-31 00:00:00Z 0

Team Rotary needs your help!

Posted by William McElroy on May 16, 2012
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek's Mutt March 2012 is June 2nd and Team Rotary is raising funds for Rotary First Harvest.

Would you please help Team Rotary reach it's goal of $10,000.

Kids and families are suffering in today's economy. Over 30% of students receive free lunches from a program called the National Supplementary Lunch Program, but what about the rest of the family? What about the days students are not in school.

27% represents increase in number of households in Washington State that experienced food insecurity.

36% represents the increase in the rate of hunger in Washington State from last year.

When you support Team Rotary you support the local food banks!

Make a donation today or better yet, why not register and be part of Team Rotary!

It all goes to Rotary First Harvest!

To join Team Rotary or to make a donation  go to:
www.k9muttmarch.dojiggy.com/Rotary

Team Rotary needs your help! William McElroy 2012-05-17 00:00:00Z 0

Update from Los Abuelitos

Posted by William McElroy on May 16, 2012
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Last August the Rotary Club of Mill Creek's International Committee presented a grant of $1,000 to Los Abuelitos.

 

Jennifer Levy,  Founder and President of Los Abuelitos was back in town this Wednesday May 16th and spent a couple of minutes updating the work being accomplished at Los Abuelitos.  Working with licensed Physical Therapists along with students they accomplished quite a bit and will continue their project of helping the elderly. 

Jennifer Hoock of Guatemala Village Health contacted us to announce that they are in the final stages of organizing and packing a container of medical equipment & supplies to go to Guatemala.  They would welcome volunteers to assist. 

There are two opportunities: 1) inventorying the supplies to be shipped this weekend, May 19-20; and 2) packing the container on June 9-10th.   Both activities will take place at the Group Health Central South Building, Level B on Capitol Hill from 8-5 on all of these days.

Our club has helped sponsor the collection and shipment of the supplies which are going to the new Monterico Clinic (just officially opened in February) in Guatemala.  Los Abuelitos is a  501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, that works to support underserved elderly populations in need around the world.
   

(Check presentation, August 2011 from left to right, Jennifer Levy, Jeff Brennan International Chairman of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek, Juan Carlos Pinto Past President of the Rotary Club of Guatemala City) 

Update from Los Abuelitos William McElroy 2012-05-17 00:00:00Z 0

Mill Creek Food Bank Open

Posted by William McElroy on Apr 26, 2012
A team was formed….a team consisting of a community whose desire is to help those in need. Rotary’s involvement was extensive. It stretched across four clubs and two districts and in less than four months the Mill Creek Food Bank opened its doors.

To make this happen it took a whole community effort. First of all, the Rotary Club of Mill Creek formed a new Interact Club within Jackson High School students and staff providing a long term structure that the students will follow in collecting and organizing the food.

The Everett School District allowed us space to store food and to distribute the food at Jackson High School.

The City of Mill Creek issued special variances for use of school property. The Rotary Club of Mill Creek, local newspapers and Jackson High School spearheaded recruiting and trained volunteers within the community.

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek with staff from Jackson High School negotiated an agreement with Volunteers of America to have the Mill Creek Food Bank be a subsidiary.

Rotarian Michael Jeffery was able to have Northwestern Mutual donate a computer to connect to the VOA data base, and finally Costco is working with the Mill Creek Food bank to provide shelving (another Rotary Connection).

The Mill Creek Food Bank is a Rotary Club of Mill Creek community project until a formal agreement is made with the Volunteers of America.

The Mill Creek Food Bank was the whole community working together.




(City of Mill Creek Mayor Mike Todd and Interect President Bonita Yusaf)

Mill Creek Food Bank Open William McElroy 2012-04-27 00:00:00Z 0

Gift Bags already distributed in Nepal!

Posted by William McElroy on Apr 26, 2012

Thanks to all Mill Creek Rotarians who helped pack the 125 gallon zip lock bags full of crafts and other goodies. The bags were distributed this week in Nepal to children at the Disabled Newlife Center by members of the Rotary Clubs of Bellevue and Lakewood.

Members from these clubs went to Nepal as part of Rotary International’s USA/Nepal Disability Awareness Campaign.

Special thanks to Barb Athanas for providing the beanie babies and to Dr. Bill Mulliken for his donation of the toothbrushes and toothpaste.

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Gift Bags already distributed in Nepal! William McElroy 2012-04-27 00:00:00Z 0

District Conference

Posted by William McElroy on Apr 24, 2012

Rotary District 5030 held it's annual conference during the weekend of April 21st and 22nd and the Rotary Club of Mill Creek Rotarians descended on the town of Coeur d'Alane along with another 500 Rotarians from the other 53 clubs around the Seattle area.

Clubs used the opportunity to showcase some of the international and community projects that Rotary is famous for.  Break-out sessions were an opportunity to learn a little bit more about Rotary, while keynote speakers provided entertainment.

Next years District Conference will once again be held at Coeur d'Alane.

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District Conference William McElroy 2012-04-25 00:00:00Z 0

TV ads for Mutt March

Posted by William McElroy on Apr 24, 2012

Mutt March will have television advertisements on the Cooking Channel, DYI and the Animal Planet to help promote this years event benefiting ChaseAway K9 Cancer and Rotary First Harvest.

The filming of the advertisement were conducted at the Mill Creek Country Club.  Rotarians Barb Athanas, Bill McElroy, Becky Porter and Terri Wilson were all part of the production. 

Steve Goetz of the Goetz Group (which specializes in marketing and promotion) was able to secure the advertisements and production at a very favorable price.

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Filming of the Mutt March ads at the Mill Creek Country Club

TV ads for Mutt March William McElroy 2012-04-25 00:00:00Z 0

A Step Up

Posted by William McElroy on Apr 11, 2012
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What would you do:

You just received a pay increase of 25 cents an hour which amounts to about $40 a month.  Then in a few days you receive a notice from DSHS that due to the $40 pay increase, you no longer qualified for baby sitting allowance.  

Your $40 pay increase now is costing you approximately $2,000 a month in baby sitting.  So you called DSHS and asked what can I do......their response was simple.....(1)  either refuse the pay increase OR (2) work less hours.

This is exactly what happen to Katie Walsh, our guest speaker on April 11th.  

Ms Walsh explain the problems families have trying to move up from being supported by the state and local governments to being self sufficient.

A STEP UP is an organization that is striving to meet this problem.  Through our community outreach programs they strive to help working families stay working by providing child care assistance to those that are transitioning from low income to self-sufficiency.  A STEP UP is a newly formed 501(c)(3).  Their mission statement is simple:   A Step Up helps to build a community of self-sufficient parents and families by supplementing the costs of child care for working families transitioning from dependency to self-sufficiency.

If you would like more information or if you would like to help, you can visit their website at www.astepup-nonprofit.org

A Step Up William McElroy 2012-04-12 00:00:00Z 0

The Snowman Foundation and the "Ten Grands" Concerts

Posted by William McElroy on Apr 11, 2012
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Kathy Dewalt, Executive Producer  for the "Ten Grand" concerts spoke to the Rotary Club of Mill Creek April 11th. 

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The Snowman Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, raises money through annual "Ten Grands" concerts that feature 10 grand pianos and 10 concert pianists. The musicians play solos, in various combinations and simultaneously, with selections ranging from classical to blues, boogie woogie, contemporary, pop and original compositions.

All proceeds from the concerts are donated to community- and school-based programs whose goals include bringing musical arts education to children, with a focus on at-risk and under-served populations. To date, grants totaling more than $2 million have been awarded.

More than two dozen groups in the Greater Seattle area have received grants from funds raised at the Seattle concerts.
 
The next "Ten Grands" concert in Seattle will be held May 12, 2012 at Benaroya Hall. The one-night only concerts have sold out the past two years. Only a few seats left.  Tickets are available through:   Hilary Doherty.



The Snowman Foundation and the "Ten Grands" Concerts William McElroy 2012-04-12 00:00:00Z 0

2012 Auction

Posted by Gerald Yorioka on Apr 11, 2012

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The 2012 Mill Creek Rotary Auction was a huge success thanks to your participation. You will touch many lives. Community projects and scholarships, food for the hungry, and sustainable international service projects will now be possible because of your generosity.  Special thanks goes to our seven guests from the Guatemala del Este Rotary Club who honored us by their visit and brought us many unique and outstanding auction items.

Financial estimates are that we will gross $99,000 and net $63,000, the best we have ever done.

Thank you again for your presence to make this event so enjoyable and to help demonstrate that Rotary represents “Service Above Self.”

See you next year.

Gerald N. Yorioka, M.D.
2012 Mill Creek Rotary Auction Chair

Check out the Auction 2012 movie in the Club Video section of our web site.

2012 Auction Gerald Yorioka 2012-04-12 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month - March

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 13, 2012

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Student of the Month - March
Diane Han
Jackson High School
(also pictured Mike McCloskey)

Student of the Month - March William McElroy 2012-03-14 00:00:00Z 0

Annual Dinner and Benefit Auciton

Posted by William McElroy on Feb 22, 2012

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Fiesta de Carnivale

You don’t want to miss the Rotary Club of Mill Creek’s Annual Dinner and Benefit Auction.  Seats are starting to sell fast and the live auction items are already in place…..here is a sneak preview

·         Trips ranging from fishing, golf and an archeology trips in Guatemala; a photo safari package in Africa; a week in Maui, a Mariners Spring Training getaway in Arizona, to local overnights. 

·         A paradise cruise on Puget Sound or a scenic flight to the San Juan Islands for dinner.

·         Other dinners including your choice of a Mardi Gras Night or Oktoberfest celebration.

·         A full orthodontic case.

·         Two days of silver salmon fishing on the Kalama River.

·         To a case of 92 point rated 2008 Quilceda Creek Columbia Red Wine.

Details:

Saturday
March 31, 2012
5:30 pm
Mill Creek Country Club

 

For reservations email: Bridget.Barrington@peoplesbank-wa.com or download the Invitation and RSVP in the DOWLOAD FILES section in the lower left hand corner of the web site.

Annual Dinner and Benefit Auciton William McElroy 2012-02-23 00:00:00Z 0
Student of the Month - Archbishop Murphy High School William McElroy 2012-02-15 00:00:00Z 0
Student of the Month - January William McElroy 2012-01-26 00:00:00Z 0

All it takes is just one Rotarian and a little Passion

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 25, 2012
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Fellow Eugene Oregon Rotarian Nancy Sanford Hughes was working as a volunteer in the kitchen with the Cascade Medical Team in Solola, Guatemala in the spring of 2004. One evening, a patient came into the kitchen of the public hospital where she was working and asked to delay the meal so she could say a few words to the team.

 This beautiful, eighteen-year-old indigenous woman had fallen onto a kitchen fire at age two and lost the use of her hands.  (More than half of the world's population, or approximately THREE BILLION people cook over open fires.)

The "World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than two million premature deaths annually are caused by exposure to smoke from traditional cookstoves and open fires, with women and children the most afflicted.   The toxic emissions are blamed for low birth weights, pneumonia in young children, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, cataracts and other health problems in adults. Half of all deaths among children under age five are from acute lower respiratory infections due to indoor air pollution from household the household fires.

For sixteen years that beautiful women Nancy met prayed to use her hands. It was at that point when Nancy thought, "We need to do something to prevent burns rather than treat them." 

Nancy and her colleagues, developed a stove that is economical ($50) to build and operate, saving up to 60% of the wood used by a traditional fire, while also reducing particulate matter and carbon emissions by over 70%. Once the stove is ignited it produces almost no smoke. With the exception of the cooking surface, and the stove remains cool to the touch.

Visit www.stoveteam.org  to learn more how one Rotarian and the help of hers friends make a difference.

I have created a link to a youtube video on the web site that I recommend watching 

All it takes is just one Rotarian and a little Passion William McElroy 2012-01-26 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary's work with other organizations

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 25, 2012
Rotary International works with many leading organizations and educational institutions in carrying out its worldwide humanitarian efforts.

Polio eradication partnerships

Rotary International is a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative along with:

Other partners include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and donor governments. Learn more about Rotary’s work to eradicate polio.

United Nations

Rotary International appoints representatives to work with the several United Nations agencies and international organizations. Learn more about the UN representative network.

Strategic partners

Under the Future Vision Plan, The Rotary Foundation Trustees have formed strategic partnerships with the following organizations to offer service opportunities for Rotarians through packaged global grants.

Service partners

Rotary International’s service partners have been approved by the RI Board of Directors to support clubs’ humanitarian service efforts.

Government partners

The RI/USAID International H2O Collaboration is an alliance between Rotary International and the U.S. Agency for International Development to support and facilitate water and sanitation projects.

Rotary Peace Centers 

The Rotary Foundation Partners with the following universities to offer fellowships leading to degrees or certificates in areas of study related to conflict prevention and resolution:  

Rotary's work with other organizations William McElroy 2012-01-26 00:00:00Z 0

Changing the Course of Orphans

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 15, 2012

Tragedies can be found in the orphanages located in the Soviet-era, state run institutions formally USSR.  Fellow Rotarian and President / CEO of the International Orphan Resource, Center Gregory P. Gulley Sr. was our guest speaker on January 11th.   

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"The fact is, each child currently living in one of these old, rundown facilities faces a bleak future, unless someone actively and with determination intervenes, " stated Mr. Gully.  "Thousands of children in Russia also run away from home, usually to escape alcoholic parents who rarely try to find their offspring."

"The number of children (abandoned) are increasing every year, and the system is overburdened. Resources are stretched to the limit and we have no staff to bring up these children properly."

Mr. Gulley explained his five-year 'Life Skills' curriculum, he has been abe to utilize his contacts and relationships to assemble and international team of experts from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Russ, as well as orphanage professionals from Ukraine, Belarus, as well as orphanage professionals from Ukraine, Belarus and Latvia.

Some 15,000 young people 'graduate' from state-run orphanages in Russia each year, according to the Russian Procuracy General. Within the first few years, 5,000 will be unemployed, 6,000 will be homeless, 3,000 will have criminal records, and 1,500 o10% will have committed suicide.

Mr. Gulley has worked extensively on projects throughout the countries of the former Soviet Union an Eastern Europe, including school, youth camps and orphanages.  The established with the purpose of developing a long-term strategy designed to effectively make a difference an positively change the course of orphans' lives, both while in the state run institution, and providing transition help once they age out'

 

 

 

Changing the Course of Orphans William McElroy 2012-01-16 00:00:00Z 0
Make a World a Difference William McElroy 2011-12-29 00:00:00Z 0

What would it take to change the world...YOU and 1.2 million Rotarians

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 27, 2011

If you want to get things done in town, you get involved with Rotary. 

If you want to improve the quality of life in town, you get involved with Rotary. 

If you need funding for your programs, you get involved with Rotary. 

 If you wanted to know people who know people, you got involved with Rotary.  

 Joe Queenan, The Rotarian, January 2012

__________________________________________________ 

What would it take to change the world...YOU and 1.2 million Rotarians William McElroy 2011-12-28 00:00:00Z 0

Students of the Month - December

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 20, 2011

Gabriela Byrne 

Archbishop Thomas J Murphy HS

 December Student of the Month 

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(Mike McCloskey presents Gabriela Byrne with award)

 

 

Whitney Carter

Henry M. Jackson HS

December Student of the Month 

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(Mike McCloskey presents Whitney Carter with award)

 

Students of the Month - December William McElroy 2011-12-21 00:00:00Z 0

The Tradition Continues

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 17, 2011

Never does one feel better -

then after the time we spend in the service of others.

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The first object of Rotary is the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service and the Rotary Club of Mill Creek exemplifies this.  Last Sunday evening the Rotary Club of Mill Creek continued its tradition of having a little fun while helping others.

Many people would have spent a Sunday night at home, relaxing for just a few more hours before they had to go to work the next morning, but Mill Creek Rotarians, wives, children and friends spent Sunday evening packing 100 dinners for those within our community that are in need.

Rotary Club of Mill Creek - "Service above Self"

The Tradition Continues William McElroy 2011-12-18 00:00:00Z 0

Club Banners

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 04, 2011

One of the more colorful traditions of Rotary is the exchange of club banners. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at make-up meetings as a token of friendship. Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at club meetings and district events.

By 1959, exchanging banners had become so popular that the RI Board of Directors was concerned the practice would be a financial burden on clubs. It urged Rotarians to “exercise discretion, moderation, and measured judgment in making provision for such exchanges.”

The approximately 20,000 banners in the Rotary History and Archives collection reflect clubs' hometown pride and their connection with the international organization.

In addition to incorporating the Rotary emblem, banners often include symbols or imagery of a club's town, region, or country. Others represent local craftsmanship or cultural traditions by displaying leatherwork, weaving, embroidery, or hand-painted designs.

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Jeff Brennan attending the Rotary Club Notre Dame's meeting in Paris.  Photo is President Philippe Verdier exchanging club flags with Jeff.  "I had a blast and they were kind enough to talk some English to me.  We need to encourage all our members to attend clubs whenever they travel - it's a great learning experience and a reminder that we are all one Rotary family," stated Jeff.

 

Club Banners William McElroy 2011-12-05 00:00:00Z 0

Donation to Rotary First Harvest exceeds expectations!

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 15, 2011
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In the month of October, the Rotary Club of Mill Creek has been holding a series of "mini" auctions to raise funds for Rotary First Harvest. 

Our goal was 30,000 pounds of food and Bob Collard, Rotary Club of Mill Creek's representative for Rotary First Harvest was proud to report that we not only met our goal but we succeeded our goal by 10% - or another 1 1/2 tons of food.

The need is great.  There has been a 37% increase in hungry in Washington State from last year.

According to the Hungry in Washington 2010 report released by the Children’s Alliance, the recent economic downturn has had a devastating effect on the lives of many families and individuals in poverty.

The sudden loss of a job, unforeseen medical problems and other problems can quickly erode a seemingly stable situation.   Tragically, people who had been playing by the rules, working full time and raising their families can suddenly find themselves reeling.

Bob Collard is setting up a spring food bank work party, and will keep us posted when the date has been set.

Donation to Rotary First Harvest exceeds expectations! William McElroy 2011-11-16 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Mill Creek Supports Pathways for Women

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 15, 2011

The Mill Creek Womens Club held their annual fundraising event to support the YWCA Pathways for Women shelter in Lynnwood. Rotary Club of Mill Creeks President Mike McGinness presented a $1,000 check during the fundraising event that raised approximately $15,000.

Pathways for Women YWCA has operated the Homeward Bound Shelter in Lynnwood for nearly 15 years. It began operating transitional housing properties in Snohomish County nearly 30 years ago.

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President Mike McGinness presents check at Mill Creek Womens Club annual fundrasing event 

Rotary Club of Mill Creek Supports Pathways for Women William McElroy 2011-11-16 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month November

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 15, 2011

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Phil Walczak - Archbishop Murphy High School

Also pictured in Mike Mike McCloskey - Rotarian Right

 

Student of the Month November William McElroy 2011-11-16 00:00:00Z 0

Donation to H.M. Jackson High School's trip to Carnegie Hall

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 15, 2011

70 H.M. Jackson High School musicians will be performing at Carnegie Hall this spring, May 26, 2012.  The cost per musician is $2,500 apiece.  6 musicians have asked for assistance for a total of $8,000.  The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is proud to help is this very worthwhile mission and presented a $700 check to Lesley Moffat, Band Director at H.M. Jackson High School and Toni Campbell H. M Jackson High School band booster/parent/fundraiser. 

Lesley Moffat has written a very nice letter regarding the experience of musicians that went to Carnegie in 2008 along with the need for aid in 2012.  You can find a copy on the front page of the web site under "download files". 

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 Barbara Athanas Rotarian (left) presents check to Toni Campbell (right)

During the meeting, Danny Chong - played for the club.  You can watch a quick video of him playing for us also on the front page of the web site under "club videos"          

Donation to H.M. Jackson High School's trip to Carnegie Hall William McElroy 2011-11-16 00:00:00Z 0

District 5030 Governor Ann Liberato visits Mill Creek Rotary

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 08, 2011

In the 11-12 Rotary year we have been asked by Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee to “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity”. 

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District 5030 Governor Ann Liberato during a Rotary of Mill Creek's  meeting took the time to explain what President Banerjee ment.  "Simply put, he is asking us to search within ourselves to understand that we all have the same hopes, the same dreams, the same aspirations,  and many similar dilemmas no matter where in the world we live.   As we understand and truly feel that others needs are the same as our own we begin to understand how important our Rotary work is.  In the year ahead this led him to 3 areas of emphasis.

The first is our family.  Family and home is our individual core.  Through our family we approach our community and all of humanity as an extended family.  Strong families create strong communities and help us get closer to a strong and peace loving international community.

The second emphasis is continuity.  Find the things we do well and take them to the next level.  Build on our successes, expand on them and strive to do more.

The third emphasis is sometimes a difficult one in rotary.  It is change.  True change can only begin with each of us and start within us.  We cannot share peace with others if we don’t have it to give.  We cannot bring in new and younger Rotarians unless we change our clubs to be relevant to them.  It is not so much about us as it is the future of Rotary.  Rotarians have to change if Rotary is going to exist at the end of our second century of service. "

To read Governor Ann's complete speech, I have uploaded it to our web site under download files.

District 5030 Governor Ann Liberato visits Mill Creek Rotary William McElroy 2011-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

Student of the Month November

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 08, 2011

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 Ray Parker – H.M. Jackson High School

also picture

 Mike McCloskey - Rotarian (left) / Terry Cheshire - Principal (right)

 

Student of the Month November William McElroy 2011-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary donates to Meals on Wheels

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 08, 2011
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek donated $1,000 to Senior Services of Snohomish County's Meals on Wheels program.  Accepting the check for Senior Services of Snohomish County was Martha Peppones, Nutrition Program Director.

Meals on Wheels offers nutritious meals for homebound older adults age 60 and older throughout Snohomish County. Delicious frozen meals that are easy to heat are delivered directly to the home each week by caring and compassionate staff and volunteers. In addition, fresh fruits or vegetables will come with each delivery.

 

 

Rotary donates to Meals on Wheels William McElroy 2011-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

Tribute to Women in Rotary - 25 years.

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 03, 2011

In 1984, District 5030 Governor Carl E Swenson perceived the need of a new Rotary club in Seattle and appointed Lloyd Hara as his DG’s Representative to form the Rotary Club of Seattle International Districts (ID). When the provisional club prepared and filed its Charter Application, it deleted references to “male” or “men” and the application was rejected by RI.

 

The application was re-submitted including those terms and a charter was issued on 18 September, 1984, and Seattle-ID took a resolution for the admission of women to the 1986 Council on Legislation. This was soundly defeated.

 

On 4 September, 1986 Seattle ID admitted 15 women members and on 17 September, General Secretary Philip H. Lindsey wrote a strong letter to the club informing it that it could not admit women and continuing to do so would result in its charter being withdrawn. In January 1987, Seattle-ID then filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of the Duarte club, and in that year the Oakland club #3 wrote to the General Secretary of RI questioning the termination of Duarte’s charter.

 

On 30 March, 1987, the US Supreme Court heard an appeal by the Board of RI against the California Court of Appeal decision and on 4 May handed down a 7-0 unanimous decision affirming the California Court of Appeal decision, ruling that Duarte could not discriminate against members because of gender.

 

Video has been moved to "club videos" on front page of website

Tribute to Women in Rotary - 25 years. William McElroy 2011-11-04 00:00:00Z 0

Several Thousand Kids in Mill Creek

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 03, 2011

Lions, tigers and bears add to that a princess here or there, some ghosts and zombies and what do we have......Mill Creek's Trunk or Treat.  Cars were decorate in a Halloween theme and candy was handed out to several thousand kids during the event.   

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is proud to be a sponsor of Trunk or Treat. 

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Archbishop Murphy Interact students hand out candy during Trunk or Treat 

 

Several Thousand Kids in Mill Creek William McElroy 2011-11-04 00:00:00Z 0

Solders Angels

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 02, 2011

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek once again packaged holiday boxes for some of our local servicemen who are overseas.  Rotarians, spouces, children and Interactors participated in the packing.  We wish to thank Albertson's at Thomas Lake, Kelly-Mincks Incorporated and the UPS Store in Mill Creek for once again donating some needed supplies.  Special thanks to the Gold Creek Community Church for providing us space in the packing of the holiday boxes.

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Solders Angels William McElroy 2011-11-03 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary becomes a Park and Recreation "Gold Sponsor"

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 25, 2011
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek presented Pam Olson, City of Mill Creek Recreation Supervisor, a $1,000 check for its sponsorship in various community events throughout the year such as the Eggstravaganza, Children’s Concerts, Trunk or Treat, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek is again proud to be a partner with Mill Creek Parks and Recreation.

 

Rotary becomes a Park and Recreation "Gold Sponsor" William McElroy 2011-10-26 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Supports Santa's Reindeer.

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 25, 2011

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek presented a check for $800 to the Gold Creek Community Church to support some of Santa's reindeer at their Family Snowfest.  These same reindeer will also participate in the parade when Santa comes to the Mill Creek Town Center December 3rd.  Approximately 3,000 kids will see Santa's reindeer during Family Snowfest day which is held at the church earlier in the morning before Santa is scheduled to arrive.

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Kyla Smith, Community Service Chair presenting a check to Blake Caldwell , co-pastor at the Gold Creek Community Church

 

 

Rotary Supports Santa's Reindeer. William McElroy 2011-10-26 00:00:00Z 0

$15,000 to help the Homeless

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 25, 2011

Checks in the amount of $10,000 from the Rotary Club of Mill Creek along with $5,000 from the Windermere Foundation were presented to Edwin R. Petersen, Executive Director of Housing Hope. 

Housing Hope's mission is to promote and provide a continuum of safe, decent, affordable housing and necessary related services for very low and low income residents of Snohomish County and Camano Island.

In 2010, over 2,000 Snohomish County households were in need of affordable housing.

In our community, as in the rest of the United States, the main cause of family homelessness is having too little income combined with a shortage of affordable rental units. The gap between income and what it costs to get by is widening. As low-wage employment, under-employment and unemployment continues to rise, housing instability becomes a problem for a growing number of local families. Families with children are the fastest growing segment of people who are homeless.

A safe, decent and affordable home is the first step in the journey to self-sufficiency for many low-income families in Snohomish County. Housing Hope provides a wide range of housing opportunities - from emergency shelter and transitional housing to affordable rentals and a unique homeownership program - plus effective programs to support a family's progress.

With a fresh start, low-income families or families without homes regain hope. Their children have healthier futures, and they can plan their next steps. When families are self-sufficient and productive, the entire community benefits.

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 Edwin R. Petersen, Executive Director of Housing Hope

$15,000 to help the Homeless William McElroy 2011-10-26 00:00:00Z 0

A Little Bit Every Month Adds Up Fast

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 11, 2011

 

President Mike McGinness was surprised the other day when he received his First Sapphire Paul Harris Award.  "It was easy", stated Mike, "all I did was set up a small automatic deduction each month and all of a sudden I reached the next level."

There are several levels of recognition for Rotarians that give to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program.  If you wish to set up  a automatic deduction contact Rotarian Terry Klett. 

 

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Foundation Chair, Terry Klett presented the First Sapphire Paul Harris Award to President Mike McGinness

A Little Bit Every Month Adds Up Fast William McElroy 2011-10-12 00:00:00Z 0

September Students of the Month

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 11, 2011
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Andrea Sadowski - Archbishop Murphy High School
 also in the picutre is

Rotarian Mike McCloskey

 

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Chloe Nightingale - Jackson High School

also in the picutre is

Nyla Fritz - Vice Principal

Rotarian Mike McCloskey

September Students of the Month William McElroy 2011-10-12 00:00:00Z 0

25th Anniversary Celbration

Posted by William McElroy on Sep 07, 2011
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek celebrated its 25th anniversary during the last summer concert series in Mill Creek Town Center.  Cream Tangerine provided the music (who doesn't like the Beatles) while people dance and enjoyed the night.  Cake and refreshments was handed out to all.

Rotary District Governor Ann Liberato and Assistant Governor Bernie Lucking, Snohomish Sheriff Lovick, Mill Creek Mayor Mike Todd and Mill Creek Councilmember Kathy Nielson were just some of the dignitaries that attended.

Mayor Mike Todd thanked the Rotary Club for its unselfish dedication to the community and highlighted just a few of the projects and donations given over the past 25 years.  Here is just a partial list:

Scholarships to some Graduating Seniors from Jackson and Archbishop Murphy High Schools • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Â·   Flag Pole in front of City Hall • Mill Creek Arts-A-Live  • Jackson High School Student Emergency Booklet • YWCA Pathways for Women • Mill Creek Little League • Snohomish County Children’s Museum • Mill Creek Women’s Club • Benches for City and Parks • Concussion Detection Machine/Jackson High School • Scoreboard for Archbishop Murphy High School ·   Scoreboard at Mill Creek’s Freedom Field • Dictionaries for Elementary Schools • First Harvest - Serving Local Food Banks • Computers for Mill Creek Senior Center • A Van for the Mill Creek Senior Center â€˘ Christmas packages to our troops overseas • Food Drives/Adopt a Family for Christmas • Founder of “Santa’s Comin’ To Town” Parade ·   Founder of the Mutt March Charity Event ·   Sponsor of the City of Mill Creek’s Truck or Treat ·   Sponsor of the Mill Creek Festival • Computers for Local Disabled Veterans • Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts’ Programs • Handicap steps at the Mill Creek YMCA pool • Containers of Wheelchair's for the needy • Polio Vaccinations • Prosthetic Limb Clinic â€˘ Grants for Clean Drinking Water • Literacy • Grants for Correction for Club feet • Medical Supplies.......

(Mayor Mike Todd and President Mike McGinness)  

  

25th Anniversary Celbration William McElroy 2011-09-08 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary of Mill Creek donates to Snohomish Sheriff K-9

Posted by William McElroy on Sep 07, 2011
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During the Rotary Club of Mill Creek's 25th annivesary celbration, the club presented Sheriff John Lovick and Carole Flynn White, President of Pennies for Puppies and Ponies a check for $6,323.  The funds were raised during this years 1st annual Mill Creek Rotary's Mutt March last June..

Pennies For Puppies and Ponies is a 501c3 non-profit foundation dedicated to providing financial assistance and support to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol Unit, and the Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue K9 Unit. This assistance and support includes, but is not limited to funding and in-kind donations for the purchase of dogs, horses, equipment, food, medical care, and training.

(Carole Flynn White and Sheriff Lovick accepting check) 

Rotary of Mill Creek donates to Snohomish Sheriff K-9 William McElroy 2011-09-08 00:00:00Z 0

International Committee announce a $1,000 grant for medical supplies

Posted by William McElroy on Aug 31, 2011
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The International Committee of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek announced a grant of $1,000 to the Guatemala Village Health for medical supplies.

Guatemala Village Health is a group of medical people and support staff who travel to Guatemala twice a year. They spend a week in the Rio Dulce area on the Eastern side of the country visiting the Mayan villages of Tablitias, Boqueron, Nacimiento, and Las Brisas. They then travel to Monterrico , on the Pacific coast, where they work in three more villages (La Curvina, Cebollito, and Agua Dulce).

Accommodations for the first half of the trip are in hotels. During the second half, they stay at the CCCG Retreat Center which is located on the Pacific ocean.

To find out more information, visit their web site at :  www.guatemalavillagehealth.org 

International Committee announce a $1,000 grant for medical supplies William McElroy 2011-09-01 00:00:00Z 0

When a seed is planted.

Posted by William McElroy on Aug 22, 2011
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Jennifer Levy was our lunch speaker on August 16th.

 

It was in October 2003 that Jennifer received the Kent Rotary Student of the Month for Community Service.  That same year Jennifer was the chartering President of the Kenwood Interact Club.

 

Now fast forward – Jennifer has graduated from the University of Washington, and is studying abroad in Costa Rica and Argentina as she completes her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Columbia University in NYC.

 

During her studies, she never forgot about her roots in Interact and serving the community.

 

Last year she formed and is now the President of Los Abuelitos, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, that works to support underserved elderly populations in need around the world.

 

Senior citizens are often overlooked, especially the ones that have no family.  Los Abuelitos coordinates volunteers that provide companionship and physical therapy to the people who need it and deserve it the most. 

 

When Rotary plants a seed, it reaches for the sky. 

 

(Jennifer Levy speaking at Rotary Club of Mill Creek) 

When a seed is planted. William McElroy 2011-08-23 00:00:00Z 0

Exchange of Rotary Banners

Posted by William McElroy on Aug 22, 2011
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One of the colorful traditions of many Rotary clubs is the exchange of small banners, flags or pennants. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at "make up" meetings as a token of friendship. Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at club meetings and district events.

The Rotary International board recognized the growing popularity of the banner exchange back in 1959 and suggested that those clubs which participate in such exchanges give careful thought to the design of their banners in order that they be distinctive and expressive of the community and country of which the club is a part. It is recommended that banners include pictures, slogans or designs which portray the territorial area of the club.

(Mike McGinness President of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek accepts banner from Juan Carlos Pinto Past President Rotary Club of Guatemala City)

Exchange of Rotary Banners William McElroy 2011-08-23 00:00:00Z 0

The YMCA / Mill Creek Branch

Posted by William McElroy on Aug 04, 2011
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The long-awaited dream of an indoor pool was finally realized when the new Mill Creek Family YMCA opened its doors to the public last year.  The pool has easy access stairs that the Rotary Club of Mill Creek donated.

 

As many people in the community remember, the difficult decision was made to close the original outdoor pool in May 2005 because of costly repair issues. 

 

“We are excited that we will once again be able to provide this valuable resource to our kids, families, and community,” said Rotarian Kyla Smith, and Mill Creek YMCA executive director “Our new state-of-the-art complex will enable us to provide more programs and activities to people of all ages. This community has shown tremendous support for this project, and I’m thrilled that it’s coming to fruition.”

 

Kyla Smith and Zemorah Murry, Director of Member Services spoke recently at one of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek's weekly lunches.  If you or any of your friends are interested in obtaining more information about the services of the YMCA, please feel free to email Zemorah at: smurray@ymca-snoco.org

 

(Zemorah Murry answering questions August 3, 2011)

The YMCA / Mill Creek Branch William McElroy 2011-08-05 00:00:00Z 0

Classification Talk

Posted by William McElroy on Aug 04, 2011
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When a lawyer named Paul Harris, a coal dealer, a mining engineer, and a merchant tailor first met in l905 in Chicago, they gave birth to Rotary and, by the nature of their diverse occupations, to the association’s most distinctive feature – the classification principle. Today, the classification principle, though modified, remains a cornerstone of Rotary. Upon joining Rotary, you are lent a classification by the Board of Directors to reflect your occupation or primary source of income.

 

By limiting active membership by classifications, each club becomes a cross-section of the business and professional life of the community it serves. Also, the classification principle makes sure that no one profession or business becomes the dominant force within the club.

 

Another benefit of the classification system is that representatives of many fields are brought together, providing the opportunity for Rotarians to broaden their knowledge of the contemporary workplace. This, in turn, enables Rotarians to fulfill one of the basic obligations of vocational service – recognizing the worthiness to society of all useful occupations.

 

A way to share information about your vocation is to give a classification talk at a club meeting.

 

(Picture - Jeff Pratt's Classification Talk August 3, 2011) 

Classification Talk William McElroy 2011-08-05 00:00:00Z 0

Learn more about Rotary

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 21, 2011
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Wish you knew more about Rotary.  Well here is your chance.

The Rotary Academy is a comprehensive self-paced study program of Rotary information—great for both new and experienced Rotarians.    It begins with a September orientation with all course material completed by the end of May 2012 and a festive Graduation Dinner Party in June 2012.  Many participants have completed the program within two-three months—one of last year’s graduates was done in two weeks! 

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek's recent graduates include past presidents, Joe Hall and Bill McElroy.  Feel free to ask them more about the program.

You can download the registration form in the "download" section on the front page or the club's website.

Learn more about Rotary William McElroy 2011-07-22 00:00:00Z 0

Donation to Literacy Project in Ethiopia

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 20, 2011
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Jeff Brennan, Rotary Club of Mill Creek’s International Committee Chair, announced a $500.00 donation to a literacy project in Ethiopia which is being sponsored through the Peace Corps by Bryan Cramer a former student of Arch Bishop Murphy High School.

 

Many students in Ethiopia will never read a book outside their school textbooks. Reading for pleasure or to research a topic of personal interest is rare. The inability to read at an adequate level severely affects a child's success in school- over half of all adults in Ethiopia have not received any schooling and fewer than five percent have a high school diploma. Current library facilities are sorely inadequate to reverse these trends; most libraries are private and consist mainly of outdated English textbooks.


In order to encourage healthy educational habits and curiosity for learning, the PCV has teamed up with a local library and literacy development project to establish a library in this Ethiopian town. This local Library and Literacy Project has already set up over forty libraries in Ethiopia. This proposed library project is planned to be dedicated this October 2011.

Donation to Literacy Project in Ethiopia William McElroy 2011-07-21 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Sponosrs Non-Profit Booths

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 18, 2011
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16 non-profits took advantage of the offer from the Rotary Club of Mill Creek to participate in the Mill Creek Festival at no charge.  Even though the weather was a bit off, the attendance was still strong.  Many of the non-profit booths wanted to express their appreciation to the Rotary Club for the sponsorship.   Without the aid of Rotary, many of them would not be able to have a booth at the Festival. 

Rotary Sponosrs Non-Profit Booths William McElroy 2011-07-19 00:00:00Z 0

Homelessness Grants and Matching Grants

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 12, 2011
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With the housing problems over the past few years, homelessness is alive and sorry to say thriving in the State of Washington

This year Rotary District 5030 provided matching grants for local Rotary Clubs to help ease the burden of those that are homeless.  With the challenge being given, the Rotary Club of Mill Creek announced in May that they would donate $5,000 to the cause which Rotary District 5030 matched.

Last week Kay Frederickson President of the Windermere Foundation followed up with an additional match of $5,000.

The Windermere Foundation was created by Windermere Real Estate to support assistance programs for low-income and homeless families in each of our communities throughout the West. What started in 1989 as a grassroots foundation serving families in need in Washington state, has grown to ten states and has raised over $21 million for programs and organizations that provide shelter, clothing, children’s programs, emergency assistance and other services to those who need our help the most. 

With a total of $15,000 so far Barb Athanas, 2009-2010 Past President of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek and project coordinator, is working through a maze of other potential opportunities to see if there is more matching funds available.   Her goal is to raise $30,000.

 

 

Homelessness Grants and Matching Grants William McElroy 2011-07-13 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Mill Creek Donates to Heartbeat

Posted by William McElroy on Jul 12, 2011
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Mike McGinness, President of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek, presented $4,200 check to Janice Buckley, Founder and President of Heartbeat Serving Wounded Warriors.

Heartbeat Serving Wounded Warriors goal is to provide emergency assistance to relieve financial burdens; morale programs; support groups for caregivers and therapeutic services.  Their programs are for wounded service members and their families of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Heartbeat's therapeutic programs can produce lifelong changes for out heroes.

 For more information about Heartbeat go to their website:  www.heartbeatforwarriors.org

Rotary Club of Mill Creek Donates to Heartbeat William McElroy 2011-07-13 00:00:00Z 0

Website Advertising

Posted by William McElroy on May 12, 2011
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There are only three companies’ that are currently sponsoring the Mill Creek Rotary's website.  When you click on a sponsor’s logo, it goes directly to their website.
 
Become a sponsor and increase your business exposure. Cost is only $25.00 a quarter and its tax deductable as a business expense. (Advertising)
 
All proceeds go to the club.

Website Advertising William McElroy 2011-05-13 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Mill Creek receives District Literacy Award

Posted by William McElroy on May 04, 2011
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Literacy is a critical community issue both here and abroad.   In fact, back in 1985 Rotary declared basic literacy to be a pre-condition to the development of peace.  Today the majority of Rotary clubs worldwide support this organizational emphasis through a wide variety of literacy projects.

 

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek conducted several projects throughout the year to receive the award.  Some of these projects include:

  • High School book drive
  • Mentoring a student
  • Senior Center Computers
  • International Book Project
  • and more 

 

Rotary Club of Mill Creek receives District Literacy Award William McElroy 2011-05-05 00:00:00Z 0

Local Students and Rotary help African Students Read

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 30, 2011
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Books for the World

Rotarians at Work Day Project

         

Archbishop Murphy High School Interact and some Jackson High School students have been collecting boxes and boxes of books these past several weeks. 

 

On April 2, 118 people (if all signed in) from 25 clubs, 3 Interact clubs, HSBC Bank and a couple of community members joyfully sorted and packed literally thousands and thousands of books. 

 

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek was represented with a couple of AMHS Interact Club along with myself.

 

District 5030 assembled 30 1/3 pallets of books ready to ship to Texas and on to Africa.  That is 728 boxes filled to the top with books!  There are easily more than 20,000 books in those boxes. They will go to schools, libraries, old age homes, doctor’s offices, community centers across southern Africa.  We certainly exceeded our goal of 20 pallets.  Thank you for making it happen.  You were truly Building Communities and Bridging Continents.

  

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek Vocantional service donated funds to pay for a pallet, which is a couple thousand pounds of books. 

 

Rotary once again, accomplished something remarkable.

Local Students and Rotary help African Students Read William McElroy 2011-03-31 00:00:00Z 0

District Simplified Grant Check

Posted by William McElroy on Mar 30, 2011
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A Rotary District 5030 Simplified Grant was approved and a check was issue to pay for easy access steps for the YMCA of Snohomish County, Mill Creeks Branch pool. 

Barb Athanas Rotary Club of Mill Creek's Community Service Co-Chair presented a check to Kyla Smith,Executive Director of the YMCA on March 30, 2011 during the Rotary Club's normal lunch meeting.  

 

District Simplified Grant Check William McElroy 2011-03-31 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary donates in Community Effort

Posted by William McElroy on Jan 24, 2011
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek presented a check to Kayla Healy to help her with the cost associated with her double lung transplant.  President William McElroy presented the check during all three services at Gold Creek Community Church in Mill Creek.  After the presentation(s), fellow Rotarian and Pastor for Gold Creek, Dan Kellogg asked the congregation of addition help.  The fund raising event was a huge success.

Kayla is a 17-year-old Jackson High School senior and has dealt with Cystic Fibrosis her whole life. Remarkably, she didn’t let her disease interfere with her active life which has included competing in three triathlons. Kayla has been hospitalized many times throughout her life and has rigorous daily routine of treatments and medications to keep her lungs functioning. The hospitalizations have become more and more frequent and her medication and treatment routines have increased. Recently Kayla has learned that her degenerative disease has progressed to a stage that she is in need of a double lung transplant to save her life. She is currently awaiting her new lungs and looking forward to many activities her current lungs don't allow her to do. With her new lungs she plans on taking some deep breaths, play softball, snowboard and ski and even run again.

The cost for a double lung transplant is overwhelming: between $600,000 and $1,000,000. While Kayla's insurance will cover some of the cost of her transplant, we expect the out-of-pocket costs to Kayla's family to be between $60,000 and $100,000.

Rotary donates in Community Effort William McElroy 2011-01-25 00:00:00Z 0

Dan's Van gets an update

Posted by William McElroy on Dec 09, 2010
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The Mill Creek Senior Center's van, (know as Dan's Van - since Dan Kosnik was president of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek when the club donated that van) will receive an update from the Rotary Club of Mill Creek.

On December 1st, Bill Durham, Mill Creek Senior Center Manager, was presented a check to pay for a permanent step on the side door of the van.  Bill mentioned that the portable step they were using was so unstable that a couple of seniors were actually crawling into the van.

Bill thanks the Rotary Club of Mill Creek for the continued support of our community's seniors.

Dan's Van gets an update William McElroy 2010-12-10 00:00:00Z 0

District Simplified Grants Awarded

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 22, 2010
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek has been awarded a District 5030 Simplified Grant.  The grant will be used for handicap steps at the Mill Creek Family YMCA pool.  Congratulations to Chyna Stone, Community Service Chair and the rest of the committee for a job well done.
District Simplified Grants Awarded William McElroy 2010-11-23 00:00:00Z 0

Retired General William "Bill" Hathaway Recognized

Posted by William McElroy on Nov 22, 2010

Retired General William "Bill" Hathaway was recognized for his service to Rotary and to our country when the Board of Directors announced that all future annual Rotary dues for the “General” will be paid by the club.

 

On a side note, it was suggested that he can still feel free to donate to the Rotary Foundation.

Retired General William "Bill" Hathaway Recognized William McElroy 2010-11-23 00:00:00Z 0

Mill Creek gives donation to Rotary First Harvest that equals 30,000 lbs of food.

Posted by William McElroy on Oct 27, 2010
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek presented a $1,000 check to David Bobanick, executive Director of Rotary First Harvest.  Each dollar that is donated to Rotary First Harvest equals approxamelty 30 lbs of food.

Hunger in Washington - The need is great

Children make up almost half of the nearly 1.1 million Washington residents relying on their local food bank or emergency meal program. Children and seniors also make up 58% of the Puget Sound residents relying on food banks and emergency meal programs served by Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest, and the Emergency Food Network. Children who are hungry suffer through repeated colds, headaches, stomachaches and other illnesses, have little energy for football, hoops or hopscotch, and face a lifetime of harm from stunted physical growth, cognitive delays, and other challenges.

National studies reported in Pediatrics and the American Journal of Public Health show that children who are hungry or "food insecure" (not having enough to eat on a regular basis) are more likely than their well-fed peers to repeat a grade or be suspended, have lower math scores, or have difficulty "getting along" with other students. Here in Washington, the Children's Alliance has identified another alarming trend: an increase in type 2 diabetes due to a lack of nutritious foods in children's diets. 

Childhood malnutrition has a simple, sure remedy: eating anti-oxidant, vitamin- and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables. All too often, our state's food banks lack the staff or funds to acquire the perishable, nutritious and often expensive fruits and vegetables low-income children need to grow up healthy.

What You Can Do to Help Feed the Hungry

Share Your Time & Talents

Attend an RFH work party. Get directly involved with the fight against hunger, socialize with Rotarians from other clubs, and have a good time too.

Be an RFH Board Representative, or volunteer to assist your current representative

Each Rotary Club in District 5030 should have an RFH Board Representative. Reps are asked to attend four board meetings a year. By making brief announcements at Rotary meetings, the Rep is the communication link between Rotary First Harvest and the Rotary Club.

Volunteer your skills and talents (for example - graphic design, database programming, fundraising, writing, etc.)

Share Your Contacts & Resources

Do you have contacts in farming, food processing, trucking, packaging, or food storage (dry, cold, freezer, controlled atmosphere) etc.?

You can make an in-kind donation.  One Rotarian donates our copy paper, others have donated binders or office supplies. We get a discount on our copy machine and our printing through Rotarian contacts – this reduces our administrative expenses and increases funds available for program services.

Share Your Money (We are a 501c3 agency. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law)

  • The most effective way to support RFH financially is to become a Harvest Partner (monthly donor). For as little as $7.50 a month (25¢ a day), you can make an annual donation equal to 5,000 pounds of nutritious produce for the hungry in our communities.
  • Make a single monetary donation. If you would like to make a secure on-line donation, Click here.
  • If you’re a business owner, make a company donation.
  • Leave a legacy by making a planned gift through your will or trust

Value-added way for individuals to make additional contributions:

  • Make RFH gift card donations on behalf of friends, family and business associates. RFH will provide a gift card for the beneficiary.

Other ways to help raise funds:

  • Check to see if your company will match donations; apply for the match.
  • Find out if your company makes charitable grants. Let us know and support an RFH request to receive one.
  • Let RFH know about contacts you have with staff or board members of grant giving foundations or corporations.

Vist the Rotary First Harvest website at www.firstharvest.org

Mill Creek gives donation to Rotary First Harvest that equals 30,000 lbs of food. William McElroy 2010-10-28 00:00:00Z 0

Give me those emails

Posted by william mcelroy on Sep 16, 2010
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Tell all your friends and colleges about Rotary by sending them the eBulletin.

All I need is their email address.
Give me those emails william mcelroy 2010-09-17 00:00:00Z 0

Changing of the Guard

Posted by William McElroy

It was fun and laughter during the last meeting as everyone had a chance to say thanks to President Bridget and of course advising incoming President Jeff Brennan.

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Changing of the Guard William McElroy 0

Interact and Food Bank

Posted by William McElroy

The Interact Club of Archbishop Murphy High School received a $1,000 check from Rotary for their help in this years auction.  The money will be used to support the Mill Creek Food Bank.

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Interact and Food Bank William McElroy 0

Students of the month

Posted by William McElroy

February Students of the Month

Archbishop Murphy High School

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Chris Damitio with Vice Principal Alex Crane

Henry M Jackson High School

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Anna Pischer with Principal Dave Peters

Students of the month William McElroy 0

Rotary Clubs Take Action for Typhoon Ravaged Philippines

Posted by William McElroy

Rotary clubs around the world are pledging emergency aid to communities in central Philippines after the massive typhoon that flattened entire coastal towns and villages, killed thousands of people, and displaced nearly 600,000 more.

Rotary President Ron Burton stated, “Rotary members often are both first-responders and re-builders when major disasters strike because clubs are present in every corner of the world, we continue with recovery efforts long after international relief agencies have gone because Rotary clubs are part of the communities we serve.”

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 The situation remains dire as widespread destruction has made food, water, and medicine scarce in remote areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest storm to make landfall on record.

Imagine -  34,000 Rotary Clubs providing assistance to the relief effort.  If every club donated $100 it would be 3.4 million!  The power of Rotary!

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek announced a donation of $1,000. 

 

 

 

Rotary Clubs Take Action for Typhoon Ravaged Philippines William McElroy 0

Guatemala Este's Auction Items

Posted by William McElroy

Guatemala Este's Auction Items  can be found in the Download File section of the web site on the left hand side

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Guatemala Este's Auction Items William McElroy 0

Student of the Month - Jackson High School

Posted by William McElroy

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Jackson High School
Student of the Month - January

Luke Hong

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Jackson High School
Student of the Month - February

Yi Taek Hwang
(Also Pictured - Principal Terry Cheshire and Mike McCloskey)

Student of the Month - Jackson High School William McElroy 0

Flag donation to Rotary Club of Shoreline - Rain City

Posted by William McElroy
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Rotary Club of Mill Creek donates the Flag of the United States to the new Rotary Club of Shoreline - Rain City.

The gift was presented during Rain City's Charter Party held at Shoreline Community College on June 23rd. 

Flag donation to Rotary Club of Shoreline - Rain City William McElroy 0

Mill Creek Rotary Club awarded three $3,000 scholarships to graduating seniors

Posted by william mcelroy
Mary McIntosh of Archbishop Murphy High School was awarded the Diane Schimpf Memorial Scholarship. The Club recognized Mary's outstanding academic accomplishment in earning a 4.0 GPA while taking a number of Advance Placement and Honors courses. 
Mary  is an active participant in school activities such as the National Honor Society, Campus Ministry and the Rotary Interact Club. Given that Archbishop Murphy does not have a gymnastics team, Mary competed for Woodinville High School in the State Tournament where she won two individual events and the team championship. After graduation, Mary plans on attending the University of Washington majoring in physical therapy. 
Monique Jones of the Sno- Isle Skills Center was awarded a scholarship in recognition of her outstanding high school career. Her Culinary Arts instructor presented Monique to the Club and highlighted Monique's superb culinary talents and her leadership in helping other  students in learning this very challenging art. While at Sno­Isle, Monique has also taken courses at Everett Community College and has earned a 4.0 GPA at the two schools. She is a member of the National Technical Honors Society, ran track and competed in the Area DECA competition. Following graduation, Monique will be attending the prestigious California Culinary Academy. 
Marya Oestreich of Henry M. Jackson High School was awarded a scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic, international and community service, and athletic accomplishments. During Marya's high school career she earned a 3.99 GPA taking a host of Advanced Placement and Honors courses. Where it is the norm to earn 22 to 24 high school credits during a high school careers, Marya has earned 36 credits to date and has been recognized as a National  Merit Scholarship Finalist.
Her interest in travel took Marya to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands to study during which time she played goalkeeper for the Northern Mariana's National Soccer Team. She has devoted over 300 hours of community service and has been awarded the Presidential Service Award and the Girl Scout Gold Award. Marya has been admitted to Duke University for the Fall class where she will study pre­medicine.
Mill Creek Rotary Club awarded three $3,000 scholarships to graduating seniors william mcelroy 0

$65,000 given to Burn Center

Posted by william mcelroy
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The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International has informed us that our application for a Matching Grant for funding to help provide surgical equipment to the Coaniquem Rehabilitation Center for Burned Children in Santiago, Chile, has been approved. The award is in the abount of $25,000

Krikor Geulemerian, International Committee Chair for the Rotary Club of Mill Creek stated, "This is exciting news, we still have some work to do but when we are completed gathering in the various matching funds, $65,000 to $70,000 will be available for Coaniquem."

Coaniquem has treated more than 90 thousand children and teenagers to date. The average cost of the rehabilitation process of a child or teenage burn can vary from a thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars annually, depending on the complexity of the injury.

The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. Its mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

A link on our website has been created that will navigate you to a video about Coaniquem.
$65,000 given to Burn Center william mcelroy 0

50 years - Service above Self

Posted by william mcelroy
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Krikor Geulemerian was honored during our July 28th meeting for his 50 years of service. He has exemplified the definition of being a Rotarian.

A professional person united worldwide providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations, and helping build goodwill and peace in the world.
50 years - Service above Self william mcelroy 0

Calendar

Posted by William McElroy
The newsletter you receive and also the website lists all the up and coming events. Take a look, most of the year has already been planned.
Calendar William McElroy 0

Mill Creek Receives RI's Presidential Citation

Posted by William McElroy
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek received Rotary International's Presidential Citation for 2009-2010. The Presidential Citation recognizes a club's involvement in a variety of service activities, while also encouraging Rotarians' personal involvement in serving others and promoting a high standard of Rotary service in the community and abroad.

Barb Athanas, Rotary Club of Mill Creek President and Chairman of the Board accepted the award in behalf of the club at the District 5030 conference.

Congratulations to all!
Mill Creek Receives RI's Presidential Citation William McElroy 0

Rotary Club of Mill Creek partners up with Bellevue Overlake

Posted by William McElroy
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Rotary Club of Mill Creek became partners the Rotary Club of Bellevue Overlake to ship a container of medical supplies to South Africa.

Mill Creek Rotarian Krikor Geulemerian, Chairman of the International Committee, along with fellow Mill Creek Rotarian Tom Tochterman, Chairman of District 5030 Interact Committee presented a $3,000 check to project during lunch on Wednesday March 30th.

The 40 foot container containing medical supplies will be delivered sometime this summer.
Rotary Club of Mill Creek partners up with Bellevue Overlake William McElroy 0

Rotary presents check to help kids at YMCA

Posted by William McElroy
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek presented the Mill Creek YMCA $5,000 for its after school program for kids. The current economy has resulted in many families not being able to afford their children participating in the YMCA program.

Barbara Athanas, President and Chairman of the Rotary Club of Mill Creek presented the donation to Kyla Smith, Executive Director of the Mill Creek YMCA
Rotary presents check to help kids at YMCA William McElroy 0

Senior Center Donation

Posted by William McElroy
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The Rotary Club of Mill Creek donated $10,000 to the Mill Creek Senior Center. The funds help pay for equipment needed in the senior center's computer lab.

Terry Plitt, Community Service Chairman presented the check to Bill Durham, Director of the Mill Creek Senior Center.
Senior Center Donation William McElroy 0

Santa came to Mill Creek

Posted by William McElroy
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Santa arrived last Saturday to the City of Mill Creek.

It was a crisp sunny afternoon when Santa arrived in a horse drawn carriage. Following Santa was the mighty Seahawk Blue Thunder and a host of animals (dogs and ponies)from the North Pole. (The reindeer could not make it because they are in training).

Spontaneous celebration broke out with the arrival of Santa when Santa's elves and city children merrily dance to the music.

There are pictures in the Photo Journal and a video in the Club Link section.
Santa came to Mill Creek William McElroy 0

Computer Lab donated by Mill Creek Rotary

Posted by William McElroy
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Mill Creek Rotary was recognized with its donations over the years to the Mill Creek Senior Center's computer lab. Mill Creek Senior Center dedicated the computer lab and recognized Mill Creek Rotary during its grand opening September 30th. President Barb Athanas and Terry Plitt where present during the ceremony.

See Photo Journal for more pictures.
Computer Lab donated by Mill Creek Rotary William McElroy 0

International Committee donates the gift of Water

Posted by William McElroy
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Mill Creek Rotary's International Committee donated $2,000 to the Mercer Island Rotary Club's Akola water project.

Akola is region in India and despite an annual average rainfall of 65 cm a year, poor water management and the absence of water impoundment brings on a crisis every year by the onset of India's fierce summers.

A series of 22 dams are being built in the drought-prone villages surrounding Akola. These are funded by Rotary International. The first dam was completed June '08. 200 Jamun trees line the channel (nallah) upstream of the dam.
International Committee donates the gift of Water William McElroy 0

Womens clinic being built in Chisec / see pictures

Posted by William McElroy
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....curveballs are flyin' and we're hitting 'em, trying to at least...one thing that most people didn't know, or are at least getting a better understanding of down here is that you can't plan too far ahead....5 minutes at most....and you just take what comes at you, can't really make budgets or schedules or plans...they work to your disadvantage down here...

we've got walls!! we've got walls...which is cool, great to see daily progress....at the end of each day, the clinic looks more and more like a building....

Womens clinic being built in Chisec / see pictures William McElroy 0

Nick of Time Foundation recieves check

Posted by William McElroy
Mill Creek Rotary presented a check to the Nick of Time Foundation during its August 5th meeting.

The Nick of Time Foundation provides support and education for school districts, colleges and communities in the placement, use, training and maintenance of Automated External Defibrillators (AED's) The Nick of Time Foundation educates students, parents, teachers, coaches, community leaders and the medical community by providing FREE ONSITE community youth cardiovascular screenings.

In the picture on the right is Barbara Athanas, President of Mill Creek Rotary and Darla Varrenti from the Nick of Time Foundation.
Nick of Time Foundation recieves check William McElroy 0
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