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|Silverdale Rotarians Honor Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 18, 2017
Pictured left to right: Jacob Sargent and Alicia Flint (Klahowya Secondary School), Katelyn Downey and Kaleb Foss (CKHS), Xin He (Crosspoint Academy)
On May 18, Silverdale Rotarians enthusiastically honored the five Students of the Month pictured above from three local high schools.
The students were first introduced by staff members of their respective schools. Katie Staker (above on right) who is the Activities Coordinator for CKHS, is telling us about Kaleb Foss' and Katelyn Downey's achievements that led these awards. Below on right we heard from Ken Ebersole, Principal of the Crosspoint Secondary School, talking about Xin He. This isn't the first time we have seen Xin at a Club meeting - last year Xin won the 2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck T-Shirt Design Contest!
Then the came the best part - we heard from the students themselves - their academic and outside activities, their families, and their future aspirations. On right below, Alicia Flint from Klahowya is addressing the crowd of Rotarians and guests while student Jacob Sargent and Shannon Steedman, who teaches Family and Consumer Science, look on.
All the students thanked Rotarians for honoring them, but it is actually we who thank them for being our future leaders!
|Rotary Recognizes Sailors and Marine of the Quarter
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on May 11, 2017
Pictured left to right: LN1 Cynthia Hunter, FT2(SS) Kelby Sample, LCpl Dillon Purvis, NC1(IW) Erik Mendoza, HM3 Angella Tran, PS2 (EXW) Mike Maoudj, AO3 Neil Usefara, BM2 Scott Horrigan
Military Awards – Vocational Service Chair, Jorge Nolasco, proudly presented awards to our fine military recipients:
Marine of the Quarter – Lance Corporal Dillon Purvis, a Warehouse Chief from Kentucky
Enlisted Person of the Quarter – Boatswain Mate Scott Horrigan, a Petty Officer from Boston
SWFPAC Senior Sailor of the Quarter – Yeoman Bryce Jameson
SWFPAC Junior Sailor of the Quarter – Fire Control Technician Kelby Sample
NOSC Kitsap Sailor of the Quarter – Navy Counselor Erik Mendoza from Los Angeles
NOSC Kitsap Junior Sailor of the Quarter – Personnel Specialist Mike Maoudi
NOSC Kitsap Blue Jacket of the Quarter – Hospitalman Angella Tran from Florida
NOSC Kitsap SELRES Sailor of the Quarter – Legalman Cynthia Hunter
NOSC Kitsap SELRES Junior Sailor of the Quarter – Information Specialist Cathy Urquidez
NOSC Kitsap SELRES Blue Jacket of the Quarter – Aviation Ordanceman Neil Usefara
|Meeting Location Change on May 25
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on May 11, 2017
Reminder: Our club's meeting on May 25 will take place at the Training & Events Center, 9885 Poplars Ave NW, Silverdale. Check out the Kitsap Sun article on the new facility http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/communities/central-kitsap/2017/05/07/new-life-church-opens-training-center-silverdale/101353818/.
|Guest Speaker: Coffee Oasis' Dave Frederick
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on May 06, 2017
Check out the mission of The Coffee Oasis in this introduction video. The Coffee Oasis is a faith-based, non-profit organization that consists of two things: real coffee and real hope.
Dave Frederick, Executive Director of The Coffee Oasis
|Days for Girls - Changing Lives World Wide
|Posted by Kimberly Peterson
|on Apr 20, 2017
Molly Mansker, founder of the Poulsbo Days for Girls (DFG) chapter, was our speaker on April 20. She described the DFG program, a worldwide organization https://www.daysforgirls.org/ that so far has provided over 640,000 women and girls with access to feminine hygiene. Molly thanked Silverdale Rotary for the high-production-level serger that was purchased in 2016 using $1,000 in Duck Bucks (and a $600 discount from Quality Sewing and Vacuum). Nine items in the kits require a serger.
Pictured: Diane Heesacker using the new serger to make liners
Days for Girls Kit
Want to get involved locally? Contact President Elect Kim Peterson at email@example.com or go to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=days%20for%20girls%20poulsbo%20wa%20chapter .
|Honduran Rotarian Thanks Our Club
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 13, 2017
Pictured left to right: Rotarian Mike Hancock, Silverdale Rotary President Cindy Holmes, Honduran Sonia Ramirez
On April 13, Sonia Ramirez, President of the Rotary Club Villa Real de Tegucigalpa in Honduras, visited our Club to thank us for our support in building the medical clinic to help impoverished Hondurans. In our largest hands-on international project ever, using $7,640 from Duck Race proceeds and a $3,500 District 5020 Rotary Foundation grant, Silverdale Rotarians and family members spent a week in Honduras in early 2017 helping build the clinic.
Here are President Sonia's remarks: "It was a great visit to Silverdale Rotary Club - thank you for always welcoming me to your Club. On behalf of Club Rotario Villa Real de Tegucigalpa we presented a Certificate of Recognition for all your contributions, timeless service and dedication to the project at Nerza Paz Clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
THANK YOU also to Mike and Janele Hancock for having me over - it was such a pleasure to stay in their beautiful home. Thanks you were great. The magic of Rotary brings you home whenever you go to any Rotary Club or Rotarian family."
For a for details of this great hands on project, go to https://portal.clubrunner.ca/730/Stories/silverdale-rotary-helps-impoverished-honduras-community
|Students of the Month Recognized by Silverdale Rotary
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 13, 2017
Pictured left to right: Katelyn Herrera and Kevin Lunden (Klahowya Secondary School); Courtney Salisbury, Emily Carlson, Luke Arnold, and DeAndre Sincere (Central Kitsap High School). Not pictured: Peter Park (Crosspoint Academy)
On April 13, Silverdale Rotarians recognized seven amazing young men and women from three local high schools as Students of the Month. Chosen by the faculty and staff of each school, students are recognized not only for academic achievements, but also for leadership and service.
Students received a plaque and a letter from Silverdale Rotary to their parents. Congratulations to our future leaders!
|Socks for the Homeless - February Cause of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 03, 2017
For their February 2017 Cause of the Month, Silverdale Rotarians reached into their own pockets to purchase new socks for Benedict House and Georgia's House in Bremerton. These two shelters provide temporary housing and services to homeless men, women, and children.
Pictured above: Rotarians Kim Peterson (canter) Debi Brooks-Givens (right) giving Kris (on left) at Benedict House bags of socks for men
Pictured below: Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens dropping off socks for women at Georgia's House
For more information about these shelters, go to http://www.ccsww.org/site/PageServer?pagename=housing_benedicthouse and http://www.gmweaverfoundation.org/
|TRF100 Year Celebration - a Sellout!
|Posted by Elayne Burton
|on Mar 24, 2017
The March 22 TRF 100th Anniversary event was a huge success! We had 216 people there with all nine Kitsap County clubs participating. We made it very much a birthday party atmosphere and a very soft sell. Preliminary figures are that we raised between $12K and $13K for the Rotary Foundation - thanks to all!
|Duck Bucks Help Victims of Sex Trade
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 02, 2017
On March 2, 2017 Rosie Ludlow, Executive Director of Scarlet Road in Bremerton (pictured on left with Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens ), accepted a Duck Buck grant for $1,000 to purchase two computers for the Scarlet Road drop in center.
"Founded in 2008, born out of the desire to see a way out for women and children in the sex industry, Scarlet Road set out to change social perspectives, help the community understand and serve victims of sexual exploitation, and provide long term support for a population of women and children that was receiving none." For more information about Scarlet Road, go to http://scarletroad.org/ .
Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
|Changing Lives in Burkina Faso
|Posted by Cindy Holmes
|on Feb 23, 2017
Editor's note: Silverdale Rotary Club President Cindy Holmes (holding the baby in the video linked below) and her husband Buzz recently visited Burkina Faso with Walk in the Light International http://www.witli.com/ founder Katy Cornell and Mikayla Day (pictured right and left respectively at a Club meeting on February 23) to see the impact of Silverdale Rotarians' personal donations and Duck Race proceeds over the past few months. Below is Cindy's description and a video collage by Rotarian Steven Boe of their trip. Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
"I wanted to thank Silverdale Rotarians and everyone who purchased duck tickets for the many lives that they have helped in Burkina Faso…from contributing to micro loans for women, the health center, the back packs with school supplies and the French books for a library in the schools. Katy shared how one book in particular that we sent over will drastically change how the teachers are able to teach. It was a French and English dictionary with pictures of each item. It has been very difficult for the teachers to teach English words such as airplane or boat when the children have never seen one. Thank you so much to Rotarians who brought in the books and school supplies. Pictured below is the Rotary work party loading the school supplies.
In the video below you will see the health center that the Silverdale Rotary helped fund with Duck Race proceeds. We visited the center at night when it was empty, and we could see how beautiful and clean it was. The next day it was full and over flowing with children waiting their turn for their exams and lots of children waiting outside for their turn inside. (Fortunately there are no pictures of some of us entertaining the kids waiting!)
You will also see the huts that make up their homes and the demonstration of manually grinding the wheat, their daily shore for meals…but then a Silverdale Rotary micro loan funded a wheat grinder. The woman were so proud to show me how they had learned to start the wheat grinder and process the wheat…with sales to others at $12.00 per day…a significant amount in their village!
The women were trained for a month on how to use the machine; it was so inspiring to see how they were willing to try something so new and foreign to them. They gathered from all over to show me how it worked and then thanked me by giving me a live chicken! (The men had thought they should do the grinding with the machine but Katy insisted it was for the women and they could learn to do it, and they did!)
The school shown in the video is the secondary school. The kids were on break but gathered when they knew we were coming. Silverdale Rotarians had donated the French books that were at their levels. Can you imaging reading about places and things that you have never seen or experienced?
I really can't thank you enough for all you did to help with my President's project, but more importantly how you have helped to make significant educational improvements for the children there.
Duck Race proceeds also funded micro loans that helped with the health center. I know lives will be changed by these contributions!"
Here is the link to the YouTube video above: https://youtu.be/2gkdjLtkI3c
|Duck Bucks Help Keep the Community Safe
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 23, 2017
On February 23, our Rotary Club awarded Kitsap County Parks Department with a grant of $3,000 in Duck Bucks for AED's (Automated External Defibrillators) that will be placed around the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.
This is unusually large grant of Duck Bucks, which recognizes Silverdale Rotary's commitment to the community, and in this case Public Safety. Thanks to the huge support of sponsors and the community purchasing tickets for the 2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, this grant was possible.
Our Duck Race Motto is "Adopting Ducks Changes Lives," but in this case it might very well mean "Adopting Ducks Saves Lives!"
Pictured below is Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens (left) and Billie Schmidt, Superintendent of Operations,
Kitsap County Parks Department who thanked the Club for the grant
|Third Graders Thank Rotary for Dictionaries
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Feb 23, 2017
Thank you notes from third graders have been rolling in!
In January Silverdale Rotarians distributed 400+ dictionaries to students in the CK School District. This is part of an annual partnership with East Bremerton Rotary to provide hard cover dictionaries to all 800+ third graders in the Central Kitsap School District (including private schools).
Silverdale Rotarian Leslie Walters did an outstanding job of organizing the distribution of our share of dictionaries to third graders this year, and on February 23 Rotarians and guests were treated to her collages of photos of the distribution along with the countless thank you letters we have received from students.
Some of the notes are funny, some of them are touching, and all of them are a great reminder of why we continue to do this year in and year out.
2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds at work helping students learn!
|Silverdale Rotary Helps Impoverished Honduras Community
|Posted by Mike Hancock
|on Feb 19, 2017
On January 29-February 4, 2017 Silverdale Rotarians Mike Hancock, Mariam James, Rich Arper, Scott Weninger and family members Janele Hancock and Deena Weninger spent a week getting their hands dirty helping build a health clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Our Rotary Club donated $7,640 in Duck Race proceeds and secured a $3,500 District 5020 Rotary Foundation grant. Mike had visited the building site in January 2016 during the Uniendo America Project Fair. At that time all that existed were bare cement walls – no roof, floor, or anything else (see photo below).
Our project partners were Villa Real Tegucigalpa Rotary Club and Nueva Tegucigalpa Rotary Club. Members of both Clubs worked alongside us during the week.
Below is the first day on the job. Deena is helping the roofers who were just starting to make the roof trusses, and Mike and Rich are working on some drainage. (Mariam is supervising?)
Below, Scott is helping the carpenters with the concrete forms for the window openings, which were too big. Once done, there will be six windows on this side of the building.
Day three below: the roof is finished. Since the Silverdale Rotary team left, they have finished the concrete floor, completed the exterior walls and roof for the bathrooms, and installed the front door. Also the windows (including exterior window guards), rough plumbing and electrical wiring. The only things still to complete our part of the project is the finish plumbing, painting and hanging the sign, which should be done by February 25.
The next step for our Honduran partners to undertake will be to obtain tables and chairs and computers, so Dr. Nerza Paz can fulfill his dream of having a fully functioning Community Health Education Center in his clinic.
Below is our team receiving appreciation plaques from our host club, the Villa Real Tegucigalpa Rotary Club. On the far left is Dr. Carla Carmaco, who was the President of their club last year and also the guide of rural clinics when Mike found this project. On the far right is Sonia Ramirez, this year's Club President (Sonia visited our club in April 2016 and will be here again this year). Next to Sonia is Wendy Ayestas, the project Treasurer and a huge part of making our visit a success. Wendy and her husband Armando provided daily transportation to and from the site, and Wendy spent almost every day at the site with us.
Not pictured is Nueva Tugucigalpa's Club President Saul Zelaya, who provided design and construction management.
Above, holding the plaques from left to right are the Silverdale team members: Mike Hancock, Scott Weninger, Deena Weninger, Janele Hancock, Mariam James, and Rich Arper.
This project is the largest hands-on International Project that the Silverdale Rotary Club has ever undertaken – a great example of Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds and Rotary Foundation funds changing lives!
|Scholarship Committee Seeking Volunteers
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Feb 13, 2017
It's that time of year again! Over the next few months we will select students for our scholarship recipients. Assistance is needed for the scholarship application review process. This effort takes between 10 and 15 hours and can be spread out over two to three weeks. If you are interested in helping with this process please let Ed Hamilton know at (email@example.com).
|May 4-6: Plan to Attend District 5020 Training Assembly & District Conference
|Posted by Elayne Burton
|on Feb 09, 2017
Rotary District 5020 Training Assembly (DTA)/District Conference - Hands Across the Borders
|Rotary Recognizes Students of the Month
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Feb 09, 2017
On February 9, eight students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy were honored at Silverdale Rotary's weekly luncheon for their academic, personal and extracurricular efforts.
Pictured left to right: Bethany Lunden and William Matney (Klahowya); Sarah Devine and Chris Van Ye (Crosspoint Academy); Kendall Massey, Samantha Miller, Rhys Miller, and Roque Blas (CKHS)
After a brief introduction from school staff, we heard from these outstanding students as they told us about current activities and future plans. Some highlights:
Bethany Lunden – Active in student government
William Matney – Active in choir and drama, volunteers at Humane Society
Sarah Devine – Appalachian Mountains service trip, will go again this year
Chris Van Ye – Appalachian Mountains service trip
Kendall Massey – Rotary sent her to France, serves on ASB
Samantha Miller – UW or MIT to either be a software developer or teacher
Rhys Miller – Interested in engineering, on the Robotics team, headed to UW
Roque Blas – Headed to UW
Congratulations to all!
|A Smile for Life - Changing Children's Lives in Colombia
|Posted by Mike Hancock
|on Feb 08, 2017
On my recent trip to Colombia, I spent time with the Rotary Club of Tulua el Lago, whose flagship program is called "A Smile for Life." We were introduced to this program by our 2015-16 Colombian Rotary Youth Exchange student Dani Sanabria, and our Club donated $2,000 in Duck Race proceeds to this worthy organization.
Pictured front row left to right: Dora Zapata de Molina (mentors the children), Silverdale Rotarian Mike Hancock, Jeyson Barrantes a recipient of the surgeries, prosthodontist Dr. Jairo Sanabria (Dani's father). Back row: Exchange Student, interpreter Morgan Welch from Minnesota, two Exchange Students, speech therapist Adriana Ocampo
The volunteers perform Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip surgeries on underprivileged children from rural Colombia, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to live normal lives. The amazing thing about their program is that they don't just do a surgery and send the child home. They also provide Hearing surgeries (if needed), mental health services, speech therapy and anything else that is needed to treat the "whole person," not just the mouth.
All of the Doctors that participate in this program donate their services, which could include up to 20 surgeries (or more) per child. This is because as the child's head grows, there are different things that need to be done to make sure that when they reach adulthood, everything fits and is working properly.
The only things that are paid for are the operating room and anesthesia, which are supported by the Tulua el Lago Club's local fundraising, as well as donations from around the world. They have about 40-45 kids in the program at any given time, with 4-5 graduating out each year and 4-5 new cases coming in.
Many of the children shown in these photos have had most of their surgeries. I didn't post the "before" pictures, as they may be too much for many people to see, but you can definitely see the results of the program in their faces, eyes and smiles.
What an amazing opportunity it has been for me to witness, first-hand, the great work of A Smile for Life. I will be working with my Rotary Club of Silverdale to establish an account within our Foundation to support this effort further. So, if any of you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to this very worthwhile cause, let me know. I hope to have this set up very soon.
|May 4-6, 2017 DTA/Conference Home Hospitality Seeks Volunteer Homes
|Posted by Elayne Burton
|on Feb 06, 2017
|Duck Bucks to Help Feed Families in Need
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Feb 02, 2017
Dr. Tom Hawks was at Rotary on February 2 to receive $1,500 in Duck Bucks for Central Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids. Our Duck Bucks grant will help include larger portions of protein in the backpacks that are sent home with children in need in their weekend backpacks. The CK Food Backpacks 4 Kids puts together complete meals for a family of four to take home on weekends so that the kids who are sometimes only eating through assistance programs at schools will be able to have the nourishment it takes to get through a weekend for themselves and their family members. For more information go to http://www.ckfoodbackpacks4kids.com/
Pictured: Dr. Tom Hawks and Rotarian Chuck Kraining
This award to help hungry kids and families is made possible because of the huge sponsor and community support of our 2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser.
Rest in Peace Penny Loveless - June 28, 1939 to Jan. 27, 2017
|Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining
|on Jan 30, 2017
Long time Silverdale Rotarian member Penny Loveless passed away on Friday, January 27. She was the first person most of us met at every meeting. Her easy smile and friendly welcome was a fixture at the Greeter Table for many years. Penny joined Silverdale Rotary in June 2006.
Penny was recognized as Rotarian of the Month, year after year (pictured above with President Cindy Holmes)
Penny also worked tirelessly on the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, organizing the Sponsor Appreciation Party, and working all of Race Weekend at Duck Central (see photo below).
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday February 12th at 3:00 pm in the Seabeck Conference Center Dining Room. Rotarian Bob Cassis will officiate.
|Duck Bucks Will Help Keep Students Safe on Grad Night
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Jan 30, 2017
On January 26 April Ihde and Mindy Wbitney from CKHS PTSA were on hand to accept another $500 Duck Buck grant for CKHS 2017 Grad Night from Rotary President Elect Kim Peterson. The event, which is held at Naval Base Kitsap, is an all night event that features dinner, dancing, bowling, swimming, entertainment, and prizes to keep kids sober and safe, while letting them have a whole bunch of fun. Our grant will go towards helping disadvantaged kids be able to afford the registration costs.
Above left to right: Kim Peterson, April Ihde, and Mindy Whitney
The CKHS PTSA provides volunteers every year to help tag ducks and then wash ducks on Race Day. Silverdale Rotary, in turn, donates a total of $1,000 to Grad Night. It's win-win!
Above: CKHS parents and students tagging ducks, July 2016
Above: Duck Washing, July 2016
Above: Duck Washers - CKHS students and family members, July 2016
|Donations to The Rotary Foundation Help to Do Good in the World!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 30, 2017
Pictured: David McVicker, President Cindy Holmes, Rich Arper
Congratulations to our two most recent Paul Harris Fellows (PHF) who were presented with their awards on January 26. David McVicker received his first PHF signifying a donation to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) of $1,000, and Rich Arper received his PHF+8 pin, signifying a total of $9,000 donated to TRF! ( Only one more to reach the Major Donor milestone.)
Thank you David and Rich for supporting TRF - it's donations like yours that make Silverdale Rotary's Honduras project, which is currently underway, possible. Rotarians Mike Hancock, Mariam James, Rich Arper, Scott Weninger and family members are working hard this week building a health clinic in Tegucigalpa, partially funded by a Foundation grant.
Putting up a cement block wall
Our team with the Honduran Rotary project members
|Third Grade Dictionaries - Distribution is Under Way!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 16, 2017
During the week of January 9, Silverdale Rotarians delivered 3rd grade dictionaries to Silverdale Elementary, Clear Creek Elementary, and Peace Lutheran School. 2016 Race proceeds at work helping students in our Community!
Pictured below: One of the three classrooms at Silverdale Elementary that got their brand new dictionaries from Silverdale Rotarians Rick Soper, Frank Guthrie, and Peter Matty. They were all smiling from ear to ear and cheering with excitement, which makes it all so very much fun to do!
Pictured below: 3rd Graders at Peace Lutheran School putting their names on the label in their dictionaries.
Pictured below at Peace Lutheran: Rotarian Leslie Walters describing our Rotary mission, explaining the value of the Rotary Four Way Test (see graphic below), which is on the label inside the dictionaries under where the students wrote their names . Also pictured, Rotarian Bob Cassis
Pictured below at Clear Creek Elementary: Rotary President Elect Kim Peterson explaining how Rotary, via our Duck Race fund raiser, can give dictionaries to the students, and do so much more in our Community.
For more information about our dictionary project, go to http://portal.clubrunner.ca/730/Stories/third-grade-dictionary-labeling-1
|Third Grade Dictionary Labeling
|Posted by Leslie Walters
|on Jan 09, 2017
Pictured left to right Rotarians Don Lachata, Scott Slocum, Christie Scheffer, President Elect Kim Peterson
On January 8 more than a dozen enthusiastic Silverdale Rotarians and family volunteers met at United Moving and Storage to label third grade dictionaries. Thanks to PE Kim's great suggestion of an assembly line, we got 400+ dictionaries labeled in under an hour!!!!
Pictured Rotarians Ellen Newberg, Bob Cassis, and volunteer Kathy Cassis
Pictured below Rotarian Scott Weninger
A big thank you to East Bremerton Rotarians for spearheading this annual partnership effort to provide dictionaries to all third graders in the Central Kitsap School District, plus providing the staging facility at United Moving and Storage.
Dictionary distribution gets under way this week!
|Wrap Up Report on Bell Ringing at Safeway 2016
|Posted by Christie Scheffer
|on Jan 08, 2017
We wrapped up Bell Ringing on Christmas Eve! We rang for a total of $3,328 ($69.34 per hour) for four Saturdays, which Salvation Army said was fantastic! They were deeply grateful for our commitment to ringing for four weeks. With the rising minimum wage, they cannot afford as many bell ringers, so volunteers are very valuable. Most service clubs ring for a day, so Rotary Club of Silverdale's commitment to four Saturdays is outstanding! Thank you to Rotarian Cathy Bisaillon who co-led this event and to everyone who participated with glad hearts and warm smiles!
Pictured above - new Silverdale Rotarian Ed Beckley; below - Rotarian Mariam James
We want to share quick story: a Rotary bell ringer was ringing by the north door of Safeway that has an outside bench. A homeless woman was sitting on the bench eating. It was cold, and a brisk wind was blowing. The bell ringer noticed the woman and walked over to offer her candy canes. The ringer then offered her their own gloves and scarf to help keep out the cold. I don't know what else transpired but know that it exemplified 'Service above Self'. Thank you to all for helping Silverdale Rotary continue to make a difference in the community we love and serve.
Pictured: longtime Rotarian Scott Park
|Congratulations to Seraine and Tyler Berube!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 25, 2016
Congratulations to Silverdale Rotarians Seraine and Tyler Berube who welcomed Bradley Raymond Berube into this world at 12:02 am on Christmas Eve! 5 pounds, 12 oz. and 19 inches. What a Christmas present!
Seraine and Bradley
Tyler and Bradley
|on Dec 25, 2016
There will be
|Happy New Year!
|on Dec 25, 2016
There will be
See You in 2017!
|on Dec 18, 2016
There will be NO ROTARY MEETING ON DECEMBER 29.
|Rotary recognizes local students for achievements
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Dec 10, 2016
On Dec. 8, several Central Kitsap-area students were honored at Silverdale Rotary's weekly luncheon for their academic, personal and extracurricular efforts.
Central Kitsap High School: Cody Davis, Brianna Salisbury, Brotton Laing and Kennedy Jackson
Crosspoint Academy: Christopher VanYe
Klahowya Secondary School: Thu Aung, Elizabeth Simmons
Pictured left to right: Elizabeth Simmons, Kennedy Jackson, Rotarian Ron Templeton,
Brianna Salibury, Cody Davis and Thu Aung.
|Silverdale Rotarians Ring the Bell in a New Location
|Posted by Christie Scheffer
|on Dec 03, 2016
Rotarians rang the bell for Salvation Army from 10 am to 6 pm in front of both doors of Silverdale Safeway on December 3, the first of four scheduled Saturdays in December.
Pictured: Rotarian Emily Guadamuz, husband Johnnie, and Wilson
Donations poured in! We had to keep shaking down the buckets in order to accept more money! They were packed full!
Pictured: Rotarian Ed Ahrens
Many people stopped to thank the Silverdale Rotary for ringing the bell! Comments: "Wow how many of you are out here? I've seen three different folks at this station today!" "Thank you so much for being out here, doing this!" "Rotary is a great organization!"
Pictured: Rotarian Christie Scheffer and granddaughter Reyce
Pictured: Rotarian Rob MacDermid
|Silverdale Rotary recognizes local sailors and guard members
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Dec 03, 2016
Each quarter, Silverdale Rotary recognizes local sailors and Coast Guard members for their service and dedication to their work. Six service members were recognized, although not all were present, during the Nov. 17 meeting.
|Three New Members Inducted on December 1, 2016
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 30, 2016
Our Rotary Club meeting on December 1 was extra special. Not only did District 5020 Governor (DG) Joanne Croghan visit and speak to us, but three new members were inducted into our Club:
Emily Guadamuz - First Federal Bank - Classification: Banking - Lending Officer
Ed Beckley – Trinchero Family Estates Winery - Classfication: Wine Industry Management
Harold Shea - Executive Director, Haselwood Family YMCA - transfer from Chandler AZ Horizon Rotary Club – Classification: YMCA Management
After President Cindy Holmes performed the induction ceremony, DG Joanne presented a Rotary International 2016-17 theme pin (Rotary Serving Humanity) to each new member.
Pictured left to right: Harold Shea, Johnnie Guadamuz (Emily's husband), Emily Guadamuz, Membership Chair Christie Scheffer, PI Chair Rick Soper (Ed Beckley's Sponsor), Ed Beckley, DG Joanne Croghan, President Cindy Holmes
WELCOME Harold, Emily, and Ed to our Silverdale Rotary Family!
|More than 300 locals attend Turkey Trot!
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Nov 26, 2016
On Thanksgiving Day, Silverdale Rotary proved once again how important community is in Kitsap County.
Our first-ever Turkey Trot walk/run brought in more than 300 locals! All proceeds will be donated back to the community.
|Teens to have Christmas thanks to Duck Bucks & All Teens Matter
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Nov 20, 2016
On Nov. 17, the Silverdale Rotary Club donated $1,500 in Duck Bucks to All Teens Matter, a local Bremerton-based nonprofit.
|Halloween Party photos (Seabeck Conference Center)
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Nov 05, 2016
Here are some photos from the conference center's Halloween party on Oct. 31. Silverdale Rotarians were on site to hand out candy and pass out information about the upcoming Turkey Trot we will be hosting on Nov. 24!
Thank you to all the Rotarians who helped out and who donated candy. Leftover candy will be used for prizes at the Turkey Trot.
|Silverdale Christmas Tree - a 62 Year Old Tradition
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 29, 2016
For over 60 years Silverdale Rotarians have been teaming with the Silverdale Dandy Lions, arborists, many generous companies, community volunteers and donors, and young people doing community service from the County Sheriff Juvenile Division, to light up Silverdale's 128 ft Christmas Tree. But it's not just a matter of turning on the main switch on Thanksgiving weekend and watching the lights alternate between all red and multicolor. Considerable annual maintenance is required on the twelve 140-ft strings of light (a total of 408 light bulbs!), the star, and the grounds surrounding the tree.
Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper and Silverdale Dandy Lion Roland Arper, continuing the tradition of their Dad, the legendary Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper, have coordinated that maintenance in recent decades. On the morning of October 29, 20 people gathered in the rain to tackle fixing a string of lights that wasn't functioning properly, plus to turn the star back in the right direction to face Silverdale.
Tree experts Dan Fields and Ben Paulson (pictured above) from Fields's Tree Care LLC, with communication assist by arborist Ken Little, climbed to the top of the tree, branch by branch, and set up the pulley system to carefully lower the string to the ground for troubleshooting (pictured below)
This string was particularly pesky, and finally half the string's insulation was removed by the 18 people on the ground to find not one, but two, hidden electrical shorts causing the problem (all the while the two climbers were waiting patiently at the top of the tree in the breezy rain!).
The string was then re-wrapped with rolls and rolls of electrical tape (above),
burned out bulbs were replaced with specific colors according to the color diagram for that string (above), and the string was reeled back up the tree. The climbers also turned the star to face Silverdale. Then…test, test, test – SUCCESS!
The 62nd annual Tree Lighting event is scheduled for Saturday, November 26. Family festivities start at 1:00 pm by Silverdale Antiques, and tree lighting is set for 6:00 pm. For a history of this iconic tree and the community partnership forged to light it up every year, go to https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000000730/en-us/files/homepage/silverdale-christmas-tree-history/Silv-Xmas-Tree-History-2-Nov-16.pdf .
Silverdale Rotary Completes $200,000 Commitment to Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 26, 2016
In October 2016, Silverdale Rotary sent the final installment check of a $200,000 Long Term Project commitment to support the Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center. The commitment was announced in 2011. Silverdale Rotary has always had a major focus of supporting youth, and the Teen Center (named after Silverdale Rotary) which has been in operation for over 5 years, was a perfect fit.
While some of the funds came from direct personal donations from Rotarians to the YMCA, the majority of the funds came from proceeds from the last six annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race raffles.
Huge thanks go to our amazing Duck Race sponsors and the legions of people adopting Ducks - they all made this enormous commitment to the teens in our community possible!
|Duck Bucks for Peninsula Dance Theatre
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 26, 2016
On October 27, Rotary President Elect Kim Peterson presented a $550 Duck Bucks grant to the Peninsula Dance Theatre (PDT). Accepting the check were Mallory Morrison (Assistant Director) and Lawan Morrison (Artistic Director).
Pictured left to right: Kim Peterson, Mallory Morrison, Lawan Morrison
Each fall, PDT's Apprentices and Junior Company members (ages 11-13) take a ballet on tour to Kitsap County's elementary school assemblies to entertain and educate young students in the art of dance. The company members learn many skills in addition to performance: public speaking, organization and production, and hair and makeup to name a few. Also, often this is the first (and only) time students in the schools can experience dance and theatre arts.
Silverdale Rotary has a proud history of supporting youth in our community, and Duck Race proceeds make this possible. For more information about Peninsula Dance Theatre (and specifically The Rainbow Fish tour), go to http://www.peninsuladancetheatre.org/the-rainbow-fish.html .
|1st Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Oct 25, 2016
Here's the link to the latest YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlTX-W29_H0 .
This image is NOT interactive - clink on link above.
To register, go to http://www.silverdalerotaryduckrace.com/turkeytrot/
|Silverdale Christmas Tree Maintenance and Tree Lighting
|Posted by Richard (Rich) Arper
|on Oct 15, 2016
Some maintenance of the grounds of the Silverdale Christmas Tree has been done, and on October 16 Rotarians Rich Arper and Scott Slocum (pictured below, left and right) turned the 128 ft tree on and did an initial assessment of the lights. Biggest surprise: the wind has turned the star 180 degrees! There are a couple other issues with light strings, but we should be able to sort them out with a work party. Now we are coordinating schedule with the volunteer tree climber/arborist. Stay tuned for the date for the work party to maintain the lights.
The 62nd annual Tree Lighting event is scheduled for Saturday, November 26. Family festivities start at 1:00 pm by Silverdale Antiques, and tree lighting is set for 6:00 pm. For a history of this iconic tree and the community partnership forged to light it up every year, go to https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000000730/en-us/files/homepage/silverdale-christmas-tree-history/C--Users-Barbara-13-Pictures-Silverdale-Rotary-Pictures-Silv-Xmas-Tree-History-Oct-2013-Silv-Xmas-Tree-History--Oct-24-2013.pdf
|Rotary Recognizes Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 12, 2016
On October 13, Silverdale Rotarians kicked off the 2016-17 school year by recognizing five amazing young men and women from three local high schools as Students of the Month. Chosen by the faculty and staff of each school, students are recognized not only for academic achievements, but also for leadership and service. Some examples: Suicide and Bullying Prevention, Associated Student Body officers, Seahawks Student Athlete of the Month, humanitarian trips, and various sports team captains.
Students received a plaque and a letter from Silverdale Rotary to their parents. Sadly, no limousine rides to lunch this year, as the limo company went out of business. Congratulations to the students pictured below, left to right:
Margaret (Maggie) Wright (Crosspoint Academy); Kellen Leavell and Anna Ward (Central Kitsap High School); Natalie Haws and Dylan Zuber (Klahowya Secondary School)
Rotary Donates to Operation Warm – Coats for Kids
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 28, 2016
For the second year in a row, Silverdale Rotary has contributed to the Kitsap Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund's (KFFBF) fund raiser to provide new American made coats for children in a local school. On September 29, Tom Stanley from the Bremerton Fire Department, chair of the upcoming Operation Warm event and member of the KFFBF Board of Directors, accepted a $1,000 Duck Buck grant.
Tom said that the KFFBF has raised enough to order about 280 coats which will be presented to children at the Naval Avenue Elementary School, where over 50% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunches.
Tom invited Silverdale Rotarians to participate in the event. Watch this space for the date and time of the coat giveaway.
For more information about KFFBF go to http://www.kffbf.org/, and for Operation Warm go to https://www.operationwarm.org/.
Gobble, Gobble — Turkey Trot Plans Underway Now!
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Sep 28, 2016
We are preparing for our first-ever "Turkey Trot" race and walk on Thanksgiving Day this year!
Please help us get the word out about the race — there will be a kids' dash, a one-mile walk and a 5K for the overachievers out there. All ages are welcome to enter this family-friendly race to burn off that turkey dinner before indulging! Prizes will be available as well, and all proceeds go back to the community for scholarships, food bank needs, 3rd grade dictionaries, etc.
Who: All ages
Where: Kitsap Mall
When: November 24, 2016 (Thankgiving Day!)
Time: First race starts at 8:30 a.m.
Online Registration cost and other details - COMING SOON!
Flyers are available at Kitsap Bank - spread the word! Tell your friends, co-workers, book club members, gym buddies and everyone you meet - it promises to be great fun!
Guest speaker: Dolores Gilmore, Kitsap Co. Auditor
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Sep 11, 2016
Kitsap County Auditor Dolores Gilmore made a special presentation to Silverdale Rotarians during the September 9 regular meeting.
Gilmore said she's worked in all divisions at the auditor's office since starting there back in 1984.
One of the most challenging parts of the election process, she said, is that the deadline for election day can never be moved. Even if numerous staff members are out with the flu, or if a major storm hits, polls close at 8 p.m. election night and the counting process must still go on.
Gilmore also noted that every step of the elections process is open to the public, and she encouraged Rotarians to stop in to see how it all works.
"I think that's a good thing," she said of the open process. "That's an extra set of eyes."
In Kitsap County, there are 178,000 registered active and inactive voters, and more than 80 jurisdictions across the county. For the upcoming general election in November, Gilmore expects the number of registered voters to increase as it does every time there is a presidential election. To make sure the voting process is accessible to all, there are numerous ways to vote. Paper, audio, online and accessible voting units are available for registered voters to use. Audio is for those who may be deaf or hard-of-hearing, and the online process is for service members serving overseas who wish to vote.
Over the years, she's seen election laws change rapidly, but she said it has always been a very interesting and fun place to work. One aspect of the process she doesn't think will change anytime soon is the ability for voters to cast ballots via their phones or home computers due to concerns with hacking the process.
As of today, there are 28 software programs used to keep the system secure, and all the voting software for tabulation is kept in a special room with no internet access. Only eight people in total have access to it, and there is a log sign-in requirement each time someone is in the room.
She expects this election in particular to be a busy one. For November, the auditor's office plans to receive around 100,000 ballots. There is usually an 87% turnout for general elections. As for recounts? She's been a part of 20-something manual recounts. Some elections have been as close as five votes apart to declare the winner, which is why so many steps are painstakingly taken at each election cycle and why security is so tight.
"There's many levels of safeguards," she said. "It's a fun place to work. I never really get bored because it changes all the time."
For more information and a video about ballot processing, go to http://www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections.htm .
Matej Kunák Hits the Ground Running!
|Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining
|on Aug 26, 2016
Exchange Student Matej Kunák from Slovakia has had a busy start to the year!
Since his arrival on August 19th, the Silverdale Rotary Club has done a great job keeping Matej busy as he awaits the return of his first host family and the start of school. Thanks to everyone that has taken Matej to do something:
Whew! I apologize if I missed an activity. In between the external activities, he is registered for school (with a pretty heavy load), activated his cell phone, opened his bank account, joined the CK Tennis team, gone boating and swimming on Hood Canal, and attended a few musical events here on the Seabeck campus. He has eaten crab, oysters and shrimp for the first time and is willing to try most anything. He will move to his first host family on Wednesday when they return. He has tennis practice every weekday from 5-7 PM.
Here are some things he has mentioned that he would like to do:
He wants to visit many different kinds of churches, especially ones with lots of music
Visit Seattle
Visit Portland
Hockey games
Attend Sounders, Seahawk and/or Mariners game
Musical performances: classical, jazz, piano, rock
Musical plays
Hiking, boating, kayaking
Olympic National Park
Mt Rainier
Mt St. Helens
Museum of Flight
I hope you will get a chance to get to know this incredible young man. We are very lucky to have him!
|2016 Duck Race Top Prize Winners Presentation Lunch on August 11
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 10, 2016
2016 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race top prize winners who could attend, and Silverdale Rotarians celebrated another successful Duck Race at our August 11 Rotary meeting. 2016 Duck Race Chair Ed Hamilton provided guests with a short presentation showing examples of some of the charitable works Silverdale Rotary has recently done with Duck Race proceeds. All this is possible due to our generous sponsors and everyone who adopts ducks. Congratulations to all the winners who attended to accept their prizes, and thanks to our Mascot Lucky (Kirk Rienks, who was also Lucky in the July 30 parade) for joining in the festivities!
Grand Prize Winner Janet Gupton from Seabeck (on right) chose the $16,000 cash in lieu of an Advantage Nissan Frontier pickup truck. Below Chuck Capps (on left) from Advantage Nissan presented Janet, who was accompanied by Charly Gupton (center) with the check. THANK YOU Chuck and Advantage Nissan for your tremendous generosity! Not pictured: ticket seller Mary Hoover.
Holland America Line donated a 7 Day Cruise for Two, and winner Shirley Hoover, accompanied by Charlie Hoover, accepted the certificate. Shirley purchased the Quack Pack from her son-in-law, Rotarian Michael Allen. Pictured below left to right, Michael Allen, Ed Hamilton, Charlie Hoover, and Shirley Hoover
Thank You to Quality Heating Electrical and AC, represented by Rotarian Scott Park and Nazare Alves, who donated a $1,750 credit for a Qualifying High Frequency Heating System, or a $650 cash prize. Winner Norm Sanders from Port Gamble chose the $650. Pictured below left to right are Rotarian Roger Aydt (ticket seller), Scott Park, Ed Hamilton, Norm Sanders, and Nazare Alves.
The Kitsap Credit Union donated a $1,000 Cash Prize, and Carol Arper (with Rotarian Rich Arper) accepted the check on behalf of their daughter Alicia Pisegna from Edmonds, WA who could not attend. Carol tells us that she actually purchased the Quack Pack for her daughter! Thank you to the Kitsap Credit Union for their generosity year after year! Pictured below left to right: Ed Hamilton, Rich Arper, Carol Arper
We had a rare double prize winner, Georgia Ovestrud from Port Orchard, whose ducks came in at #11 (Kitsap Garage Door Company $500 certificate or $100 cash; Georgia happily chose the certificate) and #55 (Argosy Cruise Tickets). Pictured left to right are Ed Hamilton and Georgia. Not pictured: Rotarian ticket seller Steve Burton.
The total list of 76 Prize Winners can be found at https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000000730/en-us/files/homepage/2016-duck-race-winners/2016-Silverdale-Rotary-Duck-Race-Prize-Winners.pdf.
After the prize presentations, Rotarians had time to share their "best" duck ticket selling stories, much to the delight of the audience. 2016 was a great year!
|2016 Duck Race Winners and Weekend Photo Albums
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 07, 2016
Thanks to all – Sponsors, volunteers, Rotarians and family members, and everyone who purchased Duck Tickets – it was another fantastic Duck Race weekend at Whaling Days!
For a complete list of winners, Click Here.
Photo Albums are now posted on our website under the Photos dropdown box or at these links:
|2016 Duck Race Winners
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 30, 2016
This year's Grand Prize winner of a 2016 Advantage Nissan Frontier pickup truck (or $16,000 cash) is Janet Gupton of Seabeck.
For the total list of 76 prize winners, CLICK HERE. Total value of prizes exceeds $50,000!
Winners will be notified about prize pickup details by telephone the week of August 1.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Photo courtesy of Gary Bowlby Photography
The Duck Race is the Rotary Club of Silverdale's major fund raiser. This was the 23rd year for the Race. The net proceeds from the Race are distributed to many local community and international organizations through Silverdale Rotary's "Duck Bucks" grant process. This year, there were 18,000 Ducks in the Race. Preliminary figures show that net proceeds total approximately $70,000 .
Silverdale Rotary thanks all the sponsors and volunteers who made this Race such a success. Special thanks go to everyone everywhere who supported this enormous effort with their purchase of Duck adoptions, making the theme of the Race, "Adopting Ducks Changes Lives" a reality.
|Adopt Your Ducks - Support Your Community
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Jul 18, 2016
|Adopt Your Ducks at These Locations
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Jul 16, 2016
|Duck Bucks Recipients Tell Their Stories - 3
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Jul 15, 2016
|It's a New Rotary Year - New Board of Directors Take Office
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 04, 2016
A large group of Rotarians and guests gathered for a very fun night at the beautiful Port Gamble Pavilion on June 27 to thank our outgoing 2015-16 Board of Directors and congratulate our incoming 2016-17 Board of Directors who took office on July 1, 2016. The tasty dinner was catered by Essence of the Thymes of Port Orchard. Gorgeous flowers and decorations adorned every table, thanks to Cindy Holmes and her family. Dancing followed the formal part of the program. Thanks, Mary Hoover and Cindy for making all the arrangements and to everyone who helped set up and take down. Also thanks to Phil Bisaillon for being our bartender.
Outgoing President Chuck thanked everyone and presented the Rotarian of the Year award to Rick Soper, our Public Image Chair, who has brought the Club into the digital age in a big way with his videos and Facebook ads, as well as a host of other efforts, including Duck Race Media chair and, most recently, the burger booth at the Water Trails festival. Congratulations, Rick! The award comes with a $1,000 Paul Harris Fellow.
Below is the outgoing 2015-16 Board. Pictured left to right: Ed Hamilton, Don Lachata, Rick Soper, Cindy Holmes, Chuck Kraining, Mike Hancock, Elayne Burton, Debi Brooks-Givens, Ron Templeton, Kim Peterson, Mariam James, Bob Cassis. Not pictured: Jorge Nolasco
Chuck also presented Christie Scheffer with a well deserved Presidential Citation for all her behind the scenes work on many fronts.
After installation of now President Cindy Holmes and her 2016-17 Board, Chuck transferred the framed 1955 Club Charter to Cindy.
Congratulations and thank you in advance to our new Board of Directors, pictured below left to right: Cindy Holmes, Scott Park, Don Lachata, Elayne Burton, Rick Soper, Kim Peterson, Christie Scheffer, Chuck Kraining, Mechelle Hoerer, Steve Burton, Mike Hancock, Mariam James, Ron Templeton, Bob Cassis. Not pictured: Jorge Nolasco
For more photos, go to the Photo Album at http://portal.clubrunner.ca/730/PhotoAlbums/installation-of-club-officers-for-2016-17-rotary-year .
|Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Jun 29, 2016
|2016 Mattress Ranch Duck Race Commercial
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 27, 2016
Thank you Advantage Nissan for donating the Duck Truck, and thank you Mattress Ranch for producing and airing this commercial on Comcast and Wave!
|The Duck Truck Is in the Kitsap Mall!
|Posted by Barbara
|on Jun 23, 2016
The Silverdale Rotary Duck Race GRAND PRIZE 2016 Advantage Nissan Frontier Duck Truck is now on display in the Kitsap Mall by Sears between Buffalo Wild Wings and Zales. Thank you Advantage Nissan!
Next to it is a display cart with information about the Race and what we do with the proceeds.
Duck tickets can be purchased by the truck if Rotarians are there, or farther up the Mall at Ben Bridge or the Kitsap Mall offices.
|Duck Bucks for Fiddler's Dream: Maritime Education for Students
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 22, 2016
On June 23 President Chuck presented $1,000 in Duck Bucks to Jonathan (Captain JT) Thomas (on right in inset) of the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation. The funds will be used to further their restoration work on Kitsap's very own tall ship, the 66' schooner Fiddler's Dream (pictured above) which is moored at Brownsville Marina. The money will be matched by an anonymous angel donor, yielding $2,000 total.
Jonathan described the Foundation's vision of providing programs for Kitsap County 3rd-5th graders that involves learning the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) as applied to hands on operation of a tall ship. Examples are block and tackle and charting. The programs will also include underwater cameras to learn about marine life in Puget Sound.
Skilled craftsperson volunteers are now refurbishing The Fiddler's Dream at the Brownsville Marina, in preparation for its life as a sailing educational classroom. Our Duck Bucks will be used for the work in the Main Hold; e.g., seating, bunking, tables, and flat screen TV.
To learn more about the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation, Fiddler's Dream, and volunteer opportunities, go to their comprehensive website at http://www.kitsapmaritime.com/.
|Outbound Exchange Student – Ulysses Galvez
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 22, 2016
On June 23 we met our 2016-17 outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Ulysses Galvez (pictured on left with Youth Exchange Officer Patti Lee), who is heading to Bauru, Brazil in July. Bauru is in the southern part of the country, northwest of São Paulo (see map below).
Ulysses is no stranger to living abroad and already speaks Spanish, so that gives him a leg up on mastering Brazilian Portuguese. Ulysses' enthusiasm is infectious, and we look forward to hearing good things from him in the upcoming year.
|Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Jun 12, 2016
Recipients of Duck Bucks tell how they have Changed Lives!
|Silverdale Rotary Thanks 2016 Duck Race Sponsors
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 12, 2016
June 13 was a special night for Silverdale Rotarians at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club. We hosted our 2016 Duck Race Sponsors to thank them for making our Duck Race possible. Great food and the venue was the Country Club's 2016 sponsorship donation.
The CK Interact Club helped throughout, setting up, and cleaning up. Above, Lucky (Kyle) and his handler Sam helped with the program. Thanks, Interactors!
It was a fun night to chat with our sponsors - above is Scott Slocum with the Reliable Storage contingent.
The Advantage Nissan owner Chuck Capps (above) brought the 2016 Duck Race Grand Prize Duck Truck (above) for its 2016 debut. Thank you Advantage Nissan and Chuck!
During the program, President Chuck Kraining described how we spent the $80,000 we raised in the 2015 race, and he also kept the audience in stitches with the help of Lucky, who acted out various scenarios for the audience to guess. Above the prize winning answer was "Duck Soup." At the end over 30 door prizes were awarded, and everyone left with smiles on their faces and a better understanding of their role in supporting the Duck Race and making a difference in the Community and beyond.
Thanks to everyone who helped with setting up and hosting and cleaning up. And THANK YOU to all our 2016 Duck Race Sponsors! For the entire list, see the link on the left of our website under Homepage Download Files.
|Rotary Honors Local Active Duty Military
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 08, 2016
Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to honor outstanding Sailors, Marines, and Coastguardsman of the Quarter who provide security for TRIDENT submarines and other Navy assets at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor. Honorees were treated to lunch, and we heard about the accomplishments of these dedicated individuals from their supervisors. Each was given a plaque and gift card. Congratulations to these very deserving military personnel, and thank you for your service!
Front Row Honorees - left to right:
ME3 Bryan Leaf, MA3 Jacob Roe, MA2 Cari Guida, MA1 Nicole McDonald, and Cpl Michael San Nicolas
Not pictured: Cpl Christopher Moss
Back Row Supervisors left to right:
MLES3 Mark Lewis, MAC Shawn Stewart, MA1 Alexia Altuna, Capt Scott Suess, MACS Charles Kittle, and 1st Sgt Kevin Fontenot
|Farewell to Dani Forero from Colombia
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 08, 2016
On June 9 we bade a bittersweet farewell to our Rotary Youth Exchange student Dani Forero from Colombia. Dani played a lively video of highlights of her year that she narrated. She also shared the fabulous news that her mom would be attending her CKHS graduation on June 11! Following were anecdotes and presentations from her host families. We are really sad to see Dani go!
Michele Ludwig (below, first host family) presented a portrait of the Ludwig family with Dani
Deena and Scott Weninger (below) and their family were the second host family
Alan and Ellen Newberg (below) were Dani's third host family, shared that Dani is an excellent cook, and encouraged everyone to consider hosting an exchange student, even if there aren't teenagers in the house.
President Chuck and Youth Exchange Officer Patti Lee (not pictured) wrapped up our farewell with more memories and gifts, and a Quack Pack (!).
And then Dani asked us all to join together in a group photo!
|Crosspoint Academy Student Creates Winning Duck Race Design
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Jun 05, 2016
Each July, the Silverdale Rotary puts on the annual Duck Race, which raises funds for programs, individuals, and organizations in the community. This year, Silverdale Rotary members reached out to local high schools to get help with designing the ever-popular Duck Race t-shirt. The assignment parallels real world commercial graphic arts production, with specifications and a deadline.
Ninth-grader Grant Baker at Crosspoint Academy (pictured on right) took on the challenge of designing the 2016 Duck Race design for the t-shirts that Rotarians and sponsors wear to raise awareness about the event throughout the community. Of all 14 entries, his was favored among Rotarians, and the design was selected for printing on this year's t-shirts.
On June 2, Rotarian Barbara Beagle (on left) presented Grant with the very first 2016 Duck Race t-shirt featuring his design. He also received a $100 check for his hard work and creativity. Crosspoint Academy High School technology teacher Molly Mason (pictured center) was presented with a framed design and brass plate commemorating the competition winner, along with thanks for her support of this project.
Congratulations to Grant Baker and Crosspoint Academy!
|Local Seniors Recognized at Silverdale Rotary Scholarship Luncheon
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Jun 04, 2016
Each year, graduating students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School and Crosspoint Academy are encouraged to apply for the Rotary Club of Silverdale scholarship to assist with costs of attending a college, technical school, or university. All students were required to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply for the scholarship.
A committee evaluates each and every application, including reading of the required essays, prior to making a decision. As a result, 11 deserving students were awarded scholarships and were honored during the June 2 luncheon. Students introduced themselves to the Silverdale Rotary Club before answering a few prompt questions created for them by Rotarians. Some announced they will go into nursing, others have an interest in sociology, computer engineering, law school, economics, and other fields.
Pictured above left to right are nine of the students standing with Silverdale Rotary President Chuck Kraining.
Brianna Rohwein and Kassidy Wandke (Klahowya); Samantha Evans, Joy Clark, Amanda Ford, Hannah Fergus, Kyle Gordon (CKHS); Alex Becker (Klahowya); and Chellie Labonete (CKHS). Not pictured: Gabriella Morris and Seth Huschka (Crosspoint Academy).
|Silverdale Rotary Honors CKSD Teacher of the Year
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Jun 04, 2016
On June 2, the Silverdale Rotary honored Central Kitsap School District's Teacher of the Year, Amee Coulter (pictured on right, inset). She is a first-grade teacher at Esquire Hills Elementary who was first recognized by the District for her work in the classroom. Principal of Esquire Hills, Susan Zetty, attended the special luncheon Silverdale Rotary hosted and offered glowing reviews of Amee and her work with students.
"She makes it a great place," said Zetty. "She is a delight to have as an Esquire Hills staff member."
After lunch, Rotarian Past President Ed Hamilton (on left) presented Amee with a beautiful globe and $250 check.
Then Past Rotary District 5020 Governor Brian Beagle presented Amee with a Paul Harris Fellowship, which is a special Rotary recognition named after the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris. This award is only presented to those individuals whose actions demonstrate their commitment to achieving the goal of Rotary, which is to make the world a better place for our future.
In his remarks, Brian said to Amee, "the words we heard today from the School District and from your Principal at Esquire Hills clearly show us that you share this commitment. On behalf of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation and the members of the Silverdale Rotary Club, it is my pleasure to present you with these symbols of a Paul Harris Fellowship: a certificate signed by both the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation and the President of Rotary International, and this pin."
|Memorial Day
|on May 29, 2016
|I Am Rotary
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on May 22, 2016
|Rotary Recognizes Students of the Month from Local Schools
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 18, 2016
Silverdale Rotary presented Student of the Month awards to some very deserving students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy on May 19. These students are nominated by school staff not only for academic achievement, but also for exhibiting leadership skills and service to others at their school, church, in sports activities, or in the community.
Pictured left to right: Gabriella Morris, Crosspoint Academy; Ethan Albro, Cameron Carroll, Amanda Soria (CKHS); Kyland Prior, Ian White (Klahowya); Rotarian Ron Templeton
Not pictured: Ella Hermann
The students were provided a ride to a Rotary luncheon in a limousine and presented with a plaque. The best part of the award ceremony is hearing from the students themselves, their activities, future aspirations, and passion for service. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
|Duck Bucks Support Resuscitation Training
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 18, 2016
Can you put a dollar value on saving a life? No, but Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds will help save lives by providing $1,500 in Duck Bucks to the Harrison Foundation for their ongoing Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) Program.
The funds will go to purchase a realistic eSimulation mannequin and mobile Simulation Station to help healthcare providers retain life-saving CPR skills. Pictured below is Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presenting the $1,500 check to Kari Driskell, Donor Relations Manager of the Harrison Foundation. For more information about RQI, go to http://www.laerdal.com/us/RQI.
|Rotary Recognizes Students of the Month from Local Schools
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 18, 2016
Silverdale Rotary presented Student of the Month awards to some very deserving students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy on May 19. These students are nominated by school staff not only for academic achievement, but also for exhibiting leadership skills and service to others at their school, church, in sports activities, or in the community.
Pictured left to right: Gabriella Morris, Crosspoint Academy; Ethan Albro, Cameron Carroll, Amanda Soria (CKHS); Kyland Prior, Ian White (Klahowya); Rotarian Ron Templeton
Not pictured: Ella Hermann
The students were provided a ride to a Rotary luncheon in a limousine and presented with a plaque. The best part of the award ceremony is hearing from the students themselves, their activities, future aspirations, and passion for service. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
|Duck Bucks Support High School Suicide and Bullying Prevention Program
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 18, 2016
Central Kitsap High School has a very active Suicide and Bullying Prevention Program, and students play a key role. On May 19, Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presented $500 in Duck Bucks to Teacher/Advisor Susan Leavell and Madison Largey, one of the many students who participate in the program. This is one more example of Duck Race proceeds going to support youth in our Community.
Pictured left to right: Debi Brooks-Givens, Susan Leavell, and Madison Largey
|Duck Bucks Help Kids Learn to Fish
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 18, 2016
Remember the thrill when you caught your first fish? That's the experience that $220 in Duck Bucks will help provide to 300 children at the Fishing Kids event at Island Lake Park on June 18, 2016.
The kids will fish in groups on-shore for up to 45 minutes receiving instruction by experienced anglers on angling techniques and environmental stewardship. They can catch and keep two fish, plus they can take home the rod & reel and a Fishing Kids t-shirt! Volunteers are needed to assist the kids with fishing, hand out gear, and clean fish. For more information, go to http://castforkids.org/event/islandlakefk/
Pictured left to right are Silverdale Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presenting the $220 check to Fishing Kids organizer Lori Raymaker.
|Duck Bucks Help Children and Families in Need – EBC West Sound
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 11, 2016
Providing the absolute essentials for the most vulnerable children in our community – that is the mission of Eastside Baby Corner – West Sound (EBC West Sound). It isn't easy for a family to rebuild a life in crisis, but it is impossible without adequate formula, food, diapers, warm clothes, and other basic fundamentals such as cribs and car seats.
To help stock the shelves, Silverdale Rotary presented $500 in Duck Bucks on May 12 to EBC West Co-Founders Beverly Kinaid and Bob Maynard, pictured on left and right below with Rotarian Kim Peterson (center).
EBC West opened its doors in November 2015 and is hosting a Grand Opening open house on June 4 at 1:30-3:30 pm at 1463 Dawn Rd NE, Bremerton. A VIP reception will at Silverdale Antiques on June 4 after the open house.
To learn more about EBC West Sound and ways to help, go to http://babycorner.org/ebc-west-sound/.
|Coast Guardsman of the Quarter
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on May 07, 2016
In March 2016 Silverdale Rotarians recognized the Military of the Quarter (see article following below), but one honoree, FN Karl Jennings (U.S. Coast Guard) could not be present. So President Chuck Kraining presented FN Jennings his award at his work place at Bangor. Awarding Coast Guardsmen of the Quarter is new for Silverdale Rotary starting in 2015, and we are very pleased to recognize the important job that the Coast Guard does at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor.
Pictured below: FN Jennings and President Chuck Kraining
Military of the Quarter Honorees
Pictured left to right: MACS Kittle, MA3 Harris, MA2 Vigo and MA1 Sullivan. Not pictured: FN Karl Jennings
Each quarter, our club is proud to host military members who exhibit professionalism and integrity and stand out among their fellow service members. We thank you for your service, dedication and hard work!
The Military of the Quarter honorees are: MA1 Ryan Sullivan, MA2 Lindsay Vigo, MA3 Devron Harris and FN Karl Jennings. They were accompanied MACS Kittle who spoke about the quarterly selection process and the accomplishments of the honorees. Our club then heard from the awardees themselves, who then answered questions from the audience.
|Rotarians Support Kitsap Adult Education and Win the Spelling Bee Championship!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 05, 2016
It's all about creating brighter futures: basic education for adults, English as a second language, and GED preparation. That is the mission of the Kitsap Adult Center for Education's (KACE) 25th annual Corporate Spelling Bee fund raiser on May 6. Spelling Bee entry fees and a silent auction raised money to continue their very important work.
It was a family affair as enthusiastic supporters cheered on Silverdale Rotary's team We Bee Ducks as they spelled incredibly difficult words – some we have never heard of!
Our Team, headed up by crack speller Dr. Mike Gass (center below next to Queen Bee) successfully defended last year's Championship (and the year before, and many other years!). Other members were Ed Ahrens (on left) and Ed Hamilton (on right).
Great fun for a Great Cause! For more information about KACE programs, go to http://kacewa.org/.
|Duck Bucks Help Feed the Hungry in Silverdale
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 04, 2016
"The volunteers at the Hallowed Ground Café are angels to those who don't know when they will get their next meal," said Richard LeMieux, formerly homeless and now famous author of "Breakfast at Sally's."
The Café serves dinner every week on Tuesday at the Silverdale United Methodist Church to an average of 120 people. To that end, on May 5, Silverdale Rotary presented $1,000 in Duck Bucks to the Café, which will fund the weekly dinners for an entire month!
Hallowed Ground Café is noteworthy in that food is served restaurant style by volunteer wait staff (see photo above) - no cafeteria lines or paper plates. At the same time, approximately 30 people per week are provided with clothing, shoes, and boots after the meal.
Pictured below left to right: Rotarian Kim Peterson, Jeanette Broadwell (lead wait person), Dennis Gregory (chairman of the project), Annette Kensmoe (expediter), Richard LeMieux (author)
Chairman Dennis Gregory spoke passionately about need to feed the hungry in the community, and the dedication of church volunteers who work week after week to give them a hot meal in a pleasant setting. For more information, go to
http://www.silverdale-umc.org/ministries/Missions/hallowed-grounds-cafe.html. Volunteers from the community are always welcome and encouraged!
Duck Buck grants are made possible by the tremendous support from Duck Race sponsors and community members who adopt ducks in the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser.
|Silverdale Rotary Donates $10,000 to Help Survivors of Domestic Violence
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Apr 14, 2016
On April 15 a contingent of Silverdale Rotarians surprised the Poulsbo Rotary Club at their regular meeting by presenting a check for $10,000 for their Morrow Manor project campaign. The project is entitled the Campaign to Build Brighter Tomorrows: Hope and Housing Solutions for Survivors of Domestic Violence. The goal is to offer safe, supportive, longer-term affordable housing for survivors of domestic violence in Kitsap County. Pictured on left are Silverdale Rotarian Elayne Burton and Poulsbo Rotary President Naveen Chaudhary.
Poulsbo Rotarians were great hosts and really appreciated our donation to their awesome project. This surprise presentation created an impromptu celebration of smiles and hugs and tears among the Rotarians of both Clubs.
Pictured below left to right: Bob Cassis (Silverdale), Ardis Morrow, for whom the project is named (facing away, Poulsbo), Mike Hancock (Silverdale) hugging Amy Sanford (Poulsbo), Kim Peterson (behind, Silverdale), President Chuck Kraining (Silverdale), Rand Hillier (Poulsbo) and Elayne Burton (Silverdale).
We encourage you to read more information about this project at: Morrow Manor.
|Rotarians Recognize Students of the Month
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Apr 13, 2016
The Silverdale Rotary Club would like to congratulate the April Students of the Month!
Pictured from left below are Aaron Mahiou from Crosspoint Academy; Amber Leon-Guerrero from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS); Derek Dowell and Morgan Walters from Klahowya Secondary School; Bailee Barrick, Torsten Robinson, and Ryan Zetty from CKHS; and Silverdale Rotarian Ron Templeton
All the students arrived at the April 14 Rotary meeting in a limo, were treated to lunch, were recognized by representatives from their schools, gave wonderful speeches, and received a plaque for their scholastic and community service efforts. We would like to wish them well as they move forward into a bright future.
|I Am Rotary
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Apr 06, 2016
|Vocational moment: CKHS Interact members update
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Apr 01, 2016
During our March 31 meeting, Silverdale Rotary Club members had the pleasure of hearing from four Central Kitsap High School Interact members. Interact students updated the club on current projects, including a special one that will be their club's first large project that requires community assistance.
Island Lake Park has a 9/11 memorial that most locals don't even know about, the members reported. There is a unique rock garden where visitors can reflect and place a rock in a stone cylinder. Instead, it is often filled with trash, and the surrounding areas are often trashed with litter. Interact members hope to clean up the area in four different stages, to include cutting back brush, cleaning the benches, scrubbing the headstone and rock garden, and more. The students plan to speak with the county parks department officials to see what can be done on the Interact Club's behalf, and they asked for Rotarians' help and suggestions once all is approved.
Interact Club members hope to make it an annual project where they will clean the area, plant flowers, etc.
|I Am Rotary
|Posted by Richard (Rick) Soper
|on Mar 19, 2016
Please share!
|Duck Bucks – Benedict House - Catholic Community Services
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Mar 16, 2016
Chris Brunell (pictured on right), Facility Supervisor of Benedict House in Bremerton, gratefully accepted a Duck Bucks grant from Silverdale Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens for $1,980 to replace aging wooden beds with 4 new metal bunks. A program of Catholic Community Services, Benedict House provides emergency shelter and transitional living support to single men who are in crisis. The new beds are part of a campaign to combat a recurring bed bug problem and to make the facility cleaner and more sustainable. Learn more about the impact that Benedict House makes on our local community at http://www.ccsww.org/site/PageServer?pagename=housing_benedicthouse
|Rotary Recognizes Community Member Tex Lewis with Paul Harris Fellow Award
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 16, 2016
On March 17, President Chuck Kraining (pictured on left) proudly presented a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) award to Tex Lewis. Our Club members selected two recipients following our 2015-16 Fantasy Football fundraiser, which raised $2,000 for The Rotary Foundation and enabled PHF awards for two community members.
A longtime Silverdale resident, Tex's name is synonymous with the Clear Creek Trail and the Clear Creek Task Force, and has been instrumental in the planning, fund raising, and recruiting volunteers for the now extensive network of trails. Tex also coordinated the beautiful mural painting and clear coat of the Anderson Hill Overpass in 2009, a project in which Silverdale Rotary was proud to heavily participate. Tex's tireless volunteer efforts in the community totally embody the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self."
|Duck Bucks – Coffee Oasis
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Mar 16, 2016
"The need is huge," Dave Frederick, Executive Director of Coffee Oasis, commented as he opened his address to our club. Coffee Oasis makes an impact for the 466 Kitsap youth who are homeless by providing shelter, case management, job training, and street and school outreach. Just as Dave learned that the organization was losing its lease on its Bremerton drive-thru, the phone rang, and the owner of the defunct KFC restaurant on Naval Avenue offered to donate the space to Coffee Oasis.
The work is in progress to prepare the 40-person café & job training center for a June opening, and Silverdale Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presented Dave with a $1,961 Duck Bucks grant to purchase an industrial hot water tank to get the operation off to a great start. It is rewarding to know that our hard work supports the mission of "Changing the world for homeless youth." For more about Coffee Oasis, visit https://thecoffeeoasis.com/who-are-we/our-history/https://thecoffeeoasis.com/who-are-we/our-history/.
|Kitsap Rescue Mission Thanks Rotary for Duck Bucks
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 12, 2016
Silverdale Rotarians really appreciate it when we hear from our Duck Buck and Cause of the Month recipients! It really brings home why we sell Ducks! Kitsap Rescue Mission posted the following on their Facebook page on March 11. Thanks for your kind words, Kitsap Rescue Mission!
For more information, see related article following this one.
|Duck Bucks at Work - Helping Save Lives in Kitsap County
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 19, 2016
In 2015, Silverdale Rotary donated a portion of Duck Race proceeds to Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR) to help launch the life-saving PulsePoint smartphone app. We are proud to share an excerpt from a February 19, 2016 press release from CKFR:
Kitsap County First in Western Washington to Implement PulsePoint.
A new smart phone app is now available to give Kitsap County residents the ability to save a life. The PulsePoint app notifies CPR trained citizens of nearby cardiac arrests and is accessible now in Kitsap County.
PulsePoint is integrated into the county's 911 system and alerts CPR-trained bystanders in the immediate vicinity of a public cardiac emergency, so they can get to the scene and start CPR in the critical minutes before emergency medical teams arrive."
For a video showing the PulsePoint app in action, please visit this link: http://www.pulsepoint.org/pulsepoint-respond/
In conjunction, CKFR is also gearing up for the FREE mass CPR event to be held at the Silverdale YMCA on February 28th. For more information or to register, please click here: http://www.kitsapcountycpr.org/
|Silverdale Rotary Mardi Gras Float Wins First Place - $3,000!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 14, 2016
Pictured left to right: Rotarians Mariam Camery, Scott Weninger, a nameless Old Guy, and Scott Slocum
Anticipation ran high at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino on February 9, Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, as the Casino held their annual non-profit Mardi Gras float contest. New this year, the parading of the 18 floats and judging were held in the Event Center as about 250 enthusiastic supporters cheered on their floats. When the announcement was made, Silverdale Rotary had won first place, and a cash prize of $3,000 to spend on the good works of Rotary!
Thanks to the Silverdale Rotarians and helpers, spearheaded by Rotarian Scott Slocum, who all together designed, built, wired, decorated, and transported our best float yet. For more details on who did what, working on the float, go to http://portal.clubrunner.ca/730/Stories/silverdale-rotary-mardi-gras-float-is-at-the-casino.
But it was the people who voted for our float at the Casino who made the difference for us between first and second place ($3,000 vs $2,000), because our float garnered the most votes (253, only 15 votes more than the 2nd place vote getter), adding extra points to the judges' scores.
The Casino ceremoniously awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals, as our float participants stood proudly on the podium. Pictured left to right: Scott Weninger, Mariam Camery, Savannah Young (Scott Slocum's granddaughter), and Scott Slocu,
Thanks to the Suquamish Clearwater Casino for their enormous support of Kitsap non-profits, as all entries were awarded $500 for their efforts, even if they didn't win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prizes of $3,000, $2,000, or $1,000. The Casino is also a huge supporter of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, sponsoring the $1M Duck!
Again, special thanks to everyone who voted for our float - your votes won us an extra $1,000!
At the end of the exciting evening upon reaching home, Scott Slocum received a well deserved "high five" from Ticker, his Golden Retriever. Congratulations to all!
|Donated School Supplies Delivered to Filipino Children
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Feb 03, 2016
Silverdale Rotary President Chuck Kraining wrapped up his President's Project by having Wilma Tambong Lewis (pictured) show us photos of smiling children from Linayasan Elementary School in the Philippines. "We will never forget this for our entire lives," Wilma quoted the children who received six huge boxes of school supplies from our Rotary Club that were shipped in September 2015. See http://portal.clubrunner.ca/730/Stories/silverdale-rotarians-extend-a-helping-hand-across-the-world for the background story.
As part of a ceremony on December 11, 2015, the children were lined up to fill their blue Rotary branded backpacks with paper, rulers, markers and more. For many of these kids, it was the first time that they had a pencil that they did not have to share with a sibling or classmate.
A clean shirt, a meal, and basic learning supplies mean the difference between children who learn and achieve and those that drop out of school before sixth grade.
Wilma presented a beautiful banner thanking our club members for the donated supplies; but, we are the grateful ones. It is truly rewarding to make such a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged children. President Chuck added, "I am incredibly grateful for the support that our club showed for this project. It's something I will never forget as well!"
|Rotary Honors Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsman of the Quarter
|Posted by Jorge Nolasco
|on Jan 10, 2016
Pictured left to right: MA1 Walter, MAC Ferrer, Cpl Potter, 1st Sgt Fontenot, MA3 Wiles, MAC Hughes, MA2 Encinas, and ISC O'Neill. Not pictured: OS2 McGinnis and Cpl Davis
On January 7, Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to honor outstanding enlisted representatives of the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard who are attached to the Marine Corps Security Force Company, Bangor. We have added the Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit to our quarterly award program, and this is the first time that the Coast Guard attended. Their mission is to provide Transit Protection Service to TRIDENT submarines.
The Military of the Quarter honorees are: MA1 Walter, Cpl Potter, MA3 Wiles, MA2 Encinas, OS2 McGinnis, and Cpl Davis.
|Duck Bucks Help Keep Graduating Seniors Safe
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Jan 06, 2016
Erin Stamerra and MaryBeth Fergus (pictured left and center), Co-Chairs of the Central Kitsap High School's PTSA Grad Night Committee, accepted a check from Rotarian Kim Peterson for $500 in addition to the $500 already awarded to the organization following their support of our club's 2015 Duck Race.
Grad Night is a safe, substance-free party for CK graduates following their commencement. The $20,000 event has been held at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor for the past nine years, and it allows the grads to cut loose and enjoy bowling, swimming, dancing, inflatable obstacles, movies and more. The students are provided with a buffet dinner, professional entertainment from a local hypnotist, and prizes ranging from gift cards to dorm-size refrigerators. The volunteer committee works hard to secure grants to ensure that the event is top-notch and is affordable for all.
While PTSA has been supporting the Duck Race with duck labeling and duck washing on race day, in July 2015 their support was particularly crucial following the race that was delayed 1.5 hours by an epic thunderstorm. Even though many other community volunteers had left the race, the PTSA group came back to finish the job in the rain (see photo below).
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Kitsap Adult Center for Literacy
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Jan 06, 2016
Susan Eagan (pictured on left), board member for the Kitsap Adult Center for Education (KACE), accepted a $1,500 Duck Bucks grant from Rotarian Kim Peterson (on right) to purchase three new computers for the enter. She explained that KACE exists to combat the staggering statistic that 1 out of 12 adults in Kitsap County cannot read at a 5th grade level. The new computers are vital to help students who are not successful in traditional college classes improve their literacy and earn their GEDs.
Susan shared two success stories and the impact the organization makes to improve lives. Susan shared two success stories and the impact the organization makes to improve lives. For more information, go to http://kacewa.org/.
Grants like these are made possible by the tremendous support of sponsors of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser and the ticket buying public.
|Report from Amelia Hisaw – Exchange Student to Denmark
|Posted by Patti Van Patten
|on Jan 01, 2016
Dear Silverdale Rotary Club.
This past month I have been very busy. My school put on a musical called Testament, and it is about an old rich women who has her family plan her funeral, and they do it because they think they will inherit all her money, but in the end they spent it all on the funeral, but they are happy because it made them all close again. I wanted to participate in the musical, so I joined the choir. Joining the choir was a great way for me to socialize with different people I don't see everyday, and also it kept me very busy. I had practices on Wednesdays after school, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. I'm so thankful for all the fun times, and people I met throughout the production. We had our premiere on the 22nd, and it went very well! We did three shows, and on the last night my host dad and brother came to watch. After the final show, and clean up the school gave us an after party. It was fun to celebrate all our hard work, and success.
Something else I did this past month was I switched host families. I am very happy with my new family! I have twin thirteen-year-old host siblings, a boy and a girl, and their older sister is on her exchange in South Africa. My new family has so much energy! My parents both run, the kids do handball, and fodbold (soccer), and my host parents got me to go to cross fit with them (I died a little). With my new host family there is a lot more time together as a family, and we are always talking and doing some kind of activity. I think I'm a lot more tired now since I'm socializing every second.
Another fun thing I got to do this last month was on Thanksgiving I went to a boarding school with other exchange students (some from AFS), and gave presentations all about my life, and the society in the US. It was great to meet lots of new people, and to take a tour of the school, and the housing of the students.
Some other things I did to finish out the month, was on Friday we had our big school Christmas party, and it was a lot of fun. We had a live performance, and danced a lot. On Saturday, I finally had time to have a girl's day with my new host sister. We toured around town looking at different shops, ate different food throughout the day, and we also visited Starbucks. My little host sister loves Starbucks! I had fun telling her how I've been to the original Starbucks, and that it originated in my state. I even saw some décor in the store that said Seattle on it.
This past month has been filled with lots of great memories, and I'm so thankful to all who have been apart of it, and made these memories possible! I'm very excited to experience a Danish Christmas! We will celebrate on the 24th, and some of the traditions are different. I've been told to wear sweat pants, because we will be eating lots of delicious food.
Jeg håber alt er godt og I må få en god jul! (I hope all is well, and that you have a good Christmas!)
Kærlig Hilsen (Best of wishes)
Amelia Hisaw
|Bell Ringing at Macy's on Christmas Eve
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 26, 2015
Silverdale Rotarians wrapped up the Club's Salvation Army Bell Ringing season on Christmas Eve with lots of smiles and good wishes. Thanks to everyone who rang on Thursday, December 24: Coordinator and Bell Ringer Rob MacDermid, Christie Scheffer, Christie's son-in-law and daughter Tim and Brianna Miller, David McVicker, Scott Park, Mark Heinemann and his son Tyler, and Chuck Huddleston.
Pictured above: Tyler and Mark Heinemann, Chuck Huddleston
It was so nice to see long time Rotarians Mark Heinemann and Chuck Huddleston again!
It's been a great season with dozens of Bell Ringers manning the kettles. Thanks to overall Coordinator Rob MacDermid and to Barbara Beagle for setting up the ClubRunner schedules. And special thanks to Rotarians, family members, and other ringers (many who rang on several days) who supported the Salvation Army's good works by volunteering!
|Holiday Meeting Cancellation
|on Dec 25, 2015
There will be no Silverdale Rotary Club Meeting on New Year's Eve, December 31.
|Bell Ringing at Macy's on December 19
|Posted by Christie Scheffer
|on Dec 20, 2015
Pictured above left to right: Family members Tim and Brianna Miller; Ruby and Ben Scheffer
Silverdale Club Rotarians and families rang Salvation Army bells at three doors at Macy's in Silverdale, on December 19th! Despite wind and rain, warm hearts prevailed as we rang bells, gave away candy canes and opened doors for shivering, hurrying shoppers. Passers-by were quick to offer donations and encourage their younger children to place the money in the red kettles.
Rotarians Nancy Whitaker and Peter Matty
Ringers included: Peter Matty, David McVicker, Rob MacDermid, Nancy Whitaker, Frank Guthrie, Saturday's Coordinator Christie Scheffer and Christie's kids – Ben and Ruby Scheffer and Tim and Brianna Miller. Peter stepped up and rang for four hours!
Rotarians Rob MacDermid and David McVicker
Some may not know that unless the Salvation Army has a volunteer bell ringer, they must pay folks to ring the bells. So Rotarian volunteers help the Salvation Army raise important funds in several ways, each time they volunteer. There are two shifts left this coming Christmas Eve! Bring a friend or family member and share in the warmth this season!
Rotarian Frank Guthrie
|Klahowya Jazz Choir Performs at Rotary
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 16, 2015
Silverdale Rotarians and guests were in for a musical treat on December 17 when a contingent of the Klahowya Secondary School Jazz Choir performed a medley of contemporary and holiday selections. Led by Director Jackie Levenseller and accompanied by math teacher Mandy Watland, their voices filled the room with joyous music. We really appreciated these talented young people coming to our meeting to entertain us!
|Election of Officers for 2016-17 Held on December 17
|Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining
|on Dec 16, 2015
The Club held annual elections on December 17 and elected the following to the Board of Directors for the 2016-2017 Rotary year:
President Nominee – Kim Peterson
Club Service Second Chair – Scott Park
Community Service Chair – Mechelle Hoerer and Second Chair – Steve Burton
International Service Second Chair – Mary Hoover
Vocational Service Second Chair – Chuck Kraining
Public Information Chair – Rick Soper
Foundation Chair – Steve Slaton
Membership Chair – Christy Scheffer
And the following persons have been previously elected for the 2016-17 Rotary year:
President-Cindy Holmes
Secretary – Don Lachata
Treasurer – Elayne Burton
International Service Chair – Mariam Camery
Vocational Service Chair – Jorge Nolasco
Thank you to all who agreed to serve our club!
|History of Bell Ringing in the Silverdale Rotary Club
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 13, 2015
Editor's Note: the following was written by Paul Murphey (pictured), who was a member of our Club from May 1995 to November 2013.
The one project in Rotary I am most proud of was my involvement in bell ringing for the Salvation Army during the Christmas Season. In 2000, Major Jim Baker came to the Club and spoke of the need for volunteer bell ringers. No one offered to help. After the meeting, I talked with him and told him my father rang the bell in Augusta, GA when his Lions Club contributed many hours. I told him I wanted to honor my Father's memory by ringing the bell. He put me down for ten hours – four hours on two days and two hours on one.
I was standing under the overhang to the entrance to one of the Kitsap Mall stores. It was rainy and cold and the wind was blowing. A lovely lady and her young daughter, about 10-11 I guess, came over to where I was. The mother reached into her purse and gave her daughter a $10 bill. The child looked like something out of a story book with her green velvet coat, white fur collar and white hand muff. As the mother gave her the money she said to her daughter, "now put this in the kettle where the nice man is ringing the bell. He doesn't have to be out here in the rain, but he wants children like you to have a better Christmas – we do, too."
|Rotary Youth Exchange - Lifetime Friendships
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 13, 2015
It was so good to see Miharu Umehara at our Christmas Party on December 9! She is our Rotary Youth Exchange student from Japan that Silverdale Rotary Club hosted in 2010-2011. She is all grown up, but she still lights up the room with her enthusiasm for life!
She posted the following on her Facebook page yesterday after playing with the Hometown Band (trumpet section pictured below) for the first time in 5 years, and her remarks about the power of Rotary Youth Exchange:
"No way it's been 5 years!? You're 22?? Nahh you're still a little goofy trumpeter"
So this is how it happened: I attended the Silverdale Rotary Club Christmas party few days ago. Rotarian Cathy and Phil Bisaillon (both members of the Hometown Band) didn't know that I was going to be there, but right after we reunited they asked me: "Would you come play with us if I got you a trumpet!? We have a gig on Friday"
I wasn't sure if I could play anything since it had been a while since I played my trumpet last time. Though the people in the band welcomed me so nicely and the director handed me this 100 year old cornet. (Omg it was such a beautiful vintage cornet!!). I mostly pretended that I was playing, but it was simply amazing to be in the band and feel the warmth of the people again.
Now after 5 years I'm experiencing what "life-long friendship" is really like, and truly appreciating what Rotary International Youth Exchange is doing. I still believe that studying abroad in the midst of high school was the best decision I've ever made."
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 13, 2015
On December 10, our Club was pleased to honor Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. This is one of our favorite programs, because we hear from and about these outstanding students who are our future leaders. Students are chosen by school staff, and then we bring them to lunch in a limousine, and present them with a plaque and congratulatory letter.
Besides excelling in academics and participating in sports and other activities, all these students volunteer their time in endeavors such as teen mentoring, Special Olympics, tutoring, and Food Bank. Congratulations to all these well deserving students!
Pictured left to right: McKenna Welch (Klahowya); Kalie Nation (Crosspoint Academy); Anthony Tobias, Klahowya; Andrew Campbell, Chelle Labonete, Taija Rice, and Brennan Dour (CKHS)
|Duck Bucks Fill Backpacks of Food for Children in Need
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Dec 13, 2015
Our Club proudly presented Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids (KFB4K) with a Duck Bucks grant for $1,000 to further its mission to provide nutritious food to children and their families who are homeless or who are struggling to make ends meet.
Dr. Tom Hawks (pictured on left), KFB4K Board Member, accepted the check from President Chuck Kraining and thanked our club for helping elementary school children (who typically receive free or reduced lunch at school) to have food on the weekends. We learned that the need has grown to more than 180 backpacks to fill each week, and that KFB4K operates with an all-volunteer staff. Learn more about this local organization at http://www.kitsapfoodbackpacks4kids.com/.
|Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Macy's!
|Posted by Christie Scheffer
|on Dec 06, 2015
The weather may have been cold and wet but hearts were brimming with warmth as the donations poured into the Salvation Army buckets on Saturday, December 5! Rotarians and family members and friends rang bells at all four doors at Macy's and collected smiles, funny jests and urgently needed cash that will make such a difference in people's lives who are struggling to meet basic needs. Rotarians rang bells, opened doors, handed out candy canes, and helped folks in and out of cars with an umbrella. Pictured left and below are Rotarian Christie Scheffer's granddaughter Reyce and daughter Tessa, and Rotarian Scott Slocum.
We will be ringing again from 10 am to 4 pm on December 12th and 19th, and on Christmas Eve from 10 am to 2 pm. Come say hello!
|Holiday Meeting Cancellations
|on Dec 04, 2015
There will be no Silverdale Rotary Club Meeting on Christmas Eve, December 24, and New Year's Eve, December 31.
|Duck Bucks Will Provide Toys for Needy Children This Christmas
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 02, 2015
On December 3, Silverdale Rotarian Debbie Brooks-Givens presented $1,500 in Duck Bucks to Tim Samuels (inset), a representative of the local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots organization. These funds will purchase toys for the giveaway to needy children ages 0-13 on December 19 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Tim described the huge need in Kitsap County and related that to qualify, recipients must show proof of need as described on the Toys for Tots website
Duck Bucks awards are possible thanks to the huge community support for the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race raffle fund raiser. This is why we sell Ducks!
|Silverdale Rotarians Ring the Bells for the Salvation Army at Macy's
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 28, 2015
Silverdale Rotarians, family members, and friends were out in force (in the cold!) on Black Friday and Saturday, November 28, too, to ring the bells for the Salvation Army at all four doors at Macy's at the Kitsap Mall. It's an annual tradition, going back as far as we can remember, and everyone entering and leaving Macy's from 10 am to 4 pm was warmly greeted. Some dressed to reflect the Holiday Season, like Rotarian Erin Leedham (pictured left). It's great to say hello and see the smiles of the shoppers and to say Thank You to everyone stuffing money into the buckets!
Families got involved, like Rotarian Jim Adkins, who was joined by his daughter-in-law Mary Adkins and grandson James while they visited from out of town (all pictured right).
2015 Silverdale Rotary Scholarship winner Rebecca Leedham (pictured on right) "gave back" by taking a shift along with her friend Shannon Meester (pictured on left).
Rotarians will be ringing the bells on Saturdays, December 5, 12, 19 from 10 am to 4pm; and on Christmas Eve from 10 am to 2 pm. Come by and say hello!
|Winter Warmth - November Cause of the Month Extended to December 3
|Posted by Christie Scheffer
|on Nov 28, 2015
Imagine spending the last week without a proper coat, hat, gloves, and socks. The deadline for donations is now this Thursday, December 3.
Pleas bring gently used or new warm winter clothing for those in need: coats, hats, scarves, gloves and socks on Thursday. Cash or check donations are also welcome! Rotary contact: Christie Scheffer 360-981-7300
|Silverdale 61st Christmas Tree Lighting on November 28
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 22, 2015
The 61st annual Silverdale Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was held Saturday, November 28 at 6:00 pm. Steeped in tradition, Silverdale Rotarians/future Rotarians, in partnership with Dandy Lions, Kiwanis and other dedication community volunteers, have supported maintenance of this tree with funds and labor every year since 1954, a year before our Club's Charter in 1955. Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper and Silverdale Dandy Lion Roland Arper have continued the legacy of their father, legendary Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper, in organizing the small army of volunteers it takes every year to keep the tree lit.
For a fascinating history of the tree written by our own Silverdale Rotarian Rich Arper, click on https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000000730/en-us/files/homepage/silverdale-christmas-tree-history/C--Users-Barbara-13-Pictures-Silverdale-Rotary-Pictures-Silv-Xmas-Tree-History-Oct-2013-Silv-Xmas-Tree-History--Oct-24-2013.pdf.
|Coats for Kids Giveaway Marks Third Successful Year
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Nov 22, 2015
There's nothing better than the hug of a warm coat on a cold winter's day. On November 18, Kitsap County residents woke up to front yards landscaped with frost and thick ice covering car windows. The temperature registered at 35 degrees. Yet, some local children went off to school without jackets. A few even wore shorts, despite the frigid air surrounding them.
Three years ago, local firefighters decided to step up and help clothe kids in coats through the funding of Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund. The group fund raises and helps with local causes, including making donations to the food banks and more. This year, the Silverdale Rotary and Bremerton Rotary Clubs both donated to help fund this year's coat drive.
"We're gonna do some good things for our kids," said Chris Bigelow, president of the Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund, right before the group passed out the coats. Three second-grade classes received the coats based on needs within the school district where free-and reduced-lunch rates are the highest. This year, and as in years past, the Bremerton School District had the highest need.
Silverdale Rotarians (Mariam Camery center) were on site to watch the coat giveaway and to hand out little rubber ducklings, the known symbol of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, which raises money for community projects like this one. The popular race event brings in thousands of dollars that are then given away as "duck bucks" to community organizations in need.
Because of the Rotarians' and firefighters' generous donations, 108 children now have warm winter coats at View Ridge Elementary School in Bremerton. The coat drive is part of a larger project nationwide known as Operation Warm, which was founded in 2002. For more information on Operation Warm, visit www.operationwarm.org/.
Pictured left to right: Benevolent Fund President Chris Bigelow, Mary Hoover and Barbara Beagle (Silverdale Rotary), Bremerton Rotary President, Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent, CKFR Chief Scott Weninger (also Silverdale Rotarian)
|Bruce Armstrong, Last Known Silverdale Rotary Charter Member, Passes Away
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 22, 2015
Silverdale Rotary lost 1955 Charter Member Bruce O. Armstrong on November 9, 2015. Serving as Club President in 1973-74, he was the last known Charter Member to have stayed in the local area.
In later years, Bruce was an Honorary Member and would occasionally attend Club functions. To read his obituary, go to http://www.rill.com/obituaries/Bruce-Armstrong/#!/Obituary.
|Silverdale Rotary Honors Military Service Members Via Blue Star Banner Program
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 15, 2015
Silverdale Rotary has a long history of honoring active duty service members in the local area, and one way is through the Blue Star Banner Program nonprofit organization. On October 29, Lynette George (pictured in inset), founder of the Blue Star Banner Program, accepted $1,100 in Duck Bucks to replace 11 torn and worn banners in Kitsap County. These banners represent the gratitude and high esteem that Silverdale Rotarians (many of whom are veterans and active duty themselves) hold for Armed Forces men and women.
For more information about the Blue Star Banner Program, go to http://www.bluestarbanner.org/index.php.
|Duck Bucks Will Feed 60 Needy Families This Christmas
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 15, 2015
On October 29, Silverdale Rotarian Elayne Burton (pictured on left) presented a check for $1,500 to Lanette Duchesneau (pictured on right) of All Teens Matter. These funds will provide complete Christmas dinners for 60 teenagers and their families who would otherwise not have Christmas.
The purpose of All Teens Matter is to help provide a Christmas to low income, homeless high school students in our county ages 14 to 18. The need becomes greater and greater as the economic crisis continues. They receive a stocking, tree, 4 to 6 gifts, and a complete dinner for their whole family. For more information visit http://www.allteensmatter.com/
|Highlights from the November 12th Silverdale Rotary Board Meeting
|Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining
|on Nov 12, 2015
Ed H. reported he is back and the Duck race is on track
Ed A. shared details about the Christmas Party and has programs set through the end of the year.
Debi said Community Service as new applications for Duck Bucks. A list of applicant will be posted for the club members to see.
Mike reported the details of the committee's latest funding. He is working on other projects.
Bob reported all is well in Vocational Services. Chuck thanked him for his work on the Vocational Moment.
Rick reported about his very productive PI meeting. Many things in the works. They were very excited to welcome Seraine Berube to the committee.
It was decided to hold a special social on January 28th at the Clearwater Casino Many ideas were discussed on how to increase participation. This is an effort to gather votes for our float that is entered in the contest.
A motion was passed to offer a honorary membership to the Bangor SWFPAC leader in an effort to the get the base more involved in the community.
Chuck asked for help in the Nominating process.
Jorge shared more details on his business incubator/mentorship/micro loan idea. Many questions ensued. He will continue to work on it and report back.
A motion was passed to fund the initial Interact account at CKHS with $250. We board felt this was to support our Interact Club, not a payment for work done.
Whaling Days want to discuss the agreement we have between the two organizations. A task force of Chuck Kraining, Ron Templeton and Kim Peterson was assigned to meet with the Whaling Days Presidents to discuss our future relationship. The hope is for that meeting to take place in the next two to three weeks.
|No Club Meeting on Thanksgiving Day, November 26
|Posted by Seraine Berube
|on Nov 12, 2015
Please note that there will be no Club meeting on Thursday, November 26. Happy Thanksgiving!
|November Is The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Month
|Posted by Steve Slaton
|on Nov 05, 2015
For more information go to https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/rotary-foundation .
|Duck Bucks Support Olympic Duals Wrestling Tournaments
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Nov 04, 2015
We all know that wrestling as a youth sport builds speed, agility and stamina. On November 5, Doug Dowell (pictured left with Rotarian Kim Peterson) from the local non-profit Wrestling Supporting Wrestling also taught us that wrestling builds character. As an individual sport for both boys and girls, wrestling demands hard work and the inner strength to know that if you lose a match there is no one to blame but yourself.
Doug and his fellow Board Member, Steve Polillo, have spent the past five years growing their organization to one that now hosts two weekend-long tournaments at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion each December. These events bring thousands of teen wrestlers and their families together for the love of competition. Our club proudly awarded Wrestling Supporting Wrestling a $500 Duck Bucks grant to help purchase the wrestlers' t-shirts for the Olympic Duals Tournament. "These shirts are a badge of honor for our wrestlers, many of whom could never afford to purchase one," Doug commented, adding his sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Silverdale for its support.
|Rotary Continues Support to Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 04, 2015
When Silverdale Rotarians heard an update on youth programs from Haselwood Family YMCA's staff who work with the kids, we were reminded once again, "This Is Why We Sell Ducks!" On November 5, Sarah Grai (Senior Youth Director), Zak Padayao and Edna Cox (Youth and Teen Directors) provided enthusiastic snapshots of the activities that our $200,000 6-Year Long Term Project commitment supports. Some examples:
And it's not just classes – it's the close personal interaction with the adult staff being role models that makes a real difference in the lives of the kids at the YMCA. At the end of their presentations, President Chuck Kraining presented Sarah, Zak, and Edna with a check for $24,000; the fifth of six installments towards the $200,000 project to support the Teen Center. All three emphasized the importance of outside financial support, for without donations like ours, many programs would suffer.
Pictured left to right: Edna Cox, President Chuck Kraining, Sarah Grai, Zak Padayao
|Duck Bucks Enhance Emergency Communication in Kitsap County
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Nov 04, 2015
Quick, clear communication can mean the difference between life and death during an emergency. The truth is, our daily means of communication may not be accessible when we really need them. "When all else fails," comments Doug Smith, President of Kitsap County Amateur Radio Club, "Ham Radio is there." He explained that amateur radio operators were key to the relay of information during the 2014 Oso landslide and the 2015 Central Washington area wildfires. For decades they have been tapped during earthquakes and other emergencies, and can be used to facilitate safety measures at community events such as walkathons and bikeathons.
Doug, pictured right with Rotarian Christie Scheffer, gratefully accepted a Duck Bucks grant for $1,800 to replace outdated antennae with two 40' state-of-the-art push up masts. The new masts will dramatically improve communications in both voice and digital format. The radio club is an active group of enthusiasts that provides training and support for operators of all levels. More info can be found at www.kcarc.org.
Duck Buck awards are made possible by the tremendous support for the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser from sponsors and the ticket buying public.
|Trick or Treat at Seabeck Conference Center
|Posted by Kimberly Peterson
|on Oct 30, 2015
Silverdale Rotarians Kim Peterson, Mechelle Hoerer, and Elayne Burton (pictured above and left), represented the Silverdale Rotary Club at the annual Seabeck Conference Center Halloween Trick or Treat festivities, which provides a safe place for children to Trick or Treat in various houses all over Conference grounds.
Dressed as the Three Musketeers (who also decorated the house), candy treats which were provided from the generosity of the Silverdale Rotarians were handed out to princesses, zombies, owls, football players, Super Heroes, witches, firemen, policemen, airplane pilots, crazy cat ladies, lions etc.
The Musketeers stayed true to the saying "All for One and One for All!" during the two hour stream of costumed children.
The threat of rain (which did not happen) did not lessen the attendance at the event. Estimation is that over 400 guests received a treat (or two) from the Musketeers.
It was a successful event creating great memories. Thank you to Seabeck Conference Center and to Silverdale Rotarians!
|Duck Bucks Replace Furnace in Homeless Shelter Georgia's House
|Posted by James (Jim) Adkins
|on Oct 28, 2015
On October 29, 2015, Rotarian Elayne Burton presented Leanna Weaver, Executive Director of Georgia Mattson Memorial Shelter, with a Duck Bucks check for over $2,000. Leanna is pictured on right with Silverdale Rotarians Scott Park and Jim Atkins. The Duck Bucks were used to replace the shelter's gas furnace which was beyond repair and a safety hazard to operate. With winter temperatures arriving soon, time was of the essence in returning the central heating system to operation. Rotarian Scott Park volunteered his company, Quality Heating, Electrical and Air Conditioning, Inc, to quickly complete the work funded by the Duck Bucks.
Weaver Foundation - Georgia Mattson Memorial Shelter (Georgia's House) is a local 501(c) 3 non-profit providing women and children a safe place for a second chance. Its mission is to insure that low income homeless women and children up to the age of 18, as well as those experiencing domestic violence, have the opportunity to seek out ways to better themselves without concern for shelter, food and safety. Georgia's House has twenty-two beds for women and children and has operated solely with volunteers for over three years. It is the only shelter taking children up to 18 in the area and the only one which intakes on a 24/7 schedule. Prospective residents are referred to Georgia's House by the Kitsap County Housing Solutions Center in Bremerton. The Shelter is usually filled to capacity with residents being able to reside in Georgia's House for up to 90 days. For more information, go to http://www.gmweaverfoundation.org/
|Rotary Grant Helps Outfit Health Clinic in Burkina Faso, West Africa
|Posted by Michael Hancock
|on Oct 28, 2015
Walk in the Light International (WITLI) was founded in 2009, by Tom and Katy Cornell, in Port Orchard, WA. They have been serving the Rialo, in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Since their inception they have drilled clean water wells, built schools, made micro loans to local women so they could start businesses and most recently are building and furnishing a Clinic to provide health care for Rialo and the surrounding communities.
On October 29, Katy (pictured right with Rotarian Mike Hancock) accepted a grant for $5,783 to furnish three rooms in the clinic as follows:
|The Hometown Band – Community Musicians and Duck Bucks at Work!
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Oct 25, 2015
Instrumental music is alive and well, and can be heard year-round throughout Kitsap County. Our Rotary Club experienced this firsthand at our meeting on October 22 when The Hometown Band entertained us during our Oktoberfest themed luncheon. This was the third time that the group has performed for the Silverdale Rotary Club, and this concert was a special way for the band to thank the Club for the Duck Bucks that contributed toward the purchase of a much needed equipment trailer and performance chairs (pictured below) .
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the concert band fills a unique niche in our community, combining an open-door environment for musicians of all ages and ability levels with a mission to help charitable organizations and local festivals enrich their events. Jas Linford has been the group's conductor for the past 25 years, in addition to playing tuba in area ensembles and operating his own musical instrument repair business. Jas keeps the Hometown Band's musicians challenged by booking about 25 concerts per year with frequent repertoire changes.
The Hometown Band is gearing up for its holiday concert season with performances throughout the county starting in early December. The concerts are free (donations accepted) and fun for all ages. More info is available at www.hometownband.org or by contacting Cathy Bisaillon at firstname.lastname@example.com.
|Silverdale Christmas Tree – It's a Community Effort!
|Posted by Richard (Rich) Arper
|on Oct 23, 2015
Three Silverdale Rotarians (Rich Arper, Scott Slocum, and Frank Guthrie) joined Lions, Kiwanis, and enlisted military volunteers at the Silverdale Christmas Tree work party on October 24 to continue a 61 year tradition of grounds and light maintenance.
The day started out cool and cloudy, and while the tree climbers were going up the tree, everyone worked on spreading mulch around the base of the tree to help keep it healthy. Then it started to rain, and there was concern that the tree climbers would need to call it off as being too dangerous to stay in the tree. But the two tree climbers (pictured on right) were troopers and hung in there – arborist Ken Little has been climbing the tree for 18 years and Steve Delazerda has been helping for years, too!.
We worked our way around the tree, lowering and raising 9 of the 12 strings (pictured left), re-lamping and taping up the frayed wiring (the most time consuming process). We replaced about $400 in lights this year, funded by Silverdale Rotary Duck Race proceeds. Some of those light strings had not been taken down for several years, and were missing several lights, so it was definitely time.
The tree climbers say that the top of the tree needs maintenance, and the mounting for the star is failing. If someone has a drone with a camera, we need some good photos of the top of the tree to devise a game plan for repairing/fabricating the top of the tree mounting.
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 14, 2015
Silverdale Rotarians kicked off Students of the Month awards for the 2015-16 school year on October 15 by presenting awards to some very deserving students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. These students are nominated by school staff not only for academic achievement, but also for exhibiting leadership skills and service to others at their school, church, in sports activities, or in the community. Examples are mentoring younger students and organizing recycling programs and charitable fund raisers.
Students are provided a ride to a Rotary luncheon in a limousine and presented with a plaque. The best part of the award ceremony is hearing from the students themselves, their activities, future aspirations, and passion for service. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
Pictured left to right:
Rotarian Ron Templeton, Wyatt Coffin (Crosspoint), Colin Gillespie and Elena Stamerra (CKHS), Jenna Christman and Nathaniel Hough (Klahowya)
|Thank You from a Duck Race Prize Winner
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 12, 2015
Silverdale Rotary received this very nice Thank You note from a happy 2015 Duck Race prize winner, who received services from Quality Heating Electrical and Air Conditioning (Rotarian Scott Park, co-owner) as a result of adopting ducks. Thank you, Judy Conlow!
|Rotary Sends School Supplies to the Philippines
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 04, 2015
Thanks to our very own Producer/Videographer Rick Soper for this video!
|Rotary Honors Sailors and Marines of the Quarter
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 30, 2015
On October 1, Silverdale Rotarians were very pleased to host, honor, and thank for their service some very hard working young military men and women as Sailors and Marines of the Quarter from the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor. As their supervisors described, not only are they outstanding leaders in their jobs, but they also volunteer on their own time. Example: Rotarian Josh Hinman, whose son is a Pee Wee, thanked MASN Patrick Wiles and his friends who coach the Silverdale Spartans C-String (ages 8-9) at Silverdale Pee Wees. Each Honoree receives a plaque and a $100 gift card, and sincere thanks for a job WELL DONE!
Pictured left to right: GySgt Jeff ("Snake Eater") Toms, Cpl Derrick Brown, MA2 Monique Encinas, MASN Patrick Wiles, and MACS Charles Kittle
Not pictured: Cpl Daniel Peczuh (left for next duty station) and MA1 Jonathon Walter (on travel competing for the Strategic Systems Programs Sailor of the Year)
|Duck Bucks Awarded for Coats for Kids.
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 30, 2015
On October 1, Silverdale Rotarian Kim Peterson was pleased to presented Chris Bigelow (pictured left), President of the Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund, a check for $1,000 in Duck Bucks. These funds will be used for Coats for Kids (a purchase of brand new American-made coats) and handed out at a "High Need" Elementary school in Kitsap County. Brand new Operation Warm coats give needy children newfound freedom and confidence to play more, learn more, and do more.
In response to Silverdale Rotary's challenge for a match, the Rotary Club of Bremerton stepped up with $1,000, too, for Operation Warm! Silverdale Rotary has been invited to help with the distribution of the coats in October and to bring along our Duck Race mascot to the event. Why? Because without the support of generous sponsors of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the public adopting Ducks, this donation would not have been possible!
For information about the Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund, go to http://www.kffbf.org/. For more information about Operation Warm, go to http://www.operationwarm.org/.
|Rotary Donates to ShelterBox, Providing Shelter, Warmth, and Dignity
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 23, 2015
Silverdale Rotarians were honored to host Alan Monroe (pictured in photos below), Interim Executive Director of ShelterBox USA at a Club meeting and hear an inspirational update about ShelterBox's disaster relief work worldwide. At the end of the presentation, Silverdale Rotary International Services Chair Mike Hancock (pictured on right below) presented a check for $3,000 to purchase three ShelterBoxes, and Brian Beagle (on left below) also presented a check for $1,000 from the Beagles (both Silverdale Rotarians) for an additional box.
In return, Alan presented to Rotary President Chuck Kraining (pictured left in photo on right) a Supporting Club Banner to recognize the years and years of support our Club has provided to ShelterBox. Annual donations have been made possible by the enormous support from sponsors of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the public who adopt ducks.
Every year, millions of families around the world are made homeless because of disasters and humanitarian crises. ShelterBox responds immediately, by providing materials that bring hope, independence, and a sense of normalcy to families recovering in the aftermath of disaster. Since ShelterBox was founded, they have responded to over 250 disasters and humanitarian crises in more than 90 different countries and provided emergency aid for well over one million people.
Alan Monroe, himself a Disaster Response Team (DRT) member who has responded 11 times since 2009, described going into the disasters, contacting local Rotary Clubs that provide invaluable in-country information and logistics support, and receiving the grateful thanks from families who have lost everything. For more details about ShelterBox, go to http://shelterboxusa.org/about.php?page=120.
|Silverdale Rotarians Extend a Helping Hand Across the World
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 20, 2015
Imagine your children being unable to do homework because you couldn't buy them a pencil and paper. Such is the case in the Linayanas Elementary School in Altava, central Philippines. Students have to share precious pencils in the classroom, and none can go home.
Wilma Lewis (pictured on right), now an employee at Seabeck Conference Center, attended that school as a child, and that's how Chuck Kraining (pictured left), President of the Silverdale Rotary Club and Director of the Seabeck Conference Center, heard about the situation at the school. Wilma has been personally donating to the school of 470 students for years. Chuck introduced Wilma at an August 17 Rotary Club meeting, announced his intention to make the school his President's Project, and invited Wilma to speak about the desperate need in the Linayanas School.
Rotarians in the Club stepped up in an immense response, filling a room at the Conference Center with thousands of items: 1040 pencils, 751 erasers, 483 pens, 506 pencil sharpeners, 470 rulers, 5860 sheets of paper, 597 notebooks, 520 folders, 2768 crayon and much more! pencils, pens, notebooks, pencil sharpeners, compasses, and more.
Each student will receive a drawstring backpack stuffed with supplies (see below) with enough leftover to supply all the classrooms. The items filled six huge boxes that were shipped out on September 25.
While Silverdale Rotary Club is well known for the annual Duck Race, which raises funds for local students, military, and dozens of non-profit organizations, this is a great example of Rotarians' personal generosity, giving school children in the Philippines the opportunity for a better education.
|Exchange Student Dani Tells Rotary About Colombia
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 02, 2015
We heard from Daniela (Dani) Sanabria Forero (Forero is her "middle" name) on September 3, as she showed beautiful photos of her country, Colombia. Dani hails from Tuluá (pronounced tool-WA, near Cali), and her father is an dentist specializing in prosthodontics, and her mother is a dentist, too, a profession Dani plans to pursue. Dani has a brother and a beloved cat named Bonito, and she plays soccer and was captain of her volleyball team at home. Dani's sponsor Club is Club Rotario Tuluá el Lago, and Dani was active in her Interact Club.
Dani related that one of the best things about Colombia is the friendliness and hospitality of the people, and of course the COFFEE!
Dani presented President Chuck with a Colombian hat, her sponsor Rotary Club's banner, and a bag of that famous Colombian coffee. She presented both Elayne Burton (Youth Protection Officer) and Patti Van Patten (Youth Exchange Officer, pictured wearing the ball cap) with containers of a Colombian delicacy and a baseball cap from her sponsor Club. Thank you Dani for telling us about yourself and your country!
|Welcome to Rotary Exchange Student Dani Sanabria from Colombia!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 30, 2015
Daniela Sanabria Forero ("Dani Sanabria"), from Tuluá, Columbia is our new Rotary Exchange Student! She arrived in the wee hours of August 23, and was greeted at SEATAC by her first host family the Ludwigs and Youth Exchange Officer Patti Van Patten. Pictured left to right: Wesley and Roger Ludwig, Dani, Michele and Marissa Ludwig.
We first met Dani at Rotary on August 27 and then at the Burger Bash on August 30.
Welcome, Dani!
|Welcome to Exchange Student Dani Forero from Colombia!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 30, 2015
Dani Forero, from Tuluá, Columbia is our new Exchange Student! She arrived in the wee hours of August 23, and was greeted at SEATAC by her first host family the Ludwigs and Youth Exchange Officer Patti Van Patten. Pictured left to right: Wesley and Roger Ludwig, Dani, Michele and Marissa Ludwig.
We first met Dani at Rotary on August 27 and then at the Burger Bash on August 30.
Dani is very interested in seeing and experiencing as much as she can while in the U.S., so be sure to invite her along on outings. Contact Michele Ludwig at email@example.com or 360-265-5729 to schedule.
Friend her on Facebook: Daniela Sanabria Forero.
|2015 Duck Race Net Proceeds
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 23, 2015
The results are in! We can now announce that our 2015 Duck Race net proceeds are over $81,000 - all designated for charitable Rotary projects! Thanks to our Sponsors, Rotarians, volunteers, and everyone who adopted ducks, we will indeed change lives in the 2015-16 Rotary year!
|Silverdale Rotary 2015 Duck Race Video with Links
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 02, 2015
Thanks to Rotarian Rick Soper, videographer and producer, for this summary of our 2015 Duck Race! Click on this link (not the image):
|2015 Duck Race Winners
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 26, 2015
We have a winner! Barbara Baglio of Tracyton, WA won the 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Grand Prize of a 2015 Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck or $16,000 cash donated by Advantage Nissan! For the entire list of 2015 Winners, click here.
|Rain Delay - a Historic Silverdale Rotary Duck Race
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 25, 2015
The 22nd Annual Silverdale Rotary Race was historic! Under threatening clouds and a brisk onshore breeze, the Duck Dump proceeded with no stuck ducks, and 15 minutes later Duck #1 crossed the finish line – a winner! Then #2. And then the lightning flashed, the thunder crashed, and torrential rain blew sideways, forcing everyone off the pier and out of the water. Below are Deena and Rotarian Scott Weninger racing off the pier from their chase boat.
Then...Rain Delay! The first ever in 22 years of Duck Races. For almost 90 minutes everyone huddled under what cover was available, but getting wet anyway while the ducks waited unphased on an abandoned race course.
Finally the storm passed and the Race resumed in light rain. By the end everyone was even wetter.
Fortunately, CKHS PSTA Grad Night and other volunteers came back to wash and crate ducks, and the 13 intrepid Navy and Marine Corps volunteers (soaked to the skin) from Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor, who had arrived at 8 am stayed through duck recovery, cleanup and breakdown until well after 6 pm.
Except for the weather, Race Weekend ran like the well oiled machine that Silverdale Rotarians are known for. Ticket sellers, venues, Duck Central, Race Operations, volunteers – all meticulously planned and executed. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who adopted ducks, all our Sponsors, and legions of volunteers! We estimate Race proceeds to exceed $75,000 - and that will translate into countless Rotary projects and Duck Buck Grants. Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
|Rotary Duck Truck in the 2015 Lions Kiwanis Whaling Days Parade
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 24, 2015
It was a rainy Saturday at the Lions Kiwanis Whaling Days Parade on July 25, but Rotarians were out in force selling Duck Tickets. The crowd was sparse compared to past years, but that didn't dampen the enthusiam of Rotarian Scott Park (on left), who proclaimed that his ducks were more fit and faster than the others! Really?!? It's all in fun and for a good cause.
Rotarians Jack Jensen and Michele Ludwig (on right), braved the rain while canvassing the crowd.
Of course for our Club the highlight of the Parade was our Advantage Nissan Duck Truck driven by President Chuck with Lucky in the back. Rotarian Roger Ludwig rode shotgun, and in front were the the CK Interact students carrying our Thank You to Our Wonderful Sponsors banner. New this year with us in the parade was the Suquamish Clearwater Casino, our $1M Duck Sponsor, with Lisa Rodriguez and Christina.
In the video below, as the parade contingent passed the Grandstand, we can hear the emcee (past Rotarian Bud Grahn) provide color commentary.
Silverdale Rotary Duck Race - Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
|Silverdale Rotary 2015 Pancake Breakfast
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 24, 2015
Silverdale Rotarians continued a long time Whaling Days tradition by hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 25. It was held at a new location this year at Silverdale United Methodist Church, which was right on the Parade Route! Parade goers who lined up for blueberry pancakes, sausages, fruit, and coffee/milk were greeted by smiling Rotarians. On left are Patti VanPatten and John Johnson and on right are Roger Ludwig and Kevin Moran.
Thanks to Rotarian Peter Matty who organized this event (pictured on left with wife Karlynn Haberly). Thanks to Rotarians and volunteers who manned shifts, and special thanks goes to Silverdale Haggen who donated and/or provided a huge discount for all the food.
|Duck Race Winners Will Be Posted Here
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 23, 2015
Watch this page! The Top Ten (of 73) winners of the 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck to be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 26 at Whaling Days will be posted here Sunday evening. The other 63 winners will be posted here by Tuesday, July 28. Thanks to all our Sponsors and everyone who adopted Ducks for your support of our fund raiser!
|Commissioner Ed Wolfe Speaks to Rotary
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Jul 15, 2015
Our club was honored to host Bremerton Rotarian and Kitsap County Commissioner, Ed Wolfe, to share his State of the County presentation. Ed is assigned to the Central Kitsap area, and his impressive bio includes his 17 year career as founder of Wolfe Law Offices, service in the U.S. Army, and work with the U.S. State Department during the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations.
Developing a budget that allows our county to live within its means is Commissioner Wolfe's top priority. With the county only seeing 17.9% of property tax revenue, much work needs to be done to ensure that the twelve county departments operate efficiently. Our commissioners are also hard at work drafting the Comprehensive Plan that maps out the growth that our area must sustain to accommodate the projected 80,000 person jump in population by 2036. At the core of the plan is the Silverdale Regional Growth Center. A stakeholders group is weighing important decisions, including the use of the space now occupied by the Silverdale Community Center; how to promote and protect our national water trails; and what to do about the 17% of area veterans who are homeless. Ed is committed to balancing economic growth with preserving our beautiful environment. "It is truly an exciting time to be in Silverdale," Ed stated. He promises to come back to our club soon with an update on The Trails shopping complex and Harrison Hospital's expansion.
|The Big Ducks Have Landed!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 14, 2015
The flock of Big Ducks has landed in Silverdale and can be seen all over town between now and the Duck Race on July 26 at Whaling Days. Kitsap Bank is another huge cash sponsor of the Silverdale Rotary Club Duck Race.
You can adopt ducks at the Silverdale Branch of Kitsap Bank during normal business hours, as well as at the Silverdale Branches of Columbia Bank and Chase Bank. Other ticket sales venues include Silverdale Haggen, Hallmark, and inside Silverdale Safeway from 10 am - 6 pm Monday-Saturday, July 20-25.
Also Silverdale Wendy's Monday-Friday, July 20-24, 6-8 pm and noon-2 pm Thursday-Saturday, July 23-25. Free Frosty Junior coupons with duck ticket purchase!
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Rowing Club
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Jul 08, 2015
Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens (pictured on right) introduced us to Bridget Burke (on left), Coordinator of Clam Island Rowing, a 30 member club that offers recreational and competitive rowing for all ages. This club is a part of the Kitsap Sailing and Rowing Foundation.
Bridget received a Duck Bucks grant for $980 that will enable her organization to purchase eight oars, which will allow two boats to be in the water at the same time. The club is growing in popularity, as the benefits of team rowing include full-body fitness, camaraderie and an appreciation of our salt water surroundings. Bridget brought along a sign recognizing Rotary's support that will be posted at their meetings and events. For more information, go to http://www.clamislandrowing.com/.
|No Regular Meeting on July 23 - Duck Tagging at Jenne Wright
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 05, 2015
Silverdale Rotarians will NOT be meeting at KG&CC on July 23. We will be tagging 20,000 ducks at the Jenne Wright CKSD Admin Bldg for the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race on July 26. Pizza and drinks will be available at 11:00 am. Duck Tagging will start around 11:30 am.
|Get Your Duck Race Tickets Now!
|on Jul 02, 2015
2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Tickets are on sale now for the July 26, 2015 Race at Whaling Days. Go to http://silverdalerotaryduckrace.com for more information and locations to Adopt your Ducks. Win a great prize and support your community at the same time!
Thanks to our generous Sponsors, every dollar of ticket sales will be spent on Rotary projects! For examples, just scroll down this website.
Special Kitsap Card Promotion: If you purchase three Quack Packs at once, you are eligible for a Free 2015 Kitsap Card worth $25 - Thanks Kitsap Card! Don't wait - supplies are limited!
|Rotary Honors Sailors and Marines of the Quarter
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 24, 2015
It was with great pride and gratitude for their service to our country that Silverdale Rotarians recognized Sailors and Marines of the Quarter from the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor (MCSFB Bangor) on June 25. These dedicated Sailors and Marines perform a range of duties, but they all have one thing in common: outstanding initiative and leadership qualities. Congratulations and thank you to all our honorees, who received a plaque and a gift card. Pictured below, left to right:
SSgt Eric Dale
Cpl Joel Devine – Marine of the Quarter
MAC Christopher A. Voge
MA3 Jaycob Thresher – Blue Jacket of the Quarter
MA2 Christian Scott – Junior Sailor of the Quarter
MAC Shawn Stewart
Rotarian Jorge Nolasco
Not pictured: MA1 Honaberger – Sailor of the Quarter, and Cpl Soto - Marine of the Quarter
|Installation Dinner on June 23
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 22, 2015
It was a fabulous evening of fun, fellowship, and recognition at Silverdale Rotary Club's 60th Installation Dinner on June 23 at the Seabeck Conference Center. We enjoyed cocktails on the patio and a delicious German dinner in the dining room.
One of the many highlights was a lineup of Past Presidents in attendance. Pictured from left to right are Silverdale Rotary Past Presidents: Ed Hamilton Jan 2014 - Jun 2015; Jason Mayer Jul - Dec 2013; AG Elayne Burton 2011-12; Rich Arper 2010-11; Roger Aydt 2000-01; Rob MacDermid 1998-99; Don Taylor 1986-87; PDG Brian Beagle 1985-86; Mike Koch 1983-84; and Jack Jensen 1974-75.
Outgoing President Ed Hamilton kept the evening light by thanking his Board members with a combination of bubbles, canned string, and numerous other Dollar Store treasures. He presented a very surprised Barbara Beagle with the 2014-15 Rotarian of the Year award, which comes with a very meaningful $1,000 donated to The Rotary Foundation in her name.
Incoming 2015-16 President Chuck Kraining and Board Members were installed by the District 5020 Area 9 Assistant Governor, our own Elayne Burton (who also installed herself!). Left to right are AG Elayne (Treasurer), Rick Soper (Public Relations), Cindy Holmes (President Elect), Ed Hamilton (Immediate Past President and 2016 Duck Race Chair), Don Lachata (Secretary), Debi Brooks-Givens (Community Service Chair), Kim Peterson (Communtiy Service Second Seat), Bob Cassis (Vocational Service Chair), Mariam Camery (International Service Second Seat), Mike Hancock (International Service Chair), and Jorge Nolasco (Vocational Service Second Seat). Not pictured is Ed Ahrens (Club Administration). Thank you to our incoming Board for agreeing to serve in these key positions!
Pictured below on left is incoming President Chuck Kraining accepting our 1955 Rotary Charter from outgoing President Ed Hamilton (on right) and AG Elayne Burton installing Chuck Kraining as incoming President.
What a night, and we all look forward to another exciting year of Silverdale Rotary!
|Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Mattress Ranch Commercial
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 21, 2015
A huge THANK YOU goes to Mattress Ranch, one of our 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Sponsors, who produced this video and donated the air time on cable TV for the period June 15-July 26, 2015 to promote our fund raiser. Thanks to all our Sponsors, every dollar from ticket sales will go to Rotary projects.
|Rotary Recognizes CKSD Teacher of the Year
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 17, 2015
On June 18, Silverdale Rotary was very honored to meet and recognize the Central Kitsap School District Teacher of the Year. Rotary President Ed Hamilton (pictured on right) presented Gail with an engraved crystal and a check for $250 (which Gail immediately responded with "This will go to Camp Colman!"). Rotary Past District Governor Brian Beagle (pictured on left) then presented Gail with a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship, a prestigious award further recognizing Gail's passion and commitment to the youth in our community.
Gail, a veteran educator of 37 years, and most recently in Physical Education at Cottonwood Elementary, retired at the end of the 2014-15 school year. Congratulations, Gail, and thank you for making a difference in so many of our students' lives!
From the CKSD website: "Gail Smith has an always-sunny outlook and works miracles with some of our most challenging students. She never complains and is always looking at ways to make things better. Gail is a master at breaking skills down into smaller pieces so all students can be successful. She looks for ways to build her students' confidence and to fully engage them in their learning. It's no surprise that Gail is also a valued school leader who supports other teachers through collaboration. This leadership initiative even extends to our community. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Gail has made a meaningful--often lifelong--impact in many ways." For more details, go to http://www.cksd.wednet.edu/Celebrations/2014-15/015SY14-15.aspx.
|Duck Bucks (2 Awards) to Help Infants and Toddlers at Holly Ridge Center
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 17, 2015
Silverdale Rotary continues to award Duck Bucks proceeds from the 2014 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, even while in the midst of selling Duck Tickets for the 2015 race on July 26, 2015. On June 18 a check for $1,759 was presented to Roxanne Bryson, Executive Director of Holly Ridge Center (pictured left accepting the check from Rotarian Kim Peterson). The funds will purchase a Triple Sand and Water Table for their Infant Toddler Program's main playground. On June 25, Roxanne returned to Rotary to accept another check for $1,250 for the playground, and added that they are now breaking ground.
Holly Ridge Center is a private non-profit agency whose mission is to offer a caring and supportive environment for people with disabilities while providing non-discriminatory service so that they may reach their greatest potential. For more information about the Holly Ridge Center, go to http://hollyridge.org/Infant-Toddler-Program/infant-toddler.htm .
|Silverdale Rotary Thanks 2015 Duck Race Sponsors
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 14, 2015
On June 15, 2015, almost 100 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Sponsors, Rotarians, and guests gathered at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club (KG&CC) for the 2015 Duck Race Sponsor Appreciation Party. Thanks to our 101 Sponsors, we have 73 Duck Race Prizes, and enough cash and in-kind services to cover all expenses. Total value of Sponsorships exceeds $126,000. What does that mean? Every dollar from 2015 Duck Ticket sales will go to Rotary projects!
For a complete list of 2015 Sponsors, go to 2015 Duck Race Sponsors - Thank You!
Sponsors and guests were treated to delicious hors d'oeuvres (Thank you Sponsor KG&CC!) and a short presentation by Rotarian Steve Slaton describing, with examples, how we spent 2014 Duck Race proceeds totaling $85,000.
But that wasn't all - there were 28 door prizes, too! Pictured is Marilynn from the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort with her prize. The Resort is a long time Sponsor of the $1 Million Duck in our Annual Duck Race.
Guests also had their photos taken with our mascot Lucky (aka our Swedish Exchange Student Kim Zagerholm). Below is Anna Neal from Good Property Management, one of our Sponsors.
Pictured: Sponsor Jim Helfrick of Reliable Storage with a door prize from Sponsor Hood Canal Oyster.
What a fun evening it was - we all had smiles on our faces. Again, THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL 2015 DUCK RACE SPONSORS!
|Program Recap - Extraordinary Speaker and Topic - LSST
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Jun 10, 2015
Silverdale Rotary attracts some first rate speakers! The presentation at our luncheon meeting on June 11 by Dr. Bob Abel (pictured below), renowned astronomer and physics professor, was amazing and definitely beneficial to all concerned. I, for one, know little about astronomy and never took a physics course, but I could have listened to Bob for days.
Bob is involved with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), a project of enormous magnitude that will forever change the way that data is gathered from tens of millions of solar systems. Ground has already been broken on the facility on Mt. Cerro Pachon in Chile, and the telescope is scheduled to be operable in the year 2020. What is different about this telescope? Think wider, faster, deeper. The 27 foot primary mirror will move every 30 seconds to continuously survey the sky for ten years, using a 3.2 gigapixel camera with six filters to capture 30 terabytes of data per night. Bob helped us non-geeks by explaining that the daily data downloaded from LSST will surpass the volume of the Library of Congress!
So what? So… scientists will learn more about the structure of the Milky Way; will uncover the nature of Dark Energy and Dark Matter, and will identify asteroids that will eventually impact Earth - and will potentially plan interventions to change the course of these asteroids. Wow.
Bob, whose colleagues include the guys who created Google Sky, is bringing the August 2015 all-hands meeting of the LSST team to Bremerton, WA. Kitsap County will definitely be in the news as public talks are scheduled at seeFilm, telescopes will be on the sidewalks, special art will be displayed at Collective Visions Gallery, and the Astronomy Slam will pair beer drinking with 15 minute seminars that are geared toward the general public.
Bob whetted our appetites for more info on this very cool topic, and a great Q&A can be found at http://www.lsst.org/lsst/faq/public-faq#q1. I will see you in August as I drink beer in Bremerton and learn about what lies beyond the Man in the Moon.
|President's Project #2: Stand Up for Kids event a HUGE success
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Jun 07, 2015
On June 4th the Rotary Club continued a long tradition of supporting the youth in our community. A shortened luncheon last Thursday provided time and space for a work party. The goal to pack 355 meal bags for homeless or at-risk youth was reached quickly. The bags, packed with an array of easy-to-prepare or ready-made food and snacks, are provided to youth who have unreliable food sources during the weekend. Monthly, Stand Up for Kids supplies 600 meal bags to our community.
(above: Rotarians (l to r) Nancy Whitaker, Mariam Camery, Mechelle Hoerer and John Johnson work the food line)
Food items and cash donations were provided by the Silverdale Rotary Club members and others in our community. When the project was complete there were well over 300 meal bags packed and Stand Up for Kids was presented a check -- made possible by excess donations -- of $360. Together the bags and cash will provide much needed food for youth supported by Stand Up for Kids.
|Thursday, June 4th Luncheon: Special Start Time
|on May 31, 2015
The Luncheon this Thursday, June 4th, will start at 12:00 noon. The Stand Up for Kids food packing event will start about 12:15 downstairs from where we will have lunch.
|Student Design Duck Race T-Shirt Award
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on May 31, 2015
2015 Duck Race Chair, Barbara Beagle, awarded Xin He the $100 High School T-shirt Design Contest prize for creating the winning design for our official 2015 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race T-Shirt. Xin and his teacher, Molly Mason, accepted the award and will take the plaque back to Crosspoint Academy and display it for all to see.
Pictured left to right: Barbara Beagle, Xin He, Molly Mason
|2015 Duck Race Mattress Ranch Commercial Shoot
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 28, 2015
Silverdale Rotary's Duck Race is July 26 at Whaling Days - thanks to our Sponsors and the Community of friends who buy Duck Tickets, which will be available starting June 4! Below is the Advantage Nissan 2015 Frontier Duck Truck - grand prize (or $16,000 cash) for the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race . Thank you, Advantage Nissan!
Below, Shyla Hamilton with help from her Mom Sarah, is suiting up below as Lucky for the Mattress Ranch Commercial photo shoot.
Mattress Ranch, a very generous sponsor, donates the production of a 30 second spot and 6 weeks of air time on Comcast and Wave Broadband cable TV. Here the film crew, Lucky (aka Shyla Hamilton), Silverdale Rotary President Ed Hamilton, Ted Sadtler (iconic face of Mattress Ranch) and Chuck Capps of Advantage Nissan are filming the commercial. Thank you Mattress Ranch!
|High School Scholarship Awards Presentation
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on May 27, 2015
President Ed Hamilton proudly hosted Silverdale Rotary's annual High School Scholarship Awards, welcoming 11 high school seniors to the podium to share their stories. Our Scholarship Committee chose 15 winners from 40 applications, which the Committee says was no easy feat. Hats are off to Rotarians Scott Park, Scott Weninger, Cindy Holmes, Chuck Kraining, Nancy Whitaker, and Ed Hamilton for their time and dedication to selecting these worthy students. Note that awards with an * denote an Education Assistance Grant which recognizes promising students who had to work very hard to overcome some difficult life circumstances in order to achieve high school graduation. Altogether, $11,000 was awarded to these deserving students. Congratulations!
Pictured left to right: Meg Sweeney, Mikayla Tougas, and Cailyn Cattell (Crosspoint Academy); Kemeka Corry, Donavan Erickson, Rebecca Young, Becky Leedham, Ashley Beeman, Savannah Young (CKHS); Brielle Stevens and Jacob Wilson (Klahowha)
Central Kitsap High School Students:
Ashley Beeman loves studying the French language and playing the flute, and she is headed to the University of Washington where she will use her passions to decide her major. $1,000
Kemeka Corry is headed to UCLA to become a medical doctor, which is a far cry from her childhood ambition of "growing up to be the ice cream lady!" $750
Donavan Erickson stated that everything was going way too fast, but he is ready to enter the University of Washington, College of Engineering. $500
Becky Leedham credits her mom as her inspiration and her brother for his words of wisdom to "follow her heart." She is off to Washington State University to earn a degree in business. $500
Savannah Young finished the quote "I have to keep reminding myself…" with "to always try my best." She is excited to tackle the business curriculum at Olympic College. $500*
Rebecca Young has already earned her AA degree from Olympic College and is a Certified Nurse Assistant. She will attend Washington State University to study nursing with an emphasis in oncology. $500
Not in attendance: Kelsey Cain $1,000; Matthew Kim $750, Thomas Brehmer $750
Crosspoint Academy Students
Cailyn Cattell looks forward to attending Linfield College in Oregon and becoming a physical therapist to help athletes stay in the game. She appreciates her friends for keeping her positive. $1,000
Mikayla Tougas will attend Olympic College and transfer to Seattle Pacific University to study music and theater. She shared that her best friend is her horse, and that she is grateful for the scholarship to relieve some of her anxiety about paying for school. $750*
Meg Sweeney's goal is to inspire, and she plans to do that by potentially teaching English in Japan. Her degree will come from Trinity Western College in British Columbia. $750
Not in attendance: Kelly McCartney $750*
Klahowya Secondary School Students
Jacob Wilson already knows success as captain of his sports teams and recently earning his Eagle Scout award. He will attend Gonzaga University with a double major of business and English. Jacob quoted his coach as encouraging him with, "Come on Wilson, just get in there and do it!" $500
Brielle Stevens describes herself as a Science Club nerd and rodeo queen. She will attend Brigham Young University, and she is honored to follow in her mom's footsteps to become a nurse or physician's assistant. $1,000
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 20, 2015
On May 21, Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to meet and honor seven outstanding Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS), Crosspoint Academy, and Klahowya Secondary School. In addition to excellent academic records and one Distinguished Scholar, these students participate in a long list activities; e.g, sports, martial arts instructor, music, events production. One student overcame tremendous physical challenges to graduate with honors.
When we heard from the students themselves, describing their plans and aspirations such as Army ROTC, college athletics, music education, Navy dog handler, and sports physiology,we take great pride in our next generation of young adults. The students received a plaque, letters from Congressman Derek Kilmer and Silverdale Rotary, a gift card, and a limo ride to and from lunch. Congratulations to all these fine students!
Pictured left to right: Liam Bertolacci, Alexandra Moore, and Pauline Betz (CKHS); Tanner Zuber and Brenna McGehee (Klahowya); Cailyn Cattell and Mikayla Tougas (Klahowya)
Not pictured: Caleb Lowe
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Help Save Lives
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on May 17, 2015
Silverdale Rotarian Kim Peterson (pictured on right) presented Doug Bekenyi (pictured left), a Central Kitsap Fire Fighter and Paramedic, with a check for $1,000 to help fund the PulsePoint Program through the Medic One Foundation.
Doug explained that PulsePoint is a smartphone app that will save lives by linking people who are trained in CPR with individuals who need the service. The alert goes out simultaneously as medical services are dispatched, and it displays the location of the nearest AED. Thanks to programs like PulsePoint, our state leads the nation in lives saved by first responders. For an article about Pulse Point, go to http://www.wfaa.com/story/tech/2015/04/20/pulse-point-app-brings-help-to-heart-attack-victims/26081435/ .
Duck Buck grants such as these are possible because of the enormous community and sponsor support of the 2014 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
|Duck Bucks Support Habitat for Humanity in Kitsap County
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on May 13, 2015
Rotary President Ed Hamilton presented Andrea Hansen, Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, with a check for $1,725 for the purchase of a heavy duty T swing for the Harris Court Play Structure in the new Port Orchard housing development. Harris Court will consist of 32 single-family homes for residents with low income.
As Ed stated, the Silverdale Rotary Club/Habitat for Humanity partnership is strong, as we were able to participate in the home build on May 9 (see photo on left of Rotarian Bob Cassis), and now we help the children by ensuring a fun and safe play area.
|Silverdale Rotary Hosts Kitsap Leaders; Congressman Derek Kilmer Speaks
|Posted by Steve Slaton
|on May 10, 2015
The Rotary Club of Silverdale held a special evening meeting on Thursday, May 7 at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club to highlight the roles of leadership and service in our community. The invited attendees included Rotary members from area clubs and prospective club members, Leadership Kitsap participants, board members from the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, and Congressman Derek Kilmer.
"As a service club we wanted to raise awareness of the importance of proactive leadership in effecting positive change through service," said Ed Hamilton, the President of Silverdale Rotary. Continuing on, Ed said, "We do have a wealth of prospective leaders in our community. Joining a service organization such as Rotary is an excellent way for these leaders, and prospective leaders, to make a difference in people's lives."
While sharing some food and beverages and mingling with old friends and new acquaintances, the attendees listened attentively to short presentations from Kathy Nelson, Executive Director of Leadership Kitsap and John Powers, Executive Director of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA). Ms. Nelson and Mr. Powers spoke to the need for strong leadership as an essential component in effective community service.
The highlight of the event were comments from Congressman Derek Kilmer who emphasized the importance of bringing leaders together to energize and inspire service at all levels – local, national and international. Congressman Kilmer went on to say that, "The Rotary Four-Way Test encompasses the essence of leadership and service, and I use it to guide my professional actions."
Rotary Four-Way Test
In all the things we think, say and do:
The event concluded with a robust question and answer period with Congressman Kilmer.
"We are very grateful to have such interest in this event, and especially grateful to have local leaders who take time to talk about the importance of the contribution each person might have in service to our community," said Ed Hamilton. "Based on the interest shown by those attending and the inspiring comments from our presenters I see a possible opportunity to collaborate in making the Leadership and Service meeting an annual community event," he concluded.
Left to right: Congressman Derek Kilmer, John Powers, Kathy Nelson, and Ed Hamilton
|RAGS Proceeds Announced
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 29, 2015
President Elect Chuck Kraining announced on April 30 that Silverdale Rotary's share of RAGS proceeds equal $5,500 from the sale plus $1,000 from raffle tickets. That $6,500 will go into our Scholarship Fund investment pool. Annual investment returns are used for scholarships for graduating CKSD students. Chuck recognized Christie Scheffer for spearheading Silverdale Rotary's effort as well as everyone who worked all week at RAGS. Way to go Christie!
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Apr 15, 2015
On April 16, Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to meet and honor seven outstanding Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS), Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. The students were treated to a limo ride to/from their schools and presented with a plaque, a letter from Silverdale Rotary Club, and (new this quarter) a letter from our 6th District Representative to U.S. Congress Derek Kilmer (see following story).
Pictured left to right: Austin Sargent and Allison Burchett (Klahowya); Alex Klussmann, Kelsy Cain, Savannah Lane, and Eli Janusch (CKHS); and Ellie Loney (Crosspoint Academy)
Following are highlights of what the students told us about themselves.
Crosspoint Academy:
Elizabeth (Ellie) Loney – After spending her spring break helping people in the Appalachians, Ellie is preparing to attend Olympic College and then transfer to a university to earn her elementary education teaching credential.
Central Kitsap High School:
Eli Janusch – Eli is a well-rounded senior who will attend Olympic College, and then will pack up his drum set to complete a business degree as a transfer student at a university yet to be determined.
Savannah Lane – A host of family members were present to watch Savannah speak of her fulfilling work in the CK office, her love of math, and her excitement to attend Western Washington University to become a math teacher.
Kelsy Cain – Kelsy is a swimmer and science enthusiast who has already been accepted to the University of Washington to pursue a degree with a likely emphasis in oceanography.
Alex Klussmann – Leadership comes naturally to multi-linguistic Alex, as he heads up the CK soccer team and is active with the school's environment club. Alex is college-bound with a possible ambition of becoming a medical doctor.
Klahowya Secondary School:
Allison Burchett – You can find Allison anywhere but home. She is active with DECA, ASB, sports and mentoring. She also holds two after school jobs and is preparing to attend a university in Arizona.
Austin Sargent – Austin's passions include soccer, football and finding ways to make people laugh. He plans to attend Biola University in Southern California to continue his studies and soccer career.
Congratulations to all these fine students!
|CKSD Superintendent Speaks to Rotarians
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Apr 15, 2015
Silverdale Rotarian and Central Kitsap School District Superintendent, David McVicker, informed our club about the school district's focus on "Engaging our Community." The campaign is generating a two-way dialog that ensures that our community members not only know what is going on in the schools, but can also voice opinions and get involved.
There are already many programs that foster engagement including mentoring, facility improvement projects, PTAs and Booster Clubs, and stepped up use of social media. Even Mr. McVicker is tasked with tweeting on a regular basis!
Thought Exchange Programs use surveys to learn about the community's perception of our schools. Recent results indicate that the faculty cares about the kids; the teachers are amazing; and the staff has a positive attitude. When asked about improvements needed, survey takers responded that the staff seems overwhelmed; the math is too complicate; security can be enhanced; and class sizes should be smaller. All of this will be considered as the new Strategic Plan is drafted in June.
David finished his presentation with a few words about the Smarter Balanced Assessments - a new system of standardized testing that uses computer adaptive technologies and goes beyond multiple choice answers. We Rotarians sampled a few questions, and most of us wouldn't graduate high school if we had it to do all over again.
|Congressman Kilmer Congratulates Rotary Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 15, 2015
Following is the text of the letter presented to the Silverdale Rotary Students of the Month on April 16 from Congressman Derek Kilmer, 6th District, U.S. House of Representatives.
April 16, 2015
Dear Rotary Student of the Month,
While my duties in the House of Representatives prevent me from attending today's celebration, it is my pleasure to congratulate you on receiving the distinction of Rotary Student of the Month. This recognition is an impressive testament of the hard work and dedication you have put forth throughout the school year.
I am pleased to learn that our region is home to students like you. I commend your strong work ethic and am impressed by your positive engagement in your studies and in our community. The attributes you are developing now and the commitment you have shown to leadership will prepare you for future success as one of our nation's young leaders. As your U.S. Representative, I am proud that students like you are representing the 6th Congressional District.
Again, I am honored to offer my sincere congratulations on your achievement of Rotary Student of the Month. I urge you to continue your involvement and wish you the best in your future endeavors. Our world will be a better place because you are actively involved.
Derek Kilmer
Member of Congress
|RAGS - April 6-11 - We're Done!
|Posted by Christie Scheffer
|on Apr 10, 2015
The Rotary Annual Garage Sale was a success! A sunny day with hundreds of attendees and Rotary volunteers in high spirits! Thank you to all who invested time and hard work to this event. Some of our members worked long hours throughout the week and all day Saturday April 6-11, along with Rotarians and volunteers from East Bremerton, Bremerton, and South Kitsap Rotary Clubs.
Pictured below are Silverdale Rotarians Nancy Whitaker and Cindy Holmes pricing in Collectibles.
Pictured below are Rotarians Ellen Newberg and Jim Dudley sorting incoming donations
It was great to see the CK Interact Club help with this event! Pictured below are Interact Club President Wesley Ludwig and VP Sam Erichsen at the big sale.
I am very proud of our Club Members and their work ethic! We should have an event sales total by weeks end. Thank you!
Editor's Note: on April 30 our Club learned that our share of the proceeds is $6,500, which will go into the Scholarship Foundation.
|Silverdale Rotarians Host the Zagerholm Family from Sweden
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 08, 2015
Silverdale Rotary Club welcomed the family of our Rotary Exchange Student Kim Zagerholm from Sweden this week. We enjoyed an evening social with them at the Seabeck Conference Center on April 7, and then hosted them again at our Rotary meeting on April 9. What fun - and everyone speaks wonderful English!
Left to right: Kim, his older brother Simon, his Dad Mikael, his younger brother Noah, and his Mom Asa
|Rotary Awards Duck Bucks to Kitsap Foster Care Assn
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Apr 08, 2015
Rotarian Cathy Bisaillon (pictured on right, inset) presented Kitsap Foster Care Association with a $1,000 Duck Bucks grant to support its 2015 Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner. This dinner is the culmination of a tremendous partnership with Leadership Kitsap that helped the Association to drastically increase its reach in the community. The dinner not only allows foster parents to relax and network with each other while the children enjoy their own dinner and activities; but, it opens the door for new families to get involved in the foster care system.
Marvin Young (pictured on left) was on hand from Leadership Kitsap, and Jen Miller (center) accepted the check for Kitsap Foster Care Association. Jen brought her "Rotarians in Training," three exceptionally well-mannered children. One of them spoke to our Club about the great opportunities that he has through the Association, and he honored his mother with a Happy Buck for all that she does for him and children in need.
|CK Interact Club Volunteers for CK Fire Dept and Red Cross
|Posted by Erin Leedham
|on Mar 27, 2015
From Rotarian Erin Leedham, General Manager of Kitsap Mall (pictured below, center front): "I would like to give a shout out to the CK Interact Club. I asked for help this week and nine of them showed up to pack first aid kits for donation to the Red Cross. They were wonderful!" Pictured below - Interact students and Central Kitsap Fire Dept reps.
|Fire Chief Provides a CKFR "State of the Union"
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 22, 2015
On March 12, our own Rotarian Scott Weninger, Chief of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (CKFR), provided the Club with a CKFR update. Some of the astonishing statistics: CKFR serves almost 69,000 residents in a 115 square mile area, has 98 employees with a payroll of $16.4 million (75 are fire fighters), 70 volunteers, 11 stations, and 71 vehicles and boats. In 2014 CKFR responded to over 7,000 calls (only 2% were for "hostile" fires, and a huge percentage were for medical emergencies). Chief Weninger went on to say that budget challenges are ever present with increased expenses outpacing reduced revenues (he used the term "unsustainable"). In addition, aging buildings are requiring significant repair and maintenance, taking a major bite out of the budget. A Citizens Advisory Committee is working on these budget issues. At the end, Chief Weninger emphasized that the upcoming levy vote in April is NOT a new tax, but a continuation of the current levy.
|Schedule Change on April 30 - 5th Thursday
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 21, 2015
NOTE: April 30 is a "Fifth Thursday." It will be a Breakfast Meeting starting at 7:30 am.
|Duck Bucks for CKHS Grad Night Help Keep Graduates Safe
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 18, 2015
On November 19, Silverdale Rotarian Anita Blau (pictured on left) awarded $500 in Duck Bucks to the Central Kitsap High School PTSA Grad Night Committee, represented by Lynn Harvey (on right). This is in addition to the $500 awarded in September 2014. We received the following note from Lynn:
"CKHS PTSA is very grateful for the opportunities to earn funds and apply for a grant from the SIlverdale Rotary. These funds are used by the Grad Night committee to provide a safe, drug and alcohol free, all night event for graduates after graduation. For the past 7 years the committee has hosted Grad Night at NBK Bangor to minimize time in transit, reduce costs, make it easier for parent volunteers (chaperones can split shifts) and to support local businesses. Instead of taking graduates to Seattle or further, vendors bring the fun to them. Graduates will enjoy dinner, swimming, bowling, a hypnotist, games, entertainment, music, snacks, prizes and more.
In order to make the event open to all students, prices are kept as low as possible and the committee does some fundraising, applies for grants and seeks corporate sponsors. In addition, students may speak to their counselors about fee waivers. Last year nearly 140 attended, and this year we have 79 students registered already. The support of Silverdale Rotary in this endeavor is greatly appreciated."
Silverdale Rotary has enjoyed a partnership with CKHS PTSA for many years: CKHS students, parents, and family members help tag ducks before the race and wash ducks after for our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser (see photo below) , and we award some of the proceeds to keep teens safe on Grad Night. It's WIN-WIN!
|Duck Bucks Help Teens in Need
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 18, 2015
Christmas doesn't stop just because you are between the age of 14 to 18. In fact, not having the funds to have Christmas in this age group can be even more devastating if you factor in teenagers' feelings of needing to fit in. Since charities in Kitsap County like the Salvation Army do not provide any gifts to teens 14 and over, the purpose of All Teens Matter is to help provide a Christmas to low income and homeless high school students ages 14 to 18.
In November 2014, Silverdale Rotary awarded $1,000 in Duck Bucks to All Teens Matter. On March 19, President and co-Founder Lanette Duchesneau spoke to our Club and thanked us for our support. She related that in 2014, All Teens Matter provided a Christmas for 604 teens in Kitsap County! They received a stocking, Christmas tree, four to six gifts, and even a complete dinner for their whole family. Silverdale Rotary's $1,000 in Duck Bucks were certqainly put to good use! For more information, visit www.allteensmatter.com.
Duck Buck awards are possible thanks to the support of generous sponsors and community members who support our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser.
|PE Chuck Kraining Announces Three Rotarians of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 11, 2015
President Elect Chuck Kraining (on left in photo below) recognized three very hard working and deserving Rotarians as Rotarians of the Month: Christie Scheffer, Michele Ludwig, and Bob Cassis. Well done Rotarians!
Christie Scheffer (2nd from left) - February 2015 - for doing a fantastic job organizing Salvation Army Bell Ringing in 2014 and currently is charging ahead as the Club RAGS representative. And Christie has only been a Rotarian since mid July 2014!
Michele Ludwig (2nd from right) - January 2015 - for expertly organizing and scheduling the labeling and distribution of 450 Third Grade Dictionaries to seven elementary schools in Dec 2014-Jan 2015.
Bob Cassis (on right) - November 2014 - for quietly and consistently maintaining the flags at Veterans Memorial Park and volunteering to do just about anything he is asked to do.
Congratulations to all!
|Evening Social on March 5 - No Regular Rotary Meeting
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 01, 2015
PLEASE NOTE: In lieu of the regular Thursday Rotary luncheon meeting, on March 5, there will be an Evening Social from 5:30-7 pm at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club. Guests are welcome!
|CKSD Schools and BOD Thank Rotarians for Third Grade Dictionaries
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 26, 2015
Recently Silverdale and East Bremerton Rotary Clubs completed distribution of 900 hard cover dictionaries to 3rd grade students in Central Kitsap School District (CKSD), home schooled, and Crosspoint Academy (see details in article following this one). On February 27 we were delighted to hear directly from staff and students from Silver Ridge Elementary School about the impact that these dictionaries make on the students and their families. Truly our Duck Race proceeds at work!
Pictured from Silver Ridge Elementary School: Back row: Principal Julie McKein, 3rd Grade Teacher Danielle Meier. Front row: Emma Boyce, Noah Seacrist, Jordan Clark. Upper right: Silverdale Rotary President Ed Hamilton.
CKSD Superintendent and Silverdale Rotarian David McVicker introduced our guests, who provided heartfelt, personal stories. It was so gratifying to hear from the staff and students. Principal Julie McKein described how one 3rd grade student (not pictured) was using his dictionary to teach his Mom English. Teacher Danielle Meier stated that not only was Dictionary Day one of the most exciting of the year for the class, and how the students love the pictures, maps, and tables in the dictionary, but for some of the students this is the first book ever they could truly call their very own.
We heard from student Emma Boyce, who said she uses the dictionary as a teaching tool while reading books at home to her sister. Noah Seacrist talked about using the illustrations and pictures, and how he learned about longitude and latitude. Jordan Clark read a terrificThank You Note she had written to Rotarians.
Then, CKSD Superintendent McVicker presented a Certificate to President Ed Hamilton from the CKSD School Board, recognizing Rotary's contribution to the District. He also thanked East Bremerton Rotarian Dick Sims, who has spearheaded this joint project for over 7 years. President Ed went on to thank Silverdale Rotarian Michele Ludwig for coordinating the logistics of Silverdale Rotary's delivery of 450 dictionaries to seven schools.
This marvelous story would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the thousands who purchased Duck Tickets. Adopting Ducks Changes Lives!
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 11, 2015
On February 12, Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to meet and honor six outstanding Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School (CKHS) and Klahowya Secondary School. In addition to excellent academic records, these students participate in a long list activities; e.g, orchestra, sports, student body government, and numerous volunteer organizations. When we heard from the students themselves, describing their plans and aspirations such as health care, environmental architecture, and mission work, we have high hopes for the next generation of young adults!
Pictured left to right: Alessandra Fleck, Mark Bayuga, Chris Baldoria, and Chloe Orr (CKHS); Chaisten Weigel and Andres Vallejo (Klahowya)
|Silverdale Rotary Partiicpates in RAGS -- April 11, 2015
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Feb 04, 2015
Once again Silverdale Rotary is happy to be a participating Rotary Club in the Rotary Annual Garage Sale. This year's event is on Saturday, April 11th, 2015 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Please come back to this page for more information.
We are currently accepting donation items for RAGS at the following locations
Thank you for your support of a community fundraiser. Proceeds from the RAGS benefits Rotary Clubs programs which directly support our community.
|No Regular Meeting on February 5
|on Jan 30, 2015
Please note that there will NOT be a regular Rotary meeting on February 5. February 5 will be the regular 1st Thursday Evening Social from 5:30 - 7:00 pm - guests are welcome!
|Rotarians Distribute 450 Dictionaries to Third Graders
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 25, 2015
The Silverdale Rotary Club once again teamed with East Bremerton Rotary to deliver approximately 900 hard cover dictionaries to every third grader in the Central Kitsap School District. Silverdale Rotarians and supporters, including all but one of our new Rotarians who joined in the last year, distributed about 450 books to excited students in seven elementary schools. In the center of the photo on left are Rotarians Mariam Camery and President Ed Hamilton at Emerald Heights Elementary School.
Thanks to community and business support of our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, we are able to purchase and distribute all those dictionaries. Above, Rotarians Michele Ludwig (who coordinated and scheduled the all the deliveries) and Natalie Bryson, explained a little bit about Rotary to 3rd graders at Cougar Valley Elementary. It is so heartwarming to experience the appreciation and enthusiasm of the 3rd graders and school staff.
Anyone who distributes dictionaries comes away with the feeling, "I totally get it – this is why we sell ducks!" And we have fun, too! Pictured on a "Blue Friday" at Silverdale Elementary (with everyone shouting Go Seahawks!) are Rotarians Peter Matty (back row) and Kim Peterson and Anita Blau (center).
Rotarians Rick Soper and Frank Guthrie are having some fun below at Emerald Heights.
|RI President-Elect Ravindran's 2015-16 Theme: "Be a Gift to the World"
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 24, 2015
Rotary International President-elect K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran announced his presidential theme for 2015-16, Be a Gift to the World, at the opening session of the International Assembly in San Diego, CA, on January 18. "All of you have been given so many gifts. And you have now been given this great gift: one year to take all your talents, all your gifts, everything that you are and can become -- and Be a Gift to the World," said Ravindran, revealing his presidential theme at the annual five-day training meeting in San Diego, California, USA. "You have one year to take that potential and turn it into reality. One year to lead the clubs in your district and transform the lives of others. The time is so short, yet there is so much to be done."
Highlighting Rotary's biggest challenge, the eradication of polio, Ravindran said, "A future without polio is a gift that we have promised to the children of the world. And indeed it is a gift that we will give. Ravindran, a member of the Rotary Club of Colombo, Sri Lanka, used Rotary's successes in the fight to eradicate the disease as an illustration of the impact Rotary members can have in the world. When Rotary set a goal of eradicating polio 25 years ago, it was endemic in 125 countries, and more than 1,000 children were becoming paralyzed each day. Today, polio remains endemic in just three countries, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. And in all of 2014, only 333 cases were reported. "We will battle on. We will prevail," he said.
|3rd Graders at Central Kitsap Schools Receive Dictionaries
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Jan 18, 2015
Working with area Rotary Clubs the Silverdale Rotary Club is in the midst of their annual distribution of hardback, color dictionaries to every 3rd Grader in the Central Kitsap School District. Using the proceeds from another successful Silverdale Rotary Duck Race the Club helped purchase hundreds of books for distribution. The actual distribution process is a fun one for Rotarians and 3rd Graders alike. A gift from Rotary the books become the property of the students and many enjoy getting to write their names into their very own dictionary. Pictured, Silverdale Rotarian Bob Cassis and his wife Kathy and a class of happy 3rd graders.
|Third Grade Dictionary Distribution Under Way!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 10, 2015
Third Grade Dictionary distribution at CKSD elementary schools is under way! - don't miss your chance to participate in one of the most FUN and satisfying projects we Silverdale Rotarians do! Guaranteed, you will come away with a smile on your face and a spring in your step, and it only takes an hour. This is why we sell Ducks!
For the 7th school year in a row, Silverdale Rotary has teamed with East Bremerton Rotary to deliver an American Heritage hard cover dictionary to every third grader in Central Kitsap School District – about 800 students - in 12 elementary schools. Below is the schedule for our last two schools:
January 23 (Fri)– 1:20 pm – Clear Creek
To participate (family and friends welcome!), please contact Michele Ludwig at firstname.lastname@example.com or (360) 698-7225.
|Silverdale Rotary Location Change
|on Dec 21, 2014
Starting January 8, our meeting location has changed to the Kitsap Golf and Country Club.
|Bell Ringing at Macy's
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 14, 2014
Thanks to everyone who rang the bells on December 13; it was quite a day! Thanks to Christie Scheffer for being coordinator - not only did she wash the aprons (they haven't looked that good in ages!), but she provided bags of with water bottles and goodies for all the bell ringers and candy canes to pass out to the kids. What a hit that was!
Here is Christie's report: "Saturday was awesome! A Rotarian couldn't come at the last minute, so Cathy Bisaillon and I split that shift. Then Bob Cassis asked if we still had an open spot and came in to ring 3-5, and so we had all the doors covered all day! My grandaughter Reyce rang with me from 3-5, and what a secret weapon she turned out to be. No one could resist that sweet face! Pictured below: Christie and Reyce.
Six princesses (pictured below) from Miss Poulsbo/Miss Kitsap/Miss Silverdale covered 2 doors, and they sang and had a grand old time! Such fun spirits! They LOVE ringing! It was a great day!"
Saturday, December 20 is the last day for Silverdale Rotary Bell Ringing, and there are two slots left for the 1-3 pm shift, and all four doors are available for the 3-5 pm shift. Click on the event to the left to log in and sign up. Merry Christmas!
|12,000 Meals to Feed the Hungry
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 03, 2014
12,000 nutritious meals were packaged for shipment! That's what about 40 members of the Silverdale Rotary Club, family members and friends, the new Central Kitsap Interact Club, and Children of the Nations (COTN) accomplished in a few hours at the Silverdale Rotary International Service Committee work party at the December 4 Evening Social at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club.
At 6 meals per package, consisting of measured quantities lentils, rice, dehydrated vegetables, vegetarian flavoring, and vitamins and minerals, that's 2,000 sealed baggies packed into 56 boxes that will go to hungry people in countries where COTN serves (Sierra Leone, Uganda, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Malawi, Liberia).
The assembly lines were organized by COTN reps, who brought the aprons, hairnets, scales, boxes, baggies, sealers, and huge bags of ingredients to be measured into the baggies and then sealed and packed.
The Silverdale Rotary Club provided the funding for everything, equating to $0.25/meal plus admin costs.
For more information about Children of the Nations, go to https://cotni.org/ .
|Central Kitsap Interact Club Receives Charter
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Dec 03, 2014
During the December 4th Silverdale Rotary Social, President Ed Hamilton had the pleasure of presenting the Central Kitsap Interact Club with their official Rotary International Charter. Immediately after the presentation, a dozen Interact members participated in their first International Community project (see related story about food packaging).
Pictured above are (left to right): Hailey Junt, Sam Erichson, Kyle Gordon, Wesley Ludwig, Jason Gordon, Cheryl Junt (Central Kitsap High School Faculty Adviser), Curtis Dodds, Taylor Junt, Silverdale Rotary Club President Ed Hamilton and Chellie Labonete. Not pictured is Silverdale Rotary Adviser Roger Ludwig.
|Holiday Meeting Cancellations
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 15, 2014
Note that there will be no Silverdale Rotary Meeting on the following Holidays, which both fall on Thursday:
|Sound Publishing Speaks to Rotary
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Nov 12, 2014
"Readership is higher than ever," announced Lori Maxim, Vice President of West Sound Operations for Sound Publishing, Inc. Her enlightening presentation shed light on the newspaper group's growth and its niche as the provider of local, relevant and unique stories that our community members depend on.
Sound Publishing started as a small independent company on Bainbridge Island in 1987. Through acquisitions, it has grown to produce 47 monthly publications and receives hundreds of awards from the Washington Newspapers Publishing Association. The publications, including the Central Kitsap Reporter, Bremerton Patriot, Bainbridge Island Review, and Port Orchard Independent are produced in print form, and online readership is growing and now includes an optional email alert system for breaking news. La Raza is the corporation's Spanish Language edition, which is also growing in readership.
Donna Etchey, Director of Advertising and member of the Rotary Club of Poulsbo, informed the audience of the significant discounts available for twice monthly advertisements for community organizations. Several Rotary clubs take advantage of this service now with great results. Laurie wrapped up her presentation with her appreciation of our club and its longstanding Duck Race partnership with Sound Publishing. She invited people to visit soundpublishing.com or to contact her directly at email@example.com.
|Silverdale Rotary Continues Long Time Support of Bremerton YMCA
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 15, 2014
On October 16, Rotarian Erin Leedham (pictured on right) presented $1,000 in Duck Bucks to Jane Erlandson, Executive Director of the Bremerton YMCA. Jane related that Silverdale Rotary has supported this YMCA for 23 years! Jane described some of the programs that donations like ours underwrite: free swimming lessons for all 3rd graders in the Bremerton School District (approx 430); Teen Late Night on Friday nights where all teens, members or not, are welcome in a safe environment; and financial assistance for memberships (24% of members receive some kind of assistance). Silverdale Rotary's donation to this very worthy cause is made possible by the huge community and sponsor support of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
|LAST CALL!!! Cause of the Month - Candy for Halloween at Seabeck Conference Center
|Posted by Elayne Burton
|on Oct 10, 2014
Fall is in full swing, and area kids are looking forward to Halloween and Fall Harvest events. Translation: Candy! Every year our Rotary club participates in the Seabeck Conference Center's Community Halloween Party. Our own Chuck Kraining assigns us one of the houses on the conference grounds, where we decorate, don our costumes and spend 2 hours passing out candy to area kids. This is a safe, family oriented environment where parents bring children from all over Kitsap to participate. There's fun and games, food and lots of fun for all ages.
You can still bring candy this Thursday to our breakfast meeting!
We need a lot of candy for this event. Last year we ran out. Contact Kim Peterson, Elayne Burton or Mechelle Hoerer if you have candy but are unable to get it to the October 30 club meeting. If you bring it to the meeting, we'll see that it gets to the conference center. Thank you!
|Silverdale Christmas Tree Light Maintenance
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 10, 2014
Since 1954, a very tall Christmas Tree has lit up the skies for the Holidays in Silverdale, WA, thanks to a coordinated effort of dedicated community volunteers, Silverdale Rotary, Silverdale Dandy Lions, and Kiwanis. Brothers Rich Arper (Silverdale Rotarian) and Roland Arper (Silverdale Dandy Lion) have continued the tradition of their father and legendary Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper and are major driving forces behind coordinating the project. The tree is now 128 feet tall. On October 12, a work party cleaned up the blackberries around the tree, spread mulch, and lowered half of the 12 light strings for maintenance, changing out bulbs and fixing the wiring. Several Silverdale Rotarians participated. Silverdale Rotary Club has provided the funds for light bulb replacements since 1955.
Pictured above, volunteer Stephen Delazerda and Bloedel Reserve Arborist Ken Little prepare to climb all the way to the top of the 128 ft tree. They lower and raise the light strings by pulley for bulb and electrical maintenance. Later when the wind came up, it got even more exciting at the top of the tree!
Once all the burned out light bulbs are changed and the wiring is checked over, the string is ready to be raised back into position. There are 12 strings of lights, and every year about half are lowered for maintenance.
In 2012 the 8 ft star needed work (see photos at http://portal.clubrunner.ca/730/PhotoAlbums/silverdale-christmas-tree-2012 ). In the video below, everyone carefully keeps the string off the ground as it's raised to the top of the tree!
Thanks to all the volunteers who have kept up this 60 year tradition!
To read an informal history of the Silverdale Christmas Tree, click on "Silverdale Christmas Tree History" under Download Files to the left of this page.
|Rotary Continues Support to Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center
|Posted by Cathy Bisaillon
|on Oct 08, 2014
President Ed Hamilton proudly presented a check for $30,000 to Haselwood Family YMCA representatives at the club meeting on October 9. The funds represent the fourth installment of our 5 year commitment to support the Y's Teen Center through the proceeds of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
Present to receive the check and to inform our club of the impact of the Y's presence in Silverdale, were Derek Foster, Youth & Teen Outreach Director, and Jamie Nocula , Associate Executive Director. "We have 85,000 square feet of pure awesome," exclaimed Jamie as she opened the presentation. More than just "swim and a gym," the YMCA strives to serve and strengthen the local community through a variety of programs that touch residents throughout their lifespan. The strategic plan focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility; and, the vision for 2020 includes free swim lessons for third graders, free membership for 6th graders, and expansion of services for people dealing with cancer and diabetes.
Derek lit up as he described the Y's programs that are reaching the teens in our area. Teen Late Nite is open to all high school students on Fridays and junior high students on Saturdays. Free access to the gym and Teen Center provides a weekend hangout that encourages fun and safe activities including ping pong, Wii games, a homework station and a library area. Teen Late Nite has racked up more than 7,400 youth visits resulting in over 22,000 hours of wholesome weekend activities. "Service to our area's teenagers does not stop at the Y's door," explained Derek. The Juvenile Department Partnership is impacting youth who need help getting back on track. Through detention center visits, mentoring programs and supervised YMCA group usage, teens are given help and hope as they prepare for reintegration into society.
Jamie and Derek closed their program with a huge thank you to the Silverdale Rotary Club and with an open invitation for our club's members to volunteer in the Teen Center and beyond.
|Silverdale Rotary Honors October Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 08, 2014
Every other month during the school year Silverdale Rotary honors Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. Students are chosen by school staff based on Leadership, Citizenship, Academic Excellence, and Service to School and Community. We bring them to a Rotary lunch meeting in a limousine where we hear a little background about them from school staff. But the best part is hearing from the students themselves! They tell us about their many and varied interests, accomplishments, and aspirations. The five honorees have interests ranging from music, sports, and volunteering; all are college bound, and all have a sincere goal to be the best they can be. Congratulations to these five outstanding students!
Pictured left to right are Isabella Jaravata (CKHS), Anna Flood (Crosspoint Academy), Evan Lund (CKHS), and Lacey Crawford and Alanna Spicer (Klahowya)
In addition to a letter and gift card, the students are presented with a plaque (new this year) that looks like the one in the photo on the left.
Fifth Thursday Breakfast Meeting on October 30
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 05, 2014
October 30 is our first "fifth Thursday," so in lieu of our normal lunch meeting time, the Silverdale Rotary Club will start at 7:30 a.m. at the Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel. Arrive between 6:45-7:00 am to get through the breakfast line, as President Ed will ring the bell at 7:30 a.m.
|No Regular Lunch Meeting on November 6 - Evening Social Instead
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 04, 2014
Please note that our November 6 Rotary meeting will be an Evening Social at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club from 5:30-7:00 pm. Spouses and guests are welcome! No Host Bar. Light appetizers will be provided. This takes the place of the regular Thursday lunch Rotary meeting.
|President Elect Social at 19th Hole on October 15
|Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining
|on Oct 03, 2014
The next President Elect (PE) Social date has been set. PE Chuck Kraining will be at the 19th Hole Bar and Grill from 4:30-6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 15th. The 19th Hole is located at 2171 Erlands Pt Rd NW in Bremerton, WA 98312 (near the Country Club). We had a great Full Moon Fellowship there last year, and this event promises to be fun as well! Please feel free to drop by anytime and say Hi.
|Funds Awarded to CKHS PTSA for Grad Night
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 03, 2014
Silverdale Rotary has an annual agreement with the CKHS PTSA - they help with the Duck Race, and Rotary awards $500 for CKHS Grad Night. Over two dozen students and family members helped us tag ducks on July 24 and wash ducks on Race Day, July 27. See photos below - Rotarians certainly appreciated their energy and enthusiasm!
On September 4, CKHS PTSA President Lynn Harvey (left in inset) was presented with the $500 check by Rotarian Anita Blau (on right). Lynn related that these funds reduce the cost of Grad Night via scholarships, which allows more students to attend. CKHS PTSA helps us with the Duck Race, and Duck Race funds help keep graduating seniors safe on Grad Night - Win-Win!
|September Cause of the Month - School Supplies
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Aug 31, 2014
It's officially September, which means the kids are going back to school. As the parent of an elementary student I can tell you first hand that each year the supply list gets longer, the items more expensive and the need in the community is greater. There are many kids in our school district who cannot afford the long list of supplies that the school is asking for, which can often cost in the neighborhood of $100 per child. The Community Service Committee is asking that our club provide school supplies for the children as the September Cause of the Month. Items needed are pens, pencils, glue sticks, composition books, notebooks, crayons, colored pencils, spiral notebooks, college rule paper, wide rule paper, scissors, pocket folders, etc.. Cash and check donations are also welcome (make checks payable to "Central Kitsap School District"). Supplies can be brought each week to the Rotary meeting where they will be picked up and taken to the district offices. Checks and cash can be given to Johnnie Hawkins. Supplies can also be dropped off to Johnnie Hawkins at the following location:
Parker, Moores & Cena, PS, 9222 Bay Shore Dr NW, Suite 150, Silverdale, WA 98383 (located next door to the Yacht Club Broiler).
Thanks for your support!
|Duck Bucks Awarded to YFC Independent Living Services Program
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 20, 2014
Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens (pictured below on right) presented a check for $500 to Rosie Ludlow, Independent Living Services (ILS) counselor with West Sound Youth for Christ. This is a follow on award to the the $1,000 presented in November, 2013. These funds will help foster kids who have reached the age of 18 to transition out of foster care and start to establish their own households. West Sound Youth for Christ currently has over 100 students in their Independent Living Services program. For more information about the ILS program, go to http://www.westsoundyfc.org/ministries/independentliving/ .
|Rotary Welcomes Exchange Student from Sweden
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 20, 2014
Silverdale Rotary welcomes Kim Zagerholm, our 2014-15 Rotary Youth Exchange student from Sweden, who arrived on August 18! Kim's first host family is the Ludwigs in Silverdale. Kim will be attending Central Kitsap High School. Valkommen, Kim!
|Duck Bucks at Work at the Canterbury Care Center
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 16, 2014
On July 11, 2014, Silverdale Rotary Club awarded $2,090 in Duck Bucks to the Canterbury Care Center in Bremerton for a stand up raised bed and greenhouse, to allow Seniors in the Adult Day Services program practice their green thumbs without having to kneel on the ground. We just received word that the greenhouse is in place, and planting commenced last week!
The greenhouse is large enough for several people to work at the same time.
Duck Buck grants like this are made possible by the generous support by the Community and Sponsors of our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser.
|Outgoing Exchange Student Adriana Pollard Heading to Belgium
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 13, 2014
On August 14 we met our outgoing Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student for 2014-15, Adriana Pollard. Adriana, who is home schooled and has already finished all her high school requirements, is heading to the French speaking area of Belgium. Adriana is pictured below with President Ed Hamilton. Bon Voyage, Adriana!
|Top Duck Race Winners Awarded Prizes
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 06, 2014
On August 7, Silverdale Rotarians hosted the five top Duck Race prize winners. guests, and the Sponsors who donated the prizes to an evening social at Kitsap Golf and Country Club. Our Duck Race mascot Lucky was there to add to the festivities.
Below the Grand Prize winner Yvonne Parraz (right of Lucky) accepted the $16,000 check from Dean and Chuck Capps (on left) from Advantage Nissan. Congratulations, Yvonne, and THANK YOU to Advantage Nissan! On the right are John Parraz, and Roy Meyers of Silverdale Kiwanis, who sold Yvonne the winning Duck Ticket.
Below, Rotarian Bud Grahn on left presented the Diamond Pendant from Ben Bridge to Paul Mastberg. Thank you Ben Bridge! Bud sold Paul the winning Duck Ticket.
Next, Rotarian Scott Park (far right) of Quality Heating, Electrical and Air Conditioning presented his Company's prize to Gretchen and Kenji Boike (flanking Lucky). Thank you Quality Heating, Electrical and Air Conditioning! Roy Meyers (on left) sold this winning Duck Ticket, too.
Below, Rotarian Barbara Beagle (left) presented the Viking Opal 670 Sewing Machine from Sound Sewing to Gary Graff (center). Thank you Sound Sewing! Ed Ahrens (on right) sold Gary the winning Duck Ticket.
Not pictured: Rotary President Ed Hamilton presented Sandy Ferris with the Holland America Certificate for a 1-Week Cruise for Two. Thank you Holland America! Rotarian Bob Cassis sold Sandy the winning Duck Ticket.
Congratulations to all the winners!
|Duck Race Prize Pick Up Location
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 03, 2014
See link in the article below for the Prize Winner List
|Meeting Change for August 7
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 02, 2014
Silverdale Rotary Club WILL NOT be meeting at the regular location on August 7.
Our Mascot Lucky (see inset) will be there for photo ops. Let's Have Fun!
|2014 Duck Race Prize Winners and Photos
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 27, 2014
Congratulations to Grand Prize Winner YVONNE PARRAZ of Silverdale, WA!
Who won a 2014 Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck or $16,000 cash
Courtesy of Advantage Nissan!
For the complete list of 97 Prize Winners. click on the link below
Duck Race PHOTOS: CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS.
|Silverdale Rotarians at Lions-Kiwanis Grand Parade at Whaling Days
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 25, 2014
Whaling Days weekend was a busy one for Silverdale Rotary, and the Lions-Kiwanis Grand Parade was no exception, with many Rotarians participating in the Parade. At the front of the line was Grand Marshall Sheriff Steve Boyer (Silverdale Rotarian) and Judith.
Parade Emcees at the VIP Grandstand were Rotarians Bud Grahn and Rob MacDermid at front left below. Not pictured: Rich Arper with the Mustang Club.
We certainly do love a Parade!
|Silverdale Rotary Pancake Breakfast on July 26 at Whaling Days
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 25, 2014
Silverdale Rotarians and volunteers were out in force cooking up a delicious Pancake Breakfast.
|2014 Duck Race Tagging Work Party
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 23, 2014
It's Thursday of Race Week, and Silverdale Rotarians, family members, and dozens of community volunteers converged to take the old tag numbers off 20,000 ducks and tag them with our Silverdale Rotary Duck Race ticket numbers. The ducks are transported from race to race in the blue bins all over North America. They landed in Silverdale on July 23.
Keeping meticulous track of all 20,000 ticket numbers in our Gambling Commission licensed raffle is the job of Duck Central (below).
We had the help of the newly organized CKHS Interact Club officers (see below), who loaded tagged ducks into the truck, where they are quarantined and resting up until the big Race on Sunday
|CK Reporter Endorses Silverdale Rotary Duck Race
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 17, 2014
Following is a link to the Editorial entitled "It's duck time again" in the July 18 Central Kitsap Reporter. http://www.centralkitsapreporter.com/news/267416911.html?mobile=true Thank you, Sound Publishing!
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Stand Up for Kids
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 16, 2014
Silverdale Rotary was pleased to award Stand Up For Kids (SUFK) an additional $751 on July 17 to help fill up backpacks of food for homeless kids. Margaret Rodriguez, Executive Director (pictured left), along with former Executive Director Jo Clark (on right), accepted the check from Rotarian Erin Leedham (center). Ms. Rodriguez told the Club that the backpack food bags provide three meals and snacks, and are distributed at three libraries in Kitsap County. There are currently approximately 800 homeless children in Kitsap County.
|Mattress Ranch Duck Race Video
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 14, 2014
This video is airing on Wave Broadband and Comcast cable courtesy of Mattress Ranch. Thank you Mattress Ranch!
|Silverdale Rotary Duck Race YouTube Video
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 14, 2014
Video courtesy of Little Bugga, our generous Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Sponsor
|Duck Sales Venues Were Hopping on July 12-13
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 12, 2014
Silverdale Rotarians were out in the heat on July 12-13 manning sales booths at the Silverdale Hallmark, Safeway, and Albertsons. Also the Bremerton Brew Fest (hot hot hot, but a happier crowd than the grocery stores!). Below are Steve and Elayne Burton at Hallmark and Jason Mayer and President Ed Hamilton at Brew Fest.
Remember that the Kitsap Mall is an open venue, 7 days a week, and it is air conditioned!
Thanks to Rotarians, lots of businesses are selling ducks to the public, too. For those locations click on "How (and Where) to Adopt a Duck" at www.silverdalerotaryduckrace.com . P.S. Thanks, President Ed, for single handedly web-mastering this comprehensive Duck Race website!
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Help Our Community "Grow"
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jul 10, 2014
On Thursday, July 10, the Silverdale Rotary Club awarded "Duck Bucks", funds raised from our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, to help implement gardening projects for local children and seniors. The first grant was given to the Martha & Mary Childcare Center in Silverdale. They received a grant of $1,500 to purchase and install raised garden beds for approximately 149 small children to learn how to grow healthy food and enjoy the foods they grow. Director Renee Eicher informed the club during the presentation that the majority of the children are receiving subsidies and would not otherwise have access to gardening projects. She also informed the club that the teachers and children are very excited about the project and already have seedlings sprouting in the classrooms.
Pictured Below (left to right): Renee Eicher & Paula Rimmer of Martha & Mary, with Rotarian Cathy Bisallion.
The second award of the day was for yet another gardening project. $2,090 was given to the Canterbury Care Center to purchase and install a small greenhouse for seniors in the center to be able to garden year round. The project will allow seniors to enjoy gardening while providing essential social, mental and physical health for the seniors living in the center.
Pictured Below (left to right): Shelby Taylor & Alice Hartley of Canterbury Care Center along with Rotarian Cathy Bisallion.
|Duck Sales Venues Open for Business
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 05, 2014
Silverdale Rotarians were out in force on July 5-6 manning sales booths at the Silverdale Hallmark and Albertsons. Below is our newest Rotarian, Kim Peterson.
For more locations, click on How (and Where) to Adopt a Duck at www.silverdalerotaryduckrace.com .
|Independents Perform Patriotic Songs on July 3
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 02, 2014
What a treat to hear the Independents perform a patriotic medley on July 3 at Rotary, accompanied by a beautifully scripted Powerpoint of poignant images. There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd as song after heart swelling song was performed by these talented musicians directed by Pam Wenter, including our own Elayne Burton and Scott Park.
|The Duck Truck and Big Duck Are in the Kitsap Mall!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 26, 2014
The Duck Truck and a Big Duck are now in the Kitsap Mall! Plus a booth that provides details about the Race and how all ticket proceeds go to support worthy causes. You can Adopt Ducks at the display or at Ben Bridge nearby.
Huge thanks go to Advantage Nissan for the Duck Truck, Kitsap Mall for display space, and to Suquamish Clearwater Casino for sponsoring the Million Dollar Duck!
|Big Ducks - The Flock Has Arrived!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 14, 2014
Our Big Ducks were spotted around the county last week - and this is just the beginning! Below is the 20' duck at Advantage Nissan - if you speak to the Capps at the Kick Off Party on Monday night, please thank them for the Duck Truck and for promoting the Duck Race at their dealership and on Facebook!
Another Big Duck was at Mattress Ranch (below).
And here is one of the Big Ducks with the Duck Truck at the Seabeck Conference Center Centennial Celebration on June 14, with Ron and Peggy Templeton, Penny Loveless, and Rosalie Dormaier.
Our Big Ducks will be migrating to over 35 sponsor and event locations between now and the Duck Race. Huge thanks go to our Trail Boss Ellen Newberg (who schedules the moves) and Wranglers Scott Park, Jim Dudley and Larry Rodgers, Chuck Kraining, Newberry Hill Heritage Park volunteers (Duck Buck recipients giving back), Peter Matty, and Pete Dawson.
|Duck Bucks for School Maps - Paul Linder Educational Foundation
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Jun 11, 2014
Natalie Bryson accepted a Duck Buck grant on behalf of the Paul Linder Educational Foundation in the amount of $1,683.30. The unusual amount is due to the fact that this is part of a matching grant; it will be used to replace badly outdated classroom maps in ten schools in the Central Kitsap School District.
Pictured: Rotarians Natalie Bryson and Elayne Burton
|Duck Bucks Awarded for CKHS Grad Night
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Jun 04, 2014
On June 5, Lucrecia Mirano accepted a $500 Duck Buck grant on behalf of the CKHS PTSA, which organizes Grad Night. The funds will be used to help provide seniors graduating from Central Kitsap High School with a safe and enjoyable way to celebrate after the graduation ceremony.
Pictured left to right: Rotarian Erin Leedham and Lucrecia Mirano
|2014 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race T-Shirt Design Winner
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Jun 04, 2014
2014 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Chair Mary Hoover revealed the winning T-shirt design from a competition held among students at Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School and Crosspoint Academy. The competition attracted 23 entries, and the winner is Sarah Avery from CKHS. She was presented with a t-shirt and a $100 prize, and her art teacher Judy Sorrels was presented with a plaque to be displayed at CKHS. Sarah's design will be featured on over 400 shirts, proudly worn by Duck Race supporters!
Pictured left to right: Rotary President Ed Hamilton, Sarah Avery, Judy Sorrels
|Rotary Awards Scholarships to Local High School Students
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Jun 04, 2014
The meeting on June 5 was conducted by officers of the new Interact Club at Central Kitsap High School, and they did an excellent job! A number of seniors from our area high schools received scholarships at the meeting.
Central Kitsap High School:
Camdon Hatch plans to serve for two years as a missionary in Peru, followed by college at BYU.
Rachel Kagan is headed for the University of Minnesota where she plans to study Chemical Engineering.
Jasmine Ford will pursue studies in Nursing and Spanish at Gonzaga University.
Madison Munro looks forward to studying Nursing at the University of Portland.
Robert Horton will study Environmental Science at the University of Washington.
Barbara Mirano is aiming for a degree in Piano Performance at Central Washington University.
Katie Lee was not present to receive her award.
Klahowya Secondary School:
Emily Nelson will study Biology at the University of Washington with an eye toward medical school.
China Kesterson is going to train in Dental Hygiene at Eastern Washington University.
Aaron Zendejas is excited about the Communications program at Central Washington University and Marine Corps Officer Candidates School.
Madison Prentiss and Nakari Henry were not present to receive their awards.
Crosspoint Academy:
Chayse Jones and DJ Degnan were not present to receive their awards.
Pictured left to right: Rotary President Ed Hamilton; Camdon Hatch, Jasmine Ford, Rachel Kagan, Barbara Mirano, Madison Munro, Robert Horton (CKHS); China Kesterson (Klahowya)
|Silverdale Rotary Honors Teacher of the Year
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Jun 04, 2014
Kim Witte, a second grade teacher at PineCrest Elementary School, was honored at the June 5 Rotary meeting as Teacher of the Year. Kim is pictured below with Rotarian Bud Grahn.
The CKSD website states, "Colleagues describe Kim as caring, committed, selfless, creative and inspirational. Kim also has a deep commitment and dedication to professional growth and development. She has made a profound impact outside the teaching profession, too--locally, statewide and internationally. This investment in others has made a difference in the lives of countless people of all ages, and especially children." In recognition of her achievement, the Rotary Club of Silverdale presented Kim with a plaque, a $350 check, and an Honorary Paul Harris Fellowship. Congratulations, and thank you, Kim!
|Silverdale Rotary Awards Duck Bucks to Kitsap Cancer Services
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jun 01, 2014
On May 29, 2014, the Rotary Club of Silverdale awarded $1,000 of "Duck Bucks" to Jackie Smaha of Kitsap Cancer Services (KCS). Duck Bucks are funds raised by the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race held each year at Whaling Days. The $1,000 of donated funds will be used by KCS for a program called "Kitsap Kids Connected." This program, which is currently in the Central Kitsap and North Kitsap school districts, gives books and resources to the schools to help them identify and help kids who's families have been affected by cancer. Pictured below are Rotary President Ed Hamilton, Jackie Smaha, and Rotarian Erin Leedham.
KCS is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing life enhancing support services to increase emotional well-being in people affected by cancer. All KCS services are offered at no cost to cancer patients, their family members, friends and caregivers. Core programs for KCS include "Compassionate Care Grants," which give money to needy patients to help with everything from treatment and medications down to housekeeping services for those too sick to maintain their homes. KCS also provides holiday sharing programs during Thanksgiving and Christmas. To learn more about KCS, visit their website at http://www.kitsapcancerservices.org/
|Mattress Ranch Commercial Photo Shoot
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 31, 2014
Nissan and Mattress Ranch are the biggest sponsors of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Advantage Nissan gives us the new Nissan Frontier Truck (or $16,000 cash) as the grand prize, and Mattress Ranch donates the production and air time on cable of a 30 second spot promoting the Duck Race (huge!). On June 1, 2014 all the parties convened at the Mattress Ranch in Gorst for the commercial shoot. The spot will be aired on Comcast and Wave Broadband for about 6 weeks before the Duck Race.
Pictured left to right: Producer/photographer, Mattress Ranch owners Yvonne and Max Sadtler (Yvonne is providing animated direction to mascot Lucky), Ted Sadtler (Mattress Ranch founder and iconic spokesperson), Silverdale Rotary President Ed Hamilton, and Advantage Nissan owner Chuck Capps, and Mascot Lucky (aka Shyla Hamilton).
It's a wrap! Left to right below: Ed Hamilton, Ted Sadtler, Chuck Capps
Thank you Advantage Nissan and Mattress Ranch!
|Silverdale Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on May 25, 2014
Pictured (left to right): Joseph Moris (Crosspoint), Chelsea Musick (Crosspoint), Jasmine Ford (CKHS), Kenny Leedham (CKHS), Ciera Eisele (Klahowya), John Kraus (CKHS), Sarah Avery (CKHS). Not Pictured - Colton Kendall (Klahowya).
On Thursday, May 22, the Silverdale Rotary Club honored outstanding students from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School and Crosspoint Academy. Each month during the school year, students are chosen by faculty at each school to be honored. If these students are any indication of the future of America, then the future is bright! These students are outstanding students, great athletes, community minded and really, really motivated. Another thing that really stands out is how different all of these young men and women are. They all have very different dreams for their future, but each one is an inspiring individual. The students receive limousine service to and from the luncheon held in their honor, a copy of the Rotary Four-Way Test, and a copy of "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens."
|Memorial Day Observance at Kitsap Veterans Memorial
|Posted by Robert Cassis
|on May 14, 2014
The Silverdale Rotary Club is honored to sponsor a musical observance of Memorial Day at the Kitsap Veterans Memorial at the foot of Byron St in Old Town Silverdale on May 26 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
The public is invited to attend. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets as seating is limited. Due to the delicate nature of the instruments, the event will be cancelled if it is raining.
The Duncan Creek String Quartet will present about 45 minutes of appropriate music. It will be followed by a wreath presentation by a representative group of Veterans and the rendering of Taps by Navy Veteran Kent Larraby.
Memorial Day is a day dedicated to the memory of the men and women who died while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. A musical interpretation of the Day has historically been one of the ways to observe it.
The Veterans Memorial was built by the Silverdale Sunrise Rotary Club, the Home Builders Association and Kitsap Parks and Recreation. When the Sunrise Club closed, the Silverdale Club agreed to take responsibility for some of its ongoing support. Donations for the maintenance of the Memorial are welcome and can be made to Silverdale Rotary Club, P.O. Box 151, Silverdale WA 98383.
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Every 15 Minutes Program
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 14, 2014
"Dear Mom and Dad - Every 15 minutes, someone dies as a result of an alcolhol related collision. Today, I died, and I never got a chance to tell you..."
On May 15, Silverdale Rotary presented a $250 check to Marcia Masters of the Kitsap County Sheriff's Dept (picture on right in inset) for the Every 15 Minutes program to be presented on May 28-29 at Klahowya Secondary School. "The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks. This emotionally charged program, entitled Every 15 Minutes, is an event designed to dramatically instill teenagers with the potentially dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol and texting while driving. This powerful program will challenge students to think about drinking, texting while driving, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved." For more details, go to http://every15minutes.com/aboutus/ .
Our own Rotarian Scott Park, who was involved as a parent in a previous simulation, shared from his heart about the dramatic impact on their family.
|Duck Bucks Awarded to C.A.S.T. for Kids
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 14, 2014
On May 15, Silverdale Rotary presented a $1,000 check to Lori Raymaker of Kitsap County Parks and Recreation for the Catch a Special Thrill (C.A.S.T) for Kids on June 14 at Island Lake. 300 kids (six groups of 50 each) will learn how to fish, and go home with a rod and reel and t-shirt, and (hopefully) two fish!
See http://www.castforkids.org/events-calendar/fishing-kids-events/island-lake/ for the details. This event is sold out for 2014, but they need volunteers. If you would like to help or get on the 2015 notification list, contact Jessica at email@example.com
|Sailors and Marines of the Quarter Honored
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on May 07, 2014
Silverdale Rotary has a long history of honoring outstanding sailors and Marines, and Rotarian Mike Hancock continued that tradition at the meeting of May 8 by recognizing four exemplary men in uniform, all from the Marine Corps Security Force Batallion Bangor. The honorees were:
MASN Brandon Rosa, Blue Jacket of the Quarter
MA2 Glenn Rokoski, Jr., Sailor of the Quarter (not present)
MA1 Bradley Nuding, Senior Sailor of the Quarter
LCpl Steven Knapp, Marine of the Quarter
Sgt James Eagens, NCO of the Quarter
Perhaps the best quote of the program came from LCpl Knapp, who said, "I got tired of the real world – my brother said to give the Marine Corps a try."
Pictured left to right: MAC Andrew Christianson, MASN Brandon Rosa, MA1 Bradley Nuding, Sgt James Eagens, SSgt Jason St. Pierre, LCpl Steven Knapp, SSgt Alvin Robancho, Rotary President Ed Hamilton
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Hope, Inc.
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on May 07, 2014
At the May 8 meeting, Ken Walls (pictured on right), Director of HOPE, Inc. accepted a Duck Bucks grant of $1,500 from Rotarian Elayne Burton to support the job training program offered through Coffee Oasis. HOPE stands for Helping Others Procure Employment. The program helps youth ages 18-25 gain job skills and work experience that will lead to permanent employment. Youth are partnered with successful, caring businesses and are mentored in the workplace through job training. Weekly classes in life, leadership, and job skills are taught to further equip youth. Ken reported that 80 to 90 youth have been helped in the past year. For more information go to http://www.thecoffeeoasis.com/#/youth-programs/hope-inc .
|Passing of Blaine Highfield; Rotarian, WW II Veteran, Church Member, Family Member
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Apr 20, 2014
Blaine Highfield passed away on April 3rd in Gig Harbor. A Memorial Service will be held May 3rd at Discovery Baptist Church in Gig Harbor.
A fact-filled article in the CK Reporter (http://www.centralkitsapreporter.com/green_editions/?iid=i20140418100112698 page A11) details a full life of love of country, a family man, a Rotarian, devotion to others and, in short, "Service above Self".
A veteran of WWII, including 79 air combat missions, Lt. Col. Highfield went on to graduate from the University of Washington, finish out a 27-year career in the military reserves, serve in the Silverdale Rotary -- Club President from 1976-1977 -- and was a founding member of the Silverdale Sunrise Rotary Club. His community involvement was extensive including being an active member in community churches, working in the real estate industry and being quietly involved in the development of Silverdale; as someone who facilitated meetings among business people and industry.
His daughter, Heather Bennett may have said it best (as quoted in the Central Kitsap Reporter) when she said: "He was committed to the church and the Rotary. He believed that as a citizen you should serve your community. And he did that very well."
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, May 3, at Discovery Baptist Church, 4902 Gustafson Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
|Duck Bucks Create Access While Protecting Wetlands in Newberry Hill Heritage Park
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 16, 2014
Silverdale Rotary continued support of the Friends of Newberry Hill Heritage Park by awarding $1,700 in Duck Bucks at the April 17 meeting, which will be used for a second platform and a wetlands education area. Pictured in the inset are Frank Stricklin, President of Friends of NHHP and also Wetland Steward, and Rotary President Ed Hamilton. Frank shared a brief PowerPoint presentation showing how Rotary's support has been translated into an improved viewing platform that protects fragile wetlands (pictured below),
and a boardwalk (pictured below) covered with non-skid material that ensures safety for humans and horses while protecting the wetlands.
In June 2013, Silverdale Rotarians funded and installed mile markers on trail signs in the 1,400 acre park..
|Central Kitsap Food Bank - Our Duck Bucks at Work!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 16, 2014
On April 10, continuing Silverdale Rotary's long tradition of supporting the Central Kitsap Food Bank with Duck Bucks and other donations, incoming Community Service Committee Chair Erin Leedham (pictured on right in inset), presented a $2,500 check to the Food Bank towards their purchase of a walk-in freezer for their new facility. Accepting, left to right, were Robert Butterton (President, CKFB Board of Directors), Jessica Landis (Secretary, Board of Directors), and Executive Director Hoyt Burrows. Hoyt thanked the Club and described the new facility, which had its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on April 16. Below is Rotarian Nancy Whitaker showing off the big new freezer. Our Duck Bucks at work!
|Rotary Honors High School Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 09, 2014
On April 10 Silverdale Rotary honored six Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School and Klahowya Secondary School. Students are chosen by school staff based on academic achievement, leadership, participation in school, community, and church activities, and sometimes overcoming hardships. The best part of the program is hearing from the students themselves, as they talked about their lives and future plans. Future aspirations included nursing, teaching, community service, and dental hygiene.
Pictured left to right: President Ed Hamilton, Martha O'Sullivan and Abigail Wilson (CKHS); China Kesterson and Shannon Shopshire (Klahowya); Ross Sandoval (CKHS). Not pictured: Nick Barbero
Each honoree was chauffeured in a limo to and from lunch, received a certificate of commendation, a copy of 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, a copy of the Four Way Test, and a gift card. All the students thanked Rotary for this honor, which is much sought after by students, and the "great lunch."
|Rotarian Dick Cooke's Memorial Service - April 26 at 1:00 p.m.
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Apr 05, 2014
We've lost one of our own. Dick Cooke passed away on March 17th. It's commonly remembered that he was a member of the Silverdale Rotary Club close to our chartering in June of 1955. Dick was known to Rotary as a steadfast Rotarian, achieving perfect attendance for most of 40 years! He was President of the Silverdale Rotary Club in 1967-68. He additionally served as Director of Vocational Service in 1985-86. Dick strongly supported The Rotary Foundation and was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
A Memorial Service will be held on April 26th at Poulsbo Community Church on Finn Hill Road at 1:00 p.m.
|Rotary Supports Kitsap Foster Care Association with Duck Bucks
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 02, 2014
On April 3, Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens (pictured on right in inset) presented a $1,500 check to Naomi Nichols, President of the Kitsap Foster Care Association. This money will be used this coming August to fill backpacks with school supplies for foster kids. The mission of the Association, as stated in their website at http://kitsapfostercare.org/ , is "To support and inspire foster, kinship, and adoptive caregivers through educational opportunities, enrichment activities, and by advocating for foster children in our local community." They do this by providing support for both foster care parents and kids in an large variety of ways.
|Rotary Continues Long Time Support of Corey's Day on the Farm
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Mar 19, 2014
Silverdale Rotary presented a $1,000 Community Service Grant to Coleta Corey to support 2014 Corey's Day on the Farm. Pictured in inset left to right: Rotarian Elayne Burton, Coleta Corey, and Rotarian Jack Jensen
Silverdale Rotary has a long history of supporting this wonderful program that allows special needs children to enjoy everything from hot dogs to horseback rides. The 47th annual Corey's Day on the Farm takes place on May 12-13 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. For more information, click on http://www.shoplocalbiz.com/silverdale/coleta/coreysday.htm . Rotary grants like this are made possible by generous business and community support of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser.
|Rotary Honors Sailors and Marines of the Quarter
|Posted by David Rawls
|on Mar 05, 2014
Honoring sailors and Marines each month is a tradition of our Club. This month we honored the Junior Sailor of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter of 2013. MAC Woolf introduced MA2 Jordan Catherman describing him as a section leader and one who is mentoring others in physical fitness and a candidate for sailor of the year.
MAC Christenson introduced MASN Nicholas Rodabaug as Blue Jacket of the Quarter for Fourth Quarter of 2013. He was described as the "fastest 1 ½ miler on the base" and one who gets things done before being asked. He is in charge of about 70 Marines and Sailors all focused on protecting our nuclear assets.
MAC Lee introduced MA1 Trisha Blosser as Senior Sailor of the Quarter for Fourth Quarter of 2013. She has a passion for the martial arts of the Philippines and teaches it as an activity for others. Her responsibilities are to maintain the administrative duties of being paid, having food to eat, etc., for over 50 sailors. She would like to eventually work in the mental health field after her Navy career.
Congratulations to all!
Pictured left to right: MASN Nicholas Rodabaugh, MAC Andrew Christianson, MAC Alexander Lee, MA1 Trisha Blosser, Silverdale Rotary President Ed Hamilton, MAC Ted Woolf, MA2 Jordan Catherman.
Not pictured: Marine of the Quarter Cpl Chantley Hawkins
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Feb 12, 2014
The Silverdale Rotary Club meeting on February 13 featured eight remarkable high school students who were chosen by their respective faculties as Students of the Month. This honor is not just a celebration of academic excellence; students of the month are also recognized for their citizenship, their ability to overcome obstacles, and their attitude of service above self. Each honoree received a certificate of commendation, a copy of Seven Habits of 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, a copy of the Four Way Test, and a gift card.
Pictured left to right: Allison Gherna and Kira Bright (Klahowya Secondary School) , Isaiah Tanksley, Madison MacKenzie, Madison Munro, and Jesse Hernandez (Central Kitsap High School), Chayse Jones and Jessica Damon (Crosspoint Academy)
|Please Vote for Our Float at Suquamish Clearwater Casino!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 10, 2014
Our float is right at the front of the Suquamish Clearwater Casino after you walk past the front desk - vote now - it's easy! Just pick up your card (or show it if you already have one), and you will receive a ballot to stuff into the Silverdale Rotary float box! Also, plan to show up at the Fat Tuesday Parade of Service on March 4 at 7 p.m. and cheer on our entry as all the floats are paraded throughout the Casino!
Over 20 different non-profit organizations are competing for their share of $15,000. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three floats based on Mardi Gras Theme, Originality, and Execution. Thanks to Scott Slocum, Nancy Whitaker, Mary Hoover, and Scott Weninger, our Club will be awarded at least $500. BUT - we could win more!
First place is $3,000, second is $2,000, third is $1,000 and other non-profits each receive $500 for participating. Floats will be on display for a month. Final judging will occur during the Parade on March 4th. Below are the voting rules from the Casino: Please make a trip to Suquamish Clearwater Casino between now and March 4, sign up for membership (free and quick), and vote for our float! Note: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, their $15.95 Evening Buffet is Two for One!
|Third Grade Dictionaries Distributed to CK Third Graders
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 06, 2014
The Rotary Clubs of Silverdale and East Bremerton just completed the fourth annual Rotary distribution of American Heritage hardcover dictionaries to all 3rd graders in Central Kitsap School District (12 elementary schools), plus home schooled and Crosspoint Academy 3rd graders. Almost 800 dictionaries were distributed by Rotarians, family members, and friends of Rotary. Pictured below are students from Mrs. Davis' class at Clear Creek Elementary.
Dozens of Rotarians and supporters were involved in the distribution, and all agree that this is one of the most fun and satisfying projects that Silverdale and East Bremerton Rotary Clubs do. The excited children's faces, the artwork on student thank you notes, and the sincere appreciation of teachers and school staff warm are heartwarming. In July, when Silverdale Rotarians are out selling Duck Race tickets, they often hear children and relatives exclaim, "They
are the Dictionary People!"
Pictured below: Ms. Surette (in back row) and her 3rd grade class at Cougar Valley Elementary with Rotarian Michele Ludwig barely visible in the center, surrounded by enthusiastic students
Funding for the dictionaries come from the generous community and business support of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and the East Bremerton Rotary fund raisers Bremerton Party, Sweethearts Dinner/Auction, and RAGS.
|Silverdale Rotary Honors Sailors and Marines of the Quarter
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jan 12, 2014
Pictured left to right: MASN Eddison Nelson, MA1 Jonathon Walter, MAC Andrew Christianson, MA2 Maura Johnson, MAC David Turbyfill, Rotarian Mike Hancock. Not pictured: LCpl Anthony Perez and Cpl Casey Jarrell
On January 9th, the Silverdale Rotary Club recognized outstanding military personnel from the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor. Each quarter a few sailors and Marines are awarded the title of Sailor or Marine of the Quarter. The award is given to those sailors and Marines who consistently exhibit extraordinary job skills, excellent leadership abilities and good community service. The award is highly competitive and considered a great honor to be chosen. This quarter's winners were no exception. Each person named was a top performer amongst their peers and all of them are core personnel that are heavily relied on to get jobs done. Each recipient is awarded with a plaque and a gift card to recognize their achievement. This quarter's winners were:
MA2 Maura Johnson - Junior Sailor of the Quarter
MA1 Jonathon Walter - Senior Sailor of the Quarter
LCpl Anthony Perez - Marine of the Quarter
Cpl Casey Jarrell - Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter
MASN Eddison Nelson - Blue Jacket of the Quarter
|Bell Ringing at Macy's for the Salvation Army
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 13, 2013
Silverdale Rotarians and families and students were out in force on Friday and Saturday, November 29-30, and on a very cold Saturday, December 7, and December 14, ringing bells for the Salvation Army at all four doors at Macy's. The tradition goes back longer than we can remember! We will be back on December 21, too. Come see us and say Hello!
Pictured on left: Taiwan Exchange Student Kelly Wu, Rotarian Michele Ludwig and daughter Marissa; on right Rotarians Barbara and Brian Beagle
Thanks to Rotarians Rob MacDermid, Chuck Kraining, and Brian Beagle who coordinated on those days to ensure the kettles, aprons, bells, and signs were in place for our volunteers.
Pictured on left: Rotarian Larry Rodgers; on right: Rotarian David Mitchell and family
|Silverdale Rotarians' Bell Ringing Stories Published in CK Reporter
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 12, 2013
Central Kitsap Reporter - December 13, 2013
The Central Kitsap Reporter asked for Bell Ringing stories from Silverdale Rotarians, and seven were published on December 13. Here is the link: http://www.centralkitsapreporter.com/news/235639641.html
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Dec 11, 2013
The December 12 meeting featured another impressive gathering of outstanding students, each chosen by their respective school's faculty for academic achievement, leadership qualities, citizenship, and school and community activities. Honorees from Central Kitsap High School were Rebecca Crabtree (who wants to study business), Sangram Watson (who intends to study criminal justice), Cedrick Smith (an aspiring film director), and Kendra Fields (who envisions a career in physical therapy). Klahowya Secondary Schools's featured students were McKenna Badkin (who hopes for a master's degree in music) and Madison Prentiss (who dreams of becoming a doctor or pharmacist).
The students enjoyed a limousine ride to a from the Rotary meeting, and each received a certificate, a copy of the Rotary Four Way Test, a copy of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, and a gift card. One student shared a timely quotation from Nelson Mandela: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." There's no question that students like these will change the world for the better!
Pictured left to right: Silverdale Rotary President Jason Mayer; McKenna Badkin and Madison Prentiss (Klahowya); Kendra Fields, Sangram Watson, Cedrick Smith, and Rebecca Crabtree (CKHS); and Rotarian Ron Templeton
|Time to Give Thanks!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 23, 2013
Silverdale Rotarians are thankful for our many blessings. And we thank all the Community supporters and Sponsors of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fund raiser - it allows us to share their generosity with worthy organizations and individuals.
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Youth for Christ Program
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Nov 20, 2013
Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presented a check for $1,000 to Rosie Ludlow, Independent Living Services (ILS) counselor with West Sound Youth for Christ. These funds will help foster kids who have reached the age of 18 to transition out of foster care and start to establish their own households. West Sound Youth for Christ currently has over 100 students in their Independent Living Services program. For more information about the ILS program, go to http://www.westsoundyfc.org/ministries/independentliving/ .
Pictured left to right: Silverdale Rotary President Jason Mayer, Rosie Ludlow, Debi Brooks-Givens
|Silverdale Christmas Tree Work Party - What a Day!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 15, 2013
Silverdale Rotarians joined the Silverdale Dandy Lions and other volunteers to put the reworked 8 ft star back up on top of the 130 ft Christmas tree and lower, fix/rebulb, and return 5 of the 12 strings of lights back to position. Pictured below, replacing bulbs per the specified diagram (each 34-bulb string has its own order of colors.
Below is a view from the top of the tree from tree climber Steve Delazerda, who free-climbed all the way up there with Ken Little, Bloedel Reserve Arborist. Ken has been doing this for 17 years!
Silverdale Rotary is proud to be a supporter of the Silverdale Christmas tree with funds and labor for as long as we can remember! Other key players have included Silverdale Dandy Lions, Hanson Signs (responsible for the star), Olympic Wiring, and many others. For more photos and descriptions of the day, go to https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10202019599387634.1073741834.1115576466&type=1&l=a3c5284aae . The Christmas Tree Lighting event in Silverdale is set for November 30 from 4:30-6 p.m. in front of Silverdale Antiques.
|Representative Derek Kilmer Addresses Silverdale Rotary
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Nov 06, 2013
On November 7, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, representing the 6th District of Washington, addressed a full house with an informative and engaging presentation and question/answer session. After being presented by Bill Bryan and Sheriff Steve Boyer with a rare "silver stickle-backed slug" to commemorate his visit (see inset), Kilmer (who serves on the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology) spoke about what he sees as the most significant challenges facing our nation. He addressed the importance of creating jobs amidst a tepid economic recovery and the need to get a handle on the country's long term fiscal health.
In answer to the question "What is Congress doing?" Kilmer answered "Not enough," pointing to the damage caused by the recent government shutdown and the movement from a "fiscal cliff" to a "fiscal mountain range". Examples of congressional inaction include the failure to pass a single jobs-related bill this session (only 29 bills have been passed since January) and the failure to agree on a federal budget (Congress has not succeeded in passing a budget since 2009).
|Rotary Supports CKHS Grad Night – and Vice Versa
|Posted by Glen Melin
|on Oct 16, 2013
At our October 17 meeting, Silverdale Rotarian Anita Blau presented a $500 check to Lucrecia Mirano, volunteer coordinator for the Central Kitsap High School PTSA. Silverdale Rotary has developed a great win-win partnership with the PTSA, as they provide significant assistance with the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race by helping with duck tagging and post-race clean up in exchange for our donation to support Grad Night. Grad Night provides Central Kitsap High School graduates with a fun, healthy, local night of celebration, and Rotary is proud to be a supporter. Grad Night 2014 is scheduled for June 12.
Pictured left to right: Lucrecia, Anita, and President Jason
|Kitsap Kids Playground - It's All About Community!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 16, 2013
Silverdale Rotary is very pleased to be a part of a successful 2-year combined Community effort along with the Kitsap County Parks Dept to make the Kitsap Kids Playground near the Fairgrounds a safe and attractive playground again. Because of vandalism, it had become in danger of being closed due to serious safety issues.
In addition to our involvement with the original building of the 16,000 sq ft Kitsap Kids castle structure in 2002, our Club members have participated in many maintenance work parties over the years. But this latest effort was more than painting toys (see red truck below), repairing fences, weeding, raking wood chips, and sanding/painting over graffiti -- the park needed a sizable infusion of cash for new equipment.
Using funds raised by the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, Silverdale Rotary donated $4,900 for the purchase of new playground equipment which is accessible to children of all abilities. Pictured below are the tire swing and inclusive swing seat that those funds purchased.
Below is the Playcraft digger that Silverdale Rotary paid for, thanks to Community support of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
Below are the new Spring Lilies that we paid for - don't they look like fun!
The Silverdale Rotary Club's name is prominently displayed on the park sign recognizing the groups involved with the original project, and we are once again proud to have our name associated with a safe, fun, beautiful place for our kids to play.
For the full text of the Kitsap County Parks Dept Press Release on the Park Revitalization describing all the other core groups and individuals involved in the project, go to http://www.kitsapgov.com/press/2013/NR13-097.htm
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Oct 09, 2013
On October 10, the Silverdale Rotary Club was pleased to honor the first group of Students of the Month for the 2013-14 school year from Klahowya Secondary School, Central Kitsap High School, and Crosspoint Academy. The students are chosen by school staff for academic achievement, leadership qualities, citizenship, and school and community activities. What a group! The students told us about their activities and ambitions, which varied from music, engineering, law enforcement, theater, sports, choir, world relief, and much more.
The students were transported to and from lunch in a limousine; and given a certificate, a copy of the Rotary Four Way Test, a copy of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, and a gift card.
Pictured left to right: Rotarian Ron Templeton, Ben Usher and Jacynda Hoyson (Klahowya), Camdon Hatch (CKHS), David Degnan (Crosspoint), Rachel Kagan (CKHS), Silverdale Rotary President Jason Mayer
|Silverdale Rotary Continues Support for the YMCA Teen Center
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 18, 2013
Silverdale Rotary was very pleased to present a $30,000 check to Haselwood Family YMCA on September 19. This is our third annual installment towards a $200,000 commitment to support the Teen Center.
We are able to write this check because of the tremendous support from sponsors and the public buying 20,000 Duck Tickets for the 20th Annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race in July 2013.
Pictured below, Halli DePhillips, YMCA Senior Youth Director, and Eric Baril (representing hundreds of teens who benefit) accepted our check on behalf of the Teen Center. Eric related that participation in the Teen Programs has been a positive influence on his life and has opened many doors. And that is why we sell Ducks!
Pictured left to right: Silverdale Rotary President Jason Mayer, Halli DePhillips, Eric Baril, and 2013 Duck Race Chair extraordinaire Elayne Burton.
|Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Sponsors Recognized with Plaques
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 07, 2013
Approximately 25 new 2013 Duck Race plaques for new sponsors and 34 sets of 2013 large and small plates for continuing sponsors are being distributed by Lead Rotarians to sponsors over $500 who want them. That's a LOT of work/cost covered for us entirely by our generous long term sponsor Recognition Plus of Silverdale and Tacoma. This year we needed to change all the large plates to Silverdale Rotary Duck Race (see photo below), and Recognition Plus provided everything without 'blinking an eye.'
Pictured below is Lead Rotarian Debi Brooks-Givens presenting a plaque to Dr. Scott Siegel, CK Chiropractic, a new 2013 sponsor. Thanks to Rotarians Jim Adkins and Roger Aydt for doing all the delivery coordination. And thanks to our sponsors and Recognition Plus!
|Sailors and Marines Honored for Their Outstanding Service
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 04, 2013
On September 5, Silverdale Rotarians proudly honored Sailors and Marines of the Quarter from the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion at Bangor. These young men and women are recognized by their superiors for outstanding leadership in keeping our Navy assets at Bangor safe and secure. Each is presented with a gift certificate and plaque, and this quarter they received an extra bonus from Silverdale Rotary Duck Race sponsor Kitsap Card – a free Kitsap Card good through December 31. Congratulations to these hard working and very deserving service men and women!
Junior Sailor of the Quarter: MA2 Gerard Petit
Senior Sailor of the Quarter: MA1 Ryan Wells
Blue Jacket of the Quarter: MA3 Sara Nader
Marine of the Quarter: LCpl Frank Aranda
Non Commissioned Officer of the Quarter: Sgt Robert Oyarzo
Pictured left to right:
Rotarian Chuck Kraining, MAC Ted Woolf, LCpl Frank Aranda, MA1 Ryan Wells, GySgt Albert Pardo, Rotarian Scott Park
Not pictured: MA2 Gerard Petit and MA3 Sara Nader
|Elayne Burton Named District 5020 Area 6A Assistant Governor
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 04, 2013
Late breaking news this week came with the announcement by 2013-14 District 5020 Governor Pete Taylor that he had named our own Elayne Burton to be Area 6A Assistant Governor (AG). Assistant Governors provide ongoing interface between Clubs and the District in order to build stronger Clubs. While it's a true honor, there is also a lot of work that goes with it. Area 6A consists of the Rotary Clubs of Bainbridge Island, Kingston-North Kitsap, Poulsbo-North Kitsap, and Silverdale.
Assistant Governors (who must be Past Presidents) are chosen for their demonstrated leadership qualities and dedication to Rotary. Pictured below is Past District Governor Brian Beagle presenting Elayne with the AG pin that he wore from Jan 2003 - Dec 2005. Congratulations, and well deserved, Elayne!
|Washington State Gambling Commission Audit Results
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 03, 2013
"Totally Clean!" Those were the exact words of the Washington State Gambling Commission Auditor at the September 4 debrief of his audit of the 2013 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race. That says it all!
This is not an audit that we take lightly, as our Duck Race Gambling License depends on passing these audits. The auditor had reviewed ticket stubs, the Ticket Tracker list, prize and prize winner records, bank statements, check and invoice records, Quick Books reports, and other detailed records. And he had called all $500 and above prize winners for verification.
Huge thanks go to the Audit Team: Duck Race Chair Elayne Burton, Debi Brooks-Givens, Ed Hamilton, Kevin McNamara, and Brian and Barbara Beagle for ensuring that the records accurately reflected how the Duck Race was conducted. Thanks also to Scott Slocum and Peter Matty who provided invaluable background from the 2010 audit of the 2009 Duck Race.
Congratulations to all for an audit with NO FINDINGS!
|Burger Bash - Sept. 22
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Aug 31, 2013
Save the date of September 22, to attend the annual club Burger Bash. Cost is only $5 per person including beer, wine, and soft drinks! This year's bash will be held at the Seabeck Conference Center gazebo like in the 2011 picnic shown in the photo below.
It will be a potluck event and sign-up sheets will be available at next week's meeting. You can also sign up on line - just click on the event, log in, and click on Attend or Decline. So start thinking about what type of dish you would like to share and get ready for a great time.
|Silverdale Rotary Awards "Duck Bucks" to Wrestling Supporting Wrestling
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Aug 28, 2013
On August 29, the Silverdale Rotary Club awarded $1,000 to Steve Polillo, a representative of Wrestling Supporting Wrestling (WSW). WSW is a tax exempt, non-profit organization, created to support and promote the sport of wrestling on the Kitsap Peninsula while aiding in the growth and overall well being of the sport everywhere. WSW gives grants and scholarships to local wrestlers to help reduce the costs of joining the sport and attending camps. They also hold and run several wrestling events such as the Hammerhead Invitational, they also host a Fundamental Skills and Technique Camp at Ridgetop Junior High. The $1,000 in Duck Bucks, funds raised from the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race fundraiser, will be used to help purchase IT equipment that WSW will use to help put on their sporting events.
Pictured: Steve Polillo (WSW) and Erin Leedham (Silverdale Rotary)
|Pancake Breakfast Attaboys - Rotary Coin Passed On
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 28, 2013
On August 29, Rob MacDermid, long time Pancake Breakfast organizer, recognized Dale Robinson for his tireless efforts in organizing volunteers, putting up the banner, being there all day, and much, much more. Rob thanked Jack Jensen and Jim Dudley for purchasing and delivering the food and transporting fencing to/from the Parks Dept. Rob thanked the many volunteers of the clean up crew who stayed to clean up and pack up.
Then Rob revived a tradition started by Past President Steve Slaton (2007-08), by passing a Rotary coin previously given to him on to a person who exemplified Rotary. He passed his coin to Scott Park (pictured below on left), whose company Quality Heating, Electrical, and Air Conditioning, transports and maintains the gas grills for the Pancake Breakfast.
Do you have a Rotary coin that has been gathering dust on your dresser or in a drawer? How about presenting it at a Club meeting to a Rotarian who exemplifies Service Above Self - let's get those coins moving again!
|New Member Proposal - Marc Anderson
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 28, 2013
President Jason announced on August 29 that Marc Anderson, Manager of the Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel, has been proposed for membership.
If you have any questions or comments, contact Membership Chair Ron Templeton by September 4.
|Exchange Student Kelly Wu Introduced to Silverdale Rotary
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 28, 2013
Kelly Wu, our new Exchange Student from Taiwan who arrived August 23, was officially welcomed to the Silverdale Rotary Club on August 29. She was accompanied by her first host family the Ludwigs (Rotarians Roger and Michele, daughter Marissa, and son Wesley). Kelly (shown below on right, with Marissa holding the Taiwanese flag) told a little about herself and with amazing aplomb addressed questions from the audience.
Below she is pictured on left with Marissa and President Jason Mayer presenting her home Club banner and some Taiwanese confections.
Kelly speaks excellent English, and she provided her "wish list" of things to see during her stay in the U.S (see below). Michele Ludwig is maintaining her calendar, so contact Michele at 360-265-5729 (cell) or 360-698-7225 (home) to include Kelly on an outing.
See water fall
Go horseback riding
Space Needle
The first Starbucks
Safeco Field
Key Arena
See the snow
Ride a ferry
Go sailing
Pike Place market
Indian culture
Airplane museum
See the ocean
Kelly is also on Facebook (Ting Ting Wu - in Chinese characters!). The easiest way to get to her is on Roger or Michele Ludwig's Facebook Friends list. Kelly will be celebrating her 18th birthday on September 18. Welcome, Kelly!
|September Cause of the Month
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Aug 28, 2013
This month, Erin Leedham has stepped up to be the September champion for Cause of the Month. Erin has chosen to collect school supplies for children who cannot afford them. During the month of September, please bring in any school supplies. Common items needed are pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, paper, rulers, supply boxes, tissues, glue sticks, etc. (you get the picture). Erin will collect the supplies at club meetings and deliver them. Thanks for your support!
|More Quacktastic Awards - the Double Scotts!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 28, 2013
Duck Race Rotarian Recognition was continued on August 29 because Scott Slocum and Scott Weninger missed the August 22 meeting. Duck Race Chair Elayne Burton thanked the Double Scotts for stepping up to run Race Day Operations and presented them both with Quacktastic Awards (little gold ducks).
Then Damian Lonnee (pictured above on left) explained the next award, the Scott 2-Ply Award, as he handed them each a roll of Scott 2-ply toilet paper and a certificate.
Pictured left to right: Elayne Burton, Scott Slocum, Scott Weninger.
It was all great fun, but very seriously, thank you to both Scott's for taking charge of Race Day Operations!
|Gail Morse Retires
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 28, 2013
Gail Morse, a 12-year Silverdale Rotarian and a Kitsap Bank Vice President retired at the end of August. Many Rotarians attended the retirement event at Kitsap Bank on August 28, and just a few of them are pictured below.
Back Row: Rosalie Dormeier, Chuck Kraining, Brian Beagle, Damian Lonnee
Front Row: Nancy Whitaker, Penny Loveless, Gail Morse, Steve Burton, Elayne Burton, Mechelle Hoerer, Debi Brooks-Givens, and Barbara Beagle
On Thursday Bill Bryan, representing the raucous and irreverent bunch by the door referred to as Area 51 or Table 57 (whose members have included Gail Morse, Damian Lonnee, Nancy Whitaker, Bill Bryan, Ron "Ronster" Rogerson, Layna Pfaff, Tim Lengel, and Hank Mann-Sykes) - presented Gail with a piggy bank with two nickels, a penny, and a washer in it. You can draw your own conclusion about the members of Table 57!
Pictured: Gail Morse (left) and Bill Bryan
This was Gail's last Rotary meeting as he and wife Becky are planning to hit the road and spend time with family. We will miss you, Gail!
|Easter Seals Items - Who Has Them?
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 28, 2013
On/about August 22 at Rotary, someone took about three bags of items donated by Rotarians for August Cause of the Month Easter Seals. If you have them, please contact Mike Hancock at 360-509-4351 or email@example.com.
|Retirement Party for Gail Morse
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Aug 24, 2013
On Wednesday, August 28th, stop by Kitsap Bank in Silverdale to bid Gail Morse "Congratulations!" at his retirement party. The party will run from 2:30 to 5:00 PM, so stop by for the fun!!
|Silverdale Rotary Welcomes Kelly Wu to Kitsap!
|Posted by Charles (Chuck) Kraining
|on Aug 23, 2013
Rotary Exchange Student Kelly Wu, arrived on August 23rd ready to start her year long adventure with our Club. She was met at SeaTac airport by her first host family, the Ludwig family (Roger, Michele, Marissa and Wesley) and Club Youth Exchange Officer Chuck Kraining. She was amazingly peppy after an 11-hour flight from Taiwan and another hour-plus in U.S. Customs. She is a sweet young lady, and we hope everyone will get a chance to get to know her. Please think about taking her with you on an outing throughout the year. Are you going on a picnic? To the opera? A ballgame? To the beach? Why not invite Kelly along? Michele Ludwig is keeping her master calendar so feel free to pick a date! Both you and Kelly will treasure the experience.
Pictured (left to right): Michele Ludwig, Kelly Wu, Roger Ludwig, Wesley Ludwig, Marissa Ludwig).
|Salmon Bake at the Templetons
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 23, 2013
It was a lovely evening at the Templeton's home on Dyes Inlet for Silverdale Rotary families and prospective members on August 24.
Thank you Ron and Peggy for an incredible salmon BBQ and gourmet meal: hors d'oeuvres, Caesar & Seabeck Salads, homemade rolls, salmon over a wood fire Native American style (firepit above left), chicken, corn on the cob, triple chocolate brownies and ice cream, and more. And wines from all over. What an evening!
Pictured clockwise left to right at the lavish buffet table: Exchange Student Kelly Wu, Penny Loveless, Roger Eagan; Shyla, Sarah, and Ed Hamilton; Michele and Roger Ludwig.
|Meeting Recap - Duck Race Rotarian Recognition
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Aug 21, 2013
Huge Thanks goes to Damian Lonnee, Michelle Hoerer and Elayne Burton for putting on a hilarious program last Thursday. Elayne did a great job of recognizing the help we had from Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue and the Port of Silverdale on Race Day, reading a letter of appreciation written by Race Ops Rotarians Scott Slocum and Scott Weninger. Pictured below are Elayne, Port Commissioner Ed Scholfield, Lt. Rick Schulgen, and Deputy Fire Chief Jay Lovato.
The Marine Corps Security Force Battallion Bangor was represented by Sgt Kurtis Matthews (below) who accepted a letter of appreciation for the hard work of a dozen Sailors and Marines on Race Day.
Afterward, Damian and Mechelle started handing out the Rotarian Duck Race "Quacktastic Awards." The awards were too numerous to name all of them here, but all of them were funny and simultaneously did a great job of recognizing just how much effort it takes to put on the duck race each year. I think we all owe Elayne Burton a collective "Thank You!" for being a highly effective Duck Race Chair and for organizing the single most successful Duck Race in the history of this club.
Pictured below, Barbara Beagle presenting Elayne with a thank you gift carried back from Portugal.
|Don't Miss Thursday's Meeting!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 17, 2013
Be sure to attend Rotary on Thursday, August 22, when the program will be Duck Race 2013 Rotarian Recognition. This will be no ordinary recognition program - with Mechelle Hoerer and Damian Lonnee in charge (with their, um, twisted sense of humor), this promises to be great fun! Lots of photos and...well, you will just have to come to find out!
|Duck Race Prize Award Luncheon
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 07, 2013
At Silverdale Rotary Club's regular meeting on August 8, six top Silverdale Rotary Duck Race prize winners gathered to pick up their prizes in person! Rotarians and winners alike shared in the celebration of our 20,000 ticket sellout.
The Grand Prize winner is Lindi Zuber, who chose $16,000 cash instead of a 2013 Nissan Frontier pickup, courtesy of Advantage Nissan.
Pictured left to right: Sons Tanner and Dylan Zuber, Lindi Zuber, Chuck Capps of Advantage Nissan, and our mascot Lucky (aka Damian Lonnee)
Thank you, Advantage Nissan, for providing the fabulous Grand Prize!
For more prize awards, click on More below. For the entire list of prize winners, go to www.silverdalerotaryduckrace.com .
|THANK YOU to Our 2013 Duck Race Sponsors and Supporters
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 01, 2013
THANK YOU to all 95 of our 2013 Duck Race Sponsors, our supporters, and everyone who purchased Duck Adoptions! Please click on this link to http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/5020/730/HTML/205341//2013SoundPublishingDuckRace-ThankYouAd.pdf to see the detailed list.
|2013 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Winners!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 27, 2013
IT WAS A SELLOUT and the best Duck Race Ever!!!!
The 20th Annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race at Whaling Days was a fantastic success on July 28! Silverdale Rotary netted over $80,000 that will help change lives in the community.
All 20,000 ducks jockeyed for position as they crowded into the finish line! Rotarian Cathy Bisaillon (below) watches the soon-to-be winning duck enter the chute.
Congratulations to Lindi Zuber of Bremerton, WA, whose duck finished first (see photo of her adopted duck below held aloft by Rotarian Nancy Whitaker) and won the Grand Prize: a 2013 Nissan Frontier Pickup or $16,000 cash from Advantage Nissan!
For the entire list of 95 2013 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Winners, click on http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/5020/730/HTML/204663//2013DuckRaceWinners.pdf .
A huge thank you goes to everyone who adopted ducks, and to all 95 Sponsors who donated prizes, cash, and in-kind services.
In addition to the winners today, the real winners will be the recipients of the proceeds of this Rotary fund raiser. Because our Sponsors covered the event expenses, every dollar spent on ticket sales will go to worthy causes, like the ones listed here http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/5020/730/HTML/179606//DuckRaceProceedsRecipientsList.pdf.
Adopting Ducks Changes Lives - We are all winners!
For more thank you's and photos, click on More below.
|Pancake Breakfast at Whaling Days
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 26, 2013
Silverdale Rotary continued a long tradition of hosting the Pancake Breakfast next to the parade route Saturday morning.
Rotarians, family members, and volunteers from Bank of America, Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel, and CKHS Key Club parents (plus others) fed the hungry hordes.
|Lions Grand Parade at Whaling Days
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 26, 2013
It was a lovely sunny day for the Lions Grand Parade at Whaling Days on July 27. Longtime Silverdale Rotarian and civic leader Natalie Bryson and was recognized for her enormous contributions to the Silverdale community by being named Grand Marshall (see photo below where Natalie shows us how to do "the wave")!
This parade was also special for Silverdale Rotary because our new Duck Race mascot Lucky made his parade debut, walking the route behind the Duck Truck (Silverdale Rotary Duck Race grand prize thanks to Advantage Nissan).
Lucky (Kenny Leedham, shown with Rotarian and Mom Erin Leedham on the right) is walking the route.
Ever wonder what it takes to wear a Duck Suit? Click on More below.
|Duck Tagging Accomplished Thanks to Community Volunteers!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 24, 2013
The ducks are tagged and resting up for the big Silverdale Rotary Duck Race on Sunday! About 120 Rotarians, family members, and volunteers tagged 20,000 ducks today in record time! It's a real assembly line - old tags being removed in the foreground, and our tag numbers put on the ducks at the other end of the table.
Rotarian Dr. Mark Heinemann shuts down his dentist office and brings his entire staff (pictured below) every year to tag ducks every year!
CKHS volunteers help us tag and wash ducks, and Rotary donates to their Grad Night all night party that keeps grads safe. It's win-win! Pictured below (three photos) are just some of the over 20 CKHS students and PTSA volunteers, including Kitsap Royalty.
Rotarian Dale Robinson (below) brought his whole family!
Rotarian Natalie Bryson, a Club member since 1987, has been in the Club since before our first Duck Race in 1994! Natalie is pictured below on the left with her daughter and Past President Mary Hoover and Mary's granddaughter Madi on the right.
Stand Up For Kids (SUFK) is an organization that Silverdale Rotary has supported for many years with food donations and cash. This year SUFK (purple t-shirts and table below) helped us tag ducks and even sell Duck Tickets - thanks SUFK - it's win-win!
Rotarians (pictured clockwise below) Scott Weninger, Geoff Ball, Erin Leedham, and Jim Adkins with community and family volunteers.
Below the tagged ducks are being loaded into the truck by Rotarians Chuck Kraining and Scott Slocum. They are quarantined until the race in a truck donated by Duck Race Sponsor Penske Truck Rentals. We had a record breaking 95 sponsors this year who donated prizes, cash, and in-kind services. Thanks to these sponsors covering race expenses, every dollar in ticket sales will go to Silverdale Rotary charitable causes!
|Report from the Hazelwood Family YMCA Teen Center
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 13, 2013
Silverdale Rotary has committed $200,000 over five years to the Haselwood Family YMCA Teen Center in Silverdale. Currently our Long Term Project, it highlights Silverdale Rotarians' multifaceted efforts to support and promote service to youth in our Community. Recently we heard two perspectives of the YMCA Teen Center story: the Youth and Teen Outreach Director Derek Foster, and Savannah Harvey, a teenager participating in the YMCA's teen programs.
Derek talked about how the Teen Center is a place where teens can make friends and create positive relationships with peers and staff members. He went on to say that the Teen Center allows staff to get to know teens and help place them into programs to help develop personal and professional skills. Derek thanked Silverdale Rotary for all of our hard work in fundraising for the Teen Center.
Savannah then described her personal experiences the Teen Center. She started attending the Teen Center when the YMCA opened in June 2011, where she was able to connect with staff members who strongly encouraged her to volunteer at the Climbing Wall. Because of her involvement, Derek Foster asked her to be a part of the Teen Leadership Club, which is responsible for helping with Teen Late Night every Friday, as well as volunteering with the YMCA's monthly Parent's Night Out program. Also as part of Teen Leadership Club, Savannah has participated in team building and leadership exercises at Camp Seymour.
Savannah was invited to attend the following Leadership Conferences which focus on preparing teens to achieve their goals
- Pacific Regional Conference – Camp Seymour, WA
- Youth Leadership Development Conference – Vancouver, BC.
She remarked that because of her involvement with these programs, she has a sense of direction in her life, and she is thankful for the Teen Center being the starting point.
Derek further commented that because of Rotary's support of the Teen Center, Savannah has been able to go from being a shy teenager to a leader among her peers.
Pictured left to right: Savannah Harvey, Derek Foster, and 2013 Silverdale Rotary Duck Race Chair Elayne Burton
Silverdale Rotary funds the donations to the YMCA Teen Center with proceeds from our annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, now in its 20th year www.silverdalerotaryduckrace.com . We thank our Duck Race sponsors and everyone who purchases Duck Tickets for making Savannah's success story possible, along with all the other teens who benefit from Teen Center programs. And thank you, Savannah and Derek, for giving us a powerful reminder of why we sell Duck Tickets!
|Duck Race Cable Spot
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jun 29, 2013
Thanks to Duck Race Sponsor Jay Montgomery (Little Bugga) for providing this cable spot, and thanks to Sponsors Comcast Spotlight and Wave Broadband for running it as a PSA (Public Service Announcement).
From YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0vX_C7-sX4&feature=player_detailpage
|Teacher of the Year - Eric Samson
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jun 09, 2013
On June 6th, the Silverdale Rotary Club gathered at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club to honor Eric Samson as Central Kitsap School District's Teacher of the Year. Mr. Samson currently teaches Honors Physical Science at Central Kitsap Junior High School. He has been teaching in CKSD for over twenty-three years and has had a huge impact on many, many lives. Eric was chosen as teacher of the year at the school level and later at the district level. In recognition of his dedication to education, the Silverdale Rotary Club presented Mr. Samson with a very nice Crystal Plaque, a Paul Harris Fellowship Award (in which the club donated $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation in his name), as well as a $250 check. Congratulations Eric Samson and thank you for all that you do for our community!!!
Pictured (left to right): Rotarian Bud Grahn, Eric Samson, and Rotary President-Elect Jason Mayer.
|2013 Silverdale Rotary Scholarship Awardees
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jun 05, 2013
On June 6th, the Silverdale Rotary Club once again demonstrated its dedication to education in our community by giving out $12,250 in scholarships to eighteen Central Kitsap School District students. The recipients were hand picked by a committee of Rotarians, who chose the awardees based on pre-submitted scholarship applications. The recipients of the awards were as follows:
Klahowya Secondary School
Central Kitsap High School
Crosspoint Academy
Pictured (left to right): Quincy Rouse, Alyson Kreifels, Sally Fletcher, Kaitlyn Duarte, Jahrielle Davis, Amber Cheremsek, Melissa Khuat, Mathew Bogart, Mikyaila Jaramillo, Joshua Wyllie, Kierra Brobst.
|Duck Bucks for Easter Seals and Hometown Band
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jun 02, 2013
On May 30th, the Silverdale Rotary Club awarded "Duck Bucks" to Easter Seals and the Hometown Band. Duck Bucks are funds from the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race.
The first recipient was Alisha Hartnett, the Program Director for the Easter Seals Olympic Peninsula Autism Center. The $900 donation will be used for developing a sensory room, which will be used for therapy enhancement. Rotarians will also supply a portion of the labor needed to build the room and equipment. For more information click here.
Pictured: Rotarian Cathy Bisallion (left) with Alicia Hartnett.
The second recipient of the day was Greg Patterson, President of the Hometown Band. The Hometown Band is a non-profit volunteer community band. For more information about the Hometown Band visit their website. The $500 donation will be used to purchase new chairs for the band members to use while performing at community events.
Pictured: Rotarian Cathy Bisallion with Greg Patterson.
|Mattress Ranch Cable Spot Video Shoot
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 29, 2013
It won't be long before those who have cable TV on Comcast or Wave Broadband will see a new Silverdale Rotary Duck Race cable ad courtesy of Mattress Ranch, once of our biggest sponsors after Advantage Nissan. The footage was shot on location on May 30 at the Port Orchard Mattress Ranch.
Pictured below are Silverdale Rotary President Elect Jason Mayer, Mattress Ranch owner Ted Sadtler, and Chuck Capps of Advantage Nissan, with Lucky in the 2013 Grand Prize Nissan Frontier Duck Truck.
Thank you Advantage Nissan and Mattress Ranch!
|Silverdale Rotary Honors Sailors and Marines of the Quarter
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 22, 2013
Each quarter, the Silverdale Rotary Club honors local Sailors and Marines. On May 23, we recognized exemplary Sailors and Marines from the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion at Bangor and the USS CONNECTICUT (SSN-22). These men and women are chosen from a large pool of candidates, and their level of achievement in outstanding service to our country as well as community involvement is truly astonishing.
It was particularly timely to honor our Sailors and Marines just days before Memorial Day, a time when we are all reminded of the sacrifices of so many who have gone before.
Front row: MAC Andrew Christianson, Cpl Nathan Presley, MASN Jill Somekawa, Cpl Elijah Hardy, SSgt Alvin Robancho, SSgt John Bishop (all from Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor)
Back row: MACS John McCown, MA3 Dustin Rothell, MA1 Dameon Parez, SgtMaj Steven Burkette (all from Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor); ET1(SS) Jason Hoag and MMCS(SS) Nicholas Wallace (USS CONNECTICUT (SSN-22))
|Independents Honor the Armed Forces and Veterans with Patriotic Songs
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 22, 2013
What a treat after we honored Sailors and Marines of the Quarter on May 23 to hear a stirring patriotic medley from the Independents. Singing in front of a huge crowd, their special Memorial Day program honored active duty military, veterans, and all those who have fallen in service to our country.
Our own Rotarians Elayne Burton (pictured far right, front row) and Scott Park (5th man from the left, back row), are longtime members of this group,
A favorite part of their program is to sing the anthems of all the military services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard), while all those current, past, or families of fallen heroes in those stand. Every service was represented with singular pride. Thank you to the Indpendents for this opportunity to be reminded that Freedom is Not Free.
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Clear Creek Task Force
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 15, 2013
Continuing a long tradition of supporting the Clear Creek Trail, Silverdale Rotary Awarded $1,000 in Duck Bucks for a project to put a bridge from the new trail just west of Hop Jack's Restaurant to Bayshore Drive. The project, dubbed the "Beer Bridge" by Tex Lewis, the longtime driving force behind the Clear Creek Task Force, was designed by the Engineering Club at Olympic Community College.
Pictured left to right are Tex Lewis and Mary Earl of the Clear Creek Task Force and Rotarian Nancy Whitaker.
Duck Bucks are made possible by the generous support of the Community and Sponsor support of the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race. For information about the Duck Race on July 28, see http://silverdalerotaryduckrace.com/ .
|Silverdale Rotary Proudly Supports Corey's Day on the Farm
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on May 12, 2013
Last Thursday, Nick and Coleta Corey, received a $1,000 check from the Silverdale Rotary Club in support of "Corey's Day on the Farm," an annual two day event in support of special needs children. The money given to the project comes from "Duck Bucks," funds raised during the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race. The money raised from the duck race each year is then given back to the community in support of great projects such as this. For more information on Corey's Day on the Farm click here.
Pictured (left to right): Silverdale Rotary President Mary Hoover, Nick and Coleta Corey, Silverdale Rotary President Elect Jason Mayer.
|Duck Bucks Given to Friends of Newberry Hill Heritage Park
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on May 12, 2013
Last Thursday, the Silverdale Rotary Club gave $2,100 in "Duck Bucks," funds raised from the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, to Friends of Newberry Hill Heritage Park. Frank Stricklin (pictured on the left, next to Silverdale Rotary President Mary Hoover) was at the club meeting to receive the check and informed the club that the funds will be used to build the first viewing platform on the heritage wetland and a boardwalk at the bird meadow within the park. Form more information about the Newberry Hill Heritage Park click here. For more information on the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race click here.
|Silverdale Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Apr 10, 2013
Silverdale Rotarians were pleased to honor Students of the Month on April 11 from Crosspoint Academy, Klahowya Secondary School, and Central Kitsap High School. In the students' own words we heard about their impressive accomplishments, their wide range of activities and volunteer pursuits, and their plans for the future. We can't help but ask, how do they fit it all in and still maintain impressive GPAs with multiple Advanced Placement Classes?
Congratulations to the students pictured below - our future looks brighter because of them.
Left to right: Mikal Pattee (Crosspoint), Whitney Killgore aand Sidney Winters (Klahowya), Nicholas Anderson, Kimberly Robles, Abigail Encarnacion (CKHS), Rotarian Student of the Month Coordinator Ron Templeton, President Mary Hoover.
Each student being honored received limousine service from school to the Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel for a luncheon in their honor, a certificate of achievement, a copy of the Rotary Four-Way Test, and a copy of the book, "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens." WELL DONE to these fine students!
|March 30 Deadline for Duck Race Sponsorships
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 24, 2013
We have 6 days to go to meet our $30,000 goal of cash sponsorships!
We also need prizes, so please keep working - March 30 is next Saturday!
|Rotary Honors Local Sailors and Marines
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 06, 2013
Each quarter, the Silverdale Rotary Club honors local Sailors and Marines. On March 7 we recognized exemplary Sailors and Marines from Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC)/Marine Corps Security Force Battalion (MCSFBn) at Bangor. These service members are chosen from a large pool of candidates by their superiors, and their level of achievement is amazing. Candidates are chosen based on job performance, leadership, and their community involvement. As we listened to their leaders' descriptions of their accomplishments, as well as to the honorees themselves, our hearts swelled with pride and gratitude for their outstanding service to our country.
Pictured (left to right):
MA1 Ryan Wells - SWFPAC/MCSFBn Senior Sailor of the Quarter
MA2 Joshua Ferrer - SWFPAC/MCSFBn Junior Sailor of the Quarter
MCSFBn SgtMaj Steven Burkett
LTJG Matthew Rumpke
MCSFBn Executive Officer LCDR Darrin Faller
MAC Doug Terou
MCSFBn Command Master Chief MACM George Serrano
MACS Winston Preston
MSgt Jason Selby
Sgt Nicholas Weidner - MCSFBn Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter
SSgt John Bishop
LCpl Nathan Keller - MCSFBn Marine of the Quarter
Not pictured: MASN Kimyounna Jackson - SWFPAC/MCSFBn Blue Jacket of the Quarter
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Stand Up For Kids
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 27, 2013
Continuing a 13-year tradition in helping homeless youth in Kitsap County, Silverdale Rotary awarded Stand Up For Kids (SUFK) $2,000 in Duck Bucks to feed homeless youth on weekends. Pictured below is Rotarian Bob Cassis with a cart full of bags. Each bag feeds one homeless young person for a weekend.
Director at Large Jo Clark, who recently stepped down after 15 years as Executive Director, introduced Executive Director Margaret Rodriguez to Rotarians and guests at our February 28 Club meeting. Ms. Rodriguez described herself as having a passion for the homeless, and went on to say that there are 800 homeless young people in Kitsap County! SUFC helps homeless youth in a variety of other ways besides food; including clothes, shoes, personal hygiene items, and bus passes and tokens to get to school.
Ms. Rodriguez said that SUFK will continue to provide hands on support to our Silvedale Rotary Duck Race, which will be held this year on July 28, the last day of the 3-day Whaling Days Festival. It is this fund raiser that allows us to donate Duck Bucks to worthy organizations like SUFK, and we appreciate the partnership with recipients - truly win-win!
For more information about SUFK, go to http://www.standupforkids.org/bremerton/default.aspx .
|Duck Bucks Awarded to Woodlands Elementary PTA
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 27, 2013
Silverdale Rotary was delighted to award $610 in Duck Bucks to the Woodlands Elementary PTA to buy t-shirts for 5th grade students attending YMCA Camp Colman on the Key Peninsula. The PTA has an agressive fund raising program, providing finanacial support to the many students in the 5th grade who are on a free or reduced lunch program. Without the PTA support, many could not afford to attend camp, let alone buy a t-shirt. Camp Colman's program is designed to "help the camper build skills and confidence, explore talents, and enjoy lasting friendships."
Melissa Snyder accepted the check on behalf of the PTA and pledged to help with the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race. She also added that Woodlands Elementary children are very appreciative of the 3rd Grade Dictionaries that Rotarians provide every year.
|Classification Talk by Anita Blau
|Posted by Ellen Newberg
|on Feb 20, 2013
New member Anita Blau (rhymes with now) comes to Silverdale Rotary after a thirty-two year high school teaching career. She taught in both private and public schools in Chicago, Albuquerque, and Tama (IA). Social studies, including U.S. history, economics, and government, gave her opportunities to mentor both gifted and low income/high risk students. When she taught her students how to complete 1041EZ, 1040A and 1040 tax forms, she quickly found herself also completing tax forms for her students' parents, other relatives, and neighbors. Along the way, she coped with fires, guns on campus, and school bureaucracy. She nurtured numerous National Merit Scholars. Her most famous student was Kenny Thomas, a first round draft choice for the NBA (he played for the Houston Rockets, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Sacramento Kings).
Her prior experience with Rotary includes sponsorship of Interact clubs at two high schools. With two to four service projects a month, her clubs were very active, e.g., medical care for Haitian and Dominican Republican children, Meals on Wheels deliveries, Easter food baskets, a Doggie Dash, and leaf raking at a home for abused children.
She attributed good attendance in her classes to "The Book." When students cut classes, they were asked to sign The Book when they returned, and to write the reason for their absences. The Book was shared with parents during the next parent-teacher conference, and Anita credits this with great improvement in attendance thereafter. Another of her favorite practices was to write "Happy Birthday [student's name]" on the chalk board on the day of each student's birthday. She noted that it didn't take up valuable class time, and that it did give each student positive recognition on their special day.
In closing, Anita noted that "public education is crucial," although there is room for all kinds of schools. She concluded with these words: "Education is not expensive, it is priceless!"
|Classification Talk by Linda Kiltz
|Posted by Linda Kiltz
|on Feb 20, 2013
Editor's Note: Congratulations to Linda Kiltz, who traded her red badge for a Blue Badge upon completing her classification talk and reciting the 4 Way Test!
Rotarian Linda Kiltz has served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army, a sheriff's deputy in Ravalli County Montana, a Training Manager with the Hillsboro Police Department, a trainer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and as a college professor in Corpus Christi, Texas. Linda is currently working as the Academic Program Director for the Master of Public Administration and Policy Program at Walden University, one of the largest online universities in the nation.
Before coming to Silverdale, Linda was an Assistant Professor of Public Administration in the Master of Public Administration Program at Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi where she taught courses in public administration, homeland security policy, terrorism and counter terrorism, emergency management, administrative law, program evaluation, strategic planning, policy analysis, and human resource management. Dr. Kiltz's research interests include measuring and evaluating community resilience, developing a theory of homeland security, and analyzing how new technologies can be integrated into homeland security and emergency management operations. Linda just completed a manuscript for a textbook called, Case Studies in Homeland Security and Emergency Management with Westview Press that will be available Fall, 2013.
Linda explained that she was a "pracademic" in that she came to the world of higher education after working in a number of leadership positions in the public sector. She served as a Training/Security Manager and Human Resource Director in the United States Army where she managed staffs of up to 45 people and budgets of over one million dollars. As a Training Manager she specialized in designing and developing large-scale training exercises that involved integrating operations of NATO forces in Europe. In addition, Linda has over eight years of experience in law enforcement as a sheriff's reserve deputy, police trainer and Training Manager in Montana and Oregon. She left her career in law enforcement after a number of her friends in FDNY and NYPD died in the 9/11 attacks, to go back to school and obtain a Ph.D. in public administration and policy with a specialization in counter terrorism and homeland security.
Linda was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is a big Packer fan. She is married and has two step children, Kathryn and Jason. Her husband retired from the U.S. military after 32 years and currently works for the Department of the Navy at Bangor Naval Base in Silverdale, Washington. In her spare time, Linda enjoys reading, hiking with her two Golden Retrievers, volunteering with local community groups and spending time with her family and friends.
|Silverdale Rotary Hosts Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 13, 2013
February 14 was a day to celebrate the next generation, as Silverdale Rotary hosted seven amazing Students of the Month from Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School, and Crosspoint Academy. With proud relatives looking on, each student spent a few minutes describing their impressive lists of activities, accomplishments, community and international service, and aspirations. Areas of future study include meteorology, physics, pilot training, food service and bakery management, sports medicine, and many more. We couldn't be in better hands!
Each student was presented with a copy of the Rotary Four-Way Test, a certificate, limousine service from the school to a luncheon in their honor, and a copy of 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Pictured below from left: Morgan RIchmond and Andrei Brundige (CKHS), Chris Leu (Crosspoint), Sally Fletcher (Klahowya), Silverdale Rotary President Mary Hoover, Alyson Kreifels (Klahowya), Anna Robinson and Ben Green (CKHS), and Rotarian Ron Templeton.
One Rotarian reflected later that while his normally unwelcome Property Tax bill had arrived that morning with a sizable amount included for the CK School District, it was "money well spent."
Rotarians were also delighted when Crosspoint Academy College Counselor and English Teacher Victoria Stamp (pictured below) presented a huge thank you note from the 3rd grade class for their dictionaries (see related story below on this webpage).
|Fat Tuesday Parade of Service at Suquamish Clearwater Casino
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 11, 2013
Suquamish Clearwater Casino held their 2nd annual Fat Tuesday Parade of Service celebration on February 12. Twenty three non-profit organizations built floats for the competition. The Casino is very generous to the Community, because every non-profit is awarded $500 for their entry, and there is more cash for top prizes.
Pictured above is the Silverdale Rotary End Polio Now float, celebrating the second year in India without a single case of polio. Rotarian Jim Dudley provided the pulling power while President Mary Hoover handed out Mardi Gras beads. Great fun was had by all! Normally quiet Jim came decked out in Mardi Gras splendor (inset picture).
Thanks to Suquamish Clearwater Casino, one of our biggest Duck Race sponsors, and thanks to all the Rotarians who helped with the float!
|Introducing Special Agent In-Charge, Phyllis Wade
|Posted by Linda Kiltz
|on Jan 30, 2013
|Youth For Christ Awarded $750 in Duck Bucks
|Posted by Linda Kiltz
|on Jan 30, 2013
Every day, throughout Kitsap and North Mason Counties, West Sound, Youth For Christ engages with over 2000 kids each week in schools, juvenile institutions, coffee shops, and local hangouts to help foster children find permanent homes, to coach teen moms through the struggles of parenting, and to assist youth ages 15-21 transition to independence after their emancipation from the foster care system.
For more about Independent Living Services Program, go to http://westsoundyfc.org/ministries/independentliving
|Progressive Dinner, March 9, 2013, 6:00 p.m.
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 30, 2013
Last chance this week! Call Penny Loveless at (360) 830-9257 to get on the list, as home assignments are being done this week. Enjoy appetizers and dinner with a small group at one home, then move on to a larger group for dessert. Fellowship doesn't get any better than that!
|Skye Richendrfer of the Celtic Arts Foundation Entertains Rotary Members
|Posted by Linda Kiltz
|on Jan 23, 2013
|Paul Harris Fellows - Multiple Awards on January 24
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 23, 2013
Congratulations to President Mary Hoover and Past President Rich Arper who were awarded pins designating multiple Paul Harris Fellow awards on January 24. Their dedication to contributing to The Rotary Foundation deserves a pat on the back! Each multiple equates to another $1,000 donated to the Foundation.
Pictured below, left to right: President Mary (PHF+1), Silverdale Rotary Foundation Chair Michael Allen, and Rich (PHF+4).
|The Dictionary Project is Complete for Another Year!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 22, 2013
The Rotary Clubs of Silverdale and East Bremerton just completed the fourth annual Rotary distribution of American Heritage hardcover dictionaries to all 3rd graders in Central Kitsap School District (12 elementary schools), plus home schooled and Crosspoint Academy 3rd graders. A total of 872 dictionaries were distributed by Rotarians, family members, and friends of Rotary.
Dozens and dozens of Rotarians and supporters were involved in the distribution, and all agree that this is one of the most fun and satisfying projects that Silverdale and East Bremerton Rotary Clubs do. If the looks on the children's faces and the amazing student thank you notes we receive weren't enough, the sincere appreciation of teachers and school staff is an added bonus. Pictured below: Crosspoint Academy 3rd grade class with (left to right) teacher Carla Fontenot, and Rotarians Johnnie Hawkins, Barbara Beagle, Rotary spouse Barbara Aydt, and Rotarians Tei Habenicht and Roger Aydt.
Inside each book is a Rotary label containing the Rotary Four-Way Test, which was adopted by Rotary in 1943, as follows:
Of the things we think, say or do
For more history of the Four-Way Test and Rotary International, go to http://www.rotary.org/en/AboutUs/History/RIHistory/Pages/ridefault.aspx.
Huge thanks go to Dick Sims of East Bremerton Rotary (overall coordinator and buyer for both Rotary Clubs), Silverdale Rotarian coordinator/logistics manager Johnnie Hawkins, and son Cayden Hawkins for doing the labeling of 440+ books!
|Rotary Clubs Team Up to Distribute Dictionaries to All CK 3rd Graders
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 22, 2013
The Rotary Clubs of Silverdale and East Bremerton just completed the fourth annual Rotary distribution of American Heritage hardcover dictionaries to all 3rd graders in Central Kitsap School District (12 elementary schools), plus home schooled and Crosspoint Academy 3rd graders. A total of 872 dictionaries were distributed by Rotarians, family members, and friends of Rotary. Pictured below is Silverdale Rotarian Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Weninger presenting a dictionary to enthusiastic recipients at Cougar Valley Elementary School.
Dozens and dozens of Rotarians and supporters were involved in the distribution, and all agree that this is one of the most fun and satisfying projects that Silverdale and East Bremerton Rotary Clubs do. If the looks on the children's faces and the amazing student thank you notes we receive weren't enough, the sincere appreciation of teachers and school staff is an added bonus. Pictured below: Crosspoint Academy 3rd grade class with (left to right) teacher Carla Fontenot, and Rotarians Johnnie Hawkins, Barbara Beagle, Rotary spouse Barbara Aydt, and Rotarians Tei Habenicht and Roger Aydt.
Silverdale Rotary is able to fund this project because of public support of the Great Kitsap Duck Race at Whaling Days, and East Bremerton Rotary credits public support of their three fund raisers (the Sweetheart Auction, the Bremerton Party, and the Blast) for their participation. It's a win-win for all!
|Bell Ringing - Everyone Was Helping!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 21, 2012
Silverdale Rotary's Bell Ringing at Macy's ended on December 22 with a flourish as Rotarians were joined by their kids, grandkids, friends, and neighbors, ringing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thanks to Rob MacDermid, who was the daily coordinator for the third week in a row! There isn't room to publish all the photos, but here are a few:
Erin Leedham and her son Kenny.
To see the rest, click on More below.
|Rotary Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army Continues
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 14, 2012
Neither rain, nor wind, nor sleet, nor snow, nor dark of night keeps Silverdale Rotarians from their Salvation Army posts at the four doors of Macy's on Saturdays in December! Below Rotarian Tommy Jones is spreading Christmas cheer in the dark on the late afternoon shift.
The Salvation Army reported to us on December 13 that at the four Macy's doors on December 1 and 8 we collected $1,756 from generous shoppers!
Below new Rotarian Josh Hinman brought his son Noah along to help.
We thank President Mary Hoover who coordinated the initial scheduling and Rotarian Rob MacDermid (top inset) who is coordinating the bell ringers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for three Saturdays in a row (December 8, 15, and 22)!
|Testing ClubRunner Issues
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 09, 2012
To all our readers: we have been having issues with people not receiving our eBulletins and all-Club e-mails, and ClubRunner has made some changes to try to fix it. They asked me today to re-send the eBulletin.
Sorry this is a duplicate for most of you, but hopefully for some of you it will be the first you have received it recently.
If you did NOT receive the e-Bulletin on Monday morning, December 10, but are reading this one now, PLEASE notify Barbara Beagle at email@example.com. Sorry, I don't have a way to send it to select individuals!
Web Team
|Bell Ringing on December 8
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 07, 2012
Rotarians brought and family members and friends were out in force on Saturday. Pictured above are Roger Aydt, Diane Mayda (who transferred to Silverdale Rotary in May) and her husband George.
Roger Eagan (above) recruited his "kids" Roger Eagan and Susan Eagan (below), both local area physicians.
We have two more Saturdays left: December 15, and 22; and there are still open shifts. Here's how you sign up on ClubRunner:
1. Click on Event to the left on this eBulletin
3. Click on Volunteering under Register Online.
4. Log in with your Login Name and Password. Forgot it? E-mail Barbara at email@example.com or call 697-2783.
5. Choose the shift and door you want and click on Book on the right. Pick your name from the dropdown box, and the rest will be filled in.
Questions? Call Barbara at 697-2783. Signup sheets will also be at Rotary meetings.
|Rotary Rings the Bells for Salvation Army at Macy's
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Nov 30, 2012
In a tradition going back to 1999, Silverdale Rotary Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army kicked off Saturday, a wet and windy day. But it didn't dampen spirits of Rotarians manning 17 shifts at Macy's. Several brought family members. Facebook was abuzz, and people were asking at the Mall, "where is the cute little girl?" (Amelia Mayer, above).
Bob Cassis (above) brought his grandson Robert Cassis IV, who started ringing in 2002!
Rob MacDermid had help from his granddaughter Kaylynn (left).
We will be greeting shoppers at all four doors at Macy's on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through December.
|Duck Truck Awarded to Grand Prize Winner!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 08, 2012
What a celebration it was when Silverdale Rotary awarded the 2012 19th Annual Great Kitsap Duck Race grand prize – a 2012 Nissan Frontier pickup donated by Advantage Nissan – to Shirley Corbin. Pictured below, Shirley was all smiles when Chuck Capps of Advantage Nissan handed her the keys.
The ceremony took place at Silverdale Rotary's regular Thursday noon meeting. Pictured below are 2012 Duck Race Chair Rich Arper, Aaron and Chuck Capps of Advantage Nissan, and Shirley and her grandson.
Five other top prizes were also presented to happy winners, thanks to generous donations from Ben Bridge Jeweler, Holland America, Quality Heating and Air Conditioning, Sound Sewing and Vacuum, and Kitsap Credit Union. See article further down on this website for the entire list of 51 prize winners.
At the luncheon President Mary Hoover reiterated that the Duck Race is a fund raiser, and thanks to countless sponsors and thousands of ticket buyers, Silverdale Rotary has funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars back into the Communty.
|A Record Breaking Lightning Fast 2012 Great Kitsap Duck Race!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 28, 2012
In a record breaking 10 minutes after the last of 22,000 ducks hit the race course in the 2012 Great Kitsap Duck Race, the first place duck crossed the finish line! While it was not a $1 Million Dollar Duck, the winner gets the grand prize of a Nissan Frontier pickup truck or $16,000 cash from Advantage Nissan. The 19th Annual Great Kitsap Duck Race was the final event of a fun filled weekend at Whaling Days at Silverdale Waterfront Park.
For the list of 51 prize winners see the story below, and for the official press release, click on the title in the Download column on the upper right side of this website.
For more photos, see the Photo Journal at http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Journals/JournalDetails.aspx?accountid=730&jid=46503 .
|Loading 22,000 Ducks for the 2012 Great Kitsap Duck Race
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 28, 2012
Starting in the pre-dawn hours of July 29, racing against an outgoing tide, 10 Rotarians and volunteers loaded the 22,000 ducks for today's race into the Duck Cage on the Hood Canal Oyster Boat Jimmy. The ducks had been sitting under lock and key since they were labeled on July 26 (related story below). 136 crates (9 pallets) of Ducks were transported to Silverdale Waterfront Park and moved down the Pier. The crates were then hoisted up onto the boat and up to the top of the Cage. That's hard work! For more photos, see the Photo Journal here http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Journals/JournalDetails.aspx?accountid=730&jid=46503
|2012 Great Kitsap Duck Race Pre-Race Activities
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 25, 2012
Excitement is mounting as we near the Big Day - the Great Kitsap Duck Race on July 29. Today Silverdale Rotarians and an army of volunteers tagged 22,000 ducks which are now in quarantine awaiting loading early Sunday morning, July 29. Parents and students from Central Kitsap School District, Naval personnel from Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, and family members and friends all gathered in Jenne Wright Gym, and we finished in about 2 hours! For more Tagging Party photos, go to our Photo Journal at http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Journals/JournalDetails.aspx?accountid=730&jid=46431
Earlier this week the Hood Canal Oyster Co boat Jimmy moored at Silverdale Waterfront Park long enough to load the Duck Cage which will be filled with all 22,000 ducks early on Race Day.
|Wash Those Big Ducks!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 08, 2012
There are car washes, and then there are Duck Washes! That's what happened when about 15 Silverdale Rotarians, family members, and friends of Rotary gathered in the woods to hand wash our three huge inflatable ducks. They will be displayed from now until the Great Kitsap Duck Race on July 29 at our major sponsors' places of business.
The 18-foot tall duck is in the corner "pond" at Advantage Nissan in Bremerton, our amazing sponsor who donated the Grand Prize, a Nissan Frontier pickup truck. The other two 12-foot tall ducks will be rotated around to various locations. So be on the lookout for our spiffed up ducks!
|19th Annual Great Kitsap Duck Race Kick Off Party
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 31, 2012
The ballroom at the Silverdale Beach Hotel was the festive site of our 2012 Great Kitsap Duck Race Kickoff Party, where Rotarians, Sponsors, and guests celebrated the our combined efforts to raise money for the Community. Our 19th Annual Duck Race will be held on July 29 at Whaling Days Festival at Silverdale Waterfront Park.
Thanks to our generous sponsors we have broken all records for the value of prizes ($41,526), cash donations ($26,070) and in-kind services ($51,914), for a total of $119,510 in donations!
Silverdale Rotary President Elayne Burton thanked our Sponsors and listed just some of the very long list of worthy causes that have received support from the proceeds of the Duck Race. Scroll down in our website and you will see just what we are talking about!
Inset: Aaron Capps from Advantage Nissan describing his company's dedication to Community Service while his wife Pat looks on. Not pictured: Chuck Capps.
|Veterans Honored on Memorial Day
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 27, 2012
Thanks go to Bob Cassis of the Silverdale Rotary Club who organized the event.
|Wine to Water - It Saves Lives!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 23, 2012
Wine to Water – what a fabulous night it was at Collective Visions Gallery on May 24! And the winners will be the people of the Dominican Republic who will have clean water to drink because of this first ever Silverdale Rotary International Service Committee fund raiser. Latest figures are that at least $1,350 (and counting) was raised for clean water!
We blind tasted chardonneys and rich red wines, ate lavishly scrumptious hors d'oeuvres prepared and donated by Cindy Holmes, were entertained with classical guitar music, and viewed compelling photos of the Dominicans we are helping. A big crowd mingled in the creative ambience of the Gallery and heard stories about Silverdale Rotary's work in the Dominican Republic. Way to go Nancy Whitaker, Jason Mayer, Cindy Holmes, Ed Hamilton, Cathy and Phil Bisaillon, Cathy Doney, Roger Eagan, Ellen and Alan Newberg, Mary Hoover, and your many other volunteers!
Pictured: Phil Bisaillon expertly pouring red wine for the blind tasting.
|Silverdale Rotary to Host Memorial Day Concert and Silent Ceremony
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on May 20, 2012
On Monday, May 28, Memorial Day, the Silverdale Rotary Club will be hosting a Memorial Day Concert and Silent Ceremony at the Kitsap County Veterans Memorial at the Silverdale Waterfront Park. The ceremony will begin with a one hour music prelude performed by the Duncan Street String Quartet, which plays classical and popular music from different eras. During the prelude, everyone is encouraged to share remembrances, and place flowers or mementos on the memorial. At 6:00 there will be a silent ceremony and the Duncan Creek String Quartet will perform Amazing Grace. There will also be a laying of a floral wreath and Kent Larabee will be performing Taps.
Everyone who would like to attend is welcome to come. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring a young person and show them the true meaning of Memorial Day. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and to dress for the weather.
|Silverdale Rotary Gives Duck Bucks to MADD
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on May 10, 2012
On May 10, the Silverdale Rotary Club awarded $500 in "Duck Bucks" to MADD. MADD representative, Marsha Masters received the award and explained how the money will be put to good use in our community. The money will help fund a mock crash event at Kitsap County high schools to raise teen awareness about the dangers associated with drunk driving. MADD, in conjunction with several county emergency services stage a typical fatality crash scene so the students can see first hand how horrible drunk driving accidents can be, as well as the amount of county resources needed to respond to such an event. Students are also given specially made t-shirts that help illustrate the number of drunk driving fatalities that occur each hour. The duck bucks given were raised by Silverdale Rotarians in our annual fund raiser, The Great Kitsap Duck Race.
Pictured below: Rotarian Cathy Bisallion with MADD representative Marsha Masters.
|Silverdale Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on May 09, 2012
On May 10, the Silverdale Rotary Club honored several students from Klahowya Secondary School, Central Kitsap High School and Cross Point Academy. The students honored were chosen by the faculty of their respective schools for academic excellence, extra curricular performance, talent and community involvement. Each one of these young people are amazing individuals. They keep schedules that would make even the most diehard workaholics shudder, and they excel while doing it....with smiles on their faces. They show a wide range of talents and abilities and all show promise of growing into fantastic adults that will be assets to their community (let's hope they stay in Kitsap!). Each student honored receives a certificate of achievement, a letter of recognition, a gift certificate to the Kitsap Mall, a copy of the Rotary 4-way Test and limousine service to a luncheon held in their honor.
Pictured below (left to right): Jeremy Felty (Klahowya - May), Olivia Sullivan (CK - April), Shawn O'Brien (Cross Point - May-June), Rachel Adamson (CK - May), Hunter Keffer (CK - May).
Not Pictured: Brandon Carlson (CK - April).
|Silverdale Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Apr 15, 2012
On April 12, the Silverdale Rotary Club honored several exemplary students of the Central Kitsap School District. Each student recognized received limousine service to a luncheon held in their honor, a certificate, a letter of recognition, a gift certificate and a copy of the Rotary Four-way Test. Rotarians in attendance were amazed at the wonderfully diverse achievements and talents of these young adults. The students were academics, athletes, musicians, thespians, and in some cases all of the above. It is always amazing to see what these young people are capable of. All of them keep daunting academic and extracurricular activity schedules and do well in all they set out to be involved in. To say they are impressive is an understatement.
Pictured (left to right): Kenneth Ford (CKHS, March), Jacob Foutch (Klahowya, March), Bryce Gorang (Klahowya, Jan), Katherine Wilson (CKHS, March), Shawn Mortiz (Klahowya, Feb), Abigail Wilson (CKHS, Feb), Ben Case (Klahowya, April), Faith Hamilton (Cross Point Academy, March-April), Kyle Arvila (CKHS, Feb).
|Silverdale Rotary Gives Support Grant to Silverdale Kiwanis
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Apr 01, 2012
On March 29, the Rotary Club of Silverdale presented the Silverdale Kiwanis Club with a support grant of $1,500. This support grant is given in recognition of the Kiwanis Club's extraordinary effort is helping to sell duck tickets for our annual fundraiser, the Great Kitsap Duck Race. Roy Meyers (accompanied by Kiwanian Edna Meyers), stated that the grant money will be used toward their club's CKHS Key Club scholarships, the Peterson Farm restoration project and various other community service projects.
Pictured: Rotarian Mechelle Hoerer (left) with Roy Meyers (right).
|Silverdale Rotary Gives "Duck Bucks" to Stand Up for Kids
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Apr 01, 2012
On March 29, the Silverdale Rotary Club presented Jo Clark, of Stand Up for Kids, with $500 in "Duck Bucks" to help with their community efforts. Stand Up for Kids is a non-profit organization that helps rescue homeless and at-risk youths. Unfortunately the number of at-risk and homeless teens in our area has grown over the last year, and with that the need to help has also grown. The money given by Silverdale Rotary will go toward helping to provide food for the hundreds of teens that receive assistance from Stand Up for Kids each week. The "Duck Bucks" that were given were raised in the Silverdale Rotary Club's annual fund raiser, the Great Kitsap Duck Race. To learn more about Stand Up for Kids, visit their website.
Pictured: Jo Clark (left) with Rotarian Damian Lonnee (right).
|CKHS Grad Night Receives Duck Bucks
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Mar 21, 2012
For years Silverdale Rotary has supported CKHS Grad Night in the effort to provide graduating Seniors a way to spend a fun night within a safe environment after the graduation ceremony. Pictured on right is Martha deForest, 2012 Grad Night Co-Chair, accepting the 2nd installment of a $1,000 contribution from Silverdale Rotarian Mechelle Hoerer. Many Class of 2012 seniors helped us last July with our Great Kitsap Duck Race by tagging ducks before the race and washing them afterwards. That's a pretty good partnership!
|Silverdale Rotary Club Gives "Duck Bucks" to YWCA Alive Shelter
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Mar 04, 2012
On March 1, Rotarian Mechelle Hoerer presented Linda Joyce with a check for $1,500 for the YWCA Alive Shelter. These funds will be used by the shelter to purchase emergency personal items for the shelter's women. The Duck Bucks given were raised by the Silverdale Rotary Club in their annual fundraiser, the Great Kitsap Duck Race.
|Rotary Honors Sailors and Marines of the Quarter
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Mar 04, 2012
At the March 1 club meeting, the Silverdale Rotary Club recognized Sailors and Marines of the Quarter. Each person receiving the award was chosen by their superior officers from a large pool of candidates. The award is presented not only for their outstanding military service but also for their dedication to community service. Each person receives an honorary plaque, a luncheon in their honor at the Silverdale Beach Hotel and a gift certificate. The Rotary club is proud to honor these outstanding young men and women that give so much to our country and community.
Awards went to MA-1 Lee (Marines), MA-2 Butler (Marines), MA-3 Parker (Marines), Cpl Brant (Marines), MT-1 Miller (Navy), MT-1 Williams (Navy).
|Rotary Honors Students of the Month
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Feb 08, 2012
On February 9 the Silverdale Rotary Club honored five exemplary students from Cross Point Academy and Central Kitsap High School. The faculty chooses Students of the Month based on outstanding academic performance, great attitude and overall contribution to their community and school. Rotarians and family members of the students looked on proudly as these next generation leaders were recognized.
The students recognized were as follows:
Crosspoint Academy:
Justin Holland (January and February)
Central Kitsap High School:
Maggie Humm (December)
Austin Cook (December)
Kyle Lanoue (January)
Jasmine Diaz (January)
|Rotary Meeting Canceled on January 19
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jan 18, 2012
Based on the condition of the roads and sidewalks, the regular meeting of the Silverdale Rotary Club at noon on Thursday, January 19 is CANCELED.
|Silverdale Rotary Donates to Healthy Start Kitsap
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jan 07, 2012
On January 5, the Silverdale Rotary Club granted $100 in "Duck Bucks" to Healthy Start Kitsap. Healthy Start Kitsap, an organization dedicated to helping low income, first-time mothers through their pregancies up to the child's first birthday, will use the funds to purchase books for their childrens program. The Rotary Club raises "Duck Bucks" through their annual fundraiser, The Great Kitsap Duck Race.
Pitctured: Ed Kalmbach (Executive Director of Healthy Start Kitsap) with Rotarian Mechelle Hoerer.
|Rotary Funds Student Scholarships to Camp Coleman
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 28, 2011
Silverdale Rotary has a long history of supporting students, and today was just another example. We donated $500 in Duck Bucks to Woodlands Elementary School for scholarships to Camp Coleman. Accepting the check at our Rotary meeting was Melissa Snyder, who explained that this money will send students to camp that wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it. Duck Bucks donations like this are made possible by the huge community and business support of our annual Great Kitsap Duck Race.
Pictured: Melissa Snyder and Rotarian Damian Lonnee
|Rotary Donates to YFC Independent Living Services
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 21, 2011
Silverdale Rotary continued its support of the West Sound Youth for Christ Independent Living Services program with a donation of $500 in Duck Bucks. YFC Independent Living Services assists youth, ages 15-21, with their transition to independence after emancipation from the foster care system. The cash will be used for equipment for the virtual token program for approximately 30 foster children. For more information about the program go to http://westsoundyfc.org/ministries/independentliving/.
Pictured: Rotarian Mechelle Hoerer and YFC Executive Director Josh Hinman (accepting check)
|Rotary Funds Blue Star Banner in Silverdale
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Dec 21, 2011
In November, Silverdale Rotary proudly donated $350 in Duck Bucks to the Blue Star Banner Program, which funded a Blue Star Banner for Christopher Wonaszek from Silverdale, who is on active duty in the U.S. Navy. We are delighted to announce that the banner is now hanging on Bucklin Hill Road near Chung's Teriyaki. Blue Star banners are created for military members serving our Country, and the banners are displayed throughout their home town for as long as the member is in the Service or 3-5 years, the life expectancy of the banners. For more information about the Blue Star Banner Program, founded by Lynette George, go to http://www.bluestarbanner.org/about.php .
Silverdale Rotary has close ties with local military bases, and many of our members served with or are retired from the Navy, Army, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Duck Buck donations are made possible by the generous community support of our annual Great Kitsap Duck Race fund raiser.
|2011 Rotary Dictionary Project a Success
|Posted by Jack Hamilton
|on Dec 18, 2011
The annual Club project to provide a personal dictionary to each third grade student in the Central Kitsap School District was completed on December 15. Each school in the district, including Cross Point Academy and home school students, was visited by a team of Rotarians. Working with the East Bremerton Club nearly 900 dictionaries were delivered.
This project has become a favorite of Rotarians because it combines the opportunity for direct service to the community with the experience of being with young people who represent the future of our community and our nation. The joy of giving is amplified by the ability to interact with the children and share with them the fun of gifting and then using thier dictionaries for the first time. Some of us who participated even had the opportunity to witness former CKHS Principal Jack Jensen revert to "teacher mode," a role made for him.
From all the Rotarians who had an opportunity to participate this year, from sticking book plates in each copy to actually delivering the dictionaries, a hearty "Thank You" to the Club for making the experience possible.
Pictured: Students of Silver Ridge Elementary proudly displaying their new dictionaries.
|Debbie Macomber Visits Rotary
|Posted by Jack Hamilton
|on Dec 14, 2011
If there exists a model of devotion and drive to achieve a personal goal, best selling author and philanthropist, Debbie Macomber, certainly meets the criteria. In an informal talk about her life journey to Silverdale Rotarians, Debbie made the case for following a dream and never giving up.
Macomber, who describes herself as a "story teller" first and a writer second, told her tale of overcoming the odds to achieve success. Although Debbie decided she wanted to "write books" when she was four, her dyslexia hampered her ability to read well until she was ten. Throughout her school years she was continuously advised to give up her plans to be a writer with the apparent finality of "you can't do that". Debbie made the life choice to marry young and soon was a loving mother of four wonderful children. However the dream lived on. Debbie also received some sage advice, contrary to all the guidance she had previously received. She was told that if you want to achieve a dream you have to be willing to walk through the door marked "Absolutely No Admittance."
Working from her kitchen table, kids on her lap or on her hip, Debbie banged out her stories on a rented typewriter. Her first major rejection came back with the advice "throw it away." Fortunately Debbie's dream was more pervasive and her will to succeed more resilient. After five years of rejection and dismissal the first acceptance arrived. Although it took a significant amount of editing and revision, the first story was published. The book was a success, the door was open, and Debbie was on the road to achieving her dream.
In her address to Rotary it became clear why Debbie calls herself a "story teller." The tale of her life, filled with a continuous string of anecdotes, revealed a person of great integrity, drive, and humility. In her remarks, Debbie noted that, although she new nothing of the Rotary "Four Way Test", that creed embodied the very same factors that she lived by. As she talked, what came through clearly was a deep love of family, a caring for community, and a solid faith to guide her. Kitsap County should be well pleased to have Debbie Macomber as a member of our community and a teller of our stories.
|Rotarian Dictionary Santas Visit CK Third Graders
|Posted by Jack Hamilton
|on Dec 09, 2011
Once again the Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Silverdale are making a sound community investment with dollars raised during the 2011 Great Kitsap Duck Race. Some of those dollars have been invested in dictionaries that are now being distributed to all third grade students in the Central Kitsap School District. This is the third year for the dictionary program which has earned rave reviews from students, parents and teachers alike.
On a schedule set by individual schools, a group of Rotarians, with hand carts filled with boxes of children's dictionaries, visit each third grade classroom in the district. In the classroom, after a very short explanation about the dictionary program, the Rotarians hand a dictionary to each student. The dictionaries are the personal property of the students and the first action they all take is to print their names in the front cover of the book to validate that ownership. The students are then asked to look up a selected word and read the meaning.
The Rotary Clubs of Silverdale and East Bremerton conduct this dictionary program as a joint project.
Pictured: This is what it's all about. Emerald Heights third graders put their new dictionaries to use.
|No Rotary Meeting November 24
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Nov 20, 2011
In honor of Thanksgiving Day, there will be no Rotary meeting on November 24. Happy Thanksgiving from the Silverdale Rotary Club!!!
|Rotary Honors Sailors & Marines
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Nov 13, 2011
At the November 10th meeting, the Silverdale Rotary Club celebrated Veteran's Day by recognizing the Sailors and Marines of the Quarter/Year. Each awardee is chosen by their superior officers from a large pool of candidates in recognition of both outstanding military service as well as outstanding community service. Each person recognized receives an engraved plaque, a lunch in their honor at the Silverdale Beach Hotel, and a gift certificate.
Awardees were:
MA1 Virginia Horton (Sailor of the Year)
MASN Krisstofer Drumheller (Bluejacket of the Year)
Sgt Brandon Richman (Marine NCO of the Quarter)
Sgt Williamhar Makolo (Marine NCO of the Year)
Cpl John Davis (Marine of the Year)
MA2 Nicholas Miller (Junior Sailor of the Year)
LCpl Sarah Gorman (Marine of the Quarter)
As an added Veteran's Day bonus, Sgt. Major Rick Smith had his Marines perform a "Full Battle Rattle" for the club. Marines in full uniform from every time period marched into the ballroom while another Marine described the wars and battles that the Marines from each time period fought in. It was a wonderful illustration of the 236 year history of the Marine Corps and a powerful reminder of the dear price the American people have paid for the freedoms we enjoy.
|Silverdale Rotary Gives "Duck Bucks" to CKHS W.E.B. Program
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Oct 23, 2011
On October 20, the Silverdale Rotary Club gave $250 to Susan Leavell for the CKHS W.E.B. program. W.E.B., Where Everyone Belongs, is a student run anti-bullying campaign. The group consists of 16 students who provide programs in their school and also travel to other local schools. The group performs skits and gives speeches intended to promote diversity and promote inclusion among students. The "Duck Bucks" given, money raised in the Rotary's annual Great Kitsap Duck Race, will help the students purchase group T-shirts and buy more supplies for their awareness program.
Pictured (left to right): Rotarian Damian Lonnee, Rotarian Mechelle Hoerer and Susan Leavell.
|Silverdale Rotary Gives "Duck Bucks" to CKHS Grad-night Program.
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Oct 23, 2011
On October 20, the Rotary Club of Silverdale gave $500 to Kelee Jungkeit and Martha de Forest, co-chairs for the CKHS Grad-night program. Grad-night is part of a "Safe & Sane" program to help keep our graduating seniors safe on their big night by providing them with a wide range of fun, safe alternatives. The annual Grad-night party runs from right after graduation until about 4:30 am, which helps to ensure that the kids steer clear of high risk activities late in the night.
The "Duck Bucks" given were part of the proceeds raised by the Rotary Club's annual Great Kitsap Duck Race.
Pictured: Rotarians Damian Lonnee and Mechelle Hoerer (left two) with Kelee Jungkeit and Martha de Forest (right two).
|Rotary Keeps Promise to Haselwood Family YMCA
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Sep 07, 2011
On September 8, Silverdale Rotary presented a $30,000 check to the Haselwood Family YMCA, the first installment of a $150,000 commitment of direct funding over 5 years to the YMCA Teen Center. This grant of $150,000, along with a promise of an additional $50,000 from individual Rotarians, is the largest in the history of the Silverdale Club. The $30,000 check was made possible by huge Community support of our recent 18th annual Great Kitsap Duck Race fund raiser, which this year sold out for the first time ever!
Silverdale Rotary is proud to support the YMCA Teen Center, which serves the future leaders of our County, State, and Nation, consistent with the goals and objectives of Rotary International.
Accepting the check and pictured left to right are Silverdale Rotarian Geoff Ball, Executive Director, Haselwood Family YMCA; Derek Foster, Youth Director; and Jennifer Zuver, Chairperson of the Haselwood Family YMCA Advisory Council. Presenting the check at the far right is Silverdale Rotary President Elayne Burton.
|Duck Bucks on Wheels!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 26, 2011
Pictured: Walt Le Couteur, Executive Director, Bremerton Rescue Mission. http://www.bremrescue.org/ For more photos, click here.
For the August 26 Kitsap Sun article, see http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/aug/26/mobile-shower-offers-kitsaps-homeless-a-place-to/
|Silverdale Rotary Welcomes Exchange Student from Belgium
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 24, 2011
Silverdale Rotary is delighted to welcome Louise Göbbels, our new Rotary Exchange Student from Theux, Belgium. Louise will be attending classes at Central Kitsap High School as a Senior, and she is currently residing with Rotarian Ron and Peggy Templeton, her first host family. Welcome, Louise!
|Rotary Club Honors Sailors and Marines of the Quarter
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Aug 15, 2011
On August 11, the Silverdale Rotary Club honored the Marines and Sailors of the quarter in recognition of their outstanding military performance and service to their country. The men and women who receive this award are chosen from a very large group of candidates by their superior officers. In addition to being honored guests at the Rotary Club luncheon, the recipients receive a $100 gift certificate and a plaque to commemorate their achievement. On behalf of the Silverdale Rotary Club, we thank you!
Pictured (left to right): MACS Tom Blitz, SGTMAJ Rick Smith, SGT Chad Cason (NCO of the Quarter), MA1 Steven Batterson (Senior Sailor of the Quarter), MASN Mario Osman (Sailor of the Quarter), LCOL Curtis Carlin, MM2(SS) Kenneth Murray (Sailor of the Quarter).
Not Pictured (unable to attend): MA2 Karen Hicks (Junior Sailor of the Quarter, LCPL Brian Maynard (Marine of the Quarter).
|2011 Duck Race Grand Prize Award
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Aug 03, 2011
August 4 was a day of celebration at the Rotary Club of Silverdale's regular meeting, as today we awarded the 2011 Duck Race Grand Prize of $16,000 from Advantage Nissan to Jeff Kehring of Poulsbo (see story below). A huge thanks goes to Advantage Nissan for their incredibly generous donation. As Duck Race Chair Peter Matty reiterated, it is very unusual and especially generous for a sponsor to offer cash in lieu of a prize. We also recognized and/or awarded prizes from the following other major sponsors: Holland America, Quality Heating & Air Conditioning, Silverdale Ben Bridge, Upper Cervical Health Center, and Kitsap Credit Union. Congratulations to all!
Of course, the other winners of the Duck Race will be the recipients in the Community and in the Dominican Republic of the charitable work of the Rotary Club of Silverdale, made possible by the generosity of sponsors and this year's successful Duck Race Ticket Sell Out!
Pictured left to right: Rotarian Barbara Beagle (sold Jeff Kehring the winning duck ticket), Silverdale Rotary President Elayne Burton, Chuck Capps from Advantage Nissan, winner Jeff Kehring, Becky Kehring, and Rotarian Peter Matty (Duck Race Chair).
|2011 Great Kitsap Duck Race Winners!
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Jul 30, 2011
Congratulations to the winners of the 2011 18th Annual Great Kitsap Duck Race! Also, a big Thank You! to all the people in our community who Adopted a Duck this year. We had a Sell Out (first time ever!) on Race Day which allows us to continue to support the organizations, projects and individuals who so need our continued financial and volunteer support during these stagnant economic times. Pictured here are the winning ducks racing to the finish line. For a detailed photo journal of the Race, click here.
1. Jeff Kehring of Poulsbo, WA won a Nissan Truck or $16,000.00 cash from Advantage Nissan
Winners may contact our prize coordinator, Mechelle, at 360-662-8218.
|2011 Duck Tagging - 20,000 in Record Time!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 27, 2011
On July 28 over 100 Rotarians, family members, CKSD volunteers, Community volunteers, and Kitsap County royalty converged on Jenne Wright to de-tag and re-tag 20,000 ducks with ticket numbers in record time: less than 1.5 hours! Huge Thanks go to all the Rotarian family members, friends, and Community supporters who helped us! The ducks were subsequently locked in secure storage to rest up for the Race on July 31. For more photos of this Community event click here.
|July 28 Club Meeting to be at Jenne Wright
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jul 24, 2011
The club meeting on July 28, will not be held at the Silverdale Beach Hotel. The club will be meeting at the Jenne Wright school building in Silverdale for the annual duck tagging work party. Lunch will be provided by Ambrosia catering. However, if you have not already RSVP'd at this point then it is now too late to put in your lunch order, but not too late to help the club! Rotarians are encouraged to bring guests (friends, family, co-workers or neighbors) to help remove the old stickers, place new stickers and re-crate all 20,000 ducks. Many hands make light work. See you there!
|BIG DUCKS - Thanking Our Primary Sponsors!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jul 07, 2011
Around the County we are seeing the Big Ducks migrating from business to business--why? To recognize our generous primary Duck Race sponsors who have contributed at least $1,000 in cash, prizes, or in-kind services. See www.greatkitsapduckrace.com/ for the entire list plus more details about the Great Kitsap Duck Race on July 31. Thank you, Sponsors! For photos of inflating these giant ducks, click here.
|Jason Mayer: Rotarian of the Year
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on Jul 05, 2011
The Silverdale Rotary Club is blessed to have enough dedicated Rotarians that selecting a "Rotarian of the Year" is a challenge to the Club President. This year the honor goes to Jason Mayer. In the past year Jason has successfully delivered on the Clubs first International Services Project, has volunteered for numerous activiites related to the Duck Race, has taken over and significantly increased the marketing and sponsorship levels for this year's Duck Race, has been an active Rotarian in the background on numerous other projects and, maybe most importantly, has come to Rotary with a passion that he is driven to see complete.
(Photo: Jason Mayer, right, accepts the Rotarian of the Year award from 2010-2011 Silverdale Club Presidnet Rich Arper)
The passion he carried into the International Services project -- the delivery of a passenger van to Children of the Nations (COTN), a relief organization focusing their efforts on the impoversihed children of the world's poorest countries, which will provide medical and educational opportunities for children who otherwise would simply have gone without -- is the culmination of several years of work on Jason's part. The resulting success of this project is literally saving lives every day. Jason is already at work on a proposal to bring clean water to villages that every day go without. In villages housing the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere, a term the World Bank refers to as "extreme poverty", the people choose between food, clean water and medicine on a daily basis. Often only getting one or two of these. Clean water reduces medical illnesses by over half in children and thereby brings the opportunity for a healthier lifestyle to all.
Congratulations Jason. And thank you!
|Rotarians Are Challenged to "Reach Within"
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 29, 2011
Our new 2011-12 President Elayne Burton spoke eloquently about the new Rotary International (RI) President Kalyan Banerjee's Theme "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity" at her installation speech on June 30, 2011. She provided powerful personal examples and related that "as Rotarians and human beings we all draw on our own inner strength and our own resolve to achieve success in rotary."
"I'm extremely proud to be part of Rotary. We belong to an organization that has not been afraid to tackle the big stuff - like clean water and polio eradication. We're lucky to be a part of that. In all the things we think say and do, we have the opportunity to make a difference. I'm going to try my best to do that this year, and I hope you'll consider reaching within yourselves and joining me."
For the full text of the speech, click here.
|A New Rotary Year!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 29, 2011
Silverdale Rotarians celebrated a new Rotary Year at the Installation Dinner on June 30, 2011 at the Seabeck Conference Center. We thanked Rich Arper for his service in 2010-11 and welcomed Elayne Burton as our new President (see related article above). Included in the crowd were 16 Presidents, spanning service from 1967-68 to the present.
Front Row: Rob MacDermid 1998-99, Peter Matty 1991-92 & 2009-10, Guest Joanne Croghan (Area 6A Assistant Governor), Elayne Burton 2011-12, Bruce Armstrong 1973-74,
Back Row: Roger Aydt 2000-01, Scott Slocum 2006-07, Brian Beagle 1985-86 & PDG 08-09, Steve Slaton 2007-08, Bud Grahn 2005-06, Rich Arper 2010-11, Bob Cathcart 2003-04, Don Taylor 1986-87, Larry Rodgers 1988-89, Mike Koch 1983-84, Dick Cooke 1967-68, Jack Jensen 1974-75
For more photos of the event, click here.
|Rotarians at 18th Annual United Way Day of Caring
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 21, 2011
June 22 was the 18th Annual United Way Day of Caring, and Silverdale Rotarians participated in several hands on projects at non-profit organizations in Kitsap County. In an amazing 2.5 hours we and other community volunteers worked magic on the landscaping at the Hospice Care Center in Bremerton. This continues our long standing partnership with Hospice, where we have worked on the landscaping and completed our long term project, which was a $100,000 commitment to the Hospice Care Center. For more photos of this project, click here.
Other Rotarians worked on projects with their own Company groups, and all over Kitsap County the United Way red t-shirts were very visible as hundreds of volunteers made a difference with elbow grease!
|Silverdale Rotary Club Awards Duck Bucks to Bremerton Rescue Mission
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on Jun 12, 2011
On June 9, Rotarian Kevin McNamara presented Walt LeCouteur of the Bremerton Rescue Mission with $1,000 in "Duck Bucks." The $1,000 contribution went toward the purchase of a $28,000 mobile shower wich the Bremerton Rescue Mission will use to provide homeless people with the ability to wash themselves and get a fresh change of clothes when needed. The new shower will be able to provide between 6-8 showers per hour.
|"Service Above Self" - By the Numbers
|Posted by Jack Hamilton
|on Jun 05, 2011
From July 2010 to May 2011, individual Rotarians were asked to keep track of the time they devoted to the work of Rotary. In addition, the personal financial donations of those Rotary members were also tracked. Because the time tracking system was very informal, the results were not as complete as might have been desired. However, even with less than half of active members reporting, the total time devoted to Rotary and community service was 7,780 hours. The majority of that time is dedicated either to fundraising to support work in the community or in completion of various "dirty hands" projects. The hours figure breaks down to about 111 hours per individual or over two and one-half weeks of work per year. When the numbers are corrected to reflect total reporting, it become apparent that, on average, individuals donate about one month of personal time and labor to live up to the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."
In addition to the time commitment made by Rotarians, they have also demonstrated personal generosity. In the same Rotary year, individual Rotarians donated over $15,000 to The Rotary Foundation and raised and spent over $50,000 locally. In addition to the numerous "Duck Buck" grant awards, Rotarians have funded $10,000 in academic scholarships for graduates of our local CK high schools and helped provide personal dictionaries to each third grader in the CK School District.
Rotarians, by
their very nature, do not seek publicity or recognition for their contributions
or accomplishments; they save that for deserving members of the community. Even
while you are reading this, Silverdale Rotarians are planning the next
fundraising activity or community project. There is a Silverdale Rotarian on
the phone or online gathering information or support for a project or activity
somewhere. Even though they work behind
the scenes and without fanfare, Silverdale Rotarians are a powerful force in
the community. As you drive around the
|Thank You Duck Race Sponsors!
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on Jun 01, 2011
On June 2 Silverdale Rotararians thanked all of our 68 (yes, 68!) sponsors at the Duck Race Kick Off Party at the Silverdale Beach Hotel. All sponsors present had the opportunity to tell about their businesses and their commitment to supporting the community. Special guests were Aaron and Pat Capps and Chuck Capps, all from Advantage Nissan, who donated the Nissan Frontier PickupTruck - the grand prize for the Duck Race on July 31. THANK YOU, SPONSORS!For more Duck Race information, go to www.greatkitsapduckrace.com/.
|Rotary Recognizes April/May, 2011 Students of the Month
|Posted by Johnnie Hawkins
|on May 22, 2011
On May 19, the Silverdale Rotary Club recognized eight students from Klahowya Secondary School (KSS) and Central Kitsap High School (CKHS) for their outstanding academic achievements. As always, each and every student impressed club members with their academic, extra cirricular, community service, athletic and personal activity schedules. The number one question that gets asked of these amazing kids is, "Where do you find the time?!" The students being recognized had a wide array of interests, college choices and career ambitions. However, all students shared the common thread of academic achievements, great work ethics and fantastic attitudes! Each student received a copy of the Rotary Four-Way Test, a certificate worthy of framing, a $100 savings bond and limousine service to the Rotary luncheon.
Pictured (left to right): Lindsey Holdren (CKHS), Katherine Crabtree (CKHS), Peter Lockwood (KSS), Joey Cilinceon (KSS), Carly Whetsel (KSS), Kyle Hnatovic (KSS), Nicholas Wilson (CKHS), Dexter Leland (CKHS), Rotarian Ron Templeton.
|Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on May 18, 2011
The following image confirms (choose one):
a. Being the President of a Rotary Club is stressful
b. The Silverdale Rotary Club just celebrated the second Full Moon Fellowship
c. This is always the way Rich dresses on Tuesday nights
d. It's Halloween in May.
On Tuesday, May 17th, the Silverdale Rotary Club joined the Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary Club at Sogno di Vino to celebrate a Full Moon, the Norweigan Independence Day and Rotary Fellowship. The Front Street restaurant was an ideal location on an ideal evening for some fellowship between the two Rotary Clubs. Approximately 45 Poulsbo and Silverdale Rotarians were joined by District Governor Bob Martin and his wife Jan who both seemed more than willing to wrap up a day of Club visits with a low-key social gathering of Rotarians.
It was a lot of fun to extend the idea of our Full Moon Fellowship to our Rotarian neighbors to the north and have the result be a fun evening in a location not often visited by Silverdale Rotarians.
As for the question above; I can't help you with the correct answer. But, having spent a week in the Dominican Republic with Rich, I can tell you he doesn't dress like this every Tuesday night.
(pictured: Brenda Wall, President Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary Club; Rich Arper, President Silverdale Rotary Club and 5020 District Governor Bob Martin)
|Marine of the Quarter Recognized by Club
|Posted by Ed Hamilton
|on May 15, 2011
Silverdale Rotary hosted the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion (MCSFBn), Bangor and Sgt Christopher Rangel on May 11 in order to recognize Sgt Rangel for being chosen as the MCSFBn's Marine of the Quarter. SgtMaj Richard Smith described Sgt Rangel's multitude of accomplishments, and as always, we are grateful for the outstanding service of the Marines in our area.
SgtMaj Smith then went on to provide us with a summary of the long history of the Marine Corps in the Puget Sound area, which started way back in 1856! Along the way the Marines were assigned on deployed ships and in Bremerton, Keyport, Alaska, Indian Island, Seattle and then Marine Barracks Bangor, which ultimately became Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor. Today MCSFBn Bangor numbers over 1,000 Marine Corps and Navy personnel.
Pictured left to right: Sgt Rangel, SgtMaj Smith, and Rotarian Jack Hamilton
|Rotary Recognizes Sailor of the Quarter
|Posted by Barbara Beagle
|on May 11, 2011
On May 12, Silverdale Rotarians had the opportunity to thank Submarine Group Nine Sailor of the Quarter MM1 Andrew Heil. Heil, stationed aboard the SSBN Louisiana (Gold crew), was presented to the Silverdale Rotary Club by Louisiana Captain (Gold) Joe Turk.
During a week when media attention was focused on Navy's special forces it was a good reminder that we have exceptional sailors serving throughout the Navy.
|Silverdale Rotary Wins the Spelling Bee While Supporting Kitsap Literacy Council
|Posted by Barbara Beagle