Applause
Published 3:46 pm Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Always a Cougar: Ruck honored for 60 years of devotion
Jim Ruck, retired engineer and production manager and active community volunteer, was honored July 26 with the Washington State University Alumni Association, or WSUAA, Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of six decades of dedication and service to WSU.
He and his wife, Lee Ruck, have been untiring advocates of their alma mater since they graduated in 1954. In 2000, they established graduate fellowships in chemistry and in food science and human nutrition and were honored as benefactors of WSU. In 2008, they were recognized as Diamond Donors to mark five decades of support.
Jim Ruck earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from WSU in 1954. He is a longtime member of the WSU Libraries Council and served in advisory roles with the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences.
The Rucks are life members of the WSUAA and participate in the Snohomish chapter. They have been WSU football season ticket holders for 19 years and financially supported construction of the new indoor practice facility.
Jim Ruck worked as an industrial engineer at Boeing in Everett, and in insurance sales and manufacturing before becoming production manager for the Washington State Department of Corrections at Monroe. While there, he supervised the dairy farm, print shops and manufacturing. He improved the technology for production of license plate tabs.
In addition to his service to WSU, Ruck serves his church on the board of trustees and finance committee. He was a commissioner for 40 years in the Tillikum District, Mount Baker Council of Boy Scouts of America.
He has completed six marathons, including the 1989 Boston Marathon at 60. He competed in the Everett 10K run in 2010 at 81, coming in third among men 56 and older.
Everett Central Lions support Project Harvest
As a part of Lions Clubs International’s “Relieving The Hunger” campaign, the Everett Central Lions Club donated $600 to Volunteers of America’s “Project Harvest” program.
Project Harvest is a gleaning program that recruits and trains volunteers to harvest surplus produce, whether out in the field, at a farmers market or in their own backyard.
“The club supports the program because it encourages community volunteerism and provides valuable fresh fruit and vegetables to the diet of those who can least afford these groceries,” said Lee Woodard, president of the Everett Central Lions Club.
For more information on how you can share your produce or donate time to help harvest, contact Sarah Gordon with Volunteers of America of Western Washington at sgordon@voaww.org, 206-579-6886, or 425-259-3191 ext. 13024.
Mill Creek recognizes great gardens
The Mill Creek Art and Beautification Board on July 20 named the 2015 Great Garden Award winners. Winners receive a keepsake and yard sign to display through August, and will be recognized at a Sept. 8 City Council meeting.
Residents honored for putting exceptional time and effort into beautification of their property:
Jeffrey Sieck, 15301 29th Drive SE, Parkside
Gerald and Lisa Haney, 4319 135th Place SE, Bluegrass Meadows
W. A. Rietkirk, 15229 12th Drive SE, Cypress
Robert and Jocelyn Johnson, 16306 29th Drive SE, Highlands
Michael and Maire Malone, 16124 32nd Ave. SE, The Parks
Larry and Kathleen Powell, 1524 164th Place SE, Winslow
William Balla, 14931 30th Drive SE, Red Cedar
Stephen and Kristi Zevenbergen, 1906 151st St. SE, Evergreen
Christopher and Rebecca Eaton, 2927 149th St. SE, Red Cedar
Thomas Johnson, 2226 137th Place SE, Fernwood
Richard Sanford, 1403 138th St. SE, Burk Place
Allen and Bundie Olsen, 16304 21st Drive SE, Wildflower
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