Community Extra: Applause
Published 9:17 pm Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Good works
Elks give Tulalip kids a book party
Members of the Everett Elks Lodge 479 recently provided dictionaries to third-grade students at Tulalip Elementary School. Fifth-grade students read reviews of new books written by Elks members and chose their favorites before 61 books were purchased.
A New Book Party was held for the students who browsed through the new books, each with bookplates with the name of the child who chose that story. The books were purchased with money from a grant from the Elks National Foundation.
J.P. Patches raises awareness of MS
J.P. Patches, Western Washington’s clown emeritus, recently helped recognize National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month.
March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, and the event is being marked by local groups such as Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands. Events each Saturday are highlighting the month.
J.P. Patches made an appearance at the MSHH Donor Closet in Edmonds on March 7. Donations received will be used to provide financial assistance for people with MS.
Rotary supports students in Kenya
David Anstine, chairman of the Rabuor, Kenya, Village Partners, accepted a scholarship check for $3,300 from the Tuesday Noon Rotary Club of Edmonds. Five freshman high school students in Rabuor village will each receive a scholarship of $660 for room and board, tuition, uniforms, textbooks and travel money.
The students are Brenda Okumu, Carolyne Wasuna, Linda Asenath, Victor Okwacho and Daniel Omondi. The children underwent a rigorous selection process before being chosen. The Rotary Club of Edmonds, in accordance with its Strategic Plan, has undertaken to support these students for their entire four-year high school career.
Honors
Math students honored by Rotary
Rotary Club of Lynnwood honored two Meadowdale math students, Samuel Atkinson and Denise Washington.
With the assistance of math department Chairman Frank Worster, Atkinson and Washington were identified as two students who have regularly excelled in the area of mathematics. Atkinson is a senior with a 3.79 grade point average. He participates in track, cross country and swimming. He is tutoring other students in mathematics as a component of his senior project.
Washington is also a senior with a 3.5 grade point average. She is active in tennis and Key Club. Washington is designing a video game to fulfill the requirements of her senior project.
Stanwood thanks its philanthropists
The Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation hosted an awards breakfast for local philanthropists in February. Keynote speaker chef Graham Kerr attended the event along with 150 guests.
Those honored at the event included Stanwood-Camano food bank volunteer Jeanie Ovenell; community supporters Greg and Irene Stewart; the founders of Stanwood Hardware, the family of Robert and Marion Nicholas (represented by sons Jack and Walt); and community supporters Karen Hamalainen, Asko Hamalainen and Sandra and Gary Worthington. All received a standing ovation from the audience and were presented with gifts from the foundation.
The family of Robert and Marion Nicholas were honored as the 2009 Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation Philanthropists of the Year.
Lynnwood’s first responders honored
The Lynnwood VFW Post 1040 and Auxiliary honored Lynnwood police Sgt. David Byrd as Officer of the Year, Mike Hudson as Firefighter of the Year, and Dave Matthews as Emergency Medical Technician of the Year at a recent celebration.
Byrd was recognized for his outstanding dedication to providing a safe environment for the people of Lynnwood. Hudson was honored for his professional attitude, manner and conduct in taking interest in the health and well-being of the members of his department. Matthews was honored for his positive attitude and strong leadership skills when working with life-threatening situations.
