Commuter Champions honored by Community Transit

In April, Community Transit honored commuters and companies in Snohomish County and Bothell that work to reduce traffic congestion and encourage smart transportation choices, such as riding the bus, car pooling, bicycling or walking.

The Curb the Congestion Champion of the Year award went to Craig Ferguson. He is a father of three motivated to use public transit because he wants his children to have cleaner air. For almost 20 years, the Everett has used a combination of riding the bus and walking for his daily commute. “I am committed to riding the bus for the health of community and planet,” Ferguson said.

The Smart Commuter of the Year award went to Lynda Newton. For more than a decade, the Kingston resident has chosen not to ride alone to her job at Premera in Mountlake Terrace. She takes the ferry from Kingston, then buses or walks the last three miles to her workplace. “I am removing one vehicle from our congested roads. If every other person did it, what a difference we would make!” she said.

Community Transit named four companies 2018 Worksite Champions of the Year.

Allstate was honored with the Engagement & Participation Champion of the Year award.

Collins Aerospace was given the Special Events & Promotions Champion of the Year award for increasing the amount of employees using non-drive alone modes by 91 percent.

National Credit Services was awarded the Benefits & Incentives Champion of the Year for promoting structured ridesharing rewards and incentives. The company is now at nearly a 50 percent carpool rate.

United Medical Resources received the with the Business Champion of the Year award for allowing employees to telework directly after initial training and now 56 percent of their employees telework regularly.

Lake Stevens royalty

The 2019 Lake Stevens Miss Aquafest Pageant was held April 20 at the Snohomish County PUD Amphitheatre. Eighteen girls, ages 5 to 18, competed for 11 titles in the competition, which includes scholarship awards and judged categories like interview, personal introduction, casual wear, on-stage question and formal wear.

Lake Stevens Aquafest is set for July 26, 27 and 28.

This year’s royalty includes: Lifetime Queen Ellie Behn, Lifetime Queen Hannah Krutsinger, Teen Queen Amberlynn Kiepe, Miss Ambassador Cassie Kunselman, Miss Aquafest Kayla Kalin, Lifetime Queen Natalia Lagunas, Junior Queen Natalie Trujillo, Community Service Queen Dakotah Richards, Junior Ambassador Isabeau Prettyman, Lifetime Queen Audrey Barlow, Petite Queen Isabelle Garrett, Petite Ambassador Claira Duncil, Tiny Queen Lilah Duncil, Tiny Ambassador Emma-Juliet Zavalza, Mistress of Ceremonies Janice Huxford and Teen Ambassador Eva Castleberry.

Kamiak students of the month

Elli Straume was honored with the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club student of the month award for April. The Kamiak High School student maintains a 3.8 grade point average. She is the captain of the swim team and was voted most inspirational. After graduation, Straume plans to attend college and study engineering.

Aaron Bahn, a student at Kamiak High School, was named student of the month for January by the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club. Bahn was described as a great leader. He is involved in musical theater and plans to attend college after graduation. Bahn is a volunteer for Sno-Isle Library’s teen and kid events and has participated in Hugs for Ghana.

Housing Hope’s annual Stone Soup event raises $250,000

This year’s Stone Soup gala brought in nearly $250,000 for Housing Hope, a local nonprofit that supports homeless and low-income families in Snohomish County. The event was held at the Tulalip Resort. Guest heard from Cole, a sixteen year old Housing Hope resident. He shared an inspiring message of perseverance and strength.

“Housing Hope has changed my path in life. It’s moved me forward. I know there are many children who grow up with homeless and addicted parents and end up with higher rates of homelessness and addiction themselves. I know the statistics, and I refuse to be one,” Cole said.

Everett Community College, led by David Beyer and Everett Public Schools, led by Gary Cohn were recognized as Housing Hope’s 2019 Partners of the Year at the event. The organizations were recognized for their commitment to education and support of homeless students and families.

Artist Paul Vexler was presented with the Edwin R. Petersen Pioneer Award. He has donated several of his pieces to Housing Hope, including a new work that will be installed at HopeWorks Station Phase II. Vexler is described as a tireless Housing Hope and HopeWorks supporter. He currently serves on the HopeWorks Board of Directors.