Everett gives Ada Haug her own day

EVERETT — Ada Haug had to stand on the tiptoes of her bright red sandals to reach the microphone.

At Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Ray Stephanson announced that Friday would be Ada Haug Day in Everett in recognition to her life of service to others.

In a red shirt, white pants and blue blazer, the 87-year-old woman pulled the microphone down as far as it would go. The peach-colored rose corsage pinned to her lapel rested just above the edge of the lectern.

"I just can’t believe it," Haug said. "To have a day named after you!"

She spoke about how much she has enjoyed her 40-plus years of volunteerism at Bethany Home, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and elsewhere in the community.

"You know, it’s much better than sitting at home," she said.

At least as far as Everett is concerned, she’s joined the ranks of explorers, past presidents and civil rights leaders. But, she said later, she’s never actually met anyone who had his or her own day.

"This is the icing on the cake," Haug said as the audience and council gave her a standing ovation.

After she received a copy of the mayor’s proclamation, complete with a gold seal, Haug and her daughter, Marilyn, sat on a wooden bench in the foyer.

"There’s so many blessings I’ve received from volunteering that I couldn’t begin to tell you," Haug said.

She was hired to start an activities program at Bethany Home in 1965. That started decades of spirited fun and caring for the elderly residents there at a time when such places didn’t normally have many activities.

The seniors were soon singing, crocheting, painting ceramics, playing instruments and having lively discussions.

Haug said Bethany Home residents often checked in thinking they were going there to die. Their families often believed the same. But she tried to change that thinking.

"One lady told me once, ‘We’re so busy, we don’t have time to die,’ " Haug said.

She has macular degeneration and cataracts and can’t see well anymore. She also has scoliosis, which makes it hard for her to hold her head up. But she can still sing, she can still listen and she can still talk.

"She’s a good talker, that’s for sure," her daughter said, laughing.

There will be a celebration Friday in the Monte Cristo ballroom to celebrate her 40 years of service, and also the work of other volunteers at Bethany Home,

There also will be a party afterward for family and friends at her church. She’s expecting about 70 people for the event, many of whom are members of her large Norwegian family.

Though Haug won’t be able to see who is there, she plans to sit by the door and greet each person as they walk in. "I’m not old," she said, grinning.

"She likes to say that," her daughter said. "She’s not old."

Reporter Jennifer Warnick: 425-339-3429 or jwarnick@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

The peaks of Mount Pilchuck, left, and Liberty Mountain, right, are covered in snow on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Western Washington’s current winter drought may not last through the season

Even with last week’s snow flurries, there’s no denying this… Continue reading

A view of a homes in Edmonds, Washington on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County to mail property tax statements this month

First half payments are due on April 30.

Ticket and ORCA card kiosks at the Lynnwood Light Rail station on Thursday, April 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Beginning March 1, Community Transit to reduce some fares

Riders eligible for reduced fares will pay $1 for a single ORCA card tap and $36 for a monthly pass.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The amphitheater at Deception Pass during the 2021 concert series. (Photo provided by Deception Pass Park Foundation Facebook page.)
Deception Pass Foundation seeks Adopt-A-Trail volunteers

If you’re looking for a way to get outside and… Continue reading

A pedestrian is struck and killed by vehicle Wednesday in Everett

The pedestrian was a man in his 60s. The collision happened at 5:30 a.m. on Broadway.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.