EVERETT — For someone accustomed to reporting the news, Friday was a time for making news.
Julie Muhlstein, a columnist for The Daily Herald, was honored at Bethany of the Northwest Foundation’s fundraising breakfast. She received the 2018 Raili M. Hanson Inspirational Award during the event at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
The recognition was especially meaningful. It was presented by retired Herald Publisher Larry Hanson in memory of his wife, an Everett General Hospital baby-unit nurse who was a longtime volunteer and a Bethany Foundation Board member. Raili Hanson tirelessly advocated for improving the quality and dignity of care for seniors.
The annual award was created in 2011, a year after she died after an eight-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“I’m confident that Raili is smiling now as I introduce this year’s winner,” Hanson said, moments before handing out the award.
Muhlstein began her 37-year career at The Daily Herald in Everett as a copy editor. In 2017, she marked a milestone — 20 years of writing her local news column, connecting readers with their neighbors three times a week. Last month, the column she describes as “a mixed bag” turned 21, for a tally of more than 3,200 pieces in all — and counting.
Over the years, Muhlstein has told readers about the joys and sorrows of others. While carrying on with her work, she has endured her own losses. In 1998, her husband, Jim Muhlstein, a Herald editor, died of a heart attack. The Muhlsteins were expecting their third child at the time. Her youngest child, John, was 18 when he was killed in a drug-related crime in 2017. Those tragedies have informed her storytelling in many ways.
Muhlstein, 65, remembers Raili Hanson’s kindness and strength. As her own parents, in their mid-90s, reach a time of life when they need more care, Muhlstein said she has a new appreciation of the work Bethany of the Northwest does.
Also recognized Friday were two Bethany registered nurses who received the organization’s Excellence in Nursing awards.
Ruby Akins-Trepanier is director of nursing services and has spent 25 years with Bethany.
Lynn Berry has been Bethany’s geriatric nurse practitioner for more than 30 years and is also a certified wound care specialist.
Friday’s fundraising event helps patients and residents at Bethany of the Northwest’s Everett-area locations. A nonprofit that has served people in Snohomish County since 1931, Bethany offers nursing care, rehabilitation, assisted living and senior apartments. More than 70 percent of residents are low-income seniors.
The agency was originally Bethany Home for the Aged, housed in Everett’s old Bethania College at 3322 Broadway.
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