utlook
Presorted Standard US POSTAGE
PAID
Mt. Vernon, WA Permit #34 ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER
Real People. Real Life.
P.O. BOX 39 n MARYSVILLE, WA 98270
www.northcountyoutlook.com
Vol. 15 No. 14 n December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021
MARYSVILLE • ARLINGTON • SMOKEY POINT • LAKEWOOD • TULALIP • QUIL CEDA VILLAGE
AHS Flight returns to stage for annual Christmas show By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Ernie Molner, left, gives a food donation to Marysville Fire District driver/operator Katie Reeves during the annual Firefighter’s Food Drive on Dec. 8.
Marysville firefighters collect for food bank By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Marysville firefighters brought out Santa Claus and candy canes to help raise funds for the Marysville Community Food Bank this holiday season. The annual food drive from local firefighters was held Dec. 7 -to 10 this year.
IAFF Local 3219, the Marysville firefighters union, holds the event every year to support the Marysville food bank. Originally, firefighters held a Santa Run event. “We do the food drive at Safeway because quite a few years ago we used to do See FOOD on page 2
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Arlington High School Flight choir members Owen Kikuchi, left, and Mariska Lebahn sing in this year’s Christmas show, ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas Spectacular' on Dec. 9.
Arlington High School’s Flight choir returned to the school’s stage for the first time in almost two years with their annual Christmas show. The choir presented ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas Spectacular’ from Dec. 8 to 11. “Every year we have a different theme and this year we’re doing ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ so I know that is something people are excited about because it’s a classic Christmas story,” said Flight choir member Emily Colombo. The choir hasn’t had a big performance in the Byrnes Performing Arts Center since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
See FLIGHT on page 2
Buddy Bowl helps raise awareness against bullying By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, right, reads a proclamation from the city against bullying and in support of the Dec. 11 Buddy Bowl, organized by Preston Dwoskin, left.
The second annual Buddy Bowl helped to raise awareness against bullying on Dec. 11 this year. The free exhibition game was held between third graders from Marysville and Stanwood youth teams. Preston Dwoskin, a Marysville Pilchuck High School graduate and local advocate who has special needs, helped to organize the event because of his personal experiences being bullied. “We’re here for a football game for the teams behind us, but we’re also here for one
reason: there should be no bullying. Bullying should not be accepted in any school regardless of the age of the children,” said Dwoskin. Dwoskin also helped to referee the game. This year’s Buddy Bowl was the second held. The first was in 2019 and the second planned event in 2020 was canceled because of the pandemic. “This game two years ago was played about two years ago at Everett Memorial Stadium and it was put together as a way to bring a message to the community,” said Dwoskin.
See BULLYING on page 6
2
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
Getting your copy of the North County Outlook is as easy as
1...2...3!
1
Local News POSTAL DELIVERED to Over 10,000 Homes
You Can SUBSCRIBE
3
2
FREE RACKS at These Locations!
MARYSVILLE:
MARYSVILLE LIBRARY VILLAGE RESTAURANT WALGREENS YMCA E&E LUMBER LES SCHWAB FANNY’S RESTAURANT THE EVERETT CLINIC
Communities FLIGHT Continued from page 1
“It’s really nice to see us out on the stage instead of outside in the parking lot,” said choir member William Litton. Last holiday season the choir performed in pods in the parking lot and broadcast the performance on the radio. Students were glad to be back on the stage. “Before our first performance there’s this sense of anticipation that builds up because we haven’t been on stage for so long. So we’re back stage and there’s joy that radiates back stage and you can feel the buzzing of excitement,” said Colombo. Performers often rely on the audience reaction in ways that were obvious when they didn’t have an audience to see, said choir member Shiloh Metcalf. “This is my first show
FOOD Continued from page 1
the Santa Run across the entire district,” said Battalion Chief Aaron Soper. “It was all volunteer and everyone used their own time. But the district just got too big and we couldn’t cover the whole
www.northcountyoutlook.com
back inside and even though we’re at half-capacity, just being able to see people in the audience and the facial reactions adds so much energy to being on stage,” he said. For many of the students it was be their first big performance on the stage with the choir. “I’ve never had a ‘normal’ Christmas show with the Flight program … It really feels like I’m a part of this group now,” said Litton. “It’s neat being a senior and seeing so many classmates having their first opening night, and they really killed it,” said Metcalf. Students said they enjoyed being part of the community of the Flight choir. “Performing with singing is one of my favorite things to do with this talented group of people,” said Litton. His favorite number in this show was 12 Days of area." Instead local firefighters now gather at the Marysville Safeway and each shift covers one night at the store. Locals said they try and give every year to the firefighters' food drive. “I always donate to the [firefighters'] boot,” said
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Arlington High School Flight choir members Emily Colombo, left, and Isaiah Christoffersen sing in this year’s Christmas show, ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas Spectacular’ on Dec. 9. Christmas which was infused with comedic moments in Arlington High School’s rendition of it. “It was so much to see the audience laughing and hanging out with us and finding joy,” said Litton. Colombo also said she
enjoyed having Flight choir back for big shows on the stage this year. “I enjoy just the sense of camaraderie and the sense of belonging,” she said. “When you join Flight or the choir it’s just this instant feeling of love."
local Paris Settle. “They always have good charities that they give to." Local Ernie Molner said he also enjoys supporting the food bank. “I donate every year and give money to support the food bank,” he said. Soper said local firefight-
ers enjoy helping as well. “We do it for the food bank and to help those with food insecurity. We want to help the food bank as best we can with food and/or money,” he said. “And it’s really the community providing that support. We’re just the people out here collecting it." Due to the pandemic, last year’s food drive was different from the regular event. “Everything was virtual last year unfortunately, and we just brought food by ourselves into the station last year,” said Soper. Firefighters enjoyed getting out and greeting families and individuals again. “It’s a lot more fun to get out and get to meet people in person,” said Soper. In normal times the fire district members go out and meet the public more on the job, but those opportunities have not yet returned. “Even on duty we’re still not doing that much public education stuff, so it is fun to get to interact with the public,” said Soper. The first day of the drive went well for local firefighters. “Last night the first shift did really well. It was the most in one single night that was donated,” said Soper. They usually aim for and are able to bring in more than $5,000 each year. “We really appreciate the community donating and coming out to support us,” said Soper.
TULALIP:
TULALIP LIQUOR STORE PRIEST POINT STORE
QUIL CEDA:
BOB’S BURGERS & BREW TULALIP MARKET
SMOKEY POINT:
STILLY ATHLETIC CENTER PARAISO RESTAURANT
ARLINGTON:
ARLINGTON LIBRARY ELLIE’S CAFE STILLY DINER BLUE BIRD CAFE ARLINGTON HARDWARE 76 GAS STATION CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL
utlook
Real People. Real Life.
360-659-1100
northcountyoutlook.com
Mohawk, Smart Strand Silk, Galveston “Coastal Beige” installed over Smart Cushion $
4.99 sqft.
(Excludes stairs, tear out, disposal and furniture removal).
Sure, you love our paper... but don’t forget to
1060 Cedar Ave. • Marysville 360-653-2210 • 1-800-910-2210 www.abbeyvandamcarpet.com License #ABBEYVD847JR
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm, Sat: 10pm - 3pm Sun: Closed 60 Day Guarantee
RECYCLE
after you’ve read it all!
facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook
Communities
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
3
Tulalip gathers to remember missing woman A ceremony was held to honor Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis and raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com It’s been one year since Tulalip Tribal member Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis went missing and family and community members gathered on Dec. 9 to encourage the search to continue. They also hoped to raise awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People movement. Community members and those who knew Johnson-Davis came to the Tulalip Gathering Hall to share stories and recognize the struggle the family is going through. Johnson-Davis was last seen on Nov. 25, 2020, as she was walking on Fire Trail Road in Tulalip. She was walking to a friend’s house and did not arrive there. “Mary’s case remains an active investigation. We continue to follow every lead,” said Tulalip Police Chief Chris Sutter. Sutter acknowledged that the lack of information released about the case can be hard on family members. “There is sometimes frustration in the community and the family because the police can’t give all the details. As I’ve explained to the sisters, we do that because we do not want to jeopardize future prosecution,” he said. The FBI and Tulalip have a combined $60,000 reward available. “Our board of directors has authorized an award of $50,000 for information leading to an arrest,” said Sutter. “We believe that his reward fund will assist us in bringing justice for Mary." Johnson-Davis has a scar across her nose, a birthmark on the back of her neck and a tattoo that looks like a sunburst on her upper right arm. The Tulalip Police Department’s tip line is available at 360-716-5918. Roxanne White, founder of the grassroots organization MMIP & Families, encouraged everyone to get involved in talking about Johnson-Davis. “There’s that chance that just that one person, when you show on social media or post a flyer on the store, that one person might remember something,” said White. “It’s unfortunate that
our people have to hit the streets, have to march, have to raise our drums, have to stomp our streets, have to bring out flyers to make Mary visible." Sutter encouraged locals to report missing people immediately when there is a concern. “I want to clarify a myth: there is no waiting time. We will take a report any time a member of the community or family member needs to report a missing person,” he said. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous People movement is meant to bring attention to the disproportionately high number of Native people who are victims of unsolved murders or have unsolved disappearances. The rate of missing Native men and children is higher than the national average in the U.S. and the rate of missing Native LGBT people and women is even higher. Native women go missing at rates higher than any other ethnic group, which is why some activists call the movement Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. “Missing Indigenous women are not getting the spotlight that they need and
we need to bring all of our missing Indigenous women home,” said Alyshia Ramon, who works with the Tulalip Police Department and their Victims of Crime department. Carolyn DeFord, a Puyallap Tribal member and MMIP advocate, shared her own story of her mother who disappeared in 1999. “It’s been 8,000 days and I still miss her. I search for closure and try not to imagine the details,” she said. DeFord said her “world stopped’ after the disappearance. “This tragedy, it affects whole families and whole communities,” she said. For many it is difficult to live with questions left unanswered. “That’s the hard part: no answers. And feeling like no one cares and dealing with a system that ignores Indigenous lives,” said Tulalip Tribal Vice Chairman Glen Gobin. There are many possible causes for the increased rates of murder and disappearance. “We can all say we know someone who was beaten in a domestic violence situa-
tion,” said White. Other advocates point to external forces as well. In 1978 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tribal courts couldn’t prosecute crimes of non-Native people on the reservation. “Unless the sheriff or federal government is going to pick up a prosecution, nothing is going to happen,” said Gobin, who added that many times those agencies said they busy or were simply unresponsive. “We’ve been dealing with this question for a long time, and so perpetrators have gotten a safe haven on the reservations,” said Gobin. “Many of these crimes are committed off-reservation or by non-Indians who come on to reservations. These predatory criminals commit crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assaults, rape, abduction and murder,” said Sutter. The Violence Against Women Act was re-authorized in 2011 and gave Native tribes back some of the power to prosecute, although it was limited. “Tribes were finally given back some of their sovereignty to prosecute some
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Roxanne White, founder of the grassroots organization MMIP & Families, left, and Alyshia Ramon, who works with the Tulalip Police Department, talk about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People movement at a Tulalip gathering on Dec. 9. crimes under certain conditions,” said Gobin. Another possible factor for the increased rate of disappearances for Native people is unresponsiveness of police departments. Carolyn DeFord said she felt her mother’s case was not investigated as an emergency and that the case was not taken seriously. “I had this naive faith that everything that needed to be done would happen immediately,” she said. “When I told them that her car had been found they told me ‘sorry, we’re a little busy right now, we don’t have time for
this." Sutter said the Tulalip Police Department acts quickly for missing people, although he added for many other departments that has not always been the case historically. “Not every police department takes every missing person case seriously,” he said. White said she hopes the movement can bring positive change to those systems “for those families that are seeking justice that never got an investigation, never got a trial or never even got a fair coroner’s report.”
4
Communities
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
www.northcountyoutlook.com
County's COVID cases remain high despite slow decline ____ The Omicron variant was detected in three cases in the Puget Sound region and is likely in the county
By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com The COVID-19 Omicron variant is most likely in Snohomish County now while cases have seen slow decreases over the last two months. The coronavirus reached its peak in the county about three months ago when there were 2,278 cases in one week. In the week ending Dec.
4 the county reported 1,310 cases. “We’re not seeing dramatic declines in case rates over the long run. It has been a steady slow decline,” said Snohomish Health District Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters during a Dec. 7 press briefing. The case rate is still higher than it was at most other points of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the current rate higher than at any point during the first, second or fourth waves. However, the slow downward trend has reduced pressure on the county’s systems.
“Fortunately there’s not a worsening of the current situation in hospitals,” said Spitters, who added about 51 beds were being used for COVID-19 patients, down from a peak of more than double that. The Omicron variant may be the newest form of the disease to spread rapidly. The Washington State Department of Health has identified three cases in the state in Thurston, King and Pierce counties. “While not formally identified in any Snohomish County cases yet, it is likely that if it is in the Puget
Sound region it is also in Snohomish County,” said Spitters. Not enough is known to say whether the disease is worse with the new variant. “There’s not a strong signal of an increase in disease severity,” said Spitters, although he said that data is still being looked at. The Omicron variant appears to be worse mainly in its ability to spread. “Early work in South Africa, where the variant was first detected, suggests that it is transmitted much more rapidly than the delta strain,” said Spitters. The level of vaccine effectiveness remains to be seen. “Repeat infections seem
“
We're not seeing dramatic declines in cases rates over the long run. It has been a steady slow decline.
____
Dr. Chris Spitters
to be more likely,” said Spitters. Snohomish County residents are encouraged to continue to be cautious and implement safety measures “Wear a mask consistently and correctly, especially when indoor public spaces,” said Spitters. Vaccinations remain one of the best ways to combat COVID-19.
Unique Interiors Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 10-4
Season’s Greetings
Happy Holidays
◆ Carpet
◆ Vinyl ◆ Tile ◆ Granite ◆ Hardwood ◆ Window Coverings 220 E. 2nd St. • Arlington 360-435-4545
Snohomish PUD Safety Message
Professional Installation Available!
THANKS
Spring is in the Air
for staying at least 30 feet away from fallen power lines
Comfort and Joy this holiday season! Call today for a FREE in home estimate! See our website for monthly specials! bundycarpets.com
NEVER approach fallen power lines. They could still carry enough electricity to cause severe harm, even death. Just being within 30 feet without ever touching the fallen lines is very dangerous. Learn more at snopud.com/fallenlines
Where quality is a family tradition. 615 State Ave • Marysville • 360-659-7007 • 360-659-0663 Open Mon-Fri 9-5:30 • Sat. 9-3
You Can Support
Community Journalism
”
“If you’re eligible for a booster, go get it,” said Spitters. Vendors continue to work to vaccinate kids 5 to 11 and to provide boosters, although demand for both remains high. “There’s just simply more people interested than there are slots available right now,” said Spitters. About 22 percent of kids age 5 to 11 have begun the vaccination process. Spitters also announced that he was planning to retire in the summer of 2022 to spend more time with family. The Snohomish Health District Health Officer has served in the role since March 2020. “When we went into this health crisis two years ago we were extremely fortunate to have two great leaders,” said County Executive Dave Somers, referring to Spitters and Snohomish Health District administrative officer Shawn Frederick. “I could not be more grateful for the partnership we’ve had,” he said. Somers and Spitters had to navigate many situations for the county over the past two years. “I know it has not been easy. The public health officer has been the point of interest and attention,” he said. “I can’t imagine a better partnership between the Health District and the county. And I’ve been lucky to have Shawn Frederick and the whole team behind me,” said Spitters.
SHOP LOCAL
Local Businesses Need Your Support
Subscribe to the Call 360-659-1100 North County Outlook
facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook
Communities
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
5
Tulalip Tribes rescind request for MPHS mascot change By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com The future of MarysvillePilchuck High School’s ‘tomahawks’ mascot is in limbo as the planned mascot change may no longer be required. Totem Middle School’s mascot could soon be the ‘phoenix’ while MarysvillePilchuck High School’s mascot could change to ‘mountaineers’ or remain the same. The decision was postponed by the Marysville School Board until the Dec. 15 school board meeting as they sought more input. The Washington state legislature passed a law earlier this year that requires schools that use Native imagery to either change their mascot before the end of the year or work with a local tribe to secure permission to continue using the imagery. For the Marysville School District the schools that required a change are Totem Middle School’s thunderbird imagery and Marysville Pilchuck High School’s tomahawk imagery. The Tulalip Tribes board of directors requested during the summer that the schools move on from those images. “We had the youth come to talk with us and they asked us to send in a letter asking the school not to use it,” said Teri Gobin, Tulalip Tribal chairwoman. Committees for both
schools were formed to come up with a new mascot before the end of the year. Under state law, districts had a deadline to choose a new mascot by Dec. 31, 2021. Those committees acted under the directive that the school would, by law, have to make the change, so opinions about whether the community wanted to make the change were not sought out, according to J. Marie Riche, one of the consultants who facilitated the committees. On Dec. 8 the committee gave their recommendation to the Marysville School Board with the ‘phoenix’ for Totem Middle School and ‘mountaineers’ for Marysville Pilchuck High School. The day before the Tulalip Tribes rescinded their request for Marysville Pilchuck High School’s mascot to change, though. The Tribes had recently held their semi-annual general council and held a vote on the matter. “It wasn’t a big event, but we listened to our people,” said Gobin. The vote was fairly close, she said, but the Tulalip Tribal board of directors is bound to respect a vote of the people in this matter. “We do have a Tribal constitution and we do listen to the people,” said Gobin. “It was a tough decision to send that letter to rescind it. We’re very split in the community, because one child hurt is one too many." The high school’s im-
agery and colors originally came about because of work with the Tulalip Tribes. “They used the ‘tomahawk’ in the Marysville Pilchuck High School because our board asked them to use it,” said Gobin. “At that time we were invisible,” and there wasn’t as much presence of the Tribes in the schools, she added. Gobin noted the letter still requested that the school cease the sports fan traditions of the ‘tomahawk chop’ and of face painting that resembles Native traditions or Native stereotypes. “It’s really about the ‘tomahawk chop’ and anything that could make our children feel bad,” said Gobin. “[The school district] needs to do everything they can to protect our children." School board members said they thought the decision would be easy coming into the Dec. 8 board meeting. “Then I received this letter from the general counsel and am thinking this is not going to be an easy decision,” said school board member Connor Krebbs. “This letter that came from the Tribes has put kind of a wrench in the gears,” said school board member Wade Rinehardt. The school board delayed the decision until Dec. 15 in an effort to gain more community input. “The community wasn’t asked ‘do we want to’ and now we have the opportunity, if we have the time, to see if want to keep it,” said
Rinehardt. “I think the Tribe should have a good say in this,” said school board president Paul Galovin. “We do need to have some discussion and try to set up some meetings and iron this out before next Wednesday." The committees for the two schools' mascots had sought input about the current mascots, but mainly under the assumption that it would have to be changed. “Some of the research that we find is that there are scientifically valid studies that the use of Native mascots is confirmed to have many harmful effects,” said Will Hill, an MPHS teacher and DECA advisor who helped on the committee. He said the research shows exposure to Native mascots can increase depression and negative feelings for Native students and increases stereotypical images of Native people. Totem Middle School’s Native students described the current mascot as “sort of racist” and “cultural appropriation” in surveys performed by the committee. One surveyed student said it was inappropriate to use a sacred image as a mascot and compared the current ‘thunderbird’ imagery to using Jesus Christ as a school mascot. “I wasn’t a mascot expert. This was all new to me. The more we found the research and explored what was out there and talked to students, it really was concerning to me,” said Totem
Middle School principal Keri Lindsay. Lindsay said the school plans to keep their story pole which was made by traditional Native carvers and helps students learn about local traditions. “I don’t want anybody to feel that this will take anything away from our campus,” she said. Brian Tinsley, interim principal for Marysville Pilchuck High School, said the school’s mascot is polarizing in the community. “There are strong feelings and more diverse feelings about our mascot,” he said. “It’s entrenched as part of the community." The Marysville School Board plan to take up the mascot issue again, and po-
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
One of the signs outside Marysville Pilchuck High School displaying the school’s tomahawk imagery.
tentially make a final decision, during their Dec. 15 board meeting.
As a non-profit organization, the Stilly Valley Center relies heavily on donations to support our continuing service to the community. By donating to the center, you will be actively making a positive difference in the lives of our seniors.
https://www.stillycenter.org 18308 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington Thrift Store hours: 10am to 3:45pm Monday through Saturday Donations will be accepted from 10am to 1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Large donation loads are available by appt. Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm by calling our store at 360-658-4991.
Happy Holidays from
6
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
Communities
www.northcountyoutlook.com
Arlington Arts Council competes largest project The obelisk on the Centennial Trail will be dedicated to AAC President Sarah Arney By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Arlington Arts Council president Sarah Arney helps to unveil the council’s newest public art project on Dec. 7.
The Arlington Arts Council unveiled their largest public art project ever with an art obelisk on the Centennial Trail on Dec. 7. The Peace Plaza is located near Haller Park and will be dedicated to long-time Arlington Arts Council president Sarah Arney. In terms of both funding and complexity, Arney described the obelisk project as the largest undertaking of the council. Arney had the idea with other council members while on a trip to Mexico in 2013. “In one of their art classes they had this huge obelisk and we were saying ‘we’ve got to have one of these,’” said Arlington Arts Council member Jean Olson.
The location along the Centennial Trail was chosen to bring some color to the area. “This was just a bare piece of grass knoll and I just thought it had so much potential if we could cut into it,” said Arney. The council began working toward placing the public art there about two years ago. “The process was complicated,” said Arney. “We didn’t know they would have to dig an eight-foot hole here to build the foundation." Community members gathered on Dec. 7 to unveil the finished artwork and celebrate the new plaza. “It’s fantastic. It’s better than we even expected,” said Arney. Olson also took the opportunity to recognize Arney with the announcement that the council plans to dedicate the plaza to her. An official plaque is scheduled to be added soon. “I didn’t know Jean was going to dedicate to me. I was surprised,” said Arney.
“Sarah has had a lifelong passion for art,” said Olson. The roots of the Arlington Arts Council began in 2002 when the city was planning its centennial celebration. A portion of the budget for that event was set aside for art, which Arney helped to organize. “It seemed like all the artists were interested in getting together,” said Olson. “That was the start of the Arlington Arts Council." That council was formalized in 2003 and Arney has been president ever since then. “Her legacy is all over Arlington because of her passion and it brings unique people together,” said Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert. “We’re so grateful you ended up here and hope your legacy stays here for a long time,” she added. Arney also wanted to thank the artist who worked to create the piece and the city of Arlington staff who provided support to help finish the project as well.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Marysville youth football player Dallon Brower gets tackled at the end of a run at the second annual Buddy Bowl to raise awareness against bullying on Dec. 11.
BULLYING Continued from page 1
“We wanted to share an inspirational cause and play a fun football game,” added. Tyler Hodgin, president of Marysville Youth Football, said he was glad that this kind of message can get out in a fun environment. “I think this is an awesome thing to do. Preston’s message about bullying is an awesome thing to do,” said Hodgin. “Every kid needs to know that bullying is not okay and something you shouldn’t have to experience." This year’s event went well, said Dwoskin. “I’m very impressed with the turnout,” he said. “I think it’s going great. Stanwood is showing great sportsmanship and Marysville is showing great sportsmanship as well,” said Hodgin. The city of Marysville and Snohomish County Council also declared Dec. 11 as Buddy Bowl Day and representatives from both spoke before the game. “According to stopbullying.org one in every five students age 12 to 19 in the U.S. experiences bullying,” said Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring. “We commend the organizers of the Buddy
___
“
We're here for a football game for the teams behind us, but we're also here for one reason: there should be no bullying. Bullying should not be accepted in any school regardless of the age of the children.
___
Preston Dwoskin
”
Bowl for raising awareness of this important issue in our communities." Snohomish County Council member Nate Nehring also read the county’s proclamation before the game began. “The Snohomish County Council encourages its residents to support efforts to end bullying and report bullying when they see it,” he said. Dwoskin said he appreciated everyone who helped to raise awareness or supported the game. “Thank you to the community, the mayor, the board and everyone for being here and making sure we could make this game,” he said.
Communities
facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
7
JULIE’S LICENSING
NEW LOCATION
1331 Broadway, Everett Serves Marysville & Everett
Arlington School Board named Board of Distinction for third year in a row The Arlington Public Schools Board of Directors has been named a Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors' Association for the third year in a row. The board members were recognized on Nov. 19 during the WSSDA Annual Conference. Of the 295 school district boards in the state of Washington, Arlington was one of 34 boards to earn this honor for 2021. This year, school directors were asked to illustrate how their actions exemplified visionary leadership and helped their school districts close opportunity gaps. “Last year when most students were learning at a distance, it was important for the board to make sure students had the technology tools to access
their learning,” said Chrys Sweeting, Superintendent. “Some of these tools included a Chromebook computer and a hotspot. These efforts align with the district’s ongoing equity work to remove barriers and increase access to ensure each student has the opportunity to succeed.” “I am very proud of the board’s efforts in closing opportunity gaps in the Arlington School District,” said Judy Fay, Board President. “Not only did the district invest in technology tools for students, the district also provided free summer school for students so they could make up any lost credits without price being a barrier. We are continuing this free summer school program for students next year as well.”
____
TABS • TITLES • PERMITS NOTARY PUBLIC • FAX
425-252-3518
MON_FRI 9:30-5 | SAT 9-1 FAX 425-252-8560
“
Last year when most students were learning at a distance, it was important for the board to make sure students had the technology tools to access their learning.
____
Chrys Sweeting
”
The Arlington School Board consists of Mike Ray, Sheri Kelly, Judy Fay, Mary Levesque, Marc Rosson and Dr. Chrys Sweeting. High school student advisors include Madeline Andrich and Kyle Schroeder.
OPEN FOR TAKE OUT & DELIVERY! Downtown Arlington’s Breakfast and Lunch Spot!
Huge Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Served Daily. Located at 223 N. Olympic Ave. Arlington (360) 403-8486 • Hours: Wed-Sun 6-3. Closed Mon. and Tues. Open the 24th and Closed the 25th and 26th.
Help PUD choose new mascot Customers can cast their vote for Bigfoot, Squirrel or Transformer to be the PUD's new mascot The Snohomish County PUD is choosing a new mascot, and it needs customers to help make the final decision. Customers can visit snopud.com/mascot to vote for their favorite. The PUD’s new mascot will be used at community events
and in electrical safety and conservation educational programs. PUD employees have narrowed down an exhaustive list to the following three finalists: Bigfoot: Though traditionally known for being an elusive mountain inhabitant, Bigfoot (aka Sasquatch) seems to be popping up everywhere nowadays. Bigfoot is a friend of the forest and possesses the strength and agility of a line worker — making this
creature an interesting potential choice for mascot. Squirrel: It’s common knowledge that squirrels and electrical equipment don’t mix. However, it’s for this very reason that a squirrel could be the perfect ambassador for electrical safety. Adored by children, and commonly found across our service territory, the squirrel might just be the furry friend we need for our PUD mascot. Transformer: Though
this transformer can’t transform into a different creature, it does transform your energy into a voltage that is usable in your home and business. When brought to life, the inanimate transformer could help educate kids about our electrical grid and the importance of staying safe around powerlines. The PUD will use input from customers to help choose a winner. Voting will close Dec. 31.
At The Holiday Season
It may be cold outside, but our hearts are warmed as we recall the many kind people who we’ve served this year. We’re deeply grateful for your support and wish you all a very merry season.
Awning Builders, LLC
206.250.7139 AwningBuildersllc.com
Cremation $795 Direct Burial $1195*
Contact our office about your Veterans benefits
Season’s Greetings
Riverside Topsoil, Inc.
Funeral Alternatives
Veterans Serving Veterans 1321 State Avenue Marysville Saving our 360-658-1921 Neptune Society funeralsandcremationswa.com
Share Your
Quality Landscape Material at Affordable Prices. • Topsoil • Gravel • Compost • Bark
• We accept yard waste & brush disposal 7404 Lowell River Road in Snohomish 425-379-9933 • www.riversidetopsoils.com
Celebrations
Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, baby’s first birthday, or a milestone 65+ birthday, share your joy with our readers!
There’s no fee for publication - it’s FREE. Celebrate that! Mail to: North County Outlook - Celebrations P.O. Box 39, Marysville, WA 98270 Phone (360) 659-1100 or e-mail: editor@northcountyoutlook.com
8
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
Communities
www.northcountyoutlook.com
Improvements approved for Innovation Center By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com
COURTESY PHOTO
The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians recently donated to three local charitable organizations, including $90,000 to A Christmas Wish and $300,000 to the Arlington Community Food Bank.
Stillaguamish Tribe donates to local organizations The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians donated $600,000 between two local food banks on Tuesday, Nov. 23. The donation included $300,000 to support the Arlington Community Food Bank and another $300,000 to support the Stanwood Camano Food Bank. The Tribe donated an additional $90,000 to A Christmas Wish, a volunteer-led program that provides gifts to Arlington families in need of them during the holidays. These donations represent the latest efforts by the Tribe to care for the
well-being of the surrounding community and to assist locals during the pandemic. “The Stillaguamish Tribe is proud to be a part of this community, and we are happy to help those in need, especially during the holiday season,” Chairman Eric White said. The community has long supported the Stillaguamish Tribe and helped them grow. Because of that support, the Tribe is dedicated to giving back to the community and aiding their neighbors during these trying times.
The Arlington City Council approved the next steps of renovating the planned downtown Innovation Center during their Nov. 15 meeting. “This is Phase 2 of the renovations to the Innovation Center,” said Paul Ellis, Arlington’s city administrator. In 2015 after the Oso mudslide the North Stillaguamish Valley Economic Recovery Plan was created and pushed a number of initiatives to help the local economy. One of the goals in that plan was to create a center to provide a co-working space for entrepreneurs that gives access to resources and equipment. The former Howell gas station on Olympic Avenue became available in 2017 and the city of Arlington purchased the property with the intent to turn it into an ‘Innovation Center.’ The first steps of that plan came in 2019 when the
city received Washington State Department of Commerce funding to begin the renovation of the property. “We broke it into two phases because the project was larger than the funding we had gotten from the Department of Commerce,” said Ellis. That second phase will include a new roof, insulation, HVAC system, windows and concrete/asphalt exterior work. The Department of Commerce is providing about $365,000 of funding this year for the second part of the renovation. “We’ve put it out to bid,” and received Trico Companies as the low bid at $498,104, according to Ellis. Trico Companies were the contractors who worked on the first stage of the project. “It’s nice to have the same contractor finishing what they started,” said Ellis. The bid came in higher than the funding amount that the Department of Commerce was providing to the city, so city staff proposed using funds from the 2021 federal coronavirus
relief bill for the remainder. Arlington officials held in reserve more than a million dollars in funds from that bill which they have more than a year to allocate for uses prescribed by the federal government. “We did leave some of those funds that we didn’t designate for anything,” said Ellis. “So we wouldn’t be taking funding from projects that we’ve already talked about." The City Council approved using about $134,000 of those funds to complete the Innovation Center. When completed the building will be run by the NW Innovation Resource Center and is meant to provide connections and services for local residents who want to become entrepreneurs. “This building will be used for education and meetings with the businesses,” said Ellis. “It will promote economic development and resiliency with our businesses, which is what we’re after with the innovation center."
facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook
Communities
Health Officer plans to step down in June ing today. He is compassionate, knowledgeable, pragmatic, humble, and above all committed to the health and safety of our community,” said SnohomAfter 24 years with the ish County Executive Dave Snohomish Health Dis- Somers. “Chris has been an trict, Dr. Chris Spitters has indispensable part of our announced that he will step response to the COVID-19 down as Health Officer on pandemic, and there are thousands of people alive June 30, 2022. “There is no work-relat- today because of his tireed reason for my choice to less work and because our resign from the Health Of- response was guided by his ficer position, and I am not expertise and commonleaving for another role,” sense approach. I will miss said Dr. Spitters. “Instead, his partnership and leadlong-deferred commit- ership. We all wish him ments to my wife and fam- well and hope that his next ily now must take prece- chapter affords a bit more dence over vocation. They time for his family and have waited patiently for friends.” In addition to his roles me on the sidelines of my with the Health District life for so long.” and DOH, Spitters has also While Spitters was appointed as Health Officer worked for eight other local health jurisdicin March 2020, tions across the his career at the state as a mediHealth District cal consultant dates to 1994, or health offiDr. Chris Spitters when he was hired as the is one of the best cer. His health Deputy Health public health officer experiincludes Officer. He also professionals ence Asotin County served as the tuworking Health District, berculosis contoday. He is Island County trol officer and compassionate, Public Health, communicable disease director knowledgeable, Klickitat County Health Depragmatic, during that initial tenure. Spithumble, and partment and Yakima Health ters left briefly above all District. in 1999 for pocommitted to “In my 30 sitions with the the health and years in healthWa s h i n g t o n safety of our care, I have State Departnever found a community. ment of Health colleague that (DOH) before Dave Somers I have enjoyed returning to the working with Health District more. We have in a tuberculobeen fortunate sis consulting to have someposition since 2001. He one with both a passion also served as the medical for public health and a director for Public Health long career in medicine,” – Seattle & King County’s said Shawn Frederick, AdTuberculosis Clinic from ministrative Officer for the 2003 until February 2020. Health District. “Dr. Spitters has been The Health District will absolutely critical to this begin a recruitment procounty’s response, recovery cess to hire the next health and resiliency,” said Stephofficer, with a goal of havanie Wright, board chair ing them start before Dr. and county councilmemSpitters’ departure next ber. “He has served as the county’s lead public health summer. “It has been a great official with grace, and we will be forever grateful for run, going back to my first day here working for Dr. his years here.” “Dr. Chris Spitters is Hinds,” added Dr. Spitters. one of the best public “I am grateful for the ophealth professionals work- portunity to have worked
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
9
Follow us on Twitter: @NCOutlook Follow us on Facebook: /TheNorthCountyOutlook
Dr. Chris Spitters will be leaving the Snohomish Health District after more than two decades of service
___
“
___
”
Shop Local Support businesses in our community
Dr. Chris Spitters
COURTESY PHOTO
here all these years with such a committed group of public health professionals, local health care system colleagues, and other partners in local government and the community.”
Thank You for Your Support Marysville • 1508-A 3rd St.
...an absolutely
charming store
360-653-3538
Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5
Happy Holidays from
VILLAGE LICENSE AGENCY, INC. VEHICLE/VESSEL TITLING AND LICENSING
NOW SELLING HUNTING & FISHING LICENSES, DISCOVER PASSES
OPEN REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS: M-F 10AM-6PM, SATURDAY 10AM-3PM 9327 4TH ST NE SUITE 7 • LAKE STEVENS • 425-334-7311
10
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
Communities
www.northcountyoutlook.com
Tulalip grant will support local caregivers ____
“
By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com A new Tulalip Tribes grant will allow the Stilly Valley Center to provide some financial assistance to local caregivers. The Tribes provided $4,600 to give to those who are long-term unpaid caregivers for their family members. “It’s specifically to help with the family caregivers' needs,” said Angeles Vesely, family caregiver coordinator with the Stilly Valley Center. “We know there is a need in the community we can respond to with that money." The Arlington senior center has about 85 caregivers who receive some kind of support from their Family Caregiver Program. Vesely said many caregivers are fortunate to have some form of good income, but some need additional support.
It's specifically to help with the family caregivers' needs. We know there is a need in the community we can respond to with that money.
____
Angeles Vesely
The new grant will help with pre-paid debit cards that will fund some of their needs which Vesely said is often food or other basic necessities. “We have one lady who lives in a mobile home and the only heater is powered by a propane tank,” and the cards could help keep sufficient propane for her, she said. Sometimes the cards may only pay part of a bigger project. “There is a client who used a wheelchair who needs a ramp for example,” said Vesely. The pre-paid debit cards
s ’ n o s a e S ings Greet
The Shop of Arlington
”
function similar to gift cards, but can be used anywhere instead of only at a specific location. “You can pay the bills, you can shop online for groceries,” said Vesely. The Family Caregiver Program is located at the Stilly Valley Center and tries to help caregivers in all times of need. “There are holidays, there is COVID, and we have participated in outreach for all of those,” said Vesely. They received the Tulalip Tribes grant in November and are currently prepar-
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
The Stilly Valley Center will be able to provide financial assistance to local caregivers thanks to a $4,600 grant from the Tulalip Tribes. ing to hand out the funds to caregivers in need. “It will take a lot of planning about how we are going to do it,” she said. Vesely said gaining more experience in running the program could lead to further grant funding in the future that could continue the program. The free program does
more than provide simple financial support. “We’re able to support those caregivers who are there to support their family. We have home-delivered meals, we have house cleaning once a month,” said Vesely. There are support groups available for those who need to talk.
Respite time is also available to help give some caregivers some additional free time. “At least once a week a caregiver can get out and just have some time for themselves,” said Vesely. More information about the Family Caregiver Program and its services are available at stillycenter.org/ caregiver.shtml.
Simmons Garage
Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm 315 N West Ave. Arlington
Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm 6423 Humphrey Road, Clinton
360-435-9982
360-341-5274
A1 Auto Service Center Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm 406 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett
425-355-2900 Serving Snohomish & Island County Areas
Season’s Greetings
Schaefer-Shipman funeral home 804 State Ave. Marysville WA 98270 (360) 659-3711
Merry
Christmas
from Our Family to Yours
from
720 West Avenue Arlington • 360-435-8929 www.allcreaturesvetservice.com 15714 Smokey Pt. Blvd | Marysville 360-436-4610
Communities
facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook
Volunteers needed for Girls on the Run youth development program Girls on the Run of Snohomish County (GOTR) is looking for dedicated individuals to serve as coaches and mentors during the spring season, April 18-June 13, 2022. The nonprofit organization is currently seeking volunteer coaches to facilitate the program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade in Snohomish County. No experience is necessary and coach training, program curriculum, supplies and coach support are provided for volunteers. While coaches serve as mentors and positive role models for program participants, it is beneficial for the volunteers as well. “Even though I’m there to help them learn, the girls actually teach me a lot,” said Mandy Enselman, a longtime volunteer with Girls on the Run. “I really like how the GOTR program teaches a lot of great techniques that girls can also use in the future, especially with communication, working with others and emotional awareness.” Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires girls in 3rd through 8th grade to be joyful, healthy and confident. The eight-week program incorporates physical activity to teach critical life skills and provide socialemotional learning, including personal development, making meaningful connections with others as well as contributing to the community — activities and skills that are necessary and valuable in post-pandemic recovery efforts. Volunteer coaches utilize a structured curriculum to engage teams of girls in elementary and middle school in fun, interactive lessons. Teams meet twice per week during the eight-week season and the program culminates with participants completing a 5K run. The inclusive and interactive team environment fostered by Girls on the Run creates the perfect place for coaches to mentor and empower the next generation of strong, empathetic women. “It is important to us that our coaches reflect the girls we serve and we encourage our community members, Sure, you love our paper... but don’t forget to
RECYCLE
after you’ve read it all!
who may not have connections to a specific school, to get involved. You have so much to give to the youth in our community,” said Executive Director Megan Wolfe. “Coaches do not need to be runners. We love for our coaching teams to show girls a variety of ways to be healthy, whether it is running, walking, or something else.” Coaches must commit to attending practices twice a week during the season. Coaches do not need to be athletes but must be at least 18 years old. Coaches are required to complete a background check and attend coach training. Junior coaching positions are available to 16- to 18-yearold high school students. For more information about coaching and Girls on the Run of Snohomish County, visit www.GirlsontheRunSnoCo.org.
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
11
County offers tips to help you prepare for winter Snohomish County staff is reminding residents of some useful tools and helpful tips to prepare for any snow and ice events this winter. For those venturing through unincorporated Snohomish County, visit the Public Works Snow and Ice webpage at https://bit. ly/3ER0p03 for road closure information and more. Public Works’ new snow removal and anti-icing map at https://bit.ly/3s0i3Lk shows which routes are primary and secondary, and allows residents to see what county roads have been recently plowed, sanded or had antiicing applied. Road Maintenance is responsible for approximately 1,600 total miles of roads. Multiple snowplow passes and treatments may be required to keep primary routes passable. All other routes will be addressed based on priority, existing resources, and weather conditions. The prioritization of
CELEBRATING 64 YEARS!
Wishing You a Merry Christmas 308 N Olympic Ave. Arlington, WA 98223 Open Daily 5am - 3pm 360-435-2724
snow and ice routes are based on traffic volume, bus routes, terrain, and knowledge of problem areas. Emergencies affecting life and safety in a winter storm may change these guidelines. The prioritization does not change based on public calls — even multiple calls — requesting service. During snow/ice weather events, it’s also important to: n Know who to call and when: • Life-threatening emergencies, call 911. • Non-life threatening emergencies: 425-407-3999. n Give snowplows and deicer equipment plenty of room to work. Allow for a minimum following distance of 200 feet. n If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the displaced snow and
ice, or sand spray. n Vehicles parked along all major arterials and emergency routes must be moved off the street. Those vehicles left in the travel lane of a roadway and blocking traffic may be towed at the owner’s expense. It is recommended for vehicles to be moved when snow is in the forecast. Parking vehicles in the driveway and off the road helps the snowplows finish routes more quickly and efficiently. n Residents clearing driveways and snow berms are advised to pile the snow to the left side as you face the house, especially closer to the road. This prevents the snowplow blade from pushing the material back into the driveway. Throwing snow onto the road creates obstructions in the roadway and can be hazardous.
n Keep drainage inlets near your home clear of leaves and debris during the winter months to help reduce the chance of flooding. n Try to keep garbage bins and other obstacles out of the street when the roads are icy or covered with snow. n Obey road closed signs. Be sure to have vehicles mechanically prepared for cold weather. Four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or higher clearance vehicles reduce problems on secondary roads; have tire chains or traction tires readily available. Keep food, water and medical supplies in your home that will last up to one week. Be aware of weather reports to plan ahead for even longer periods of time.
Products that provide the highest levels of purity, potency, and performance. The best nature and science can provide, 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Children’s Products • Household Cleaners • Personal Care • Vitamins • Minerals • Herbs • Nutrition Skin Therapy • Weight Loss • Anti-Aging
Creating Healthier Lives ® Independent Distributor ™
Call Nancy at (360) 659-9045 • Toll Free 1-800-659-8086 www.shaklee.com/healthybasics4u
12
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
Communities
www.northcountyoutlook.com
Elf on the Shelf returns to downtown Marysville By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Downtown Marysville business owners hid elves around their businesses again this year as part of their annual Elf on the Shelf event. This year the event was held between Nov. 27 and Dec. 4. “We have a specific elf in each business and people come look for them,” said Mary Kirkland, a member of the Downtown Marysville Merchants Association and owner of Hilton & Company. “After all of the elves are found they can leave the card at any of the participating businesses to be entered into the drawing. The event is meant to bring people into local small businesses and also to give back to local families. “It promotes businesses in downtown Marysville and Third Street,” said Kirkland.
Elf on the Shelf also “gives a sense of festivities and gives families something to do together in their own hometown,” she said. Families enjoy the opportunity to come to the downtown for a holiday activity. “I think the kids absolutely love to scoot around and find them. It’s very much like a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt so they are very much energized to find them,” said Kirkland. “At most of the businesses when they find the elf they get a little treat too." Parents also get the chance to see some local small businesses. “It gives the parents the opportunity to shop around while the kids are looking for the specific elf,” said Kirkland. Kirkland said it is fun for her to hide the elf around the store as well. “I love seeing young children come into our store and be excited,” she said.
The Elf on the Shelf event went well this year. “The first day, which was Small Business Saturday, lots of people were in hunting for the elves,” said Kirkland. “We’ve already had a number of people complete their card." Families who complete their Elf on the Shelf card get entered into a drawing, which is traditionally done at the Merrysville for the Holidays event in the beginning of December. This year first prize was sponsored by Studio Evergreen, second prize by Hilton & Company, and third prize by 3rd Street Books. Kirkland also wanted to thank the city of Marysville who helped start the event. “It was their idea. We had really not thought about it,” she said. “They helped promote it the first couple of years and that was awesome, and then left it for us to continue."
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
‘Edward the Elf ’ was hiding at Hilton & Company on Dec. 3 as part of this year’s downtown Marysville ‘Elf on the Shelf ’ event
Community Transit sets holiday service
Community Transit will operate a Sunday bus schedule on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and a Saturday schedule on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Friday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and Friday, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) Snohomish County local bus, Swift and DART service: Sunday schedule. No Community Transit bus service to Seattle or Northgate. Sound Transit service from Snohomish County: ST Route 512: Sunday schedule. Customer Care phone lines and the RideStore at Lynnwood Transit Center: Closed. Saturday, Dec. 25 (Christmas) and Saturday, Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) All buses and DART service: Saturday schedule. Customer Care phone lines and RideStore: Closed. Community Transit and Sound Transit buses will operate regular weekday schedules during the rest of the week. Route schedules are available at www.communitytransit.org/Schedules.
Share your news! Help us tell your neighbors about club activities, fundraising events, meeting schedules and more. Send information to: North County Outlook, P.O. Box 39, Marysville, WA 98270 or email the information to: editor@northcounty-outlook.com.
Communities
facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
13
Application process opens for vacant MSD board seat The Marysville School District Board of Directors is accepting applications to replace the position of District 3 Board Director, serving the central areas of the school district. The elected board candidate for District 3, Sherry Weersing, notified the school district in writing on Dec. 9, 2021, that she has decided not to accept her election as the Director for this district. A map of the district can be viewed at https://bit. ly/3yvvHax. State law requires the remaining school board members to appoint a replacement within 90 days of the vacancy notification. The appointed director will fill the seat until the next odd-year election (November 2023) and, if interested, will need to file their intent to run for the new 4-year
term (November 2023 November 2027). The filing window with the Snohomish County Elections Office for the new 4-year term will be in May of 2023. Applications for the open seat are being accepted now through Jan. 7, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Application packets are available at the district’s Educational Service Center at 4220 80th Street NE or online at https://www.msd25.org/ page/school-board-application. The district will utilize the following criteria for the selection of the replacement board member based on the Washington School Board Standards: n Values and Ethical Behavior — Maintains a belief that all students can learn at high levels and places students' needs first.
Models high ethical standards. Commits to treating each individual with dignity and respect. n Leadership — Contributes to thoughtful governance discussions and decisions by being wellinformed, open-minded, and deliberative. A collaborative team member who understands that the authority rests with the Board as a whole and not with an individual director. Works in collaboration to develop and support the district’s Strategic Plan. Follows through on commitments – with passion, in word and action, for all students. n Professional Development — Willing to commit the time and energy necessary to be informed and competent. Desire to stay abreast of current issues, research, applicable
laws, regulations, and policies that affect public education. Supports professional development, individually and with the board/ superintendent team. n Equity Focused — Commitment to closing the opportunity and achievement gaps of our students through the development of policies that eliminate systematic disparities and barriers to an inclusive environment n Excellent Communication — Respectful two-way communicator, including skills in active listening, speaking in public, and dialoguing – while maintaining an open mind. n Accountability — Contributions to school, community, and youthfocused activities; one who consistently operates with integrity and is accountable
Michael William Veesenmeyer
In loving memory of Michael William Veesenmeyer. Born March 6, 1959 and died August 14, 2021. Leaves behind mother Karoline Ve e s e n meyer, his d a u g h ters Elisha, Jessica, and grandchildren; brothers Billy, Tom and Rod; sisters Maureen Heidi; and aunts, uncles nieces and nephews. Now that these angels had taken you away to the sweetest one of all to our Lord heavenly stay. Son we miss you and will see you on that glorious day.
360-659-1100
and description can be viewed on the district website at https://www.msd25. org/o/District/page/meetthe-board or verified by calling the Snohomish County Elections office at 425-388-3444. The Snohomish County Elections office provides resources for those interested in serving including a Candidate Guide. For more information, contact the Superintendent’s Office at 360-9650001 or email toni_bartley@msd25.org.
Wishing You a Merry Christmas
STILLY AUTO PARTS
Obituaries
You can submit an Obituary by emailing it to editor@northcountyoutlook.com or by mailing it to PO Box 39 Marysville, WA 98270. Obituaries (4 inches or less) are published at no cost. Additional space for an obituary is billed at $13.50 per column inch. For more information call
to the community. Interviews will be held after the application process closes, with an announcement of the appointed director made at a future school board meeting where the Oath of Office will be administered. More information about serving on the school board is available on the district website at https://www. msd25.org/page/board-ofdirectors. Interested parties must reside in the Director District Area 3. The area map
ARLINGTON STANWOOD 220 N. West Ave 10410 - 269th St. NW 360-435-2116 360-629-2106 Serving Snohomish County for the past 52 years
Season’s Greetings
19604-67th Ave. NE, Arlington www.cuzconcrete.com www.cuzseptic.com
CLC Auto Licensing Season’s Greetings
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from All of Us Tabs • Titles •Tonnage • Notary Monday - Friday 9-5 • Saturday 9-1
9611 State Ave., Ste. F • Marysville
Marysville Shopping Center • 360-657-4444
Complete Auto Repair & Service
SMALLGuy
TALLGuy BROWN’S PLUMBING & SPAS 1717 Grove Street • Bldg. B • Marysville • 360-659-1002 Monday-Friday 8-5 • Saturday 10-3 • Closed for Lunch
Subscribe to the North County Outlook
Call 360-659-1100
1309 Eighth St. Marysville 360-653-9627
Automotive
14
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
Opinion
n BEING FRANK
Ed Johnstone elected NWIFC Chair Ed Johnstone of the have to keep fighting for Quinault Indian Nathose who don’t have a tion has been elected voice – the generations chair of the Northwest of fish and people still Indian Fisheries Comunborn.” Johnstone will carry mission. He succeeds on Loomis’ work, as well Lorraine Loomis, who as that of Billy Frank Jr., passed away in August. who was NWIFC chair Johnstone will serve the for 30 years until his remainder of Loomis’ passing in 2014. term through May 2022. As the fisheries poli“Being chosen to folEd Johnstone cy spokesperson for the low the footsteps left by Quinault Indian Nation, Billy and Lorraine is a Johnstone has extensive experience in great honor and I take the responsibility management of salmon, steelhead, crab, seriously. I’ll give it all I’ve got,” Johnclams, black cod and halibut. He has stone said. “I’ve learned a lot from those served as Quinault’s commissioner to who have come before. My brother Guy the NWIFC since 2000 and as treasurer McMinds taught me when to fight and from 2009 to 2021. He serves on the when to shake hands. Quinault leader Southern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Jim Harp taught me the need to stand Commission and the Intergovernmen- up for what’s right and to persevere. tal Policy Council, a forum of tribal and Tribal leaders like Joe DeLaCruz, Billy state co-managers of the ocean area that and Lorraine knew when to step in to includes the Olympic Coast National provide vision and leadership to inspire Marine Sanctuary. Johnstone previously others to join hands in times of need. served on the Quinault Tribal Council The challenges we face today are huge, from 1996 to 2002. but not insurmountable. Tribes can’t go “The treaty tribes of the Northwest it alone. We have to tell others of who Indian Fisheries Commission have a we are and what we stand for, remind responsibility to make tough decisions our federal trustees of their responsibilas stewards for the resource and to ities, and forge enduring partnerships work with our state natural resources to succeed. Tribes need to be a strong co-managers to protect fish for our and growing force for change.” The NWIFC is a support service children and their children,” Johnstone said. “Fish and fishing have been an organization for the 20 treaty Indian inseparable part of my life for as long tribes in western Washington that are as I can remember, providing food, in- co-managers of the region’s natural recome and spiritual connection to being sources with the state of Washington. Quinault. The commission provides services to “In the 21 years I’ve represented the tribes in areas such as fisheries manQuinault Nation, I’ve learned that tribes agement, habitat protection and fish have to be at the table to protect our health. The NWIFC also provides a fotreaty rights and the fisheries resource,” rum for tribes to address shared natural Johnstone said. “Fisheries management resources management concerns and has become more challenging every year enables the tribes to speak with a uniwith the ongoing loss of habitat, declin- fied voice. ing salmon runs and impacts of climate The NWIFC is headquartered in change. Sometimes, it seems like we’re Olympia, with satellite offices in Forks, losing more than we’re gaining, and we Burlington and Poulsbo and employs a need to run just to try to keep up, but we staff of 80.
www.northcountyoutlook.com
Festival float participates in Electric Lights Parade On Saturday, Dec. 4, the Strawberry Festival float and volunteers participated in the Merrysville for the Holidays Electric Lights Parade. It had been two years since we have had the opportunity to walk in a parade. It was a cold night but the rain held off. The float was decked out in lights, Christmas tree, presents and, of course, strawberries. Driver Tom King played lots of wonderful Christmas music and we even had children ride on the float: Kailene and Jacob Nyugen, grand niece and nephew of one of the Board members. Changes will be happening with our Royalty this year. We will not be having Jr. Royalty, instead we will be having an Alternate Sr. Royalty. The Prince or Princesses Alternate will participate in at least 4 parades and attend the local Royalty activities, they will also fill in if one of the other Royalty is not able to attend a parade. The Scholarship for the Alternate will be $1,500. The Queen/King will receive $5,000, the two Princes/Princesses will each receive $3.500. Plus everyone is eligible for the Congeniality Award of $500.
The Berry Patch Another change this year is we will not be holding a pageant. Instead, judging will be done on each participant’s speech given to different Business groups. Applications have been sent to the local high schools or can be found on our website at www.maryfest.org or email us at Maryfest.org@gmail.com. Juniors and Senior high school students this is a great way to earn a scholarship for college or trade school. All applications are due Jan. 1, 2022. In other news from the Festival, these past few months we been collecting soft plastic-this includes: bubble wrap, plastic bags, grocery bags and any type of plastic that you could crinkle in your hand. With the help of other local nonprofits the Festival was able to collect 500 pounds of the plastic. This plastic will be turned into a bench that will be given to the Tulalip Senior Center for all the support
North County Outlook is published every Wednesday and mailed direct to households and businesses in Marysville, Arlington, Smokey Point, Tulalip and Quil Ceda Village. Letters to the editor, community news and story ideas may be e-mailed to editor@northcountyoutlook.com, or sent to the mailing address below. The Publisher reserves the right to edit material for content, grammar, taste, style or length, and all submitted items are published at the sole discretion of the Publisher. News Deadline: Friday before publication 5PM editor@northcountyoutlook.com
the Tulalip Tribes have given the Strawberry Festival over the years. The company who makes the benches is called NexCrex out of Snohomish. We are now helping another nonprofit group and in six months we plan to start collecting for another bench. This is a great way to keep the soft plastic out of our landfills. Interested in joining us for some fun and an opportunity to travel to other cities representing our great city? The Festival could always use more volunteers. In fact we are looking for two new Board members. If you would like to become involved with Strawberry Festival please call 360-659-7664 or email us at maryfest.org@gmail.com. Our monthly meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Festival Office (1412 First St, Marysville). Starting at 6 p.m. We look forward to hearing from you and making new friends. In closing, all of us the Strawberry Festival would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year. Looking forward to our 2022 Parade Season. Alice VanBeek
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sue Stevenson Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Frank Staff Writers . . . . Christopher Andersson, Nathan Whalen Display Ad Sales . . . . . . . . . . Carole Estenson, Jim Jackson Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christina Poisal Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leah Hughes-Anderson Contributing Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Smith
P.O. Box 39 • Marysville, WA 98270 1331 State Ave. #A • Marysville, WA
Ad Deadline: Thursday before publication 4 PM sue@northcountyoutlook.com
(360) 659-1100 Fax (360) 658-7536 www.northcountyoutlook.com
Printing and Direct Mail Services provided by Skagit Publishing
Member Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
Weekly Puzzle CLUES ACROSS 1. Chinese Muslim group 5. Alternative name 10. Resounds 12. Supporter 14. Furnishes anew 16. Beloved Hollywood alien 18. Supervises flying 19. Ballplayer’s tool 20. Coarse edible red seaweed 22. Former CIA 23. Basketball player 25. Travel necessities 26. Honey producer 27. Military analysis (abbr.) 28. Diego, Francisco, Anselmo 30. Mental sharpness and inventiveness 31. Popular Easter meal 33. Man (Spanish) 35. __ de la __ 37. Counterweights 38. Made a harsh, grating noise 40. Monetary unit 41. Commercials 42. Cool! 44. Partner to cheese 45. Expression of creative skill
48. Unit of angle 50. Transported 52. N. American people of Kansas 53. Computer game character Max 55. Moved swiftly 56. Everyone has one 57. Tin 58. A mole is one 63. Nocturnal hoofed animals 65. Oppositional to 66. Monetary units 67. Not on time CLUES DOWN 1. Hogshead (abbr.) 2. Misery resulting from affliction 3. Defunction European group 4. Line on a map 5. Becomes less intense 6. Back muscle 7. Frosted 8. Ethiopian town 9. Midway between south and east 10. Wipe from the record 11. In a continuous way
13. Breathe 15. Cleaning device 17. Male organ 18. Tab on a key ring 21. Criminals 23. Taxi 24. Cheer of encouragement 27. Wartime American escort carrier 29. Polish river 32. Current unit 34. Life form 35. Painful contractions 36. Glowing 39. Press against lightly 40. Melancholic 43. Something you can be under 44. Of the mind 46. E. Indian cereal grass 47. Couple 49. Sharpshoot 51. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 54. __ Blyton, children’s author 59. Human gene 60. Data mining methodology (abbr.) 61. Examines animals 62. Mineral64. Cools your home
Sports
facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
M'ville, Arlington grapplers pick up wins By Nathan Whalen nathan@northcountyoutlook.com Wrestlers from Marysville Pilchuck and Arlington had a strong showing during a dual meet Dec. 7. Teams from both schools earned victories against Lynnwood and Cedarcrest during matches that took place at Marysville Pilchuck. The Tomahawks topped Lynnwood 45-29 and Cedarcrest 46-36 while the Eagles bested Lynnwood 56-18 and Lynnwood 56-18. Marysville and Arlington didn’t wrestle each other Dec. 7. That match is scheduled for Jan. 18 in Arlington. “We wrestled hard and that’s why we came out with a victory,” Marysville Pilchuck coach Marcus Haughian said. “My kids are hungry.” He highlighted the efforts of Joseph Davis, a freshman wrestling at 145 pounds who won with a pin in one of his matches. “He’s going to have a great future as a Tomahawk.” Sophomore Milo Longstreet-Jones won both of his matches via pins. Haughian said he used to be part of the youth program in Marysville. Sophomore Leeto Perez, wrestling at 138 pounds, was behind in his match against a wrestler Chandler Olds of Lynnwood but won with a pin in the third period. Arlington’s Dustin Baxter, wrestling at 145 pounds, won against both Cedarcrest and Lynnwood. Senior Trevor Latta, wrestling at 182 pounds, won one match by pin and his second match was a forfeit.
Earlier in the week, Henderson said both Baxter and Latta competed at the Edmonds Invite Dec. 4 and won their respective weight classes. “We’re looking forward to seeing them at the state tournament,” Arlington assistant coach Seth Henderson said. Freshman Chase Deberry won his match against Lynnwood with a pin. “He’s a real athletic kid,” Henderson said. Junior Ameer Alwadi, competing at 285 pounds, earned one pin Dec. 7. “He has a ton of energy, and he has a lot of drive,” Henderson said. Marysville Pilchuck was competing in its second match Dec. 7. Of the 12 freshmen competing for the Tomahawks, five are on varsity. Some wrestlers are competing for the first time, Haughian said. He added the team lost a couple of wrestlers to injuries that occurred during the previous fall sports season. “I just want to see my freshman compete in every match,” Haughian. Like Marysville Pilchuck, Arlington also has a younger team. Henderson estimated about a third are freshman and a third are sophomores. He added that 38 students signed up to wrestle. “They’re just having a great time,” Henderson said. “There’s a real family feel on the team.” He said the team’s goal is to not lose a dual meet this season but said the meet against Stanwood, scheduled for Jan. 8, will be a tough match. He added the Eagles also have challenging tour-
With four players scoring in double figures, Lakewood topped Oak Harbor 84-58 during a home game Dec. 7. “We started out hot,” Lakewood head coach Anthony Wiederkehr said adding the team likes a fast, up-and-down pace and acknowledged the team needs to clean some things up on defense. Senior forward Blake Conyers scored 16 of his 19 points in the first quarter. Wiederkehr highlighted the efforts of Dillon Willson, a junior guard who scored eight points. “He gave us big minutes,” Wiederkehr said. Willson, along with junior guard Mason Weller played ag-
gressive when Oak Harbor was making a run. Weller scored 12 points, senior guard Justice Taylor scored 20 points, and freshman guard Evan Stacey scored 11 points. Lakewood jumped out to a big lead by the end of the first quarter, doubling up the Wildcats 28-14. The Cougars extended the lead to 17 points by the end of the first half and was ahead 45-28. The Cougars pushed their lead to 20 points by the end of the third quarter before finishing the game 26 points ahead. The Dec. 9 victory brings Lakewood’s record to 3-0 for the season. The Cougars defeated Stanwood 46-43, Dec. 1, and Anacortes 7037, Dec. 7. Wiederkehr said the game against Anacortes was
the Cougars’ best game of the season so far. “We played great defense and we shot really well,” Wiederkehr said, adding the team played with a lot of intensity on defense. “That game gave us a lot of confidence.”
PHOTO BY NATHAN WHALEN
Marysville Pilchuck freshman Theo Beua, wrestling at 120 pounds, competes against a wrestler from Lynnwood. naments scheduled throughout the season that included the Edmonds Invite Dec. 4, Spud Walley in Sedro-Woolley, and the Panther Classic in Snohomish Jan. 8. Up next for Marysville Pilchuck is hosting Cascade Dec. 14 and Snohomish Dec. 17 while Arlington visits Marysville Getchell Dec. 15 and hosts Kamiak Dec. 17.
“We have a lot of guys that can score on any given night,” Wiederkehr said, adding the team will get better throughout the season. He said his players are quick, strong, and athletic. When you have players with
that combination, “you’re going to be in good shape.” Lakewood’s season continues Dec. 20 when the Cougars host Burlington Edison, and Dec. 21 when they host Archbishop Murphy. Kickoff for both games is 7:15 p.m.
Naughty or Nice?
Now’s your chance to let your child or loved one know how they rank on Santa’s Naughty or Nice List!
In our December 22nd issue, North County Outlook will feature Santa’s Naughty or Nice List to see if they will be waking up to a stocking full of gifts or that dreaded piece of coal – all in good fun of course!
Kids from 1 to 93 can have their names printed on Santa’s List and used as a keepsake for years to come. Only $3.00 per name – or 4 for $10.00 (Must be prepaid)
I want to place the following names on Santa’s List: Naughty Nice
Name: ________________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________
Mail check and order form to “Santa’s List”
North County Outlook • P.O. Box 39, Marysville, WA, 98270
Or bring in to: 1331 State Ave., Ste. A, Marysville PHOTO BY NATHAN WHALEN
Lakewood senior Blake Conyers drives toward the basket during a game against Oak Harbor Dec. 9.
Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES ROBERT WOOLDRIDGE, Deceased, NO. 21-402102-31, PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS, RCW 11.40.030
Lakewood tops Oak Harbor 84-58 By Nathan Whalen nathan@northcountyoutlook.com
15
THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE NAMED BELOW has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: December 8, 2021. Personal Representative: Sara Wooldridge Attorney for Personal Representative: Steven J. Peiffle, WSBA #14704 Address for Mailing or Service: P.O. Box 188, 103 North Street, Arlington, WA 98223 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Snohomish County Superior Court, Cause No. 21-4-02102-31.
For Sale
Nissan Sentra, good condition, manual, 1996, 40+ mpg. $2,500 obo. (360) 651-6295
Help Wanted
Disabled person needs help around the house. $11/hour.
425-232-3141.
For Sale
1991 Buick Roadmaster Wagon "Future Classic" Motortrend Mag. Big. Comfortable. 175,000 miles 18+ mpg $3,100 Call Ron at 206-617-5175 leave message Crossword answers from page 14
16
December 15, 2021 - December 21, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK
Communities
www.northcountyoutlook.com
n WHISTLING GARDENER
Try growing indoor blooming plants For those of only Paperwhites us that miss the come from a pleasures of garmilder climate in dening this time and around Israel of year, growwhere it seldom ing things inside even freezes. In the house can By Steve Smith San Diego where be a good subI grew up, these stitute. Forcing bulbs like were the only type of NarPaperwhites and Amaryllis cissus that would naturalize can help us fill a need to be and bloom reliably every grounded in nature and can year. The Paperwhites sold uplift any soul mired in the in stores this time of year gray doldrums of a north- are intended to be planted west winter. This is the time indoors. Do not plant them of year when garden centers outside or they will freeze sell these easy to grow pick- and die. All you have to do me-ups and if you are feeling is place a half dozen of them a little down, perhaps you in a shallow bowl with some should give them a try. Here small pebbles to anchor are a few pointers on how to them and add water up to the bottom of the bulb. Afsucceed. Paperwhites are a type ter one week, they will start of Narcissus, much like the to put out roots and in two ones you would find grow- weeks they will have 2 to ing up in the Skagit Valley, 3-inch-long green shoots.
In 5 to 6 weeks, they will be blooming and smelling up your entire home. It’s a no brainer. If you have grown Paperwhites before, then you know what I am talking about. You don’t even need dirt, just rocks, water, average household lighting and a small stake and some twine to hold them up. If they are getting too tall, add a teaspoon of Vodka to the water and that will slow them down. When they have finished blooming just throw them out, they’re cheap. For a bit more drama, give Amaryllis a try. This is a large bulb about the size of a soft ball that produces several 24-inch naked (as in no leaves) stalks with large colorful trumpet-like flowers in about 8 to 10 weeks
from planting. These bulbs, technically known as Hippeastrum (pronounced Hippy-aye-strum), are native to Central and South America where they go dormant in the winter and bloom in the spring. When purchased and planted this time of the year, they are already dormant and ready to start growing. Plant Amaryllis in a 6 to 8-inch pot using potting soil and leave about one-third of the bulb above the soil line. Water thoroughly and then sparingly from then on, keeping the plant in full light and above 55 degrees. In about 8 weeks your plant will bloom and continue to do so for several weeks. When the blooms fade, cut off the stalk and new leaves will start to appear. You can move your Amaryllis outside after all
COURTESY PHOTO
Forcing bulbs like Amaryllis can be good for this time of year. danger of frost and enjoy the foliage for the summer. Just bury the pot and all, and don’t forget to fertilize it. In late summer, let it dry out and that will force it into dormancy where you can start the whole process over again. In recent years the horticultural industry has come up with the brilliant idea of selling Amaryllis where the bulb has been dipped in paraffin and dressed up with moss so that all you have to do is place it on the coffee ta-
ble and watch it grow. I have to confess that as magical as this might be, it somehow doesn’t quite fill my need to be grounded in nature. I still need a little dirt under my fingernails. Whatever indoor blooming bulbs you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Stay safe and keep on gardening!
Steve Smith is the owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached at sunnysidenursery@msn.com.