Wanda Sykes at Tulalip, May 24 & 25

TRC_Wall_WandaSykes_LEFTWanda Sykes! Saturday, May 24-25, 2013
Orca Ballroom
Doors open at 7:00 PM – Show starts at 8:30 PM
Tickets start at $50
All attendees of show must be 21+
Tickets available on March 15!

Comedy show packages start at $329* and include:

  • Tickets to show (Row 5 or 6, center section)
  • Overnight accommodations
  • Eagles Buffet breakfast

Call 866.716.7162 to book your package on March 15!

International Wildlife Trade Group Votes to Protect Hundreds of Species

Shawn Heinrichs for the Pew Environment GroupSharks are so coveted throughout Asia for their fins that a good 30 percent of the world's species are in danger of extinction.Read more at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/03/14/international-wildlife-trade-group-votes-protect-hundreds-species-148190

Shawn Heinrichs for the Pew Environment Group
Sharks are so coveted throughout Asia for their fins that a good 30 percent of the world’s species are in danger of extinction.
Read more at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/03/14/international-wildlife-trade-group-votes-protect-hundreds-species-148190

Source: Indian Country Today Media Network

In its final plenary vote, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) formalized the protection of hundreds of species, including manta rays and five species of shark, at its closing session in Bangkok on March 14.

It brings to eight the number of shark species that fall under CITES protection, The New York Times reported. Trade in two species of manta ray is also protected.

“This is a major win for some of the world’s most threatened shark species, with action now required to control the international trade in their fins,” said Susan Lieberman, director of international environment policy at The Pew Charitable Trusts in a statement. “This victory indicates that the global community will collaborate to address the plight of some of the most highly vulnerable sharks and manta ray species. Today was the most significant day for the ocean in the 40-year history of CITES.”

The Pew Charitable Trusts has dubbed 2013 the Year of the Shark to bring attention to the danger that these marine animals are in worldwide. Shark fins, meat, gill plates and aquarium animals are in high demand, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which has 143 shark species on its endangered list.

“The rising demand for shark fins, shark meat, gill plates, and aquarium animals is seriously threatening the survival of these species,” the IUCN said in a statement after the vote. “Up to 1.2 million oceanic whitetip sharks, which are fished for their large and distinctive fins, pass through the markets of Southeast Asia every year, and over 4,000 manta rays are harpooned for their gills.”

The manta rays are harvested for their gill rakers, which filter their food from the water and are used in an Asian health tonic, Pew said.

In all, hundreds of species were awarded protection, CITES said in a statement, among them rhinos and elephants, which have been hunted nearly to extinction by poachers. A U.S.–sponsored ban on trading polar bear parts was defeated, in a move that was lauded by Inuit peoples.

Two thirds of CITES’ 177 member governments and organizations voted in favor of the shark and ray protections. The international body meets every three years to discuss the preservation of 35,000 species, its delegates representing 178 governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations and indigenous groups, according to the Associated Press.

 

Read more at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/03/14/international-wildlife-trade-group-votes-protect-hundreds-species-148190

Healthcare blossoms at Seattle’s Pike Place Market

Source: SEIU Healthcare

CoverMe Rally sends message to Olympia to fund Medicaid expansion covering more than 250,000 people, saving the state $225 million and adding 10,000 jobs

SEATTLE – More than tourists flocked to Pike Place Market Thursday. Dozens of everyday Washingtonians rallied outside the Pike Market Medical Clinic calling for full implementation of Medicaid expansion. “Cover Me,” they chanted, as nearly 100 umbrellas printed with “Cover Me” opened in unison creating a display that rivaled the floral bouquets in the Public Market.

“Just because I work in the service industry doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have health insurance,” said Cassie Cotham, 27, of Seattle, a volunteer with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She delayed seeking medical care because she was uninsured, but two years ago she became so ill she could no longer work. Cotham was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “Medicaid expansion would allow people like me to seek necessary medical care and not worry about balancing bills with going to the doctor.”

Cotham isn’t alone. More than 261,000 low-income Washington residents would be covered under Medicaid expansion, if the Legislature acts this session. The expansion would use Federal dollars to expand coverage to thousands of people, would save $225 million dollars and add 10,000 jobs statewide.

“Too often we see people desperately ill in the emergency rooms of our hospitals because they’ve postponed seeking treatment due to a lack of insurance coverage,” said Susan Tekola, a nurse with SEIU Healthcare 1199NW. “We support Medicaid expansion because it makes sense to provide quality coverage for all Washington residents allowing them to enjoy more healthy, productive lives.”

People at the rally wrote messages on two umbrellas which will be delivered to Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp and Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom urging the Legislature to act swiftly.

“We hope our political leaders hear the message that Washington’s bounty should include not just salmon, great coffee and wonderful produce,” said Lynne Treat, of Chehalis. She’s a volunteer with AARP of Washington. She spoke Thursday about the need for people between ages 50 to 64 to have coverage. “All Washingtonians deserve quality health care.”

A recent Elway poll found that two-thirds of state residents support Medicaid expansion. Studies show that people without health insurance have a greater risk of prolonged illnesses, disability and death.

The rally was organized by the Healthy Washington Coalition, which represents a broad range of more than 70 organizations across the state.

Having fun and living healthy

By Kim Kalliber, Tulalip News staff; Photos Jeannie Briones

 

Tulalip Tribal member Thomas Reeves learns the importance of brushing his teeth properly.
Tulalip Tribal member Thomas Reeves learns the importance of brushing his teeth properly.

 

Staff at the Tulalip Early Head Start (EHS) Learning Center proved that learning to live healthy could be fun. On March 13th a crowd of young children were seen donning firemen hats, eating healthy treats, playing games, and learning the basics of proper healthcare at the EHS Mini Health and Safety Fair.

“Here at Early Head Start, we decided it [fair] would be a good opportunity to provide health and safety information to our parents in the program and other families,” said Katrina Lane, EHS Family Partnership Coordinator.

A variety of booths, filled with educational information and hands-on learning techniques, aimed to increase parents knowledge of healthy eating, including proper food portions and basic nutrition, along with treating head lice and common household products that can be poisonous to children. Tulalip Health Clinic staff stressed the importance of immunizations and well child examines to combat disease and viruses and ensure the overall well-being of children.

Members of the Tulalip Dental Clinic were on hand to teach kids and parents about proper dental care, and Tulalip firefighters talked about safety tips, and handed out bright red firemen hats to the kids.

Parent Heather Spencer talked about why attending the health fair was important, saying, “to learn and to teach my kids a better way of life.”

Based on the success of this event,  EHS staff are looking forward to the Health and Safety Fair becoming an annual event.

United Way Recognizes Winners of Community Caring Awards

Mayor Jon Nehring of Marysville, the incoming chair of the United Way campaign joins Bob Throckmorton and Joyce Eleanor, both of Community Transit. Eleanor, CEO of Community Transit, chaired the just completed 2012 Campaign. (Photo Credit: William Wright for United Way of Snohomish County)
Mayor Jon Nehring of Marysville, the incoming chair of the United Way campaign joins Bob Throckmorton and Joyce Eleanor, both of Community Transit. Eleanor, CEO of Community Transit, chaired the just completed 2012 Campaign. (Photo Credit: William Wright for United Way of Snohomish County)
Press Release, United Way
(Everett, WA) – On Wednesday, March 6 almost 600 representatives of Snohomish County companies, nonprofits, school districts and government agencies celebrated the close of the 2012 Community Caring Campaign at an awards dinner hosted by United Way of Snohomish County.
 
After three years of seeing revenues hold steady despite difficult economic times, this year’s campaign saw a slight increase in revenue. The United Way Community Caring campaign includes contributions to the various United Way campaigns, the Combined Federal Campaign and the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound.
 
“We so appreciate that Snohomish County always works together as a community.” said Dr. Dennis Smith, the organization’s president and CEO. “It’s a testament to our County’s caring and can-do spirit.”
 
Although United Way is also raising money for its endowment, is actively seeking grants and works with policymakers to leverage state and federal dollars, the annual campaign through various worksites continues to be the group’s primary source of revenue. Final numbers for the year will be reported in July.
 
“United Way was able to help hundreds of thousands individuals in Snohomish County because the community is able to come together behind the goals of ensuring that our kids are ready to learn, that families have financial stability and our community as a whole is healthy,” said Joyce Eleanor, CEO of Community Transit and chair of the 2012 Campaign.
 
In addition to several of its own initiatives, United Way supports 102 programs through 39 local nonprofits touching the lives of 330,000 people each year.
 
The top organizational award of the evening, the President’s Award was a tie, given to Fluke Corporation and United Parcel Service. The top individual award, the Executives of the Year Awards, were given to Phil McConnell of Work Opportunities and Jerry Goodwin of Senior Aerospace AMT, Absolute Manufacturing and Damar AeroSystems
 
The largest contributions came from The Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound ($1.86 million) and The Boeing Company ($800,000) – co-winners of the Premier Partner Award.
 
With the close of the 2012 campaign year, the community thanked Joyce Eleanor for her leadership of the campaign welcomed Mayor Jon Nehring of Marysville as the 2013 Campaign Chair.
 
Event sponsors included The Boeing Company and AT&T; Union Bank; The Everett Clinic, Jamco America, Inc. and Providence Regional Medical Center Everett; Fluke Corporation and Puget Sound Energy; The Herald, Comcast and Stadium Flowers.
Here is a full list of award winners:
 
President’s Award
Fluke Corporation
United Parcel Service
 
Executive of the Year Award
Phil McConnell, Work Opportunities
Jerry Goodwin, Senior Aerospace AMT, Absolute Manufacturing and Damar AeroSystems
 
Premier Partner Award
The Boeing Company
Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound
 
Employee Campaign Manager of the Year Award
Tess Hernandez, Work Opportunities
Jessica Aldecoa and Gem Malone, B/E Aerospace
Nicole Allard and Laurie Ollestad-Adams, Aviation Technical Services, Inc.
 
Positive Change Award
Everett Public Schools
Jamco America, Inc.
Premera Blue Cross
 
Local Community Hero Award
Vine Dahlen PLLC
Target – Marysville
Tulalip Gaming Organization
 
Labor Partnership Award
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1576
IAM & AW Local 130
 
Best New Campaign
American Girl
United Way is a community impact organization serving Snohomish County for more than 70 years. In addition to funding 102 programs through 39 agencies with a special focus on local health and human services, United Way of Snohomish County supports a number of initiatives focusing on early learning and education, financial stability for families, a youth program, North Sound 211 and an emerging initiative in survival English. 

Old, busy bridge replacement begins

Source: North County Outlook

PilchuckCreekBuilt in 1916, the scenic but single-lane Pilchuck Creek Bridge on SR 9 north of Arlington is one of the oldest bridges in the state. On March 12 crews began minor work in preparation for a project to replace the concrete structure.

The new bridge will be wider, with two lanes and shoulders. It will also be in a slightly different place to help smooth out the sharp curves leading to the bridge.

For the next couple weeks, crews will be working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily to install silt fencing and signs while removing some trees and surveying. WSDOT doesn’t anticipate any cause delays for drivers unless crews need to stop traffic for a few minutes to safely drop a tree or unload equipment. Once this minor work is completed, the project will be on hold until May when bridge construction begins.

Of the 3,600 state-owned bridges in Washington, the 95-year-old Pilchuck Creek bridge is one of the oldest. And at just 17 feet wide, the single-lane bridge is too narrow for modern safety and traffic standards, requiring drivers from either direction to take turns crossing it. The SR 9 corridor in Snohomish County is the only alternative to I-5 and serves a number of rapidly growing communities.

The new bridge is expected to be in place by summer of 2014. The projected cost is nearly $18 million.

Tribal members to select leaders, March 16

After many years of service to the communities of Tulalip and Marysville, Don Hatch Jr. “Penoke” will retire at the end of his current term on the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors.

That means that only one incumbent will be on the ballot as tribal members select two representatives to the 7-member board during elections and the annual General Council meeting on March 16.

Mark Hatch is seeking re-election to the board, and 13 other candidates are vying for votes. Standing for election, in addition to Mark Hatch, are Pat Contraro, Angel Cortez, Debra Fryberg Hatch Muir, David Fryberg, Jr., Raymond L. Fryberg, Sr., Leland “Fella” Jones, Jr., Shelly Lacy, Margie Santibanez, Theresa Sheldon, Danny Simpson, Sr., Tammy Taylor, Herman Williams, Jr., and Marie Zackuse.

The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to serve three-year terms on the Tribes’ governing body.

During the General Council, which takes place beginning at 10 a.m. at the Tulalip Resort Casino, tribal members will also elect officers of the board. Voting polls open 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Seeking Volunteers for Quil Ceda Elementary Book Fair

We are looking for a minimum of 10 volunteers to help us organize and run our upcoming 2013 Book Fair from Monday, May 20 – Thursday, May 23 at the Quil Ceda Elementary School in Marysville.

Tentative Book Fair Itinerary

Fri, May 17: 3:45-4:40 pm – Set up

Mon, May 20: 8:30 am – 3:50 pm – Classroom Sneak-Peak

Tues, May 21: 8:30 am – 3:50 pm – Classroom Sneak-Peak

Wed, May 22: 7:30 am – 8:30 pm – Open for Shopping; 5-7 pm Family Pajama Night

Thurs, May 23: 8:30 am – 3:50 pm – Open for Shopping; 3:50-4:30 pm – Pack up the Fair

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for a portion or all of the Book Fair events, please contact Kristine Leone at kristine_leone@msvl.k12.wa.us or 360-653-0890

 

VanderVeer fetes 90th birthday

By Kirk Boxleitner, The Marysville Globe

Kirk BoxleitnerBlanche Coy James, left, helps her childhood friend, fellow 90-year-old Barbara Caton VanderVeer, hold up VanderVeer’s memorabilia from serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Kirk Boxleitner
Blanche Coy James, left, helps her childhood friend, fellow 90-year-old Barbara Caton VanderVeer, hold up VanderVeer’s memorabilia from serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

EVERETT — Even though Barbara Caton VanderVeer is not a Tulalip Tribal member herself, she can still remember what the Tulalip Indian Reservation looked like more than 80 years ago.

VanderVeer turned 90 years old on Feb. 26, and not only did her family help her celebrate her birthday at a party at the Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett on March 2, but so did her best friend, Blanche Coy James, a Tulalip Tribal member with whom VanderVeer grew up on the reservation.

“I came to Tulalip when I was 6 years old,” said VanderVeer, whose father was a carpenter who taught his trade to students at the school on the reservation. “I wound up staying there for the next 12 years. I met Blanche in the second grade, and we graduated together from Marysville High School.”

“I’m 7 months older than her, and I won’t let her forget it,” James laughed.

Although VanderVeer and James briefly lost touch during World War II, they reunited by chance in Seattle shortly after the war, around the same time that VanderVeer met her future husband.

VanderVeer was kept busy during the war by teaching gunnery to fellow sailors in the U.S. Navy, for which she still proudly shows off her certificates and rank patches. Between the time she entered the fleet in 1943 and when she got out nearly three years later, she was promoted up the chain to petty officer second class.

VanderVeer acknowledged that being stationed in Corpus Christi and Kingsville in Texas as part of her service marked quite a different climate from what she was used to in Washington, but in many ways, the local area that she and James grew up in is almost as stark a contrast to the region as it stands today.

“It’s a different world now,” VanderVeer said. “The forest came right up to the buildings. I think people helped each other out a bit more then.”

“We would walk around in the dark and not even worry,” James said.

“Just getting to Everett was quite an endeavor back then,” VanderVeer said, before laughing, “Of course, part of that was because my father was a lousy driver.”

In the years since then, VanderVeer’s family has grown to include one daughter, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.