Benefits of your GED

Submitted by Jeanne Steffener, Higher Ed

Have you been thinking about taking that leap and getting your GED? Well the back to school season is the perfect time for you to either begin or continue your GED journey. There are benefits in earning your GED. The overwhelming majority of employers in this country require a high school diploma. A GED diploma is accepted by employers, i.e., like a high school diploma. 

The GED testing service introduced a new version of the test in 2014. Format changes occurred in the 2019 update, with no changes to the tested content. With a goal of aligning the tests with the new Common Core curricula, most states adopted the College and Career-Ready Standards Act – 2019. The Common Core standards places more weight on writing and content analysis. The test was originally developed back in 1942 for U.S. military personnel. The GED test gave an alternative option for those who had not completed their high school diploma.
  The current test shifted test taking from pencil and paper to computer format. Instead of five (5) sections, the test series was reduced to four (4) sections that evaluates students’ reasoning capabilities through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies. The Language Arts and Social Studies sections have been absorbed into the essay section and includes writing assignments in each area. The test is not necessarily more difficult, but it quizzes different skills.  

So why are you taking the test and how is it going to help you in the future? A major tenent of the test requires students to show their critical thinking skills through writing that is convincing. So why is this important? Because employers want their new employees to have the ability to think critically. Critical thinking is that ability to analyze and evaluate a problem arriving at a fact-based solution. “The skills that we need, in order, to be able to think critically are varied and include observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving, and decision making. Specifically, we need to be able to: Think about a topic or issue in an
objective and critical way.”1

Receiving your GED, opens many doors for you. Now, you can continue with your education at an accredited trade school, college, or university. In addition, having a GED paves the way for you to establish higher educational goals for your life.

You might have noticed when searching for a job that most employers are requiring at least a high school diploma or GED to apply for a job at their company. Studies have shown that persons with a GED diploma will earn about $400,000 more during their lifetime. This is a HUGE incentive.

Knowing that you were able to reach the goal gives you a giant boost to your self-esteem. With this piece of paper, your whole world opens, and new opportunities present themselves, all because you decided to get YOUR GED. This is a new chapter in your life, and it is going to be amazing because you made the effort to study and persevere, while reaching for the brass ring. Earning a GED is a generational investment. Educated parents generally want their children to become educated.

So, if you want education to become your family’s tradition, please contact Higher ED. The Higher ED Team is ready to assist you on your educational journey. You can either call us at 360-716-4888 or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov for more information.

           “The Skills We Need for Critical Thinking”. Read more at: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/critical-thinking.html

Charlene Paul Williams

March 15, 1943 – July 29, 2021

Born March 15 1943 in Tulalip Washington to Harold and Charlotte Paul. Went on her wonderful journey July 29, 2021

She had a wonderful gift of making everyone happy in her long beautiful life.

Worked many years at Mink farm, Everett Post Office, Bingo kitchen, Smelting, fishing, Cooking ‘mama Buffalo for smokehouse and events and most amazing bread maker. She loved traveling, holidays, flower gardens with all her family. Riding on the boat with her son Lance. Life long boyfriend/friend ex hubby soul mate- “jerk” Arley Williams. Her connection with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed great great grandchildren kept her every day sunny She is proceeded in death by her parents Harold & Charlotte Paul, Amaya Williams, Jonny ‘Bam’Oj Cavanaugh, younger brother, Sisters Janice (Gilbert Sr) Moses, Clarice (Alvin Sr.) Moses, and special dog-Daisy May She travels ahead of Life Partner-Arley Williams, Daughters Charlotte (Kevin) Williams, Janet (George) Williams, Lance (Cindy) Williams, Gail Williams Very special Grandson Nick Edelman, Rheanna Edelman, Charles Sportsman, Fitzgerald ‘Wyatt Rutledge, William Vernon Hunter, Meleena, Shylescha Craig, Shawna (Teddy), Brett, Christopher Williams, Sharrissa Enick, Benny, Tahnee & Jeremy Hammons, Stahawnee, Julene, Casey Williams many grand children, great grand children Cousins and family in our community

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Michael Curtis Enick

January 22, 1963 – July 25, 2021

Mike was born, on Jan. 22, 1963 in Everett WA. He was a loving caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching sports but loved baseball, he like to travel to stick games, and being an auntie slayer. He had fun going to the casinos, he also enjoyed going out to eat, and pulling canoe. He worked at the Bingo Hall, Fish Hatchery, Boom City, AAA, TDS, QCV Maintenance 

He leaves behind children: Michael (Crystal) Monger, Christopher (Heidi) Enick, Dakota (Darla) Monger, David Enick, Andrew Enick Siblings: G. John Enick Jr., Gene Enick, Lynne & John Salem, Harold (Law) Enick, Howie Enick. Aunties and Uncles: Phyllis Enick, Georgina Enick, Connie White, Franny Ike, Darrell Enoch, William Williams Jr. Irene Daniels Grandchildren: Larnell, Martel, Emily, Champ, Albert, Keiden, Keira, Ily, Alisyanna, Kayleena He enters in to heaven with Siblings: Clifford Enick, Darrel Enick, and Delores Moses, Parents: Louie & Maryanne Moses, Gerald Enick Sr. Grandparents: William Williams Sr. Ramona Clara Williams Nephews Johnny Enick, & Toby Enick Aunty Pat Williams-Sheldon.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Monday, Aug. 2, 2021 at 9:00 AM at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Angie Teresa Moses

October 25, 1968 – July 22, 2021

Angie Teresa Moses was born October 25, 1968 and went to be with the lord July 22, 2021. Angie was born to her Father and Mother Victor H. Moses SR & Esther E. Moses.

Angie was a member of the Tulalip Smokehouse and was baptized Catholic as a child. She loved knitting, Dancing to her favorite music, karaoke, swimming at the rivers, camping in the mountains with her family, baking her Mother’s famous rolls, and especially loved spending time with her Children & Grandchildren. Angie was a beautiful woman who was well loved and brought joy to those around her. Most of all she had a contagious laugh.

Angie is survived by her children Anthony (Skyla) Henry, Jasmin Henry, and Nathan Moses. Brothers Kelly R. Moses SR, Shane Moses SR, and Special sister in law Marcella Moses. Grandchildren Isaiah, Kracyn, Louella, Josephine, Anthony Henry Jr, and Ameyna Dupris. Special Cousins Stephanie Mc Manis, and Numerous Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Family, and Friends.

Angie is proceeded in Death by her Mother and Father Victor H. Moses SR and Esther E. Moses. Brothers Victor H. Moses JR, Mark, Kim, and Raymond Moses. Grandparents William Grenier SR, Lillian Grenier, Walter Moses SR, and Marya Moses. Sister in law Denise “Neecie “ Moses, and Special Nephew Kelly C. Moses Jr.

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gym with burial following at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Mary Ellen Tom

August 18, 1951 – July 18, 2021

Mary Ellen Tom was born on August 18, 1951 to Joseph Jimicum and Mary Jane Moses.
She passed away on July 18, 2021. Mary Ellen loved to play Bingo and go to the casino. When she was younger she fished with her dad and siblings later on fishing with her husband, she loved picking berries, clam digging, canning and making jam, family favorites were her famous Blackberry pies and homemade bread. Camping with her kids and grandkids was always a great time. she worked in the kitchen at the Tulalip Bingo.
Mary Ellen loved her family her children and grandchildren meant the world to her.

She is survived by her children Christina (James) Julie (Ron), Joe (Rayenell) and Wendy (Val) numerous Grandchildren and great grandchildren, Sister Ruby and Brothers Albert and Joe.
She was preceded in Death by her Husband Ron Tom, grandparents, Parents, Sisters Mary Jane and Wendy, nieces Hope and Katie, grandsons Andrew and Joshua, Granddaughter Maxine.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Garden Treasures is the perfect family outing

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Have you been desperately wanting to have a family outing to enjoy the summer weather, but want to stay close to home and not break the bank? Well, a trip to Garden Treasures to harvest from a variety of nutritious food, grown locally may be the ideal destination. This organic u-pick farm is located just over 20 minutes from the heart of the Tulalip Reservation. Conveniently located off exit 208, Garden Treasurers offers an everyday farmers market and garden center filled with fresh food.

Taking the family on a farm excursion to pick produce allows children to gain a sense of where their food comes from, demonstrates the satisfaction of seeing how seeds grow into fresh produce that nourish their body, and is a fun way to spend a summer day together.

“I really enjoy having elders and kids visit the farm,” said farm regular, Tulalip elder Dale Jones. “They have big smiles on their faces while enjoying the opportunity to be out in the farm and eat the fresh foods. The kids can see how the food grows and they learn how it’s better for them than fast food and candy. Too many of our people our battling diabetes and obesity because they learned bad eating habits as kids. Making fruits and vegetables a priority at a young age can really make a lifetime’s worth of impact.”

Spending time outdoors while wandering the vast berry fields and green houses at Garden Treasurers is an opportunity to get back to nature, both physically and spiritually. Their seasonal u-pick garden is currently filled with an assortment of flowers, perfectly ripe raspberries and strawberries, and a variety of vegetables, like bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini and onions. They don’t use any synthetic chemicals or fertilizers, so your u-pick experience is safe, clean, and all-natural.

Tulalip tribal members, their families, patients of the Tulalip Health Clinic, and Tulalip employees were encouraged to take full advantage of a unique partnership between Garden Treasures and Tulalip’s own award-winning Diabetes Care and Prevention Program. From 10am to 4pm on July 13th, the Tulalip community turned out in droves to visit the farm, enjoy a healthy bite to eat, and receive a tour by Diabetes Care staff. Most importantly, each visiting household was allowed to pick $30 worth of nutritious produce.

Unlike overly priced grocery stores and organic shops, $30 worth of fruits and vegetables at Garden Treasures goes a long way. You can easily pick an assortment of sweet and spicy peppers, enough raspberries for the kids to snack on for days, some herbs to season up your favorite meals, and make a flower bouquet with the $30 credit. Numerous Tulalip citizens did just that, and for many it was their first time ever picking veggies. 

Donna and Jim Furchert brought their daughters, Joy and Patience, to Garden Treasures and came away with quite the colorful harvest. “We’ve never picked fresh fruit or fresh veggies before, so I wanted us to experience this as a family,” explained Donna. “We’re going to incorporate everything we picked into our dinners over the next few days.”

Six-year-old Patience said she liked digging for peppers the most and was super excited to stumble upon the strawberry patch. She was seen devouring the bright red, heart-shaped berry straight off the bush at every opportunity.

Michelle Martin was another first timer to the Arlington farm. She brought her three young boys Anthony, Brayden and Caiden on an afternoon outing with their grandma and grandpa. “It’s our first time out here and we absolutely love it!” said Michelle while perusing the fields. “Never knew we had a u-pick farm this close to the reservation. This seems like an ideal way to get fresh veggies and fruit. My boys love fruits and were excited to run around the farm to pick their own berries.”

When 5-year-old Anthony and 3-year-old Brayden were told they could pick out some flowers to make their mom a bouquet, they quickly scoured the spacious flower gardens for a colorful bounty.  

For a Tulalip community desiring to eat healthier in order to escape the processed food and refined sugar wasteland, Garden Treasurers is an oasis offering a variety of essential nutrients and vitamins that can make everyday meals more nutritious. Those who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of chronic diseases and a better immune system. Plus, eating fresh produce will make you feel better and have more energy to take on every day challenges of the 21st century. 

In addition to all the health benefits is the wisdom and positive encouragement the dedicated Diabetes Care and Prevention Program staff had to offer to those visiting the farm. They were willing to assist in produce selections, answer any questions, and offer advice about healthy meal making and dietary requirements for those managing diabetes.  

“I am getting to an age in life when it’s important to pass down knowledge and share my gifts with others, especially the younger generation,” explained Roni Leahy, Diabetes Program coordinator. “I love being with the people and listening to them talk about their experiences in the garden or the kids discovering how the plants they eat grow. It is such a precious opportunity to talk about the plants and how important they are in health of our bodies. This truly is prevention of diabetes and other chronic diseases.”

“My favorite part is seeing the community members and their families out at the farm enjoying the vegetables and knowing they are going to go home and prepare a meal they will all remember and enjoy,” added Brooke Morrison, Diabetes Program assistant.

 Visiting Gardening Treasures u-pick farm to harvest the freshest foods can boost your family’s health without creating a dent in your wallet. Bringing the kids can only help them create a lasting relationship with their nature world, while planting seeds of curiosity and excitement for eating a variety of clean food, grown locally. Maybe even, this will be the inspiration your family needs to plant a garden at home.

During the summer months, the farm offers some of the best fresh produce around. Try and grow a diverse palette of seasonal products for a single meal, or stock up the pantry for winter. The next few weeks are the perfect time to find sweet strawberries, delicious raspberries and other garden-fresh produce at your local, organic u-pick farm.

Leah’s Dream Foundation hosts 7th Annual Golf Tournament, raises $35,500

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

It was clear skies, 80-degree weather with an occasional breeze, on the afternoon of July 17. A perfect summer day to spend outdoors, and for golfers specifically, a great day to hit the links. The scenery at the Battle Creek Golf Course was remarkably gorgeous, with tall evergreens lining the fairways. 

Just a day prior, young Leah Stacy took a journey through the course with her family, posting-up signs that read either the name of a local business, individual or family who signed-on to be a sponsor for the 7th annual Golf Tournament hosted by none other than Leah’s Dream Foundation. 

“We really believe in inclusion,” said Leah’s mother and Founder of Leah’s Dream, Deanna Sheldon. “My daughter has apraxia so she doesn’t speak very well. She has very slow speech and her speech is often combined together so you can’t really understand what she’s saying. A lot of [people] overlook that and put a lot of judgements and biases on her. But once they see past the fact that she has apraxia and she does have autism, they see she’s this beautiful little girl who is just radiant and wants to be loved and accepted. It opens up their eyes because we do live in a labeled-world, but we have to embrace each other for everyone’s abilities and hopefully one day all that other stuff will be eliminated.”

After putting the sponsorship signs throughout the Battle Creek course, Leah shared a video to the non-profit’s Facebook account; a cute message to everyone participating in the event stating, “Thank you for playing and sponsoring,” while she wore a huge smile.

While advocating for inclusion, promoting awareness about autism and raising funds to support the local special needs community, 30 teams of four, 120 golfers total, drove, chipped and putted the 18-hole course that Saturday afternoon. Participants also had the chance to take-part in a 50/50 raffle, as well as try their hand at a number of fun mini-challenges at certain holes throughout the day.  

Cheers, oohs and ahhs, could be heard at any given green during the event. The tournament was open to all ages and skill level. While Tulalip Board of Director Mel Sheldon and Leah’s grandpa, Ray Sheldon Jr., made impressive long putts on a Par 3, a golfing family of four, JT and Dinesha Kane, and their kiddos Brodie and Braiden, were on the opposite green visibly and audibly excited about how close they each shot their ball to the pin. And shortly after that, Tulalip BOD, Misty Napeahi shot a birdie at the same Par 3 that Ray and Mel had good luck at as well. 

“My husband is the head pro here,” said Deanna, “And Leah’s so funny, we call her the ‘Queen of the Creek’ because she loves Battle Creek. This is our 7th year doing the golf tournament. Our first year we had about half as many players, not very many sponsors and each year it has grown. This year, we finally had a full 30 teams, 120 players, 45-50 sponsors. This is our one and only fundraiser and we want people to have fun and to come back next year. Everything that we raise goes right back into our community.”

Founded in 2015, Leah’s Dream has become well-known in the Tulalip and Marysville communities. The charitable foundation is dedicated to empowering children and young adults diagnosed with autism. By hosting events and get-togethers for the local youth living with disabilities and their families, the organization provides a safe space where the kids can simply be themselves and build friendships within the special needs community. 

“We started Leah’s Dream because all of us, the three sisters, have children on the spectrum. We started out family-focused, but we really wanted to branch out and help our community and raise awareness,” Deanna explained. “A lot of children don’t feel like they can be themselves in a neurotypical setting, but they are usually comfortable and eager to go to our events because they know this is their family, this is their friends, this is the community. Ultimately, the goal is to build-up and bring-up a community and have this sense of awareness and unity. It’s a chance for parents who wouldn’t generally see each other to get to know each other better.”

Leah’s Dream Foundation Board Member, Amy Sheldon added, “We hold events usually at one of the high schools in town and all the families through the Marysville School District (MSD) can come and bring their kids and it’s all free. They get free food, we do tons of arts and crafts and open-mic signing. For Christmas, we have Santa come to give-out gifts. We usually do those events every couple of months because the kids look forward to it.”

Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bi-monthly gatherings have been put on a temporary hiatus. Amy, who is also a MSD Special Needs Liaison, said she still speaks to many of the kids who regularly attended the Leah’s Dream Foundation events and they constantly ask her, ‘when’s the next Leah’s party?’ Reassuring the community, she was quick to answer that question stating, “We just need approval for a facility to have it. Once we can get that, we will have our next party.” 

Although they can no longer hold their in-person events, Leah’s Dream continues to find ways to promote awareness and inclusion, namely by distributing gift bags and activity kits filled with sensory items and toys to those MSD students and local youth living with special needs. 

The funds for all the events, activities, gift bags and sensory kits are made possible by the annual golf tournament. And since the events are canceled for the time being, the foundation used last year’s donation to purchase a new reading curriculum for Marysville Pilchuck High School, as well as many items off a ‘wish list’ put together by the school district’s occupational therapists and speech therapists, helping students who are on the spectrum at schools such as the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy and Kellogg-Marsh Elementary.

Deanna and Amy explained that typically, after the tournament, the foundation holds a silent auction. However, due to COVID, the foundation wanted to focus all their efforts on hosting a safe tournament this year and decided to hold the silent auction on a date yet-to-be-announced, possibly as early as this upcoming November. 

For more information, be sure to like and follow the Leah’s Dream Foundation Facebook page and check out their website at LeahsDream.org 

After a busy weekend Leah and her mom shared two more updates via the foundation’s Facebook. The first informed everybody that they surpassed this year’s goal, raising approximately $35,500. The second was a short video clip of Leah posing next to one of the sponsor signs while making a heart-shape with her hands and saying “I love you” to everyone who had a hand in making the fundraiser a success, and of course to all of her friends and family in the local special needs community – everyone who is a part of Leah’s Dream. 

Robert George Spencer

December 1, 1946 – July 15, 2021

Robert George Spencer “Bobby” was born on 12/1/1946 in Everett, WA to Richard G. Spencer and Mary A. Johnny. He was a logger, fisherman, and worked as maintenance at Tulalip Bingo and loved going to Bingo with his daughter Diane Spencer. 

Proceeded in death by Ruth Fay Zackuse, Sophia Spencer, Rose Cross, Thelma (Peaches) Papaki, Shirley (Nancy) Spencer, Mary June Spencer, Steve Spencer, Charlie Alex Spencer, Richard George Spencer Jr. Neil LeClaire, Harriet Hillarie, Oscar Spencer, and George Alexander. Survived by brother David Spencer Sr. and sisters Mildred Spencer and Vivian Spencer. His daughters Diane Spencer and Angela Carpenter. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gym with burial following at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.