Volunteers conduct basic maintenance and repairs at the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club as part of the Snohomish County United Way Days of Caring.
On September 22nd, early Sunday morning, volunteers came together to have some fun and get their hands dirty for the United Way Days of Caring event at the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club. Volunteers helped out with general maintenance and landscaping to beautify the club grounds and conduct basic repairs to the playground, which was built in 2008 with help of Home Depot and non-profit organization KaBOOM!
Days of Caring, organized by United Way of Snohomish County, are two-day events, committed to creating positive change and lending a much-needed hand to local non-profit agencies. This year, volunteers worked September 21-22 at Asbery Field, Pinewood Elementary School, Allen Creek and the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club. Organizations such as Community Transit and Aviation Technical Services Inc., along with community members, donated their time at the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club.
“Having volunteers here from the United Way Days of Caring, from Community Transit, Aviation Technologies, community members and staff, and seeing them work so hard and telling us thank you for letting us be here, was very humbling,” said Diane Prouty, Administrator Assistant for the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club.
Volunteers were ready to move into action and with little direction from Tulalip Boys and Girls Club staff. Over 40 volunteers diligently worked to complete the maintenance projects within six hours.
Projects consisted of staining benches, picnic tables, garbage can holders, and playground edging, and even painting over the graffiti on the overpass. Grounds keeping included weeding, pruning, and small tree removal.
Diane was amazed how fast the volunteers moved and how well they all worked together. She walked away feeling blessed by the entire experience and would like to pay it forward and volunteer in the future.
United Way is a non-profit organization with a vision to see everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to support your community, visit www.uwsc.org for more information.
Cash to a business is like fuel to a car. A car without fuel will not run; a business without cash cannot pay employees and workers stop showing up, vendors that stop receiving payment for goods and services discontinue the supply, unpaid taxes are followed by warrants and monetary penalties –enlarging the amount due. Cash fuels a business’s activities making cash flow essential.
There are a number of things to remember to help keep enough cash in a business which will increase the probability of success –also reducing a lot of stress and pain for the owner.
If it is unclear how many dollars a business can afford to distribute to the owner, keep the money in the business until the amount is known. This means resist the urge to buy more things or distribute cash from the business’s operating account to the owner’s personal account –not as simple as it sounds when cash piles up during certain points in the business cycle.
Keep good financials. Over time the financials will tell a story. This story will provide a platform for making good decisions. Good decisions are likely to be followed by more net income and positive feelings associated with success. Bad decisions include pain and stress for the company.
If a business’s plan is to grow sales it is likely the cash needs of a business will also increase. If a business owner plans to grow sales by 30% and inventory is a component of the business model, the cash needed to purchase inventory is also likely to grow by 30% -this number should be simple to quantify. If a business model instead relies on transactional sales, employees like support staff and/or sales people are likely to increase.
Cash is fuel for a business.
Jim Stanley freely shares his knowledge and is a tribal member of the Quinault Nation, board member of the Northwest Native American Chamber, and Treasurer of the Tribal C-Store Summit. To contact Jim for comments, go to www.JimStanley.biz.
Tulalip, Washington – Tulalip Resort Casino Sommelier Tommy Thompson has devised an exuberant way to learn about wine at the 4th annual Taste of Tulalip on November 9th and 10th. Attendees will have a chance to rub foreheads with two of the greatest wine minds around: racy wine raconteur Leslie Sbrocco (a.k.a Head Thirsty Girl) and wine wizard Tommy Thompson (Tulalip’s Head Drinks Dude). The duo will emcee a fast-paced, fun-filled discussion, “He Said, She Said” – an interactive wine journey, along with a panel of five top winemakers from around the globe.
Lucio Gomiero, Vignalta Pinot Bianco ‘Agno Casto’, Veneto, Italy, 2010. Vignalta was founded by Lucio Gomiero in 1980 and is located in the northern Italian region of Veneto, in an area called Colli Euganei. Before Lucio came on the scene, these wines could best be described as underachievers. Lucio saw the potential in the unique soil and topography of the land, treating his vineyards as if they were on French Bordeaux Grand Cru estates (which he emulates). He is now the recognized champion of the area, just as Angelo Gaja is in Piedmont and Robert Mondavi was in Napa.
Marc Perrin, Famille Perrin Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape ‘Vielles Vigne’ Roussanne, France 2009. It is no coincidence Famille Perrin is the leading organic wine grower of the Southern Rhône Valley, where they occupy the region’s best terroir. Their values have given them a worldwide reputation for excellence: absolute respect for the soil, a commitment to manual methods and a deep belief in organic viticulture. Nature and tradition are key to the Famille Perrin way and this approach has continued seamlessly over five generations. Each wine is unique; organic and biodynamic approaches are used, as Perrin has mastered the art of blending and bringing out the freshness of the Southern aromas.
Ron Penner-Ash, Penner Ash Pinot Noir ‘Pas de Nom’, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2009. The winery’s self-avowed “mature cellar rat,” Ron loves the physicality of winemaking. Along with his cellar work and vineyard management, he has always been fascinated with technology and innovation. During his 20 years as a public school teacher in California and Oregon, Ron’s interest in technology and its potential classroom impact led to a collaborative grant with Oregon Public Broadcasting. “The wine industry’s annual cycle parallels that of teaching,” Ron says. “I’ve learned that Mother Nature can be more demanding than a pre-adolescent drama queen.”
Sean Boyd, Woodinville Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc, Washington State 2008. Boyd joined Woodinville Wine Cellars in 2002. Growing up in a Californian family surrounded by gourmet food, fine wines and journalism (his father is a professional wine critic), Sean began cultivating his craft at an early age. After working for five years at a California wine shop, Sean left home at age 20 to learn the art of fine winemaking. He traveled the world, visiting leading viticulture areas such as Australia, Portugal, Spain and New Zealand where he worked for several prominent wineries.
Heidi Barrett, La Serena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California 2008. Barrett grew up in a Napa Valley winemaking family, and great genes have helped her to become one of California’s leading winemakers. It is said that winemaking is a combination of science and art. With a scientist-winemaker father (Richard Peterson) and an artist mother, it is no surprise that Heidi was drawn to the industry. With great enthusiasm, a love for what she does and an incredible wealth of experience, she blends the art and science of winemaking like few can. Heidi has been responsible for some of California’s most notable cult wines, including but not limited to: Screaming Eagle, Della Valle Vineyards, Grace Family Vineyards, Amuse Bouche, Showed Vineyards and Fantasia. She is a consultant for Diamond Creek Vineyards and Niobium-Coppola, and has her own wine label, La Serena.
Leslie and Tommy’s “He Said, She Said” seminar will take place on Saturday the 10th at 11:30 am in the Canoes Cabaret. It is offered as part of the Taste of Tulalip 2012 “All Access Pass” priced at $225 per person (which also includes a cooking demonstration with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, the Private Magnum Party in the Impulse Lounge and the Grand Taste). More information and ticket purchase for the November event is available at www.tasteoftulalip.com.
About Tulalip Resort Casino: Tulalip Resort Casino has become the largest and most distinctive meeting, gaming, dining, entertainment and shopping destination in Washington State. The AAA Four Diamond resort destination’s world-class amenities have earned the property Condé Nast Traveler Gold List status and the Seattle Weekly 2012 Best of Award “Reader’s Choice – Best Casino”. With six dining venues, headlined by the exceptional Tulalip Bay (TB) restaurant and Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill and Bar (BF), the restaurants have been individually honored with awards from Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” (TB) and “Award of Excellence” (BF), the Washington Wine Commission “Award of Distinction” (BF) and “Grand Award” (TB) , the Seattle Magazine award for restaurant leadership in the business community (TB), to Wine Press Northwest’s “Herbies” for an “Outstanding Washington Wine List” (TB). The Taste of Tulalip, the resort’s annual signature food, wine and tradition event has also been recognized as the “Best Wine Event Featuring Washington Wine”. Tulalip is conveniently located between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. just off Interstate-5 at exit 200 and is an enterprise of the Tulalip Tribes. For reservations please call (866) 716-7162 or visit www.tulalipresort.com
Most states no longer use voter registration to select jury pools, they more often use Drivers License.We need more Indian people to serve on juries. Many Natives being prosecuted have no Indians on their jury.
“Doesn’t do any good”
It’s important to vote and have your voice heard, collectively we can make change happen but we have to start with you and people like you from our/your community.
“No transportation”
Vote absentee or we’ll make arrangements or give you a ride to your polling place.
“I don’t believe in voting in local, state, federal elections”
The decisions made at all levels of government affect Indian people—we need to vote to ensure that our issues will be heard.
“Too complicated,” “I don’t know how”
Set up a mock voting booth and walk them through it (sample ballots, process, etc.). You can take someone with you to the polls to help you vote.
“I don’t know who they [candidates] are”
Would you like some information? (provide info for candidate, info on race, local issues)
“My vote won’t count anyway”
Give explanation of Indian vote and importance of it. Give examples of where Native vote has counted and made the difference in the outcome. (WA, SD, MT, AK or the election in 2000 in Florida).Give examples of close tribal council elections.
“Too busy to vote”
Voting is not to time consuming and most employer’s give you time off to go and vote.
“I’m a felon”
Do you know your status? States vary on laws governing felons and voting. Often, a felon serves out a conviction and all rights are restored. Let me check for you and will get back to you.
“I don’t know the issues”
You can go to our website at www.nativevote.org or your state mails out voter candidacy guides to every registered voter. Are you registered to vote?
“I’m not political”
You don’t have to be political to vote. It’s your right and privilege to vote.
“I don’t like politics”
Why? Rebuttle
“I don’t have a permanent address”
You can use the address where you are currently residing.
“Don’t want to waste my time”
Why do you think it is a waste of time? Here are some reasons why I do not think voting is a waste of time. First, decisions are made daily that affect us in Indian country and if we do not participate, no one will ever listen to our issues. Second, “they” tried to keep us from voting for hundreds of years, many Indian people fought for our right to vote, we should take advantage of that.
“I can’t get time off”
Most employers give at least an hour off to vote. Our Tribe allows “give amount of time” off for voting. U.S. government allows at least two hours off.
“Can’t get babysitting”
Bring your kids to the polls! It’s never too early to begin to teach young people about voting. I will come with you.
“I’m in college/boarding school/military and missed deadline for absentee ballot”
Some states allow you to vote at the elections office up until election. You can also vote on Election day.
“Wasn’t reminded”
We will call and remind you about dates
“It’s not cool, it’s for old people”
It’s for everyone and in the past election, young people voted in record numbers. It’s cool to make a difference.We have many young athletes, actors, rappers, hip hop stars that are voting and being spokespeople in their communities about the importance of voting.
“I don’t know if I’m eligible
We can register you now, if you aren’t, you will be, if you are already, than you definitely will be registered.
“I can’t read or hear”
You can bring someone to the booth to assist you. this person can be a family member or one of the poll workers. Have volunteers—will have it scheduled for pick up to leave with neighbors/relatives
“I’m disabled”
Can vote by absentee ballot or we can provide assistance.Get together to do registration/absentee voting.
“No one wants to help me”
That’s what I am here to do! You can vote by absentee ballot. If I don’t have the answers or resources you need I will find them for you.
“I don’t trust machines”
Encourage them to vote absentee. Check state voting guidelines (state voter guide), for example, in Idaho, you can choose paper, etc.
“Voting is for white people”
That is what they want you to think so you are not represented. Voting is for everyone, that is the only way your issues are heard. Do you want white people to decide your future and rights?
“The decision has already been made” [Decision has been made by voters in the east]
Your vote still counts! (Where it matters most locally)The media is NOT always a reliable or honest source, don’t go by what you hear—get to the polls and make sure you did your part!
“I don’t know where to vote”
Call county elections office/clerk and give address. They will tell you where you are to vote. Call Secretary of States office or go with a friend.
It’s getting to be that time of year again. The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter and soon, Halloween will be upon us. Though it’s only the first week of October, it never hurts to get ready for the All Hallow’s Eve a bit early. Getting your pumpkins and costumes early will ensure that you get the best quality, and not leftovers.
Many pumpkin patches open up at the end of September, which gives you plenty of time to plan a trip and browse through the selection. Bailey Family Farms, located in Snohomish, has a great pumpkin patch as well as a hay maze, hay pyramid, play barn, food and rope swings. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family. Their pumpkin patch is open every day from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. For more information on costs and how to get there, you can go to www.baileyveg.com/pumpkins.
Another great place to get pumpkins is Biringer Farm. Located at 2431 Highway 530 NE, in Arlington, this patch is open from September 29th to October 31st. There is free admission to the pumpkin patch, all you have to do is pay for your pumpkin. These orange beauties range from $2.00 to $12.00. Biringer also offers a corn maze, skeleton graveyard and a picnic in an old covered wagon. For more information call 360-435-5616.
Carleton Farms is another great place to find that perfect pumpkin. Their pumpkin patch is already open and will be until Halloween. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on how to get there, go to www.carletonfarms.com/pumpkins.
A lot of pumpkin farms offer some pretty cool Halloween fun. A favorite of mine is Stocker Farms. They have both a regular corn maze, a haunted corn maze and a ‘Hunt For Zombies’ ride, in which you get to paintball for zombies while making believe that the world is under siege in a zombie apocalypse. They also have a pumpkin patch, and two locations to serve you. You can check out their website at www.stockerfarms.com to check out their attractions.
Nothing signifies the beginning of the Halloween season more than the search for the perfect costume. If you’re like me, you’ve had your costume planned for half the year and need only to find the proper getup, dress or makeup. But some people aren’t sure what they want to be until they see it, and enjoy browsing different costume stores. On Evergreen Way in Everett, there’s the Display and Costume store. They have many different costumes and makeup for you to choose from.
There is also Halloween City, located in the Albertson’s plaza off of State Street in Marysville. On weekdays they are open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. On the Saturdays, they are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There is also the Spirit store, which has lots of good costume selections. They are located on Everett Mall Way South. And don’t forget that Value Village, WalMart, K-Mart and Fred Meyers also have costumes and other Halloween goodies that are worth checking out.
If you’re not sure what you want to be for Halloween, and have no ideas, you can always do a Google search for Halloween Costume Ideas and see what comes up. A cool website is www.costumeideazone.com, they have a lot of ideas for group costumes, or single costumes. It’s a great website to help you form an idea of what you would like to dress as. Remember, Halloween is not just for kids, it’s for anyone with imagination.
If you’re dressing up, there’s a good bet that you’re going trick or treating as well. Watch upcoming See-Yaht-Subs for articles on Halloween safety.
In 2011, President Obama declared November as National Native American Heritage month, with November 25th being Native American Heritage Day. This was done to herald the rich heritage and culture of the Native American people. It was a way for Obama and his administration to show appreciation and support to tribal sovereignty, tribal self determination, and prosperity for all Native Americans.
Obama’s administration has worked to address issues that have plagued Native communities. These issues are expanding access to affordable healthcare, broadening educational opportunities and the Let’s Move! In Indian Country program, which was started by the First Lady.
With that said, November is a month to embrace the Native American heritage. For those who grew up on the reservation, work on the reservation and have started a family on the reservation, it can be easy to celebrate a heritage you were raised in. However, there are some people who don’t have access to their culture as easily as others. And there are nontribal people who aren’t sure how you would celebrate a month devoted to Native American heritage. Here are a few ideas to embrace Native culture.
A great way to start off the month would be to read a book by a Native author, or a book about Native American history. There are a variety of books out there on Native history. You can do a Google search on it to find the one that interests you the most. If you’re interested in reading a Native author, Vine Deloria Jr. is a great choice. Sherman Alexie is another great author and his stories are very well told. One of my favorite books is actually a compilation of native writers. The book is called Genocide Of The Mind: New Native American Writing. Another favorite of mine is Lakota Woman written by Mary Crow Dog.
Another way to celebrate Native American heritage is to watch a movie about Native Americans or starring Native Americans. Sure, everyone will flock to Dances With Wolves, or even Smoke Signals, as they are quite popular movies about Native Americans, but there is a variety of movies to choose from out there. Last Of His Tribe, starring Jon Voight and Graham Greene is a powerful and emotional film. Pow Wow Highway is a great independent film about friends and family. I Will Fight No More Forever is a potent tale of the war between the United States Army and the Nez Perce Nation.
Another way to immerse yourself in this culture is to try out a few Native American recipes. If you go to www.nativetech.org/recipes, you’ll find a few good ones to try out.
For those who are tribal members, celebrating your heritage is a welcome event. There are many ways to do that, such as engaging in a powwow, making an Salish craft, or even sharpening your Lushootseed skills. If you go to www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov, and you click on the Lushootseed section, you can check out the phrase of the week. That page will also take you to the main Lushootseed language page.
Of course, there is always the Hibulb Cultural Center. Their exhibits can educate you on Tulalip history plus you get to see some cool exhibits. Go to www.hibulbculturalcenter.org to check out what they have going on during month of November. In addition to exhibits there is are also a lecture series featuring prominent figures in the Tulalip community. Then there’s the cultural series, which is usually a demonstration on a native craft. It is a great way to celebrate National Native American Heritage month and maybe, learn something new.
Inaugural Run From the Law 5K raises funds for charity
Article and photos by Jeannie Briones
Tulalip police officers “chase ” civilians for a good cause. Nine volunteer police officers from Tulalip and the surrounding area joined 75runners of all ages in the first annual Run From the Law 5K charity event, which began at the Tulalip Amphitheatre on September 16th. . Runners paid $25 to participate in the race, raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Our goal is to raise $2,500 for the Make a Wish Foundation because they do wonderful things for the kids, such as sending a family to Disneyland for a dream vacation,” said Tory Klementsen, owner of Journey Fitness, a sponsor for the race.
Participants arrived at the Amphitheater to cold overcast weather, but the conditions didn’t damper their spirits. Runners eagerly waited for the sound of a buzzer to start the race, and in flash, they faded away in the distance. Tulalip police officers gave the citizens a five minute head start before “chasing” them down to the finish line.
The first runner to beat the police to the finish line was Ken Jones, who after catching his breath, expressed he was glad to be a part of this fundraiser because the efforts are going to a good cause. The first police officer to cross the finish line was Seattle South Precinct police officer Nate Shopay.
This event was sponsored by North Sound Physical Therapy, RoadID and Journey Fitness. These sponsors donated their time and resources, along with items for raffle give away, which included cool items such as hats, backpacks, gift cards, and boot camp certificates. Medals were presented to the top-placing runners, and Officer Shopay received a medal for being the first officer to cross the finish line.
It was a great turnout for a good cause. For more information on the Run From the Law 5K, including race results got to www.runfromthelaw5k.com.
Courtney Sheldon and Jessica Bustad look forward to what the school year will bring them
Article and photo by Sarah Miller
Tulalip, WA– We’re nearly a month into the school year and students are adjusting to their new school schedules. Some are transitioning into high school while some are just getting started in preschool. The kids have a wealth of resources at their disposal to help keep them on track in school, including the native liaisons. Not only that, both parents and students also have the youth advocates, who act as a link between schools and parents.
At the moment, there are only two youth advocates working with the Marysville School District, but Interim Youth Services Education Coordinator Jessica Bustad, encourages more people to get on board to assist tribal students and parents.
“We will be advertising within the next couple of weeks,” Jessica said. “At the moment, we have Ricky Belmont who works with Matt Remle at Marysville Pilchuck High School and Getchell High School, and Courtney Sheldon, who works with Harold Joseph at Totem Middle School. We hope to have Courtney temporarily helping out with Zee Jimicum at Marysville Middle School.”
Jessica is working to narrow the scope of what the advocates do to provide better assistance to those in need.
“We want to make sure that we are highly productive in the school district,” Jessica states. “Our main focus is to make sure every native student is being successful. We focus on academics and attendance and provide support for the liaisons. The Youth Services staff helps whenever we can if the advocates need it.”
New to the group is Courtney Sheldon, who is enjoying her position and is excited to continue to learn more.
“I think one of my challenges is that there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done,” Courtney explains. “There’s never enough time to be around the kids and get to know them.”
Courtney is reaching out to the parents to support and help them as their child goes to school.
“I want to allow my position to be supportive both in negative and positive situations,” Courtney continued. “I also want to help kids succeed and help them become more engaged in their learning.”
Courtney’s office is located in the library at Totem Middle School. Her phone number is 425-260-4343 and her email is CourtneySheldon@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov. To reach Ricky Belmont, who was unavailable for an interview, you can call 360-716-4907, or email RBelmont@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov. To get a hold of Jessica, you can call her at 360-716-4902.
John McCoy talks about the wisdom that elders hold
Article and photo by Sarah Miller
Tulalip, WA– As the day was winding down, people filed into the Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center’s longhouse room, awaiting the arrival of State Representative John McCoy on September 13th. John McCoy wears many hats in the Tulalip Community. He is not only a State Representative for the 38th District, he’s also an elder. He spoke to the group of people on his achievements in the Tulalip community and how it’s very important to listen to your elders.
“I was born on the reservation,” John started. “I wasn’t raised out here, I came out here later. My father was in the navy so I was a navy brat. I grew up along the west coast. My dad was at sea a lot and it was my mother who raised me.”
John learned a lot of his work ethics from fishing with his wife’s uncle.
“I learned a lot from him,” John went on. “He kept me busy, it was very busy work.”
In 1965, John joined the air force and was put to work with computers. In 1970, he got into programming. In 1981, John would get out of the air force. He eventually got to work in the White House during Ronald Reagan’s first term. He worked as a Senior Implementation Manager. Eventually in the 90’s, John made his way back to the reservation with the intent of implementing the vision of the elders there.
“At that time, I sat down and talked with Wayne Williams, he sat me down and gave me the history of Tulalip,” John said.
“He told me about the mission the elders had. The mission was from the thirties and forties, but it was a good idea and I was brought in to implement it. The elders had this vision of having a big trading post here on the reservation. That’s what they wanted. What do we have now? We have a strip mall, Cabela’s, Wal-Mart; that, to me, is a pretty big trading post.”
John stresses the importance of always listening to the elders and the visions they have. He states that there is always something to learn from doing that. Looking back on all that he helped the tribe accomplish, John is proud of where Tulalip is today.
“To do any of this, to get our casinos, to get our mall, to get our tribal government running, we had to put in an infrastructure,” John explains. “It’s more than just bricks and mortar. We modeled our government after our traditions. Tribes that do that tend to be more successful. And we have been successful. As long as we don’t make the same mistakes over and over, we are learning. We are growing.”
John went on to talk about a variety of topics. He sang the praises of the Big Water project that will ensure that Tulalip’s tribal members have clean water. He talked about the wonderful job that the tribal police are doing in conjunction with the Marysville police department.
John accredited the elders that he talked with for helping him to realize the vision of the tribe and where the tribe could go. He states that this is important.
“If you listen to the elders, you will hear their visions,” John said. “It’s good to listen to their mistakes and learn from them. I listen to them because they have no problem stopping me to tell me their stories and give me advice. In order to move forward, we need to listen to them.”
John finished his lecture to a round of applause from the group. If you are interested in checking out some of the events at the Hibulb Cultural Center, you can visit www.hibulbculturalcenter.org to check out their calendar of events.
