Community Focus
COMPILED BY CAROL SCHMIDT
Customers and employees of TOP Food & Drug and Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores, including Stanwood, recently raised $16,905 for World Vision’s relief efforts in Haiti, which was devastated by a Jan. 12 earthquake. World Vision, based in Federal Way, is using cash donations to send the most urgent of life-saving supplies, such as water and medicine, to Haitian victims of the earthquake. World Vision has been working in Haiti since 1959 and has had an office in its capital of Port-au-Prince since 1978. “World Vision would like to sincerely thank every individual who donated, as well as Top Food and Haggen for spearheading this important effort,” said Angela Appleton, corporate relations senior representative for World Vision. “Their immediate concern and generosity over the years during times of disaster is greatly appreciated.”
The Stanwood Chamber of Commerce and the Camano Island Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to host a temporary Visitor Information Center at Exit 212 from now through Feb. 28. “We will be there to direct visitors to you and our great winter events!” said spokespersons.
The STANWOOD CAMANO ROTARY CLUB recently raised more than $5,500 to provide shelter to more than five families recovering from disaster. The club is working with Shelter- BoxUSA (ShelterBoxUSA. org) to distribute specially designed boxes to families recovering from disasters such as the one recently experienced in Haiti. Boxes contain supplies and materials necessary to support a family of ten for up to six months. The contents vary based on the destination. Significant items included are a tent for a family of up to 10, blankets and insulated ground sheets, waterproof ponchos and bin bags, multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint, cooking pans, utensils, bowls and mugs, collapsible water containers and water purification tablets, a basic tool kit – hammer, axe, saw, pliers, hoe head, trenching shovel, rope etc, and a small, children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons, pens and more. “Our boxes may go to Haiti or they may go wherever tomorrow’s disaster hits,” explained club president Greg Gilday. “Within the first days of the Haiti response more than 2,000 of these boxes were supporting families and helping maintain the communities there. Our help today will go where it is most needed tomorrow,” he explained. Boxes arrive within 48 hours of a natural or other disaster and are often the first assistance received. Each ShelterBox is $1,000 but donations are accepted at all amounts. The Stanwood Camano Rotary Club originally committed to sending three boxes, but the response from members and community members quickly surpassed that goal. The club invites the community to assist with adding even more to this project directly at Web site above.
Six Snohomish County food establishments were recognized for excellent food safety practices in a ceremony Feb. 9, in the Snohomish Health District auditorium, Everett. “Snohomish Health District does not give away the Excellence Awards – they are earned!” said Rick Zahalka, program manager for Snohomish Health District’s Food and Living Environment section. “A safe food supply is a cornerstone of our society. It is imperative that food service establishments do not cut corners on food safety.” Among 2009 Excellence Award categories and winners is HAGGEN FOOD & PHARMACY, Stanwood, Clyde Ellis, manager. For more information about the Food and Living Environment program at Snohomish Health District, call 425-339-5250 or visit www.snohd.org. For information about a food handler card call 425- 339-5260.
Navy Seaman Apprentice LACY C. WEST, a 2009 graduate of Stanwood High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Lacy completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ‘”Navy’” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.
AMANDA BARTLETT of Stanwood has been named to Warner Pacific College’s fall 2009 Dean’s List. She completed at least 12 credits between May 1- Oct. 31, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Warner Pacific College is located in Portland, Ore. Amanda is the daughter of Ed and Sharon Bartlett, and is a 2002 graduate of Stanwood High School.
