TriangleYour YMCA at work in the community fall 2013

the

In this Issue:

•JumpStart

•President’sPerspective

•MemberSurvey

•GearUp&Go

•HowtoBecomeaBigorLittle

•SnohomishAquaticCenter

•204MilesofFun

•Chair'sRoundTableDonors

•CasinoRoadScholars

•AssetsinAction

•MarchonWashington

•Operation352

•PositiveImpactinStanwood/Camano

•SharingTheirPassion

•ArmedServicesYMCA

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BUilDing STrOnganD BrigHT FUTUreSStarting school can be exciting and scary for both students and their parents. And even more so if those students have never had a preschool opportunity to prepare them for what’s ahead.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. To help reduce the learning gap, especially with lower income families, or those with English as a second language, the Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA offers the Jump Start program.

Jump Start classes are held the end of August so that lessons learned are fresh in the minds of the kindergarteners when they began school in September.

Classes prepare incoming kindergarten students who have had no preschool experience prior to starting kindergarten. Students learn basic school expectations such as standing in line, waiting for their turn, raising their hands, and sitting with legs crossed. In addition, the classes focus on academic readiness reviewing numbers, letters, and sounds.

“Without practice of these simple skills, these children are set up for more redirection as soon as they start kin-dergarten instead of learning,” said Robin Fitch, Frank Wagner Elementary School principal. “Attendance is another thing that children from less privileged families don’t understand is important for school success. Having Jump Start class three days a week for three weeks is great practice for attendance.”

Jump Start also has a parent education element. Parent classes are created to provide parents the tools to work with their kids at home to help them with the transition to school. These classes also

give parents the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback from experienced parents and educators.

“Students learn the routines of kindergarten, practice knowing where everything is within the classroom and school, and work out the separation anxiety within a small class size and without the whole school in operation,” said Jeff Presley, Fryelands Elementary

School principal. “It really helps them build confidence and understanding of kindergarten.”

Sometimes student learning challenges can also be identified before the school year begins so that the family can work with school profes-sionals to receive the appropriate help. This happened this past session when it was discov-ered that a student had hearing issues.

Jump Start is supported by United Way, the Monroe Public Schools Foundation, and donations to the YMCA annual campaign.

”“ it really helps them build confidence and understanding of kindergarten.

At the Y, strengthening the foundation of community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Strengthening community is a large focus of our 2012-2014 Strategic Plan. We know that this work cannot be done alone; we must partner with other great community organizations to affect positive change in our community.

“Building Together” is one of the plan’s strategic impact focus areas. The goal of this focus area is to inspire ourselves and community partners to maximize expertise and resources for the betterment of all. To do this we must stimulate a culture of collaboration and shared learning.

A second focus area is “A Y Without Walls.” Here, our goal is to fulfill our mission by intentionally extending programs and services beyond the confines of our facilities. We continue to develop a program delivery model that best stewards

our resources and those of partnering organizations, while addressing gaps between community needs and resources.

I think you’ll find from reading this issue of the Triangle that our community collaborations are strong and ever- growing. From our work with the

Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition to provide all fifth grade students in Snohomish County with free YMCA access; our partnership with the Monroe School District to prepare incoming

kindergarteners through the Jump Start program, and our work with many community partners for the March on Washington event. These are just a few of the many programs and collaborations that strengthen our community.

I’m so grateful for our members, donors, staff, and volunteers who continue to support the Y, bringing our mission to life every day. As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” I think this says it all.

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Financial Assistance:The YMCA of Snohomish County makes every effort to ensure that no person, especially youth, will be denied access to programs and membership because of financial hardship. The YMCA's Finan cial Assistance Program is supported by contributions to our annual campaign and United Way.

Mission Statement:The YMCA of Snohomish County is composed of people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations united in sharing the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through programs that build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Everett Family Branch2720 Rockefeller Ave.Everett, WA 98201425 258 9211

Marysville Family Branch6420 60th Drive NEMarysville, WA 98270360 653 9622

Mill Creek Family Branch13723 Puget Park DriveEverett, WA 98208425 337 0123

Monroe Family Branch14033 Fryelands Blvd.Monroe, WA 98272360 805 1879

Mukilteo Family Branch10601 47th Place WestMukilteo, WA 98275425 493 9622

Stanwood-Camano Family YMCAOrganizing Committee8823 Viking WayStanwood, WA 98292360 629 9622

Big Brothers Big Sisters2722 Colby, Ste. 200Everett, WA 98201425 252 2227

The Triangle is published quarterly by the YMCA of Snohomish County to update friends and donors about YMCA news and events. Colleen Temple, editor, 425 374 5738 or ctemple@ymca-snoco.org

If you wish to be removed from the maiing list, please call or email the editor.

For more information on YMCA programs and services, visit www.ymca-snoco.org

Find us on Facebook:facebook.com/ymcasnoco

Watch us on YouTube:youtube.com/ymcaofsnohomishco

President’s Perspective Scott Washburn

Your YMCA is a community organiza-tion, built and sustained by the individ-uals who participate in and rely on the Y for youth development, healthy life-style choices, and opportunities for stewardship. The YMCA staff value the perspectives of our member community.

While many of you provide us with anecdotal feedback regarding your experiences at the Y throughout the year, we feel it is important to actively solicit feedback each year to best understand how our members feel about their Y experience.

This fall the YMCA of Snohomish County is conducting its annual Member Satisfaction Survey. Members will be randomly selected during the month of October to receive the survey,

which will be either sent via email or mailed to your home address. Some of you will receive a survey packet and some won’t, this doesn’t mean we don’t value all of your opinions, we just need to keep the survey random to have valid, reliable feedback.

If you receive a survey packet, we ask that you honestly provide your feed-back and promptly return the survey before Nov.12.

This is your opportunity to let us know what we’re doing well and what we can work on. Your input will help the YMCA strengthen our community through pro-grams and services that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

HOW are We DOing?

”“ We know that this

work cannot be done alone…

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THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

MaKing aCTiVe PlaY MOre FUn FOr KiDSAs part of the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition, the YMCA of Snohomish County, together with the Dale Turner Family and Northshore branches of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, is providing all 5th graders (in participating schools) with free YMCA youth membership during the 2013-14 school year as part of the new Gear Up & Go! program.

Students will receive a Sqord PowerPod to track their activity. Sqord is one part social media, one part game platform, and one part fitness tracker. Kids will Gear Up with the PowerPod and Go have fun and get active. Sqord connects kids to a fun social platform that inspires, tracks, and rewards everyday physical activity.

While at the Y, youth in the program can take group exercise classes, play in the pool during open swim times, play racquetball, and access our Youth Development Centers. There will also be specific weekly activities planned for Gear Up & Go! participants. In addition,

participants in this program have special access to equipment that other kids their age do not. The Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition is working to address critical challenges to sustainable healthcare in our community with one of the primary focuses being on youth activity.

“We are engaging leaders from across our community to develop local solutions to a national crisis,” said Scott Forslund, Director, Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition. “Our goal is to engage all fifth graders in Snohomish County and promote better health, academic perfor-mance, and lifelong healthy habits with a unique initiative to reverse the downward trend of youth exercise/activity.”

Through Gear Up & Go! up to 10,000 youth in Snohomish County will have free access to YMCA facilities for healthy living activities.

Before we make a match at Big Brothers Big Sisters, we do our homework. After someone expresses an interest in becoming a Big, they go through an extensive background check and careful interview process. Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities, and preferences. We provide full support from the start, so matches can grow into lasting, fruitful friendships.

It’s important to note that the entire matching process is made possible through donations —we can’t do what we do best without them!

What’s a Big and Little to do?

Each match is unique. Getting together doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activity—just a few hours every month doing things the Little and Big already enjoy. For example:

• Playing catch

• Reading books

• Getting ice cream

• Going to a museum

• Providing advice and inspiration

For more information on how you can become a Big or donate to BBBS, call 425 252 2227 or visit bbbs-snoco.org.

HOW a Big BeCOMeS a Big anD a liTTle a liTTle

Big neWSBBBS HAS MOVED

Big Brothers Big Sisters recently moved to a new office in downtown Everett. The new address is 2722 Colby Ave., Suite 200, Everett 98201. Phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same.

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Snohomish School District has partnered with the YMCA of Snohomish County to help prepare for the Snohomish Aquatic Center’s early 2014 grand opening. Once it is open the Y will continue to manage the facility for the school district.

The Aquatic Center, which is being constructed with funds from the Snohomish School District’s 2008 Capital Projects Bond, will continue to remain a school district facility.

The Snohomish Aquatic Center will have three pools, including a competitive pool with a dive area, ten lanes, and bleachers for 420 spectators. The recreational pool area includes a warm-water therapy area, surf-simulation machine, lazy river, and water slide. The facility,

which will also include locker rooms and a family changing area, is expected to host a variety of classes, events, and activities.

“As we work to finish construction on our district’s Aquatic Center, I’m excited about our collaboration with the YMCA of Snohomish County,” said Dr. William Mester, Superintendent of the Snohomish School District. “We value the YMCA of Snohomish County’s operational expertise in helping us get our Aquatic Center up and running for the 2014 grand opening. This partnership will help strengthen our relationship with the Snohomish community to provide recreational and competitive aquatic opportunities for all.”

COllaBOraTiOnS MaKe THe COMMUniTY STrOnger

“This partnership will help strengthen our relationship with the Snohomish commu-nity to provide recreational and competitive aquatic opportunities for all.”

For more information or to sign up for the electronic newsletter visit snohomishaquatic.com

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In July three members and two staff from the Marysville YMCA participated in the annual Seattle-to-Portland Bike Ride. The team trained about six months getting ready for the ride. When you sign up for this event you are given the option to ride the whole 204 miles in one day or break it up into two days. They chose the two-day version with a twist. The twist was that instead of staying the night at the midway point in Centralia, they chose to ride 137 miles on the first day and stay at Castle Rock High School. This made for a much shorter and nicer 67-mile ride on the second day.

Here are a few thoughts shared by the team:

Rod Boswell: The STP is quite an experience and made better by my fellow Y team members who were there to share stories, laughs, and most importantly encouragement.

Debra Boswell: For someone who didn’t start exercising until a few years ago, I’m really excited that I was able to complete the STP and with a great team that was cheering me on the whole way, even up all of those horrible hills that they forgot to mention (that was said jokingly).

Russ Nordquist: I’m grateful to be blessed with good enough health to prepare and proud to have accomplished this feat. I have a new appreciation for my friends. My riding partners on the STP weekend made the journey a good one.

Ronda Hardcastle: This was the best STP ride out of my three. We trained better, started earlier and had a fun Y group to ride with. Next up RSVP! (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party)

Anthony Schmidt: I most enjoyed not telling Debra about all of the hills she would encounter on the ride. All joking aside, this was my second STP ride and I had a blast with our group! I felt much more prepared this year as I am 40 pounds lighter this year, and had many more training miles logged. Those gruesome and challenging hills from last year that I tried to block out of my memory were not nearly as gruesome this year.

If you’re interested in participating in a cycle ride, contact Anthony or Ronda at the Marsyville Family YMCA.

204 MileS OF FUn[Pictured from left to right: Russ Nordquist, Rod Boswell, Debra Boswell, Ronda Hardcastle (Health & Wellness Director), Anthony Schmidt (Member Services director)]

”“This was my second

STP ride and i had a blast with our group!

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The YMCA of Snohomish County is grateful for the individuals, families, and businesses whose pledges to the Annual Campaign make our work with young people possible. During the 2013 Annual Campaign, 2,929 donors raised $1,264,201 to support and strengthen our community.

Limited space precludes listing the names of every donor. Donors listed here contribute $1,000 or more annually and are members of our Chair’s Round Table.

OUr WOrK iS POSSiBle BeCaUSe OF YOU!

GIVING LEVELSPlatinum Triangle $10,000 & aboveGold Triangle $5,000 - $9,999Silver Triangle $2,5000 - $4,999Bronze Triangle $1,5000 - $2,499Benefactor $1,000 - $1,499*Indicates gift designation to two or more Branches.

TRUSTEESPlatinum Triangle ($10,000+)AMT - A Division of Senior Operations LLCApplied Technical ServicesBank of America FoundationBill & Melinda Gates FoundationThe Boeing CompanyPremera Blue CrossWells FargoAnonymous

Gold Triangle ($5,000-9,999)BCRAJerry Brim & Phyllis Turner-BrimThe Daily Herald CompanyEverett ClinicFluke CorporationKaye SmithKey Bank Business BankingLeslie & Doug LauerOpus FoundationPrecor IncorporatedProvidence Regional Medical Center EverettMatt & Keely Reinhard

Richard & Paula StetlerTulalip Resort CasinoUnion BankWaste Management Northwest, Inc.Whidbey Coffee Company

Silver Triangle ($2,500-4,999)Monti AckermanRichard & Mary BrannonBusiness Controls, IncCoastal Community BankCoastwide LaboratoriesRick Cooper & Robin HiltonJoyce EleanorThe EverTrust FoundationGLY Construction, Inc.Tonia & Jerry GoodwinGroup Health CooperativeLight Doctor, LLCMutual of Enumclaw Insurance CompanyNational Maintenance Contractors, LLCPuget Sound Kidney CenterQuality Business SystemsScott & Krista SadlerScott & Cheryl WashburnWestern Facilities SupplyRoy & Barbara Yates

Bronze Triangle ($1,500-2,499) Aviation Partners BoeingBrenda Baltrusch & Steve SjobergJerry & Sue BeaversButler TrustChandler FamilyClark Nuber, PSRick Cooley & Lindsay ButlerSusan CournoyerTracy & Mark Cumming

Bob & Lizbeth DoblerEverett AquaSoxDoug & Robin FergusonJR Abbott ConstructionMark & Paula ManteiMarketing IntelligenceJackie & Hugh MinorJohn & Shirley MohrOrca PacificPacific Copy and PrintingPemco CorporationBill & Marcella ReedService SolutionsRichard N. & Mayumi SmithStephen C. and Josephine J. Saunders FoundationHarry StuchellThe Collins GroupStan & Sheila TiemensVine Street InvestmentsCarol WhiteheadMichael & Mary Zubovic

Benefactor ($1,000-1,499)American Eagle Roofing LLCAnderson Hunter Law FirmVirginia Antipolo-Utt & Chris UttJudy Collins BakerPhil & Scuttle BannanBanner BankTom & Nikki BraatenBill & Amy BurtonJeff CapponiGary & Sue CohnDr. Jack & Marilyn CourrierMrs. Dan DuryeeFirst Choice Health NetworkScott & Gayle ForslundRichard & Barrie GalantiGamut360 Holdings, LLC

Gerald K. and Virginia Hornung Family FoundationGreenview LandscapingNorma HainesJohn & Vicki HaskellDr. Jean Hernandez & Erin FoyKen & Renae KettlerKirtley-Cole Associates LLCBob & Kathy LeachLiberty Northwest InsuranceAndy LubreskyDr. Richard M. & Katherine M. LyonsThomas & Mary Maxwell MercerNew Concept Chemical Products LLCMike & Melissa OlejniczakDawn Ollar / KeyBankPaul & Charisse PitreJohn & Suzanne RettenmierEdward & Renee RosenbachH. Stewart RossTracy RussellSalinas Construction, Inc.Idamae SchackMary Smith & FamilyJim & Susan SporrongThe Temple FamilyWells FargoDon & Debbie WhitfieldWhitfield’s United Ins. AgenciesStuart WohlerCarl Zapora & Cheryl FosterZimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLPMark ZinkleScott Zwink

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERSGold Triangle ($5,000-9,999)ComcastFluke Corporation

Silver Triangle ($2,500-4,999)Gail EvertWayne LockettTerrence NevinsRod & Denise PleasantAnonymous

Bronze Triangle ($1,500-2,499) Mitch & Marianne DePriestEverett ClinicDan & Ash GundersonKeg Spirit FoundationLeslie & Doug LauerTodd RosenfeltGary & Debbie StrattonJohn & Dana Tubbesing

Benefactor ($1,000-1,499)Melanie HancockMatt HolttumJoseph MartinezMolly Ringo & Brad WiensNeely A. StrattonRenee & Tom ValentiPaul Whitmire

EVERETT FAMILY BRANCHPlatinum Triangle ($10,000+)City of EverettHowarth Trust Fund

Gold Triangle ($5,000-9,999)Bill & Katie FinleyThomas & Meridith Little

THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

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THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

Silver Triangle ($2,500-4,999)American Distributing CompanyDanen & Heather BarnhartTodd & Catherine HavenerBeverly MillerRon & Karen MooreRubatino Refuse Removal, Inc.Kelly ShepherdRay & Mary SieversBrooks & Carol WaltonThe Wenta Family

Bronze Triangle ($1,500-2,499) Michael & Lisa AnkromDr. Jeff BoggsDarlene & Denny BrawfordCelebrate! Catering, Inc.Pat Chambers-AllendoerferJames Courrier, DDSGary DoughtyBrian & Tracie EvansHatloe’s Carpet OneMichael MillieSean & Florence PickardAnonymous

Benefactor ($1,000-1,499)Chris & Megan AdamsAlf Forde Enterprises, Inc.Dennis BlockThomas & Jane CollinsPaula & Don DillingerEverett Invest in Youth Wine Tasting EventEverett Rotary Youth FoundationThe Fagerberg-Biladeau FamilyMike & Maggie FaulknerTom & Sue GaffneyBrian & Connie HallgarthHunter Leasing, Inc.Jeanne LavellDr. Stephen J. LeeMoss Adams, LLPDaniel MurphyThe RaqueteersDr. Katherine Runyon & Carl NelsonGael ThomsonMorrie TrautmanAndrea & Paul Wells-EdwardsDr. Clay & Hap WertheimerWestern Washington Medical GroupCrispin S. Wilhelm, M.D.Anonymous - 2

MARYSVILLE/NORTH COUNTY FAMILY BRANCHPlatinum Triangle ($10,000+)Hearthstone Housing Foundation/ Vintage HousingThe Travis FamilyTulalip Tribes Charitable Fund

Gold Triangle ($5,000-9,999)Mike & Margaret FioritoMarlin FrybergDr. Anthony Roon & Kathryn McPherson RoonWindermere Foundation

Silver Triangle ($2,500-4,999)Steve & Dru Miller for American Distributing CompanyGeorge & Hoa AppelRay & Sheryl FrybergRonda HardcastleKurt & Sharilyn Lippmann & FamilyBeverly MillerRoss A. & Susan MillerLoren & Kristen Van LooAnonymous

Bronze Triangle ($1,500-2,499) Brian & Kathy KalabDwayne & RoseMary LanePeter & Catrina MillikanStephen & Donna MullerChuck & Audrey PilonAnonymous - 2

Benefactor ($1,000-1,499)Apollo Plumbing LLCJim & MaryAnn BallewDebbie Barger Smith & Stephen SmithJason R. Bourne, DDS, MSThe Bredereck FamilyBrowns PlumbingJJ & Patrice FrankMarjorie GrubbsSean & Rebecca KingKiwanis Club of MarysvilleDr. Kim & Julie KronRobert & Jane RoeThe Schlosser FamilyAnne ScottSeth SharpSoroptimists International of MarysvillePhil & Kim Trueax

Whitfield’s United Ins. AgenciesAnonymous

MILL CREEK FAMILY BRANCHSilver Triangle ($2,500-4,999)Crane Fund for Widows and ChildrenJason Lucas & Misty GrafMill Creek RotaryNorthwest Sports PhotographyPeter Zieve Philanthropy Fund

Bronze Triangle ($1,500-2,499) GLY Construction, Inc.Andrew SiguenzaKyla SmithWhole Foods

Benefactor ($1,000-1,499)Awards Service, Inc.Pirri BadenhopNancy JohnsonShirley KinseyTimothy W. PattersonDawn Sykes

MONROE/SKY VALLEY FAMILY BRANCHGold Triangle ($5,000-9,999)Margaret BridgeRotary Club of Monroe

Silver Triangle ($2,500-4,999)Eiron & Patsy CudabackHans & Martha DankersPriscilla & William HighProvidence Regional Medical Center Everett

Bronze Triangle ($1,500-2,499) Jo Ann CarbonettiCavassa and AssociatesLinda Cline & Jim CarrCLIX Portrait StudiosPeg FermJason & Elizabeth GambleTod & Margaret JohnsonKaufman Chiropractic Clinic - MonroeJerry & Melissa KeatingSally King & David DemarestKohl’s - Snohomish, WAMike & Jan LiepmanDr. Richard & Donna Lowell

Monroe / Sky Valley Food BankMonroe Digital CopyRosemary O’Neil & Grenville LeggeRhino Manufacturing Inc.Sam’s Cats and DogsDebbie & Mac TaylorShauna Vernal

Benefactor ($1,000-1,499)Allstate Insurance Co.BDA, Inc.Bill and Jean Higgins Family Limited Partnership Charitable TrustPaul & Nancy CavassaWendy & Derek CoffmanJanna DmochowskyDonald Kim, D.D.S Family and Cosmetic DentistryJeff & Eileen HambletonKen & Kim HooverKeith, Laura, Sarah & Andy JohansenBrett JohnsonKaufer VendingMark & Tammera MasonMonroe KiwanisDeb Nalty & Jeff ShoberJose Mata & Kathy PinsonPete & Cindy SandfordJeffrey SingsonU’SAgain, LLC

MUKILTEO FAMILY BRANCHPlatinum Triangle ($10,000+)John & Ann CollierGeorge R. Kendall Foundation

Gold Triangle ($5,000-9,999)Peter Zieve Philanthropy FundSouth Everett Mukilteo Rotary ClubWhidbey Coffee CompanyAA Party Rentals-MLT

Silver Triangle ($2,500-4,999)Martin CrossIntermec CorporationKlein HondaOpus FoundationWhidbey Island Bank

Bronze Triangle ($1,500-2,499) Cafés Inc. DBA Mukilteo Speedway Cafe

E.N.D. Group, Inc.Thomas & Susan GaskinHogland Transfer CompanyJean McKayNorthwest Duty Free StoresNorthwest Sports PhotographyPapa Murphy’s PizzaKen & Joyce PascoeDr. Mark & Michelle ValentineWhole Foods

Benefactor ($1,000-1,499)Greg AbbeyDr. E. Scott & Jane CasselmanJohn Cramer & Suzanne PoppemaDr. Jacquiline De Leon-EstesBob & Paula DriessnackJeff & Kathy DunleavyHerb & Robin FoxMark & Elaine GerspacherJohn & Vicki GoodwinTonia & Jerry GoodwinMark & Marla GregoryCarol & George HolserDennis & Kathy HuttonKiwanis Club of MukilteoBrian LarsonMichael LongoriaJohn & Karen LovickJeff MitchellCarrie Mygatt & John HerreraNewtech CommunicationsJames & Jama RandMegan & Chris ReedJanelle P. RuckerSteve & Kim SantJoan Sato-Hernandez & Marvin HernandezMichael & Kathleen SierraRussell SmithWalters & Wolf Curtain Wall, LLCAli & Ric WilliamsSteve WolfGeorge Youngstrom

STANWOOD-CAMANO Platinum Triangle ($10,000+)Stanwood Community MinistriesAnonymous

Bronze Triangle ($1,500-2,499) Craig & Rose Olson

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THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

Tips for Raising Culturally-Aware Kids

We all know it’s important to prepare our children to thrive in an ever- changing and increasingly-diverse population. And doing so can be a balancing act between maintaining pride and love for one’s own culture while remaining curious, tolerant, and accepting of those who are different from us. Ultimately, the goal for any parent trying to raise culturally aware kids is to equip them with the attitudes and skills necessary to be able to live together peacefully with others, even amidst differences.

Consider these ideas (from experts as well as from other parents) to introduce your child to other cultures and to teach them to respect the differences they will surely encounter as they continue to grow and learn.

Tips for parents with children under the age of 5Give them opportunities to be around others. Kids in this age group are

fearless. Having your child around others and showing (or practicing) your comfort level with all kinds of people sets the stage for acceptance.

Tips for parents with children ages 6 to 9Teach them to be respectful in learning names. Don’t take the shortcut and “Americanize” a name. Teach your child to say it correctly. Let the person know you want your child to say his name the right way, and ask him to say it slowly and repeat it if necessary.

Tips for parents with children ages 10 to 15Use food as a way to learn about other cultures and traditions. Look at how homes take a common food, like rice, and make it in different ways. Spice it up at home with different recipes and verbalize the connections to the cultures that make rice that way. You can also hit up different booths at festivals, or

go out and experiment – try new foods (sushi, noodles, eat with chop sticks).

Tips for parents with children ages 16 to 18Teach them to ask questions and not just assume. Sometimes language is the only barrier between people; it’s not intelligence, just language. Pictures, gestures, and a sense of humor can help greatly when working to overcome language barriers. And don’t forget: just because someone has an accent doesn’t mean you have to speak louder or more slowly to him. Don’t assume! For example, one mom, Meredith, tries to teach her kids not to assume anything about customs. At their school, some girls wear head covers. She encourages her girls to seek to understand why they wear them by asking questions: What does it mean? Why do you wear one? Do you even have an option to not wear it?

Excerpt taken from ParentFurther, a Search Institute resource for families.

aSSeTS in aCTiOn

Funding from United Way will help support a new program to broaden our impact on Casino Road.

The Casino Road Scholars (CRS) is an exciting and free mentoring program starting in the 2013-14 school year based out of Horizon Elementary. The program will provide additional academic support year-round by a certified teacher for students in fourth or fifth grade struggling to succeed in school.

Students who participant in the program will achieve these four main goals:

• Improvement in standardized math and reading test scores.

• Improvement in school attendance.

• Improvement in one letter grade in key subjects (language arts and math).

• Improved attitude towards school.

“Our staff is very excited about this program,” said Leslie Clauson, Horizon Elementary School principal. “Every day, teachers observe students who struggle. They know that something is wrong and that kids need extra help. How does an educator know where to seek help in their community for these needs? This program will connect kids to an additional layer of social and academic support not available in the past. Students struggle in their learning when basic survival needs – food, clothing and shelter – are not addressed and caring adult relationships are not available to them to fulfill their needs. This program will focus on relationships, basic needs, and high expectations for academic achievement.”

Additionally, students participating in the program for a full year will experience

increased academic achievement; reduced risk-taking behavior; increased connection to their school and community, and greater awareness of colleges and career opportunities and the vital role that education plays in preparing them for a bright future.

eDUCaTiOn iS POWer

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August 28, 2013, marked the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march, which became a key moment in the growing struggle for civil rights in the United States, culminated in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

With a commitment to social responsi- bility, the YMCA of Snohomish County, in collaboration with many community partners, organized a night of remem-brance and celebration to honor this important historical event.

It was an evening of sharing, poetry, proclamations, memories, and song— an evening of commemoration and

celebration through speeches representing “Yesterday’s Wisdom,” “Today’s Focus” and “Tomorrow’s Dreams.”

“This was the first time in Snohomish County history that so many organiza-tions and institutions came together to plan such an event, recognizing the need and importance for a more unified movement and stronger collaboration to truly meet the needs of all members of our community,” said Tami Farber, YMCA of Snohomish County, Director of Community Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion and Education. “The YMCA is committed to be at the forefront of all countywide efforts towards social

responsibility and was proud to be a key player in this event.”

Event co-sponsors included the YMCA of Snohomish County, NAACP, Communities of Color, Tulalip Tribes, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Medical Reserves Corps, Everett Community College, Edmonds Community College, Snohomish County Labor Council, City of Everett, City of Lynnwood, YWCA, and the League of Women Votes. All of the collaborating partners express tremendous gratitude for the true sense of “harambe” (Swahili for “we all pull together”) that transpired through the partnering efforts.

SnOHOMiSH COUnTY reMeMBerSMarCH On WaSHingTOn

The goal was based on a simple need: provide the youth in our community with 352 days of skating each year.

Each year more than 800 youth from the Mukilteo community and Puget Sound area come to “The Muk,” our famous 19,000 sq. ft. outdoor skate park. Unfortunately, these youth have nowhere to go during our typical 170 days of inclement weather or rainy days.

So Operation352 was born. The plan is to build an indoor skate park that will boast

a 30-foot mini ramp with 3-to-5 foot sections, as well as incorporate other smaller features, in order to provide youth of a variety of abilities the chance to hone their skills in a positive, supervised space year-round.

This dream will come to fruition before the end of the year thanks to the support of nearly 100 donors who collectively raised more than $25,000 to build the indoor skate park. “The variety and diversity of donors is proof that our community supports the goal to provide a safe place for indoor skating for our youth,” said Kristin Ebeling, Skate Park and Teen Programs Director at the Mukilteo Family YMCA.

Now that fundraising is complete, the construction phase is about to begin. The Mukilteo YMCA Youth Development Center (YDC) will be closed starting September

30 in order to begin remodeling the space. A temporary YDC will be open in the Family Room, so youth will still have a place to hang out after school during the construction period.

Official construction will take place for several weeks, with a Grand Opening celebration to take place in December. With the opening of the new indoor skate facility, we will also be presenting a vast array of new programs to begin in early 2014.

Volunteers with rough and finish carpentry experience are needed, as well as a variety of other tasks including painting and cleanup. If you are able to pledge your time to help with this project during our building timeframe, please contact Kristin Ebeling at 425 294 2405, or kebeling@ymca-snoco.org.

OPeraTiOn352 inDOOr SKaTe ParK

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THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

Each branch of the YMCA of Snohomish County is governed by a Board of Directors which is comprised of approximately 15-25 community members who are dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The Trustee Board, comprised of community leaders as well as the chairpersons from each of the branch boards, oversees the operations and strategic plan-ning of the entire Association. The YMCA is grateful to these individuals who donate their time to our success and well-being and who go beyond their duties by volunteering for many special events and projects.

The following members were elected to the Board of Trustees as Board Officers for 2013-2014:

Chair, Leslie Lauer, The Boeing Company; Vice Chair, Matt Reinhard, Rhino Ventures, LLC; Vice Chair, Dr. Gary Cohn, Everett Public Schools; Secretary, Brenda Baltrusch, Well Fargo; Treasurer, Tracy Cumming, Precor Incorporated; Vice Treasurer, Brian Evans, Bauer Evans, Inc. PS/BondStreet Wealth Management, LLC; Past President, John Haskell, Wells Fargo Insurance Services Northwest, Inc.

Re-elected to the Board of Trustees besides Brenda Baltrusch, John Haskell and Leslie Lauer were: Fred Safstrom, Housing Hope; Mike Zubovic, Aviation Partners Boeing; Don Whitfield, Whitfield’s United Insurance Agencies Inc.; Phyllis Turner-Brim, Invention Law Group.

Newly elected to the board are: Darren Redick, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, and Norm Walker, Harris Rebar/Central Steel.

Representing Branch Boards as Board Chairs are: Everett YMCA, Steve Miller, American Distributing Company; Marysville/N. County YMCA, Loren Van Loo, Edward Jones Investments; Mill Creek YMCA, Andy Siguenza, Crane ELDEC Corporation; Monroe/Sky Valley YMCA, Martha Dankers, Martha Dankers Consulting; Mukilteo YMCA, Herb Fox, Community; and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dan Gunderson, Windermere Real Estate.

SHaring THeir PaSSiOnY eleCTS OFFiCerS, BOarD MeMBerS

Andy Siguenza

Martha Dankers

Herb Fox

Fred Safstrom

Norm Walker

Brenda Baltrusch

Brian Evans

Leslie Lauer

Steve Miller

Mike Zubovic

Gary Cohn

Dan Gunderson

Darren Redick

Phyllis Turner-Brim

Tracy Cumming

John Haskell

Matt Reinhard

Loren Van Loo

For a complete list of the Board of Trustees visit ymca-snoco.org/about.

“The YMCa is grateful to these individuals who donate their time to our success…”

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THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

Susy Lawler is the new program director for Stanwood-Camano’s YMCA programs. Having assisted with the USDA- funded and school district-sponsored free meals program offered during 2012, she was sold on the impact the Y makes on local families and wanted to continue her involvement.

“I just feel really connected to this community,” Lawler said. “When I wore the Y T-shirt in town, everybody would say, “‘Oh, you’re with the YMCA? We need a YMCA here!’”

Lawler recently graduated from Western Washington University with

a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She is from Marysville, one of three children in her family. Her Mexican-born mother taught her Spanish and they celebrate the holi-days and culture of her native country. “It’s a big part of our life,” she said. Lawler also thinks it’s going to help her connect with the Latino members of the Stanwood-Camano community, who often make up as much as one-third of the summer activities participants.

As the new school year starts, she’s launching the second year of the

Y-Achievers program at Port Susan Middle School. The program is modeled after the YMCA’s very successful Minority Achievers Program (MAP). Last year in Stanwood-Camano, the middleschool program served

about 15 students, who all received homework help, performed community service, and zwent on fun outings. One parent noted a definite boost in her child’s academic performance after joining Y-Achievers. The program will also be offered at Stanwood High School.

POSiTiVe iMPaCT COnTinUeS in STanWOOD-CaManO

”“ i just feel really connected to this community.

COnneCTWiTH USStay connected with your Y! Each branch of the YMCA has its own Facebook page and monthly electronic newsletter. Join the conversation at your branch by visiting ymca-snoco.org/connect or by scanning the QR code.

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAID EVERETT, WA

PERMIT NO. 134

YMCA of Snohomish County2720 Rockefeller Ave.P. O. Box 419Everett, WA 98206-9923

®®

UPCOMing eVenTSThanksgiving November 28 all branches closed

Holiday Heritage Dinner December 10

MAP Black Tie Gala January 11, 2014

eSSenTial PrOgraMSHelP eaSe THe BUrDenThe YMCA of Snohomish County and the Marysville Family branch would like to thank and acknowledge the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) for its continued financial support. In 2013, the ASYMCA provided $21,000 in funding to support programs offered to military families through the Marysville Y. These programs include: Child Care, Enrichment Camp, Y on Wheels, Community Swims, and Military Family Nights. These essential programs help ease the burden of military families dealing with the deployment of one or both parents. For more information regarding ASYMCA programs, contact Allison Hoot, ahoot@ymca-snoco.org or 360 651 1607