Martha Murphy – 30 Years of Creating Childhood Memories

Jul 242011
 
 July 24, 2011  Posted by Mark Clawson No Responses »

Martha Murphy lives everyday with one thing in mind “Creating childhood memories to last a lifetime!”  She has been teaching and directing youth actors for 30 years. When Martha came to Whidbey Island she moved into a 1908 farmhouse in Langley and that is where she offered her first classes. Much has changed since then. Martha founded the Whidbey Children’s Theater and has directed over 200 stage shows, many original works she created with her students.

In 2003, a group of parents began meeting with Martha with the intent of insuring the future of the WCT by forming a Non-Profit Charitable Organization dedicated to creating opportunities for children to experience and participate in the performing arts. Whidbey Children’s Theater gained its non-profit status and found a new home in the Porter Building.

I was looking at Sue Frause’s Whidbey Island Life blog and saw where she had written a nice article on Martha a few years back. I wanted to share her words with you.

“For the past 25 years, Whidbey Children’s Theater has made many a proud parent and grandparent’s eyes well up as they watch their offspring recite lines, sing, dance and make us smile……They ranged from simple productions she staged in the barn across the street from her house to full-blown musical revues at The Clyde Theater during Choochokam. But at the core of Martha’s dream is her philosophy that she’s stuck to all these years: “We’re not about producing shows, but about making a difference in kids’ lives.”

”And yes, Martha, you have made a difference in our kids’ lives, and in ours.”

Many of these actors start early; they literally grew up on the WCT stage. It is very apparent that Martha has worked her way into their hearts.

The childhood memories are still alive for a group called Slap Happy. Slap Happy is comprised of four very funny, talented and incredibly generous young men. They include Mark Arand, Matt Bell, Cameron Gray and Gabe Harshman. They began their a cappella group while in Middle School. Over the years they have been in numerous plays and musicals at the WCT. They are all in college with the exception of Matt Bell who just graduated from Western. Every year they have been returning to do a benefit for the WCT with 100% of the proceeds going towards the Whidbey Children’s Theater.

They will be performing on August 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 pm at the Martha Murphy Mainstage Theater located in the Porter Building. Their performance will be a mix of old and new songs beautifully arranged in four-part harmony with their typical onstage antics added in for fun.  For advance tickets please call the WCT Box Office at 221-2282.

The Good Cheer Challenge.

Being involved with children is a passion for Martha. This is the third year that she has hosted a resident camp for off island girls. This is not an official WCT event it is just what she does. The classes stress teamwork and community involvement with a drama theme.

As you can see they made it down to the Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley! They went in search for an item that they would later use in an improvisation.  The girls would explain what they bought for $2, why that particular item and the personal value attached to the item.

Practicing on each other.

On Friday at the Second Street Market in Langley they raised money for the Whidbey Children’s Theater by face painting.

Looks pretty good to me!

If you haven’t noticed, our young people are getting involved, they want to help others. That giving thing is pretty important and perhaps it’s a generational change that will bring a brighter future.

Thanks for being such a great mentor, Martha!

Good Cheer!

 

Whidbey Island Nourishes – Friends, Fun and Food!

Jul 072011
 
 July 7, 2011  Posted by Mark Clawson 4 Responses »

Whidbey Island Nourishes (W.I.N.) announced its participation as a sponsor in the 2011 Simplified Summer Food Program for Children this summer.  All children residing in the South Whidbey School District are encouraged to take part in this program and enjoy free, healthy summer lunches. There are no qualification papers or questions asked; all children in the district age 18 and under are eligible to participate.

It is very important to understand that this program is for all of our youth…..no one pays. It’s about bringing our youth together and making their summertime a one to remember; a time to share in life experiences and make memories.

The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation district is partnering with W.I.N. to offer a Meal Site at Community Park. Nutritious and delicious sack lunches will be made available at no-charge, Mondays-Fridays from 12:00-12:30 at South Whidbey Community Parks’ concessions stand beginning on June 27th and running until August 31st.  The park is located in Langley at 5495 Maxwelton.

You couldn’t find a better space to spend your time for an afternoon of good eats and great exercise!

Bring your friends and make a habit of visiting the park this summer!

Questions about Whidbey Island Nourishes participation in this program can be directed to: Mary Fisher, President 579-2329 or Miriam Coates, Director of Programs 221-8819.

Information about W.I.N. is available on our website at www.whidbeyislandnourishes.org

For questions about the meal site and accessibility please contact SWPRD Director, Terri Arnold, at 221-5484.

More information about the Summer Food Program is available at http://www.parenthelp123.org/resources/food-resources/summer-meals

Whidbey Island Nourishes is a volunteer-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing nutritious, ready-to-eat meals to those in need on South Whidbey, focusing on youth. W.I.N. is grateful for to SWPRD for serving as a Meal Site and to the South Whidbey School District for the W.I.N. kitchen located in the former Primary School.

Baseball, basketball, skateboarding or the Castle Playground…..lots of choices!

Whidbey Island Nourishes was founded 4 years ago by Mary Fisher, Jonni Reed, Dorit Zingarelli and Shirley Collins upon recognizing the needs of homeless children living on South Whidbey. With the help of many volunteers, W.I.N. now provides sack lunches and foods at a la carte locations. These include high protein sandwiches, fresh vegetables, fruit, trail-mix, string cheese, pasta salad and yogurt, which have been carefully chosen for their diverse nutrient content.

Whidbey Island Nourishes is very happy to be a part of  the 2011 Simplified Summer Food Program administered by OSPI/USDA. The Bayview Alternative High school has reached a 53% free/reduced price lunch participation rate, thus making South Whibdey School District eligible for sites as part of this federal Child Nutrition program.

Let’s make sure to get the WORD OUT!

This is just way too fun!!

Good Cheer and Good Eats!

Health Hero Award of Island County – Youth Division

May 022011
 
 May 2, 2011  Posted by Kathy McLaughlin No Responses »

JaNoah Spratt has been nominated for Linda Lee Martens Memorial Health Hero of Island County Award (youth division) and we would love to have JoNoah’s supporters on hand for the event.

While the event is scheduled for May 11th; they are hoping to receive RSVP s by May 4th so they can get an estimate of attendance. You can call Carrie McLachlan at 360-221-8486 or email her your RSVP to carriem@co.island.wa.us.

JaNoah Spratt has been a Good Cheer Food Bank volunteer since the spring of 2008.  He was then 7 years old when he heard from his neighbor Kay Stanley (a Good Cheer Board Member) that there were hungry people who needed help here on South Whidbey Island.  JaNoah had a garden that he planted with his parents. He would harvest and then sell his crop from a vegetable stand in front of his home. The funds were donated to the food bank; he raised $300. The next year JaNoah wanted to do even more. A poor growing season caused problems and he was only able to raise $50 from his garden sales.

Time to get creative! JaNoah goes to all of the businesses here on South Whidbey and asks them to match his donation. JaNoah in the end raised $2000 in cash and gift certificates.

JaNoah was becoming a seasoned Good Cheer volunteer. He went to Olympia and spoke to Representative Norma Smith and Governor Christine Gregoire about the work of Good Cheer.  He invited Norma to come to visit the Food Bank when she got back from their session. When JaNoah reported back to me about his visit I followed up and made sure JaNoah was given the opportunity to give Norma a tour of our Food Bank.

During the tour Norma mentioned to JaNoah that she thought a south Whidbey Talent Show would be a great fundraiser for Good Cheer. After she left I asked JaNoah how he thought the visit went. His first words to me were “I’m really intrigued with her idea of a talent show fundraiser.”  That is all it took and one year later the “Mother of all Talent Shows” was born. JaNoah co-chaired the event with Good Cheer’s food bank coordinator Damien Cortez.  I budgeted that they would raise $3,500 but they surpassed the budgeted amount and raised $5,090.

Last year JaNoah also sponsored a fund drive at the Goose Community Grocery Store and Casey’s Craft; he and his friends from Tiger Martial Arts raised $690.  Then in the summer, right after his tenth birthday, he coordinated a fund drive with the Washington State Ferry system where he solicited the help of his Tiger Martial Art friends and raised over $1000.

JaNoah has been working hard again this year as he is in the midst of co-coordinating our 2nd annual “The Mother of all Talent Shows Rides Again” scheduled for May 28th.  JaNoah has already solicited MANY items from local businesses that will be used for raffle items.This year he is also signing up businesses that want to sponsor the event, another revenue making effort. He is solely responsible for this portion of the talent show.  Damien brings in the talent and JaNoah focuses on bringing in the MONEY.

JaNoah Spratt is one of Good Cheer’s most treasured volunteers. He is a shining example that one really can make a difference. He shows how commitment and perseverance inspires others to get involved. Good Cheer is so fortunate that JaNoah’s passion is to end hunger.

While raising funds for Good Cheer has been extremely important; his largest contribution has been educating others in our community about the need.  He has told the Good Cheer story through news coverage, one-on-one, fund & food drives and community events. JaNoah has become one of Good Cheer’s leading advocates.

Having worked with JaNoah now for three years we have become close friends. When the spotlight shines on him he just turns that spot light right back onto others. JaNoah is humble, wise beyond his years, and full of love.  He is so deserving of the Island County’s Health Hero Award. He is definitely an old soul and one that brings inspiration to this community.

Thanks JaNoah!

Good Cheer!

Trust in Yourself and Don’t Give Up

Mar 072011
 
 March 7, 2011  Posted by Mark Clawson No Responses »

“When things go wrong as they sometimes will” is the start of a poem that I will share with you once again.

So, how do we move forward in our lives when things are really tough. Last year I suggested that we might want to look at The Four Agreements and now I find that there is now a fifth agreement that has been put forth. These first four agreements are really especially significant since they are so simple and easy to put into action.

First off, let’s revisit the ways that we can respond to our world.

The Four Agreements from Don Miguel Ruiz:

1.  Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2.  Don’t Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3.  Don’t Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4.  Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

There is a challenge here. Give these four agreements a try for a day or a week in the office or at your kid’s Little League game. If you listen to yourself life can get better!

5. Be Skeptical, But Learn to Listen.

Don Miguel Ruiz, the author, says that “the result of practicing the fifth agreement is the complete acceptance of yourself just the way you are, and the complete acceptance of everybody else just the way they are. The reward is your eternal happiness.”

Nancy Colasurdo, a Life Coach, had a good take on this agreement. “Wherever you go around the world, you will hear all kinds of opinions and stories from other people. You will find great storytellers wanting to tell you what you should do with your life: “You should do this, you should do that, you should do whatever.” Don’t believe them. Be skeptical but learn to listen and then make your choices. Be responsible for every choice you make in your life. This is your life; it’s nobody else’s life, and you will find that it’s nobody else’s business what you do with your life.”

Don Miguel Ruiz and his Toltec Teaching can be viewed by clicking here for his website.

Trust in yourself and don’t give up.

Good Cheer!

 

The Earth Sanctuary Helping Good Cheer

Feb 192011
 
 February 19, 2011  Posted by Kathy McLaughlin 2 Responses »

The Earth Sanctuary is a pretty special place on Whidbey Island. It is a place of refuge, protection and for us humans a place to wander and be in the arms of Nature. This week I spoke with Chuck Pettis the founder and owner of Earth Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary is a 72-acre nature reserve and meditation parkland here on Whidbey Island. I wanted to post some photos and talk about the sanctuary and Chuck thought the idea was a good one!

This month and next would be a great time to have a “Good Cheer Visit” to the sanctuary. Chuck will contribute 50% of the fees collected at the Earth Sanctuary in February and March if you simple write “Good Cheer” on the registration form.

You can reclaim your spirit in its beautiful forests looking out at its many reflective ponds. The reserve has a number of paths and there always seems to be something to catch your attention.

The Earth Sanctuary is open to visitors every day of the year during daylight hours. There is a fee of $7 per person to visit Earth Sanctuary. You’ll find a registration box on the bulletin board by the parking area with registration envelopes. REMEMBER to write “Good Cheer”on the registration form or envelope to benefit the food bank.

The Earth Sanctuary is a great place to give renewed birth to your soul and truly spend time with nature and the Universe. The forest is a living soul and the ponds and wetlands provide a wonderful backdrop for reflecting on life.

Only love is real and you can experience that feeling anytime and any day you choose.

Chuck Pettis is a dedicated practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism and recently I read from a book named “Peace in Every Step” by Thich Nhat Hanh. Here is an excerpt “From time to time, when we see something beautiful, we may want to stop and look at it…a tree, a flower, some children playing. As we look, we continue to follow our breathing, lest we lose the beautiful flower and get caught up in our thoughts. When we want to resume walking, we just start again. Each step we take will create a cool breeze, refreshing our body and mind. Every step makes a flower bloom under our feet. We can do it only if we do not think of the future or the past, if we know that life can only be found in the present moment.”

Kind of a nice pleasant way to think of mindfulness and being in touch with nature.

Earth Sanctuary has installed two Tibetan prayer wheels that each contain 1.3 trillion prayers, more prayers than any other prayer wheel ever created. The prayer wheels are located near the Dolmen and the Cottonwood Stone Circle.

There is a lot going on in the reserve. Craig & Joy Johnson monitored a Rufous Hummingbird nest at Earth Sanctuary for 34 days and created a slide show entitled Hummingbird Birth-to-Flight. Click on the two eggs above and you can watch the transformation.

Chuck Pettis is the founder and owner of Earth Sanctuary and he deeply believes in the value of meditation. He says “I don’t know anyone who meditates or prays too much. With Earth Sanctuary I’ve tried to create an environment that motivates and facilitates spiritual practice.”

You can visit the Earth Sanctuary website by clicking here.

Good Cheer!

Whidbey Island Winery – Good Cheers December Tasting

Dec 012010
 
 December 1, 2010  Posted by Kathy McLaughlin 2 Responses »

Whidbey Island Winery is our food drive sponsor for the month of December. The winery owned by Gregory and Elizabeth Osenback have been donating wine, tasting experiences and tours to many charities in the area. Gregory said that at this time of year…”In the spirit of holiday giving we are teaming up with our customers and donating all of our December tasting fees to the Good Cheer Food Bank of South Whidbey.  We wish you all a Merry Christmas!”

The Winery which is famous for its Dine in the Vine Events will be donating all of their weekend tasting fees to support the food bank. The winery is open from 11 a.m until 5 p.m. on the weekends.

There are 6 different varieties of wine at the tasting. The tasting fee is $3,  you can donate more than the normal fee if desired.

The Whidbey Island Winery began as a dream and a chance for career changes for Gregory and Elizabeth Osenbach. The two lived in Monroe and were making homemade wine. Producing wine in Monroe was a bit of a problem because the climate was too wet.

The biggest part of that dream was moving to Whidbey Island and starting a winery from scratch. As many of you know, Whidbey Island lies in the rain shadow from the Olympic Mountain Range. This makes Whidbey somewhat drier than much of the Puget Sound.

In 1984 Greg and Elizabeth moved to Whidbey Island. They found a 10-acre site that would be perfect for their winery; it was very close to Langley and would be a good location for retailing their wines.

They built a home and started growing grapes. With a maturing crop of grapes it was time to expand. In 1990 they built the winery building and proceeded to get all the licenses that would be required to sell their wines.

1991 was their first production year and by the summer of 1992 they had sold 400 cases of wine. Today that number is between 3000 and 3500 cases of wine.

Currently about one third of the grapes that are used in producing their wines comes from the Whidbey Island vineyard; the rest of the grapes come from the Yakima Valley. Greg and Elizabeth have developed a strong relationship with the growers in Yakima. They have input on how the grapes are grown. It used to be that the growers were paid by the pound for their grapes. This tended to reduce the quality of the grapes grown since the emphasis was on quantity. Now grapes are sold by the acre, there is less of a focus on quantity and more on the quality of the grape. If the crop level is lower you have better quality and the flavors are more intense.

If you click on the wine label above you can view a short video about the winery.

Leah, Greg, Elizabeth and Sangiovese the cat.

Elizabeth does the important book work that is needed for the enterprise’s success. Leah Waaramaki is the other half of the wine making team, with Greg, and she is also involved in the wineries marketing efforts. Leah comes from the wine growing area of California and has provided a lot of energy and love to the business and it’s wine making. Sangiovese keeps the birds out of the vineyard and runs for cover when eagles are overhead.

If you click on the above label there is a video interview with Leah Waaramaki talking about Seattle’s 2010 Wine Awards where they won four awards.

The Whidbey Island Winery produces both white and red wines. Three of the whites are produced at the vineyard; Madeline Angevine, Island White and Siegerrebe.

To find out more about the winery you can visit their website by clicking here.

The Winery is located on 5237 Langley Road in Langley, Washington, 98260.

You can call them at 360-221-2040

Giving Thanks – What a Great Community!

Nov 252010
 
 November 25, 2010  Posted by Kathy McLaughlin 1 Response »

The Good Cheer Food Bank is only as good as the community that it is part of.  It is from this community that we find volunteers, charitable givers and businesses that have put their hearts into making Good Cheer the success that it is.

Below are photos of some of the organizations and people that make this community work. You can read the post that was written by just clicking on your photo of choice. I’m sure that we have missed someone but you all know that you are in our hearts and minds.

Fixing Homes…………………                                                        Thanksgiving on Wheels………………

Food Drives on South Whidbey Island…………………………………

Nourishing our young people………………….                           Supporting our Volunteers………………….

Island wide food drive…………………..                                         Affordable Housing…………………….

Grocery store partner……………………                                         Helping our children grow……………..

Harvest celebrations……………………                                         Fresh Fruit from our neighbors…………………..

Matching community donations……………                               Support through arts and crafts……………………..

Volunteers asking for help……………….                                      Businesses supporting raffles………………….

Providing community service…………………                               Supporting the best for women…………….

Gathering places and youth programs……………………          Sharing homes…………….

Local talent………………                                                                    Helping with medical expenses…………………..

Valued business partners…………………                                      Promoting student success……………..

Click on the photo above and you can read a wonderful poem about never quitting.  Good Cheer, like all of you who help,   is here to enable people and families. It is up the the individual to succeed in life.

“Don’t Quit.”

Together we all bring good cheer!

Hearts and Hammers of South Whidbey Island

Nov 122010
 
 November 12, 2010  Posted by Kathy McLaughlin 1 Response »

Hearts and Hammers of South Whidbey Island is a local non-profit organization formed in 1994 that brings together hundreds of volunteers annually to help repair and rehabilitate homes of those who are physically or financially unable to do the work alone.

In the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, homeowners receive labor and materials at no cost to them thanks to the contributions and support of the larger community, including individual volunteers, churches, service and community organizations and local businesses.

The annual Hearts and Hammers workday is on the first Saturday of May each year. A typical volunteer effort would include repairs and renovations possible within the scope of a one day work party; projects such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical repairs, painting, weatherization, roof and gutter repair, yard cleanup, and trash removal, the installation of wheelchair ramps, railings and grab bars.

How are Hearts & Hammers homes selected?

Homeowners can apply for volunteer help directly through the web sign-up page or by phone or email. Hearts and Hammers also gets suggestions from pastors, senior services, medical professionals, relatives, neighbors and community organizations. If you are a Whidbey Island homeowner in Clinton, Langley, Freeland or Greenbank in need of Hearts and Hammers volunteer help this might just be your lucky day!

A Hearts and Hammers intake volunteer will ask you a few questions that will get you started through the process.  All applications for volunteer help on the May workday must be submitted by January 31st. The work assessment teams visit proposed sites to determine the needs and see if the work is within our financial and time constraints. Final selections are approved by the Board of Hearts & Hammers.

How can I support Hearts & Hammers?

Give us just one day a year! Whether old or new to the island, we need you! Please sign up on our volunteer page. Plus, you can lend financial support to Hearts & Hammers by donating on the web page or send to:

Hearts & Hammers
PO Box 694
Langley, Wa. 98260

The photos tell the story. This is straight from the heart!

Our volunteers range from highly skilled, to non-skilled but willing to work! There is a place for everyone. In recent years we have averaged about 400 volunteers working on 40 projects on the May workday. They come to give neighbors a helping hand and to build community spirit.

If you have an immediate need involving health and safety in your home you can call (360) 221-6063. Hearts and Hammers offers help throughout the year for homeowners with emergency needs who cannot wait for the annual May workday.

See you on the first Saturday in May!

Bring your hearts and hammers!

ANNUAL HEARTS & HAMMERS VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
SATURDAY, MAY 7th, 2011, Beginning 7:45am

We have put together a slideshow of the last three years of Hearts and Hammers. You can just feel the love! Just click on the logo below.

Mark your calendars for this fund raising event:

February 11th, 2011

Spaghetti Dinner and Volunteer Drive kickoff

This annual fundraising event marks the start of Hearts and Hammers volunteer drive and the end of winter hibernation. Held at the Langley United Methodist Church meeting hall from 5-7 pm, you can get a good meal at a reasonable price, sign up to volunteer for the May 7th workday and purchase this year’s t-shirts and hats. This is a fun, social evening with a chance to gather with a large part of the community, meet new neighbors, enjoy great spaghetti and often live music too.

Good Cheer!

Whidbey Island Bank Community Challenge for the Good Cheer Food Bank

Jul 302010
 
 July 30, 2010  Posted by Kathy McLaughlin No Responses »

Whidbey Island Bank is truly a community bank and it happens to be the only bank that still has a headquarters on the island. The bank was started by a group of Whidbey Island business people in Coupeville back in the early 1960s.

Today, the bank is one of the largest employers on Whidbey Island. This is a bank that cares about the community and how it does the business of banking.

Last year the bank earned a 5-Star rating from Bauer Financial for financial strength and stability. Nice to know that we have one of the strongest banks in the nation right here on the Island.

Whidbey Island Bank has a challenge for you!

Whidbey Island Bank is sponsoring a Community Challenge Matching Fund Drive from now through August 31st to help raise needed funds for the Good Cheer Food Bank in Bayview. The bank will match donations from the community up to a total amount of $5,000. The matched fund potential of $10,000 will help Good Cheer keep food shelves stocked through what continues to be a time of increased needs owing to the continued recession.

We are all at our best when we are helping others!

According to Pam Bickel the manager of the Langley Branch, “The idea of a fundraiser began with an article in the South Whidbey Record in June about the increased use of and decline of monetary donations for the Food Bank.  Whidbey Island Bank feels very much in partnership with the communities it serves and wanted to help in some way.  The bank felt it could maximize a donation by matching contributions made by our community members during a month-long campaign up to a total amount of $5000.00. Part of being a good neighbor means stepping up when the community meets challenging times.”

We are very grateful to Whidbey Island Bank for their leadership in this matching fund drive. They continue to be strong supporters of Good Cheer in terms of both donations and employees who volunteer at Good Cheer.

Donations are being accepted at all Whidbey Island Bank locations on South Whidbey:

Clinton Branch -  Branch Manager Candy Anderson at 360-341-5238

Freeland Branch – Branch Manager Anne Bobinac at 360-331-5868

Langley Branch – Branch Manager Pam Bickel at 360-221-0203

Donations can also be made at all Good Cheer Thrift Stores and the Food Bank office in Bayview. You can mail donations to Good Cheer Community Challenge / PO Box 144, Langley WA 98260 or click here to contribute online.

Donations should be identified as “Community Challenge” in the memo area on checks and online.

Good Cheer!

JaNoah Spratt / Mukilteo Fundraiser Good Cheer

Jul 122010
 
 July 12, 2010  Posted by Kathy McLaughlin No Responses »

JaNoah Spratt and The Good Cheer Food Bank; sound familiar? Wow, what an example for all of us to follow!

Here is the story of the fundraiser through the eyes of his father Todd Spratt:

“Good Cheer volunteer JaNoah Spratt  has coordinated  another Fundraiser with his fellow Black Belt Club students from Tiger Martial Arts. They just completed another very successful fundraiser to benefit Good Cheer Food Bank.

The fundraiser was held Saturday July 3rd from 9:00 am and 4:00 pm and was stationed in front of Ivar’s Restaurant. Ivar’s graciously agreed to let JaNoah  setup their table with brochures, Pamphlets and a collection box. The bulk of the collections where donated by the fine folks that were parked waiting for the ferry.

It was a long day and we were beat but we managed to bring in around $1000.00 for the Good Cheer Food Bank. Ivar’s staff was awesome. They said we were their guests and boy did they make us feel special. They treated us all to lunch, whatever we wanted and an ice cream of our choice. That was a life saver. Thanks so much for all you did Ivar’s.

The Washington State Mukilteo Ferry staff was wonderful too. They set us up with reflective vests, explained a few rules and let us do our thing. Our thanks goes out to the Mukilteo Ferry staff as well.

The kids hit the pavement asking for donations. Only two kids 10 years or older could be in the parking lot at one time and had to be accompanied by an adult at all times. We also had to leave the parking lot area when cars were being loaded, so you had about 10 minutes between rounds. The initial response was encouraging and we knew it would be a productive day.

Sensei Wendi Barker of Tiger Martial Arts took turns escorting kids through the parking lot and her son Good Cheer volunteer  R. J. helped man the table doing a fine job collecting donations. The next wave of helpers were not far behind Liz, Leah and Rebecca Merrow showed up and gave some much needed relief to Todd and JaNoah Spratt and Jesse Barker. It was a lot of walking and talking but we were all having fun and consistent success.

We had planned the event so that the volunteers would come at predetermined intervals during the day so that there would always be fresh help. Gabe Sherlock  and Jonathan Deritis had the 1:00 to 2:30 slot and did a great job. Paula and Dustin Scharwat were the last crew scheduled for the day. They both worked the parking lot with JaNoah and helped carry everything back when it was over.

JaNoah got his second wind sometime after lunch and started working the area in front of Ivar’s hard in between parking lot rounds. He’s really good face to face and it’s hard to turn him down when he’s standing in front of you.

JaNoah’s next project is to add the Mukilteo Fundraising chapter to his book ” How I Helped My Community and You Can Too” get it published and use part of the proceeds to generate more money for Good Cheer Food Bank. Leslie Kelly has offered her expertise and is assisting with the process.”

Quite a story; don’t you think:)

Are you looking for a back yard recycler?  You have to check out the BugaBay Worm Box by, you guessed it, JaNoah Spratt. There is a a video and other good information about composting that could be very useful to you.

JaNoah, his family and friends understand that volunteering is a form of giving. It is sharing what we value with others without counting on the reciprocal expectation of recognition or gratitude.

“The value of man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”

–Albert Einstein

Good Cheer!

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