2016 Mid-Year Report

LEARN LIVE LEAD
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Photo by Jon Kull

To our Skagit community,
As an organization, we work to ensure that all of our stakeholders are informed about
Club operations regularly and understand how much we appreciate and value your contributions
to our success. Our semi-annual report is intended to capture highlights of
the first half of the year, and provide you with a snapshot of the progress of our Clubs
in implementing our mission: to enable all young people, especially those who need us
most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
A personal highlight for me, during my initial term as President of the Board of Directors,
was attending the 110th National Conference of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. We
know we have a strong Club organization here in Skagit County, and this was reinforced as
I attended workshops and sessions, realizing that we already implement so many of the best
practices offered.
However, in seeing how the 400 Club organizations from throughout the country and on military bases
around the world come together, so determined to fulfill the Club mission, I gained a deeper appreciation
for the work our professionally trained staff in Skagit County accomplish, as well as better understanding as
to the tremendous scope of the Boys & Girls Club movement, impacting more than 4million youth in 2015.
Thank you for your continued support of our Clubs, and the kids and families we serve; the need is great,
and only through that ongoing support are we able to make the difference we do. If you haven’t been recently,
I encourage you to visit your local Clubhouse and have your own moment of realization - seeing the
difference your support provides in a very personal way.
Sincerely,
Mark Lawrence
Board President
Simply Yards Landscape & Design
Dear Friends,
Twice a year we are privileged to be able to share with you a deeper look at the
operations of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County. Thanks to our partnership
with K&H Integrated Print Solutions, and the magic of Tammy Findlay, our Director
of Marketing & Stewardship, we can produce these sophisticated publications
at no cost. There is a lot that goes into fulfilling our mission - to enable all
young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential
as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
We have had much success in the last two years, and it has been celebrated time
and again. However, we are not without our challenges, and this year, we face one
of our largest, manifest through changes in staff capacities because of updated policies
from the Department of Labor. These new regulations will impact many, in both the non-, and
for-profit sectors. We have worked hard to stay ahead of the issue, but changes in our operations
will be necessary, which you can read about in this semi-annual report.
As an organization, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County takes very seriously its’ responsibility to
constituents and stakeholders to be good stewards of community investment, and appreciate the
opportunity to inform you of our activities working to change the lives of more than 1,600 youth in
Skagit County. There is a significant need that remains, and with your support, we will endeavor to
ultimately reach each and every child in Skagit County who can benefit from the opportunities Clubs
provide through our unique, and time-tested service model.
Yours in service,
Ron McHenry
Executive Director
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CREDITS:
Cover photo: FoxLight Photography
DONATED PHOTOGRAPHY
Azota Photography
FoxLight Photography
Jon Kull
Serving the Children of the World
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ron McHenry
Shane Collins
Tammy Findlay
Ian Faley
John Garman
Bobby Castro
Angela Freeberg
Mark Lawrence
ART DIRECTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN
Tammy Findlay
PRINTING & MAILING
Donated by K&H Printing Solutions
Proudly Supports
Boys & Girls Clubs
of Skagit County
Protect your world
Auto • Home • Life • Retirement
ANNETTE BOOTH • 360-848-0939
annettebooth@allstate.com 4
• 130 S 15TH STE 102 MOUNT VERNON

THANK YOU
TO OUR MANY
EVENT SPONSORS
2016 YOUTH OF THE YEAR:
• Dinner with Friends Keystone $5000
Hendricks Family Foundation
• YOY Sponsor $500
Trident Seafood
Eaglemont Golf Course
2016 SEDRO-WOOLLEY WINTER
FUNDRAISER:
• Royal Title Sponsor – $2500
Dwayne Lane’s North Cascade Ford
• Noble Sponsor – $1500
Carl’s Towing
• Grand Sponsor – $1000
Snelson Co.
• Silver Sponsor – $500
KS Excavating
• Table Sponsors
Christine Johnson
Truck Vault
Mike Crawford
Les Schwab
2016 ANNUAL BREAKFAST:
• Title Sponsor -$7500
K&H Integrated Print Solutions
• Audio/Video Sponsor – $3000
Allstate Foundation
• Torch Sponsors – $2,500
Skagit Transportation
• Table Sponsors – $1000
Skagit Bank
R. W. Baird & Co. – Carter & Ryberg
Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project
Chad Fisher Construction
Mike Gubrud – Farmer’s Insurance
Williams & Nulle, PLLC
Bayside Specialties
Annette Booth – Allstate Insurance
Skagit Aggregates
Sims Honda
2016 ANACORTES BREAKFAST:
• Title Sponsor $2000
Kiwanis Sunrisers Anacortes
• Event Sponsors $1000
Strandberg Construction
IN THIS REPORT...
THANK YOU EVENT SPONSORS
...5, 7, 11, 13
BOARD PRESIDENT LETTER ...3
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LETTER ...3
LEARN: CAREERLAUNCH ...6-7
KEYS FOR KIDS ...8-9
SHELL STEM CAMP ...10-11
RESTRICTED VS. UNRESTRICTED GIFTS
...12-13
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS ...13
#DISCOVERSUMMER ...14-15
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR CHANGES
...16-17
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
...18-20
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT ...21
LIVE: BROOKS RUNNING CLUB ...22-23
LEAD: YOUTH OF THE MONTH ...24
BY THE NUMBERS: MEALS ...25
REFLECTIONS: 2016 NATIONAL
CONFERENCE ...26
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C AREERL AUNCH
A
t the Clubs, there is a strong belief in creating a
space where youth have the freedom and drive to
imagine the possibilities for their future. Career-
Launch is a Club program that encourages Club
members ages 13 to 18 to assess their skills and interests,
explore careers, and make sound educational decisions.
There are multiple facets to the program. Through
online resources provided by Boys & Girls Clubs
of America, teens can learn about preparing a
resumé, how to dress & conduct themselves
in an interview, search for jobs, and read
about other teens and their CareerLaunch
stories. Volunteers and Club staff also
have access to a facilitator guide with
curriculums and best practices.
Volunteers and Staff mentor Club
members individually and in small
groups, providing opportunities
for job shadowing and training.
Frequent field trips to job facilities,
and college tours, provide
youth with a wealth of insight.
A favorite part of the program involves
visits from professionals in
the field, who visit the Clubs and
share with youth about their career
path journey.
At the Mount Vernon Club, youth
were visited by professional driver,
Justin Youngquist, who is just 20
years old and has been racing Sprint
Cars since he was 9 years old.
The Sedro-Woolley Club is fortunate to
have a teen-dedicated building, and has a
strong teen presence with nearly 50 in daily attendance.
They are fortunate to see regular visits
from professionals in a wide range of career fields.
Timothy Rowe, a Physical Therapist Assistant who works
for Independence Rehab in Burien, WA talked to the
“Woolley Teens” about different Physical Therapy techniques,
what an average day at work is like for him, and
how he decided on his career path. He has worked as a
PTA for two years and was a CNA for 4 years prior to that.
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PROGRAMS: Academic Success

AME1 (First Class Petty Officer) Laura Swenson spoke about
the many factors that lead her to join the Navy. She shared
stories about her adventures traveling the world and how
being in the Navy has helped her grow as a person.
Club members are introduced to as
many quality options as possible,
putting them in a position to match
their natural talents and passions to
a career that will best serve them and
their community.
Colin Bean is a Registered Nurse at Skagit Valley Hospital
in the Progressive and Critical Care Unit. He told the teens
about his journey in school from Skagit Valley College to
Western Washington University, and finally, to the Denver
School of Nursing. He explained that moments on the job can
be very difficult, yet even more so, rewarding.
Officer Katie Wilson of the Sedro-Woolley Police Department
talked about the challenges and rewards that come with being
a law enforcement officer. She also shared what led her
to choose to become a police officer and then showed off
some of the tools of the trade. Despite repeated requests,
none of the teens were tazed.
In August, teens from all Club locations in Skagit County will
be combining to embark on a major college tour. They will
depart Monday, August 15th, and over the next five days,
visit Central Washington University, Perry Technical Institute,
Boise State University, Eastern Idaho Technical College,
Montana State University, the University of Montana, and
finally, Eastern Washington University. The wide range of
student population sizes, settings, and specialties, will provide
participants with a deeper understanding of the choices
available to them for post-secondary education, including
non-traditional pathways of study.
Club members at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County are
introduced to as many quality options as possible, putting
them in a position to match their natural talents and passions
to a career that will best serve them and their community. All
of these facets of the CareerLaunch program are designed to
open the eyes of youth and generate excitement about their
future possibilities, giving them an added advantage when
choosing their own career path. •••
Thank you Sponsors cont.
Ris Insurance Services
Cap Sante Inn
• Table Sponsors $500
Curt Oppel - John L. Scott
Anacortes Community Health Council
Anacortes Police Department
Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project
The Walk In Clinic at Island Hospital
Alice Bohnker Insurance
John L. Scott
Re/Max
Representative Jeff Morris
2016 KEYS FOR KIDS:
• Grand Piano Title Sponsor $8,800
Tesoro Corp
• Table Sponsors $1000
Cascade Natural Gas
Columbia Bank
IMAC General Construction
Reese Alexandria Homes LLC
• Major Chord Sponsor $500
Edward Jones
Foothills Toyota
Hampton Inn
Heritage Bank
2016 GOLF TOURNAMENT:
• Title Sponsor $5000
Blade Chevrolet
• Dinner Sponsor $3000
Judd & Black Appliance
• Lunch Sponsor $2500
Bayside Specialties
• Contest Sponsor $1000
Heritage Bank
Mike Gubrud – Farmers Insurance
Skagit Transportation
Swinomish Casino
• Snack Cart Sponsor $750
CPI Plumbing/SaviBank
Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project
• Hole Sponsor $750
ServiceMaster
Wells Fargo
• Green/Tee Sponsor $400
Central Moving & Storage
Conover Insurance
Cook Road Shell
LEARN LIVE LEAD
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“It was a great event supported by a wonderful community who continues to
make sure that we serve the kids that need us the most. Raising over $40,000
for both nights, it was a testament to our community’s support and to how
delightful the Keys for Kids event is.”
~Mark Lawrence, Board President
KEYS FOR KIDS
Photo by FoxLight
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On June 24th and 25th the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Skagit County held
their Fundraiser, Keys for Kids
for the second year in a row, this
time adding a second evening. Featuring a dueling piano
show performed by Kirk Garrett and Rich Wyman, of
Killer Keyz, the event took place at La Conner Flats where
the flowers and gardens were in full bloom, and the atmosphere
was perfect for an evening outdoors.
Each evening opened with a social hour and an opportunity
for guests to play minute-to-win-it games for a
chance at raffle prizes. Some were embracing the competition
as friends cheered them on, laughing as they
raced to unwrap a candy bar with oven mitts on. Many
enjoyed the photo booth with wacky props on hand, and
others were happy to relax under the big tent with selections
from Thurston Wolfe Wines and Boundary Bay
Brewery. A lovely dinner was served by Avenue Catering,
as guests got the opportunity to visit with friends
and make new acquaintances.
Kirk and Rich got everyone out of their seats early, laughing
and clapping, as they captured someone who was
not so keen to be volunteered, to demonstrate a choreographed
version of “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog” by Three
Dog Night. They were a good sport, though, and inspired
everyone get energized for a night of fun.
The dueling piano duo did a tremendous job of engaging
the audience and encouraging guests to outbid song
choices, and each other. During the show, guests had the
opportunity to hear their song by placing a bid, with highest
bid on songs played first. Anyone could stop the
song playing by outmatching the bid by a dollar. On
Friday evening, “Uptown Funk,” by Bruno Mars
brought people to the dance floor, vying for
their tempo and song, while 12 Variations
of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
brought ovations from the audience. On
Saturday, the hotly contested “Friends in Low
Places” by Garth Brooks, brought angst as half of
the room loved country and the other half absolutely
hated it. In the end country won out with the most bids, a
dance floor take over, and a boisterous sing along.
Jazzelle Elias, Skagit County’s 2015 Youth of the Year,
gave a compelling speech on how the Club changed her
life when she needed it most, and other Club members followed
her lead, learning how to speak confidently in front
of a crowd. Representatives from Tesoro took a moment to
confirm their commitment to fund STEM programs for the
Clubs, commented on their belief that the Clubs are a very
sound investment, and celebrated the singular impact the
Clubs have in serving youth in the community.
“It was a great event supported by a wonderful community
who continues to make sure that we serve the
kids that need us the most.” said Mark Lawrence, Board
President for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County.
“Raising over $40,000 for both nights, it was a testament
to our community’s support and to how delightful
the Keys for Kids event is.”
Many fantastic photos from the event can be found on
the Club’s Flickr album. Just visit skagitclubs.org, click on
News & Events and follow the link from the menu on the
right. Those interested in attending next year can also use
the form under the same menu to RSVP for 2017.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County would like to thank
those people and businesses who operated behind the
scenes and played a part in the event’s success.
They are especially grateful to Grand Piano Title
Sponsor, Tesoro, and all the sponsors and
attendees that invested in Keys for
Kids to support youth. •••
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SHELL STEM CAMP
Summer
2016 at
the Boys &
Girls Clubs means
a summer full of discovery. For
the first time, the Clubs have offered a
week long STEM Camp at each site, called Discover Motion.
The theme of this Camp helps focus members’ attention,
while they spend the week discovering, exploring,
and experimenting with the various aspects of physics as
it relates to movement. This opportunity was made possible
through a grant from Shell Puget Sound Refinery,
as means to both grow budding young scientists for the
future, and provide Boys & Girls Club members with a
unique summer experience.
Beginning at the Anacortes Club, a corps of seven Club
members began their exploration by building wheeled
vehicles and testing them on a ramp. They discovered
quickly the importance that symmetry plays in their
designs in order to keep their vehicles on the ramp,
balanced, as well as stabilizing the free moving parts
so that their vehicles could reach their top speeds.
Extra points
were given for
style, function, and
mechanical complexity.
On the second day of STEM Camp,
Club members were visited by a team of Shell
Puget Sound Refinery employees, that consisted of engineers,
scientists, and mechanics. Club members were
engaged in discussions about the refinery, and had the
opportunity to explore a functioning mini refinery that
demonstrated how the engineers, scientists, and mechanics
all work together to turn crude oil (black sludge)
into usable products like gasoline, asphalt, plastics, and
fertilizer. The Shell employees were more than happy to
share about their areas of expertise and the colleges and
universities where they could pursue similar academics,
in order to prepare them for future careers in science.
Continuing their adventures through motion, Club members
worked through the process of researching and designing
a simple machine in the form of a crane arm. Utilizing
the tech lab, members researched cranes to develop
their own designs. Then they went to work discovering
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D ISCOVERS UMMER: DiscoverMotion

the best ways to piece together their machines. The
challenge for this project was finding a way to incorporate
a hydraulic lever component to it. Emphasis
was spent on matching their design to their final
product and testing its functionality.
Likely the most perplexing project, Club members
spent the final day discovering magnetism and creating
their own mag-lev vehicles. Members were
familiar with using magnets to attract magnetic
charges, but the challenge with this project was in
manipulating the magnets’ charges to repel one another
as a means to create levitation and eliminate
friction, in order to build an innovative vehicle.
Discover Motion STEM Camp is currently in session
at the Mount Vernon Club, and will be visiting the
Sedro-Woolley Club, soon, as well as a special session
in Burlington, at the Burlington School District’s
Annex building, before summer is out. •••
Thank you Sponsors cont.
Gateway Transmission
Louis Auto Glass
Safelite AutoGlass
SEMRAU Engineering & Surveying
ServPro Skagit
Smiley Insurance
2015 ANNUAL GALA:
• Hall of Famer – Title Sponsor $10,000
Dreamchasers RV
• All-Stars $5,000
Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project
Judd & Black Appliance
K&H Print Solutions
• MVP’s $2,500
Columbia Distributing
CPI Plumbing & Heating
Samish Indian Nation
Shell Corporation
• Social Hour Sponsor $2,500
Avenue Catering
• Draft Picks $1,500
Angel of the Winds Casino
Annette Booth – Allstate Insurance
Brinderson
Paul Evert’s RV Country
RIS Insurance Services
Skagit Bank
Strandberg Construction
Tesoro Corp

Photos by FoxLight
THE PRICE OF
SUCCESS:
Restricted vs.
Unrestricted
Funding
The success seemed to just keep coming in 2015;
first, a first ever award from the Office of Justice
Programs of nearly $25,000 to provide academic
mentoring programs to youth in Sedro-Woolley,
then it was the selection as a pilot site for the new Academic
Innovation in Mentoring initiative through the
State of Washington, and with it, funding for the staff
person and necessary hardware and software components.
As the year progressed, the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Skagit County were also successful in securing federal
grant funds to open two middle school programs,
and then, the Tesoro Foundation made a commitment of
$390,000 over three years.
To some in the community, Clubs seemed to be flush
with cash, with less need for local investment, when in
all actuality, the need was never greater. Some, more often
jokingly than not, made reference to the organization
needing to pay more for services, and some believed that
the Clubs now had everything they needed.
It is the local resources, Skagit philanthropy at its
best, that open our doors when school is out, so more
than 1,600 youth have a safe, fun, and positive place
to go. When an individual or business makes a contribution
to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County to
support our mission, unless otherwise directed, it is
considered unrestricted funding. This goes to pay for
administrative support, lights, copy toner, phone bills,
games, snacks, other essentials, and most of all, the
professional staff who work each day on the front line,
making the greatest difference.
When funding is secured that is for a specific Club, program,
or other initiative, the donor’s intent, whether
stated or implied, is taken seriously, and fulfilled. More
than just the good steward responsibility of meeting
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our donor-investors philanthropic goals, IRS regulations
require us to track and restrict the resources for that
purpose. More often than not, these investments are
strategic in nature, and result in providing opportunities
for deeper impact by our Clubs. This helps provide for a
better overall Club Experience, but rarely the ability to
reach more youth who are looking for the Club to fill a
need in their lives.
Through our grant and partnership with the Tesoro
Foundation, Clubs were able to directly purchase new
computers for youth for the first time in our history.
It could be considered modest by most standards, as
it resulted in just three to nine new terminals at each
location, distributed based on Club attendance in an
equitable manner. However, now Club members have
the equipment needed not only to complete regular
homework tasks, but learn coding, create their own
video games, make movies, and other activities that
are carefully designed to develop the skills necessary
to pursue success in the 21st Century. Our Director
of STEM Initiatives, funded wholly by this grant, visits
each Club location weekly to engage youth in programs
and curriculum that would not be possible with
our core funding; however, without those investments,
there would be no youth for them to engage.
The price of success for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit
County has been increased referrals from other agencies
and partners, greater confidence by families that Clubs
meet their need, and serving nearly 100% more youth
than in 2014. Heading into the 2016-17 school year, three
of our Clubhouses, in Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley
will open with waiting lists for enrollment;
La Conner is likely to be at funded capacity within the
first weeks of the year.
Community need for Club programs is greater than ever,
and can only be lessened through maintaining unrestricted
funding streams and investments, carefully
stewarded by the Board of Directors who provide indepth
oversight to ensure that Clubs work hard to fulfill
the core mission: to enable all young people, especially
those who needs us most, to reach their full potential as
productive, caring, responsible citizens.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County is a solid investment
and doing better than ever thanks to community
support. Unrestricted funds enable Clubs to work with
members in developing their path to success; restricted
funds make that path wider. •••
Thank you Sponsors cont.
Valley Electric
• Dessert Sponsor $1,000
Williams & Nulle
• Image Enhancement Sponsor
Simmons Insurance Group
THANK YOU
TO OUR MANY
CLUB PROGRAM
VOLUNTEERS
David Bishop
Veronica Crommett
Patricia Dunn
Keith Magee
Sarah Morr
Wanda Rowland
Liz Smith
Chelsea Martin
Tracy Kane
Donnabell Lathrom
Judith Wiefels
Gable Wilkins
Pat Bedson
Cookson Beecher
Renee Buchanan
Jenna Fonoimoana
Pat Grenfell
Christine Johnson
Kelsey Langille
Madison Queen
Kathie Roll
Patricia Stephens
Josh Anderson
Danielle Baird-Russell
Dan Berard
Jennifer Doherty
Chris Hill
Ryan Linman
Annie McGary
Vanessa Murphy
Nancy Ptacek
Josh Serrano
Patrick Siler
Brian Soneda
Kurt Swanson
Kara Symonds
Barbra Tucker
Brian Youngquist
LEARN LIVE LEAD
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DISCOVERING
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SUMMER!
Photo by FoxLight
Photo by FoxLight
Photo by FoxLight
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REVISED DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REGULATIONS
Mean Big Changes
For the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, revised
regulations concerning the Fair Labor Standards Act,
specifically the new minimum salary threshold, mean
big changes in how Clubs will operate beginning December
1, 2016. All administrative staff, Club Directors, and
Program Directors currently are classified as Full-time, Salaried,
Exempt. The nature of most non-profit work, especially
in organizations that provide direct service, requires
flexibility, adaptability in schedule, and often many weeks
where more than 40 hours is necessary to fulfill even the
most basic of job requirements and objectives. Under current
regulations, last updated in 2004, there is a ‘salary
basis test’ that involves meeting specific requirements in
job scope, coupled with a minimum salary of $455 weekly
($23,600 annually).
New regulations from the Department of Labor, under development
for the last two years, has changed the ‘salary basis
test’, affecting several Club positions, but the greater impact
comes from new minimum salary levels. With the change, an
employee must earn $913 per week, or $47,476 annually for a
full-year worker. Additionally, this wage will adjust automatically
every three years, beginning on January 1, 2020.
Historically, employees in the non-profit industry have remained
underpaid in comparison to individuals with similar
responsibility levels in the private sector. In the last few years,
this has led to significant difficulties in recruitment and retention
of qualified individuals in many positions all over the
country, and led to most organizations revising salary levels
out of necessity. In Skagit County, the Board of Directors for
the Boys & Girls Clubs worked in partnership with Boys &
Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to complete an assessment of
the local Job Classification and Compensation Management
Program (JCCMP) in 2015. The JCCMP process involves an
outside consultant, provided by BGCA, who compares salary
ranges of like positions throughout Clubs across the country,
other non-profits, and the private sector, and then provides
an analysis for reflection and consideration by the Board.
Recognizing the need to increase salaries based on local economic
conditions and the difficulty the organization had in
recruiting new hires, members of the Board spent a considerable
amount of time and energy engaged in this process.
The results were not incredibly surprising. Staff were earning
approximately 80% of the national median for their positions,
while the overall level of Skagit Valley was 109%, and Anacortes
alone 112%, of the national median.
Compounding the issue was a workforce shortage that resulted
in increased wages of hourly employees across all sectors
of Skagit County as businesses, both for-, and non-profit,
struggled to hire part-time workers in the fall of 2015.
The effect drove these wages even higher,
and meant that some employees were
earning more per hour than their
supervisor or others on the
leadership team.
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With wages and benefits comprising more than 70% of
the Clubs’ $1.6million annual budget, any movement in
salary ranges have a significant impact on operations.
Yet, without action, Clubs wouldn’t have the staff necessary
to continue serving the kids already signed up for
programs. Although this shortage was anticipated, and
Clubs responded by recruiting as far away as California to
the south, and Wisconsin to the east - targeting communities
with high unemployment, 17 positions remained
unfilled on the first day of the 2015-16 school year. After
careful deliberation, the Board of Directors voted to adopt
a schedule that would raise wages to the 90th percentile,
over a two-year period, still far behind the area norm, but
positive movement nonetheless.
Staff were certainly grateful for the investment in their
future, turnover slowed, and by the end of the year, all
but one full-time position remained open - and has now
been filled as August approaches. Yet even with these
positive changes, only the Executive Director earns more
than the new minimum salary of $47,476; to fully implement
the new Department of Labor regulations and
make no changes to current structure would cost just
over $180,000, while providing for no increase in service.
With most Clubs operating on a waiting list for enrollment
already because of need, this is just not something
Club leadership can consider.
An HR Taskforce, led by Board member Holly Shannon,
with participation of several community leaders across
different economic sectors, has recently engaged in processing
through the many elements and consequences
of this new reality, specifically what it means for current
wage and benefits for staff, policies surrounding the
transition from staff who are exempt from overtime to
those that will now earn time and a half for any hours
worked over forty, what type of flexibility is needed, how
it will impact employee morale, and what non-core services
will likely be eliminated. Even at conservative forecasting,
the new overtime regulations will result in nearly
$20,000 in potential overtime to current employees
in 2017; this means a change is required so that Clubs
can continue focusing on providing basic services for as
many youth as possible.
Beyond the affirmed Values of Fun, Respect, Integrity,
Community, and Acceptance, Club leadership take very
seriously stewardship and transparency, and aim to inform
all stakeholders about operations, especially when
they may make such a significant impact on the ability of
the organization to fulfill its’ mission. For more information
about the new regulations and how they may impact
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, please contact
Ron McHenry, Executive Director, at 360-419-3723. •••
Photo by Jon Kull
LEARN LIVE LEAD
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MEET OUR BOARD
President
Mark Lawrence
Simply Yards Landscaping
Mark is a longtime resident and business
owner in the Anacortes community.
Heading up Simply Yards, a landscaping &
design company, Mark has been involved
with the Clubs first as a Community Council
member, then as a Board member. Now
serving as the Board President, he has
been instrumental in much of the Clubs’
development efforts.
Past-President
Stephanie Hooper
Bayside Specialties
A dedicated Board member, volunteer,
and one of the Dinner & Auction committee
chairs, Stephanie has been instrumental
in raising the visibility of the Clubs,
over the last couple years. A Burlington
resident and business owner, she helps
run Bayside Specialties, which sells promotional
products all over the County.
Past-President
Annette Booth
Booth Insurance/Allstate
Insurance Co.
Annette has been involved with Boys &
Girls Clubs for more than six years. Serving
on the Board, as a past-President, Annette
has been very active in supporting the mission,
and advocating for youth. Through
her Allstate insurance agency, in Mount
Vernon, she has placed a special emphasis
on Club work, especially, acting as one
of the Dinner & Auction committee chairs,
and always striving for greater success.
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Vice President
Mike Gubrud
Mike Gubrud Farmers Insurance
Agency
As a dedicated, local Farmers Insurance
agent, and longtime Board member, Mike
has helped out with nearly every facet of
Club outreach & partnerships, over the
years. A leader behind the Clubs’ Golf
Tournament, yearly ensuring success,
Mike has helped the Clubs mature from
a fledgling organization, into the leading
youth development non-profit, it is today.
Vice President
Kelly Tuohig
Tesoro Corporation
From helping chair the Resource Development
committee, to helping make Keys For
Kids event the signature success it is, today,
Kelly has been a dynamic Board member,
and community member. Originally
from the Southwest, Kelly is the Senior
Industrial Hygienist at Tesoro, and has a
passion for serving youth in the area. Her
perspectives on fun & healthy lifestyles
has been important for improving the opportunities
for Club kids.
Treasurer
Becky Taft
Skagit Bank
Becky has been on the Board since 2011.
Helping to ensure the financial accountability
of the organization, she has been
Treasurer, and helps facilitate most of the
registration & banking at events. Becky is
a Vice President at Skagit Bank, and the
Sedro-Woolley Branch Manager. A longtime
resident of the community, she can
be found taking beautiful photos of exotic
flowers and cruising around in her MG.

MEET OUR BOARD
Secretary
Carrie Wallace
Skagit Bank
Raised in Skagit County, and a graduate
from BEHS & Western, Carrie has served
for a couple years on the Board. A wealth
of knowledge & vitality, Carrie’s keen insights
have helped the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Skagit County continue to improve—
ever finding new ways to engage our community.
Carrie is the Senior Vice President
of Compliance for Skagit Bank.
Member
Pat Barrett
Barrett Financial, LTD
Though originally from Montana, Pat
has been a deeply-involved member of
the Anacortes community for years. As
the head of Barrett Financial, Ltd., Pat
brings extensive financial knowledge
to the Board, and is a passionate exponent
of greater youth access to our
high-quality programs. Given his deep
advocacy, Pat celebrates the tireless
work of our staff, along with championing
the successes of the Clubs.
Member
Dr. Carl Bruner
Mount Vernon School District
Superintendent
A veteran Board member, Carl is the Superintendent
for the Mount Vernon School
District. Helping to bridge the in-school
& out-of-school connections, Carl brings
education experience to the Board, and
insight into current school procedures.
Having helped establish the 21st Century
Programs, he has been a tremendous advocate
for increasing the outreach of the
Clubs, in service to youth.
Member
Karen Ray
Angel of the Winds
Casino Hotel
Karen joined our Board of Directors in
January 2013, and brought in her impressive
knowledge of marketing skills
and community connections. Acting as
Chair, she lent her expertise to the Clubs’
newly developed Marketing committee.
She is passionate about the Clubs and
loves hearing about the a day at the
Club through her grandchildren, who are
members in Anacortes.
Member
Tom Pasma
Tom L. Pasma Auctioneers
Co-Owner Double S Quarter Horses, Inc
Along with being the auctioneer for the
Fall Dinner & Auction, over the last few
years, Tom has been on the Board, helping
to develop & secure important resources
for the Clubs. Tom is an auctioneer
& rancher, and helps head up Double S
Quarterhorses in Bow, with his wife. Passionate
about serving kids, Tom has been
instrumental in developing partnerships
that support youth leadership.
Member
Holly Shannon
Carson Law Group
Having been on the Board just over a year,
Holly brings a wealth of legal expertise to
the Board, and Club procedures. An attorney
for the Carson Law Group, in Everett,
Holly heads up the Clubs’ HR Task Force, and
has been instrumental in improving aspects
of Keys For Kids, and the Dinner & Auction.
Holly lives in Burlington, and is pleased to
have returned to the Pacific Northwest, after
law school in the Mid-West.
LEARN LIVE LEAD 19

MEET OUR BOARD
Member
Danielle Martin
Rodan + Fields Dermatologists
Danielle is one of the Clubs’ newest Board
members. On top of her own business, as
a Rodan+Fields consultant, she heads up
marketing for Tri-Power Construction, and
helped to set up a major stairway renovation
project at the Mount Vernon Club.
Danielle has brought energy as the Philanthropy
chair, working to build & formalize a
culture of giving, service, and investment
in the lives of Club youth. A mother of two
Club kids, herself, she brings a very personal
understanding to Club programs.
Member
Raymond Goda
DreamchasersRV of Burlington
While somewhat new to Skagit County,
Raymond’s passion and enthusiasm
have certainly made an impression that
lasts. A recent edition to the Board of
Directors, Raymond is a graduate of
Leadership Skagit, and owns and operates
DreamchasersRV of Burlington,
which has been recognized several
times for its excellence.
Member
Tina Asp
Image360
Originally from the vast expanses of Alaska,
Tina has been doing business in the
Skagit community for the last few years.
With a background in design, marketing,
and client relations, Tina heads up the
operations of Image360-Burlington with
her husband. A new Board member, Tina
chairs the Program & Facilities committee,
bringing her creativity & problem solving
expertise to the Clubs.
CONTACT US:
Administrative Office
1605 William Way, Ste B. Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-419-3723 (phone/fax)
Anacortes Club: Taylor Bannister
904 6th St. Anacortes, WA 98221
tbannister@skagitclubs.org 360-588-9045
La Conner Club: Kenneth Evans
305 N. Sixth St. La Conner, WA 98257
kevans@skagitclubs.org 360-466-3672
Mount Vernon Club: Angela Freeberg
1100 N. La Venture Rd.Mount Vernon, WA 98273
afreeberg@skagitclubs.org 360-428-6995
PRESENTS
UNDER THE
Mount Baker Club: Liz Klenke
2310 E. Section St. Mount Vernon, WA 98274
lklenke@skagitclubs.org 360-428-6109 x32175
La Venture Club: Brian Gustafson
1100 N. La Venture Rd.Mount Vernon, WA 98273
brian.gustafson@skagitclubs.org 360-428-6109 x31177
Sedro-Woolley Club: Alivia Holman
915 McGarigle Rd. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
alivia.holman@skagitclubs.org 360-856-1830
DINNER & AUCTION
www.skagitclubs.org
#BigTop

For the past 3 years, Renee has dedicated one afternoon each
week, during the school year to run the SMART Girls program
for girls in 4th, 5th and 6th grades—a tremendous commitment!
Renee first
started volunteering
at the
Sedro-Woolley Club
when Best Buy did a Club improvement
project, while she was a Best Buy employee. After
finishing her teaching certification at WWU, she applied
for a summer job with the Club and was hired on as a
Youth Development Professional, specializing in sports,
fitness, and recreation. She was an immediate shoe-in to
SMART Girls is all about healthy attitudes & positive choices.
The SMART Girls program provides girls ages 9-16 a
safe forum to discuss their unique needs. SMART, or Skills
Mastery and Resistance Training, is the method of focusing
learning in a group environment to instill the skills and competencies
related to making healthy choices, abstaining
from drug use, and creating lasting relationships. Boys &
Girls Clubs of America provides curriculum for SMART programs,
helping to provoke reflection & discussion on various
topics related
to life choices.
Each lesson has a badge
to be earned that goes in their
SMART Girls Journal, motivating the
participants and providing them with a chronicle of what
they’ve learned over the course of the year.
RENEE BUCHANAN & HER SMART GIRLS
run the SMART Girls program as a staff, and continued to
run it as a volunteer after she left the Club to work as a
teacher at Jefferson Elementary, in Mount Vernon. This
will be her fifth year running the SMART Girls program.
For the past 3 years, Renee has dedicated one afternoon
each week, during the school year to run the SMART Girls
program for girls in 4th, 5th and 6th grades—a tremendous
commitment! Because of Renee’s steady presence,
the girls feel very comfortable around her. This is a critical
component of the program’s success. ”Renee offers a
pleasant environment to be in, a place where I can talk
about my feelings and not be judged,” says Club member,
Ameliah, age 12.
Renee demonstrates a thorough understanding of the
SMART Girls mission, and Club members look to her
for instruction and leadership. Because of her strong
involvement in the community, she is able to bring in
speakers to enhance the program. Renee also uses her
kitchen talents for creative projects and treats. Renee
has taken real ownership of this program and the results
speak for themselves. •••
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT
LEARN LIVE LEAD
21

The Brooks Running
Club, sponsored
by Brooks Running
Company, based in Seattle, WA, was
started at the La Conner Club in 2014 and has seen consistent
interest and eager participation. It was newly
implemented at the Mount Vernon Club, this past April.
Every Friday, Club members ages 9 and up head out to the
track to hone their running skills. Last year, Club members
received brand new Brooks running shoes and participated
in a track meet in Pullayup.
La Conner Club members learn how
to measure their heart rate before
and after running.
Each meeting starts out with stretches, warm ups, followed
by running challenges, and finishes with a cooldown
before heading back into the Club. Through Running
Club, members
learn endurance, perseverance,
and team work. “These kids
work hard,” says Director Angela Freeberg.
“Each Friday they come back to the Club with sweaty, red
faces. But the best part is their big smiles. You can see
their sense of accomplishment.”
“Running on the track is always
tiring for me. Bobby always gets us
tired, but it’s to make sure we run
better the next time we run. I like
running now!”
~Andrew Frame (Club member, age 9)
BROOKS RUNNING CLUB
Running Club in Mount Vernon is run by Membership
Coordinator and former Skagit County Youth of the Year,
Bobby Castro. Bobby loves running and has run in half
marathons and one full marathon. “Running on the track
is always tiring for me,” says 9 year old Club member Andrew
Frame between pants. “Bobby always gets us tired,
but it’s to make sure we run better the next time we run.
I like running now!”
“I like running,” says Club member Colby McDermott, age
10. “This was the first time I’ve run a mile in the summer,
and it is actually really fun to run in the sun!” To build
on endurance and distance, the difficulty of the exercises
and distance of the run is increased by small increments.
During the Mile Race, members race each other to see
who could get the fastest mile run, but at the same time,
22
PROGRAMS:Healthy Lifestyles

make sure everyone gets through the mile within
a given time. They started at 15 minutes and now
are all finishing within 10 minutes after 8 weeks
of the program. “That is a huge improvement, especially
for kids,” says Bobby. “Running is not an
easy task for anyone. I’ve always told kids to not
be competitive against each other, but instead,
run against themselves, making sure they improve
their physical strength and endurance within their
own skill level. This is what will help them become
better runners.”
Running Club is part of Boys & Girls Clubs’ emphasis
on Healthy Lifestyles. The Clubs aim to
provide every member with the opportunity to be
active and engaged in physical education each
day and strive to provide education to help members
make healthy choices—creating habits lasting
into adulthood. •••
ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT

Youth of the Month provides a great opportunity
for individual Club members to shine. Each month,
members are honored for their character, skills,
talents, & improvement in several categories. Each
Club gives out unique awards, correlating with top programs—such
as Artist of the Month, Triple Play MVP, and
Power Hour Hero.
All of the Clubs Award a boy & a girl as Youth of the
Month. Clubs with strong teen attendance award a Teen
of the Month as well.
Youth of the Month is a part of an umbrella program, Youth
of the Year. Each Club will be selecting participants for this
year’s Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County Youth of the Year
Competition. The Youth of the Month program prepares
younger members by instilling the drive for improvement,
and helps youth to understand what it means to model
Good Character & Citizenship.
Award ceremonies are a
big deal at the Clubs.
Awardees receive a unique certificate from their Club
Director in front of a group of their peers, many times,
with family in attendance as well. A short bio and photo
is posted to the Club website and Facebook page. Recently
Skagit Hyundai started recognizing youth on their big
digital readerboard, and occasionally, youth will see their
photo in the local newspaper.
Each year, Clubs use data from the National Youth Outcomes
Initiative as a measurement of Club Experience. Part of that
experience focuses on how well youth feel recognized, and
help identify the factors that lead to, or limit how connected
members feel. The Clubs take very seriously the role recognition
plays in members’ general feeling of wellbeing, and
work very hard to build & maintain an environment where
all the members feel included. Not just does this lead to a
better Club experience, but members’ likelihood of staying
connected with the Club increases, as well–
further ensuring the great futures
of our youth. •••
YOUTH OF THE MONTH
24 PROGRAMS:Good Character & Citizenship

BY THE NUMBERS: MEALS
IN THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR, OUR CLUBS SERVED
60,630
SNACKS &
MEALS
During the 2015-16 school year, all Clubs provided a snack to every kid that came in the door, every day. That’s a lot of
snacks. Supplies for the year came out of their general budget, along with regular deliveries of free, Erin Baker’s Breakfast
Cookies, and occasional donations of fresh veggies from local farmers and organizations. Dinners were provided
during Family Nights, held throughout the year at each Club. Now with funding through the USDA Summer Food Service
Program, several locations serve: Breakfast, Lunch, and AM & PM snacks, in conjunction with the school districts
in Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, as well as lunches for the Learning and Lunches program at Storvick &
Whitney Park in Anacortes, and the Club’s Summer Breeze Program at Maiben Park in Burlington. With added funding
comes added responsibilities, such as increased tracking and reporting, upgrades to facilities, permits, and staff as the
program requires meals to be provided to anyone, ages 0-18, regardless of Club membership. In the Summer, without
school lunch to rely on, for some youth, this could be their only opportunity to eat during the day.
For the 2016-2017 school year the Clubs plan to expand their food services with PM snack and suppers under the USDA
Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Clubs want to make sure that kids feel food secure, so that they can concentrate
on learning, have fun, and just be a kid.
TOTAL SUMMER MEALS SERVED TO DATE*
ANACORTES
SEDRO-WOOLLEY
MOUNT
VERNON
4,446 5,000 5,412
BURLINGTON
628
LEARNING &
LUNCHES
Averaging 40
lunches per day.
Full data not yet
available
*Data set collected from each Club’s first day of the 2016 summer session, up until July 21, 2016.
LEARN LIVE LEAD
25

26
REFLECTIONS:
2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
by Tammy Findlay
Do you know that feeling? Euphoria, excitement, a
sense that everything can be right with the world?
Hope, a renewed faith in humanity?
We all have memories of these moments in our lives.
Sometimes it’s a significant life changing event, and sometimes
it’s more subtle and quiet. It’s at the heart of what
makes life beautiful, gives meaning and connection, and
might illuminate our own sensibility of purpose, inspiring us
to act, or validating our drive to keep on keeping on. In that
moment, we are renewed.
It was to be a new experience for me when I attended the
National Boys & Girls Conference in New Orleans in May.
Club Professionals and stakeholders from all over the nation
gathered together to gain insight, share experience,
strengthen relationships, and make new connections.
Small sessions focused on a range of topics such as Marketing,
Child Safety, STEM, best practices for CEOs and
Board Members, Resource Development, and improving
the overall Club Experience for all youth who walk through
our doors.
I was very impressed by a session featuring a panel of Regional
Youth of Year recipients who reminisced about their
time at their respective Clubs and spoke about their experiences
entering college. Another favorite for me, focused
on supporting LGBTQ youth, where attendees broke into
small groups. The presenters created a space where participants
felt comfortable asking questions, and we were able
to have a real interactive discussion and dialog as a group.
General Sessions were held in the Grand Ballroom; a space
set to accommodate 3,000 attendees. Here we heard inspirational
stories from former Club youth and famous talent.
Individuals & Clubs were by recognized for their achievements
and presented with well deserved grants, and we
witnessed Club
youth present their incredible
talents through music
and dance. The keynote speakers
were tremendous, and I was particularly
impressed by Professor Robert Putnam’s presentation
on the inequality of opportunity in America.
Yet, what struck me most about the conference wasn’t
one moment, but the sum of all its parts. It was a Club Director
taking the stage to express her heartfelt gratitude
at receiving much needed funds for her Club. It was the
power behind a youth dance troupe. It was the shared
story in a session of a successful solution or achievement
at their Club. It was a group asking hard questions, sharing
experience, tears and validation. It was Club people
from nearby organizations greeting each other with hugs.
It was seeing many glimpses of a person’s genuine heart.
People all across the country, from many different backgrounds,
in big cities, suburbs, and small towns with one
stop light, all working together, humbly putting in all their
effort to help youth in their communities. It was that feeling
and I felt renewed.
I’ve always been a big believer in fixing what’s in your
backyard. I absolutely believe that Clubs are doing that in
meaningful ways, on an individual level. One kid at a time,
joining their friends in a safe space—a place where they
can be themselves with mentorship they value and trust,
a place to find themselves, explore their passions, discover
their talents, and have room to grow into their potential.
Individual communities have the greatest power to make
lasting positive change for a nation as a whole. But it literally
starts in our backyard, meaning, with ourselves. For
me, I have to remember that it’s not about perfection; it’s
about remembering to try, especially after discouragement.
We all have the capacity to start small and do something
beneficial for ourselves, our family, our neighbors, and our
community. We won’t always know if we are putting our
efforts in the right place, but when we get the feeling, we
know where we stand. •••
Photo courtesy of
Boys & Girls Clubs
of America and
Boys & Girls Clubs
of San Francisco

Jay & Terry Ackley and K&H
are proud to support
Boys & Girls Clubs
of Skagit County
Believe in Abundance
Live in Abundance
Give in Abundance

PO Box 947
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
THE PRINTING & MAILING OF THIS REPORT
WAS DONATED BY K&H PRINTING SOLUTIONS
Jazzelle Elias
2016 Youth of the Year
YOUTH OF THE YEAR
#SkagitPride SkagitClubs.org
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS PREMIER RECOGNITION PROGRAM FOR CLUB MEMBERS AGES 14-18