Youth Partake in Leadership Conference

Artwork by Youth Council members. Photos taken at the Be The Change Conference held in Twin Falls Middle School.Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Partners with Area Youth Councils Inspiring Teens to "Be the Change"

By: Leanne Christensen, SVCN

During this inspiring leadership event, students had the opportunity to hear from Key Facilitator, Nigel Wrangham, take part in roll playing leadership activities, and to participate in breakout sessions, where they heard from other youth leaders and community members on imposing topics such as:  

Internet Safety

The Media and You

Prescription Drug Abuse

Reaching Out for Help

Respect and Diversity

Stress Management

Suicide Prevention

and You and Your Brain...

 

Key Facilitator, Nigel Wrangham  has been a leader and innovator in the teaching, training and substance abuse prevention fields since 1990.  He is known for his dynamic, interactive style and for incorporating new and exciting team-building activities into his leadership training events.  

 

During Nigel's presentation he encouraged the teens to share their "biggest challenges" and their "biggest dreams".  Students openly expressed and discussed the following list of challenges in their lives...

 

not being accepted

feeling judged

peer pressure

bullying issues

pollution in our communities

drugs and their influence

needing more opportunities for their voice to be heard

 

Then students one by one stated some of their greatest dreams...

 

being accepted to a good college

making a positive difference

being accepted by their peers

going on a missions trip to help others

standing up for what is right

spread awareness

 

For many of the adults participating in the day's events this particular discussion was extremely inspiring. SVCN Executive Director, Laura Smith shares: “There’s nothing more inspiring than being in a room filled with teens, such honesty, such hope, such promise. I truly hope adults in the valley will look for meaningful ways to listen and respond to the youth voice. It is incredibly valuable.”

The Snoqualmie Valley Community Network, would like to thank its Board of Directors for their support of this event, and Nigel Wrangham for his continued dedication in helping our student and adult community leaders create, implement and promote safe and healthy behaviors for all families. His passion, knowledge and experience are key to the success of events such as this.

New Executive Director

Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Names

Laura Smith as Executive Director

Submitted by:  Leanne Christensen, SVCN

The Snoqualmie Network Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Laura Smith, M. Ed. as their new Executive Director.
 
Laura has worked with the Network for the past six years and has demonstrated inspiring character, integrity and immense talent in her work with both youth and adult community programs.
 
Over the years, Laura has worked in a variety of capacities within the structure of the Network,  including the creation and direction of both the Riverview and the Snoqualmie Valley Youth Councils, Key Leaders' Summits, Rise and Shine Breakfasts, Healthy Youth Forums, Healthy Coalition work, ongoing Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention at schools throughout the valley, and the Positive Norms Campaign, "Hometown Trivia." Additionally, Laura has established positive relationships with school districts and communities throughout the Snoqualmie Valley that will support the Network’s mission of promoting a healthy community.
 
After earning a Masters’ degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, she researched and developed Prevention Curriculum when she worked with Committee for Children.  Laura’s interest in and concern for prevention efforts continued locally after she left Committee for Children and started an educational consulting business. As a consultant, she assisted schools in taking a closer look at their climate and looking for opportunities to foster healthier learning environments for students and staff alike. Laura is a seasoned presenter with expertise in youth engagement, positive community norms, bullying prevention, school success,  social-emotional learning, and more.
 
First and foremost, as a member of the community and a parent, Laura deeply cares and is invested in the community. She has proved this time and time again through successful, sustainable activities with significant school and community involvement.
 
The board is extremely pleased to welcome Laura as the Network Director, as  SVCN President, Steve Bates shares, "Please join us in offering our congratulations to Laura. We look forward to continuing the vital work of the Network which connects, supports and helps to sustain the many vital sectors of our community."

Network's Executive Director Moves On

The Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Celebrates

Executive Director Kristy Trione

By Leanne Christensen

Kristy Trione, the Executive Director of the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network will be starting a new adventure in her life as she and her husband will be practicing organic farming on 30 acres in southern Costa Rica. Kristy will be leaving the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network at the end of January 2012. She is excited to have the opportunity for all things new: a new language, a new culture and an exciting new work experience!

Kristy was hired as the Staff Director of the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network in December of 2001, after having served the network as a board member. Her passion for the mission and vital work of the Network increased with every passing year, as did her dedication to the health and welfare of families throughout our communities. She has been the public face of the Network for 10 years; visiting with legislators to give voice to youth and families and working with various partners in the community to insure youth and families are a priority in planning prevention education and events. The board of directors recognized Kristy for her commitment to strengthen the community, her integrity and her dedication to the youth of Snoqualmie Valley.

As Executive Director, Kristy was instrumental to increasing the Network’s capacity to create a more connected and healthier community in both the upper and lower Snoqualmie Valley. She shares, "I am so very impressed with the high level of functioning in the board and staff of the Network... each individual is a strong leader serving with heart and integrity.  I have always appreciated the sense of community and commitment from our board and staff, and I know that the Network will continue to grow and flourish following my departure.  The work matters and it makes a difference."

When asked about his work with the Network and Kristy over the years, Riverview School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Smith states, "I have known Kristy since 1994 when we worked together on designing the Cedarcrest High School Advisory Period Curriculum. Aswith that effort, her work with Snoqualmie Valley Community Network has been characterized by making a real difference in our children's lives. I appreciate all of her hard work aimed at improving the safety and wellness of all of our citizens."
 
Snoqualmie Valley School Superintendent, Joel Aune shared, " I have always appreciated Kristy's efforts with the Snoqualmie Network to partner with the school district in support of our students and their well-being.  As a result of her experience as a parent and school board member, she brought to her work with the Network a unique and comprehensive view that enabled us to work together in harmony---to serve the young people of this community.  She was, and is very passionate about this work, which made her an excellent school board member.  There is not doubt that those attributes and characteristics enabled Kristy to be exceptional in her role as Executive Director of the Network, as well.  Like many others, I will miss Kristy because of all that she has given to this community.  And like many others, I consider her to be a good friend.  I wish her the very best of luck in the next stage of her life."

Past Network Board Member Paige Denison adds, "Kristy is such an extraordinary human being - she has led the Network by selflessly serving, drilled deep to find resources where seemingly there were none and always brought an unparalleled optimism to the table ~ what a gift to have worked alongside her!"

The Snoqualmie Valley Community Network will have a sendoff for Kristy, celebrating her many accomplishments and wishing her well in her new adventure. Please watch the network website and facebook page for information and to attend this event.

NEW LIVELIHOODS JOB FAIR

Key Leaders Summit 2010

Thank you volunteers, presenters, and participants of the  NEW LIVELIHOOD JOB FAIR, a new exciting event designed to stimulate the local economy. You can download David Korten's Speech made at the New Livelihoods about The 2nd American Declaration of Indpendence and Anna Ulanova's artwork of Korten's Speech and the Digging Deeper conversations in the Library. Stay tuned for more to come!

The Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Celebrates Community

Members Who Make Our Valley Shine

By:  Leanne Christensen, SVCN

Every June there is a very rare and amazing event that happens here in the Snoqualmie Valley called the Rise and Shine Breakfast sponsored by the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network. 

Amazing because it shines the light on literally dozens of caring and dedicated community volunteers, and rare because so often our “thanks” for the overabundance of goodwill/good works of these types of individuals in our community goes unmentioned. Most of these individuals prefer that their acts of kindness, selfless volunteering and passionate caring efforts remain anonymous; however the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network realizes the importance of allowing these altruistic individuals to “shine” and to receive the acclaim they so truly deserve.

The following is a list of those awarded at 15^th Annual Rise and Shine breakfast on June 2^nd at Camp River Ranch in Carnation.  If you happen to see any of these individuals in your community, please take a moment to thank them for their contribution in making our lives and the lives of our children healthier, safer and more meaningful here in the valley.  This year’s recipients are:

Modifying/Changing Institutional and governmental Policies: 

Glynis Bawden, Greg Bawden

Providing Support & Opportunities for Children That Enhance Protection & Strengthen Communities: 

Jen Heger, Merle Judd, Marcia Tuttle-Ryon, Jessica Kitz, Barbara Nickles, Sally Rasmussen, Debbie McGrath, Karen Miller, Rhonda Oord, Pamela Parks, Laura Tisdale, and Jennifer Fisher

The 2011 Professional Legacy Award was given to:  Sue Eastgard

Sue Eastgard is retiring as the Executive Director for the Youth Suicide Prevention Program. Since 1997 Sue has championed the development, implementation and delivery of programs to reduce the incidence of youth suicide in Washington State. She has produced educational materials and written innovative classroom curriculum, and over the years she has trained thousands of people how to recognize the signs for suicide and how to get help for those in need.

The 2011 Youth Legacy Award was given to:  Cedarcrest HS Senior Josh Denison

Josh Denison is one of the original founders of the Riverview Youth Council. Josh and this dedicated group of young volunteers aspire to “Be the Change” in their community, by providing education, increasing knowledge and raising awareness of substance abuse, and bullying prevention. Josh has been a leader and a vital part of helping to create safe, fun and healthy activities for youth in our community.

Josh has a hand in more initiatives and efforts in our valley than most adults through his:  participation in student panels, attending Anti-Drug Coalition conferences, sharing testimony with state legislators in Olympia on more than one occasion, and inspiring other youth to become more involved supporting diversity, awareness and understanding.  

Thank you to all of the above mentioned volunteers, who truly make our valley shine everyday. We are so grateful for your passion, dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the children and families here in the Snoqualmie Valley. 

Network Vice-Chair and Riverview School District Director of Special Services, Ken Heikkila explains how the categories of awards align with environmental prevention strategies.

2011 Rise and Shine Awardees

Dr. Anthony Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Riverview shares how Glynis Bawden inspired Superintendent Robertson to nominate her for the award. 

Glynis Bawden                                                Conrad Robertson (Anthony Smith)

 Modifying/Changing Policies (changing institutional and government policies)

Glynis Bawden possesses the unique combination of intelligence, maturity, work ethic and positive attitude that makes her a leader in all aspects of life. She has been the student representative for two years to the Riverview School Board.

Network Board Chair Steve Bates presents the Rise and Shine Award to Greg Bawden following Riverview School District Board President, Lori Oviatt’s words of appreciation for his leadership.

Greg Bawden                                                 Lori Oviatt, Carol VanNoy, Danny Edwards, Dan Pflugrath

Modifying/Changing Policies (changing instructional and government policies)

Greg has put in endless and countless hours working for the students, families and educators in the Riverview School District a member of the school board. Greg makes the Valley shine by loving it, supporting it, protecting it for today and future generations.

Carnation Elementary teacher, Elizabeth Wing expresses her gratitude to Jen Heger for her generous contributions of heart, time, and connection.

Jen Heger                                                            Elizabeth Wing

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Jen has great compassion for all students of diverse needs and is an inspiration for their writing. Students of all ability levels have been helped by her volunteer efforts.

 Tanya Quandt explains what inspired her to nominate her mother for a Rise and Shine Award. Even with Alzheimer’s disease, Merle volunteers regularly as she has for many years.

Merle Judd                                                              Tanya Quandt

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Merle is a longtime, loyal volunteer at the North Bend Senior Center. She is 79 years young, giving of her time and treasure because she loves her community. She is a model for others in the community reflecting that no matter your age you can contribute to make the valley a healthy place for your neighbors.

 Encompass Executive Director, Gregory Malcolm, tells about the difference Marcia Tuttle-Ryon makes for children at Encompass.

Marcia Tuttle Ryon                                       Clay Eals (Gregory Malcolm presenting)

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Marcia has lived in the valley for just two years, and eagerly shares her skills with young children inspiring them to create and learn. As an artist in residence at Encompass, Marcia inspires staff and students with her quiet manner and her skills in working with young children.

Encompass’ Corissa McGehe tells how much she values Jessica Kitz’ contribution to Encompass. Jessica was not able to be at the breakfast.

Jessica Kitz                                                            (Corissa McGehe)/ Kristina Steffen

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Jessica is an Encompass alumni now grown up and giving back to the program and community that helped her thrive. She provides classroom support and helps young children understand differences and the gifts we all have to share with others.

 Celina Travis expresses gratitude for Barbara Niekles’ help in her Encompass classroom.

Barbara Niekles                                                  Celina Travis

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Barb makes the Valley shine by volunteering for half a day, twice a week with the preschool. Barb has done this week in and week out for two years. She is a happy, energetic woman whose willingness to help Spanish-speaking children learn English consistently impresses all who know her at Encompass. Even more important than the quantity of time she has shared with the community is the quality of the care she provides. Children gravitate towards her because they know she will nurture their growth.

 Encompass program director and SVCN Board Member, Nela Cumming tells about Sally’s efforts to start a team for kids with special needs.

Sally Rasmussen                                                  Nela Cumming

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Sally has worked to ensure that children with Special Needs are provided a team sports experience that all other children regularly enjoy.  In addition, the typically developing volunteers gain an understanding of and comfort with children who are “different” than they are. 

 Encompass’ Kendi  Sasaki-Ross shares what inspired her to nominate Debbie McGrath.

Debbie McGrath                                                Kendy Sasaki-Ross

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Debbie, a longtime valley resident, has “unconditionally” given countless hours of her time, to the community, in hopes of enhancing the lives of the children and family who reside in the Snoqualmie Valley.

 Susan Livingston of North Bend tells how she was inspired by Karen’s fulfilling a dream to create a program for kids through Cascade Covenant Church.

Karen Miller                                                            Susan Livingston

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Karen recognized a need for a robust, healthy youth ministry program in the Snoqualmie Valley. Now 10 years later, this thriving and inclusive program serves hundreds of families across the valley.

 Network Board Secretary, Paula Matthysse describes how Rhonda gives selflessly to make sure that kids have a childhood.

Rhonda Oord                                                            Paula Matthysse

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Rhonda is a businesswoman that invests in the community through her business.  She understands the diverse community and works to serve children and youth who do not have support systems through her support for a non-profit that provides birthday parties to homeless and foster children.  She has a big picture perspective of the importance of kids being kids and having fun and takes this value outside of the valley to benefit other children and youth on the eastside.

 Stillwater Elementary teacher, Jennifer Santamaria expresses her gratitude for Pamela Parks’ generous contribution to their students.

Pamela Parks                                                   Amy Wright/ (Jennifer Santamaria)

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Pamela wants to be a “behind-the-scenes” volunteer, and it is that quality that makes her so very effective. She worked along with teachers to bring a Science Docent program to students.

 Dr. Anthony Smith makes the Rise and Shine award presentation to Laura Tisdale (center) and Jennifer Fisher for Conrad Robertson who could not attend the event. Laura and Jennifer led the efforts to create a PTA Council for Riverview School District.

Laura Tisdale                                                  Conrad Robertson (Anthony Smith)

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Building community capacity through organization and connections.

Laura is an inspiration to both new and experienced volunteers; her gentle guidance, love of children and passion for outreach are qualities that she brings to every opportunity.  Her compassion and service to her community are evident as she explains the big picture details to those who are new to the volunteer arena.

Jennifer Fisher                                                Conrad Robertson (Anthony Smith)

Providing Support and opportunities for activities that enhance protection and strengthen community.

Building community capacity through organization and connections.

Jennifer makes our Valley shine through her constant acts of kindness, teamwork, leading by her example with a nature of integrity that is all too rare in our world at times.  She lifts children and volunteers up, ensuring that their efforts are recognized and most times not taking credit herself when she is most deserving. 

 Network Executive Director, Kristy Trione expresses gratitude to Youth Suicide Prevention Program’s retiring Executive Director, Sue Eastgard for her contributions to address the risk of suicide in the Valley.

2011 Professional Legacy Award

Sue Eastgard                                                            Kristy Trione 

• ·      Providing Information, education, workshops, seminars, presentations, public announcements, forums, and web based communication
• ·      Enhancing skills, workshops and curriculum designed to develop skills and competencies to prevent harm
• ·      Modifying/Changing policies- advocating for changes to reduce the incidence and risk of suicide
• ·      Enhancing access to and quality of services
• ·      Advocating for change of physical design to remove lethal means to suicide
• ·      Strengthening Coalitions—Serving on and supporting groups working to reduce the risk of youth suicide

Sue is retiring as the Executive Director for the Youth Suicide Prevention Program. Since 1997 she has championed the development, implementation and delivery of programs to reduce the incidence of youth suicide in Washington State. She has produced educational materials and written innovative classroom curriculum, trained thousands on how to recognize the signs for suicide and how to get help. She has been a steadfast partner since 2005.  When the Healthy Youth Survey results showed an alarming increase in suicide risk among kids in the Valley she provided training opportunities, technical support, worked with local counselors to develop and test a curriculum for elementary students. She also helped a regional network team understand the community conditions that impact suicide risk. Her legacy is great, and she will be missed.

 Network Community Coordinator, Laura Smith chokes back tears as she shares that a new category, The Youth Legacy Award was created by the board to encompass the level of Josh Denison’s outstanding contributions.  

 A stunned Youth Legacy Award winner and Prevention Scholarship Recipient, Josh Denison gets a standing ovation.

2011 Youth Legacy Award

• ·      Providing community education, increasing knowledge and raising awareness through presentations and announcements
• ·      Enhancing skills through providing activities designed to develop skills and competencies to build prevention capacity
• ·      Providing support- creating opportunities for healthy activities
• ·      Modifying Policies and laws- advocacy to change policies, procedures, and practices to protect young people from substance abuse
• ·      Strengthening coalitions- support, leadership, and coordination to engage community in reducing substance abuse

Josh Denison                                    Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board of Directors and Staff  (Laura Smith and Anthony Smith)

            Josh is one of the original founders of the Riverview Youth Council. It was his work for the 2008 Key Leader’s Summit on environmental prevention, and his attendance at a week long Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conference that lead to the formation of the council to give youth more of a voice in the community. In his role on the council over the last 3 years, Josh has been a remarkable example of walking the talk. He is willing to speak out about his healthy choices and to take a firm stand against unhealthy ones. Josh has helped plan healthy social events for teens, participated in community awareness events about suicide and bullying, planned and participating in service projects such as Tent City, and planning and co-facilitating the Be the Change leadership conference. When critical legislation was in need of student perspective, Josh traveled to Olympia and when he could not go, provided video testimony to legislators. He maintains a firm commitment to the Youth Council and its initiatives while achieving high grades, successful athletic achievement, and participation in the band as a section lead.

            Josh’s participation in student panels has helped expand diversity awareness and understanding. His participation and frank nature has helped leaders in our community become more aware of challenges that face different populations of people in our community. At a recent community awareness event, Josh and his panel members spoke frankly about bullying and specifically any bullying related to GLBTQ that they see in their day to day happenings.

            In addition to his Riverview Youth Council efforts, Josh makes this valley shine as a long time Senior Center volunteer, as a volunteer coach for the Snoqualmie Valley Track Club, various runs, as a participant on the Riverview School District Nutrition Committee, and for growing up in a family that has been recognized as an outstanding volunteer team. Josh has a hand in more initiatives and efforts in the valley than most adults, and certainly more than we know about, or that he can remember.

            It is with great pleasure that the Network Board recognizes Josh Denison as the first recipient of a new category of award created to encompass the breadth of contribution from one young member of the community: the Youth Legacy Award.

 Network Board Chair Steve Bates helps Secretary Paula Matthysse hold up a quilt representing how all parts and pieces come together to create something with beauty and meaning, just as the Network is “creating a caring community” through Rise and Shine and other initiatives. Participants were asked to reflect upon and share what they value in the community and what they will take away from the awards event.  Connection, Friendship, Gratitude, Valuing Kids, opportunity, Love, Involvement, Altruism, inspiration, kindness, generosity, and authenticity were among the words scribbled on the post-its.

 Network Board Chair, and SVSD Lead Counselor Steve Bates tells the audience that the Network is recruiting new board members. Those interested can contact svcn@msn.com or call 425-333-6614.

 Youth Legacy and Prevention Scholarship recipient Josh Denison

Photos by David Trione