Seahawks squeak by Chargers, C1
08.30.2015
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Everett, Wash.
Family stepped up for schools
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$1.50 (higher in outlying areas)
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HeraldNet.com
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Facebook.com/HeraldNet
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Twitter: @EverettHerald
Our generous community
The Venemas of Snohomish aren’t as well known as the McClearys, but they also helped sue the state over school funding. By Jerry Cornfield Herald Writer
See VENEMAS, Page A6
GENNA MARTIN / THE HERALD
Jenny Diggins, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has been volunteering for two years at the Stanwood-Camano Community Resource Center, as part of a Village Community Services program. Jenny’s story is on the cover of Snohomish County Gives, a special section inside today’s Herald.
Retired teacher followed her urge to help by working with victims of violence By Eric Stevick
BACKCOUNTRY THRILL
These skiers work hard to find snow all year. Outdoor, E1
PETTIN’ A PIGGY
Granite Falls man brings one of the fair’s biggest attractions. Muhlstein, B1 Classified . . . . E3 Crossword . . .D6
Dear Abby. . . .D6 Good Life . . . .D1
Herald Writer
EVERETT — In 32 years of teaching elementary school, Susan Ellington-Reith was drawn to certain students. “I was always really sensitive to the kids I thought were having a hard time,” she said. When she retired, Ellington-Reith continued to feel the need to help people facing difficult situations. She found a new avenue seven years ago when she spotted a blurb in the newspaper seeking volunteers to help at Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County. Ellington-Reith signed up, took a class and began giving her time in the office where she worked for the nonprofit agency’s volunteer coordinator. She later helped out at the organization’s New and Again Thrift Shoppe in downtown Everett. These days, she’s on the front lines, helping at the crisis center and leading support groups. Some people Ellington-Reith nurtured as children in her classroom she now is aiding as adults in support groups. Often, they are grateful to see a familiar face in
such times of personal turmoil. “I don’t think they will recognize me, but they do,” she said. “It’s hard to come to group that first time and they were happy to see me. That made me feel good.” Ellington-Reith understands that many people are reticent about volunteering for an organization that deals with victims of violence. Yet there are many ways, both directly and indirectly, for prospective volunteers to help, she said. “I would tell them to try everything and be where you would like it best,” she said. “I never thought I would want to be in the crisis center.” Ellington-Reith is one of the 160 volunteers Domestic Violence Services now uses. The need for extra help grew when the organization opened a 13-room, 52-bed emergency shelter in 2013. It houses more than triple the number of women and children it once served and is the largest shelter in the state. “We can always use more volunteers, especially at the shelter right now,” said Stephanie Civey, volunteer coordinator for See VOLUNTEER, Page A7
A note from the publisher This year, as co-chairman of United Way’s giving campaign with Herald Publisher Emeritus Larry Hanson, I’ve had the opportunity to visit with many organizations and people who have been extremely generous with their time and treasure. It’s a reminder of how giving in Snohomish County is more than a promise, it’s a legacy that goes back as far as the county’s founding. Giving of ourselves, in both time and money, is an important value in our county. More than 1,400 charitable organizations are registered here. Our bigger charities help children, the homeless, the hungry, victims of domestic violence and the poor. Much of the money and volunteer time donated in Snohomish County stays close to home. To celebrate our philanthropic tradition, The Daily Herald and local nonprofit organizations are proud to present Snohomish County Gives to spotlight some of the charitable efforts of local people, businesses and groups doing good work in our community. — Josh O’Connor, publisher
a sampling of good causes and >> Find examples of our community’s gener-
osity in Snohomish County Gives, Inside
Horoscope . . .D6 Lottery . . . . . .A2
Movies . . . . . .D5 Obituaries. . . . B4
Success . . . . .A10 Viewpoints . . . B7
Stormy 66/55, C10
VOL. 115, NO. 199 © 2015 THE DAILY HERALD CO.
SUNDAY
SNOHOMISH — Patty Venema of Snohomish knows what happens when the state fails to pay its share of the costs of educating students. Parents like herself and husband, Tod, are asked to raise money for their children’s schools to buy books, computers, new maps to replace existing ones still showing the USSR, and even vacuums for teachers to clean classrooms when janitorial services are reduced. It meant — and still means — parents sell candy, cookies and gift wrap, organize silent auctions and campaign to use local property tax levies to pick up the tab left by the state’s fiduciary nonfeasance.
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