05/07/2026
Hospice NW foundation 2026
At our Aprl 27 Club Meeting, for Inspiration Don Wolf discussed the history of the 4 Way Test
developed by Herbert Taylor as a way to save a failing business. When Herbert Taylor took over Club Aluminum, the Code of Ethics for the company was long and no one knew what it was. When Mr. Taylor came up with the 4 Way Test, he used it himself for 3 or 4 months before taking it to the department heads, 4 people with 4 different religions. Each said that not only would the 4 Way Test not be offensive in any of their religions, but it would also be supportive of all of them. The 4 Way Test went to the employees who used it and found that the business model carried over to everyday life. After 10 years, the once-failing company paid stockholders over a million dollars.
The 4 Way Test: 24 words, 4 important questions!
Eagles Nest Club
Three members of the Eagles Nest Club, Rosie Aviles Arizona, president, Angie Peña, and Bella Rio Caba,
and their advisor, Olimpia Zuniga, thanked the Rotary Club of La Conner for the grant that made it possible for the club to send 23 members, 7 high school and 16 middle school, to the Woodland Park Zoo. They reported that they had a wonderful time and told us about their favorite animals. Rosie, Angie, and Bella are all high school students and said they enjoyed interacting with the middle school students on the field trip. They also loved going to Chick-fil-A for lunch.
Olimpia explained that the club was created two years ago through the Migrant Education Program to provide resources for students. Last year, our Rotary club sent club members to the Seattle Aquarium.
Speaker
Philip Prud’homme, Development Director for Hospice of the Northwest, has worked with many non-profits since moving to Skagit Valley from Austin, Texas. He distributed an information pamphlet with a story about our member, Jerry Willins, and showed a slide of a llama who is a therapy animal. Philip has a close personal connection to hospice since his mother was on it for 4 months before her passing in March.
Philip explained hospice care eligibility and services, noting that patients with a terminal condition and a prognosis of less than 6 months to live can be admitted, with some staying on hospice care for up to 2 years. He described Hospice of the Northwest as a local, not-for-profit organization serving residents in Skagit, San Juan, Island, and Snohomish counties, with about 256 patients currently under care and supported by 100 employees and 60-65 volunteers. 12% of patient hours are completed by volunteers. Philip highlighted the differences between not-for-profit and for-profit hospices, emphasizing that not-for-profits provide more patient visits, serve anyone regardless of ability to pay, and can offer additional services like massage, music therapy, animal therapy, and bereavement care while for-profits often redirect funds to corporate headquarters. 70% of hospice programs are for-profit. Hospice of the Northwest is a non-profit co-owned by Skagit Regional Public Hospital District 1 and United General Public Hospital District 304. The West Winds Motel allows unhoused hospice patients to stay in their rooms.
Philip also discussed their veterans’ program, which holds Level 4 status and provides specialized care for military patients, including recognition ceremonies and a Memorial Day garden.
Philip shared a video of a family's experience with pediatric hospice care for their son Cam, who has Rett syndrome, a rare neurological genetic disorder. They described their care team who provide comprehensive support tailored to the family's needs. The video emphasized the importance of pediatric hospice care, highlighting how it has significantly impacted their family's quality of life and Cam's resilience. They also discussed the community support provided by Hospice of the Northwest, including financial assistance and medical supplies.
Many of our club members have attended and supported the Hospice of the Northwest Auction.
Guests besides the above were Kara Stambach from Hospice of the Northwest.
New Member News :
Turner McGarity was awarded his own badge, Rotarian in Training, as he sat on a stool near the podium. Congratulations, Turner!
Candy Lee
Candy is a Rotarian currently in the Seattle Club who wants to transfer to our club. She has supported our club over the years with donations and auction packages. As a great friend of Danielle Mullen, she even installed Danielle when Danielle became president of our club. Candy lives in Yakima, but through the power of zoom, can be a member in La Conner. The board approved Candy’s transfer request. There is a 14-day period to allow members to raise any concerns, and if there are none, she will be transferred to our membership.
Tulips! Our Make It Happen Club in Action!
Our tulip selling season has concluded! Ollie reported that we purchased 154 boxes, sold 153 ½ and the last half box was donated to the Sunrise Food Bank to give to patrons coming to pick up food. Thank you to everyone who participated in the selling season!
Calendar
May 7: 2PM Didgwalic Field Trip (Audrey will confirm with those who are signed-up to attend.)
May 12, Tuesday, 10am-12pm: Helping Hands Food Bank Volunteering
May 14, Thursday, 5:30: La Conner Rotary Social at the “Mystery Italian Restaurant in La Conner”
May 17, Sunday 9am-3pm: Camp Korey Volunteer Day (See the 4.20.26 Meeting Highlights for details.)
