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Category: Special Programs

WA lawmakers convene 2016 session

WA lawmakers convene 2016 session

The 2016 election-year session of the Washington Legislature is under way. Gavels fell at noon to usher in a 60-day session, with lawmakers expressing hope that there will be no need for overtime. Last year they went into triple overtime that lasted until July. House Speaker Frank Chopp quoted Majority Leader Pat Sullivan: If the Seattle Seahawks could pull off a miraculous victory Sunday, surely the Legislature can wrap it up in 60 days. It’s true that there are a…

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Inslee greenlights Medal of Valor for Oso communities

Inslee greenlights Medal of Valor for Oso communities

Gov. Inslee signs Medal of Valor legislation as state officials and OSOS staffers stand by. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Photo Department) One year ago, on the morning of March 22, a massive landslide east of Oso in Snohomish County devastated the landscape and claimed 43 lives.  First-responders and regular citizens from Oso, Darrington, and Arlington and the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe sprung into action. A grateful state will pay tribute to those three communities and the tribe “in honor of outstanding acts…

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Evelyn Arnold joins Secretary Wyman’s team

Evelyn Arnold joins Secretary Wyman’s team

Evelyn Arnold shares a story as Secretary Wyman (middle) and Elections Director Lori Augino (right) listen. Evelyn Arnold, former Chelan County Auditor and King County elections official, has joined the Office of Secretary of State as financial services manager. Monday was her first day on the job and it was “old home week” at a Capitol reception in her honor.  She and Secretary of State Kim Wyman are old friends, dating back to 1991, when Arnold was a new county…

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Hot dogging it at PSRW event

Hot dogging it at PSRW event

(Special Programs Director Stephanie Horn and Deputy Secretary of State Mark Neary.) Whoever said there is no such thing as a free lunch obviously missed the Public Service Recognition Week event on the East Plaza lawn of the Capitol Campus Wednesday. Hundreds of public employees gathered to eat free hot dogs, potato chips and bottled water served by our office’s Special Programs staff and Deputy Secretary of State Mark Neary. PSRW is held during May to celebrate the achievements of…

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Recognizing employees: What goes around comes around

Recognizing employees: What goes around comes around

For years, Secretary Reed has helped lead efforts to recognize and honor public employees during Public Service Recognition Week each May. During the PSRW event on the Capitol Campus Wednesday, Reed himself was recognized. State Senator Karen Fraser, who serves Olympia and the rest of the 22nd Legislative District, presented Reed with a special award for co-chairing PSRW since 2001 along with State Auditor Brian Sonntag. Both Reed and Sonntag are retiring from office next January. The award reads: “In…

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Spotlight Charity: Consejo Counseling

Spotlight Charity: Consejo Counseling

(Image courtesy of Consejo) In 1978, Consejo Counseling & Referral Service was founded in response to a lack of culturally appropriate behavioral health resources for the low-income Latino community in Western Washington.  Over the course of more than 30 years, Consejo has expanded to include a large variety of services. Consejo’s mission is to provide a continuum of behavioral health, substance abuse and domestic violence services to individuals and families across Washington to improve the quality of their lives and…

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Spotlight Charity: Live United in Whatcom County

Spotlight Charity: Live United in Whatcom County

Photo courtesy of United Way of Whatcom County If you know anything about charities you have probably heard of United Way. Over the course of the 20th century this charitable organization has become deeply rooted in communities across Washington and the United States. Because United Way recognizes that local problems need local solutions, each branch independently develops programs that best suit the needs of the communities they serve. Every United Way throughout Washington goes above and beyond to support our…

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Spotlight Charity: Summit Assistance Dogs

Spotlight Charity: Summit Assistance Dogs

Photo courtesy of Summit Assistance Dogs Opening a door. Turning on a light. Picking up a dropped dish towel. Most of us complete these daily activities without a second thought. But for those living with disabilities, these tasks can be difficult and sometimes even impossible without additional assistance. There are currently over 55 million people in the United States living with disabilities, some requiring help from a caregiver. However, there is an empowering alternative for those who live with disabilities…

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Public employees recognized

Public employees recognized

Secretary of State Sam Reed helped serve hot dogs Wednesday for Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) to honor state employees for their hard work and dedication to public service.  It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon with background music playing as zumba dancers performed.  State workers made their way around to about 40 tents where vendors and state agencies passed out goodies and informational packets.  This event was one out of four being held this year.  Other events around the state this week…

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Celebrating our Spanish roots

Celebrating our Spanish roots

Much is written of our Native American forebears, Lewis & Clark and westward expansion, British  and Canadian exploration and settlement, and the early presence of Russians in the region.  Less attention seems to be paid to the early Spanish explorers who pre-dated Lewis and Clark, lending their names to many present-day Washington place names. The story of Spanish exploration, including a short-lived settlement at Neah Bay, was the fascinating narrative told by scholar, anthropologist and lecturer Leoncio Cerretero  at the…

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