Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley

March 3 - Soroptimist Saturday of Service!

2012-02-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

Early warning - The Walnut Tree thrift shop is open on ONE Saturday a year to celebrate Soroptimist Saturday of Service! This year, it is Saturday, March 3rd and we'll be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Part of our annual celebration is a Community Baby Shower and our wonderful customers and members bring baby products to the Walnut Tree on that special Saturday so we can pass them along to WIC. All shop proceeds from the day are donated to our local WIC agency and we love to bring them a big check! Plan to shop at the Walnut Tree often, but especially on March 3rd!

Winter weather means temporary closure of the shop

2012-01-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

The snow really bit us this week at The Walnut Tree! Just too much snow to manage our parking lot and so for the safety of our volunteers and customers, we have closed the shop until Monday. The Big Thaw is on right now so we're planning to open at noon on Monday the 23rd and have lots of bargains on hand. This seems to happen about once a year - but we love to be open and it's hard to make the decision to close.

See you Monday? Of course, we will!

Thrift shop updates for January 10th

2012-01-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new year! We hope you're ready for bargain shopping because our regular inventory-aging process has been invoked: As of Thursday, January 12th, green-tagged items will be half-price and white-tagged items will be 25 cents! We know our regular customers LOVE to come in and take advantage of these great prices. Are you one of them?

In other news, if you are EVER in need of a coffeemaker, check The Walnut Tree first! We sell a lot of coffeemakers in various conditions - slightly used to well-loved. We also often have coffee carafes and insulated cups in stock, and we ALWAYS have a large selection of mugs. The winter cold is a great time to have a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa and The Walnut Tree should be your first stop when thinking about preparing your favorite hot beverages!

Have you worn out your winter coat? Come in and check our stock! What about hats, gloves, and scarves? We sell a lot of them and our selection has been GREAT recently.

Valentines Day items are out on our shelves and it's not too early to think about picking up something special for your Valentine.

Thanks to all of our donors and shoppers. We are so happy to earn money that benefits our local community and many worthy projects. You make it all possible!

Thrift Shop updates for December 16th

2011-12-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

Bargain shoppers will be happy to note that our Christmas items are now half price! Come in and finish that decorating, pick up some stocking stuffers and package toppers, and find lovely items for your holiday dinner table. We still have gift bags and wrapping paper - but all are going fast!

White-tagged items are also half price and yellow-tagged items are now 25 cents!

We will be open on December 23 for our regular hours of 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. We'll be closed on Monday, December 26th for family time and holiday recovery...we'll be open on December 29 and 30 and Monday, January 2, 2012! If you ever forget our normal schedule, it is posted up high on the readerboard in front of the shop. Just drive by!

Once again, thanks to our customers, donors, and volunteers for making 2011 a great year for The Walnut Tree. Your bargain buys turn into funds that are channeled back into our community, supporting local women, children, and causes. We are thankful for your support and look forward to a successful 2012!

Soroptimist Day in Sedro-Woolley!

2011-10-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

At our October 25th meeting, Sedro-Woolley's Mayor Mike Anderson arrived to read a mayoral proclamation declaring October 25, 2011 "Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley Day"! The city recognized SI Sedro-Woolley's many accomplishments and contributions to community life in our town, as well as our dedication to the organization's mission to improve the lives of women and girls.

Thanks, Mayor Mike, for the nod! We plan to keep doing great things!

Mayor Mike Anderson presents SI S-W President Kacy Johnson

with a copy of the mayoral proclamation!

Thrift Shop open during Highway 20 detour!!

2011-09-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

The City of Sedro-Woolley is part of a big detour off of Highway 20 - starting today - to make improvements to the highway as it skirts the north end of our downtown core. As a result, all the diverted traffic is coming through town! BUT - an unplanned street closing has affected our thrift shop.

Suddenly, the city has closed Puget Street in front of the shop! No warning or signage!

So PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE ARE OPEN DURING OUR REGULAR HOURS THIS WEEK, STARTING AT 12:00 NOON TODAY!

The detour is scheduled to be in effect for three weeks - we'll be at the shop during our normal hours, waiting for you! Just come on in!

Soroptimist International of the Langleys, British Columbia, Canada

2011-09-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Our warmest congratulations and best wishes go to our friendship link club, SI of the Langleys, on their club's 25-year anniversary, being celebrated tonight! We wish you continued success, happy times, and a long-lived club experience! Thanks for being our friends and Soroptimists. We hope to see you soon!

www.soroptimistsoflangley.ca

Thrift shop news for September!

2011-08-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

We want more summer! So come to the Walnut Tree and check out our shorts, flip flops, and capris! All at low prices to help you replace those you have over-worn in the past month or so...

Blue-tagged items are half-price, green-tagged items are 25 cents, and capris are half-price, too!

There are lots of books for 10 cents in our outside book department, and inside our books are their normal low prices. Are you paying more than 39 cents for standard paperbacks at other stores? You should be shopping here!

Our annual Winter Wear Event is always popular and this year it will start on September 12th. Stop in to stock up on coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and beat that cold weather that is just around the corner (NO!!!).

Thanks to our donors, shoppers, and members, Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley was recently able to give a LOT of school supplies to the Sedro-Woolley School District to help those students who are not able to afford the tools to start the school year. Here, our president, Kacy Johnson, delivers the goods to school district employees.

Photo by the famous Becky Taft!

Thrift Shop news and other tidbits

2011-08-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

Did you miss our Christmas in July sale? Never fear! We have more Christmas items in the shop right now - toward the back, next to the books. Come on in and start planning the perfectly decorated holiday!

Speaking of books, if you're a Catherine Coulter or Nora Roberts fan, this is the week for you! We have lots and lots of paperback books by both authors, plus a whole lot more! Regular pocket paperbacks are always 39 cents, and trade paperbacks are 79 cents. Other "thrift" stores in the county are charging horrifying prices for the same items. Don't pay too much!

We still have lots of summer clothes and you know that summer finally arrived! If you or the kids have worn out your shorts and summer tops, we can help with our low, low prices!

We also have a new batch of bargains, as our inventory management system means that every so often a certain color of price tag goes to half price and another color to 25 cents. I can't remember which ones we're on right now! So you'll need to come in and look!

Finally, our town looks lovely in the summer and you should come and see us just to enjoy downtown and the amazing displays of flowers everywhere. We're on Puget Street - just two blocks over from the "main" street, which is Metcalf. So come on into town for shopping and lunch! We're waiting for you in Sedro-Woolley!

Fame Becomes Us!

2011-08-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

We are featured on a lovely poster published and distributed by the Washington Department of Transportation for their Adopt-A-Highway program! We have been a part of this program for 15 years and we have picked up tons of litter! Hey, everyone, dispose of your garbage properly!

Thrift shop news: Annual Christmas in July sale!

2011-07-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Winter seems to be lasting a loooooong time this year!

So, to celebrate, we're having our annual Christmas in July sale!

Come on over to the Walnut Tree and stock up on your favorite decorations, craft items, and gifts for that holiday you know will come, whether you're ready or not!

While you're here, check out our sale items inside - many 25-cent and half-price items for your perusal and purchase. After all, summer seems to be over!

Member Val Craig honored for 50 years of Soroptimist membership

2011-07-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Val Craig was honored recently for 50 years of continuous membership in Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley, WA. Members feted her with a cake and refreshments during her June 2011 membership anniversary. Craig is a dedicated volunteer at the Walnut Tree Soroptimist Thrift Shop in Sedro-Woolley where members raise funds for charitable projects. She also serves on Club committees and offers advice about the organization and its history to current members.

Craig became a member when she was working for Bingham Bank in Sedro-Woolley in 1961. During her long tenure she has witnessed many changes in the organization, as well as in the local club; she helped develop the thrift shop in 1975 to be a more reliable and consistent method of fund raising.

Craig received a congratulatory letter from Northwestern Region Governor Sue Riney who cited Craig’s ongoing dedication to the mission of Soroptimist and her great inspiration to all members.

Continuing Education Scholarships Available

2011-07-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley is offering Continuing Education Scholarships to graduates of Sedro-Woolley and Concrete High Schools who are currently enrolled in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of college.

This is not for current high school seniors.

Please send a one- to two-page letter describing: 1) Education plans, 2) Career goals, and 3) Involvement in community service. Include contact information, including phone number and e-mail address where you may be reached.

Attach a copy of your most recent transcript and mail application packet to: Soroptimist Int’l of Sedro-Woolley, P. O. Box 249, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, ATTN: Scholarship Committee.

For further information, e-mail Becky Taft at jrtaft@frontier.com.

Due date: July 31, 2011. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Thrift shop updates and other newsiness!

2011-06-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

At The Walnut Tree, yellow-tagged items are now 25 cents and white tagged items are half price! We just rotated our inventory tags so there are LOTS of bargains on hand. Come on in and find your style! [Editor's note: I did!]

We also have a full rack of red/white/blue shirts (T- and otherwise) to round out your Fourth of July wardrobe. Will you be in the Loggerodeo parade this year? [Editor's note: I will!]

While you're in the shop, ask Pat when the "Christmas in July" sale will start. It's an annual event and you'll find fun Christmas items at VERY attractive prices!

Congratulations to our own Mary McGoffin who is the published author of a much-anticipated book, "Under the Red Roof: One Hundred Years at Northern State Hospital". And one chapter features the inimitable Soroptimist, Barbara Ward Thompson! You'll want to get a copy - this book will be "all the buzz" in our town. Copies will be available at the Sedro-Woolley Museum and Simply Silver and More. Mary is signing copies at the Museum on Saturday, June 18th. She will personalize one for you!!

More congratulations - to our new President, Kacy Johnson, who will be installed on June 16th and take office on July 1, the beginning of the Soroptimist year. Many thanks to outgoing president Carolyn Freeman and her board who enjoyed many successes and surprises during their term.

An au revoir to Soroptimist Stephanie Dufner as she and her husband move to the east coast, where, not surprisingly, there are Soroptimist clubs, too!

The proceeds from The Walnut Tree allow us to do so much for the Sedro-Woolley community, including the $10,000 in college scholarship money for graduating high school seniors that we announced on June 8th. We appreciate our donors and our shoppers! So spread the word - The Walnut Tree is the place to be!

High School Senior Scholarhip Winners for 2011

2011-05-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley is pleased to announce the 2011 recipients of $1000 college scholarships for local high school seniors:

Sedro-Woolley High School
Jennifer Burke
Sierralee Crutchfield
Arielle Dillon
Alfa Hordges-Johnson
Kathryn Hull
Evan Mann
Hank Smith

Concrete High School
Kyler Howell
Cambridge “Shae” Van Wagoner
Miranda Wallen

Thrift shop updates for May 28

2011-05-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Have you stopped by the Walnut Tree lately to check out the bargains? Yellow tagged items are now half price, and purple tagged items are 25 cents! Our regular customers are scooping up the bargains! Are you one of them?

Yes, we'll be open on Monday the 30th. See you there!

SI Sedro-Woolley contributes to NWCAT

2011-05-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Service Committee chair Judy Hingston presents a check from Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley to Stephanie Smith at the recent Soroptimist Northwestern Region Conference. These funds are earmarked for the Northwest Coalition Against Trafficking (NWCAT), a signature program of Soroptimist and a facility to aid women and girls who have been freed from human trafficking situations. Located in Portland, Oregon, the NWCAT center has received high visibility and high praise for its work in aiding victims of human trafficking.

Look for the link to the NWCAT site below and become informed about the tragedy of human trafficking and its prevalence in the Pacific Northwest. Each of us can contribute to ending this criminal practice by being informed, aware, and willing to speak out!

SI Sedro-Woolley provides mammogram funding

2011-03-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley Awards $25,000 to Program That Assists Low-Income East Skagit County Women in Gaining Access to Mammograms

Representatives from Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley (SI S-W) presented a check totaling $25,000 to leaders from Citrine Health of Everett for use in providing mammograms to low-income women residing in Sedro-Woolley and East Skagit County on Wednesday, March 30.

Citrine Health’s executive director Kerri Mallams and program manager Becky Jones accepted the donation from SI S-W’s Judy Hingston and Judy Johnson at Citrine’s headquarters in Everett, Washington. SI S-W’s Service Committee allocated the funds through the Club’s newly minted “Community Investment Project.” Funds for the grant come from the proceeds of the Club’s thrift shop, The Walnut Tree, in Sedro-Woolley.

“Our Club is happy to partner with Citrine in providing preventive screening measures that help to ensure long-term health for women in our community,” said Judy Hingston, Service Committee chair. The Breast Care Suite at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley will serve as the designated provider for the exams, as specified by SI Sedro-Woolley.

Citrine Health, in partnership with the Washington State Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program, connects low-income women to free or low-cost preventive healthcare services. Underinsured and uninsured women may qualify for yearly health exams and mammograms throughout Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties. www.citrinehealth.com

Soroptimist International is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls locally, and throughout the world.

Spring Litter Collection - it's a tradition!

2011-03-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

SI Sedro-Woolley members celebrated spring by holding our 1Q2011 litter collection on Highway 9 this morning - Saturday, March 26th. We filled bags and bags of trash discarded by littering passers by and by those with unsecured loads. What a mess! Luckily, Christine is our inspiration for this project and this is our 16th year!

The group photo above was taken before we started out - when we were fresh and lovely!

Christine keeps all our Adopt-A-Highway records and supplies, and still finds time to bring donuts on collection morning. Our assigned stretch of Highway 9 is cleaner and friendlier due to our quick work. Thanks to those who attended!

Note to EVERYONE in the world - please dispose of your trash responsibly.

Thanks to Thompson's Nursery for letting us park our cars in your lot!

Soroptimist Saturday of Service benefits local WIC

2011-03-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 5th, was the only Saturday during this year that we'll open the shop - it was International Soroptimist Saturday of Service! As is our tradition, we donate the day's proceeds to our local Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program. Plus, members and customers donated baby needs - diapers, wipes, etc. - to WIC for us to deliver.

Here's President Carolyn, far right, presenting the check to Kathy Wigal of WIC (center) with the assistance of SI member Toni.

Thanks to our customers and community for making this important donation possible! Again!

Congratulations to new club!

2011-03-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

The newest Soroptimist Club in our area is Soroptimist International of Stanwood-Camano Island! At a chartering event March 10, Northwestern Regional Governor Sue Riney welcomed 25 members of this exciting new group into the fold of Soroptimist International.

President Mary Ann Weeks expressed her appreciation for the support of other Area clubs and her enthusiasm to get the new club started on its Soroptimist path.

We are so pleased to have you be part of our mission - to improve the lives of women and girls locally and throughout the world.

The adventure begins!

SI Sedro-Woolley awards money to local recipients

2011-03-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley presented checks to area food banks, the Sedro-Woolley Museum, and a Skagit County student who will use the monies to fund her education during its semi-monthly meeting at the town’s Community Center on February 22, 2011.

SI-SW’s club President, Carolyn Freeman, gave checks, each totaling $1,000, to representatives from Skagit County food banks, including those in the towns of Clear Lake, Concrete, Hamilton, Lyman, and Marblemount. Monies for these contributions are proceeds from the Club’s thrift shop, The Walnut Tree, in Sedro-Woolley.

Accepting checks on behalf of the local food banks were:

Marblemount - Bread of Life - Faye Nichols
Clear Lake - Community Covenant - Darrel Gadbois
Concrete - Food Bank - Marty Smith
Hamilton - Food Bank - Ron Edwards
Lyman - Shepherd's Heart - Arla Mae Freeman

Freeman also awarded the Sedro-Woolley Museum a check totaling $1,000 for the club’s annual “President’s Award.” Museum board member Brian Backman called the award “an honor” and said how much he enjoys being a part of the organization in the community.

The last award, the Women’s Opportunity Award, went to Kathie Peterson, a student at Skagit Valley College who will continue her education at Western Washington University. Toni Ruhl, the club’s Scholarship Committee Chair, told the meeting’s attendees that Peterson received the $1,600 college scholarship for her academic endeavors and her goals to work with homeless and abused women and children.

The Women’s Opportunity Award lets women who serve as the primary source of income for their families receive financial support that allows them to improve their skills—and job prospects— through vocational or undergraduate college programs.

Thanks to you!

2011-03-07T19:49:00.001-08:00

Here is a photo of part of our crew on Saturday, March 5th at Soroptimist Saturday of Service. We opened the Walnut Tree thrift shop and donated the day's proceeds to our local WIC agency for moms and babies.

Thanks to our faithful customers who made this day a success! We are grateful for the support we receive from our town and we hope you will shop with us often!

Soroptimist Saturday of Service

2011-03-03T11:08:00.001-08:00

This Saturday, March 5th, is worldwide Soroptimist Saturday of Service!

Each club chooses a project for that day that allows them to serve their own communities and the international community of women and girls.

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley has established a tradition of opening our thrift shop, The Walnut Tree, on Soroptimist Saturday of Service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! We're not normally open on Saturdays, so this is a big opportunity to come and shop with us - we'll donate all proceeds from that day to our local WIC organization. In addition, any baby products donated that day (and our members bring a lot!) will go to WIC for the good work they do with mothers and babies in our neighborhood.

So come on down and join the fun! We're looking forward to seeing our regular customers and maybe some new folks who don't ordinarily get to shop with us on the weekdays.

Thanks for supporting Soroptimist, WIC, and Sedro-Woolley. We hope to see you soon!

Thrift Shop news for January 12th

2011-01-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

Did you now that all white tag items are now 25 cents and all green tag items are half price? This is a regular feature of our inventory aging process and it creates bargains for you!!

Valentine merchandise is out on the floor! We have lots of lovely gift and party items with the Valentine theme. If you need a teddy bear whom you can name "Valentine", this is the place to come!

Thanks to our loyal customers for your support and donations during 2010 and especially for bringing us new customers! It seems that so many of our "regulars" are bringing their friends to shop with us and we appreciate it so much.

This is the season during which Soroptimists select annual award winners for our programs recognizing the achievements of local women. We'll be ready to announce our results soon. Watch this space for the winners!

Parties and sales!

2010-12-20T19:20:00.001-08:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley wishes you the happiest of holidays and a bountiful new year!

As you may have guessed, The Walnut Tree will be closed on December 24th so that we can all do that last minute shopping!

Speaking of which, Christmas items in the shop are half price right now! White tagged items are also half price and yellow tagged items are $.25. All part of our inventory aging system, but that means bargains for you!

We had a lovely holiday party on December 9th with a great dinner catered by local favorite Elsie Summers. We also did some group singing - Cyndi Sorestad's husband, Keith, led us in some traditional favorites and a Northwest rendition of that Partridge song.

Thanks to our donors and our customers for another great year at The Walnut Tree. We couldn't do it all without you!

Conference ends - we take home great ideas!

2010-10-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Our annual District 1 conference has come to an end, but we are re-energized from the weekend with our Soroptimist friends!

Thanks to District 1 Director Bernie Bell and her great team for putting together an informational and inspirational conference. We look forward to putting our ideas into action and expanding our abilities to improve the lives of women and girls in our neighborhoods and throughout the world!

Take a look at the link, below, for the Northwest Coalition Against Trafficking.

District 1 Conference

2010-10-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend is our District 1 Conference at the Tulalip resort near Marysville!

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley is part of District 1 of the Northwestern Region of Soroptimist International of the Americas (http://www.soroptimist.org/). If you want to know more about Soroptimist, fisit the Federation web site, above, and learn about our many initiatives and opportunities.

We are an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Almost 95,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community–based and international projects that benefit women and girls.

Conferences are a great time to make contacts and friends with other Soroptimists and to get inspirational ideas for projects. We have fun together!

Thrift Shop updates for September 21

2010-09-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Winter wear is now featured at the Walnut Tree! Come on in and pick out coats, scarves, gloves, hats, and other warm clothes at bargain prices. While you're there, check out our huge kitchen supplies department and pick up a few books for cold weather reading. All close to you at the Walnut Tree thrift shop in Sedro-Woolley!

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley will be sending a fine contingent of members to the District 1 Conference October 15-17 in Marysville. We hope to see all of our District 1 friends there!

The bargains keep on coming!

2010-08-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Walnut Tree is in full school clothes mode as we help outfit local (and traveling!) students for the start of the school year. Lots of bargains and fashion to be had!

And shorts! The end of the summer always means that we are trying to appreciate the warm days we have left during August and September. You need shorts for those days! Come on in and see the bargain bins we have. Many/most are $.25!!

Speaking of bargains, Blue Tagged items are now half price and Green Tagged items are found at the popular low price of $.25!!

If you're a homeschooler, there are a number of helpful books in the 10-cent book area outside of the shop. And lots hardback books inside with popular authors such as Nelson DeMille and Catherine Coulter. Come on in and stock up on books to read when that warm weather retires for the year and the rain begins! See you at the Walnut Tree!

PS Watch this space for a special announcement about our Winter Wear Event, starting on a day in September TBA!!!

Christmas, summer's end, and back to school

2010-08-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! We have had a roaring week at the Walnut Tree!! Christmas in July has been phenomenal and we have more Christmas merchandise for August!

Customers are scooping up summer clothes, flip-flops, swimming suits, and home/garden accessories for their enjoyment during our perfect weather for the last official month of summer. And we sure have a lot of BOOKS right now! Are you doing your summer reading? Come and see our selection!

School is lurking around the corner and wise customers come and shop with us before they go to the pricier stores. We have so much great stuff for students - clothes, accessories, etc. And, as a thrift shop, our selection changes every day. You need to be there!!

Christmas in July

2010-07-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Walnut Tree's annual "Christmas in July" shopping event begins Monday, July12th at noon!

Our customers can hardly wait! And many have already asked about it. We hope you'll get your Christmas shopping done early - very early - at the Walnut Tree!

New officers for 2010-2011

2010-07-07T12:36:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to our new club officers for 2010-2011, who were installed at a festive banquet on June 24th. We know you'll be great!

President –
Carolyn Freeman

Vice President –
Kacy Johnson

Recording Secretary –
Dona Cowan

Corresponding Secretary –
Anita Weidkamp

Treasurer –
Sharon Nielson

Assistant Treasurer –
Lisa Janicki

Board Members –
Judy Hingston
Mickie Lozier
Toni Ruhl

2010-06-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley presents a check for $500 to the JEM Family Guild of Skagit Valley Hospital. The Guild provides toys and activity packs for children admitted to the hospital. Pictured: Judy Hingston, President, Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley, Steve Schultz, Volunteer Coordinator, Skagit Valley Hospital, and Becky Rosenfeld, JEM Guild president.

Soroptimist Int'l of Sedro-Woolley announces 2010 scholarship recipients

2010-05-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley announces
2010 recipients of $1000 college scholarships

Sedro-Woolley High School Seniors:

Justine Allen, daughter of Glenn and Jilene Allen, holds a 3.6 GPA and will be attending Bellevue College to study Interior Design.

Chelsea Seidel, daughter of Christopher and Rogene Seidel, has a 4.0 GPA and will be attending Eastern Washington University to study Nursing.

Bailey Noble, daughter of Rusty Noble and Kaye Lind, 3.8 GPA, will attend Eastern Washington University to study Sound Design and Foley Art and Animation.

Jessica DeBoer, daughter of Robert and Deana DeBoer, 3.5 GPA, will attend Washington State University to study Agriculture and Education.

Zachary Adams, son of Greg and Rebecca Adams, holds a 4.0 GPA and will attend the University of Puget Sound to study Biochemistry with a pre-med emphasis.

Jessica Noble, daughter of Rusty Noble and Kaye Lind, 3.8 GPA, will attend the University of Washington to study Business.

Adrienne Gifford, daughter of Matthew and Terry Gifford, 3.6 GPA, will attend Brigham Young University in Utah to study Nursing.

Kendra Hart, daughter of Jeff Hart and Cheri Adkins, 3.34 GPA, will attend the University of Montana to major in women’s studies and psychology.

Concrete High School Senior:

Greg McIntosh, son of Matt and Estrella McIntosh, 3.59 GPA, will attend Skagit Valley College to major in Fire Protection Technology.

Congratulations to all these fine young people!

Secret sale!

2010-05-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's an unnanounced sale. Vintage Books! Today - outside and inside the shop. Most are $.99 - some are individually priced a little higher. But they are all bargains! Stop in and check them out. If you are also of vintage stock...you'll recognize many of the titles!

Thrift Shop Updates for May 10th

2010-05-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

We have created some new bargains for you this week!

Yellow tags are now 50% off and purple tags are 25 cents!

We also have lots of great merchandise as our local donors have been busy bringing us their new and gently used items.

This week, we'll announce the local winners of Soroptimist scholarships - all possible because of our generous donors and shoppers. Watch for the announcement and be sure to congratulate these fine young people.

We know our customers love bargains! See you at the Walnut Tree!

Thrift Shop Updates for Earth Day!

2010-04-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

A great way to celebrate Earth Day is to recycle! Donate your useful items to the Walnut Tree and come in to buy some more! Easy!

Red-tagged items are 25 cents this week and purple-tagged items are half price.

We are "blooming" with bargains and great finds.

Come see us and spring into shopping!

2010 Continuing Education Scholarships

2010-04-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley is offering $1,000 continuing education scholarships to graduates of Sedro-Woolley or Concrete High Schools who are currently enrolled in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of college. This is not for current high school seniors.

Please send a one-page letter describing: 1) Education plans, 2) Career goals, and 3) Involvement in community service. Include contact information, including phone number, physical address, and e-mail address. Awards are competitive.

Attach a copy of your most recent transcript and mail application packet to:
Soroptimist Int’l of Sedro-Woolley
ATTN: Scholarship Committee
P. O. Box 249
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

For further information, e-mail jreid@bgcskagit.org

Due date: July 31, 2010.

The Walnut Tree on the front page of the Courier Times!

2010-04-07T15:27:00.001-07:00

Today's Courier Times has a nice feature on the front page about SI Sedro-Woolley and our thrift shop, the Walnut Tree!

http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/s_w_thrift_store_stays_busy_through_recession/

Yes, we're growing and our profits go back to the community in so many ways.

Thanks donors and shoppers!

And thanks to the Courier Times!

A word about donations - YES!

2010-03-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Walnut Tree Thrift Shop exists because of the wonderful members of our community who both shop with us and donate items to us!

Our objective is to sell the best quality merchandise that we can - so we invite you to donate good quality - perhaps gently used - merchandise for sale in our shop. Here are some examples of the items we welcome as donations:

Clothes of all kinds, including shoes, hats, coats, work-specialty clothes, sport clothes, and more!
Dishes, housewares, kitchen supplies
Books and magazines
Jewelry
Accessories - scarves, hats, purses, wallets, umbrellas
Sewing supplies - fabric and batting, thread, yarn, notions, craft books and patterns, craft kits and supplies
VHS tapes, DVDs, music tapes/records/CDs, vinyl records
Home decor - frames, figurines, decorative bowls/plates, unused wallpaper and vinyl shelf liner, silk flowers, vases, this list could go on and on!
Gift wrapping and gift bags, greeting cards and stationery, office supplies and school supplies, photo albums, scrapbooking supplies
Linens - sheets, pillowcases/shams, bedspreads, decorative pillows, throws, cloth napkins and placemats, curtains/drapes
Small appliances - that work! - including kitchen appliances, clocks, small radios
Holiday decor, costumes, seasonal decorations
Baskets, collectibles (contemporary, vintage, and antique!), souvenirs, yard art, fun things!

We are not able to accept:
Electronics - no TVs, no VCRs, no stereos, no computers or parts. Please take these to an authorized hazardous waste disposal site.
Large appliances - no refrigerators, nothing with motors
Furniture - no beds or mattresses, no chairs or sofas, no upholstered furniture, in particular. We may be able to accept small wood or plastic chairs and tables. Please ask at the shop.
No hazardous waste of any kind - no paint or solvents, no batteries or gas cans
We are not able to use most childrens toys, due to federal regulations on lead content in toys and printed matter.

Of course, this list is not complete. Please come and see us during the hours that the shop is open if you have a question about whether an item can be donated. And ask for a tax receipt if you need one! We have them at the front counter. Our donation area is the opening at the front of our smaller building - if it is unattended, please place items well inside out of the weather. We encourage you to drop items off when we're open so we can receive them and thank you.

Your donations and your shopping are what keep our profits rolling back into the community in the form of scholarships, financial support for local projects, and general efforts to promote health, wellness, and education for women and girls. We hope you will support our shop and encourage your friends and neigbors to do so, too. Together, we can continue to be the best for Sedro-Woolley!

Thrift Shop Updates for March 23

2010-03-23T19:46:00.001-07:00

Easter items are now half price! Come on in for the latest bargains.

We also still have sheet and book music at low prices - our music sale was a great success, but we have more!

As the weather gets nicer, you'll need SHORTS for spending time outside in the sun. We have them!

And be sure to see our new glass display cases of porcelain and china items.

Always something new at The Walnut Tree!

Adopt-A-Highway - our quarterly litter collection

2010-03-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

SI Sedro-Woolley has been participating in the WA State Adopt-A-Highway program for 15 years, thanks to Christine Johnson who initiated our participation and keeps us going! She schedules the dates, is the contact for our special equipment - vests, hard hats, and collection bags - and reports our results. She also gets us out on Highway 9 (north of Sedro-Woolley towards Sumas) four Saturday mornings a year to pick up trash tossed by others.

Saturday, March 13th, was our collection date for 1Q2010 and we made quick work of our stretch of road with seven members attending (six pictured plus the photog). Reportedly, we used 25 trash bags (not pictured). The day was fresh and cool - only Lisa mentioned getting caught by the boots in a marshy ditch, as is typical for this time of year. Christine rewarded all of our hard work with donuts! She knows how to motivate a crew.

We have been asked by the media to provide an "action shot" of us collecting litter in the past - this is much easier said than done. No one really wants a photo in the paper of their rear end in the air - as we bend over to collect trash. Our last action shot was posed on the well-manicured lawn of Thompson's Nursery on Highway 9 but the truth is that we are trekking along a busy highway and getting somewhat muddy as we push aside the brush and blackberry bushes in search of the litter.

We prefer a nice portrait, like the one here, with everyone decked out in required safety gear and Becky rarin' to go with her pointy stick.

Please remember to take your traveling trash home and dispose of it responsibly!

Soroptimist Saturday of Service - update

2010-03-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our customers and members, we raised $280 for our local WIC agency last Saturday, and also collected a whole lot of baby products - diapers, wipes, etc. - for WIC to distribute.

Pictured here are Barbara Bostrom (right), Thrift Shop manager for our club, and Stacy from the WIC office as Barbara delivered our cash and items and Stacy happily received them.

Thrift Shop Updates for March 12

2010-03-12T05:02:00.000-08:00

Blue-tagged items are now $.25! Yep, that's a quarter! Come on in and check out the great bargains.

Red-tagged items are half-price so find your favorite and save half.

Lots of sheet music and book music was put out this week - sheets are $.25 and books are $.50. You'll find some classic tunes - amazing artwork on those old covers.

And don't wait to shop for Easter items. The Walnut Tree is a great place to discover fun items to fill that Easter basket for your special bunny!

Thrift Shop Updates for March 8

2010-03-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our customers who shopped on Saturday of Service! We'll be delivering a check and baby products to WIC this week.

Remember, Walnut Tree "Music Night" Tuesday, March 9th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
These are special hours for our "Music Night" sale.
There is lots of sheet and book music for local music teachers, musicians, and students to peruse and buy. Bargain prices are guaranteed!
This is a small thank you to music teachers who deserve to be thanked every day. Come on in and enjoy this special sale!

Thrift Shop Updates for March 1

2010-02-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

It's already St. Patrick's Day and Easter at The Walnut Tree!

Our "green" items are out for you, as are bunnies, baskets, and lots of other Easter fun. Come in soon for the best selections!

Soroptimist Saturday of Service
March 6th, 2010
Thrift Shop open and Community Baby Shower
We celebrate this day of service with Soroptimist Clubs all over the world, as each club designs its own way to make a visible contribution to their community. As is our tradition, we open the shop on Saturday, March 6th, from 10 to 2. It's typically the only Saturday of the year that we're open! The day's proceeds all benefit our local WIC program, located at United General Hospital. In addition, we collect baby products from our members, customers, and friends, to pass along to WIC. Diapers, wipes, lotions, shampoos, all the things that babies need, even if their moms can't afford them. So come on in on March 6th and do some shopping! You can even bring items for our Community Baby Shower. WIC will be so happy!

Walnut Tree "Music Night"
Tuesday, March 9th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Walnut Tree will have special hours for our "Music Night" sale. We are featuring sheet and book music for local music teachers, musicians, and students to peruse and buy. Bargain prices are guaranteed! This is a small thank you to music teachers who deserve to be thanked every day. Come on in and enjoy this special sale - you'll be humming along with us and our customers!

Stop in and stock up!

Live Your Dream Art Contest - vote now!

2010-02-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

Soroptimist International of the Americas received more than 3500 entries from girls and boys throughout the world for the second annual Live Your Dream Art Contest!

A group of professional judges has narrowed down the entries to three finalists in each category (by age, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-18). Now it's up to votes from the public to choose our winner!

Visit www.liveyourdreamcampaign.org and cast your votes! Tell your friends! And then come back to the web site after March 8th and see the winners.

Thrift Shop Updates for Feb. 11th

2010-02-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

This week, our Valentine merchandise remaining in the shop is reduced to half price! There's still time to surprise your Valentine with a little something...

Also, items with Blue price tags will be reduced to half price and items with a Green price tag will be reduced to $.25! That's right! One of our most popular shop features is that twenty-five cent rack. There are always amazing bargains!

Our next regularly open day is Thursday, February 11 when our hours are noon to 6 p.m.

Friday the 12th, as usual, we'll be open from noon to 4 p.m.

So come on in to the Walnut Tree and see us! We appreciate your support of Soroptimist and our programs to help our community!

Congratulations to one of our members!

2010-02-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

SI Sedro-Woolley Soroptimist, Stephanie Dufner, recently completed a Master's program in Communication and Leadership Studies through Gonzaga University in Spokane.

Stephanie finished the online program nearly two-and-a-half years after she enrolled in August 2007. During her studies, she successfully completed computer-based courses in communication theory, management, leadership, ethics, research, and marketing. The majority of students enrolled in the program come from communication-related backgrounds such as journalism, marketing, public relations, or corporate communications; however, others come from professions including nursing, teaching, and engineering.

For her final thesis, Stephanie explored the relationships that exist between the mass media, specifically print and electronic (online) news articles, gender roles, hegemony (power relations between dominant and non-dominant groups in society), and executive leadership.

Live Your Dream Art Contest - voting starts soon!

2010-01-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

Soroptimist International of the Americas has received approximately 3500 entries from around the world for the Live Your Dream art contest. The deadline was December 31, and now the contest administrators are preparing to put the finalists' art work on line for public voting.

Watch for your chance to vote on your favorites at
www.liveyourdreamcampaign.org

Winnters will be announced on March 8, 2010, which is International Women's Day.

Top winners in each category winn $100 and the same amount is sent to their schools.

Soroptimists STOP Trafficking - photo

2010-01-14T19:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some Skagit County Soroptimists, working together to STOP Trafficking!

Soroptimists STOP Trafficking rally

2010-01-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to SI Burlington for spearheading "Soroptimists STOP Trafficking" events on Monday, January 11th that were resoundingly successful!

A highly visible daytime rally near the Skagit County Courthouse and Monday night's SRO panel and workshop were great ways to spread the warning message about human trafficking in our area.

And they made the front page of the Skagit Valley Herald!

Follow this link for the story:

http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/stopping_modern_day_slavery/

January 11 - National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness

2010-01-10T16:26:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 11th, is the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness, an issue close to the hearts of Soroptimists. Women and children are victimized by human trafficking in the US and around the world. Soroptimists participate in an international initiative to STOP human trafficking wherever it exists.

Here in Western Washington, we are witnesses to human trafficking every day - through the sea and air ports, the I-5 corridor, immigrant communities, and an international border.

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office defines trafficking as “the recruitment, transportation, harboring, provision, or obtaining a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purposes of subjecting that person to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.” Trafficking can also involve sex trafficking which entails a profit-making sex act, induced through coercion or force; this form of trafficking is often comprised of women and children under the age of 18.

Some female victims become inadvertently drawn into trafficking due to promises of a better life overseas through arranged marriages or assurances of paid work as restaurant employees or shop assistants. Other victims’ parents, boyfriends, or neighbors sell these young girls and women to commercial traffickers. Once under the supervision of such captors, these females become dependent on the individuals moving them illegally from country to country. These women often experience hunger, sleep deprivation, physical torture, and the possibility of death while in captivity. In addition, the traffickers take away these women’s passports and working papers and often tell them that if they attempt to escape their circumstances that the women’s children or families will die.

Be aware: Is there a home in your neighborhood that appears to have a woman or a child as a resident who never goes outdoors, or never leaves without an escort? Do the workers in the businesses you frequent all appear friendly and conversational and to have active lives of their own? Or is there a worker who is shy and subservient and not allowed to interact with customers beyond small courtesies?

If you suspect someone to be a victim of human trafficking, you can help to save a life by contacting the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888. The hotline runs 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

On January 11th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Soroptimist International of Burlington and their partner clubs and agencies will hold a STOP Trafficking Workshop at the Skagit Transit Station in Mt. Vernon. The panel includes the Director of WARN: Washington Anti-Trafficking Response Network, a local State Patrol officer, mother of a local victim/survivor, and local community organizers.

Come and learn about human trafficking close to home. And what you can do about it.

Thrift Shop Updates

2009-12-28T17:13:00.001-08:00

Today, December 28th, we filled the seasonal shelves with Valentine merchandise! So it's time to come in and get a head start on those Valentine bargains. We also still have some nice New Year's theme items in the shop so you can be ready for 2010!

As always, we have lots of books in stock and I noticed that we have quite a few in the "Northwest Authors" bin - these local authors are popular with our customers!

We had lots of happy shoppers today and you could be one of them!

See you at the Walnut Tree!

Coming in January

2009-12-27T12:23:00.001-08:00

Here are some upcoming events for our club in January 2010!

Monday, January 11 - Soroptimist Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Monday, January 11 - Shop Committee Meeting 6 p.m.

Monday, January 11 - Board Meeting 7 p.m.

Tuesday, January 12 - Business Meeting at 12:30 p.m. at the S-W Senior Center

Sunday, January 17 - Archives Committee meeting at Barb Thompson's - "Noon to fatigue"

Tuesday, January 26 - Program Meeting at 12:30 p.m. at the S-W Senior Center

Happy Birthday, Sedro-Woolley!

2009-12-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to our town! Sedro and Woolley combined and incorporated on December 19, 1898. We are 111 years young!

Live Your Dream Art Contest - deadline 12/31/2009

2009-12-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley invites school-age kids to participate in the Live Your Dream Art Contest - draw a present-day woman who inspires you!

The contest is open to both boys and girls, ages 4 to 18, and includes children attending school and those who are home-schooled. The woman can be someone the student knows personally, or a prominent woman he or she admires.

If the artwork is chosen as a finalist, students will have the opportunity for it to be viewed by thousands of people on the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Campaign web site at www.LiveyourDreamCampaign.org .

Winners and their schools each receive $100.

Information was distributed to the Sedro-Woolley school district and is also available at the Live Your Dream Campaign web site.

Deadline is December 31, 2009. Winners will be announced during March 2010.

Contest rules, instructions, and entry forms are available at www.LiveYourDreamCampaign.org

For contest questions, contact info@liveyourdreamcampaign.org.

Soroptimist Int'l of Sedro Woolley's new blog site!

2009-12-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Internet home of our Soroptimist club! We hope you'll visit us often. Our intent is to provide frequent updates showing our club's activities as well as news about our thrift shop, the Walnut Tree. Our customers love to know when we're having a special event or sale! Of course, we specialize in bargains all the time!

Our club currently has 59 busy members and we are growing! Are you familiar with Soroptimist International? It is an international organization of business and professional people who work to promote the best for women and girls in our home towns and throughout the world. As this site grows, we'll provide you with links to our organization's headquarters so you can learn more and find out how to support Soroptimist causes and activities wherever you are.

So, come on along! We're looking for you!