Chinook Enterprises

December 2011 Employer of the Month

chinook — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:40:35 +0000

Chinook would like to congratulate the Gap Outlet in Burlington for being named December 2011 Employer of the Month! The Gap has employed Jolie since June of 2011 and the employees have gone above and beyond to welcome her as part of the Gap Team. Jolie greets and shares the latest deals with the customers. Jolie’s managers and co-workers do a great job of making sure her script is ready and taking the time to help Jolie with learning new tasks so she can become more independent in her position. Thank you Gap Outlet for being a supportive work environment in our community!!!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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October 2011 Employer of the Month

chinook — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:37:29 +0000

Ray and Katie Avery at The Garden Cafe

I hope you didn’t think we forgot about October’s Employer of the Month! Who could forget the supportive environment (not to mention great food) that Ray and Katie Avery provide at The Garden Café at Skagit Valley Gardens! Rick has been employed at the Café since April and works to make sure the restaurant is clean and prepared for customers in the morning. Congratulations to The Garden Café for being awarded October 2011 Employer of the Month!!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Island Hospital Named November’s Employer of the Month

chinook — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:26:50 +0000

Austin Schafer and Vince Oliver (CEO of Island Hospital)

Chinook Enterprises is happy to announce the November 2011 Employer of the Month: Island Hospital!!! Island Hospital has employed Austin since October of 2008 where he works as the Mail Attendant for the hospital. Austin does a wonderful job sorting and delivering mail to multiple departments, he also seals and meters the outgoing mail.

Little did we know that at the Island Hospital Holiday Party they were going to be surprising Austin with Employee of the Month! Pictured below are Austin receiving his award and Vince Oliver, CEO of Island Hospital. Thank you to Island Hospital for being such a wonderful example of how successful supported community employment can be!!!

Congratulations!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Happy Birthday to our Executive Director

chinook — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:20:27 +0000

Rob Martin on his birthday

A very happy birthday to our wonderful (and silly) Executive Director, Rob Martin.

Thank you for all you do at and for Chinook. Enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday to you…….happy birthday to you……

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Human Services Cuts loom on the horizon with the Governor’s proposed budget

chinook — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:33:21 +0000

Several major cuts are proposed by the various State agencies to comply with Governor Gregoire’s 5 and 10% reduction proposals. These proposals reduce or eliminate the Adult pharmacy benefits that most adults with disabilities receive, so their medication payments are in jeopardy. Medical for Disability Lifeline and ADATSA will be severely curtailed or eliminated all together. Termination of Children’s Health program and the Basic Health program are likely as the state tries to deal with the shortfall. Non emergent dental services will be a thing of the past soon. If these proposals continue to move forward as they are, 48% of the Federal waiver clients or 5,600 state-wide with developmental disabilities will lose their services. Of those, 1600 are in supported living arrangements; 1,300 live on their own or with their families; 100 live in the Residential Habilitation Centers; and 650 live in Adult Family Homes. Where will people live? How will they get assistance? Those questions have not been answered yet. It is critical that everyone who opposes these cuts contact their representatives SOON, before they go into the Special Session!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight- Trevor

chinook — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:07:56 +0000

Chinook welcomes new member Trevor to the team! Trevor started February 2^nd in our Wire Division doing maintenance. He currently lives in Sedro Woolley and has one 3 year old daughter. In his free time, he enjoys fishing.

Birth Place: Monroe, WA

Previous Work Experience: Carpenter

Places Lived: Everson, Maple Falls, Glacier

Favorite Vacation Spots: Montana, Eastern WA, Long Beach

Favorite Food: Venison

Favorite Drink: Mountain Dew

Least Favorite Food: Beets

Favorite Restaurant: Billy McHale’s

Favorite Movie: River Runs Through It

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite TV Show: Discovery Channel

If you won the lottery, you would: Move to Alaska and relax

If you were stuck on an island, 3 things you would want with you: Knife, fire starter, tent

Four people in history you’d most like to have dinner with: Carrie Underwood, daughter and mom

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight- Eric

chinook — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:15:50 +0000

Chinook welcomes new member Eric to the team! Eric started in Bellingham on January 3^rd doing inventory control and shipping and receiving. He currently lives in Blaine with his fiancé and his son. In his free time, he plays bass in a heavy metal band.

Birth Place: San Jose, CA

Previous Work Experience: Current Industries

Places Lived: California, Nevada, Washington

Favorite Vacation Spots: Waikiki Beach, Lake Tahoe, Canada

Favorite Food: Sushi and Italian

Favorite Drink: Ale

Least Favorite Food: None

Favorite Restaurant: Bucca di Beppo

Favorite Movie: The Godfather

Last Book Read: Wilderness World of John Muir

Favorite Music: Metal

Favorite TV Show: Survivor

If you won the lottery, you would: Set up life and family’s life

If you were stuck on an island, 3 things you would want with you: Fiance, case of ale, and matches

Four people in history you’d most like to have dinner with: Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employer of the Month- April 2011

chinook — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:56:12 +0000

The Employer of the Month for April 2011 is Riverside Health Club. Manager Stuart hired Jacob, one of Chinook’s participants, in June of 2008 to clean the exercise machines. Every day, Jacob cleans equipment such as treadmills, stair steppers, and the Nordic Track, to make sure the machines are free of dust and debris. Stuart has been awarded the Employer of the Month because of his faithful support of Jacob these past 3 years. All the staff at the club have provided a positive work environment for Jacob and made him feel part of the team. Overall, it has been a successful effort in supported employment for both Jacob and the Riverside Health Club. Our many thanks and appreciation to all of you.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight- Joanne

chinook — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:38:35 +0000

Chinook welcomes new member Joanne to the team! Joanne works in our Wire Division and started in February as an assembly technician. She currently resides in Ferndale with her husband and has 3 children. In her free time, she enjoys walking, reading, riding her bike, listening to music and going to church.

Birth Place: Ballard, WA

Previous Work Experience: Current Industries, Daycare owner, worked in sports retail, Seattle’s first longshore woman

Places Lived: West Seattle, Ferndale, Miami, Sunnyside

Favorite Vacation Spots: Cabo

Favorite Food: Steak salad

Favorite Drink: Margarita

Least Favorite Food: Liver and onions

Favorite Restaurant: Cliffhouse

Favorite Movie: All the President’s Men

Favorite Book: The Bible

Favorite Music: Soft rock and contemporary Christian

Favorite TV Show: Pawn Stars

If you won the lottery, you would: Pay for the new church

If you were stuck on an island, 3 things you would want with you: Husband, fishing pole, lighter

Four people in history you’d most like to have dinner with: Jesus, Paul McCartney, Dr. Schuller, Maya Angelou

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight- Richard

chinook — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:20:15 +0000

Chinook welcomes new member Richard to the team! Richard works in our Wire Division in Bellingham as a Trainer. He currently resides in Bellingham with his wife and has 4 children. In his free time, he likes to do wood working.

Birth Place: Bono, Arkansas

Previous Work Experience: Current Industries, US Diplomat

Places Lived: Vietnam, Laos, Pakistan, Sudan, The Gambia, Korea, Burma, China, Nepal

Favorite Vacation Spots: Singapore, Hawaii

Favorite Food: East Asian foods

Favorite Drink: Iced tea

Least Favorite Food: Jungle rats from Laos

Favorite Restaurant: Chinese restaurants

Favorite Movie: Khartom

Favorite Book: Technical books

Favorite Music: Light jazz, country

Favorite TV Show: The Apprentice, Dancing with the Stars

If you won the lottery, you would: Pay debts off, set up retirement fund, help the kids out

If you were stuck on an island, 3 things you would want with you: Shovel, axe, and flints

Four people in history you’d most like to have dinner with: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Tesla, Ben Franklin

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight- Jeff

chinook — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:37:22 +0000

Chinook welcomes new member Jeff to the team! Jeff started in our Bellingham location back in November as an assembly technician. He currently lives in Bellingham and likes to read in his free time.

Birth Place: Eastern Washington

Previous Work Experience: Current Industries, Duty Free

Places Lived: Bellingham, Eastern Washington, San Diego

Favorite Vacation Spots: East coast

Favorite Food: Thai food

Favorite Drink: Diet cola

Least Favorite Food: Canned peas

Favorite Restaurant: Bayou on the Bay

Favorite Movie: Sophie’s Choice

Favorite Book: Collapse

Favorite Music: Hard rock

Favorite TV Show: In Search Of

If you won the lottery, you would: Travel

If you were stuck on an island, 3 things you would want with you: Books, CDs, and a comfy chair

Four people in history you’d most like to have dinner with: Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon, Caesar, Jared Diamond

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight- Terry

chinook — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:32:41 +0000

Chinook Enterprises welcomes new member Terry Sherman to our staff! Terry started last week in our Wire Division in Bellingham as an assembly technician. He currently lives in Burlington and has one daughter. In his free time, he enjoys sports and music.

Birth Place: Mount Vernon, WA

Previous Work Experience: Dimensional Communications

Places Lived: Everett, Kirkland, Virginia

Favorite Vacation Spots: Theme parks

Favorite Food: Anything BBQ

Favorite Drink: Pink lemonade

Least Favorite Food: Liver

Favorite Restaurant: Maxdale’s

Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings trilogy

Favorite Book: The Stand

Favorite Music: Rock and roll

Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory

If you won the lottery, you would: Make sure the family is taken care of and give the rest of it away

If you were stuck on an island, 3 things you would want with you: Food, water and a friend

Four people in history you’d most like to meet: George Washington, Winston Churchill, Charlton Heston, Amelia Earhart

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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David Recognized for Outstanding Volunteer Efforts

chinook — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:31:16 +0000

Chinook Enterprises employee David Wilder has been nominated by the Washington Commission for National and Community Service (WCNCS) and Governor Christine Gregoire in recognition of his outstanding volunteer efforts in the community. For his nomination, he will get to attend the 2011 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards ceremony at the Governor’s mansion on April 14. He also is invited to Safeco Field to receive special recognition at the Seattle Mariner’s “Salute to Volunteers Night” on April 12. David Wilder has been the President of People First of Skagit County for 13 years and served on the board for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. People First provides activities and events in the community for people with disabilities, as well as allows advocacy opportunities for people to speak with their State Representatives about local issues. As President, David has the responsibility of scheduling all the events, as well as making presentations to the community to get the word out about People First and its mission. David has been with Chinook for 11 years as our Production Administrative Assistant, and has been a vital component to our staff. Congratulations on all your achievements and all the wonderful work you’ve done for us David!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Jolie’s Tulip Pins

chinook — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:49:16 +0000

Jolie started using Chinook employment services over 2 years ago, when she was looking for a job in Skagit County. Prior to coming to us, she was a volunteer every Tuesday at Goodwill through the Mount Vernon Transitions Program. Although she loved her job there, she was looking to expand her business selling tulip pins that she made from home. She originally discovered her artistic talent in 2007, when she bought Fimo modeling clay at Michael’s craft store as something to do for fun. With no molds for guidance and no education on how to use Fimo dough, she molded the clay into tulips and made them as pins. She started selling them shortly after. An employment specialist here at Chinook saw her amazing art skills and wanted to help her further develop the business. She now sells her pins in downtown Mount Vernon at Tri-Dee, My Favorite Things, and River in Main and has increased her variety to make “people” pins and outlet covers. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and pick up a Jolie pin for under $5!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight- Michael

chinook — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:10:47 +0000

Chinook welcomes Michael Whitney to our team! Michael just started on our grounds crew last week. He currently resides in Burlington and in his free time, likes to make movies, music and go hiking.

A couple of things about Michael….

Birth Place: Edmonds, WA

Previous Work Experience: Fisherman in Alaska

Places Lived: Alaska, Vancouver, Hawaii

Favorite Vacation Spots: Hawaii

Favorite Food: Fettucine Alfredo

Favorite Drink: Water

Least Favorite Food: Anchovies

Favorite Restaurant: Maxdale’s

Favorite Movie: The Guardian

Last Book Read: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Favorite Music: Classic Rock

If you won the lottery, you would: Make sure my family is taken care of

If you were stuck on an island, 4 things you would bring: pocket knife, lighter, magnifying glass, rope

Four people in history you’d most like to have dinner with: Brad Nowell, John Lennon, Martin Luther King, my grandfather

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employer of the Month – March 2011

chinook — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:05:04 +0000

The Employer of the Month for March 2011 is Burlington Costco. Costco currently employs two Chinook Enterprises’ participants. Bree has been working in the food court for 7 years, about 3-4 days a week. She is a hard worker and loves her job. Participant Skip has worked there for 8 years as a greeter, welcoming customers into the store. His vibrant personality made this position perfectly suitable for him. Over the years, Costco has created a positive environment for their employees so that everyone, including Bree and Skip, is treated well. Chinook wants to thank you for all your support! Congratulations!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Terry Celebrates 25 years

chinook — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:04:33 +0000

Participant Terry Hall is celebrating his 25^th anniversary at Skagit Gardens! In 1986, he was just out of high school and came to Chinook looking for employment. When Skagit Gardens gave him his first job, he loved it so much he never left. He is on their production crew, where he works with soil, and moves from site to site throughout the year depending on what the company’s needs are. One unique asset that Terry adds to the staff is his amazing memory and counting skills. When Terry started memorizing everybody’s birthdays, his coworkers realized how useful he would be at calculating certain things. After that, they started giving him special tasks. Over the years, Terry has been a hard worker and a valued member of the Skagit Gardens staff. Congratulations on 25 great years, we are so proud of you!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employer of the Month- February 2011

chinook — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:51:05 +0000

The February 2011 Employer of the Month is Walgreens in Anacortes. Chinook participant Doris was hired last June and absolutely loves working there. Manager Nick has provided a supportive work environment for her and the other coworkers. Having Doris on board has been good for the staff and has helped everyone to be more understanding of their fellow employees. Nick says, “Chinook and Walgreens have formed a successful partnership. Any time there were issues, we did a great job jumping through hoops together. Overall, it has worked well.” Walgreens as a company has won National Employer of Workers with Disabilities award for three years in a row. Chinook has been very pleased that Doris can fill a needed role in the company.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight- Cody

chinook — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:04:51 +0000

Please Welcome Cody to our team!

Cody started last Wednesday in our Material Cutting department. He was born in Bellingham and moved down to Burlington, where he currently resides. Chinook is Cody’s first job! In his free time, he likes to play video games and hang out with his friends. Here are a couple fun facts about Cody:

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Drink: Pepsi

Least Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden

Favorite Movie: Fast and Furious

Favorite Music: Rap

Favorite TV Show: The Simpsons

If I won the Lottery I would: Buy a house

If I were stuck on an island, 3 things I would bring: Tent, fishing pole, sleeping bag

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employer of the Month – January 2011

chinook — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:15:38 +0000

Chinook’s Employer of the Month for January 2011 is La Conner Chamber of Commerce. Our participant Tina started working there in September as an Office Manager and absolutely loves it. At the Chamber, Tina has learned to do mail merge, excel spreadsheets, update the Chamber’s website, type letters, and inventory. Supervisor Marci says working with Chinook has been a great experience. “Tina is great. She’s a quick learner and she gets things done.” We want to thank the La Conner Chamber of Commerce for using our services and creating a supportive work environment.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employer of the Month – December 2010

chinook — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:40:45 +0000

Our Employer of the Month for December is Skagit Adult Day Care. The Skagit Adult Day Care has been a supportive volunteer site for Chinook Enterprises’ participants since February 2009. In that time, two participants have volunteered there in order to learn some new job skills and to have the chance to interact with others in a work environment. At the present time, Naomi volunteers there one day a week doing janitorial and other related jobs. All the staff and other volunteers always give Naomi a warm welcome when she arrives and they take the time to interact with her during her work day. They have expressed an interest in wanting to learn some of the sign language that Naomi understands to better communicate with her. The staff members at the Skagit Adult Day Care are very understanding and flexible in allowing Naomi to complete the work in a way that is suited to her work style and strengths.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Darlene’s Data Destruction

chinook — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:58:02 +0000

My name is Darlene Hoezee and I live and work in Mount Vernon. I have lived in my own apartment for over 5 years. I enjoy living by myself and I value being independent. I enjoy putting large puzzles together, getting on the internet, and playing solitaire. I enjoy going to Haggen’s on my own to shop and love to get mochas at Starbucks. I started my own business shredding documents for local businesses and individuals in the community. Right now I only work on Tuesdays for 2 hours. I am looking for businesses or individuals that have documents that need to be shredded because I am hoping to increase my work load. I have a lock box on site and all the shredded documents get recycled. I charge $13.50 for 5 pounds and $2.70 for each additional pound. There is a minimum fee of $13.50 a month. I am located in the Kincaid Landing Building in downtown Mount Vernon on the top floor in the conference room. You can call 428-0140 and talk with Marcia or Holly if you need more information. I really love working and look forward to doing business with you.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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People 1st Pancake Breakfast

chinook — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:48:53 +0000

People First of Skagit County is having a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s on December 3rd. Tickets are $15 and proceeds will go to supporting the organization. To buy tickets ahead of time, call Chinook at (360) 428-0140. Tickets will also be sold at the door the day of the event.

People First is statewide, national, and international non-profit self-advocacy organization for people with disabilities. It is their mission to assist people of disability to realize and appreciate that they are people first, and their disabilities are secondary. Please come show your support!

Date: Friday, December 3

Time: 8:00-11:00 am

Location: Applebee’s in Burlington

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employer of the Month – November 2010

chinook — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:14:33 +0000

The Employer of the Month for November is Bargains Galore. Bargains Galore is a local based non-profit thrift store. Chinook has worked with the store for several years now, placing participants in volunteer positions. Our participant Dana has volunteered her time since February, helping to organize clothes. The Bargains Galore team is a highly supportive environment for Dana and facilitates each employee’s individual success. They have provided an opportunity for individuals to gain stronger work ethics and skills by always having an atmosphere that is very caring, positive, and fun.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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C.E.A.’s 2010 Outstanding Employer Award

chinook — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:33:12 +0000

The City of Mount Vernon City Shop was awarded outstanding employer by the Community Employment Alliance on October 5, 2010. Our Chinook participant Jon Carpenter has been working over 15 years at the city shop. He vacuums the street department building, empties garbage in all the buildings, and vacuums out street department trucks and garbage trucks. His supervisors provide work supplies and support whenever he needs it. Along with working around trucks, the friendships Jon has made with his co-workers are a great joy in his life. His enthusiasm and sense of humor helps create a more enjoyable work environment for everyone around him. He feels a sense of accomplishment in completing work tasks in the community. Jon’s employment at the city shop exemplifies many of the benefits of employing a person with a disability.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employee Spotlight

chinook — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:42:28 +0000

Please welcome Jess Norley to our team! Jess just started with Chinook this week as an Employment Specialist. She graduated in August from Western Washington University and currently resides in Sedro Woolley with her husband. In her free time, she likes to watch sports and take her dog Atlas to the park.

Born: Soap Lake, WA

Previous work experience: Recreation leader at Max Higbee Center in Bellingham

Places lived: Soap Lake, Wenatchee, Bellingham, Sedro Woolley

Favorite vacation spot: Mexico (going this winter)

Favorite food: Apples with peanut butter

Favorite drink: Coffee

Least favorite food: Smoked fish

Favorite restaurant: Wasabee Sushi (Bellingham)

Favorite movie: Singing in the Rain

Last book read: The Geography of Bliss

Favorite music: Indie Rock

Favorite TV show: Modern Family

If you won the lottery, you would: Go on a North American road trip

If stuck on an island, 4 things you would bring: Yahtzee, books, deck of cards and peanut butter M&Ms

Four people in history you’d most like to have dinner with: JFK, Dick VanDyke, Mother Teresa, Princess Di

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employer of the Month – October

chinook — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:43:05 +0000

Taco Bell in Mount Vernon is October’s Employer of the Month. Chinook participant Navjot was hired in May this year by his manager Maily. When Navjot introduced himself to her with his Dynavox, he won her over with his charm. Maily has been very flexible and doesn’t mind if he needs to take a few days off here and there. Even though she is not able to be out in the lobby very often, she makes sure to hand Navjot his paycheck personally and tells him he is doing a good job. All of his co-workers are very supportive and help him with clocking in and out. Working at Taco Bell has been a wonderful experience for Navjot.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Happy October!

chinook — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:47:07 +0000

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)This year’s theme is “Talent has no boundaries.” The concept of NDEAM originally started in 1945, when Congress passed a law that declared the first week of October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” They removed the word “physically” in 1962 to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, they expanded the week to a whole month. Join Chinook in celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities!

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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2010 Legislative Reception

chinook — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:42:55 +0000

People First of Skagit County, a non- profit organization for people with disabilities, is hosting the 2010 Legislative Reception on Wednesday, October 6. The reception will give the public a chance to communicate with government officials and local leaders about disability issues including housing, transportation, employment needs and health care. People First is pushing for all the legislators to attend, extending invitations to the 10^th, 39^th, 40^th, and 42^nd legislative districts. The event is open to everyone, so please come share your concerns with the people representing you.

Date: Wednesday, October 6

Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Location: Skagit Valley College cafeteria and multipurpose room

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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Employer of the Month – September 2010

chinook — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:38:33 +0000

The Employer of the Month for September is the Northwest Hair Academy. Chinook participant Doug McDaniel has been employed at the academy since 1997. They have always been a very supportive employer and go out of their way to include Doug in all their social events. Everyone treats him with respect and always ensures he has whatever is needed to be successful on the job. Doug loves working at the NWHA and all the instructors and students know how much his job means to him. The academy has been tremendously flexible in accommodating Doug’s needs so he can complete his job the way he prefers to.

Chinook Enterprises
2026 N. LaVenture Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 428-0140

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