State Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell is at it again — throwing open historic Hollywood Schoolhouse for a worthy “FUNraiser” — this time for the nonprofit locally based TEAM Center of Washington.
The event is part of a series of “Women, Wine and Business” projects to be held from 5- 9 p.m. April 28 at the schoolhouse. It has a theme of “Spring into the Arts” and costs $20 per person.
The billing invites supporters to discover new Woodinville-crafted wines, enjoy gourmet appetizers, view artistic treasures and enjoy an evening with friends.
The beneficiary — TEAM Center of Washington — is barely a year old operationally. The organization’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students with special needs by helping them build self esteem and develop the practical technological skills necessary for seeking and securing meaningful employment. TEAM’s target group now consists of students ages 6-21 who are on the autism spectrum, have developmental delays, sensory processing disorders or other neurological disorders.
The goal was to assemble a group of parents, teachers and community advocates committed to making our community a place of acceptance and success for all students.
Last February, our Northshore Citizen column introduced TEAM Center and its co-founder John Devine to Reporter readers. TEAM embraces technology, education and mentoring — relying heavily on volunteers providing one-on-one coaching for students.
Pilot projects got under way last spring to test Devine’s concept while he reached out for mentors to be trained as coaches. Seven years of one-on-one volunteer mentoring of early elementary-age school children, including his grandson, have shaped John’s concept.
Devine, TEAM coaches and mentors have discovered that some children who otherwise were unable to communicate or keep up with classroom work could learn to adapt to technology as a means to learn basic skills and to share their world with others electronically. Coaching high-school girls and boys basketball for many years showed Devine the value of patience, routine and perseverance.
Some of the students have been able to master the putting together of a Power Point presentation for their parents as conclusion of their six sessions of computer training.
To learn more about TEAM and the FUNraiser, check out www.teamcenterofwa.com to see how far the program has come in less than two years.
Ambassador Fay
One of Bothell’s most congenial ambassadors died last week at his home of 66 years on Ross Road, overlooking the North Creek Valley. Fay Garner came to Bothell in 1940 after marrying Mary Worthington, the daughter of the town banker, and over the years became one of the town’s most gracious hosts, enthusiastic boosters and recognizable citizens.
Fay and Mary bought an old stable and remodeled it to become their home perched high above Ross Road near downtown Bothell’s business district. It was fronted by an expansive lawn where it was mostly Mary Garner who could be seen at the wheel of a riding mower, insistent that this garden-like expanse reflect the care and upkeep that their guests had come to admire. Their home was constantly open to international students, a program important to both, where the young visitors were treated as family.
Remarkably, Fay took piano lessons during what some called his “golden years” and he mastered “Rhapsody in Blue.” He walked with dedication with YMCA buddies. Fay was 92. Mary died in 2004. His obituary described Fay as a “true bon vivant.”
John B. Hughes was owner-publisher of the Northshore Citizen from 1961 to 1988 and is active in local nonprofit organizations.
