At our October 6, 2025 Rotary Meeting, Adam gave the inspiration about fall. Energy transfer in leaves to the roots gives bigger, better things in spring.
NOTE October 13th Rotary meeting: 5:30pm start
Lori introduced our guests this evening: Debbie Thulen, Chelsea Messman, Sarah Duncan
Adam announced $2,000 to the La Conner Co-op Preschool for their 3 ramps and 2 stairways. They serve preschoolers up to age 5.Lori’s son attended when he was 3. Chelsea is the director. Debbie and Chelsea both thanked the club and expressed how wonderful this is for the preschool and thanked Rotary for their ongoing community service.
Our guest speaker for the evening: Adam McGarity who talked about the Skagit Farm and Forest School.
Christi king is the Board Chair. Sarah Duncan Board is Secretary and Adam McGarity is the Executive Director and Treasurer. They are looking for a treasurer to replace Adam in that role. The school has non-profit status.
Adam’s slide show explained why this kind of school is important and where they are in the process. There is currently not enough care for kids 0-5, not enough slots, not enough variety, and only one outdoor school. With 35 square feet of space per child required by licensing, 35-40 kids would fit in the Rotary dinner space. Kids need more space, and they need concrete learning.
“Nature deficient disorder. Kids are losing touch with the natural world. (Richard Louv 2008)
Advantages to Skagit Farm and Forest School
Physical Advantages: Balance Strength Movement Coordination Multisensory stimuli | Cognitive Advantages Memory Curiosity Observation skills Critical thinking Spatial awareness |
Social Advantages Sharing Turn-taking Making friends Resolving Conflict Learning from natural relationships has corollaries to human relationships | Emotional Advantages Resiliency Motivation Confidence Self-regulation Awareness (self and others) |
Environmental Advantages Caring Wonder Familiarity Awareness Connections | Neurodiversity Advantages Sensory experience without overload Social experience without pressure Space to be oneself (alone or together) Greater physical activity |
Adam asked, “Do kids have a chance to get back up when they fall? Do kids have a chance to take appropriate risks and learn from them? Kids need to exercise their own motivation.”
Quotes were put up and participants were asked to pick one that resonated with them and then discuss it with others. There was lively discussion.
Sites are still being sought for the school and possible field trip opportunities. Hopefully the school will open unlicensed in the spring of 2026 for half days. Tuition will probably be $13/child/hour which will likely not be possible for low-income families, but as the school moves to becoming a licensed full day entity, grants can be sought to enable low-income children to attend.
The Skagit Farm and Forest School board wants to have $100,000 before opening. If you are interested in contributing, volunteering, offering a site, or want more information, please go to:
Announcements:
- Anacortes Rotary would like help taking down after their event on October 18.
- Nominating committee-Lori asked anyone interested in serving on the nominating committee to let her know
- The French cooking class at Lori’s on October 18th has 4 openings. The people who purchased the tickets now can’t attend and are donating their tickets.
- Lyanne reported that our Rotary Christmas Party will be at the Golf and Country Club December 8th with a cost of $50-$60 all inclusive.
- Helping Hands October 14th 10-12: signed up are Pam, Lyanne, Dennis, Marty. Keith, Mike
- Membership forum Friday Oct 24th 10-11:30, La Conner Swinomish Library
- Rotary Success Seminar 11/8 here or 11/15 in Canada
Lyanne conducted the Raffle. The Raffle for the chance at the $90 pot was won by Keith, however he failed to come up with the yellow. Next week the $105 pot will be waiting for some lucky winner. Dennis and Danya each won $5.