TULALIP – For this year’s National Night Out event Tulalip Police Department will be hosting the community event at the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club.
The festivities will include family fun activities and a chance for community members to mingle with police and community resource service staff to ask questions concerning health and safety. Event starts at 5:00 p.m. This year also marks the first annual Tulalip National Night Out. Previous years Tulalip co-hosted with neighboring Marysville. Both cities will hosting their own events this year.
Photos by Brandi N. Montreal and Kim Kalliber, Tulalip News
After a brief stop at Hat Island, members of the 2015 Canoe Journey arrived at the shores of Tulalip Bay on Wednesday, August 3.
Paddlers and company enjoyed an evening of food, friends and outdoor movies with popcorn before continuing on their way Tuesday morning towards Suquamish and then Muckleshoot.
Tulalip Boys & Girls Club flag football team, the Saints. Photo/Tori Torolova
By Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
The Tulalip Boys & Girls Club flag football team, the Saints, battled other club teams across Snohomish County for eight weeks to take the spring season championship title. Coached by Tulalip tribal member James Madison, the team beat out their rival the Everett Boys & Girls Club Eagles in a triple-header.
This season was stacked with win after win for the Saints who are comprised of nine and ten-year-olds who have played with each other since they were four. James says there are a few new members each season but the team has stayed consistent for six years.
A former football player himself, James uses his years on the field to teach the team sportsmanship and help them build confidence in their own ability to play and succeed.
“I am very organized and methodical,” said James about how he structures his team’s plays and practices. “I try to put the kids in a position for them to succeed so they are not frustrated. It’s about them growing as an athlete and about them having the most fun as possible.”
A majority of the Saints, whose name changes each season based on a donation from the National Football League, who sends out mini NFL jerseys for the teams to play in, play more than one sport together. James explains that most of the team plays basketball and tackle football together in addition to the flag football, which they consider their fun time. This constant togetherness has created a bond for the team that is visible on and off the field.
“There are a lot of expectations upon them but every single one of them is competitive and loves to compete. I orchestrate and they perform,” said James.
This season the team performed with perfection. As the youngest team players in most match ups they are known for out performing their opponents, holding to the tradition other Tulalip teams have set before them. When Tulalip comes to play you know you are going to get a get game.
“I get really excited out there because I know what the kids are capable of doing and this is Tulalip, this is our kids. It is so important to me to break the stigma of Indian kids playing sports. So for me, when I started coaching, I took that on and win or lose we are going to give them everything we have,” said James.
“All throughout the season you expect things out of your best players but to have eight year olds and nine year-olds perform on plays that high school players perform is great. We had a girl on our team that was every bit as feisty and an athlete as her opponents. They exceeded all my expectations and that, as a coach, is the proud moment.”
While the team has won championships before, one previously in flag football and two in basketball, this season says, James, was a big one.
“The team we played were our equal athletically and they are a super talented team and we made them look ordinary. To win against the Eagles was huge and our biggest accomplishment this year,” said James. “This isn’t about me this is about these kids. To see how they reacted to pressure situations and believing in themselves, to know that if they work as a team they can accomplish anything. We have this championship as a team and will be forever linked together because of that.”
With over 20 million albums sold worldwide and 16 Grammy nominations, singer, songwriter and producer Brian McKnight is a genuine music icon. Twenty successful years in the music industry – collaborating with everyone from Christina Aguilera to Quincy Jones to Justin Timberlake – is a rarity in the modern age of catchy, commercialized radio hits and party music that all sounds the same. Flash in the pan artists who derive success from YouTube hits and a popular-today hook come and go, but those who can serenade an audience have legend status.
Sticking to his true, soulful R&B roots have led to a twenty-year, sixteen album journey that echoes in the sounds and lyrics of McKnight’s heart-felt music. Now, 26 years after signing to his first record label, McKnight is still amazed to be doing what he loves most, making music.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams I would have this kind of career,” says McKnight. “I’m so grateful to have my fans behind me, still supporting me, and to still live this dream every day. And because of that, I am better.”
While gearing up for the long-awaited release of his 16th album, Better, set for worldwide release in January of 2016, McKnight is currently touring the U.S. before making his way overseas. The Tulalip Amphitheatre was fortunate enough to book the talents of Brian McKnight as part of the Tulalip Resort Casino’s summer concert series. McKnight will be sharing the stage with Boyz II Men on Thursday, August 6 in front of a sell-out crowd of faithful fans.
McKnight took some time out of his busy travel schedule to answer a few questions for the Tulalip News readers:
Where does this interview find you today? (Friday, July 24)
BM: Actually I›m in South Carolina playing in a charity golf tournament today.
How has your summer tour shaped up thus far? What has been the highlight of the tour?
BM: The summer has been great. Normally I take off most of June and July to play pro am basketball, but now things are starting to get busy again.
When did you know you wanted to be a performer in the music industry? How did that decision come about?
BM: In my family, being musical is just like walking and talking to us. Once my brother made it in music I knew it was possible for me, so I went for it.
It has been over 20 years since you released your debut album in 1992. What motivates you to keep performing and remain in the music industry?
BM: My fans! If they ever stop wanting to hear me and see me, that’s when I’ll have to evaluate what to do next.
Who were some of your biggest role models that you looked up to in the beginning of your career?
BM: I’ve always looked to really successful people as my role models. Musically and otherwise, like Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, Tom Brady and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.
You’ll be performing at the Tulalip Amphitheatre on Thursday, August 6 with Boys II Men. Can you tell us what audiences can expect from this performance?
BM: Two acts that sing and perform their behinds off along with twenty-plus years of hit after hit, after hit songs.
Are there any unique thoughts and/or feelings you have when it comes to performing on a Native American reservation?
BM: There aren’t specific thoughts, but it’s always an honor when I do.
Think you’ll find time to play some slot machines or table games at the Tulalip Resort Casino while you’re in town.
BM: I’m not much of a gambler, but you never know!
Your 16th studio album, Better, comes out in January. Will you be performing any songs from that album at the Tulalip concert?
BM: Probably not. I have so many songs that I’m expected to sing that it can be hard to get people to pay attention to something they’ve never heard before.
Throughout your career you have collaborated with artists from seemingly ever genre of music. Who would you love to collaborate with that you haven’t yet had the opportunity to do so?
BM: I’m willing to work with just about anyone as long as we have the same goals in mind; creating something great.
I’ve read that you have been making music and performing songs with your sons, Niko and Brian Jr. As a father, how does it feel to see your kids follow in your footsteps and embrace music as an art form?
BM: It feels really great to know they have something they’re really passionate about and they are really good at it too!
What is the most outrageous fan interaction you’ve ever had?
BM: A really pregnant woman in a car chase with me just to get an autograph.
What is your way too early prediction for the 2016 NFL Super Bowl?
BM: Cowboys over Patriots.
Who is currently in your playlist? Any artists or genres we would be surprised to find there?
BM: I really truly listen to just about everything. If someone is making it there’s something you can learn from it.
What’s on tap next for you? What are you most excited about?
BM: My new CD is done but it won’t be released until January. I’m really excited for everyone to hear it!
Over the weekend of July 25 and 26, the Tulalip Teen Center hosted an ages 16 and up, 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Originally slated to be an All-Native tournament, it was amended to ‘open’ status, meaning anyone could play, last minute in order to field enough teams for ample competition. Similar to the very popular Hoopfest tournament held in Spokane every year, the Tulalip 3-on-3 featured multiple games being played at the same time, all made baskets inside the 2-point arc count as one point, while all made baskets outside the 3-point arc count as two points, and the winning team is determined by the first to score 21 points (must win by two).
In total there were 12 teams who participated in the Tulalip 3-on-3, varying in age and ability. While teams were primarily comprised of Native players, most from Tulalip, there were also Natives from Lummi, Puyallup, Yakama, and Metlakatla, Alaska. The open status of the tournament made it possible for D-II collegiate basketball player Juwan Buchanan, of Adams State University, to showcase his talents on the Tulalip hardwood. The non-native Buchanan is originally from Seattle, WA and was in the area participating in the 2015 Seattle Basketball Pro-Am, one of the premier competitive summer men’s basketball leagues in the United States. Needless to say that with his talents, his team was the early favorite to win it all.
To facilitate the most entertaining and competitive tournament possible, tournament coordinator Lonnie Enick tweaked the day one schedule from single elimination games to pool play on Saturday and moved the single elimination games, based on seeding, to Sunday. All the hoopers enthusiastically agreed with the decision because it meant each team would be playing five games on Saturday and would be guaranteed at least one more game on Sunday. A six game guarantee for only a $100 buy-in per team is major deals for any basketball tournament.
Photo/Micheal Rios
Day one of pool play got started at 9:00 a.m. and went very smoothly, with the more talented teams getting their reps in for the day to come, while the less competitive teams enjoyed being able to spend the day just having fun while playing basketball. After the day’s pool play was over, the seedings were determined for the day two single elimination bracket.
Photo/Micheal Rios
Day two games kicked off at 9:30 a.m. and saw some very competitive games be played. There were even some upsets to be had, as a Tulalip team lead by brothers Monnie and Nate Williams managed to defeat the undefeated Yakama team who featured two 6’7 collegiate players.
When it was all said and done, the championship game saw Buchanan’s team matchup against a Tulalip team featuring Bradley Fryberg and Shawn Sanchey. It was a highly competitive game that had its moments with players get testy due to the 1st place and cash grand prize of $600 on the line. In fact, from the early going each team seemingly matched every point scored by the other. In the final moments, the game was tied 20-20, and with the game on the line Fryberg had a chance to win the game on a 3-point attempt that was just short. Buchanan would score the next point for his team to take a 21-20 lead and, after another Tulalip miss, he found a wide-open teammate for the game winning bucket. Final score 22-20 for the 3-on-3 tournament champs, Team Buchanan.
Teams placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd received Native design t-shirts and hoodies along with a cash prize. Photo/Micheal Rios
Debbie Brown, owner of Bouquets of Sunshine. photo/Kim Kalliber
By Kim Kalliber, Tulalip News
As famously quoted by Luther Burbank, a botanist, horticulturist and pioneer in agricultural science, “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”
Giving flowers to someone special, on any occasion, is one of the best ways to let that person know you’re thinking of them. A good florist can make life much easier by helping you choose the perfect floral bouquet. With the rise of online delivery florists it’s easy to forget that a floral shop isn’t just a store, it’s an experience. With the vast array of bright, beautiful colors and delightful smells, a visit to the florist is sure to put a smile on your face.
Local residents are in luck that there is such a shop right on Third Street in Marysville. Owned by Tulalip Tribal member, Debbie Brown, along with her business partner, Shonta, Bouquets of Sunshine makes choosing creative floral bouquets an adventure in art, design, history and fun. From what flowers are best suited for certain occasions or seasons, to classic flowers or modern designs, Bouquets of Sunshine has it all.
An added benefit to shopping for flowers at a shop, versus the local street carts or grocery stores is that flowers are perishable, and shops carry the freshest blooms and can teach you how to treat them for longer lasting enjoyment. Flowers sold in open markets are susceptible to damage from temperature changes and attacks from bacteria and mold. And during holidays when flowers are in high demand, you can place an order ahead of time and beat the rush.
Debbie talks with Tulalip News and explains a bit about what led her to the floral industry and how she ties Native American culture into her designs.
Bouquets of Sunshine’s current specialty is tropical plants and orchids. Photo/Kim Kalliber
You’ve spent years working in tribal leadership, what prompted you to open a floral business?
Working 20 years at the Tribe, I achieved executive level. My last job was C.O.O of the Tulalip Casino. I always wanted a flower shop; I guess it was my dream job. I love delivering flowers the joy is indescribable. I’ve had my own floral business for 15 years, this September, and was ready to expand. We opened our doors on Third Street on June 15th.
What are some of the challenges in the floral industry?
Definitely 1-800 numbers and places like that where you can order flowers on the Internet. For me, right now, the challenge is getting the word out that my shop is here. But we are a member of FTD.com and Bloomnet.net so you can send flowers across the country. Please visit our website at www.bouquetsofsunshine.com.
Where do you look for your inspiration and do you incorporate traditional Native plants into your designs?
I am continually challenged by all the beautiful work I see others do. I have created specialty items for funerals, graduations and weddings. And my husband Howard does work on the design forms I use. As far as Native plants, I use Sword fern, huckleberry and salal.
So far, what is your career highlight as a florist?
I think for my current career as a floral designer, initially it was graduating from Seattle Floral Design School. I discovered a talent I didn’t know I had. Sometimes I’m designing a floral arrangement and thinking about the person I’m designing it for and voilà it’s finished and oh so beautiful. A lot of times I look at it and can’t believe I even created it.
Classic red roses are perfect for Valentines, anniversaries and other occasions. Photo/Kim Kalliber
What is your favorite flower and favorite flower combo?
My favorite flower used to be a Stargazer lily, but now I’m allergic to them! I think a colorful arrangement is the best expression of how someone feels that day; cheerful is always good! Our specialty right now is plants, especially tropical, orchids and anthuriums.
Do you have suggestion/tips for what types of bouquets to send for certain situations?
Definitely roses for an anniversary, the more the better, and always in her favorite color. For weddings, definitely come here, I›m less expensive than anyone else. Often you can›t even do it yourself for what I can make them for. I love to stay at the ceremony too so that I can see that everything is perfect for the bride to walk down the aisle. Funeral arrangements are always a hard part of loss. Tulalip does a great job expressing their love and support through flowers. I can bring my flower books to the family›s home or meet them at the Funeral home. Now I’m just a few blocks away from Schaeffer Shipman. I try to take into consideration the family›s choice of flowers and colors and coordinate all other orders with what the family has ordered. Thank you and other arrangements are generally a very affordable $15 to $35.
Besides walk-ins, what is the best way to place an order with Bouquets of Sunshine?
Most of my orders come through phone calls or emails. I am available by also text at 425-501-5406. You can visit our website at www.BouquetsofSunshine.com and like us on Facebook. We have lots of choices to help you find the right flowers for any occasion. I’m open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. My shop is located at 1512 3rd Street, at the same place Marysville Floral was previously, just down from Hilton Pharmacy. The shop number is 360-716-2626. I’m also the first business uptown to use Salish networks phone service.
Contact Kim Kalliber, kkalliber@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Garlic stalks were harvested from the Wellness Garden and used to create herbal garlic braids for home cooking.
by Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
On Thursday, July 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the staff of the Tulalip’s Diabetes Care and Prevention Program hosted a diabetes cooking class. The purpose of this class was to learn and talk about the health benefits associated with garlic, onions and sugar free, wild berry jams. To make the class an enjoyable, hands-on learning experience, the participants did some gardening in order to create practical applications for the harvested foods with the assistance of the Wisdom Warriors and some community youngsters.
“Our garlic and onion crops were substantial this year, so we decided to offer a class structured around the harvest,” describes Veronica “Roni” Leahy, Diabetes Program Coordinator, of the bountiful produce found in the Wellness Garden, located behind the Tulalip health clinic. “Garlic is low in calories and very rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese. For this reason, garlic is known to boost the function of the immune system and reduce the severity of common illnesses, like the flu and common cold. Other health benefits include relieving arthritic pain and assisting in lowering blood sugar levels for people with diabetes.”
Garlic is a wonderful seasoning to add aroma, taste and added nutrition to your dishes. To make use of its multi-purpose value, class participants were shown how to harvest the garlic, along with other herbs, from the Wellness Garden and then used them to make garlic braids. Braiding the garlic with herbs allows the garlic sufficient time to dry and be readily used at home in a variety of meals.
Around midday, the class took a timeout in order to relish on a healthy lunch of pita bread sandwiches, some smoked salmon compliments of Marvin Jones, and a bounty of fruits and vegetables while enjoying the 80-degree weather and sunshine.
Following the lunch break, the class participated in making sugar free, wild berry jam mixed with chia seeds. Many people are familiar with local berries, but not so familiar with chia seeds. The combination of protein, fiber, and the gelling action of chia seeds when mixed with liquids all contribute to their easy to use benefits.
“Chia seeds, like flaxseeds, are very high in omega 3 fatty acids, and they contain no gluten or grains for those who are on a gluten free diet,” explains Leahy. “Because of their high fiber content, chia seeds have the added health benefits of helping to reduce inflammation, enhancing cognitive performance, and lowering high cholesterol. Also, adding chia seeds to smoothies or yogurt can give people the feeling of being full and satisfied, which helps lower food cravings between meals.”
The joys of gardening can reap great benefits, from tasty, healthy vegetables to just enjoying the outdoors. Pride in cooking with food you helped to grow and harvest counts also. Combine these benefits with proper nutritional education and you have an enjoyable experience that can last a lifetime. For those who missed on this session, there will be future gardening and cooking classes offered. Keep a look out in future articles or ‘like’ our Tulalip News facebook page to stay in the loop.
