High Five: Donlee Marlin

Hairstylist, Realtor an amazing role model

I always thought women “doing it all” and doing it well was a fantasy until I met Donlee Marlin.

Marlin has been a hairstylist for more than 22 years, 18 of them in her elegant Spokane Valley home salon, Donlee’s Image Consulting. Once her sons were established in school, she became a successful Windermere Realtor. A hands-on mom, she’s raising great kids who are active in high school, music and church. She involves them in some of her charity work, too.

Vivacious, upbeat and compassionate, Marlin has done hair for longtime clients in hospitals and their homes. She has sometimes aided struggling clients in both her careers, with yard work or homemade chicken soup (“good for the soul,” she laughs.) She likes making people feel good.

She’s, quite simply, amazing, and an excellent role model for young women. How does she do it all?

“I’ve always been a high-energy person and keep organized, doing tasks as soon as possible,” she says. “My husband and kids cooperate pretty well, too.”

Marlin’s styling wizardry fulfills her artistic bent. Real estate work “keeps my brain from seizing up and I help people fulfill their home dreams.”

I could never handle such a high-octane life. But Marlin’s an excellent example of local women juggling all the balls and catching them with style and grace.

“If I can put a smile on a client’s face, or my boys’ or husband’s,” says Marlin, “it’s all worthwhile.”

Deborah Chan

Spokane Valley

State flag much appreciated in Iraq

I wanted to thank Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers for her efforts in obtaining a Washington state flag and sending it to me in Balad, Iraq. Many of the soldiers in the 234th Engineer Company display home state flags and I wanted to be able to display the Washington state flag.

After contacting many offices at the state level without success, I contacted Cathy’s congressional office. I want to publicly thank her for her efforts in obtaining a Washington state flag and sending it to me here in Iraq. It is the small things like this that make a difference when serving overseas.

SFC Vernon L. White Jr.

234 Engineer Company Task Force

Balad, Iraq

Daffodil Days a success thanks to many

A couple of weeks ago, it seemed like everywhere you turned you saw a bouquet of golden daffodils. The American Cancer Society recently concluded its annual Daffodil Days fundraiser by delivering more than 3,900 bouquets of fresh daffodils to offices, stores and homes in Spokane County.

The event raised approximately $70,500 for the American Cancer Society, with every dollar earmarked by the Society to help it continue its funding of cancer research, its legislative advocacy, and its many educational and patient service programs.

I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to our incredible planning committee, who worked so hard to make this year’s event such a success, and to our 167 volunteer sales representatives who spent countless hours contacting their friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers to make sure we reached our goal.

And a special “Thank you” to everyone in the area who purchased the bouquets of daffodils and the Boyd’s teddy bear, “Bea R. Hope.” We hope they continue to bring you fond memories as we all look forward to the first warm days of spring.

Kathryn McKinley

Daffodil Days chairwoman

Chiefs dedication shows in promoting literacy

I am an AmeriCorps VISTA member writing on behalf of Page Ahead Children’s Literacy to thank the Spokane Chiefs Hockey Club and Grant Riddle for their commitment to literacy in Spokane.

During several games, the Chiefs hosted a book drive before each game and received almost 400 books. These books are given to partner schools, targeting populations that are living at or below the federal poverty line.

This is the beginning of a great partnership between the Chiefs and Page Ahead to give all kids in need the chance to read. I am encouraged by such an enormous response to promote literacy in Spokane, and by the dedication that the Spokane Chiefs have.

Thank you for helping me express my gratitude.

Alisha Blalock

Spokane