Finding bliss in helping many

Since 2000, John Worthy has been an active contributor to life in Sky Valley. For many folks he needs no introduction. In John’s early career, he taught special needs students in Seattle before launching his business as a contractor. Even then, he took his two daughters along to sing with him at nursing homes. Singing, cooking and giving are his passions.

After he closed his contracting business and moved to live on his five-acre farm on the outskirts of Monroe, John sang with the Evergreen Chorale and joined the Senior Center Village Voices vocal group of which he was a member for 14 years. He also was the other half of a duet that sang at senior facilities all around the area. In addition to other volunteer activities at the East County Senior Center, John assisted Crissy Carswell, who taught ballroom dance classes there. 

You might remember seeing John perform with Terry Simon in the musical revue “In the Mood” and acting in the play “Our Town” for Last Leaf Productions. 

John’s volunteering became a full-time vocation. He worked with Mathew House for six years as their maintenance man, helped out Take the Next Step for four and a half years, and was a hospice volunteer counselor. From 2004 to 2012, John served meals twice a week at St John’s Episcopal Church in Snohomish and has been a driver for the Snohomish Special Services Shuttle since 2012. In addition, John tutors exchange students from around the world, a job he loves and one that has resulted in many new friends.

At age 10, John’s parents worked, so he became the cook for his family of seven. He discovered a love for it and continues to enjoy the craft. He especially likes cooking ethnic foods. An avid gardener, John grows his own organic vegetables.

From his mother and grandmother, John acquired his life’s guiding philosophy, that of the Golden Rule, and he strives every day to live and teach it. He says that “giving spreads in all directions.” He has given his time and expertise on mission work in Central and South America and currently teaches Sunday school to the “little ones” at his church.  Caring for the needs of others has always been foremost in John’s life. 

When asked to share his favorite experience, John tells a story about volunteering in Ethiopia in 2010. His church, along with a couple other organizations, had built an orphanage in the Haik Valley to provide a home for the many refugee children that had flooded into the region at the time. As a result of worldwide promotions, all of these children had been adopted and the building had become vacant.

To prevent the government from taking over the property, John was asked to travel there and help determine a new use for the facility. It was decided that a chicken hatchery would be the most beneficial, as chicken is the primary source of protein for Ethiopians. John returned to Monroe and raised funds to finance the refit. 

At the time, family stocks had become weak and unhealthy due to over breeding. The new state-of-the-art hatcher, which opened in 2012, provides 1,200 healthy chickens a week for free or at cost — approximately 25 cents — and eggs as well. Named the Haik Hatchery, the facility is self-sustaining and a primary source of prosperity for the region. John is proud to have been a contributor. 

John shared that he really enjoyed his time in Ethiopia. Unlike the stark images that the news has popularized, much of the country is like the Sky Valley — mountainous, lush and green.

“I share their attitude of abundance, and I would like to go back at least for a visit,” John said.  

John’s wise words to our readers are that heart-felt giving is always rewarded many times over, and volunteering in the Sky Valley is a good place to do it.